The week of May 4 was an interesting roller coaster ride for Otalia. I was “buckled up” in my roller coaster harness, and I was ready for the twists, turns, loops, joy, thrills, and fear that Guiding Light would offer me with my favorite couple. I’m glad I was ready because the week of May 4 was everything a roller coaster ride should be.

After watching the Guiding Light episodes for the week of April 27, I knew that Olivia and Natalia would finally have a confrontation with Frank Cooper this week. Once Frank was alone with Olivia in the hospital room, he made it clear who was responsible for his aborted wedding to Natalia. Basing his assessment on Olivia’s past behavior, I found it completely believable for Frank to think she stole Natalia away from him, that she’d clouded Natalia’s mind with her sensuality. Unfortunately, Frank’s mind is clouded with pain right now because he’s hurt, and he’s been emasculated over Natalia’ and Olivia’s betrayal. At the moment, all Frank can see is the “bad Olivia” and not the person she has become. Even he acknowledged in past episodes that Natalia had a good effect on Olivia and that the lifestyle at the farmhouse had changed her. Olivia has become selfless, and Frank just doesn’t realize how much she was willing to give up just for Natalia’s happiness. Even though his “just like Olivia” point of view is understandable, it bothers me that Frank thinks so badly of Olivia. After all, she is 100% responsible for any successes he’s had with Natalia. Lest we forget, it was Olivia who clued him in on Natalia’s needs and desires since late 2008. Moreover, to be quite “frank,” he wouldn’t have ever gotten any of Natalia’s goodies if it weren’t for Olivia. I am positive that Natalia slept with Frank to prove her growing feelings for Olivia weren’t real. Olivia has been nurturing his courtship with Natalia from beginning to end, and he wouldn’t have ever made it anywhere, much less to the alter without her. Even when Natalia became a runaway bride, Olivia still encouraged the marriage. Regardless of what he did and didn’t know about Olivia’s role, Frank was on a one-way path. Everything was Olivia’s fault, and Natalia was just another one of her victims. That’s why I was relieved when Natalia walked in on their conversation and stopped him because I was getting angrier with Frank to the point of disgust. (more…)

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. (more…)

[Credit: screen capture by http://otalia.ausxip.com]

After finishing the April 22-April 24 Guiding Light episodes, I have been in a state of euphoria for most of this week. The April 24 episode ended on an extremely pleasing note for Otalia. Since I finished the prior week’s episodes, I admit I have broken out into involuntary smiles at the oddest of moments when reflecting about Otalia. I found myself grinning like a cat who had found the cream when a coworker mentioned they were drinking a latte. I literally paused in mid action when the coworker said “latte.” I had to cap my laughter and bottle it up inside. Somehow, I found the strength Natalia had when she resisted Olivia’s seductive gaze, and I managed to control myself. Olivia has probably forever altered the meaning of “latte” for me. A hot cup of latte is not just coffee anymore, and anyone who watched the April 24 episode could relate to what I’m saying.

After suffering withdrawal signs of my favorite daytime couple for six whole days, I found it extremely ironic (and downright funny) that the April 30 episode started with Natalia standing in front of a coffee pot – rehearsing how to call Olivia. I loved watching that rehearsal scene play out because once again, it stuck with the reality of relationships. The same holds true for Natalia’s reaction when she smiled down at her ringing phone. Watching Natalia’s face light up when Olivia called made me smile. As a viewer, I am really enjoying how Natalia is continuing to wear her emotions for Olivia on her face, especially since their feelings are out in the open now. The joy Natalia felt made me happy for her. Over the past couple of months, I have watched Natalia (and Olivia) agonize so much over what they were feeling, and while I loved the angst, I felt that Guiding Light has temporarily shifted gears with Otalia. The lightheartedness and fun between the pair as of late has made me smile and laugh frequently. For example, I found myself laughing aloud when I saw Olivia ironing Emma’s clothes for “Wednesday is Wear Pink to School Day.” It has been a nice change of pace; although I’m aware it won’t last forever. In the meantime, I’m just enjoying it. (more…)

The April 13-April 17 episodes of the Guiding Light were emotionally jarring episodes that left me stunned for days. Seriously, I think I started to recover around Thursday of last week. Months of careful and great storytelling had finally built up to the Otalia love confession. From past experience of watching soaps, there is usually a down slide after the admission of love between characters. If you’re lucky enough to get a decent build up, the excitement level (for me) is not ever as high anymore. Some soap writers (today) forget to continue the romance that makes you stick with a couple, and once the “I love you” is out the way, it’s usually not as good. I had some slight concerns this would happen with Otalia this week, but my fears were relieved. In fact, I am downright optimistic after viewing the April 22-April 24 episodes with Otalia. Guiding Light’s writers were able to sustain my enthusiasm from the prior week and build my excitement for the future.

I must say that things started out a bit rough for Otalia the week of April 20. Olivia reverted to “hard boiled egg” mode when she saw Natalia for the first time after the non-wedding with Frank. I saw Olivia’s return to her old self as a way of fighting off her weakness for Natalia. I also felt that Olivia was trying to protect herself because I truly think Natalia has the power to hurt her the most. I understood this halfway through the April 22 episode as Olivia tried to make Natalia realize they could not work as a couple. Nonetheless, Olivia’s efforts came to a sudden crash when Natalia showed me some of that same fire from the April 17 episode. It was Natalia who set Olivia straight with a fiery and forceful response that put Olivia firmly in her place (something I absolutely loved). When it was over, Olivia was the one who was vulnerable and Natalia, the strong one. I loved how Natalia took control of the steering wheel in their relationship by making Olivia listen. Natalia had Olivia’s barriers crumbling like the walls of Jericho, and it was quite enjoyable to see just how much Natalia affects Olivia. Even as Natalia succeeded, Olivia made another attempt on the April 23 episode by pointing out that Natalia’s religion would still be an obstacle to them. When I watched Olivia make an unexpected move on Natalia, I felt she was testing her to see if she was truly ready to be involved. I wasn’t surprised by Natalia’s reaction considering her guilt for loving Olivia and her ties with her faith. Seeing the look of dejection on Olivia’s face got to me once again and made me feel sympathetic towards her. Still, Natalia’s quick rebound was a pleasing move as she tried to overcome her qualms and reach out to Olivia. I could see the hope return in Olivia’s face…until Frank interrupted them. (more…)

Dear Crystal & Jessica,

The chances of you reading this are slim to none, but I wanted to convey to you both just how you have affected me with your powerful portrayals of Olivia Spencer and Natalia Rivera Aitoro.

As I have previously expressed in a post, I am back on board in a big way with the Guiding Light because of the Otalia storyline. Out of the both of you, I only knew about your prior work, Crystal, on One Life to Live during the 90s. Jessica, I was introduced to your work as an actress on Guiding Light in January 2009. Regardless, I had absolutely no background or knowledge of the Olivia and Natalia characters – other than the little I had heard in soap podcasts. Essentially, I was looking at you both with fresh eyes when I tuned into the Otalia story early this year.

It only took one episode for me to see the amazing chemistry you both have on screen as actresses. That. Was. All. I’ve been watching soap operas since I was a toddler, and over the years, I have learned that chemistry between actors/actresses is different. Sometimes there is no chemistry, bad chemistry, good chemistry, great chemistry, and of course, explosive chemistry. After watching one episode of Guiding Light, I knew that you both had explosive chemistry together as actresses. Out of all the soaps that I have watched over the years (nearly all of them), your chemistry onscreen is a rare find. In fact, if a company could bottle what you two have onscreen, every actor/actress would buy it with the hope they could achieve what you two have.

It has been many years since I have taken the time to study an actor/actress’ every move as much as I study yours. I watch you both very carefully when you are on Guiding Light. I then re-watch your scenes again with each other and the other Guiding Light characters. I do that every time. Why? Because I just love every little thing you both do as actresses – the way you converse, the way you move, the way you express emotions on your faces…everything. As a viewer, I feel astounding joy as I watch you both deliver such gripping performances every time you are onscreen together. I am going to make a bold proclamation by saying the following: there is no other pairing that I have seen that compares to what you both convey as Olivia and Natalia. (more…)