THE 'LIGHT' STILL SHINES

Surprisingly, TV's oldest soap, CBS' GUiding Light (on since 1952), is also one of its most young at heart and spry of story. High marks for: A sense of history. Interwoven plots that make sense. The integration of fictional Springfield after 20 years of lily-whiteness. One of daytime's best acting ensembles. * Talent: Monti Sharp (David) is a major-star-in-waiting. No one thought Beverlee McKinsey could be adequately replaced as Alexandra, but the terrific Marj Dusay has done it. * Famous Grads: Kevin Bacon, Ian Ziering, John Wesley Shipp (The Flash), Ruby Dee, Giancarlo Esposito, Billy Dee Williams. * Hunk/babe factor: Very high; Mel Gibson look-alike Frank Dicopoulos and Lena Olin look-alike Melina Kanakaredes (hey kids, shorten those names, this column is short!) stand out. Recommended dosage: Daily, without fail.