DRW50

The show was apparently a mess for a few years before the end. It's tough for me to say, as Deborah Farentino stayed to the end and had a decent career, but generally I'd say soap actors are better served if they leave after a few years. I do wonder what they would have done with Julie without Hickland - if they still would have had a doppelganger for Julie. Maybe some who know more about the show than I do could help.

I probably haven't seen enough to give a full opinion. Physically she was a good fit for the part, but Hickland was probably a better actress.

Thanks. I never knew those extra details. @Vee This may interest you too.

It's inevitable. Sonny is not seen as any pariah or corrupt figure. He's seen by many characters and viewers as an icon.

No problem. I didn't even know if that article was still up.

@Maxim Thanks again. That Marty and Suede scene is definitely trying for the heat and the atmosphere. Whether it does or not is another matter, but this is an interesting transition period for Marty. I was amused at her response to the ludicrous sequence of him writing "trouble" on her body ("at least you know the alphabet"). @Vee Thanks. I knew NLG was on OLTL but didn't realize it was for that long. And that story about Joe Stuart - so many horrors with him.

IIRC, Abby is very isolated after she marries Rick. I think the friendship issue is across all soaps, to the point where I didn't even think about it as much with GL until pointed out here the last few days. Now I do wish that we got more. I don't think it helped that a number of friendships did seem superficial - for instance, I never really believe in a Hilary and Katie bond, no matter how many scenes they share. I suppose that's one of the reasons viewers connected to the Philip/Beth/Mindy/Rick quad, as they did seem real, at least in those early moments. Long, at her best, brought a certain reality alongside the wealth and discount Tennessee Williams.

Thanks @slick jones Such a long and steady career for Pat Crowley. Tanzini seemingly will always be known for that Demi moment.

Thanks. He still shines through.

It says a lot about the thought processes at GH that Michael is more likely to have his second love story with a day player prostitute than to ever have a relationship with a black woman.

I couldn't even remember if they ever interacted.

This was McTavish. I can't remember the exact scene now - I think it was just basically saying Reva had a history of homewrecking or being with a lot of men. I think they were in a fitting room or store.

I think the real Natalie had left even before Kate was gone, but I do think she was still a real loss for AMC. An actress capable of coldness, vulnerability, humor, grand passion. The alleged circumstances of her exit make it even worse.

I'm not sure if the story itself was unpopular, more that Iris never returned, with Michael Malone later essentially saying the powers that be would see her as too old to bring back.

You're right, although IIRC the way it was worded was odd as I doubt the show at that point even knew much about her history beyond her return and Josh. The main issue was the characters involved, beyond Vanessa, who had every right to dislike her (even if Vanessa by that point was often written as saintly - if only she'd turned some of that fire on Dinah).

Thanks. That's it.

Watching the clip of Jason breaking the news to Tracy about Monica - you could see the grief in Steve Burton's eyes. Very powerful.

This is so sweet. He did the Buzzfeed puppy videos before they were a thing.

That was it, yes. That's where I first learned about Whispering Walter, or whatever his name was.

Sorry for the spoiler there...

A very moving storyline that taught viewers if you are struggling with fertility, then just go to town with your husband and his brother at the same time. In all seriousness, kudos to them for doing an interview with Eva and giving this a proper rollout.

Never thought of that @alwaysAMC but I wouldn't be shocked. I was always a little hot and cold on Watros, but how I adored Olivia Birkelund.

Short guest stint only. She has returned repeatedly though so we can always hope. @I Am A Swede As always I appreciate your detailed your thoughts on these years so much. A long time ago there was a Farm-era blog, maybe Beckindale Blog or something like that. I don't know if it's still around, but you are providing what they left behind.

These have been on Youtube for about seven months so any hardcore Lane Davies fans may already know of them, but if not, the creator of the short-lived FOX sitcom Woops! uploaded two unaired episodes (the others, minus one, are also all on his channel).