Chris B

Originally I was thinking it would be a guy in his 20s/30s for the younger set but I'm leaning towards it being an older character now. Based on this weeks episode I don't see Joey/Vanessa being long term so this new guy could potentially go to her. Nicole is another option as you mentioned but I can see that upsetting fans who've been wanting them to develop the stuff with Carlton more.

Tuesday's episode was good but I couldn't get over how much Tomas tanked those scenes with Kat and Eva. This was a huge moment and they gave it their all while he just stood there. Shame of whoever is keeping him employed. This is a professional show and there should be standards. There is no excuse to have someone that bad on the show.

This is really interesting and it looks like they had a solid and well plotted first year. It's interesting to get so much detail from years we will likely never be able to see. Makes me wish they could've anticipated streaming because I'd *love* to watch this year.

I thought today was a great episode! I loved seeing the growth in Kat with her going to make an effort to repair things with Eva. The Tomas reveal at the end was great! I love that both sisters are flawed and not good vs bad. It's a classic soap setup and I hope their rivalry continues for years with soft moments thrown in like we (almost) got today. The only downer is this storyline is Tomas. The actor is terrible and while Eva holds him up, she deserves a better scene partner. One thing that I can't stand about MVJ and the producers is holding onto people obviously for sentimental reasons. There is no way the actors playing Tomas or Derek would've lasted past a 13 week cycle on any other soap. Why are they still here? Kat and Eva are two of the best characters on the show and they deserve better than this. Randy going back to work with Joey surprised me. When I saw the preview said Joey would have a blast from the past I expected Jan. Curious what the point of this is and how Hayley will tie into things. I'm ready for them to pull the trigger on that relationship reveal. Hayley is the one character still waiting for her moment. The Vanessa/Jacob scenes were interesting. I'm beginning to feel like people are going to be suspicious about Doug's death sooner rather than later. I wonder what that means for Joey and Vanessa long term. Overall I'm still really enjoying the show. Each week I anticipate the show and it feels like it's been on much longer than it has. I know people have mixed opinions about the show and that's to be expected with any ongoing show. I just hope that the people behind the scenes continue to take everything into account, both positive and negative, to continue pushing to make a great show.

I think beginning I did think they had chemistry and potential but Dani/Andre ended up having surprising chemistry which drew me more towards that couple. With Ashley, every choice the character has made makes it hard for me to want her with anybody romantically. If the Joey speculation ends up being true I'd rather explore that and her as a talk to until they can come up with something new that has nothing to do with Derek or Andre. She's in dire need of a reset.

She was a minor character who had very little impact on the show. Why would they focus on bringing her back or recreating that story? If anything, the only thing they'd need to add was Selena Cross and her story.

Again, she has an irrevocable trust with a "fortune" in it. She has access to that money without having it in her hands. The writers didn't botch anything, people just don't understand how rich people live. These people aren't out buying properties and funding their business with cash. It would be out of character for her not to go on a spending spree and it would also be unresponsible to show her managing her money well. They can address that at some point but right now Leslie is acting in character. We've had many characters in the same position who've lost everything due to overspending. The same could eventually happen to Leslie or maybe one day she'll get support that can help her manage her money.

I'm surprised the trust stuff has become such an issue. For one, it's a soap so does it really matter considering how soaps showcase wealth? Also, rich people live off credit. People keep talking about $1 million but when she is securing loans, she's able to secure it based off what's in that trust, not the $1 million. This is what rich people do all the time. Now where Leslie will go wrong is if she doesn't get a financial advisor who can help her invest and grow the money, but she definitely has access right now.

I agree 100%. If Ed Scott was going to go anywhere for a few months before retiring, I wish it was BTG. He instantly improved Y&R's directing and introduced strong new sets. Julie has never been someone who I would consider a visionary and it definitely shows on screen. The show has a large studio but I don't think they use the space smartly and they need a new set designer.

He's the most logical choice and it is clear something is going on there. Josh was working as EP for ages and then in comes JFP and now Sally McDonald? You could argue away one of them but both suggests they feel that something isn't working. Also, the hail mary endless stunt casting screams of him making a last ditch effort to save his job this fall. His contract is up either December or January so the timing makes sense. Unfortunately, he's like a cat with 9 lives so I fully expect him to generate enough buzz to save his job.

That's probably one of the last stories I'd think of recreating if they rebooted Peyton Place.

People tend to be negative when it comes to Jamey but I thought today's episode was damn good! It was well structured with the right mix of stories and focus on each story. It's jarring in comparison to yesterday's episode where I feel like the screentime wasn't balanced causing certain things to be rushed, mostly the Naomi/Jacob stuff. His breakdown felt more like a traditional soap breakdown. In terms of story, I found Vanessa's scenes to be heartbreaking. I've missed seeing a character as grey as her on soaps. Everything about her is so complicated and Lauren plays all of that in her scenes. I can't wait to see how her kids further deepen her character. The Dupree scenes were also a classic! That felt like a real family reaction and it was in character for the Duprees. I know some are hating how negative Nicole has become but I'm happy to see the impact the divorce is having on her. It's making me more excited for her ultimate rebound. The scenes at the police station were also great! We got to follow up on the mystery of what happened with Joey and Marcel and I like that Jacob had the hint of something being wrong. Hayley and Bill were also a great addition to the show. I love that even though we didn't see Caroline, they're continuing the friendship (although I'd love to see it on screen more). Bill's jealousy with Dani made me more excited than even her. I love their chemistry and I want them back at some point but he deserves every bit of torment until he finally can win her back.

I agree that the hotel room was poorly done especially if it was meant to be Puerto Rico. This show has a big problem with being too indoors. If you aren't going to shoot on location, you at least need some studio outdoor sets. I feel like on any other soap they would've at least put a balcony with some semblance of outside or an establishing shot. It felt like a motel room in Fairmont Crest. One part I do disagree on is Joey. I do think he's sexy and I love his chemistry with Vanessa. They've become one of my favorite parts of the show. We have several changes to the writing staff coming up. I'm curious what kind of impact that will have on our screen. We'll have a new Co-HW and at least one new breakdown writer. Not sure about the script writers but I am definitely curious what these new voices will bring to the show.

I wonder if the Ted/June scenes were a true chemistry test or just a nod to the fact that they played lovers on Saints and Sinners. Honestly, I'd be open to either although I'd prefer he settle down with Leslie. Anything that keeps him away from Nicole (who deserves better) is fine by me.

They have that set so locked down that I have no idea if the twins are coming or not. We do know MVJ has been teasing a casting announcement since the 100th episode so it's possible that is one of the twins. I just hope that like you said, they use this to create another family unit. It would help beef up the younger set and seeing Vanessa as a mother will add more dimensions to the character.

No idea about Darnell but Debbi was offered a role and has to turn it down because of her Beauty In Black series. Victoria Rowell was asked to submit a tape for Anita but never heard back from them after she submitted it. I just finished binging the week and as usual, I enjoyed it. The weakest part of the week was Ashley/Derek as always. The two of them have no chemistry and he can't act so this is never going to be something that interests me. On paper maybe it could work with better actors but we're stuck with what we have unfortunately. nuTed doesn't have chemistry with Nicole so I'm glad they tested him with Leslie. I was worried seeing these scenes because twitter was making it seem like she had raped him. I didn't get that impression at all. Yes, he had been drinking but I didn't feel like he was too drunk to consent. He knew who she was and what he was doing from my perspective. I'm glad they're finally moving in a new direction with this story. Ending the week with the Anita/Leslie scenes about Barbara shows a glimpse into a future where Leslie could be softened up enough that maybe Ted will fall in love with her again. I hope they're working towards a place where Leslie can co-exist without being an out and out villain. Maybe a Dupree could be in danger and she saves them or something. Then you can bring in Dante Green and he can takeover as the lead villain while Dana tries to change. I just don't want her to be a one-note villain forever. The other highlight for me was the movement with the Doug/Vanessa/Joey story. This has long been a favorite of mine and I've been preparing for Doug's funeral for months. Unfortunately, I think we might have arrived at the time. I'm working on my outfit and deciding what to bring to the repass. I hope if my prediction is true that they give Vanessa a strong showcase for her grief. Just like she's supported the Duprees, I want to see them come through for her. She's such a strong character and they need to go ahead and elevate her to the main group. Another tease I liked was Randy's "source." I can't wait for them to drop that bomb. It's time!

Lucy's return was indeed a bust but the setup was perfect had the writers followed through. Lucy came back more mature, sexier and Charlene Tilton was a much better actress. They positioned her as an adult who could hold her own with JR and Bobby but they proceeded to do nothing with her. I don't understand it because they were bringing in a younger generation and she could've easily been apart of that with Michelle, April and Cally who I liked. Not sure if this return has been mentioned yet but I thought Gina Tognoni's return as Kelly on OLTL was a total bust. I know she originated the role but I feel like Heather Tom took that character to new heights and she just faded into the background.

Bravo had better deliver! The original series was fantastic and Real Housewives of London is better than most of the US franchises right now. They better hope they got it right.

I hadn't thought of Ashley/Smitty as siblings but I do think that would've been great! I also see the resemblance. Smitty is in dire need of a talk to and a sibling relationship amongst the two would definitely help both characters. I also strongly agree that Jen isn't the problem. The writers have failed her and need to own that and pivot to something new. You can't convince me that they have data anywhere stating that anybody cares about Derek and Ashley as a couple. And although the Derek actor has improved, I would cut my losses. He's a weak link and the character doesn't have connections to anybody.

Considering there are 50 million Duprees I'm shocked they didn't connect any of the contract white actors. Not just in terms of familial connections but just in general. Derek - He should at the very least be a cop especially with the friendship with Jacob. On a soap the chances of using him in a capacity of a firefighter is slim. Pamela - I 100% agree that she should be Smitty's mom. Ashley - I like the idea of Joey as her dad but I also think they've missed the mark on developing Jan. Doesn't she work for the rich families as a housekeeper? Why do we never see that or see her as a talk to in that capacity? Vanessa was the most successfully developed white character. She has a husband, close relationship with the Dupree daughters and as an extension of Doug, she has Randy. Not to mention the fact that she has kids waiting in the wings. She's the only one that feels as well thought out as the other characters.

I agree. It's a good size but from a design standpoint is very bland. What they should've done is establish that Andre, Ashley and Naomi/Jacob lived in the same building. Build one set and re-dress it to work as all three apartments. That way everybody could have a bedroom and living room set. We rarely see these sets at the same time so it would've been very doable.

I feel like MVJ has been so clear on social media about her love for Jen Jacob so she's going to make the character of Ashley work, come hell or high water. Since we're stuck with her, I hope there is a pivot in the story. I don't mind Ashley as a talk to but as a leading character she doesn't work either with Andre or Derek, especially Derek. But then the question becomes what to do with Derek. This is the one area of the show I feel needs a drastic overhaul. I may have some critiques about other characters/stories but for the most part I enjoy every story except this one.

I'm stunned B&B, the most logical soap to have a gay character, is finally adding a gay character! Now the question is who he will be playing.. RJ seems like the most logical choice but I long for them to bring Dino on the show. Jack would be an interesting choice but don't they act like he doesn't exist? I didn't watch Nick's return so I'm not sure if he was mentioned so I could be wrong.

I still don't see chemistry with Nicole but I was happy to finally see Ted standing up for himself. With that said, he does keep minimizing what he did due to the fact that it was so long ago. Still, it wasn't a one night stand, it was an ongoing affair and he also has acted a fool since the news came out. As much as he wants to compare himself to Bill, that's doesn't work because Nicole and Dani aren't the same person. For some people infidelity is a dealbreaker and it seems pretty clear that this is where Nicole stands. She has every right to feel the way she does. He needs to go ahead and move on. I loved the scenes with Alison at the police station. I'm glad they have a fun villain like this in their back pocket. I certainly didn't expect this so soon. I'm also finding that I really enjoy Madison with Chelsea. The actress is very natural and their chemistry is strong. It still feels so bizarre that a US soap would have a lesbian couple at the forefront of such a major story. Comparing it to what Y&R is doing with Mariah and Tessa is like night and day. The weakest part of the episode was Derek and Ashley. I don't understand why the show keeps pushing them as these fated lovers. They have no chemistry and absolutely do not work together. I'm open to both characters separately but nothing is going to make them work as a couple. If this is the long term plan, this will remain a miss for me. The Smitty/Martin scenes were surprising and very interesting! I love that once again the show is showing us the grey in each character and not making everything feel so one-sided. I've gone back in forth on both of these characters so many times and that's a credit to the writers.

One option would be to take Leslie's apartment and re-purpose that for Jacob and Naomi. I also don't understand why they didn't design Ashley's apartment where it could be easily re-dressed. They could've put them in the same building and used the same set for both couples.