I feel like I should have intelligent critic-like things to say about One Life to Live, but I really just want to run around squeeing like a giddy 12-year-old.

Firstlies, the return of Mitch Laurence, however improbable and hard to swallow, is MADE OF AWESOME. Roscoe Born needs to insure his voice for a bazillion dollars, because it is hypnotic and charismatic and never fails to send shivers and thrills down my spine. Even though Jessica has spent the past weeks running around like the worst kind of horror movie heroine — don’t run TOWARDS the creepy potting shed, Jess, and for the love of God, DON’T TOUCH THE CORPSE — Bree Williamson’s reaction shots have been priceless. And both she and Melissa Archer (Natalie) played the terror and disgust at seeing Mitch again beautifully.

But the true scene stealer — sorry Mr. Born — has been Cryptkeeper Nash. I mean, I haven’t seen a performance this effective since Y&R’s Mr. Kitty. It’s been a tour-de-force, especially in the tipping of his wig to Norman Bates’ mother in Psycho. Cryptkeeper Nash (maybe I should call him ‘Crash’ for short?) perfectly portrayed the open-mouthed shock of the situation, and was so moving despite his rather understated — almost wooden — mien.

But enough about the show’s new hero, we all know what I’m really here to talk about: Kish and Cayla! I think I’ve said this before, but Brett Claywell, Scott Evans, David Fumero and Tika Sumpter are so organic together that it’s like watching a bunch of real friends hang out. (And, like I pointed out on Twitter, they do seem to have a never-ending supply of beer, so who wouldn’t want to hang out with them? LOL.) Cris and Layla deciding to take that leap and be together was a long time coming and I love how he just kissed the Hell out of her! But even better than that was at the end of the episode, when she dragged him off to grab his sweater from the dryer and he sat down for the movie and slid so she was sitting between his knees. It’s that utterly natural way they are together that makes them so perfect.

Then you have Kyle and Fish, who are so painstakingly tentative and awkward because they want everything to be “just right.” The explosive passion is there — like whoa; towel makeout scene, anyone? — but they don’t know how to be a couple. My favorite moment for them was when nervous Fish was rambling about having every right to kiss his boyfriend — and how great is it that his huffy rants have become a consistent trait? — and Kyle just turned, slowly, and grinned. As if he was processing what he was hearing and it was so damn wonderful. Brett Claywell settled into this great fond/smug expression as Fish wrapped up his spiel, and I loved it.

Yay, OLTL. Just…yay. Sometimes I may not like where and with whom you’re pushing the envelope (coughToddcough), but I’m glad you push it, because in many cases it makes for great story!

I hope that all loving couples will hold each other in a kind of tender reverence, will honor love in all its forms, because love will not be denied just because someone thinks you don’t have a right to it, and those who have the courage to risk their love never lose. Even when they feel betrayed and lost, even when it feels futile, love has a way of reigniting and reanimating our lives, of surfacing at a time when we least expect it, especially in people who only needed a chance to show you you could shine. Love is our pulse, our breath, and no matter who you find yourselves in love with, it’s always a gift, so cherish and celebrate your love as couples and as partners for life. 

The Nov. 2 episode of OLTL had its ups and downs, just like any other, but it also had a really beautiful message at the core. I love that Andrew gave voice to that message: that true partnership is about love and is a right no one should be denied. It was one of those speeches that made me want to declare my love to the scriptwriter, and I love when that happens. I love when someone writes something so resonant that it wraps around my heart, squeezes, and makes me want to bake them cookies or send them a gift basket.

“Love is our pulse, our breath.” Nowhere was that more obvious than in Dorian’s wide, dark eyes, so filled with nervous desperation and the hope that David would show up. And in Kyle and Fish’s faces, when Kyle broke away from Nick and asked Fish if they still had a chance. The show got it right. The joy, the heartbreak, it’s all universal. Gay people don’t do it any differently than straight people, and more often than not, everyone makes the same exact mistakes.

I’m not saying that OLTL’s understanding of the concept is consistent or perfect — lord knows, the fact that a sociopathic rapist has an equal right to love is a major head-scratcher for me — but in handling both David and Dorian and Kyle and Fish’s matters of the heart, I feel they cut to the soul of the issue: the sanctity of marriage comes from entering into it with real love. Nothing more, nothing less.

I was watching As the World Turns today, and I kept flipping over to One Life to Live during the commercials to get hits like a crack addict needing a fix. And, well, I missed a lot, so I rewatched the big, gay wedding tonight (I love that absolutely everybody, in Llanview and offscreen, is calling it that).

Téa implying the awesome Ross Rayburn is dangerous (gee, we know where this is going) and the Mannings as the Fantastic Four aside (Todd, I know Reed Richards, and you, sir, are no Reed Richards), I was really entertained. So much character-based work, so many gems in terms of dialogue. And, no, I’m not just talking about Kyle and Fish. Other aspects were really wonderful as well. The pair-up of David and Destiny and their quest to rescue Matthew is genius. Tuc Watkins brings the best out in young Shenell Edmonds; they’re hilarious together and the bond really allows David to show his gentle side. Having David reflect on his relationship with Dorian (while flying coach — gasp!) as Dorian did much the same amidst the cacophony of the mass wedding was perfect. Then there is the power pairing of Bo and Nora. Robert S. Woods and Hillary B. Smith are still magic together. How great was Nora trying to rationalize their kisses while Bo called her “Red,” and ultimately confessed he still loves her? (I confess, I may have gotten a little weak-kneed, Mr. Woods. Well played.)

Even the teens, who I have no real investment in, in were fabulous. Unlike their PSA-style discussion of Big Gay Issues of a few days ago, their scenes today were sweet and organic. I cracked up when Markko and Cole awkwardly announced they love each other and then a beaming Langston and Starr joined them.

Langston: I’ve always wanted to be Mrs. Starr Manning.
Starr: Oh, honey, you didn’t tell me you were taking my name!

And, yes, now is when I talk about Fish. I thought his fit  a few weeks back with Ross in the Llanview PD squad room was eyebrow-raising, but his outburst today beats all. Sure it may have been a tad bit over-the-top, but Fish has about 25 years of repressing these emotions to make up for. And they all came pouring forth as he outed himself to everyone and blasted the protesters for their bigotry. Scott Evans sold it so well. A beautiful companion to Fish’s tirade was Kyle in the background, Brett Claywell’s face speaking volumes, as he restlessly played with the rabbit’s foot Roxy had given him for luck.

It was an hour full of big moments and little moments…all of which added up to one really effective episode.