Celebrating the Glorious Life of Guiding Light: From 1992, Marlena’s Analysis of GL at its Peak

Don't miss Marlena's farewell to Guiding Light on blogtalkradio's Brandon's Buzz at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16 or later on the network's archive. ____________________________________________________    By Marlena De Lacroix In March 1992, Guiding Light reached the apex of soap quality, that perfect blend of excellence in writing, acting … [Read more...]

Guiding Light: What Happened? Start Your THINKING Long Ago

Thinking Fans savor vintage Guiding Light: Mike Goldberg says, "It seems to me that Guiding Light has had so many magical periods and then so many dreadful periods. The era you describe was magnificent" ... while from Italy, Giada declares, "I don't want to be a 'laudator temporis acti,' someone who praises the past for its own sake, but I do … [Read more...]

Grief Counseling from the Soap Shrink: How To Cope When the Light Goes Out

Thinking Fans mourn:  Matthew J. Cormier says, "I can't even begin to know how Guiding Light fans are dealing with the loss right now. I was such a wreck when Loving, The City and Port Charles were cancelled and they didn't run nearly as long as Guiding Light" ... while Blake reflects, "It's really going to hit me some time, but right now I just … [Read more...]

Guiding Light Cancelled! After 72 Years Does It Have to Stay Dead?

Thinking Fans share their grief: Skylar laments, "I want to call my great grandmother and tell her the news, as I'm sure she doesn't know. But I really don't want to be the one to deliver the news: a friend of 72 years is set to disappear forever"  ... while BL says, "I'm glad for all the people I've met and become pals with over the years due to … [Read more...]

Guiding Light: Keep It Burning!

Thinking Fans cherish Guiding Light memories: Levi recalls, "(GL) was a show my grandmother and I talked about on the phone and watched together. Even on her deathbed, we still talked about our favorite soap" ... while Jonathan Reiner declares, "Losing GL is not just a blow for the genre, it's a major loss for 20th Century Americana" ... and David … [Read more...]

On the Soap Shrink’s Couch: Newly Bereaved Father Buzz Cooper on Guiding Light

By Damon L. Jacobs Losing someone you love is one of the hardest experiences you will ever have to go through.  If you have ever cared about someone who has died, then you know the palpable heartache that brings pain throughout your entire body.  But if you have ever lost a child, then you will understand the overwhelming anguish and paralyzing … [Read more...]

Soap February: Blame Executive Malfeasance!

Thinking Fans Comment Update: BL avers, "I have to say the line (on AMC) about how lesbians don't kiss men was perfect, because why would they?" ... Carl posits, "GL has been so much about nasty thugs over the past few years, Phillip's return is a way to bring a more heroic character back into the spotlight" ... while Melanie warns that GH "is on … [Read more...]

Guiding Light’s Olivia and Natalia, Part 2: The Kiss and Beyond

Thinking Fans Comment Update: Cate points out All My Children's gay storyline initially caused a furor that later died down as viewers "warmed up to the character" ... adds Blake, "I hope GL does not get my hopes up about this great couple only to break them up" ... and more. See Comments below. _________________________  Guiding Light's … [Read more...]

Guiding Light’s Olivia and Natalia: Women in Love? — Part 1: Why They Have GL’s Best Friendship

Thinking Fans Comment Update:  Dayna says Otalia is "a modern romance told with beautiful soapy writing" ... Levi says Guiding Light is getting better, and "I am finally happy to tune in every day" ... and more. See Comments below.  _____________________________  The friendship between Guiding Light's Olivia (Crystal Chappell) and Natalia … [Read more...]

Marlena’s “Only the Bests” List 2008

Thinking Fans' picks and pans for 2008: Cherry Ames pans Todd/Marty as "the foulest story ever" ... DSO816 picks the Angie/Jesse reunion ... while Marlene agrees GHNS2 set the bar higher for all soaps ... and more. See Comments below.  ________________________  By Marlena De Lacroix Last year I decided I will no longer do "Best" and … [Read more...]