28 minutes ago, EricMontreal22 said:

Yes, this. Again, while at the time when the AMC 1995 episodes were airing I think fans were already calling out the show for losing some of what made it so special. And yet, watching now, we still have SO many of these wonderful types of scenes that add nothing to the plot, but add tremendously to the sense of a lived reality (and, with the right actors, are enjoyable to watch.) Stuff like Peggy (played by the wonderful Ann Meara) and her interactions while working at Wildwind, Myrtle mocking Marian and Enid Nelson when they come into her dress shop, Jackson talking about how much he enjoyed the Summers as a kid in the South, just to name three moments in the episodes that aired this week. I have no idea why these types of scenes and dialogue seem so absent from soaps (and have for a long time now,) because they really don't seem difficult to do. So I can only assume that the powers that be feel they are a waste of time now...

I think part of the reason is because soaps used to attract writers who wrote books and plays, whereas now they just attract people who are more focused on the parody of a soap. That whole Carlivati or Giddens mentality is soulless.

6 minutes ago, DRW50 said:

I think part of the reason is because soaps used to attract writers who wrote books and plays, whereas now they just attract people who are more focused on the parody of a soap. That whole Carlivati or Giddens mentality is soulless.

Right--when you read about the ABC writers workshop program (whatever it was called) they would send finders/feelers looking out everywhere, at new play festivals and contests, etc. Now it does seem to just be insular--soap writers come from soap viewers, often even it seems that being their only qualification. (No offence to Giddens, or Carlivati for that matter, but did they have ANY experience writing in any other format?)

On 6/6/2026 at 5:16 AM, Soaplovers said:

One thing that BTG has done right is presenting a character like Kat, who isn't pre-occupied with sex.. and when she did lose her virginity, it was realistically done because some people don't have these magical first time experiences with sex. And there was a process where she had to learn to kind of get into having sex with her partner that was relatable. Even though she's a Have character, I think she's probably one of the best written and realistic characters.. someone that means well.. but sometimes is blinded by her privlege and ends up doing the wrong thing. If her on screen partner could act.. I would say that they have a good rapport because the conversations they have are semi realistic.. but it would be nice if she didn't have to do all the heavy lifting.

@Taoboi I actually think Kat is my favorite on this soap.

I agree. Kat is the most layered, well-written character on that show. In fact, she's the only reason I watch these days. And the funny thing is I don't even think she's the writers' favorite character to write for. I think it was just by chance they conveyed all their most genuine stories into her, the actress is solid and voila, you have a great character.

11 hours ago, DRW50 said:

I think part of the reason is because soaps used to attract writers who wrote books and plays, whereas now they just attract people who are more focused on the parody of a soap. That whole Carlivati or Giddens mentality is soulless.

Very well said.

12 hours ago, DRW50 said:

soaps used to attract writers who wrote books and plays

Danielle Paige writes for BTG. She is a published author.

Cheryl L. Davis writes for BTG. She is a playwright and a musical theater librettist. Ms. Davis was just appointed to the board of Cady McClain's Axial Theatre in New York.

1 hour ago, janea4old said:

Danielle Paige writes for BTG. She is a published author.

Cheryl L. Davis writes for BTG. She is a playwright and a musical theater librettist. Ms. Davis was just appointed to the board of Cady McClain's Axial Theatre in New York.

No one likes a know it all.

True, those particular individuals have outside writing credits... but the vast majority of those in charge of the writers rooms are insulated and not hired from the outside the soap genre.

Edited 4 minutes ago4 min by Soaplovers