Taoboi

1-13 Well, I can't say that I hate that cliffhanger with Ava and Val. And it goes without saying that I want Anna to shoot Pascal so bad. So while I doubt it's happening this week, I do hope it happens in the future. I admit that the tension leading up to Willow's verdict is superb. I was just wondering about Diane (did Carolyn Hinsey have surgery? Well, I hope she gets better soon) so good to see her. And Alexis being behind herself and still giving a good closing statement is typical Alexis. So the Marco I liked before I stopped watching regularly is just gone gone, huh? Cuz that scene with him and Britt did him no favors. Though Britt being on Wyndermere probably means she's the one that will find Anna hopefully. Thank you, Val!!! I don't like his alliance, but he said what I've been saying to Carly. So she failed to get a bug into Brennan's office. AND...??? When has a setback ever stopped Carly? Which naturally made me go...why are the writers writing Carly so weak? Carly in scheme mode is many things, but never that. Did I hear right? Now Sidwell wants to see Drew as expendable? The writers are really trying to eclipse Drew's villainy, aren't they? You know...we can have two villains (and one villainess in Ava) at the same time pushing story? Good episode. lol. I have always said that CM does play Drew at times as being more obsessed with Willow than in love with her so I feel like he will go over the edge when he does find out. But what means...writing-wise...is still a curiosity to me.

1-12 OMG, OLIVIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YASSS!!! Good to see her acting like a Q and bluffing shooting Drew. Yeah, I was looking forward to having time to see the cliffhanger of Trina/Kai going to Alexis. And I can't say that I'm disappointed. Alexis is just toooooo good at her job to put reasonable doubt in their head. Not that they will listen. I continue to be in awe of this version of Willow. She really and truly does not love that man. LOL. And slowly, but surely it is coming off of her in waves and she is showing it. Katelyn Mc is running with it, and God bless her for it. THIS Willow I like. Hehe at Nina sloooowly getting a clue about it. And I continue to holler at how clueless Drew seems to it. So if she's actually getting off from shooting him, does that mean she can shoot him for real later on and not be tried again cuz that would be double jeopardy? I also wonder if this is setting up for her role in what she did to Sasha coming out. Hmmmm...at the increase of airtime to Kristina and Jacinda. I can't at all with Cody and Molly. I guess it's because of me being used to more adult dialogue when it comes to the 'yes/no' mess of a 'were you two together?' conversation from everything to AMC's INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE to even Ted and Shanice over on BTG now but I can't take them seriously. And of course, my personal elephant in the room TJ. All things Q were a definite highlight. I live for every moment that I see Ned on screen these days. And I am surprised that he is just now getting around to telling everyone how he winded up having a heart attack. I do wonder if this is setting up a story for Ned...which I don't mind. And I loved that Tracy immediately realized that Martin was behind Alexis knowing about her and Michael's chat. And Olivia with the shotgun...howled. She really has come into her own in the house. And I was happy to see Yuri as well. Drew continues to look stupid. Though I do wonder how he is going to feel once he realizes Willow is playing him for a fool. And that coda with Alexis and Wiley...good.

Well it was a matter of time before they played that beat so...

I believe it as well. I believe that was Chris B. He was also the one with the Karla Mosley tea about Dani/Andre being the happy accident that it was. Because yep, they were totally planning Andre/Ashley from the jump. It kinda does explain the abrupt change in story when you put it like that. Well, a single Ashley works for me. Her scenes this week with Naomi and Shanice have been standouts. As has her supporting. I think they might actually follow though. The last two weeks has a great rhythm going for it. Same for the two weeks before (X-mas and NYE). It looks like they have found their momentum. And synopsis for this coming week sounds like it's going to be build on it even more. It read soapy which I liked.

1-16 Two good weeks in a row. And Dark Derek LIVES!!! I think for me, I like the fact that last week it was about the testing for Dani and Nicole. And this week was not only the follow-up for them, but we get the testing for Chelesa and Naomi. It just organically flowed from step to step. I definitely can't wait for this coming week...which from the next week synopsis already looks good. Yeah...I can see (outside of Ambyr's hair) that I have completely soured on Eva. So much so that I'm over her with Izaiah, too. And I at least enjoyed them. She is just sitting here being a victim and uhhhh NO. I need my gray layers back for me to like her. And right now...I don't see that. Thankfully, there was so much going on that I liked. Like Dark Derek. That character was at his best when he was being sneaky. And him seeing Ashley with Grayson and not only got so alone time to get a feel for Grayson, but stirring the pot with Jan...oooo. I guess he is about to get psycho. And that little satisfied smirk at the end. Just messy. LMAO!!! at Shanice just giving me so much life. And giving Ted life, too. Now THAT'S how you do silliness and it doesn't come off as slapstick-y. JS. Even though I realized rewatching her scenes with Ted. You don't think their date will be at the SAME place as Joey, Vanessa, Nicole, and Carlton??? Was that foreshadowing? She even makes Ashley more likable. Where's her contract??? I know I'm in the minority, but I've been a fan of Jacob/Naomi since the beginning. And goodness knows that Naomi has not made it easy to be a fan of her the last few months. But I guess it says something that Kat can lay out her reasons for not getting tested and I understand, but Naomi not wanting to see her test results is irking the heck out of me. And I liked Jacob had to get in her face about them. That said...did she just lie about the results? GUUUUUURLLL!!!! lol. But...that does mean one thing? My happy couple is about to get more story. Bring it. Sidenote...DAYYYYYY---UMMMM CHELS!!! I was eating her in that outfit all the way up!!! I love that the costume designer reveals so much about the characters through their clothes and that fit was just PERFECTION. Same for what Dani was wearing. And same for Kat, too. Heck, I love Naomi's outfit, too, but I looooove vests (just wore one this weekend...it's one of my signature things...hehe) Good week all around.

Sam the afterthought...yeeeah nope. I liked seeing Duke back on screen. But they definitely wasted him that time around. I definitely would love to see Anna out of her having any emotions for Val myself. And I would loooove for Alexis to have someone new as well. I definitely have liked they tried a few times over the last few years.

1-15 Yep. Last week I hoped that it was not a flop. But this week...yeah, the writers have their rhythm again and I'm loving it. This episode was prime A story with other stories going on. And I liked that. I guess my only problem now that we are on Thursday is they still have not looped around to the cliffhanger with Tomas overhearing Kristen Dimera...I mean Hayley. I've liked that they have been exploring all angles of the Anita's Cancer story. But it was nice to see Anita post-first treatment. And I loved how throughout the episode that you got to see Anita struggle. And there is still her being mean with Vernon. TT is doing great, but I do worry about the overkill of it. But I feel them beats are getting played. As long as other stories are going on, it won't be too depressing. Speaking of... I'm kinda really excited for Cotillion. It's slowly moving from a background C plot to a solid B plot. We haven't really had a teen story since Ty and his bullying and Samantha's sexual awakening urges. So...overdue. And I do like how this is fleshing out the drama already going on between Ty and Jessica. So I wonder with all of this build-up, are we going to actually see it? Like a Teen story, it's overdue for another event. Ashley bring GOOD C plot wasn't on my bingo card. I can't believe that she's being somewhat fun again. I loved her scenes with Shanice (so cute that she was out of the gossip loop) and Naomi. It was truly girl talk and the ice cream (while I was actually eating ice cream) took me out. Made Shanice frisky and got her to make a move on Ted. Got Naomi to be nice. And got Ashley ready for a Round 2 with Greyson...who I'm loving her with. And Mmmm Jordi. lol. But...uh oh. SIDE-NOTE...something else I've noticed. The episodes have gone back to ending on nice little cliffhangers again. And sometimes not just one. Keep going. So...we might be getting Dark Derek after all. Uh oh now. I don't know what to think about Hayley. lol. I thought she was sincere when she text messaged Naomi. And Naomi thanking her in front of Bill was well-timed given Bill and Hayley had just fought. Now I wonder...did she plan that? But every scene and thing involving Hayley/Bill/Dani was giving me Kristen/John/Marlena circa 90s DAYS. The best thing about Eva for me is Ambyr's hair. Kat called her out for being fake. And KAT WAS NOT WRONG. If Ted didn't ask her, Eva wouldn't have done it. Be sincere, bitca. I can't believe how well June has managed to fit in.

Conflagration. lol.

And goodness knows SB and CM really do have superb hate chemistry. And both manage to play that hatred every time they share the screen today even when the scenes has nothing to do with them. It did. He dropped her with the quickness cuz he already knew he would be second best as soon as Jason arrived. But I give that they (well, PM) grew Drew's change out gradually over a period of time...allowing him to go with his ambition. Even post-PM, they kept to that angle somewhat with Drew wearing a mask. Now that I think about it...when did he completely go 0 to 100? When he finally got into office?

The sad thing is...that at first...Drew WAS putting on an act. Most definitely in front of Willow and Scout. But now that mask has come off. Perhaps it would have been best if the mask had been put back on when he was shot to keep him somewhat cunning. But alas. If anything, I feel the writers have the wiggle room to give him nuances thanks to his meltdown on the witness stand. So...he's grown jealous of Michael? Really? Cuz he's treated like a Q more than him? More like an Alan son than him? Has he been this way the whole time? It's an interesting angle to explore. Moreso if they add on Michael's closeness to Sonny as a switch of the knife.

Hahahah! I said a redeeming QUALITY. I didn't say I want him redeemed. He works exactly how he is a non-over-the-top, but powerful and relatable villain. And when he started to move in this direction, his only moment of niceness was that he loved his daughter. Now that he uses his daughter as a pawn, he's just a one-note cartoon. They went overboard for sure when they did that. And hurting the kids as well. I might have to eat crow on this, but I would used to say these writers wouldn't be possible at it at all. But NOW I have the evolution of Willow in my face and I'm not so sure they can't think of a way to give him a redeeming quality to pull him back a litttle bit from the edge, but keep him a villain. Not Dodge! lol. But yes, that is the same thing I've been saying for a while up until Scout became more pawn than daughter. I like we are all on the same page though.

But can these writers keep that edge to Drew and give them a redeeming quality?

1-14 Well-timed. The Anita's Cancer Storyline is off to a good and strong start as an A story. But yep...that subject matter is heavy and/or triggering for some. And for it to work, it does need to have some side-stories. So I liked that while there were echoes of it, the episode was about other stories. I shouldn't be surprised. For better or for worse Joey was the most solid of B stories last year. And no shock that that train is still going. And Joey vs Silk Press Sheila has been building nicely this year. And Marcel and Vanessa being mixed up in that...with all the stories they are tied...makes it very fun to watch. And now Bill has been added, too? Bring it! I enjoyed the friendship scenes. Since this show is very good at people popping up when it gets mentioned on here a lot like Kial popping up next week and Donnell down the road allegedly. hereeee's PAMELA. I liked her scenes with Dani. And I liked Vanessa's with Nicole. Though we know my friendship preferences. I also saw some people discussing Pamela. Well, there's that Vanessa/Pamela rivalry they teased a while back so...if they want to use her more...it IS possible. And wait a minute! A double date for Vanessa and Nicole. I feel like that is going to be trouble. I don't mind it though. The Joey/Vanessa storyline has been mostly backburnered. Part of that I feel has been that they want the secret of Doug's death to grow and that needs time to breathe. But they really have not done much since they came public. So I'm here for Nicole being a spoiler short-term for them. Hehe at Hayley. That said...with her poisoning Bill over the last few months, I take it this part of her story will go on until February Sweeps. Perhaps a climax with a remote? Dani, Dani, Dani. But that ending...classic soap.

Thank you for this. :) And oooo that is some interesting info about India and sounds like she will be one to watch. Sad to hear about Jacob. And he does love his long hair from what I remember of him on AMC.

1-16 I don't know what shocked me more...the abrupt story turn or the fact that I'm caught up. lol. I loved the idea of Eric coming on as a consultant for Katie's new design company. I was happy at the possibility of that as he could even mentor Deke has Logan's designer. What I did not expect was Eric to BE the new designer. I rolled my eyes so hard. WE...JUST...DID...THIS...STORY. And while the secret angle of it could be juicy, I was right with Bill in saying just advertise it all to wipe the smug look off Ridge's face. Le sigh. Just a sign that I enjoy the show more when it's not focused on the Forresters because they just recycle the wrong storylines. I did like that they kinda resolve Dylan's storyline by her getting a job. But she is where Luna was. Without the crazy. I'm...indifferent...to NuRJ. I guess I just miss the bubble butt on the last RJ. I giggled at his entrance...the last time they did something so soapy was Daphne's entrance. And they be quick to set up that Will/Electra/RJ triangle, huh? But they missed the boat the last time so... And of course, I continue to be entertained by Taylor/Deacon/Sheila. It did take a backseat near the end of the week. But just wow on Deke and Hope oh so ready to see Deacon/Sheila break up. And it will never not be funny how Sheila be running to Taylor's office. And honestly, a good cliffhanger with Brooke, Eric, and Katie.

Well, looky looky, Kial will be back among us January 21.

Not at all. Sadly.

I sooooooooooooo thought of you as I watching Friday's episodes.

Yeah, their messed up dynamic is fascinating to watch. Especially now that Willow has lost her good sense. And to think it all started while PM was around is just a good feeling. Good to see these writers ran with it. I think they are just so used to 'factory settings' on this show and playing it safe, that seeing people being oh so messy is foreign to them.

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! You all are killing me with how well you are plausibly defending a Brenda return. I love ya! Love you, too, Ranger. ;) Very. But the bold for me. And the fact they are clearly testing him with Lulu (Maxie's BFF) while giving the Dante/Lulu fans...one of GH's premier young pairings BITD...NOTHING. Just maddening. We would be wealthy in Paris together, dining and gossiping with Vanessa herself given how often we two talk about her and how easy it is to bring her back. It writes itself her connections to the canvas. Heck, just for fun...since I just mentioned it earlier...what if to save her company, Lucy calls her when she realizes Sidwell did something...and that of course leads to her return? See? Done. No one was asking for Nathan or Britt to return. And for Britt, one can't use the only romantic option reasoning when a single Liz is around the nurse station. Same. Too many people want her to return for there to be only one reason why she has not. Namely Petty Frank striking again. And yep. Writes itself. It's because they are used to 'factory settings' on this show and no longer used to be characters actually being messy...one of the basics of soaps. But...better happy or angry than indifference.

I don't even know if I would count Sam as an Achilles heel for Drew now. He can't even respect her last wishes due to spite and his own ego. That and the fact that Sam feels too much like an afterthought as is. And Frank likes it that way. Besides Drew's waaaaaaaaay too obsessed with Willow at this point. I too have begun to lean into continued online opinion that Michael and Willow are totally giving hate sex. But not much else re: Their generation's Alan/Monica.

I completely agree. And it's smart that they started adding things ahead of the writers who we know can't write romance properly...or aim for the wrong pairings...to save their lives. And yet Britt STILL feels irrelevant. With less stylish hair of course. Le sigh. That Frank. Yeah, that has been surprisingly noticeable to me in my binging. She has just upped and vanished. Whether it's her fighting with Lulu over Rocco, still fighting with Britt, or mending her closeness to Nathan and noticing him around Lulu all the time (or catching a clue it might not be him), I'm surprised she's not being used more. Speak on it! Same. Heck no. I believe they are already in progress with that. And JS has proven he can do that so tick, tock.

Hmmm. I mean...as much as I didn't like Lucky's return...that was down to the writing. Unlike Nathan, Lucky could have easily been pivoted since his connections are all through the canvas. They simply didn't want to write to that. Nathan I feel so far is far worse than Lucky's. Heck, they could build that suspicion through Spin, James, or even Felicia on Nathan, but instead we get NOTHING. Same.

It's hard out there being a Ric (and Liz) fan. Same. Tick, tock...

They should have never taken away Scout as his Achilles heel and made her just another pawn. He could have his nuances there, but alas...