All the writers in this interview revealed and/or implied that the more outlandish plot points and controversial story decisions were mandates from network execs and producers.

 

Jim Brown revealed what's already known that he was told to tell the clone story (Wendy Fischman concocted it). He was told to bring Jesse back from the dead on AMC.

 

Millee said she never resurrected a dead character. I remember her second short GL stint. The show was getting good but Rauch left and Conboy fired her for Weston. I loved her stories about bringing Ed back. She tried.  Network and P&G and EP interference killed the show.

 

Dave was too young and inexperienced to head write a troubled show. Dave seemed to value and appreciate the history of the show but he took over after Weston, Labine, McTavish.  The three worst periods for the show. He was also forced to work with Swajeski who had petered out after four years on AW and again was not a writer; she had been a network hack.  But P&G was hiring to pay minimum salaries for those positions. Why do you think they replaced expensive Conboy with actress Wheeler. Do you think she was earning his salary? Nope.  

 

What was clear from comments: Paul Rauch was a hot mess with a lot of power.

 

 

On 6/29/2020 at 6:01 PM, TV4Me said:

It's true Kimmy. It was heavily reported back then. It's the reason Derwin was not offered a contract. He and Beth were willing to stay another year. Phelps didn't offer a contract, but higher ups stepped in when it was too late. 

 

In all that I have ever read about GL, then and now, I have never heard of anything but respect and affection between JFP and Mark Derwin. If the alleged trouble between them was "heavily reported," you'd think there would a mention of it elsewhere on the Internet.

6 hours ago, Mitch said:

These days I wouldnt charge one single person with putting the shows in the grave. I think Kriezman had good ideas but typical for younger writers, couldn't follow through and storylines petered out.  I think he had his all two obvious faves and like most writers, needed a strong producer to reign him in or guide him, which he didn't have at GL. I did like that he admitted its better for a writer to not have favorites and he does seem intelligent. And yes, he has aged into his looks and is very good looking.

 

Which all of the writers did on the show, so its really interesting that some really bad storylines came out of them. I like that Brown was embarrassed about the clone and had interesting things to say about Mo's death and Zaz and ALS. I am glad to know the writers and Rauch wanted to proceed with the storyline..as a big an ass Rauch could be I always felt he was embarrassed by the treatment of Zaz. I loved that Taggert got that the Bauers were the heart of the show, but had to laugh at the other writers blank stares..

 

And yes, I wanted more indepth questions such as "Whose idea was the clone" (Alan has to know damn well it was an exec. I think the dreaded Wendy Fishman who came up with it.) Why do you think the Bauers were obscured..what character did you HATE writing for. Did the actors ever try to influence storyline...(LW looking at you blondie) what did you think of what the writers who came directly after your stint and their material..(would love to hear Taggerts thoughts on Weston and her destruction of Alex and everything else.)

 

I was kind of perplexed when Taggert said that about the Bauers. If she felt that way why didn't she at least bring back Mike and Hope? Maybe she tried. I wonder how many head writers get the blame for things that were producers' decision like the clone story. Maybe it was the producers who wanted to downplay the Bauers. We'll probably never know. It sounds like being the head writer of a soap can be a very frustrating job. 

I liked what Courtney said about writing for the show in the early 90's and how vivid and clear all of the individual characters voices were during that era. You don't often get that. Great dialogue and strong actors to match it just goes a long way. 

Who is the actress playing Alex?

 

3 minutes ago, Soapsuds said:

Who is the actress playing Alex?

 

Lydia Bruce (Maggie Powers, The Doctors).

10 minutes ago, DRW50 said:

 

Lydia Bruce (Maggie Powers, The Doctors).

Thanks I never saw The Doctors.

3 minutes ago, Soapsuds said:

Thanks I never saw The Doctors.

 

She was great on there. A bit odd for an Alex recast, but it was only a few days I guess.

48 minutes ago, DRW50 said:

 

She was great on there. A bit odd for an Alex recast, but it was only a few days I guess.

 

Definitely an odd Alex recast but she does feel regal here. I was trying to find that old temp recast thread to no avail(must be dropped off to archived parts of SON somewhere). Interesting to see for sure. 

 

That kid, that is Johnathan Brooks? Never seen him before but recognized the name from the closing credits. I remember back in the WOST days someone called it Quint & Nola's "Cousin Oliver/Billy Napoli" moment. How the heck did Quint & Nola end up with him? Did he live with them until their exit? 

 

 

1 minute ago, soapfan770 said:

 

Definitely an odd Alex recast but she does feel regal here. I was trying to find that old temp recast thread to no avail(must be dropped off to archived parts of SON somewhere). Interesting to see for sure. 

 

That kid, that is Johnathan Brooks? Never seen him before but recognized the name from the closing credits. I remember back in the WOST days someone called it Quint & Nola's "Cousin Oliver/Billy Napoli" moment. How the heck did Quint & Nola end up with him? Did he live with them until their exit? 

 

I think he was reunited with his parents around Christmas 1984. Not sure though. 

11 hours ago, Mitch said:

These days I wouldnt charge one single person with putting the shows in the grave. I think Kriezman had good ideas but typical for younger writers, couldn't follow through and storylines petered out.  I think he had his all two obvious faves and like most writers, needed a strong producer to reign him in or guide him, which he didn't have at GL. I did like that he admitted its better for a writer to not have favorites and he does seem intelligent. And yes, he has aged into his looks and is very good looking.

 

 

Would have to agree. Kreizman had some decent ideas. It's just a shame his writing had about as much emotional depth as a frat house. Not to mention Wheeler blowing through so much story with her special Wednesday episodes. 

13 minutes ago, DRW50 said:

 

I think he was reunited with his parents around Christmas 1984. Not sure though. 

 

Thanks. Apparently the actor was the last Paul on ATWT before Kavovit  took over:

 

http://pgpclassicsoaps.blogspot.com/2008/10/where-are-they-now-damion-scheller.html

2 minutes ago, soapfan770 said:

 

Thanks. Apparently the actor was the last Paul on ATWT before Kavovit  took over:

 

http://pgpclassicsoaps.blogspot.com/2008/10/where-are-they-now-damion-scheller.html

 

Hope he was better on there...

 

The clips are here, I think.

 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWesW-txnpVr0ByMrlhQHVA

@soapfan770 temp recast thread

 

 

13 hours ago, BillBauer said:

 

I was kind of perplexed when Taggert said that about the Bauers. If she felt that way why didn't she at least bring back Mike and Hope? Maybe she tried. I wonder how many head writers get the blame for things that were producers' decision like the clone story. Maybe it was the producers who wanted to downplay the Bauers. We'll probably never know. It sounds like being the head writer of a soap can be a very frustrating job. 

I think in time Taggart would’ve brought more Bauer’s back. Didn’t she and Lloyd Gold bring back Ed Bauer? It’s no secret that Alan Michael was supposed to come back for the war over Spaulding, and who knows with his return maybe that would’ve opened the door for Hope. I’m just speculating but Taggart in my opinion seemed to get the ball rolling. 

I was over at one of the game show forums reading a thread about tape wiping and shows thought to be lost. Someone mentioned that the daytime version of To Tell The Truth has turned up along with a couple of other daytime shows. Another person replied that Guiding Light episodes thought to be lost may exist as well. Wouldn't that be incredible ?