Alley Mills is perfect as Steph’s sister. She’s the younger Susan Flannery all over again - fabulous!

Betty White scares the hell out of me, she gives me the chills. We’ve seen 5 seconds of her and I’m willing to give her the title “Scariest Soap character ever”!

But is it just me that Ann might have Alzheimers? Her mannerisms were a bit awkward... Anyway, I’m glued to the and am looking extremely forward to the things to come. Some people say Brad Bell is pulling stunts by hiring people like Betty White. That might be the case but simply nobody does it like Bradley Bell. Such stunts are worked into perfectly done little storylines - showing the best in everyone. The writing, the directing and the actors - all are top-notch in this story so far.

I also loved the new set of the Douglas mansion in Chicago. It seems mighty expensive to me and added wonderfully to the primetime-ish feel of the whole episode.

Some people say Brad Bell is pulling stunts by hiring people like Betty White. That might be the case but simply nobody does it like Bradley Bell. Such stunts are worked into perfectly done little storylines - showing the best in everyone. The writing, the directing and the actors - all are top-notch in this story so far.

This is why it doesn't work for me because they are such short storylines and once it's over all will be forgotten, Stephanie will be back on the backburner and it will be all about Nick/Brooke/Ridge/Bridget.

Had they not cast Bette White, who knows, maybe this could've been a great long term story. But it will probably bring in the viewers for the short term and I guess thats what they wanted.

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This is why it doesn't work for me because they are such short storylines and once it's over all will be forgotten, Stephanie will be back on the backburner and it will be all about Nick/Brooke/Ridge/Bridget.

That's where I don't get your point.

Stephanie IS frontburner, has been all year. Susan Flannery never worked that much in the 20 years of B&B...

And Stephanie always has been a controversial character so a backstory for her is no stunt but a logical consequence.

This back story is contrived, and yes its emmy bait for Susan Flannery, but I'm still hooked. And yes Stephanie has always been a prominent part of B&B.

Well I guess Susan Flannery has been on the frontburner all year, she just hasn't been in the type of stories I'd like for her. Something like this is great (as was her taking over Forrester Creations), but I know it won't last.

OMG, I have just watched the episode and Betty White is terrifying! I'm already a fan of hers! I only remembered her as Rose on the Golden Girls (I think it was the title, I'm French and remembers better the French title: "les craquantes"). I can't wait for a scene between her and La Flannery !!

I think it is totally different to bring back a star of the show with so much history like Genie on GH or cast a huge primetime star like Betty White, Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray...(the list goes on and on).

I prefer the way GH is doing their stunts, for me it works well. I would blame GH if they had recast Laura with a big primetime name, but they would never do that, B&B did it with Brookes Father.

I am PSYCHED. Yes, it is total soap casting. But I love Betty White. And I love the fact that she's playing (from what it looks like to me) somebody deeply ambiguous, possibly selfish, possibly evil, possibly a little mad.

The Douglas mansion looked so Victorian, dark, suffocating. I LOVED it. I am hoping Bradley doesn't drop the ball with this story. I can tell Susan Flannery is already hitting it out of the park. God, I worship that woman. God forbid she ever leaves B&B.

And it was GREAT to see Sally (lookin' good, Darlene!) and the scrumptious Clarke on the show, too.

Another great show on Monday. I just love Betty White and Susan Flannery. I wish they'd just have this story on all of the time for the next few weeks.

The Douglas mansion looked so Victorian, dark, suffocating. I LOVED it.

Glad that I'm not the only one who felt that way. That set showed plain old Hollywood style to me. Add Betty White in the rocking chair and you got a fabulous gothic effect.

I'm extremely curious about Ann Douglas. She looks cunning and a tad evil. Yet, I also got the impression her health is not the best (as I said she reminded me of an Alzheimer patient)...

Can't wait to see today's show!!!

Betty is only on for 10 episodes right? I wouldn't mind trading Lesli Kay, Jack Wagner and Ashley Jones for some Betty!

Dru I think I remember reading somewhere that Betty said she would be on for 15...through at least Christmas...so here's hoping!!!!

^ Yep, it's 10 found the article.

The White Suff: B&B Lands TV Legend

Betty White — naive Rose on GOLDEN GIRLS and nasty Sue Ann on THE MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW — will play Stephanie's mother on B&B. "I’m doing an arc of 10 episodes and it’s been wonderful,” gushes the TV legend, who has also appeared briefly on ANOTHER WORLD and SANTA BARBARA. “Stephanie visits a psychiatrist and she finds out that all her problems go back to Mother,” explains White. “Don’t they always? And that’s were I come into the picture.”