Taoboi

Ever since I heard they were doing another storyline in L. A., that was all I could think of. Because that was such a turning point in Sussman's writing for a lot of the audience if I remember correctly. I remember being in the minority for her run. And really wished once she hit her L. A. episodes, they had just kept her for one more year cuz the potential was there. Heck...Juliet might even still be alive. Though sadly that does mean Cane would not have been recast and Lily wouldn't be on better footing like she is now. Or would she? Hmmm...interesting question. Josh was good. Until he wasn't.

And while it's on my mind and *NeneLeakes*let me say this, Greg*NeneLeakes* Okay, a few weeks ago...I remember there was some discussion on the coven of Kristina/Alexis/Ava and Ric and how the writers were not using that development for much. I mean...how can they? They have to hold Ric for a month in order for Ava to get her money back. I don't feel like the story has vanished...unlike some other storylines on the show *cough*GioEmmaProfessorLucasMarcoSidwellTrinaKaiDarkWillow*cough* We even got one of the oldest soap tropes out there...the near-miss! Ric almost escaped. And he got a phone call out to Liz and Molly. And I love the cameo of Alexis's dagger on her. I felt before the near-escape that they used Alexis, Ava, and Kristina pretty well. Well Alexis and Ava at least. lol. I wish the vibe was more like the time AMC did this story with Erica/Janet/Skye and Dr. Kinder, but it has not been bad, either, to me. I could go for more bonding. While I wish that Alexis and Ava were not off in a side story, it is a side story that I admit that I am enjoying and curious for where they will go in the climax. Thankfully, it does not appear that it will end in Ric's death, but Ric will definitely want revenge. And also I am looking forward to Molly and Liz (especially Liz's)'s reactions.

Yeah. Remember the days when a soap character would do something, get punished, and we were allowed a break cuz they were dealing with their comeuppance before they became the underdog again? Good times. And both are organic to the story...a BONUS. And yes, I recall that there was a discussion over what to do with Sonny that would be something different. Very much agree. It would be different. And goodness he's overdue given the last different thing for him was Nixon Falls.

And speaking of Liz... Let me take a moment...now that I have it and waiting for the coffee to kick in so I get stuff done pre-work...to discuss Monica's funeral. I love the start of it. I did not like the week where it had a whole lot of stories around it (namely, Britt's return and the incoming return of Nathan) that very much distracted from Monica dying. The saving grace? That the focus was on Tracy and Jason aka where the focus SHOULD have been. It is okay to let scenes breathe and great actors emote. And TE and SB were superb dealing with the aftermath. When I think the words 'the body,' I think of the Buffy episode of the same name...an episode I really have not and don't think I could rewatch after its initial broadcast...it hits different once you've lost a parent. But it hit beforehand as well. So the medic saying that was triggering. In any case...I just love Tracy and Jason bonding...something that has been building over the last few months and it was crystalized here. I was VERY happy that the writers got a clue. While they did continue with those other storylines...they shifted ...becoming intriguing in their own right rather than taking away from the focus on Monica. And thank you to @Antoyne for the tag. I know it happened when Alan died as well from what I've been told, but yes, I did swoon when the first scene of the episodes around Monica's actual funeral was on Jason...WITH LIZ. Such a small scene. But as I have said...'smells like snow' (and Liz letting SJB Carly know she ain't no angel) is one of my favorite scenes and when I started to like Jason and Liz together so yes, I like that little touch of Liz being there for Jason. Sidenote...I loved everything building up to the funeral. All of the emoting that TE did...not just with Tracy among the Quartermaines, but Lucy. With Michael. With the returning Lois. I didn't like the silliness of the side-story of Tracy running off, but I loved Tracy with Lois. Honorable mention to WK who I don't at all feel was just acting of course. There was not a scene that Ned was in that WK didn't look like he was beside himself and about to break. My heart went out to him. The funeral was beautiful. The speeches were beautiful. I felt it was all allowed to breathe. I liked Tracy's struggle to speak. I liked Lucy's moment. I liked that it got a little bit soapy with Drew's arrival and how he was about to get his butt kicked by Jason...may their rivalry NEVER let up. I loved the flashbacks throughout and how they started small, but the full episode that had them. That montage broke me. Alan! AT's Emily! My eyes are watering just thinking about it. And then the Friday cliffhanger with the arrival of Erica as Veronica (Frank just can't let a good OLTL homage pass him by, can he?) was well done. It sounds like as I continue playing catch up...I'm not going to like Erica's character...though I looooove Erica since though I don't frequent that thread often (surprisingly) OLTL was my first soap that felt like MY soap versus my mother's soap...if that makes sense and Victoria Lord...my first older...heroine? Matriarch? But I also find @carolineg's recent thoughts on Ronnie understandable. Cuz this after all ISN'T OLTL. So her coming on...for a short arc and not even to stay...must seem unintentionally patronizing as a GH fan. Early apologies from me.

You could be like me and play it like background...which is what I've been doing. If it ain't Josh Morrow's bubble butt, Jess Walton (who I believe Jill has left...AGAIN), involving Danny or Christine, or Tamara Braun, I'm paying it no mind.

I feel like Tamara would eat her alive.

Yeah...not at all like the last time the cast were in L. A. back in 2017 which really jumpstarted the stories in Sally Sussman's run.

Same.

Yep. And Wagger had already been warned by Sonny to leave his kids alone.

And it's an extended arc. And I love every part of it. The layers. The fact that the writers and Mo can have their cake and eat it, too, because the audience would eat this up. The cherry on top being Brenda. And we deal with that breakup and Sonny's speech. I really love that you mentioned that he would have to cool his heels in jail for six months. GOOD. That would satisfy though of us who feel he needs some punishment for the last few years.

I disagree. If Jason's return flopped it was because of the BTG antics rather than what was on screen. There was enough going on with him and an interesting direction that could have and should have been used after the initial return story of him being blackmailed over Carly's actions. We mentioned the fact of Jason readjusting to PC and wanting closer connections to his kids and how PM was setting up that Sins of the Father storyline which was intriguing (though I know young actors' ability to emote can vary...and did at that time). And as I mentioned often (though I know opinions as well as Frank's agenda also can vary), it was the first time in forever that Jason was back in town AND single while Liz was slowly detaching from Finn finally and those two were sharing scenes throughout the first few months of Jason's return. And as I mentioned a few times...Brennan setting up WSB shop in PC and offering Jason a job would have been a way to keep Jason independent of Sonny and the mob AND keep the action Jason that the audience of the show are used to and love sometimes. It would have made for even more friction between Jason, Carly, and Brennan...moreso if everyone had gone with the tease of a Carly/Brennan/Anna triangle back then. Heck...the weird tension between Jason/Anna could have organically came into play with that, too. Also as mentioned, they started moving Jason toward the Qs then as well. So that would not at all have been affected. And as I continued to say then and now...I am aware that Steve Burton is a good actor, but he also tended to have checked out before his second-to-last (?) exit when I was viewing. His return has found Steve Burton IMHO humbled, mellowed, and he emotes for me in a way that I don't recall him doing (outside of a pairing) in a long, long time. He really regained a fan in me. Moreso now that he's more about the Qs and less trying to be Sonny's enforcer.

Yeah, I was about to say...haven't we heard Luke by name on screen and know he's a cop somewhere in the police department? Meanwhile Mama Hawthorne is on the switchboard in the department. So Izaiah is not a retcon, but another brother in a big family...more than likely not mentioned since he is probably the only one NOT into being part of the police life thus the black sheep? Just another reason why I've been theorizing since the show started that the Hawthornes would be the second family introduced on this show? But I'm sure we will get clarify soon since

Yeah, I was mentioning that a few weeks ago...the one sticking point for me as of late has been...how these writers write romance. Or to be specific...NOT write. Cuz...where ARE the couple? Once in a blue moon, they get it right...but again...ONCE IN A BLUE MOON.

Le sigh...Celeste and Stefano... But I agree. He really does lack complexity. At least the shooting didn't soften him, but it's not helping Drew's case either. He might turn up shot again.

Speak on it!

THIS. + 1 I saw it when I rewatched and hollered. OF COURSE SHE WOULD BE THERE WHEN IT GOES DOWN!

THIS.

Agree.

@Soaplovers okay, I couldn't wait for the Jacob/Derek moment. hehe. And you are right. A good acting choice from him. Unlike someone else on the show, he does have his moments. Better you than Bill.

Hehe. I agree. The power of the twist. Also feel it was there from the get-go. Now November Sweeps is coming. You better be ready. 😜

I know she's a placeholder, but still...just nail on a chalkboard.

LOL. It's just as bad as when people ask about people and then...BOOM. Here they come the next/day week. Meanwhile...where did Marco go on GH? Emma? That Professor played by the guy who was recasted on that other soap?

Oh, I missed both with my multitasking tail. lol. At this point...I feel like Deanna is already cast and we don't know. There are people casted and cameos coming we STILL haven't gotten to yet. And saying that, it makes me wonder also if Madison's mother who isn't Debbi Morgan has been cast, too. The storyline is dark for him, but I found Derek to be his normal meathead self today. But again, I like near-misses and how Jacob is still on him about telling Ashley, keeping the story alive. I'll be looking for that when I do my rewatch this weekend.

PS. And OF COURSE Ted vs Carlton happens at the hospital with SHANICE in the background!!! lol.

Awwww...such a cute Dani/Andre moment. But they really are becoming one of the best parts of the show. Well...that was unexpected. So is Izaiah going to be a bit of a schemer. Cuz that would be perfect for Eva. OMG!!! Next week...SPS and Hayley meet again!!! Samantha being naughty!!! You all mentioning not playing the Ted vs Carlton beat...FOR THE SHOW TO GO THERE!!!! lol. DEAD.