Up to April 13th, 1992.

👑

"The king is dead, long live the QUEEN!"

Slowing down again, since I didn't have as much time... and had to sleep more. But I plan to binge as much as possible on the weekend. I have to find out who killed Carlo Hesser.

So what is going on right now?

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We are going back to other storylines. Blair locked Agatha in her bedroom after finding out she wants to show Dorian's fake confession to Max. Agatha started screaming out the window and Max came to her rescue. Blair came back just as Agatha was telling Max about "murder". 

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 Cassie and Bo are having a divorce. Cassie is also leaving "The Banner" and quite possibly will come to work for Dorian at "The Intruder". This is not good news for Blair. One more trouble on her way to destroy the publication. But she is doing a good job at this so far - alienating editors and writing dangerous articles that can get Dorian sued. She even went as far as to bash a sponsor on the front page saying that their product is not good. Dorian better step in soon, or her empire will crumble.

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 The police is investigating the murder of Carlo Hesser and they have lots of leads, the main suspect right now, of course is Cain Rogan, who managed to escape before being arrested. He is currently hiding in a deserted old theatre and Tina is helping him. Other suspects are Asa, who suspiciously got his car fixed and a mysterious person seen in a red rain-coat. We all know what that person may be. Sarah freaking Drug-Addict Buchanan. She didn't kill him, I don't believe that for a second.

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The most interesting part was Alex Olanov's  hysteria and rage when the reading of the will left her with basically nothing, if you don't count the apartment and the black briefcase full of sex toys. LOL. What a divine joke on Alex. Her corrupted attorney couldn't register the new fake will, because Carlo was already dead when he wanted to file it. But this is making me think, maybe Charlotte filed that last will that left everything to her and Stephanie. Maybe she is the real killer?! That won't explain why Cain Rogan's bracelet was found though. Hmmm.

🔷

So now Alex is left at starting point. But don't count her out. She is seizing the moment to take over Carlo's dynasty. The King is DEAD. Long live the QUEEN.

P.S - She also offered the district attorney to help him... release a "heavy load" if he needs it. Or something like that. While he was sucking on a lollipop. Hank better be careful and trim that mustache nicely in the coming days, because the Hesser widow is on the prowl. 

Overall - 10/10!

 Clip of the day - Alex Olanov and the START of a new era for The Llanview Mafia.  

Thanks.

Tonja Walker had such amazing presence as Alex in these years. 

I can't remember if Thom Christopher was let go or wanted to leave at this time, but it seemed like Carlo was firing on all cylinders as he was written out - he was at his best not having to deal with his kids or niece. 

9 hours ago, DRW50 said:

Thanks.

Tonja Walker had such amazing presence as Alex in these years. 

I can't remember if Thom Christopher was let go or wanted to leave at this time, but it seemed like Carlo was firing on all cylinders as he was written out - he was at his best not having to deal with his kids or niece. 

The only thing that didn't sit well with me is how short their marriage was before Carlo getting murdered. They were so fun together, I think we only scratched the surface of what could be. And I'm getting a fatigue from all these characters dying. Ever since I've started watching the show... we've had 3 major character deaths in 6 months -  Cord, Megan and now Carlo. They are smart enough in the writing to think of other ways to get rid of characters. Why does it always have to be a death. I hope in the next 6 months there is less death. 😂

Edited June 28Jun 28 by Maxim

Up to April 16th, 1992.

🐶

"Who's the BOSS now?"

 

I'm back at my usual pace of 2-3 episodes max a day.  🍷

So what is going on right now?

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 Blair did the unthinkable - she decided to play rough and humiliate Dorian in front of the entire town. She put Dorian's intimate photo with Jason on the front page of "The Intruder". That caused quite the social storm - Dorian was expelled from "The Daughters of Llanview" and couple of other stupid organizations. It was very strange witnessing this "You are expelled!" routine, because why was Dorian in these conservative groups to begin with? She runs a disgusting yellow tabloid for God's sake. Blair's provocation misfired, because in the end this attack had the opposite of the desired effect. It did not hurt Dorian at all. She couldn't care less if she was part of these groups anymore. What she cared for... was Jason. And Jason saw the cover, ran to console her... the two reunited. Blair's trick actually helped Dorian get her boy-toy back. Touché. You can't de-throne the queen that easy, Blair. You have to try harder.

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 Alex Olanov is preparing for the first meeting with Carlo's associates. The serial murderess with crazy eyes wants to be the head of the entire mob world. Will she succeed? We'll found out. I'm happy that they gave her more than just... the obsessed ex-girfriend. That Fatal Attraction storyline was okay, but this right now is a lot more dynamic. And even though I'm opposed to mob storylines in soaps, in OLTL... it just works. For now. 

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 Dorian's private investigator found out something very sinister. Blair has been researching her for months and months even before coming to Llanview. So this is a planned invasion. Something more serious than it appears. Dorian went back in time and remembered her home town, her house and her two sisters - Melinda and Agatha. She told the story to Jason - how her sister Agatha... was the most gifted and amazing girl... till she fell ill and passed away. Jason asked her if there is anything even darker that she is not telling. Dorian did not respond. 

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 The Carlo Hesser investigation is moving forward. Tina was arrested in order to get Cain out of his haiding. But we have new leads, thanks to Cassie. In a typical soap opera fashion, the second she left "The Banner"... she joined the district attorney's team as a detective. These people change their professions on a whim sometimes. LOL. But good for her! Away from that piece of sh-t named Bo. I don't even want to see him. I despise him after what he did to her. Cassie's first move as a detective was noticing untruths in Sarah and Bo's statements about where Sarah was on the night of the murder. Nothing more dangerous than a scorned woman. Ruin her life, Cassie. Do it! Jail that drug addict! I can't stand Sarah and her manipulate victim routine. I'm team Cassie 100 percent. 

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Now let's get to the most spicy part  - Blair and Asa finally crossed the boundary! It was about time and building up nicely. Just an episode before that... Asa gave Blair a loan so she can buy cheap "Intruder" stocks while the magazine is having hard times. @DRW50 told me I was going to enjoy a scene in the future with the trio (Renee, Asa and Blair) and if he was talking about this scene... then he was 100 percent right - I gasped, then laughed out loud... then I wanted to slap Asa. His attempts at lying is ridiculous. 

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So now that Blair is on the verge of destroying Renee's marriage... our little fox is about to become really really BIG in Llanview. And I can't freaking wait. MIA KORF is a GODDESS.

Overall - 11!/10! - AMAZING.

Clip of the day - He just... offered her a friendly set of lips. That's all. What is the next thing you are going to give her as a friendly gesture, Asa? Please don't tell us, because we know.   

@Maxim Great stuff again. Yes, that was the clip. A version of it was on OLTL's wedding tape, I believe. A real highlight for Pat Elliott. The dig about Blair not being of the best stock was a favorite of mine, as it was the epitome of classy shade. They allowed Renee to have dignity in a messy situation. 

Being moved away from the Bo pairing was a real boon to Cassie.

I can see why Elaine's Dorian would be in the country club circuit, but at her heart that's never who Dorian would want to be. 

I always wished they'd done more with the Jason/Dorian pairing.

11 hours ago, DRW50 said:

@Maxim Great stuff again. Yes, that was the clip. A version of it was on OLTL's wedding tape, I believe. A real highlight for Pat Elliott. The dig about Blair not being of the best stock was a favorite of mine, as it was the epitome of classy shade. They allowed Renee to have dignity in a messy situation. 

Being moved away from the Bo pairing was a real boon to Cassie.

I can see why Elaine's Dorian would be in the country club circuit, but at her heart that's never who Dorian would want to be. 

I always wished they'd done more with the Jason/Dorian pairing.

I think Dorian right now is very easy to root for, very easy to sympathize with. Elaine Princi is giving her so much dept and sensitivity. I haven't seen that much from RS's Dorian (10-15 episodes from 1986 max)... so I can't talk much about her. But I will cry when this Dorian is gone. I simply love her. I hope that I will care for the character as much as this... when RS is back. 

4 hours ago, Maxim said:

I think Dorian right now is very easy to root for, very easy to sympathize with. Elaine Princi is giving her so much dept and sensitivity. I haven't seen that much from RS's Dorian (10-15 episodes from 1986 max)... so I can't talk much about her. But I will cry when this Dorian is gone. I simply love her. I hope that I will care for the character as much as this... when RS is back. 

Elaine Princi was wonderful and she was done dirty by the show and the switch back to Strasser. I know a lot of fans were not happy by it, and Dorian's storyline (Strasser's return to the show) did not help the situation. 

 

15 hours ago, chrisml said:

Elaine Princi was wonderful and she was done dirty by the show and the switch back to Strasser. I know a lot of fans were not happy by it, and Dorian's storyline (Strasser's return to the show) did not help the situation. 

She really is. I didn't expect this, because I've always heard people prefer Strasser. Again, I can't compare yet... I'll be able to when I get to mid 1993 (I think that's when she comes back). I have seen some 80s episodes with RS, but not enough to make my mind. I would need to follow her for couple of months minimum. 

I have no idea how the show will feel after losing 2 of the most leading faces right now - Mia Korf and Elaine Princi. 

Up to April 22th, 1992.

✂️

"The missing Cramer sister."

It's a stormy night in Llanview!

🔷

So what is going on right now?

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Alex Olanov surprised her guests at the mob dinner with... a dose of physical abuse. She strangled one of the men and verbally attacked the others. Just when they were counting her out as... a dumb blonde they can walk on... Alex showed them what she is capable of. It's safe to say that the mob world has a new HBIC. 

🔷

Cain was arrested and then quickly freed since he managed to provide an alibi - he was breaking into Alex Olanov's apartment the night of the murder and he had the video surveillance footage to prove it. He and Tina did spent a night in jail though, getting more and more intimate with each other through the metal bars. I'm not sure about these two. They are very cartoonish at times... and it's a bit of rush to make Tina so romantically active just mere months after Cord's death. Makes her seem like an easy woman. 

🔷

Dorian decided it's time to find out what exactly Blair wants from her. She traveled to her home town in Ohio and met with the woman who is keeping her parents' house. She told her many things that opened even more doors to the past. I got goosebumps. Dorian decided she must visit the hospital where her sister Agatha died next.

 🔷

Cassie turned Sarah in for questioning, but Sarah managed to get herself out of trouble (for now) by being honest and upfront with Hank. She told him that she fell asleep and doesn't remember what happened other than watching the lake that night. Hmm. I'm not buying this.

🔷

While Dorian was searching for more information, Addie (Agatha) was slowly going out of control. She wanted to see Max and constantly repeated the word MURDER. In the end she attacked Blair with a pair of scissors. I couldn't help but wonder if the show may completely shock us in the end and reveal it was Agatha who shot Carlo. But that would be so... fantastic and unrealistic. But still...  

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As usual, I'm most interested in the Renee-Asa marriage unraveling. Renee fled to Vegas to file for divorce. Victoria and the rest of the family tried to stop her, but Renee was not hearing it. I hope she does divorce this drunken piece of sh-t. But I also hope she doesn't, because then we'll stop seeing these over the top clashes.  😂 

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Overall - 10 out of 10!

Clip of the day - The public histrionics that make this show unforgettable. It seems that Renee and Asa always fight in front of an audience. I couldn't stop laughing. And that drink in the face... was well deserved. 

Edited June 30Jun 30 by Maxim

Another scene I wanted to clip. Victoria confronts Blair about her alleged dealings with Asa.

"You do damage to other people... but you're always the injured party."

Thanks @Maxim 

I'm glad they didn't have the wool pulled over Viki's eyes, although Blair already being out of friends so quickly in her run makes me wonder what they would have done with the character if Mia had stayed longer.

Karen Witter and Chris Cousins have very good chemistry, but I don't think Malone ever understood Tina.

4 hours ago, DRW50 said:

Thanks @Maxim 

I'm glad they didn't have the wool pulled over Viki's eyes, although Blair already being out of friends so quickly in her run makes me wonder what they would have done with the character if Mia had stayed longer.

Karen Witter and Chris Cousins have very good chemistry, but I don't think Malone ever understood Tina.

Tina has been confusing me for some time now. When I started watching the show she was a bored wife being oppressed by her husband and using these bizarre Luna magic stuff to emancipate herself. What we are getting after Cord's death is a complete opposite - this crazy rebel romantic girl that doesn't seem to have kids anymore. She used to constantly be seen with her kids and now they have basically seized to exist. Maybe it's her way of coping or mourning, who knows... but it's a waaaaaaaaaaaay different vibe. Maybe that's what Tina was before Cord and they are just re-setting her. I have no idea.  

4 minutes ago, Maxim said:

Tina has been confusing me for some time now. When I started watching the show she was a bored wife being oppressed by her husband and using these bizarre Luna magic stuff to emancipate herself. What we are getting after Cord's death is a complete opposite - this crazy rebel romantic girl that doesn't seem to have kids anymore. She used to constantly be seen with her kids and now they have basically seized to exist. Maybe it's her way of coping or mourning, who knows... but it's a waaaaaaaaaaaay different vibe. Maybe that's what Tina was before Cord and they are just re-setting her. I have no idea.  

Malone never really seemed to want to write Tina as caring about her kids. Years later he has her abandon them, offcamera.

One could say that when the Tina he first inherited wasn't true to herself, wasn't reckless or selfish enough, but the difference between the Tina of the '80s and Malone's Tina is he defined her by men. And that never changes.

Robin Strasser comes back to OLTL and viewers did not welcome her return. She and  the show were not expecting that. I remember some damage control in the press at the time. It also didn't help that her return storyline was not a great one. For many people, Elaine Princi had become Dorian. It reminds me of Carmen Duncan as Iris on AW. For a lot of viewers like me, Carmen Duncan is our Iris. It's rare when people grow so attached to a replacement.

==

Some info about Tonja Walker/Gottlieb relationship:

Edited June 30Jun 30 by chrisml

1 hour ago, chrisml said:

Robin Strasser comes back to OLTL and viewers did not welcome her return. She and  the show were not expecting that. I remember some damage control in the press at the time. It also didn't help that her return storyline was not a great one. For many people, Elaine Princi had become Dorian. It reminds me of Carmen Duncan as Iris on AW. For a lot of viewers like me, Carmen Duncan is our Iris. It's rare when people grow so attached to a replacement.

==

Some info about Tonja Walker/Gottlieb relationship:

Gottlieb only had herself to blame as she was the one who was probably responsible for Elaine's Dorian getting a stronger response from fans. And yes, Robin's return story was not good. I would say it took well over a year for the show to figure out what to do with Robin's Dorian. 

Thanks for the quotes from Gottlieb and Tonja Walker. Tonja had a presence and certainly had some fans on GH but I do question how 'ballistic' viewers went over her being written out. But who knows. 

Gottlieb's quote about prison confuses me as DuAnn didn't go to prison - she died. I didn't remember LeeAnn "LuAnn" in prison either.

Those bondage scenes with Carlo and Alex were scorching at the time and there's no way they'd ever get on now. 

I can definitely see Tonja being very passionate in arguing for her character. Those first few years with Alex were mostly good. Up to somewhere in 1995.