Today's episode of Guiding Light marked the return of one of the show's most beloved actresses and characters: Lisa Brown as Nola Reardon.
Brown joined the serial in early 1980 as the young daughter of boardinghouse owner Bea Reardon. For Brown's first year-and-a-half on the show, Nola was quite a devious schemer. She fell for handsome Dr. Kelly Nelson, though Kelly only had eyes for sweet, innocent Morgan Richards. Well, that didn't stop Nola. She schemed to seduce Kelly but her efforts failed. So she went and seduced Floyd Parker and got pregnant. She then tried to pass her unborn child off as Kelly's. Eventually Nola's lies were exposed. In time, she began to undergo a stunning metamorphosis. She went to work for the mysterious Quint McCord and slowly began shedding her scheming ways as she became a caring mother to her newborn daughter Kelly Louise (later renamed Anastasia) and as she fell in love with her new boss.
The Nola/Quint pairing was wildly popular with fans and the couple tied the knot in June 1983. Before long, Nola was preggers with Quint's child, a son they named Anthony James in honor of two of Nola's brothers. Unfortunately, after the couple married, Guiding Light de-emphasized the pair and instead focused on new characters and stories. Then, in spring 1985, Nola and Quint were written out of the show.
Nola would return to Springfield in 1995, albeit she and Quint had separated. She was soon joined by her son, now calling himself J. In 1996, it appeared that the show was paving the way for a romance between Nola and her late sister Maureen's husband Ed, but the plot was dropped when Peter Simon, who played Ed, departed the show. Quint soon returned but the show's writers failed to craft a compelling storyline for the couple. Quint was written out in early 1997. Nola, meanwhile, was thrust into an unpopular storyline where she fell in love with restaurant owner Buzz Cooper and schemed to steal him away from his paramour Jenna. The story ended abruptly and Nola simply faded from sight, an unfortunate end to an amazing character.
Lisa Brown's performances as the complex villainess/heroine were fascinating to watch as she was adept at both drama and comedy. Nola was a huge fan of classic movies and would often retreat into fantasies where she was the the lead in her own versions of films like Casablanca, The Wizard of Oz, Jane Eyre, and Rebecca, among many others. The fantasies were a delight to watch and provided interesting glimpses into Nola's complicated psyche.
So, let's take a peek at Nola, her machinations, fantasies, and fights. First, we get a glimpse of Nola as she fills the police in on some critical information about the nefarious Roger Thorpe (Nola appears at the 1:48 mark). Next, Kelly, played by John Wesley Shipp, confronts Nola with the truth behind her machinations. But the drama isn't over as it continues here. Then Nola finally cracks. Next, Nola and Morgan meet at the Bauer's home and discuss the past (and includes John Wesley Shipp in a Speedo). Nola fantasizes that she's in her own version of the classic Jane Eyre. Next, Nola and her soon-to-be sister-in-law Vanessa trade blows after they both show up for Nola's engagement party wearing the same exact dress. The memories start at the 4:05 mark, and the fur begins to fly at the 6:15 mark. Guiding Light paid homage to that classic scene on today's episode as Nola returned for Vanessa's wedding.
Lisa Brown and her portrayal of Nola are major parts of Guiding Light's rich history. It is truly a treat for fans and a fitting nod to the character and actress that both are back for Guiding Light's final episodes.
Finally, for Lisa Brown fans, here is a brand-new interview with the actress that appeared today on TV Guide's website.
1 comment:
who played tim's friend darren on the guiding light; this would be when kevin bacon was still playing the role of tim? tim was accused in the death of a teenaged girl. mike bauer (Don Stewart) helped tim to clear his name. as it turned out darren was responsible for the young girl's demise or at least played a part in her death. his/darren's father was a senator running for re-election. darren had gotten the girl pregnant. i don't recall the details, but the girl died. darren made it look like tim did it. he felt the scandal would ruin his dad's political career. this was in the summer of '80 or '81
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