Paul Raven

Thanks for the feedback. I am loving your ideas and just posting some alternatives to discuss. I guess for me the Kendalls suffered at the hands of various changing regimes. There were 3 Lloyd recasts, then Michael, Steve, Chase, Alec , Adair and TR I think. Some of them never interacted and it seemed like new members were added and dynamics changed to the point that it seemed a bit of a lost cause. Yes, there was some stuff to be explored but they hadn't done much of a job up till then and I would be more inclined to start with a clean slate. As for the Sentells, Travis, Renata, Mignon were dead, Lee was gone for years. So that's why I would drop Martin also. And Travis BFTD ...I guess SFT hadn't used that trope much. And Travis and Liza were so identified with Sherry Mathis. I can't seem to convince you re Duncan's return. How about Bruce, Jo's ward and daughter Tory, who could be aged to a teen? I just think a reset back to the families around Jo and Stu would anchor things.

Being a good stage actor or movie star didn't mean you would shine on soaps. Learning a new script with little rehearsal is a totally different skill set. Some adapted, some did not.

Looks like the directors have just gotten into a rut. Having talking head scenes means that everything can be done quickly. Whereas actors moving and choosing interesting camera shots takes more time. Time = money. I think they are now doing 5 shows in 4 days.

I think the ship had sailed with Maree Cheatham. Bringing back Andrea would probably be enough re a woman in that age group. Wendy, Brian etc were connected to Stepahnie so with her gone that's it for them. Same with bringing back Travis-after the initial reveal where is there to go? Bud Gardner had really been forgotten and I'd leave him there. With the Whitings back and Gary/Laine etc there's plenty to work with going forward. I think more mileage to be gained by the return of Jo's son Duncan as the result of a baby switch. So many different directions to go in with that reveal. So the Sentells, Kendalls and McCleary's would be gone by the end of 87 with the focus now on Jo, Duncan and the Whitings, Stu and his offspring. Tom is a must return. Sunny, Laine and possibly Ted.

I'm encouraged by posters' enthusiasm for Ed Scott and hope that his arrival does make a difference. God knows, the show needs help. Now just what Ed can achieve with the budget restrictions.. 1. Sets. A major issue. There need to be more. If Josh insists on writing business stories then we need to see offices instead of characters discussing takeovers, mergers and hires in bars and restaurants. Most characters do not have homes. The set dressing is pretty awful. Cheap ceramics and artwork that look like chain store buys. And Crimson Lights needs to be upgraded. Millionaires discussing mergers in front of a robot that looks like a kid's art project. 2. Costuming. Most of the female characters wear the same sort of clothes. Often not very flattering. The men's clothing looks cheap and generic in a lot of cases. 3. Extras. A lot of scenes taking place in empty spaces. More under fives and day players needed. eg staff for Newmans Abbotts etc Unfortunately successive writers lumbered characters with kids. So we need to see them 4. Direction. A lot of scenes are pretty static talking heads. Let's bring back those arty shots and angles from BITD. 5. Music. Ditch the bland background music for something more atmospheric. Have I missed anything? Don't know how far Ed Scott can go with any of this.

Yes it seemed a very calculated attempt to create the next super couple of the reformed bad guy, still with a dark side , saved by the woman he loved. Days pushed it and I think the mags went along but there was obviously not that visceral reaction that Roman/Marlena, Bo/Hope, Steve/Kayla and Shane/Kimberley received.

Did they? It was never backed up by any evidence. Just cryptic comments. They seemed more interested in grabbing attention and putting down other posters. Back to Mr Scott. As Toups stated the announcement makes one think there is more to it, but upon reflection, I'm starting to think it is just some backstage shuffling and Scott's experience is needed to get the production side of things working more smoothly. At 80 yo he might be at the point where he just wants a low profile gig. Hope I'm wrong but...

@dc11786 as always some interesting ideas. Thanks for sharing. Would you have any interest in returning Janet, Gary, Danny and Laine or Ted Adamson? I know that you have to consider the number of characters/stories in a 30 min format. Maybe Search should have bitten the bullet at some point and expanded to 60 mins.

If DeeeDee were still around the response would be backstage drama and agendas.

This article about Dicopoulos mentions the Will Jeffries role.

That is the question. The pool of known writers has dried up. I'm sure there are talented writers out there, but finding someone who wants to do it and would be acceptable to TPTB....

Let's visit Genoa City

In comparison, Olivia De Havilland in the reshot scene. A much dowdier look.

Joan's look in Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte is on point.

Chad's jacket isn't a good fit.

That is her main topic of interest.

Fingers crossed. I am past the point of expecting any great turnaround, but at this stage any change has to be an improvement.

Hopefully, the wedding will be called off. Devon/Abby are a boring couple and even more so as a married duo. And Abby on to her 3rd marriage in less than 10 years. Awful writing for that character.

Yes I agree, many soap actors have no need for agents etc. It really is a case by case issue. Another aspect is when a popular actor decides to leave in the midst of a popular story, leaving the show in the lurch. But people tend to take the actors side (fair enough). But any talk of loyalty goes by the wayside. eg If Kelly Monaco had decided to leave at some point it would be fine, but if she's fired it's all terribly unfair in some people's minds. Or when Martha left ATWT the first time in the midst of being part of a front burner couple ,they had to recast and make adjustments. Often those recasts don't work out and the show suffers. I also wonder if Goutman took a pay cut as well. Just some points for consideration.

I'm fine with Joy coming on. But the show needs to bring in some Hortons. Steve,Sandy etc could have children/grandchildren who come to Salem. Days really messed up by ignoring the whole family beginning in the 80's.

WTH was Nikki wearing ? Some sort of sparkly jacket that just looked weird as a daytime outfit. EB in a chair seeming to read his lines off the table. Only 5 sets in an hour show. So bored with seeing CL and GCAC. At least the director was smart enough to use tight shots so that the lack of customers at CL was less apparent. So Nate tells Devon about his meeting with Amy, rather than actually showing it. There is some intrigue there but this is Josh so it will either lead nowhere or be something ridiculous like Amy is Nate's mother. Sean Dominic and Connor Floyd both eye candy. Bryton not so much. Who cares about Abby/Devon wedding and the surprise venue?

It's interesting re Brenda. As we have seen from her later actions Brenda seems to have some mental health issues. Back then, she was seen as troublesome but nowadays she would be able to speak openly and just firing her may not have been as easy. I read that Ed Scott is 80. Hopefully he is still firing on all cylinders and can get the show back into shape. I really hope this means Josh will be leaving soon.

We want a great opening, fantastic music, beautiful sets, involving storylines, fabulous costuming and compelling actors/characters. That's all.

Go Susan! Hopefully Ken Corday was behind this. I'm sure she's appreciative at this time. I guess that would make Susan the oldest performer to go on contract in the history of US soaps?

I don't know that many actors would have your principles. The alternative to a pay cut is unemployment = no $$$ And there is not a lot out there for ex soapers. They might land some guest spots in a cable show etc but no way is their income going to be commensurate. And like the rest of us they have bills to pay and other financial commitments. Big names have taken pay cuts over the years.