Surprise, surprise: An Icon gets shafted
Now that my Holly!high has worn off (sort of), I am left with a grand feeling of utter resentment and bitterness. Allow me to elaborate, won't you?
Holly Norris is, arguably, one of the Top Five most iconic characters in the history of Guiding Light and Maureen Garrett, one of the most beloved actors. The Roger/Holly thin-line-between-love-and-hate saga is epic. I would hazard a guess in saying that it was the most complex and fascinating mature relationship ever developed on a soap opera. Yeah, go ahead and try to prove me wrong. I dare you.
Holly & Roger were soulmates who could never be together because they were just too toxic a combination. Their love was fiercely passionate, but their war was passionately vicious. This is the moment that revolutionized daytime and solidified Holly & Roger's standing in the annals of the medium.
Many, many years later, the past was finally laid to rest. And a new chapter began.
Over the years, Holly & Roger fought many bloody battles, but the war could never be won. Roger is in Holly's blood as much as he is in Blake's.
Without a doubt, Holly is the one great love of Roger's life. But with one glance, he could destroy her. And he often did. In some respects, based on their history, Roger created the strength in Holly that has endured, but he also created the walls that she often lived behind. Holly always searched for love and put so much stock into finding someone or something to make her whole. In the most perfect words of jetgirl78, Holly was a restless spirit. Always searching, always struggling, and always either coming up short or getting in her own way. When Roger destroyed Holly's innocence, he set in motion a constant and consistent tendency towards self-destruction. Holly was never comfortable in her own skin, and yet she never realized that. Until now, it seems. Ed told Holly on Wednesday that she seems "free". And Holly confidently agreed. In the end, it was Holly and only Holly who could lay her demons to rest. And she's done that. "Finally."
Holly & Olivia saw themselves in each other. It was a connection point, and from there, the bond grew quickly and they developed a genuine affection for one another. One that holds true to this day.
Holly and Olivia have a lot in common: sassy, damaged anti-heroines who have often been their own worst enemy. Both of them have straddled the line between villainess and heroine, but neither ever allowed themselves to be boxed up under a simple label. They are both much too complicated and complex for that. And that often translated into their friendships. Or lack thereof.
Both women have managed to maintain solid & strong relationships with their exes, but never with females. Holly, admittedly so. Holly had her friendly moments with Vanessa, Maureen, and even Gilly, but those relationships were never long for this world. Olivia had a friendship with Cassie, but they were so often in competition with one another that the relationship was tainted. Olivia had potential with Dinah, but it was never fully explored, and ultimately, they ended up friendly acquaintances.
Holly and Olivia were a different story. Two kindred spirits who bonded over mutual personalities and tendencies, Holly and Olivia are, arguably, each other's one true female friend. (Until Doris, that is.) A connection free of competition or pretense, they cared for each other deeply in a way that was very signature to them. Never too much emotion. But the love was there. Unfortunately, it was cut short due to Maureen Garrett being dropped from contract in 2003. And yet, the moment Olivia and Holly reconnected on Wednesday, the former friendship instantly shined again. These two women can understand each other on a level that no one else can, and clearly time has not diminished that.
Holly is in RARE form here. This clip provides a nice view into a woman who was Olivia before Olivia was Olivia. It's also a beautiful contrast to what Holly & Blake have achieved.
Daytime goes to many places left untouched by other medias, and this is a prime example of that. Does Holly speak the absolute truth? No. Was it truthful at the time? Without a doubt. And it just furthers the progress that Holly & Blake have made in their complicated relationship.
Blake and Holly have always had a very tumultuous relationship. For so many years, when Holly looked at Blake, she saw Roger and that impeded any bonding mother & daughter could do. Blake was also a true product of her parents. She managed to inherit every bad quality or tendency Roger and Holly had as individuals, and thus, made it even more difficult for Holly to connect. And the icing on the cake was Blake going after Ross to spite Holly, who had a renewed interest in her ex-flame. That move damn near imploded any chance for a decent relationship. Eventually, though, as Holly saw that Blake & Ross shared a deep and abiding love that was wholly unexpected but unabashedly true, Holly came around. Little by little, mother & daughter grew closer, and now? Holly is the person Blake calls when she wants to "talk about love". Their journey was an incredibly difficult one, but worth it. Now, they are strong, healthy, and connected. And they love each other and all of their flaws unconditionally.
I bet you're still wondering about the bitterness and resentment, aren't you? Well, here goes...
Guiding Light will end its illustrious run on September 18, 2009 after 72 years in existence, making it (forever) the longest running scripted drama in the history of television. To put Holly's impact into perspective, let me note that Maureen Garrett has touched four decades of that run. FOUR DECADES! And yet, Maureen Garrett was given only one episode to return and say goodbye. ONE EPISODE? Not only is it insulting to Maureen Garrett and Holly Norris, but it is a clear and offensive disservice to the fans.
Many of the remaining or returning viewers have been around for ages and have watched this show as it has navigated through its many ups and downs. I am one of them. These fans have laughed, cried, gasped, crumbled, and fallen in love right beside these characters. Many characters throughout the years failed to make a connection with the fans, but the ones who did? They will be remembered forever. And fondly so. Holly Norris is one of these characters.
Holly inspired and empowered generations of women, teaching them that it was okay to stand up for yourself even when society had no precedent for that. Holly was far from perfect, but fans that loved her always knew that a big and empathetic heart beat behind iron walls with which she protected herself. Holly could say and do things on occasion that made everyone wince because there was never any doubt that it born from defense mechanisms galore. She was never immune to bouts of character assassination, however, but through the strength of the character and the power of Maureen Garrett, Holly always managed to recover. While her innocence had been stolen at a young age, much of the rest of her life has been spent playing catch-up. Now, she is finally all caught up. And it looks beautiful on her.
Grievously, much of that newfound and hard won peace could only be gleaned through inference. There was no time to get past vague pleasantries that alluded to Holly's life since 2005. She is finally free, but how did she get there? We will never know.
While I am beyond thrilled that Holly is finally in a good and secure place (no one deserves it more), I am just so saddened that Ellen Wheeler & Co. think so little of their fans. I understand that current stories need to be wrapped up in time for the finale, but I guarantee you that even the fans who have only come to GL in recent memory (most notably for Otalia) have more investment and interest in someone like Holly versus, for example, Mallet & Marina and the storyline that only exists in left field.
The M&M story turns do not make any sense whatsoever and I'm sure that even their three fans out there are scratching their heads. Holly, on the other hand, still has multiple connections to the canvas: Blake, Ed, Olivia, Vanessa, and Buzz, to name a few. Blake is now entering into a new love affair (one that will pale in comparison to her time with Ross, but deserved, nonetheless) and it would be nice to see her bounce her excitement off of her mother. Holly would be a perfect confidante for Olivia, tag-teaming with Doris to provide Olivia with both the tender and the snark. Holly would also undoubtedly make the short list to be invited to the Billy/Vanessa/Buzz/Lillian double wedding. There is a plethora of possibilities that still exist for the character.
It seems as though GL had a slightly more extensive story planned for Holly, one that would have kept her around a little bit longer, but one that got nixed for one reason or another. Read all about it in this lovely article/tribute over at Superhero Lunchbox. While I am inclined to side Snapper on this and endorse this theory, I am perplexed by one major development. A story was planned, got scrapped, and they could not come up with any other reason to keep a GL icon around for a little while? I find that hard to believe and just plain lazy.
A television series with the kind of distinction and accolades that Guiding Light so distinctly embodies deserves to go out with style and grace, honoring a rich and varied history, and paying tribute to fans that remain and those who have left this world. Sadly, this is not the case, and Holly is a prime example of that. One episode that saw her screentime end at the 41 minute mark without any closure or goodbyes, or even a reference the very next day, is not a tribute to the character or the fans. It is a slap in the face. One of many, to be sure, but the one that stings the most.
Holly Norris has lived a life fraught with complexity, complications, turmoil, and great, epic love. Regrettably, the newer viewers would never know that from her insultingly short return. Thank god, there is a little thing called YouTube.
Bonus: Watch through the end. Specifically at around 7:23. This is rock solid proof that Maureen Garrett is the cutest thing on the planet. For reals.
And without further or do... Icons up for grabs:
[Btw, allow me to note that my feelings about Otalia have not changed. I am still very much at the point of finding it necessary to mock them just to get through the day. That said, it cannot be denied that Crystal Chappell and Jessica Leccia are two amazingly beautiful women who make icon-ing them much too easy. The "art" practically creates itself. Okay. That said, must go mock something...]
001002003
004005006
007008009
010011012
013014015
016017018
019020021
022023024
025026027
028029030
Created with angelamaria's Icon Table Generator @ Bauble
Use 'em or lose 'em, give credit where credit is due, comments are lovely, and most importantly? Enjoy!
Holly Norris is, arguably, one of the Top Five most iconic characters in the history of Guiding Light and Maureen Garrett, one of the most beloved actors. The Roger/Holly thin-line-between-love-and-hate saga is epic. I would hazard a guess in saying that it was the most complex and fascinating mature relationship ever developed on a soap opera. Yeah, go ahead and try to prove me wrong. I dare you.
Holly & Roger were soulmates who could never be together because they were just too toxic a combination. Their love was fiercely passionate, but their war was passionately vicious. This is the moment that revolutionized daytime and solidified Holly & Roger's standing in the annals of the medium.
Click to viewMany, many years later, the past was finally laid to rest. And a new chapter began.
Over the years, Holly & Roger fought many bloody battles, but the war could never be won. Roger is in Holly's blood as much as he is in Blake's.
Without a doubt, Holly is the one great love of Roger's life. But with one glance, he could destroy her. And he often did. In some respects, based on their history, Roger created the strength in Holly that has endured, but he also created the walls that she often lived behind. Holly always searched for love and put so much stock into finding someone or something to make her whole. In the most perfect words of jetgirl78, Holly was a restless spirit. Always searching, always struggling, and always either coming up short or getting in her own way. When Roger destroyed Holly's innocence, he set in motion a constant and consistent tendency towards self-destruction. Holly was never comfortable in her own skin, and yet she never realized that. Until now, it seems. Ed told Holly on Wednesday that she seems "free". And Holly confidently agreed. In the end, it was Holly and only Holly who could lay her demons to rest. And she's done that. "Finally."
Holly & Olivia saw themselves in each other. It was a connection point, and from there, the bond grew quickly and they developed a genuine affection for one another. One that holds true to this day.
Holly and Olivia have a lot in common: sassy, damaged anti-heroines who have often been their own worst enemy. Both of them have straddled the line between villainess and heroine, but neither ever allowed themselves to be boxed up under a simple label. They are both much too complicated and complex for that. And that often translated into their friendships. Or lack thereof.
Both women have managed to maintain solid & strong relationships with their exes, but never with females. Holly, admittedly so. Holly had her friendly moments with Vanessa, Maureen, and even Gilly, but those relationships were never long for this world. Olivia had a friendship with Cassie, but they were so often in competition with one another that the relationship was tainted. Olivia had potential with Dinah, but it was never fully explored, and ultimately, they ended up friendly acquaintances.
Holly and Olivia were a different story. Two kindred spirits who bonded over mutual personalities and tendencies, Holly and Olivia are, arguably, each other's one true female friend. (Until Doris, that is.) A connection free of competition or pretense, they cared for each other deeply in a way that was very signature to them. Never too much emotion. But the love was there. Unfortunately, it was cut short due to Maureen Garrett being dropped from contract in 2003. And yet, the moment Olivia and Holly reconnected on Wednesday, the former friendship instantly shined again. These two women can understand each other on a level that no one else can, and clearly time has not diminished that.
Holly is in RARE form here. This clip provides a nice view into a woman who was Olivia before Olivia was Olivia. It's also a beautiful contrast to what Holly & Blake have achieved.
Daytime goes to many places left untouched by other medias, and this is a prime example of that. Does Holly speak the absolute truth? No. Was it truthful at the time? Without a doubt. And it just furthers the progress that Holly & Blake have made in their complicated relationship.
Blake and Holly have always had a very tumultuous relationship. For so many years, when Holly looked at Blake, she saw Roger and that impeded any bonding mother & daughter could do. Blake was also a true product of her parents. She managed to inherit every bad quality or tendency Roger and Holly had as individuals, and thus, made it even more difficult for Holly to connect. And the icing on the cake was Blake going after Ross to spite Holly, who had a renewed interest in her ex-flame. That move damn near imploded any chance for a decent relationship. Eventually, though, as Holly saw that Blake & Ross shared a deep and abiding love that was wholly unexpected but unabashedly true, Holly came around. Little by little, mother & daughter grew closer, and now? Holly is the person Blake calls when she wants to "talk about love". Their journey was an incredibly difficult one, but worth it. Now, they are strong, healthy, and connected. And they love each other and all of their flaws unconditionally.
I bet you're still wondering about the bitterness and resentment, aren't you? Well, here goes...
Guiding Light will end its illustrious run on September 18, 2009 after 72 years in existence, making it (forever) the longest running scripted drama in the history of television. To put Holly's impact into perspective, let me note that Maureen Garrett has touched four decades of that run. FOUR DECADES! And yet, Maureen Garrett was given only one episode to return and say goodbye. ONE EPISODE? Not only is it insulting to Maureen Garrett and Holly Norris, but it is a clear and offensive disservice to the fans.
Many of the remaining or returning viewers have been around for ages and have watched this show as it has navigated through its many ups and downs. I am one of them. These fans have laughed, cried, gasped, crumbled, and fallen in love right beside these characters. Many characters throughout the years failed to make a connection with the fans, but the ones who did? They will be remembered forever. And fondly so. Holly Norris is one of these characters.
Holly inspired and empowered generations of women, teaching them that it was okay to stand up for yourself even when society had no precedent for that. Holly was far from perfect, but fans that loved her always knew that a big and empathetic heart beat behind iron walls with which she protected herself. Holly could say and do things on occasion that made everyone wince because there was never any doubt that it born from defense mechanisms galore. She was never immune to bouts of character assassination, however, but through the strength of the character and the power of Maureen Garrett, Holly always managed to recover. While her innocence had been stolen at a young age, much of the rest of her life has been spent playing catch-up. Now, she is finally all caught up. And it looks beautiful on her.
Grievously, much of that newfound and hard won peace could only be gleaned through inference. There was no time to get past vague pleasantries that alluded to Holly's life since 2005. She is finally free, but how did she get there? We will never know.
While I am beyond thrilled that Holly is finally in a good and secure place (no one deserves it more), I am just so saddened that Ellen Wheeler & Co. think so little of their fans. I understand that current stories need to be wrapped up in time for the finale, but I guarantee you that even the fans who have only come to GL in recent memory (most notably for Otalia) have more investment and interest in someone like Holly versus, for example, Mallet & Marina and the storyline that only exists in left field.
The M&M story turns do not make any sense whatsoever and I'm sure that even their three fans out there are scratching their heads. Holly, on the other hand, still has multiple connections to the canvas: Blake, Ed, Olivia, Vanessa, and Buzz, to name a few. Blake is now entering into a new love affair (one that will pale in comparison to her time with Ross, but deserved, nonetheless) and it would be nice to see her bounce her excitement off of her mother. Holly would be a perfect confidante for Olivia, tag-teaming with Doris to provide Olivia with both the tender and the snark. Holly would also undoubtedly make the short list to be invited to the Billy/Vanessa/Buzz/Lillian double wedding. There is a plethora of possibilities that still exist for the character.
It seems as though GL had a slightly more extensive story planned for Holly, one that would have kept her around a little bit longer, but one that got nixed for one reason or another. Read all about it in this lovely article/tribute over at Superhero Lunchbox. While I am inclined to side Snapper on this and endorse this theory, I am perplexed by one major development. A story was planned, got scrapped, and they could not come up with any other reason to keep a GL icon around for a little while? I find that hard to believe and just plain lazy.
A television series with the kind of distinction and accolades that Guiding Light so distinctly embodies deserves to go out with style and grace, honoring a rich and varied history, and paying tribute to fans that remain and those who have left this world. Sadly, this is not the case, and Holly is a prime example of that. One episode that saw her screentime end at the 41 minute mark without any closure or goodbyes, or even a reference the very next day, is not a tribute to the character or the fans. It is a slap in the face. One of many, to be sure, but the one that stings the most.
Holly Norris has lived a life fraught with complexity, complications, turmoil, and great, epic love. Regrettably, the newer viewers would never know that from her insultingly short return. Thank god, there is a little thing called YouTube.
Bonus: Watch through the end. Specifically at around 7:23. This is rock solid proof that Maureen Garrett is the cutest thing on the planet. For reals.
And without further or do... Icons up for grabs:
[Btw, allow me to note that my feelings about Otalia have not changed. I am still very much at the point of finding it necessary to mock them just to get through the day. That said, it cannot be denied that Crystal Chappell and Jessica Leccia are two amazingly beautiful women who make icon-ing them much too easy. The "art" practically creates itself. Okay. That said, must go mock something...]
001002003
004005006
007008009
010011012
013014015
016017018
019020021
022023024
025026027
028029030
Created with angelamaria's Icon Table Generator @ Bauble
Use 'em or lose 'em, give credit where credit is due, comments are lovely, and most importantly? Enjoy!