Loving/The City Discussion Thread

[EricMontreal22]

There actually was a problem with uploading several of the full episodes--YT kept flagging them due to copyright issues and Mike couldn't figure out what needed to be edited out so this is probably the best compromise, although I agree with you that it's always nice to see these stories in context and how they played opposite all the other stories.

[EricMontreal22]

What's interesting is the story outline for the supernatural stuff is from November 1984 when I believe Doug Marland was still HW.  But actually the storyline played out over a year and a bit when all is said and done...  The story starts Summer 1984. He “dies” in November. Comes back soon after as Keith. By spring you realize Jonathan is back. He has his finale in Nov 1985.  (Douglas Marland was off the show as HW I believe in June 1985 when his two year contract was up.)  Here's the story proposal/treatment's first few pages--message me for more if wanted.  Over half of it is Agnes Nixon, God bless her, detailing classic literary precedent for her story, etc--I doubt JER did that when he pitched the Marlena possession storyline

Please register in order to view this content

.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited Thursday at 07:47 PM by EricMontreal22

[DRW50]

Thanks. Usually, it's a music problem. 

Maybe they can go up on Archive sometime, while that site is still around.

Thanks. I respect that Nixon worked so hard to get to the point where she had this show she could use to tell stories that she enjoyed - and she wasn't wrong about the popularity of this genre with the broader public, even if this one didn't have the same big response.

Edited Thursday at 08:21 PM by DRW50

[EricMontreal22]

Yes--even if the execution didn't live up to her lofty ideals, I gotta respect the thought she put into this, as well.  I would love to know what Marland made of it all (or was he already planning his exit at this point?  For some reason I get the feeling he may have been...)

[Soaplovers]

The first year of the show was derailed because of ABC interfering with the Lily Slater tale and forcing the show to wrap it up earlier then planned, plus the Merrill V story was not popular with fans either.

So I have a feeling this Jonathan story was an attempt by Agnes and co to make Loving stand out and to establish a new identity.  Had she continued this more supernatural/gothic vibe for Loving, it could have been the ticket to giving the show an identity.

Corinth could have been the daytime version of Derry Maine with all the weird and random going-ons mixed with the typical soap opera plots.  

 

[Vee]

Thanks! I'll check this out.

Oh, this is funny. They're literally using Wendy Carlos' music from The Shining at the beginning. Is there any place I can find background on exactly the deal with this character or how it all got started? I haven't read about the Jonathan saga in years.

Edited yesterday at 01:53 PM by Vee

[Franko]

Here you go, @Vee

https://lovingsoapopera.wordpress.com/2023/02/10/character-profile-jonathan-matalaine/

Oh, and thank you, @DRW50, for the tag. I'll have to find some time to watch the video.

[Vee]

Thanks so much.