Soaplovers

That's the thing I liked about GL, they had numerous themes and would change it up. I much prefer the 1975 to 1981 theme over the stupidity that was the 1982 disco theme.

Y and R: Traci vs Lauren AW: Iris vs Rachel, Rachel vs Alice Days: Marlena vs Kristen

I don't think Justin Deas became over the top until the late 90s. During ATWT and the period pre-Santa Barbara, there were some performances/roles he played that he had a sexual energy that made me think he was kind of sexy. There were traces of that when he first started on GL in 1993, but that went away after a short time. On the GL board, there was talk about the Dobson's and how their GL was almost the exact opposite of their work on GL and ATWT. I would say ATWT in the 1982 and early 1983 was closer to the tone of Santa Barbara then anything seen from them on Guiding Light, or even their first stint at ATWT. For example, you have Barbara having past life dreams about Gunnar/James, you have Barbara in the bull ring, you have Mr. Big, and you have Dr Bob married to Miranda. All situations that would have been just another day on Santa Barbara

I know you had said one of the things you noticed about Marland's GL was that his ability to write more complex characters, especially the female ones, was not as strong as the Dobsons. And I think it's because Bridget Dobson was a complex person and because of that, she was able to write very complicated women that people either loved or didn't like... and I don't think Marland could have written them as well because he wasn't a woman and because he seemed to believe that therapy fixed everything. I think the Dobson's figured that tapping into unresolved issues in their lives was the way to go when writing.. while Marland had a more pragmatic approach to his writing. Case in point, an example of something the Dobson's wrote for Diane Ballard There's an episode from 1979 where Diane finds out from Roger about something unethical that Alan did.. and she's tortured by this. She confides in her good friend Ann about her father.. and how he had disappointed her so much by being an embezzler. She then went on to say Alan was what she wished her father was like and that if Roger was telling her the truth, she didn't know what she'd do if her image of Alan was tainted. It was a rare moment of emotion from Diane and a way to show behind the pragmatic nature of Diane was a human being hurt by her parent. I think that Diane under Marland had less layers and was more of a villainess.. rather then a pragmatic anti-heroine.

From what I understood from their time at GL, the Dobson's came up with the overall plot and the monthly/weekly outlines of what was to happen.. and the script writers were given free range to do with the material what they wanted. Also, I think GL had a more youthful approach going by the time they took over in mid 1975 so they spent a good year or so modernizing/fixing the show. I wish we could have seen episodes from their first year or so of their stint on GL to see what they had to work with. ATWT, on the other hand, had a more stodgy and conservative vibe to the show.. so the Dobson's had a lot more work to do in order to fix it. Plus, when the Dobson's did outlines at ATWT, the script writers might have been less skilled at making the day to day scripts come alive. The ideas from the 1980 and early 1981 were intriguing ideas, but the day to day episodes seemed stodgy and old fashion. Even the scenes with James/Barbara were kind of formal and lacking any passion in the 1980 episodes I saw. From what others have said on here, they only went to this soap because they felt they had to.. not because they wanted to. I think the Dobson's would have been more at home at Search for Tomorrow then at ATWT. Santa Barbara was created outside the P & G world.. so they had less rules to abide by and they went mad scientist on their creation. Agnes Nixon had said she created OLTL with ABC because she felt stifled by the P & G world and wanted more freedom to do a soap her way.. and I think Santa Barbara was the same for the Dobsons.

In a forum, people are allowed to have dissenting opinions... so long as there is mutual respect between both parties. I watched Passions when it was first came on in 1999. It had a lot of strong elements/potential that sadly weren't followed up on or developed. The Russell family had such a strong foundation with potential for years of story. T.C had a steady job as a gym teacher, but was still resentful over the accident that caused him to give up a promising career as a professional tennis player.. and also had that shed in the backyard that he would go to. He put all of his hopes and dreams onto his eldest daughter Whitney and kind of ignored his 2nd eldest daughter Simone. Eve was a successful doctor, wife, and mother.. but she felt something was missing in her life. She had a less than stable upbringing, was a jazz singer, did drugs, and had a forbidden love/romance with Julian Crane that no one knew about. So while she was giving her daughters the life she'd always wished she had growing up, a part of her still longed for the past.. and she was careful never to reveal her past and feelings to her husband T.C. Whitney was the straight A level headed eldest daughter that did everything by the book, and was driven to be the professional tennis player that her father wanted.. even if she might have secretly wanted something else for her life. She had this drive for perfection and approval due to her parents seemingly happy marriage and her mother Eve's 'perfection'. Simone was the younger daughter, always feeling like she was in the shadow of her perfect older sister Whitney. Deep down, she knew she could never be like her sister Whitney so she just lived her life.. while secretly wishing her parents loved/valued her as much as they did her older sister Whitney. These elements could have created years of stories for the Russel family that could have been done without repetitive scenes and hamster wheel stories.

I've been watching the last few weeks of her stint head-writing Guiding Light (December 1979) and I understand exactly why Douglas Marland said that GL was the only soap he ever inherited that was in excellent shape. Those last few weeks neatly resolved the Holly prison story, revealed Roger was still alive, Rita revealing her affair to Ed, and Diane starting her full descent to the dark side. It's no wonder why Marland's first few months on GL is thought of in such a great way because he had inherited a strong show... and that was due to the Dobson's. RIP

From what I recall reading from 1979 summaries, the Dobson's had Lainie develop a crush on Ed.. but she also was dating Floyd. Once Marland took over, he broke Lainie/Floyd up.. paired Lainie with a guy named Carter and then left for Australia in early 1981. I'm guessing that Marland wasn't inspired to write for her character. I kind of liked Eve, and I think she lasted until late 1982/early 1983 before she left town. Reason she lasted so long beyond Rita's departure was because she was tied to the Jackie story.. and also Marland was slowly reuniting her and Ben. So I think the interim writers between Marland and Pam Long just reunited Ben/Evie.. then both just left town. However, I think the main function for Eve was to show how Rita could potentially be as an individual if she felt secure and lvoed. Because Eve loved her sister unconditionally, you saw Rita more relaxed and confident in her interactions with Eve.

I think it was more that ATWT was the #1 show for many many years so that when it faltered it threw P & G for a loop. I'm thinking maybe P & G thought that GL was in a strong place so they placed Marland there and decided to place the Dobson's over at ATWT to work their magic. I think forcing them was probably the wrong move because it sounded as though neither one wanted to head-write the show.. and perhaps it would have been better if P & G let the Dobson's pick which soap they wanted to write instead.

I'm lowkey impressed Julia has maintained that 3 seasons and counting. RHOBH: Yeah....Garcelle lost me with the Karen remark. That term is actually now low key derogatory...maybe she needs some education. She certainly happy invalidating Dorit's mental health...maybe she should talk to her teen son.

Elizabeth seemed like someone that was kept in a bubble and I wonder if she had past mental health issues. Why else would Alan pretend to have Jackie's baby be Elizabeth's baby. I do think the actress opted to leave because we all know Marland was obsessed with therapy and she would have been used for that alone during his regime. Had Ms. Dalton opted not to leave in early 1981, she would have been written out for sure in 1983 since Gail Kobe wanted to move the show away from the Gothic elements of Dobson and Marland's works. That was why Amanda was written out in 1983. We know why Jackie opted to give Philip up and quite frankly I think it was fitting and karma that she perished before Phillip ever got to know she was his mother. She was kind of selfish and vindictive.

Salt Lake City: I bet Meredith is secretly wondering if she should have maintained her 'disengaging' iDEA that she had in season 1. I knew Monica was not to be trust and I'm glad I was proven right.. and I hate her deceit will be rewarded because evil always gets rewarded and good is always punished. Miami: I respect Julia's stance that she doesn't say she's sorry unless she means it.. and I love that she tries to play devil's advocate and to think logically. These are traits that will take you far in life, but are roadblocks on a housewife show.

Bold: Donna Logan: Carrie Mitchum's Donna was impulsive, but wasn't campy at all. Her Donna seemed like a realistic character that you would see in day to day life in the 80s/early 90s.. she served as a good balance between Brooke and Katie's characteristics. Jennifer G's Donna was a completely different character except that her Donna also didn't strive for Stephanie's approval just like Carrie's Donna. Katie Logan: The original Katie was shy and sweet, while Heather Tom's Katie is almost cold. She would have made a better Donna Logan recast.

I think the character would have worked if the character of Eve was still on the show since he was a bit player back during Real Eve's (Charlotte Ross) time on the show.

And didn't Val figure out that Laura pointed the finger at the wrong guy during the 'Laura is raped' episode? I still remember Val's combined look of concern and resignation when she saw Laura doing the same thing at the bar as the episode was coming to a close. Season 1 was a good season for developing the characters, but later writers totally missed the boat on mining those episodes for ideas in later seasons.

Blair on OLTL would be the top spot for recast making a character different in so many ways.

Didn't Adam and Barbara divorce because of Roger? There could have been more subtext and tension between them because of their failed marriage..and I assume he was already dating Sara at that time. I remember Denise Pence in one of her videos about GL stated that the Debson's had an outline of plot and plot points...but let the script writers decide how to implement them vs Marland...who didn't seem to do that. @DRW50the reason the Kelly/Nola/Kelly story worked was because of what Kristen V and Lisa Brown put into their characters. Also, seeing the March 1980 episodes...I liked this Nola. Confident and smart...and she had chemistry with Mark Arnold.

@Khan I didnt think Marland was horrible at GL...just that I didnt think he was a good fit for the show. ATWT seemed cold/reserved...like you were at a country club or in a bar in New England. They allow you in, but only to observe and not join their clique. GL seemed more like a Bar in Chicago or in Texas. Warm, fun, and maybe a bit messy...but very welcoming. Marland seemed able to mimic the energy/pace of those he replaced for the first year or so especially in the plotlines he inherited...but his plotlines were either too complicated or too analytical without any heart. The Reardons had more warmth and energy when Pam Long wrote them vs when Marland wrote them.

I don't know...I think Pam Long would have found a character like Diane interesting to write...but I suspect Gail Kobe would have found a way to drive her off the show. Carrie was a poorly written and developed character...she would be known as a propped character. Jane Elliot was not made to play a nice character.

I can suss out the weakness in the day to day scripts that plagued all of Marland's run shows (too much talking/exposition). but they appear not to be so noticeable in these March 1980 episodes... probably because Marland was carrying out the Dobson stories. Killing off Diane Ballard was a boneheaded move of Marland's.

Potomac: Since Mia might escape the axe sadly...who would you all decide to fire and/or demote? Miami: @NothinButAttitude I did sample part 1 of Mamacita just to see if I would like the vibe and I was intrigued. Though I dont like shows that keep casts in tact so I hope there will be a slight cast shift in season 7. What did scare me about this episode is that I agreed with Larsa. Why have a reminder to check in on your boyfriend and then tell him she has a reminder to call and ask about his feelings. I think this will be an unpopular opinion..but I have no sympathy for Lisa. Seeing how she is with her new man, I can see why Lenny checked out and cheated. She knew the score when getting with Lenny and is now crying foul when the hourglass on her being a trophy wife ran out. And deep down, I think she had the kids as insurance to ensure he keep money coming. Lenny needs to make sure stipulations are in place to ensure that money is used for the kids only...not for Lisa to use for instacart, etc. And Ill have to watch KiKi being honest with Lisa about her trauma dumping.

Bond's Jill had a confidence about her...a hunger to be taken serious. She didn't have the softness that Brenda pre 1980 nor Deborah Adair had. Her Jill seemed more a cross of Adair's Jill and Jess Walton's Jill

@Cat @NothinButAttitudeI'd watch Miami...but only if Larsa is fired. I just cant look at her

Best & Worst of the Housewives 2023 BEST RETURN: Tamra Judge, RHOC : Tamra is a rat, but she's our rat and she does know how to stir a pot better then anyone else I've seen. WORST RETURN: Dorinda RHUGT. There is a reason she was put on pause and her two seasons on the UGT really highlight that she's just a mean person.. rather she's sober or drunk. BEST FRIEND OF: Jenn Fessler, RHONJ. I wish I could have said Taylor Armstrong, but that wasn't to be. Jenn was just quirky, wacky, and kind of had realistic responses to the drama surrounding her. BEST EXIT (Tie): Lisa Rinna, RHOBH and the OG cast of RHONY: It was time for Lisa to go because she'd told her story and stirred the pot one too many times. Sutton has nicely inherited the pot stirring duties and is doing beautifully thus far. It was time for the NY housewives to take a pause because it was tired and needed a rest... plus Leah/Eboni killed it. I think just featuring the OG on UGT is a beautiful compromise. BEST NEWCOMER: Jenn RHOC. I was so happy to see the franchise go back to basics when looking for a new housewife and cast a Lauri Waring lookalike.. only without her talent for finding a fat wallet. She has her own Slade (Ryan), kids, an ex, and she was the latest blonde haired target of Tamra... yet she had a backbone and didn't let Tamra get the best of her. WORST NEWCOMER: Annemarie Wiley, RHOBH. I nickname her Try Hard Marie because she's coming in too quickly before we have a chance to get to know her. And the fact she's friends with Vyle Kyle and is acting like her bodyguard tells me all I need to know. BEST TREND: Guest Appearances. The OC used to do return visits from the housewives of the past.. and I hope they one day do that again (The season 4 finale party was the gold standard for guest appearances on a housewife show). I did like Camille, Denise, and Kim coming back for visits and recreating the dinner from hell from season 1. WORST TREND: Lack of cast replacement. When a cast combination doesn't work, you don't maintain that combination into a second season. I think one of the things I love about the OC is that they've never had the same cast from season to season.. there is always a cast change here and there though I wish Gina/Emily would go from OC, Robyn/Mia would leave Potomac, and Marlo/Sanja would say bye bye on Atlanta. They've given their audition and people have said 'time to go'. MOST CRINGEWORTHY MOMENT: Kyle and Morgan RHOBH. Kyle has always been second fiddle... she's the Robyn Dixon of BH. Seeing her and Morgan together is just so cringe because we know Kyle will tire of Morgan and toss her aside when a shiny new person comes into view. BEST FEUD: Tamra vs. Jenn, RHOC. I was intrigued with this feud because Tamra always targets the new 'hottie" (Gretchen, Alexis, Lizzie) while the other girls would be driven to tears or be unable to fight back verbally. Jenn was refreshing because she would push back and it led to a few meltdowns from Tamra and it made Jenn one of the better newbies in a long time on the OC. WORST FEUD: Whitney vs. Everyone, RHSLC. Why is Whitney still on the show? Her antics helped her hubby get fired from his job, and was put out when he actually found a new job... and she whines and makes a mountain out of a molehill. BEST ALLIANCE: Garcelle and Sutton’s friendship, RHOBH. The Odd Couple comes to mind and I love it. WORST ALLIANCES: The Green Eyed Bitches, RHOP. I used to love Gizelle/Robyn in the earlier seasons when they were fun messy... but now they've become so mean. BEST QUEEN OF THEIR CITY: No one. I prefer ensemble shows and I think having someone be 'queen' makes them immune to being replaced when sometimes replacing them might give a show a new lease on life. BEST QUEEN OF THE FORMER OG’s: LVP, RHOBH. I do miss Jackie and Joan Collin's younger sister.. who made the first few seasons so funny with her quirkiness and bemusement at Americans in Beverly Hills... and could stir a few pots. BEST SHOW: Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. So far, this has been a good season.. and next season, I would cut loose Dorit or Ericka in order to keep the show from getting stale/toxic. MOST IMPROVED SHOW: Real Housewives of Orange County. Dubrow becoming an anti-heroine, Tamra back to stirring trouble, and a newbie named Jenn has helped the show regain some lost ground after the disasters of Brownie, Elizabeth (who I liked), Jenn 1, and Noella. MOST TOXIC SHOW: Real Housewives of Potomac. h I see people remark how this show has maintained 4 of their OGs (Gizelle, Robyn, Karen, and Ashley) and make it seem like a good thing. It isn't a good thing because you need to change up a cast and Robyn/Ashley have worn out their welcome.. and Mia should have been fired for having Patricia Thomas (Peter Thomas) appear on Potomac and get involved in girl drama last season. MOST DISAPPOINTING SHOW: Real Housewives of Atlanta. Last season the cast combination did not work and fans were saying this.. but the producers decided to keep the same cast for a 2nd season and are surprised that the show is still not working. Definition of insanity is doing the same thing twice and expecting a different outcome the 2nd time.

Are the scab written episodes finally airing? I ask because I decided to randomly watch today's episode and I was surprised at how decent it was. We had a bit of camp with Leo, a bit of an 80s Days soap story with Patch/John/Constatine, and we had a psychological look into Nicole's psych with Marlena as therapist. It was a balanced episode