SOD: B&B Revamp?

[sheilaforever]

Nah - I love it.

As you mentioned recently, it adds impetus where there is none - like in 75% of airtime these days with all those horrid "stories".

Right now I think MAB should come to B&B - since fashion is already taking over Y&R - and Brad Bell should spike up Y&R...

UKBoi made some great comments. Couldn't agree more.

This is Phyllis Diller - my personal favorite wacko for hire Gladys. You can't dress a 84 old woman like she's 20. Ooh wait, how old is Ivana Trump?

[YRBB]

*loves it*

[YRBB]

I've always felt that, too.

[bandbfan]

I doubt that's going to be a recurring thing. I think it would've been worse if it had been Nick, because it's something that looks like what he would do. I didn't mind as much since it was Steffy and Marcus.

[RobynIsHere]

I consider myself a younger viewer", and a GL-style production module would keep me away from B&B like the plague! The hand-held camera thing looks SO CHEAP. When I flick past GL, I usually stop and gawk at how awful it is---it looks like a student film! The hand-held look has its place in film, but it does NOT look good on a soap. I think it's icky.

[baller]

I actually think that Susan F visiting GL was what B&B needed. They've introduced new features without going overboard

[JackPeyton]

The shots of LA are awesome, IMHO.

it works. it doesnt take away from the story or do any harm but IMHO it add's because it reminds you of where they are and the setting and feel of the show. Now if we could get off The Logans Will All Be Struck With Something Awful So You All Feel For Them kick B&B is on then we would be on a roll!

the outside filming is also amazingly done on B&B.

[Cat]

Not to harp on the "where's the fashion?" theme -- and I think I need to preface this by saying that I hated Cricket on Y&R -- but why doesn't Brad hire Lauralee Bell as a consultant for the show? LLB has her own accessories and clothing boutique in LA (Beverly Hills, I think) so she mixes in Forrester territory. She is undoubtedly up on all the latest trends and the business problems (and otherwise!) facing the retail industry.

Brad has often said how much he would love to work with his sister. Her real-life experience could source some new business SLs for B&B instead of the usual rival fashion show/% stake in FC template.

As for B&B's "new" production technique, I like the intro shots of LA and I'm glad they haven't abandoned all the old style shooting techniques. The mix of outdoors and lush studio sets works for me. Now they need to work on the balance of the show as reflected in the SLs. As MarkH says, the soul.

[Sylph]

Called On Sunset.

[MarkH]

Well, this does seem to explain that visit, no? It may not just have been Susan's curiosity...although I don't think she is actively directing right now, it may have been her desire to get some information for the crew back in LA. "Tell me Ellen...what is working and what do you wish you had done differently?"

LOL about the Logans. I'm nervous about comments that the Logans are the new focus...Forresters fading away. What this show needs is a viable younger generation (and they have LOTS of folks who can fit that bill either in their current form or with recasts)...they just need to invest in them and FOR NOW show them in INTERGENERATIONAL storylines with the characters we love.

This is a great idea.

In the B&B 20th anniversary book, Lauralee is fairly heavily featured. It is implied that as a Bell, she is somehow involved in the family business...even though no specific role is ever mentioned for her.

This has me wondering if some behind-the-scenes move is being planned for her.

When Brad Bell became EP/HW for the show, he was secretly phased in. Bill continued to take the front credit for a while, until suddenly Brad came out and said "I have been doing it for years". That was smart, because it was a stealth replacement that flew under the radar of anyone who might object.

In the same book, Kay Alden talks about how the life of her family was intertwined with the Bells (including Lauralee). So, one wonders "Cricket" she is not being groomed.

On that note, I LOVED Cricket at Y&R...especially (don't hit me!) when she and Danny found happiness. I just loved them as a young-married couple...it felt totally right. I understand (and once agreed) with all the objections...but she is someone who really grew on me.

In her last interview, I think she made it clear what it would take to come back (i.e., a storyline with Paul on Y&R). But since the writers seem to be taking Doug Davidson in a more historical direction (Nikki!), I think B&B is the most likely option for Lauralee if she wants it.

[Cat]

LOL, I won't hit you. Cricket has her fans, including suave Sheilaforever! I had a problem with her spooky unblinkingness which, coupled with Y&R's long fade-out before commercial breaks, made my own eyes ache. I did like her dynamic with EvilMichael, though.

And I hope you are right re: LLB's behind-the-scenes role. I think she'd be an asset on B&B. Brad is obviously not digging the fashion angle.

[Sylph]

I'm a Cricket fan, too.

[Cat]

:lol: OK...and suave Sylph.

To all the Cricket fans out there, I'd be curious to know what it was about her that made you embrace the character. Was it the wall-to-wall Cricket coverage? Was it because she was a truly decent character who stuck by her principles? Was it because Danny sang his way into her heart -- and yours? Was it that thick sheaf of wheat-colored hair?

[JackPeyton]

Cricket was kinda fun and intersting from clips i have seen.

However, Christine is HATE! that bitch was on way to much, way to forced, had every man falling overthemselves for her, and ugh. so glad shes gone.

[MarkH]

I suspect Sylph means the Cricket that uses a bat.

That said, for me, there were several endearing moments. (A) That stupid "you and me" song when mom Rebecca died. It got me. ( The sheer playful joy of Danny and Cricket's early married days, when it really felt like they had waited long enough, and it was time to be together. © Her utter verisimilitude during her rape by Derek. I hated her mostly before then, but she played the pain so fully and realistically, I bought it. The aloof shell on her was gone for a while...and I liked that.

Later, Christine became a tough babe...and I bought that too. I always thought Lauralee would have done best playing an angry bad girl...all sneering derision and unsmiling coldness.

But do you want the truth? Christine was THERE for almost 20 years. Like a slipper, or a robe, she's just part of Genoa City...she makes it feel like home to me. That is a big part of my motive for watching soaps, and I miss Chris as part of "home". I'd be happy for her to be a recurring supporting player...but she's part of the scenery I miss (like Mary Williams).