The All My Children History Project

Death Becomes Her

If Jesse can come back from the dead after dying ON-SCREEN in Angie's arms twenty years ago, I think All My Children can write one of their greatest wrongs by reviving the late Dixie Cooney, most recognizably portrayed by Double Emmy Winner Cady McClain (1989-96, 1998-2002, 2006-07).

McClain just wrapped a six month stint on As the World Turns. She stated in her blog that ABC is yet to contact her about a return to All My Children.

Dixie fell victim to the Satin Slayer, Alexander Cambias, in mid-2007. Fans had waited four years for McClain's return since the character's apparent death in a off-screen car accident in 2002. Instead of the much anticipated reunion of star-crossed lovers Tad Martin (Michael E. Knight) and Dixie Cooney (pictured above in one of their last scenes), we got a promise of a date before her untimely demise, the victim of mistaken identity.

Now with the "Search for Kate Martin" storyline back in full gear (Sydney Penny's maternity leave put a halt to the story), there would be no greater payoff than a reunion for all the Martins, including Dixie. I don't think there will be a dry eye when Dixie finally holds the little girl she lost, in her arms again.

Jesse's return breaks all the rules:

• Jesse died onscreen. So did Dixie.
• Jesse appeared as a spirit to his family. So did Dixie (in a very busty white dress if I say so myself).

There is no excuse as to why Dixie cannot come home. Maybe Dr. David Hayward whisked her off and came up with another miracle cure (like Omar and Taylor on The Bold and the Beautiful). Maybe Palmer Cortlandt staged the death to remove Dixie from the threats at Chandler Mansion. Maybe Dixie took the opportunity to slip out of Pine Valley and continue the search for Kate the only way she knew how, alone.

Give fans what we have waited for: Bring Kate home. Reunite Tad and Dixie.