DRW50

Thanks. Fascinating.

Thanks. I never knew that.

I suppose this year be the peak of FoF (beyond what went on with Howarth and Easton - not sure how much was Frank and how much was ABC), what with Erika, with being willing to let Josh Kelly have a flexible schedule and also bringing on Chris McKenna as an emergency recast. I'm not sure how many are left in the Rolodex. (maybe Kirk Geiger will show up as Sidwell's secret boyfriend) On paper big scenes between Jane Elliot and Erika Slezak should be interesting to watch, but even beyond knowing Erika won't be around long, I wish they'd handled this in a way that would be interesting after she's gone. And while I'm not surprised, seeing Brook Lynn and Olivia being fine with turfing her and not even letting her stay in the motel will annoy me when it's papered over (and did Ned even have a reaction). It annoys me mostly with Brook Lynn as we're meant to believe she cares about Tracy, whereas Olivia and Tracy have never been close. If we do find out Martin is behind all of this, rather than him just being a Drew lackey, I hope Tracy squashes him like a bug. I don't find their interactions cute and I don't really have any great use for the character.

For any Hart to Hart fans. Scroll up from the bottom to read the article in order:

If you click on the link you will also find some info on how the show was one of several shows banned in Slovenia due to corrupting American influence.

I liked Linden House. A shame they burnt it down, especially as the only lasting effect was the exit of Trey, a character I thought had potential.

You can usually tell the difference in the months before and after Marland's arrival as the show starts to feel heavier and most of the quirkier characters beyond Shannon and Lucinda lose their personality.

I wouldn't have recognized Turner. Hard to get past some of the stuff mentioned in the AMC thread.

ATWT's main issue, aside from having too many dreary people in the same fortysomething age group, is how dull it felt. They also had the dreariest younger set I've seen on a soap of that era, and they killed off the one (Melinda) who had a pulse. They just needed fresh blood rather than dumping core characters or throwing ill-advised love interests at Kim and Bob. We did get fresh blood with Tom, Margo, Karen (I don't know if the Dobsons created her or not) and Craig (although I think it took years for them to figure out to properly utilize him), but the show itself still felt extremely stilted until about 1984 or 1985. I was very impressed with how the show used Chris in the July 4th, 1985, episode - his scenes with Andy were lovely. Don didn't seem as clearly sick as he was by the end of 1985 and early 1986.

Thanks so much @slick jones Didn't realize how many bit players come in and out of B&B. Here's that soap pastiche Melissa Fosse has in her credits. @Huntress @AMCOLTLLover Thought you might be interested in an AWZ cast member (March Schottner) having a bit part on GH. That must be some kind of first for actors on that show popping into an American soap.

I'm going to forget someone but Wanda, Vera and Levy are probably my top choices. I was so glad they brought Wanda back a few times after I thought she was gone for good. I'd also go with Roger's partner in scheming, Leo Flynn. Robert Lupone was perfect in that part.

The show will never let Gio completely stop resenting the Quartermaines because deep down they likely still see them as immoral, whereas Sonny, aside from some lip service, will be seen as in the right. If we're meant to care about Gio he's never going to go against Sonny in any meaningful way (like Joss' anti-Sonny blathering that went nowhere) It looks worse that Brook Lyn believes Tracy would have drugged Ronnie, especially as the plan makes no sense. Once the truth it out I have my doubts either of them will even feel sorry for doubting her, as Tracy is forever the family pariah. (and in this case not even in any way that is meant to honor history - just cheap, easy material) I do think some get allergic to any soap that isn't constant plot points, and the ratings drop from that time will just confirm Frank's view. I agree with you that I prefer character-driven, richer, slower soap. The sad part is Mulcahey never really got to do that, aside from some poignant moments with Tracy, Gregory, and (of all people) Finn. Bringing up Trina, beyond one scene at Spencer's grave, all I remember of her then was that very degrading scene of her groveling to Joss and calling herself a bitch. That likely wasn't down to Mulcahey, I can guess some of those who probably pushed that scene through, but it really showed how far away GH is from the richer inner lives and conversations of long ago.

The Johnny material with Linda worked for me briefly but went on for an eternity. Johnny's never really been a character - he was only ever created because the producer at the time wanted to recreate his own coming out - but I think the main issue with the character is none of the men cast in the role ever felt quite right, or couldn't act, or both. It's interesting you mention this Ben and energy as he has always drained the life out of them for me. Clenshaw I just found to be cold and plot-driven, not helped by all the overhype. I struggled to watch on a frequent basis. I'm still not that into it now...Wadey doesn't seem to be telling many stories and what he is telling isn't really interesting to me, although I wanted to give him a chance. I liked the idea of the drugs story but the execution is not there. I wasn't rushing for a Zoe return but I thought if she was coming back they'd have a reason, and that hasn't followed through either. I think I just have to remind myself most of modern EE (Santer on) and its perpetual self-awareness isn't for me, even if I still try.

Thanks for the tag @Maxim and thank you @Errol . Lovely to see Valerie.

Every once in a while when they let Laura play those insecurities, she does well, but it's been a rarity...and a long time.

I thought AMC was pretty damn rough in those years, although I remember liking Cullton's 2002 run.

Having Lulu get involved in going against Michael to protect Willow - they really are determined to make fans dislike her. I saw a bit where she was talking about how much damage Sonny had done to Michael (in so many words) and Lucas said Carly helped counter that. I'd love to know what they think Carly ever did to help Michael when he was growing up. I was a big fan during the SJB years and even back then I thought she was wrong in relying so much on the mob for her child.

That would make sense. Maybe there was a subplot cut where they nearly got plastic surgery but instead decided to dress in drag.

The choice to not use Taggert anymore after the reveal didn't help, but the main issue is the lack of respect or interest in Trina. The only reason there was much investment in Portia and her relationship with Trina was the way Portia could be an obstacle to Trina/Spencer and helped push Esme forward. I still wonder if they resent Trina to the point of not doing anything with her due to their not being able to have the Spencer/Esme material they wanted. I'd say it's because they just don't care about the black canvas, but even Jordan gets more to do.

Thanks @Paul Raven . I know Lee talks about this in her Paley interview or whatever it's called but hadn't seen the print version. And then another soap would help revive her career a decade later.

The Search flood episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@GrafMarlo/videos

Thanks! That Libidozone story was such trash. I think what I remember most from it was David having sex with a clearly drugged Erica.

I don't think it helps that there is no one for Carly to show vulnerability with. The character is so ossified. Losing a child should have had much more impact on her than it has.

I never realized until today...I would just randomly search. Thank you.