the-ghh-digest

YESTERDAY WAS THE DAY...APPARENTLY

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 07:41:43 +0100

As written by GHH member TVAcademic

So I gather yesterday was the day that ABC tossed aside decades of soap history and replaced it with a rag-tag crew of people talking about things that 20 other shows are already talking about. Of course, it's about the money, not the conversation, and ABC will save tons of it even if this foray into boredom is a relative failure.

But I hope it's a complete failure--the kind that makes the suits (mostly men) reevaluate their choices.

Soaps ain't Shakespeare. We all are well aware. Even at their best, they're not the best thing on TV (GH will never be Mad Men). But their narratives allow viewers and creators alike a unique opportunity to expand the reach of lived stories over time. Even The Simpsons can't compete with the longevity of a single soap. Perhaps most significantly, soap opera is a genre aimed specifically at women. There's been a load of discussion about whether this is a good or bad thing throughout the years; however, it is nonetheless the case. In a media landscape where women are treated as a second-class audience (we've discussed the realities of this before and do not need to rehash), soaps add a for-better-or-worse alternative to perpetually pandering to men.

Now, of course, we can go back and forth re: whether soaps are simply a ghetto for "women's stories" filtered through the male gaze--and I think that's a pretty valid argument. But we cannot dismiss that they play a significant role in the history of ecriture feminine...whatever that means. Furthermore, we cannot deny that the stories and families and truly valid discussions of topics like HIV/AIDS, sexuality (GH has lagged behind the likes of AMC on this front), and rape (GH bungled this one in the 70's but came back like a champ in the late 90's). What's more, these stories create a framework over time--a way to consider how these discussions change.

While a ripped-from-the-headlines episode of a show like Law and Order seems ridiculously outdated within six months of its original airdate, soap stories build over time, revisiting and re-imagining their own histories in order to change with the times. Characters and narratives evolve. Of course, an argument can be made that, where women's issues are concerned, soaps can be downright reactionary, but the discussion is happening in more or less real time. We can reject the soap approach to women--that aforementioned male gaze--but we cannot negate the movement of this discussion through time and space. Soaps provide a benchmark with which to measure progress, even if they lag behind in progressing.

I for one want to see General Hospital pull through this low period for soaps. I can't imagine its end. If and when the end does come, I think--on the balance--the media landscape for women viewers will be a less interesting place.

THE MAGIC OF MIX AND MATCH

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 07:22:05 +0100

As written by GHH Member TVAcademic

One change that [new headwriter] Garin Wolfe has made to GH (perhaps "change back" is more accurate) is a conscious effort to throw the characters into a different mix. Sometimes, this can merely yield a passing phase; other times, it's alchemy.

I'm not sure what came first--chicken or egg. Did GW plan to draw out a friendship between Matt and Elizabeth from a story standpoint, or did he throw them on screen together a few times and find that they had chemistry? Whatever the answer, I'm surprised to be enjoying this turn of events. And now, because of this mix-and-match of characters who were previously pent up like veal (imagine the Elizabeth of a year ago, standing around the nurses' desk, waiting for slaughter; or Matt, less visible than the Invisible Man) are now contributing a fun mix of both levity and depth. This expansion of the canvas also helps muddy the waters of our expectations: whereas we once assumed the inevitability of a Liz/Lucky reunion, we now may pause. Perhaps this Matt thing could derail that (not forever, I'm sure, but in the short term) and take these characters in new and unexpected directions.

And this is just one example of this trend--there are others--and I'm sure there are more to come. Complexity of character, as I've said before, is fundamental to weaving compelling stories, and at the core of finding complexity lies a willingness to play. I'm glad that GW is game.

WELCOME BACK, GH

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 01:50:30 +0100

As written by GHH member, genhos63

It has been a few weeks with a new head writer and I decided it was time to comment from an agenda-free point of view. I don't root for any couple in particular.

First, Alan Q looked fabulous, healthier and younger, Obviously, Stuart Damon has taken some time to concentrate on himself and his family, I wish he could come back full time.

I was thinking that one of the reasons couples have come and gone so quickly in the past few years was because stories were plot driven and things happened too fast. I remember Luke and Laura spent three or four months on the run chasing down the left handed boy and the consummation of their relationship took that long as well. I would like more romance between couples not necessarily sex scenes, although some skin is nice to see from time to time.

Right now we have Jason and Sam's wedding as well as Jason in the hospital and Kristina as well. This makes for a nice combination of characters, conversations and interactions in the hospital. We get to see Sam and her family, Molly and her sisters, Alexis and her daughters, Michael with Kristina and with Jason. It flows well and although I am not a big fan of JaSam, I can appreciate that they are heading for a long-awaited wedding. All this talk of Jason coming back as a different person makes me hope that a change will be coming in his future. The fantasies were very soapy to me and gave us insights we wouldn't otherwise have had.

Michael finding his place in Sonny's world and working at the warehouse is an interesting turn of events. Abby and Michael have some good moments, although I think they are better friends than lovers. Abby and Johnny have potential and their friendship is a nice touch it might go somewhere.tio

Anthony is great running around town and I like that Tracy has a story even with Luke out of town. As a long-time viewer I have often wondered about her ties to organized crime, and I am glad that we are seeing more about that. Anthony is good as a foil to Sonny's children and he does provoke reactions.

Skye's return this time has been well written even though Garin had to make her penniless again and negate the previous return, which was so poorly handled. Skye has interacted with Ethan, Johnny, Tracy and Edward so she is well connected and her story is moving other stories along.

Sonny losing his mind and not taking his meds is good only if we see some change in his life, Carly and Alexis have been good reacting to the events of Jax's disappearance. Maurice is a great actor but he can't keep going off the deep end and finding another love of his life, I am hoping that in a character driven environment we might begin to see Sonny take responsibility for his actions.

I know some think that things are going too slowly, and being a long time viewer I know soaps use to spend one week on one day pretty regularly then they would jump ahead, I don't have a problem with that. I like to see situations from different angles and enjoy the conversations that make us see the characters motivations.

So I know I have not addressed all of the characters or stories that are ongoing now. For example Matt and Liz and Maxie, and Dante and Lulu, good stuff, and Spinelli, terrific. We are seeing more people on GH and understanding them better. I think that couples will stay together if they are given something to do as couples. Robin and Patrick can be married and work at the hospital, there is plenty of conflict there for any couple. Egos and ambition create conflict.

This is too long, but I for one am enjoying GH looking forward to the next few months and expect great things in the new year. Welcome back GH, we've missed you.

THE TRUTH IS TIMELESS

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 01:42:05 +0100

"Soap operas... are folk tales that tug at the soul of a nation of strangers for whom television itself is a bond."
--Time Magazine, 1976

Read MORE.

DESIRE vs DNA

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 23:53:52 +0100

As written by GHH member, frosta

Brenda literally went from blowing out her birthday candles, knowing she'd wished for the impossible, to someone walking up and handing her that very impossible dream. As infuriating as the whole situation is she can't avoid her strong desire to embrace the impossible. It's the magic fix for a nightmare that has haunted her for years.

While, as a viewer, I want to absolutely scream at the idea of a DNA test not being done, if I try and "put myself in her shoes" I can see the more irrational and emotionally driven desire to hide from the truth. This is especially so when you start to look at Brenda's nature. It's already been stated that she "hides her head in the sand" in regard to the mob business, so it doesn't seem that surprising that she would want to in other situations.

I want the DNA test done because I want to know what's really going on (we've only been waiting 8 months!) so I'm sure I'm going to lose it when she unloads on Sonny for suggesting it, but I still get why such a fragile woman would want to cling to her fantasy, even if that means avoiding the the truth. (I am going to try to avoid the rant about how disturbing and depressing it is to me to describe Brenda as a "fragile woman.")

What's actually more mystifying to me than Brenda refusing the test is Sonny not going behind her back to get it done himself. Can't he just pull a hair from each of their hands and ship them off for comparison?? I know the story hasn't reached a point that would justify that, yet, but it seems like an obvious solution - at least until his theory is proven correct and he gets to not only tell her Lucian isn't hers but that he went behind her back to prove it. (Those would be some fun fireworks, lol!)

Perhaps that idea is more tied to me wanting to know who the kid really is rather than any kind of logic.

BOB GUZA. REALLY?

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 04:57:10 +0100

As written by GHH member, mariainnc

Re: This is written partly in response to the head writer's recent interview with TVGuide and his joint video interview with Steve Burton on the GHH News page, along with previous comments he has made.

I have a lot of feelings about Guza but sympathy isn't one of them. Nor do I think he writes for the fans. If he did Alan, Emily and Georgie would still be alive. Monica and Edward would grace our screens once again. The man is either delusional or a liar or maybe both. On one hand, he kills off the Quartermaines either by death or neglect. Then on the other, he makes insane comments about it being hard to write GH without the Q's. In his own words, “Every time we drift away from the family, even though we’ve diluted them a bit over the years, it just feels wrong. So we’re looking to build them up again.” That was when Robin Christopher was returning to her role as Skye and Maya (remember her) was introduced.. Great rebuild there Bob. Why was Skye brought back? I really don't remember.

Let's face it, if he's not writing for Sonny, Jason and Carly little Bobby gets bored. Yet he has reassured us that they don't glorify the mob. He believes his own delusions that we don't want to see the end of the mob...."I don't think people want to see that. By putting them in these situations, we have the highest stakes possible of life and death. They have to make incredibly-difficult moral choices all the time. What I will defend to my last breath is that we do not glorify it!". The head writer continues, "Sonny is the most haunted character on the show. Jason is turning into one of them. If they just merely shot people and weren't haunted by it, then yes, I think we would be open to the criticism. But they're not. It is never taken lightly. I guarantee you that."

Who's haunted Bob....Jason and Sonny?? Are you kidding me?...I don't think so. We may see 5 minutes of them bemoaning their life but nothing ever changes nor is there any growth achieved. While I don't mind the mob element in Port Charles, I don't want every major storyline to be about them. A little balance, more character interactions and less block taping would improve this show and keep the disgruntled fans happy. As far as Guza doing his best, I don't agree. His best stuff is in the past. I find that all the stories he touches turns into epic failures, Including the Jake/Joss storyline, which failed on so many levels. I'd like to see a new head writer at the helm of this show. I've been watching General Hospital since before Luke and Laura. I don't want to see it canceled. But I'm tired of having the focus of every story arc start and end with the mob. So I'll just hope for the best but expect the worst.

Just an observation: To those that hope that one day Jason Morgan may return to being Jason Quartermaine. Be careful what you wish for. If he's a Quartermaine again, old Bob may have to kill him off....just saying....

JAKE/JOSS: TOO RUSHED

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 05:20:12 +0100

As written by GHH member, lcarey20

I agree with everyone who feels that this storyline is rushed (because it is!). There just isn't the impact for us to be involved in Joss' illness. It looks like it's going to be over in a blink of an eye, her "cure" is there in the form of poor little Jake's kidney.

I thought Rebecca Herbst was phenomenal on Friday and today. She looked to me like a mother who was shattered and desperately trying to hold on to hope that her little boy was going to make it. A mother who was wracked with guilt although she did nothing wrong. Her face today broke my heart (I cried most of the show). She looked drained, exhausted, broken, lost and just unspeakably sad. I thought her portrayal was spot on and I can only imagine what kind of acting we will get from Rebecca once the anger kicks in. Right now, Liz is lost in pain and the images of her little boy who only hours ago was playing with his cars.

Jonathan Jackson was spectacular. That man had me sobbing with him!! I would like Liz and Lucky back together at some point but I don't hate Siobhan either. I'm glad Lucky had someone who he could lose it with.

I wish they would have had Lulu stay though. I thought Lulu was very believable as a concerned sister. Just because she doesn't care for Jake's mother doesn't mean she didn't love her nephew. When bad things happen, family comes together. I would have been disappointed if they didn't have Lulu and even Nikolas show up for Lucky. Her conversations with Luke and Tracy were very real to me as well. It seemed like they were suffering from shock, disbelief. Which is how many react in a horrible situation such as the one being played on our screen.

I thought that Sam leaving the hospital was strange. I understand there was complicated history but jeez, how could she leave him like that? I get that she was trying to do what she could to help in a way she thought she could. But it seemed out of character to me for her to not be by Jason's side. Plus, it seemed like with recent scenes they were showing Sam's true acceptance of Jake as Jason's son and the weirdness and bitterness and all of that was in the past at least they were portraying that in Jason, Sam and Liz's actions. She did have tears in her eyes when she first saw Jason. I felt like it was kind of a plot point to have Jason alone when Carly came to him.

I love Carly and I know where she was coming from in her concern for her daughter. And I'm sure the urgency she felt was that Lucky and Liz were already talking to Patrick about organ donation so she doesn't want Josslyn to be passed over. But I blame the writers for the way they had Carly handle that. I so wanted Carly to just hug Jason before she said anything. Laura Wright is a fantastic actress and I could see the pain and disbelief on her face that she has to ask her best friend such a tragic question in a horrific situation. But they had her jump right in. Couldn't they have given us a minute to process?

Jake's accident and Josslyn's illness are two powerful hospital stories that involve much of the canvas. I would have liked them to have had their own individual time and attention before being thrown together. Instead, we had two days of two potentially awesome stories showcasing wonderful actors and actresses that were rushed through to get to the "Who hit Jake?" part. This story had so much potential and so many things that could have been explored. I'll end with what I started with. You guys are right, it was too rushed.

TOO MUCH OF A BAD THING......can be a bad thing.

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 04:18:39 +0100

As written by GHH Member, TVacademic

I actually think--as horrid and heart wrenching as it is--that the Jake story that's playing out represents the power of soaps at their best. These three parents are so much a part of our daily lives that we ache with and for them, and these actors, who get so little respect in the greater world of television, are knocking it out of the park. In fact, Rebecca Herbst is doing such a superb job injecting reality into the high melodrama of a soap that her performance reminds me that the other people in the scene with her are mere actors. And that's not saying they're bringing less than their best; she was just that great today.

But the secret to a fantastically horrible and messy story is that there's a mess to deal with. That life is unpredictable and sometimes unbearable. We don't ask for this often in our soaps--we use it as a getaway; however, it's the job of a good team of producers and writers (and occasionally directors--the Cinderellas of TV) to remind us that our connection to the people on the screen is a little deeper than mere entertainment: they are part of our lives.

So this clean set up of "Joss needs kidney/Jake has kidney" is a really hard pill to swallow. It not only fits too neatly--it steals power from two other characters: Carly and Jax. Every time the scene cuts to them and their plight, I feel a little less horrible than I did a moment before, when Elizabeth and Lucky and Jason were losing their son. In short--the Joss story adds too much melodrama into a rare and heartbreaking moment of verisimilitude.

I don't often want to forget I'm watching a soap when I'm watching GH--it's genre is a large reason why I watch. But today I wanted to just wallow with these characters that I spend my days with. I wanted theirs to be an asymmetric world where things happen without reason because the actors were telling me that's what they wanted to portray. The perfect circle of Joss and Jake doesn't really feel like terrible irony to me right now--it feels like the thing trying to make me think that the emotions I'm feeling are a little ridiculous.

And I don't really feeling like confronting that right now.

THE "SAVING" OF ABBY

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 04:17:26 +0100

As written by GHH member, TVacademic

There's this underlying message that does not sit [well] with me... It's the "saving" of Abby. First, there's the set up: as a stripper, she, of course, hates her job and has low self-worth. These elements are not fully troubling (though suspect) on their own, but are then further blurred by the question of prostitution--does she or does she not sell herself for sex, and should we or should we not equate these two things? Even the presumption that prostitution and stripping are linked is problematic, and I'm not sure that the line has been fully drawn by anyone but Michael.

Then there's Abby's redemption through "saving." The issue is not that she does not deserve respect--just that one's survival of attempted rape should not alone be reason to receive it. Both Carly and Sonny have changed their minds about Abby's role in Michael's life, and it seems to be for two equally troubling reasons: 1) that she helped Michael heal and open up presumably by nearly being raped herself (there's a scary implication that her attempted rape had a positive outcome because Michael got to save her--so, in short, her assault was not about her, it was about him) and 2) that, now that she's clearly a victim, she's worthy of respect.

Prior to being sexually assaulted and having the tar beaten out of her, she was suspect; however, it is apparently impossible to be both a victim and a person of questionable morals, so she must be good. This not only reinvigorates the age-old sexual dichotomy in which women are forever trapped (femme fatale vs. angel in need of saving), but it undermines Abby's sexual agency--her ability to define herself, her own sexual boundaries, and her own conduct--whatever that is. She's been defined externally by events, not internally by self. What's worse--she seems to identify with these definitions, seemingly supporting the notion that being "saved" by Michael is the fundamental moment of her attempted rape--he is the focal point of the experience, not her.

Characters have power through longevity and complexity, and Abby, who I actually think is potentially pretty interesting, is in danger of being a plot point in Michael's recovery (in part because he has more power as a character--he's enmeshed and she is not), and this sends a very dangerous message when rape is involved. She is not only objectified by her rapist but by nearly every character on the show (even Michael sees the attack on her as a watershed moment for *his* emotional awakening); she's a symbol, not a fully defined person. I hope this changes because there are elements of this story that are truly fantastic, but it's highly problematic to make the attempted rape of a woman about the rape of a man, just as the reverse would be.

Video by FavGHCouples

FEBRUARY 1st: A BALANCING ACT

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 04:16:45 +0100

As written by GHH member, genhos63

What a well balanced show today. First we get a defining moment for Lucky and Siobhan, then Jax and Carly confront their marriage, Jason and Michael connect over the rape and Brenda talks to Dante about the baby. Four stories, four relationships all moving ahead and getting quality scenes with the actors really bringing their A game.

I know that this can't happen every day but when it does General Hospital is riveting. No explosions, no gun battles, just people connecting and caring about each other.

I particularly liked the references to history when Carly and Jax analyzed their marriage, their baggage and their mistakes and forgiveness. I kept thinking that they gave it their best shot but love isn't enough. Then Brenda and Jax reviewing so many incidents leading up to this moment and Jax really trying to get Brenda to see the carnage that was her relationship with Sonny, and what the future could hold. Then Brenda mentioning how their love didn't end so well for her either.

Dante and Brenda, then Dante and Lulu-- strong emotions well played.

Michael, Jason and Carly - excellent scenes that played so real. Today was the best of what a soap opera can do and I just loved it from start to finish.