Author’s Note: I apologize for the lateness of this post, but a number of unexpected events kept me from completing it as I usually do (Saturday or Sunday).

The Otalia roller coaster took a dip into depression valley the week of June 15 as the angst ramped up and clouded some of Otalia’s radiance. The Guiding Light episodes for the week of June 22 would continue on level track right through depression valley for the most part. Nevertheless, this story would attempt a M. Night Shyamalan twist (more like The Village than The Sixth Sense) as the week ended, and a “Frankenclipse” unlike any other would darken Otalia’s light.

The June 22 episode began with Natalia, Olivia, and Emma continuing Rafe’s birthday celebration. With Rafe being a no show, Natalia’s mood was dampened, sad, and a bit lonely, despite Olivia and Natalia’s presence. Olivia correctly guessed that Natalia was hoping Rafe would return the farmhouse and celebrate his birthday. However, Natalia realized that he wouldn’t. Natalia expressed to Olivia that she’d hoped his birthday would be a new beginning, which would allow her to repair her relationship with Rafe. Despite Rafe’s slight progress in the June 19, 2009 episode, he still isn’t ready to deal with Natalia and Olivia’s relationship.

After Emma swiped a bit of icing from the cake and Olivia jokingly admonished her, Natalia decided that they should forge ahead without Rafe. Olivia seemed hesitant and asked Natalia if she was sure, but Natalia was resigned to celebrating Rafe’s birthday without him. As Olivia lit a matched and shared her flame with Natalia’s matchstick, I recognized the symbolism in this scene. When I reviewed the old Otalia footage (late 2008 and early January 2009), Olivia was the first to become aware of Natalia in a romantic way. It took some time for Natalia to recognize the torch Olivia was carrying for her. Having Olivia strike the match and pass her flame to Natalia symbolized how their romantic relationship has played out. Olivia carried the flame in an expressive way – via angst-ridden facial expressions – for many months. Natalia never allowed herself to truly accept what she felt for Olivia until she left Frank Cooper at the alter. Now that Natalia has accepted the torch from Olivia, it is Natalia that seems to be carrying it in this second act of the Otalia story line. As this story unfolds, it seems to be told with Natalia as the lead.

Emma attempted to blow out the candles and couldn’t, so she enlisted Natalia and Olivia’s help. Afterwards, Emma told them that she made her wish and asked if Natalia and Olivia did the same. Although Emma never revealed her wish, I have a feeling she wanted what she has wanted since the month of April – to move back into the farmhouse. When Olivia glanced up from Emma to gaze at Natalia, her expression indicated what she’d wished for. Olivia’s softly spoken “we made our wish” conveyed a very simple message – Olivia wants Natalia and Natalia wants Olivia. Natalia intercepted and received Olivia’s message, but I also felt that Natalia wished for something more. I think she wanted Rafe to accept them as a couple, and she hoped they could figure out a plan to bring him back into the family.

When Emma left them alone, Natalia explained the birthday traditions she’d established with Rafe while raising him. Because Rafe is a diabetic, Natalia has to make his cakes sugar-free. As she explained to Olivia, she wanted his birthdays to be special. Although Natalia was 16 and pregnant with Rafe, she still felt that his birth was the best day of her life. Given the saddened misery she’s been it, it’s clear that Natalia never regretted getting pregnant with Rafe at a young age. Like Natalia indicated on the June 19, 2009 episode, Rafe is more than her son; he’s her best friend. Olivia could see the effect Rafe’s absence was having on Natalia, which is why she reassured her she was a good mother. Natalia, however, was still feeling down on herself and seemingly blaming herself for creating the distance with Rafe. Her response to Olivia indicated as much.

Natalia: “I’m sitting here on my son’s birthday, in front of his birthday cake, and he’s not even here. He doesn’t even want to be in the same house with me.”

Based on the loneliness Rafe exhibited on the June 19, 2009 episode, this is not true. I think he definitely wants to be home and be near Natalia – as the mother he once knew.

Olivia: “That’s not true. He wants to be in the same house with you. He doesn’t want to be in the same house with me.”

I watched Rafe’s interaction with Olivia when he baked cookies with her on the June 9, 2009 episode. I also watched Rafe’s limited interaction with Olivia when he was in prison. He likes Olivia…or he did until he found out she was romantically linked to Natalia. His accusations that Olivia was forcing Natalia into a romantic relationship were spoken out of shocked anger.

Natalia: “No, he doesn’t want to be in the same house with us…if we’re together.”

Natalia couldn’t have spoken truer words. Right now, this is the last thing Rafe wants. He’s still battling over the Catholic doctrine and religious beliefs taught to him by Natalia.

Olivia looked a bit worried as she told Natalia that she wouldn’t lose Rafe. When Natalia conveyed her doubts, Olivia spoke with more confidence by telling her she wouldn’t let that happen. I felt Olivia was also trying to reassure herself, too. As she expressed to Natalia, their relationship could not survive if Natalia loses Rafe. Olivia spoke with encouragement and conviction as she told Natalia they would need to figure out how to bring Rafe back into the family. Natalia’s small smile and response was sad yet slightly hopeful. I feel like she wants to believe, yet I also sense a bit of remaining uncertainty.

When Olivia got ready to leave and take Emma back to summer camp, Natalia suggested rescheduling her job interview to join them. Emma had a service project at camp that Natalia wanted to be a part of. Olivia wisely encouraged Natalia to keep her job interview. Yet, she also told Natalia she’d love for her to be there because they love Natalia. Once again, I found myself smiling. This was the second time in a week Olivia verbally expressed that she loved Natalia – albeit in a different way. As I have explained before, Olivia shows that she loves Natalia often through actions and gazes filled with longing. It was just nice to hear the words again from Olivia. Before leaving, Olivia cupped Natalia’s cheek, and Natalia gave her another small smile. When I watched this scene, I felt that Olivia’s touch was one more of a “hang in there, we’ll get through it” caress.

Before her job interview, Natalia stopped by Company to speak with Frank about Rafe’s birthday. Frank explained that the Coopers – Marina, Daisy, and Frank – had his birthday celebration covered. I watched Natalia’s face light up into a smile as she expressed her gratefulness. I was relieved that the Coopers didn’t give Natalia a hard time; however, I also saw the irony and noticed the feeling of “what would have been” in this scene. Had Natalia – God forbid – married Frank, she would have celebrated Rafe’s birthday with the Coopers. Natalia ran away from Frank because of Olivia, and Rafe ran to Frank because of Olivia. The ironic part of this whole situation is this: no matter who Natalia chose, Rafe would have celebrated his birthday with the Coopers anyway. I personally think it’s unfortunate because the Cooper clan leaves me cold.

Soon afterwards, Natalia stopped by Towers and ordered a shot of Vodka. Blake Marler overheard Natalia and spotted her at the bar. Blake approached and joined her, and I found myself smiling at this scene for two reasons. First, Natalia was dabbling in strong spirits again; her first time (that I’m aware of) was on the June 11, 2009 episode when she connected with Rafe in a different way. Maybe Olivia is rubbing off on Natalia more than she realizes. It makes sense considering Natalia’s characteristics (i.e. gentleness and understanding) are rubbing off on Olivia. Second, I was just happy to see Blake. After her love vs. sex pep talk with Olivia in the June 11 episode, Blake elevated herself in a huge and significant way in my eyes.

Natalia explained that she was having a rough day. She expressed that her interview at Towers for a position didn’t go well. Blake sighed and asked about her job with Olivia, which is where Natalia explained she quit. Blake considered Natalia’s reply before saying the following:

Blake: “Oh…well, I can imagine she might be a little difficult to work for.” Natalia: “Oh, no she’s wonderful…”

Natalia didn’t think Olivia was so easy to work for on the October 22, 2008 episode. Right before Natalia accepted Olivia’s job offer as her assistant, Olivia collapsed and had a heart attack. Later, Natalia accepted Olivia’s offer after visiting her in her hospital room. Although she was weak, Olivia immediately started to fire off tasks for Natalia to complete. Natalia experienced some self-doubt, and Olivia pushed Natalia to see herself as she sees her – as a “freakin’ superhero.”

As I saw in the December 2008 episodes and onward, Natalia definitely started to see just how wonderful Olivia was – as a friend, as her family, and as the woman she loves.

Natalia: “I’m just really ready for something different. So I applied for a management job here, and they said that I was overqualified.”

There was a time when Natalia would have been under qualified for a management position at Towers. Natalia once worked at Towers waiting tables, and she was fired from that position. Of course, when Towers was short handed on the December 30, 2008 episode, they called Natalia back to work for that one night. On that episode, Natalia had made plans to stay up and celebrate the New Year with Emma and Olivia. Natalia decided to take the double wages Towers offered her instead. Before she left for Towers, Olivia encouraged Natalia to relax and enjoy herself for one night, but Natalia refused, citing fears about a shortage of money. Olivia asked Natalia to have faith in herself, but Natalia went to work at Towers anyway. Ultimately, Natalia glanced around and saw the crowd enjoying what she should have been experiencing –  a New Year’s celebration with loved ones. She walked off the job and returned home to Olivia and Natalia. I think it’s probable Towers might not have forgiven her for that. This is also a likely reason why Towers turned Natalia down for the management position.

Natalia expressed her frustrations to Blake about her feelings and qualifications as a job candidate. I could already see the wheels turning in Blake’s brain even before she said “hmm…I’m hiring.” Blake offered Natalia an opportunity to work as her assistant in her publishing business.

Blake: “I’d be willing to give you a shot. A shot…a shot.” Blake points at the Vodka glass. “It’s meant to be.” Natalia: “Can I get you a shot?” Natalia slides the glass over to Blake. “Here.”

When I watched this particular scene, I spotted one of my favorite things with actors – realness beyond the acting and portrayal of characters. I have re-watched this scene a few times, and I really thought Jessica Leccia (Natalia) and Elizabeth Keifer (Blake) were having fun with each other in this scene. It felt genuine to me. For a few seconds, I wasn’t seeing the Natalia and Blake characters. I saw Leccia and Keifer just being genuinely friendly and funny with each other. I spotted a similar moment between Leccia and Crystal Chappell (Olivia) in the May 20, 2009 episode during their picnic scene. As I have indicated before, I love these moments. I always love spotting a bit of the realness between actors who respect and like each other.

While Natalia was buying and drinking shots with Blake, Olivia was knee deep in the Earth planting flowers for Emma’s service project. Watching this scene for the first time was startling. I had one thought: “I can’t believe Olivia Spencer is in the dirt…planting flowers!” Granted, Olivia has stated that she is the outdoors type (see the May 6, 2009 episode), but she has never came off as the gardening type. I would expect this type of activity from Natalia but not Olivia. I know Olivia is doing this service project for Emma, but instinct tells me, she would have not enjoyed “playing around in the dirt.” As Alan Spaulding once said, Olivia is accustomed to a different type of lifestyle – mansions and servants. Once again, I felt Olivia’s comfort in doing something like gardening is a testament to how Natalia has changed her.

Emma approached Olivia and expressed the difference in the size of her family (her and Olivia) with everyone else’s. Emma’s mood seemed a bit down because I felt she was missing other members of her family – Rafe and Natalia. Fortunately, Natalia showed up at the right moment to join them and lifted Emma’s mood in the process. I smiled at Emma’ enthusiastic response to Natalia’s presence. Emma and Natalia clearly adore each other, and that’s conveyed every time they see each other. Emma truly sees Natalia as another mother. On the other hand, Emma’s enthusiastic response also outlined the difference in Natalia’s current relationship with Rafe. Emma would give everything to live at the farmhouse and experience the loving home she had with Olivia and Natalia again. Rafe can’t even stand being around Natalia more than a few minutes on his birthday.

While Emma left them alone for a few moments, Natalia filled Olivia in on her unsuccessful job interview and unexpected job offer from Blake. Olivia had a similar response to Blake’s when she warned Natalia that Blake was a hard person to work for. Natalia’s smile spread across her face when she told Olivia Blake said something similar about Olivia. If Natalia can handle working for Olivia, she can handle working for Blake.

Later, Emma, Olivia, and Natalia were gathered around the park’s gazebo discussing their efforts. I noticed the exuberance Emma had when Natalia showed up remained strong. I realized that Emma’s mood is brighter when she is with Olivia and Natalia. Both women were able to give her a good, stable home, and Emma clearly basks in that when all three of them are together.

As Emma ran off again, Olivia and Natalia found themselves alone, sitting on the gazebo’s steps. Natalia’s gaze followed Emma and confided to Olivia what I’ve known since late 2008.

Natalia: “I love her. She just sees the joy in everything she does.” Olivia: “I think she gets that from you.”

Olivia and Phillip noted the radiance that comes from Emma. As Phillip expressed to Olivia in the June 2, 2009 episode, Emma didn’t inherit her sweetness from either one of them. Phillip knew, just like Olivia, that Natalia had a good effect on Emma.

Natalia: “No, you’re her mother.” Olivia: “I’m not that person.” Natalia: “What person?” Olivia: “The person who sees the good in everything she does.”

Olivia should take some credit in Emma’s development for herself as well. I have watched Olivia interact with Emma for months, and she has been nothing short of a loving, considerate mother. She may not be nurturing in the sweet and gentle way Natalia is; however, Olivia does have her own nurturing qualities, which are evident in her interactions with Emma. Olivia is affectionate, funny, stern (in a loving, motherly way), and sensitive with Emma. She worries about being a good mother to Emma, and she goes into serious “mama bear” mode when someone (i.e. Spauldings) messes with her child. I believe Olivia’s interactions with Emma are driven by love but also old demons. As Olivia has stated before, Emma was the one thing (aside from loving Natalia) that she did right. She doesn’t want to let Emma down, and from where I’m standing, Olivia is doing an amazing job as a mother. Yes, I do believe Natalia has inspired Olivia to be a great mom, but she is doing much of it on her own.

Olivia: “I’m usually waiting for the other brick to fly at me…and hit my head.”

Natalia’s response to Olivia’s statement made me laugh aloud the first time I watched this scene. She made Olivia jump out of her skin by yelling “look out!” and grabbing her shoulder as if to say, “watch out for the brick.” This scene reminded me Agnes Nixon’s formula to successful soaps: “Make ‘em laugh, make ‘em cry, make ‘em wait.” Having Natalia scare Olivia like that definitely made me laugh, and I found their interaction in this scene heartwarming. It is nice to see Natalia and Olivia joking around with each other in a lighthearted manner. After enduring “Rafertudes” and “Frankenclipses” from Rafe, they both needed this moment.

Olivia jokingly yet lovingly admonished Natalia for scaring her, and Natalia apologized by explaining she hadn’t had an opportunity to laugh that day. Olivia immediately understood and told Natalia that she didn’t want it to be her last opportunity to laugh. Like Olivia, I don’t like to see Natalia in a melancholy mood, and if anyone can make Natalia laugh, it’s Olivia and Emma.

After finishing their gardening work at the park, Natalia called Rafe and left him a voicemail message while sitting on the gazebo bench. Rafe was still avoiding her calls, and Natalia expressed to Olivia that she doesn’t know what else she can do. Olivia conveyed the same sentiment. Rafe still needs time, and despite Natalia’s attempts to resolve things, he just isn’t ready. As Olivia and Natalia discussed Rafe, I noticed that he managed to bring on a partial “Frankenclipse” without being in their scenes. Natalia’s happier mood dampened again over the distance with Rafe. She posed a question to Olivia and asked if she would ever make things okay for her and for Rafe. As Natalia explained, she always tried to correspond her happiness with Rafe’s, but she may not be able to do so this time. Olivia answered Natalia honestly by saying that she was unsure.

Later, Natalia made another attempt to call Rafe and reached his voice mail again. When Olivia approached her, Natalia apologized for keeping their relationship in a holding pattern. Natalia reiterated that she wanted to fix her relationship with Rafe, even though he’s not ready to fix things with her. Olivia once again told Natalia that she didn’t mind waiting; however, her understanding response seemed to make Natalia switch gears and realize something. She did mind waiting and finally gave Olivia the green light signal to progress their relationship. As Natalia finally expressed her frustration in waiting, I watched Olivia’s expression closely. She focused that infamous smoldering gaze on Natalia, and I could feel the happiness and pride radiating from Olivia during this scene. Olivia has been ready for the world to know that they’re a couple and that she is in love with a wonderful person. I believe some of the things Olivia has said to Natalia – regarding Rafe being an adult and the secrecy of their relationship – finally registered. As Natalia’s continued to vent towards a crescendo, they declared, “I don’t wanna wait” at the same time. Olivia spoke for them both when she caressed Natalia’s cheek and told her they aren’t waiting for anything.

On the June 26 episode, Olivia dropped by the farmhouse to visit Natalia. As she reached out to hug Natalia, Olivia’s comment of “you forgot to lock the front door again” made me smile. There is an inside joke here among Otalia fans with this line. Many fans grew frustrated that Olivia and Natalia were interrupted during important conversations. Most of these interruptions occurred at the farmhouse where someone (namely Frank) would walk inside, sometimes without knocking. As a result, many Otalia fans encouraged the usage of locks on the farmhouse doors. Part of me wondered if Crystal Chappell ad-libbed this line as an acknowledgement to the fans. I’d like to believe that she did, but regardless, I got the message and its intent.

As they greeted each other with smiles, Olivia asked Natalia if she was excited about her first day at her new job. Natalia expressed some slight nervousness about walking into the unknown world of publishing; however, Olivia offered her reassurance. Olivia reminded Natalia that she didn’t know about the hotel business but learned it from the ground up. In return, Natalia sprinkled words of flattery towards Olivia by telling her she had a wonderful teacher. Olivia replied to Natalia’s flattery by saying “that’s true, I am wonderful.” Yes, I do agree, Olivia; you are wonderful.

During this exchange, I noticed that Natalia and Olivia were unable to control their affectionate touches and gazes towards each other. For the most part, Olivia was the one initiating the contact, which is unsurprising. As I have explained in prior posts, Olivia is the most physically expressive of the pair. To reiterate, she shows her love through actions. Nevertheless, Olivia and Natalia both expressed their love verbally in another way – by saying “I choose you.”

When Natalia asked about Olivia’s plans for today, Olivia revealed that she was going to tell Emma about their relationship. Natalia asked if Olivia felt Emma was ready for this conversation. Olivia expressed optimism about how Emma would handle the news. Granted, Emma is a child and doesn’t understand some things like Rafe would. Nevertheless, I believe Emma would adjust to the concept of Olivia and Natalia as a couple. Would she have questions? She should have plenty; however, Emma wouldn’t experience a full blown freak out like Rafe. As Olivia explained her strategy for telling Emma, Natalia made the natural assumption that she would be involved. After all, they agreed to tell Emma and Rafe together on the May 28, 2009 episode. Olivia explained that she wanted to tell Emma first. I believe Olivia’s decision has everything to do with how Rafe reacted. Natalia was understanding of Olivia’s choice and ultimately agreed with her decision. Before saying goodbye and starting their days, they grasped hands and wished each other luck.

Later at the Beacon, Olivia was pacing in her suite and giving herself a pep talk about her pending discussion with Emma. The summer camp counselor brought Emma home shortly afterwards. Olivia seemed optimistic and confident when she greeted Emma, but she immediately picked up that something was wrong. The counselor explained an incident where Emma felt excluded from a group of friends. Apparently, Emma and a few friends agreed to wear pink shirts and Emma forgot. She felt different because of it and like an outsider. I watched Olivia’s face while she listened to the counselor, and I had a feeling she was going to change her mind. When Olivia sat down to talk with Emma, she still had plans to tell her about Natalia. Olivia started off well enough by saying that there was nothing wrong in being different. Yet, Emma’s reply that she didn’t want to be different derailed everything. Olivia changed her mind in an instant, and I felt she was probably reflecting over how people have treated her in the past. In the end, Olivia decided to postpone their discussion.

At Towers, Blake was introducing Natalia to the wonderful world of publishing. Natalia started off her new job well by giving Blake an idea to promote one of her authors. As Blake gave Natalia her kudos, she told her that Olivia was a fool to let her go. Blake gave her a speculative look before asking the reason behind Natalia’s departure as Olivia’s assistant. Natalia’s explanation started out as I’m sure she planned, but she made a slip of the tongue by saying she and Olivia needed time apart. Blake noticed the interesting phrasing of Natalia’s words and questioned her further. Natalia realized how her words sounded and tried to change the subject. Nonetheless, Blake had picked up the scent and followed the trail, refusing to let it go. Natalia increasingly grew uncomfortable based on her body language and her facial expressions. I could tell she was hoping against hope that Blake would drop the subject and not follow the accidental breadcrumbs she’d left. Alas, it was too late because Blake had started putting the pieces together. She brought up the rumors about Olivia and Natalia and mentioned how she’d run into them at the spa. Blake finally made the connections and realized the truth – Olivia and Natalia are a couple. Based on Natalia’s expression, I felt like she wished she could rewind their conversation and fix her slip of the tongue. Nevertheless, Natalia was unaware that her facial expressions helped give it away, not just her words. I watched her face very carefully during these scenes, and it was obvious Blake had been doing the same as she figured things out. Natalia was unsure how Blake would react, which is why she asked if Blake wanted her job offer back. I think she was remembering Alan Spaulding and Doris Wolfe’s reactions to Emma’s My Two Mommies presentation in late January and February 2009 episodes. Instead, Blake looked surprised that Natalia would suggest such a thing. She offered to throw Natalia and Olivia a luncheon, and Natalia seemed caught off guard by the support. At this moment, I think she was having flashbacks of how Rafe reacted and didn’t expect Blake to be so open minded. When Natalia asked why Blake wasn’t upset, I thought Blake’s response was unexpected yet funny. Blake made a joke that she was a little upset that Natalia chose Olivia over her, which resulted in a small yet hesitant smile from Natalia. Blake’s encouraging words on finding the rarity of true love reminded me of her conversation with Olivia. When I watched these scenes between Blake and Natalia, I wasn’t surprised by Blake’s easy acceptance. Based on her interactions with Olivia, I felt that Blake would be open to love in any form. I could tell how much Blake continued to long for Ross, her deceased husband. She knew that true love is rare and expressed as much to Natalia. Blake told Natalia that she could trust her with their secret. Naturally, Natalia looked rather dubious considering Blake isn’t one for keeping secrets. Blake clearly read the doubt on Natalia face like I did and addressed it in a straight-forward manner. She reassured Natalia that she could be trusted and be a really good friend. I felt Blake’s words were heartfelt and that she really did want to be a good friend to Natalia (and Olivia).

After ending her workday, Natalia went to Company and met up with Olivia. Olivia asked how her first day at the new job went, but Natalia didn’t answer the question. Instead, she told Olivia that Blake knew about their relationship. I watched Olivia’s smile evaporate, and her face took on an apprehensive expression at the news. Natalia tried to assure Olivia that Blake could be trusted, but Olivia was doubtful herself. Natalia expressed that it shouldn’t matter because she was under the assumption that Olivia had her talk with Emma. Of course, Olivia put off the discussion and confessed to Natalia that she “chickened out.”

Olivia and Natalia discussed how they would counteract Springfield’s gossip. They both wanted to avoid having Emma find out about them the way Rafe did. Olivia told Natalia that they have to figure out how to be together without constantly explaining themselves to others. At this point, I knew exactly where Olivia was going when I watched this scene the first time. Although I touched on it briefly, Blake wanted to throw Olivia and Natalia a luncheon. What I didn’t discuss was that Blake felt a luncheon was the perfect way to come out as a couple and address it once. Olivia had the same idea as Blake but suggested a different venue and format – the infamous Bauer BBQ for the July 4^th celebration. Natalia didn’t require any convincing, and she easily agreed to Olivia’s suggestion, which would be their first “official” date. (Note: As far as I’m concerned, Olivia and Natalia’s first date occurred on the April 24, 2009 episode but I digress.) Natalia and Olivia agreed to go back to their original decision (on the May 28 episode) and tell Emma together. As they confirmed their plans and smiled at each other, I spotted signs of a “Frankenclipse” ahead.

After complaining about the burning smell coming from the stove at Company, Natalia rose from the table and excused herself. While Olivia was ordering cake and ice cream to celebrate, Natalia had a sickened expression on her face as she stared in the restroom mirror. As she stood over the sink, Natalia dabbled some water against her face, and I knew exactly what had transpired. She had spent some time hugging the porcelain throne. There are a number of logical explanations for Natalia’s sickness.

• Maybe she has food poisoning.
• Maybe she had one too many snickerdoodles during “happy fun times cookie day” with Olivia and Emma.
• Maybe she has the swine flu.
• Maybe she is pregnant with Frank’s baby.

I don’t like to speculate too much beyond what I see in the current week’s episodes, but in this instance, I am going to do just that.

Note: As many of you are aware, I don’t read spoilers. I have to maintain a pure experience when watching Otalia every week. However, I was exposed accidentally to a specific spoiler that I’m about to discuss. I am breaking my Otalia writing method in this instance, but since I am aware of this spoiler, I have to talk about it.

*begin spoiler alert*

As of July 1 (the date I finished this post), I have not seen any of the Guiding Light episodes for the week of June 29. This is very unusual because I watch the show every day, but I have been working on this Otalia post among other writing projects for the past few days. There just hasn’t been enough hours in the day to watch the show yet. As a result, I have no idea what’s been occurring the week of June 29 on Guiding Light. However, I am aware that Natalia is very much impregnated with Frank’s baby.

To reiterate, I was exposed accidentally to the spoiler concerning Natalia. I didn’t seek it out believe me. After I found out, I sighed long and heavily because this pregnancy angle is a jump the shark moment. I have been on board with everything the Guiding Light has done in writing the Otalia story, but this jarring news was unsettling. Since I discovered the spoiler, I have been trying very hard not to sink into negativity. I have been trying very hard to keep the faith. I have been trying very hard to follow the end of this rainbow towards what I hope is the pot of gold – an Otalia end game. I really want to believe Natalia just has swine flu like I suggested. I really want to believe this pregnancy angle is not as it appears. Based on that one spoiler, all I know at this moment is that Natalia thinks she is pregnant.

I realize the writers have to write Jessica Leccia (Natalia) off the show for her month-long maternity leave. In my wildest dreams, I never imagined that Ellen Wheeler and Jill Lorie Hurst would come up with a pregnancy angle. It is what it is, and I have had time to allow the news to sink in. I do not want to say anything further on how I feel about the pregnancy angle until I see how it plays out. Like I said, I am trying very hard to keep the faith. I will wait and see. That’s all I can do at this point.

*end spoiler alert*

Special Announcement

If you missed my blog post on Crystal Chappell’s departure to Days of Our Lives and the state of soap operas, be sure to check out this link. I get real and I get honest, especially on the current state of daytime drama.

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, soap operas, tv

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 1st, 2009 at 12:36 am and is filed under Commentary, Life, Play, Reviews. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.