This essay by Melissa is in response to Gina's commentary RE: Danny and Michelle's future, those comments are in italics, Melissa's response, right after -- bold highlights are by Melissa.

I know that Michelle is in love with Danny, and there is tons of physical attraction between the two. And I know that Danny loves and cares for Michelle. It was evident way back on the beach when Michelle confessed Mick's murder. His compassion for her was unbelievable, and then he risks his life for hers. The story honestly couldn't be more romantic and loving. So where's the problem?

Well, I hate that I feel this way, but I just don't see how Michelle will be able to fit into Danny's life. I know that many of you believe that he will be able to convert his family business into something legal. This sounds goods but from what I know about the mob, there are many family businesses involved. We're not talking just about the Santos. I think that if the Santos were to turn legit there would be others to deal with.

But, what if in the soap world this were to happen. The Santos no longer does illegal business. Could Michelle still stay long term with a man whose family kills as revenge and who himself was going to kill the person responsible for Mick's death? I'm sure that Michelle still has vivid memories of the day Carmen shoved a gun in her face. Michelle even admits that she's afraid that Danny will turn on her, and I hate to say it, but for good reason. Look at his family. Now, of course, I know that Danny would do absolutely no harm to Michelle. Just the opposite. He would give and do anything for her. It's his family that worries me. Unless they kill off Carmen and Dietz and whoever else, but how could that happen?

If Michelle stays with Danny, she stays connected with the Mob. Can Michelle Bauer handle this? I don't know many who could.

So as you can see, I am confused. I just don't see how the writers can produce the forever couple that I am looking for. It almost makes me take a step back. I don't want to get too hooked because I am afraid that TPTB will take this wonderfully romantic and passionate love story away from me.

Now, my take .... Although I haven't watched long enough to know the full history of Michelle, I gather from everyone else's comments that the "old" (or more accurately, the "little" Bauer girl) Michelle would not be able to handle the Santos aspect of Danny. But Michelle has changed and continues to grow. Her development and how she deals with all of Danny's facets (especially that dark mob thing) make up half of the Manny story (the other half being Danny's transformation/journey), in my opinion ... We know that they are attracted to and care for each other, and it is very magical to see that "romantic and loving" aspect.

However, that aspect by itself is not what ultimately drives the story, in my not so humble opinion, The passion of the story runs much deeper than their physical attraction, affections and care for each other... Their "romance" story is driven (and it is what it is) because of those underpinning character differences and transformations. What we have seen and are seeing right now will seem very minor (just my humble opinion) in the long run. The story has barely started!

Gina stated: When Danny becomes this "force to be reckoned with," do you honestly see Michelle by his side?

I agree with BettyM that Danny is being developed by the writers to eventually head the Santos family. Whether or not he can completely legitimize the business, I still can and do see Michelle at "Danny's side." That does not mean I see her agreeing and supporting Danny 100% of the time. Far from it! I see them continually struggling (fighting!) with their differences, together and apart (I won't be surprised by more separations, and won't mind as long as they make sense). I would definitely feel shorted and mightily pissed if they don't show this.

Remember Meta's words in the kitchen -- "What would your life be like with him?" (or something like that). When I heard that, I said 'Allelujah!' to the writers, because that little exchange (and others involving Danny and Carmen) confirmed for me that TPTB does have a long-term vision for this couple, and it ain't a life filled with just bubbly champagne, bath tubs and flowers. I'm sure we'll see enough of that, but if that were it, I wouldn't be hooked to the tube, let alone be reading and posting on this board.

ramblus pontificatus, ha-ha!

Melissa chose to ramblus pontificatus a little more on the subject in response to Georgie's post -- Georgie's commentary are in italics.

I like the kinda-bad-Danny! and I like the goody two shoes Michelle -- it is the Anima and Animus, the oppposites attract that make this story so compelling. So maybe Micelle can make Danny change a little bit, and maybe Danny can make Michelle be a little tart ... and that would be good as long as they get together in the end.

Georgie -- your first statement summed it all up! The family/business/Carmen is the tangible symbol of one facet (several facets, actually) of Danny, and likewise the Bauers for Michelle. Danny's Santos-ness is and always will be a part of him, as Michelle's Bauer-ness is/will to her. Those weigh very heavily in their relationship/lives and always will outweigh any other point, in my opinion.

Much as I'd enjoy seeing Carmen rot in jail, I don't think that's really good for the story. Again, a Manny-Carmen 'triangle' is and (I hope) will continue because that is so much more interesting and far more compelling than any other. When I first started watching this story, I immediately thought that it was about Danny's journey between different worlds (as symbolized by the Santos and Bauer families). More and more I've come to see it is Michelle's as well.

Michelle and Danny are very strong characters in their own right, but together, they are (or more accurately, they can be) so much more than the sum of their individual parts -- synergy, if you will. However, they have to work out their differences -- and there is a huge cultural gap between them to work out -- and mesh their personalities before they can attain that synergy, and together become a force to be reckoned with.

They have barely started on this, because other issues are directly clouding them right now. In my opinion, they don't need a full grip on their cultural barrier, before they can admit their true feelings for and to each other. It's why I still think the 'real' battles/struggles (again, stemming from their vastly different yet complementary backgrounds and personalities) lie ahead, after their 'reunion.'

In my world, characters like flashy-fluff Drew and regular-joe Jesse carry no weight in those struggles, in their story. The Santos clan/business and the Bauers do. And I fervently hope that the writers are headed that way ... Even a single thought is supposed to alter the universe, eh? So maybe I'll just close my eyes tightly enough and will Guiding Light's PTB to go down this path, if they aren't already.

Melissa