Several posts have eloquently defended Michelle's actions, or lack thereof, and I agree with them. Her actions/inactions fit her characterization so far. But how about Mr. Blue? Since I've only been watching Guiding Light for several weeks, I don't really know much about that character and the Michelle/Jesse relationship in the past.

However, I've gathered this: To Michelle and Jesse, that relationship was very, very important, never mind that many viewers weren't keen on it. Puppy love or not, it was real to both of them. Just as Michelle is having a hard time letting go of her little flame (no, I'm not forgetting that she has other reasons that are solely related to that whirlwind Danny), then so is Jesse. Blue-boy may not appreciate/love Michelle the way tornado-MAN does, but can you fault him for wanting to be with her at this point? He does seem rather devoted and loyal in his own way.

Michelle has started to explain the nature of her marriage to Danny. While telling her tale, she did make it clear that a lot of what happened was for Jesse himself (granted, at the beginning only, and things changed -- but she hasn't said that) and furthermore, that no real hanky-panky went on between her and Danny. I can't really blame Jesse for misunderstanding and reacting the way he did (and continues to). He doesn't know Danny, or more accurately -- is incapable of knowing Danny - the way Michelle does. (Again, keep in mind that we are viewers who know the entire story with all the different points of view, while the characters only have their own.) And Jesse is only beginning to clue in on the fact that Michelle has changed.

The character may be dense, but I think he's now possibly in some relief or denial mode. She is too important a figure in his life. Again, as Michelle can't easily walk away at this point, neither can he. Either way, his "mis-analysis" or misunderstanding of situations fits his characterization.

So, much as I find scenes with TWV hovering around Michelle excruciatingly painful to watch, I can live with them as long as there's some logic attached to them. Of course this could all be moot. Afterall trying to make logical sense out of nothing (or worse, of the illogical) can be rather futile. If a character had no depth -- there's just nothing there to read and interpret -- then any "analysis" or interpretation is valid, eh? Which is my long-winded way of saying that I should just go back to worshiping Paul Anthony Stewart.

Melissa, asking "Is it okay (is it possible?!?!) to discuss TWV in a semi-serious light?"