Gays of our Lives (April 06, 2009)

Quite frankly, I was surprised at how Christian’s character developed. I expected months of struggling with his sexuality, denying any feelings for Olli, followed by furtive sex and then pushing Olli away. Instead, once Christian realized he wanted to be with Olli, he was determined to be open and honest about his relationship to everyone in his life, including his brother Gregor.

That was a refreshing change from how these plots often play out.

Did Christian even notice Olli was gone for two months?

What the show did worst: Olli’s ‘vacation’. Actor Jo Weil was doing a play so the show had to write his character out for several months. Unfortunately, they spent no time crafting a believable exit for Olli, even though they had plenty of time in which to write one.

Instead, the show created a faux crisis that resulted in Olli going on vacation without the man he loves. He was supposed to be gone for a week, but ended up absent for two months, which Christian seemed surprisingly unconcerned about. On top of that, weeks dragged by with Christian having little to do but listen to the woes of others. Now even with Olli back, there has been precious little for the guys to do. Overall, badly handled and bungled.

Repetitive scenes of Olli and/or Christian giving romantic advice to
Gregor and/or Stella has been about as exciting as it gets for this gay couple

Random Thoughts: There have been whispers of a new Christian/Olli storyline to come. Let’s hope so because it’s rather frustrating watching the two pointlessly talk about other people’s love lives. I realize that they can’t be front and center all the time, but the characters deserve at least their own B or C storyline. It is a shame to treat such popular, well-developed characters with such indifference.

Overall Rating: Three Nukes.

Hollyoaks Love Triangle Fails Basic Geometry

Here was a show firing on all cylinders just a few short months ago. The romantic and provocative love story between John Paul (James Sutton) and Father Kieron (Jake Hendriks) included the men falling in love as well as Kieron’s struggle between his faith and his love for John Paul. Combined with the vengeful schemes of Niall Rafferty, John Paul’s secret half brother, as well as the return of John Paul’s first love Craig (Guy Burnet), Hollyoaks reached a gay pinnacle of acting and storytelling rarely achieved on television, much less on soap operas.

Then came the awful bisexual love triangle we've been stuck with until only recently.

What the show did best: Without a doubt, Kieron’s murder. Not that seeing this wonderful character die was enjoyable - far from it. But the way it was done was classic soap and so shocking because you didn’t see it coming, not to mention the fact that it was unflinchingly graphic and painfully real. For me, it’s not only one of the most memorable moments on the show, but one of the most memorable in soaps.