SOAP OPERA UPDATE
MARCH 14, 2000
Days' Belle and Shawn survive the plane crash, but face romance and turmoil together while waiting to be rescued. While going through the turbulence and crash, "Shawn is there to help Belle stay calm," says Kirsten Storms (Belle). "This is going to bring them closer. They keep sharing experiences that will give them a special bond."
Shawn faces terror as Bo is missing. When John searches underwater and finally pulls Bo's apparently lifeless body from the debris, Shawn realizes that he may have lost his dad, too.
"Shawn is overwhelmed," says Jason Cook, who is playing the teen. "He's in such shock that it doesn't even feel real to him. Shawn's a survivor, but he hasn't yet developed the adult skills to deal with it." When Bo is missing, "Shawn just reaches out for Belle's hand in support," says Storms. Belle is growing sweet on Shawn. "It was the first spontaneous physical gesture from him, other than casual hugs."
Cook sees his gesture without the tinge of a crush. "It was like he was hit by a truck, is lying on the pavement and reaches out to someone," he says.
As the plane sinks, the passengers swim for the island. John goes into survival mode as more of his Stefano-created mercenary comes to the fore. He barks instructions to everyone and starts a fire signal that attracts help. When a helicopter arrives, only one person can be hoisted aboard. Bo goes, as the others wait, knowing that help is on the way.
As Shawn watches Belle sleep, she has a nightmare. She wakes with a jolt and finds Shawn's arms there to comfort her.
For Storms, the plane disaster was a real nightmare. "I got really emotional. The passenger part of the plane is actually on a big forklift and we're lifted several feet off the floor to get the turbulence effect. We're screaming and saying the Lord's Prayer. When it came to cry, I was so-o-o-o-o scared! It's my worst fear-the tears were real!
For Cook, the plane crash was "the most fun I've had so far! Peter (Reckell, Bo) Drake (Hogestyn, John) and I had so much fun doing the "boy stuff." It was cool!"
When Eric and Greta are sharing romance, Gina still manages to ruin it. Shawn goes on about how the woman is still bringing misery to people's lives. His remarks lead to a near fist-fight between Shawn and Eric-who knows how the words sting Greta-but Shawn won't apologize.
"Greta kept vital information from Bo and she never even apologized for it," Cook points out. "Shawn handles it as any normal kid would. He does not offer condolences. Greta hurt him and his family. He hasn't begun to forgive and forget."
As for lashing out at Eric, "Shawn is passionate about his opinions, but he's on emotional overload," Cook says. "A person doesn't operate from his true colors in that state. You can see different maturity levels between Shawn and Eric at this point, too."
Later, to lighten everyone's emotions as they wait for rescue, Shawn finds is packed keyboard. Lili, Belle and Mimi entertain the group, and finally Shawn plays a song for Alice. During that, Shawn and Belle share a special look.
"Belle likes," says Storms, "but she's still learning about boys. She and Shawn are different in many ways, and they're both very stubborn; there's not a lot of agreeing."
Cook agrees. "Shawn sort of has a thing for Belle but he doesn't even know it," says Cook. "Their friendship is up and down because there are so many circumstances affecting him."
Will Shawn and Belle become a future romantic couple? "It seems like a natural," says head writer and executive producer Tom Langan. "We have years of story to tell. To pair them as the next Bo and Hope prematurely would be a big mistake. So we'll see a lot of maturing for Belle and Shawn over the course of time."
According to executive producer Ken Corday, "It's a growing love/hate relationship where they take two steps forward and one step back. They come back to Salem with a newfound friendship. Of course, Shawn is a bit like his dad, so he may be less than perfect in her eyes, and Belle, too perfect in his."
By Lorraine Zenka