As Reva struggled to start her life without Jeffrey (not so fast, Blondie....) I thought about how the fans will soon have life without GL. Sure, the show was cancelled in April, but even after the initial shock, September 18th seemed so far away....
A now we have less than 40 shows to go. As the date draws near, I find myself hoarding GL memories and episodes as fast as I can. Thinking back to the glory days of GL (definitely the Douglas Marland era for me) and how the show, and I have changed.
All of this questioning was part of the reason for last week's poll, which seems to indicate most of you will NOT be watching a new soap once GL is dark. I have to admit that I am part of that group, despite all of my non-GL friends/co-workers predictions. My response always includes not wanting to get hooked on a show only to have your heart ripped out when some stupid network decisions cause it to get cancelled. Sure, my Tivo will hold other primetime shows. They hold my interest for 30 minutes or an hour. But GL has allowed all of us to "visit" Springfield each and every day - getting to know the residents intimately. While other shows have left the genre, GL is the only one (of the five I watched in my younger days) to have kept me interested.
The positive, if there is any, in this whole experience is that I was so proud of the way the fans fought for the show. Thanks to the internet, we can really see how fan groups can act, and react, quickly. Unfortunately, I think GL was cancelled long before it was announced. Somewhere in the back of my head I think Phillip was brought back to end the show - since the show wasn't given enough time to see any bounceback from his much-heralded return. Which makes this even more bitter of a pill to swallow.
One bit of good news for GL fans is that there is another event for those who can't get tickets for the GL Fan Club event. This one is October 24th in Pittsburgh. Details can be found at: www.celebrityeventsgroup.com/so-long-springfield-details.html I'll be there so please let me know if you plan on attending. I hope to see plenty of GL fans there - and in NYC at the Fan Club Gathering, too!!
On screen it was an interesting week. Reva is already packing up Jeffrey's things - not knowing he's alive. And for some reason he can't figure out that Dinah told everyone what he was up to and they might know about the plane crash? Of course, I think this sets up a Josh/Reva reunion - but in 35 episodes? I don't even think she works that fast!
Dinah and Shayne's rushed wedding has me torn. I know it's done this way since Gina has left, but I can't see how it will really allow their growing number of fans to enjoy the day. The show says she airs til the end, but I'm not so sure.... This week starts with the wedding, but with Mallet and Marina close to solving the murder, can "Happily Ever After" be in store for her?
This week we finally get some closure on the John Doe storyline. But I can't figure out how Dinah could have gotten Henry's stroller away from Marina, used it to bash his head, then return it? It sounds more than a little far-fetched. And who is the John Doe? Will that ever get resolved?
Can someone please get Mallet and Marina and take them on an around the world cruise? This is too painful to watch! I know Rob and Mandy are engaged in real life, but their on-screen chemistry is non-existent. Sorry about that, but it has to be said. And the fact that Mallet would hide a murderer, even his wife, has some of you shaking your head.
And poor Buzz is coming unraveled - although I do want to see where this story with Jenna's book goes, I wonder if they can wrap it up in time. But Cyrus is taking away too much air time that could be devoted to characters with other storylines and more of a connection to Springfield.
Olivia's erratic behavior is driving me crazy. Her drunken scenes don't really do much (although I love Crystal) but hold the story in limbo until Jessica Leccia returns as Natalia on August 17th. How much can the show further their story in one month? I guess we'll have to wait and see.... Hopefully Rafe will have a change of heart (pardon the pun) and accept his mother is happy with Olivia. But where does this all leave Frank and his unborn child? I'm glad that Rick addressed her drinking - given she has a heart transplant, but hopefully once Jessica/Natalia returns they can get back on track on this story.
Speaking of Crystal, I want to wish her a Happy Birthday on Tuesday - she'll be 44. And this Thursday Grant Aleksander turns 50 - where does the time go? It seems like yesterday Phillip was at the Springfield High Prom (although that was in 1983...)
There are so many stories that could be finished, but I don't know how they'll manage to do them all in 40 episodes or so. The show stops taping this week, so I'm sure some story info will continue to leak out until September 18th. The cast had their wrap party the other night - which I'm sure was a sad event - for cast and crew alike.
Since we are closing in on the final episodes, I've really appreciated all of the feedback. I'm still trying to get through all of the E-Mails and posts, but am glad to see everyone wanting to weigh in on their favorite (and least favorite) moments and characters. Some of the names so far: India Von Helkin, Samantha Marler, Nick McHenry, Trish Lewis, Amanda and Hope Spaulding, Abigail Bauer, Johnny Bauer, and lots of votes for Fletcher! I'll keep adding to the list each week I get new names of those you'd like to see again.
In the next few weeks, before the show ends, I really want to take some time to reach out to them and let them know how much their characters, and the show, have meant to me. I certainly encourage all GL fans to drop the cast (either as a group or individually) a line to share your thoughts and memories with them.
To write to the cast members:
Guiding Light
c/o CBS
Attention: Cast member's name
51 W. 52 St.
New York, NY 10019
In addition, fans in the NY area can see some of the cast at a panel at the Paley Center for Media on August 19th (unfortunately during the week or I would gladly attend): http://www.paleycenter.org/summer-2009-guiding-light If anyone attends, please let me know and I will gladly share your experiences here.
Even after the show ends, I will try to post any info I have on the stars on my Facebook page. You can track me down at http://www.facebook.com/gl.scoop
Now that we know how the show, if not the story ends, it is important for all of us to stay focused on working to promote the show in a positive light for as long as we can...
Together We Can...Keep the Light Shining!
Kimberly
