Spauldingfan's Perspective--December 26, 2008

I enjoyed today's show a lot more than the Christmas Eve show. For one, it had that element of forgiveness and coming together, allowing the "strays" to spend the holiday with family and friends, putting aside differences so no one was left alone. That was always something I remembered from the past. Bert welcoming Alan with Hope despite the fact that the Bauers and the Spauldings were at odds, etc.

There was the tension created for the audience who is in on Beth's infidelity, while Alan still doesn't know and the comedic element with Buzz and now Lillian who know and are trying desperately to keep the secret. I thought that Tina Sloan, Justin Deas and Ron Raines were fantastic in the scenes together. Buzz steals the scenes with Coop, he just does. Even while Coop was on the phone, Buzz just stood in the doorway and without uttering a word, stole the scenes.

Even those who dislike Alan have to agree that his scenes with Peyton are adorable! So, antiAlanesque, yet great to see. You know that once he learns the truth about Beth and Coop his dark side will emerge, BUT this is more in line with who Alan is. He is complicated. He is vulnerable when it comes to his emotions, but can turn on a dime. I just hope they continue writing him in this manner, having more than one dimension. I also hope that when he finds out he deal with things in the way than only Alan can, but isn't written into that dark corner they wrote him into with Jonathan.

Still not sure why they have written Ashlee they way they have. She should be trying to get back with Coop. Now I am still a little squeamish when it comes to watching Beth and Coop. I had to FF through a lot of it. I just can't take it. I don't want to see Alan hurt, but I know it is going to happen.

Still liking Shayne and Dinah--but roasting marshmallows when you have just committed arson--on a government facility no less! A little over the top even for Dinah!