Bright Eyes

With that picture, the casting of the actor who played on The Crown was excellent.

What surprised me most in the article is that it states she started filming last week and will debut on the 13 meaning tape and air date are less than a month apart.

Long ass post incoming ... Since August 10, the day Lucy Allan's firing was announced, I returned to watching the show. So the current soaps I'm watching are this and EastEnders '89. I'm immediately invested in Charlie's story. A solid actor, and with Darren heavily involved and away from Nancy (I've never liked their pairing), this is probably the best story on the show that I've seen so far. Shing Lin ain't it though. Ste is still insufferable. I want to like his children because of Amy, but they both can't act. Leah is typical Hollyoaks fare, but Lucas is DOA. Hollyoaks is the place where you really need charisma to succeed and he's the biggest block of wood I've seen in years. No emotion, dead behind the eyes. Why doesn't he hang around with people in his own grade instead of Leah and her friends? I know it's because they want to pair him with Dillon, but that beautiful charismatic man deserves so much better. On paper, I do like the idea of Leah getting with him and then him and Lucas having an affair behind her back. Typical, but I'd be here for it. If she was an actress the caliber of Emma Rigby, then Leah would have been perfect for whatever this new Maxine story is going to be which would solidify the character. Alas, she's just not good enough. I'd say bring back Mike/Zoe with their own kid in tow to take care of them after I swiftly kill Ste off, but is it even worth it? Due to nostalgia, I will always have an affinity for John Paul, but my God, the first week back and he tells James he'll say he attacked him to the police instead of his gay bashers. This character needs a complete reset. If I were to keep him around, I'd have him get his own place with his kid. Then give him a friend. How is a decades long character such as him so isolated from everyone that isn't his family? Damon would have been perfect. I guess Joel could make sense. He certainly needs to stay the hell away from James and Ste. He does have Scott, his only non-toxic relationship at this point. Does he have a job? Do any of the McQueens for that matter? Sienna and Ethan - I kind of care, kind of don't. Ethan deserves better than her at this point. Sienna, like John Paul and especially Maxine, is worn out. All of them need a rest. Maxine - Another issue story. It'd be comical if it wasn't so depressing. Jack/Pearl - No! Jack is looking his age these days and the Pearl actress is 20 years younger. It's time all these older characters get written out, at least from being regulars, which I've said before. Mercedes/Felix - I'm irrationally pissed because Felix/Zara should have been the pairing they went with in an opposites attract type story and then when they got settled bring on a long lost child of Zara's. As it stands, yes they work because Jennifer Metcalfe usually always has chemistry with whoever she's paired with, but with all his children gone I don't know how Felix works on this show long-term. It's such a shame because him and Martine were genuinely one of the best couples this show has ever had. The show needs to stop acting like Corrie and know when to cut it's losses. Dave/Cindy - [!@#$%^&*] off, Dave! Dominic Power, even though we know he can be a strong actor from his days in the Dales, is embarrassingly wrong for this show. He comes off creepy and cringe and more than any of the other bad actors on the show, just makes everything uncomfortable. This would have been the perfect time for Cindy and Darren to start turning back to each other. Ella's father - Even though it was probably the lowest point of Mandy's time on the show, I'm still glad they're playing this beat of Warren potentially being her father. It hopefully looks like that won't be the case. I'd rather it be someone like Scott Anderson, who I'm surprised has never returned, or a brand new character. Maybe this new Carter Shepherd bloke can be Ella's father. Though they seem to be wasting no time in making it obvious that he's some evil religious zealot. Cult storyline incoming? Donna-Marie - I like her. An obviously strong actress. Her double-act with Marnie was her at her best. However, another who isn't needed as a regular. And also, can someone please hand her a Crest white-strip already. She should have simply disappeared after Juliet's death and showed up in Romeo's life intermittently when his story dictated. Romeo/Rayne - I've seen people complain about Rayne, but I think this is the second strongest story on the show next to Charlie's. Romeo the deep romantic is actually the perfect person to be consumed by an abusive partner. Not to mention his troubled family life. I'm also here for whenever Rayne gets the chance to be a straight up bitch, especially to Peri. I guess the show is building up to Peri/Romeo getting together. Which, okay I guess. At least they're the same generation and have a long history with each other. But it's kind of like pairing Sharon/Ian for me. Casual friends no one ever asked to see together. Leela/Joel - I was happy to hear Leela say she's occasionally back working as a firefighter again. That was so unique for her. It was a stupid decision to ever take it away. Her and Joel, again, are alright. Superficially, Joel is hot as hell, but he's such a hypocrite for all the times he's protected Warren, him getting on his high horse about Leela helping Donna-Marie, or really anything for that matter, made my teeth itch. At least he's not a priest anymore. That was wearing thin. Speaking of superficial ... Prince/Hunter. Keep them around for the guns show alone. They actually work well because they're not living in that damn McQueen prison. The Harcourt siblings - I'm letting them cook, see where they go. Maybe the new producer can make them something special. Though I get the feeling Rafe will be a villain soon enough, but maybe that's just EastEnders PTSD. As of today, it's been three weeks since Lucy Allan's firing and we have yet to have a replacement announcement. I hope this means whoever will be the new Show-runner is really allowed to shake things up. Obligatory call for the return of the SU Bar. Make this show about high school/college kids coming of age again! Give the Loft a more grungy vibe. It's looks too pretty and comfortable. The atmosphere is dead. Stop having Tony change his menu/have grand re-openings of The Dog every five minutes. Bring back freshers week, properly. I'd say every other year a new set of characters can come in and keep things ... well, fresh! Every older character should have a place on the canvas where they fit in with the younger characters ... The Dog - Tony/Diane+Scott works here I think, but him as a foster parent is perfect. Salon/Barbers - Cindy/Darren Price Slice - Tom (It's in his blood!) The Love Boat - Lizzie/have Prince work here and see if they have chemistry Mercedes - manage The SU Bar Leela - the gym James - lawyer's office Rafe - the village shops (forget what's it's called). Give Phoenix (formerly Brooke) a stall here like Ripley had, if they don't already Hospital - Peri Police - Zoe/Sam Garage - Give Theresa the place. She has the qualifications, which is something I routinely beat a dead horse about. School - Nancy/Yasmin/Hunter (I think I saw he works there now)/Put Liberty in here as a music teacher This leaves The Loft up for grabs. Enter my Scott Anderson return, along with Mandy & Justin, potentially Mike/Zoe, and Charlie Green all grown up as a wayback playback. Obviously they'd have to give him a nickname. I'm thinking a pairing with Phoenix as they're close in age. Now for the most fun, here's my (long) axe list ... The old people who aren't necessary/wouldn't be regulars... Jack (recurring) Nana - never liked her. All her presence does is remind me that Myra isn't around, though she's pretty much recurring anyway. Sally - Who is her presence helping? Bueller? Misbah/Zain - Dillon can live with Tom/Yasmine in the Maalik house. Donna-Marie/Pearl - discussed above Tired characters in need of a rest... John Paul Maxine Sienna Felix - doesn't really need a rest, but his character is at his natural end Outright axed... Warren - We don't need a serial killer on this program. Joel - Probably, should have left with Cleo. Goldie - Hate Sharon - Can't act and is unnecessary. Dave - The worst! Nadira - Hated her when I watched before. Still hate her now. Always pulling a face like a slapped arse. Norma - Psychopath. Should have only been brought in for her initial story which should have lead to Warren's exit. Shing Lin - nothing burger. Makes me pissed off at how much they squandered the potential of Serena.

Some white bitch is getting ate the eff up on Tiktok. Entertaining!

This is a bit macabre of me, but with so many celebrities passing away, I have a little count in my head of how many days have passed without a notable death. Day #3! Let's try to hit a full week higher powers!

This is the most interesting thing the show has done in I don't know how long.

It could still be true, but take it with a grain of salt until a more trustworthy source presents the news.

Nick talking out his ass.

My birthday ... kismet! Thanks, I might get around to it. Sarah's death will forever be one of the most shocking deaths I was ever lucky enough to watch unfold. I had issues with her Mary Sue type caricature sometimes, but the show clearly loved her so when she actually passes I was left with my jaw on the floor for a long ime. And Josh's Hero Syndrome storyline is probably one of my favourite soap opera stories I've been able to see from beginning to end. Mo was cool, but how did everything end with Curtis in the end. I loved him, and Jayden Daniels was/is a beautiful man.

I was compelled to watch today's episode, something I haven't done in years, instead of just read the recap. I am so glad I did. All the two hander scenes were well done and well paired. The only false note for me was Bonnie/Justin. Those scenes would have been so much stronger if she were Adrienne. However, the Bonnie/Maggie scene near the end really worked for me so comme ci comme ça. In fact, I'm happily surprised they put a good amount of focus on her relationship with Mickey, too, and didn't just have him be a passing mention or have Maggie say Victor was the love of her life. It was all maturely written in regards to both relationships. Of course, the next best surprise was seeing how honest they were about who Victor was. At least his character got to be respected in death. I do think it could be a strong moment for Julie and Doug at some point to see their thoughts about Doug's mortality. They have to know their time together is more short lived than long. Probably too macabre/complicated for this show. The Kate/Chloe scenes were probably the next best thing next to Maggie/Julie, but poor Lauren Koslow being made to hold her phone throughout the whole episode to glance at a picture of Philip was so unnecessary. Once at the beginning and then calling him at the end would have sufficed. On a superficial level, it's funny to have not watched for years and then see this episode and realize how much some people have aged. It's kind of confronting 🤣.

Even as a teenager being the perfect age for the Last Blast crew, I always hated Shawn and Belle as the forced coupling they always were. I've been waiting for them to be finished for what feels like forever. I like the idea of Shawn and Jada long term. Rafe would be gone. I'd kick him off the force and put him back in mechanics. The profession works on the UK shows, it can work here. I'd also give him a friend. I'd say Sarah as the only other adult Horton, but I do not like Linsey Godfrey in the role so she'd be axed. I'd probably bring on the never seen Spencer Olson for that reason. But again, this might all be moot because Brandon Beemer doesn't exactly excite me. I could never knock Jason Cook because of nostaligia, but obviously he's not an option. Personally, I've always wanted Chad Brannon in the role.

Thanks for that detailed response. Poor sexy bastard has been through it. He certainly deserves better than that being one of the most long running characters/actors from the show. However, it doesn't sound like a final end so maybe Benjamin Mitchell just wanted a break.

Has TK gone? What was his exit story?

With the classics that have aired, did anyone find out what dates Brad Bell debuted as Head Writer and Executive Producer?

Did the default font size get increased? I feel like a pensioner with how big words are now. Just started sometime tonight. Hate it.

I think DAYS' last great story was the Zack/Isaac baby switch. After that, there have been good moments, but even those became fewer and fewer as the years went on.

To my now obvious shortcoming, I don't think I've ever got around to watching a Friedkin film, but these anecdotes and film trailers make me see he was one heck of a talented guy and hilarious. "Well that's a good thing, cause he's not very eloquent." This man's candor is infectious.

I don't get it.

I have to think Ron Carlivati hates him too because Alarr's constant firings must wreak havoc with his already horrible stories.

Just when you think this show can't do anything more weird than it did before, it always finds a way to top itself.

Well, aren't they dark this week? It's next week when they're actually back at work that it'll be all the more worrying.

OMG, what if they have an affair during this surrogacy plot and what it comes time for the baby to be born it comes out white. Shades of B&B's Amber/Rick/Usher story. I want it.

I understand why you think this, but dying peacefully is not what Victor deserves. He was a misogynistic abusive bastard until his last breath. In truth, he should have been written out before the character petered out if the show actually cared about character, but that went out the window decades ago. They could always do like Y&R does and have an episode paying tribute to John Aniston himself, but Victor Kiriakis' death should be dramatic, IMO. A big Greek tragedy should come from this, and if there were stronger writers at play, the four sons of Justin/Adrienne should have been so much fun to play with. Then, you have Philip whose been driven mad. Brady the insecure alcoholic/drug addict. Shawn the constantly cuckolded husband. Kate, and Vivian, and Anjelica. All the pieces were there for an ending befitting Victor Kiriakis at one time, but they were all tarnished.

Is it wrong that I'm kind of for it happening? Let's get crazy!

Even reading the recap like I do instead of watching, for some reason I started thinking they could have a demented pseudo-incestual affair.