I've been thinking about the recent battle between those who think "Passions" has returned to its "old" or "classic" roots (i.e., July 1999 to early 2001, when most viewers seem to agree the show was at its best), and I wondered: since I'm in the camp that says the show has returned to its old self, why not prove it?

And so I'm going to try to do just that.

I say that "Passions" is returning to its roots, and the reason why may surprise you but, I believe, is proof positive that I'm right. That reason is this: since the end of "Vendetta," the show has become a near-complete rehash of its earliest years.

You see the parallels every day. For instance:

*In 2000, Grace Bennett often commented on how Ethan Crane had "the Bennett eyes." Julian and others scoffed at her remarks but Ivy was fearful that such observations could eventually unbury the truth: that Ethan was Sam's son.

*In 2006, Gwen has noted how Little Ethan's moves on the baseball field are similar to her husband's, Ethan Winthrop. Theresa will surely become fearful that such observations could eventually unbury the truth: that Little ethan is Ethan's son.

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*In 1999, Miguel and Charity famously met each other by accidently running into each other and spilling drinks on the other at the Harmony Carnival.

*In 2006, Jared and Theresa famously met each other by accidently running into each other and spilling drinks on the other at the Blue Note.

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*In 1999 and 2000, Luis and a Crane (Sheridan) were forced together in numerous situations. First, Luis arrested Sheridan for reckless driving; later, Sheridan needed a live-in bodyguard at the cottage, a job that Luis filled.

*In 2006, Luis and a Crane (Fancy) were forced together in numerous situations. First, Fancy needed a live-in bodyguard in Rome; recently, she was arrested by Luis for traffic incidents and unpaid tickets.

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*In 1999, Luis and Sheridan butted heads and Sheridan played the pseudo-feminist to Luis' supposed male chauvinist pig/neanderthal.

*In 2006, Jared and Theresa butt heads and Theresa plays the pseudo-feminist to Jared's supposed male chauvinist pig/neanderthal.

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*In 1999, characters did more than cry over their loves and losses; Whitney played tennis, Chad had his DJ job, Luis and Hank were involved with the youth center...

*In 2006, the guys have a playful 'battle of the sexes' game of baseball with the Harmony women; Noah has his bartending; Luis is a cop again.

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*In 1999 and 2000, more than any other years, family played a great focus on "Passions."

*In July 2006, viewers have noted numerous family interactions that have been missed.

These are just a few of the comparisons but I'm sure there are more.

So, yes, "Passions" is a near-complete rehash of 1999 and 2000, but I have to credit JER with recognizing that these were the years when the show was best. Also, the current storylines and situations, in their own ways, have a fresh feel to them, despite the rehash. The Shuis/Lucy comparison, for instance, involves different characters (Luis is now moving on from deep love, different from his 'ladies man' self when he met Sheridan, and Fancy is feisty and a fun, Paris Hilton type, unlike Sheridan's first incarnation as a proper 'American princess').

So what's old is new again, and I believe, making the show better and better.

All you did really was prove a total lack of creativity on JER's part.

Interesting Observations!

I will agree that after Vendetta it has been much better. I practically quit watching during Vendetta and I have been tuneing in much more often.

I like the Luis/Fancy pairing

I like that there is a new love prospect in Theresa's life and not just her obsessing over Ethan.

I want Gwen to find out that Ethan is little Ethan's father.

I always like Tabitha and Endora.

The Kay and Miguel stuff is okay, much better than watching Vendetta stroylines IMO.

The only thing good about Vendetta is that it shook up relationships and storylines but IMO for me it was easier not to watch it and now tune in for the aftermath.

I loved Vendetta and don't have any complaints about that story.

The Omega symbol was right: some stories ended, others began, like Theresa/Ethan (ended, sort of), and Luis/Fancy (began).

Now if only Grace were back...then Passions would be perfect.

I'm in total agreement with you, JSF! I love how PASSIONS has reverted back to it's glory days. JER is in the house again and he's on a roll since Vendetta.

*In 2006, Jared and Theresa famously met each other by accidently running into each other and spilling drinks on the other at the Blue Note.

I love how you try to put every Jaresa moment in the soap history books.

All you did really was prove a total lack of creativity on JER's part.

The heart and soul of Passions is gone. The stuff currently onscreen doesn't compare to the close knit little town that was portrayed in the early years. For me "Classic Passions" aren't stupid storylines like Vendetta, it's family stories sprinkled with campiness and a wee bit of the supernatural.

All you did really was prove a total lack of creativity on JER's part.

So true. It is possible to make a show good without making it a series retreads.

All you did really was prove a total lack of creativity on JER's part.

Exactly. This just proves that JER is burnt out after 7 years... But you gotta give him credit for headwriting DAYS & PSNS at once for 3 years.

Has any other writer written for 2 shows at once?

All you did really was prove a total lack of creativity on JER's part.

I would accept your latter claim as a fair assessment, but not the former. I feel I've disproven those who say this isn't like 'classic' "Passions" because, whether or not it is a rehash, because many of these are the *same* elements that made up those 'golden years,' it literally is a return to the show's roots.

I'm in total agreement with you, JSF! I love how PASSIONS has reverted back to it's glory days. JER is in the house again and he's on a roll since Vendetta.

I'm with you, ChrisL. Yeah, for some it's a 'lack of creativity,' but for you and I, Chris, we feel that it's a GOOD thing that we're seeing familiarity on our show again, even if it is a rehash. Plus, it's not exactly the same because different characters are involved at different stages and personalities of their lives. It's refreshing in that way.

The heart and soul of Passions is gone. The stuff currently onscreen doesn't compare to the close knit little town that was portrayed in the early years. For me "Classic Passions" aren't stupid storylines like Vendetta, it's family stories sprinkled with campiness and a wee bit of the supernatural.

THen the heart and soul of Passions isn't gone, according to your litmus test. The family relationships are back, and there is that 'wee bit' of supernatural, too. Granted, this stuff just started happening again, hence this post.

So true. It is possible to make a show good without making it a series retreads.

I disagree. SO many fans were screaming, 'This isn't my show! It's no longer recognizable! This doesn't feel like 'Passions'!" Well, unless those who were saying those things are being dishonest, now, due to the rehash, it is familiar to them again, and that is why, I believe, this rehash is a good thing.

All you did really was prove a total lack of creativity on JER's part.

That's so true.

IMO, the show has a long way to go before I would consider that Passions has gone back to its roots. I also don't think that practically repeating scenes or stories but for different characters or couples is great storytelling.

THen the heart and soul of Passions isn't gone, according to your litmus test. The family relationships are back, and there is that 'wee bit' of supernatural, too. Granted, this stuff just started happening again, hence this post.

I don't see family relationships, NOWHERE near the Bennett, Russell, Lo-Fitz coziness of the first years.

The close knit group has fallen apart, mainly because there isn't much interaction with the older characters. I loved how Grace/Sam were good friends with Eve/T.C., nowadays the only thing left is that vile Whitesa "friendship" (and I use the term loosely).

Unless Chad and Whitney are a family.

While I am loving PSNS right now, I do think that since JER only has ONE soap, there is room for MUCH improvement and originality. eg: Why must every couple start off hating each other (Jared & Theresa, Noah & Fancy, Luis & Sheridan)...

But I'll wait until at least October when JER is in FULL swing with ONE soap.

All you did really was prove a total lack of creativity on JER's part.

Yes!

I don't see family relationships, NOWHERE near the Bennett, Russell, Lo-Fitz coziness of the first years.

The close knit group has fallen apart, mainly because there isn't much interaction with the older characters. I loved how Grace/Sam were good friends with Eve/T.C., nowadays the only thing left is that vile Whitesa "friendship" (and I use the term loosely).

Baby steps, lol. That's all I can say. Because the truth is, the families are far more tight-knit than they were just a few months ago. Things, in that regard, are on an upswing. The TC stroke bringing the Russells back together, and the baseball game bring family members together (Miguel's playing against theresa's team but sticking up for her and the girls' skills)...it's there. It's just different because the kids are older and they're not living with their parents anymore..so nothing can really go back to the way things were in 1999.

That said, I'd like Sam and TC back. They're the best male friendship.

I disagree. SO many fans were screaming, 'This isn't my show! It's no longer recognizable! This doesn't feel like 'Passions'!" Well, unless those who were saying those things are being dishonest, now, due to the rehash, it is familiar to them again, and that is why, I believe, this rehash is a good thing.

OMG. *You* disagree? I'm shocked. I--I'm shaking. This is so unexpected.