Watching a soap for nearly 30 years, GL has become like another family to me - as it has to many of you. The characters come into our homes through the magic of television and we feel a part of all that goes on in Springfield.
This week we got to see a little more of the "behind the scenes" that I always like viewers to get a glimpse of. Having been to the current GL studios several times, I always want to share a little piece of what it's like with all of you who aren't able to go. While the "Gus and Harley on the run" story is more than a little far-fetched (I mean, if I were ever to go "on the lam" it would NOT be in an ice cream truck!) but did give the fans a glimpse of the city that really calls GL home. Ron Raines (Alan), Beth Ehlers (Harley) and Ricky Paull Goldin (Gus) all filmed scenes outside of the GL studios. The shot of Alan outside the U.N. building is actually only blocks from the studio.
That being said, I can't see the whole country (and if GL is set in Springfield, IL - NYC is pretty far away) being concerned with one little convicted killer on the run). This story has been dragging on since fall and I am more than ready for the focus to shift elsewhere. But with the behind-the-scenes changes at GL, it might mean a different ending than originally planned for. Since Marj Dusay (Alex) was asked to go on recurring status - and turned it down - could Alex get Phillip's murder pinned on her? Alan has already shot his "favorite" son, so why wouldn't he frame is only sister?
While I was thinking about this possible scenario earlier in the week, I wondered how other stories or characters would be written to reflect the budget cuts, dropped to recurring characters and departures. Rick is so rarely seen these days that I almost feel compelled to tell newer viewers who he is when he appears. And as the only Bauer in town (since Michelle is in Africa) this makes me very sad. Even Tivo (which I have) lists the Bauers as a principal family on the show - which in their heyday they were. Of course, they also list Grant Aleksander (ex-Phillip), George Alvarez (the never-used Father Ray) and Matthew Bomer (ex-Ben Reade) as the cast members (first alphabetically, of course - but in dire need of updating). Ross is the MAYOR for goodness sake, but only used for "official" occasions (like welcoming "The Amazing Race" winners Uchenna and Joyce this week - one of my favorite shows that I highly recommend) or lecturing Dinah about her latest crisis. Liz Keifer (Blake) was dropped to recurring ages ago - which is another one of GL's mistakes - Blake is a popular character with many ties to characters that are so underused.
So while fans wonder what the changes mean to the actors, the characters and the show itself, it's all a little overwhelming. You try to remain upbeat, but it gets harder and harder. I want to thank all of you who are writing to GL, P&G and CBS about the show. We certainly need to keep this up to show that we are all very interested in what happens on and off camera. I know that the actors really appreciate all that the fans are doing and will continue to do to support the show. And I will certainly try to keep you abreast of all that I learn about what goes on in front of and behind the camera.
Thank you once again for all of your support of the show - we have to keep up our efforts to let our voices be heard. Until next week...
Keep the Light Shining and Have a Great Week!
Kimberly
