Paul Raven

The Houston Post Houston, Texas • Sun, 21 Aug 1966

Detroit Free Press Detroit, Michigan • Sun, 31 Mar 1974

Interesting perspective. But I don't think it was as much as a deliberate vendetta than the misguided belief that something new is always better. Writers/producers thinking their stories and characters will be the solution. Of course, there is the underlying notion that change always equals improvement. How many times have we seen in business, new bigwigs coming in with big changes that they claim is the right course to take , only to be proved wrong. In soaps the situation is worse when a show is low rating. Hence the constant overhauls at AW. That Gillian Spencer/Le Soleil story was a plot that could have been impose on any characters on any show. There didn't seem to be an attempt to look at what the underlying problems were and what was in place when the show was successful eg the Nixon and Lamay eras.

Would like someone who is pro Andre/Ashley to detail their stance re why they are a good couple and should be together. I think all the differing opinions we have here are interesting and thought provoking.

@Cruising Soaps These are fun. Would AI be able to come up with something diferent for BTG? Would love to see what it produces for cancelled soaps like EON, SS, SFT etc

I had no idea Fieldon Farrington wrote for GH. I know him from his novel 'A Little Game' which became a TV movie. He died in 1977 aged 68. Thanks @depboy

The Post-Crescent Appleton Wisconsin Oct 23 1966

Cliff and Nina were married fairly quickly-within a year or so of appearing. That was the first misstep. Then the break up story with Steve Jacobi leading to divorce #1. But the rest of the time seemed to be ill conceived stories that put them in a cycle of make and break up. The Nina recasts were duds. They kept Cliff around for years. Maybe Cliff and Nina should have been written out when Taylor first left, with the option of bringing back Taylor or a recast, now widowed/divorced to move on with Nina. Cliff only existed as an extension of Nina.

Some might say-'but it's a soap'. Yes and we sometimes have to accept coincidences and other contrivances to move the story along. But when the writers do stuff that is not necessary to get from A to B then I think they should be taken to account. We already have to accept that Leslie is Barbara's daughter who happened to have a one night stand with Anita's son in law. The twist about the trust fund was interesting. Having Leslie suddenly have a windfall and her going on a spending spree is in character, but to have her seemingly be able to spend millions instantly stretches credibility. Quite possibly she will be brought back to Earth and discover the money is drying up. That should be addressed but like a few other plot points it may come along later than it should.

I may be wrong but didn't Lee Philip air on WBBM a CBS affiliate?

PX got a little dig in about shows having to support an 82 yr old actor/character-basically pointing out that the creativity is hampered by having to cater to veteran actors and characters that have no place being on the frontburner.

No need to apologize. Yep, always look at the positives! You must have been channelling some past posters who would be writing stuff like that on a daily basis.

I just watched the opening credits and immediately got a sense of the characters and that's not a good thing. Stereotypes 101.

I think you are confused. Teddy was the son of Grant and Joyce who put him up for adoption, when she was separated from Grant, without Grant having any knowledge of her pregnancy. Mary and her husband adopted Teddy, not knowing it was an illegal adoption. It all came out but the Ellisons were allowed to keep Teddy. But then Brian died so Mary moved to Oakdale and Joyce was forever scheming to nab Grant and see Teddy. Ralph was not Grant's brother and it was Keith Charles that played him. Larry Keith was busy on AMC as Nick.

It badly needs a revamp....and some customers.

Ralph was on for a few years in the late 70's. Was a lover of Joyce when she was involved with Don and then Mary, who he stepped aside for so she could be with Don. He was an old flame of Valerie and may have been used as a date for Sandy,Susan etc. ATWT had a bunch of unattached characters in that age group and played musical chairs with them. As I recall, he was never involved with Lisa so it was puzzling he was brought back at all.

From AWHP re Sally Last Appearance: May 26, 1986 Portrayers: Cathy Greene, April 17, 1975 - September 15, 1978. Julie Philips, April 16, 1979 - September 18, 1980. Jennifer Runyon, March 2, 1981 - February 25, 1983. Dawn Benz, March 9, 1983 - May 24, 1983. Mary Page Keller, May 27, 1983 - June 21, 1985. Taylor Miller, July 22, 1985 - May 26, 1986.

Re Dani/Andre marriage. Sure they should have been drunk but more intentional. Not so much OMG what have we done?More like OK how are we going to make this work?

@ranger1rg Thanks for that. Interesting analysis. So the GCAC seems to have disappeared. I thought it was a permanent set? I get the feeling they are making space for some new sets for the upcoming LA story. I don't understand how it all works eg they can use 5 sets in one episode, but only 3 on other days. Hope this set discussion doesn't result in a mean girl GIF response!

I think CBS would have put pressure on Columbia to jazz up Y&R with more action storylines to counter ABC. They did the same with P&G, hence the Mr Big story on ATWT and Quint's adventures on GL. Networks have always tried to intervene in the creative process. CBS would be talking to CPT who would pass on 'suggestions' to Conboy/Kenney who in turn would mention it to Bill Bell. Now Bill claimed he answered to no one but he was smart enough to know that it was good business practice to keep the network and production company happy.