Following Bert’s passing in 1986, many fans hoped for Aunt Meta’s return to Guiding Light. The storyline involving Charita Bauer’s death saw Bert travel to Florida to care for Meta after she suffered a stroke. The absence of any mention of Meta’s last husband, Bruce Banning, during her medical crisis or her eventual return to Springfield in 1996, implied she was alone after Bert’s death. This situation presented a perfect opportunity to bring Meta back to her family in Springfield.
Knowing that Meta was recovering from a stroke and living alone in another state could have prompted the Springfield Bauers to invite her home. This storyline could have resonated deeply with viewers who cherished the family’s history.
The potential addition of Jed Allen as Mike Bauer, alongside Mart Hulswit’s Ed, Elvera Roussel’s Hope, and Aunt Meta, would have been a dream scenario for Bauer fans. Allen, known for his warmth, charm, and commanding presence, could have breathed new life into the character. These additions would have been welcome by the many fans who wanted the family’s resurgence right up until the show was cancelled.
While Marj Dusay’s portrayal of Alexandra was interesting, some viewers found it lacking the spark of the original BM’s version. A recast with Barbara Rush, who resembled BM and was age-appropriate, might have been a better fit for the character.
Bert Bauer, initially abrasive, evolved into a strong, loving woman through life’s lessons. With careful writing, Rita could have undergone a similar transformation, much like Rachel on Another World or Lisa on As the World Turns. This character development would have added depth and complexity to the storylines.
A recast of Mike might have seemed jarring alongside a recently-recast Ed. However, if the producers acknowledged Simon’s miscasting and brought Hulswit back, a new Mike, especially with a talented actor like Jed Allen, could have been successful. The right casting decisions could have revitalized the Bauer family dynamics.
The idea of Gus being Rita’s son was a popular fan theory. It would have been a smart move to introduce another son for Ed through Rita or even bring back Paul Kinkaid (Hillary’s brother) as Bill Bauer’s offspring. Unfortunately, the writers seemed indifferent to the Bauers and never capitalized on these opportunities to reinvigorate the family. This neglect was a major missed opportunity for Guiding Light.
