PP: AMC & OLTL to air twice weekly

[Vee]

What on Earth is wrong with Corbin Bleu? He's fantastic.

[DRW50]

I was mostly thinking of people who seem to not quite fit into the canvas, moreso than talent (I'd also be tempted to write Dorian out for that reason, although I'd hate to see her go).

[Khan]

Actually, Carl, I'd hold onto Dorian as antagonist to the Buchanans (Clint, Viki, nuKevin, nuJoey and Natalie). This is especially true if they were to bring back niece Kelly along with the Buchanan brothers. Being Kelly's aunt gives her a purpose and way into the family shenanigans, which I'd make the center of the streamlined OLTL.

[All My Shadows]

I agree that tighter casting and storytelling is a must, but I always feel that way, even with 5-a-week soaps. You can't have characters who are just there with vague plans of using them later. Develop a core group, define it and its purpose, focus the show on that core group. Transitioning them from daytime soaps to primetime dramas, essentially.

[Vee]

I think he fits pretty well - he's fantastic in the Viki/CIA scandal story, IMO, the perfect counterbalance to Slezak. He's intelligent, and a black lead, something PP is apparently invested in. And he's not related to everyone.

I think they have a perfectly manageable cast for a half hour show, particularly citing the EE or Corrie example which had massive casts. I wouldn't cut anyone, personally. I might add a few in time. Kevin and Rachel, Joey. Kelly, not any time soon. Someday, for an arc, as the girl who messed Kevin and Joey up and hangs over Zane's life. She's still those brothers' obsession.

[Khan]

So, it's buh-bye Jane, then?

ITA, AMS.

[DRW50]

I would like this, but Dorian doesn't quite work for me as an antagonist now. I think she's a wonderfully complex figure if she's written for properly, but I don't know if she's getting that writing, or if they have the time for it.

If it saves money I'd also have some episodes that are mostly filmed in that club, Shelter, which is actually my favorite part of the show in the episodes I've watched so far. (I am probably alone in that). Intercutting various stories in a vibrant setting is a good way to pace an episode and keep people coming back.

[Vee]

I love Shelter. But I love that music and that experience. I think it's one of the most genuine parts of the show that makes it stand out from any other daytime soap, particularly in the music and how it is filmed on that massive set.

I think David has gotten much more depth and layering again so far, while Dorian has regained some savvy (the Pellegrino scheme). I think the problem with Dorian, frankly, is more about Robin Strasser than the writing. She is still playing everything at 11. I would never give her up, though. She can adjust.

[Khan]

Who would you have an antagonist for the Bukes (the Alexis to their Carringtons, or Cliff Barnes to their Ewingses, if you will)?

I like the idea of using Shelter more in order to save money and allow different characters and stories to converge. Reminds me of when KNOTS LANDING did the same first with Richard Avery's restaurant, and later Lotus Point. Perhaps, Cutter and/or Blair gets the idea of using Shelter as a restaurant by day/club at night?

[Vee]

It is used as a restaurant by day already. Tea, Victor and the kids had dinner there.

[All My Shadows]

Jane has a role, even if it's very tertiary, so she would stay (though she'd be credited as a guest star, if I'm to get deep into this "primetime drama" scenario). She'd either stay in that role or she could move forward down the road. I was mainly referring to those characters soaps would keep around with absolutely no real role, like a Aidan Devane.

[Vee]

Jane just doesn't bother me. She's there, she will probably have a bigger role down the line. Like...most new people on soaps.

[Khan]

I see. Sort of like that guy who ran the Peach Pit on "90210," right? (Cannot remember his character name, only know that he was played by Joe E. Tata.)

[Vee]

Nat.

The difference is I suspect Jane will eventually have a larger role. As opposed to Nat and his subplot about...his rickets or something, I can't remember.

[All My Shadows]

Right, but Khan and I are speaking of a hypothetical "primetime" version of AMC.

Nat! And yes, precisely. I imagine her being a supporting player at first, then getting her own stories later. Still serving a purpose in the meantime, though.

And when I say later, I don't mean the six or seven seasons it took for Nat to get storylines. That's different -- he was an old man on a "young" show. Jane can easily be weaved into the plot of AMC quickly, as I'm sure we'll see on the actual show.