Paul Raven
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Everything posted by Paul Raven
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SOD November 2016 Mal Young interview. This is just as Sally joined,and according to her, it was a quick entry and she didn't have any major story plans. I think that is reflected in Mal's answers as he doesn't have much to say about upcoming storylines. I'm going to post in sections to give posters time to read and(hopefully)respond. Mal eventually took over as headwriter and I don't think he was too enamored at having to accommodate Sally. How would you describe your overall vision for Y&R? Mal Young: My overall vision is to keep it fresh, never rest on our laurels. My mantra is, “What is good is today’s show,” and the minute the viewers watch that, it goes into the history archives and they’re saying, “But what next? And what’s next?” And that’s our job, to keep the viewers guessing and enthralled and entertained and surprised. Not just to do what everyone thinks a soap should do, and fall into the same old tropes. I think our job is to constantly question where we’re going with the show and keep it feeling contemporary and exciting and entertaining. I also want it to get a better mix of the real, heavy drama and humor. Each week, I show all the heads of departments some tapes of the show, just so that we, as a group, all sit and look at what we’re doing. Celebrate some high points, and maybe say, “Well, what can we do better?” Recently, I showed them a whole collection of clips of Billy and Phyllis. I said to everyone, “This was a master class in rom-com,” and it brings in a different tone to the show. I don’t think humor should feel forced or as a gag; I think it should come out of character, and those two actors did that so well, I thought. So that’s kind of my vision. And it’s a continuing one. When you took over as executive producer, what were your first steps? Young: Well, I don’t think you can suddenly do a quick, sharp turn. You have to respect the fact that you’re inheriting a huge legacy of a show that goes back all these years, but also the more immediate stories that were already underway and styles of the show. So you have to do some things slightly, gradually. Visually, the quickest thing I tried to do, which seems to have had a good impact, was to introduce more exteriors and heighten the production values. This was a very quick way of putting your own stamp on a show visually, so I changed the style of the way we shoot it and the fans seem to be responding very positively to this. There’s some nice camera work and lighting, but the exteriors, I think, really made the show feel bigger, and really opened up the world of Genoa City. It felt too enclosed for me. We’re going to keep that going now and keep developing the look of the show. What areas did you think needed some work? Young: I think the lack of humor, maybe, the pace, the direction. When I looked at the history of Y&R, I realized that it was the first to do certain things, like it was the first to go to full HD, so it was leading the way technically, as well as in its storytelling, in its characters, in its acting and in the types of stories that it would do. So, I felt that I wanted us to keep that tradition going and to be at the forefront so that we would remain No. 1 and be seen as the market leader. That’s why I brought in a lot more location shooting, to make the show look as slick as possible, and to not look like any of the other shows, so that you could be flipping through the networks and you would know, “Oh, this is Y&R.” * I don't recall there being much location shooting in 2017. Can anyone remember? I do recall they used the studio for some locations day to day. Also, can't recall any noticeable improvement in production values. Maybe Mal was stymied by budget cuts. As for Billy/Phyllis as a master class in romcom ...not sure I agree. I thought they were a compromised couple from the outset considering the circumstances that brought them together.
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OK so Gillian/Gabrielle come in as new headwriter when CBS took over production.
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Thank you French Fan. An amazing contribution. Looking forward to reading these rare treasures. This was a few months before CBS took over production from Roy Winsor. Lou Scofield/John Hess most likely writing at this time.
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GH SOD review from 2016 Flip the calendar back a year, and you’d come across a very different GH. Indeed, May 2015 saw the advent of several story strands that proved controversial at best and outright unpopular at worst: Elizabeth’s decision to conceal “Jake’s” identity, Ava’s re-entry as “Denise DeMuccio”, Carlos’s brutal murder of Duke and Anna gunning down Carlos in retaliation, Nikolas ordering a hit on Hayden. A few months later, a new co-head-writing team was announced, and the material of Shelly Altman and Jean Passanante began airing in October. The show does feel like it’s in transition, as the scribes are still contending with stories not of their own creation (like the tug-of-war between Sonny and Ava over Avery) — and yet, it has a decidedly different feel under the new regime. Here, Digest gives the hospital a checkup. Duty Calls: Animating GH’s workforce was a top priority for its new scribes, andthe results have been fantastic. The titular hospital was badly in need of an uptick in staff, which it got in the form of nuDrs. Andre, Griffin, Mayes and Finn, plus Franco’s reinstatement as art therapist. As a result, stories are once again taking place in the hospital, like Tracy’s health crisis, a stellar showcase for the beloved Quartermaines that was enhanced by the contrasting perspectives of her doctors —idealistic Griffin, sourpuss Mayes, offbeat Finn. The PCPD is also popping, courtesy of fiery Commissioner Jordan, shady DA Paul, kickass special investigator Anna,and do-right cops Dante, Nathan and Valerie. Resurrecting Crimson via Dillon, Maxie and Nina was an inspired choice, giving all three characters new purpose. Equally refreshing is how much those in the mafia sphere seem to be questioning their chosen/inherited lifestyle. We Got The Beats: Altman and Passanante heard fans who complained about GH skipping over important emotional beats loud and clear. Their renewed focus on P.C. citizens talking to one another about the things that matter to them (sexually confused Kristina’s confessionals to her sisters and mom; the Corinthoses wrestling with how best to handle and support bipolar Morgan;Anna’s continued mourning for Duke) has yielded top-notch drama — and better defined characters. Shining Stars: From powerhouse veterans like Finola Hughes (Anna) to charismatic newbies like Donnell Turner (Curtis), the cast rocks. ’Nuff said. Mystery Tour: Our fingers are crossed that the mystery of Helena’s bequeathal to Laura will give Genie Francis some strong material to sink her teeth into — and wherever it’s leading, we hope it’s more rewarding than the reveal that Hayden is Rachel Berlin, a character with no ties to Port Charles (except for the hastily constructed one of her Bernie Madoff-esque dad draining Scotty’s fortune). This felt like a real missed opportunity, especially considering that Hayden could have been a Quartermaine (Jimmy Lee Holt’s kid, perhaps?), a Baldwin (Serena with anassumed identity and an ax to grind?), a Webber (Liz’s surprise sis?), etc. Which leads us to.... Family Matters: There are many people and circumstances to blame for this going back many years and creative regimes, but the fact that there are as many, say, Jeromes on the canvas as there are, say, Quartermaines continues to feel like a real problem on this show, creating a feeling of disconnection from its own history. However, bringing back Wally Kurth’s Ned and establishing Jason’s pull toward the Q fold are supershrewd moves in the right direction. Age Old Question: We finally cottoned to the character of Kiki, it’s a true boon to GH to have Lexi Ainsworth back as Kristina, and Bryan Craig is slaying it as bipolar Morgan ... but for the most part, the show’s “younger set” consists of characters who were graduating from high school a decade ago. We’re all for focusing on vets, but the lack of teens on the show does make us question where the next generation of heroes,heroines and supercouples is going to come from. With so many players to juggle, some get lost in the shuffle, ranging from full-fledged disappearing acts (Rosalie, we hardly knew ye!) to the veritable vanishing of vets like Ric and Lucy (both of whom, happily, are now back in the mix) to the short shrift given to likable folks like Felix (he of the off-camera boyfriend), TJ, Lucas and Brad. We give a similar finger-wag to story points that were introduced only to lead to a whole lotta nowhere (yes, we’re still sore about the unknown contents of Luke’s goodbye letter to Laura, and wonder if Monica is still dating that judge, etc.). Those who missed the slice-of-life style of storytelling GH was once known for will find plenty to love these days, with some solid surprises thrown in for good measure (what, you thought Michael Easton’s new character was going to love lizards?). The show feels like it’s in caring hands, and is trending in the right direction.
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Cameron and Chance wore near identical shirts this week. Costume department-lift your game! THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
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Tonya Lee Williams on a Y&R return Would you consider a return to Y&R to reprise your character? “Since I left, Y&R has asked me many times to return; in fact, they just asked me again to come back for the 50th anniversary. I truly loved doing the show, it was a huge part of my life, but the work I do now is so different and very fulfilling, I can’t imagine going backward in my life to recreate something that I consider my past. I want to be remembered for the Olivia I created, the one in the audience’s mind, not an Olivia who is now 15 years older. There was something just magical about Malcolm, Olivia, Neil, Drucilla; it’s something that can never be replicated. I would love to return if we could all be together again, but that is impossible, and I am so happy to have been a part of that magic.”
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Guiding Light Dr Lathrop ??? Evie Stapleton's eye specialist Oct 77 Linda ??? woman who fell through ice at the park,rescued by Dr Peter Chapman March 78 Helen Wilson ??? case worker dealing with custody of Philip Spaulding July 78 Herb ??? Peter Chapman's buddy -reunited when Peter returned to the Caribbean July 78 Dr. Renee Dubois Deborah May Sept 1979- March 80 French plastic surgeon who worked on Roger, brief involvement with Mike Bauer. Accidental fall caused her death. Dr. Greg Fairbanks David Greenan Sept 1979-April 80 Rita's ex from Bluefield who wanted to resume a relationship. Slept with Rita in St Lucia when Ed had to return home, then pursued Eve. Rita discovered she was pregnant and thought Greg might be the father but he was not interested. Finally slept with Eve and then Diane. Left town when Eve discovered he'd been cheating.
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Unlikely Y&R Who would have thought Casey's trampy sister Nikki would become a Genoa City leading light? Or that cute teen model Cricket who popped up now and then would still be with us fighting for justice?
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Jeremy Slate ONE LIFE TO LIVE Chuck Wilson November 1979-April 85; October 1985-87; 1990
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Search for Tomorrow Kenneth Abbott...Richard Clarke...76...front man
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The rest of the place was way more in need of an update then and now.
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The layout is fine-there's even a proper staircase- but the decor is horrible and cheap looking. I wish they could find it in the budget to redocorate both penthouses. It's ridiculous that Nate's penthouse has been through several owners without so much as a cushion being changed. And Crimson Lights needs a revamp. What business wouldn't update after more than 20 years? Glad to see GCAC back-is the set identical to the original? Somehow the bar bar area seems different? And there have been some extras! Not enough but it's a start. It would be great to see Mrs Martinez, a PA for Devon, some workers at NE etc. They wouldn't have to be seen often, just enough to establish that they exist- and then mentioned in between appearances.
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I can see it now-Cameron will seduce Faith and she'll hit him over the head. Sharon will protect her by helping to hide the body. BTW where is Doris? They have had years to address this. If they don't want to have her onscreen, just say she is in acare facility and mention visiting her from time to time.
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Joy Garrett Husbands ,Wives and Lovers...Niki Beale Priscilla Pointer Pilots/Proposals The Keegans CBS 1976...Helen Hunter McVey Penelope Windust Pilots/Proposals The Keegans CBS 1976...Penny Vorhees Keegan
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Based on everything Josh has ever written for the show, we know this return will be full of plot holes,and have zilch long term impact. At least we get the return of Sharon's cottage set...
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Guiding Light Charlotte Waring Fletcher Bauer Victoria Wyndham Nov 1967-70 Nurse Martha ___ Frazier Jim's wife, a nurse; good friend of Robin; mentored Leslie Jackson Cicely Tyson Aug 1966 - ? Ruby Dee 1967 Medical Examiner Richard Carroll Ben Murphy May 20/23/24 1983 appearances prior to "The Cradle Will Fall" GL movie CBS Tuesday Movie May 24
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Melba Moore ALL MY CHILDREN Melba Moore Jan 14 & 17 1983
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Modern Romances character and story updates in bold Nov 8 Mountain Love by Earl Hamner Story of young love in the hills of Virginia Cast Vaughn Taylor Higgins John Cassevetes Blake Phyllis Love Janice December 6 54 The Perfect Wife by Noel Gerson Cast Pat Breslin, Heather Stephen Eliot, Roger Watson Joy Hodges, Kitty December 20 Blackmail by Harry Junkin Cast Staats Cotsworth, Arthur Harrison Katherine Meskill, Mary Harrison Jan 3 55 The Hunted by Joe Bates Smith A young couple find that a dangerous situation serves to renew their love. Cast Sandra Deel Anita Blair Lorettta Daye, Robert Webber, Carl Blair Lin McCarthy, Feb 14 55 The Mark of Cain by Stanley Niss Cast John Cassevetes,Mike Feb 28 Susan's Mother by Kate Nickerson Cast Neva Patterson, Anthony Franciosa Jim March 28 The Doubt by Jesse Sandler Cast Lenka Peterson,Lisa May 23 Homecoming by Kate Nickerson Cast Hildy Parks,Ruth Stevens June 13 55 Smart Girl by William Kendall Clarke After living in the city for years a scheming girl returns home to live with her married sister.
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Gary Hudson For Love and Honor....Green Beret Caryn Richman Dallas....unknown role 'Marriage on the Rocks' Jan 15 1988
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Lauren Y&R-the bitchy rival to our heroine Traci. could have easily been sent packing at the end of Summer. Brittany Y&R-part of the teen scene to boost Mac & Billy but became the focus for several years. I guess you would have to include Luke on GH.
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August 2-6 1982 1. AMC 9.9/32 2. GH 9.5/33 3. OLTL 8.4/30 4. Y&R 8.2/30 5. ATWT 7.5/25 6. GL 7.3/25 7. RH 7.9/26 8. DOOL 6.4/20 9. CAP 5.8/21 10. AW 4.9/17 11. EON 4.3/15 12. TX 3.1/13 12.SFT 3.1/11 14. TD 2.4/9
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Maybe Bill could throw a couple of million Y&R's way to help with the budget.
