carolineg

She was presumed to have died when Brenda was around 3. So, yes, it was a retcon when she came back from the dead. Brenda was so young and Harlan kept no pictures of her in the house hence the reason she didn't recognize her mom when she appeared. Brenda basically only heard stories about her from servants.

I know a common complaint in Brenda's 2010 return is that she let Carly get the upper hand too often. I think VM heard that feedback and leaned in to it. She never took Carly seriously before and she had nothing to lose at that point. Oh, lol. I don't even remember that so it clearly was dropped. I was thinking of the time she was high on PCP or whatever and fell off a roof.

I have to believe Emily's pill habit was just a catalyst to create more suspects in Dr. Dorman's murder. I don't think it was ever intended to be a story-more just a plot point in a larger story.

It seemed like Vanessa was at least enjoying herself during that return. Unlike in 2010 where she really only seemed to enjoy scenes with Sonny, Jason, Jax, Robin and sometimes Carly. There was something quite 90's about Brenda boasting about sleeping with Michael to Carly and Sonny immediately blowing a gasket about it, then realizing Brenda was lying about the one night stand. The little moment on the plane where you weren't sure Brenda was actually telling the truth about Michael was a nice little detail, but again 12 years later it doesn't matter much. I doubt the show would ever bring that up today.

I was never a big fan of bringing Veronica (Brenda's mom) back. The whole arc was rushed and undeveloped. I do think Brenda's return story would have made more sense if Brenda stayed with Alcazar so long because he was holding her mother hostage and Brenda had to stay with him. I never really loved the whole I am dying so I am sparing everyone of my slow death by faking a quick death nonsense lol. Yes, I did hear her speak mostly positive things about the Jason/Brenda pairing and it does seem like she and Steve are friends or at least friendly. Considering Jason's current romantic prospects it's not a bad idea. The whole Dante mess isn't even something I want to get into anymore. It is icky, but it's really a no fault situation for Brenda/Dante since they had no idea the other existed. It is nowhere near the ideal story I would craft for Brenda. It's just ultimately extremely annoying months were wasted on talking about this 'secret' when it was a whole lot of nothing in the end.

I agree it's highly unlikely Vanessa would return long term and it certainly wouldn't be under FV's regime. She clearly doesn't need to work and was careful with her money. I also agree Vanessa wouldn't return for anything but a Sonny reunion. With Jax out of the picture that seems quite easy to accomplish. I suppose you could give Jason/Brenda a shot, but I doubt Vanessa (or Mo) would be into that. VM is quite clear on what she wants and what she is worth so I doubt the show would even seriously test her with someone new. I don't think we've seen the last of Brenda on GH, but I don't think it will ever be in presence as strong as her leading days in the 90's/early 2000's.

Oh, I don't doubt you. I remember hearing several eye rolling quotes from Hapka when he was fired. I know he had a big issue with the Melanie/Nathan romance and how the show built it up only to just randomly fire him before they reunited which was basically Nathan's entire arc. I actually think some of MH's points were probably valid. He just came off like an entitled jerk who was too good for his role. Judging by his (lack of) work since then he may have overestimated his talent. He was a good looking guy though. I honestly think if he kept his mouth shut he could have ended up on Bold or as one of Maxie's bland boyfriends on GH.

I haven't read where he actually said he was "better" than the show and now want to, but he made a lot of public digs at the writing and it wasn't an amicable parting. Hapka just sounded bitter and immature. I doubt the show would ever ask Mark Hapka back. His two years on the show weren't memorable enough. I could see him coming back perhaps even with a son/daughter Holly or Tate's age. Like you said Nathan wasn't very defined. You could make Nathan almost anything. Bringing Nathan back would have been much better than that whole Bobby/Everett/Blake Berris situation we got instead lol.

I think that's more realistic, but have any soaps done a story where the rapist is never identified or caught? I can see fans wanting closure. Strangely, I don't recall feeling the need to know who raped Elizabeth because the aftermath of her story was so interesting. I don't think bringing in Brenda/Emily's model photographer as the rapist was an inspired choice or anything. I believe Ron was trying something in Brenda's super brief anniversary run. Brenda was acting pretty selfish and petty. I think the fake sleeping with Michael and being at odds with Sonny would have been an interesting arc if it played out longer, especially adding AJ/Carly into the mix. Since it all ended in a few days there was really no point although I did feel like Ron got some of the fire and spark the Brenda character had been missing in 2010. I just don't think current GH would be brave enough to try something like that with Brenda. She'd most likely be used again to prop up Sonny (and Jason) and fight with Carly. If you look at Jason and Lucky's returns the show might start something like Jason vs. Sonny or Lucky being a deadbeat dad and almost immediately back track that and go back to the status quo.

Stephanie doesn't need another man fighting for her on Days, but I believe Nathan/Stephanie were a couple at some point. I never found Nathan terribly interesting and mostly remember him chasing Melanie, but I think you could tie him in on Maggie's side. The Horton house is pretty full these days lol. There are quite a few men in Nathan's age range currently on the cast though. I don't think we ever even found out who Nathan's father was, so there are places you could go with the character. Plus the show can always use another doctor. Frankly, I am surprised the show didn't recast him years ago when the character was more relevant.

It could be drama. It's hard for me to picture anything FV and co would do with Brenda since they don't care at all about the character. I just don't think it would be too outside the box-work at Deception, push and pull with Sonny, hanging out with Lois, etc. I doubt GH in 2025 would take any risk on such a popular character and put her in any perceived negative light.

Horrible thought. Brenda already has 1 too many kids. I wouldn't be opposed to her throwing Kristina out of a window, but Sonny would probably be sad about that if he doesn't die of his heart attack yesterday. 😂 I kid, it's more likely Brenda throws Kristina out a window than Sonny dying.

That sounds plausible to me. Killed by the police or killing himself could have been a turn taken although I am glad the show didn't do that. Kidnapping Robin without her meds was a pretty deep hole to dig Tony out of but I never felt it was entirely malicious. He just got into a situation he didn't think through at all and wasn't in his right mind. I have never heard the Liz rape theory. Very interesting. I can wrap my mind around it because I think there were multiple clues it was possible. I glad that got vetoed too. That really doesn't seem like Tony even while drunk and a bit crazy. The Robin/Michael stuff at least made some sense. So stupid. I am sure there are Sonny/Brenda stans that ate that up but not me. It made Jax and Brenda look stupid and Sonny turned her down anyways for Konnie. No point. Except for a few funny Carly/Brenda moments and the vague Michael tease the whole return was worthless. I would hate for that to be my last memory of Brenda on screen. Even Brenda coming back with Michael's kid at some point (which I do not endorse) is pointless because Michael has already built a Corinthos level stable of kids in 2025.

I always thought Tony was relatable. A steady guy who got bogged down by troubles that caused him to break in the end. He was handsome, but not overly so, hard working, reliable and a regular guy. A nice contrast to his brother and his romantic and superspy laden tales. He also had a great rapport with most of the cast he worked with even in small scenes. I always remember the scene where Tony ripped apart Dr. Dorman#1 for refusing to operate on Stone because his case was terminal. Tony didn't have a ton to do with that story, but his presence and integrity as a Dr. was needed as a small touch. Tony is definitely one of the characters you don't truly appreciate until they aren't around. I never disliked Tony and Brad Maule did some great work. GH could really use Tony right now though. I wonder. I have to go back and rewatch. Did you suspect suicide or Carly actually killing him when she shot him in court? I am glad it didn't happen at the time because Carly was definitely framed as being 'right' for shooting Tony. It weakens both characters IMO. Brenda was committed to Jax in 2003, he dumped her at the altar and it ended. In 2010, they still had a spark but Brenda was now all in with Sonny and Jax was dedicated to Carly. Since we never saw them reconnect on air before 2013 it was odd. It felt like a situation where they were both settling. While I will always believe Brenda is the love of Jax's life he knows he is second best. Brenda just looks like a wishy-washy fool getting back with Jax and engaged for the 100th time and immediately begging Sonny to take her back. WTF even was that? Lol. Why screw an entire fanbase for, what, a week's worth of story?

Yes! This sounds like the most interesting story to me and seemed ahead of its time. I have only seen the briefest clips and reading about makes it sound a bit more confusing than it probably actually was. I would love to hear if anyone on this board has seen it although I am sure if I looked through this thread people probably have.

Very interesting take. I always thought Tony was so judgemental and ragey because that's the only way he knew how to deal with things. In his mind he did everything right with Bobbie-which is obviously not true-but I thought that was his thinking. Bobbie lied and cheated. Bobbie was "damaged". Once Carly came along it gave Tony a sense of new life and new purpose. Then she cheated and lied to him even though he thought he did right by her too. His actions are debatable on that, but I can see that anger and condemnation when he felt like nice guys always finish last. The devastation at knowing you slept with your own wife's daughter and the child she was carrying wasn't yours would drive most to a breakdown. Since both Bobbie and Tony mostly floundered after the whole Carly/Michael saga I can see the logic in putting them back together. The romance felt done. I liked that they became good friends. It's similar to the way I feel about Jax/Brenda. I loved them, they were popular, but there is too much there for them to go back to a romance. While I still feel like there are things unsaid and things to do with Sonny/Brenda even if Sonny is far more toxic in general. Thinking about Bobbie's post-Tony romances I can see a strong argument for them to find their way back to one another though. Tony never really got a chance at romance post-Carly.

I feel like it's pretty stereotypical at this point. Every Asian character on Days seems to come from a similar parental background like this. Although Amy seems modern in dress and style and doesn't seem like she's outdated in the usual aspects it feels very standard. Also, Sophia looks half white or of mixed descent to me (as I believe Madelyn Kientz is) so I wonder who Days will cast as her father.

Based on minimal viewing and mostly reading about the Andersons they seem a bit boring for the glamorous 80's that soaps were moving towards. The stories sound a bit interesting at times, but I never got the sense there was a stand out character in the family. Outside from Bob, the show also seemed to struggle to find the right actor for the players in the Anderson family. Perhaps it was a mistake to kill Mary off since Melissa did have a run at prominence in the late 80's, but never really found her place either. Idk, I think it was a combo of not finding standout actors, a changing era in soaps, and new, more exciting families (Dimeras,Bradys) being introduced that lead to the Andersons demise.

That's true. I hate when characters just let things happen to them. He looked more resigned than anything. His father is Brady so I get that, but it's very Austin from the 90's. Tate is just doing what he is told and not yet looking for other options. Maybe it will unfold differently.

The story is stupid and a repeat of a story we have seen 1000 times on soaps. My biggest issue is how spineless Tate is. It doesn't fit the character or his upbringing and it's not attractive. Why would Amy even want to marry her daughter off to Tate and his family? Sophia may think she wants Tate now, but she'd be bored in 10 mins.

I agree as well. Instead of doing any work to rehab Tony as a character he just faded away. I understand backstage things happen, but after years of watching him spiral we never got to see him work for his reputation, career, and life back. He just was a respected again a few years later after minimal appearances. I also agree about Bobbie/Tony. I thought they were a decent couple. There was just too much damage to ever go back and I don't think they were popular enough to even try. The one thing Bobbie really loved about Tony, IMO, was the stability he offered and that was gone. With the amount of vets we lost through the years it was a mistake to kill Tony off. Although I will say I thought his death scenes were very good. It's a shame we barely saw him for years before that.

Thanks! I still don't really remember that lol. You would think Helena could just hire a Dr. who was willing to wake Stavros on their own instead of blackmailing Tony and threatening to kill small children. But it's Helena, so 🤷‍♀️

Thanks! I have heard the interview. With the widespread info about Frank cutting costs I was just giving my thoughts on the situation. Everyone here knows I have no insider info. It doesn't really take away my opinion and point about this being a short "break" for personal reasons. The rest of the interview he states he wants to try new things and reach his potential. I have seen several posts on here that have stating he was sorting personal issues out and WILL be back. That is still not what I am hearing from this interview. Anyhow, I am sure Michael will be back one way or another.

The first time around 2001? When they did the bioterrorism story that got cut? That rings a bell, but I think Tony was forced to do it by Helena. I am really drawing a blank of what Tony did post-Carly/Michael until he was taken off contract.

Stating he's leaving for personal reason multiple times as if it is fact isn't an opinion. CD has said nothing publicly of the sort. Jumping to the conclusion that he's leaving for "personal" reasons he needs to address, which has a wide variety of connotations, because there isn't an immediate recast isn't any sort of proof that is true. Thinking Dex is alive is an opinion. Yeah. I don't rule Michael or Duell out returning in the future but there is no indication this is a temporary exit ala Kirsten Storms or anything. I don't know if his exit was abrupt. I think FV lives under the assumption that someone like Chad with years as a character will just stay regardless of pay cuts or airtime because mostly everyone else does lol.