Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

(with apologies to David Bowie)

It is evident that GH will return someday. Unless of course, Disney uses this as an excuse to cancel the show. Which would not surprise me at this point. But when it does return, there will probably be some changes. (Flash forward 5 years anyone?) Karen and I wanted to do one of our point/counterpoint blogs, but I feel this might be more of a joint venture. I'll start with what I think/feel/hope will happen to GH upon its return.

First, I feel that the 4-show format will stick. It saves money to Disney and right now Disney can get all the help they can get with all their lost revenue from park and theater closures, etc. Fridays will continue to be flashback Fridays. Its unfortunate for us that whoever picks those episodes is not picking the "right" ones. Another cost saving measure might be to go to the old SoapNet format where interviews were commonplace and have someone interview other actors from the privacy of their own home. This would personally bore the hell out of me, but I am sure there would be a market for it. And it would be low cost. See a pattern here? Disney cutting costs.

This could be the perfect opportunity for the show to streamline itself and drop a lot of its cast. I see a smaller GH, more intimate, with just a core group of people. Smaller, shorter storylines with less people. If social distancing remains a thing, then one-on-one conversations, no extras and no backgrounds.

How to do it? Well... art will imitate life. Port Charles will undergo a fictitiously named virus attack that will affect the entire city. Nurses and doctors can show the stress of not having proper equipment and facing and unknown future. Also being torn between helping patients and loved ones at the same time. Monica could ask Leslie to come and help out at the hospital. Residents will be forced to quarantine themselves "in place" and we will see many couples separated and new romances formed from being in the wrong place at the wrong time. But most tragically will be the loss of life due to the virus outbreak (this is where they cut half the show). Epiphany, Felix, Audrey Hardy, Molly and Tj, Jordan, Peter, Sasha, Willow, Mike, Olivia, Nina, Britt and Brad will all die. I realize some of these are beloved characters, but imagine the acting scenes of their partners/loved ones having to say goodbye to them. Truly emotional and stellar performances will come from this. Ned saying goodbye to Olivia. Liz saying goodbye to Audrey (face off camera). Sonny saying goodbye to Mike. Alexis and Molly. Virtually no one is safe or sacred. At least 20 will ultimately succumb. Many in brave fashion.

GH surfaces from the outbreak with more relationship stories, no more mob, and a focus on family.

Oh I agree with David on most points today!! I can't even call him names!! Yes, I do think the 4 day format would fly, although I've been a champion of 30 minute shows for awhile now. That also would cut down on cast and bloat. 

I don't agree with the virus story line however. I know it seems like a good idea but...too soon. Especially here in NY. Not only that they'd have to walk a fine fine line between soap drama and real life drama.  How would I cut the cast?  I'd say Ryan Chamberlain but that's been done. Plus, too gruesome for right now. I would just fade some out and also do a month of resets. That would look like a week with each family "day in the life" type style.  And I mean everything. Kids, laundry.. car pools, the works.  I'd cut GH to the bone. I'm even sick of Maxie and Lulu--neither of whom have much of a function lately.  A dark way to do this would be at Mike's funeral. Entire town shows up, church goes up and we'll see who walks out. Dynasty did it... Homeland did it..we could do it. 

I would also focus way more on the younger set. I'm hoping the Molly Brando thing will keep she and TJ on canvas more and not just as background players. Kristina needs to get back as well.  We need young blood...and we need it fast.

How about you? Your ideas??  Here's hoping our soap survives this. I think if they can get back to taping after April 30th we may be ok. If not? Who knows.