Montana actress
Chantal Stanfield writes a special guest column for us about her experiences on the show. Chantal plays rich-witch Dalene Phillips, who uses her cash to promote her dubious, often sex-andalous agendas. Here's Part 11 of her column: The Wicked Witch of Montana ...
“
Oh, what a tangled web we weave when we do first deceive,” are the immortal words of one William Shakespeare.
Quite apt in the situation too many characters found themselves in this week.
Where to begin? And where will it all end? ...
Dalene got hit with a massive catch-22.
Bruce revealed that he’s not the head of the underhanded perlemoen/abalone dealings as the boss-man turned out to be none other than the nefarious Charles Johnson, who promptly gave Mrs Phillips an ultimatum - either keep quiet about the abalone and continue reaping the substantial benefits or suffer his wrath.
Remember Charles knows a truckload about Dalene that would sink her, her marriage, her business and her family. So she stands to lose everything she’s worked for by not going along with the plan - even her life could be snuffed out like a cigarette in Charles’ ashtray.
But she’s caught between a rock and a very hard place - Vic has made it abundantly clear that if she goes along with Charles, she’ll lose him as a brother.
Victor has as much to lose as Dalene: his warehouse, his relationships, their family. Already he’s taking strain with Nolitha, barking at her and accusing her of the same secretive behaviour as before.
Nolitha’s also gotten involved in something she should’ve left well alone after hearing the damning info from Sparks - why on God’s green earth would you call the bad guy at sunrise (when he’s just stepped out of the pool, no less) as the good guy’s fiancé?! Really, she must have a sick death-wish because I don’t think she loves Victor that much to endanger herself. I might be wrong though …
Vatiswa, after her promising growth while living with Noli-them and being involved with the KCC, decided it was time for her to move back in with her husband, Richard.
She believes she’s strong enough to handle the situation. I say big up to her - it’s just unfortunate that she’s married to a scumbag!
Richard put on such a show of gratitude, sympathy and love one almost believed he was being sincere until he took out his cellphone and called the local newspaper with a scoop that went something like “Richard Duze back together with his estranged wife”.
That’s lower than the gunk that spews out of a sewer-rats ass! Richie Rich Duze needs to watch his step because karma will only take so much before the backlash. And it’s coming, believe me…
Next week Dalene decides, after much soul-searching, to tell Charles Johnson where to shove it! Yes, the lady (or tramp…) chooses not to stoop low enough to become an out-and-out criminal.
Consequently, she’s going to have to deal with a baptism of fire from Mr Johnson - like he said, it’s only over when he says it is.
Nolitha tries desperately to take on the big boys without knowing what she’s getting herself into. In her little chat with Bruce, she’ll try to convince him to leave Victor and the warehouse alone and take his stash with him.
But let’s not forget, Charles Johnson is involved and he really wanted the land the KCC stands on presently - even getting into bed, uh, business with Dalene for it. Now that Dalene’s turned on him in a saintly posture, I don’t believe he’ll take too kindly to Nolitha scratching where it doesn’t itch.
A Season 2?As you are all aware, Montana comes to an end on 20th October. If not, sorry to burst your bubble. They say all good things must come to an end, I just wish it wasn’t so soon.
Unfortunately, due to the continuing woes at the SABC and money (R1,5 mil, truth) still owed to the production company, the second season is but a twinkle in the far-off distance. Very far-off!
But, while shooting on-set last year, the cast already came up with fictitious second season storylines that we think should be included. We all fell about laughing. Here are a few gems:
• Rochelle’s son, Jay (remember him in the first few episodes?), is actually her and Victor’s love-child but he doesn’t know. They were together years ago so it’s quite possible.
• Dalene falls pregnant but won’t know who the father is or what it’ll look like until the baby’s born. Who could the baby-daddy be - Charles, Richard or Winston?! The baby’s name will be Surprise.
• Nolitha will find herself in the same predicament - will the baby be Victor’s or Lwazi’s? The baby’s name will be Evidence.
Chantal’s Montana Behind-the-scenes AwardsBest Dressed Award: ME, of course! I never pitched up in a tracksuit or baggy t-shirts. Whether it was ice-cold or burning-hot, I made the plan work, dammit! Like I said before, it’s all about giving the people moments!
The male award goes to Az, he too understands the importance of looking good regardless. The Innovator Award goes to Thabang, our director, for working his originality.
Sexiest Singles Award: A resounding Anelisa (Lwazi), quite evident from the
responses on TVSA! No, he’s not on facebook though. Maybe you should convince Tashi to do another piece on him?
Non-Diva Award: A featured extra (as in someone in the background who had a line or two) shouted at our makeup artist because she didn’t like her makeup or something stupid like that. I think she thought she was being cool.
I heard about it when I arrived and felt like telling her exactly where she fit in. But I, being me, showed her how real professionals do it and sat patiently for my make-up, watching her cringe into the background as she realised I was the lead and she wasn’t. She didn’t get much attention from anyone after that…
Here’s hoping the last few episodes of Montana live up to your high expectations and that you continue to enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed making it. Til the next bloodbath …
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