After being thrilled by Otalia’s ability to pass the flirting baton, I felt a cooling off period would be on the horizon for TV’s hottest couple. Since Guiding Light’s Otalia story line is following “old school soap opera,” I am familiar with a decrease in intensity before it ramps back up again. As I have stated before, the Otalia story line is riding a roller coaster. There are climbs up the track and dips down the track, and you cannot always stay inside a vertical loop. You have to ride on level track for a bit. Keeping that I mind, I felt the week of May 25 for Otalia could be summed up as one word: a “frankenclipse.”

Frankenclipse – the eclipsing and/or interruption of Otalia’s happy and private moments, usually by Frank Cooper; however, this term can be applied to any Guiding Light character that dims Otalia’s light.

Heavenly Bodies

The May 27 episode kicked off with Olivia and Natalia taking care of Beacon business with Greg, the Banquet Manager. I wondered if Greg picked up on the undercurrents between Olivia and Natalia based on an “oooohh kay” look he gave them in the May 20 episode. Obviously, Natalia was wondering the same thing when she noticed the way he was looking at her and Olivia. When I watched this scene, I thought Greg would make some sly comment about how he knew what was going on between Olivia and Natalia. Instead, he threw me into a bit of a laughing loop when he asked about Olivia’s shoes and complimented them. I concurred with Olivia’s flashy, “Oh!” response to Greg because he made me a fan afterwards. Guiding Light, Greg might be your version of As the World Turns’ Henry Coleman. Keep him because he is fantastic (and not just because he admired Olivia’s shoes).

As Olivia and Natalia left the Beacon, I loved their contagious smiles and joined in on their humor as they discussed Greg’s fetish for shoes. When I watched this scene, it reminded me of the amazing comfort level that Otalia established the week of May 18. While Olivia and Natalia have been friends for many months, I never saw this level of “girlfriend talk” between them before. It started in the May 20 episode when Natalia complimented Olivia’s hairstyle, and it continued this week as they laughed about Greg’s fetish. It is wonderful to see this new aspect of their relationship as they continue to evolve together. Strangely enough, I feel Otalia’s newfound girlfriend mode is a direct effect of their romantic feelings. I would have expected to see this kind of talk between them months ago. Of course, they were too busy suffering through angst and battling their resistance at loving each other, which I loved.

When Natalia told Olivia she felt Greg was going to say something about them, her words revealed her self-consciousness. While Natalia has come a long way in being comfortable with Olivia, she is still ill at ease about the newness of their relationship around others. After all, they have not come out as a couple – even though many think they already are after the My Two Mommies presentation. Because much of Springfield already thinks they are together, I agree with Olivia’s assessment on how they interact. They should not care what the Beacon staff thinks…to a point. Olivia just needs to maintain some sort of business decorum (even though she fails often) with Natalia. This would avoid any charges of nepotism, which is why I’m glad Natalia asked Olivia to treat her like any staff member in the May 20 episode. I’ll grant you that Olivia and Natalia were standing very close to each other while talking with Greg. Nonetheless, they did not give anything away (this week) about their romantic relationship. I viewed their body language as 95% “strictly business” and 5% “I can’t stay away from the force of your gravitational pull.” As I watched the May 27 and May 28 episodes, that gravitational pull percentage would climb with these heavenly bodies.

Watching Olivia and Natalia talk outside of the Beacon made me realized something interesting about their shoe discussion. I noticed there was some double entendre in their statements. Natalia told Olivia she would like to borrow the shoes that watered Greg’s foot fetish appetite. Olivia’s reply to her was that her shoes were boats and that Natalia would drown in them. When I analyzed this conversion, I saw their statements in these ways:

Natalia: “They’re so cute and I need to borrow them.”

It seems like Natalia was referencing a statement she made from the May 20 episode. I’m referring to when Natalia and Olivia were in the park (prior to the infamous bench scoot scene). She told Olivia that she wished she could be more like her because she is afraid of everything. I felt she was once again talking about borrowing some of Olivia’s strength in addition to her courage and “no fear” attitude. Natalia has strength and courage, but she needs to have more faith in it, which I do continue to see. At this point of the story line, I think Natalia needs more of Olivia’s “I don’t care what people think” attitude when it comes to others’ perceptions. It would not surprise me if this were the next phase of evolution in Natalia’s character.

Olivia: “Are you kidding? They’re boats, and you’d drown in them.”

I felt Olivia was telling Natalia that she would not want to walk a yard in shoes, much less a mile. Based on the research I have conducted for the Olivia character, she has had a hard knock life. Olivia has dealt with teenage rape, attempted murder (of her daughter Ava), attempted suicide (see Lover of Tosca episodes), multiple failed marriages/relationships, and of course, a failing heart that nearly killed her. I think there are many things Natalia does not know about Olivia (i.e. the rape and suicide) yet. As a result, I felt Olivia’s statement was referencing some of her history, which remains hidden from Natalia. Considering everything, I really think Olivia believes Natalia has the strength and faith to walk in her shoes without drowning. However, I feel Olivia would never want her to because she loves her so much. People in love protect the ones they love from any unnecessary pain. The February 4, 2009 episode is a perfect example of Olivia’s protective shield when anyone dared to mess with Natalia.

As they parted ways at the Beacon, I definitely noticed Olivia’s reserved emotions when Natalia gushed about Rafe coming home. When Natalia commented on Olivia’s aloof emotions, I knew where her reservations were coming from. I can see that the reality of Olivia’s fears about Rafe’s reaction is settling in. Olivia has had little time to relish in being romantically involved with Natalia. I believe she is afraid and unsure how the sands of the hourglass are sifting through the tube – faster rather than slower with Natalia (or vice versa). Nonetheless, I believe Olivia is happy for Natalia and happy about Rafe coming home. Although I have not seen Olivia interact much with Rafe, I think she definitely cares about him. I do not think it’s only because he’s Natalia’s son either. I remember how Olivia cut a conference call short to take Rafe his medication in prison. I also remember how Olivia stood toe-to-toe with the prison warden when Rafe was getting beat up by other inmates. Yes, she did those things out of her hidden love for Natalia, but she also did it because she cared about Rafe’s welfare.

Even when Natalia assured Olivia they could still be together, I spotted more of Olivia’s newfound shaky confidence in her ability to keep the prize – true love. She still does not believe within every fiber of her being that she will have Natalia for the long run. Again, she wants to believe, but if Rafe has a negative reaction, it would likely end what they have. I felt it was fitting for Olivia to question when Natalia will come out to Rafe. I think Olivia wants to know sooner rather than later if they could endure – even though she is hopelessly “purple whipped.” I felt Natalia was asking Olivia to “walk in her shoes” and have faith in Rafe as well. Even if he reacts badly, I think Rafe would eventually accept them because he would see that Olivia makes Natalia’s life complete.

Meteor Impacts

Olivia’s celebration surprise for Natalia and Rafe led her into a collision course with two Cooper-sized meteors – Frank and Buzz. At Company, Olivia’s care and consideration in ordering Rafe’s favorites brought back memories. She did the same thing for Natalia several months ago and planned a surprise date (for Natalia) with Frank. This time around, she had to deal with Buzz’s resistance at having the celebration at Company. I understand Buzz wanting to protect his son, but Frank could always make himself scarce (God, I wish) if he’s that heartbroken. I had a moment where I felt Buzz was about to refuse Olivia’s business (in this economy?). Of course, Frank walked in and gave Buzz the go ahead…but only because of Rafe (so he says).

In some ways, I am glad to see that Frank is not as bitter towards Olivia. Nevertheless, the other part of me wanted Frank to be a bit meaner with Olivia. When I think with the logical side of my brain, it would make sense to me. Olivia has destroyed two of Frank’s relationships – the one with him by sleeping with Buzz and now, Natalia. I don’t know about anyone else, but this would make me pretty upset if I were in Frank’s shoes. On the other hand, I know how I feel when Frank tries to paint Olivia with an old paintbrush. The emotional part of my brain works itself up to a point where I detest Frank Cooper. Again, that is because I am supposed to react this way. Against enormous odds, Olivia is a heroine now. As viewers, we always root for, defend, and rise up (with pitchforks) when it comes to protecting the heroine. Even though Olivia can defend herself, it doesn’t stop me (as a viewer) for wanting to defend her honor. Additionally, with everything going on right now, I don’t know if I can tolerate skirmishes between Frank and Olivia.

Countdown to a Frankenclipse

At the courthouse, Natalia and Rafe shared a mother and son moment before the hearing. I watched Natalia be her normal, nurturing self towards her son. I then watched as Rafe reacted to Natalia’s mothering – by whipping out his scissors (his tongue) and taking a snip at the umbilical cord. I think that his slightly, smart-mouthed response was a way of letting Natalia know he is a man now. Nevertheless, I felt Rafe should be a bit more sensitive towards Natalia, which he must have realized by saying he missed her “nagging.” I felt Natalia realized she might have overstepped when she told Rafe about the plans she’d made for his re-entry into society. I saw this as Natalia just being herself and trying to help someone she loved. On the other hand, I could also see how Rafe would interpret her planning. As a man, he would want to make his own plans for his life on the outside and rely on help if he needed it.

When Rafe’s hearing began and the judge started speaking, my face lit up into a smile before I chuckled. I caught a “writing Easter egg” that Jill Lorie Hurst probably dropped in on purpose. That Easter egg was the name of Rafe’s attorney – Mrs. Hurst. As a writer, I recognize that other writers use names of people they know in real life for characters; I know I have. Obviously, Jill Lorie Hurst used her own name for Rafe’s attorney. You were sneaky but I caught it, Jill Lorie Hurst; I liked it.

After Mrs. Hurst provided her argument for Rafe’s release, it was Natalia’s opportunity to speak. As she described the environment Rafe would return to, Olivia arrived just in time. I noticed how Natalia turned to glance at Olivia and give her a slight smile; I saw the lift of her cheeks. When Natalia told the judge she could give Rafe a wonderful family built on love and respect, I noticed the quick glance she shot in Olivia’s direction. For me, this was another indicator that Olivia is definitely a part of that family environment. Words are one thing, but actions are another. Natalia’s body language gave me all the assurances I needed to see.

When the judge mentioned a problem involving Natalia, I could see the alarm in her facial expression, which Olivia quickly echoed. I felt they were both thinking about Emma’s My Two Mommies presentation and wondering if Doris’ publicity stunt from February had colored his judgment. The judge did not give me any indication that he knew about the presentation or if it gave him a bias. Nonetheless, I had a bit of an issue with the judge saying Rafe needed a strong male presence and male mentor. I understand that fathers and father figures are important. Every child, boy or girl, could benefit with a father figure in his or her lives, but it does not mean a child fails in life without one. The same can be said for children without a mother figure. If Natalia wasn’t sufficient enough of a role model, I felt Olivia could fit the bill at this point in her life. Of course, I realize I’m living in a fantasy world with this scenario, but she would tick all of the checkboxes on my list right now. I’m just playing devil’s advocate, but wouldn’t any mentor (male or female) suffice? Since I’m watching a soap, I realized I would be heading down “Cooper Street” the moment the judge expressed concerns about Natalia’s personal life.

It was no surprise that Frank went to the “appliance store” (aka the courthouse) and volunteered to be a mentor, thus resulting in Rafe’s release. Part of me was frustrated that Frank is still in Otalia’s orbit, but the other part of me was happy he was helping Rafe go home earlier. Yes, Frank makes me a bit insane, but I do get that he is a good guy (as long he doesn’t try to mess with Rafe’s head about Olivia). While I watched Natalia express her gratitude towards Frank, I noticed that Olivia was left out of the charmed circle in the courtroom. She was definitely holding back, as was Natalia, in their initial celebration. I watched as Natalia turned to smile at Olivia and felt she wanted Olivia to be with them. I understand why Olivia was trying to be more reserved. She was probably afraid of exposing herself to Rafe by being too demonstrative. Therefore, out of respect for Natalia’s wishes, Olivia contained herself…but not for long. I think Olivia was relieved to give Natalia a happy yet friendly hug. The hug might have been friendly, but Natalia and Olivia’s eye communication expressed their love as well.

I realize at one point (late 2008) Olivia thought Natalia only cared about Gus’ heart and not her. I felt differently when I watched Natalia fight so hard for Olivia to take care of herself and live when her heart started rejecting. Over time, Olivia knew that Natalia cared about her, too. Nonetheless, I felt they were both sensitive about Gus’ heart but in different ways in the past. I continue to be relieved that they have gotten over that sensitivity. Olivia was able to express that she was glad Gus’ heart could be there for Rafe’s hearing. Several months ago (2008), Olivia would not have said such a thing. I was most happy by Natalia saying she was glad Olivia was there for Rafe. Without Gus’ heart, Olivia would not be alive today; however, I felt Natalia was letting Olivia know that she matters more than Gus’ heart at this point.

3 Seconds & Counting to a Frankenclipse

When Olivia revealed her surprise, welcome home celebration, I could see that Natalia was happy about the idea. Unfortunately, Rafe was not interested in celebrating. I could understand him wanting a quiet first night at home, as could Olivia. I did not see any disappointment in Olivia’s reaction, just simple understanding. However, I was able to pinpoint something else coming from Olivia – more of that love and yearning towards Natalia.

As Natalia left with Rafe, I saw that all too familiar smoldering glare that Olivia directs in Natalia’s direction. I felt that Olivia did not want to let Natalia go when she released her hand, and I could swear Olivia was checking out Natalia from behind. I saw how Olivia’s gaze roamed hungrily yet lovingly over Natalia. I’ve said it once before, and I’ll say it again…Olivia is so “purple whipped” by Natalia. She has a hard time struggling with her natural urges (not just the sexual ones) towards Natalia at times. I felt that watching Olivia bottling those urges for appearances was painful, especially after the blissful touches from the May 20 episode. I think it explains the reserved mask she attempted to wear on the May 27 and May 28 episodes.

2 Seconds & Counting to a Frankenclipse

Back at the farmhouse, Rafe was snipping more of the umbilical cord with Natalia and ticking me off in the process. I do not understand how having a mother who is willing to prepare something other than prison food makes her worse than a warden. I never see Olivia, Emma, or the Coopers turning down Natalia’s food. All I know is that Rafe’s attitude towards Natalia is disheartening. He needed her support when he was in prison, but now that he’s out, he doesn’t want it. I watched how Natalia has done nothing but fight to get him released, nearly working herself to death in the process to make it happen. Rafe should definitely display a lot more gratitude and understanding. While he’s adjusting to life in the real world again, he should be relishing in Natalia’s need to spoil him right now. He had to go without it for all this time, after all.

1 Second & Counting to a Frankenclipse

When Olivia and Emma visited the farmhouse, I was relieved to see that Rafe was seemingly happy to see Emma. Even though his response was normal, Natalia could not hide her worried expression from Olivia. As Natalia explained that Rafe was adjusting, I agreed with Olivia’s suggestion to surround him with more family. If there is one thing I know, it’s that inmates miss their family in a way I could never understand. They need a family support system inside of prison (through letters and visits) as well as outside once released. I can speak from personal experience on this matter. I have a friend who went through this when their loved one was released from prison. One of the main keys to helping them adjust was keeping a positive, extended family and friend support system within reach. Of course, I could also see that Olivia was trying to get Natalia to address their relationship with Rafe head on. Once more, Olivia is dealing with shaky confidence when it comes to her relationship with Natalia. I think Olivia would feel a bit more secure, assuming Rafe handles the news in a supportive way. I also think Olivia is tired of having to hold back her displays of affection whenever she and Natalia are around their children. I noticed how the “I can’t stay away from the force of your gravitational pull” effect got the best of them when they were speaking alone outside.

Olivia explained she was not angling to move back in by providing Rafe with more family. I genuinely think she wants to help yet establish a course towards becoming a blended family. I knew that Natalia wanted the same based on past discussions with Olivia. Natalia was willing to take two steps forward – complete with more smoldering Otalia gazes – by agreeing to tell Rafe and Emma. Just when the “I can’t stay away from the force of your gravitational pull” effect reeled them in so close they were touching each other, the “frankenclipsed” occurred.

Total Frankenclipse of Otalia

I knew that Emma’s cry for Olivia was not a good sign. When Emma told Olivia that Rafe snapped at her, Natalia cut him a look that children know all too well. Her motherly and reproachful “what did you do?” glare was classic! Once again, Jessica Leccia made me sit up and take notice by pulling me in with that fierce look. It was fantastic and executed perfectly. I smiled because I have been on the receiving end of “that look” from my mom more than you could imagine.

After Rafe stormed away, Natalia went into mother mode with Emma rather than running after her son. Personally, I don’t blame her. Not only did Rafe “frankenclipse” Otalia’s moment, but his attitude is just unacceptable to me at this point. He should be happy and thankful for so many blessings in his life, yet he’s snapping at the people who have done nothing but love and support him. I know people have different ways of dealing with things, but Rafe should be pulling in the people who love him right now rather than pushing them away. He’s been in an isolated prison environment long enough. He needs to get his mind out of its isolation cell and re-join the general population.

Of course, I knew Rafe’s behavior was going to undo the decision Olivia and Natalia made about coming out to their children. I felt Olivia was making the first move in this direction by saying there is a time to hold on tight and let go. Despite Olivia’s words, I noticed they were being affected by that gravitational pull again through their eyes. I was being pulled in right along with them…until Frank brought on another “frankenclipse.”

I understood why Frank was at Natalia’s house, unlike many of the other times where he showed up like a bad penny. Even though his presence “frankenclipsed” Otalia, he wasn’t nearly as bad as Rafe. In fact, I was happy to see Frank pull himself and Rafe away for some mentoring time, which left me with more Otalia time.

My suspicions about Natalia still wearing her “two steps back, one step forward” shoes were correct. When she told Olivia she would like to hold off on telling Rafe and Emma, I sighed. I can see Natalia and Olivia’s points of view on this matter. Rafe needs more family support, yet he is snapping at some of those family members. I’m not upset at Natalia for wanting to wait right now, but I wonder how this will impact her relationship with Olivia in the future if she waits too long. Olivia clearly wants to be out and in the open when it comes to loving Natalia and showing displays of affection. Natalia is comfortable with the affection but is concerned with people’s perceptions. Do I think this issue will come to a head one day? Yes. If things continue down the same path, at some point, Olivia and Natalia will come to a crossroad. Do I think that crossroad could involve a breakup? I can see it as a possibility, but I feel it would be a temporary breakup for Otalia, not permanent. As this story unfolds, I am beginning to have faith that the heavenly bodies known as Olivia and Natalia will coexist in the same galaxy…forever.

I would like to say to the Guiding Light that I continue to notice the color coordination between Olivia and Natalia’s wardrobe. Again, I am noticing that (mostly dark) blue is the “in color” for these characters in addition to certain accessories:

• Olivia continues to sport her dark blue jacket from the May 22 episode on the May 27 and May 28 episodes.
• Natalia wore a dark blue scarf on the May 27 episode to coordinate with Olivia’s dark blue jacket.
• Both Natalia and Olivia wore scarves on the May 22 episode as they talked outside of the Beacon.
• Natalia’s blue wardrobe on the May 28 episode was a throwback to her clothing at the spa (May 11 episode).

I would like give a round of applause to the Guiding Light crew. They continue to utilize interesting camera shots that make me pay attention. My favorite shot of the week was how the camera filmed Olivia and Natalia from behind on the opening Otalia scene for May 27. It was very cool how Guiding Light filmed my favorite new supporting character, Greg, between my other two favorite two characters. I don’t recall ever seeing a camera shot like that on a soap opera before. Once again, Guiding Light made me take notice that they are not just a soap opera anymore. They are something different, something beautiful…something artistic. If I had one tiny grievance, it was the sound issue on the May 27 episode. While Olivia and Natalia were talking, the airplane flying overhead made it a bit difficult to hear them, and I had to pay closer attention than normal. I realize this is one of the hazards of using the new production model (which continues to endear me every day). Otherwise, it was another solid effort for daytime’s hardest working soap opera. Thank you for bringing art to my screen five days a week.

Special Announcements

As many of you are aware, I am in the process of working on the Otalia Jessica Leccia Edition blog post. For an update on this worthy effort and labor of love, please click here and read the latest update.

Additionally, I am working on something related to the six new Otalia terms I’ve coined for the month of May. These terms are purple blocking, purple whipped, purple pain, purple vision, purple zzzs, and frankenclipse. I have requested that all five terms (other than frankenclipse, which was just coined) be added to the Big Purple Dreams dictionary. There will be more on this initiative soon.

Note: If you comment and choose to leave a spoiler, please identify it in advance with the word “spoiler,” or even separate it out to alert me that a spoiler is coming. I read everyone’s comments, but if I see the word “spoiler,” I stop reading at that point. Again, I have my process to make the magic happen with these Otalia posts. Thanks everyone for your continued love and support!

Tags: crystal chappell, entertainment, guiding light, jessica leccia, lesbian, natalia, olivia, otalia, review, tv

This entry was posted on Saturday, May 30th, 2009 at 7:57 pm and is filed under Commentary, Life, Play, Reviews. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.