Now, I excused the Reva and Josh/Cassie mess because I thought the confrontation between these characters would pay off. I'm at the point now with them, that I just don't care what happens.

I thought Alan/Beth mixed up in the Lizzie pregnancy storyline, would make for some good drama. Instead, I feel like I'm watching The Spaudling Guide to Stealing a Baby: the Lizzie edition. With the mess that was Phillip, one would think Alan would rethink his dumb actions.

But this has just took the cake, because I use to like the Bauers and Rick/Mel. Two years ago, when Phillip "died" the ending would have make total sense, because that seemed to be the way it was going. Now, it's just as dumb and asinine because there was no real development at all to this point.

So, I'm suppose to believe that two years ago, Rick disagree with Mel on the fact that Phillip kidnapped his son because he's just scared and mentally sick; he basically doesn't blame Phillip for kidnapping Jude which given the history is understandable. Rick defends Phillip to the end to Mel (who blames Phillip for what he did... and unlike the Spauldings and Rick it seems, and wants Phillip to take responsiblity), and bonds with Beth. Rick and Mel argue more and more about this, but still stay together [and therefore, rarely seen]... while Beth goes crazy and then ends up married and pregnant with Alan's kid. Isn't that how it went at first????

Then a year/year and a half later, it's revealed that Rick helped Phillip, to keep him away from his son (which kinda contradicts his whole stand on this topic) because he feared for him and what Phillip would do; causing Beth to miscarry her child. Beth in returns, discredits Rick causing his medical license and reputation to come into question... and him being fired (or put on review, whatever) from Cedars. She absolutely hates this man, despite their history together. Rick tries to plead his case to Mel, only to be rightfully denied, because as far as I can see... Mel is right on her feelings. He claims to love her and wants them to be together; and even his unneedingly SORAS daughter supports him and wants them back together.

After being absent from the scene for about 6 weeks, I'm suppose to believe that Rick feels like he's missing something in his life... and that his happy times were with Beth, Phillip, and Mindy (which is why Mel is mad... because he puts everyone before her and their family). Not to mention, Beth, Blake, and Dinah all forgiving him... I would have liked to see that.

So, what does Rick do? Cheats on Mel with Beth (which I'm assuming is to capture that feeling again), after stating that he doesn't want a divorce. Apparently, I'm suppose to believe that's been going on for awhile, and while trying to get Mel to take him back (I'm assuming, since he told her that "they" have to stop what they are doing).

And what do I get as a watcher, besides this crappy storyline and time I wish I had back watching it? And this is just pure speculation on my part: A Mel vs Beth feud/argument, no matter how pitiful it might be, with Beth getting the upper hand; and maybe Mel fighting for her marriage. Or Mel giving up, divorcing Rick. Then Mel, Leah, and their family disappearing in a couple of months... because I rather not be subjected to the GH minority syndrome.

While, I rather see Mel divorce Rick's ass and see TPTB actually develop and spend some time on the character (which they have barely did since she came on years ago) that doesn't require her to be seen at the hospital or court, rushing off to the hospital or court, or bowing down to Rick or Beth and letting them walk all over her. I hope Beth and Rick end up on Springfield Burns... love to see Alan's reaction to them.

One of the most upsetting things about this is that they devoted almost no time to this (which could have been a great story for Rick, Mel, and Beth), and now I'm suppose to believe all this crap (even that mess of a triangle between Buzz/Olivia/Frank had more development than this). At least on OLTL, I get to see Marcie and Michael once a week and there's some progress in their storyline. It didn't just stop, jump around, and start again like this so called triangle between Mel/Rick/Beth.

I thought it was a decent episode. It showed that Mel feels she is missing out on something because of what Rick did (a caring, decent, loving man)

It provided a nice storyline shocker at the end with Rick and Beth.

And we saw Bert Bauer..how freaking awesome was that?

The Reva/Josh/Cassie storyline is great in my opinion.

I love the Spaulding story...its all good to me!

I thought it was a decent episode. It showed that Mel feels she is missing out on something because of what Rick did (a caring, decent, loving man)

It provided a nice storyline shocker at the end with Rick and Beth.

And we saw Bert Bauer..how freaking awesome was that?

The Reva/Josh/Cassie storyline is great in my opinion.

I love the Spaulding story...its all good to me!

Still not a fan of the new Leah (not the age, just the actress) and Remy is getting there acting wise...but could be should be so much better. I miss the old one right now!

I thought it was a decent episode. It showed that Mel feels she is missing out on something because of what Rick did (a caring, decent, loving man)

It provided a nice storyline shocker at the end with Rick and Beth.

And we saw Bert Bauer..how freaking awesome was that?

The Reva/Josh/Cassie storyline is great in my opinion.

I love the Spaulding story...its all good to me!

Still not a fan of the new Leah (not the age, just the actress) and Remy is getting there acting wise...but could be should be so much better. I miss the old one right now!

How can I fix that post? It went crazy!

Rick should divorce Mel because they never had any spark plus she is always judging him.

Anything that breaks them is a good thing.

Leah and Remy should disappear.

Much as I like David Kreizman's writing, I found myself saying halfway through the episode "why would GL want to trash the Four Musketeers plot, a plot that brought the show some of its highest ratings?"

To my relief, David didn't. Anything that breathes life into the mistake GL made with Rick and Mel is a welcome sight.

And echoing an earlier poster, hell yeah it was great to see Bert!

Pooh, there is only one reason why Beth and Rick are having an affair. Forget that Rick and Beth have had an on/off relationship for well over twenty years. The only reason that they are having an affair is because it gives Jonathan and Tammy some ammunition against the Spauldings. Apparently (spoilers) Jon blackmails Beth as they try to declare Lizzie to be an incompetent mother (of course she is, but neither is anyone else. Paging child services!). Practically every character is being sacrificed on the Jammy alter, because ya know, Jonathan and Tammy are just too damn hawt to have any internal problems.

Pooh, there is only one reason why Beth and Rick are having an affair. Forget that Rick and Beth have had an on/off relationship for well over twenty years. The only reason that they are having an affair is because it gives Jonathan and Tammy some ammunition against the Spauldings. Apparently (spoilers) Jon blackmails Beth as they try to declare Lizzie to be an incompetent mother (of course she is, but neither is anyone else. Paging child services!). Practically every character is being sacrificed on the Jammy alter, because ya know, Jonathan and Tammy are just too damn hawt to have any internal problems.

In Tammy & Jonathan's defense, I feel like they are being sacrificed to the Lizzie altar..as much as I like Lizzie, her sudden turn in taking center stage and making what (whether you like them or not) undoubtably is the most popular couple on GL right now supporting players to her story a bit stupid on TPTB's part. We clearly see more focus on Lizzie's character..what her struggles are while either Tammy or Jonathan try to calm her down or treat her fears like paranoia.

You don't think they have internal problems? If I recall correctly, it was Tammy's tendency to run away from her problems and Jonathan's "my life's worth nothing without Tammy" attitude that got them into this baby mess in the first place. Now, we've almost witness a turnaround with Tammy becoming Lizzie's best friend and Jonathan actually making sure that both his kid and Lizzie stay safe...unfortunately, this has reduced them to side roles like I mentioned earlier. They haven't dealt enough with Tammy's character. Sure, she's being freakishly nice but she's gotta be ticked about the whole thing to some extent..and they need to deal with this not just in passing. I don't think they really need to deal with Jonathan as much..God knows the writers have developed him enough. We get that he still has issues with loving this baby and being a good person without Tammy but I really think they need to deal with Tammy's character more. Heck, they've dealt more with Olivia's character and past in the last few days. I wish they'd deal more with Tammy's issues regarding her lack of a father figure in her life. It's long overdue.

As for Beth & Rick...fell asleep while watching yesterday's tape but overall, I think the show has been quite focused on the Spauldings lately...especially Lizzie. She's this year's version of Jammy with the airtime and the story focus. It doesn't matter whether you like her or not, it's clear the writers want to flesh her out and make her rootable.

"You don't think they have internal problems?"

Oh, don't get me wrong. They have scads of internal problems. To name a few: Jonathan's obssession with Tammy and his borderline abusive temper. Not to mention that Tammy is a complete dumbass and has a backbone made of play-dough.

However, they are not dealing with any of those problems. Instead, Jonathan and Tammy are constantly at war with external conflicts: Lizzie's baby, The Spauldings, Josh and Cassie's relationship. Hell, IMO that's one of the main reasons they went with Josh/Cassie. Sure it will piss of viewers, but it will also provide conflict for Jammy. Tammy has already given them the greenlight and Jon is pissed as hell. Who wants to bet that "Cash" is Jammy's new obstacle.

I just saw this episode on my DVD recorder and it proves WHY the Bauers should have been phased out during last year's budget cuts. We see Rick and Mel for, what, like once every year and all of a sudden, we see these characters and their family on the show for ONE friggin day!? For what!? Kreizman should have had the guts to write Rick and Mel out, because he just doesn't seem to be interested in writing for them anyway.

This wasn't the WORST ITL, but it ranks pretty up there on my chain, that's for sure. And it started off SO well!

And Kwing, with all due respect, you think that Remy is getting up there "acting wise"? Sheesh, if he's improving his acting ability then Michelle Ray Smith is ready for Emmy #1 next year. The guy who plays him is just SO lackluster and everything about his performances are so forced and rarely natural. Just because one recites lines does NOT make him a good actor. With the exception of the three key players in today's episode: Michael O'Leary, Yvonna Wright, and Beth Chamberlin(who is becoming another gay-man MILF crush for me), no one else who is rarely seen or on recurring really stepped up to the plate. And even in scenes that were supposed to be about Rick and Mel, it seemed like the focus was on the contract players. And sorry, but Gina Tognoni, as usual, stole the show. Glad she did, because this episode was in the shitter before Dinah showed up.

Almost everything failed in this episode: the editing was crappy, the dialogue was very lackluster, the scene-to-scene moments sucked because the point-of-view kept shifting from what was going on with Rick and Mel to what was happening with Gus, Jeffrey, and Dinah. And I understand that they probably needed Ricky Paull Goldin, Bradley Cole, and Tognoni in the episodes to fulfill contract obligations, but geez, I feel like these character could have been better used to suit Rick and Mel's journey. POV is rarely important in daytime, but these ITL episodes are mostly based on the character's POV.

And the Boudreaux family are such COSBY SHOW tokens. I just wanted to gag seeing the scene at the end with Leah, Remy, Mel and Mama Boudreaux. It's like, "OK, so we don't have enough money for a mid-level actress and her character's families, so allow us to treat you to one scene every year." I could care less. It'll never happen on GL's budget, but I would love to see Amelia Marshall and Monti Sharp's brother/sister chemistry again on GL. The Grants: the REAL African-American family in Springfield. Still missed by me.

And Rick and Beth thing was kind of a shocker and came out of left field.

Great post BTW, poohbear.

I just saw this episode on my DVD recorder and it proves WHY the Bauers should have been phased out during last year's budget cuts. We see Rick and Mel for, what, like once every year and all of a sudden, we see these characters and their family on the show for ONE friggin day!? For what!? Kreizman should have had the guts to write Rick and Mel out, because he just doesn't seem to be interested in writing for them anyway.

So because a crappy writer can't write for [!@#$%^&*], the shows longest running family needs to be written out? And lets not forget that Rick and Mel are not the end all when it comes to the Bauers. There are TONS of interesting characters in this family who should be there right now.

In a way I'm glad the Bauers are gone. Look at the pitiful writing for the Coopers and especially the Spauldings. There's no telling what Kriezman would do to them

Bellcurve, I said he was improving, NOT great. Not even close. It took a while for the new Marina to grow on me. But in that case they had to replace her as Aubrey left. I do not know what the problem was with the other Remy..he was not bad.

As for the show. I thought it was a decent show. It explained story, furthered story and that is what a show is to do. If you do not like the story, that is fine, but the purpose is to push story along. That is what it did.

So because a crappy writer can't write for [!@#$%^&*], the shows longest running family needs to be written out? And lets not forget that Rick and Mel are not the end all when it comes to the Bauers. There are TONS of interesting characters in this family who should be there right now.

If I may add are still on the canvas...Alan-Michael.

Throughout the entire episode I kept thinking to myself that YW and MOL are being poorly missused or underused. I've thought that if they had recasted Alan-Michael a little older, an actor who could actually compete with Ric Hearst's portrayl of the character, how I wouldn't mind a potential A-M/Mel pairing.

This episode was great, but made pissed on so many levels. Despite a few misses, why can't we get episodes like these everyday? Today's episode proved that GL still has some steam in it.

I was pleasantly surprised by the flashback of Bert and Rick. It made me wonder if Wheeler & Kreizman are going to celebrate the show's anniversary which is getting closer. I mean would they really after making the show so damn uinrecognizable? I'm filled with doubts.

On a positive note, Tracy Bryggman, who directed this episode, is now my favorite director next to Wheeler and Sedwick(wasn't she departing the show?). I really liked the way this episode was directed. Nice camera work, and excellent lighting.

I concur, Junkie.

Jammy is being sacrified on the altar of Lizzie. Marcy Rylan is a great actress but she was simply trasnsplanted into their story and took over. As far as Jon blackmailing Beth, the spoilers I've read a different direction this story is taking and it's not one I'm happy with. Not at all.

"In a way I'm glad the Bauers are gone. Look at the pitiful writing for the Coopers and especially the Spauldings. There's no telling what Kriezman would do to them

Agreed.

I'm thrilled Holly is gone. She is one of my favorite soap characters. No way do I want Kreizman to touch her.

So because a crappy writer can't write for [!@#$%^&*], the shows longest running family needs to be written out? And lets not forget that Rick and Mel are not the end all when it comes to the Bauers. There are TONS of interesting characters in this family who should be there right now.

Yeah, David Kreizman's writing is [!@#$%^&*]. But the Bauers have been pissed on since(IMO) Paul Rauch took over. Some would argue when Maureen Bauer was killed off, but I wasn't watching back then.

With GL having such a unfamilar feel and look to it, why keep the Bauers on and try to write for them in what seems to be an unfamiliar, new show? No one has really been interested in the Bauers since the end of the last millennium, and I doubt(in an age of cast cuts, money problems and cancellation doom) that no one will care about them then. Keeping the Bauers on now pisses on their history with the show and makes newer viewers wonder who the hell these people are. Especially if they are not contract players. The answer seems pretty simple to me.

In a way I'm glad the Bauers are gone. Look at the pitiful writing for the Coopers and especially the Spauldings. There's no telling what Kriezman would do to them.

Well, the Bauers aren't completely gone. Rick, Mel, and A-M are there.

On a positive note, Tracy Bryggman, who directed this episode, is now my favorite director next to Wheeler and Sedwick(wasn't she departing the show?). I really liked the way this episode was directed. Nice camera work, and excellent lighting.

Really? I thought that the camerawork, the movement of the characters from scene to scene just stunk on many levels. It seemed like everything, even to the direction, wasn't focused on Rick and Mel. For an episode of this nature, it should have been. Why was Gus the *FIRST* person seen in the Narc-Anon Meeting? Rick should have been, then flash to Gus walking in or something. Maybe it was a scriptwriter's choice. But I just hated the obviously bad editing more than anything/

Everything about the episode, probably after the breakfast scene was just off on so many levels.

But to each his/her own.