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Carly and Jax Got What They Deserve on GH
Hooray!
So it finally happened!
Jax (Ingo Rademacher) finally, FINALLY walked out on Carly (Laura Wright) on General Hospital.
And she so got what she deserved.
I mean really, how annoying has she been over the past few weeks….
So-o-o-o Annoying!!
And self-absorbed…let’s not forget that.
I simply could not stand another conversation about how hurt she is because Jax kissed Kate Howard.
And how about her whole absurd reasoning that Jax kissing Kate was far worse than Carly and Sonny having sex in the back of a limo.
Huh?
Yeah. Talk about rationalization.
As I was cheering (silently not audibly) as Jax was finally fed up with Carly’s machinations and was parting ways with her - a funny thing happened.
Carly actually made a couple of good points….points that I had put aside because of Carly’s bad behavior of late.
She pointed out Jax’s bad track record for walking away from wives.
It’s not like I really forgot that Jax had left Skye on their wedding night when Brenda showed up.
I had just put it to the back of my mind.
Because, you see, I abhorred Jax for a long, long time after that happened.
He threw Skye away like yesterday’s garbage - for Brenda, who ultimately jilted him.
It’s kind of hard to feel empathy for him thinking back on that.
And in the end, Carly and Jax got what they deserve - another failed marriage.
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Lately, GH has been a boring mess
Is it just me, or is General Hospital really awful right now?
As in boring, annoying, who-gives-a flying-bed-pan awful?
For weeks I have been steering my blog in other directions, trying to stay positive as I desperately searched for something redeeming about my longtime favorite show.
But it’s getting harder and harder.
As I squirmed and fidgeted and rolled my eyes through yet another week of sub-par soapage, I came up with the following good things:
Diane (Carolyn Henessy) with Max … or with Alexis .. or with Sonny … or with Jason … heck, with pretty much anyone but Kate.
Robin (Kimberly McCullough) finally putting an end to her ridiculous attempt to push Patrick (Jason Thompson) out of their baby’s life. (Check out Patrick pouring his heart out below.)
Lucky (Greg Vaughn) and Sam (Kelly Monaco). They’re kinda cute together.
The counterfeit drug story (and the probably naive hope that it has nothing to do with the mob).
Yep, that was about it.
You know what I don’t like? A lot, and here’s just a taste:
The Zaccharas. Anthony is fun in a cartoonish way. Plus I adore how he says “Lewwww-lewwww.” But other than that, the family has become annoying airhogs. Claudia had potential, but she quickly turned pathetic and her tale of “sleeping” with Trevor at 16 didn’t make me sympathize with her much. Johnny’s a waste for me, unless the show decides to get him off the Lulu train. She makes him decidedly unappealing.
Lulu. She’s stupid and rude and smug and ungrateful and … did I mention stupid? And this is the heroine of the future? Ugh.
Spinelli falling for every woman who bats an eyelash at him. He’s cute, and I know his acceptance of and innocence with women is part of his charm, but dude, give it a rest. We’re not all goddesses. (Just a select few. Hee.)
Anna. Note to GH: Anna is a smart, sophisticated, kick-butt super spy who took on mob bosses and more during her tenure in Port Charles. You’re telling me that this amazing woman is ashamed and afraid of being a grandmother? It’s a disgrace. Sure, it may get some laughs, but when did Anna become a punchline? She’s too strong a character for that.
Noah/Eli. Was that a massive groan I heard across the GH nation as Noah (the brain surgeon!) looks primed again to fill in for Eli (the rock star!). Huh? As if once wasn’t enough for this schtick? If you’re looking for an excuse to have Rick Springfield perform on the show, why not just say Noah got bit by the singing bug last go ‘round and wants to try it himself? Much, much simpler and less eyeroll worthy.
Kate. Unless she’s ragging on Lulu, I have no use for her. (Although seeing her sharpen her claws for Carly was a mite entertaining.) I find very little about her endearing, but maybe I’m just missing the wonder found in the snooty, high-handed, backstabbing world of a fashionista.
Matt possibly being bad. Listen, GH, you just went that road with Ian. Please, please, please, please give us another contract-role doctor who is decent besides Patrick. Please. If you must let Matt look sinister to start, just to build suspense and whatnot, fine. But please let him be working undercover to find the supplier of the counterfeit drugs.
Jason being involved in the summer “teen” story. I love the character of Jason and adore Steve Burton, so I usually don’t complain when he’s on my screen. But for Gotti’s sake, GH, Jason’s THE mob boss now. Does he really need to be part of this particular story line when he has his own stuff to deal with? Namely a hidden paternity revolving around a son he gave up because of said mob life — which leads me to …
Elizabeth and her lack of story. Hello, GH? You have a wonderful, beautiful actress here playing a smart, warm, accessible, hard-working heroine, and you can only use her once a week? Gah. She’s Jason’s secret love with Jason’s secret child. (See some of Steve Burton and Rebecca Herbst’s amazingly emotional scenes below.). And you can’t find something to do with that? For shame.
- The Karpovs. Oh, goody. Just what GH needed. More mob. You know, I like and enjoy the mob stories. I do. But that’s not all I want to see. Give me a little balance.
OK, I have ranted plenty. But you see what I mean?
And this is the soap that recently won Best Daytime Drama at the Emmys.
Wow.
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Dates Are Posted For Super Soap Weekend 2008
Calling all ABC soap fans!
Super Soap Weekend 2008 is set for Nov. 15 and 16 at Disney World’s Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM) in Orlando, FL.
Yessiree, mark the dates on your calendar.
The list of attending soap stars is not out yet.
Last year, the final list didn’t get finalized until October, if I remember correctly….but some of the names trickle in beginning in August or September as some of the stars post their upcoming appearance on their websites.
Just think, you can get thisclose to your fave ABC soap star.
I did!
Me with Michael E.Knight (Tad) from All My Children
Do you believe there’s a fence separating us?
Well, there is.
You see, I couldn’t get a fast pass to see Michael E. Knight one-on-one.
His passes were gone by the time I reached the beginning of the AMC fast-pass line in the morning.
He is so popular, because he really makes the fan experience fun.
Do I look like I’m having fun, or what?
So anyway, I waited outside the railing where he was signing autographs and taking photos, because I knew from the previous year that he comes to the railing after he has met all of his fast-pass holders.
And he did!
I asked for a photo and he pulled me close, grabbed my camera, held it out in front of us - and wha-la - an amazing photo!
Michael E. Knight is truly a fan favorite because he goes above and beyond for his fans.
And he’s not the only one I met.
Because if you’re quick on your feet and get up at the crack of dawn, you can meet more than one by pulling more than one fast-pass.
Plus, there’s a whole slew of panel discussions and interactive activities involving the fans and the soap stars.
Keep an eye here at Soapbox, because Kara and I will be updating SSW 2008 news as it becomes available.
If you’ve never gone to this fun-filled weekend, it’s a must for ABC soap fans.
And if you’re an ABC soap fan, Hollywood Studios Disney World is truly the most magical place on earth that weekend.
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Happy 40th Birthday One Life To Live!
One Life To Live turned 40 years old yesterday.
But the party is just starting.
It’s very nostalgic for me, because I’ve been watching from nearly beginning.
Back then, I looked forward to finding respite from my high school angst, coming home and watching the drama surrounding the Craigs, the Woleks and the Lords.
I got lost in the day-to-day saga of characters like Cathy Craig and her father Dr. James Craig, Dr. Larry Wolek and his blue-collar brother Vinnie Wolek and wife Wanda Webb Wolek. There was also Joe Riley, Sadie Gray and her daughter Carla Gray….and, of course, the Lords - Victor Lord and daughters Victoria and Meredith.
Only one of those characters remains today….Viki Lord Buchanan Davidson (Erika Slezak).
You know, OLTL had some pretty groundbreaking storylines back in the late 60’s and early 70’s.
There was the story of Carla “Benari,” whose real name was Carla Gray, a light-skinned African-American woman passing herself off as a white woman.
Another particularly interesting storyline was when Cathy Craig became addicted to drugs and she entered a real rehab facility for group therapy in New York City called Odyssey House. I remember watching the group meetings, which were filmed in the real facility and the meetings were run by the real head of the rehab, Dr. Judianne Densen-Gerber. The character, Cathy, joined real life ex-addicts who attended the group therapy sessions at Odyssey House.
It was fascinating! Think about it.
Back then, the idea of going for drug treatment and group therapy was foreign. Such a stigma attached. So watching an actual group therapy session was riveting.
Check out the various OLTL opening themes over the years. My favorite is the second one with the sun rising. Talk about nostalgia!
OLTL was my favorite then and is still my favorite soap today.
Which brings me to some very good news for very old fans like me….or, for that matter, good news for ALL OLTL fans young and old.
There will be LOTS of fan favorites returning in the next two weeks and, in addition, three storylines from the past will be redone as nods to OLTL history.
For starters, Erika Slezak (Viki) and Robert S. Woods (Bo Buchanan) will be on The View today (11 a.m. EST ABC) to talk about OLTL’s 40th birthday. So tune in.
OLTL is set to return to Paris, Texas today, meaning my favorite waitress Noelle Ortiz (January LaVoy) will be back onscreen. Welcome Back, January!
Rex (John-Paul Lavoisier) follows Bo to Paris, Texas and both are struck by lightning and transported back to 1968 (the year that OLTL was born). This is a take-off on a storyline years ago, when Clint was knocked unconscious and traveled back to the Wild West.
Another 40th anniversary storyline involves Tina (Andrea Evans) and Sarah (Justis Bolding) in Mendorra. Remember when Tina plunged over a waterfall in the 1980’s? This time, Tina watches in horror as her daughter Sarah takes the plunge, compliments of the treacherous Carlo Hesser. John Loprieno as Cord makes a return appearance.
The third nod to history involves Viki, the sole survivor of the original core characters. Viki “dies” in a car accident and goes to heaven, reprising a similar trip to heaven in the late 1980’s.
Viki and Ben 
Viki interacts with those who have died, including Asa (Phil Carey), Ben (Mark Derwin) and Mel (Stephen Markle). Another interesting twist: she meets a grown-up Megan (Jessica and Will’s unborn baby) played by Erin Torpey - who played Jessica for years.
As the ultimate bow to history, OLTL’s creator Agnes Nixon appears in heaven as Viki’s guardian angel.
So fasten your seatbelts OLTL fans, it looks like a fun-filled ride!
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Genie Francis again stepping in as GH’s Laura
Can you believe Genie Francis is coming back to General Hospital?
Yeah, me neither, especially after they keep putting her legendary, legacy character out to pasture. But it’s true. The popular actress will be bringing her iconic Laura to our TV screens once more beginning Aug. 26.
Of course, it will only be for a short stint because the stewards of GH don’t know a good thing when they have it. But I’ll take what I can get.
Supposedly Laura’s return will have something to do with Lulu … as do virtually all things on this show nowadays. (I’ll refrain from a full-on Lulu rant here because I just had one recently and, even though she annoys the stuffing out of me, her character really doesn’t deserve so much thought and attention, which is something GH would be wise to realize so it can quit putting her smug face in so many scenes.)
Anyhow, Genie’s return is actually the important note in all this, especially considering she said she would be interested in coming back full-time. (Check out the announcement here.).
Good news, right? Apparently not, if you’re GH.
“I would stay on, but ‘General Hospital’ honestly doesn’t seem to want that relationship with this character at the moment,” reports the actress.
They really are a bunch of … Excuse me for a quick mental reference to Bridget Jones … oh, yes, knobheads with no knobs!
How will Luke fit into all this? Who knows? And, really, who cares? Well, I guess Tracy will.
Laura’s return will be brief, so what’s the point in getting “the love of her life” heavily involved? It’s just another recipe for heartbreak.
Then again, Genie got an Emmy out of her last short stint.
Hmmmmmm … Maybe that’s why she’s willing to come back to a show that seems to lack respect for her character … and for her status as a soap star.
But it probably has more to do with Genie being a class act who appreciates GH fans and recognizes what a gift Laura is for longtime soap viewers, no matter how small her airtime.
In any case, I’m ready to welcome Genie’s warm presence on my screen again. Maybe she might even make Lulu tolerable.
What? Miracles happen all the time on soaps.
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Aiden Devane Finds A Creative Way To Win Forgiveness
Didn’tcha just love the Aiden Devane flashcard technique for winning Greenlee back on All My Children? Aiden was so-o-o cute, wasn’t he?
And hot.
Yeah, hot.
Definitely HOT…in a cute way.
Well, here, check it out for yourself.
And, just yesterday, Greenlee hit Aiden with some flashcards of her own.
Namely, the forgiveness card.
So it looks like this couple will get another chance at love.
And I’m glad for that.
Mainly because Aiden (Aiden Turner) really hasn’t had much of a storyline for his run on the show - until his romance with Greenlee (Rebecca Budig).
And I like Aiden.
And want to see more of him.
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E.J. and Nicole sizzle on Days
How hot are E.J. and Nicole on Days of Our Lives?
They’re so sizzling that I shall refrain from posting a clip of their recent elevator romp, just in case there are still a few conservative-minded soap viewers out there. If you’re interested, you’ll have to search for those juicy scenes on your own!
What I will post are the scenes that these wonderfully complex characters shared the next day. (You’ll notice Roscoe Born in there, as well, playing new character Trent. As an aside, I must say Roscoe is a master at playing the creepiest of creepy creeps. He and Hunt Block should be on the same show just once so their characters can have a creep off.)
Anyway, back to E.J. and Nicole. These two are both intelligent, strong and willing to do whatever it takes to get what they want. Sometimes that “whatever” means being downright devious, but they both have a soft side that keeps the characters likeable.
In fact, I think E.J. and Nicole have a way of spotlighting these softer traits, the aspects of their personalities that they try so hard to keep under wraps for fear of being hurt or taken advantage of.
E.J., for example, brings out an endearing vulnerability in an otherwise snarky, hardened-by-life Nicole. And she has a way of bringing out his gallant, decidedly un-DiMera side.
They seem to believe in each other and see past all the negatives that everyone else likes to harp on. She views E.J. as a gentleman, a protector. He finds her smart and fun and resilient.
It must be nice for these two to be with someone who says nice things about them … and to them. Granted, they brought much of the criticism on themselves, but still … their characters aren’t all bad.
James Scott and Arianne Zuker are doing a great job bringing this pairing to life.
All I have left to say is, “Sami who?”
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Would Someone Give GH Writers New Storylines?
Can the General Hospital writers get any less creative?
It’s a rhetorical question.
I mean, c’mon.
First, they have the Sonny/Carly/Jax whose the daddy if there even is a baby storyline, with Carly going to Jason and asking HIM to lay claim to the fatherhood of the possible baby that turned out to not be a baby.
Ummmmm. Can someone say recycled from the yesteryear when oh so long ago Carly asked Jason to lay claim to Michael’s paternity?
You can read Kara’s previous blog about the Carly/Jason weirdness from long ago.
The most recently recycled storyline involves Lulu Spencer (Laura Webber Spencer’s daughter) killing Logan Hayes (Scott Baldwin’s son) with Maxie and Johnny trying to convince Lulu that they have to get rid of the body because Scott will not believe Lulu and will prosecute her for murder.
So here’s the familiarity.
Years ago, when Scott was married to Laura,he helped Laura’s stepfather Rick Webber, bury nurse Theresa Carter in the backyard after Laura accidentally killed her. Then Rick injected Laura with a drug to erase her memory of the event.
All of this never surfaced until Laura was about to remarry Luke in 2002 and she started having all these flashbacks in the Webber attic, the same place that Theresa was killed. Rick, who came back for the wedding, tried to inject Laura with something to calm her down, she struck and killed Rick. It was believed that this led to Laura’s eventual catatonia.
Lulu (Julie Marie Berman) eventually discovered that it was Scott who really killed Rick.
Julie Marie Berman as Lulu
The one thing that Lulu is desperately afraid of is winding up the same way as her mother.
So I ask….
Is this where the writers are going?
Are they going to put Lulu in Shadybrook too?
And what in the heck was the point of introducing Logan into Port Charles as Scott’s son, when he has had so little storyline and now he’s dead.
There could have been a much better nod to history if Scott’s son and Laura’s daughter developed a long-term relationship….But that was never to be.
So again I ask, what is the point to all this?
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One Life to Live: A thrill a minute
I have been so thrilled with One Life to Live lately.
Usually, Michele’s the one waxing poetic about the show. And usually I think she’s just a tad bit biased because, well, OLTL is her favorite!
But, I have to admit, the drama (and humor) in Llanview has really been kicking into high gear.
Between Carlo (He’s Talia’s father!) and Cain (He’s passing himself off as a prince!) and Tina (She’s a “princess” with a dog named David Vickers!) and David (He’s just all around fabulous!) and Marty (She has amnesia and is counting on the one man she shouldn’t!), the show is just one breathless, can’t-turn-my-eyes-away moment after the next.
And those are just the returning characters. There’s also a slew of stories — intriguing, heartbreaking and funny — surrounding veterans and people who have consistently been on the canvas.
The history-driven rivalries of Nora/Lindsay and Viki/Dorian. The return of Jessica’s other personality, a vengeful Tess, who simply drips hatred for her unsuspecting sister, Natalie. The bubbling romance between Gigi and Rex. The Vega men in hero mode.
Perhaps my favorite? The drama surrounding Starr and Cole’s unborn child.
Check out some of the recent scenes propelling this story.
The absolute beauty of this tale is not just that it touches on a very real issue. No, it’s the way OLTL has woven so many characters into the fabric of the story.
This is not simply about a teen pregnancy, a topic that on it’s own would breed complexity and resonance. It’s a story about young love (Starr/Cole). It’s a story about a dominating father (Todd) and how far he’s willing to go. It’s a story about a mother (Blair) finally standing up for her children. It’s a story about a woman (Marcie) who desperately wants a child and finds herself drawn into the Mannings’ sphere once more. It’s a story about adoption. It’s a story about teen parenthood. It’s a story about a mother’s rights vs. a father’s in regards to an unborn child.
There’s love. And loss. And hope. And fear.
See what I mean?
OLTL isn’t missing a beat.
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General Hospital - The Best Supporting Characters in Daytime
I have to say, General Hospital has the most interesting supporting characters in daytime - hands down!
Actually, my friend, Sheri (who happens to be the best hairdresser on the planet) and I had this conversation weeks ago and I’m just now getting around to writing about it.
First of all, I am so-o-o-o tired of Sonny and Carly and their endless machinations together and apart.
I am tired of the Zaccharas.
I am tired of Lulu and her pursuit of Johnny.
I am tired of Robin pushing away Patrick and their endless conversations about whether or not he’s ready to be the baby daddy.
And I am tired of Jason being Sonny’s doormat.
Okay.
Rant ended.
Here’s what I LOVE about GH and what keeps me watching.
Top of the list - Bradford Anderson as computer geek Damien Spinelli and Carolyn Hennesy as super-smart, lady lawyer, Diane Miller.
Those two alone keep me watching.
Anderson and Hennesy both have an amazing talent for playing funny.
And one other great thing about these two.
They really go above and beyond for their fans. How great is that?
Anderson plays the assasin of cyberspace “The Jackal” and talks about himself in the third-person.
He has these weird - albeit appropriate - nicknames for everyone and he talks so fast that it constantly amazes me how he can remember, let alone speak, the complicated dialogue.
Check out this video. It features Spinelli and his Jackal-speak.
Hennesy commands attention every time she is onscreen.
She has this bigger-than-life presence and her attention to detail in every scene is remarkable.
No matter who she is paired with, Hennesy never fails to entertain. She has chemistry with everyone.
Diane’s friendship with fellow lawyer Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn) has breathed new life into Alexis’ comical side.
The two are absolutely hysterical together.
Think Lucy and Ethel.
The thing about Hennesy is that she does serious really well too.
Remember that scene with Diane and Max (Derk Cheetwood) bonding over their sorrow about Michael’s shooting? It was touching and wonderful.
And speaking of Cheetwood as Max - I have yearned for a long time to see more of him - to see him in a real storyline and to see him in a relationship.
The Diane/Max pairing is so much fun and I absolutely love Hennesy and Cheetwood together.
Diane and Max
One other supporting character who I really enjoy is Nurse Nadine Crowell (Claire Coffee).
Coffee has a very natural way of acting. She is believable and real.
And Nadine is nice…really, really nice and that’s hard to find in soap opera land. She’s so nice that she’s a bit naive in some ways - sort of like Spinelli.
When she first came on the GH scene, I was hoping that Nadine would find love with Spinelli.
After all, the two went to the Black and White Ball together.
Instead, Nadine has fallen for Prince Nikolas Cassadine (Tyler Christopher) - who, in my opinion, is too dark and moody for her.
Nikolas is still pining away for his dead fiancee, Emily, anyway.
I guess you never really know where the romantic pairings will end up.
That’s just the nature of soaps.
And that’s why we crave them.
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Days’ wisely bringing Stefano back
So The Phoenix is rising again on Days of Our Lives.
Well, it’s about time.
As most Days fans know, Stefano DiMera (aka The Phoenix) disappeared from the Salem canvas several months ago after his portrayer, the delightfully devilish Joseph Mascolo, was stupidly let go.
Yeah, that’s right. I called the Days’ head honchos stupid. ‘Cause they were.
But someone, somewhere, wised up and realized the show has no better villain than Stefano … and hired Joseph back.
Finally.
Sometimes I really do wonder what the people running soaps are thinking.
Don’t you?
I know I can’t be the only one shaking her head at some of the decisions being made.
Anyhow, Stefano’s return is guaranteed to add some spark. He always does.
They don’t call him The Phoenix for nothing.
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GH’s Jason, just say ‘no’ to Carly
Oh, no, she didn’t!
Someone please tell me I did not just see General Hospital’s Carly tell Sonny that Jason is the father of her maybe-baby.
Did that self-absorbed, needs-every-man-in-her-life-to-adore-her-and-no-other hypocrite (no offense to portrayer Laura Wright, who is doing a fabulous job) actually drag Jason into one of her ridiculous dramas once more? (Check out the preview below of her asking Jason for her latest “favor.”)
I pray to the soap gods that Jason tells her, “Heck, no,” as he’s slamming the door on her behind.
OK, I know the latter part won’t happen. Jason and Carly have an extremely strong, bordering on strange, bond that can’t be broken come Robin or Sonny or Sam or Jax or Elizabeth or fake paternities … yada, yada, yada. It’d take something really big for him to actually kick her out (even though I think that’s exactly what she needs from him sometimes).
But please, Jason, for the love of all things relatively sane on GH, don’t say yes to her farfetched plan.
You did it once with Michael, and you’ve been moaning about the consequences of that ever since he was shot. Don’t throw all that character growth out the window for Carly.
As for Carly, I don’t really expect much character growth from her. She did have sex with Sonny … again … while in a relationship with Jax (only this time Jax and Carly were married, which makes it even more egregious in my book). So I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that she would concoct some absurd cover story … once again involving Jason. It’s what she does.
I just hope Jason has the sense this time to tell her what she needs to hear: NO!
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AMC’s Angie needs to let her fear go
I love all things Hubbard on All My Children.
Truly, I do.
But lately … and this is really hard for me to admit … Angie is getting on my nerves.
It’s not that I don’t appreciate what a loving, intelligent and competent woman she is. ‘Cause I do.
It’s not that I don’t appreciate her marvelous portrayer, Debbi Morgan. ‘Cause I do.
And it’s not that I don’t appreciate Debbi’s chemistry with Darnell Williams (Jesse), Cornelius Smith Jr. (Frankie) or Yaya DaCosta (Cassandra). ‘Cause I do.
What I’m not appreciating is her unwavering objection to Jesse joining the police force … in any capacity.
I get why she has reservations, why she fears the possibility so much. She just got Jesse back, after years of thinking he was dead. She blames his work as a police officer for the hell she and Frank and Jesse went through, and she’s not ready to take the chance that Jesse’s job will put him in danger again.
I get it. Really. And I keep reminding myself of her valid concerns.
But it’s starting to bother me that she’s letting fear run their lives.
Can’t she see how Jesse lights up at the notion of being on the force once more? (Check out the scenes below.) Telling him he can’t … or shouldn’t … be a cop is kind of cruel. The guy has put his life on hold for too long. He’s had to give up so much already to protect the ones he loves. Now he deserves a chance to truly live and do the things he enjoys, even if it means a little peril and excitement here and there.
Plus, it’s not like Jesse’s looking to become a flatfoot on patrol. He’s been offered the opportunity to be the police chief, which is usually more desk than danger.
Besides, Angie pressuring him to give up his passion for policing would be like him telling her she can’t work on people with infectious diseases anymore. I know that her job hasn’t put their family in danger the way Jesse’s has, but it could. Does that mean she needs to find some cushy teaching job, as well?
I recognize this is just a bone of contention thrown Jesse and Angie’s way to cause a little friction. We wouldn’t want them to be too happy, eh? This is a soap, after all.
But Angie’s bordering on selfish and whiny. And, frankly, I don’t think it’s a fitting trait for this otherwise remarkable heroine.
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Soaps should have another awards show
I am finally starting to emerge from my Daytime-Emmy-induced stupor, and something hit me.
I miss the televised Soap Opera Digest awards.
Anyone else feeling the void about now?
I used to love seeing all the soap stars dressed to the nines and actually enjoying themselves because a) every soap had a chance in Hades to get something and b) the categories were so much fun.
Remember best villain and villainess? Or best comeback? Or best supercouple (see clip below of my all-time faves Jack and Jennifer from Days of Our Lives.)
It was like the MTV or Kids’ Choice or (insert some other fun-loving, viewer-selected) awards just for soaps.
Why don’t we have that anymore?
Yeah, I know. Probably something about budgets and declining viewership. Blah, blah, blah.
But why do soaps seem to be the only genre affected by a cutback in awards events? As far as I can tell, the number of these “self-congratulatory” shows mushrooms every year, so, really, what’s one more?
And as for the argument that the SOD awards are simply a popularity contest … well, duh. But at least they didn’t pretend to be otherwise.
With all the drama and disappointment that seems to surround the Daytime Emmys nowadays, I could use something that is nothing more than fun … for both the stars and the fans.
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‘Got milk?’ These three actresses do
I was thrilled when I flipped through the pages of Soap Opera Digest recently and saw three soap actresses featured in a national advertising campaign.
Kassie DePaiva (Blair on One Life to Live), Bobbie Eakes (Krystal on All My Children) and Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth on General Hospital) were hamming it up in a “got milk?” ad, complete with the ubiquitous milk mustache.
How cool is that?
As a longtime soap fan, it always tickles me when the genre’s actors and actresses get a little extra recognition. I would say being part of a major ad campaign qualifies, wouldn’t you?
Not only that, but whoever selected these three particular actresses was right on target.
I’m not a big fan of AMC’s Krystal, but I have always appreciated Bobbie’s talents as a performer. She has a way of connecting with her characters, displaying true vulnerabilities that viewers can relate to.
As for Blair on OLTL, I think she is poised to be the “Viki” of her generation. She already has proven her staying power as a character, and Kassie’s portrayal continues to be the right mix of satin and steel. Plus, the actress is so warm and open with her fans.
Then there’s Rebecca. Michele likes to pick on me for my blatant “girl crush” on the woman. But really. Look at her. Can you blame me? Becky is one of the few women I let my husband say nice things about, so that must tell you something. I love GH’s Elizabeth and I admire how well Becky brings her to life. And the actress is always so gracious in person.
So all in all, I think the milk industry got some worthy women to hawk their product.
And the soap world once again shows it has plenty of substance to go with the froth.
(Photo courtesy of got milk?)
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Viki, Charlie, Antonio, Jessica, Natalie - Kudos All Around on OLTL
I don’t know where to begin.
There were so many really good performances Tuesday on One Life To Live.
Okay, I’ll start with Erika Slezak (Viki), because Viki IS One Life To Live.
And Slezak draws you in every time she’s onscreen.
She is so believable.
So genuine.
And when she’s paired with Brian Kerwin as Charlie - well, the sky’s the limit.
Kerwin also gives it all he’s got when paired with Slezak.
Together - perfection!
As was the case on Tuesday, as Charlie is begging Viki for forgiveness.
And Viki wants to forgive him - so badly.
I mean, you can feel how badly she wants to forgive him.
And I think she might, if not for her loyalty to her daughter, Jessica (Bree Williamson).
Because, as Viki says, even if she could get past Charlie’s lies, Jessica would never forgive her if she went back with Charlie.
And Viki can’t do that to Jess.
Speaking of Williamson, she’s been absolutely phenomenal in her grief over Nash’s death as Kara attested to in a previous blog.
And Tuesday was no exception.
But it was Antonio (Kamar de los Reyes) who really moved me in his scenes with ex-wife, Jessica.
It was the gentle side of Antonio - the side that I really adore - that came out as he offered comfort to Jess.
It was magnanimous of him, considering that Jess trashed her marriage to Antonio by her affair with Nash.
Antonio was so giving and so kind in Jess’s hour of need.
What I like about de los Reyes; Antonio is that he has such a great range of emotions and does them all very well.
He plays the rough and tough side of Antonio as well as he plays the tender, caring side.
As for Melissa Archer as Natalie - she got in touch with her forceful, assertive side…the Asa Buchanan part of her.
And, for me, I’m loving it.
Natalie, calmly - but firmly - issued her ultimatum to the shocked trio of Clint, Bo and Nora.
She will offer up the name of the real Buchanan heir if all of the charges against Jared are dropped.
Natalie played hardball, insisting that all civil charges be dropped too.
AND she insisted on having everything in writing!
I LOVE it!
A true tribute to her grandfather.
It’s something Asa would definitely be proud of!
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What’s AMC’s plan for Beth Ehlers?
The latest scuttlebutt about All My Children in that Beth Ehlers will be joining the cast.
This is major news for three major reasons:
No. 1: Beth is the mucho-beloved actress who created the role of Harley Cooper on Guiding Light.
No. 2: On the above-mentioned Guiding Light, her character was paired with Gus Aitoro, played by Ricky Paull Goldin … whom AMC viewers now know as Jake Martin.
No. 3: Although uber popular, Gus and Harley broke up on GL, inexplicably drifted farther and farther apart and then he died, leaving fans of the couple bitter and broken-hearted.
Hmmmmm … do ya think the AMC higher-ups might just capitalize on that?
Well, if they’re smart, they will.
And I like to think that the upper echelons of soaps still have a little intelligence floating around.
Anyhow, early rumors had her coming on as Liza Colby, which I found particularly interesting considering I’ve been championing the return of that character for months and months and months. Of course, that was back when it looked like the show might be pairing Colby and Frankie. But since they recast Colby … and she barely has any screentime anymore … and they brought on a new love interest for Frankie in the form of the stunning Randi. Well, I just don’t see as much of a fit for Liza as I did before.
Apparently I’m not the only one. Now rumors say Beth will not be playing Liza. However, there has been no official word either way.
In any case, it’ll be interesting to see how the Ricky and Beth redux plays out. And it’ll be nice to have them both on the Pine Valley scene.
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GH’s Lulu needs to get lost
I cannot stand Lulu on General Hospital. Can. Not. Stand. Her.
And it’s not one of those “love to hate” relationships, like I’ve had with Carly or Faith or Ric or A.J.
No, this is full-blown disgust. I don’t find her remotely entertaining or endearing or engaging.
What a waste of a talented young actress (Julie Marie Berman) … and an almost-complete ruination of a legacy character to boot.
The daughter of iconic supercouple Luke and Laura should be more likeable than this, right?
So what am I missing?
The show seems to think viewers want to see Lulu in every episode, sneering her way through dialogue and telling everybody else what to do with their lives.
Well, let me give you a head’s up, GH. Lulu is beyond annoying.
Don’t believe me? Here’s my latest strike list for Miss Lewww-lewwww (as Anthony would say):
She rarely shows up to work because she’s traipsing around town, getting into other people’s faces about stuff she has no business talking about, usually because she’s “protecting” wittle Johnny-kins. Strike 1.
She can’t be bothered to be with Nikolas during his recent brain surgery, yet she feels like it’s perfectly OK to get on his case about his relationship with Claudia … which is jaw-droppingly hypocritical because she has chosen to ignore everyone’s warnings (including Nikolas’) about getting involved with Claudia’s brother, Johnny. Strike 2.
She thinks she knows Johnny so well, yet she insists on insulting his sister every chance she gets. I’m not saying Claudia’s a saint, but … really …. Lulu barely knows the woman. What she does know is that Johnny loves his sister; he’s shown that in words and by action. That alone should earn Claudia some sort of respect from Lulu, at least to her face. Strike 3.
And, believe me, there’s more.
I just want someone to knock that selfish, Johnny-centric smirk (see below) off her face.
Speaking of Johnny (Brandon Barash), his character has been all but ruined for me, thanks to Lulu. Just when I think I’m liking him, he has a scene with her and I wonder what I ever saw in him in the first place.
He validates her stupidity and her insolence, making her even more intolerable to watch on my screen.
Lulu only truly cares about Lulu … and Johnny, of course. It really is infuriating and insulting to watch.
I keep thinking my complete loathing of her will pass, that it’s just some sort of phase and she’ll actually become the young heroine that her soap bloodline promised she’d be.
But I’m truly starting to lose hope.
So, GH? If you insist on making Lulu this obnoxious, can you do me a favor? Stop putting her on my screen every single day. There are plenty of other less-annoying, more-deserving characters who could use the air time.
Plus, I’m really getting tired of yelling at my TV.
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Keep up the Ava/Nicole friendship, Days
I am absolutely loving the newly formed friendship between Ava and Nicole on Days of Our Lives.
What a fabulous idea to pair these two as pals. Two women who, for obvious reasons, are severely lacking in the buddy department. It makes sense that they would form a bond.
Watching these two “girl talk” is a riot. Yet it’s sad at the same time as they discuss the reasons why no one likes them.
And therein lies the beauty in this connection.
The bond between Ava and Nicole showcases their vulnerabilities. It gives them humanity to temper some of their more conniving and downright dastardly deeds. Otherwise they’d just be a couple of meanies with no rooting value.
Perhaps what really makes Ava and Nicole’s scenes work is the fact that these characters are portrayed by two formidable and charismatic actresses.
Not to mention entertaining.
Arianne Zuker is so vibrant as Nicole. (Doesn’t the actress just seem like the kind of gal pal you’d like to hang with on a Saturday night? All lovable kookiness and such?) I am glued to the screen whenever she’s on. She has the ability to make me laugh one moment and then have me tearing up the next. It’s sorcery, I tell you.
And, of course, there’s Tamara Braun as Ava. This actress had the terribly difficult task of coming onto the Days canvas as a crazed woman causing having for the uber-uber-uber-uber-to-infinity-beloved supercouple Patch and Kayla. And now the show’s throwing her in between John and Marlena?
Talk about a thankless job.
But Tamara has been more than up to the task. With the things Ava has done, I should completely hate her. But lately, especially in her scenes with Nicole, she’s shown heart and remorse and humility and … dare I say? … likability.
It’s amazing what a little good-old-fashioned female bonding can do, eh?
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Rex Balsom, How Far You’ve Come
There are so many riviting performances lately on One Life To Live lately, that I must give kudos all around.
But there’s one person who never fails to entertain, whether it’s a light-hearted moment or a serious situation…
John-Paul Lavoisier as Rex Balsom.
Rex came onto the scene as a kind of a scammer…a bad boy always looking to make a quick buck….a younger version of David Vickers (Tuc Watkins).
But over the years, he has grown and matured into a loyal, do-the-right-thing kinda guy…
This, in large part, due to his close friendship with Bo Buchanan (Robert S. Woods), who has always been one of my favorites.
Bo is the epitomy of do-the-right thing.
I also think Jen’s murder turned a corner for Rex on a path to being a better person.
He really loved Jen and her murder was devastating for him.
He also bonded in grief with Marcie and Lindsay - friendships that have lasted and flourished over the years.
In fact, his friendship with Marcie led to his pact with her husband, Michael, keeping the secret that their adoptive son, Tommy, was really Todd Manning’s lost son.
And, boy, was Rex ever loyal to Michael during that entire situation.
But it really struck me just how far Rex has come during the past few weeks and particularly during Monday’s episode, when he told Adriana that their days-old marriage is over.
Rex - who was known to lie and scheme during his early days in Llanview - tells Adriana he can’t overlook her scheme to bring Brody to Llanview in order to keep Gigi Morasco (Farah Fath), Rex’s high school sweetheart, away from him.
He also is brutally honest - telling Adriana (Melissa Fumero) that he was having doubts about marrying her before the wedding.
Rex and Adriana have gone through a lot to be together, that’s for sure.
Remember when Dorian set up that whacko stalker and made it look like Rex? She almost got Adriana killed that time.
Rex and Adriana talked through their tears Monday as they neared their final split.
I’m sure part of the sadness was real…
Fumero is leaving the show and these were some of her last scenes.
Much luck to Melissa in her new endeavors.
As for Rex, he still needs to find out that Shane is his son - A.S.A.P.
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Jessica’s grief gut-wrenching on OLTL
I’m not much of a Nash and Jessica fan on One Life to Live.
The way they got together … basically steamrolling over Antonio … always tainted their union, in my eyes.
You can imagine my surprise, then, at how moved I was watching Jessica dealing with the news that Nash was not going to survive the injuries he sustained from his fall. (Check out some of the scenes below.)
Bree Williamson was A-MAY-ZING. She practically hyperventilated her dialogue, and as I watched her, I thought, “Oh my. That’s exactly how I would expect to react in the same situation.”
Pretty soon, I was bawling, too.
Wow.
Those scenes made me really care about Nash and Jessica for the first time. I felt the love, the history, the connection.
In fact, there were powerhouse performances all around. Michael McBain (Chris Stack) stoically giving the difficult news. Clint (Jerry verDorn) and Viki (Erika Slezak) desperately wanting to help their daughter, but knowing there was nothing they could do. Jared (John Brotherton) and Natalie’s (Melissa Archer) guilt cutting through their shock.
And Nash. Well, what can I say about Forbes March except that it’s almost unfathomable to me that the show has let him go. After all the time and effort OLTL took building him into a leading man, creating a strong pairing (complete with a solidifying child) and tearing down another significant couple in the process … and now this?
I really don’t get soap casting sometimes.
But I guess it’s moot now.
I’ll just try to be thankful that Nash’s death at least offered some great material for other cast members.
And that looks to continue. The previews show Jessica lashing out at Natalie for her part in Jared’s ruse.
Amen!
I simply loathe Natalie’s decision to protect her latest “true” love by lying to her family. (Even if she claims it was to benefit the Buchanans. Yeah, whatever.) And Jared holds no appeal for me at all. (I didn’t feel one iota of pity for him as he wrung his hands by Charlie’s bedside.)
I have lost a lot of respect for Natalie because of this, and while I don’t think she was to blame for Nash’s death, she definitely didn’t help matters. She deserves whatever anger Jessica throws at her.
And considering the way Bree has been nailing her scenes lately? I truly expect nothing less than fireworks when these two sisters butt heads.
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Latest comments
Hi, Lola.
ITA about the Spencer kids and their blatant lack of Spencer “smarts.” It’s just recently I’ve been able to enjoy Lucky again because I thought he was showing some promise with this counterfeit drug story. But
... read the full comment by Kara | Comment on Lately, GH has been a boring mess Read Lately, GH has been a boring mess
I agree. I am a GH fan and thought they had a really good year last year and deserved the best daytime drama emmy, but it has been down hill lately. Lulu, is awful. At one point with the whole Georgie, Dillon pregnancy triangle, she had the potential
... read the full comment by Lola | Comment on Lately, GH has been a boring mess Read Lately, GH has been a boring mess
Hi, Michele.
I am so excited about all this. It’s like an extra-special reward for all of us who have watched for so many years. I’m glad to see OLTL isn’t afraid or ashamed to “re-create” some of its campier story
... read the full comment by Kara | Comment on Happy 40th Birthday One Life To Live! Read Happy 40th Birthday One Life To Live!
I can’t believe Laura is coming back — and she looks barely a minute older. She must have a portrait in her closet that’s doing the aging for her! I may have to start watching again!
... read the full comment by Joyce | Comment on Genie Francis again stepping in as GH's Laura Read Genie Francis again stepping in as GH's Laura