This
page is dedicated to the hottest new supercouple on daytime television,
Danny
Santos and Michelle Bauer,
played
by the talented Paul Anthony Stewart and Joie Lenz.
When Michelle was played by Rebecca Budig, I was not a big fan. Michelle just seemed like another annoying plot device among the many would-be good storylines that Guiding Light had. She was an annoying spoiled, rich, teenager with one goal in mind... to lose her virginity. I thought that just sent an excellent message to the younger generation of soap opera viewers (sarcasm). Yes, Michelle was sweet and everybody loved her, but she was annoying sweet. It was sickening the way she chased after guys... first J Chamberlain, then Zack the Angel, and then Jesse Blue, the man with her mother's heart and then hers. Jesse was the complete opposite of the high and prestigious Bauers of Springfield. He came from the bad section of town. Michelle's family disapproved of the match, but in the end, they consented.
Then entered Joie Lenz to take over the role of Michelle. Joie is not a newcomer to GL; she was last seen as Reva Shayne's teenage clone... but that's another story. At first, Joie's portrayal of Michelle did not impress me and I wanted Rebecca back. Joie's Michelle was always whining because Danny Santos would harrass her about his brother, Mick's murder. (I was not there when Paul Anthony Stewart walked into GL, but oh boy, do I wish I was!) I just knew that this new Michelle did not match the greaseball, Jesse. And Danny was definitely a hottie!
I really started getting into the show when Drew revealed to Danny that Michelle killed his brother (neglecting to tell her part of it). Danny, coming from a strong Mafia family, was commited to avenging his brother's death... by killing Michelle. However, the chemistry between them was so strong that Danny had feelings for her and could only save her one way, by making her a part of the Santos family. And so the two were reluctantly married.
Despite struggling against their feelings for each other, as well as Michelle's love for Jesse, the two did begin to care deeply about each other. It took Michelle's betrayal and Danny's insisting an annullment that made Michelle realize that it was Danny she loved, not Jesse. In the meantime, Jesse fell in love with Drew. Michelle tried to reconcile with Danny but he insisted his life would be no good for her.
Well, that's it for now. I'll have a more thorough recap as I work more on this page!
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