Though other soaps may have had more nominations overall – AMC had 17, GH had 12, Port Charles was the darling of the daytime world this week as Emmy nominations were announced live on ABC’s “The View”. Thanks in part to a new system that evened the playing field for smaller, younger dramas the voters had their first chance to experience all the shows on an equal footing.

Landing on everyone’s “what’s hot”, “what’s in” list Port Charles finally made its splash with the panel after five years of basically flying under everyone’s radar. Even Carolyn Hinsey, executive editor of Soap Opera Digest picked Port Charles as her fave to take home the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series.  

What an enormous payoff for ABC Daytime President Brian Frons who sat watching with a huge, almost I told you so smile on his face. No secret he supports this show, its sensibilities, its format and above all its actors. And rightly so. Now if he can just get the network on the bandwagon and persuade more affiliates to carry it in a decent time slot more viewers might actually have the choice to tune in. 

Judging from the level of cheers and screams from the audience each time Port Charles was announced, each time one of its actors was named as nominee or as Brian Gaskill was introduced as a presenter, this show should be number one before too long (what, you have to dream big I say).

The hour long Surrender kickoff is what did it. While crammed with sensational devices and special effects this episode certainly showcased the talented ensemble cast and brought good, solid, exciting drama to the attention of the panel. The risk taking Port Charles is so famous for - its telenova style arc format, its unique stories that blend humanism with the supernatural finally made an impact and garnered it its first Emmy nomination for Outstanding Drama Series. Well done.

Does it have a shot against older, established favorites such as Young and The Restless and As The World Turns; it does if the voting establishment can keep that collective mind of theirs open. Shouldn’t be too hard – the overall outstanding quality of the show shines through in the submitted episodes.

Thorsten Kaye, Kelly Monaco and Erin Hershey Presley are all well deserved in their nominations and provide a varied and diverse cross section of acting. Veteran Thorsten Kaye as Ian Thornhart, the quintessential soap hero wrestling with a not so perfect past always delivers an entertaining and deeply emotional portrayal laced with gentle romanticism. No doubt his powerful scenes at Eve’s deathbed and his grief afterwards were on his tape. 

Kelly Monaco, one of the most committed actresses on daytime always gives 100% and more to her material, playing the despicable, manipulative yet desperate for love character of Livvie so effectively. Given the chance to play twins she’s developed the character of Tess as the antithesis of Livvie and can turn on a dime switching back and forth. Viewers may not love the characters but all are in agreement at her amazing talent. Obviously the panel thought so to. 

Erin Hershey Presley’s stellar performance as Alison, the sweet young bride-to-be preparing to finally marry the man of her dreams after a tortured path only to have it all collapse in disaster in the one hour Surrender kick off proved her emotional depth and growing maturity as an actress.  

To those actors who did not receive a nomination, know that your work contributes each day to the success of this drama. And in particular to Brian Gaskill, whose abilities (in my opinion) raise the bar on this show with his talented portrayal of Rafe far higher than any bar has ever been raised before - congratulations. His work this year allowed not one, but two actresses whose main story lines revolved around Rafe to be recognized for theirs. Their nominations are also his. 

Nomination for Outstanding Drama series reflects and validates the talent and generosity of the cast, their commitment to the characters and to bringing the stories to life and the uniqueness and originality of Port Charles. As an ensemble group you would be hard pressed to find any better in entertainment anywhere, daytime notwithstanding. Congratulations again to the actors, nominated or not, for making it happen every day and for pushing Port Charles to the forefront of excellence.

…until we muse again Port Charles Fans