For those who watched online yesterday the premiere of the season finale webisode of Venice, it did not disappoint! Creators, Crystal Chappell and Kim Turrisi certainly left us “cliffhanged” and wanting to see and know more from the complex and beautiful characters that make up the canvas of Venice.
From the moment when Jordan Clarke as Gina’s dad (The Colonel), takes matters into his own hands to help Gina (Chappell) profess her love to Ani by mailing the key letter she wrote in the last episode, we were hooked. What a moment to see, that The Colonel truly cares for his daughter! Then, the exceptional performance by Nadia Bjorlin whose unhinged Lara falls apart after seeing how her actions left Ani’s face bruise and battered.
It was also great to see Gina Tognoni as Sami, and Galen Gering as Owen, have some major obstacles to climb with their untimely split, and the cutaway to a manipulative and gloating Van! And finally, what is up with Liz Keifer’s desperate woman who keeps stalking or haunting Guya? As we see at the end, it’s all about those fingernails! The final moments of the season finale left us in awe!
As we head into 2011, congrats to Team Venice for an incredible job at bringing this brilliant piece of storytelling to audiences worldwide. We can’t wait for season three! So, when is it? 🙂
Agree with everything you said Michael. Crystal & Kimmy sure wrote a compelling season. It was on par with a lot of mainstream programmes. I soooooooo cannot wait for season3. Bravo Team V xo
nnn2u
13 years ago
You forgot to mention the restrained yet utterly devastating performance by Jessica Leccia.
Kelly
13 years ago
Loved Venice finale. Going to have serious withdraws next Wednesday! The cast is AMAZING! Venice really showcases thier talent and shows a range we don’t get to see on Daytime. I’m invested in the stories. Crystal and Kim are brilliant storytellers the writing is superb and keep us wanting more. Can’t wait till Season 3!!!
Haayhowu
13 years ago
VenicetheSeries is a terrific show. Hoping it comes back sooner rather than later with the cliffhangers dangling & the possibilities of more great stories. I think Gina Tognoni and Galen Gering gave some of their performances. Hillary B. Smith and Elizabeth Keifer play off each other like the acting pros they are. So worth the small subscriber fee and we’re even introduced to great new musical artists. Of course, Crystal Chappell, Nadja Borling, Jessica Leccia, Harrison White and the rest of the cast are awesome.
Waverly
13 years ago
Damn Crystal and Kim! How are we ever going to wait for season 3 with that cliffhanger? Congrats on this fabulous show that just gets better as it goes. I loved the new additions to the cast as well as delving deeper into the lives of characters from season one. Thank you so much to everyone involved and to Michael for your perfect wrap up.
Michelle Marie
13 years ago
Michael, agree with you re Nadia but I have to say that when you are complemented by the beautiful subtle power of Jesica’s acting that – agreeing with the earlier comment – leaves such an emotional riptide without realising it, it’s no wonder. I also have to say that Gina Tognino’s acting in the finale really took me – for the first time with her character, That’s maybe because she was front and centre in that trio today and not secondary/tertiary as she has been in every other episode.
What creative growth adn development in such a short time for a series. AMAZING value for moeny anf can;t wait for Season 3!
J
13 years ago
Seriously, it’s time you guys started acknowledging Jessica Leccia’s subtle more powerful work here, the mirror scene worked because of her stunning performance.
Anne-Marie
13 years ago
Simply put, Venice ROCKS!!!! I cannot wait to see what comes our way when Season 3 hits cyberspace….
Dani Austin
13 years ago
Thanks for the shout out to Venice Michael. Crystal taking over creative control and the head writing duties was the best Executive Producer decision she made. What a difference a year makes. More cohesive storytelling, more interesting stories and more balanced and complex characters. Thanks for giving props to Gina T. in this episode. This was really a fantastic performance by her, subtle but very moving. Galen’s Owen looked dumbfounded after realizing what he had done and Van the schemer reveling in what he accomplished was a great scene. Hillary and Liz were great and scary at the same time. Yes The Colonel mailing the letter was the most poignant moment of the episode. The Colonel and Gina were an amazing story to watch unfold all season. What a masterclass in acting from Crystal and Jordan. In Ep11 I thought there were hits and misses with Nadia’s performance in the final scene but give her props for being so raw. But she did a really good job in the mirror scene of conveying shame for what she did and fear of losing the only thing she has left. Look forward to S3 and I agree with your picking Venice as best web soap of 2010. As a Venice fan I thank you for your support.
giftofamber
13 years ago
Liz Keifer and Hillary B Smith will definitely keep me coming back for more. They’re my newest ship. Their performance was spectacular. Crystal’s really starting to make me care about Gina. Venice has vastly improved over the first season, and I’m sure season three will be even better. My only frustration: that we saw so little of Tina Sloan.
Sarah
13 years ago
I agree with those who are praising Jessica’s beautifully subtle and poignant portrayal of Ani, not only in the season finale, but all season long. Her brand of understated acting is breathtakingly real and true, not to mention mesmerizing. I look forward to more great things from her in season 3.
The stories between the Colonel and Gina, and Guya and Amber were most definitely my favorites. So compelling and stunningly performed. Each and every scene they had together were master-classes of acting. This is casting genius and writing brilliance, making must see viewing!
phyl
13 years ago
i might have to check out Venice for myself, if anything to see JL do some good acting. i’ve never been impressed by JL’s performances on the daytime soaps. imo, her deliveries lack flow and her lines are always too short and too mundane.
on the other hand, CC, Hillary B. Smith and Liz Keifer have always given amazing performances in daytime so i’m assuming they’re doing great work on Venice.
Imane Assi
13 years ago
Thanks for the recognition of NB’s amazing talent.It was about time..not too soon..she did an excellent job through the entire series,season 1 and 2.But her performances were ,perfect,impeccable,faultless..in the last 3 episodes of season 2.Great actress..it was about time more people see it.
perla
13 years ago
JL was tremendous in both season. Have to say she is a great actress the way she delivers everything she is a star. LK and HBS, these ladies did also an awesome job this season, NB was excellent wow what a differnce compared to Dool.
To bad Mr. Fairman that you didn’t mention JL for her wonderful acting.
Thank you for everything
‘Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit For Stand Up To Cancer’ Live Virtual Event Announced; Featuring Soap Opera Notables and Moving Tributes
May 2, 2024
Stand Up to Cancer in collaboration with Alan Locher and Michael Fairman, will come together for a a three-hour livestream benefit, Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer … We All Have a Story.
Several stars from from daytime drama television past and present are scheduled to participate for an evening of stories of emotional on- and off-screen experiences with cancer, and moving tributes to beloved daytime favorites who lost their battle plus musical performances.
Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer … We All Have a Story, streams live on Thursday, May 16, from 8 to 11 p.m. ET/5 to 8 pm PT simultaneously on StandUpToCancer.org and YouTube channels The Locher Room and Michael Fairman Channel.
Photos: CBS and JPI
Tune-in for cancer survivorship stories with General Hospital’s Cameron Mathison and The Young and the Restless’ Colleen Zenk, who will reflect on the impact of publicly sharing their diagnoses; 2024 Daytime Emmy nominee Eric Braeden, who shares his cancer journey as well his memories of beloved The Young and the Restless co-star Meg Bennett, who passed from cancer April 11; and more.
Moving tributes to soap stars who’ve lost their cancer battles, including: Daytime icon Jackie Zeman, who played nurse Bobbie Spencer on General Hospital for 45 years, shared by daughters Cassidy MacLeod and Lacey Gorden, a tribute to Elizabeth Hubbard who played the iconic Lucinda Walsh on As the World Turns and Dr. Althea Davis on The Doctors, as shared by her on-screen daughter Martha Byrne and real-life son Jeremy Bennett, two-time Emmy Award-winner Jerry verDorn (Guiding LightOne Life to Live), shared by widow Beth verDorn and his on-screen wife on Guiding Light, friend and co-star Liz Keife, the iconic Andrea Evans, who played Tina Lord Roberts on One Life to Live, shared by her husband Stephen G. Rodriguez and daughter Kylie Rodriguez and Kamar de los Reyes shared by his One Life to Live co-stars Michael Easton(General Hospital)Trevor St. John (The Young and the Restless).
Photo: MEastonFacebook
Poignant reflections from actors who have portrayed breast cancer survivors, including Sharon Case and Eileen Davidson from The Young and the Restless; Erika Slezak from One Life to Live; Tina Sloan and Kim Zimmer from Guiding Light and more.
Additional talent slated to participate in the virtual benefit include (*subject to change): Eddie and Kristen Alderson (One Life to Live); Elia Cantu (Days of Our Lives); The Day Players, Featuring Days of OurLives castmates Carson Boatman, Brandon Barash, Wally Kurth (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee), Eric Martsolf (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee); Kassie DePaiva (One Life to Live); Don Diamont (The Bold and the Beautiful); Linsey Godfrey (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee, Days of Our Lives); Leo Howard (Days of Our Lives); LesliKay (The Bold and the Beautiful); Eden McCoy (General Hospital); Kin Shriner (GeneralHospital); Michelle Stafford (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee, The Young and the Restless).
Courtesy/LaceyGorden
“Daytime television invites viewers into the private lives of characters, often bringing important issues like cancer screenings into living rooms and around water coolers. Soaps debuted the first cancer storyline in 1962 – years before the topic was discussed in the mainstream, and it left an indelible impact: a whole generation of women who scheduled a potentially life-saving Pap smear for the first time,” said Daytime Stands Up host Alan Locher. “For so many viewers, this brought the issue front and center,” added co-host Michael Fairman. “Today, it’s become almost impossible to avoid; but there is hope with cancer research, thanks to organizations like Stand Up To Cancer.”
SU2C Co-Founder Sue Schwartz, SU2C President and CEO Julian Adams, Ph.D., and SU2C Health Equity Committee Member Elizabeth Jaffee, M.D., will also participate to speak to the importance of early detection, exciting scientific breakthroughs, and the ongoing work yet to be done to make screenings and treatment equitable for all.
“This year, an estimated 2 million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer, presenting an opportunity for the public to stand with us and rise to the occasion,” said Adams. “We’re thankful to Alan Locher, Michael Fairman and our friends from the daytime television community, who will raise critical funding to honor those we’ve lost – and to propel new scientific breakthroughs for current and future patients. Everyone has a story, and we’re grateful to all of you for sharing yours.”
For over 15 years, SU2C has leveraged its relationship with the entertainment community – which includes more than 1,100 celebrity ambassadors – to generate public donations, increase awareness and fund cutting-edge cancer research. SU2C research has contributed to the development of more than 10 scientific breakthroughs that have significantly impacted the field and provided new treatment options for breast, colorectal, lung, melanoma, pancreatic, pediatric and prostate cancers.
Photo: SUTC
In support of the event, SU2C will also be launching a 10-day eBay silent auction, from May 16 through 26, for fans to bid on items, including a meet-and-greet experience with the cast of NBC’s Days of Our Lives; an autographed script from the cast of Young and Restless and signed merchandise from the Bold and Beautiful cast; a 1:1 video call with General Hospital’s Cynthia Watros, Maura West and Laura Wright, and with daytime legends Robert Newman, Vincent Irizarry, Colleen Zenk, and more. Full details will be shared the evening of May 16, on Stand Up To Cancer’s website.
Are you looking forward to this very special one-night only virtual event to help benefit cancer research and shed light on the stories, performances and lives of the people we love and have loved in daytime TV? Comment below.
Deidre Hall to Guest Star on Season 3 of Comedy Series ‘Hacks’
May 1, 2024
Days of our Lives star Deidre Hall (Marlena) is set to play a version of herself on third season of Hacks. Look for Hall this month in an episode titled “The Deborah Vance Christmas Spectacular,” to air on May 23 on Max.
Not only will Hall appear in the episode, but so too, will Back to the Future and Taxi star, Christopher Lloyd.
According to EW.com, Deidre will play “a fictional version of herself, who just so happens to be the mom of Paul W. Downs’ Jimmy.”
Photo: JPI
Hacks co-creator and Downs’ wife, Lucia Aniello shared on Hall’s casting, “It made sense to us that Jimmy’s late father, a big-time manager, would have been married to an actress. When the idea for Deidre Hall came up, it just felt right.”
As for Lloyd, he will portray, reclusive writer Larry Arbuckle, who is to have had a rather famous grandfather. In the episode, Hall and Lloyd’s character intersect, which leads to onscreen sparks.
Photo: AP
“We had written some things that were flirty, but the chemistry was palpable,” says co-creator and series star, Downs shared. Hacks stars Jean Smart as comedy legend Deborah Vance.
Photo: Max
Season 3 of Hacks debuts on Thursday night May 2nd on Max 9 pm ET/6 pm PT.
So, will you be watching Deidre Hall guest starring on Hacks? Comment below.
Peacock Raising Subscription Prices $2 Dollars a Month This Summer; Includes Days of our Lives
April 30, 2024
As the Paris Summer Olympics are a few months away, the Peacock streaming service has revealed its plan for a two dollar summer price hike on its subscription plans, beginning in July for its content which will include Days of our Lives.
According to Deadline, in July, look for the monthly price for Peacock Premium to increase to $7.99. Premium Plus, which offers limited advertising, download capability and live local programming, will now be $13.99, while Annual plans will go up to $79.99 for Premium and $139.99 for Premium Plus.
This price hike will effect new customers starting on July 18th, while existing subscribers will notice the price change on their next billing date on or before August 17th.
Photo: JPI
This marks the second price change in two years for the streaming service, the previous one being in 2023, which was the first since the service launched back in 2020. The Summer Olympics in Paris which will be on NBC and Peacock run from July 26 to August 11.
The bright spot for Days of our Lives fans, is that unlike if the show was still on network television and NBC, the show would be preempted for two weeks, but with it being on Peacock it will continue with all-new episodes without interruption.
Photo: Peacock
At the recent Days of our Lives 15K episode celebration, Michael Sluchan the EVP, Current Scripted Programming & Limited Series for NBC/Peacock shared that the soap opera is doing extremely well for the streaming service, and they were very happy with its performance.
If you want to join Peacock now, there is still some time to get in on the current rates to watch DAYS and all of the programming and series it offers.
So, what do you think about the Peacock streaming service next price hike? Comment below.
