DRW50

That's great news! I hope to get to see that hilarious scene where blank-face Julia opened fire on the entire cast.

I was trying to figure out if they were saying that this was the first time Ian has heard of Kelvin in years. I couldn't tell if he was surprised to learn about Kelvin's life now. I guess I thought he knew that since he's gotten some cards from him. Perhaps he just didn't know about anything beyond the cards.

Oh I agree that she's been better the past month or two, and Linda Henry also looks a bit softer in the way she's lit. Finally saw today's show. I was surprised that Vanessa's makeover for Abi was with a dress that no one could work with. She looked like Cindy Brady's doll. Her hair bothered me at first but then I got used to it. Was anyone else hoping the makeover might end up with Abi all in white, like Vanessa? I loved the scene with Vanessa and Max dancing and laughing in the kitchen and embarrassing Abi. It reminded me of that great scene with Terry and Irene and Irene's annoying daughter Sarah. I really liked the scene with Heather, Darren, and baby George. I like when the show has him get more involved in George's life. I didn't buy the scene where Minty told Peggy off that way. It just felt like words put into his mouth. I think he should have just said he wasn't going to bother speaking to her, or something. Does anyone think Westbrook looks a bit like a rougher Kara Tointon with the new hair? They also have somewhat similar voices. I thought she was pretty decent today, in her acting. I'm glad they are addressing some of the natural issues that would arise in Syed's life besides he's gay! and it's a secret! like his work and his feeling useless. I think Marc Elliott did a good job in those scenes. The affection between Syed and Christian was generally believable, like Christian playing with Syed's hair. I think they have had some affectionate moments here and there even with Santer but it was just back then they both seemed to have no real personality or emotion besides unpleasantness and melodrama. Now they have a bit more. I'm surprised Jane didn't remember Kelvin, since he's been mentioned several times over the past few years, but I did laugh when Tamwar said that Ian was trying to "friend" him. I wonder what Ian wishes he'd done with his life. Ian is one of the few who has gotten what he wanted in terms of career. He wanted to be a caterer and a cook and he is one.

I think Phil and the show's need to have her obsess over Phil (while also letting us see that Phil would never truly care for Shirley beyond just using her) was the real damage done to Shirley, although the endless Shirley/Heather "comedy" scenes in 2008 also got on my nerves. GEORGE MICHAEL...HEATHER EATS...HA HA HA.

I don't remember that. It's kind of rock-ish. Interesting. I always love the part where it builds and builds into the regular theme.

Thanks. I hope they work out better than the Costellos (just too many members of that family and I don't believe them as a family, Heidi as a mother, etc.) or the Sharpes (I like Gabby but not the abuse story, and the kids are pointless). The baby rabies story has been done so much though. Isn't that a pretty common term to use when any show or play ends? BTW, did you see Michaela's exit? What did you think? I haven't watched the episode yet.

I was watching the next four episodes I had on the season 2 DVDs. The episode where Abby and Jeff fought for custody of the kids and then he tried to force himself on Abby but wept and they had sex and then he mistakenly thought this meant they were getting back together. This led to him telling Karen he was going to drop the custody suit, but he wasn't finished. The most interesting thing in this episode was the buildup to the great season 2 cliffhanger when he takes the kids. The stuff with the lady mechanic who had a crush on Sid. Not that interesting, but I did like the scene where Sid told Karen she'd know if he was cheating because he'd brag about it. Don Murray and Michele Lee had such an easy chemistry (it was sometimes slightly forced with Kevin Dobson). The more I watch these early episodes the more I appreciate Don Murray for his calmness. They dialed down the GARY FREAKOUT scenes later on didn't they? In the last two episodes of this DVD they had him in meltdown mode. It was kind of unintentionally hilarious. The third episode was when Valene had colon cancer and they were worried she would have to have a colostomy. The subject matter was fairly brave, as this is not something which is ever spoken about. I think this is an episode which might have been better served with Laura, who was more low-key, because there's a certain amount of overhysteria which tarnishes the episode. Gary smashing up his room, that slightly cringeworthy scene where, after Karen tells Val she loves her, Val goes "Oh" and scrunches up her face like Shirley Temple. The best part of this episode was Bobby's appearance. I can't remember if this is true or not but I think someone from the show might have once said that this was the best KL/Dallas crossover. If so then I agree, because I think this one really hit at Gary's dark side and how the Ewing family saw that and at his relationship with Bobby. The scene where Bobby says he used to hear Jock and Miss Ellie argue with Jock saying Bobby had no Ewing guts and Miss Ellie saying he had Southworth gallantry, but then Bobby says Gary has neither, he has no courage -- it's a killer scene. The fourth episode -- the hostage crisis! Isn't it odd that what was probably the most action packed episode was the one I remember the least? The most interesting moments in this involve Abby, as Laura rails at her for flirting with a terrorist and Abby makes her see, in a subtly acted moment from Constance Macashin, that she is doing this to save their lives. Then that leads to the great moment with Eric Pierpoint (one of many Knots baddies who would go on to a ton of other stuff) where after a fight she manages to get the gun from him and keeps it on him, while you have Karen and Val failing to do the same with the female terrorist. That is another scene which is slightly spoiled by a stupid facial expression from Michele Lee -- one of many in these episodes. I guess she still wasn't used to not acting for the cheap seats. This episode had another great Abby moment, when everyone is happy after the crisis has been resolved, and they each go to their own homes...while Abby stands in the street, alone. What I love about Abby is that she was built moment by moment. She started out as just a homewrecker/random vixen but Donna Mills seized on the little morsels which would help us understand Abby and those just stand out so much in seasons 2 and 3. I appreciate Constance McCashin all over again with her quiet yet powerful work in these episodes, how she manages to take what is inherently pathetic (Laura choosing to stay with a weak man who lashes out at her) as a way to test her own strength. The little scene where she learns the real estate office has closed a big sale and she will get some good money out of it, and while she's upset about what Richard will say, she allows herself a moment of celebration after she hangs up the phone. I do wonder why her boss/future love interest looks like Bernie Koppel. Kenny and Ginger didn't have a whole lot to do, I guess the show was losing interest even at this stage. Ginger telling Kenny she's pregnant but not sure if she wants to be with him again. Then the baby shower hostage crisis. I'm always fascinated by Ginger so I guess I take what I can get. The scene where they're in bed together and she says she doesn't know if he should move back in has a BEAUTIFUL music selection. It's so much better than a lot of the music on the show at this time, which is some type of weird electronica attempts at "edgy" or "suspenseful."

She was also another one who had an awful voice and I think she kept trying to put on a fake accent. The character was just nasty and unpleasant. I will never forget her having a meltdown because her latest meal ticket Jase spent money to replace his son Jay's rotting trainers.

They did seem enthralled by her, and bizarrely enough said she was the new Pauline Fowler (sorry but Pauline didn't dump her children off on anyone and everyone). The rumor was that she was fired because on what was rumored to be her official Facebook or Myspace or whatever, she spoiled Danielle's death months before the storyline aired.

Yeah, it was the lack of character connections which did Minty in more than anything else. I think Heather could also go but I did like her scene with Abi a few days ago. I think they just need to grow her up a bit. I don't think anything could be done with Minty. I actually think that they could have done something with Garry if they'd tried -- he was a good character in his first 3-4 years. He'd probably still be on the show if not for Kara Tointon being fired. I guess if it got worthless Dawn off the show for good then it was worth it. I'm surprised they don't have Melissa there for the reveal of Lucy's abortion but I guess they were in a hurry.

I want Steph Stokes to come back

They've mentioned Kelvin a few times over the last three or four years, but I keep hoping he might come back. I think that he would be a good addition to the cast and also further add to the show's diversity. Thanks.

I haven't seen tonight's show yet -- did they use a recent photo of Kelvin? If so I hope that might mean he could return. I would like to see Kelvin and perhaps a family. He could get together with Denise. I guess Michelle and Sharon don't have Facebook or whatever else you call it...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6q-O9O2KN2g

Well I wasn't expecting that.

No he never did get one. He appeared less and less until finally he stopped appearing -- probably only about six months after this interview. He didn't even get a last scene. I believe someone said, "He went to Arizona," or something. It's a shame because he was a good actor. And aside from Nell Carter's brief run that was it for black characters for almost a decade.

That's too bad, he's a talented young actor (and doesn't have the "cutes" that a lot of child actors have), and he could have been interesting in a story with Ryan, if he had to go live with Ryan and Faye. I have no idea what they are going to do with Ryan and Faye now. Regarding a big future story, someone posted this at Digital Spy before it was removed: You can find more here:

Poor Todd Carty, fired from the show, didn't get to have the last moments. Perhaps that was for the best but I liked Mark so much, I miss him. I think Ian bought the house.

From the July 77 SOD. S. O. D. Publishing Inc.

Ana Alicia interview from the November 77 SOD.

I guess they thought there wasn't any purpose for Penny since the show had moved on with the Dancys or other new characters, but it does seem like a waste. Thanks for reading and commenting on the stuff I post, Paul Raven. I have a Lydia Bruce interview I'll post in a few minutes.

July 77 SOD interview with Hannibal Penny (Dr. Clem Moultrie) Dr. Clem Moultrie The Silent Physician on Ryan's Hope by Geri Jefferson He was born in Chatanooga, Tennesse on May 14th - a Taurus with determination. He spent many years performing in films, a miriad of Shakespearean plays and the like. He is Hannibal Penney, Jr. - the tall, slender, handsome neurosurgeon on Ryan's Hope, who although rarely seen, has a promise from the RH creators of better things to come. Hannibal has a warm and easy going manner that made our interview a pleasurable experience. I was sharing time and space with a charming Penney-ian concoction who definitely was not the ever supportive, ever silent Dr. Clem Moultrie. Any subject broached that had the slightest hint at being personal in nature - had to be weaved into the conversation. For some reason, still unknown, Hannibal is very protective, very secretive if you will, of his personal life. What little I did learn from this married man of eight years is at your disposal. GJ: You don't have children - is that because you don't want children or do they inhibit you...? HP: Well, I had a very nice, very gifted childhood and I would like the sacrifice my parents made for me to go beyond my saying "thank you" and "I love you." They came out of the depression, and they did very well in supporting themselves and me. Now certainly I would like to be able to offer my child or children at least more than that which was given me - and I was given a great deal. And at the time that I can do that - the buck stops here and I am the captain of my ship. GJ: Do you consider yourself possessive...do you like to own things? HP: Things or people? I don't want to own anything, but I do like a sense of security about my relationships. GJ: Are you possessive about your wife? Is she possessive of you? HP: I would say yes. GJ: Are you considered a one woman man? HP: Basically, yes. GJ: Basically? HP: Basically. [Never let it be said that I ventured onto waters tactfully left unventured. I turned out conversation to other matters.] GJ: When you're acting do you ever feel you are play-acting or is it serious? HP: It's business all the way. 100% pure business - I kid you not. GJ: You're in this for the enjoyment and the money or the enjoyment or both? HP: Well obviously I'm not in it just for the money because money is just a symbol of power isn't it? GJ: Are you fascinated by power? HP: I think every man is fascinated by power. Henry Kissinger said that power is the best aphrodisiac...yes, I'm fascinated with the constructive uses of power. [Like many of today's avant-garde, Hannibal is convinced that politics is the root of all things.] GJ: Are you political? HP: All action boils down to some political motive - even if it is unrecognizable...yes, I am an artist and all art is political. GJ: Let's talk about everyday politics, let's talk about President Carter - how do you feel about him? HP: He's a good man. I'm glad to see a man in office who is not afraid of the people, who has good intentions and that's about all one could hope for, isn't it? The problems that we are facing are not really racism, religion, politics - but economics? [because Hannibal is the only Black member of the cast, the next series of questions had to be inevitable.] GJ: Were you hired because they needed a Black man? HP: It's a sad situation that the device of color and the device of religion is used to separate or segregate people...Yes, I was hired because they needed a Black neurosurgeon. GJ: But they don't give you anything to say or do. You're probably one of the few doctors I've seen who always echoes every other doctor's diagnosis. HP: Well, I don't think that is true. I think, in all fairness to the writers, unless you have a storyline, the focus is not on you. It doesn't bother me that I play a back-up role at this time as long as I am aware that the integrity of the people, the producers and the writers whom I am working with and for, is going to eventually give me an opportunity to work fully - to give me a storyline like everyone else. GJ: Do you think there should be a Black soap opera on television? HP: I've had that question proposed to me before. ABC, in my opinion, will be the one to take the first step forward. [We took the conversation off into another direction and sort of entered into a potpourri of questions and answers] GJ: What do you do in your spare time? HP: Well, I play volleyball, tennis, fly a remote control airplane and I'm a ham operator. [At the conclusion of our interview, he also mentioned an interest in hypnosis.] GJ: Is there any particular role you would like to play? HP: Yes, I'd like to do Hamlet. I'd like to do Hamlet very much. GJ: Do you prefer film to television or vice-versa? HP: I used to think I had a preference, but I guess it's like saying do you prefer a Mercedes Benz to a Cadillac or a Lincoln Continental. If you can drive one, you can drive the other. And if you enjoy all three, it really doesn't make sense to start making judgements. In concluding the interview, I asked Hannibal if there was anything he would like to add, he has this to say: "I am sure that your publication, Soap Opera Digest, will reach many viewers whom I have not, and I would like to thank them for their support and I trust the entire cast of Ryan's Hope would also like to thank them." As for Hannibal Penney, Jr. the lean lanky Ryan's Hope enigma remains, at least for me, still a bit of a puzzle. Some of the time I spent with him had the makings of a coy cat-and-mouse-game. Did he show me the real Hannibal Penney, Jr.? He was warm and pleasant, and I'm sure some part of that was real...but there's another part, a more honest part, that he has chosen to keep secluded from the world. Oh well, once an actor...always an actor. --- There's also a cute photo of Penney and Claire Labine on one of the pages. I cropped it to just show the photo.

From the 9/77 SOD. SOD Publishing Inc.