DRW50

I know many love this scene, and the story, but for me it really is just another version of the DAYS scene, maybe even more ridiculous, because this was not a show that had demonic possessions and flying carpets of love. I always feel embarrassed, and sad, along with trying hard not to laugh, especially the sight of "faux Billy" clambering onto the table. If Roger had whooped sanctimonious Nick's ass, I would be more of a cheerleader for the whole thing...

@Paul Raven @dc11786 @danfling @vetsoapfan @Vee @victoria foxton @slick jones @SoapDope @soapfan770 Audio only, but still worth the listen.

There are valid points, but I would say a number of people did go after the Academy for nominating Ana de Armas. The main difference is she has cachet in Hollywood, so they aren't going to scapegoat her.

The '90s opening is incredibly depressing to me, but given the state of the show for much of the '90s, it fits, I guess.

I've heard so many mixed comments about Woman King. I'm surprised there wasn't even more controversy. Frances got much too involved in all of this and said things she shouldn't have (namely that Davis and Danielle Deadwyler were locks), but I feel like the Academy are scapegoating to hide their own flawed system. Riseborough is probably going to end up getting all the blame for this, and for the terrible optics (made worse by most of the people who were pushing for this being white) when someone like Weinstein was lionized for years over a bullying, toxic system of Oscar nomination and winning.

@Vee Thanks for posting the old anniversary piece, and the new preview video. Such a moving, understated tribute to Stewart Bevan. I'm so glad a few of the Pertwee-era cast are still around for these promotions and moments. I can't see Edgar Wright directing either, but I guess it doesn't hurt to ask.

Leo is a vile character. It's telling that even the cast members are not able to stop themselves from speaking up about the hoops jumped through to try to keep him on the canvas. Carlivati is so delusional and stubborn, he will not let this character go. At a time when violence against lgbt people, including gay men, is piling up, on the streets, in the courts, pulpits, and state legislatures, he puts an ugly stereotype front and center, year in, year out. He did this on GH too. Irna Phillips could probably do a better job with a gay character, and she died 50 years ago. Representation, my ass.

I saw some speculation that Blanchett's speech at the Critic's Choice where she said she wanted less awards shows was her trying to throw it to someone else. I do wonder. In Twitter discourse news, what a way for people to find out about Merle Oberon's very sad story.

The whole actors turning into bots on Twitter for Riseborough then Deadwyler and Davis not getting in are bad optics, but I doubt she ever would have wanted that to happen. I would agree de Armas is the worst nomination and just seems to be down to pity and her still being seen as a star in spite of Blonde being a dumpster fire. I know some feel Michelle Williams was category fraud, but the Academy clearly just likes her (even if she isn't winning). I hope Frances Fisher stays off Twitter for a bit... Judd Hirsch seems like another career nomination, but he's a wonderful actor, and his work on Taxi alone should have gotten him every TV award under the sun. He was also very good in Uncut Gems. Paul Dano probably deserved it more though. I thought the fifth actor spot might be a wildcard because clearly some were resistant to the whole Tom Cruise deserves an Oscar nomination because he's Tom Cruise narrative. I was hoping Paul Mescal would get it and am happy he did. He seems to be more known for his love life at the moment, but he was just heartbreaking and very real in what I've seen of that Aftersun movie, it really stays with you. Good to see someone get in based on that type of raw talent.

The last time I remember Abby and Reva really interacting was when associates of the rapist Abby killed burned Reva's house down around Christmas '97, with Reva, Abby and Michelle trapped inside. I had forgotten entirely about a connection between Abby and Selena. They started having Janet go crazy again at the end of Robin's run, which is one of the reasons why Trevor got them out of town...but Megan McTavish still took the return much too far.

I just watched this. Thanks for not giving any spoilers. There's not much storywise to spoil, anyway, but I was genuinely shocked by the "new look," as I hadn't seen any promo about this change. I wonder if it's just for the first week back, or a permanent shift. If it is permanent I wonder if Waverly's return last year was to say goodbye to the old Shortland Street for good. The 5 week jump was a smart choice, and the decision to put the characters in various hospitals, some very rich, others barely managing to get by, helped add a certain hint of reality and class divide that stories set in the regular hospital can't provide as well. I agree it was a very good episode, and I'm glad they are recentering the show on Chris (along with a few surprise appearances). Michael Galvin is a very underrated actor and he proved that again here. Loved the shot of him back at the gates. I'm relieved to know this new character in Esther's life is her cousin, so at least we are spared love of her life #5 for a bit longer. I read a "next on" which contained Desi's name and I winced. Fortunately that seemed to be for 2022...those types of horrors I want to leave behind me.

I'm curious as to how Adair played that scene, as her Jill seemed much less emotionally overwrought.

Random beyond belief cameo from Sharon Stone tonight, but I'm glad for her (and it helps make up for how sleazy her 1992 host episode was).

@DramatistDreamer It's very interesting seeing that as !@#$%^&*] Carlson recently had a piece on berating big government/the left/what have you for making people feel bad about using nicotine and encouraging them to smoke pot. A reminder of just how much power these lobbies and shadow companies have.

Storywise the show is still not working for me, but the character moments and relationships have come a long way. This past episode was one of the few in the last decade where Sharon felt like her old self and not Letitia vamping or struggling to find the heart of the character.

I see bits and pieces of GH, but you guys give such gruesome descriptions that remind me of how nothing ever changes (especially Cam likely going under the hearse just as Zander did to prop the pets of the moment). It's just plain sad.

I believe so, yes.

Laura is definitely in season 8 but isn't an especially important part - there is one very interesting conflict (if one that never gets to be as developed as it could have been) though. Always enjoy reading these writeups as I remember or vaguely recall pieces I forgot (especially involving characters like Joshua). As for Val, the character stabilizes for the next few seasons, even if she isn't at her heyday. It's more around season 9 that the main problems JVA had with the character become the norm.

Oh that's right. Thanks.

She did, yes, I just end up seeing that as a different person. Once she started getting stories she had no personality.