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February 2008
Dr. Devlin May Not Be Such A Good Doctor, After All
So I pretty much crashed and burned Big Time with my guess about General Hospital’s Text-Message Killer.
Yeah, I thought it was either Daniel the bus boy or Dr. Ian Devlin (Seamus Dever).
WRONG!
Instead, we have Diego Alcazar miraculously returning from the dead.
I know. I know. It’s a soap. Expect that no one is ever really dead.
But in doing some serious intel - it has come to my attention from two independent sources that maybe I wasn’t so offbase about Dr. Devlin having a dark side.
I ran into Catherine in Publix Wednesday. Catherine is a long-time ABC soap fan and is big into GH.
Haven’t seen her for awhile, but we start chatting about the TMK reveal and my pick about Dr. Devlin.
Then Catherine says that she thinks Dr. Devlin is really the guy with the tattoo who is talking by phone to Jerry Jax, while Jerry’s pretending to be Mr. Moreau.
Jerry - as Moreau - is trying to get Lorenzo Alcazar’s docks for this as yet unnamed, unseen mystery man with a tattoo on his shoulder.
Catherine lays this theory on me…..and I’m thinking she might have something there.
The next day, I see my nail tech, Angela….also a long-time ABC soap fan.
I’m telling her how I bungled the TMK killer’s identity.
Before I even got to Catherine’s theory, Angela immediately blurted out that she thinks Devlin is the guy with the tattoo.
“It’s the voice,” Angela says. “It’s the same.”
Whoa!
Two separate sources, independent of each other, predicting the same thing.
There could be something to this theory.
I just hope it doesn’t take another five months - like the TMK’s identity - to be revealed.
Anyone else out there think they may be onto something?
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: General Hospital
AMC’s Zach, Greenlee should stay just friends
I’m enjoying Zach (Thorsten Kaye) and Greenlee’s (Rebecca Budig) friendship on All My Children. (Although I still think I would appreciate it more if Sabine Singh were still in the role. But, oh, well.)
What I don’t like, however, are the not-so-subtle innuendos flying from everyone’s lips, Zach and Greenlee’s included.
Some examples (and I paraphrase, of course):
Erica to Kendall: Zach and Greenlee have gotten really close.
Greenlee to Zach: They say men and women can’t really be friends because sex always gets in the way. Why didn’t that happen with us?
Zach to Greenlee: Maybe we got out in time.
Greenlee to Zach: Do you think if we’d been in that bomb shelter longer something would have happened?
Zach to Greenlee: What happened with us is more intimate than sex.
Oh, yeah, and let’s not forget their parting glances — Zach’s over Kendall’s shoulder, Greenlee’s over Aidan’s.
Ugh.
I don’t know if anything will come of these little comments and sly looks, but I do know that it disappoints me that soaps have so few true platonic male/female friendships.
Most of the ones that develop usually have a history of sex between them. Cass and Felicia on Another World. Carly and Jason on General Hospital.
But male/female friendships without sex can be done.
My favorite? GH’s Jax (Ingo Rademacher) and Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn).
I’ll admit I used to want them together romantically. And still think they’d make one rockin’ couple if GH ever decided to go that route. But I’m relatively glad they didn’t.
It’s so refreshing to see the scenes between Jax and Alexis and know that the feelings are genuine and based on nothing more than the simple fact these two love and respect one another.
I could see that being the case with Zach and Greenlee, too, if only AMC has the guts to write a male/female relationship that doesn’t fall back on sex to make things “interesting.”
I know it’s a soap, and I know there’s nothing much soapier than a best friend/husband romp.
But really, AMC, I’m much more intrigued to see how you can build a strong relationship between Zach and Greenlee that doesn’t rely on the constant tease of “will they, won’t they.”
Men and women can be friends. Honestly. It happens. So why don’t you try writing that kind of story for Zach and Greenlee?
I think you’d be pleasantly surprised.
Permalink | Comments (6) | Post your comment | Categories: All My Children
Daytime Emmys: An honor to be prenominated?
Last week, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences announced the prenominations for this year’s Daytime Entertainment Emmy Awards. (If you aren’t exactly clear on what prenoms entail, soapcentral.com has a nice article explaining the ins and outs.)
Now, I am in no way, shape or form qualified to judge which one of these soap thespians is most qualified for the ultimate nomination.
Despite the notions of some of my coworkers, I don’t watch soaps all day, every day.
Just all day, some days.
Oh, I kid.
The fact is I try to keep tabs on most of the shows, but there are some I’m more involved with than others. With that in mind, here are some of my thoughts on the prenom list:
Why is the fabulously talented, would-have-chemistry-with-a limp-rag dynamo like Alicia Minshew nominated for supporting, rather than lead, actress? Yeah, yeah. I know. The actors select which category they want to be considered for. But, Alicia, dear? In case no one’s told you yet, you practically carried All My Children on your delicate shoulders all year. In fact, I implored the Academy to hand you the Emmy way back in August. Heck, your on-screen partner, Thorsten Kaye, is in the lead actor category. That should tell you something right there.
Um, General Hospital’s Megan Ward is a lead actress? Huh? She started on the show like two weeks ago. (OK, I exaggerate, but really now. It’s just not right, I tell ya.) It’s no wonder I felt like her character was taking up a lot of air time because, lo and behold, I guess she was. At least enough to be considered a lead. To be clear, this is a question of category, not talent. Do I think Megan’s a good actress? Sure. Do I have a problem with her being nominated? Not really. Do I think Kate is a lead role? Nope.
I’m ashamed to ask this, but who does Jeffrey Carlson play on AMC? … quick google check … Oops. My bad. That’s Zarf/Zoe! OK, he can stay. Sorry, Jeffrey. Carry on.
Oooh, oooh. Sabine Singh of AMC. Yay. Is it completely petty of me to want her to get a nomination and win and ride that victory to primetime, the silver screen and discovering the cure for cancer? All so she can thumb her nose at the classless yahoos at AMC/ABC? Oh, yeah, and in her Emmy speech she can say things like, “I can’t believe this is ‘real.’ It’s been a ‘real’ treat to be here. Is the ‘Real World’ still on?” How cool would that be? For real.
Speaking of people who were let go before their time, I see a few other names who are rightfully on the prenom list yet inexplicably not on their respective shows anymore. Scott Bryce and Grayson McCouch from As the World Turns are stellar examples. Good luck, guys. If I can’t see you in Oakdale, then may you have a nice, shiny Emmy on your mantle as recognition for the character and passion you brought to your roles.
So, there are some of my initial thoughts on the Daytime Emmys prenom list.
Anything pique your interest?
Permalink | Comments (6) | Post your comment | Categories: Emmys
Diego Alcazar: General Hospital’s Text-Message Killer
From the “Out of Left Field Department” - Diego Alcazar as the Text-Message Killer.
No sooner do I go out on limb and predict who lurks behind the black ski mask as the Text-Message Killer and - BINGO - the TMK is finally revealed on General Hospital.
Surprise!
It’s Diego!
DIEGO???
Diego (Ignacio Serricchio) who was shot to death in front of our eyes by Sam…..oh kaaaaay…..
I must admit - I was totally and completely taken aback.
In fact, when he pulled off his ski mask in the BIG REVEAL - I began screaming at the T.V.
Let me say, I had absolutely NO IDEA that A. the TMK would be revealed on Friday and B. it would be Diego. Although apparently there were some spoilers to that effect floating around in cyberspace. I never saw them.
There were some subtle hints - like the fact that Kristina was rendered uncommunicative when she looked outside and saw someone lurking.
The only other time she was in that state, was after she witnessed Diego being shot by her half-sister, Sam McCall.
Here’s what I just don’t get - the TMK killed wise, wonderful Georgie. Georgie was the only one in Port Charles who liked Diego and was nice to him even after he went to prison.
How are they going to explain that one?
I must say, I’m really disappointed.
Suspending reality is a given in soap watching.
But this goes wa-a-a-y beyond that realm.
If it was Diego’s father, Lorenzo Alcazar, who returned as the TMK, I could have accepted that. He was killed off-camera and a body was never found. But Diego was shot to death on screen and there was a whole mourning scene by Ted King as Lorenzo, followed by a dark period for Lorenzo’s character.
So, Diego is alive - How?
I don’t know how they’re going to explain it, but I’m tuning in today to see what happens.
Permalink | Comments (8) | Post your comment | Categories: General Hospital
Who is General Hospital’s Text-Message Killer?
Enough with the Text-Message Killer already!
How long are the General Hospital writers going to drag on this never-ending storyline?
And how many of the characters are they going to cast suspicion on that it’s them?
Let’s do the math.
Although I’m the first to admit that math is not my strong point.
This storyline began with Leticia’s murder back in September.
That’s right. I said September.
It’s now the end of February…..and counting.
How many victims later?
We have Leticia, Emily and Georgie - dead.
Here’s Spinelli finding Georgie’s body.
Then there was Carly, Maxie, Sam and Alexis attacked, but they lived to tell about it.
And how many of the male characters have been made to look like they were the killer?
Let’s see.
There was Anthony Zacharra, Johnny Zacharra, Nikolas, Lucky, Daniel the busboy and Coop.
Actually, Coop is also in the victim category, because he was killed and framed to look like the TMK.
The latest suspect is Logan - and that new doctor, Dr. Devlin. The doc has been looking very suspicious lately.
And there’s always Mr. Craig aka Jerry Jacks aka Mr. Moreau.
Hello! The guy is a sick, freak who masterminded the Metro Court hostage situation, shot Robin, terrorized the hostages and basically killed Alan.
So yeah, he’s on the short list.
Let’s do the math.
We have five months, eight victims, nine or more suspects.
And do we know who it is yet?
That would be a no!
I must admit, when Lulu discovered the mask and the message device in Logan’s apartment - I was convinced it was him at that point.
My guess is that it’s either Daniel the busboy or Dr. Devlin - and I’m leaning towards the good doctor right now.
But it’s already been WAY too long for me.
Let’s hope the next text message is Bye, Bye to the killer.
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I hope ATWT’s Craig returns soon
I’m not really sure what’s going on at As the World Turns nowadays.
I’ve already blogged about my displeasure over the demise of Dusty Donovan (and thus the loss of his charismatic portrayer, Grayson McCouch).
The show also killed off ventriloquist Sam, and while he was a tad bit creepy, he was played by the magnificently deep-dimpled Wally Kurth. It’s just sad to see the actor disappear from our screens once more.
ATWT’s latest genius move?
Axing Scott Bryce and drop-kicking his immensely layered, entertaining alter ego Craig from the canvas.
Huh?
I’ll admit, I have a bit of a soft spot for bad-guy Craig. Whether played by originator Scott or someone else (my personal favorite was Hunt Block, who is now One Life to Live’s dastardly Lee Ramsey), the character was never boring. He had a way of stirring things up in Oakdale.
Although Craig was more often than not up to no good, I always felt that behind the scheming and rottenness was a man who desperately wanted to find someone who truly loved and understood him and would support him, even at his worst.
Of course, his worst typically skewed toward the despicable, so he inevitably blew apart any relationship he was in. But Craig had a knack for making me believe he had at least intended to do right when it came to the woman he loved.
The latest object of his desire was Meg, and I thought ATWT did a great job laying the foundation for a Craig/Meg/Paul triangle. Adding Rosanna to the mix was like icing on a three-layered cake.
But the promise of this story never came to fruition … and now it never will.
The good news is Craig is still alive, so he can … and probably will … return someday to wreak more havoc in Oakdale.
I just hope ATWT comes to its senses and makes that day sooner rather than later.
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The Big Crash on Days of Our Lives
Suzanne Oberman, our DOOL specialist, has returned as a guest blogger to offer her commentary on the latest happenings in Salem.
What Will Happen In the Aftermath of the Plane Crash?
By Suzanne Oberman
Watching John’s plane lose control and crash this past week on Days of Our Lives was kind of like watching the Titanic sink: slow and torturous. Although John’s sarcastic quips did make it entertaining.
From the beginning I couldn’t figure out if John was behind the plane’s malfunctions from the way he was acting. However, by the time most of the Brady clan was about to meet their maker, I became convinced that John didn’t have anything to do with it.
Then again, it is the type of show where one can die in front of his/her entire family in the hospital and then mysteriously be alive and hidden in a dungeon after being buried. Makes you think doesn’t it?
I also have to say that I am thoroughly enjoying this “new” John Black (Drake Hogestyn). There’s no more ridiculous eye brow lifting, and this new cold, callous type of character suits his acting abilities very well.
But will the new robotic John remain?
Or will the old syrupy John return to his beloved Doc?
So far, cold and callous is pulling ahead.
Moreover, is it truly believable that the only casualty from this tremendous crash and loss of oxygen was “Pop,” who, quite honestly, was probably about to kick the bucket anyway?
Again, no, but it is necessary for me to remove “believable” from my vocabulary for one fabulous hour a day.
What fate will meet Salem’s main players next?
Check out this video of the plane going down.
They crashed somewhere in Iceland or the North Pole with little to no shelter and no food. Although John did manage to find the mini bottles of liquor from the destroyed plane!
Perhaps Kayla will lose her baby; Bo will have brain damage or Chloe will admit to killing Brady. We know Belle and Shawn are history at the end of the month, and maybe little Claire will melt John’s heart before her parents’ (and presumably her) departure.
Or, will everyone live happily ever after?
I prefer all the drama that Salem has to offer and I am excited to see where the “Big Crash of ‘08” will lead!
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Allison Perkins Wreaks Havoc With A New Secret On One Life To Live
I am just dying to know Allison Perkins’ big secret!
Aren’t you?
To begin with, everytime Allison Perkins comes back to Llanview something bad happens….
I mean really bad!
After all, Allison was the key player in one of the most infamous OLTL storylines - the Buchanan babyswitch.
On the orders of psycho cult leader Mitch Laurence, Allison switched Viki’s twins Natalie and Jessica - giving Natalie to Roxanne Balson in Atlantic City to be raised in squalor. At the time, Viki believed she only had one baby.
The truth was revealed years later and Natalie returned to the fold as a grown woman - not without a lot of turmoil.
Now that Natalie has successfully assimilated into Buchanan life…..SURPRISE!
Allison returns to turn everyone’s life upside down….Well, at least it seems so.
We don’t really know yet exactly what her secret is….
But I can tell you one thing.
It can’t be good!
Allison is nuts.
I mean, totally wacko.
But there is something I really like about having her in Llanview.
Crazy, eh?
I think it’s because even though Allison does all these bad things, there’s something likeable that Barbara Garrick brings to the table in her portrayal of the totally looney character.
So what can the secret be??
There’s some speculation that the secret is about Rex’s true father and that it may Mitch Laurence…..
When we left Allison on Friday, she was pointing a gun at Jessica at the Go Red Ball.
Here she is in her red dress.
I guess today we’ll find out what havoc Allison will wreak at the ball.
And if we’re lucky - we’ll soon find out her secret.
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Spend ‘Knight’ with Justin Bruening
So it looks like Justin Bruening has traded one Michael Knight for another.
For those who don’t know, All My Children’s ex-Jamie is returning to our television screens tonight in a two-hour movie, Knight Rider, on NBC.
Based on the 1980s series of the same name, Bruening steps into the role of Mike Tracer, the estranged son of original hero, Michael Knight (who was played by David Hasselhoff).
Catch the irony?
On AMC Jamie’s father, Tad, was portrayed by none other than Michael E. Knight.
Even more ironic, Catherine Hickland (Lindsay on One Life to Live) was married, at different times, of course, to both Knight and Hasselhoff.
Whew.
It’s almost soap-opera worthy.
In any case, if you want to check Bruening out … and the show, too (tee, hee) … and offer support to a former soap star, tune in.
We’re talking cute guy in a techno-tricked-out Ford Mustang here.
How can you go wrong?
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: One Life To Live
OLTL’s Natalie, Jessica prove siblings super on soaps
I love sibling interaction on soaps.
Whether it’s the timeless awesomeness of the Bradys on Days of Our Lives, or the never-ending animosity between Ric and Sonny on General Hospital, I am always entertained by the interplay between brothers and sisters on daytime TV.
My latest enjoyment has come from watching Natalie (Melissa Archer) and Jessica (Bree Williamson) on One Life to Live.
What fascinates me about these two is that, though they are fraternal twins, they only became aware of each other about a decade ago.
Only in soaps, eh?
When first introduced, Natalie was a girl with a secret. A scheming, up-to-no-good girl, at that.
Turns out, she was Viki and Clint’s daughter, although machinations by Mitch Lawrence and others resulted in a childhood that was far from the luxury and warmth she would have found in the bosom of the Buchanan family. That had been reserved for her twin, Jessica.
To say Natalie harbored a tiny bit of resentment for her more-fortunate twin would be an understatement.
Through the years, though, Natalie and Jessica developed a real, deep and touching bond.
What’s truly ironic is that their personalities have kind of switched.
Since Jessica developed her alter-ego Tess, and they were integrated, she’s become harder-edged and more of a risk taker.
Natalie, on the other hand, has softened and has been the voice of reason during their ongoing Allison adventure.
But I guess that’s what siblings do for each other. Provide balance. Whether adding to the mischievousness of your life or bringing you back down to earth when you need it most, brothers and sisters play an important role in your development as an individual.
It’s nice to see that connection and influence recognized on soaps.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: One Life To Live
GH’s Lulu falls in love too fast
What in the name of Luke and Laura is Lulu doing on General Hospital?
The daughter of soaps’ mega-super couple should not be having such lame love stories.
Seriously.
I thought she and Logan had real potential. I mean, it doesn’t get much better than pairing Luke’s daughter with the son of longtime nemesis Scotty Baldwin.
Julie Marie Berman (Lulu) and Josh Duhon (Logan) have a nice chemistry. And their story line had plenty of soapy goodness. Bad boy Logan makes bet with bad girl Maxie that he can get (sorta) good girl Lulu into bed. Once he gets to really know his target, though, Logan develops genuine feelings for her … and shows a side of himself to Lulu that few people see.
When friends and family warned her about Logan, Lulu told them that he was a better person than he appeared to be. She understood him. She knew who he really was.
Classic set-up, really. But then GH went and blew it.
Instead of building Logan and Lulu’s story and showing the nuances of the situation, the powers that be put these characters on the relationship express. Logan never truly had to work for Lulu’s affection; she pretty much capitulated after one measly date. She then bedded and moved in with him, all in the span of several months.
Now enter Johnny (Brandon Barash).
Johnny and Lulu meet, she spends a few hours with him here and there, and suddenly she “understands” him and “knows” the kind of person he is … even though she’s only been acquainted with him for several months.
And apparently he feels the same way.
Sound familiar?
Maybe Lulu really is so spectacular that men instantly fall under her spell. I just don’t see it.
All I see is an awkward attempt by GH to force a love story on viewers, rather than taking the time to show us why two people are perfect for each other, why they connect, why they keep coming back for more.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: General Hospital
An Interesting Interview with Bradford Anderson aka Spinelli
Do you know what Bradford Anderson’s favorite theatre production is?
It’s “The Fantastiks.”
I love that play, too!
It’s one of my all-time favorites.
Anderson, the actor who so aptly plays Damian Spinelli on General Hospital, fielded a boatload of questions posed to him by Penny, her co-bloggers, friends and fans over at the Bradford Anderson Fan Blog.
I just read the interview and was so struck by his candid answers that I wanted to share the interview with the readers of Soapbox.
Check it out by clicking here.
Scroll down under entries for Monday, Feb. 11 and it has the headline “Blog Exclusive: Q&A With Bradford.”
Penny posted Four entries on Monday.
Four entries in one day!
Wow, Penny!
Make us look like slackers why dontcha?
Seriously, though. Penny and company did a really good job with the questions - kudos.
It’s really interesting and a good read.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: General Hospital
Hail to the Hubbards on All My Children
I’m not sure how Jesse’s return on All My Children is going to logistically pan out … but, man, is it ever good to see the Hubbards back in Pine Valley.
As soon as Debbi Morgan stepped back on-screen as Angie, I was enthralled. What a wonderfully strong, accomplished, intelligent, caring woman, the type of individual viewers can — and should — really support.
And not to mention beautiful. I mean, has Debbi even aged during the past 20 years?
She has officially joined my list of soap characters I wanna be like when I grow up. (You know, if I didn’t live in the real world, of course!)
Then there’s Jesse. How AMC is going to pull off his “back from the dead” story, I don’t really know. But I’m just enjoying having this complex, charismatic persona, as played by Darnell Williams, in Pine Valley again. So please, please, please, AMC, don’t mess this up.
And, finally, there’s Frankie.
I had an inkling early on that Quentin was actually Jesse and Angie’s son. But even if he hadn’t been, I would have liked the character, simply because of the actor who plays him.
Cornelius Smith Jr. has really caught my attention as Frankie. In fact, I think AMC has done a phenomenal job casting this part. After all, this is the only son of super couple Jesse and Angie; the actor needs to be something special.
So … all in all, I’ve been pleased with the Hubbards’ re-emergence in Pine Valley.
Let’s hope AMC can keep this positive momentum going.
Permalink | Comments (25) | Post your comment | Categories: All My Children
Calling All Bradford Anderson fans: Hugs For Spinelli Campaign Is Here
Our friends over at the Bradford Anderson Fan Blog have mounted a grassroots campaign to help keep our favorite computer whiz in Port Charles.
I have loved the character of Damien Spinelli ever since he appeared on my TV screen more than a year ago.
Since then, he has endeared himself to me over and over and over again.
I hang on his every word…I do.
I love when he starts spouting his fast-talking, Spinelli-speak.
So when I was lucky enough to land one of Bradford Anderson’s standby passes at Super Soap Weekend….
….and he actually took all of his standbys and I actually met him, and….well he was nicer than I had even hoped.
Just so-o-o nice!
Do I look excited to meet him - or what?
And ya gotta love a guy who raises money for his hometown animal shelter the Manchester, New Hampshire Animal Shelter.
Rescuing animals is a cause near and dear to my heart, too.
So getting back to the matter at hand - keeping Bradford on General Hospital.
Penny over at the Fan Blog wants to be sure that happens.
Click here to find out all about the Hugs for Spinelli Campaign and consider entering your name in support.
Also, be sure to click on the link to support ideas which gives a really good outline on how to help.
Here’s what Penny writes about the reasons for the campaign:
“Now is not the time to allow ourselves to get complacent. Contract players are being shed like dog hair. We need to show support of Spinelli and Bradford. Not only to keep him on the show but to get that storyline we all have been dreaming of. We keep getting the unfulfilled promise of a storyline. Little hints that if we keep watching we will get to see ‘more’ Spinelli. They need to know that he is popluar enough to risk a storyline on him. They need to hear our voice.”
I can’t agree more.
Spinelli has been on for a year and a half and has yet to have a storyline to call his own - despite his huge popularity.
It’s time.
He’s overdue.
Make a Spinelli storyline a reality.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: General Hospital
We’ll Miss You Amy Vining
I have missed Amy Vining, the funny, gossipy nurse on General Hospital, since she dropped out of the Port Charles scene in 2002.
I always hoped that, like Laura, Amy would someday return.
And now, I realize she will never return.
At least not in the form of Shell Kepler, the actress who originated the role and played her wonderfully for more than 20 years.
That’s because I read, with sadness, that she died Feb. 1 at age 49.
Forty-nine!
That’s so young!
News reports said she died of renal failure.
I always loved Amy.
She had a wonderful smile.
And she always made me smile as she poked and pryed into someone else’s business.
And she was so good at it!
Amy knew all the good GH gossip.
Here’s a really nice video tribute to Amy Vining.
I felt sorry for Amy because she was so overshadowed by her adoped sister, Laura Spencer.
How do you compete with someone who is one-half of perhaps the greatest soap super couple that ever lived?
The one thing I was always sad about was that Amy never really had a true love.
At least, not that I remember.
I do remember her at the Nurses’ Ball.
And I remember Amy and Jesse Brewer manning the seventh floor nurses’ station.
It is with great fondness that I say, farewell Amy Vining.
You will be greatly missed.
Permalink | Comments (4) | Post your comment | Categories: General Hospital
Days’ John a Brady once more
OK. So … let me get this straight.
Despite one outlandish backstory change after another, it turns out that John Black on Days of Our Lives is really a Brady after all.
Hmmmm.
Why do I suddenly feel like I’ve wasted the past 15 years or so investing in John’s mysterious past?
I have never seen a character that has been so often carelessly used by the powers that be to further whatever wacky plot they’ve got on their agenda.
I remember back when John was Roman Brady. He and his new Drake Hogestyn face were reunited with “Doc,” and all was right with the world. Alice Horton doughnuts for everyone.
But then Days got the brilliant idea to make Drake’s Roman an imposter so they could welcome back original portrayer Wayne Northrop.
And that marked the beginning of John’s darker days. Maybe that’s the real reason they gave him the last name Black.
Of course, I still loved Drake. Whether he was Roman or John, it didn’t really matter. Especially when he connected with Isabella. Oh, how I adored Roman/John and his Izzy B.
But Isabella died, John and Marlena ended up together and Days just couldn’t leave the poor guy alone.
He’s Stefano’s mercenary. No, wait, he’s a clergyman. Oh, no, he’s really Lawrence Alamain’s presumed-dead brother, Forrest. Ooh, hold on, it turns out he’s actually somehow related to the DiMeras via his biological mother.
Yep, it makes my head spin.
The latest? John is the biological son of Santo DiMera and Colleen Brady.
I think that officially makes him the chosen one. The Santo/Colleen romance, after all, is what led to the feud that ate Salem.
I would probably find it all a lot more interesting if it weren’t the zillionth John Black history rewrite I’ve been asked to swallow. It’s just too much, even for a soap opera. (And that’s saying a lot, I know!)
Let the man’s past be at rest already.
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It’s good to see Sarah Brown back on GH
Well, hello to you, Sarah Brown.
Never let it be said that this actress doesn’t know how to make an entrance.
I watched General Hospital Thursday and Friday with great anticipation … and a little fear.
In fact, ever since I heard Sarah was returning to Port Charles, I have vacillated between excitement and apprehension.
I’m excited because she is such a dynamic performer.
As GH’s original Carly, Sarah put that character on the soap-opera map. There were times when I absolutely couldn’t stand the malicious, scheming, trouble-making Miss Benson, but I was always in awe of how much passion and commitment Sarah brought to the role.
I expect her to bring the same fire to Claudia.
But I was also apprehensive about Sarah portraying a new GH character.
More specifically, I’ve been apprehensive about how the higher-ups would handle her return.
You know what? So far, so good.
I love Sarah’s darker hair. It gives her a more sinister edge and helps differentiate Claudia from Carly.
I love her taste in clothes. Red suits her, and she has just oozed sex appeal.
I love that her first scenes were with Maurice Benard (Sonny). Yum. Those two are still positively electric together. (“Leave the shoes on.” Grrrowwll.)
I love her no-nonsense attitude. She’s bad, she knows it and she makes no apologies. Not since Faith has there been a woman who could truly run with the big boys.
I am looking forward to Claudia stirring things up in Port Charles.
So while my fear hasn’t completely dissipated, the excitement has taken charge.
Can’t wait to see what else ya got, Sarah.
Welcome back.
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