The Bold and the Beautiful spoilers documented Sheila’s (Kimberlin Brown) stunning return to Los Angeles starting in June. A masterfully kept secret allowed Brown to return to the cast, with no media or social media leaks. That was impressive in this day and age.
Sheila’s summer exploits proved to be old-school fun for light-hearted fans. James’ (Ian Buchanan) return, while brief, was believable and evoked memorable scenes from his time on the rack. Her natural play for Eric (John McCook) was digestible and Quinn’s (Rena Sofer) ferocious defense of her marriage and herself proved to be delicious daytime fodder.
But even those who feel most devoted to one of daytime’s greatest villains have to be asking one collective question as the fall flowed. Where is this Sheila storyline going?
It appeared as though Sheila was being written out of the story a few weeks ago. Her attempts to get Eric back failed. So what was left to tell Mr. Bell?
Then, the always-cool Thanksgiving show was projected. It was heart-warming, while also allowing a brief time for collective character reflection. Sheila came and was now gone, right?
Fans’ interest was intentionally aroused when Quinn gleefully mentioned that Sheila wasn’t present for the turkey-based festivities. Eric referenced his interactions with his former wife.
Then, Charlie (Dick Christie) was shocked to see that hideous portrait of Miss Carter was stuck in the Forrester’s closet. Ah yes, B&B was keeping Sheila in the storyline, as those dialogue references implied. And then, sure enough, Brown’s character returned the following week.
So Sheila bonded with Pam (Alley Mills) at the outdoor cafe where she’s still waitressing. That setup a coming alliance where that Mills’ character will somehow be complicit in Sheila’s next attempt to infiltrate the Forrester’s lives. Okay, that’s the next arc. Hmm.
However, this scribe, along with everyone else, wondered what possible script choices would be made when Eric was shown the next day having a business lunch? What could Eric and Sheila have to say to each other that hasn’t already been said two, or three times before?
McCook and Brown then recovered old plot ground. They rehashed what had happened and the apology Sheila offered to him prior to Thanksgiving. Then she asked for her portrait back.
Mr. Bradley Bell is an accomplished soap producer. He comes from one of the great daytime families. So one must ask if his choice to bring Brown back was not matched with a well-conceived, one-year arc for the Sheila character? (Brown’s contract runs through the spring of 2018.)
Due to lowered expectations, Bell and his team have now been tasked with bringing their A-game. Sheila better be written into sound storyline territory by Christmas, or the idea of resurrecting this specific character will likely be remembered as questionable, at best. And that feeling comes from a solid B&B, Bell, Sheila and Brown supporter.
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