Walk of Fame

33rd Edition

Express Yourself - Charles Wright Watts 103rd St. Rhythm Band

So how did you like the 40th anniversary shows that were filmed 5 to 6 weeks ago, which aired on July 21 and July 22? I give them mostly a thumbs up for the creativity and risk-taking. I think some of it was corny and failed to hold my attention (specifically, Mendorra and some of the Heaven scenes). I appreciate the return visits by Stephen Markle (Mel), John Loprieno (Cord), Phil Carey (Asa), Mark Derwin (Ben), Erin Torpey (Megan) and the appearance by OLTL creator Agnes Nixon. But if you tried to follow events logically, you'd be in for confusion. Head writer Ron  Carlivati played foot loose and fancy free not only with the back to the future segments but also with timelines in Heaven since Torpey's Megan was as old as her mother Jessica and when it appeared Dorian's conversation with Mel lasted a long time as Viki lay near the car accident without a pulse.  But it was fun in many ways so long as I could suspend belief and find a way to follow the dramatic moments in a realistic manner. Still, the time-related issues were a distraction for me because I had to keep making adjustments.

Not surprising, my very favorite scenes were between Viki and Dorian in the car, which happened the week before the anniversary episodes and then during the anniversary shows, Mel's visit to Dorian (I promise to make Mel/Dorian clips when I'm back in town). Carlivati recently said in an interview that the anniversary episodes just wouldn't be complete without Viki and Dorian being stuck together. Of course, I agree because these are typically hallmark moments of truths, which in Dorian's case can mean a fist full of lies before she's forced to reveal the truth. What I didn't like about the scenes is that some viewers were confused that Viki was dead  even after Dorian tried  TEN rounds of CPR; Dorian had nothing to lose and plenty to gain by bargaining with David to try yet again to resuscitate Viki. The life-saving syringe "magically" appeared in the Dr.'s bag; Dorian did not know of it's existence and said so. If Dorian's intent was for Viki to be dead, she would have remained dead. Enough of that, really.

How terrific was the remarkable Markle? I've read Robin describe them both having the same energy levels that they bring to their performances. I can see it as they seem to match each other's caliber of acting and yes, in the rhythm of their movements as well. It is a dance. They fell back into those old patterns that they perfected some 10 years ago when Markle was on OLTL as Dorian's husband before he was fired by executive producer Jill Farren Phelps. How badly do I want Markle back? It's a case of you don't know the extent of what you have until it's gone. I griped about Mel telling Viki Dorian's secrets but I'd take those circumstances back in a heart beat for the Mel I saw during the anniversary episodes, who showed Dorian love and respect. I so want that for Dorian again. It's been a long time and she responds to it, perhaps because it's rare. 

At a later date--but soon, I will be able to focus on doing something special to support Markle's return via correspondence to the network and creative things that I will have on this site. But you need not wait. If you enjoyed Markle and want him back on the show, write, call, email. You know the drill. And while you're at it, express your feelings and thoughts in an intelligent, constructive manner in regard to Dorian and the status of her current story, which seems to have stalled for WEEKS. In case you don't know it by now, Robin is not working very much and soon will be barely noticeable on your TV screens. If Robin is not working then that means there is failure to follow up with storylines that have been dangling for awhile now and lost momentum (CE/BE; Charlie). Robin puts her heart and soul into performances. In many ways, she is a high wire walker taking risks as an artist and trusting those around her such as writers and producers to provide a safety net for the character.  Robin trusted that the character would be handled with care, which allowed her to take creative risks, but there don't appear to be any safeguards or follow through with story and the character is left hanging on a ledge. Robin doesn't take extended vacations. There is no reason why she shouldn't be working. We, HER fans, need to support HER. Express yourself!!