Guiding Light again uses post-partum depression as exit strategy. According to CBS Soaps in Depth, Michelle Ray Smith (Ava Lewis) is leaving Guiding Light to spend more time with her new son. Her exit was explained on the show with Ava being treated for post-partum depression in Chicago. In the 1980s, Kim Zimmer left the show by her character, Reva Shayne Lewis, driving off a bridge due to post-partum. Back then the strategy worked, Josh was able to have a brief relationship with Harley Cooper. Here a lot was lost with Ava not being able to grieve for the loss of her and Remy's son, Max. A burial occurred off-screen, which left me empty. And Bill Lewis dumps her with an annulment? Isn't she or her mother, Olivia Spencer, going to fight the loss of their dream of being wealthy? I don't buy it. Having her duke it out with Lizzie would have been better than having Ava fade away.

I suppose this leaves a more convenient opening for Smith's return.