#ATWT: Campaign to save ATWT

Let's do a campaign to save ATWT. Kind of a Jericho-style campaign, hold the nuts.

I was thinking something really simple. Sending little "Worlds" to CBS with a note that says "Don't stop our 'World' from turning!" An additional heart-felt letter might not hurt, either.

I'm thinking something simple, like these.

You can buy them in bulk at Oriental Trading (get your friends and family fellow viewers to send them, too). But, I've also seen items like these at the Dollar/99-cent Store.

It worked to get Jericho reinstated. Perhaps if CBS knew their were many passionate viewers (who may not just be a NielsenFamily) they may reconsider. Or, it may give P&G/Televest some ammo with new media outlets.

What do you say? I thiink sending these to Barbara Bloom and/or Les Moonves is most effective. I plan on sending to both.

Les Moonves

President and CEO CBS Television Network

51 West 52nd Street

New York, NY 10019

Barbara Bloom

Senior Vice President, Daytime

51 West 52nd Street
New York, NY 10019

Daytime Emmy Watch Party

If you are in or near St Louis, I hope you can attend. It will be a fun time.

Also, rooms are available at the hotel on Sunday night for $49 (plus applicable taxes). Let me know if you need a room and I'll make the reservation for you.

Daytime Emmys: You be the Judge, Supporting Male

Our second category for YOU BE THE JUDGE is Outstanding Supporting Actor, Male. Below are the links to each nominated actor’s reel as posted on YouTube. I’ve also included the original US airdate and a one sentence synopsis of the episode. Your job is to watch and post your feedback and predictions in the comments. Well, that and have the inside dish come August 30!

Bradford Anderson (General Hospital)
June 5th, 2008
Spinelli seeks advice from Jason and then decides to go after Maxie http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...8950&feature=related

Jeff Branson (Guiding Light)
December 19th, 2008
Shayne learns that Reva has cancer
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRVgAWA8hL4
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ar2NMglxN8

Van Hansis (As The World Turns)
June 10th, 2008
Luke and Noah have a nasty breakup
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6nzYcMYLNc
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afENVwzmHVg

Vincent Irizarry (AMC)
November 3rd, 2008
David thinks about killing himself and then shows up uninvited at Babe's funeral
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eluqc65I-cM
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RuPcQxa6Ao

Jacob Young (AMC)
October 23rd, 2008
JR and Babe exchange vows before she dies
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4R7Tlj7EFTU

Daytime Emmys: You be the Judge, Supporting Female

Our first category for YOU BE THE JUDGE is Outstanding Supporting Actor, Female. Below are the links to each nominated actor’s reel as posted on YouTube. I’ve also included the original US airdate and a one sentence synopsis of the episode. Your job is to watch and post your feedback and predictions in the comments. Well, that and have the inside dish come August 30!

Tamara Braun (Days of our Lives)
April 21st, 2008
Ava tries to explain her motives to Steve, Kayla, Bo and Hope
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...jHhA&feature=related
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...zdIM&feature=related
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...IPMI&feature=related
Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...pjMU&feature=related

Melissa Claire Egan (All My Children)
September 15th, 2008
Annie tells Ryan about the miscarriage and then talks to a dead Richie
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...-fbU&feature=related
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...i7VM&feature=related

Alicia Minshew (All My Children)
Kendall tells Zach she slept with Aidan when she thought he was dead
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...1C8C1B7F023&index=16
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...1C8C1B7F023&index=17

Julie Pinson (As the World Turns)
October 16th, 2008
Janet learns that Jack almost slept with Carly and that Carly has been lying to her about it
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...feature=channel_page
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...feature=channel_page

Bree Williamson (One Life to Live)
June 26th, 2008
Jessica loses it at Nash's funeral
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zg3Kd21mR3k
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKI9TNKPj-Q
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrZhFXLjQVE

You be the Daytime Emmy Judge

Ever wonder what determines the winner of a Daytime Emmy? Do you sit and wonder Actor A had a better year, why did Actor B win? Well, folks, it all lies in the selection of the Emmy reel. An actor can have a stellar year, but not pick an episode that reflects that and lose what should be a sure thing.

For those of you who are unfamiliar, the process is fairly simple. The shows each pre-nominate 2-3 actors in each category for their show. These pre-nominated actors each pick one episode to submit to the panel. Judging is based on that one lone episode--though it would be hard not to go in completely unbiased and aware of buzz surrounding some great performers. Note: The Bold and the Beautiful, as a half-hour show, can submit two episodes as long as they are consecutive episodes.

Now that you have been educated on the process how would you like to be an unofficial Emmy judge? Be the SuperSoapFan who goes watches the August 30 ceremony with the inside scoop. Over the next several weeks, I will post the YouTube videos of performances each actor submitted. I will finish with the three shows full episodes for Outstanding Drama. A big shout out and thank you to my friends and fellow soap fans at Gold Derby at the LA Times who joined together to compile this information.

This will be fun!

2008 Daytime Emmy Nominations

The nominations for the 36th Annual Daytime Emmys (based on the work of calendar year 2008) were announced on the fourth hour of the Today Show on Thursday.

Drum roll, please....Here are the daytime drama nominees:

OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES
All My Children
Days of Our Lives
The Bold and the Beautiful

OUTSTANDING WRITING TEAM
All My Children
The Bold and the Beautiful
General Hospital
One Life to Live

OUTSTANDING DIRECTING TEAM
All My Children
Days of Our Lives
One Life to Live

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS
Debbi Morgan - All My Children
Maura West - As the World Turns
Susan Flannery - The Bold and the Beautiful
Susan Haskell - One Life to Live
Jeanne Cooper - The Young and the Restless

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR
Thorsten Kaye - All My Children
Peter Reckell - Days of Our Lives
Anthony Geary - General Hospital
Daniel Cosgrove - Guiding Light
Christian LeBlanc - The Young and the Restless

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Melissa Clare Egan - All My Children
Alicia Mishew - All My Children
Julie Pinson - As the World Turns
Tamara Braun - Days of Our Lives
Bree Williamson - One Life to Live

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR
Vincent Irrizary - All My Children
Jacob Young - All My Children
Van Hansis - As the World Turns
Bradford Anderson - General Hospital
Jeff Branson - Guiding Light

OUTSTANDING YOUNGER ACTRESS
Meredith Hagner - As the World Turns
Rachel Melvin - Days of Our Lives
Kirsten Storms - General Hospital
Julie Berman - General Hospital
Emily O'Brien - The Young and the Restless

OUTSTANDING YOUNGER ACTOR
Cornelius Smith Jr. - All My Children
Darin Brooks - Days of Our Lives
Blake Berris - Days of Our Lives
EJ Bonilla - Guiding Light
Bryton McClure - The Young and the Restless

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?

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: 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: 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

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.

What's Up ATWT!!!

Someone must have gotten the scheduling screwed up. Today (Tuesday, 10/30) we had Emma Snyder AND Bob and Kim Hughes all on the same episode!

If we could have just had some Lisa, Lucinda, and Nancy I wouldn't know what to do.

ATWT: Hand-held cameras

It seems as if the Al's set is built too far from a power outlet. They have been using hand-held cameras in the scenes set there for a while.

It often makes for creepy camera angles and occasionally makes me a bit queasy to watch.

ATWT: Carly and Chemo

I'm a little behind on my ATWT viewing comments. Last week, Carly went in and was told that chemotheraphy might be an option to prolong her time with her kids.
Carly's only comment was that she was afraid to loser her hair.

What?!

I've known people who have gone through chemo. They are so weak most of the time they can barely function. By the time they feel better, it is time for another chemo treatment.

Why would she choose that course of action. While it may give her more days on this earth, sometimes you have to think about the qualityof time, not just the quantity.

CBS Videos

Okay, I am growing impatient here.

CBS is to post same-day episode videos by 5 PM Central Time. Here it is almost 8:30 and no sign of today's eppy.

So much for catching up while I am at work.

ATWT: "My Carly" can NOT be dying

Turn on the TV and pass the Kleenex! Boy, nothing like a good cry every day that Carly is featured on my favorite soap. Every time she has to tell someone about her brain legion and its terminal diagnosis, I just tear up!

Will this bring Jack and Carly back together?
Will he realize that he is losing the love of his life?

Of course, this is a soap and I just know that there is going to be some sort of miracle cure. But, in the meantime the drama is great!