My second official trial rant

3 . 3 . 00

Sometimes things are just understood. These things, for some of us, are not questioned, they're not up for debate, they just are. Unfortunately, at the same time, these things can also go by, day by day, unnoticed and unattended, sometimes forgotten. I've found this to be the case with Joie Lenz's performance over the last few months. While I know that many Mannyacs have praised her, I feel that the general lack of respect from every soap publication and other fanbase (in the name of "loyalty") to be astonishing. Her name is repeatedly passed over when talk of Emmy consideration comes up (again, outside of the Mannyac circle), not even a mention! Why?

While I can appreciate and even understand a certain actor's "style" not meshing with a particular viewer's tastes, I find it amazing that some viewers cannot see what's right in front of them. This young lady, 18 years old - EIGHTEEN YEARS OLD - can act circles around most of her co-stars. This is a woman with the ability to convey every emotion that's been asked of her, and do so without histrionics and waling appendages.

I will be the first to say that when she arrived on the canvas (2nd time around - as I haven't seen her performance as teenReva), she was raw, but you could see the natural talent she exuded in every scene. However, over the past 15 months, she has grown into such a talent that I consider it a privilege to watch that growth every single day. Her performance, especially since the trial began, has been spectacular. Her talent is subtle, and in knowing that, she is self-contained. She needs no others to act off of because the character she portrays is in her eyes, in her smile, in every facial expression and body movement she makes. Her reaction yesterday when told that every member of her jury thought she was guilty beyond a reasonable doubt (there's a whole OTHER rant on their stupidity, but I digress), was sheer perfection.

The writers deserve credit for writing her general reaction as an inward sanctuary, with only her voice being heard. For her, this was unreal, this wasn't supposed to happen. This couldn't be happening to her. She was good, she was right, she was innocent. Her resolve, however, in the following scenes, showed amazing strength on Joie's part (despite her little cold, she kicked ass). She was able to convey to us the sheer terror of losing everything she's got while still trying to be strong for her family and keep her dignity at the same time. She walked out of that courtroom in handcuffs, but with her head held high. She was innocent, and she knew it, but that didn't make the cold steel around her wrists disappear.

On to other things…

Huge props go out to whoever had the idea to end the show with lyrical music! Even though I felt like I was watching MTV, it was incredibly effective. With the exception of including Cruddie (Carmen/Eddy) - their inclusion was jarring - I found it to be a great insight to see how Michelle's fate has had an impact on everyone involved.

Remind me to write about how, despite what so many people seem to think, I don't believe this trial is about Drew at all. :P (a whole other future RRR)

Although I've read comments about Paul being a little "off" yesterday in these scenes, I have to disagree. I think he was the perfect CO-star. This day was about Manny, yes, but it really HAD to be more about Michelle and how she's dealing with the reality that's been forced upon her. Danny, as her husband, despite how destroyed he may feel inside, has got to be strong for her. These last few weeks (especially) have afforded us the pleasure of watching Danny truly grow into the man I'm sure his father would be proud of. A man who takes care of his own - his wife and his little sister. And add to that the look of complete desolation on his face during the music montage toward the end. His facial expression never changed, why should it? He can barely make himself move from that spot by the window. And the look on his face only intensified Danny's emptiness in those moments. Brava goes to Paul as well!

Manny together were amazing yesterday, and I seem to sound like a broken record, because I can't remember a time when I've been happier with their PERFORMANCES as a duo. In 15 months, both Paul & Joie have perfected their ability to make us believe in this couple, to believe that they would die without the other. I half expected Danny's head to explode after Michelle was taken away. :P

For the record - I'm not worried about Theresa. She was always a joke, she will always be a joke. She's not worth my time.

For the record - I'm glad to hear that Danny will be working with Josh again for a few weeks, but can we leave Olivia out of it? Me want some male bonding. :)

For the record - I vote for a sharp grey/blue jumpsuit for Michelle. I think she'd look stunning!

Asta everyone.. I'll be back with thoughts in the future…

Candy