Thumbs/performer of the Week
Best Of Show Or Worse For Wear? Digest Decides.
thumbs up! GENERAL HOSPITAL Spin City
It’s a delight to have Bradford Anderson’s Spinelli back on the canvas in such a purposeful way. Our favorite quirky P.I. has a double dose of solid reasons to accept the mission that has brought him home (trying to clear Fair Samantha’s good name as she stands to go down for Shiloh’s murder). Not only are Sam and Jason his besties, but his instincts that Peter is knee-deep in this mess are spot-on — and Spinelli is deeply invested in finding out the truth about Mr. August, for reasons both poetic (he and Maxie have a long and important emotional history) and practical (he does not want a slimy criminal hanging around the daughter he and Maxie share). Over the years, Spinelli has evolved from his original standing as cartoonish sidekick, and portrayer Bradford Anderson
is striking just the right balance in his current characterization, maintaining Spinelli’s humor, but not at the expense of his humanity. We’re sure glad he hopped that flight from Portland.
thumbs down! DAYS OF OUR LIVES No More Tears
DAYS has been somewhat of a downer of late, heavy on doom, gloom and blood. With Kate already on
life support (crushing Lucas and Will), Julie suffered a heart attack and doctors warned that she would die without a transplant. Her loved ones, particularly Doug, shed tears as they sat vigil at her bedside, and half of Salem was officially in despair. But those numbers kept climbing, as Stefan was fatally shot (in the throat, which made for particularly gory viewing) by a bullet meant for Vivian, devastating widow Gabi. Yes, the three calamities happened concurrently by design, so the show could tell a “Who will be the donor?” story for Julie, who was ultimately saved with Stefan’s ticker. But the anguish overload (with little levity or romance to counteract the heavy emotions) led to a situation that was out of balance. With the medical crises behind us, here’s hoping DAYS will let the sunshine back in.
thumbs up! YOUNG AND RESTLESS Game Of Throne
The scene where Victor conceded his position at Newman Enterprises to Victoria was terrific. The Mustache has had a death grip on the CEO chair for decades, and so much of Victor’s identity is wrapped up in running his company. Health issues prompted him to put Victoria in charge temporarily, so she was really bent out of shape when he wanted to come back. Believing that she had more than earned her right to be top dog, Ms. Newman was fierce as she confronted her father (“This is me telling you what I want”). Victoria demanded to be made permanent CEO or else she would make it her life’s goal to bring down Newman — but instead of Victor going berserk over her insubordination, he basked with immense pride and accepted her terms. “You are your father’s daughter,” he beamed. He had tears in his eyes as he officially handed over the corporate reins, and the two warriors embraced. Played beautifully by Amelia Heinle (Victoria) and Eric Braeden (Victor), this moment was as poignant as it was pivotal.