Peripheral characters don't seem all that important. However, used correctly they add a lot of depth to the fictional setting (in this case, Genoa City). Yes, budget cuts are rampant. However, it can't be all that expensive to have some of these actors recur. In fact, the show might be wise to trim down some of the extraneous contract players and use some of their recurring actors more often. Here is a list of some of the Genoa City denizens that I miss seeing:
~Mary Williams – I plan to write more about this character in the future. I have to give the show credit for bringing Traci and Steve in for the 'death of Colleen' story. That story would've seemed hollow without them. Their presence added SO much. If only Mary had been around to see what has become of Patty. For longtime viewers (like myself) Mary's presence makes Genoa City seem so much more like a real place.
~Miguel – Yes, I realize that we were thrown a bone a few months in the form of a line explaining his absence from the Newman Ranch. However, he should be there. Just the other day Ashley went running after Abby and followed her to the Athletic Club… was Miguel in the kitchen giving baby Faith her bottle? I think not.
~Gina – Even her lasagna hasn't been mentioned since Marge left us (R.I.P.)… Gina should be around handing out menus and snarky comments, guiding Daniel, remembering how Patty broke Danny's heart. Heck, she could serenade Victor and Nikki with their signature tune while Ashley ponders getting rid of pregnancy stretch marks.
~John Silva – I know we have Rafe (barely) and Michael, but another lawyer sure couldn't hurt things in this town. Jill could cozy up to Mr. Silva and seduce him into one of her schemes. Michael could sic Gloria and Jeff on John and he could try to figure their legal problems out while flirting with Glo.
