I thought I'd open since it's been a week. It still doesn't seem real.

thanks @DRW50

And for more nostalgia 1976 Pt 3

Bob Hughes, recently widowed when Jennifer died in a car crash, has decided to accept his mother’s offer. He and his infant daughter Frannie will move in with the elder Hugheses.

Grant is upset to learn that Judge Barkley has been selected for the custody hearing, as this judge has a reputation for ruling in favor of the natural mother. Sure that Joyce is too unstable to have custody of Teddy, Grant uses one of his peremptory challenges to have him removed. Joyce goes to Ellen Stewart for sympathy, knowing that Ellen went through and lost a custody trial over her son Dan, whom she’d given up to the Stewarts. Ellen married-Dan’s adoptive father, David, years later,after he was a widower. Ellen does have compassion  for Joyce, and is dismayed when Dick then informs her she is being called as a witness. Grant assures Ellen he knows she didn’t want to get involved in this.

On. the witness stand Dick asks Joyce about her marriage to Grant and her affair with Gregory Paget, making the point that Joyce fears neither man would want her pregnant, and stresses that Dr. Paulk had given her a considerable quantity of drugs when he pressured her to give consent for adoption. Mary is sure Joyce is lying about giving consent only when she was actually in labor, as she and Brian were told they could have this baby a month before it was born. Grant wisely tells her he believes both women are correct, that Dr. Paulk was sure he could get Joyce to eventually consent. Joyce makes the correct impression, and Dick feels she made points with the judge.

Ellen’s testimony seems to bend toward Joyce, so Jerry tries to make Ellen admit that her situation and Joyce’s are different. Ellen has to answer honestly and says the situations may differ but the feelings of the mother are the same. Under cross-examination, Mary admits she figured out that Dr. Paulk had forged Grant’s name to the adoption consent, but explains the doctor assured her the father made it clear he didn’t want the child. After a private interview with Teddy, the judge adjourns to consider his decision. The judge reconvenes the court a few days later and announces that adoptive parents have the responsibility of raising children who need their love and care, and thus he rules in favor of the Ellisons. Joyce impressively rises and states that she cares only for her child’s best interests and will abide by the court decision.

Although Kim believes Dan doesn’t love her any more, she decides she can’t live with John and moves to a hotel. She has an examination at St. Joseph’s Hospital and learns she is pregnant. Over the interhospital grapevine, Susan soon learns about Kim’s pregnancy. And she quickly tells John. Kim goes to Bob for advice but knows herself that John has to be told. She ruefully notes that ever since she married John, her life has been turmoil. Kim tells John about the baby but adds that this makes no difference -she’s not coming back to him. But John believes he can eventually convince her to change her mind, as there is now a child to bind them together.

Bob is trying to present a brave front, but adverse publicity is losing him patients and lecturing assignments. He recalls that Norman was called by a young girl, and Tom checks it out. Tina, unaware that Norman died right after her visit, calls to learn his condition, and John manages to get the message and calls her, explaining that Norman died. Nurse Holland happens to mention the call to Bob, and Tom manages to get the number. John insists that the call was from a business creditor of Norman’s, but when Tom learns that the number in New York has been disconnected, he is sure that John is lying. John is now having fears that his part will be discovered and tries to get the reprimand rescinded, but it is too late; unless there is new evidence, the decision will stand.

But Tina comes to Oakdale and tries to sell Sandy Norman’s IOU for five hundred dollars. Sandy puts the story of the mysterious girl caller together with this and informs Bob. A meeting of all the principals in the Norman Garrison investigation is convened, and Tina comes forward and admits she argued with Norman just before he died, but ran out when he became furious, then slumped over. She adds that she told all this to Dr. Dixon on the phone. John tries to deny this, but Nurse Holland verifies Tina’s story. Bob’s reprimand is rescinded, and he consoles Tina by explaining that even if she hadn’t run away, Norman couldn’t have been saved.

As John rushes home to give Kim “his” version of what happened. He forcefully states that he has been the victim of a giant conspiracy to shift the blame from Bob to him. Kim tries to put it together, but it’s too confusing for her. John is asked to resign, but he refuses, insisting he has been a good doctor for too long and has made his mark at the hospital

Despite the friendly overtures by the Hughes family, Natalie is a long time accepting their gestures, feeling that they don’t really like her. She and Tom accept a dinner invitation from Carol and Jay, prompted by the new business relationship, and Carol prepares a beautiful meal. Natalie and Tom feel obligated to reciprocate, and their meal, lack of cooking expertise compounded by nervousness, is virtually inedible. Natalie’s discomfiture is further compounded by the realization that Jay is making subtle passes at her. Carol is pleased that Jay seems to be mellowing in his business dealings, having more compassion for other people while Tom is growing shocked at Jay’s increasing lack of ethics. He can’t drop him as a client, however, as his salary is largely based on Jay’s business. 

@Paul Raven Thanks. 

Sometimes the old entries for the Tom/Natalie/Jay/Carol story give the impression of Natalie being the bad girl and Jay just being hapless, but if Jay was the one initially making moves on her clearly that wasn't the case. Jay was an anti-hero for the show before that became so common. I wish we could see more of that instead of what we have of his last months, where he just seemed tired. 

Very clever to have Ellen involved in Joyce's custody hearing. I don't think they ever interacted later on.

I wonder what the rationale was in bringing Sandy back after 6-7 years, as they don't seem to want to pair her with Bob after Norman died. 

Is this the same Tina Rebecca Hollen played a few years later?

10 hours ago, DRW50 said:

Two 1988 and 1989 episodes were uploaded a few days ago. If they were up before they aren't at present, unless I missed them. Thanks to @Maxim as I first saw the channel link again in their AMC thread post.

@Soapsuds @Vee @vetsoapfan @DramatistDreamer @Paul Raven @slick jones @soapfan770 @Reverend Ruthledge @Mitch64 @Sapounopera @Franko @FrenchFan @Tisy-Lish @Broderick @Khan @adrnyc @DeeVee @j swift @P.J. @Michael @anthonymolchan @kalbir @dragonflies @Soaplovers @katie_9918 @SheenaSoaper @Contessa Donatella @NothinButAttitude @Liberty City @chrisml

 

 

❤️❤️❤️

2 hours ago, DRW50 said:

Very clever to have Ellen involved in Joyce's custody hearing. I don't think they ever interacted later on.

Yes, a good use of history and a chance to give Ellen a mini story

 

2 hours ago, DRW50 said:

I wonder what the rationale was in bringing Sandy back after 6-7 years, as they don't seem to want to pair her with Bob after Norman died. 

There was no reason for Sandy to return.I guess when they went to an hour they wanted a few familiar characters to pad out the cast.(Dick Martin also returned)Maybe knowing Jennifer was going they had an idea to put Sandy and Bob back together, at least temporarily, but that never happened.

Had Dagne Crane returned things might have been different but it was new actress so the connection perhaps wasn't there.

I wonder if Sandy and Ellen had anything to do with one another, as Ellen was Sandy's first connection with Ellen (they were cellmates)

Also, Sandy had a son that could have been aged up and been involved with Dee, but he never came on.

2 hours ago, DRW50 said:

Is this the same Tina Rebecca Hollen played a few years later?

No Tina #1 was played by Toni Bull Bua. Different character altogether.

Thank you for the tag, @DRW50! I'm away on a trip this weekend and cannot wait to dig into these and read people's commentary.

I just happened to be on Instagram when I saw a photo of Michael Gross (Family Ties and ex-River Baldwin—The Young and the Restless) with Finn Carter (ex-Sierra Esteban Reyes Montgomery—As the World Turns) at Niagara Falls Comic Con. 

Thanks @Forever8 you may want to put that in the where are they now thread too. I know some here were big fans of Finn (not sure if they still post here). 

15 hours ago, Paul Raven said:

Also, Sandy had a son that could have been aged up and been involved with Dee, but he never came on.

No Tina #1 was played by Toni Bull Bua. Different character altogether.

Thanks. 

I had forgotten Sandy had a son. I suppose they may have thought Barbara Rucker was too young for a son in his late teens/early twenties, but it could have worked and given Dee some stories in that time period.

I wonder if Kevin's last appearances are as grim as the Soapcentral writeup suggests. Given how inert ATWT seemed to be by that point, probably not, but it's a harrowing read. 

I know ATWT was always a contemplative, at times morose show, but I do wonder how much the morbidity of much of the '70s took a toll.

After I watched the November 1988 episode, I had to pause again over the Snyders still being too casual about what Josh did to Iva, no matter how guilty he felt or how much he was meant to have reformed. Iva shouldn't have been in that position. Seth saying, "I don't like him," but having to defend him was no better. 

I was very impressed with Robin Morse in the scene where she questioned Tonio about his story. She was an intelligent, thoughtful actress. I guess she wasn't seen as charismatic enough, or not enough of a looker, but I appreciate her presence. The guy who plays Beau isn't bad either, although he was so limited as a character I am not surprised Marland cut his losses. 

The best part of the episode was the material with John, Lucinda and Susan. I wasn't expecting the flashback of John turning down an affair with Susan even as she encourages the idea, John saying in the past he would have used her, he used everyone, but he won't anymore. (and he would then go on to use her the next year). It was a look at the complexity of a reformed John I haven't seen in other episodes. Yet we still got a little of John's edge when he remarked on how unbearable the Hughes are as a group.

What impressed me the most was the edge Susan still had at this time, later dulled down after her affair with Bob. She's more sarcastic, more jaded, as she should have remained. I was pleasantly surprised at the scene where she and Lucinda agreed that they did not feel sorry for Tonio over the miscarriage. I also loved where Lucinda tried to make her feel uncomfortable about Emily working with her lovers, and Susan cooly stating that she tries not to be overly involved in her daughter's life. 

 Shannon and Harriet by this point both feel expired, but I couldn't get enough of Lilith, especially the talk about her ties to natura and not being human. Sara Botsford is flawless and so alien to most of Marland's run.

I am trying to remember if Harriet was even mentioned when Shannon returned from the dead. They had been close for years.

Thanks, @DRW50, for the tag!!

On 6/13/2025 at 9:22 PM, DRW50 said:

Two 1988 and 1989 episodes were uploaded a few days ago. If they were up before they aren't at present, unless I missed them. Thanks to @Maxim as I first saw the channel link again in their AMC thread post.

@Soapsuds @Vee @vetsoapfan @DramatistDreamer @Paul Raven @slick jones @soapfan770 @Reverend Ruthledge @Mitch64 @Sapounopera @Franko @FrenchFan @Tisy-Lish @Broderick @Khan @adrnyc @DeeVee @j swift @P.J. @Michael @anthonymolchan @kalbir @dragonflies @Soaplovers @katie_9918 @SheenaSoaper @Contessa Donatella @NothinButAttitude @Liberty City @chrisml

 

 

Thank you so much!

Thanks, @DRW50! Appreciate the heads up!

Not sure it's worth tagging people for a 1996 episode, but this is one that doesn't seem to be on Youtube, so for completionists, here we are. @slick jones There are several speaking parts in this for short term characters so you may be interested.

So much sleaze, including yet more Emily/Diego as well as pathetic Zoe's trashy rocker boyfriend leaving to have a threeway with lookalike groupies! You can tell that the writers of Eden were involved (and Eden was a better show). Just imagine how the many middle-aged and elderly conservative ATWT viewers at the time felt sitting through this:

 

Edited June 17Jun 17 by DRW50

1976 Pt 4

 Lisa’s hopes that her life with Grant will be serene once more are shattered when Joyce has a bad smashup in a snowstorm and is hospitalized in critical condition.The police report indicates that she drove through a _ guardrail intentionally. She is taken right in for surgery, as she is bleeding internally. Joyce survives. the procedure, and Lisa tells Grant, who was immediately summoned to the hospital, that Joyce has survived both the custody case and the surgery—it’s time for them to think of themselves and their own marriage now. She bitterly notes that Joyce has been an intrusion in their lives for two whole years and that enough is enough. But Joyce won’t eat and doesn’t respond to medication; apparently she has given up, Bob feels, and is ready to die.

Learning that Grant rushed right to Joyce upon Bob’s call, Lisa angrily informs him she has had it and their marriage is over. When Grant protests that Joyce has nothing left and he must do this, Lisa is firm—he had to choose and he did. But it is Bob, not Grant, who finally manages to break through Joyce’s apathy. He explains how the poem “Look to This Day for It Is Life” helped his wife, Jen, face the possibility of a fatal illness, and Joyce decides that she can face at least a day at a time. But Lisa and Grant find themselves even further apart when Grant chooses to view Lisa’s dinner date with Dick as a resumption of an old romance instead of the sympathetic help Dick had intended, and he accuses Lisa of using Dick to rouse his jealousy.

At Bob’s request, Ellen reluctantly visits Joyce in the hospital, and is amazed to hear herself asking Joyce to stay with her family while she recuperates. Joyce finds that Ellen’s younger daughter, Dawn, comes to her for advice; like all teenagers, Dawn feels her own mother couldn’t possibly be right. 

Betsy is depressed when her birthday arrives and  Dan is still in South America, but her hopes are realized when he arrives during the party.

Over Mary’s apprehension, Brian accepts a job as a ranch manager, feeling the country atmosphere would be good for Teddy, but Mary’s fears are realized when Brian is killed by a falling tractor. Grant flies to Laramie to find Mary, shocked with grief, in fear that she’ll now lose custody of Teddy. Grant assures her  that can’t happen, Teddy is her son no matter what now, and he assumes all the details of Brian’s affairs. | Grant leaves her calmer and ready to look for a career  of her own. But Mary soon calls Lisa in a desperate state because she has lost her job before it even started. When Lisa has Grant call back, Mary insists she has loads of offers, but a friend tells Grant that Mary’s pride forced her to say that; she feels her precarious financial position reflects badly on her dead husband. Lisa and Grant help make arrangements for Mary and Teddy to move to Qakdale, where Mary can work at Jay’s company. Lisa warns Joyce not to interfere with them.

Lisa returns. to work at the bookstore, as Sandy is modeling to pay off Norman’s debts. She is stunned to overhear a woman from out of town angrily accuse her daughter-in-law, Natalie, of being responsible for two tragedies. Worried for Tom, Lisa tells Dick Natalie  told them her husband, Ralph, died of a drug overdose and would he check on it? Dick soon finds that Ralph committed suicide when he discovered that his wife and his brother Luke were having an affair. Lisa doesn’t let on to Natalie that she’s discovered the truth about her. She does confide in Tom’s father, Bob, Lisa’s first husband, and they decide Natalie must tell her husband herself. Natalie, who has responded to Jay’s overtures by making him her confidant in this matter, asks for a few days. She eventually does tell Tom, who asks why she lied. She replies she felt it was the right thing at that time. Tom talks it out with his father and decides he loves his wife enough to forgive and forget, but returns home to find her out. Natalie has gone to Jay’s apartment, seeking sympathy and consolation, knowing that Carol is away for the day. Jay’s cryptic remarks that she brought it upon herself provoke angry words, but they soon wind up passionately in each other’s arms.

Natalie returns to find her husband waiting to pick up the pieces. After promising him there will never be .any secrets between them, she finds her wallet ‘missing, and moments later Jay calls to tell her he has it; it had fallen on the couch. But Tom has picked up the extension phone and hears the whole conversation. Natalie, confronted, tells Tom she went to Jay only  because she thought Tom had left her for good, but then she bitterly informs Tom that she doesn’t need ‘him and he hasn’t made her happy. Tom angrily gives her twenty-four hours to clear out. Tom goes to Jay’s office looking for blood, but is brought back to his senses when Jay asks if Tom wants to destroy Carol as well as him. Jay later tells Natalie his wife is not to know what has happened. Natalie remarks that it’s now Jay’s turn to know what it’s like to live with a lie. Tom explains to Bob what has happened, but adds that he’s going to keep it all to himself for Carol’s sake.

Natalie goes home to Kilborne, where her sister-in law Margaret tells her she and Luke have successfully reconciled and everyone knows it. When Luke rejects her phone call, Natalie is at loose ends. Tom, finally completely disgusted with Jay both professionally and personally, informs Jay he can find another lawyer. But when Carol pleads Jay’s case, Tom gives in to her and returns. Jay is now bidding on government contracts, and Tom warns him that government bidders are subject to investigation. Jay says he’ll be ready. Learning that Jay and Carol are considering. adoption, Tom angrily accuses Jay of using a child as a gambit to bind Carol to him. But Jay explains that it is Carol who wants a child, and if that’s what she wants, that’s what she’s going to get.

Thanks @Paul Raven

Nice to see them still getting use out of the Look to This Day poem...words Joyce probably should have thought about more frequently. 

They should have utilized Joyce's bond with Dawn later on. Imagine Joyce getting involved with the James harem to try to help Dawn but also developing feelings for him. Or maybe seducing John to protect Dawn. Or killing Brad...

This is Natalie's exit from the show, isn't it? It reads as very rushed. 

Odd choice to have Mary and Sandy on the show at the same time with stories about a bit player husband who dropped dead. They even looked alike to the point where I confused them in the 1978 episode - the only way I could tell them apart was teeth and that Mary was duller. 

I guess Dan wasn't gone for very long with the recast.