DRW50

I like that. (now imagine a universe where Viki got the showgirl story instead of Erica...)

Yes. We got some of this with Myrtle's boarding house, but AMC was always more refined (even with Opal galloping all over Pine Valley).

Yes, it's tough to think of any other soap which was that emotionally open. The closest may have been the whole comedic family on AW that arrived with Cass and Felicia, but it took them longer for them to move out of the comedic/wacky roles. OLTL never really presented their "others" that way.

That is very true. You still have some of those strays but the structure of the show moves more and more away from them. By the end of Rauch's run that aspect is reduced to the likes of DuAnn and Lee Ann and that redheaded girl Danny Wolek rescued - Lettie Jean or Laura Jean or whatever her name was. The community of broken people around the late '70s and early '80s is so affecting to watch and so unique. I was very moved by the scene in the 1980 episode which appeared last year where Karen was holding a weeping Edwina in her arms. That sense of reality, fragility, and empathy is just something you don't really get on soaps now and you rarely have for a very long time.

There's a real earnestness and purity Melody had to her work and had for a long time. I think it's how Nikki remained a compelling character even when she behaved horribly.

Jon first started in the mid '80s. He was a PI. He began a relationship with Dorian (I think there's a photo of them on a location shoot where he's in sexy scuba gear or something). In 1987, when Robin Strasser parted the show on bad terms, Jon had an affair with Cassie (recently recast with Holly Gagnier). From what I've read this story was very unpopular with viewers, as was the oversexed persona of Cassie at this time. Their relationship didn't last that long, and he was passed around to B or C-characters - I think he was briefly with Sharon Gabet's Melinda Cramer, and then Spring Skye, Megan's rival on the Fraternity Row soap.

Thanks!

That's a good idea. If that gets interest, I think while they still can it might not be a bad idea to make a followup with James Reynolds, Vivica, Jonelle, maybe just a minisode even.

Soapy | Jonelle Allen on the Most Notorious Catfight in Soap History | S2 Episode 16

At about 15 minutes Ian breaks out his Lynch impression to recreate the moment where David told him that he was going to be doing his own stunts.

@Vee David Lynch Tribute: On the Air Marathon | Q&A with Ian Buchanan, Nancye Ferguson This is from the UCLA Film & Television Archive. From last April. If any of you haven't seen On the Air, give it a try! It's a very silly romp set on a '50s TV set. The show was only a half-hour, and there aren't many episodes so there's not a big time commitment.

For MTS' 47th anniversary as Nikki, Y&R's social media channels uploaded two very rare, lengthy clips which focus on the aftermath of Casey learning that Nikki was a stripper. Instagram

As always, the information you provide and the insights you have into what stories and characters should have focus is second to none. Thank you. @vetsoapfan If you haven't already read the above post I think you may appreciate it.

Many would likely say Gordon Russell.

I think all of this happened in the early '10s too.

I don't really hate him, he's just behaving like a complete idiot due to his insecurities and hero complex. I think it's an interesting story if they follow through (which should end with his life being completely destroyed). I'm not sure they will.

Ingle was more of a mix of a buffoon and a kind grandpa, which can work in certain characters but didn't fit what they kept insisting Edward and the Qs were when Guza would paint them as being worse than the mob and very bad people. They did a beautiful job with Edward giving the cure to Emma, and Ingle did some of his finest work as he was dying. That softer approach was more natural to his talents so I'm glad he did get that moment.

1982 ABC promo King's Crossing / Fantasy Island Another promo for the premiere.

I can imagine Chase in the hospital, clinging to life, and then we see Willow holding a pillow over his face, saying, "This is for your own good...and for my own good..."

They brought in a relative of Reverend Ruthledge to work with him, although I think someone said the history wasn't quite right.

I wish they'd just let Michael and Chase have a big brawl as you can tell the actors are up for it and keep throwing themselves into these moments that keep getting interrupted. Probably end with Chase dying and Michael going on trial for his murder.

Thanks again @Franko The Terry story is increasingly disturbing to even read about - I imagine it's duller to watch onscreen, but still difficult. Lucy isn't in this as much as I had expected. Monica's dilemma about the Quartermaines is unique in that unlike many later family members complaining, they seem to be at their worst around this time (and this isn't far off Alan raping Monica and trying to kill her and Rick), so it has more basis than when Emily would go on and on and on about the evils of the family.

The show is desperate to make Joss happen so Joss/Gio has always felt like it is waiting in the wings. Given that Spinelli isn't around very often I do wonder if they just wanted to get Maxie out of the way of the main story too so they can delve into Lulu/"Nathan." I can see Maxie popping up to sense something is wrong with him and maybe whoever he is ends up trying to kill her. I feel bad for the Maxie/Nathan fans who at the very least deserved a longer or more interesting resolution.

You're right. That's one of the reasons why I wish they'd try 15 minute soaps again. As it is, I think there could still be an audience if soaps were willing or able to find their core again, but that doesn't seem likely.

A shame that type of show seems like such a rarity now - even the streaming services seem prone to just more melodrama or generic action and adventure.