For the past several seasons, out-of-body experiences and lost civilizations were de rigueur on ABC's One Life to Live--but no more.  "We got carried away with outrageous stories," admits co-head writer Craig Carlson.  "Now we're getting back to romance."  And how.  The current sexcapades (in the hay, on the bar, in the bathtub...) of Max and Gabrielle, played by actors Nicholas Walker and Fiona Hutchison, must have the daytime sensors ordering smelling salts by the case!

In last week's column, soap scribe Claire Labine referred to Viki and Dorian -- One Life to Live's fiftyish, ever-squabbling  matriarchs --  as "the duo with the   most chemistry in daytime."  That wild observation, and the imminent arrival of Valentine's Day,  has us thinking about what a weird science this chemistry stuff is.  Though the soap world turns on it, no one can define it, predict it, or -- try as the networks might -- force it.

Case in point: Guiding Light tried to pair Buzz and Reva,  the characters played by Justin Deas and Kim Zimmer  considered the champs with the chops in soap circles (Deas has five Emmys, Zimmer has three). But, as GL  found out, asking these ferocious, over-the-top, off-the-cuff performers to share a love story is like asking a rottweiler and a pit bull to share a ham sandwich. Now,  both stars are slowly being reteamed with players they've clicked with in the past (Deas with the thrilling, low-key Fiona Hutchison, Zimmer with the solid, serious Robert Newman), and suddenly all's right at the Light.

The Brit is back! And she's making Guiding Light shine much more brightly these days. There are a lot of reasons to be optimistic about this struggling 60-year-old sudser -- new writers, new producers and the return of several beloved characters -- but it's the reteaming of Fiona Hutchison (as ex-jewel thief Jenna Bradshaw) and Justin Deas (as greasy-spooner Buzz Cooper) that really proves you can go home again. Are we talking great chemistry or what? Their recent scenes at the Springfield airport were just about the most lushly romantic moments ever seen on daytime (though the mood, we admit, was shattered when we found ourselves shouting at the screen: "Jenna! Don't get on that plane,  you bloody idiot!"). In fact, this sly, sexy duo is so electric we even forgive GL for force-feeding us that Buzz and Reva hooey for months and months (and months). It was worth the wait! And speaking of waiting, don't. Fiona has agreed to answer all your queries -- so start posting!

--Michael Logan

Dear Logan,
I'm a big fan of the beautiful Fiona Hutchison, who, as you know, plays Jenna on Guiding Light. Since I have a lot of respect for your opinion in all things concerning soaps, I was just wondering where you think she fits in the soap opera diva pantheon and how you think she has been doing since she returned to the show last December. From my opening sentence, I'm sure you know what I think. And, while I'm at it, when are you going to give her one of your famous interviews on your always interesting Q&A column? I really would appreciate your thoughts.
-- Jack

Dear Jack,
I always Jenn-u-flect for Jenna -- and Fiona, too -- both of whom are soap opera divas of the highest order! I remember how thrilling it was when Fiona was nominated for the Emmy a few years back, cracking that Lead Actress category, which had long been the domain of the grande dames (it still sort of is). I find her to be a phenomenal actress (I even believe she has a headache in that damn aspirin commercial) but even more important for the soap medium, she is an extraordinarily romantic actress. I'll never forget those airport scenes with Deas! She is a star, baby, a star!

Marc asks: I seem to be in the minority in favor of Buzz and Reva's marriage. Why? Can't Josh and Reva be part of the past?

Logan: Sorry, but I'm all for Josh and Reva and definitely for Buzz and Jenna -- their scenes at the airport on yesterday's show proved they have unbelievable chemistry. It was the most romantic scene I've seen on soaps in a long, long time. MORE!

Dawn asks: I don't know about you, but I think Guiding Light is the greatest soap on air! I love all the changes and old familiar faces! Do you honestly believe it's been saved from cancellation? If so, for how long?

Michael Logan: I love seeing all the old favorites return, especially Jenna.

Dianne asks: In a chat today, Fiona Hutchison said (paraphrased) that fans always complain, but what we enjoy the most is the suspense/waiting to get what we want the most. I disagree.

Logan: You must be a Sonny/Brenda fan. I'm with Fiona. The waiting is what it's all about.

Barbara asks: After watching Guiding Light today, don't you think Justin Deas is just about the greatest actor on daytime TV?

Logan: Now that Jenna's back, yes!

Kevin: What did you think of Fiona Hutchinson's Jenna going off on Jeffrey? I think she was amazing!

Logan: Me, too. I'll never understand why she didn't have greater success in prime time. She has the talent and the beauty to be a great star.

Logan: Don't get me wrong, I'm glad to have her back on GL.

Logan: I especially like the sparks between her and Harley.

jennifer: Hi, Logan! I love you and your chat. I am a big GL fan. The show gets better and better everyday. When the Emmy's come around in May, who from GL's cast do you see getting nominated?

Logan: [Cynthia] Watros heads the list, needless to say. But the following all have a great chance (or will by the time their upcoming stories play out): Lisa Brown, Maureen Garrett, Fiona Hutchison, Maeve Kinkead, Kim Zimmer.

GL_RULES: What's your favorite storyline on GL right now?

Logan: None of them have me break-dancing with glee. I love seeing Buzz and Jenna and their sexcapades today. Especially Buzz's "Outback" comment. I was  on the floor, barely able to control my bladder. I think I officially hate this stalker story, though (mostly 'cuz I know where it's going).

Logan: Not that anybody asked, but I'm not in love with this Buzz amnesia story. To be fair, I'm not in love with any amnesia story. They always seem like such cheap, easy tricks but, that said, Deas is certainly doing his best to make it work well and oh-so-subtly, which, as we know, is hardly his hallmark.

Fiona is so touching and so movie-star-ish, don't you think? If that gal had been around in the '50s, she would've given Deborah Kerr a major run for her money. So, on one level, it's working for me, though on the Nola level, it really creeps me out.