KMan101

All of this It does seem stupid. I do think that's happened a lot in the past, producers/writers assume the actor isn't interested or available but in reality they are and would probably jump at an offer. But he only seems to care about lip service to the GH legacy and trying to create his own stars and characters. So many characters have become props over the years.

I can see that for sure, which is why I wondered if their reluctance to stick around for more than a year is one reason he might not bother. Probably, like everything, numerous factors at play. Frank being petty, cheap, etc. And the actors who have seemed unwilling to stay long-term, I could see the reluctance to reach out.

Excellent way to put it. He really is reminding me of Goutman and his bizarre choices.

Jesus. Look at Jimmy Lee Holt. Really Frank Valentini? They (FRANK) so desperately want Howarth to have a role that sticks. It's really sad actually. This is what should have happened in 2013-2015. And then of course we get long scenes with Anna and her two men, pets Finn and Valentine. Nina listing off Maxie's 'army' and not including the vets says it all, doesn't it? We really can't have nice things. Nobody but Frank asked for Michael vs. Austin either. Should be riveting television. I really do believe the writers are trying but Frank has his greasy fingers all over it. Does Frank see himself in Howarth or something? Is he living through him or something? Like ... what is the obsession? He acts like he's afraid to let Howarth go. Did he swear "I'm never letting another network get him" after Howarth went to ATWT or something? lol

Isn't he though? I mean, JJ annoyed me in his second go-around but at the same time ... you have JJ and Vanessa Marcil out there willing and able (but who knows how long they'd even want to stay so I kinda get the hesitation to reach out) but Frank's so laser focused on Roger Howarth. It's truly bizarre. Frank is also petty AF and I'm so over it.

Yeah, I miss Sean Kanan and AJ too.

I love Hollyoaks. It can feel like whiplash at times so I've been in and out over the years. I like that it's different from Corrie and EastEnders. It has it's own vibe and is a bit more plot driven and campy but at the same time, they still make you understand the character and their motivations (as bizarre as they may be sometimes! lol) and take great attention to detail telling a true to life story (look at Hollyoaks IRL on YouTube). I can see why Corrie may not be your cup of tea so to speak after Hollyoaks. What's your take on EastEnders? It's kind of, to me, 'in between' Corrie and Hollyoaks in terms of pacing and tone. I've really enjoyed a lot of it. 1994 seemed like peak EastEnders.

lol I'm so over him

Well I got my "Father" from Spencer (who's wearing a sports jacket - fitting). Laura's reaction was wonderful. They do seem to be keeping a lot of traits from young Spencer, and I approve of what they've kept. There it is. Austin Gatlin-HOLT Like Vee said. If this were 8/10 years ago, hell, even 5, maybe I'd care. But yeah ... it feels too little too late.

So many actors in that age range who'd be acceptable ... I wish they'd make a call on Jennifer.

lol exactly! It's both refreshing and infuriating at times how real they are, if that makes sense lol. I do love the option of "well, we can always bring them back" but I agree the constant coming back from the dead really cheapens the entire idea of killing someone off and it's beyond a joke at this point. Though sometimes the UK soaps can be a little kill happy ... and they make some short-sighted decisions. But they stick by them. I'm so tired of the tropes we get over and over and over and over again. It's so lazy. I think it's why I appreciated the Brook/Maxie baby 'switch' on GH. It's a different take. I do think the UK soaps can be repetitive at times too though, they like their psychos and murderers. But I'd also argue it's probably more true to life. Thanks Carl! No worries. I figured you weren't a regular watcher currently. It feels ... Fine .. is a good way to put it lol./ It's definitely better than the last 10 years (depending on what you like from a soap I suppose). Thanks for the Emmerdale suggestions. Shame a lot of the early stuff isn't available. I've been so spoiled with Coronation Street (thank you!) Ugh. Kate Oates. The Phelps of the UK. I know there's fans of that kind of soap ... I'll check her period out though. I can't say I like what she's done elsewhere ... Emmerdale seems ... lost

Very true. It's a shame this never got more attention in the mainstream media.

I'd be open to it for sure.

Agreed. The 2017-18 period had potential. I'm surprised Taylor hasn't been recast too. She's very much needed. So tired of petty ass executives who get their feelings hurt. I don't blame Hunter for saying peace out. LMAO I'm actually kinda surprised Marcil hasn't been on B&B ... She can play Hope on DAYS if GH doesn't want her

LOL. I want him to get a steady gig just so he has a steady gig. This poor guy deserves a show LOL. I wouldn't mind. It would differentiate it from The View. I like him too

I thought so too, actually. Her return and even Sheila's had me watching for a hot minute. Shame it didn't last. What's the beef with the show and Hunter Tylo? Most likely ... And isn't he unable to remember loads of dialogue or something? He left for other reasons too I believe. Thorsten Kaye was miscast as Ridge. Not really sure what they were thinking. I could see Thorsten not coming back.

They do seem to be. It's really refreshing. Coronation Street is treated like an institution. I mean, when The Queen visits your set ... I think I struggle at times with the UK soaps because they can get a little too real, and too dark and depressing. But I also appreciate that realism. LOL. And even though they soap them up a bit, I appreciate the painstaking attention to detail in telling a true to life story. They do seem to insist they take them seriously. I've watched some clips of the deaths and stunts and I have to lol. The show just comes off as desperate. And the latest murder is already being panned. I've tried watching some of the current reruns which were 1999/2000 I believe. It's OK. I like the idea of it and the set is interesting. Just feels like a poor mans Corrie/EastEnders with Hollyoaks stunts thrown in for good measure. Would love to see the show when it was considered good. I know we have some fans here though (not of the current material mind you). But I guess that's better saved for the Emmerdale thread. @DRW50 Carl, any suggestions on Emmerdale years?

I hope so! I'm kinda hoping a recast Peter Blake has them both hostage LOL I know they did give Jack stuff with Abby and JJ but it just bugs me we finally have him back and he's playing father to Gwen and Xander. I agree. Would love more of him and Anna. It's just nice having them both 'around' instead of appearing and then disappearing for the rest of the year. They can both be used a little bit more, especially Anna.

That's why I said it sounded toxic lol. I liked Ferrare and they treated her so bad.

Yeah, I can't get into Emmerdale either. I just 'don't see it'. Maybe the old Emmerdale FARM would interest me though. I'd love to know some good years to try and get into Emmerdale. I want to like it but the show lacks stars and long running characters to me. It also feels very 'stunty' and plot driven. I see they have another murderer offing people. Kim interests me the most on Emmerdale and she's probably leaving isn't she? Corrie isn't for everyone. Depends what you're looking for I suppose, in a soap. The characters and their interactions in the classic years are what drag me in. But it's not flashy. They might like the more plotty and stunt driven era of Corrie.

lol same. I liked Courtney with AJ and of course the writing was on the wall. AJ was never given a fair shot as a character under Guza. I know it was easy with 'AJ is a drunken loser' (it was way more than that) but they really took it way too far.

Yes. Their treatment of Ferrare in particular left a sour taste in my mouth.

EXACTLY. I hate everything about Ben. Ron doesn't know subtle if it hit him in the face. He forces so much crap. And I wouldn't mind, say Jack and Xander, if these people's airtime weren't devoted to The Writer's pets and they had more natural interactions with their, you know, family. We used to get both in a show with an actual budget and someone who could plot a storyline. We FINALLY have Jack back and what do we get? No Jennifer, Abby or JJ. Yet here's his insta-daughter (that we all liked until he started forcing it and making Abby 'seem worse'). Make it make sense? (EDIT: How could I forget a dead Laura treated like a dayplayer?) Ron doesn't do storylines. He does plot points. I will say something nice in that I appreciate the use of Tony, that's all I've wanted for the character, just be the 'head of the family' and pop in and be supporting. I'd like more of Anna but I know the show has no budget. And the treatment of Marlena/John and their airtime with their family has been weird for years and years now. I've long heard Alarr or a producer hated their family. It would all make sense if Alarr were a Ben stan but I feel like that goes to Ron. (Rumors, take it for what you will, had Alarr as a Suzanne/Maggie stan, taking that side and not wanting Marlena to have too much family on the canvas. And the editor too. Fay or whoever. There's a reason certain people get cut but others don't.) Some of it makes sense to me, some of it seems a bit far fetched but who knows? I can buy it.

Me too. But sadly we're stuck with him. What happened to the days of firing the actor because the actress left? lol now all of a sudden they want to keep them around and cater to the actress? Cin is nothing but stanbaiting at it's worst. Right? What an absolute waste of her airtime. Sigh. Make it make sense. #BenIsAPet LOL

Home & Family does sound like it was toxic. I have no problem with Debbie. I liked her and she's grown a lot, she fills the role Sara plays for sure. It was nice seeing her back at the table with the other OGs a few years back. I just don't see her wanting it full time but who knows? Money talks. And that's true about going back into the studio. Although Haines was in the studio before. I don't see her rushing to leave after just coming back but stranger things have happened. Maybe it's just wishful thinking on my part she doesn't leave? lol I would love a new warmer set as well. It feels cold. I agree on the couch. Joy may not want to go back into the studio. But she does love the show and I imagine Meghan leaving might extend her stay and lessen the chances of retirement. Whoopi has recently said they'd basically have to drag her dead body away from the show so unless they tell her she can't do an acting gig, she's not going anywhere. But she does commute to the studio.