14 minutes ago, Chris B said:

The only thing I would've changed is some of the stuff we couldn't see but we know that is based on budget/set availability.

Yes. I think the Winter Fest episodes could have been more believable with a bit of outdoor location shooting. So much was said to be going on outside -- ice skating, carriage rides, etc., etc. And it was referred to over and over again. Yet the viewers didn't even get a glimpse of any of that. I'm sure budget was an issue, but even a little video stock footage of a winter festival (with or without snow) would have been better than nothing -- and it would have helped Winter Fest to appear a bit bigger than just the interior of the country club.

Criticism comes with every show but I feel like some people have a lot of bias rooted in other things. There were a couple of people rooting for the show to fail before it got started. It's not hard to tell who is giving constructive criticism and who is just heckling.

2 minutes ago, ReddFoxx said:

Criticism comes with every show but I feel like some people have a lot of bias rooted in other things. There were a couple of people rooting for the show to fail before it got started. It's not hard to tell who is giving constructive criticism and who is just heckling.

Exactly; and your post on the previous page hit a lot of brilliant points, as well.

It is not that serious.

On the one hand there is plenty to fix about this show, as with any soap opera in its first year. And plenty to critique or harshly critique. I wasn't particularly thrilled with some elements of the last week/month either. Starting with the dialogue and plotting. I think a lot of those criticisms are very valid.

OTOH, I just don't take harsh outraged critique super seriously from longtime daily viewers of present day B&B or Days of our Lives. Sowwy! 😊

Edited 3 hours ago3 hr by Vee

3 hours ago, ranger1rg said:

operating the escort service that so many POC in the area apparently need.

I kind of liked how the Black ladies from RHOP told Vanessa to stop with that foolishness and that she's a nasty hoe.

Yeah, I hate to say it, but I think (not the actress mind you, love her)...outside of scenes with Dani, I just don't like Vanessa anymore.

1 hour ago, ReddFoxx said:

It's not hard to tell who is giving constructive criticism and who is just heckling.

Yep. Pretty much.

My criticism has been harsh the past few episodes, but I've tried to be clear about any point I've made.

I'm more than happy to see polar opposite opinions here. It's good to discuss different elements of the show.

The views of those of us who have had problems with the show aren't worth more than the views of those who are happy with the show, but they're not worth any less, either. Our opinions are just as valid.

I don't enjoy writing posts like this, but while I and others are judging the show, some posters here are judging us for being negative.

You have a right to do that, of course. I'm just pointing out that there's a difference in the criticism.

My opinion is only an opinion. If you loved WinterFest, good for you. I'm happy you were satisfied.

I wasn't. I'm open to criticism about anything and everything I say, but you don't diminish my opinion with "You're always negative so you're constant bitching is worthless."

I do hope we get 3 great GATES episodes the rest of the week. Nothing would make me happier.

Now you know you be constructive criticizing as far as I'm concerned so hush. ;)

Or are you talking about something on the previous page which I don't normally read when I'm watching the day's episode? Cuz outside of Anatasisa reading Vanessa down and the beauty of Andre/Dani...it feels meh and kinda off.

23 minutes ago, ranger1rg said:

I don't enjoy writing posts like this, but while I and others are judging the show, some posters here are judging us for being negative.

Where?

I thought Winterfest was fun but I do wish it had lasted a little longer. I thought Greg Vaughan's introduction was seamless and very well done. He's already a great addition.

I love that Bill is obviously having buyers remorse with Hayley. He wants his life back with the Dupree's. I really didn't expect to love Andre & Dani as much as I do. Part of me wants Bill & Dani back together, too.

I wish Martin & Smitty had been there. But overall, I enjoyed what I saw.

Winterfest felt like an episode that should have been done in a lull after a big storyline climax. not an event that was hyped and a source of tension for some of the characters. The show very much likes the sense of togetherness, family and community, but sometimes overwhelms the more dramatic elements.

31 minutes ago, Taoboi said:

Now you know you be constructive criticizing as far as I'm concerned so hush. ;)

Or are you talking about something on the previous page which I don't normally read when I'm watching the day's episode? Cuz outside of Anatasisa reading Vanessa down and the beauty of Andre/Dani...it feels meh and kinda off.

I appreciate that. I do think my criticism is constructive.

I didn't point to specific posts or posters, because honestly, I can't tell if these people are referring to me or to someone else. Maybe I'm a little paranoid, but some of the comments here are pointed, calling the criticism condescending.

17 minutes ago, MontyB said:

Where?

MontyB, I really don't want to point to specific posts or specific posters.

All I can tell you is that comments have been made about people who make negative posts. I honestly can't tell if those comments are or aren't directed at me.

Sorry for getting away from a discussion of the show.

If I were HW, WinterFest would've been the culmination of every major storyline over the past year and the kickoff to a major whodunit that would take the show to the next level.

If I were getting something delivered from Dooky Chase, I'd get the pompano or the veal panne -- not that damn ole gumbo.

Winterfest hit all the right marks for me -- it's like those countless parties we ALL attend in early December -- overhyped during the planning, and then it's just a basic party where somebody gets drunk off their ass [in this case, Vanessa].

From a dramatic standpoint, I thought it served its purpose -- it highlighted Kat's isolation from her childhood & from the people she's loved all her life; it gave Leslie another chance to torment Laura & Mona; it showcased Bill's nostalgia for Dani Dupree & her family; it struck a note of jealousy in Theodore when he saw Beautiful enter the club with her new beau; and it started Beautiful's "healing process" from all the hurt she's felt since learning of Ted's betrayal. And best of all, it caused Drab Ashley to leave in an even more MOROSE mood than usual.

My only complaint is that the writers seem to think we're as DUMB as Leslie about Vernon's meetings with Sharon. I thought it was clever to create a situation where Leslie gets the wrong idea and can potentially make a fool of herself, but the writers seem to think we're all as stupid as Leslie about a series of voice lessons. Hopefully, we ain't. One thing the writers have done well is consistently show us the kind of person Senator Dupree is. No sense in trying to trick US into thinking he's suddenly changed.