YRBB

I gasped when I first saw that poster but, in a very effective way, it compliments the actual series' violence and harsh realities. I expect the second season premiere will be huge. I just hope the quality is just as good. What a huge letdown it will be if it's not.

So, I gather most reviews have been good so far? (Read a few of them)

I absolutely love this cover:

Was David's transition to psycho believable? I have the impression that Bell saw an opportunity there; he certainly wasn't planning all the stuff that happened with Nina when he first introduced him, did he?

1998 was indeed a near-perfect year. I am so sad that nothing really came of Michael/Victoria. I felt they showed incredible promise.

http://music-mix.ew.com/2012/02/23/adele-brit-awards-middle-finger-lily-allen/ Adele currently has three songs in the Top 10 of HOT 100: Set Fire To The Rain (#2), Rolling In The Deep (#5) and Someone Like You (#7)!

Do we known any particulars as to the Scott/Alden feud? Why did he hate her so much? Was it to do with writing/stories/characters, or was it a more personal thing?

Wow, that was a very... blatant cut off. And she flipped them off! That's hilarious.

Those VOGUE pics are exquisite. Great photography.

Nope!

Lisa Rinna is phenomenal as Taylor. Just superb. And, Jane's mother is Abby Ewing! How fabulous.

What is this craziness about Victoria not actually telling Daniel that David raped her? The way it was written and, consequently, the way Victoria put it clearly implied that she had been raped. That's exactly what I thought she was saying, albeit in a subtle, non-direct way, before Daniel vocalized it. It was a clear decision in Victoria's part. She wanted him to think that. So surprised by Ashley/Conrad. I was wondering where they would go with her next and this looks wonderful. It would be great if she started an affair with him while continuing to work for Victoria; would create more soapy drama. Meanwhile, the divorce between Conrad and Victoria, which now evolves his father and the issue of running Grayson Global, and completely delicious. The show hits all the right, soapy, notes. Loved Charlotte in this episode. She had a great reaction to the paternity news, her scene with Conrad, later with Declan. The dinner scene where the paternity was revealed felt like I was watching classic soap. Jack was also another one who was exquisite in this episode. From that shirtless scene in the beginning to his anger, his pleading with Amanda, confronting Victoria... the actor carried it off wonderfully. The end... another amazing cliffhanger. It looks as if it was Amanda who took the box but who knows?

This is absolutely heartbreaking. I will always treasure her voice. May she R.I.P.

I guess it might have given Tricia Cast some great scenes to play but, by God, Nicholas Pappone sniveling that "he touched me!" might have actually made it really hard for me to sympathize with him. I can see that. So, basically, bad timing and a bad coupling.

I really don't think so. While you can argue that the Lechowicks had issues when it came to writing Val, the babies provided story all the way through Season 9 and I don't think Val flatlined until Season 12 with that virus thing.

Oh, I see. I didn't know that was his reasoning behind it. I can understand it (a little) but I still think it's a feeble argument: If anything, it would made the viewers much more empathetic towards Val (and she was a pretty likeable character to begin with). I completely agree with you about what it meant to see Val go through this. They weren't afraid to take both Karen and Val to dark places and it made for very compelling, memorable drama. It just makes so much sense to me that she would react this way, especially since it was established very well, early in the series, that Val had huge issues (I hesitate to use the phrase "wasn't all well" but that's kinda how it was). Her biggest pain and regret was never getting to raise Lucy, not having her close. So, to lose her twins like that, especially when she knows they're not dead? Absolutely compelling story. Yes, this I completely agree with. DJ and DM were right to have an issue with that. I'm so glad they didn't make her outright responsible, but complicit. It made all the difference in the world. The only one I could see doing something like this is J.R. (and he actually did, in a way, when he took Lucy away from Val). But it would have been a very, very bad move for the character especially since Abby had been through something like this herself. Sable??? I've seen very little of her but that sounds like a character killer as well. As for Angela Channing... the way FALCON CREST was written, would it even have made a difference? ICAM. It was actually fascinating to watch Abby's guilt and fear as she realized what had happened. Really? I've just seen up to the part where Val first goes to the coffee shop and asks for a job. It's hard, tough and sad (and some AMAZING acting from Val) but I don't see why it would be too much for fans to deal with. After all, KL's sixth season was its highest rated (probably because of the kidnapping story).

That's my feeling too. They seemed to have wanted her to spin into bigger stories (connected her to both Victor and Jack, even seemingly set up some possible future story...) but I just don't think she worked out. Whether it was the character, actress, or both, I'm not sure.

I don't recall what was said the last time we discussed this--was there ever any truth to that rumor about Brett (the coach) molesting Phillip? How did people feel about Ramona?

The first two!

It was dreadful what they did to Fallon in Season 3 and, especially, 4 and it really turned PSM into a zombie. They neutered Fallon and PSM was basically insufferable after that. And James Farentino was absolutely brilliant as Nick.

So strange that he hated the twins kidnapping story (which I'm only at the beginning of and has given Val some AMAZING material to work with, as well as shaken the show to the core with its high stakes danger) but is praising Peter Reckell as Johnny who was really horrible in the few episodes I've seen of his season. I guess to each their own.

Madonna announces tour to start on May 29 (the American leg starts on August 28) http://music-mix.ew.com/2012/02/07/madonna-announces-2012-world-tour-what-do-you-want-to-see/ http://mdna.madonna.com/ So excited about this! Will definitely try to go.

I am glad that people like the show. Meanwhile, I never even noticed the bird flipping while watching. If the media hadn't picked it up, no one would be the wiser! lol

While not in top form, bitch can put on a show. I enjoyed it.

I actually think, while this may not compare to some of her earlier work, that this could be a great single for her to come back with. Nothing can be worse than the Hard Candy album. At least this seems like it'll put her back on the charts again. And it's addictive. I have to listen to MIA's new song, I've heard the best.