Paul Raven

It's quite unusual for this type of announcement to come out the day before a last appearance. We usually hear weeks before. eg Billy Flynn's impending arrival was announced weeks ago and he's yet to air. Will Nick get to farewell Summer.? Are he and Sharon still off air visiting Noah?

Article discussing the state of daytime in 1971. The 3 networks were competitive for the first time thus leading to the 'daytime wars' of the 70's, with shows cancelled, soaps expanding etc. The high drama of network daytime CBS, reigning champion of the dollar -profitable weekday schedule, faces toughest challenge in 13 years. Although CBS is virtually unchallenged as the ratings leader in nighttime, the picture in daytime, where CBS also leads, is as different as day from night. To begin with, costs of programing are much lower in daytime than in nighttime TV, and the profitability thus potentially higher. For this reason alone, network rivalry in this area is traditionally intense, although not so frequently subject to public view. This year, particularly, the developments in daytime programing are dramatic. It is the first time in 13 years that CBS has been threatened seriously. It continues in the leadership position, but both NBC and ABC are nipping at its heels; in the season to date, CBS is but three tenths of a percentage point ahead of NBC, and but two-thirds of a percentage point in front of ABC. Average ratings for network programing in the daytime periods (Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. -4:30 p.m. EST) this season stand at CBS 7.6, NBC 7.3 and ABC 7.0, giving CBS an edge of 4% above NBC and 9% over ABC. In the similar period of 1970, CBS's lead was more impressive: 8.4 vs. NBC's 6.9 and ABC's 5.9. It is necessary to go back 13 years to find an NBC daytime performance comparable to this year's -and only twice within that period has NBC showed up as well. In the 1958 -59 sea- son, CBS and NBC were in a tie-a 7.7 rating for each -while ABC was a poor third, just starting on its historic "Operation Daybreak" (in which ABC began the so- called scatter plan in daytime, with advertisers buying participations). ABC's rating then: 3.6. NBC again broke through in daytime in the 1961 -62 season: CBS 7.6, NBC 7.1 and ABC 4.1. In the intervening years, daytime television on the weekdays belonged to CBS. It was at perhaps the crest of its leadership in the 1965 -66 season. CBS then had a 4.5 percentage -point advantage over NBC (CBS 10.6, NBC 6.1 and ABC 4.7). CBS officials place the "big turn" in daytime in the 1962 -63 season with the catchy power of the Password game in the lineup. In that season, CBS came up with a three -percentage -point lead over NBC -CBS 9.2, NBC 6.2 and ABC 3.9. From then on it was CBS by a comfortable margin, season after season. ABC's daytime performance has followed the upward curve. While -as CBS officials readily concede -CBS had perhaps nowhere to go but down, ABC could experiment in its scheduling, and hopefully only go up. It did, but not immediately. After a steady climb, ABC's breakthrough occurred in the 1969 -70 season (CBS 9.2, NBC 7.1 and ABC 7.0) with the network gaining ground with its game show scheduling of such vehicles as Let's Make a Deal. Although ABC failed to hold that showing in the 1970 -71 season (CBS 8.9, NBC 7.6 and ABC 6.4), it is now performing at its best daytime level in history. ABC authorities say that network has been building for what might appear to be at least near parity in weekday programing. They cite Let's Make a Deal as having "started things up" with General Hospital and One Life to Live giving additional impetus to the movement. From ABC's point of view, the crucial change in daytime audiences occurred in 1969 when audience shares foretold a "big difference." The real improvement and change in daytime, they say, started in the third quarter of 1971. That followed a repositioning of two daytime staples -ironically Password, CBS's 1962 -63 vintage powerhouse, and Love, American Style. The former series was punched into a new spot in the schedule last spring: Love followed in the summer (the series is still strong in ABC's nighttime lineup). Although ABC executives speak guardedly of daytime audiences more on a level with those of CBS and NBC, the two challenged networks demur. ABC, they note, is nowhere near parity in daytime, although the improvement is admittedly impressive. For one thing, they contend, ABC does not program during the same hours as do NBC and CBS, and ABC carries one hour less than the other two networks in the daytime period. Moreover, they claim the hours that ABC does not program are those with least audience potential. (CBS and NBC start the schedule - excluding Today on NBC and Captain Kangaroo on CBS-at 10 a.m., take a hiatus for a half -hour at 1 p.m., return at 1:30 and program through to 4:30 p.m. ABC starts at 11:30 a.m., does not pause at 1 p.m. but continues through to 4:30.) ABC counters that not only are daytime clearances holding this season, they are actually showing improvement. In numbers, ABC is clearing an average 153 stations live (88.2% coverage) and an average 26 outlets delayed basis (4.4% coverage) for a total 179 stations representing a 92.6% coverage. Last season, clearances were 149 stations live (87.7% coverage), 27 on delays (4.4% ) for a total 176 stations representing a 92.1% coverage. NBC authorities state flatly that their network is in its "strongest daytime position in 10 years -since late 1961." They note how the margin has narrowed between NBC and CBS since last fall; assert NBC has invested money and time in daytime serials, while CBS's "are wearing thin" (the researchers at NBC point to a general lowering of share levels of CBS drama serials in 1971 vs. 1970). ABC's assessment agrees, and also emphasizes the drop in appeal of CBS's soaps, intimating a possible loss in "quality control." CBS, while not denying the declines in its soaps, refuses to accept the implication that the drama serial may be curtailed. (CBS has eight soaps compared with NBC's five and ABC's three). Four of CBS's shows are Procter & Gamble vehicles: As the World Turns, Search for Tomorrow, Guiding Light and Edge of Night. CBS authorities say you can be sure P &G as well as CBS programers are working on plans to strengthen their respective properties. CBS officials contend the drama serial not only is still well up in share (although off from prior years) at the network but continues as the most "flexible" among daytime entries. If a game show starts to plummet, they say, there's not much that can be done to "change" the format. With soaps, a fall -off in viewer interest can be countered by extensive changes in storyline and /or characters; a role can be written in or out of a script almost at will. CBS cites just such a turnaround accomplished with Love is a Many Splendored Thing. Fred Silverman, then in charge of daytime programing at CBS (and now in charge of the whole ball game), effected a series of changes until "only the title and the music were recognizable." The surgery worked. For years, CBS has been conscious of the adage that change for the sake of change, when the network is on top, entails needless risk. But the numbers have changed now and CBS must contend with the altered picture. "Everybody is ashamed of daytime," one CBS executive admits. Changes will be made. The first quick snip comes Dec. 20 when My Three Sons replaces The Beverly Hillbillies in the 10:30 -11 a.m. period. Hillbillies is one of three shows rated lowest on the CBS daytime schedule -the others are the seemingly tireless Lucy and Gomer Pyle (the latter, at least, considered by CBS officials as a candidate for cancellation.) Snips two, three and onward may be expected to follow in rapid succession.

Glad in a way that Alison forced their hand to write Summer off. It opens up the canvas for other characters/stories and prevents Summer from going on the musical partners roundabout that Josh likes to do, although apart from Kyle and Chance, who else could Summer get involved with? And bonus, it gives Phyllis one less character to be involved with.

Drinking game - take a swig everytime someone says Abbott Communications. Billy firing Phyllis is perfectly understandable on a number of levels,and her pitiful pleas only reinforce the common sense of that decision. Her 'I need this job'pleas are pathetic. This is the woman who operated a major hotel, which she sold on a whim, but must have pocketed some $$$ and is apparently a computer whiz but is being written as Suzie Sadsack... And we are supposed to buy that she has been affected by the kidnap saga, when she has survived and initiated similar stuff in the past and emerged unscathed. Back to the set situation-Josh is informed they are cutting back on sets to a few homes and eateries so he decides to keep writing stories about businesses, takeovers and corporate intrigue without an office or staff in sight. Smart thinking Josh.

I don't believe the soccer leagues are interested in rearranging their timetable to accommodate Beyond the Gates.

I'm sure Josh is already planning for the next psycho to arrive. Michelle Stafford's 'acting' in the past few episodes has been intolerable.

And Gary and Val had not been regular characters on Dallas. It would be different if Bobby and Pam moved to LA and Knots. Whereas Jeff and Fallon had been a part of Dynasty from the start so there was a stronger connection to the mothership.

This where a connection with Anita or Vernon could be interesting. They know what Bill is like and have some sympathy for Hayley, who they seemed to have liked before it all blew up. Bill would be pissed that a Dupree is buddying up to his wife and Hayley, not having a parental figure, could respond (and also realize the value of Vern or Anita on her side) Dani would be furious especially if Vern was sympathetic to Hayley. It would also give some humanity to the elder Duprees who have come off as a bit entitled at times.

Clips I've seen give me no reason to watch. Although I've never taken to Nathan Lane. But the show has so fans so ...OK

So at in recent weeks the sets in use are Billy's apartment Newman Ranch Abbott Home Nate's apartment Tack House Which means the majority of characters are homeless and meet at GCAC Jazz Club CL Society PB stated that the Abbott home is a permanent set (I thought this was always the case) which means that situations will be contrived for characters to be there, just like the Newman Ranch receives a constant stream of visitors to attend to Victor propped in his chair. It really impedes the storytelling and is annoying to see characters float from one eatery to the next.

I'm surprised that any of Derek/Ashley made it to air.Their'story' seems to be designed for a white quota as there is no investment, development or characterization. Jen Jacobs is doing what she can but it's not enough, especially when her scene partner is so lacking. Now posters are saying that there will be adjustments now that the shows taped prior are airing, but from Day 1 in the studio they should have seen Derek/Ashley was a bomb. Who knows, maybe stuff was scrapped and that's why we're only seeing them sporadically as filler. I still think they could do a coercive control story , especially with Derek's meatheaded invasion of Ashley's space.

Well that pretty much eliminates 90% of the cast of the legacy soaps.

it will probably be a puff piece with limited juice. eg 'We were a big happy family at AMC. Yes like all families from time to time there were harsh words spoken or misunderstandings but it never took away from the love.' My daughter and I are currently at a place where there are some barriers between us for reasons I'd prefer not to go into. But the door is always open to reconciliation.

That looks like Hugh Marlowe to me.

The Jackee pilot aired after The Cosby Show 3rd and before Cheers 6th and ranked 5th for the week while 227 was 43rd. Guess NBC attributed that rating to the timeslot rather than the show itself. March 89 Michael Moye, producer and co-creator of Fox's Married with Children, will write script for NBC fall pilot project. Pilot, spinoff of NBC's 227 series, will star Jackee, currently co -star of that series. Moye said regardless of whether pilot receives series commitment, his involvement is limited to pilot.

That's a big call. There are years of awful stories to choose from. What will it take to get this dude fired???

Funny!! Why not go all out with sponsorship? Beyond the Gates sponsored in part by: Taneesha's Wig City The One Stop Turtleneck Shop and Booze 4 U

The only reason affiliates would have preferred AW was its ratings. The 3pm shows provided all important lead ins to local programming. I'm sure most of them had never seen a minute of AW.

I think in Days case bringing in Scotty Banning or Spencer Olsen would work with Julie still prominent on the canvas. I agree that there has to be a strong story and actor for that to work. Which is the same proviso for an all new character or someone from the past.

The portraits in general on this show have been pretty awful. Victoria's in the Newman office for starters. I dislike Katherine's portrait at the Chancellor Estate. Will we ever see that set again? If Diane had have commissioned a portrait of John ,Jack would have been a blubbering mess. It would have fitted in with flashback. Much more of an emotional moment than a painting that represents a failed marriage.

SOD NOV 2018 Peter Bergman looks back... Favorite Thing About Working With Eileen Davidson (ex-Ashley)? “It was the level of trust we have. She did all of the work, so all I had to do was my stuff. She was so completely Ashley that when we were on set, all I had to do was be Jack. I didn’t have to change the tempo of the scene, I only had to be just Jack.” Favorite Thing About Working With Jason Thompson (Billy)? “Jason is a very good actor. He challenges me and I get rewarded for coming prepared to work with Jason. I always know he’s going to really mix it up with me, and it’s just fantastic.” Favorite Thing About Working With Beth Maitland (Traci)? “I absolutely adore Beth and I love whenever she comes back for Abbott drama. Beth has a quality that is very much like Traci. They bring out the best in me and Jack. We’re better people because of Beth and Traci.” Favorite Thing About Working With Joshua Morrow (Nick)? “Josh and I have a lot of history together and it’s great fun. Jack and Nick have a pretty complex relationship and they’ve been through a lot together. And Josh, too, is a very nice actor.” Favorite Thing About Having Marla Adams (Dina) Back? “Marla is a love, and she just sends out love. She reminds me to be thankful for my job because she’s so grateful for this work. I thought it was just fantastic when she got her first Emmy nomination this year. Bringing back Dina was genius because this is the first woman who walked out of Jack’s life and certainly not the last. There have been a string of women who have paid for the sins of Dina.There’s something so powerful for me as an actor to have someone standing there, who Jack obviously loves and needs so much from but wants to punish in the worst way, all at the same time. As an actor, that is heaven-sent.” Favorite Set? “Without question, it’s the Abbott living room. They’ve renovated everything on this show — offices, restaurants and homes — except the Abbott living room, and I love that this family doesn’t try to make it bigger and better. Most of the furniture in that living room is inherited. None of the Abbott kids ever went furniture shopping and Jack has no plans to change or upset anything. It’s a beautiful set, full of texture and warmth and old money.”

This is the issue, them not using music,closeups etc to foreshadow the importance of the moment.

LOL! As for Traci's books, I didn't see any-just lots and lots ...and lots of fusty looking 'classics'. Diane's decorating go-to's seem to be old books, lots of prints and tall dark furniture. The entrance has a tall wooden cabinet, there's two tall bookcases and another dark tall piece in the living room and guess what's in the dining room?-another tall dark wood display case. Girl needs to learn about scale and variety. And then there's the urns on the mantel, the ferns atop the bookcases hiding more prints and the tiny side table and coffee table with books on them. Mrs Abbott needs to learn there's change and there's improvement-one doesn't necessarily lead to the other.

Thanks for the response and explanation. I was thinking you might be excusing Vanessa's actions/decisions and blaming da menz.

Jen, don't read the comments ! But if you do, be prepared and don a rhino hide. I think that she's a good enough actress but the consensus seems to be that the character and story are lacking. She's probably disappointed herself by the scripts. Oh goody this week I'm going to do a magazine quiz! Meanwhile cast members are dressed to the nines,singing karaoke, donning wigs, interacting with a bunch of other characters, getting drunk etc