DRW50

Linda Evans interview from 2003. Where Are They Now? (Dynasty, 2003 Canberra Bushfires, Tony Danza, Silverwater Prisonbreak)

Thanks for the extra info, as always. This show doesn't sound very interesting but I still wish we could see it. (Behind the Scenes too)

I don't think SC was the end - the show had some real signs of recovery in late 2002. I think if there was an end it was down to the show having no set identity and just flinging itself around too much based on the writer or producer at the time. I think that was an issue with GL for so many years. No show can be sustained with such whiplash.

My opinion of them was the same as Ted Bessell as her boyfriend - Mary didn't really need them. By that point the heavy focus on her workplace life and having friendships through work felt more logical. Mary Kay Place and Penny Marshall both lucked out over those roles not working out (even if I find Loretta difficult to watch the further I get into Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman) That's how I feel too. I loved that apartment. Her new apartment was fine, but felt drabber, too stark, and perhaps a bit too on the nose for the cultural shifts of the late '70s moving away from the last shreds of individuality and hope into something colder. I think the show still had some strong moments all the way to end, but there was too much focus on repetitive and unpleasant banter with characters like Murray and Sue Ann (I love Betty White but I did not need so much Sue Ann). The show loses some heart. I also think Chuckles Bites the Dust is overrated. The better moments in those last few seasons were quieter, more unique (I like the episode where Mary intended to relax and take a bath but instead Lou barges into her place).

CBS Previews New Fall Season (1974-1975) "See the Best: CBS" CBS Fall Shows (1978/1979) Promo Reel

CBS Previews New Fall Season 1980-1981 "Looking Good Together"

That was a nice surprise. Kim was one of my favorites on the original show.

There's about a minute and a half of footage starting at 6 minutes. CBS Previews New Fall Season 1980-1981 "Looking Good Together"

Thanks. I didn't realize. That makes a lot of sense.

What did you think of the apartment building setup in the last year? I wonder how long that lasted. So much I've seen doesn't even seem to make use of it.

The claims that he was out to destroy Search for firing him as a cast member may have some credence...

I would say a mix of '90s Niki and Tommy, as Niki would get to have fun with hip young singles like herself and Tommy would get to randomly kill people. (if Ron had kept writing OLTL I imagine Molly "happy now?" Malone would have been another of Viki's kids)

There's also the decision to de-age Alan Michael significantly. I wonder if this is why they did so. If it is, what a horrible decision. It's like bringing back Mike Bauer and de-aging him 10-15 years so he can hook up with his former niece Blake.

Cliff having some midlife crisis of sexuality and hooking up with him could have been interesting.

Loving did end on a "what if Viki Lord had slaughtered her entire family?" pastiche, so you aren't wrong. Some mix of Jean and Tori. (I know Agnes had nothing to do with that story but it would have been a natural conclusion for how far they took Viki compared to the '00s Niki hijinks).

One of the only times I saw her was testifying at Rachel's murder trial. I feel bad for the actress that she held on that long with nothing to do and was then fired just as the show was building up the black cast.

What an odd reason to fire such a wonderful actor. If that was a basis for hiring and firing it helps explain the show's casting issues.

Thanks @JAS0N47 Not sure if it is accurate but IMDB also has Eagle playing Lester for two episodes in 1991.

E! Behind the Scenes of Wheel of Fortune (1992)

I think if they had been in that lane from the start it may have helped, but other than Passions and Dark Shadows many soaps struggle when they try this approach. Chances also went this route when Australian soaps had become much more conservative - the last successful Australian soaps to have nudity and raciness ended in the late '70s. @dc11786 Always appreciate your insights. I'll have to look for more of these as I go through the show. I had never even heard of Jackson's Wharf. That seems to be on Tubi. Other than Shortland Street New Zealand never seemed to have a long running soap.

Guiding Light (January 24, 1997)

That does seem odd. I wonder if the idea was meant to be she got what she wanted and then didn't want it. You can feel how old Val Dufour seems by this time compared to the rest of the cast, which probably didn't help him stay on the canvas.

Thanks for the extra detail. I had just assumed she'd only served briefly as usually happens on soaps. From these bits it seems like they tried to integrate Travis into the core of the show in a way I didn't quite see by the early '80s. Speaking of Marcia, someone in the comments for one of the videos mentioned that she and Mary were close. If true that was nice to know. Marcia is such a unique presence. I'm sorry she never replicated her success at Search but at least she got 8 years as Sunny.

It's difficult for me to remember that last Dylan was even meant to be Reva's child.

https://people.com/priscilla-presley-lied-during-her-dallas-audition-11912540