Watching Olivia suffering from Natalia's sudden departure on the July 6th and 9th episodes of Guiding Light was painful and poignant. After facing off with martyr Frank and the self-righteous Father Ray, Olivia turned to the two people she could count on most in her time of despair. Phillip Spaulding and Doris Wolf. Huh? The ex-husband she threatened to kill more times than I can count? The man she hated with such passion for nearly as long as their daughter Emma has been alive? And the woman who practically "outed" Olivia and Natalia to the whole town for political gain? The woman everyone in Springfield despises, ridicules and barely tolerates almost as much as they do Olivia herself? Yes!
The old Olivia would have lashed out in vengeful acts of desperation, self-loathing, and insecurity. The new Olivia turns to people she can count on. People she has grown close to over the past few months - who see her, understand her, and accept her for who she's been and who she's become. To witness Olivia asking for help from Phillip, putting her vulnerability out there and revealing her raw emotions to him without hesitation was a beautiful sight to see. This dramatic turn around is not about Phillip, but about Olivia. This is not the same Olivia Spencer Phillip knew. This is a woman transformed by unconditional love. A woman who has found the strength within herself to forgive, to trust, and to rely on others for help and support. By experiencing all these things with Natalia, Olivia has learned to have these things with other people, like Phillip and Doris.
Ah Doris! Olivia's friendship with Doris is one of the most wonderful surprises and highlights of the Otalia storyline. Olivia was never one to have close friendships, especially with women. How ironic that since falling in love with a woman, she no longer sees women as a threat, and therefore is developing the best friendships of her life. With Doris, especially, she is able to be herself in every way, and in return, Doris can do the same with Olivia. They are a perfect match of wit, intelligence, strength and drive, while at the same time their foibles, insecurities, and sensitivities are equally familiar. They are able to reveal and understand sides to each other in a way they can't with anyone else. They put no pressures, demands or expectations on one another. They are simply there when the other needs a listening ear or a helping hand.
Who else would drop everything to go on a wild goose chase, searching every religious sanctuary in the state, providing encouragement, while at the same time a voice of reason when needed. And likewise, who else would also drop everything to come to Liv's rescue when she was too upset to drive, quietly supporting and assisting without judging or interfering. Phillip and Doris turned out to be the greatest, if unlikeliest of best friends in Olivia's darkest hours. This is Guiding Light at its best... creating unexpected, yet believable relationships that drive the stories in new and exciting directions. Bravo GL, CC, OC & GA!
