MYSTERY #1: WHO KILLED SPENCER?

I'm actually enjoying not knowing who the killer is. Alright, I know - spumors and common sense point to Paige Miller, who is rumored to soon be written off the show. But I'll go under the assumption that it's a wide open playing field. It's much more fun that way. As such, the murder has been an impressive umbrella story and a perfect sweeps vehicle. In fact, OLTL is having the best sweeps period of any show that I'm aware of. I don't mean in terms of ratings, of course. But creatively speaking, it's better than GH which is solely an action-based piece of gimmickry. One Life is suddenly good again, and this mystery is the main reason. This week we were treated to a little post-mortem gathering sponsored by Spencer himself. I find it extremely hard to believe that during the time of his trial, Spencer feared being murdered enough to make this tape. My perception was that Spencer thought himself godlike and invincible. Why would he make this video tape? It's quite a stretch, if not a downright absurdity. But I can suspend my disbelief for a good cause, as this turned out to be. In particular, Spencer's slam of Dorian was brutally entertaining. Even in death, Spencer knows exactly what to say to push everyone's buttons. His gift to Todd (his missing son's baby blanket) was also horrifying. Most horrifying of all though, was the video tape of this new Miles character - replete with facial tumors akin to the Elephant Man. I must admit I thought that moment was absolutely bone-chilling. What a great way to introduce this new character, rumored to be Llanview's newest bad guy.

So who killed Spencer? I don't know. I can tell you who didn't kill him, though. It wasn't Michael. Or Rex. Or Todd or Evangeline or Dorian or John or Starr. I would include Natalie as a suspect, but her behavior makes it clear that she thinks John did it. So count her out. My official suspect list is: Blair, Addie, Jack, Paige, Marty, Cole, Adriana, Margaret, Margaret's sister, and Miles. Miles would be a rip-off since he is a brand new character, but TPTB are infamous for taking the easy way out of murder stories, and word on the street is that Miles is not a nice man. Margaret's returned from the dead before and is certainly capable of murder. In fact, she once tried to kill Starr with a pair of scissors (the same weapon used to kill Spencer). Maybe Spencer faked her death yet again and had been keeping her prisoner somewhere. Maybe she escaped after remembering all of the horrible things Spencer did to her. It would make sense for her to kill Spencer and then leave the room without caring whether Blair was alive or dead. Then there's Margaret's sister. She seemed rather imbalanced to me last May when she came to watch Todd's execution. That's when Margaret came back from the dead minus her memory. The sister then had to deal with Margaret dying all over again, and probably blames Spencer for everything. It could definitely be her - another easy cop-out option for TPTB. Adriana could have murdered Spencer to protect Blair AND to keep Rex's secret safe. She could have been looking for Rex when she stumbled upon Spencer almost raping Blair - the whole thing would have been completely spontaneous. Maybe she's even blocked it out of her memory. It seemed to me that Cole and Starr were together the entire night - but that isn't necessarily so. Cole could have slipped away to hunt Spencer down, and completely snapped when he found him ready to commit rape (plus Blair is Starr's mom, and he loves Starr). After all, Cole only recently found out that his mother was a rape victim. Throw in a secretly-ingested dose of steroids and you have yourself an unplanned murder by the books. But Cole's mother may be an even more likely perpetrator. Marty had been wracked with guilt and doubt about testifying on Spencer's behalf, and for subconsciously wanting revenge on Todd. She may have taken her rage out on Spencer to defend another potential rape victim. Yet she doesn't care enough about Blair to stay behind and make sure she's okay. As with Adriana, Marty could have blocked this out of her memory by now. Paige is the most likely candidate on paper, but she isn't a murderer by nature - yet she's been acting rather calm in the wake of her ex's murder. It's hard to say because often the actors have no idea if their character is guilty or not until the very last minute. In this case, Alexandra Neil is not playing that Paige is guilty - but she probably knows there's a chance it's so. I don't see much in the way of keeping a secret from Bo or anyone else. How could Paige kill someone (even Spencer) so brutally and then not even feel guilty? I'm not buying it. I'm not buying that Jack Manning did it, either. I can see why TPTB would go there, pulling a bit of a copycat act from GH (Michael "killing" AJ) - but I find it highly unlikely that a little boy of Jack's age could stab Spencer to death and then just flee the room while his mother lie passed out in a blood-soaked wedding dress. Of course Todd might have swept in and rushed Jack out of there. Another option is Addie. Todd used her as his alibi but something was definitely off about it. Was he actually protecting Addie rather than covering his own ass? It's possible, though I really can't picture sweet Addie harming anyone. They could always blame it on her general nuttiness, but it would ring untrue. Which leaves us with...

Blair. I think they should make Blair the killer. How? After all, she was lying in bed (seemingly unconscious) when Spencer was stabbed from behind. But who is to say what we saw was the actual reality of the situation? Spencer had been hallucinating for days beforehand. Maybe much of what we saw happen that day was how Spencer saw it, but not the actual reality of it. Maybe Blair got up at some point, got the scissors, and killed Spencer. Maybe when Spencer saw his attacker and said, "You," he was actually looking at Blair but seeing someone else. Or maybe his fantasy Blair morphed into the real Blair and he realized that the Blair standing before him was not the fantasy Blair who loved him. I know this scenario is highly unlikely, but it would redeem Blair actually after she whored herself out to this man for most of last year. But if Blair were to be the killer, she should get away with it. Todd should find out, and she and Todd would make a pact for life to keep it under wraps. Maybe Bo would even find out and let it slip under the rug. I'd love to see the characters all coming together to bury the secret of Who Killed Spencer - because sometimes a bastard deserves to die! Especially on soaps.

One other possible suspect: Eve McBain. She didn't seem like the murdering type, but maybe she needed to avenge her husband's death. I highly doubt TPTB would go in this direction, but it would be a surprise and provide some story for John and Michael. Not as good as Blair, but a possibility nonetheless. It would also fit in with Spencer's reaction to seeing the killer ("You!") which was impersonal. He only saw Eve once or twice before.

MYSTERY #2: WHO IS THE PYRO?

I am fascinated by this story - what makes a man or a woman burn down a series of buildings? In a way it is more intriguing than a murder where the victim undoubtedly deserved to die. Again, I don't know who the arsonist is. But I don't think it's Cristian (unless he truly is crazy), and I don't think it's Vincent. So who could it be? Could it be Aaron the ruthless attorney? Might he have hired a thug (possibly even bodyguard Shawn double-crossing Vincent) to do his dirty work for him, in an attempt to become a celebrity lawyer? I could see that. But I'd be more riveted if the arsonist was a character we already know very well. But who would want to target Vincent, Antonio, and Nora (in case you haven't heard, she's next). I was thinking they'd pin the arsons on RJ as a way to whisk him off the show. But would RJ ever burn down Nora's house? No way. So who does that leave as a suspect? What is the connection between Vince, Antonio, and Nora? Well Antonio and Nora both represent law enforcement. Vince is connected to organized crime. Hmm... could it be that Carlo Hesser is due for a return engagement? If not, I really have no idea who the perpetrator is. And you know what? I like not knowing! This is a good mystery. Todd would make sense - he'd want to frame Cris and also get back at Vince, Antonio, and Nora. But a) he's been way too preoccupied with Blair and Spencer and b) he wouldn't risk everything for Evangeline by committing acts so heinous that he'd surely lose her friendship not to mention his family and freedom. There is one other possibility, though it's kind of out of left field: Layla. Granted, if it were her she would be written into a very tight corner and probably have to leave the show. After all, these fires caused Ted's death. I can't see Layla doing these things, but then again we don't know her very well. Maybe she started this all to get back at Vincent, but found she was a pyromaniac and couldn't help herself. Again, this is a doubtful scenario. But you never know on soaps - and that's the fun of it.


THUMBS UP: The bitch is back!

There's nothing like a long hospital stay to knock some sense into Blair Cramer. First she got realistic about her cursed relationship with Todd.
Then she ran into Marty in the park and ripped her a new you-know-what, blaming her for the loss of her baby and for her break-up with Todd. Both accusations are, of course, completely absurd. But this is the real Blair Cramer, back in action. She's been missing for some time. No one plays the soap bitch better than Kassie DePaiva, and you could just see her relishing Blair's wretched treatment of Marty. Recast or not, Marty isn't someone Blair will EVER give a fair shake. She will always mistreat her, and these scenes in the park (including a rather physical push) were consistent with Blair's history and true nature. They also helped to force NuMarty into a position the OldMarty often found herself in (defending herself from the she-wolf). I especially loved when Blair referred to Cole as "Steroid Boy." Yep, the bitch is back.

THUMBS UP: Father & Son

I can't say enough about how awesome Bo and Rex are as a couple. There has long been an unspoken father-son bond between these two, but I was quite floored when they actually confessed their love aloud! Rarely have I been so endeared to a character as I am to Mr. Woods' portrayal of Bo. There is such a consistency with his character through the years, though I find that as he grows older he truly grows more lovable. I appreciated the references to Drew and the intricacies of Rex wanting to be honest but not being able to be. This is the best couple on the show next to Viki and Dorian. I'm glad they didn't make Rex Bo's biological son, because I actually think they don't need that type of bond. What they have is already perfect.

THUMBS UP: Talia

I am really, really digging Beth Ann. I have a strong feeling that within a couple of years this new recruit will be a major part of this show. She is a natural. She's taking what little material there is and running with it. She's a really good actress, it's that simple. And now that Talia is starting to have her back-story fleshed out (she was somehow profoundly affected by the events of 9/11), she's even more intriguing. I have a hunch that Talia is keeping many secrets - some to protect herself emotionally, and others perhaps which are shadier. In any case, I am ready for MORE MORE MORE Talia and MORE Beth Ann. It's such a relief that OLTL actually cast the right person in the right role at the right time - for a change.

WHAT THE HUH?: Horse Play

Excuse me but what WAS that bizarre scene where Viki decided to half-assedly mount her horse right in the middle of having an argument with Dorian? Dorian made a fake gun with her hand and said, "Bang! Bang!" And the next thing you know, a stunt double is being thrown through the air, followed by Erika Slezak lying on the ground in her cowboy outfit, possibly thinking to herself, "What the hell kind of acid are these writers taking?" Granted, I got a good chuckle out of rewinding and then slow-motioning this scene a few times, but it really was kind of a cheap gimmick to cause strife between Viki and Dorian. Wouldn't it have been more effective for Dorian to act hurt by seeing Viki and Clint together and then run off? Surely this would have eaten away at Clint, and Viki would have noticed and ended the date. Dorian could have gotten her way without doing anything. And if Clint didn't have a reaction to Dorian's pain, then she would know it's time to move on. I do not want to see Dorian fall over herself trying to get a man that isn't even into her. She deserves something hotter than that. She needs a man with an edge. At this point, I am all for a Viki/Clint reunion and for Dorian getting an equal match for herself - I don't think Clint will ever be more into her than he is into Viki.

"Viki has always been much more horsey than I am." - Dorian, to Clint

 

"I have a question about Trevor St. John and the Emmy Awards. If Trevor should get on the final ballot, do you think they will pass him up simply because he is a first time nominee? Are Kassie DePaiva and Renee Goldsberry in a better position to win because they've been nominated before and lost? Sometimes I think that even if somebody (in this case Trevor St. John) deserves the win they don't get it if they are a first time nominee. I think Trevor deserves the win! Tony Geary is always excellent but this was Trevor's year and he put in superb work all year long...Two more quick questions! What do you think of the new Media net pics with Todd/Evangeline? I think when those shows air they are going to cause quite a stir on all of the message boards! Does Tangeline still have a chance or do you think it is too late?" - Susan

Good questions! I'm not sure how often first-time nominees win - but I'm quite sure it happens. I believe Sarah Brown (the original and best Carly on GH) won her very first time, and I doubt she's the only one. Actually, I'm pretty sure Anthony Geary won the first time he was nominated, too. I don't think Trevor being a first-timer will automatically mean he can't win. Unfortunately, we'll never know. Even if Trevor gets a nomination and then loses, who's to say what the cause will be. Unless we have direct contact with a Blue Ribbon Panel member (now THAT would be a nice contact!), the reasoning behind such matters will remain unknowable. There have been some highly questionable Emmy nominations and even a couple of ludicrous choices for Emmy WINNERS (think GH), but it's impossible to say whether they were caused by politics or if they actually presented the best tapes. Sometimes I think an actor can put together the best tape even if they weren't the best overall actor. If their storyline rocked and they can put together two episodes which show a clear and compelling storyline arc (coupled with a decent and non-offensive performance), they could beat out a better performer whose storyline is less clear. For instance, Bree Williamson's tapes may confuse the judges because the storyline is so convoluted and complicated. But if the judges ARE able to follow that storyline arc, they would appreciate Bree's performance more and be more likely to vote for her. But I digress...

As far as Trevor goes, if he does not get a nomination it will be a travesty of justice. But can he WIN, despite being a first-timer? Yes, I think he can. And he really might. But if I had to put money on it, I'd still bank on Tony Geary. I know he's won before but he truly is the greatest daytime actor alive today (or ever). And he just gets better as time goes on. He had GREAT material this year with Laura's return, and also consistently great work with Jane Elliot (perhaps this year's greatest snub of all). I'm not sure anyone can beat him, and I don't see Steve Burton making the cut and splitting the GH vote. Another guy to watch out for is Peter Reckell. DAYS is not known for it's stellar acting, but during the "Zack's death" storyline last January, Reckell had an actor's dream story in playing out a parent's anguish over the death of a child. True, Kristian Alfonso was more impressive than he, pushing herself to an emotional depth rarely seen on any television. But Reckell kept up with her, and had a few gut-wrenching moments of his own. I see Reckell, Geary, and St. John as the front-runners. I'd be SO thrilled if St. John won, but I am concerned that Todd's execution may be too over-the-top for judges unfamiliar with the character of Todd Manning. He needs to pick another tape that will contrast with that episode as well as showing a storyline arc - that's no easy task. His chances rely completely on selecting the right tapes.

Yes, yes, yes I have seen the Media net pics of the Tangeline kisses. My first reaction was, "Is this real or just some teasing fantasy?" I suspect one of them is from a fantasy sequence and the other is real. My only question about this is... why now? Of course I would love for Tangeline to be together, but they peaked several months ago - that's when the affair should have begun. For the past couple of months, TPTB have kept Tangeline mostly at bay. Now they are suddenly thrusting them straight into a kiss? I shouldn't complain because it's amazing that they're going there at all. BUT... where is the build up? I am concerned that TPTB will use Tangeline as a plot device and not treat them like the super couple they really are. So I'm reserving judgment - though yes the pics are sizzling hot (every Tangeline moment sizzles). Do I think Tangeline has a chance? To be a real couple, that is? I'm not sure, honestly. I'd like to say yes, but I would qualify that answer with a big IF - IF Dena Higley was gone. But apparently she's not gone after all, and yet Tangeline is happening on some level. Either demands for Tangeline got through to TPTB, or they are merely going to tease us with a scandalous moment and then thrust Todd and Evangeline back together with Blair and Cristian. I don't have any answers, I must admit. Hopefully the Tangeline scenes will be so hot that nothing will be able to turn back the tides.

"Why oh, why is anyone (least of all you whom I have respect for) even thinking of trying yet another storyline for this boring drip of a character (Adriana)? Yes, Melissa Gallo is a pretty girl. But, let her go be pretty somewhere else. She brings absolutely nothing to the show." Oui

Not only should TPTB try to do something drastic with Adriana - but they should have a long time ago. Adriana bores the pants off of everyone who watches the show. Usually a character has a fan base of some sort, even if there is a larger opposing group that hates the character. But in this case it seems everyone is in agreement: We don't like her. Considering that, why not at least try to reverse course? Have Adriana turn out to be Spencer's murderer and send her away for awhile. Bring her back in a year played by a different actress. Or give Melissa Gallo a chance to play Adriana as a full-fledged bitch and see if it works. I very much feel that Dorian's daughter should be carrying on her legacy by feuding with Jessica and/or Natalie. As it stands, Dorian's legacy looks to be ending with herself and Blair. Adriana isn't even remotely in the same category as those amazing characters. She is ill-conceived by the writers, and played with restraint and simplicity. It doesn't work.

"Jeremy, in reading your column this week including the comments you received, I finally figure out what bothers me most about (Dena Higley). She doesn't allow the characters to do anything potentially dangerous, surprising, or entertaining. You suggested feuds between Adriana and Jessica or Natalie and some interesting things that Adriana could do, but I know instinctively that none of that will happen under this writer. She just will not allow characters to do truly interesting things unless they are the villain of the moment." - Roman

Indeed, there is a troubling lack of risk-taking in this medium. It is possibly the #1 cause of the soaps falling behind the times and failing to evolve. I sense that TPTB are afraid to do anything they can't take back, for fear they will not be able to recover a character after allowing them to do something naughty. For instance, if they turned Adriana into a full-scale bitch, they would be afraid of not knowing how to write the character in the long-term. That's because they don't know HOW to write a classic soap bitch. Frons/Higley only seem to understand good people and evil people. Everyone's "good," even Todd, and then there's psychos like Spencer and Margaret. Everyone else is "good" - even Dorian with all of her schemes. Whatever happened to the classic soap bitch? I'm talking old school Dorian Lord. Old school Blair Cramer. Old school Gabrielle Medina. Erika Kane. Kate Roberts. Kristen DiMera. Old school Carly Roberts. Helena Cassadine. Tracy Quartermaine. This brand of soap diva is an essential component to the daytime canvas - in fact, this is the only medium in which such characters can thrive unabashedly without fear of being written into a corner. The soap cannot survive without its bitches (sorry for the language!). At least, that used to be the case. But this regime doesn't know how to write the classic soap bitch. Which is too bad, since other than becoming a CSB, Adriana can serve no purpose whatsoever. But how great would it be to have little miss Dorian, Jr. in a blood-feud with Jessica and Natalie? How much more interesting would that make all three of those characters? The possibilities are endless.

"Melissa Archer and Michael Easton SHINE when they argue as John and Natalie or simply act with different partners. Together as a happy couple? They make me want to run through a swarm of bees covered in honey rather than watch them." - Mike

Me too, and I'm allergic to bees! But I'm even more allergic to Jolie, especially when they're "happy." Though technically I don't think they've ever been happy together. But I know what you mean. When they are not screaming at each other they are truly boring to behold. Lately their scenes have been more interesting to me, because Natalie is finally starting to utter some words that make it seem as though she isn't a soulless zombie. She seems to be grasping the notion that John mistreats her, and that she has been waiting for him to turn into someone that he just isn't. The treacherous nature of this couple is finally coming to light, and for that reason alone they are more watchable then ever before. It's kind of like passing by a terrible traffic accident's aftermath - you know what you're seeing is horrifying but you can't stop yourself from looking. That about sums up how I feel about Jolie right now... which is better than utter boredom of their past, but certainly I'm still anxious for them to permanently break up. Here's hoping it's soon!

"Is it just me or is Antonio going to come out being the good guy and Nash and Jessica will forever be ruined if they do the nasty while she is married? Say what you want about Java but Jessica, even the new Jessica, would NEVER have sex with anyone BUT her husband. She is the daughter of Viki Davidson and has been raised right (for the most part). After Sonia and Antonio, how could she cheat on Antonio? H-Y-P-O-C-R-I-T-E." - also Mike

There are two distinct Jessica Buchanans. The first, played by Erin Torpey, was an innocent, privileged little girl who had a great heart even though she led a sheltered life. She was the heart and soul of the Buchanan family - the apple of Asa's eye, and the beloved daughter of Clint and Viki. When Torpey left the show several years ago, that original version of Jessica died forever. The current incarnation of Jessica, played by Bree Williamson, is the creation of Brian Frons. This Jessica isn't even a Buchanan - she's the product of Mitch Laurence raping Viki (still one of the worst and most foul re-writes of history EVER on a soap). This new Jessica not only has a slutty split-personality, but she has a different essence. From even before the Tess storyline, this version of Jessica was a beauty queen with a Canadian accent and perfectly voluptuous body. I found the first year of Bree's performances insufferable. Not only was she a weak actress, but the character was suddenly a vapid waif, not at all the Jessica who grew up before my eyes. Luckily, Williamson blossomed with the Tess storyline and her very distracting Canadian drawl disappeared for the most part. Once I saw that Williamson really was talented, I warmed to her. But she isn't at all the real Jessica Buchanan. That version was a completely different character, played by Erin Torpey who didn't rely on physical beauty to be appealing. She just WAS Jessica.

Having said all that, the Jessica (or more accurately, Tessica) we are stuck with now is indeed a whore in the making. Not so much because she is capable of committing adultery (what soap character isn't capable of that?), but because she got married with deceit in her heart. The old Jessica Buchanan NEVER would have done that. If Jessica were respectable in any way, she would have called off the wedding. The fact that she went through with it established her as a shallow liar who would rather be married than be an honest person. I'm not saying she should have dumped Antonio, but she definitely should have focused on her own recovery from SEVERE mental problems instead of making a life-long commitment to another person. The Java wedding sent a very sexist and shallow message about the institution of marriage, and I don't think the real Jessica Buchanan would have participated in that (that message being that it's more important to be married than to be honest). Yes, she is a hypocrite. And increasingly difficult to enjoy or relate to in any way. Bree has proven herself as an actress (even though at times she doesn't know her lines) but that can't erase the shameful way in which the character has been vandalized and debased in order to appease Frons' need for T & A in the afternoon.

"That being that wrote you suggesting that a Todd/Evangeline pairing would offend parents black and white must not realize that there is only one race, the HUMAN RACE and that despite our beliefs or differences, we are one. Your gentle incredulity had more impact than a page of shouted insults. Because it is true, most of us really can't understand what unfortunate upbringing would cause someone both to be so racist and so lacking in savvy as to send such a letter to you. I have to think it was a trick designed to see if they could get you to respond. Except that in my work conducting trainings on cultural competence and promoting the oneness of humanity, I have met that woman several times over. Thank you for proclaiming the truth every time you write your column." - Geri in Baltimore

Well, I realize this is just a soap opera column, but I reserve the right to respond to ANY mail I get. If it brings up social issues, that's fair game. After all, these social issues apply directly to the show and are usually brought up as a result of the show. The potential of a Todd/Evangeline relationship brings up the (non) issue of interracial relationships. Personally, I thought society got over this a long time ago. And if there are people out there who can't get past whatever happened in their upbringings that led them to believe racism is acceptable, then those people should NOT be allowed to affect what can and cannot happen on my soap opera! It's one thing to have a racial preference or only be attracted to one race - that's your business. But if it goes beyond that and you feel the need to object to portrayals of interracial relationships, then I think we have the right to speak out against that. It's just wrong to allow people's prejudices to control the art of making a soap opera. The writers should have the power to tell the stories - that's why they're called WRITERS. They shouldn't have to answer to corporate interests or appease advertisers who are afraid of upsetting the lowest common denominator of society. The networks should handle business and let the artists create the art. When that doesn't happen, the art is no longer art - but merely corporate entertainment. And THAT is what is killing this medium.

"Great column as always. I hope that the soaps stay around. People will always be interested in other people, and hopefully the network brass will realize this. Many of us have come to see the characters as family and friends..." - Marsha

So true. I think the corporate suits know this to be true, but at the same time don't really understand it. They know that the soap fans think of the characters on their show to be "real" or to equate them to family and friends. But at the same time, I think the suits equate this viewer-performer intimacy as "nutty." They see us soap fans as crazy people. Seriously. And you know what? Unfortunately, some of the fans give them every reason to believe that. It's sad. The few people out there who cannot separate the show from reality sometimes ruin it for the rest of us. Yes, we are passionate. Yes, we might be more emotionally involved in our shows than the fans of sitcoms or even prime time. But this is what makes the soaps so special - their unique format. What other show is on five days a week, every week of the year? What other show has the same characters played by the same actors for 10, 20, 30, or 40 years? That is what creates the intimacy between viewer and performer. That, along with the fact that most of us start watching the shows at home with our mothers during our childhoods, which cements our bond to the characters even further (not only do I love Viki Davidson - but so does my mom!). In fact, I can remember watching OLTL during summer vacations with my mother. She would always say, "That witch!" every time Dorian was on screen. She thought Tina was a "slut", too. And of course, I already knew that Tina and Dorian were my favorite characters! Even so, the fact that my initial bonding to the show's characters transpired alongside my mother has to have a subliminal bonding affect. I'm sure many of you can relate. But this type of bond is easily misconstrued by TPTB as "unbalanced." I really do believe that TPTB think of adult soap fans as losers. That explains why they are trying to alienate us and target younger, more stupid audiences. They are mistaking the passion and perception of true soap fans as wackiness. So what do they care if they kill off our "family and friends?" When they fired Stuart Damon, knowing they would be taking years off of the man's life and ruining his career, do you think they cared about how devastated the fans would be? No - they only care about making the show younger. This is why, my friends, soap fans should be in charge. Only people who have watched soaps their entire lives should even be eligible to produce and write for them. Makes sense, doesn't it?

"Jeremy, I started watching soaps when I was 12. I'm now 43. Big sis turned me on to Ryan's Hope in 1975 and of course that eventually led me to a life-long love affair with AMC and eventually OLTL and GH. ABC was my network. I was a committed and dedicated viewer. As an adult, I still tape my soaps and speak about them to friends casually in conversation. For many years I was proud to proclaim that I watched soaps (citing great scenes from Ryan's Hope; touching on family memories from AMC, and some wild but exciting times on OLTL) and, even with bitter disappointment in recent times, I still do. Almost no one I know personally watches. To me, outside of the message groups, soap sites and mags, it seems a rare find." - David

Funny thing is, I used to have a whole group of friends who watched the soaps. Especially in college. In fact, we often skipped class to watch the soaps (this was well before the advent of TiVO). When I was in college, the soaps were ALL really good. There were about ten of us who watched OLTL and GH every day. But another group of friends were Days of Our Lives fiends and sometimes I'd go and watch DAYS with them while my VCR recorded OLTL. I got hooked on Days right away because it was during Jim Reilly's hay-day (Marlena's demonic possession, the fabulous Kristen DiMera, Celeste's crazy accent and wigs, the amazing feud of Vivien and Kate) and it was extremely hilarious and entertaining. OLTL was in the middle of Viki's split-personality onslaught, the original pairings of Todd and Blair, Bo and Nora, Dorian and Joey, then Dorian and David. And over on GH, we had the biggest super couple of the 90's, Sonny and Brenda, as well as the amazing Robin/Stone story and the crew at L&B. The soaps were damn good back then.

But since college, almost everyone that I used to watch the soaps with has stopped watching them completely. Some of them lasted for quite awhile, but eventually tired of the storylines and characters. In fact, most of my friends stopped watching just shortly after Brian Frons came into power. Hmmm... do you think that's a coincidence? I don't. For awhile I would keep them updated on what was happening, but not even my sometimes-embellished retellings could muster up much more than a yawn from them. And then much of the time all I had to say about a show was, "It really sucks right now." But I still continued to watch! Sometimes I questioned why but I am stubborn that way. I still have hope. I really feel like I could fix the soaps to a large extent. If I can do it, then surely someone who actually works for ABC Daytime is capable, right? I'd like to think there is another golden age for soaps on the horizon. If there isn't, then ultimately they will have to be cancelled. And when that day comes, it really will be like having one's entire family die all at once. Imagine how sad it would be for the casts and crews who have poured their life's work into these shows for decades. This must not happen. We demand the shows are restored to their dignified pasts!


Please send your OLTL thoughts, complaints, suggestions, and desperate pleas to:

Robert Iger, President of Disney (ABC Parent Company)
robert.a.iger@disney.com.

Anne Sweeney, President of ABC
anne.x.sweeney@abc.com.

That's it for this week. Thanks for reading, and don't forget to e-mail me.