Saturday, January 30, 2010 12:01 AM ET | By Scotty Gore

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — One year later and still in the dark.

Two former cast members are still missed, and an anniversary of an event most would rather forget.

I cannot believe it has already been a year since the devastating ice storm that hit much of central Kentucky. I can still vividly remember going nearly a week without electricity or watching “One Life to Live.” I also recall all the news/previews/columns I had to catch up on when I was able to finally return to SON afterwards. There were several news stories that came and went while I was literally and figuratively in the dark. Most were minor, however two continue to leave ripples throughout the canvas one year later. Of course I am referring to the untimely deaths of long-time “One Life” veteran cast members Phil Carey and Clint Ritchie as Asa and Clint Buchanan, respectively.

Llanview is a much different place without Asa. For nearly three decades he was the patriarch of the Buchanan family, and a character that viewers often loved to hate. But like him or not, he was rather respected by viewers. I thought it was very appropriate that the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) paid tribute to him during their recent awards show, especially considering his long television and film history. And I also enjoy how “One Life to Live” is making Asa’s eldest son Clint into his father. As for Clint Ritchie, his presence is still sorely missed as well. Although I do think that Jerry verDorn is doing an excellent job as Clint.

Moving on, here is a small excerpt from my first “My View of Llanview” column following that fateful ice storm: “The VCR and Youtubehave become my best friends in the weeks since the lights came back on following the devastating ice storm. Only this week did I finally get caught up on all the episodes of “OLTL” that I missed due to the ice storm, meetings, and clean-up. Finally having time last week to sit down at the computer and search the Internet, I was shocked by just how much “OLTL” news occurred during my unexpected hiatus from SON. Everything from the deaths of Clint Ritchie and Phil Carey, to Hank and Rachel Gannon returning to Llanview, to rumors of Roscoe Born possibly making a “OLTL” comeback this spring, to everything in between. Ten articles in all, many of which I completed and posted in only a few days time. What are the odds that all hell would break lose in my life during the busiest news week in years for “OLTL?” I’d be willing to take bets on that one, ha ha. “

Furthermore, I think it is an amazing feat that that edition of the column garnered nearly 2,050 hits. Simply amazing. I wish all my columns could get that many hits. Maybe I should start writing twice a month about other topics than “One Life to Live.” Perhaps….just as long as no one makes me write an advice column. LOL

Anyway, back to “OLTL” for a moment (since this is a “One Life” blog after all). Not much has been peaking my interest in Llanview lately, and I have strong reservations about several upcoming storylines for February sweeps, including Mitch giving Jessica electro-shock therapy and another Llanview High music spotlighting Starr and Cole, which is scheduled for May. I mean, seriously, is this show trying to drive viewers away? What’s next, SORASing Hope and making Starr a grandmother? Bringing Victor Lord back from the dead…again? Making Dorian and Danielle sisters? Or how about making Todd a long-lost Gannon brother? I better stop now just in case Ron Carlivati or Frank Valentini are reading this…I don’t want to give them anymore bad ideas.

Switching gears, I wonder what it would take to get “One Life to Live” a brand new opening? Hell to freeze over? Perhaps….or maybe they could have a contest in which viewers can send in their own versions and the show picks the best to use as their next theme. Just about anything beats what we have now.

What bugs you about “One Life to Live” these days? Be sure and drop me a line…I would love to hear from you, and I just might use your comments in an upcoming comment.

A little off-topic, but when asked if the song “Who Am I?” by Jared Lee (which can be heard during the final episode of the January 26th episode of “OLTL”) is available on iTunes, Music Director Paul Glass tweets that “I’m working on it and will let you know when it gets up there…thanks for your interest!”

Check out this new alternate SON logo Errol just created!

I would like to pass along my deepest sympathies to the loved ones of Steve Frame, one of the most intellegent and nicest members at the Soap Opera Network message boards.  He and shared many conversations over the years, and were on staff together for a short time.  Even though it has been a few months since his untimely passing, I (and all of us at SON) continue to be in mourning for our good friend and former colleague.  Rest in piece my friend.

Congrats to “manchu” and “OLTLfan” for correctly guessing the identity of last time’s mystery character. The answer was Jared Hall and he was the grandson of Ed and Carla (Gray) Hall. That is important because Carla was part of one of Llanview’s original families when the show premiered in 1968 (Ed Hall was introduced in 1972).

In case you missed the clues, here they are: In 2000, this grandson of a former long-time, well respected police captain, returned to Llanview to follow in his grandmother’s footsteps as Assistant District Attorney. However, his checkered past with the Pennsylvania Bar Association quickly caught up with him. Facing review, his old law school friend Sam Rappaport came to his defense, even calling his friend’s grandfather to take the stand. With his grandson exonerated of all charges, the grandfather promptly disappeared again. The young man would remain in Llanview awhile longer, even flirting for a time with Rachel Gannon, before leaving town as well.

Now it’s time to play another round of “Llanview, Who Am I?,” a new feature where you have to use the clues to figure out the identity of a mystery character from “OLTL’s” past. See if you can figure it out. Good luck!!!

This cousin of a holy man first arrived in Llanview in 1995. A bit of a rebel in her early days, she found religion after reaching adulthood, and decided to become a nun. However, she quickly fell in love, and was torn between her heart and God. It was soon revealed that part of the reason behind her decision to become a nun came from her father, who was a strict, conservative Protestant bishop. But it eventually came to light he was having an affair with a woman other than his wife. Feeling betrayed by her father and her religion, she soon left the church and struck up a relationship with the man she loved. However, he soon betrayed her when he helped sabotage a carnival arts school she was opening to open, and she left town broken-hearted in 1997.

So who is this mystery man from the past? I’ll have the answer in the February 15th edition of “My View of Llanview.” Extra credit will be given if you tell me the identity of the mystery character’s boyfriend. Until then make your best guesses and give me your feedback on the column. Also don’t forget to tell me what bugs you about the show these days. I love hearing from fellow “OLTL” fans. And don’t forget to check out my Twitter page for all the latest OLTL news and information at SON.

Now, before I wrap up this column, I’m going to look into my crystal ball and give you a quick sneak peek at a few things coming up a few weeks down the road. These are for the week of February 15th. Gigi finds herself in danger. Langston’s mind continues to be otherwise occupied. Marty makes a shocking diagnosis of another Llanview resident. Charlie has something to tell Viki. Mitch is more dangerous than ever. And Dorian must deal with the fallout from her recent actions.

Well that’s concludes yet another edition of the column. I hope everyone is staying warm and dry and that everyone is healthy. Have a great day and God bless. Take care.

And until next time remember, we only have “One Life to Live”…

“One Life to Live” airs Weekdays on ABC. Weeknights on SOAPnet. Anytime on ABC.com and SOAPnet.com. Check local listings.