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Rex and Gigi: Finally Together, I Hope
“Do I still love you? Morasco, it was always you!”
Awwwwww….
Wasn’t that just THE most romantic thing, when Rex said that to Gigi on “One Life To Live.”?
I just loved that one little moment in time.
Not to mention, I’m glad that Gigi finally told Rex that Shane is his son and I’m also glad that they both made it back to 2008.
Don’t get me wrong.
I loved the 1968 storyline for many reasons.
But I do think it’s time for Gigi (Farah Fath) and Rex (John-Paul Lavoisier) to get back to 2008 and sort out their….um….”complicated” situation.
Complicated - as in Rex is still technically married to Adriana and Shane believes Brody is his father. Not to mention the faux paternity test, which complicates things even further.
But I’m rooting for Gigi and Rex to work things out.
I must say I am conflicted by watching all the scenes between Shane (Austin Williams ) and Brody (Mark Lawson). The two characters have really bonded as father and son - believably so.
And I do feel for Brody.
He was willing to marry Gigi when she was pregnant with another man’s child and he’s still sticking by them.
He wants the three of them to be family so badly that it hurts.
I can feel it.
Lawson makes me feel it.
There will be someone else in Llanview for Brody. I’m sure of it.
Now that Rex knows the truth, he needs to divorce Adriana and Gigi needs to tell Shane the truth.
Gigi, Rex and Adriana
But Adriana (Melissa Fumero), who left Llanview for Paris in May, is slated to return for a few upcoming episodes. (In real life, the former Melissa Gallo married OLTL co-star David Fumero in December.)
Last we saw Adriana, she was kind of….well….kind of like you would expect Dorian’s daughter to be (rhymes with witchy.)
I wonder how SHE will shake things up.
Should be interesting.
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Genie Francis’ GH return doesn’t disappoint
Genie Francis really is quite good.
Her return to General Hospital as the iconic Laura has been much ballyhooed. So much so that I wondered if she could live up to the hype.
Silly me.
This is a daytime legend we’re talking about, after all.
From the moment Laura placed her hand on a weeping Lulu’s head and said, “Mom’s here,” I was hooked.
And bawling like a baby myself.
Genie’s portrayal even made me feel for Lulu for the first time in eons, and considering how self-absorbed and whiny and disrespectful I think Miss Spencer has become, that’s saying something.
But watching Lulu’s eyes light up with hope as she talked with her mom … and then seeing Lulu acting positively giddy afterward during Carly’s visit (Julie Marie Berman has such a wonderful smile) … I was reminded of the fact that Lulu has lived most of her (rapidly SORASed) life without her mother.
That’s gotta be extra hard on a young girl.
Both Genie and Julie have been playing their interludes beautifully. A masterful mix of joy and sorrow that seems so real in its poignancy.
I’m starting to think I look forward to their visits together as much as they do.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: General Hospital
Why Can’t Antonio Have A Little Happiness?
Ummmmm….Did anyone really like the Mendorra storyline on One Life To Live?
Because I didn’t.
I liked the fact that it brought back Andrea Evans as Tina Roberts.
But other than that, I wasn’t really crazy about it.
I HATED the fact that Talia (BethAnn Bonner) was forced to marry the sinister Jonas Chamberlain (Kevin Spirtas).
Although, I must say, Talia looked absolutely BEE-UTIFUL!
Too bad, it was wasted on that creep, Jonas.
But the thing I hated most was that Antonio Vega (Kamar de los Reyes) was nearly stabbed to death by Jonas and then forced to leave Talia there.
Kamar de los Reyes
Of course, now he’s going back to rescue her, which can’t come too soon for me!
I know this is a soap and there’s supposed to be a certain amount of …..well….drama.
But, come on!
Antonio has already HAD enought drama and heartache to last him five lifetimes.
Really.
I think the poor guy has endured way too much already.
The Jess/Tess mess (which he stuck by her through all of that) and that was followed by Jess’s cheating on him with Nash….That, alone, was enough pain for one lifetime.
Talk about unlucky in love.
Antonio is the poster child for that saying.
Now, when he finally found real love with Talia - boom, she’s taken away.
Not only that, but now Antonio finds out that Talia is the daughter of his mortal enemy, the oh-so-evil Carlo Hesser (Thom Christopher).
I am glad that the Mendorra storyline brought Christopher back to the Llanview canvas.
He is such a wonderful actor and I just love to watch him play evil - a refined kind of evil.
But, really, let’s get Antonio in there, rescue Talia and give the guy a little happiness….
Please?
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Mark Lawson as Brody on OLTL: Enjoyable to Watch
You know who’s really evolved as a character in a relatively short time?
Brody….
Brody Lovett (Mark Lawson) on One Life To Live.
Let’s flashback to April, when Brody first appeared on our screen as the bearded, boozing, fighting, womanizing neanderthal.
Well, here……take a look for yourself at this first visual of Brody.
It was a stark contrast to Gigi Morasco’s portrait of Brody as the brave, honorable, Navy Seal and the “father” of her son, Shane.
But within a month, he showed up at the action-packed wedding of Rex and Adriana. Brody was clean-shaven in his dress whites looking like he stepped out of “An Officer and A Gentleman.”
Quite a difference, eh?
And he’s committed to Gigi (Farah Fath), wants to build a life with her and keep up the pretense that he is Shane’s father.
Although he looked a lot different on the outside, he definitely still had some “issues” on the inside.
His drinking for one.
But, because he wanted to make things work between him and Gigi, Brody went to an AA meeting.
So he is trying.
What has really warmed my heart, though, is Brody’s growing relationship with Shane (Austin Williams). I love the recent bonding scenes with Shane, while Gigi is off trying to get Rex back from 1968.
Meanwhile, back in 2008, there is a real solid relationship building between Brody and Shane.
It’s really great how Lawson has developed Brody and has shown his gentle, loving side.
My spies at the OLTL Fan Club events last weekend tell me that Lawson is super nice and that he really appreciates his fans. The word “awesome” was used in reference to him.
It seems he went above and beyond and really spent a lot of time with his fans.
And you gotta love that!
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GH’s Patrick already acting like a real dad
It’s so cute how Patrick is worried about being the father of a little girl on General Hospital.
As most Scrubbies are aware by now, Robin (Kimberly McCullough) and Patrick (Jason Thompson) are having a Scrubette. And let’s just say the once fiercely and unapologetically womanizing Dr. Drake is having a few issues with the news. (Check out the scenes below, which, by the way, are such a beautiful mixture of sweetness and humor. Kimberly and Jason work so well together.)
Not that Patrick’s response has been negative. In fact, GH has wisely not let the idea of a little girl send Patrick spiraling back toward his Lothario ways.
Actually, it’s been an almost-opposite reaction.
Patrick is now keenly aware of the fact that his daughter may someday be the target of a player like him, and he’s not happy about it at all.
Talk about just desserts.
It’s been humorous watching Patrick run through the emotions, ultimately vowing to hurt any guy who dares to make the moves on his daughter.
The hound dog has turned into the watchdog.
And to think he (and Robin) thought he wasn’t father material.
Tsk, tsk.
I think he’s already off to a great, overprotective start.
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OLTL’s John and Blair Bringing Out The Best In Each Other
I’ve been noticing for months that there’s been this good chemistry going on between One Life To Live’s John McBain and Blair Cramer.
And now that they’re finally together, I’m liking what I’m seeing.
Now I don’t really know where this will go or how long it will last.
Let’s face it.
The two are…..well…..complicated at best.
They don’t have the best track records at relationships.
How many times has Blair (Kassie DePaiva) married Todd?
I think even the best OLTL statistician has lost count.
And John?
There was Natalie, which didn’t work out - twice.
Then Evangeline.
Then Marty.
Although, she doesn’t really count as a failed relationship because she died….although, not really, because we now know she is alive, but HE doesn’t know that……..yet.
The major theme in John’s doomed relationships is his failure to communicate his feelings….
And his demons.
Demons like the death of his fiancee, Caitlin, and the death of his father.
But I think he may have rid himself of those demons.
Which may have cleared the way for Blair.
Blair and John
I like them together.
And this is why.
Blair brings out the lighter side of John McBain, wearer of all things black.
How about that yellow Hawaiian shirt with Tucans on it?
Too Funny!
Only Blair could get him to put on that shirt.
And John?
Well, he’s been my favorite since he came to Llanview.
I just love the brooding, do-the-right-thing, Detective McBain.
And what I like about him is much more than those big blue bedroom eyes and his gorgeous good looks.
It’s his honesty, integrity and loyalty…..qualities that are rare and wonderful in this day and age.
I love the fact that amidst the chaos of Llanview, John McBain (Michael Easton) is the one constant you can count on when the chips are down.
And I’m wondering.
What’s going to happen when he finally finds out that Todd has deceived everyone and that Marty is alive?
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AMC’s Taylor can’t be Jake-centric
I can tell that the chemistry between Ricky Paull Goldin and Beth Ehlers is no fluke, even with the few scenes they’ve had as All My Children’s Jake and Taylor.
They were a huge hit as Gus and Harley on Guiding Light, and I think they can re-create the magic on AMC.
If it’s handled right.
Of course, I believe that Ricky Paull has a natural ease with everyone he works with. Plus he has the benefit of playing a character who already has huge ties — familial, friendly and romantically — to Pine Valley. I mean, he’s a member of one of the core families for goodness sake.
So it wasn’t really him that had to pass the test for me.
Beth is the one with the hard sell. She’s helping to create a brand-new character, and soap fans aren’t always the most patient or welcoming, even with star-caliber actresses.
Luckily for Beth — and the character of Taylor — AMC is not just bringing her on “for Jake.” Yeah, it’s obvious they want to pair them, but the show is weaving a broader identity for Taylor, complete with a military-forged friendship between her and Frankie.
And lookie here. Frankie happens to be Jake’s friend, as well.
See the umbrella unfolding?
If AMC can keep creating Taylor as an individual first, then they will have a much easier time creating a pairing between her and Jake.
Not that Beth necessarily needs the help, but a little depth to Taylor’s story surely can’t hurt.
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Kudos To The 1968 Storyline On One Life To Live
Who is loving the 1968 40th anniversary storyline on One Life To Live?
(Raises hand) I DO! I DO!
My friend, Sharona, however, does not. She wrote me an e-mail saying she wants the characters back in 2008.
But for me….each day that goes on, it just keeps getting better.
I enjoy all the references to 1968, because….well, I lived it.
I remember the songs, the clothes, the hippies, the peace movement, the president and the Vietnam War.
And all those things have come up during OLTL’s 1968 segments.
I think the whole storyline has been creative, i.e. using present day characters in dual roles as different characters from the past.
Not only that, but we are getting to see how the past and present are merged.
Case in point: Cord Roberts (John Loprieno) returns in the present; while we see how he came to be conceived in 1968 through a love affair between Clint (John Brotherton) and Maria (Melissa Archer), a Buchanan maid.
We also see how Asa sent Maria away, so that Clint would never know (until years later) that he had a son.
I love the fact that Loprieno returned as Cord and met up with daughter Sarah (Justis Bolding) and ex-wife Tina (Andrea Evans).
I loved when Tina asked Cord for another chance….and hoped that maybe…..
But no.
He said goodbye.
It’s so good to see Loprieno and Evans together again - however brief - and I really enjoy Bolding’s portrayal of Sarah. So glad that she survived the Falls!
And how can you not love Bo (Robert S. Woods) as Asa and Rex (John-Paul Lavoisier) as Bo in the past.
Woods and Lavoisier together are incredible. I could watch those two for hours. They are so entertaining, feeding off each others gestures and expressions.
This storyline has really brought their onscreen chemistry to another level.
Throw into the mix Lea Delaria as Madame Delfina/Professor Del Fina - HIL-ARIOUS!
As the male professor….well, you can’t tell it’s a woman playing a man.
That’s how good she is.
Do you know Loyita Chapel, the actress playing dual roles of Dallas (2008) and Renee (1968) is Woods’ real-life wife? I hope she sticks around for awhile. I like her.
Other things I like about 1968:
January LaVoy in the dual roles of Noelle (2008) and Rosa (1968). She plays two totally different characters and commands attention for both. Her spanish accent for Rosa is impeccable as is her southern accent for Noelle.
LaVoy as Rosa and Archer as Maria
And hooray that Mo (John Rue) proposed to Noelle in 2008! Rue is playing the dual role of Jeremiah Stubbs from 1968 - and a colorful character at that! Love that tie-dyed shirt he wears as Jeremiah.
How about Peter Bartlett, who has played the staid and proper butler, Nigel, for years is playing Chuck Sr. in 1968 - a cowpoke with a southern twang. Talk about a completely opposite character!
I love that Gigi (Farah Fath) is going after her man, Rex, and am eagerly anticipating “the reunion” and, hopefully, the revelation that Shane is Rex’s son (finally!). 
Fath is playing the dual role of Emma Bradley in 1968 - mother of psychopath Spencer Truman.
So even though I’m loving this storyline, I think the end is near.
Sharona, I think your wish is soon to be granted.
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Dusty coming back to As the World Turns
Yay!
Grayson McCouch is returning to As the World Turns as Dusty Donovan. (His scenes should start airing Sept. 24.)
Wow. Soaps really are capable of righting their horrible, horrible wrongs.
It’s not that I’m totally against shows killing off a core character once in awhile. I’m all for good drama here and there.
But sometimes it seems like soaps get too willy-nilly about it, knocking off a beloved character just ‘cause they can.
That’s how I felt about Dusty.
He had so many ties to the Oakdale canvas … and he was portrayed ever so winningly by the wonderfully charismatic and smoldering Grayson. That man has chemistry with everyone, and he brings such depth to Dusty, the complicated good-hearted guy with a bad-guy persona.
How could ATWT let that go?
Now I don’t have to waste my time wondering anymore.
Dusty’s back in Oakdale … where he, and Grayson, belong.
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Night Shift Two: Just Not Loving It
I tried to watch the whole thing.
I really did.
But once again, just like with season one, I just couldn’t watch the entire episode of General Hospital: Night Shift, season 2. In a word.
Boring!
Except, of course, the scenes with super spy Robert Scorpio (Tristan Rogers) - a victim of a plane crash who thinks he’s back in time.
Tristan Rogers
His scenes across the board were wonderful, especially with Robin (Kimberly McCullough) and Patrick (Jason Thompson).
The scenes with Jagger (Antonio Sabato, Jr.) and Robin were touching.
The scene in the closet when Robert Scorpio was delusional and was trying to escape from the hospital was vintage Scorpio.
And how about when Robin realizes that her father doesn’t know her and he collapses on the floor.
There was real feeling there.
There was history there.
I could have watched them the entire show and have been happy.
I also enjoy Epiphany (Sonya Eddy) immensly. I mean, who doesn’t. She’s great.
But, honestly, the rest of the show I could care less about.
What’s up with the whole new cast of young doctors?
I’m not invested in these characters - nor will I be.
How can one become invested in a whole new slew of characters - all basically young, pretty faces.
I’m just not into this whole new soap mentality that you have to cast a bunch of young newbies.
Are producers even looking at the latest demographic studies, which show the average age of soap opera watchers are over the age of 50?
And, probably, most of those viewers have been watching their favorite soaps for more than 35 years, which means they want characters they have come to know and love.
Like Robert Scorpio.
Here’s a thought.
Move him back to the real General Hospital.
Get rid of the mob.
Bring back Luke and Laura.
And let’s have some “Love in the Afternoon.”
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Hauntings are a theme for AMC, GH
Lately I’ve been imagining that Logan from General Hospital and Richie from All My Children have been sitting around, playing poker in purgatory, just biding their time until their next scheduled haunting.
And they’re obviously using the same stylist.
This week both popped up in their killer’s mind’s eye, looming ever so pale and gaunt and ghastly as Lulu and Annie peered respectively over the shoulder of the man they love.
Check out their recent hauntings here:
Granted, I’m sure that guilt could cause some whopper hallucinations, but is it really that common for someone to “see” their victim? And, in Annie’s case, to have the person talk, as well?
It actually was kind of funny for me when, while visiting Laura, Lulu asked (and I paraphrase): “Did you see Rick Webber after you thought you’d killed him?”
All I could think was, “Honey, this is a soap opera. Of course, she did.” (Not that I remember Laura actually seeing Rick, but then again, that whole story line turned me off on various levels, so I could have completely missed it in my attempt to disregard the ruination of the once-noble and fatherly character of Rick Webber and the disrespectful send-off for Genie Francis as Laura.)
Anyhoo …
The spookily parallel ghost sightings on AMC and GH spotlights how uninspired soaps can be.
But I’ll forgive ‘em this time around, namely because I am enjoying the extra torture for Lulu. And any additional screen time for Josh Duhon and Billy Miller is welcome in my book.
Speaking of Billy, he’ll be joining The Young and the Restless as Billy Abbott. Good for him. And good for Y&R.
Now if only someone would snap Josh up.
Then maybe, just maybe, I will no longer be haunted by GH’s stupid decision to kill off Logan.
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Tristan Rogers as Robert Scorpio Comes To GH Night Shift
Has anyone watched General Hospital: Night Shift, season two yet?
I haven’t mainly because I absolutely HATED season one…..absolutely hated it for various reasons. Click here to read my blog that I wrote last year about season one.
But, I must say, that the recaps for the first two episodes sounded interesting….and entertaining.
Let’s not forget, Antonio Sabato Jr. reprises his GH role from long ago as Jagger Cates.
(Yes, you can stop reading long enough to wipe the drool off your chin.)
As episode three is about to air tonight 11 p.m. EST on SOAPnet, I will absolutely have to tune in.
Why, you ask?
Because the legendary Tristan Rogers, aka Robert Scorpio, makes his debut tonight on Night Shift….and I must confess I’m excited.
Excited because, let’s face it, who doesn’t love Robert Scorpio, the Super Sexy, Super Charming, Super Spy from the Luke and Laura days on General Hospital.
And, yeah, Tristan Rogers is still super sexy at 62.
How do I know this, you ask?
Because I’ve been face-to-face with him twice in the past two years.
And he’s totally charming…much like the character he plays.
I met him November 2006 at Super Soap Weekend, when I was thrilled to pull his fast pass and meet him up close and personal.
The following April, he came to the Palm Beach International Film Festival for a debut of his short film “Opportunity Knocks.”
I interviewed him and wrote a story - as part of my real job - as a reporter for the “Palm Beach Daily News.”
You know how some men look better as they age?
He’s one of those.
In a blog he posted on his MySpace page, Tristan asks his fans to give NS2 a chance and says it’s much different than season one.
He says his character is as “kick ass” as ever. But he doesn’t say anything about what’s going to happen during Scorpio’s reemergence in Port Charles.
According to TV Guide, Robert Scorpio comes to General Hospital with “a major health issue that’ll have him grappling with his mortality.”
I’m looking forward to the interaction between Robert and his daughter, Dr. Robin Scorpio (Kimberly McCullough), which should be interesting in light of the fact that Robin is now pregnant.
At any rate, I’m tuning in tonight and I think you should too.
After all, it’s a two-fer.
Antonio Sabato, Jr. and Tristan Rogers.
Throw in Jason Thompson as Dr. Patrick Drake and you’ve got a hat trick.
How can you go wrong with those three on your screen?
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Carlo/Talia portrayers click on OLTL
Thom Christopher and BethAnn Bonner are truly electric together as the estranged father/daughter duo of Talia Sahid and Carlo Hesser on One Life to Live.
I’ve written before about my appreciation for BethAnn’s talents … and my utter adoration of Thom.
Who knew that putting them together would make each performer that much better?
I love that Talia is getting such a complicated and exciting back story. Her scenes with Carlo, the biological father she can’t stand, simply drip with animosity. But underneath it all is that undercurrent of family, the feeling that blood binds her to Carlo, makes her somewhat protective of him in the face of Antonio’s fury, even though she wishes it weren’t so. (Check out some of their scenes below.)
Ironically, Carlo finds her contempt positively Hesser-worthy. He practically beams with pride whenever Talia spits out how much she hates him. He admires her passion and resolve, even as she points her dagger eyes his way.
Seeing BethAnn in scenes with Thom has added so many layers to Talia. And it’s given Carlo yet another golden child to obsess over and manipulate.
Although the two characters are at odds, it’s obvious that BethAnn and Thom are on the same page. They have forged a quick connection as performers, making their scenes together click.
As a soap viewer, I know that kind of chemistry between actors is never a given. I just hope the OLTL higher-ups recognize how fortunate they are.
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Max and Milo Will Soon Get A Backstory on General Hospital
For so long, I have waited for lovable mob bodyguard Max Giambetti (Derk Cheetwood) to get more airtime on General Hospital.
Max is honest, loyal and a real gentleman. My kind of guy!
Cheetwood really brings out the human, endearing side of Max.
And with the romantic pairing of super lawyer Diane Miller (Carolyn Hennesy), we’re finally seeing more of Max.
Max and Diane
The scenes with Cheetwood and Hennesy are one of the few bright spots of the show right now.
Those two are so much fun to watch.
Just yesterday, Max defended Diane’s honor to Russian mobster Andre Karpov.
So Cute!
I also like watching Max’s brother and fellow mob bodyguard, Milo Giambetti, played by Derk’s real-life brother, Drew Cheetwood.
Unfortunately, Milo has gotten even less airtime than his brother.
But things are looking up for fans of the Giambetti/Cheetwood brothers.
EW.com is reporting that Vincent Pastore of Sopranos fame has been hired to play Maximus Giambetti, father to Max and Milo.
Maximus, a big-time mob boss, has gotten the impression from Max that he is the crime boss of Port Charles - not just a bodyguard.
I got this happy tidbit of news from the Derk Cheetwood Message Board, which also provided the Max and Diane photo.
If you haven’t visited the board, it’s a must.
It’s a happy place to post.
Another fun message board is the Carolyn Hennesy Message Board.
Lots of fun happenings there - and everyone is so nice!
Check out both boards.
And tell them Soapbox sent you!
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Cody, Nadine give me hope for General Hospital
Despite all my disappointment with General Hospital lately, there have been some bright spots, most notably in regards to casting.
First off was the return of Graham Shiels as Iraq war vet Cody Paul. He was only in a very brief scene, telling Jason about the arrival of the Karpov organization, but I’m hoping this bodes well for the character.
Considering his fellow soldiers, Cooper Barrett and Logan Hayes, bit the dust in Port Charles, I’m not sure how good Cody’s chances are for sticking around. But perhaps the third time’s the charm for these war vets.
Graham’s Web site announces that there are good things to come for the character.
Man, do I hope that’s true.
The enigmatic Cody didn’t have much air time on GH (most of his scenes were on Night Shift, season one), but there’s something about the character (and his portrayer) that intrigues me. (My husband thinks it’s because Graham looks like Chris Daughtry, but I swear I can tell my bald-guy crushes apart. Hee.)
In any case, I look forward to seeing more of the character … and Graham.
On the flip side of Cody’s darker, more menacing personality is GH’s sunshine in a bottle, Nadine.
The chipper, Aunt Raylene-spouting nurse, played by the super-adorable Claire Coffee, is a welcome change from most of the women that GH is focusing on nowadays. She doesn’t whine and shriek (like Lulu), slink and scheme (like Claudia), hypocritically judge and butt into everyone else’s business (like Carly) or stare down her nose at others (like Kate).
She’s actually cute and nice. And you know what? I like that.
Then came the rumor that she was getting killed off.
Yep. You heard me.
On the heels of Emily and Georgie, two Port Charles’ sweethearts who were brutally murdered, there were rumblings that Nadine was next in line.
Thankfully, before I got too apoplectic about GH making another bonehead move, Claire responded to the rumors on her Web site.
She’s not going anywhere.
Whew.
So now I have Cody and Nadine to invest in as possible torch bearers for GH’s future.
Maybe there’s hope for the show yet.
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Robin Strasser’s Hotline Has Some Surprising Revelations
Has anyone listened to Robin Strasser’s recording on her hotline this week?
Because if you haven’t heard it - you gotta call.
It’s (212) 414-5300.
Call now.
You won’t believe some of the things that she says…Out Loud!
Strasser, who plays the indomitable Dorian Lord on One Life To Live, has been the talk of the internet soap world this week about her hotline message.
It’s different.
A bit kooky.
And rambling.
Definitely rambling.
She starts out by talking to her dogs and then says she never recorded a hotline message while picking up dog poop.
You see while she was recording the message, Strasser was walking her dogs in Central Park.
And throughout the rambling diatribe,she gets distracted several times by her dogs barking at other dogs, stops to talk to the other dog owners and loses her train of thought.
But the long-winded and sometimes distracted nature of the message is not the only thing that has soap fans buzzing.
It’s the content of the recording.
She talks a lot about the fact that she hasn’t been working much this summer.
And she doesn’t understand why she isn’t working, since Dorian just came off of a major storyline with the B.E. takeover ——- and now, nothing, she says.
Strasser voices her displeasure - quite vocally - about the fact that she’s not been working and questions why the writers aren’t writing for her.
Now that’s a woman who’s not afraid to speak her mind, like her alter-ego, Dorian.
And I love Strasser’s portrayal of the hard-driving, scheming, take-no-prisoners character.
There have been other women in the role over the years, but, to me, Strasser is THE Dorian Lord.
On the hotline, Strasser also talks about a rumor that, apparently, has been on some message boards, although I’ve never seen it.
I’m not going to get into it here, because it’s a bit shocking.
So I’ll let you call and listen for yourself.
And there’s one other thing that made me really sad.
Strasser talks about one of her dogs who is very ill.
She thought the dog was going to die two weeks ago.
But the dog rallied and was still alive when Strasser recorded the message on Saturday and Strasser was very grateful for the extra time she had with her.
And all of us animal lovers understand and empathize with her.
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Schemes are bringing AMC’s Annie to life
Wait. Hold on a second. Has All My Children’s Annie actually gotten interesting?
I saw initial glimpses a few weeks ago when she started scheming to hold on to her amnesiac husband Ryan by getting pregnant. For the first time since, well, probably since Annie’s been on the show, I not only wondered what she was going to do next, but I actually cared.
It’s kind of a shame that her evil brother Richie had to die to bring this devious side out of Annie. (Well, really it’s only a shame because I thought Billy Miller did such a bang-up job playing psycho Richie and I always appreciate a good soap villain. But, that aside, I guess he had to go sometime.)
What an intriguing move by AMC to have Annie be the one to off her brother, basically cementing her descent. I mean, psychosis runs in her family. It makes sense that she could be pushed so hard that a suppressed mean streak would turn into full-blown mean. (Check out the scenes below as she makes Colby and Cass squirm because they think they killed Richie. Little do they know that Annie is trying to catch them “admitting” to a crime they didn’t commit.)
The beauty of all this? Down the line, when everyone realizes what Annie’s been up to and she’s about to pay for her crimes and misdeeds, she can always claim temporary insanity based on all the stress in her life. (Not that a soap character would ever do that, right?!)
I’m not saying that a character has to be evil or cruel to be interesting. “Good” girls have their time-honored place in soaps, and I count those kinds of characters as some of my favorites through the years (Robin and Elizabeth on General Hospital, Jennifer on Days of Our Lives, Jenny, Angie and Nina on All My Children).
But sometimes these goody two-shoes need a jump start, and I think Annie is a prime example.
Melissa Claire Egan has had a few chances here and there to show the snark and fire she’s capable of as an actress. But the role of Annie didn’t give her much chance to showcase that.
Thankfully, for both the actress and the viewers, I think that’s about to change.
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Catherine Hickland (Lindsay on OLTL) Fans Must Rally For A Storyline
Was anyone else dumbfounded by the ending of the Bo/Lindsay wedding on One Life To Live?
I couldn’t believe it!
The SAME EXACT ending as their previous attempt at matrimony many years earlier…Nora (Hillary B. Smith) dropped a bombshell revelation that Lindsay (Catherine Hickland) lied (again) and Bo walked away because he couldn’t take her lying (again).
I mean, yeah, we all saw the Nora interference coming a mile away.
But what I didn’t expect was for Bo (Robert S. Woods) to walk away this time.
I expected that he was a more forgiving Bo and would throw the letter from R.J. at Nora and continue the ceremony.
But that didn’t happen.
And I can only ask - WHY????
I have loved the way Lindsay’s softer, gentler side has emerged since the brutal death of her daughter, Jen.
Hickland has really brought another dimension to Lindsay in recent years. Especially poignant is the lasting bond between Lindsay, Marcie and Rex over Jen’s death. Those relationships have been wonderful to watch.
And now we’re hearing via some soap insider reports that now that Lindsay has pleaded guilty to Spencer’s murder, she will remain in prison indefinitely.
Translation: we’re not going to be seeing Hickland on our screens anytime soon once she is sentenced and sent to prison.
Soap Opera Weekly reports that Hickland will be “off the canvas for the foreseeable future because no final decision has been made regarding Lindsay’s fate.”
And the C.H.E.R.I. initiative, a fan-based initiative that promotes Hickland and four other OLTL women vets, is mounting an active campaign to keep Hickland on our T.V. screens.
Denise Balcarcel, founder of C.H.E.R.I., is asking that all Hickland fans call the OLTL hotline in support of keeping her visible on the show. The number for OLTL’s comment line is 212-456-3338, and it’s a 24/7 voice mail system.
“My goal is to get as many people who are fans of Catherine’s as possible phoning in, because we can make a greater impact if these calls come in during the same timeframe,” Balcarcel said.
Another thing that I think is really great about Hickland - she gives back to the community big time.
Particularly close to her heart - animal rights.
It’s a cause close to mine as well.
If you can get to New York City on Aug. 16, then you can meet this wonderful actress up close and personal at her annual fan event from 6-10 p.m. at Connolly’s Pub and Restaurant. Space is limited and the setting is small in order for fans to have some quality time with Hickland.
And the beauty of all this is that proceeds from the event go to Cat Haven Wild Animal Park.
For $80 you get dinner, gift bags, one-on-one time with Hickland AND you’re helping out a great cause.
Click here to go to her website and then click on the events link at the top of the page for all the details you need to attend her “Mystical and Magical” evening. Or e-mail amcfan929@yahoo.com for reservations or more info.
If you want to double your fan experience, Hickland will be attending the OLTL Fan Club Party earlier that day at the Marriott Marquis Hotel on Broadway.
Actually, you can meet a whole bunch of your OLTL favorites at the fan club party as well.
Click here to see the list of stars attending that event and to get information on attending.
And don’t forget to call the OLTL hotline.
I want to see Lindsay on my T.V. screen for many years to come.
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Carly and Jax Got What They Deserve on GH
Hooray!
So it finally happened!
Jax (Ingo Rademacher) finally, FINALLY walked out on Carly (Laura Wright) on General Hospital.
And she so got what she deserved.
I mean really, how annoying has she been over the past few weeks….
So-o-o-o Annoying!!
And self-absorbed…let’s not forget that.
I simply could not stand another conversation about how hurt she is because Jax kissed Kate Howard.
And how about her whole absurd reasoning that Jax kissing Kate was far worse than Carly and Sonny having sex in the back of a limo.
Huh?
Yeah. Talk about rationalization.
As I was cheering (silently not audibly) as Jax was finally fed up with Carly’s machinations and was parting ways with her - a funny thing happened.
Carly actually made a couple of good points….points that I had put aside because of Carly’s bad behavior of late.
She pointed out Jax’s bad track record for walking away from wives.
It’s not like I really forgot that Jax had left Skye on their wedding night when Brenda showed up.
I had just put it to the back of my mind.
Because, you see, I abhorred Jax for a long, long time after that happened.
He threw Skye away like yesterday’s garbage - for Brenda, who ultimately jilted him.
It’s kind of hard to feel empathy for him thinking back on that.
And in the end, Carly and Jax got what they deserve - another failed marriage.
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Lately, GH has been a boring mess
Is it just me, or is General Hospital really awful right now?
As in boring, annoying, who-gives-a flying-bed-pan awful?
For weeks I have been steering my blog in other directions, trying to stay positive as I desperately searched for something redeeming about my longtime favorite show.
But it’s getting harder and harder.
As I squirmed and fidgeted and rolled my eyes through yet another week of sub-par soapage, I came up with the following good things:
Diane (Carolyn Henessy) with Max … or with Alexis .. or with Sonny … or with Jason … heck, with pretty much anyone but Kate.
Robin (Kimberly McCullough) finally putting an end to her ridiculous attempt to push Patrick (Jason Thompson) out of their baby’s life. (Check out Patrick pouring his heart out below.)
Lucky (Greg Vaughn) and Sam (Kelly Monaco). They’re kinda cute together.
The counterfeit drug story (and the probably naive hope that it has nothing to do with the mob).
Yep, that was about it.
You know what I don’t like? A lot, and here’s just a taste:
The Zaccharas. Anthony is fun in a cartoonish way. Plus I adore how he says “Lewwww-lewwww.” But other than that, the family has become annoying airhogs. Claudia had potential, but she quickly turned pathetic and her tale of “sleeping” with Trevor at 16 didn’t make me sympathize with her much. Johnny’s a waste for me, unless the show decides to get him off the Lulu train. She makes him decidedly unappealing.
Lulu. She’s stupid and rude and smug and ungrateful and … did I mention stupid? And this is the heroine of the future? Ugh.
Spinelli falling for every woman who bats an eyelash at him. He’s cute, and I know his acceptance of and innocence with women is part of his charm, but dude, give it a rest. We’re not all goddesses. (Just a select few. Hee.)
Anna. Note to GH: Anna is a smart, sophisticated, kick-butt super spy who took on mob bosses and more during her tenure in Port Charles. You’re telling me that this amazing woman is ashamed and afraid of being a grandmother? It’s a disgrace. Sure, it may get some laughs, but when did Anna become a punchline? She’s too strong a character for that.
Noah/Eli. Was that a massive groan I heard across the GH nation as Noah (the brain surgeon!) looks primed again to fill in for Eli (the rock star!). Huh? As if once wasn’t enough for this schtick? If you’re looking for an excuse to have Rick Springfield perform on the show, why not just say Noah got bit by the singing bug last go ‘round and wants to try it himself? Much, much simpler and less eyeroll worthy.
Kate. Unless she’s ragging on Lulu, I have no use for her. (Although seeing her sharpen her claws for Carly was a mite entertaining.) I find very little about her endearing, but maybe I’m just missing the wonder found in the snooty, high-handed, backstabbing world of a fashionista.
Matt possibly being bad. Listen, GH, you just went that road with Ian. Please, please, please, please give us another contract-role doctor who is decent besides Patrick. Please. If you must let Matt look sinister to start, just to build suspense and whatnot, fine. But please let him be working undercover to find the supplier of the counterfeit drugs.
Jason being involved in the summer “teen” story. I love the character of Jason and adore Steve Burton, so I usually don’t complain when he’s on my screen. But for Gotti’s sake, GH, Jason’s THE mob boss now. Does he really need to be part of this particular story line when he has his own stuff to deal with? Namely a hidden paternity revolving around a son he gave up because of said mob life — which leads me to …
Elizabeth and her lack of story. Hello, GH? You have a wonderful, beautiful actress here playing a smart, warm, accessible, hard-working heroine, and you can only use her once a week? Gah. She’s Jason’s secret love with Jason’s secret child. (See some of Steve Burton and Rebecca Herbst’s amazingly emotional scenes below.). And you can’t find something to do with that? For shame.
- The Karpovs. Oh, goody. Just what GH needed. More mob. You know, I like and enjoy the mob stories. I do. But that’s not all I want to see. Give me a little balance.
OK, I have ranted plenty. But you see what I mean?
And this is the soap that recently won Best Daytime Drama at the Emmys.
Wow.
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Dates Are Posted For Super Soap Weekend 2008
Calling all ABC soap fans!
Super Soap Weekend 2008 is set for Nov. 15 and 16 at Disney World’s Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM) in Orlando, FL.
Yessiree, mark the dates on your calendar.
The list of attending soap stars is not out yet.
Last year, the final list didn’t get finalized until October, if I remember correctly….but some of the names trickle in beginning in August or September as some of the stars post their upcoming appearance on their websites.
Just think, you can get thisclose to your fave ABC soap star.
I did!
Me with Michael E.Knight (Tad) from All My Children
Do you believe there’s a fence separating us?
Well, there is.
You see, I couldn’t get a fast pass to see Michael E. Knight one-on-one.
His passes were gone by the time I reached the beginning of the AMC fast-pass line in the morning.
He is so popular, because he really makes the fan experience fun.
Do I look like I’m having fun, or what?
So anyway, I waited outside the railing where he was signing autographs and taking photos, because I knew from the previous year that he comes to the railing after he has met all of his fast-pass holders.
And he did!
I asked for a photo and he pulled me close, grabbed my camera, held it out in front of us - and wha-la - an amazing photo!
Michael E. Knight is truly a fan favorite because he goes above and beyond for his fans.
And he’s not the only one I met.
Because if you’re quick on your feet and get up at the crack of dawn, you can meet more than one by pulling more than one fast-pass.
Plus, there’s a whole slew of panel discussions and interactive activities involving the fans and the soap stars.
Keep an eye here at Soapbox, because Kara and I will be updating SSW 2008 news as it becomes available.
If you’ve never gone to this fun-filled weekend, it’s a must for ABC soap fans.
And if you’re an ABC soap fan, Hollywood Studios Disney World is truly the most magical place on earth that weekend.
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Latest comments
Rex & Gigi are just so adorable together. As Moe said…of any kid, Shane deserves to have 2 dads. I’m hoping Carlota rebuilds the diner & the Paris(TX) folks come & work there. Finally…the end of Mendorra. We hope!
... read the full comment by Nancy | Comment on Rex and Gigi: Finally Together, I Hope Read Rex and Gigi: Finally Together, I Hope
Once again, Sharona, you bring a solid news item to our blog. Thank you! Triathalons, eh? They have to be in really, good shape to do those…so, yeah, no wonder they look so good! And it’s all for a great cause too! Soap stars do a lot of charity
... read the full comment by Michele | Comment on Why Can't Antonio Have A Little Happiness? Read Why Can't Antonio Have A Little Happiness?
No wonder my soap stars are so hot, they do triathlons!!!! On September 14, 2008, daytime stars will come together to compete in The Nautica Malibu Triathlon to benefit the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles’s Pediatric Cancer Research Program at Zuma Beach
... read the full comment by Sharona | Comment on Why Can't Antonio Have A Little Happiness? Read Why Can't Antonio Have A Little Happiness?
Hey Kara, We’ve got a breaking news item on our blog thanks to Sharona!
Thank you Sharona for your on-the-spot post. We love that! :)
... read the full comment by Michele | Comment on Why Can't Antonio Have A Little Happiness? Read Why Can't Antonio Have A Little Happiness?