One Life to Live Tribute Thread

[chrisml]

This is an astute observation, and this is why I preferred Princi's version. I always felt that you knew Strasser's Dorian would lose to Viki whereas Princi's Dorian would be more of an adversary for those in her orbit. I get that Strasser is more beloved, but I did mourn the loss of Princi's work.

[Vee]

Clint calling Kevin a pinhead after the yacht getaway fiasco with Stephanie and Joey in August '91 is hysterical. I have rarely (if ever) seen Viki and Clint more angry with Kevin or him being more stupid.

I believe Carlson's name was still officially on the show on 8/8/91, but  in addition to Jason Webb's arrival the sudden resurgence of Sarah into Bo and Cassie's relationship together and Cassie's great monologue about haunted houses feel very much like the new team to me.

Edited September 27, 2024 by Vee

[dc11786]

I believe Linda Gottlieb was finishing up a project in mid-1991. The papers were crediting for the casting as soon as Robyn Griggs started in early June. I imagine that Linda Gottlieb was giving some input from May-August, 1991 before she was credited, but I think the show is mostly rudderless and it shows in the bits of pieces I have heard everyone talking about. 

Watching the turnover from Hardy to Monty and Monty to Riche on "General Hospital" recently, I do think the producer can have an impact on the shape of the story. Personally, in the bits of August, 1991, I have sat through, it seems like Linda Gottlieb is definitely present by the second week of August since her start date was July 15th. I know Monty started on December 4 or 5th and wasn't credited until late January even though her impact could be felt for a month and a half prior. So there is definitely ripple effects. 

Not convinced Malone is tweaking as much as Gottlieb is shaping story much in the way Monty and Riche did prior to "their" headwriters starting. There's also a post on the August 13th episode that suggests this. Though who knows. I guess half the fun is just speculating. 

 

[TheyStartedOnSoaps]

Erika Slezak 1986 Daytime Emmy Reel 

Reel #1: Viki has a therapy session with Dr. Polk and reveals her fears of Niki growing stronger.

Reel #2: Niki flees to Clover Wilde’s bar after overhearing Clint arrange for her to be committed.

Reel #3: Clint stages a setup of Niki catching him in bed with Tina to bring out Viki.

 

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[Maxim]

I like both Dorians for different reasons. Robin's Dorian is more of a campy funny cartoonish villain, which she plays very well. She steals scenes and the spotlight finds her every time she steps into a room. Princi's Dorian, from what I've observed, is more intellectual, menacing in indeed deeper and more lethal way. She just gives a vibe that you shouldn't mess with her. She is not as over the top and big as Robin, but she doesn't need to be. I like them both. But if I had to pick, I would pick Princi. 

[Paul Raven]

I get the impression that Princi's portrayal is more in line with Nancy Pinkerton's Dorian.

[Vee]

Elaine Princi was quite good, but she was always just doing a riff on Robin's past work. Robin even told the story of how Rauch said everyone would forget all about her, that he'd hired a doppelganger to stick it to her for taking off and refusing to return in '90 IIRC. The actors were a near match physically (intentionally so) and from what I've seen Princi's portrayal was as dependent on the writing as any other - she got good material as Malone and Gottlieb settled in and did very well, but before and after that when they wrote Dorian histrionic and broad, she was too. Some of her reactions in the Alex mess with Bo and Cassie in mid-'91 are vintage Dorian ham.

Robin could certainly go OTT in later years, but there's no contest for me. After Pinkerton was gone (who doesn't remind me of either of them, from what little is sadly out there of her) Robin was the blueprint.

Edited September 29, 2024 by Vee

[Khan]

I haven't seen much of Nancy Pinkerton's Dorian either, but from what I *have* seen, she strikes me as someone who's unnerving in her ability to manipulate while coming across as benign.

Robin Strasser's Dorian, on the other hand, builds on that aspect of the character, but adds layers of neurosis and vulnerability.  And when she's allowed to play all that and she has a producer and directors who can rein her in - like she had throughout most of her original run - she's fabulous at playing a morally ambiguous person with very complex motivations.  When she doesn't have that support, however, you get pretty much what we got from Strasser from Gottlieb-era forward: an otherwise thrilling performer who's now knocking down scenery with the brutality of an NFL linebacker.

For me, the real wild card was Claire Malis, aka "Jo's mom," lol.  From what I've seen, her Dorian is almost entirely out of step with every other performer's; yet, it's also fascinating in its' own way.

[cassadine1991]

If only we officially got a first air date for both Malone and Gottlieb

[John]

Princi's Dorian began the Jason Webb romance I believe

[Vee]

Not Kevin bringing 14-yo Joey softcore mags in the hospital! A Different Time.

[j swift]

Somewhat obvious, but worth noting, there's also a huge difference in Strasser's Dorian in the 80s, versus her comeback in the 00's.

Dorian in the 1980s was shrewd.  She was a viable antagonist for Vicky because they were both smart, well-educated women, with a solid agenda.

Dorian in the 2000s (post-Mitch) was a silly doyenne who spoke with an exaggerated accent and was mostly portrayed as the head of her family.  If she was able to scheme against Vicky, it was only because Vicky let her guard down.  Because she was so much more driven by emotion than intellect, whereas Vicky's central concern was trying not to overthink every situation.

Also, Dorian of the 80s had the means to take away everything from Vicky, the house, Clint, her social status.  Whereas, Dorian of the 00's was just trying to keep up with Vicky, and she was never really a threat.

Edited October 1, 2024 by j swift

[Vee]

Viki.*

[Franko]

Viki ... Buchanan

Vicki ... Lawrence

Vicky ... Love

[j swift]

Oh man, it is the most difficult spelling to recall.  I need a pneumonic, especially when it comes to Lords and Loves.  As well as all the double and single L's of OLTL locations.  But that:

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I know, wrong one...

Edited October 1, 2024 by j swift