DRW50

I'm interested in seeing what happens with Sami. It's nice to see Marlena and Maggie in a scene together. I think, beyond double-checking for punctuation and for spelling errors, you should put some type of break between scene changes, as they all run together and that makes it difficult to figure out what's going on.

I don't mind most of the Brannings, aside from Jack. I guess Tanya, although I don't care that much.

I completely agree, I just don't think that it's why Knots was a success. I don't think of it as any type of social issues show. But then I disliked Karen's "Pollyana" speech, so I am probably just far off from where Michele Lee is.

Ron Fournier, who has moved his agenda from AP to National Journal, gets the divide and conquer ready. The media loves this type of story, so we may hear a lot more of it. http://www.nationaljournal.com/thenextamerica/politics/will-obama-s-nod-to-gay-rights-irk-black-backers-20130121

That was the black family brought in during season 9. Pat, Frank, and their daughter Julie.

Nasty stuff from Virginia, yet again. http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2013/01/republicans-dirty-trick-inauguration.php?ref=fpb

I get extremely angry when they say that. I actually even prefer, as sad as that is, the comparison to the "Real Housewives," because at least those shows are more soapy. I enjoyed The Talk segment, even if I think Cheryl was mostly faking about Knots to get some attention. Joan was a lot of fun, as were Michele and Donna. Donna's haircut was a little jarring, as she looked like a stylish elderly First Lady, but she looked great. I have to confess that when Michele Lee talks about how Knots talked about the issues of the day, and that's why it was a success, I roll my eyes a little. Other than the teen drug story with Olivia, I don't believe Knots did that, and frankly, the few times they tried (vigilantism, biker gangs, Sid's rape accusations, tidal energy), they flopped. They didn't even bring any non-white actors on for 9 seasons. 9. What made Knots a success was the chemistry between the actors, the complex and relateable characters, the family moments good and bad, the moments of comedy and friendship, the fantastic pacing, and the densely plotted arcs that always gave you a damn good cliffhanger and usually a good resolution.

From what I've read, people have said the story basically tells viewers not to bother reporting bullying, because everyone will laugh at you and hate you and no one will believe you, and will always side with those who hate you. If so, then I guess that's not unrealistic, but it's a very stark message to send. It sounds like he also is back to writing Frankie as a huge bitch, as he did the last time he was at the show. I wonder if he has an issue with the actress.

Interview with Steven Yeun. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWFRuxx_-bE

More spoilery promos. I will put space just in case.

Wasn't expecting that with Bridget. I'm glad you remembered her relationship with Reginald.

Wonderful chapter. I'm so glad Marley hasn't lost the baby yet. Good story movement with everyone. Reginald has great taste in music.

My parents are fans of Falling Skies. I didn't realize it was the same actor. Of course I've never seen him on RH, although after reading saynotoursoap's description I wish I had.

April 1983 Afternoon TV

Media darling Ted Cruz, frequently used to show us that the GOP loves minorities, again avoids any opportunity to not be extreme. http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/cruz-refuses-to-denounce-controversial-nra-ad?ref=fpb

I liked Trevor at the time I started watching. He was a hothead but I thought he was likeable and had good chemistry with most people. I also thought Kiberd knew how to tone it down and never just blew up through all his scenes, like Justin Deas did a lot on GL around the same time. I started watching when he was married to Laurel. I never understood the point of her character. I think there was a place for Janet, a damaged woman redeeming herself. The relationship with Trevor was very questionable, but again, good writing would have made it work.

Thanks. For some reason I had it in my head - without seeing any of this or reading the original stories that much in recent years - that she was that way at the start and Ben helped her out of it. I'm glad you set the record straight.

What was the reaction to Martin West as Don? I do wonder about ATWT recasts in that decade. There were a number (the Toms, for instance) but you don't hear a lot about audience reaction.

Wow. For some reason I always thought that was how Amanda was first introduced and Lucille wanted her that way. I guess I got that all wrong.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_550373&feature=iv&src_vid=Wvx-OhhlsLc&v=5eu5xtc-x3k

Yes.

I saw it as dropped because I don't believe the original idea was to abruptly end the story for Stephanie's sake.

Thanks. I hadn't seen that before.

http://comicsbeat.com/walking-dead-zombie-walk-is-coming-back-to-comic-con-this-year/

Stephanie never found out about Taylor and Eric. That was the reason they decided to part ways. I think it was a dropped story, and it probably hadn't had a good audience reaction. Taylor was, outside of moping about Ridge, a character they had a very tough time writing for. McCook still had a certain charm at this time but I also never knew why women were into him by that time. Eric was a big loser, and weak. I think of all of the pairings, Eric/Sally could have had the most potential, at least for some fun. They teased Lauren/Ridge at first, then dropped it like a hot potato. I can't wait to see those CBS soap episodes!