SUNSET CENTRAL SPOTLIGHT

SAM BEHRENS
Character: Tobias (and Gregory) Richards
Performer of the Week: October 18-22, 1999



GREGORY GETS A HEART!

It was summer the last time we saw "the late" Gregory Richards. Remember? After his botched attempt to sail off to South America with Caitlin and Trey when he was discovered by Annie and Cole to be Francesca's murderer, he and Cole had a knock-down, drag-out brawl that went from the grotto, across the beach, over the pier, and up the lifeguard tower. Going up the lifeguard tower, sadly, came to be his downfall. Especially when he and Cole plowed through the railing and plummeted down into the sea. Cole was rescued, but Gregory never resurfaced, and was presumed dead. Not long later, though, guess what viewers found him clinging to a rock? That's right: Us. Gregory went into hiding, apparently living in the grotto, the power plant (I guess nobody actually works in there), and all the while mapping out a whallop of a revenge scheme, centered on Olivia, Annie, and Cole. In the meantime, his family was shocked and appalled by his sidesplitting video will, and he attended his own funeral disguised as a monk. In addition to this, he found out that all the secrets he had worked so hard to keep had flown out into the open, and that Trey had been officially named Cole's son. We knew that when Gregory came back, it would be with a vengeance. If you call being funny a vengeance, then he was right on track with Uncle Tobias.

Recently, Olivia's life has been falling apart a bit more than usual. Last week, after AJ let her know that he sided with Caitlin in thinking that Olivia had a hand in Cole's disappearance, she nearly broke into tears. Luckily, in came Uncle Tobias to offer his shoulder. He also offered a drink, to which she replied, "I don't drink...anymore." (Annie would be happy to know she's already breaking.)

She explained her problems to him. At first, he had an almost vengeful expression. But when she went on to say that she wasn't very happy to find out that Gregory was not Trey's father, he narrowed his eyes judgingly. Then, with a look that Gregory hasn't given Livvy in years, he said, I do, my dear...I do."

He assured her that Caitlin only blamed her because she needed someone to blame. He told her that he didn't suspect her, in case it helped any. It looked as if he was being honest for the first time in his life. She put her hand on his, and the gaze that followed showed all that he was thinking. She kissed him on the cheek to show her gratitude, to which he said, "Having a little faith in you is the least I can do..." He felt the spot where she had kissed him. "After all, I haven't had any family in a long time." He looked at her sheepishly, and she looked at him as if there was something oddly familiar about him, and the scene faded out.

If you read the subtext here, it became a fulfilling and very touching scene for all those who have rooted for Livvy and Greggy's reconciliation over the years. It was not unlike the episode shortly after his "death" in which Bette made a failed attempt to tell AJ her feelings: you just had to watch the eyes. You could see how Gregory went from bitter underneath (when he offered her the drink) to loving. And what a transformation it was.


More about Sam Behrens
SPOTLIGHT HOST: Duante

NOMINATE A PERFORMER FOR SPOTLIGHT

Want to nominate a Sunset Beach actor for SPOTLIGHT? Then, fill out the form below and I will review your nomination. Please, keep in mind that it must be an actor who was outstanding for the past week. Not someone who looks hot, or that you prefer. It has to be someone who had a exceptional performance!

Your Name:

Your Email:

Performer of the Week:

Why were they great this week?

When you hit submit, it will take you back to the main Sunset Central page. This means your nomination has been received.


Return to Sunset Central
Page content and design copyrighted by Sunset Central

1