When Opposites Do Not Attract: Veronica di Angelo Meet Lisa Atwood

When Veronica di Angelo and Lisa Atwood meet for the first time there is a clash of opposite personalities; Veronica is domineering, coldly analytical, concerned with power, and sarcastic, while Lisa is gentle,  guided by her feelings, willing to share, and sensitive to the feelings of others.  The writers and directors of Saddle Club Series 2 were astute enough to recognize the drama in the confrontation of capable actresses Heli Simpson and Lara Jean Marshall.  Therefore, much to our delight, Lisa and Veronica confront each other in several episodes. It is a tribute to the ability of Heli Simpson that Veronica can change in an instant from a domineering, commanding teenager to a clinging, whining, wheedling Daddy’s girl.   Veronica is probably given some of the best, most memorable lines, which Heli Simpson delivers with brio, a malicious, self-satisfied smile, and mocking eyes.  Lara Jean’s beautiful, questioning eyes are also not neglected by the camera, nor is the girlish smile she often can’t suppress. Together Veronica and Lisa spark off some of the most intense verbal and facial fireworks in the series.  As the series evolves, Veronica changes gradually as she begins to reveal hidden qualities such as warmth and understanding, and Lisa grows in confidence and riding ability.  At the end, the two diverse personalities of Veronica di Angelo and Lisa Atwood, reach an understanding that comes from maturity.