It's with a big sigh of relief that I report that Michael Logan at TV Guide has confirmed that CBS has booked Guiding Light for one more year. That'll make it 72 years of continuous broadcasting -- radio and television. No program can match Guiding Light's longevity, and I would hate to see CBS cancel a show with this kind of legacy.That said, Guiding Light needs to have a better year going forth than they've had looking back. In fact, since tying with The Young and the Restless last June as Outstanding Daytime Drama at the Emmys, the show has been going through major transitions. The new style of filming, shooting on locations in a New Jersey town that's being used as the fictional Springfield, began on February 29, and it hasn't been welcomed by the critics or viewers.
Logan asked CBS Daytime chief Barbara Bloom about the format. Her response? "I agree that some of the camera work is shaky and frenetic and some of the close-ups are too tight - and that maybe we've broken rules that didn't need to be broken - but this is a work in progress. We're just a few weeks into this new production model. I think everybody who's complaining needs to lighten up."
Al-righty then. Seriously, if the storytelling improves -- and I have faith in headwriter David Kreitzman and Executive Producer Ellen Wheeler that it will -- the camera work won't seem as distracting. The fact that the entire Phillip Spaulding coming back to town story has turned out to be a hoax is a disappointment. I would have liked to have seen Grant Aleksander's return. But, as Ms. Bloom suggests, I'll give the show a bit more time with the cinema verite stuff. I'm just glad CBS is committed for one more year.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-18-2008 @ 9:37PM
turtlechelle said...
Oh, OK, a show that I've been a devoted fan of for over 30 years is being completely trashed, but I need to "lighten up." Thanks for that glimmering insight Ms. Bloom.
I honestly don't know anything about Barbara Bloom except what can be found on her rather unimpressive IMDB page, but her flippant attitude is very off-putting. I get the distinct impression that she doesn't respect the genre or it's viewers.
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5-13-2008 @ 4:22PM
Pat said...
So, GL has renewed for another year.
I ask.........What is the point? The show is trash, now.
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5-16-2008 @ 12:07PM
Jennie said...
Such a shame to ruin GL for the sake of somebody's idea of "art". Half the time it can't be heard, and it seems no story has any meaning. AND please!!! could they find some clothes for those poor actors to wear!! I threw fashions like those away 30 years ago. P.S. couldn't give them away! I am 66 yrs. and used to listen to GL on the radio. Been a fan along time, but soon will find better use for my time than trying to figure out what is going on in Springfield.
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7-05-2008 @ 11:51PM
Janet Zavatto said...
I haven't even watchted the show in well over a month. It screwed up my mornings.....and for awhile until I adjusted, my days as well. Fond memories of a truely great show.
Sincerely,
Janet
The Bronx
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7-08-2008 @ 1:08AM
Paula said...
I really don't care for the way that GL is filming anymore. When Jeffrey was in the hospital his hospital room was a wood paneled closet!! Plus the "Spaulding" home is horrid. Nothing grand. It used to have style. Plus - since Bill & Dinah just took over the world - shouldn't they be at work occasionally - instead of Dinah arranging flowers? Oh yes, I remember I did see her in her office once. It was also the size of a closet. All in all the show has become very dissapointing!!
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