Articles and Interviews: 2003-2007

Todd and Blair Make Love! (Soaps In Depth 6/22/04)

A deadly blaze leads to a dangerous liasion

This week on One Life to Live, a fire in Angel Square has life-changing consequences for the residents of Llanview. What begins as Roxy and Rex's desperate attempt to get some much-needed cash ends in near-tragedy. But once the fire is put out, things really start to heat up for Todd and Blair!

Roxy and Rex Go To Extremes!
Certain that they've found a cure for their respective financial woes, Roxy and Rex prepare to burn down Foxy Roxy's in order to collect the insurance money. After meeting with an arsonist, Roxy hides gasolilne at the nearby community center in Angel Square. At the last minute, Rex has second thoughts about starting the blaze, but his concern is too little, too late, when a timer malfunctions. Soon, a fire will be started at the center.

Meanwhile, things are looking up for the Mannings, as Todd joins Blair, Starr and Travis for Rollerblading in the park. "Todd is happy to have this chance," explains his portrayer, Trevor St. John. "What he wants more than anything is to be back with Blair." Blair, too, is touched by the family bonding experience and realizes that her feelings for Todd remain as strong as ever.

During the happy time, Travis and Starr are able to talk her parents into letting them attend the dance at the community center.

A Special Night Goes Up in Smoke!
Later, as Starr and Travis enjoy their first dance and are about to share a smooch, Todd and Blair have a special moment of their own in Angel Square. "They can hear the music from the community center, so Todd asks Blair to dance," explains Kassie DePaiva (Blair). "They dance and they kiss, and in the middle of the kiss, they see the fire."

Headwriter Michael Malone explains that once the spell is broken by the flames, Todd switches to crisis mode. He immediately heads for the blaze and "doesn't hesitate to give his life for Starr," he says. However, Starr and Travis escape unscathed, while Todd remains trapped inside. Who, in turn, will be Todd's knight in shining armor as he looks death in the face?

After the Fire, Things Only Get Hotter!
After many tenuous moments, an unlikely hero finds an unconscious Todd under a fallen beam and helps him to safety. He emerges from the flames to reunite with his family. Todd then takes Blair and Starr back to Dorian's house, where Blair insists on taking care of him. Overcome with emotion, Todd then asks Blair to come back to the penthouse with him, and she agrees. Alone at last, they make love for the first time since the events that transpired on New Year's Eve.

"At first, there's certainly a hesitation [about being intimate]," DePaiva explains. "It's hard for her to forget the pain, but she trusts what she feels. She is more receptive now to his advances.

"I think she realizes that through it all, he has stuck with her," the actress continues. "Together, they have a future, because they have a history and they have their two children, Starr and Jack." And of course, they also have that crazy little thing called love...

Kevin Gets His Revenge!
While it seems like Todd may be on the verge of getting everything he wants, Kevin's next move may bring him down once and for all. But even if Kevin's mission is accomplished, will Blair continue to stand by her man? Bet on it!

"Once they reach this love reunion, nothing can stop them," Malone concludes. "It's going to be Todd and Blair against the world."