Some thoughts on the River storyline

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Over the last few episodes, River Baldwin has changed from an almost saintly figure who seemed to be entirely vindicated into an unrepentant villain that has knowingly deceived everyone around him. I have to say this turn took me quite off guard because I started to really like the River character and I will miss him if he goes into hiding or gets carted off to jail as seems very likely, but I still think this particular storyline has been very interesting from beginning to end. River's backstory reminded me a lot of Bill Ayers, the terrorist who became infamous during the presidential campaign. In a way, River's turn even makes the comparison to Ayers even more perfect -- Ayers is also a guy who seems pretty unrepentant of his past terrorism and has profited from his actions (in terms of notoriety). Even though River has turned out to be not such a good guy, this storyline really brought out the best in Michael, who worked tirelessly to free his father, and it even showed the kinder side of Gloria, who risked Jeffrey's wrath to testify on River's behalf. Michael in particular seems to be so far beyond his Isabella/Christine days; he's really matured and become a better person. Jack could take notes. With River also came Eden who I hope will be sticking around for a while. I liked the first actress who played her better (she brought more of an edge to the role, I thought...the new girl seems more sweet and innocent, which is also OK), but I've gotten used to the new actress. I think Eden gives the show a needed infusion of youth. I first watched Y&R in the "Mac and Billy" days as a teenager myself so I tend to think the show should always have some good teen characters. Just as Murphy is helping to balance the show by giving it another mature character, Eden is balancing it on the other end. And Noah needs someone to talk to for a while before he gets prematurely aged again! In short, I think the River/Eden storyline has made Y&R a more interesting show. Yay for River and Eden!