As we have all no doubt read right here on Soap Central -- and even though their first written word has yet to be acted out on our television screens -- the new regime's presence is already being felt.
The revolving door is whirling like a dervish, spewing Genoa Citians onto the hard pavement with every turn. Abby, Genevieve, and Harmony will soon be nothing more than a faded picture in the family photo album, pointed to fondly by their loved ones. For the moment, Sofia will presumably be trotted out, as necessary, to carry out Tucker's takeover orders, glower at Neil and Harmony, or to coo over Moses, but her days in this twisted town could be numbered as well.
While I can't say I'm glad to see the three ladies go, I confess I don't think I'll miss them very much either. Because although new, old, and rapidly aged residents were rushed into the city at an alarming pace, it soon became apparent that little thought had been given as to exactly what to do with them. Abby quickly became as annoying as a bothersome gnat, ever ready with a cutting comment to anyone not meeting her approval. Genevieve's persona and business expertise changed every other month. And it seemed impossible for Harmony to have packed in all that history with Tucker, and other assorted life experiences, before becoming a young, unwed mother and crack addict. When was she Candy Cane, at 13?
Who might be the next resident to hear the death knell sounded on their daytime appearances? Sarge? Tucker? Eden? Carmine? Now that Jack is walking and Harmony is leaving, there doesn't seem to be a reason to keep Sarge around. And although Tucker is Kay's son and Devon's father, once Victor returns and presumably delivers a stinging comeuppance to Tucker, if the SEC doesn't beat him to it, Tucker may leave town with his tail tucked, or, alternatively, be hauled off to prison. As for Eden, she seems destined to be little more than a footnote to someone else's storyline instead of getting one of her very own. But, I'm guessing she will be around at least until Paul's ordeal has come to an end. As for Carmine, Carmine who? Oh yeah, the muscular man dressed in 1,000-count Egyptian sheets.
Then there are all those rapidly aged young adults. Usually sullen, Summer is Abby revisited, except she keeps her clothes on. A little of her pouting face and disrespectful manner goes a long way for this fan. Okay, so I clapped and hooted when she lit into Phyllis for always slapping down the "it's-not-my-fault" card. I stopped laughing, however, when I realized that someday in the not so distant future, Summer and Daniel would undoubtedly be begging poor, widdle Phyllis' pardon for ever believing she would cheat with Ronan. Yet one more way to make this viper a victim.
Kyle, who appears to have leaped from 12 to 25 in a single improbable bound, perplexes me with his Victor-worship. Even at 12, he was poring over all printed and electronic Diane news, so I find it unbelievable that he would rally so staunchly in support of the man who treated her so atrociously.
As for Fen, I've seen so little of him, I have no clue who he is or what can be done with him. Like Michael in his perpetual role of Phyllis' best bud, perhaps Fen is being groomed to perform the same lapdog services for Phyllis' daughter.
Yes, I know. These children are Genoa City's future. But, until that distant day arrives, I'd much prefer to spend my viewing time poking fun at the dysfunctional adults.
Like Nick. I cackled and tossed popcorn at the screen when Victoria told Nick he was like his father. Don't believe a word she says, Nick. You are no Victor Newman. Victor would never let any woman, no matter how voluptuous, make an utter idiot of him. Victor would have screamed "you got that" a long time ago and slammed his way out of her life. Yes, I know Nick has finally snatched his brass ones out of Phyllis' hands and strapped them back on. But you know that is not going to last. He'll likely return almost before we've even noticed he left.
Then there is Billy. I've always been a fan of the coupling of Billy and Victoria. Clearly head-over-heels for his lady, he still managed to hold his own against her strong personality. But, he slipped a little on my ratings scale when he obediently went after Sharon on Victoria's command.
While I don't blame Billy for being unable to resist the temptation to rip a page from Victor's playbook and play a protracted game of keep away, it could mean the end of his marriage. It's one thing to overlook an indiscretion when Billy was drunk and purposely manipulated, especially when it resulted in the baby Victoria so desperately desired, but this is something else entirely. Victoria has forgiven much, but this one could be a marriage-breaker.
Victor was wrong when he played kidnapper, but, to his credit, he mostly did the right thing when it came to Delia's health. If Billy is to have any hope of holding on to Victoria, he better dig down deep and find his conscience. Soon.
Which brings me to Victor. "Drizzle, drazzle, drozzle, drone. Time for this one to come home," chants Mr. Wizard about Tudor Turtle. I agree with Mr. Wizard. It's been entertaining, but it's time to bring Victor home while he's still breathing.
Discovering Daisy alive and doing as well as one could when locked down in a mental institution was another interesting twist. I'm actually glad Daisy isn't dead. Although I was never a fan when she was tormenting Lauren and Jana, I admit she grew on me with her clear love for Lucy. I even entertained the foolish hope that she might one day win Daniel's devotion, despite all she had done. Other Genoa City villains have been forgiven for less. But, alas, Ricky tossed dirt on that little dream of mine.
Of course, Daisy's return is probably short-term, perhaps only long enough to help Paul. That is, if she hasn't nearly done herself in by taking all those pills. Gee Daisy, that action kind of trumps the whole "I'm not crazy" claim. By the way, now that we know Ricky didn't find and kill Daisy, just who did Daisy see outside the warehouse that frightened her so? Could it have possibly been her twin brother, Ryder? Will we ever know? One thing we can probably assume. Daisy's return will definitely put a little crimp in Daniel's budding romance with Heather.
So the snow globe only incriminated Paul further. It looks like Daisy and Eden's as yet unremembered memories might be his only hope. Another few by the ways: who dropped the crucifix near Ricky's grave? Where is Ricky's computer, and who the heck took that knife?
So Sharon is free and made quite an entrance in that drop-dead gorgeous yellow dress. I'm enjoying her antics while I can because I would bet my dollar and any of yours that her dream will soon become a nightmare. When Victor returns and remembers all, he is going to go on a wild spree of payback. And the first two heads he will want on his platter will undoubtedly be Sharon's and Tucker's.
Well, I can't go on my merry way without a word or two about our heroine. I know some of you get tired of me whining about this character, but, if the scribes are going to devote the lion's share of airtime to Phyllis, I can't pretend I didn't see it. And I wouldn't be me if I didn't put in my worthless two cents about it.
The Phyllis worship fest has been going on since early July, and there's no end in sight. We still have the trial ahead. Yeah, remember, the real crime of attempted murder, not this smokescreen about carting Dr. Reid around like something being delivered from Carpets Are Us. Good for Chloe for reminding Kevin that Tim was a human being, not something to be cavalierly disposed of to cover Phyllis' calculating carcass.
As for that caricature of an FBI agent, Ronan, who has admitted he did it all out of love, something us fans figured out from sentence one, if he doesn't get fired, he better resign. Love-struck or not, he's ruined for now. I take him no more seriously than Phyllis' fake helplessness. "Oh, Ronan," she cried, winding her arms around his neck and plastering herself so tightly against him, you couldn't fit a copper penny between their bodies. "You are my only friend." Hmm, exactly what she said to Michael when she needed him in her corner after stabbing his wife in the back over the Lucy debacle. Like a light switch, she turns it on and off.
Well, tick tock goes the cuckoo clock. Mid-October and the new writing will soon be here. I'm waiting with bated breath and great anticipation. In the meantime, here are a few opinions of your fellow fans. Enjoy, and keep those comments coming. We love them, and your comments could pop up in a future column!
