1) The "Light vs. Dark" theme:

"Danny's life and choices (past, present and future) -- acceptance or rejection of one world or the other -- are reminiscent of Othello's journey from the world of barbaric wars (life of a Mafia Prince) [with its own set of rules and codes] to Desdemona and her world of love, light and order (Michelle and the Bauers) and back to Iago (Carmen) and all that Iago/Carmen represents."

Then and even more so now, this theme is the primary reason why I completely agree with Jennifer Hallmark's essay which argues that the real triangle involves Danny, Michelle and Carmen. Neither Drew nor Jesse carries any weight on par with the former three. Michelle and Carmen are much more than arch-enemies for Danny's loyalty and affections. Though not purely good/evil, they represent two states of mind, two understandings of life. They are symbols of the different worlds through which Danny's (Othello's) soul makes a journey. I fervently hope that the writers continue to give us a serious treatment of this journey, at least as long as Paul Anthony Stewart remains on the show.

2) The essence of Danny's love and deep admiration for Michelle, and how it parallels Othello's attraction for Desdemona:

"Perdition catch my soul; but I do love thee, and when I love thee not; chaos is come again!"

"Is it reaching to suggest that [Danny] may regard Michelle as his 'angel', his 'salvation'? When he learned of her betrayal [re: cigar shipment and the FBI, and before that, the Mick incident], he was shattered..."

As BettyM puts it, Danny sees Michelle being above all of that, and would like to also believe similarly of himself. Like Othello, Danny's real foundation is shattered when that belief of perfection about Desdemona/Michelle no longer exists.

Melissa