This Is All Sorts of Subtle. The Anti Sort, In Particular

The writing leading up to Zach's death (...or is it?) hasn't exactly been nuanced, what with the heart-to-heart's (DO YOU EVEN KNOW how hard it was for me to resist typing "heart-to-Hart"? I am a sad person) Zach and Kendall have been having about their love and their future. Even if you weren't already spoiled, their scenes reeked of impending tragedy. It reminded me of the first time I saw West Side Story and became incredibly upset during "One Hand, One Heart" when Tony and Maria sang "Even death won't part us now" ("Why are you taunting death like that?! Do you not know this is based on Romeo and Juliet?!").

That lack of subtlety continued in today's episode, after Zach's plane...now, here is where I am confused. Was it just a plane crash? Or did the plane explode before crashing? The lack of body, and Ryan's statement that "Zach was probably already dead before the plane hit the ground" would seem to indicate the latter, but I feel uncomfortable accepting that in addition to all of his other skills, Ryan is also a great CSI.

Anyway, today's show brought us these clever lines of dialogue:

Kendall: I just want this to be a special Thanksgiving. [...] Zach will be there to keep the peace.

Kendall: Now look at us. We've got our whole life ahead of us.

Kendall: Hi, Zach, it's me. I just called to say how much I miss you, and how much I appreciate what you're doing for Ryan and Greenlee. Well, I've got some big surprises for Thanksgiving. Oh, yeah. I went a little overboard. You'll see. Anyway, I miss you so much. I can't wait to see you. The boys can't wait to see their Daddy, either. I love you more than anything in this whole world. Hurry home and be safe. I'll be waiting for you.

Could this show POSSIBLY lay it on any thicker? NO. No, they could not.

Kudos to Alicia Minshew for the moments where Kendall felt that something was wrong; I am sure that when Kendall learns what happened, her reaction will be devastating and I should probably stock up on tissues now. I also appreciated her sweet moments with Annie, planning the Thanksgiving seating arrangements. The two of them work really well together, and it was nice to have some light-hearted fun amidst the depression. Especially since it included some Ryan snark.

Annie: That's great. Ryan to the rescue. Again.

Ha!

Comments

[Abigail S.]

I agree they laid it on a little thick with the dialogue, but I'll forgive AMC alot if Zach comes back from the "dead" soon. This entire story is depressing and considering that there are so many other characters in Pine Valley I wouldn't mind seeing take a powder, it's unfortunate that it was Zach who's gone. But I am glad that they've left it so that Zach's reappearance can be explained if and when he shows up again. For AMC's sake, let it be soon.

[Femin]

Sadly, even Zach's death will ultimately be all about Ryan and Greenlee. Greenlee speaking to Zach before his death; Ryan riding the waves to rescue Zach. Seriously?! Must everything ultimately revolve around these two?

Why couldn't Ryan drown while playing rescue ranger in the surf? Or Greenlee slip through a crevass in the cave after her passion-filled (more like passionless) romp with Ryan? But instead, we are subjected to another depressing holiday AMC-style, while Ryan and Greenlee bask in a love that is the most contrived, passionless, pointless pairings in AMC history.

I too hope that Zach returns soon. If for no other reason than to prove Ryan wrong yet again.

[Pav]

I don't think ABC wants me to watch AMC anymore. They've systematicall destroyed everything about the show I loved. And now that they killed Zach, any allegiance I might have had is gone with him. And while I love AM/Kendall-of-the-beautiful-hair to distraction, for me, she is so tied to Zach that I cannot watch her without him. I'm sorry, AM, to leave you in the lurch like this. But truth be told, no other pairing Kendall ever has will be as wonderful as Zen was. My apologies, dear.

You know what the nicest thing is? I don't have to watch this miserable show anymore. See, there are blessings in every situation.

[zachfan01]

I solemnly vow to forgive AMC for every horrible thing it has done to me over the past 2 years. If and only if they somehow get the magnificent Thorsten Kaye back to play the equally magnificent Zach Slater.

Unfortunely, as much as I love Zach and Kendall, my alliegence is to Zach Slater alone and I will not be around to watch Kendall grieve for the love of her life.

Way to painful for me. And I refuse to believe that Zach is dead anyway.

[DivaK]

I also believe that Zach is not dead. What worries me is that AMC will take too long to bring him back and in the process will not only lose the audience, but Thorsten Kaye as well. An actor of his caliber will not remain available for long.
I hope that TPTB work harder to get TK to commute and stay on the show. AMC can ill afford to lose TK/Zach as well as their power couple of Zendall. If they have any illusions that they can move AM/Kendall successfully to a new pairing, they are in for a rude awakening and the ratings will continue to drop. Zach and Kendall are soulmates, who belong together and their union is magic on the screen, thanks to the talents and the amazing chemistry between TK and AM.

[gloria]

I will miss TK/AM Zendall so much. I will love them till the day they are reunited, and then love them even more. I have my box of tissue ready as, I am sure everyone else does.

When r/g are on I know exactly how I feel and probably 99% of the other people watching feel. Mr. Frons are you listening?

Remember on Seinfeld episode when Cramer started jerking and falling to the ground "yelling make it stop" when Mary Hart (ET) voice came on the television? This is how I feel whenever those two are on.

Did you hear ryan say to greenlee "don't worry KENDALL will have us. VOMIT! Please make it stop. Yes Mallory I loved when Annie said that too. I am surprised she was allowed to say that about the great father,one women man ryan,I say this with dripping sarcasm. But she will be paying for that next week(like all the women do) by having to praise him because all the women even the men (our poor ZACH) on that show have to bow down to St. Lavery. Please make it stop.

Did I mention I will miss TK/AM ZENDALL? I adore AM but I am really so not interested in the new oiled human torso they are offering to us.

[JenL]

Today's show was a joke. Focusing on Ryan, Greenlee and their lack of emotion regarding Zach's "death" was not a smart move. The only emotion evoked was more anger! Thorsten Kaye, Zach Slater and Zendall are a huge part of All My Children! It is my belief that those in charge had alternatives when working with this amazing actor until a full-time return could be realized. Please continue talks with this fan favorite, so the Slaters can continue their journey in 2011!

[pwes]

I HATE AMC FOR ATTEMPTING TO KILL OFF ZACH. WHAT THEY HAVE DONE WAS KILLED THEMSELVES. WHY COULDN'T THEY HAVE KILLED OFF RYAN AND GREENLEE -- THEY MAKE ME SICK!!! ZACK AND KENDALL WAS THE NEXT BEST COUPLE TO ANGIE AND ANGIE!!! YOU ARE REALLY DUMB AMC IS YOU DON'T WORK OUT SOMETHING TO KEEP TK!!! HE BETTER BE MAKING A CAMEO APPEARANCE BEHIND THE ROCKS ON THE ISLAND SOON AND OR YOU WILL BE LOSING A TON OF VIEWERS...THINK ABOUT IT