The big purple freeway known as Otalia has been an important infrastructure project to Guiding Light. The freeway project had to be architected by Ellen Wheeler and Jill Lorie Hurst. Freeway construction had to begin, which took several months and up to a year to complete for some portions of the roads. Even after the lanes were built, there have been moments of clear traffic and moments of congestion. The Otalia scenes for the week of June 1 offered some speed bumps and potholes; however, there were not any serious road hazards that could cause a breakdown on the Otalia expressway.

The Otalia episode for June 1 started with Olivia and Springfield’s (as well as “Calidornia’s”) frenemy mayor, Doris Wolfe. Olivia sought Doris’ advice by asking how long the adjustment period would occur for newly released inmates, namely Natalia’s son Rafe. Olivia explained her fears about Rafe’s struggles during his adjustment period, and I could hear the anxious frustration in her words. For the past couple of weeks, I wrote how I felt Olivia was ready to be out in the open with Natalia. The fact that Olivia turned to Doris for advice proved to me that the “fear monster” had consumed her again. While Olivia feels like Doris is the only person who understands what she feels, I also think Doris offers her a friendly ear. Olivia has turned to Doris on a couple occasions in the past whenever the “fear monster” consumes her.

March 26, 2009 Episode

To give you a refresher, Natalia almost kissed Olivia while she was sleeping from sedative after a scare with her heart. While Olivia stopped the kiss from happening, she definitely wanted it to happen based on her reaction after Natalia left. Olivia was still in some form of denial and fear of the unknown, even though she was already head over heels in love with Natalia. This denial and fear drove Olivia to Doris. She talked about how she viewed her attraction to Natalia vs. her attraction and power she’s always held over men. In that episode, Olivia expressed how she didn’t want to give up the familiar part of her for the unknown with Natalia.

April 13, 2009 Episode

In this episode, Olivia finally received strong confirmation that Natalia felt the same way she did. Natalia was crying over the wedding dress Olivia bought for her and told her she could not have the one thing she wanted. Based on that heartfelt “confession” and the expression in Natalia’s face, no one could doubt she felt the same way. After they discussed their feelings in a roundabout way, Olivia sought out Doris and invited her for drinks at Towers. Once again, fear in knowing Natalia felt the same way pushed her to confide in Doris.

Doris knew Olivia was running scared about Natalia, and I felt she was being realistic in her response to Olivia about Rafe’s mindset. Even when Rafe does adjust, Natalia has no way of knowing if he will take the news about her relationship with Olivia in a good way or a bad way. No one can measure how a child would react to one of his or her parent’s decision to come out. While this is something Natalia is dealing with right now, it will be Olivia’s turn with regarding Emma at some point.

Olivia confirmed her fears about possibly losing Natalia when she told Doris she could use a comforting lie. I could see the stress and worry in Olivia’s facial expressions. Her voice was laced with the same emotions as she voiced her concerns. While Olivia and Natalia’s relationship progressed slowly yet nicely over the past month, things are different at this stage. In fact, Natalia’s words to Olivia in the May 20 episode were prophetic. She told her things would be different once Rafe came home and they are. Olivia’s romantic relationship with Natalia is in a holding pattern, and she is definitely concerned it may never move forward. When Doris guessed, accurately, about her fears, Olivia’s decision to leave during the conversion was telling. Actions speak louder than words, and it showed me just how troubled Olivia was about her situation.

While Olivia was talking with Doris about her fears, Natalia met up with Rafe at Gus’ grave while he was paying his respects. After Natalia arrived, I was waiting to see how Rafe would behave with his mother this week. I felt Rafe’s demeanor towards Natalia was a bit aloof, and his refusal to have a picnic with Natalia sounded weary and distant. It was evident he had things on his mind, which concerned his visit to the police station to pick up an employment application. I admit that after watching the end of the May 28 episode, I suspected Rafe was thinking of becoming a police officer from the way he eyed Gus’ badge. When Natalia discovered his plans, I felt Rafe’s reaction was normal oddly enough. I remember feeling the same way as a teenager when I brought home employment applications to complete. I reacted in a similar way if my parents started questioning me about it. Additionally, I felt Rafe did not want Natalia to know his plans unless he had some good news to report. I think he wanted to keep it hidden because he is dealing with Gus’s ghost – the image as a man and cop – and trying to measure up. I felt Rafe also wanted to keep his plans hidden in case things did not work out and he disappointed her again. When Rafe spoke with Natalia about his past mistakes, he confirmed my suspicions, which explained his reaction when she found the employment application. As Natalia gave Rafe words of encouragement and support, I felt this is the first time they connected with ease and without conflict since he left prison. This particular scene between Rafe and Natalia was one of those breaths of fresh air that I needed before things grew polluted again with Rafe. However, Natalia’s happy and beautiful smile when Rafe agreed to apply to Springfield Police Department made me sad. Why? Because I knew something Rafe and Natalia were too naïve to know. I’ll expand on that thought shortly.

As Natalia walked Rafe to the police station for his interview, I felt they shared another nice mother and son moment when she straightened his tie. Once again, it was nice to see them relate in this manner, especially after Rafe’s cord cutting tactics from last week’s episodes. While some could view Natalia’s behavior towards Rafe as too much hovering, I felt this was Natalia being Natalia again. Her loving, nurturing, and mothering nature is one of the reasons why Olivia wanted Natalia in her and Emma’s lives. Olivia needed Natalia to look after Emma while she was experiencing complications with her heart transplant. She saw how Natalia could be another mother for Emma when she was physically unable to do so. Olivia also needed Natalia’s mothering nature for herself as she once indicated. All I have to do is recall several late 2008 episodes where Olivia called Natalia and said three simple words: “I need you.” Natalia would drop everything to go to Olivia without question. Right now, I think Natalia truly believes Rafe needs her to be there for him the same she was there for Olivia and Emma.

When Rafe went inside for his interview, I could see the hope, support, and love Natalia has for her son. The scene where Natalia was standing outside smiling for Rafe pulled a genuine smile out of me. My smile would transform into a huge startled grin after Olivia’s (Emma-like ninja) sneak attack on Natalia. Her startled reaction from Olivia sneaking up behind her and Olivia’s infectious smile afterwards was an enjoyable. It was an unexpected and delightful way to bring them together for the first time since last week’s episodes.

While Natalia was recovering from surprise, I could hear the happiness, love, and adoration in her greeting to Olivia. This particular scene gave me a flashback to the love and laughter moments Otalia experienced in the May 20 picnic scenes. After dealing with a full-blown “frankenclipse” the week of May 25, it was refreshing to see some of Otalia’s light again, no matter how brief. As Natalia explained that Rafe was interviewing for a job as police officer, I had two polar opposite reactions to Olivia’s response.

To Believe

I heard the surprise in Olivia’s voice and analyzed her facial expressions. I felt she was a bit relieved to see that Rafe was trying to stabilize his life. Of course, the sooner Rafe starts rebuilding his life, the sooner Natalia can tell him about their relationship. Naturally, it did not mean that there would be a future for Olivia and Natalia once Rafe knew about them, but at least Olivia would be out of standstill mode.

Or Not to Believe

On the other hand, I wondered if Olivia was a bit surprised that Rafe was applying for a job as a police officer. Earlier, I mentioned that I knew something that Natalia and Rafe were too naïve to know when he mentioned applying to Springfield Police Department. When Natalia found out Rafe was applying, I knew within seconds that it would never happen. I cannot make an assumption by saying that everyone should know that people with felony records cannot work in law enforcement. I have known this since I was a teenager because I have family who works in law enforcement. Therefore, I cannot make a blanket statement by saying everyone would know that Rafe’s (and Natalia’s) dreams were pipe dreams. Still, I wondered if Olivia also knew that Rafe’s chances of becoming a police officer weren’t good because of his felony record. Nevertheless, I also realize I’m watching a soap opera where anything does and can happen. There is another soap (cough…One Life to Live…cough) that had an ex-con with a felony record, and that individual became a police officer. I was hoping that Guiding Light would go with real life situation vs. fantasy life over Rafe’s aspirations. I would find out shortly as I continued watching.

When Natalia and Olivia were discussing that Rafe wanted to make Natalia proud after disappointing her, I experienced another double entendre moment in their dialog.

Olivia: “He wants to make you proud.”

At a surface level, Olivia’s dialog to Natalia about Rafe wanting to make her proud was true. When I analyzed this statement further, I felt that Olivia could have also been conveying that she wants Natalia to make her proud by sitting Rafe down and telling him about their relationship. Granted, Rafe is adjusting to life outside of prison, but I really feel if Natalia decided to tell him sooner rather than later, it would make Olivia proud.

Natalia: “Yeah…I think he knows he disappointed me, and he really wants to make up for it.”

I felt Olivia could have spoken these words to Natalia if “he” was reversed to “she.” In the May 28 episode, Olivia was the first one to stand down on her decision to “let go” rather than “hold on tight.” As I explained in last week’s post, Rafe’s behavior towards Emma unraveled Otalia’s decision to come out to their children. I could see this step back disappointed Olivia in the May 28 episode, even though she tried to be understanding and patient.

Olivia: “Well, there’s nothing worse than disappointing the person you love the most.”

If Natalia was unaware of how disappointed Olivia was by having to remain closeted, she certainly knew at this moment. I could see the revelation transform across Natalia’s expression. I noticed when realization crept into Natalia’s eyes first and then in the slowly evaporating smile she had been wearing. I believe Natalia is starting to see that the holding pattern in their relationship is hurting Olivia. Since Rafe came home from prison, Natalia has been so worried about him that she has been a bit blind to Olivia’s silent suffering.

After Olivia extended an offer of help and left the station, I could almost see Natalia’s mind churning over Olivia’s words. I don’t think she’s worried about losing Olivia like Olivia is worried about losing her. On the other hand, I think it bothers Natalia that she is disappointing her. I got the impression Natalia feels like she’s the center of a tug of war between Rafe and Olivia. Oddly enough, I feel like this tug of war is an imaginary battle occurring in Natalia’s head. Rafe isn’t pulling the rope. If anything, he’s trying to cut it. Olivia loosened her grip, even though she still has her lasso tied around Natalia. However, Natalia is clearly feeling torn.

When Rafe and Natalia met up with Frank to discuss Rafe’s desire to become a police officer, I felt some relief that Guiding Light was sticking with realism. I could tell from Frank’s reaction that Rafe had no chance of becoming a police officer with his felony record. When Frank led him to another room and explained this, I did have a moment of sympathy for Rafe. He clearly wanted to follow in his father’s (Gus) footsteps by becoming a police officer. On top of that, Rafe felt he disappointed Natalia again, which is why he didn’t want her to know he was applying. When Rafe returned to Natalia and saw the hopeful expression on her face, I could understand him not wanting to let her down. Nonetheless, he shouldn’t have lied to her.

I suspect Rafe is still in “protect mom from what’s really going on with me in prison” mode. I remember Rafe refusing and discouraging visits to hide how he was getting roughed up by inmates. I can understand his desire to protect Natalia when he was in prison, but I also think Rafe is being hypocritical, especially since he’s home now. He wants Natalia to treat him like a man and stop hovering, yet he continues to coddle and hide things from her like he did when he was in prison. If Rafe wants Natalia to realize that he’s different, then he needs to realize she is different, too. Natalia is not as fragile as he thinks, mainly due to the strength she has found in loving Olivia. To be fair, Natalia is also lying by omission to Rafe about Olivia. They both have their reasons for wanting to project each other, and it’s clear this is a mother and son character trait. I feel like a true heart-to-heart talk between Natalia and Rafe is in order. I’m aware it’s on the horizon, but I don’t know when it will happen.

Back at the Beacon, Olivia was clearly distracted and antsy after her conversations with Doris and Natalia. Olivia’s body language indicated that the “fear monster” was gripping her again. However, it took one phone call from Natalia to brighten her mood. As Natalia informed Olivia that Rafe was on the waiting list, I had a sneaking suspicion that Olivia was surprised at the outcome. Once again, I felt that Olivia knew Rafe’s chances of becoming a cop were slim to none. To me, her surprise indicated that she didn’t expect to hear that news. When Natalia mentioned that Rafe would need a part time job, Olivia jumped at the opportunity to provide him with a job. I felt Olivia was doing this for two reasons:

1. Olivia genuinely wants to help Rafe because she cares for him and loves Natalia.
2. Olivia was in a position to help stabilize Rafe’s situation, thus allowing her and Natalia to move forward in their lives.

I merely smiled when Olivia told Natalia she would do anything for her. As a viewer, I’ve known this since she gave up her Galaxy Hotels job to get Natalia’s money back from the hedge fund disaster. Natalia’s smile and the expressive way she said “Olivia” during this scene conveyed the enormous amount of love she feels. This is not the first time I’ve heard Natalia say Olivia’s name this way. I’ve heard her express her love in that simple yet heartfelt way previously. Prior to the Otalia love confession, I wondered if Natalia was in love with Olivia from the way she spoke her name sometimes, and this scene just reaffirmed what I believed many months ago. Obviously, Olivia caught Natalia’s message of love because her body language (the stretching) after their phone call was much more relaxed.

After saying goodbye to Olivia, Natalia visited Alan Spalding at the Spalding mansion. She asked that Alan help Rafe by not helping him through the “Spalding way.” She just wanted him to be a supportive grandfather. While some might say Natalia had no right to do this, I actually think she did the right thing. As Olivia would indicate later, Spalding help comes with Spalding strings that’s hard to cut loose. I don’t have a long history with Rafe’s character either, but even I can see he’s not like the rest of the Spalding clan. The last thing he needs is to be indebted to them for any “family help.” Nevertheless, I suspect Rafe could have an issue with Natalia’s request of Alan once he finds out. I will see for myself when/if this blows up in her face.

While Natalia was visiting the Spalding mansion, Rafe was meeting with Olivia about a part time job. In fact, Olivia offered him two part time jobs – one as a busboy and one as a security officer. Rafe’s ungratefulness and disdainful dismal of both jobs unraveled any of the good feelings I felt towards him at this point. I was so glad that Olivia called Rafe out about his “Rafertude” (Definition: bad Rafe attitude). Not everyone is fortunate enough to have an offer of two jobs on the same day. Add to the fact that Rafe is an ex-con and that the economy is bad, he is extremely blessed to have Olivia’s offers. There are people with college degrees taking any kind of job just to work. Yet, Rafe is turning down jobs, dismissing Olivia’s help with downright insolence, and talking about running to his grandpa for a Spalding favor.

The only thing Rafe did right when meeting with Olivia was admitting he wasn’t going to become a police officer. When he confessed, I noticed that she did not seem very surprised. If anything, I could read several thoughts on Olivia’s face at that moment in time. I felt she was thinking about Natalia’s happiness during their conversion and the fact Rafe had led his mother to believe a lie. I also felt she was reacting to Rafe’s setback as not only an end to his dream but a setback to her and Natalia’s beautiful dream. Finally, Olivia was taking in Rafe’s disrespectful behavior when he got another case of the smart mouth. Despite his “Rafertude,” I felt Olivia was trying to lend a comforting ear when she asked him to stay and talk. As she urged Rafe to tell Natalia the truth, I watched him grow worked up as Olivia kept pushing. While Rafe’s demand that she back off and stay out of his and Natalia’s business was harsh, I felt what he said made sense.

From Rafe’s point of view, Olivia is just his mother’s boss and best friend. Granted, he knows Olivia and Natalia are close, but in his mind, Olivia is overstepping because he doesn’t know how close they are. On the other end, Olivia is seeing this situation with Rafe as a family member would. To her, Rafe is family, so she feels like she has every right to delve into his business and ask him to be honest with Natalia. I could see that Rafe’s words hit her hard from the expression on her face. Olivia realized how Rafe was viewing her “interference” because she looked at their conversion from his point a view. At that moment, I felt like Olivia had been shoved back inside that isolation box from the May 27 episode. She was standing outside the magic circle at Rafe’s hearing, and she found herself back in that same position this week. Her facial expression conveyed to me that the secrecy of her relationship with Natalia is once again hurting her. Unable to explain why Rafe and Natalia are her business, Olivia was forced to contain herself for Natalia’s sake. As a result, she dealt with Rafe’s verbal blows in silence.

Olivia’s dampened mood was evident in the June 2 episode, and even Natalia’s unexpected visit to her office didn’t do much to lift her spirits. As they started discussing Rafe, I was glad Olivia told Natalia the truth. Some might say that it wasn’t Olivia’s place to do so, but I think she was trying to do right by Natalia. Olivia once told Natalia that she doesn’t want to play games, and she is being true to her words. She isn’t hiding things from Natalia at this phase of Otalia – primarily because she had to attempt to hide her love for months. While I think Rafe might get upset at Olivia for butting in his business, I felt she did the right thing.

Natalia’s reaction to the truth and her response of “My poor baby” was another example of Natalia just being herself. However, she is still having issues seeing Rafe as a man instead of the kid she knew before he went to prison. I agreed with everything Olivia said about Rafe needing to handle setbacks and Natalia coddling him a bit too much. I love Natalia, and while she has been wonderful for Emma, I think Olivia should be a primary influence on Rafe right now. In the first act of Otalia (pre-love confession), I watched as Natalia step in and become a second mother for Emma, which produced great results. In this second act of Otalia, I think Olivia needs to step in and become a second mother for Rafe. Yes, Rafe has Frank as a mentor, but I feel like Olivia is the firm, guiding hand he needs, just like Emma needed Natalia’s gentleness.

After Olivia made her feelings clear, I think Natalia took Olivia’s statement about her handling of Rafe the wrong way. I’m referring specifically to Olivia saying that Natalia’s coddling of Rafe wasn’t good for them. I do see Natalia’s point where she refuted Olivia’s statement that her handling of Rafe wasn’t about them. On the other hand, I agreed more with Olivia’s assertion that it was about them. Again, their relationship is in a holding pattern until Rafe adjusts. When Olivia presented the facts to Natalia, she finally admitted aloud that remaining closeted is agonizing. I believe that having to remain in the closet is hard for Natalia as well; however, based on what I see, it’s more difficult for Olivia, mainly because she wears her emotions on her sleeve. Natalia, of course, is introverted, which is just another interesting aspect of their yin yang relationship.

As Natalia explained that Rafe needs her attention and that she would have to wait on the things she wanted, I could understand her position. Natalia is the kind of person who puts others before herself. It’s just part of her makeup as a person. She sees her son struggling, and she feels like he needs all of her love, support, and attention right now. I remember how Natalia did the same thing for Olivia and Emma while Olivia was dealing with her heart condition. The only difference here is that unlike Olivia and Emma, Rafe doesn’t want Natalia’s help. He wants her to get a life, which unbeknownst to him she has. The irony of this entire situation can be a bit mind-boggling when you think about it. Once again, I feel like a heart-to-heart conversation between Natalia and Rafe is needed.

After leaving Olivia with some food for thought, Natalia had a run in with Father Ray for the first time since the May 19 episode. His appearance in this episode was unexpected yet good. I’m glad the Guiding Light hasn’t dropped this struggle of having Natalia deal with her love of Olivia vs. her faith. Other soaps would address it once and never return to it again but fortunately, not Guiding Light.

When Father Ray asked if she told Rafe about Olivia yet, I had a feeling this was a conversation I would not like; I was right. While Natalia was explaining why she hadn’t told Rafe, similar to Father Ray, I caught her usage of “burdening” (in regards to coming out) the first time I watched the episode. I didn’t think Natalia meant it the way Father Ray was trying to make it sound. Nor was I alarmed of Natalia’s usage of “burdening” when referring to Olivia. I felt Natalia was once again feeling that mental tug of war between Rafe and Olivia. She was rattled over her disagreement with Olivia, and she was upset about the crushing end to Rafe’s dream. I could see the strain and distraction in Natalia’s face, and I think she just used the word “burdening” without thinking. If anyone is burdened right now, it’s Natalia because she’s feeling the “pull and push pressure” between Rafe and Olivia. Naturally, Father Ray made it sound like her relationship with Olivia was a problem and something that was sinful. I’m so glad that Natalia once again summoned up that courage she had in the May 19 episode and “held fast to that which is good.” Just when I thought Father Ray had finished in his attempts to plant his last seed of doubt, he saved the biggest seed for last. For Otalia fans on the ledge, his statement about Natalia’s feelings not being as strong as she thinks could sound alarming. If Olivia and Natalia were still trying to figure out if they were a couple, I would be a bit concerned; however, I’m not worried about Father Ray’s comments. In fact, I dismissed Father Ray’s doubting words just like Natalia did – by cutting him the “Nat side eye” as she walked away.

Back at the Beacon, Olivia had the misfortune to step off the elevator just as Phillip left his room. I thought Olivia’s urge to hop back into the elevator before Phillip saw her was realistic yet funny. He is the last person she wanted to run into considering she was freaked out (to the point of sheer panic) about his return on the February 13 episode. When I read Olivia’s body language, I felt she wanted to make one last dive into the elevator from the way she watched the elevator door close. I watched as she stuffed her hands in her pockets and meekly accepted the fact that she would have to face Phillip. Watching Olivia during this scene made me feel like I was watching something Emma would do (after returning from one of her adventures). If you flip this scene, replace Phillip with Olivia and replace Olivia with Emma, maybe you can see how I felt when I watched it the first time. I found it amusing and felt that Crystal Chappell played this scene perfectly.

When Phillip asked how she was doing, I could see the surprise in Olivia’s expression. I’m sure she was expecting the conversation to go in a different direction. Instead, Phillip and Olivia were able to hold a levelheaded discussion about Emma. When Phillip asked to see Emma, I was surprised at how easily Olivia agreed to make visitation arrangements. Several months ago, she was practicing at the firing range, ready to bust a San Cristobel-sized cap in Phillip if he approached Emma. Now, Olivia was agreeing to a visitation with absolute comfort, which can only be attributed to Natalia’s presence in her life. When Phillip asked how Olivia managed to raise a great kid, I thought Olivia’s reply was half-accurate. Emma was not the one thing she managed to do right in her life. Loving Natalia was the other thing she managed to do right. Phillip also managed to do something right for Olivia. His offhand comment about his issue with parenting provided some clarity on her situation with Natalia. For the first time, I think Olivia snapped out of “fear monster” mode, and she was able to put herself in Natalia’s shoes.

I was glad that Olivia sought out Natalia at the farmhouse to make things right. Olivia explained what I (and Natalia) already knew: that patience isn’t one of her strong points and that fear got the best of her for a moment. They were able to resolve their earlier tiff, and Olivia promised to continue helping Rafe. I expected Olivia to give Natalia and Rafe some space based on what she said about letting go in the May 28 episode.

Olivia’s declaration that Natalia would have to invite her before she returned to the farmhouse was definitely not an ultimatum. I saw Olivia throwing down the gauntlet and telling Natalia that if she wants her, she’s going to have to come for her. In some of my April posts, I mentioned how I noticed that Natalia was chasing Olivia. Jill Lorie Hurst flipped that scenario by allowing Olivia to chase Natalia for a couple of weeks in late May. Now, it seems like that role reversal is about to switch back towards Natalia again. At this moment in time, I feel like this was the right thing to do. After all, Natalia’s desire to help Rafe adjust is the reason why she and Olivia are in a holding pattern. If Natalia wants to flip the switch back on the green light, then I feel like she should be the one to come after Olivia.

The final few seconds of this scene contained some interesting observations that I noted:

Olivia: “I got scared, but I’m not anymore. Because I know that if I wait, you will be there. And you are so worth waiting for.”

I caught an earlier reference to something Natalia said on the June 1 episode. She told Rafe that some things are really worth waiting for. When Natalia said that, I had a gut instinct that this dialog provided some foreshadowing involving Olivia. I was right, and when Olivia said nearly the same exact words to Natalia, it showed me just how in-synch these two are.

Olivia: “Right, I’m leaving.” Natalia: “Wait, just come inside with me and…I’ll make coffee. We’ll just make coffee.” Olivia: “Nnnnooo. Just spend time with Rafe.”

I have noticed that “coffee” references are very popular in Otalia’s dialog. I smiled when I heard these lines, and I analyzed Olivia and Natalia’s body language during this scene. It reminded of the infamous hotel door scene in the April 24 episode. In fact, the June 2 and April 24 scenes are identical because they are essentially the same; nevertheless, here is what makes them different.

Olivia’s Late Night Latte Special

In the April 24 episode, Olivia invited Natalia inside for coffee – make that a latte. Natalia refused because she wanted things to remain normal between them. For me, “normal” meant not rushing into a physical relationship before they were ready. As I have said before, both Natalia and Olivia were tempted and fighting sexual attraction during the hotel door scene. Natalia was able to escape the clutches of Olivia’s siren call, although not totally unscathed.

Natalia’s Farmhouse Blend Coffee

In the June 2 episode, Natalia wanted to make coffee for Olivia and didn’t want her to leave. Before allowing Olivia to give her and Rafe space, Natalia wanted one last private moment with Olivia. Though slightly tempted by pleading mocha colored eyes, Olivia refused Natalia’s invitation and urged her to spend time with Rafe.

The April 24 scene was filled with heavy sexual tension because “sex vixen” is a label attached to Olivia. Since Olivia was the one who initiated an invite for “coffee,” it makes sense to me that her scene would have a heightened sense of sexual tension. On the other side of the coin, the June 2 scene was a tender and loving one because Natalia can be best summed up with those words. Since Natalia was the one who initiated an invite for “coffee,” her scene would play out as affectionate and gentle. Again, these scenes are very similar, but I think the person who initiated an invite for “coffee” made a difference in the atmosphere. Additionally, the music selections in the April 24 and June 2 scenes demonstrate the differences in these two “coffee” scenes.

The final scene between Olivia and Natalia was touching and sweet. Natalia telling Olivia “I’ll call in five minutes” and Olivia’s response of “I know” was one of my highlights for the week of June 1. Last week, I wrote about the “I can’t stay away from the force of your gravitational pull” effect they have on each other. Even though distance might separate them for now, that pull is strong enough to keep them connected through other means. Once again, I noticed just how irresistible Natalia and Olivia are to each other in addition to how well they know each other. No matter the obstacles, that “I can’t stay away from the force of your gravitational pull” effect will always bind Otalia back together again.

I loved how Guiding Light filmed and directed Otalia’s first scene on the June 1 episode. I smiled and laughed at the realism in how Olivia snuck up on Natalia from behind, and it’s something I didn’t expect. I don’t see this type of shot (if at all) in daytime anymore, and if I do, I usually see the person in the camera shot sneaking up on their victim. I loved how I was just as surprised by Olivia’s sneak attack from behind as Natalia was when I watched this scene for the first time. Once again, I appreciate the real-life aspect of the direction for Otalia’s scenes. Like the May 27 episode, I continue to see the care and thought in how they shoot certain scenes with Otalia. This is the second time in two weeks where I noticed Guiding Light found an interesting way to shoot Otalia’s first scene together. I am anxious to find out if this trend will continue. The more I watch, the more I appreciate and grow to love Guiding Light’s production model. Once again, I give props to the crew for their dedicated efforts and hard work.

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.

I have also initiated a new effort towards Guiding Light called Project Show Love. In a nutshell, Project Show Love involves my efforts to save Guiding Light and shower acts of love towards someone (or two) at the show every week. If you would like to be involved, that would be awesome. If you love Guiding Light like I do, show them some love, and let’s work to save the show. For more information, click here to read about this new labor of love of mine.

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, June 6th, 2009 at 9:20 pm and is filed under Commentary, Life, Play, Reviews. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.