Well, I debated on whether or not to post this blog. I sent a private message to Penny, expressing my thoughts, and in true Penny fashion, she said if I felt strongly, I should post. As she pointed out, I should be prepared for backlash, though she thought I wasn’t the only one upset at recent events. I know not everyone will agree with me, but it's my opinion, so I'm putting it into the universe. So here it goes.
I am boycotting Spinelli. By that, I mean I refuse to watch any scenes with the character of Spinelli until such time as the writers have decided to go back to the essence of what the character was intended to be instead of the mentally challenged buffoon he has become. My fast forward button will be in effect.
I fell in love with the character of Damien Spinelli because the cyberspeak, spastic gyrations and utter geekdom were nothing more than a cover for a MAN (yes MAN!) who was awkward, shy and unsure of his place in the world. Spinelli showed time and time again in his interactions with Lulu, Jason and a host of other Port Chuckles denizens that he was deeper than what appeared on the surface. He made me long to find out more about what lurked under the surface of his multicolored hoody.
Now, however, the writers have completely stripped away the depth of character that was Damien Spinelli and left him with nothing more than a shell of the former “man.” Now he’s not much more than a kindergartener, struggling to learn how to tie his shoes. How could someone who confessed such depth and pain to Jason a mere second in time ago now be so immature as to believe he and Maximista would live in the “regrettably pink room,” after their wedding? Of course, Maximista could decorate it to her taste! How could someone who was once more concerned about his friends than himself suddenly decide his worry over his proposal of marriage to Maxie, and an upcoming KARAOKE session?? - were more important than helping his friends find two runaway teenagers who may be in serious danger?
It seems like Maxie’s feelings for Spinelli are more about pity these days than love. I feel repulsed by their interactions rather than the spark of heat they once shared. There’s no other word for it – it’s ridiculous.
Even Spinelli’s proposal of marriage, rooftop supper and request for Maxie’s hand from Mac were more reminiscent of a mentally-challenged man than someone who knew deep down how much in love he was but perhaps was too awkward to carry out the task in the way he wished. Why couldn’t we see Spinelli share his true feelings in a deep and meaningful fashion instead of the way a sixth grader would propose to his playground girlfriend?
In the beginning, TPTB would always allow a glimmer of the intelligent and thoughtful man Spinelli was deep down to show through, even if it was only for a moment. Now, he’s a caricature. The comic relief. Not to be taken seriously.
Bradford Anderson is one of the most extraordinary talents I’ve seen grace the small or big screen. He has a range that exceeds many of today’s A-list celebrities, and yet, GH refuses to allow him to extend himself to the fullness of his capabilities. If I were Bradford, I would be mortified and LIVID at their lack of development for the character of Damian Spinelli.
I will be visiting the set of GH in a few weeks, and I may have the opportunity to see Bradford, having met him a time or two before. I’ve wondered what he may think of my boycott, but, after much thought, I’m wondering if he wouldn’t like to boycott the character himself at this point. Bradford is incredible. The writers of GH and their destruction of one of my favorite characters? Not so much. Let the flames begin.
