Special Edition: Is the Light Dimming for Otalia?
Note: I will write my regular recap/commentary and post it this weekend. After watching the May 6 episode, I could not get past the need to write an impromptu post about what I’d witnessed. Please note that I don’t read spoilers, so what I’m writing is based on my observations as I watch each episode everyday. I’m just writing on pure adrenaline, and I had to share my thoughts.
After a perfect few weeks of storytelling for Otalia, the week of May 4 gave me optimism for the next phase for Olivia and Natalia. I was more anxious than usual since I have caught up on the back story for Otalia. I started watching episodes from October 2008 up to the point where I started watching their story with the “My Two Mommies” presentation (the January 16, 2009 episode). As I watched, I could see the seeds being planted back then, which harvested into a beautiful love confession by Otalia (April 14 and April 17 episodes). After I finished the “complete” back story this week, I knew beyond any doubt that the Otalia pairing was the best romantic storyline I’ve ever seen on daytime. Yes, Otalia has finally surpassed Hope and Victor from The Young & the Restless, which has always been my favorite storyline. So, keeping my new found view of the Otalia storyline in mind, I started watching the week of May 4 with more excitement than usual. Unfortunately, by the end of the May 6 episode, I have huge concerns over the direction of the Otalia storyline.
“Is Otalia dying?” was the question that sprung to mind when I finished the May 6 episode. All I know is that I could literally feel my heart drop to my feet when I heard this:
- Natalia and Olivia both agreeing that they’re friends and family and she doesn’t want that to change
- Natalia and Olivia both agreeing that they’re going to figure out their feelings
- Olivia saying that she needs to know what they are and what they’re going to be to each other
- Olivia saying that they can’t keep the other person from living their life
All of these things are waving a huge orange caution flag in front me right now with the Otalia storyline. I had several questions buzzing around in my mind, which I’m going to address.
Now that Guiding Light is canceled on CBS, do the powers that be feel like they no longer need Otalia to help drive the ratings up?
I realize that the Guiding Light can continue when/if they find a new network home. However, now that CBS has pulled the plug, I’m wondering if there is no longer a reason for the Otalia storyline. Let’s face facts. The Otalia storyline was a ratings bump for Guiding Light. Otalia was the only reason why I watched the show for the first time in 16 years, which has been echoed by many of my readers here. However, as time continues to tick towards September with no new TV deal in place, I’m wondering if the Otalia storyline is being wound down because I don’t think ratings for Guiding Light matter to CBS at this point in time. CBS is already (possibly) planning a game show to replace one the best soap operas on daytime.
Are outside forces pressuring the powers that be on Guiding Light to end the Otalia storyline?
Yes, the Otalia storyline is a romantic love story without labels, which is what’s so great about it. However, much of the world only sees this storyline as a “lesbian” storyline and not just a story of two people who fell in love. That’s just a fact. There are people who are going to disapprove of the Otalia story without having watching a single frame of the story simply because it involves two women. Outside of our big purple dreams, there are people who are not open minded about this story, which includes (some) religious people and outright anti-gay hate individuals/groups.
Second, there is the money factor to consider, which of course comes from the advertisers. Let’s face the reality here. Some companies are not going to want to be associated with a show that has romantic storyline involving two women. I have no information that this has occurred for the Guiding Light; however, it would not shock me if some sponsors listen to the complaints of one or two loud conservatives and threaten to pull advertising dollars over the Otalia storyline. The reality is that without advertising money, the Guiding Light cannot shine.
Are the writers simply trying to find a temporary “exit” or “pause button” for when Jessica Leccia goes on maternity leave?
This is one of the more optimistic questions in my mind right now. I know that the writers have to plot the story carefully by considering Jessica Leccia’s pregnancy. I’m wondering if the writers are attempting to find a way to slow things down before ramping things back up after Jessica Leccia has her baby. I’m hoping this is a factor after watching the May 6 episode.
Are the writers just handing out another dose of torture to the Otalia fans?
As I watched, I wondered if the dialog used (i.e. Olivia saying that she needs to know what they are and what they’re going to be to each other) was on purpose. The Otalia fans have been tortured right along with Olivia and Natalia for months. Just when I thought the worst of the torture was over, it seems like there is more to come.
When I heard the exchange of dialog between Natalia and Olivia at the end of the May 6 episode, I picked my jaw up from the floor. I then rose from my chair and began to pace back and forth across the room. I chewed nervously on the end of my ink pen as my mind raced and digested everything they’d said. The thoughts rushing through me were coming at me fast and furiously as I tried to interpret what that episode meant to us fans. Among all of the questions I’ve addressed in this blog post, the main thing I wondered was this: am I entering round two of the Spanish Inquisition known as the Guiding Light?
This would not surprise me. The Guiding Light made us Otalia fans nail biters all the way up until the love confession. We have all been on the edge with this storyline to a point of joyful frustration. As a writer, I understand all too well the goodness of joyful frustration for two characters you love. I admit to using it myself, but I can honestly say that I don’t deal out the “beautiful torture” the way Jill Laurie Hurst and Ellen Wheeler has. I fear that after experiencing some temporary freedom, I think us Otalia fans might be back on the torture rack. If so, I freely submit myself to more torture cause I cannot stop watching Otalia.
Even if the Otalia storyline forges ahead, are they looking to introduce a possible new conflict who goes by the name of Josh Lewis?
I wasn’t blind to the chemistry between Olivia and Josh when she was blatantly hitting on him in a previous episode of Guiding Light. I’m aware that Olivia was once married to Josh, even before she mentioned it on the May 6 episode. I agree with Daytime Confidential when they felt that the triangle should have been Josh/Olivia/Natalia rather than Frank/Natalia/Olivia. I’m speculating if the writers could possibly be considering this new angle. I will say this; if that is the case, then this would change the dynamic of the Otalia storyline in an interesting yet frustrating way. From what I’ve observed the past couple of weeks, Natalia is still battling with that threshold I discussed in a prior post. I see her taking one step forward and two steps back at times with her dialog, which is understandable for her character. Possibly adding Josh into the mix could accomplish two things: 1) push Natalia firmly and convincingly into Olivia’s arms or 2) kill the Otalia storyline.
If Natalia were to see Josh and Olivia together emoting the same chemistry I saw a while back, I think Natalia would definitely step up in a big way. She would find herself in the same position that Olivia was in during Natalia’s relationship with Frank. Part of me thinks that Natalia would retreat while she processed seeing Olivia and Josh together. She would wonder if Olivia realized that she doesn’t want to be with her, so I think she would want to give Olivia up if it made her happy. However, in the end, I also think Natalia would not go down without a fight for Olivia’s heart. I’m not saying that I want to see this because it would only be a recycling of the Frank/Natalia/Olivia storyline with a new face. Additionally, after all I’ve been through the past few months, the last thing I need for this storyline is a new man for them to deal with.
As to my second point, the cynical part of my mind is saying that adding Josh to the mix would be a possible ending for the Otalia storyline. Obviously, this option is far worse than the previous one I just described. As I have stated previously, I truly believe Natalia is the one true love of Olivia’s life. That is the way the Otalia storyline has been written. It would be frustrating and almost enough for a fan to say, “I can quit you!” if the Guiding Light puts Olivia back in Josh Lewis’ orbit. However, the absolute worse thing Olivia could do would be to sleep with Josh if Natalia continues her back and forth dance. I can honestly say that I’m really scared the most by this option. As a longtime soap watcher, I have watched nearly all soaps degenerate to this kind of plot shock since the 90s. It’s not unusual for writers to plot a devastating demise to a super couple, and let’s face it, Otalia definitely classifies as a super duper couple. As I have watched Otalia, the one thing that I kept repeating in my mind is, “Don’t mess this up. It’s too beautiful to mess up.” I’m still sticking with that thought, so Guiding Light, don’t do this to Otalia if you are thinking it. It would destroy us fans.
Am I just panicking?
Yes, I am probably panicking. I might be falling right into the hands of Guiding Light because I could be thinking just what they want me to think. Again, I do believe Jill Laurie Hurst and Ellen Wheeler are probably just trying to keep us on the edge of our seats with the dialog in the May 6 episode. Like many of you, I’m just so emotionally invested in the Otalia storyline that I question everything I hear and see. I’m looking for any signs that there is a future of this pairing, and despite the love confession, I’m just still unsure. Being unsure is a good and bad thing. It’s good because for the first time in many years, I can’t predict what will happen to a couple on a soap. It’s bad because I can’t see the future for Otalia in my mind because it is uncharted territory. As a result, I’m sailing through the Otalia storyline without a compass or the North star to guide me. I just hope I stumble upon a land where Otalia exists as a true romantic couple (in every way) for the rest of the world to enjoy.
This dose of Otalia ramblings has been brought to you by the paranoid and tired mind of the WriteTilt Blogger. Thank you and good night.
Tags: crystal chappell, gay, guiding light, jessica leccia, lesbian, natalia, olivia, otalia, review
May 6th, 2009 at 11:57 pm
Are the writers just handing out another dose of torture to the Otalia fans?
^^^This one has my vote.
I don’t think Josh is a possibility. I think he will eventually end up with Reva. Jill Lorie Hurst and Ellen Wheeler have done such a great job so far, I don’t see them throwing another man in the mix…at least not at this point. I mean Frank just got the boot. They’re just torturing us, that’s all.
May 6th, 2009 at 11:59 pm
That ledge you’re on? Step away from it. Come sit on the big purple couch and relax
May 7th, 2009 at 12:03 am
U know ur so so silly. But being a cynic that I am, I hate 2 admit that I will reluctantly agree with you. 1st, I can c the Josh storyline but the 1 constant thing is Reva & that will never ever change. 2nd, Natalia is like a lot of people who r trying 2 figure out something that you as a person would or should never understand. I understand that emotion. 3rd, Olivia has a self-destruct button & she’ll push it @ any time. Even though I believe that Natalia might b the 1 person that Olivia will never ever get over, she’ll find a way 2 tank the relationship b/c she doesn’t believe she should be happy with any1, let alone Natalia. But if the writers believe that Natalia peace & calmness is something that Olivia can handle, then please, pretty please don’t tank them. I’ve been disappointed n the past with soap couples & I’ve been watching soaps since I 1982, Eden & Cruz, Erica & Travis, Bo & Carly (DAYS), so I know a good soap couple when I c 1. So don’t u bring out the cynic n me b/c I can’t b that n the soap world, its my escape from cynical real life. I need peace & happiness n my soap opera fantasy life.
May 7th, 2009 at 12:04 am
No light dimming….have faith in EW and JLH…they will deliver! Enjoy the ride!
May 7th, 2009 at 1:37 am
I agree step away from the ledge. If nothing else I’ve learned with this storyline is that JLH & EW keep us guessing and it’s never as bad but actually better than I image. They always seem to pleasantly surprise us just when we think the light is dimming they flip the switch. I have every confidence that Otalia is the endgame and that we’ll all be pleasantly surprised by the results. I took the comments of Olivia today differently from you. I thought it was like a little nudge to say that Nat will do the right thing and sooner than we thought because yes she wants Olivia as a friend/family but I think she’s realizing she could lose her completely by backing away and not having confidence in the unknown (a possible relationship). She says she’s ready and she’s tried to tell Olivia’s she’s ready, now it’s time for her to show Olivia’s she’s ready. I think Natalia will surprise us again just as she did with the “You STOP” comment to Olivia at the school and stepping away from Frank on her own at the alter. She’s stronger than we think and I think Ms. Spencer is about to have the ride of her life!!
May 7th, 2009 at 8:41 am
Suzysak,
Out of all my “crazed” questions, that is the one (the torture) that I’m hoping for the most.
I’m praying for a Reva and Josh hookup. For one thing, I use to love me some Josh and Reva in the old days.
I do agree that JLH and EW have done a great job. I have my reasons as to why I went into panic mode with the dialog. I will share them with this weekend’s Otalia post
May 7th, 2009 at 8:43 am
Katie,
Are you trying to talk me down?
Cause yes, I was definitely on the ledge after watching the May 6 episode. I’m not sure if even sitting on the big purple couch can alleviate my fears right now. We shall see if it does with today’s episode.
May 7th, 2009 at 8:53 am
Toya,
Hahahaha! Well, I tried to interject some humor into my panic with this post.
I am praying for the Reva factor when it comes to Josh. I always liked them as a couple anyway, and she doesn’t belong with Jeffrey. I’m sorry but Josh is it for her. Always has been in my eyes.
I agree with what you’re saying with Natalia trying to figure things out. I get that, but the succession of dialog that they were using towards the end of the May 6 episode set off alarm bells. I’m seeing it right now as possible foreshadowing of the future for Otalia. I know what they said could be interpreted in other ways, but that’s how I saw it last night. I will see if my views will change after re-watching the episode for my weekly recap/commentary on Otalia.
I have heard about Olivia’s self-destruct button before. I think one (maybe both) of my brothers also mentioned it. They have a history with Olivia since they were still watching Guiding Light when she first came onto the show. I really feel like Natalia is the eye for the hurricane known as Olivia Spencer.
As for bringing out the cynic in you, I’m chuckling over that comment right now
I use to have a more optimistic view on soaps, but over the years, the head writers and execs have made it really hard out there for a soap fan. I too need peace and happiness in soaps, which is why I’m hoping against hope that Otalia restores that for me.
May 7th, 2009 at 8:54 am
Skeeterbop,
LOL. The last thing I want is for the light to dim with Otalia. *crossing fingers and whispering, “Say it ain’t so.*
May 7th, 2009 at 9:06 am
Allison6071,
I agree that JLH and EH keep us guessing. That’s what so wonderful yet so frustrating about this storyline. As a “professional soap watcher,” it has become easy for me to see what’s coming with storylines. In fact, my brothers and I are so good at this stuff that we have an uncanny track record of guessing what will come next for the soaps we watch. There are many reasons for that (i.e. recycling of storylines, plot driven storylines rather than character driven storylines), and for the first time probably since the early 90s, I am unclear on a soap storyline. I feel like a mind reader who can’t read the writers’ minds right now when it comes to Otalia. That is a good thing because it tells me that the writers are trying hard and being careful. It’s bad for me because I’m not use to being so off balance when it comes to a soap storyline. I’m just trying to adjust to the feeling of “being blind” when it comes to the Otalia storyline. It’s a great yet scary feeling for me.
I did see your point about the conversation Olivia and Natalia had as well. I didn’t write that in this post because I was focusing on the main, huge caution lights flashing in my head. There are many ways of interpreting that conversation, but the caution signals I wrote about in this post was the big one glaring in front of me.
As for Otalia being the end game… *makes the sign of the cross*
May 7th, 2009 at 9:10 am
I too am getting a bit panicky and I would really be having Bianca/Lena, Bianca/Maggie, Bianca/Sarah, Bianca/Frankie, Bianca/anyone flashbacks if I didn’t have such faith in Jill and Ellen!! I know its been slow torture but I am really trying to hang in there and enjoy the flirty happy moments we get (all fangirly over Crystal skipping around in the woods)!
Sure, I wanted to slap Blake silly and I privately wished Olivia had gone out in the hall and given Jane a “do you know the meaning of romantic weekend?” smack down speech, but alas..
and its frustrating after Natalia was the one who convinced Liv to move forward with her talks at the church and school, to see her now holding back and dropping the “F” bomb very 2 seconds.. ie “Friends”
And I have to say though, when you see Shayne and Dinah in bed every 2 seconds but we cannot even get a cheek kiss or hand holding when they are alone in a bedroom, you start to get flashbacks to all the inequality we have suffered before at the hands of writers… but I really don’t think that is Ellen or Jill’s intention.. I don’t think CC and JL would be so open to us at BPD if they were going a different direction..
But I really am glad Liv stood her ground at the end of the 6th and asked for clarification of their relationship, that she didn’t want to remain in limbo!! You go girl!! You can only contain the Spencer volcano so long before she errupts like Mt. St. Helens!! I think that moment was a wake up call for our young Natalia.. Today should be very telling!!
With sweeps still upon us, something juicy this way will come!! They can’t possibly torture us the entire time Jess is on leave, plus I know Jess pre-filmed a lot of scenes so hopefully her time off screen will be limited.
So, keep the faith!! and if you are like me, keep a bottle of booze near by and enjoy the ride!! The result will blow our minds, I just know it!!
May 7th, 2009 at 9:27 am
BBK,
I have my thoughts on the whole romantic getaway stuff, which I will share in my weekly recap/commentary later this week. So I don’t want to say much on that.
Keep the faith…maybe today’s episode will help me. I haven’t lost faith. I just only have faith the size of a mustard seed. I just know that I was having my own Olivia/Natalia angst-filled moment last night after watching the May 6 episode. I just couldn’t contain my thoughts on it until a weekend post. No way, no how. I’m sure I could probably alleviate some of my fears if I read spoilers, but I like not knowing. I guess I like torture more than I thought.
Regarding the bottle of booze…I need an Olivia Spencer special with this storyline: pancakes and Valium
May 7th, 2009 at 10:32 am
BBK,
YOu may need a vicotin or something to calm you down! In true GL and soap fashion, this is a ploy to keep the fans wanting more You cannot expect these women to go balls to the wall immediately after their declaration of love. They have both identified as “straight” for all of their lives and this all takes some getting used to, so it will be baby steps for them!
Fear not though, CC has said in a SOD interview that after this little getaway for Li/Nat while there are still many questions, they do resolve to be a “couple”. Rest assured this is just round tow of many rounds of making us suffer and agonize along with our favorite gals as they go along on this journey. Just think, after all of the waiting and angst how much more fulfilling and poignant all of their first moments will be! Back away from the ledge my friend, all is well in the world of Otalia! PS. Crystal would have chemistry with a ROCK, she is so bloody charasmatic!, so don’t worry about Josh!
May 7th, 2009 at 11:30 am
DP,
I agree that Crystal Chappell would have chemistry with a rock. She’s an amazing actress! I had no idea she was this good. Of course, I’d seen her on One Life to Live as Maggie, and I liked her that show. But I absolutely had no idea she was capable of the kind of acting she’s been doing the past few months. S.T.U.N.N.I.N.G!
I suggested pancakes and Valium in Olivia Spencer style to get through this storyline. Perhaps BBK and I both need vicotin instead
May 7th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Step away from the ledge my friend! I came away from the 5/6 episode in a very happy and calm place. They are trying to find their common ground and Emma is that common ground. Remember, family defined this relationship before they become a couple. The small shows of affection have been wonderful – Nat’s intimate caress of Liv’s shoulder and reaching her neck at Frank’s hospital bed, the nuzzle at the hospital door, the applying of hand lotion, and grabbing the jacket lapels demonstrate that they are a couple. Friends don’t do those types of intimate gestures! Liv’s words ring true after the My Two Mommies Kiss – actions speak louder than words.
This is a romance that isn’t going away. TPTB greenlighted this story over a year ago. This is just angst – it’s May Sweeps! The gals will share their first mutual kiss during sweeps. As CC alluded to in interviews with SOD and SOW – Liv and Nat love each other, but they do not know what to do about it yet. CC also said that the women are committed to moving forward as a couple. According to next weeks spoilers, Nat asks Liv to come home.
Just follow my prescription – take a deep breath and repeat after me
Olivia & Natalia Rivera-Spencer
Olivia & Natalia Rivera-Spencer
Olivia & Natalia Rivera-Spencer
Olivia & Natalia Rivera-Spencer
Feel better???
May 7th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
You summed my feelings up very nicely.
To put it another way, I’m freaking the ‘eff’ out over the 6th.
Much like yourself, I tuned in this week expecting some good times and got bitch-slapped with vagueness and hesitancy.
My issue is: Natalia has already vehemently informed Olivia that she’s very aware of what it means to tell someone you love them…yet while away she gave every indication that she had nary a clue what being in love with someone entailed.
I’m thinking that the writers are going to split Nat and Olivia up (for the short term while JL is on maternity leave) due to Nat’s fear of intimacy. She’ll haul her ass out of town to get her head together and realize that she not only loves Olivia, but WANTS her as well.
She’ll return to SF to claim her woman.
May 8th, 2009 at 5:48 am
DocT,
I’m afraid I skipped over the section where you started to talk about spoilers. I don’t like to read them. LOL. I like not knowing what’s coming.
I’m aware (now) that the Otalia storyline was greenlighted a year ago; however, that doesn’t mean a storyline will live on. I would expand further on that thought and others, but I’ll hold on to them for now and talk about it in my next post.
BTW, I followed you prescription, but I’m not sure I still feel back to normal
May 8th, 2009 at 5:52 am
KatsMeow,
LOL. So it wasn’t just me and BBK who were freaking out over the 05/06 episode. That’s good to know. All I want is for Otalia to be together, but I still have my concerns over this couple :/
May 8th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
You are just panicking….go have some Valium and pancakes. Otalia is the END GAME. Time to just step back from the ledge, take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that although the road ahead for our girls is going to be a bit bumpy at times, they will continue to make progress towards what it really means to be together both emotionally and physically. Peace out
May 8th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
I know I can’t talk you off this trip completely, but let me say this much:
The point of no return has passed a long time ago for these two. The body language is obvious to me and I love that the sexual tension is being drawn out like that. I’m looking forward to more moments like the post-fight one, with Olivia standing there all hot and bothered, breathing, tank topping, staring… mhhh… yeah.
May 8th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Hi.. for those people who are thinking that the Otalia storyline is coming to an end, please go to: http://bigpurpledreams.podbean.com/ Crystal Chappell spoke with Destini, the founder of BPD with a special addition podcast. Crystal spoke of the Otalia storyline, where it was going, how long Jessica was going to be gone on her maternity leave, gave a few hints on some spoilers, etc… The writers are still 150% behind the Otalia love story and have no plans on calling a halt to it.
Also tune into the bigpurpledreams special addition podcast from last week where Destini spoke with Jessica Leccia. Both actresses are committed to telling this love story and wanted to show their appreciation to their fans. Both podcasts are wonderful and you will not be disappointed when you tune in.. In closing if you do listen to the podcasts please make sure you leave a comment and thank these two amazing actresses for all they are doing for their fans as well as to Destini for arranging this for us.
May 8th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Whoa Writetilt.
OK, I have stripes on my legs from the times I’ve sat on the ledge but Shelby is right. If you’ve haven’t already been roped in just listen to Crystal Chappell and Destini on the podcast and life will be rosy again.
On top of which Ellen Wheeler and Jill Lorie Hurst haven’t let us down yet and there’s no reason to start doubting them now.
Sending positive vibes.
May 8th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Rita,
Nothing like pancakes and Valium! I’m a bit more calmer today
May 8th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
Riot,
Yep, I see what you’re saying. I just have my own fears for why I felt this way. I plan to touch on that in this weekend’s post.
May 8th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
Shelby,
I’m aware the podcast is out there with Crystal and some peeps have said it would make me feel better. I think I need to get into something so people will understand better where I’m coming from. That will be in an upcoming post.
I stopped reading your comment when it looked like you were getting into some details. I can say that I just listened to the Jessica Leccia one this week. I avoid spoilers or news and have my reasons for that. Everyone will see why I am that way soon, maybe after this weekend.
May 8th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
Amanda,
I haven’t listened to the Crystal Chappell and Destini Big Purple podcast episode yet. I have my reasons why that is, which I see now I’m going to have to explain
Thanks for positive vibes!
May 9th, 2009 at 11:00 am
Come, now…as a long time fan of Victor and Nikki, you must know that it’s all about the struggle, the getting there. It wouldn’t be half as a good a pay-off if there weren’t hurdles, and wrenches thrown in the works. Also, if you’re a fellow fan of Victor and Nikki, you know that there are some characters who just belong together, and who will always end up together, because their chemistry is so damned palpable. Just take a deep breath and give it some time.
May 9th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Snapper,
Yep, definitely familiar with the struggle. I’m just a soap fan who has been burned one too many times. It’s difficult to maintain faith
May 9th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
Olivia’s statement in that episode bother me too at first until I rewatched it a few times and had my own sort of revelation about where it was coming from. At the time Emma is in the room right behind her, arriving on the scene much to the frustration of many Otalia fans. When Olivia says they can’t keep the other person from living their lives I think Olivia is saying that from a perspective of it’s not just the two of them in the mix. It’s Emma too and Oliva has to think about her and her family like a mother cub. Maybe it doesn’t make sense but from that perspective I was perfectly comfortable with what that line meant.
Thanks again for your blogging.
May 9th, 2009 at 10:26 pm
Ali,
I agree on the Emma point of view. That dialog just set off every alarm bell inside of me. Days later, it still sounds bad, but I did find some good in it. I’m holding on to the ledge still, but I’m not jumping