We've all got something in our lives, one little something, that brings us irrational joy, feeds our creativity, and makes us look forward to the next volume/issue/episode when the rest of the world is making us crazy. For the longest time, that thing for me was Guiding Light. When most kids were coming home from school and watching the Smurfs, I was watching GL. I had the biggest crush on Mindy Sue Lewis and couldn't decide if I wanted to be a Bauer or a Spaulding - so I decided to be both. GL was my fanfic training wheels, though I didn't know it at the time. It was a show I loved with characters I adored and a theme song I hummed.
But then the light started to dim.
All soap operas have their ups and downs. But something happened, not just at GL but all across the board. The entire genre started to suffer because the networks changed their minds about what the demographic should be. New and real talent wasn't coming in to the writing ranks. Things went beyond crazy - they become tired, old, and stale. The older actors got pushed out in favor of nubile 20-somethings, and GL lost it's focus. "Family" no longer mattered, nor did having characters people loved and cared about. It was now openly about "I love you" thump (or thump "I love you" depending on the couple). And after just over 20 years with the show, I walked away.
That was about 10 years ago. In that time, I've discovered other shows, the true meaning of fanfiction and fandom, met Doc, and become quite happily settled. I had checked in with my show from time to time (and I still have a terrible crush on Mindy Sue), but nothing ever held my attention. Then, just a few months ago out of no where, Doc discovered Olivia and Natalia
"Who?" you ask.
That would be Olivia Spencer and Natalia Rivera - GL's newest supercouple in training. I can't believe it, myself. Guiding Light, my Guiding Light, the show I gave up on, is giving me a well thought out, slow paced love story between two women. I was floored. Partly because Doc suddenly wanted to watch GL, because she's always hated the show. But mostly because of how good the show as a whole has become in the last 2 years. Ellen Wheeler (Cindy from All My Children) is now the head writer, most of the filming is being done outdoors in Peapack, NJ rather than in a New York studio, and the older actors are front and center. Not that there aren't pretty 20 somethings around, but they aren't the be all, end all that they have been for so long.
But then the light started to dim.
All soap operas have their ups and downs. But something happened, not just at GL but all across the board. The entire genre started to suffer because the networks changed their minds about what the demographic should be. New and real talent wasn't coming in to the writing ranks. Things went beyond crazy - they become tired, old, and stale. The older actors got pushed out in favor of nubile 20-somethings, and GL lost it's focus. "Family" no longer mattered, nor did having characters people loved and cared about. It was now openly about "I love you" thump (or thump "I love you" depending on the couple). And after just over 20 years with the show, I walked away.
That was about 10 years ago. In that time, I've discovered other shows, the true meaning of fanfiction and fandom, met Doc, and become quite happily settled. I had checked in with my show from time to time (and I still have a terrible crush on Mindy Sue), but nothing ever held my attention. Then, just a few months ago out of no where, Doc discovered Olivia and Natalia
"Who?" you ask.
That would be Olivia Spencer and Natalia Rivera - GL's newest supercouple in training. I can't believe it, myself. Guiding Light, my Guiding Light, the show I gave up on, is giving me a well thought out, slow paced love story between two women. I was floored. Partly because Doc suddenly wanted to watch GL, because she's always hated the show. But mostly because of how good the show as a whole has become in the last 2 years. Ellen Wheeler (Cindy from All My Children) is now the head writer, most of the filming is being done outdoors in Peapack, NJ rather than in a New York studio, and the older actors are front and center. Not that there aren't pretty 20 somethings around, but they aren't the be all, end all that they have been for so long.
I'm in love again.
Now, about this wonderful love story everyone refers to as Otalia. It's starts out with the typical cliche of them hating each other, and with good reason. You see, Olivia is in love with Gus, but at our starting point in this storyline, he's married to his long lost love, Natalia. These women do not like each other, and shortly Gus will die in an effort to save Olivia. This is when things really start to get good.
Over the next year - yes, a whole year - Olivia and Natalia go from grudging friendship to real love. It's been wonderful to see the true and honest character development going on, particularly with Olivia. She's always been so one dimensional as a character, always the sexpot spoiler there to keep the destined couple apart. Now, she actually is in love and it both thrills and terrifies her. Chrystal Chappell plays it to perfection and with wonderful enthusiasm, and (as she always is when she has good material) she has been a joy to watch. Jessica Leccia, who plays Natalia, is the perfect, passive-aggressive counterpoint to Olivia, and the actresses have wonderful timing and chemistry with each other. They honestly seem to enjoy what they're doing, and they've embraced their fans. Check out the podcasts here (The Goddess Edition & Lattes with Leccia) for a good example of that (and some fun, non spoilery hints at things to come).
Now, about this wonderful love story everyone refers to as Otalia. It's starts out with the typical cliche of them hating each other, and with good reason. You see, Olivia is in love with Gus, but at our starting point in this storyline, he's married to his long lost love, Natalia. These women do not like each other, and shortly Gus will die in an effort to save Olivia. This is when things really start to get good.
Over the next year - yes, a whole year - Olivia and Natalia go from grudging friendship to real love. It's been wonderful to see the true and honest character development going on, particularly with Olivia. She's always been so one dimensional as a character, always the sexpot spoiler there to keep the destined couple apart. Now, she actually is in love and it both thrills and terrifies her. Chrystal Chappell plays it to perfection and with wonderful enthusiasm, and (as she always is when she has good material) she has been a joy to watch. Jessica Leccia, who plays Natalia, is the perfect, passive-aggressive counterpoint to Olivia, and the actresses have wonderful timing and chemistry with each other. They honestly seem to enjoy what they're doing, and they've embraced their fans. Check out the podcasts here (The Goddess Edition & Lattes with Leccia) for a good example of that (and some fun, non spoilery hints at things to come).
Some other great links to help keep up with the storyline and play in the fandom:
- Big Purple Dreams - the message board for Otalia, this is the fandom. These guys started it all and they are a riotously fun group of people.
- Superhero Lunchbox - A GL blog by someone with a wicked sense of humor and excellent writing style. She makes the best case I've seen so far for saving GL and, like me, sees Frank Cooper as more than just the 3rd wheel in this relationship.
- Olivia & Natalia fanlisting - run by the ausxip folks of Xena fame, this is a fun and informative site. Lots of info for the newbies coming in and some... interesting "Legovision" videos, just for fun.
- Otaliafan's Channel - for the latest video clips and music videos
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