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AMC’s Eileen Herlie (Myrtle) dies
So we say goodbye to Myrtle Fargate on All My Children.
The actress who played the tell-it-like-it-is, flame-haired confidante of many Pine Valley denizens passed away Wednesday. Eileen Herlie was 90.
Like Anna Lee (General Hospital’s Lila Quartermaine), Eileen remained on screen pretty much until the very end. Myrtle’s last scenes were in June.
The actress — and the character — will be missed.
Check out the video tribute below:
I always enjoyed Myrtle’s no-nonsense approach. It’s no wonder she became a surrogate mother to so many characters, most notably Erica Kane (Susan Lucci) and most recently Zach Slater (Thorsten Kaye).
In fact, it was Myrtle’s scenes with Zach that often gave him a touch of humanity. During those earlier times when I was not such a big fan of Mr. Slater, he would have a scene with the wise Myrtle and I would think, “You know, Zach’s not all that bad.”
I really adored their interactions.
Now that I’ve come to appreciate Zach in his own right, I’ll be extra interested to see how he handles Myrtle’s death.
I assume AMC will address her passing properly. It would be a massive mistake to treat her death as some little thing.
Myrtle may not have played a big role in recent years, but her contribution to Pine Valley was still significant.
Goodnight, Myrtle. And goodnight, Eileen.
AMC … and soaps in general … won’t be quite the same without you.
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Jared Finally Realizes It’s Tess Instead of Jess on OLTL
FINALLY!
Jared finally figured it out!
He knows that Jess is really Tess, her evil alter.
And, furthermore, Jared (John Brotherton) told Bo.
And I think Bo believes it may be true, too.
One Life To Live was actually tolerable Wednesday, because it wasn’t all doom and gloom for the first time in several weeks.
I’m seeing light.
And that light is the fact that Jared is onto Tess.
Tess and Jared
This has been one of the more horrendous storylines of late - Tess holding her sister, Natalie, captive in a soundproof room in the basement of Llanfair.
Or I should say….Jess’ sister, Natalie (Melissa Archer).
I felt so bad for Natalie in the beginning of the show when Tess told her that Rex had died and then Tess watched with glee as Natalie broke down.
How cruel!
Natalie locked up
But Natalie turned the tables on Tess and played mind games with her.
Natalie, rightly so, told Tess that Jared and others must be onto her and that people are going to know that something’s happened to Natalie because she is missing with Rex near death.
You could see the impact of her words by watching Tess’ face.
I just love Natalie’s spunk!
Here she is held captive and she manages to give it right back to Tess.
Bree Williamson has done an amazing acting job - moving seemlessly between the two portrayals of the sweet, loving Jess and her evil alter, Tess.
She certainly deserves an Emmy for her work this year, especially during Nash’s death scenes.
As for Tess. She needs to go.
Goodbye Tess.
Hello Jess.
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Addie and Blair Shine on OLTL
Where has all the fun in One Live To Live gone?
Tess is going from bad to worse in her torture of Natalie.
The post-traumatic stress-wracked Brody attacked Marcie, kidnapped Shane and shot Rex.
The Todd and Marty storyline just keeps getting worse as Marty falls in love with her rapist.
Langston is being torn out of the only stable home that she’s had in the past two years to live with a murderer.
Christian is still in Columbia trying to get back to Llanview after escaping from the horrid Columbian prison.
Kind of depressing, eh?
But Tuesday there were a couple of really good scenes that I found myself smiling about.
And those were between Blair (Kassie DePaiva) and her mother Addie Cramer (Pamela Payton-Wright).
BLAIR
There some very sweet, tender mother-daughter moments.
DePaiva and Payton-Wright really conveyed that mother-daughter connection and both provided a little respite from the deep, dark, depressing storylines swirling around Llanview.
Addie just brightens my day when she’s on-screen and I am so glad that her new medication has allowed her to come out of St. Ann’s and rejoin the world.
ADDIE
I love her life “to-do” list and the way she systematically set out to do all the things she missed out on while she was institutionalized.
One of the things I love about Addie is that she realizes that life is short and you should live lift to the fullest.
That’s because she’s missed out on so much her whole life.
And she realizes that it could all be taken away in the blink of an eye.
“If my medication stops working I could go back to being sweet, simple Addie again and I have to face it. We never know what the future is going to bring. That’s why we have to make the most of every day.”
Well said, Addie.
Words to live by.
We should all take that advice.
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Super Soap Weekend ads add insult to injury
Is anyone else catching the irony of the Super Soap Weekend commercials they keep running on SOAPnet?
You know, the ones featuring close-ups of select stars as they beckon you with the crook of a finger? The ones that have these same stars go on and on, gushing about what a wonderful event SSW is?
The ads work overtime to promote the energy and excitement of the weekend. Check out the one below featuring Bradford Anderson (General Hospital’s Spinelli).
The promos literally make me wanna get out my pom-poms.
My favorite? The ad where Kassie DePaiva (One Life to Live’s Blair) refers to how great it is to feel all the love from the fans … right before she slips in that this will be the last SSW.
Even she looks pained about it.
So, tell me … and maybe I’m just not getting the problem here … why exactly are they canceling this much-anticipated event?
I’d like to believe it’s for the good of soap fans. Er, excuse me. For the good of the “Soap Nation,” as ABC Daytime President Brian Frons says. At least, that’s the tale he’s spinning.
But something doesn’t ring true.
Regardless, I find it super interesting how they’re selling the heck out of SSW, making it seem like it’s the most wondrous soap event since … well, it is the most wondrous soap event.
Where else can you go and not only see stars from three different soaps, but meet them as well? It’s crazy to think a cruise can compare. Or a Broadway show. Or even the fan club luncheons.
I like having so many actors and actresses from different shows in one place, even if there are repeat attendees year after year. There are usually enough new people … and some of my returning faves … to keep me happy.
I do recognize that the event gets bigger, busier and more difficult for Disney to manage every year. Heck, after last year’s “herding” through the GH line, Michele and I both wondered if we’d be back for another turn.
Yet here we are.
I kind of liken it to giving birth. It can be a big pain while it’s happening, but the final result makes it all worth while. Before you know it, time passes, and you’re ready and willing to go through it all again.
It’s just too bad ABC doesn’t feel the same.
And considering that’s the case, I wish they’d quit rubbing salt in the wound with those “Super Soap is Super Duper” ads.
It positively oozes hypocrisy.
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What’s Up With the List of Super Soap Stars?
By now, you all must know that this year’s Super Soap Weekend will be the last as announced by Disney-ABC earlier this week.
I expounded regarding my feelings about that in my previous blog.
Thumbs down - by the way- in case you missed it.
Since I focused all my energy on that bombshell announcement, I never got to the list of attending stars, which was released at the same time.
Kinda took all the wind out of the sails, eh?
Super Soap Weekend will take place at Nov. 15 and 16 at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World in Orlando.
Without further ado, here’s the list:
All My Children Rebecca Budig (Greenlee Smythe) Bobbie Eakes (Krystal Martin) Melissa Claire Egan (Annie Lavery) Ricky Paull Goldin (Jake Martin) Thorsten Kaye (Zach Slater) Cameron Mathison (Ryan Lavery) Alicia Minshew (Kendall Hart Slater) Eden Riegel (Bianca Montgomery) Aiden Turner (Aidan Devane) Darnell Williams (Jesse Hubbard)
One Life to Live Kristen Alderson (Starr Manning) Brandon Buddy (Cole Thornhart) Kassie DePaiva (Blair Cramer) Michael Easton (John McBain) Farah Fath (Gigi Morasco) Susan Haskell (Marty Saybrooke) John-Paul Lavoisier (Rex Balsom) Erika Slezak (Viki Davidson) Jason Tam (Markko Rivera) Brittany Underwood (Langston Wilde) Bree Williamson (Jessica/Tess Buchanan)
General Hospital Bradford Anderson (Damian Spinelli) Brandon Barash (Johnny Zacchara) Julie Marie Berman (Lulu Spencer) Tyler Christopher (Nikolas Cassadine) Jason Cook (Matt Hunter) Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth Webber) Kelly Monaco (Samantha McCall) Kirsten Storms (Maxie Jones) Jason Thompson (Patrick Drake) Laura Wright (Carly Jax)
Note: Susan Lucci is scheduled to appear in Dancing with the Stars telelvision show and unless she is eliminated from competition before the Super Soap Weekend event, will not appear this year.
Host Bob Guiney
And I have to say, I’m disappointed.
It’s not because I don’t like the stars who are appearing, because I do.
There are several in the list who I am really excited about - especially those stars who weren’t there last year.
For instance, Brittany Underwood (Langston) and Jason Tam (Markko) from One Life To Live.
Those two have done wonderful jobs with storylines involving Langston being orphaned, Starr’s pregnancy and Langston’s newfound uncle.
These two young actors have really grown in their roles and in their performances this past year.
So, yeah, they should be there and I guarantee they will be some of the more sought after fastpasses for one-on-one autograph and photo sessions.
Susan Haskell, Marty on OLTL, has returned to the screen and to SSW.
She’s been there before but not in many years, since she left the show. But Haskell returned this year to reprise the role which made her famous to soapsters. And I think her Fastpass is going to be hard to get.
Her real-life hubby, Thorsten Kaye, Zach on All My Children, will also be signing autographs and meeting fans. He’s always popular and I had the fun experience of meeting him last year.
By the way, he’s a great hugger.
And how about Darnell Williams, Jesse on All My Children?
A HUGE draw and he will definitely be popular. I’m aiming to get his Fastpass, for sure.
But, HELLO…..Where’s Debbi Morgan, his onscreen wife, Angie?
Can you say Super Couple?
I think ABC really missed the boat with that one.
And where’s Michael E. Knight, who plays Tad, Jesse’s best friend?
Another HUGE omission.
I am extremely disappointed that he won’t be there, because I couldn’t get his Fastpass last year and was really hoping to meet him this year.
He’s been there for several years, but he is extremely popular year after year.
I’m glad to see Michael Easton (John) from OLTL on the list again. He’s the reason I went to my first SSW four years ago and he didn’t disappoint.
He’s so-o-o nice…and those blue eyes…. Definitely on my list this year.
Guaranteed that Brandon Barash (Johnnie) from General Hospital, a first-timer, will also be a big hit and his fast-passes will be in great demand.
I’m glad to see Bradford Anderson (Spinelli) returns this year, because he just so much fun!
I met him last year and I’m going to try to meet him again this year. His FastPasses were the first to go last year.
But here’s my problem.
Since this is the last Super Soap - why not make it an extravaganza?
Invite ALL the favorites.
There are just so many glaring omissions of actors/actresses who SHOULD be there.
What about John Brotherton (Jared) and Melissa Archer (Natalie) on OLTL?
And Mark Lawson (Brody) has acted his heart out and has been part of a high-profile story line.
Where’s he?
How about Claire Coffee (Nadine) on GH? I was hoping she would be there.
She is really popular, not to mention she’s been involved with Nikolas (Tyler Christopher) who is going to be there.
What about Carolyn Hennesy (Diane on GH)? She has a HUGE following and I hear she is wonderful to her fans.
How about brothers Derk Cheetwood (Max) and Drew Cheetwood (Milo) from GH. They would be such fun to meet!
And the most egregious oversight to me……Where are all the vets?
Erika Slezak, Viki on OLTL, is the ONLY vet on the entire list for all the shows.
There is the possibility of Susan Lucci (Erica on AMC) if she gets knocked out of Dancing With The Stars.
What about AMC’s David Canary (Adam)? Or from OLTL Hillary B. Smith (Nora), Catherine Hickland (Lindsay), Robin Strasser (Dorian), Jerry ver Dorn (Clint), Ilene Kristen (Roxy), and from GH Jane Alexander (Tracy), Leslie Charleson (Monica), Anthony Geary (Luke), Genie Francis (Laura) and John J. York (Mac) to name a few.
So I guess this would be Super Soap rant blog number two?
Permalink | Comments (5) | Post your comment | Categories: Super Soap Weekend 2008
Olivia gets an ‘A’ for attitude on General Hospital
I am loving Olivia on General Hospital, as played by the wonderful Lisa LoCicero.
It’s been so refreshing to have someone on the show who calls Connie/Kate on all her garbage, instead of worshipping her higher-than-thou, shallow ways.
When Olivia took Kate to task right before the wedding, I cheered her on.
But despite what Kate thinks, I don’t believe Olivia’s hostility stems from jealousy.
I mean, seriously, what does Kate have that anyone would be jealous of?
Her friends? That’s a laugh. Does she even really have any?
Her life? Basically one big lie? No thanks.
Her fiance? The man who repeatedly cheats on her? Um, no.
Olivia seems to truly love her cousin and wants what is best for her. I don’t blame her for feeling hurt by the way Kate turned her back on her family. Kate has been selfish and disrespectful, but Olivia obviously cares that her cousin lives a full, happy life.
The way she’s turned into a bulldog about Kate’s care — taking on Sonny, Jason, Patrick and Robin — has been a beautiful, unapologetically brash, thing. (Check out some of her scenes below.)
Maybe if she keeps this up, I might actually care what happens to Kate … simply because Olivia cares.
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This Year’s Super Soap Weekend Will Be The Last
It’s been less than 24 hours since Disney-ABC dropped the bombshell….the dreaded news that this year’s Super Soap Weekend - Nov. 15 and 16 - will be the last for the super popular event held annually at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World.
Yeah, you heard me right.
Disney-ABC is doing away with THE most popular event in the history of the free world.
Okay, maybe I’m being a tad bit dramatic, but, hey, we’re talking about soap fans here and they live for drama.
A press release issued Tuesday by Disney/ABC delivered the blow to millions of soap fans, while trying to put a positive spin on it.
In the press release, Brian Frons, president of Daytime Disney/ABC Television Group, announces a 2009 Soap Nation Tour in lieu of Super Soap because “Our fans have told us that they want us in their neighborhoods so we are traveling our daytime talent to better serve them.”
Ummmm. I’m not sure what fans Mr. Frons has talked to, but it’s certainly not any of the tens of thousands who attend the event each year.
“The 2009 tour will be a collection of coast-to-coast fan-based events that will ignite our ‘Soap Nation,’” Frons said.
The release cites a “Rock the Soap” cruise out of Los Angeles; the annual Broadway Cares event in NYC and the CMA’s music festival.
Here’s the thing.
The soap cruise is pretty expensive for the general soap fan and doesn’t appeal to a broad audience, particularly if you don’t like cruises.
The Broadway Cares event is a one-night musical event featuring soap stars, but it’s not at all interactive in terms of meeting the stars one-on-one.
And regarding the CMA music festival, that only appeals to a niche group of country music/soap fans.
I tell ya, soap fans are not happy about this and are not taking the news sitting down.
Reactions have been fast and furious and fans are mobilizing to try and save future SSW’s.
There’s already an online petition addressed to Frons and the ABC Teleivision Group with 220-plus names the last time I looked and the list was growing by the minute. It’s called the “Please Don’t Scrub Super Soap Weekend” petition.
Click here to read and/or sign the petition.
“Uprise and Uproar” were the words used by Jo Ann, host of Stardish Radio, about the reaction of soap fans to the disturbing news.
Jo Ann hosted her Tuesday show about SSW and I participated in the discussion. You can listen below.
Jo Ann on Stardish, which is part of BlogTalkRadio, has interviewed many soap stars and other celebrities and all of her back interviews can be heard on the Stardish website.
And I haven’t even gotten started on my feelings on the attending stars for this year’s event.
I’ll have to save that for another day.
The full list of 2008 attending soap stars was also released on SoapNet.com Tuesday and that sort of got lost in the shuffle, considering the future demise of the event.
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Tamara Braun joining All My Children
I read with interest the news that Tamara Braun has joined All My Children as Bianca’s new girlfriend, Reese. Her scenes will begin airing Oct. 30.
I am intrigued.
For one thing, this is Tamara Braun we’re talking about, probably one of the more well-known actresses in soap circles thanks to her turn as General Hospital’s Carly No.2. After a slightly rocky start, Tamara claimed the role as her own and developed a pretty substantial fan following.
Not too long ago, she popped up as Ava, Steve/Patch’s loony ex on Days of Our Lives. I enjoyed her in the role, although the character often reminded me of Carly. Plus, she had the thankless job of being thrown between uber-popular Steve and Kayla. To make things worse, Ava eventually hooked up with John of the uber-popular John and Marlena.
Talk about a character who couldn’t catch a break.
Now Tamara will be in the contract role (yes, contract role) of a very different sort.
Not only will she be playing a lesbian, which is a far cry from the man-eating soap characters of her past, but Tamara will also, I would assume, be portraying a kinder, gentler soul. Reese will be dating Eden Riegel’s Bianca — sweetness, fairness and light personified — after all.
It will be interesting to see Tamara’s take on the role. And whether audiences will accept her portraying someone less Carly-esque.
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Win a Phone Call from January LaVoy, Noelle on OLTL
Remember that sweet, lovable pie-baking waitress, Noelle Ortiz, from Moe’s Diner on One Life To Live?
Well, her portrayer, January LaVoy, wants to hear from you.
January is holding a contest and wants to get input from you - the fans - on how Noelle should get from Paris, Texas to Llanview.
The winner will win a phone call from January!
And I hear from very good sources at the OLTL fan club luncheon that January is so-o-o nice and such a fun and positive person.
I’d say that phone call will be quite a sought after prize.
So grab your pens and paper ASAP because there’s only five days left to postmark your entries.
The following is posted on her MySpace page:
How should we bring Noelle to Llanview from Paris, Texas????
With all the uncertainty surrounding Noelle and Moe, and all the changes going on in Llanview right now, one BIG question is — what will happen with Noelle? So many of you have asked about Noelle’s future, and told us you want to see her in Llanview…and we want to hear how YOU think it should happen! As a result, we are holding a Write In and Win contest and anyone is eligible to enter. The winner (who will be chosen by drawing) will receive a personal phone call from January LaVoy!
To enter into the drawing you must send in a letter or note to the OLTL studio that includes an idea to bring Noelle to Llanview. Any mail posted between September 8th and September 30th that includes the following will be entered (the entry MUST include the following):
Your Name: Address: Area code and Phone Number: How should Noelle get to Llanview?
The envelope should be addressed as such: January LaVoy c/o OLTL, ABC TV studios 56 W 66th Street New York, NY 10023 Attention: Noelle
All envelopes that are posted from September 8th to September 30th and include all the above inside will be considered one entry into the drawing. You can enter as many times as you like!
The winner will receive a personal phone call from January LaVoy and a writing pack filled with lots of fun JL fan stuff.
The winner will be announced on Saturday, October 4th. At that time we will schedule the winning phone call. If you have any questions, please email us at januarylavoy@mac.com
Good Luck!
A note from Noelle
Hey y’all - just wanted to let you all know that this is NOT an official ABC contest - in other words, this is just for FUN, for us to have a chat about the way I might come to Llanview! I surely hope y’all will still write in, and I can’t wait to talk with the winner! :)
Hugs, peace, & pies, Noelle :)
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AMC excelling at telling soldiers’ stories
I’ve been appreciating how All My Children has been handling the military aspects of the show.
It was a nice touch watching Frankie (Cornelius Smith Jr.) and Taylor (Beth Ehlers) get together with their comrades in arms, having a few drinks and sharing a few laughs as they prepare for redeployment.
AMC has done a nice job of showing the humanity, sacrifice and sense of duty that define these servicemen (and women).
But it hasn’t been all “rah rah.”
There has also been plenty of frustration, mainly on Frankie’s part because he’s ready to build a life outside the military.
As for Taylor, she has some deep, emotional wounds that has her grasping for what she knows well, her comfort zone: war.
It all makes for interesting drama. More importantly, it’s being handled in a respectful manner, unlike the other ABC soaps.
Both One Life to Live and General Hospital have turned their military men into a bunch of crazies.
GH’s Logan snapped, attacked Maxie and Lulu and got a fatal knife in the gut. OLTL’s Brody snapped, attacked Marcie and is now twitching around Shane with a gun.
GH’s other soldiers, Cooper and Cody, haven’t fared much better. Although at least Cody is still alive.
I know there are plenty of military personnel who are traumatized by what they see, and do, in war. And some, no doubt, have trouble coping.
But I bet there are even more of them who manage to live productive, relatively sane lives.
It’s refreshing to see AMC actually acknowledge that.
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Some ABC Soap Stars Confirmed for SSW 2008
Confirmations from ABC actors and actresses are trickling in on the official Disney website for the ultimate soapy extravaganza - Super Soap Weekend 2008.
Super Soap Weekend 2008 is set for Nov. 15 and 16 at Disney World’s Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM) in Orlando,
It will be the fourth time that Kara and I have attended this slightly crazy, but oh-so-fun event.
And it will be the second consecutive year that we will be blogging from there.
So if you’re not planning on attending, then make sure you keep checking back here for full reports.
Here’s the list so far:
Kassie DePaiva (Blair, OLTL) Susan Haskell (Marty, OLTL) Michael Easton (John McBain, OLTL) Jason Tam (Markko, OLTL) Brittany Underwood (Langston, OLTL)
Rebecca Budig (Greenlee, AMC) Bobbie Eakes (Krystal, AMC) Melissa Claire Egan (Annie, AMC) Thorsten Kaye (Zach Slater, AMC) Susan Lucci (Erica, AMC) Cameron Mathison (Ryan, AMC) Alicia Minshew (Kendall Slater, AMC) Aiden Turner (Aidan, AMC)
Host Bob Guiney
I’m glad to see there are some OLTL stars who weren’t there last year, namely Susan Haskell, Jason Tam and Brittany Underwood and I have to say I’m excited about all three.
Haskell has been involved in a pretty intense storyline since reprising the role that she made famous.
I bet her FastPass will be very popular.
Ditto for Tam and Underwood.
These two young actors have really grown and matured onscreen in their short time on OLTL and they have developed quite a following.
Notice there are no General Hospital stars confirmed as yet, but I’m sure that will change soon.
Last year, the entire list wasn’t complete until early October, which in my opinion is kind of late.
If you haven’t made your traveling plans, room reservations, etc., I strongly suggest making them now.
It just seems that the crowds get larger and larger each year.
And the lines get longer and you have to get to the gates earlier and earlier in order to get a fast pass to see your favorite star.
We will be updating the list as it gets closer and closer.
Anyone out there planning to attend?
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Ease up on Leyla, GH
Do you ever find yourself feeling sorry for some of the peripheral characters on soaps?
I was thinking about that as I watched Leyla and Jax on General Hospital.
Nurse Mir (played by Nazanin Boniadi) is lovely, smart and likes to laugh. But it’s hard to focus on her positives when the show keeps throwing her in as a third wheel to some other couple.
Remember when GH practically fed her to the wolves (i.e. Scrubs fans) by having Leyla get involved with Patrick soon after his breakup with Robin?
Ouch.
Talk about a no-win situation.
Then she was “pity dated” by Spinelli (although he worships every woman, so it wasn’t like he was dragged kicking and screaming). Leyla was touched by The Jackal’s kindness and gallantry; she even seemed to be developing a true crush on him. (Check out their scenes below. Very sweet.)
Too bad GH has him enamored with Maxie.
Even if Leyla were to pursue something with Spinelli, it would probably only be as a foil for the developing Spixie relationship.
Now, here Leyla is again, plopped smack dab in the middle of Jax and Carly’s ongoing dysfunction. At least this time Leyla was wise enough to bow out before it got too far.
It’s a shame she has become some sort of “go-to girl” when the show needs to cause friction between a couple. How’s a character supposed garner audience support that way?
I think, if given the chance, Leyla (and her portrayer) could be part of a successful pairing of her own, one that has nothing to do with being “the other woman.”
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: General Hospital
GH’s Sean, Tiffany to visit Night Shift
Holy 1980s!
Did I just hear right?
Sean Donely and Tiffany Hill will be making an appearance on General Hospital: Night Shift?
Wow.
I wonder what those two kids have been up to?
Last viewers knew, superspy (and sometimes villain) Sean and his TV/movie star wife, Tiffany (or Elsie Mae Crumholtz, as long-time viewers will hilariously recall), were off somewhere living a glorious life together.
Portayers John Reilly and Sharon Wyatt played comedy and drama so well together. In fact, now that I think of it, that’s kind of what made those super-popular ’80s GH couples shine. All of them had a wonderful mixture of humor, romance, adventure and heartache.
Hmmmm … I think today’s GH writers could definitely take a cue from that.
In any case, Sean and Tiffany are scheduled to be on the Oct. 21 season finale, along with Tristan Rogers as Robert, Finola Hughes as Anna and Anthony Geary as Luke.
It should be wonderful to see all of these characters together again.
I may even break out my Frankie Goes to Hollywood T-shirt just for the occasion.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: General Hospital: Night Shift 2
Rate The Soap Hunks: Hot or Not
You watch soap operas for the characters and the storylines, right?
Absolutely.
And there’s a certain perk that goes along with investing yourself in a soap opera.
It’s the men of daytime.
The soap hunks.
And there are plenty of ‘em.
Hunks, that is.
And our friends at the Austin American-Statesman recognize the popularity of aforementioned hunks.
In that vein, Austin360.com has launched an online survey to rate the hunks: Hot or Not
Click here to view the gallery of soap hunks and vote on whether they’re Hot or Not.
There are 46 photos of your favorites soap stars, which include Kamar de los Reyes (Antonio on OLTL), David Fumero (Christian on OLTL), Brandon Barash (Johnny on GH), Steve Burton (Jason on GH), Cameron Mathison (Ryan on AMC), Jacob Young (J.R. on AMC), John-Paul Lavoisier (Rex on OLTL), Brandon Buddy (Cole on OLTL), Jason Thompson (Patrick on GH), Aiden Turner (Aiden on AMC), Greg Vaughn (Lucky on GH), Rick Hearst (Ric on GH) and many more.
There are more hunks ABC Daytime as well as from Days of Our Lives, Guiding Light, As The World Turns, The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful.
Check it out.
I won’t tell you which ones are my favorites.
You’ll just have to check them out for yourselves.
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Thumbs Up For Spixie on General Hospital
I am officially loving Spixie!
For those of you not up on the lingo - it’s the pairing of Spinelli and Maxie on General Hospital.
The friendship between the always lovable, honest, trustworthy and loyal-to-a-fault Damien Spinelli and Maxie Jones - the formerly Bad Blonde One turned Maxinista - has totally redeemed Maxie’s character for me.
I so enjoy her now and really look forward to her scenes with Spinelli.
I really detested her after her fiascos with Logan (sleeping with him to hurt Lulu) and Lucky (feeding him pills, sleeping with him and breaking up his marriage with Elizabeth).
Not a real flattering picture when you look at her track record, eh?
But since she joined in grief with Spinelli over her sister Georgie’s death and formed a fast and wonderful friendship with someone so opposite from herself, Maxie (Kirsten Storms) really turned her life around for the better.
And she really has her friendship with Spinelli to thank for that.
I just love, love, love Spinelli, who refers to himself in the third person as The Jackal.
He’s my kind of guy.
He’s so much more appealing than say…..Sonny - who women just swoon over and do anything for and forgive him over and over and over every time he cheats on them.
Let’s not even go there.
Getting back to Spinelli, he’s played by the wonderfully, talented Bradford Anderson, who does funny just as easily as he plays serious.
And Storms really shines in her scenes with him.
The two really work off each other beautifully.
And the reason for all of my ramblings are their most recent scenes together - after Maxie was forced to tell the jury - with Spinelli present - about her seducing Logan to get back at Lulu.
Now, he already knew this.
But having to relive one of her less-than-stellar moments in front of Spinelli, whom she respects so much……Maxie was so embarrassed and had such a low opinion of herself that she was going to sever ties with Spinelli for his own good.
Such a selfless act from such a mostly selfish girl.
Storms was so real. So moving.
For the first time in a really long time, I felt for Maxie.
“You’re much too good a person to waste yourself on me,” she said. “What is wrong with you? Why don’t you understand me? People who believe in me always wind up disappointed or hurt and addicted to pain pills or just plain angry and bitter and I need to leave before I do that to you.”
Spinelli answers, “Regardless of your opinion of your own unworthiness, the truth is you have been loyal and compassionate to The Jackal. His spirits have been uplifted by your angelic kindness. You have broadened my horizons and provided insight and advice…..If you think that watching you bravely facing your demons in a court of law could change my high esteem of you, then you don’t know me very well. I have never seen you more brave or more beautiful than you were today.”
Catch that hug at the end of their talk.
Awwwww. How cute is that?
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One Life To Live Is A Mess
I am officially depressed.
And extremely agitated and upset.
Things have to be pretty dire because I’m writing my second rant blog in the same week about One Life To Live - my fave soap!
The show has gone downhill even further since the beginning of the week (which I didn’t think was possible) and it was so bad after Wednesday’s show that I don’t feel like watching.
And that is serious!
Click here to read my earlier rant.
Here’s my big thing….I watch soaps as an E-S-C-A-P-E from reality.
I like soapy, fun-type drama. That’s why I watch soaps….
I do not, however, tune in to watch violence, torture, pain and suffering and get depressed afterward.
And that’s what’s happening.
Wednesday’s episode was so dark and so depressing that I couldn’t wait until it ended.
Let’s recap.
First you have poor Natalie (Melissa Archer) being held captive in Llanfair’s basement by her sister’s demented alter personality, Tess (Bree Williamson).
The two actresses are really hitting it out of the ball park with their scenes. Absolutely.
That’s probably why I’m so distressed by it all.
Their scenes are so believable that it’s all too scary for me.
Williamson is doing such a great job of playing the malevolent, Tess, that it’s so uncomfortable to watch Natalie come to the horrific realization that there’s no way out.
First of all, this storyline is a rewrite from eons ago when one of Viki’s alters held Dorian captive in the basement.
Just when I thought we were done with all those regurgitated past storylines from the 40th anniversary episodes.
Enough already!
Then there was Tina (Andrea Evans) sniveling and sniffling to Viki’s picture in the living room because she is being blackmailed into silence about Tess holding Natalie captive.
The wonderfully, talented Andrea Evans and this is the only thing the writers can come up for her to do?
Then there’s Christian (David Fumero) being held on a ship by Carlo (Thom Christopher) - been there, done that too.
The last time Carlo held Christian captive on a ship, Carlo wiped away Christian’s memory and brainwashed him into killing Tico Santi.
Personally, I thought that was one of the worst and darkest storylines in OLTL history.
So on Thursday’s episode, that s/l went from bad to worse by throwing Christian into a Columbian prison.
Why is it that OLTL writers just love, love, love torturing the Vega family?
I just don’t get it.
Both Vega boys have had more than their share of pain and suffering.
Then there was Jared (John Brotherton) off in the aforementioned Columbian prison (talk about dark and depressing) trying to strike a deal with Langston’s long-lost Uncle Ray Montez (A. Martinez) and break him out to wreak havoc with Langston’s life, per orders of Clint.
I really like Langston and dread the heartache that she’s about to experience.
Those scenes in the Columbian prison gave me the creeps.
Once again, not something I’m looking for in my soap opera fare.
In between all of this dark drama, you have a few light scenes between Cole (Brandon Buddy) and Matthew (Eddie Alderson) talking about Matthew’s fears about getting beat up in high school. I do like the dynamic between these two young actors and it did offer some light moments in an otherwise dreary hour.
There also were some nice moments with Starr (Kristen Alderson) and Langston (Brittany Underwood).
But, honestly, how uplifting is a seven-month pregnant 16-year-old ready to go back to high school while pregnant?
I like the real friendship that shows through in scenes with Alderson and Underwood. Alderson has done a wonderful job with a tough s/l.
But it’s not exactly a feel-good, happy s/l.
For me, the highlight of Wednesday’s show was when Natalie (I just love how she is so spunky, even in distress) struck out verbally at Tess.
“You’re just an angry bitch with an axe to grind.”
She practically spat those words through the thick, soundproof glass.
Pretty gutsy, eh?
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AMC’s Colin Egglesfield, Billy Miller will be missed
As I’ve been watching All My Children this week, I’ve realized a few things.
First, I’m going to miss Colin Egglesfield as Josh Madden.
I think it’s a shame the show couldn’t do more with him long term, especially considering TPTB took the time to introduce the character based on some pretty preposterous history rewrites.
But I will say that AMC at least had the decency to give him a pretty dramatic exit story. Rather than have him just quietly slip from the canvas (i.e. Brooke, Ava, Jonathan), the show is using his departure to create tension and drama. I mean, ticking off Zach (Thorsten Kaye) and trampling his trust is definitely a recipe for explosion.
Already, Josh’s actions are giving Zach and Kendall (Alicia Minshew) some friction in their relationship, which should keep this electric pair front and center, where they belong.
So I suppose it’s not all a waste, but I can’t help but think AMC dropped the ball on this one.
Another person I’m going to miss? Billy Miller as Richie.
Yeah, I know. He’s already dead. But the guy is so deliciously, evilly funny as wacky Annie’s personal peanut gallery. Did you see the scenes where he’s lying on the bed, chomping on popcorn, while he “helps” Annie (Melissa Claire Egan) plan Greenlee’s demise? If not, check ‘em out below. Such a macabre hoot.
It’s gonna be hard to finally see him gone from Pine Valley, but I wish the actor all the best on The Young and the Restless.
Finally, there’s Kathy. I know that her behavior toward Krystal is unacceptable and that the little girl needs some serious help. But I feel for the kid because … frankly? I don’t like Krystal much either.
In fact, I really, really, really, really, really wish Tad wasn’t tied to her in any fashion. Not that Jenny isn’t cute, but I keep hoping she’ll actually turn out to be Adam’s.
Hey, it could happen.
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One Life To Live Needs To Turn Around Some Storylines - Fast
It was just a couple of short weeks ago that I couldn’t wait to get home and turn on One Life To Live.
I LOVED the 40th anniversary plotlines….the Mendorra one was iffy - but I loved the ending with Carlo and Jonas in bed together. That was just so entertaining!
Well, here.
Watch for yourself. Tina’s reaction is so funny!
I also LOVED the 40th anniversary Viki in heaven s/l when she was reunited with Ben.
And I really LOVED the 1968 plotline the most - although not everybody did and it did go on a wee bit too long.
But, hey, nothing’s perfect and not everyone is going to love everything.
Let’s get back to what’s happening now.
The only s/l that I’m interested in is Gigi/Rex/Brody and the John/Blair possibilities.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not one of those who is going to stop watching OLTL.
Not gonna happen.
It’s my favorite.
Always has been.
HOWEVER, and notice that big however, there are so many things that I don’t like about it right now and I’m starting to wonder how head writer Ron Carlivati could go from so good - to so bad.
Let’s start with the Bo/Lindsay jail scene.
Bo (Robert S. Woods) walking away from Lindsay (Catherine Hickland) was just ludicrous to me.
First of all, it’s plain stupid that she’s in jail at all, because her defense should have been that she killed Spencer Truman to protect Blair, who was about to be raped.
Put that aside.
I would have thought that the fact that Bo saw his past, looked at how he lived his life and settled things in his head regarding his father - it would have given him the peace of mind to allow him to forgive Lindsay and stand by her.
All of his broken relationships in the past were because he’s been unable to forgive.
And, yes, it was because he always wanted to be the anti-Asa, which has endeared him to everyone (including me).
But here’s the thing, you can be a good person, do the right thing and also forgive those you love for mistakes that they’ve made.
You would think that looking back on the fact that he survived Vietnam might spur him to live life to the fullest.
Okay. You get the picture. I hated that Bo walked away from Lindsay.
Let’s move on to Todd (Trevor St. John) and Marty (Susan Haskell).
That s/l just gets creepier and creepier.
The idea that the man who raped her is basically holding her prisoner, because she’s an invalid who can’t remember her past - well it kinda makes my skin crawl.
It’s basically Stockholm Syndrome at it’s worst, because she doesn’t remember that she has a son and a life.
And she doesn’t know that John McBain was devastated by her “death.”
All she knows are the lies that Todd is feeding her.
And now he’s planning on getting a hold of Starr’s child and raise it with his captive.
The whole s/l is just icky.
And let’s not even talk about that kiss.
Then there’s Tess.
Paging Jessica!
Bree Williamson, portrayer, of Jess/Tess, is so talented. Those scenes of Nash’s death as Jess - well she certainly deserves an Emmy for those.
Now, as her alter Tess, she does such a great job being evil that it’s scary. And that’s why I hate Tess.
I HATE the fact that she locked Tina and her poor little dog in the sound-proof cellar room.
And now she drugged Natalie…..Hate that too!
It’s no wonder Tess and Todd struck a deal - devil to devil.
Getting back to Todd, there’s one more thing that I hate and it’s the fault of the writing.
I hate the fact that Todd has become this monster.
Since, Trevor St. John took over the role, he showed a kinder, gentler Todd, which is what I really liked.
Now, Todd has reverted back to being a monster, like he was written back in the Roger Howarth days. So maybe the writers are trying to appease the Roger fans. I really don’t know. All I know is I want the nicer side of Todd back.
I have to say, TSJ is so talented he switches from evil Todd to nice Todd so deftly that one minute I love Todd and the next minute I hate him. That’s a tribute to TSJ’s acting.
I hate the Marcie and Michael split. They belong together. And I hated that Marcie was sad when she watched Michael dancing with Layla.
And what about the Vince/Layla split? Talk about that coming out of nowhere. I was stunned and saddened by that one, because I like Tika Sumpter and Tobias Truvillion together.
Regarding the Clint/Nora split, I wasn’t a big fan of the pairing in the beginning.
Now, just as I’m starting to like them together - WHAM - they split up.
What???
Just as fans start to get invested in the pair, they go bye bye as a couple? I hope not.
And what about Christian being knocked over the head and kidnapped.
What the h* is that about?
Christian has been through the wringer. He really has.
And now, just as he and Sarah are about to find happiness, he’ s kidnapped?
OLTL need a serious writing makeover - STAT!
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GH: A little good, a little bad
Just a few quick General Hospital thoughts:
That was a nice scene between Carly and Sonny at the MetroCourt. (See below.) It reminded me of why they actually made a good couple at one point. Of course, tender, mature moments between these two are few and far between … and are usually a sign that their romantic lives are about to blow up. Limo sex anyone?
Speaking of the secret that Clarice just spilled to Kate, those were some funny moments between Max and Diane. Those two are golden together. But I must say I was a tad annoyed with Diane. Why on earth would she think Max would “betray” Sonny by telling Kate about his romp with Carly? It made absolutely no sense, particularly coming from one of the few GH women who seems to have her head on straight.
So … it’s OK for Carly, mother of Michael and Morgan, to visit Jason at his office. (And even go grocery shopping with him, for celery’s sake!) And it’s OK for Maxie to move into Jason’s penthouse to take care of Spinelli. But it’s not OK for Elizabeth, the woman he loves, to spend any time with him at all, even in secret? What gives, GH?
As for Johnny’s trial … Oh, nevermind. That’s waaayyyy too easy to pick on. Next.
OK, I will say this about the trial: Ghost Alan! And Edward and Tracy in a story line (sort of). Yay. I really do miss the Quartermaines.
Maybe the show will find a way to squeeze Monica in, too.
Yeah, I won’t hold my breath on that either.
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David’s return should stir up AMC
So David Hayward is heading back to All My Children.
And not a day too soon, if you ask me.
When the show let go of Vincent Irizarry as the dastardly doctor, it was another one of those “huh?” moments, on par with Dixie’s death and Erica’s un-abortion.
David was a great example of someone who could do despicable things, yet managed to find your sympathy just when you thought all hope was lost for the character.
He was a wonderful foil for Tad and Adam. A smart, charismatic troublemaker who could show remarkable tenderness and loyalty for those he loved.
Actually, I always appreciated David and Dixie (Cady McClain) together. I know, that’s sacrilege for all the Tad/Dixie lovers out there (and I do love the Martin/Cooney union myself), but there was always an interesting dynamic between the devious doc and his “steel magnolia” patient.
Dixie brought out David’s softer side. You could actually see him trying to be a better person with her, trying to be worthy of her goodness.
On the flip side, Dixie had a lot of spunk when she was with David. I think he challenged her in a way that Tad never could.
Too bad she’s dead.
Hmmmm ….
Then again, didn’t David have a hand in Maria’s “death”? Perhaps he’s got Dixie stashed away somewhere, taking care of her while everyone else thinks she’s slipped this earthly realm.
Hey, it could happen. It’s a soap, right?
In any case, it will be nice to have David back on AMC, although something tells me many of Pine Valley’s residents won’t feel the same.
Hee.
Let the David drama begin.
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Check Out Interviews with Michael E. Knight (AMC’s Tad) and Natalia Livingston (GH’s Emily)
Who doesn’t love Michael E. Knight as Tad Martin on All My Children and Natalia Livingston as Emily (before her demise) on General Hospital?
Arguably, Tad and Emily are two of the most beloved characters in the soap world.
At least in my opinion.
And I guess my opinion counts right now because I’m the one writing this blog.
If you haven’t listened to Jo Ann’s soap star interviews on Stardish Radio , Monday, Sept. 1 (Labor Day) at 10 p.m. EST would be a good time to start.
That’s when Jo Ann will interview Knight.
And I can promise you, because I’ve met him and seen him in action at Super Soap Weekend, he is a lot of fun. So I expect it will be a good interview to catch.
Tad and Kathy on AMC
Go to the website at www.stardishradio.com and it will give you directions on how to listen in and even ask some questions. It’s called BlogTalk radio, which is an interesting concept.
You also can go into the archives and listen to her past interviews and she has a pretty impressive list of interviews to date, which include
Jo Ann has gotten a lot of soap stars, including David Fumero (Christian, OLTL), Kamar de los Reyes (Antonio, OLTL), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli, GH), Antonio Sabato, Jr. (Jagger, GH and GH Nightshift, season 2) and the list goes on and on.
So boot up your computers Monday night and listen to Jo Ann talk to Michael E. Knight.
Regarding Natalia, I know that many Emily fans (including me) have been missing her big time since she was killed off of GH back in November, although, luckily, we did see her as Nikolas’ hallucination for six months after her death.
And many Natalia fans have been wondering what she has been doing since her 5-years with GH ended.
Wonder no more.
There is a really good interview up on the Natalia Livingston website. Go there and click on updates. The latest update is an interview conducted by Jennifer, who runs Natalia’s site at www.natalia-livingston.com.
The entire interview is interesting.
But there was one portion that was particularly fascinating to me about the possibility of her return to GH.
I’m not going to spoil it for you.
Go to the Natalia board and listen for yourself.
And then let me know what you think.
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Latest comments
It does hurt to watch the ads say it’s the last SSW. Also, SSW will probably be packed to the hilt now. And it is always worth the pain in the end. LuAnne
... read the full comment by LuAnne C | Comment on Super Soap Weekend ads add insult to injury Read Super Soap Weekend ads add insult to injury
I absolutely agree with you Kara! What is their ulterior motive by these ads? Could it be that they are trying to get so many more ppl to go, because it is the last one? I don’t know.?
... read the full comment by JoAnn | Comment on Super Soap Weekend ads add insult to injury Read Super Soap Weekend ads add insult to injury
LuAnne!!! YAY! So good to hear from you! Of course I remember you! I still have a photo of the three of us in the AMC line that 1st morning. We will be there. We already have reservations and we are going to blog live again each day. We’ll definitely
... read the full comment by Michele | Comment on What's Up With the List of Super Soap Stars? Read What's Up With the List of Super Soap Stars?
I agree 150% about the lack of vets at SSW. My 2 faves are Robert S. Woods and Kin Shriner. I hope to see you again this year ( Remember AMC fast pass line 2007?) LuAnne in Ohio
... read the full comment by LuAnne C | Comment on What's Up With the List of Super Soap Stars? Read What's Up With the List of Super Soap Stars?