The State of Romance
When last we checked in to the state of romance on GH, Valentine’s Day was a major dud. Since then, we’ve seen some improvement in many areas, so I thought it was time for another look. First for the bad news, though:
Due to the untimely departure of Jonathan Jackson, the Lucky/Elizabeth union has seen a major turnaround. Although they were the only real source of romantic scenes on V-day (and for many months in the past year), Elizabeth’s reaction to Lucky’s “death” has caused me to question what the writers/directors are thinking. Liz appeared devastated for approximately two weeks, and was “consoled” in an extremely inappropriate and not exactly “brotherly” manner by Nikolas. After doing such a fabulous job with the story of Elizabeth’s rape, TPTB seem to have completely forgotten about it, as she had no objection to hugs and intimate gestures, such as hair-stroking, from her friend and Lucky’s brother, Nikolas. I have been trying to give the writers a chance – maybe there is some sort of delayed reaction or breakdown in her future. . . Nowadays, however, a mere few weeks (soap time, anyway) after losing the love of her life, she is looking downright perky, and it is being alluded that a pairing with Nikolas is in the works. In addition to being inappropriate and unrealistic, it’s so TRITE! Come on, GH writers, show a little creativity!!!! I know it’s difficult to resist that temptation of those tabloid headlines in the soap mags: “Lucky Spencer Returns from the ‘Dead’ to Find His Love in his Brother’s Arms!” but please try!
In other Spencer (not-necessarily-romantic) news, Luke and Tammy broke their longstanding abstinence streaks and “consoled” each other in Luke’s bar on the night of Lucky’s memorial service. I know the writers were trying to make a statement, but it was still in pretty poor taste. Laura, on the other hand, has still held off on becoming intimate with Stefan. Although he is offering her comfort, she is having trouble dealing with Lucky being gone, and is separating that grief from her relationship with Stefan. She admitted to her mother she has feelings for him, but has not taken that extra step and said that she loves him. I was very moved by the recent scenes between Luke and Laura in her hospital room. It is obvious there is so much, still, between them, and I have hope that they will, eventually, find their way back to each other.
Declarations of love were, however, in order for two couples, recently. Jerry struggled over his urge to tell Bobbie he loves her, never having done so to a woman. This resulted in a touching scene between him and Jax, in which Jax encouraged him to jump on in, as he does with the rest of his life. It was sweet to see such a confident (even arrogant) man struggle over his vulnerability in admitting his feelings. Ned and Alexis, who have been dancing around each other for over a year, now, also admitted they love each other. Ned was inspired by his grandfather’s love letters, and decided it was time to write Alexis a letter, as well. I must say, it’s about time General Hospital decided to make a commitment to this couple. Although they’ve been “together” in one sense or another for many months, speculation about them being paired with others ran rampant. They have nice chemistry together and their relationship makes sense, and I am glad to see it is being given a chance.
Several other members of the Quartermaine household also found love and romance in the past few months. Alan moved back into the house, and he and Monica have slipped into one of their “romantic” periods. I have only one complaint: they didn’t really show any love scenes between them. I’m not saying we had to see them half naked rolling around on the bed, or anything, but it would have been nice to get more than a few hints that they were “back together” in every sense of the word. Edward and Lila’s long and obviously complicated relationship is getting a boost from the appearance of the long-lost love letters. It was lovely to see Chloe’s romantic vision of the two of them in their early days together. It is also sweet to see Edward’s protective instincts over Lila’s mysterious secret. In general, I am enjoying seeing the lovely Lila in a story, again, as opposed to her usual infrequent appearances as the Quartermaine mediator.
The wisdom of marrying AJ and Carly remains to be seen. I, personally, think it’s a great idea, although I would have preferred for it not to happen so fast. Carly’s dream was a hoot, as are her attempts to avoid consummating the marriage. I thought the longing looks between Carly and Jason were a little strange. She has wanted him for a long time, but he’s never shown any romantic interest in her. Her plan can be, at times, delightfully irrational and downright wacky, and, although this story gets a little more air time than I would prefer, I enjoy her antics. I actually think it would be a great story for her and AJ to stay married, and become a second generation Alan and Monica.
I am also getting a kick out of the budding romance between Reggie and Latecia – very cute. It’s about time Reggie had a date! Speaking of about time, I am looking forward to Emily finding some romance in her life, as well. From Edward down to Emily, and even the servants, romance is blooming all over the Quartermaine mansion!
Even Felicia and Mac have had some romantic scenes together, although his job and her flirtation with Luke seem to be a potential threat. He would be quite worried to know she is having romantic fantasies about another man, and I, personally, hope it doesn’t go any further than that. However, I am amused by Luke and Felicia’s scenes together, and am glad he has a distraction from his grief.
How about that “hot new couple” Sonny and Hannah? I’ve finally realized what the soap magazines mean when they talk about a couple being “shoved down our throats.” Their recent scenes have the feel of a couple who has known each other for months, and has fought to be together and is vowing to stay that way, when I feel like they barely know each other, and are just hopping into bed and making all these ridiculously dramatic declarations based on nothing. I hate to be negative, and I rarely do the “fast forward” thing, but I’m already “tuning out” their scenes, and will, probably, end up not watching them at all, very soon. On a more positive note, Sonny apparently pulled out a condom (“apparently” meaning it was pointed out to me, because I wasn’t really paying attention), in a nod to June’s AIDS awareness on GH. I think GH would be better promoting AIDS awareness by not having people who barely know each other jump into bed together.
Finally, I have saved the best for last. GH has introduced a new, adorable character, who captured my heart almost immediately, and is working on Jax’s. Chloe and Jax’s “cute meet” was reminiscent of 40’s and 50’s movies that I love so much. I’m enchanted by the way GH is slowly bringing them together – a scene here, a scene there – not too much . . . just enough to leave us clamoring for more. Intertwined with their scenes is Simon’s pursuit of V, which is also entertaining to watch. V deserves some happiness, and, although I can understand her discomfort with being an object of desire, I think the pairing has the potential to be amusing and fun. I am looking forward to the “screwball comedy” the writers have planned, and can’t wait to see what happens next!
So, spring has definitely brought the romance back to GH, and this is one happy viewer! The Quartermaines, the Jacks brothers, Sonny, the Spencers, Ned and Alexis, and even V have found love in their lives, and it is very entertaining! Jax and Chloe already have the potential to become one of my all-time favorite couples, and I’m having a blast watching. Thank you, GH, for the massive overhaul you have made to the State of Romance!
~LCiam
June, 1999
