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

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

#GL: One good thing that could come from cancellation

My ears perked up when the following was said on NPR

After 72 years of weddings and funerals, drunken confessions, faked pregnancies and deathly illnesses...

Obviously they were going to talk about a soap. But, then the entire sentence hit me:

After 72 years of weddings and funerals, drunken confessions, faked pregnancies and deathly illnesses, "Guiding Light" is going off the air.

On this nice April afternoon I had my car windows down as I sat at a traffic light. I moaned "No, No, No, No", emphasizing each "NO" with a pound to my steering wheel.

Wait, it's April 1. This is obviously some silly April Fools Joke (as I instantly slid into denial). However, the writing had been on the wall for some time. This didn't come out of nowhere, but after months of speculation in all of the Soap World.

I am getting a bit teary eyed as I type this. GL was my first love. It taught me soap. GL was the reason I watched other shows. I got hooked on ATWT when tuning into GL a few minutes early. From there I got hooked on the 12:30 story.

When I was in high school, I would race home to try to catch the last 15 minutes of the show . It was the hay day of the Four Musketeers and prior to owning a VCR. I was, and am, still devastated by the cancellation--which is probably why it has taken me a few weeks to even write about it.

I do feel one good thing could come from cancellation--freedom to the writers. Current soap writers always have to worry about going one step to far, painting that character into a corner. That doesn't mean they have always avoided it, but their trying to undo some of those "whoopsies" has made for some hare-brained storylines.

Now they can do daring stuff in the last 6 months. Make Frank a psychopath (and his love life of late could easily drive him there)? No problem! Pair up Buzz and Lizzie? Great idea! A Dinah and AC reunion? Why the heck not?!

Think of the people you could just bring back from the dead. The pairings you could put together. The storylines you could write!

I think I will like the roller-coaster that GL should send me on until September 18. That is my only request--well, that and bring back India!

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.

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: 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

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.

CBS Soaps are now online!

Yippee!

Three soaps from the CBS Daytime lineup will now be available for same day viewing on the CBS.com website. As the World Turns, Guiding Light, and Young and the Restless will be available. (Curious that there is no Bold and the Beautiful.) It even looks like a week or so may be kept in archives for viewing.

Here is the announcment on the site:

Watch Full Daytime Episodes Now! Did you miss your favorite soap today? Full streaming episodes of ATWT, GL and Y&R are now available exclusively on CBS.com. Beginning at 3pm PT/6pm ET, you can catch the same day’s entire episode right on your computer!

Watch ATWT
Watch GL
Watch Y&R

I tested with today's ATWT. The video streaming had no glitches. However, the sound during the show seemed to come through my left earphone and during commercials or credits from my right earphone. This wouldn't necessarily bother me except that I was watching at work and usually only cover one ear. (So, I would hear fine one moment and hear nothing the next.)

A Little Scoop, or slip of the tongue, from the Emmys

Guiding Light fans may have got a glimpse of what is coming up on GL in the coming weeks. Two storylines may have had scoop released.

1) When Kurt McKinney (Matt) was pointed out by fellow castmate, Ricky Paul Goldin, RPG said something to the effect that "here's Matt, back from the dead". Will Mallet actually go through with the hit on Matt?

2) When Beth Chamberlain introduced herself she stated she played the role of Beth Raines Baur. Now, I guess one could confuse the two of the major families of Springfield--the Baurs and the Spauldings. Or, will Beth and Rick be walking down the aisle in order to legitimize the baby that Rick (and Beth and Alan as well) thinks is his?

34th Daytime Emmys: Writing

Outstanding Drama Series Writing Team

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL * CBS
BRADLEY BELL, HEAD WRITER

GENERAL HOSPITAL * ABC
ROBERT GUZA, JR., HEAD WRITER
CHARLES PRATT, JR., HEAD WRITER

GUIDING LIGHT * CBS
DAVID KREIZMAN, HEAD WRITER
DONNA SWAJESKI, CO-HEAD WRITER

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS * CBS
LYNN MARIE LATHAM, HEAD WRITER
KAY ALDEN, HEAD WRITER
JOHN F. SMITH, HEAD WRITER
SCOTT HAMNER, CO-HEAD WRITER



About what you would expect in this category. Perennial nominee As the World Turns is left out. Makes you wonder if heads (or headwriters) will roll with the lack of nominations here and in the Series category. Many people think OLTL will win in Series. However, they are not in the writing category. Hmmm…perhaps the same episodes were not submitted during the pre-nomination process.

34th Daytime Emmys: Younger Male Lead

Outstanding Younger Actor In A Drama Series

VAN HANSIS, AS LUKE SNYDER AS THE WORLD TURNS * CBS
JESSE SOFFER, AS WILL MUNSON AS THE WORLD TURNS * CBS
TOM PELPHREY, AS JONATHAN RANDALL GUIDING LIGHT * CBS
JAMES STEVENSON, AS JARED CASEY PASSIONS * NBC
BRYTON MCCLURE, AS DEVON HAMILTON THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS * CBS

Wow! What a category! Van Hansis has great stuff from his coming out storyline. Jesse Soffer and Tom Pelphrey are always great. I admittedly am not familiar with lone NBC nominee James Stevenson. Bryton McClure had his meningitis/deaf storyline that he made believable as well as his involvement in the Carmen Mesta murder whodoneit.

34th Daytime Emmys: Younger Female Lead

Outstanding Younger Actress In A Drama Series

LEVEN RAMBIN, AS LILY MONTGOMERY ALL MY CHILDREN * ABC
JENNIFER LANDON, AS GWEN MUNSON AS THE WORLD TURNS * CBS
ALEXANDRA CHANDO, AS MADDIE COLEMAN AS THE WORLD TURNS * CBS
JULIE BERMAN, AS LULU SPENCER GENERAL HOSPITAL * ABC
STEPHANIE GATSCHET, AS TAMMY WINSLOW GUIDING LIGHT * CBS

Leven Ramblin had a great year last year and its hard to believe she is still a teenager. Most of the buzz this year has been around Julie Berman's Lulu. However, I wouldn't count out any of the young ladies from CBS.

34th Daytime Emmys: Supporting Actress Nominations

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series

LESLI KAY, AS FELICIA FORRESTER THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL * CBS
GENIE FRANCIS, AS LAURA SPENCER GENERAL HOSPITAL * ABC
REBECCA HERBST, AS ELIZABETH WEBBER GENERAL HOSPITAL * ABC
GINA TOGNONI, AS DINAH MARLER GUIDING LIGHT * CBS
RENEE ELISE GOLDSBERRY, AS EVANGELINE WILLIAMSON ONE LIFE TO LIVE * ABC
HEATHER TOM, AS KELLY CRAMER ONE LIFE TO LIVE * ABC


This is always a killer category—hard to get in and hard to pick who wins. At the beginning of the year, everyone was lauding Leslie Kay's cancer storyline. All the other nominees are very strong. Genie Francis is a surprise nominee just because she was only on for two weeks. Perhaps a Guest Starring category, such as the Primetime Emmys have, should be instituted for actors like Francis and Betty White.

34th Daytime Emmys: Lead Actor Nominees

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series

MICHAEL PARK, AS JACK SNYDER AS THE WORLD TURNS * CBS
ANTHONY GEARY, AS LUKE SPENCER GENERAL HOSPITAL * ABC
RICKY PAULL GOLDIN, AS GUS AITORO GUIDING LIGHT * CBS
PETER BERGMAN, AS JACK ABBOTT THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS * CBS
CHRISTIAN LEBLANC, AS MICHAEL BALDWIN THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS * CBS

Yeah, Michael Park!
No surprise with Anthony Geary's inclusion. He is the standard bearer in this category. Peter Bergman had a great year and should be the obvious winner. However, I can think of strong episodes for both Park and Goldin who could be the surprise winner. Christian LeBlanc is always good and will probably always be in this category.