Chris B

The best way to pay tribute would just be to do it on the anniversary of when Luke died and have his closest family and friends gather to remember him properly. They could use Lulu as an excuse since she was in a coma when it first happened.

This is so heartbreaking! I love following his husband on Instagram and seeing him constantly post updates about their life. They seemed so in love and were living what looked like a peaceful life. I'm so sad for him and for their family and friends, as well as his extended GH family.

4 hours ago, Soaplovers said:

Agree that great minds can think alike :)

In terms of Ashley, the show seems committed to keeping her character on the show especially since she was shown in the Thanksgiving episode having a quiet day with Jan and Mona as they discuss Black Friday shopping, food, and other day to day matters... so I think delving into her backstory in terms of who her father is would be a good place for the show to go while keeping her as a good friend to Naomi, Shanice, and a good nurse during medical stories.

Perhaps one of the children of the handsome new doctor could be her love interest down the line.

This is exactly how you rehab a character coming out of a failed romance. Lean into her as a supporting character where she can shine and they need to go ahead and make Joey her father somehow. That way their fave still has a story but it isn't a romantic storyline. Like you suggested, they need to bring on a new character for her and start fresh. Andre and Derek are just not it. Even if Dani and Andre were to break up, the viewers don't want Ashley with him.

Her chemistry is scorching hot with Shanice and Naomi so lean into that for now.

14 hours ago, Soaplovers said:

So the whole Derek holding back his progress in order to surprise Ashley and then being found out long before he was deceitful wasn't a pivot/adjustment?

Wow!

I'm on the fence on whether this was all MVJ's vision (that she said played out in her mind all these years), or if the abundance of EP's/Production companies have somewhat muddled the waters.

I remember Sheila Ducksworth did say that the vast majority of Michele's bible would make it to air. One thing we do know changed is Karla mentioned Andre/Dani became a bigger thing due to the chemistry. My guess is that originally Andre/Ashley were the end game couple and Derek would've become a villain as a result. There seemed to be some hints to him going to the dark side but that has largely went away.

1 hour ago, ReddFoxx said:

Ashley, Derek and Tomas really give recurring character energy and today that was abundantly clear.

I saw an interview with Jen Jacob on Instagram and she mentioned how the story is developed and it seems like this mess they have going was planned from the beginning for Ashley/Derek. It amazes me that even with the reaction to those characters they still haven't pivoted. I've given up hope on recasts but at least change it up. The story just doesn't work.

Now with Tomas, I do think the story is fine but the actor is just dreadful.

1 hour ago, ranger1rg said:

-- I don't have an answer for it, but that coffee corner set does not work. A conversation between Eva and Laura was interesting, but that set takes me out of the story every time.

I agree. I didn't want to say anything because I've been so critical of the sets and a coffee shop was needed but the design is just off. I think the issue is the set designer/decorator. They have far too many misses.

I just watched Friday and Monday back-to-back and maybe it played better that way because I enjoyed it more than some here seemed to. For starters, the holiday decor was beautiful and everybody looked amazing. The wardrobe department really shines with events like this. Even have nots like Jan and Ashley looked amazing. Leslie, Dani and Nicole were my best dressed but no one looked bad.

In terms of story, I feel like I got what I wanted out of it. A huge chunk of the cast was included and we got lots of interesting interactions. Greg Vaughn is a professional so I'm not surprised how smooth his intro was. Loved Vanessa with Nicole. We had another good Naomi/Hayley confrontation. I'm glad they incorporated Mona and Laura into this event! I love the build of this story and am excited to see where it goes, especially with Marcel in the picture. It doesn't hurt he has strong chemistry with Leslie which might be worth exploring long term. The actor looked amazing at Winterfest. The cameos were fun as well!

In terms of drama, I thought there was enough simmering. I didn't need more. If this was a British soap I'd feel differently but we know US soaps don't go all in during the holidays with the drama. I feel like we'll still get more throughout the week.

This was a warm and successful holiday event in my opinion. I could see them using this episode in the future for a repeat. I know many wish it had lasted longer and I wouldn't be opposed to that but I've gotten used to the shows quicker pace. I'll definitely take this over it lasting a week or two like some soaps tend to do. The only thing I would've changed is some of the stuff we couldn't see but we know that is based on budget/set availability.

I can't believe we're finally at the end again. I've just done my catch up and the show is still so good. This second season on Prime has been really strong. Definitely not looking forward to seeing the show go away. This has been my favorite soap to watch since it returned.

3 hours ago, soapfave06 said:

How was she treated at ATWT?

She was, I believe, the first Lucy Montgomery recast and she was one of those recasts that was quickly fired ala Charity Rahmer. I don't think she was bad and certainly better than Peyton List, but probably not what they were looking for.

On AMC, I remember being shocked when she was fired. I assumed Reggie and Jody would be their big teen couple. I truly can't understand why they didn't go the distance.

6 hours ago, Liberty City said:

I love and appreciate his honesty, and I have a feeling he'll be put on contract quite soon. I really do! Cannot wait to meet Kial!

I do find it really interesting that everybody they've brought on has been recurring. It makes me wonder if anybody will be bumped to contract or is that just gonna be the norm for them.

As someone who loves opening credit updates, I wish they'd include some of the recurring stars who appear regularly. I'd love to see them add a third opening with some of the recurring actors.

8 hours ago, Liberty City said:

As the World Turns

The Bold and the Beautiful

• Marla Adams and Robin Riker as Beth Logan: Following the successful recast of Nancy Burnett in the role of Beth Logan, the role was recast in 1990 with Adams; despite her considerable talent, Adams' Beth is not who the fans wanted to see. Burnett would reprise the role for several guest appearances from 1994 to 2001. In 2008, the character was reintroduced, this time with Riker, who, much like Adams, was not warmly welcomed in the role. Riker exited the role in 2010, when Beth was killed off.

I've been watching the reruns on YouTube and I managed to get through Marla Adams stint as Beth. It was very odd and brief. It felt more like a temp recast than anything. With that said, she was miscast. I don't think they ever got the casting right for this role, especially the long awaited return with that dud Robin Riker.

Considering Susan Seaforth Hayes and Jane Elliot (who was actually cast) were in the mix for Stephanie, I don't understand why they didn't just make one of them Beth. Especially Elliot who was under contract and thought she had a job. That character was always doomed.

8 hours ago, Liberty City said:

• Lesli Kay as Lois Cerullo: Fans wanted Rena Sofer to reprise her iconic role so it was a surprise when in 2004 it was announced As the World Turns actor Kay was cast in the role. At the time, Sofer revealed she had not been asked to reprise the role and felt hurt by this. Needless to say, Kay was unsuccessful in the role, as by the following year, she was dropped to recurring status (never to appear again) and found success in another recast⏤Felicia Forrester on The Bold and the Beautiful. Sofer did return to the role, to much fanfare, in 2023.

I thought Lesli Kay was as perfect a recast as you could expect but it was clear the writers weren't invested in the character. I don't think there is any way she could've broken through, regardless of if it was a recast or Sofer returning at that time. The storytelling during that era was far too limited and didn't have room for another woman of that age.

8 hours ago, Liberty City said:

Ryan's Hope

• Robin Mattson as Delia Ryan: When Ilene Kristen left the role in 1979, the soap successfully replaced her with Randall Edwards (and interim pinch-hitter Robyn Millan). When Kristen left the role for a second time, it proved difficult when producers sought to replicate the success of General Hospital by bringing in Mattson in the role of Delia. After only her initial six-month contract, Mattson left the role and Kristen returned.

I can't recall if this was the time they fired Ilene Kristen for gaining weight but whatever the reason, Mattson was a total disaster in the role. I always assumed she would've been decent just based on her soap pedigree and was shocked when I saw episodes with her. You'd never believe she had a succesful role on a soap. She completely didn't understand the character and couldn't give her any warmth. They had endless recasts on Ryan's Hope and I'd argue this might be the absolute worst.

8 hours ago, Liberty City said:

• Eden Riegel and Jennifer Landon as Heather Stevens: In 2010, All My Children fan favourite Riegel announced she opted to accept the role of Heather over Bianca, leading to the successful recast of Christina Bennett Lind in her latter role. Riegel would not receive the same acceptance, with many feeling she was miscast in the role. Landon's casting, while a bit warmer than Riegel's, met the same kind of response. Original actress Vail Bloom returned to the role in 2023 to a positive response but exited the role in the following year to a lukewarm response.

Jennifer Landon was good as Heather and had chemistry with everyone. She was more the victim of a regime change since she was the last hired by the outgoing team. Eden Riegel was one of the all-time worst recasts in Y&R history. The character of Mac was right there so I couldn't understand the thought process behind bringing her back.

Vail's return I thought was fantastic until JG ruined it. She had good chemistry with Michael Grazeidei and I kept expecting them to revisit Heather/Adam since he wasn't doing anything at the time. Instead they killed her off in a throwaway story that made no sense. It was such a waste of a good actress and a legacy character who still had life in her.

8 hours ago, Liberty City said:

• Maura West as Diane Jenkins: West's casting as Diane is often seen as one of confusion, with fans feeling she was 'too young' to play the role (especially following the successful recast of Susan Walters from Alex Donnelley in 2001) and would have better suited a character like Grace Turner. At the time of her exit, West revealed TPTB were already planning to recast the role when CBS offered the part to her, felt that by week two there was zero interest in the character from anyone, foresaw her exit long before it happened, and felt that she should not have taken the role. The character was killed off in 2011, and was later revived in 2022, with Walters reassuming the role to positive reception.

This was an insane casting choice. Like you said, she should've been Grace Turner and her best chemistry was with Joshua Morrow. Even had they gotten the casting right, bringing back Diane the way she was written didn't make any sense. Maura West can do almost anything but even she couldn't make that work.

Jess Walton is one who I think viewers took to instantly and as good as she was, I do think part of it was due to Brenda Dickson's unreliability. I know at some point towards the end Deborah Adair came back for a week and played Jill and then Jess was bouncing back and forth with Dickson before she took over. I'm sure viewers were just happy to have one Jill.

I wish it was still available but at one point someone put on YouTube a cut with Adair/Dickson and Walton/Dickson doing the same scenes. It was very interesting to see their take on her Jill.

6 hours ago, ranger1rg said:

I'll ask you since I can't get a response from the poster who continually complains about the breakdowns from Carlivati and Giddens. Just what is wrong with those breakdowns? Why do their episodes need to be saved by the script writer?

I'm not trying to be difficult. I really don't get it.

The irony of saying Giddeons breakdowns need to be saved by the script writer is that he's a breakdown writer who writes very detailed, dialogue heavy breakdowns so the things the script writer did to "save" his breakdowns is likely his own work.

Now I will say, for Carlivati, something I don't like in his breakdowns is that the scenes can be short and choppy which is a signature of his.

11 hours ago, Liberty City said:

Plus, under Phelps, we did win Outstanding Drama Series twice (2014/2015) after a seven-year spell of not winning. But right now, I do believe where she is is right where she belongs, and I feel like she's happy being where she is.

That is a very good point. Despite the issue with the Chancellor Mansion revamp, I thought the show looked expensive under her and she would never allow a show to be as boring as what JG is giving us. I will also have endless respect for her immediately getting Jess Walton back after the previous regime ran her off.

I did feel like JFP's Y&R was decent. Of all the recent HW/EP swaps, her period was very safe but watchable. Nothing spectacular but better than what we have now.

A while back someone did post a clip from his GH episode. He was Curtis therapist when he was paralyzed.

On 11/6/2025 at 5:07 PM, Vee said:

Wow. Considering how proudly gay he is on BTG I cannot imagine that. I am glad he's stuck around and evolved onscreen - there is no other presence like his on daytime.

I know in his primetime show Zatima he played straight. Seemed almost like a completely different person which is good for an actor but really surprised me.

I'm one of the few who doesn't think the actress playing Samantha looks her age but I can't say I find this story to be super engaging. I don't mind it and there have been some fun moments but it just makes me wish she was younger. Maybe had they kept Tyrell the age he is and make Samantha 13-14, it would be more impactful and fresh for a US soap. 

I always struggle with any of the teen stories because watching Eastenders and Hollyoaks has completely spoiled me in that regard. I don't think a US soap has done teens well since probably around 2010. 

20 minutes ago, Taoboi said:

So much this!!! I know this board has been waiting the Prentiss back for decades and there's an easy way to do it with these actors. Instead, let's snatch storylines from promising newcomers and do a soap trope that was not the go-to for this show for decades.

The weird thing about this is that they've brought back Lorie and Leslie multiple times and even created a long lost Brooks/Abbott child who fathered Theo, when that could've easily been Brooks son. Not only that, but the Brooks family had a media empire and they've done endless stories in that realm the past 20 years.

These stories write themselves. I have no idea how JG always manages to find the most absurd stories to tell.

4 hours ago, Antoyne said:

And his death could not have been more permanent and onscreen. I imagine Howarth took the job because it’s a paycheck for an actor in his 50’s.

It has to be because I know he had deep issues with playing Todd and women screaming asking him to rape them. 

3 hours ago, Paul Raven said:

Billy Flynn and now Roger Howarth. The chance to provide some fresh characters to interact with the vets and Josh saddles them with a recast and back from the dead.

The insane thing is that there are legacy characters that make sense for all of these people coming in.

I'm all for recasts, villains and back from the dead characters but Matt Clark? If ever there was a character not worthy of bringing back from the dead, it is a serial rapist. They could've given Howarth so many great past characters to play and they do this? I'm stunned he accepted and disgusted with the show. 

For those of us lasped Y&R viewers that Josh Griffith has driven away, Peter Bergman is starring in a new Apple TV series!

9 hours ago, Soaplovers said:

Danielle was on a few of the Locher Room interviews, and she said Claire Labine mentored her and that her first assignment was writing the filler scene (i.e. anytime a script needed an extra scene to fill time).. so she would write a friendship scene and/or a family scene.

Claire Labine is one of my favorites and she definitely excelled at scenes like this. Very interesting to hear!

2 hours ago, Taoboi said:

So have I. I was worried about Jamey due to what I've read around here, but outside of maybe his second breakdown...which was still good...I have liked his stuff so far and find it highly entertaining. 

 

PS. I will keep that in mind about Danielle and Jazmen.   

Danielle Paige's scripts feel so warm and P&G like to me. Everytime I see her name in the credits it reminds me of ATWT or GL at their best. I don't know if it's from her experience on GL or her books or both but she does romance and family scenes so well. Jazmen, on the other hand, gives a modern and youthful feel to his episodes and lots of Black cultural references. They don't always land but I love that he consistently tries. 

9 hours ago, janea4old said:

Posting this as an example of Jamey claiming credit for a story idea.  He did this several times regarding DAYS, claiming that he pitched the idea  AND wrote the breakdown.  This is something he does - tweeting that a story idea was his idea.
I'm not saying the lymphedema idea was or wasn't actually his idea, as I would have no way of knowing.
Just saying that he is a breakdown writer who sometimes claims to have also pitched storyline ideas.

https://x.com/Jamey_Giddens/status/1983543763608772911

I pitched this and wrote the breakdown, so... #BeyondTheGates https://t.co/QMhVy2kjKE pic.twitter.com/sWJJC5rgj4

— Jamey_Giddens (@Jamey_Giddens) October 29, 2025

Breakdown writers do pitch story so that isn't unusual or unique to him.

2 hours ago, Vee said:

I'm rooting for Vanessa! She's one of the best unknown actors on the show, her arc has been clear and defined all along and she's a lot of fun to watch. I also think she has chemistry with JL/Joey. Sure, he's aging slime but that's part of the point. He's a bad man and they're both doing terrible things. That's soap! I find Vanessa compulsively watchable, and I can't say that about certain core characters.

This I 100% agree with. She's one of the most fascinating characters on the show and one of their strongest actors. I'm not finding her likable right now but not in an Ashley/Derek/Tomas way. She's endlessly watchable just going down a dark path which of course is good for drama!