ATWT: The Oakdale Library

Just a quick note that as a librarian, I am thrilled to see that the Oakdale Library is hopping! Too bad they don't have more sense than to hire Jade. (Then again, she came with Lily's recommendation--probably something Lily will later regret.)

2005 Daytime Emmys: Female Supporting

I really thought this would be the most difficult category to pick. However, I have seen the tapes and now there is such a clear-cut winner, that I can't imagine my pick is that far off from the actual voters. The reason: it is all in what you pick for your reels. It can make or break you (ask Michelle Stafford) and this year it quickly culled some of the competition.


Emmy Reels:
Tracey Bregman (Lauren, Y&R) - Michael and Lauren play strip word association; Lauren accepts Michael's proposal.

Crystal Chappell (Olivia, GL) - A gun-toting Olivia is taunted by Gus, who wants her to confess to Philip's murder; Olivia copes, as Bill walks out on her.

Jennifer Ferrin (Jennifer, ATWT) - Jen reacts to the death of her baby; Jen tries to keep Dusty from realizing she is on drugs.

Renee Elise Goldsberry (Evangeline, OLTL) - Evangeline ends things with John; Evangeline reflects on her relationship with John, as her portrayer sings.

Gina Tognoni (Dinah, GL) - Dinah tells Edmund that she lost the baby and is comforted by Jonathan; Dinah leaves a drunken message for Mallet, which leads to them making love.


Who should win: Crystal Chappell
Who will win: Crystal Chappell


Oh my gosh, what was Tracy Bergman thinking when she picked the "strip word association" episode? It was cute and all, but hardly showing her talents. Why not pick any of the Sheila drama that ended the year?
Renee Elise Goldsberry didn't show much range in her stuff, which is too bad since I really like her character. And enough with the singing (that goes for all soap stars—are you listening Jack Wagner?!)!

Who could win: Gina Tognoni or Jennifer Ferrin
I thought both of these daytime divas had a chance before I saw their reels and really would make this the toughest race. Jennifer picked some good stuff and could pull it off, however Crystal Chappell's stuff is just so strong. And, I can't help but secretly pull for Gina.

ATWT: Oh Jack!

Oh, why is ATWT playing with my emotions?! Another Jack and Carly split. The longing in each other's eyes, but the refusal by Jack to forgive Carly. I know, I know-Carly does stuff that is just so off the wall, but she has good intentions. BTW, I did like how Hal compared her to Barbara (who is also always claiming "good intentions") and when Carly objects, he states that their rap sheets are practically identical. Hmmm..good point.

However, what I would like to see happen is the point of this post.

I would love to see Jack tie this drugging Nick and the sexual setup to his past experience of being drugged and raped by Julia. ATWT never dealt with the trauma associated with male rape. And macho police-officer Jack isn't going to admit that he is suffering or ask for help. I would like to see this tied together, along with Carly's drugging Gwen, as sort of a PTSD storyline.

2005 Daytime Emmys: Female Lead

When the nominations came out, there was a lot of buzz around Kelly Monaco. I am not sure if this was because of the whole Dancing with the pseudo-Stars or what. I will admit that I don't watch GH. However, I did watch Port Charles and was never impressed with her acting, yet maybe she has matured. That said, I did watch the episodes that were submitted for the reels (Thanks, SoapNet!) and still don't see it. Here are the episodes each female choice for their reel.

Bobbie Eakes (Krystal, AMC) - In consecutive episodes, Krystal tries to talk Babe out of reuniting with JR and later plays sexy mind games with Adam.
Beth Ehlers (Harley, GL) - Harley lashes out at Mallet for "killing" Gus; before being sentenced, Harley pushes Gus away.
Susan Flannery (Stephanie, B&B) - Stephanie suggests Brooke shoot herself; Stephanie confronts Eric with proof that she owns Forrester.
Kelly Monaco (Sam, GH) - Sam gets drunk while playing dominoes with Jason; Sam urges Jason to have brain surgery.
Kim Zimmer (Reva, GL) - Reva reacts to news that her pregnancy is actually menopause; Reva admits to Josh that he's not enough for her.


It only takes two episodes to win. So, you can have crap all year and just pull off two stellar episodes. Of course, it's hard to get your show to make you a pre-nominee if you have crap, but…


Who will win: Susan Flannery
Who should win: Susan Flannery

Susan Flannery is the most consistently great performer on daytime. I personally, don't like her character, so this isn't a "playing favorites" type thing. She picked reels that mixed humor (although it was only us at home ROTFLAO) and some high drama. Of course, I could have done without the knee to the groin. But, that was the writing not the acting. The only Emmy question surrounding Susan Flannery is "will she ever 'pull an Oprah' and take herself out of the running?"

Who could win: Bobbie Eakes or Kim Zimmer. When Reva tells Josh he isn't enough for her it would just break your heart right along with Josh's.

2005 Daytime Emmy Awards

Oh time to pick the Emmy winners. I will include a list of what each actor chose for their emmy reel and then my choices. I will start with Lead Female as it might be the easiest to pick and try to end with Oustanding Show. My goal is to do a few each week and end by the time of the telecast. Let me know what you think and if you agree/disagree with my picks.

GL: Things just aren't right

I am finally caught up on GL (one good thing you can say about basketball pre-emptions) and can't believe what is happening on GL.

First, Harley and Mallet find Beth and Alan. Beth and Alan feed them a line of crap and Harley just buys it. All I could think was "call in CSI" hoping they would find some evidence of Gus at the cabin.

Second, thank God the Sandy-era is over at GL. Of course, he will be able to destroy Tammy and Jon from the grave better than when he was alive. But, that's soaps. If couples didn't have hurdles they would be boring.

Third, has Cassie lost her ever-lovin' mind?! I might have been dreaming but it seems that Cassie has locked her daughter up with a dead body. And she was just extoling how life with her was better than foster care. Actions speak louder than words--matter fact they are screaming out loud!

ATWT: Jade's misguided logic

So, to escape being sent away for her fradulent ways, Jade convinces Luke to make it appear they slept together. Isn't this backward logic?

I can't think of anything that would get someone kicked out FASTER than sleeping with their teenage child in their home.

ATWT: Carly and Jack

All I could think was "here we go again" when Jack confronted Carly on Wednesdays episode. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how it ended.

Carly, as usual, was explaining why she did what she shouldn't have done and why she didn't really think the whole thing through. Jack, naturally and as always, was not happy.

As he left to go into work, Carly told him she loved him. Jack's reply: "I know." And he walked to the door.

But...

Then he stopped and said "I love you too".

Of course, I cried right along with Carly. It all confirmed why I love Carly and Jack!

BB: Felicia as the unDead

Any savvy soap viewer saw this coming from the moment Stephanie said she ran down to San Diego to check out alternate treatments for Felicia. Only Stephanie could be so over-involved in her children's lives that she can't even let them die in peace.

Of course, to Steph's credit, it appear that all Felicia needs is a liver transplant (Steph is the natural donor) and some chemo and she will be good as new. What a miracle!

So, maybe we saw this coming when Stephanie went to San Diego. Or, in knowing that Leslie Kay is too great a talent to kill off within a few months was the better clue to this overdone storyline.

Teen Marriage Week on Daytime

What is up with the stories? We have Gwen and Will both getting married on ATWT. Then, on GL, you have a faux "lets just recite vows" between-you-me-and-the-wall wedding of Jon and Tammy.

I guess that latter was an excuse to have them finally sleep together. Well, come to think of it, maybe it is a way for the writers to justify teen sex: "They are married!"

But, I am not going to pooh-pooh any of this. I think romance is lacking on daytime so I'll take it in any form. And I love both of these couples, however unrealistic it is to think that you have found your life partner at 17.

YR: JT and Victoria "hook up"

Why JT and Victoria sleeping together works better storyline wise than JT falling back into bed with Colleen:

There are many more ripples to the story if JT and Victoria hook up. As in the Brad dynamic. And if/when Brad finds out, does he or doesn't he tell Colleen? And if Brad dumps Victoria once and for all over this, does he seek solace in Sharon. And how does that affect the Nick/Phyllis affair?

This isn't just a triangle (which would only be if you have JT and Colleen hook up) but more like an octagon.

ATWT: Oh Carly!

Oh Carly! Why do you get into such mischief. I just want to yell at the TV and plead with my Carly not to pull some silly stunt that will surely backfire. Well, Lily did say as much.

She just gets into such predicaments and I am on the edge of my seat wondering if/how/when she will get out of hot water.

ATWT: Nick--the Gigolo Detective

I am a little behind on my ATWT viewing and I just finished Tuesday's (3/7) episode. Did Nick think that Katie wouldn't think something was up when he left to do "police business" looking like the American Gigolo?

But, then come to think of it, that seems to be Nick's style--all gigolo.
It's no secret that I really don't like this character--especially since he is messing with my favorite: Carly and Jack.

BB: Go away, Nick!

Oh, why doesn't Nick just leave well enough alone (and leave Brooke alone). It is never going to be acceptable for Brooke and Nick to be together. And, I never bought that "epiphany" on the Shady Marlin between Brooke and Nick.

And, Brooke girl, no matter how much encouragement you may be getting from Bridget or Stephanie now, it will always be thrown in your face in the future. Bridget is suffering from the trauma of a miscarriage. Stephanie has her obvious motives. Run, Brooke, Run. Run right back to Ridge.

YR: Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God!

I almost fell off the couch when Phyllis through Lily's paternity in Dru's face (and Lily overhearing the whole thing). I almost forgot that Phyllis knew about Malcolm. Not that the high-and-mighty Dru doesn't deserve some wrath, but poor Lily.

However, this will make for some good story in the next days and weeks. (And to think that I usually watch Y&R last of all my soaps!)

BB: Ridge and Brooke

The writers did a good job in the post-proposal scenes. It made me remember why I love Ridge and Brooke and why I have since day one of the show.

BB: Conditional Love

I love Brooke's response to Ridge's proposal. She laid out conditions for them to be married, basically saying she wouldn't tolerate his BS anymore. Of course, Brooke bashers will hate this. But, I love that Brooke is finally showing some backbone when it comes to the Forresters.

BB: Go Brooke, Go Brooke...

Related to the post below.

I was loving Brooke finally standing up for herself and not allowing Ridge to not stand beside her. One of the best lines of the week had to be "Either you support me in this or you go home with your mother and let her tuck you in!"

BB: Stephanie

When will Stephanie ever leave things to run their natural course? At this point, her interference in everything is laughable. She really defines the word "busy body."

AMC: History Lost

Back in the early 1970's, AMC broke ground and had an abortion storyline. In that story, Erica aborted but to balance things she came down with some sort of reaction and nearly died. Well, not staying true to its history, she actually didn't have an abortion but an embryo transplant. Is that right?

I know soaps like to create these long-lost children, especially for their marquee players. However, this just undid a ground breaking story.

What next? Bianca as a lesbian is just a dream (ala Bobby in the shower on Dallas).

ATWT: Jennifer as a cop?

Really, now. You're dad is chief of detectives, but do you really have that much pulll that the Oakdale Police Department are willing to violate someone's rights so you can have them brought into the police station. And to add to it, you are the one that questions the pseodo-psychic.

ATWT: Who the hell do you think you are, Dusty?

Dusty has never been accused of lacking machismo. I really wonder what soft-little flower Jennifer sees in him (well--she is the eternal victim). But, this week he was something else. First, he threatens pseduo-psychic lady. He completely talked to her like he would to some dude, complete with threats of bodily harm. WTF? As mad as you may be, Dusty, are you really going to strike a woman?

And then Friday, he and Paul are going to come to blows? Tone it down a bit, for your own sake.

GL: Mel and privilege

Mel, you can't really claim doctor/patient privilege over something like this. This wasn't something said in a counseling session. It doesn't deal with this direct medical records.

I'm just so glad that it looks like Josh it gonna blow the doors off Jeffrey!

GL: Harley on Valentine's Day

So there's Harley in her unfinished house starting a fire where the fireplace will be in the completed house. Now part of this makes sense since Harley and Gus have gone to the house and pretended it was finished and marked where everything would be if it was done.

However, all I could think during those scenes were:

1) why isn't this house finished yet? Surely, as a CEO Harley has enough $$ to pay a contractor

2) why is she starting a fire in this unfinished house and will Jonathan be blamed when it spreads?

Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced

The Daytime Emmy Nominations were announced on Wednesday. I am surprised at some who were nominated over those who were left out, but that's a whole nother post for another week.

I will comment on each of the categories as time for the awards ceremony approaches. However, I would like to make an overall comment. The lead female/male actor categories are very vanilla this year. I believe the winners will be of no surprise. However, the supporting category for both male/female actor are jam-packed with exceptional talent and will prove to be quie a contest.

For a look at the nominations, click on the link below:
http://www.emmys.org/awards/daytimeawards_noms.php

GL: Harley sleeps with Mallet

And the winner of the stupidest plot twist of the month! (I know the month isn't over, but I can't imagine anything topping this one.)

Why oh why would Mallet sleep with Harley. Harley can at least use some type of "out of my mind with grief" but what was Mallet hoping to gain by seemingly taking advantage of that grief.

And speaking of silly ways to grieve, when did Harley become Brooke Logan Forrester? I love my Brooke, but she will fall into bed with anyone and even has with the "grief" excuse. It is sad to see Harley in the same category. Actually she might be worse. When talking to Cassie about Gus's "death" she said something like "I have my own way to grieve". Yes, my way to grieve my husband's death is to jump in the sack with one of my many ex-husbands.

I just hope they don't take this twist further by having Harley find out she's pregnant.

I am more disappointed because I am a Dinah and Mallet fan. However, it is lame storytelling too.

GL: Framed and Matted

The other day, I noticed that on the wall at Company there is a MISSING poster for Gus and Alan. Now, this makes sense for a missing/wanted poster to be hanging in Company. After all, Harley is married to Gus and Harley's father owns Company.

However, the MISSING poster was matted and framed! Who went to the trouble to do that? Doesn't that take away from the signs efficiency?

The only other place I have seen something like that is in BBQ or Western type places that try to give the place an "authentic" look. But, those missing and wanted posters are from a hundred or so years ago (e.g. Jesse James).

The framed and mattted MISSING flyer is just silly.

ATWT: Rose's daughter

I had to laugh at today's (Wed, 2/8) episode when Lily was calling the orphanage to inquire on this new-found daughter of Rose's. Sister Anne states that she was concerned to send the daughter to Lily's home because she is of mixed race. I fully expected Lily to say "Are you kidding? One of my daughter's was switched at birth with a mixed baby and we couldn't tell for years!"

King of Queens is a soap fan?!

On Monday's (2/6) episode of King of Queens, "Apartment Complex", something happens that makes me think that the Heffernan's are soap fans. Early on in the episode, the boys poker game is being forced to move to another locale. Danny Heffernan, played by Gary Valentine and who is the main character's cousin, is reading a magazine in the living room. When the dialogue turns to him it is obvious he is reading Soap Opera Weekly. Since he didn't bring any magazines in with him, one must assume someone in the household is a fan. The more I think about it, the more I think it might be Carrie's father, Arthur (played by Jerry Stiller).

YR: John's face first on the pavement!!

John has passed out at the front door and is found by Ashley. My question: where was all the media from the supposed "media circus" outside the Abbott mansion? Shouldn't they have either called for help or tried to assist?

ATWT: Lisa, Lisa, Lisa

I guess you have to catch Lisa on a good day. One day she is all understanding of Gwen's predicament and offering her room, board and a job. The next she turns into the Wicked Witch of the West.

Of course, I find it amazing that Lisa's security did a "clean sweep" of the room and could not find the necklace that Babs easily stumbled upon.

ATWT: Dead Men Don't Use Cellphones

Why, oh why, is Paul Ryan using his cell phone? Isn't he thinking this through? The police will wonder why there is activity on a cell phone for a presumed dead man.

Or maybe we just missed the part where Meg bought a pre-paid cell phone for him to use. Yeah, that's it...we must missed it.

GL: Dinah and Mallett

Soap don't often get it right. The spend too much time on mysteries, corporate intrigue and suspense. They don't spend enought time on romance.

That said, GL is getting it right on two fronts. The Tammy and Jon storyline has been great. However, the story that has surprised me the most and that I love so much is the Dinah and Mallett hookup. I think viewers can related to Dinah's fear of intimacy and getting burned. We can relate to the hesitancy as she tries to avoid getting burned over Mallet's lingering feelings for Harley.

Writers: This is what we want!! We want more romance, less murder mystery. Are you listening?!

Goddess' Programming Note

I finally figured out the blogroll thing. Yippee!!

However, for some reason my template looks goofy. All of the side bar items are way at the bottom. I am going to have to work on that...

ATWT: Paul's Memorial Service

I knew as soon as the service was mentioned that Paul would want to sneak into the memorial. I was just hoping, praying, anything that Meg wouldn't mention it when she went to treat Paul. But, of course, Meg hasn't figured Paul out like the home viewers have and opened her mouth. Then--of course (again)--Paul's first reply is that he must go to the service.

I almost hope Paul get's caught since he is being so silly.

As far as the service goes, what was Emily thinking. A bit heavy on the cleavage with her funeral dress. I know Henry was dressing her as the "merry widow," but next time let's have a bit less "merry" and emphasize more "widow."

YR: The men just don't get it

I realized something when watching Y&R this week in regards to the spa/wellness center storyline. Every woman who comes across the proposal is very enthusiastic. Jack and John both pooh-pooh the idea since it may create lawsuits. What they are missing is that such enthusiasm that has been spurned by Phyllis, Jill and now Gloria is priceless. They need to harnass that enthusiasm to Jabot's benefit--and profits. Just buy the appropriate insurance to cover your ass-ets. Now, Victor latched right on the enthusiasm. I guess, in the end, he is always the better business person. (Though I am personally NOT a fan of the Victor character).

GL: Reva and Josh

Okay, the Reva and Josh "Inside the Light" episode (Wed, 1/11) wasn't the complete snoozer I thought it would be (could be the Tammy and Jonathan moments). However, watching that episode and Thursday/Fridays episode I realize that the Reva-Josh thing has one big flaw: Reva!
Reva doesn't really want Josh. Her other problem is she doesn't want Josh to be with anyone else. Maybe Reva just needs another love interest (a non-Lewis, perhaps) to lose the latter. Then again, in the past she has been that way even when she was with someone else.

BB: Stephanie's moral relevancy

I couldn't believe Thursday's (1/5) episode where Stephanie spent the entire half-hour telling Taylor that she should not tell her husband about her little tryst a while back with James.
It was total moral hypocrisy. I couldn't help but think that "Hey Steph, you were soooo upset over Eric's little withholding of information just a few weeks back. And Eric had the same excuse of wanting to keep the status quo with family (and business)".

I really don't understand Stephanie's moral relevancy.

BB: Oh Darla

I couldn't believe it last week when Darla actually encouraged Hector to pursue Taylor. I mean, she hates Ridge but that is no excuse to try to break up your brother-in-laws marriage. At least Thorne tried to set her straight (I just love, love, love Thorne) and questioned if she didn't believe in the sanctity of marriage. However, Darla's reply of "I believe in the sanctity of our marriage" was awful. Either marriage is sacred or its not. You can't pick and choose.

BB: Was Brooke hysterical?

Some have classified Brooke's reaction to finding Hector and Taylor in a compromising position as "hysterical". Regarding Brooke's "hysterics", remember what had just happened an hour or so before she found Taylor and Hector (it was almost a week for us but just an hour or so in 'soap time'). Brooke had just been told over-and-over by Stephanie that she wasn't good enough, that Taylor was a saint and that her "non-marriage" to Ridge would have never lasted because Taylor would never bring scandal or be tabloid fodder.
So, here you are feeling low but resolved to buck-it-up and go visit your baby's father for your son's sake. Instead you are confronted with the not-so-perfect Taylor in a oh-so-compromising position. You think "what the f...my marriage was ruined, my family split apart so Taylor could play light the match with the fireman?!!"
I completely understand Brooke's reaction then and later to Taylor. She rightly pointed out that though Taylor never claims her "perfection", Taylor also doesn't stop Stephanie and others from perpetuating the myth.

BB: Loving the new Brooke vs Taylor fued

I love that the shoe is finally on the other foot in the old Brooke vs Taylor fued. Maybe Stephanie, Ridge and the rest of the world will see that Taylor is not so "perfect" as they make her out to me.

I am glad that Brooke had the upper hand on this one. Maybe it is the road to a Brooke-Ridge reunion. (Well...a goddess can hope, can't she?)

ATWT: Emily shoots Paul

Well, Emily shooting Paul was the last thing I expected. I almost fell out of my chair Thursday when she did it. Then, they top it off Tuesday with Emily pushing Paul over the side of a hill (cliff?) hoping his body would not be found. It was completely shocking!

However, I was secretely hoping that when Paul climbed back up the side of the hill (cliff?) that Meg would have seen who it was, be mad that Paul was part of her reason for the Dusty blowout, and she too would have pushed him back over the hill/cliff. I just thought that would have been kinda funny---Paul would be thinking "can I ever get a break?" But, Paul is a Stenbeck and even two pushed down a hill wouldn't be the end of him.

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?

Black Enterprise: Article on Daytime Television

The new issue of Black Enterprise (with my homeboy Cedrick Kyles on the cover) has a nice article on African Americans and daytime television. It was a nice balanced article pointing out the programs that are in place to bring more people of color to the behind-the-scenes action, as well as lauding the strides daytime television has made.

I would definitely recommend reading if one is interested in the production aspects of soap operas.

YR: JT's Singing Career

I admit that I don't watch Y&R as much as the other CBS soaps, but...

What happened to JT as the recording artist--the career that was taking off so that it caused problems with Colleen?

ATWT: Jack and the Divorce Papers

Not having your memory is one thing.
But turning into an asshole is another.

Why, why, why did Jack bring Julia along when he was serving Carly with divorce papers?! I really thought Jack was still a good guy inside, yet this proves otherwise. Only a big jerk would bring along "the other woman" to something already so emotionally charged.

It's one thing to stick in the knife with those papers. It's made worse by twisting the knife by bringing along Julia.

YR: Malcolm's back part 2

CBS Daytime can relly nail some commercials. I love the one promoting Shemar Moore's return.

The one that goes something like "Malcoms wsa in a terrible accident and presumed dead. We have now found the body" voiceover of the camera spanning from Shemar's feet to his whole body.

Yum, Yum!!

YR: Malcolm's back part 1

I like that they have brought back a Malcolm with an edge. His reunions now that he is back in Genoa City have not been all flowers as joy as he returns with a definitive grudge.
This should make for good story.

ATWT: Who needs Dr. Lynn Michaels when you have Carly?

Who nees psychotherapy? Carly has nailed Jack's problem.

The boathouse scene was quite an epiphany. Carly realized that Jack's "just add water" relationship with Julia and JJ were only attempts to fill this missing parts of himself. The Jack Snyder that is a husband and a father. And that hole that is still there--and not filled by Julia and JJ--is the need for Carly/Sage/Parker.

Unfortunately, Jack took this one step in the wrong direction wiht his propsoal to Julia. Right after he remembers his wedding to Carly in Montanna, he "fills the hole" of a need for a wedding by getting on bended knee and proposing another wedding. Jack just has the wrong bride.

GL: Philip's death and funeral

The writer's did such a good job of making us hate him that it took some of the punch out of his funeral. As a fan of Philip & Beth from back in the day (e.g. their prom), I should have been a little more sad. However, I could see more from Olivia's point of view than Beth's. More on the lines of "good riddance of bad rubbish".

BB: Amber's non-preganancy

This storyline has been good as it revealed the answers to some questions left open after Amber's miscarriage a few years back. However, it just proves that Stephanie really needs to get a life. If she isn't nosing around in Ridge's relationships, it's Ridge's son. I would think that with all Thorne is doing to bring this to her attention, Stephanie would be changing her ways.

GL: The JB and Tammy thing

Really ,writers. What was the point of pushing it so far that cousins JB and Tammy slept together? The kissing was bad enough, but this?! It wouldn't have been so bad if it wasn't Tammy's first.
And the most sickening part is that Reva "center of the GL universe" is the reason Jonathan/JB did this. For revenge against Reva.
Growing up, my father always said soaps are "too much drama". And this time it might be true--drama for drama's sake. Not for good storytelling.

ATWT: Lucinda and Jordan

Hmm..this Jordan working for Lucinda thing has me thinking...
..what if Jordan is Lucinda's son?

Remember back when David Stenbeck was introduced. James Stenbeck tried to pass him off as Lucinda's son. Lucinda didn't find it an improbability and thought it possible until proven otherwise. Now, we have shown that Joran is Stenbeck's son. But who is the baby's mama?

Things that make you go, hmm...

GL: Would someone please shoot Philip now..

And put him out of everone's misery?!

ATWT: Old Hal/New Hal

Randolph Mantooth is once again replacing Benjamin Hendrickson as Hal Munson. He did the same when Hendrickson needed a leave a while back. However, all signs point to this as a permanent recast.

I like Randolph Mantooth. I liked him when he was on Emergency! back in the early 70's. He is a good actor, seems to understand the role of Hal. I just think this will take some getting used to--an adjustment. Probably within a year, I will forget there was a recast.

B&B: Brooke's Back!

I don't see where this is going (or I don't see exactly how Brooke is going to help the Forresters keep Thorne at bay), but the ads make it look good.

If you haven't seen it, go to:

http://www.cbs.com/daytime/quickies/#

Brooke's line of "let's put the focus back where it belongs---on me!" is so classic.

ATWT: Alison and Chris

I am actually enjoying this storyline even though it looks like these two won't end up together. Actually I think Alison and Aaron will make a good couple so this breakup won't turn me off.

That said, I know Hal has been ignoring Emily; but is she really going to leave him for Chris? I can hear Kim's lecture already.

ATWT: Dusty and Lucy

Are they serious about this couple? She is, wha,t 18? And he is 30-something?

What could these two have in common? One shared experience?

Please.

B&B: I don't care!!!

Hey B&B producers, listen up: I DONT' CARE!!!

I don't care about Rick and Caitlyn. I don't care about Thomas and Amber (although the way the two stories are being played out is very hypocritical).

I don't really care about Jackie and Massimo. Although they are better than the above.

I do care about: 1)Ridge and Brooke. 2)Thorne getting revenge on Forrester.

I don't mind other storylines just the above "teen" storylines are pointless and the other "old fogie" story is same old, same old.

ATWT: Carly and Jack and Julia

Carly and Jack are my favorite, favorite couple. And usually in a soap love triangle there is someone to dislike.
However, this Julia seems to be a decent person who does not want to get hurt when Jack eventually regains his memory and goes back to his old life.
Now, we find out she has an *sshole ex-husband. Makes you even more sympathetic to the character. Well...only to the point where I wonder how ATWT can use her in Oakdale once Jack comes back to his family.

GL: Phillip

The writers are being consistent in their drive to make Phillip a true ass. The question is: why? Alan is there to play the Spaulding meanie role so is this truly needed? Shouldn't Phillip just be happy he is happy and closer to sanity than he was months ago.

On a side note: Too bad Phillip and Olivia are divorcing. They made an interesting couple and I think they truly had feeling for one another at one point.

BB: Thomas and Amber

Are they serious to put these two as a couple?

Sometimes I think Brad Bell and Co are sick, sick people.

ATWT: Barbara

Glad to see that Barbara's reformed ways lasted all of 2 days.

The downside is that I liked seeing her with Walker. Well, I liked seeing Walker and if it took a romance with Barbara...