When I sat down to think about this week’s column and last week’s shows, I’m sorry to say I drew a blank. There were some standout moments last week, but for the most part AMC just added to my case of the blahs. (I’ve had the blahs for the past couple weeks, been very tired, sleeping late, not keeping up with my house and little projects. The baby and I were settling into quite the lazy schedule, but now that my husband has noticed, I’m back on track – or at least trying.)

So, instead of a tirade full of negative rants, I’ve decided to address little things I like about the show these days. I expect there will be some disagreement between us, so I ask you to keep an open mind and just hear me out.

Erica – While I wouldn’t say she’s in the running for Mother of the Year, I do think that her feelings for Bianca and her desire to make Bianca’s world perfect are valid. As a new mother, I often think to myself how I only want the best for my son. I want to protect him and provide everything his little heart desires. Erica is the same way. She only wants the best for Bianca and wants Bianca to believe that she is the best. That’s the most selfless act Erica has performed in quite some time. In fact, have you noticed that the only time Erica puts Erica aside is when she puts Bianca first?

Bianca – I still like this girl. I think Eden Riegel is doing a great job playing the teen angst (with a really huge secret) without being over the top. I also like how keen her sensibility is when it comes to people wanting to get to know her because of who her mother is. Usually our characters aren’t so intuitive. You go girl!

David – He’s come a long way. I like his little interactions with Erica and how they recently did the deed. (It bothered me when they threw him at Dixie less than a week after his break-up with Erica.) But it seems like he still harbors feelings for Ms. Kane and I hope those come to fruition (again).

Leo – Leo has graduated from flavor of the month and really proven his talent. The range he’s displayed these last few months is impressive, and I think he’s given Ryan a run for his money for hunk status. (I’m also starting to suspect that Cameron Mathison feels the heat and is not too happy with the first degree burn. In a recent issue of Soap Opera Digest, he was squawking about his storyline, or lack of a good one.) Leo’s scenes with Greenlee, Bianca, Erica and David have cleverly woven him into PV lives and given him credibility.

Vanessa – Now even though I don’t like her breathy way of speaking, she has eased up a bit. But the reason I’m mentioning Vanessa aside from her great schemes with Arlene, is because she played Blair Warner’s mom on the "Facts of Life". I just saw some re-runs on Nick at Nite, and Marj Dusay looked lovely and played Monica Warner (the wealthy socialite) just like she plays Vanessa (sans her wicked ways).

Edmund – Surprisingly I didn’t hear from any of you regarding my comment about John Callahan pooh-poohing his story and suggestion that he bring Eva La Rue Callahan back to the PV fold. I know there are some die-hard Edmund/Maria fans out there, and I have to say I don’t get it. I watched the show back then and I don’t remember being all gaga for Edmund and Maria. I didn’t dislike them, but I didn’t think they were a supercouple. I remember being disappointed that he chose Maria over Brooke. But the writers did a great job with the Maria dying storyline. These days, Edmund is a breath of fresh air and finally a character I can give a damn about. His dark side just brightens up my day. I’m even digging the scenes with Alf; he’s quite the father figure, huh?

Arlene – The lengths she will go to never cease to amaze me. What does amaze me is her durability and her "bounces off me and sticks to you" luck and attitude. She’s a great villain who just wants to be loved. What’s wrong with that?

Greenlee – Another evil girl who’s looking for love in all the wrong places, except right in front of her. Her snooty rich girl attitude is not all that she’s about. Granted she’s committed some pretty loathsome offenses, but she’s also been burned. She’s great with Leo and Gramps while the others be damned. This gal knows what she wants and is not afraid to go after it. Granted, she can obsess at times but she can also be a friend to Leo and Bianca (when Travis died). There are many sides to her and they aren’t all green.

Adam, Jr. – I still think he was cute at Bianca’s party, the way he was shy and nervous about asking her to dance. His lingering looks in her direction and awkwardness when they finally spoke were pretty good and realistic.

Becca – Because she hasn’t been around lately. (I’m sorry, but I’m happy about that.)

Stuart & Marian – I so wanted my mom to let my son call her Mimi (when he learns to speak) instead of Grandma, just like Marian. Unfortunately, when my mom hears Mimi she thinks of the character on the "Drew Carey Show" and passed on the idea. I’m convinced if she just saw Marian in action (the little minx) she might reconsider. I do enjoy Stuart and Marian onscreen. Their relationship is sweet and (despite it’s questionable beginning) pure.

Dimitri & Alex – I’m glad the Alex/Anna story ended (it was a yawner) and that Alex and Dimitri were finally reunited. I like the way they are with each other and how even though Edmund is looming over their heads, they still appreciate and enjoy their life together. While they’ve been through a lot, they’re not a tortured couple like Hayley and Mateo, know what I mean?

Wow, I’m a little impressed that I had so many positive things to say. Despite my misgivings, it would appear that TPTB are doing some things right. Sweeps is just around the corner. I’m counting the days. As always, I welcome your thoughts. Have a great weekend!