Guiding Light has been on for years; since 1937, in fact. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, GL is the longest-running soap opera in production, and the longest-running drama in television and radio history.
It’s a television treasure, one that should be treated as such. However, for almost a year, the show has taken a downward spiral to Craptown, by no means honouring the show’s history, signficance or the soap’s creator, Irna Phillips.
It’s been a long time since I watched Guiding Light on a regular basis. I was a fan of earlier ‘90s stuff, like Roger and Mindy’s tawdry affair, the Holly/Ross/Blake scandal, Reva’s postpartum car crash, Maureen’s accident after learning of Ed and Lillian’s infidelity, and the triangle of Frank/Eleni/Alan-Michael were some favourites, along with the realistic friendship of Phillip and Rick, the chemistry between Harley and Mallet, and the relationship between brothers Josh and Billy.
But then there was the introduction of San Cristobel, and the Santos mob dynasty. And while we did get some great characters out of them, the show never returned to its former self.
In 2005, Emmy-winning actress Ellen Wheeler took over as executive producer of GL, and she and writer David Kreizman made numerous changes to the sets, stories, and the cast. Several veteran actors were dropped, mainly due to budget cuts, and because of the lack of established characters, Wheeler refocused the show on the youth of Springfield, particularly the controversial pairing of cousins Jonathan and Tammy.
Then, in another cost-cutting effort, the show moved from the traditional multi-camera style of filming to hand-held digital cameras. The show’s historic sets were taken down and new ones were put up in their place, as well as two new outdoor filming locales in New Jersey. Anyone familiar with TVGuide.ca’s Nelson Branco, we know the actors tend to “freeze their balls off in Peapack.” Wheeler wanted the show to feel more real, and believes the show’s new production style is just what the doctor ordered.
Yeah, not so much.
Decent storylines and great writing has been replaced by bad sound and lighting. The constantly moving camera — which admittedly has improved of late — was initially like watching Cloverfield or The Blair Witch Project, and the indoor sets have a cramped, claustrophobic feel to them.
Soap fans tend to be traditionalists. We like gripping storylines, fully fleshed-out characters, love, romance, triangles and lavish weddings. We don’t like to see the same old recycled stories, but at the same time, tried and true works. Actors standing around outside not acting does not make a groundbreaking show — socially relevant stories, excellent writing and great acting do.
Bring back old favourites like Danny and Michelle, break up couples that aren’t working (Mallet and Marina; Reva and Jeffrey) and reunite them with their true loves (Cyrus for Marina, Josh with Reva), and hey, why not try a Mallet/Dinah/Shayne triangle?
But this week may be the start of a new Guiding Light.
Grant Aleksander resurrects his role as Phillip Spaulding, beginning Monday, Feb. 9. And not only is he back, but so is Krista Tesreau, GL’s original Mindy. That’s three of the Four Muskateers (Phillip, Mindy and Rick, who is still on the show) back — Beth Chamberlin rounds out the group as recast Beth, though Judi Evans originated the role. Tesreau will be back in early March.
On soaps, characters never stay dead for long. After a five-year hiatus from the show, Phillip, who was presumed dead after getting shot by his father, Alan, returns to shake things up in Springfield. Phillip learns Bill, his daughter, Lizzie’s ex-boyfriend, is looking for him, and also stumbles upon the wedding ceremony of Beth and Alan. Perfect timing, wouldn’t you say?
But I’m not exactly sure one man can save a show. But I suppose if a single woman can destroy one, anything is possible.
Can Guiding Light be saved? denette@tvguide.ca
Guiding Light airs weekdays on Global and CBS stations. Check your local listings.
