February 5, 2007

I wasn’t looking forward to this whole ‘24 but in 16’ thing on General Hospital.  Honestly, I figured it would be the same as the other catastrophic events of sweeps past.  But truth be told, I’m actually enjoying this one and would even go as far as to say I’m impressed.  Of course there are a few things I could do without, but for the most part, I like it.  

In retrospect I don’t think it would be all that hard to do a ‘24’ type scenario on a soap opera.  If you think about it, the soaps are sort of that way already. Some scenes that should last a few minutes seem to carry on for days, while the rest of the show moves forward.  Soap fans get that and suspend reality for the sake of the story.  It works.  GH in ‘24’ isn’t that different so I think the level of difficulty for the writers, actors and crew isn’t that high.   

I could do without watching the place blow up each day but I get why they’re doing that.  Precious time is being wasted with it and I’d rather move forward than be continuously reminded.  What do I like so far?  Mr. Craig was high on my list of interesting characters but I’m starting to lose interest.  He’s starting to annoy me with his little tactics at passing time.  Yes criminals can be psychotic and soulless but he’s starting to take it a bit too far and I’d prefer to see him use his time trying to beat the clock rather than stress out his hostages.  The fact is, we know who gets killed and who doesn’t so the suspense isn’t there for me.  Maybe back in the days before the internet, but not anymore.  

I like 3.  I feel for 3.  I think 3 may end up killing Maxie or himself if she doesn’t shut her pie hole sometime soon.  That girl’s voice just grates on my last nerve and I can’t imagine being locked in a vault with her for twelve hours.  Sympathy for a criminal…something unfamiliar to me.  I like 3 because he’s got personality.  He listens to Maxie, almost appears interested and then slams her with comments that if she had even half a brain, ought to scare the bejesus out of her.  If the mask ever comes off, I hope he’s hot.  I don’t know if he’s going to do anything to hurt Maxie but is it wrong for me to hope he continues to scare her? She needs a good swift kick in the butt and maybe 3’s the one to give it to her.  

I find hope in some of the selfish characters of GH when they’ll help Robin without gloves to protect them.  Carly does the right thing and I’m glad to see that.  I’m not sure I could accept the previous Carly’s helping Robin sans gloves, but this version is different.  This version has more of a heart.   

I also like that Patrick has realized what an idiot he’s been just in time to feel the fear of possibly losing Robin.  I feel the need to stick my tongue out at the TV and then say “Na na nana na!” Mature? Maybe not. Satisfying? Definitely.  Patrick is a great character that’s actually had a heart for the past few months but he does need to be taken down a notch or two on his self-righteous stool and this is exactly the situation to do it.  I’m sure this will take their relationship to a new level which means in a few months they’ll break up.  

Lulu, in the face of this tragedy is still a true teenager and that’s refreshing.  One minute she’s all brass and balls and the next she’s bawling on someone’s shoulder.  I imagine that’s what any self involved teenager would do.   

I fail to understand how Emily, who seems to miss a heck of a lot of medical school, can be so proficient in the care of a gun shot wound.  That girl ought to win the “Smartest woman in the world” award because she is just wicked intelligent.   

Sweet Sam?  Huh?  

Nikolas and Sonny attempting to top each other while bidding for Mr. Craig to do the right thing was funny.  Sonny still feels he’s God-like and Nikolas has thought that of himself lately so I’m hopeful the writers take that and the opportunity for Emily-induced tension and create some form of conflict between these two to annoy Mr. Craig.  I doubt it’s going to happen since Sonny gets beat up and/or shot but a cat fight or a few bickering moments would be fun to watch.   

All in all, I like the way the story is moving.  I like the scenes with Skye and Alcazar.  I like the fact that I heard something about Alcazar working for the government (does that mean he’s actually doing something good or am I confused?).  I like Luke and Scotty interacting again and though Alan has to die, I think the scenes with Edward, Tracy and Monica afterwards might be of good quality.  I’m also interested to see the ramifications his death has on Jason.   

Oh, I cannot wait for Liz to finally tell Jason he’s the father of her baby.  This has gone on longer than my son’s been alive and he turns eight this month!  Move on already!  

So far I’m not really able to tell whose eyes we’re using to see these events.  I recall reading we’d have one characters view.  I feel a lean toward Sam but it’s not been obvious enough to annoy me yet.  If this turns and focuses more on her I may have to change my opinion of the whole event but so far I am enjoying what I’m seeing.  

I’ll keep watching and so far I haven’t even fast forwarded though all scenes Sonny.  Now that’s a good sign!

Carolyn