This story is sure to make a lot of people cringe, but will it be a story that includes all of the elements of good storytelling. (One of the key elements, characterization, which includes motivation, seems to be missing.) This has been a pet peeve of mine for the past few years, during Ron Carlivati’s tenure as head writer. I think that he is full of ideas. I even think that many of his ideas are good ideas, but they are good ideas that never come to fruition.
Unfortunately, The Great Bully Story was undermined because there has been no explanation for Jack’s sudden change. The last time that the audience saw Jack, he was gallantly trying to save Santa's life. The next time we see him, he's in Shane's face, calling him a little bitch.
I keep hearing that the end of the story will have a devastating result, but my question is what will happen after the final PSA has aired on bullying? What will happen to the bullies involved in this story? Will there be some explanation as to why Jack Manning who has always been somewhat of a mischievous kid, with a smart mouth and keen perception, is now a cruel bully who finds pleasure in someone else’s pain. Will it be too late to redeem him. Some even suspect that Jack will end up being the victim as a result of him pushing Shane too far.
In spite of being leery of how this story will be told, If it must play out, I do want a story that will encompass all of those involved directly, but I also want to see how it affects those who are indirectly involved. Gigi is oblivious as to what is really going on with her son. Why is she so ready to believe that Shane is now fighting and stealing? Echo knows that Shane is being bullied, but she has agreed to keep her mouth shut. (Will there be consequences for her, as she’s been more invested in Charlie than in Shane?) Rex has been so busy with his new daddy that he's had very little time for his son. How will he react to all of this? Jack is Blair’s son, and it’s clear that she adores him. How will she feel when she finds out that he is not who she thought he was? What is Todd’s part in all of this? Is he as unaware as Blair is? Will he take any responsibility for his son’s actions?
I just think that it is pointless to tell a cautionary tale about the horrors of bullying when the main character on the show is a beloved bully and romantic lead.
