Brokeback Soap

With the critical acclaim of Brokeback Mountain, I wonder if soaps will start to do more gay/lesbian themed stories. And true-to-life stories, not the "second-string character with AIDS" storylines we had in the eighties and nineties.

Just curious if they thought of this. IF so, what hot soap hunks would you like to see in a romantic pairing. Hmm...what about ATWT's Jack and Mike. They have things in common besides just Carly.

GL: Man on the Run!

According to the CBS Daytime promo, GL is going to have Tammy and Jon go on the run. How overdone is that storyline? Teen lovers on the run is so not original. It's been done since I've been watching soaps which is thirty some years.

On CBS alone, we had Gwen and Will on the run (ATWT) as well as Lily and Daniel (YR). BB managed to avoid this with the Thomas and Gabi storyline--though I am surprised they didn't have them do more than just run off to Vegas and elope.

ATWT: New Luke has a blog!

Well, welcome to the 21st century CBS daytime. In an exciting move, the actor now playing Luke Snyder on ATWT will be keeping a blog. The idea is to keep the fans informed on what it is like behind the scenes, taking over a new role, and all the other details we just guess.

It can be accessed thru the blogroll to the right (you may have to scroll down as the blogroll is the last item on the sidebar.

ATWT: Gwen vs Jenn is the realm of maturity

I figure Jenn is probably 5 or so years older than Gwen but Gwen way outpaces her in the maturity department. While I am glad Jenn is getting her child back (and putting an end to the never-ending storyline), the wrapup had me comparing the two.

Jenn has only gotten by with her family's wealth and position. When things go wrong she is always running off to Europe or elsewhere and never handling the things in her life. Gwen, due to a lack of $$ to practically run off--though she did try, has had to face her problems and is thus way ahead of Jen is emotional years/age.

Just my thought. What do you think.

ATWT: Mexico and Cancer storylines

It's really hard to get involved with these storylines when they only show them once a week. I spend half the show trying to remember where we left off and the rest thinking "if it's only important to show once a week, it can probably be scrapped".

I like the Lucinda/cancer storyline (not that I want Lucinda to have Cancer). However, I did not like that they made all alternative treatments out to be deadly. I would like them to move toward a mix of alternative and traditional treatments. They could not only do a good storyline on breast cancer but on healthy lifestyles in general.

As far as the Mexico storyline...hmm, do I want these people to be found? Do I even care anymore at this point?

GL: Was the wardrobe supervisor on vacation

Whoo--who was doing the wardrobe for the episode on (Tuesday) 9/27? Reva had on a lime green blazer with a blue and red top underneath. Primary colors and neon?!
Then Tammy had on one of those handkerchief-style tops. However the pattern on it was awful and it did not look good on her at all.

BB: Brooke and Nick

You know, Brooke is my favorite character on the show. However, this renewed love for Nick is totally BORING!!! It's almost laughable on how they got the two of them back together. And somehow we are supposed to believe that Brooke is now totally devoted to Nick and now heartbroken he is married to Bridget?!
The writers did the same thing to us when they broke up the Brooke and Thorne marriage. I could get whiplash for how they change Brooke's everlasting devotion from week to week.

GL: Harley as CEO?

This woman can barely manage her life, let alone a multibillion dollar enterprise. Sell your Spaulding stock now.

GL: In the Boardroom

Wasn't it wonderful to see so many women in a corporate boardroom? The outnumbered the men in the room by far. The real progress is that this wasn't a cosmetic or perfume company--but a multi-industrial corporation.

GL: India Delight

Wow! Guiding Light must want me back as a regular and dedicated viewer. They have brought back my favorite GL character of all time--India von Halkien. If only she was here for a long-term stay.

ATWT: Tame this shrew, please

One of my favorite characters on all of daytime is Carly Tenney. I am a huge fan of Maura West. That said, Carly's latest actions make her very unlikeable. In the past, Carly has lied, cheated and schemed. She is a master manipulator. However, she was never mean. That is why it is so hard to understand Carly's nastiness toward Gwen. Why is Carly becoming such a shrew?

GL: Something about Ava

It seems obvious where the Olivia-Ava-Billy storyline is going. If we are talking about a Something About Eve approach, I cannot wait to see Olivia take on Bette Davis. Hang on kiddies, it's gonna be a bumpy storyline.

YR: Putting the P back in PI

On The Young and The Restless, JT was recently trying to convince Mac to join him in the PI trade. However, JT forgot that PI stands for private investigator.
Victor tells JT that he wants to speak to him later about a job. A few minutes later, JT is asking Nikki about the job. Very confidential JT!!!
Paul is supposed to be showing him the ropes. And I am sure that several of Paul's cases are divorce investigations where husbands invetiage wives (or vice versa). Eve if not, part of his training has to be confidentiality which includes not only keeping client cases secret but the client list itself.

BB: Stephanie's Motives

I have to wonder: Is Stephanie really trying to help Bridget?

Or is she just trying to make Brooke lose her daughter since she probably holds Brooke responsible for Stephanie losing her whole family?

BB: Is Bridget the most susceptible character on daytime?

How many times do we have to see the same scene? Bridget has a conversation with a supposed "friend" or concerned family member who tells her that Nick doesn't want her, just her mother. And then she walks in on the two of them and misunderstanding ensues.

I think this was the plot of Three's Company--except that was comedy.

In this dramatic version, Bridget just proves that she is mentally susceptible to the thoughts these folks put in her head.

ATWT: Celia's Leaving--Are You Cheering, Too?

Whoo hoo is all I can say. I was so ready to see Celia leave.
I just wonder...
Did TPTB decide this character just wasn't working?
Or are they just trying to wrap up their teen/summer storylines?

BB: What was the point of Stephanie's visit to Jackie?

There is nothing that says "I'm a bitch" like coming to someone's home just to tell them that you are out for them! I mean, what really was the point of Stephanie's visit to Jackie's penthouse? I could see if she had a purpose to be there and it just had a downward spiral. But, it appeared her reason was just to come and "stir the pot".

CBS Soapbox: Daytime Internet Talkshow

Just saw this on the CBS website. While, I am glad that they are doing more to promote their daytime lineup, does it make sense to have this right in the middle of their shows? 3 PM Eastern is when GL airs in most of the central and eastern time zone (except New York). 12 Noon Pacific time is the last half of YR and BB!

Things that make you go hmmmm....

CBS Soapbox: Daytime Internet Talkshow

Calling all daytime fans...it's time to let your voice be heard! Tune in to CBS.com at 3:00PM ET/12:00PM PT on Tuesday, July 19th for the premiere episode of the "CBS Soapbox," our new LIVE internet call-in talkshow hosted by GL's Ricky Paull Goldin (Gus) and Y&R's Kristoff St. John (Neil). Now you'll have the chance to chat with your favorite daytime stars and get the answers to all your pressing questions!

Guest Schedule
Premiere Tuesday, July 19: Y&R's Christian LeBlanc (Michael)
Tuesday, July 26: B&B's Shanelle Workman (Gabriela)

BB: July 4th was Brooke's independence day

Finally--Brooke admits that it's not that Taylor and Stephanie are so strong, but that Ridge is so weak!

When she said that on Monday (7/4) episode, I thought that July 4th was truly Independence Day for Brooke. I love that Nick is making her be this stronger woman and making her realize that Ridge is the problem. (Although I do not want her romantically involved with Nick.)

I also loved the next day when she pretty much said the same thing to Ridge and Taylor about Ridge. That he did not make a decision considering his children or Taylor or Brooke. But only about his mother!!

I am sure that give Taylor something to think about.

ATWT: It was HORRIBLE

The Carly mystery is being described by everyone as HORRIBLE.

• "It was horrible."
• "I remember something horrible happened."
• "The files were sealed because it was so horrible."

Do the writer's need a thesaurus?

ATWT: Jennifer gets a restraining order

Ooh...the Thursday, 6/30 episode really made me mad. The judge who oversaw the hearing was completely biased. Always ruling in favor of Jen, not seeing or hearing Craig's story. Aside from that, the whole scenario of Jen faking that Craig pushed her down makes me upset. And it all lies in Jennifer's lake of personal responsibility.


Unfortunately, Jen doesn't believe in personal responsibility. SHE seduces Craig and then tries to get him fired. SHE is pregnant and tries to block Craig from his own child. SHE fakes abuse to gain the sympathy of the Oakdale citizens. SHE lies on the stand to get a restraining order. She not only has a lack of personal responsibility, she does a disservice to women who are truly abused by the people in their lives. It only takes one liar to discredit a hundred women telling the truth.

AMC: Who are Sam's parents?

A while back I saw an episode where Sam was being told he was adopted and they were to reveal his biological parents. However, I missed a bit and never saw who those bio parents were. Is it Tad? Is he somehow related to the Martins?

GL: Cassie and Jeffrey

I may be in the minority, but I think Cassie and Jeffrey as a couple is a bad idea. I liked the idea of Edmund reforming (though he seems to be backsliding to the hilt!). And, if you are Jeffrey, do you ever trust Cassie's feelings for you. Or do you think she is attracted solely because you are a dead ringer for her dead husband.

On a side note, is it Jeffrey or Geoffrey or what? How is that name spelled?

BB: Ridge's Decision

Oh gosh! Make a decision! TPTB are just dragging out this storyline. And now, this will turn into both women trying to seduce Ridge on "their days". Which is probably what Ridge is hoping to happen.

This story isn't making women, in general, look good. These two women are fighting for a man that hardly seems worth it.

ATWT: Carly's Past and some speculation

Last week, when Carly was having a day "nightmare" (as opposed to a daydream) about Les he said something about not being able to hide from her past.

Now, that brings up the question: What do we really know about Carly's pre-Jack past? We know she grew up in Montana. That her mother left her to marry Rosanna's rich father. And that's about it.

Now, here is some speculation on my part. We have this new Gwen character. What if she is Carly's daughter from her past (hey they did it with her cousin Molly) that she gave up for adoption long ago? If so, who would be the father?

The only bad part of this storyline is that, with Gwen as a pregnant teen, Carly would soon be a grandmother! Ack--she isn't even close to being old enough to be a grandmother.

The Soap Goddess' Emmy Picks

Well, I know you are on the edge of your seats waiting for this, but here are my emmy picks (and my wishes of who would win):

Drama: Young and the Restless (though I hope ATWT wins)
Writing: As the World Turn (ATWT if only to see Hogan's acceptance speech)
Lead Actress: Hmmm...an eight way race could easily have a tie--even a three way tie. I'm not going to guess on this one. (Though I hope Martha Byrne or Susan Flannery win).
Lead Actor: Grant Aleksander (Grant Aleksander)
Supporting Actress: Heather Tom (Heather Tom or Crysal Chappel)
Supporting Actor: Greg Rikkart (Greg Rikkart or Justin Deas)
Younger Actress: Eden Riegel (who cares?)
Younger Actor: Tom Pelphrey (Tom Pelphrey)

Soap Opera Wedding Vows

Watching Jen and Mike's wedding on As the World Turns today made me realize that they aren't really vows at all--just a declaration of love. I mean--it's nice poetry. But they are not "vowing" to love, honor, cherish et al.
Is it just me or does it seem like this is something the writers do for the drama? (And possibly to try to outdo each other?)

GL: Harley is just soooo self-sacraficing

What really is the point behind Harley's refusal to see Gus--her insisting that he get on with his life? She only has 1 more day before beginning her prison sentence, what's one more day? At the end of that one precious day--THEN tell him to get on with his life and not to wait for her.

That plan of action would make sense.

This plan that Harley is under is just self-serving self-inflicted drama.



P.S. And I always thought Harley was not the drama queen type.

BB: Nick proposes--really?

Bridget, think long and hard before you answer that proposal in the affirmative. Yes, Nick is a great guy. But, are you positive he is over your mother?

Doesn't the fact that he dated both your mother and half-sister make you hesitant at all?

And last, but not least, do you want to listen to all those sea/boating/ship metaphors for the rest of your life?!

ATWT: How Dumb are these Detectives?

The minute I saw Les had been released from prison I thought "How long has he been out? Could he have killed Julia?".

Why is it taking them a couple of days to put 2 and 2 together?

BB: Stephanie's Accident

Please tell me what the purpose of Stephanie's car accident. The viewers haven't seen Helen, the Forrester maid, for months or maybe years. All of the sudden she is in the car with Stephanie and dies as a result of injuries sustained by the accident.

The only thing I can figures is that they want to bring Helen's never-before-mentioned daughter, Gabriella, on as new character. I am sure the Forrester's will be taking in this orphan just in time for the summer "youth storylines".

ATWT: Kudos for a not-drawn-out murder mystery

Can it possibly be true? Did Luke really kill Julia? If so, this is the shortest murder mystery in daytime history.

The medium is famous for long, drawn-out who dunnits--usually with a non-guilty party going to trial, maybe even found guilty and serving some time in prison.

If we are to believe what we say yesterday, Luke was trying to shake some sense into Julia just banging her head against the coffee table in the meantime.

Is this fast-paced writing the last of Hogan Sheffer's before his leave of absense? Or did the new writing team want to wrap up a storyline that they didn't "own"?

Either way, me likey!

YR: Suspending Reality

I know we are supposed to suspend reality with our soaps, but how is it that Jack is visiting with Victoria in Florence. We see Victor and Nikki at the same time in Genoa City. But, before the visit is over, which did include a meal, Victor and Nikki show up at Victoria's doorstep in Florence.

Is the Newman Enterprises jet a Concorde? Or has Jack really, really overstayed his welcome?

32nd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations

The nominations have been announced and are as follows:

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series

• MARTHA BYRNE, AS LILY SNYDER AS THE WORLD TURNS * CBS
• SUSAN FLANNERY, AS STEPHANIE FORRESTER THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL * CBS
• NANCY LEE GRAHN, AS ALEXIS DAVIS GENERAL HOSPITAL * ABC
• KIM ZIMMER, AS REVA SHAYNE LEWIS GUIDING LIGHT * CBS
• ERIKA SLEZAK, AS VICTORIA DAVIDSON ONE LIFE TO LIVE * ABC
• KASSIE DEPAIVA, AS BLAIR CRAMER ONE LIFE TO LIVE * ABC
• JULIET MILLS, AS TABITHA LENOX PASSIONS * NBC
• MICHELLE STAFFORD, AS PHYLLIS SUMMERS ABBOTT THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS * CBS

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series

• MICHAEL E. KNIGHT, AS TAD MARTIN ALL MY CHILDREN * ABC
• ROGER HOWARTH, AS PAUL RYAN AS THE WORLD TURNS * CBS
• JACK WAGNER, AS DOMINICK PAYNE MARONE THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL * CBS
• STEVE BURTON, AS JASON MORGAN GENERAL HOSPITAL * ABC
• GRANT ALEKSANDER, AS PHILLIP SPAULDING GUIDING LIGHT * CBS
• CHRISTIAN JULES LEBLANC, AS MICHAEL BALDWIN THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS * CBS

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series

• NATALIA LIVINGSTON, AS EMILY QUARTERMAINE GENERAL HOSPITAL * ABC
• ROBIN CHRISTOPHER, AS SKYE QUARTERMAINE GENERAL HOSPITAL * ABC
• CRYSTAL CHAPPELL, AS OLIVIA SPENCER GUIDING LIGHT * CBS
• HEATHER TOM, AS KELLY BUCHANAN ONE LIFE TO LIVE * ABC
• ILENE KRISTEN, AS ROXANNE BALSOM ONE LIFE TO LIVE * ABC
• JEANNE COOPER, AS KATHERINE CHANCELLOR THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS * CBS

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series

• JEFF BRANSON, AS JONATHAN LAVERY ALL MY CHILDREN * ABC
• CAMERON MATHISON, AS RYAN LAVERY ALL MY CHILDREN * ABC
• TYLER CHRISTOPHER, AS NIKOLAS CASSADINE GENERAL HOSPITAL * ABC
• RICK HEARST, AS RIC LANSING GENERAL HOSPITAL * ABC
• JUSTIN DEAS, AS BUZZ COOPER GUIDING LIGHT * CBS
• GREG RIKAART, AS KEVIN FISHER THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS * CBS

Outstanding Younger Actress In A Drama Series

• ALEXA HAVINS, AS BABE CHANDLER ALL MY CHILDREN * ABC
• EDEN RIEGEL, AS BIANCA MONTGOMERY ALL MY CHILDREN * ABC
• JENNIFER FERRIN, AS JENNIFER MUNSON AS THE WORLD TURNS * CBS
• ADRIANNE LEON, AS BROOK LYNN ASHTON GENERAL HOSPITAL * ABC
• CRYSTAL HUNT, AS LIZZIE SPAULDING GUIDING LIGHT * CBS

Outstanding Younger Actor In A Drama Series

• JACOB YOUNG, AS JR CHANDLER ALL MY CHILDREN * ABC
• SCOTT CLIFTON, AS DILLON QUARTERMAINE GENERAL HOSPITAL * ABC
• TOM PELPHREY, AS JONATHAN RANDALL GUIDING LIGHT * CBS
• DAVID LAGO, AS RAUL GUITTIEREZ THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS * CBS
• MICHAEL GRAZIADEI, AS DANIEL ROMALOTTI THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS * CBS

Outstanding Drama Series

• ALL MY CHILDREN * ABC JULIE HANAN CARRUTHERS, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
• AS THE WORLD TURNS * CBS CHRISTOPHER GOUTMAN, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
• GENERAL HOSPITAL * ABC JILL FARREN PHELPS, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
• THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS * CBS WILLIAM J. BELL, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

Outstanding Drama Series Writing Team

AS THE WORLD TURNS * CBS HOGAN SHEFFER, HEAD WRITER
GENERAL HOSPITAL * ABC ROBERT GUZA, JR. & CHARLES PRATT, JR., HEAD WRITERS
GUIDING LIGHT * CBS DAVID KREIZMAN AND RELLEN WESTON, HEAD WRITERS
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS * CBS KAY ALDEN & JOHN F. SMITH, HEAD WRITERS




Outstanding Drama Series Directing Team

ALL MY CHILDREN * ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL * ABC
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS * CBS



Outstanding Achievement for a Casting Director For A Drama Series

• AS THE WORLD TURNS * CBS MARY CLAY BOLAND, CASTING DIRECTOR
• GENERAL HOSPITAL * ABC MARK TESCHNER, CASTING DIRECTOR
• GUIDING LIGHT * CBS ROB DECINA, CASTING DIRECTOR

Look for the winners at the Daytime Emmy telecast on Friday, May 20 on the CBS network.

GL: Who killed Philip Spaulding?

GL has so many storylines going--make that so many GOOD storylines going--that we have kinds a lost sight of the "who killed Philip" mystery.

Of course, Beth has been acting suspicious which should eliminate her from contention (the writers couldn't possibly be that obvious, could they?)

The thing is--everything else has been so riveting that you don't even notice the lack of addressing this open issue the past few days.

BB: Bridget and Ridge, part 2

Why, why, why are we going down this road again?

It was sick and stupid the first time and hardly watchable this second time.

That said, I do find it laughable that Ridge thinks he can help Bridget get over him. Hmm...the last person you need to help you get over someone is that person, right?

YR: Will Ashley ever learn

Will Ashley ever learn? How many times does this woman need to be kicked by, trampled over, and dealt a bad hand by Victor Newman to realize he is a sh*t.

Ashley could you please be a strong woman if only because you represent such to so many viewers?!

ATWT: Henry and Katie--you're kidding me right?

I still sit here with my face scrunched up. This may be a permanent state after hearing Henry's "confession" that he loved Katie.

Is it just me or is this just lame, lame, lame storyline?

Here is why I think this is bad:
1. Henry and Katie were one of the few platonic male-female friendships on the show that didn't even hint at crossing over the friendship/lover line. Why spoil that?

2. Isn't Henry supposed to be gay? And if not, why can't he be? I know it's daring for daytime to cross certain lines but come on--it's 2005. If you want to be diverse, be truly diverse.

3. It puts an unneeded four-way chink in the Katie-Mike story.
I can only hope that this is just Henry being silly and seeing this as a way to a) put Jenn at ease at what Henry is doing and b) make Mike realize his feelings for Katie.

What do you think?