ATWT: Thoughts on Meg's Baby Switch

Please note this isn't a spoiler. Just a heapin' portion of speculation on my part.

It is so obvious that Meg's baby has been switched. Why? Well, they rush the baby off from the delivery room without Meg ever seeing the baby. This is key in the soap opera baby switch plot.

Now, whodunit?

Possibilities:

Suspect #1 Paul Ryan
He may have thought the only way to have a relationship with baby Eliza was to have her switched.

Suspect #2 James Stenbeck
We don't really believe he is dead, do we? Remember, he "died" while trying to hold Meg hostage in order to get his hands on the baby in the first place.

Suspect #3 Craig Montgomery
Craig would do this as revenge for Paul's role in the miscarriage of Meg and Craig's baby.

Suspect #4 Dusty Donovan
I know that's out there. But, remember, Dusty is a bit of a thug. He may think that keeping Paul's baby away from him is just revenge for Paul keeping little Johnnie away from Jen.

Suspect #5 Babara Ryan
I know, Babs is another "out there" suspect. But, like Paul, she may assume the only way she can have a relationship with her grandchild is via this baby switch.

Am I missing anyone?

Even CBS disrespects Guiding Light

From the CBS website:

Friday, November 28

ATWT and B&B will be
preempted. Y&R will air as a classic episode at 12:30 pm
ET/11:30 am PT. GL will air a repeat at 1:30 pm ET/12:30 pm PT.

So, Y&R airs a "classic" episode but GL's is classified as a "repeat". Are they saying nothing in the GL vault qualifies as "classic"? Heck, with the return of Grant Aleksander as Phillip Spaulding you would think they could pull out a "classic" from the good ol' days.

BB: Role Reversal

These past few days Taylor has been acting like the Old-Brooke and Brooke like the old Taylor. Taylor chasing around Ridge when he is committed to another woman is the stuff Brooke used to do all the time.

Do you think Taylor has lost it?
Lost it enough to give her child to Brooke to raise knowing it would cause a rift with Ridge?

Poor Rick--he should run back to Ashley.


Update: So, I finally watched Friday's B&B and see that Brooke came to the same conclusion I did that Taylor probably gave Jack to Brooke just to be divisive.

BB: Taylor gives her son to Brooke

Are we really supposed to believe this? Taylor has problems "bonding" with her son so she gives Jack to her "sworn enemy"? Yes, the solution to not bonding with your son is to give him to another woman to raise.

I'll give you this--it's probably a first in soaps.

ATWT: "Rushing" into Marriage

On Friday's (8/29) episode, Aaron tells Holden that he and Allison have decided to get married next summer. Holden asks his son "why the rush"?

This is laughable timeframe in the soap world. Most soap wedding happen two days after an engagement. So, the 9 months wait Aaron and Allison first proposed is a soap lifetime.

Of course, by the end of the episode, the wedding was moved up to "next week".

35th Annual Daytime Emmys: Outstanding Drama

The pinacle category of the night. Unfortunately, the best show of the year--One Life to Live--chose terribly for their reels. This makes this a more open category, though plagued with the predictable disasters and funerals.

General Hospital
1st reel: Metro Court crisis
2nd reel: more Metro Court

GH has a chance with submission of disaster episodes. Yuck!

Guiding Light
1st reel: 70th anniversary--re-enactment of old GL radio programming
2nd reel: Tammy's funeral

The first reel is basically a valentine to the longevity of the daytime drama industry. The second reel is powerful. Could be the 1-2 punch for another GL win.

One Life to Live
1st reel: Prom musical
2nd reel: Asa's funeral

Disney influence of High School Musical hits the soaps. Great for attracing teens but not Emmys.

Young and the Restless
1st reel: News spreads thoughout Genoa City about a plane crash.
2nd reel: Out of the Ashes/Clear Springs disaster.

Same eppys as writing. The first one is great. The second one tries to use the GH formula of Emmy winning through disaster episodes. More Yuck!

Who Should Win: Young and the Restless
Who Will Win: Guiding Light
Don't Count Out: General Hospital

35th Annual Daytime Emmys: Writing

Very coveted category. With 5 hours of drama to produce each week, this is probably the toughest work in the genre.

Bold and the Beautiful
1st reel: Aftermath of Brooke's rape
2nd reel: 5000th episode show featuring the four actors who have been there since the beginning.

The first episode features one of the best storylines last year. The second was campy fun. But, probably too campy to be emmy worthy. (Darn--I was pulling for B&B, too.)


General Hospital
1st reel: Metro Court crisis
2nd reel: More Metro Court

Disaster episodes have won for GH in the past. I just wish they would quit rewarding "stunts" and start rewarding year-long quality.

Guiding Light
1st reel: Tammy's funeral
2nd reel: Various characters talk about their first time having sex

First reel is powerful. Second is not as strong. If they would have reversed the order they would have guaranteed a win.

One Life to Live
1st reel: Asa's death
2nd reel: Family gathers for Asa's funeral

Probably helped with consecutive episodes. Good dialogue thoughout the episode. Likely winner.

Young and the Restless
1st reel: News spreads throughout Genoa City about a plane crash
2nd reel: Out of the Ashes/Clear Springs disaster

The first episode I watched many times on the day it first aired. It was that good. It also shows how well YR ties all their storylines together. The second reel--well see my comments on GH.

Who Should Win: One Life to Live
Who Will Win: One Life to Live
Don't Count Out: Young and the Restless

35th Annual Daytime Emmys: Lead Female

The highlight category of the evening (aside from Outstanding Drama). Frankly, I would be thrilled if any of these fabulous ladies won.

Crystal Chappell as Olivia Spencer on Guiding Light
1st reel: Olivia calls off her wedding to Buzz due to confusion about her feeling about Jeffrey.
2nd reel: Olivia blackmails Reva over the truth that Jonathan and Sarah are alive

I love the character of Olivia, but am unsure if this is her best work from 2007 (it WAS a long time ago). The first tape shows range, but the second reel--she may be walking precarious ground by risking being overshadowed by Kim Zimmer (Reva).

Jeanne Cooper as Katherine Chancellor on Y&R
1st reel: Katherine reveals that many decades ago she switched Jill's baby shortly after birth.
2nd reel: Katherine and Amber during Out of the Ashes/Clear Springs disaster

The first reel was strong, but can it overcome bad writing? The second reel shows why she should not be in the lead but in the supporting category. Nothing much there.

Nicole Forrester as Cassie Winslow on Guiding Light
1st reel: Cassie holds vigil at duaghter Tammy's bedside after a car accident
2nd reel: Tammy has died and Casie intially tries to hold emotions but eventually breaks down.

Good choices in that these are back-to-back reels. It is easy for the viewer to follow-along on what is happening. However, there is a lot of crying. What she is lacking in range in these tapes is made up for with acting that matches the meaty material she is being given.

Michelle Stafford as Phyllis Newman and Sheila Carter on Young and Restless
1st reel: As Phyllis, she bids Nick farewell on a business trip. Later, as Sheila she shoots police officer Tammy.
2nd reel: Phyllis tries to help an amnesiac Nick remember their life, while Nick's family gloats that Nick can't remember Phyllis and Nick's relationship.

The Emmy's love dual roles. However, a non-YR viewer may be confused that this is dual roles or what is happening. The second reel, which is all Phyllis, is heart breaking. Great range (happy, psycho, sad) and the aformention penchant to reward dual roles makes her a strong contender


Maura West as Carly Tenney on As the World Turns
1st reel: Carly, who thinks she is dying, makes a farewell video for her children and Jack.
2nd reel: Jack and Carly discuss their rocky relationship and Carly admits that she is the reason they are not together--for now.

Maybe my bias is showing, but she is the best of the lot. Tears-but not over the top crying,as well as showing Carly's feistiness.

Who Should Win: Maura West or Nicole Forrester
Who Will Win: Nicole Forrester
Don't Count Out: Michelle Stafford

35th Annual Daytime Emmys: Supporting Female

Alway the toughest category of the evening. So much talent, only one Emmy.

Tracey Bergman as Lauren Fenmore on Young and the Restless
1st reel: Sheila, held by Paul, hurts herself and wants to go to the hospital. Lauren refused to let her leave for treatment.
2nd reel: Lauren confronts Michael and his family about Gloria's involvement in tainting some face cream.

Tracey trades in Lauren's usual nice girl for complete intolerance for Sheila and her madness, willing to let her die than take a chance she would run the street. It is good stuff, but probably not enough to match up to her weak second reel.

Judi Evans as Bonnie Lockhart and Adrienne Karakis on Days of Our Lives
1st reel: Bonnie schemes "to keep the family together" by stealing some bones from a morgue.
2nd reel: As Adrienne, she sees Patch in the hospital after many years.

Plays two characters in these reels, but not dual roles. Basically, release from one role and then reprise a role she has played in the past. Shows range--especially humor--and that could be rewarded come Emmy night.


Kelly Menighan-Hensley as Emily Stewart on As the World Turns
1st reel: Emily's life as a hooker, where the John roughs her up a bit.
2nd reel: Dusty confront Emily with his suspicions that she is a hooker

KMH had a great year and these two episodes go a way in reflecting that. Emily shows a vulnerability with the abusive John, but goes back to a woman who can defend and handle herself when confronted by Dusty. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Gina Tognoni as Dinah Marler on Guiding Light
1st reel: Dinah is released from the hospital after being shot in the head and struggles with everyday activities.
2nd reel: Dinah tries to hide her brain damage and how it affects her while conducting a television interview.

"How didn't you know it wasn't me". Classic soap line from classy actress that just breaks your heart. Could be the line that clinches her another winged statue.


Heather Tom as Katie Logan on Bold and the Beautiful
1st reel: Katie confronts her father as the shooter of Stephanie.
2nd reel: Katie visits her father in jail.

Surprising nominee considering her short-time on the show. Her first reel also contains the wonderful Kelly Lang and Susan Flannery who overshadow Tom's performance. The second reel was more of a Tom showcase, but may not be enough.


Who Should Win: Gina Tognoni
Who Will Win: Gina Tognoni
Don't Count Out: Kelley Menighan-Hensley

35th Annual Daytime Emmys: Younger Female

Lots of talent in this medium for this always tough and competitive category. Many thought to deserve a nomination were overlooked, while three young ladies from Young and the Restless bring on cries of "block voting".


Vail Bloom as Heather on Young and the Restless
1st reel: Heather discovers that Paul is her father. Later she goes after Phyllis for breaking terms of her probation/early release. She changes after hearing about Daniel's rocky relationship with his mother Phyllis.
2nd reel: Heather takes Paul up on a Christmas dinner invite.

I was shocked that she was nominated, but this is a good reel. Especially when she goes after Phyllis and Daniel. From tears to bitchiness--right away.


Jennifer Landon as Gwen Munson on As the World Turns
1st reel: Jade confronts Gwen about Adam, not knowing Adam is dead at the "hands" of Gwen and Maddie who buried him.
2nd reel: Gwen comes face-to-face with doppleganger Cleo.

Can you say threepeat? Dual roles are usually guaranteed winners--though the Cloe character is awful and overly dorky and mentally imbalanced--all which equal a character that is hard to watch, which is unforatunate for Landon.

Rachel Melvin as Chelsea Brady on Days of Our Lives
1st reel: Chelsea finds out Nick has slept with ther mother.
2nd reel: Chelsea joins her sorority sisters in plotting revenge on a rapist--which backfires on her.

Do tears equal talent? Usually I would say no as most soap actresses "cry pretty". Rachel is 'crying ugly' in the first reel which makes it all seem more real. I liked the second reel better, possibly because for once a soap was showing some comeuppance for a rapist.

Emily O'Brien as crazy Jana on Young and the Restless
1st reel: Janna reveals the truth about Brad's true identity, but shows a bit of her mental imbalance (e.g. brain tumor) which makes her revelation hard to believe.
2nd reel: Jana holds Kevin and Colleen hostage in a warehouse and sets it on fire.

Reel shows wide range. First, manipulative and scheming and she locks Colleen and Kevin up in a meat locker to burn. The second shows a sweet side and a bit of Jana's idiosycrancies as she falls victim to a brain tumor.

Tammy Sursock as Colleen Carlton on Young and the Restless
1st reel: Out of the Ashes episode (Clear Springs Disaster) where Colleen and Kevin search for Adrian.
2nd reel: Colleen throws a "diveroce party" for Lily.

She is completely awful and has no business being nominated. But, I had to look at the videos as stand alones and not with a reality of her known lack of acting ability. They do show some range, drama then fun/light. But the second reel is so much fluff it is hard to watch with any serious consideration.


Who Should Win: Emily O'Brien
Who Will Win: Emily O'Brien
Don't Count Out: Jennifer Landon and Rachel Melvin

35th Annual Daytime Emmys: Lead Male

In a women's medium like Daytime Drama, this is an often underserved category. The exceptions to this is Young and the Restless and General Hospital, who have men as their core characters. No surprise that men from these shows have won in the past. This year, however, is anyone's guess as a winnner.

Peter Bergman as Jack Abbott on Young and the Restless
1st reel: Jack finds out about Sharon's cheating with Brad while married to Nick.
2nd reel: It's Christmas and Jack asks Sharon to give their marriage another chance.

Peter Bergman does a great job in these reels showing his vulnerability. However, this isn't his best work of the year. I wonder why he picked this stuff over a mixture of this and maybe a Gloria confrontation (when he is being pretty mean).

David Canary as Adam & Stuart Chandler on All My Children
1st reel: Adam finds out that the baby his wife is carrying is Tad Martin's.
2nd reel: Adam has Krystal arrested

Stuart Chandler is actually in the first reel for a bit, which may help show Canary's range. And, as I will say many times during these picks: Emmy voters love the dual role. Anthony Geary as

Luke Spencer on General Hospital
1st reel: Luke discusses how he doesn't want his recent heart attack to change his life
2nd reel: Luke dreams about a life in hell during his heart surgery.

First episode is great. Second one is fair (probably would have been a good submission for writing for GH). Maybe the greatness of the first can outeweigh the blandness of the second.

Christian LeBlanc as Michael Baldwin on Young and the Restless
1st reel: Michael tries to convince William Bardwell not to press charges against his mother.
2nd reel: Michael gleefully tells Phyllis that Jack finally got was what was coming to him; later Michael agrees to defend Jana.

Typical Christian LeBlanc material. He is a great actor, so that statement is any disrespect. However, nothing really jumps out as "special".

Thaao Penghlis as Andre and Tony DiMera on Days of Our Lives
1st reel: Andre harasses Sami while dressed like a clown.
2nd reel: Andre hold Kate hostage.

He does play a good villian and he really scared me as that clown. However, that doesn't equal range.

Who Should Win: Peter Bergman (for a stellar year, despite poor submission choices)
Who Will Win: Oh, it's anybody's guess but I will stick with Bergman
Don't Count Out: The rest of them!

35th Annual Daytime Emmys: Supporting Male

I like every actor in this category!


Daniel Cosgrove as Bill Lewis on Guiding Light
1st reel: Bill schemes with Doris during mayoral election returns, then goes to Olivia's to sign over custody of Gus, then finds out his father was in a drunk driving accident.
2nd reel: A family intervention on Bill, nto for drugs but that he has been acting an ass since his return.

Only back a month in 2007 and gets a nomination! Shows range in his reels. Really has a shot.


Trent Dawson as Henry Coleman on As the World Turns
1st reel: Henry and Vienna interplay.
2nd reel: Henry and Vienna non-wedding.

I watch these reels and miss that we used to have a great Henry who was on more often. Alas, we have Henry stuck with Eurotrash Vienna and possibly his last nomination until the writers move out of that sour relationship.


Brian Kerwin as Charlie Banks on One Life to Live
1st reel: Charlies tries to make amends with his son.
2nd reel: Charlie, who is drunk, talks with Vicki about the problems with his son.

Good stuff, but doesn't show much range. Doesn't tug at your heart like a scene like this should (probably because the father and son characters are unfamiliar).


Greg Rikaart as Kevin Fisher on the Young and the Restless
1st reel: Kevin turns the tables on Jana and holds her at gunpoint.
2nd reel: Kevin on a mission to find Jana, during which he laments over the damage Jana has caused, and at the end finds her.

Very emtional reels. The second one is definitely better, which will leave the viewer on a positive (vote for me) note.


Kristoff St John as Neil Winters on Young and the Restless
1st reel: Neil's wife has just died and Neil falls off the wagon and turns to the bottle.
2nd reel: Neil visits the site of Dru's death.

Consecutive reels help voters follow the story. This combined with heartbreaking material will help Kristoff St John up to the stage come Emmy night.

Who Should Win: Kristoff St John
Who Will Win: Kristoff St John
Don't Count Out: Greg Rikaart

35th Annual Daytime Emmys: Younger Male

Darin Brooks as Max Brady on Days of our Lives
1st reel: Max comforts Morgan
2nd reel: Max and Stephanie flirt at the bar, then dance.


Hmmm…good tapes. I really like the story in the second one--more of what younger storylines should be about (fun, flirting and romance). However, nothing screams "special" in these reels.


Van Hansis as Luke Snyder on As the World Turns
1st reel: Luke confronts Noah about him acting straight just to please his father
2nd reel: Luke talks to his brother Aaron about Luke's boy problems


I so want Van Hansis to win that it is hard for me to say anything bad about these reels. The first one is very strong, the second one not as much. However, they both show how Van Hansis can make us ache for Luke. Crossing my fingers for him!


Bryton McClure as Devon Winters on Young and the Restless
1st reel: Devon tries to get Lily to leave Daniel who has had problems with a sex addiction, tieing it back to dealing with his mother who had a drug addiction.
2nd reel: Devon argues with Daniel, punching him.


This character is written so bland, it's hard to see the talent in the acting. However, Bryton has won before--so, he has shown he can work past that. But, this reel is shorter than a commercial break. But then again, it's reflective of the screen time for McClure.


Tom Pelphrey as Jonathan Randall on Guiding Light
1st reel: Tammy dies after Alan Spaulding sends someone to kill Jonathan.
2nd reel: Jonathan tries to set fire to Alan's home.


Tom Pelphrey rocks in this sad episode about Tammy's death. Will the fact that he has been gone from the show for over a year affect the voters?


Jesse Lee Soffer as Will Munson on As the World Turns
1st reel: Will reacts strongly and angrily as he is set up to make it appears he doesn't support Gwen or her singining career. 2nd reel: Will tries to calm Gwen who is hysterical thinking she killed Will's brother Adam


Jesse shines in the first reel, but may be overshadowed by Jennifer Landon's performance in the second.


Who Should Win: Tom Pelphrey
Who Will Win: Van Hansis
Don't Count Out: Jesse Lee Soffer

Time for my Emmy Picks

Hello all.

The next few posts will have my picks for Friday's nights Emmys. I am very excited and hope you are too.

BB: Storm Suicides to Give Katie his Heart

Oh wow! I've watched the Monday episode of BB about 5 times already. It is simply, in a word "Fantastic!". Great drama. Great directing. Wonderful writing. If they submit this for Outstanding Drama next year and they do NOT win a Daytime Emmy, there is no justice in this world.

Not only does it combine great soap storytelling, but they use the hospital and crime scene sets effectively. There are actual background actors used in ways not just as roaming orderly, doctors and nurses in the hospital scene.

If you haven't seen it, skip over to cbs.com. However, the video will only be up until Monday afternoon.

BB: New Katie Gets Shot

I like Heather Tom, but the newKatie is still growing on me. Thus, I thought the "Katie gets shot" storyline would be a bit of a bore. However, the family reactions are just ace and have me tearing up here at my desk.

ATWT: One out of Three Ain't Bad

On Thursday's episode (3/6), we came close to a trifecta.

First, a Lily and Holden love scene. (Hit)

An almost kiss between Luke and Noah. (Another almost)

Jack and Carly are in bed together, though Jack is sleeping on top of the covers. (Thus, the one out of three.)

Sigh....

ATWT: Lonely Katie

I am just now watching Monday's (3/3) episode of As the World Turns. One minute, Katie is about to kiss Brad. The next, she is reaching out to Brad's brother Jack. I guess she is just lonely, but try to keep it to one man a day. Or, at least, one man an hour.

Daytime Emmy Pre-Noms are Out!

TV Guide's Nelson Branco has posted the list of pre-nominations.

BB: Will Stephanie's blackmail catch up with her?

As part of both Thursday and Friday's cliffhanger, Stephanie is about to tell Det Baker and son that Storm is the one who shot her. However, will it also be uncovered that Stephanie has known for sometime and blackmailed the Logan family with promises of keeping quiet?

Also, it could also be revealed Stephanie's role in Brooke's rape.

I would love if that happened. If as the story is told, Det Baker says well it looks like we have to make an arrest---and go for Stephanie instead of (or in addition to) Storm.

Well, a Goddess can dream, can't she?