Khan

Well, it's sort of like what Erika Slezak said when Brian Frons/ABCD cancelled AMC and OLTL for two shows that were 30% less to produce and provided information over entertainment: people always need entertainment. They always need to hear, watch, read and share stories. That's what separates us from the apes (and I'm not even sure about that, lol!).

That's because GL had a theme - the so-called "brotherhood of man" and the belief in a "guiding light" that binds us all - that was timeless and ageless. You could pick up the show where it left off (but set in the present day), you could return it to its' roots as a faith-based program, or you could make it GL "in name only," with a new setting and a new cast of characters, but as long as you keep that clear, identifiable theme in mind, you'll have something that will speak to fans both new and old. And to those who are gonna complain that the thread has been derailed yet again, I say, build a bridge and get over it.

It'd actually be hilarious if someone did. I'm just saying.

I know what you mean. First, Patrick Mulcahey returns to GH as HW; and now, MVJ's developing a brand-new, African-American-focused soap opera in conjunction with CBS, P&G and the NAACP. It's sort of like witnessing "The Sun Also Sets" coming back from the dead, lol.

Yep. Make sure she remembers, though: 1) no bright lights, 2) no water and 3) no feeding after midnight.

Any soap that lasts more than a few years is bound to evolve, with new characters and families replacing or supplanting old. But, I believe that what makes a GOOD soap in that respect is that it still feels like itself even with all the changes. Yes, there was a period in Marland's second run when ATWT felt dark - although, nowhere NEAR as dark as Passanante and latter Sheffer - but it still felt like ATWT (at least, to me). And it didn't matter who was still on the show and on the front burner and who wasn't. It still felt like home, if you know what I mean. That's the difference we talk about when we talk about Sheffer in relation to everything else connected to the show. His stuff might have been exciting to watch (...for the most part...) and a tremendous boost of energy after a period when it was clear no one involved knew which direction to go after Marland's death, but did it still feel like we were watching ATWT? That's the question!

Recently, I watched one of those VICE docu-series ("Dark Side of the '90's," I think?) that expressed a similar sentiment: specifically, that African-Americans have always been staunch network TV viewers - as evidenced by the initial success of the FOX network; and later, The WB and UPN - due to habit/tradition and the fact that many African-Americans are from lower-income households who cannot afford cable TV, let alone internet service. In a way, I think we have Tyler Perry and his ilk to thank for this. God knows I have been down on that man and his godawful movies, plays and TV shows for YEARS, but as terrible as they are, they prove that there is an audience out there that is hungry for entertainment that speaks to and for them. At the same time, no one is more HONEST about quality or lack thereof than African-Americans are. If "The Gates" is crap, we'll let you KNOW it's crap and right away, regardless of track records. So, if this show actually makes it all the way to production, TPTB better "bring it" or else.

Thank you, @Vee! I didn't exactly think this thread would turn into that, but I'd be more stupid than usual if I didn't know about his reputation here.

I agree.

You don't remember the other CVE? He's the vet who lost all of one leg and part of another while serving in (I think) Afghanistan, and who was hired likely because he shared CVE's exact name. ETA: I've looked it up. He played Chet Driscoll?

Thanks, @Vee. Of course, I shouldn't be surprised that I didn't/don't remember Terry. As I've said before, there are more actors working today at GH than there were at MGM in the '40's. Was Terry the one who dated Chris Van Etten (the actor, not the HW)?

YES!!!!

Well, they did work together on "Ambitions," so I'd consider it a foregone conclusion.

His taste in clothes but NOT his taste in men.

Who the F is Terry?

I can see it now: THE GATES Written by MICHELE VAL JEAN SUSAN DANSBY CHARLOTTE GIBSON LYNN MARTIN MICHELLE PATRICK (...and probably Jamey Giddens).

Speaking of...? ENOUGH WITH THE DAMN WIGS. It was bad enough when they had her running around looking like Tallulah Bankhead on a bender, but now she's looking like Janet Green!

ICAM!

And I think she was, too, before James Comey and his stupid press conference. To me, that was the moment when they effectively sunk her. Sinema's is a cautionary tale for anyone looking to enter politics. She got seduced by big money and paid the price.

So, what the hell was the point of Seth?

My fear: Drew will leave feeling bitter and vengeful, then return down the road having restored his face to look like Jason's.

No relation to Love Don't Pay the Rent or Love Shoulda Brought Yo' Ass Home Last Night. (I'm sorry.) Whenever I see Jeff Kober, I can't help but think of "China Beach." And I worry that if they DO explore that history, it'll culminate with Laura welcoming another "forgotten child" that she never told anyone about.

He could've portrayed the "guru" that Laura supposedly ran away with as a teenager. Also, AH just as easily could've played a new character, whose sister once worked as a stripper for Sonny and later o.d.'ed on drugs or committed suicide out of guilt.