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Christian LeBlanc Delivers Heartbreaking Performance As Michael Hires A Hooker On Y&R!
Courtesy/CBS
On Thursday’s episode of The Young and the Restless, Michael Baldwin (Christian LeBlanc), who is struggling with his prostate cancer diagnosis and how he can satisfy his beloved wife Lauren (Tracey E. Bregman), set out to do something very personal and very heartbreaking. Not wanting to go home with Lauren, he hires a hooker to meet him in a room at the G.C.A.C. The hooker is played by Lindsey McKeon who is making a guest star appearance on the daytime drama series for two episodes. After Michael asks her name, which is Felicity, she asks Michael who is going under an alias what he wants and desires.
But soon it becomes apparent that Michael needs to talk. And as he and Felicity are on the bed, Michael begins to reveal his inner most feelings and fears when he says: “I would like to live my life without medications. I would like to life my life with fear of becoming half a man. I’d like to take my wife to bed. I would like to spend tonight making love with my wife until we crash exhausted, and then I would like to wake up to the smell of her hair, the curve of her hip, and then I would like to do it all over again. I want to life my life. Not this new life that was thrust on me. But I can’t have that. It’s unfair as hell. I can’t have what I want, but I can give my family what I want for them, and that’s for them to be happy without me, and they will be happy without me. My son will learn from my mistakes, and my beautiful wife … I want her to have passion and joy with someone who can seduce her, and excite her, and be there for her. And gives her everything she deserves and desires … everything.”
A very sad Michael talking out his inner most pain and thoughts with Felicity was a must-see moment,that was delivered picture -perfect by Y&R stalwart Christian LeBlanc. While it’s still early in next year’s Daytime Emmy game, we think this scene is a keeper and worthy of consideration, and brought us to tears under the incredibly gifted LeBlanc.
What did you think of Michael hiring a hooker and then later just talking to her? Were you touched by the performance of Christian LeBlanc? Share your thoughts below!
Truly among past amazing scenes by Christian, this one is most memorable. He is so able to allow the most vulnerable side of this character to emerge and connect with a new cast member. As acting is all about working off the reaction of the other actor(s), compliment to the actor who played Felicity. She was a perfect counterpart to the emotions of the scene.
It was also well written script exploring the many layers of self doubt when faced with a cancer diagnosis that can affect masculinity (or femininity if a female with cancer) and certain sentences definitely rang very true. The act of keeping loved ones away is very common and difficult for those loved ones to understand and deal with, as seen in the scenes with Tracy. Compliments to all three actors for the scenes, but especially Christian.
Very well-written post, Wendy. You have delved into the core of Michael’ soul and psyche…….and what compels him do show his emotional and human side.
My sisters and I were discussing why hire a fille de joie? His masculine pride will not allow him to show that weakness to his wife……He does not want to fail her, disappoint her or himself….there will be nothing to prove to a stranger/hooker. She is only in it for the money, right? That’s what we surmised.
Fortunately for Michael, this particular ‘lady of the night’ has a conscience and a soul. I suppose something about Michael ‘syphoned’ her sense of decency and altruism for humanity.
I agree…greatest scene amidst the silliness going on with the rest of the storylines. I think this scene is one of the best ever. Why? ….because of its simplicity….where gestures and thoughts and emotions speak louder than words.
PS. I also wanted to add that this was both an act of desperation and rebellion on Michael’s part. He has so much turmoil going on inside of him. ….and anger!!!! This struggle is probably suffocating him….but, he recoils from the one person, other than himself, who can really help him…..Lauren!
I would love to say so much more on this delicate and heartbreaking subject, but I will drive all of you nice people to distraction. LOL.
Sickness and in health? A good spouse is a good friend. If you cannot talk to whomever you marry about ANYTHING, your marriage is in big trouble!
@Timmm.
Absolutely, Timmm….If a spouse cannot turn to his/her better half, then there is no bond…where there is no bond, there is no marriage.
That is the crux of the matter, I think. Michael’s and Lauren’s relationship has been a precarious challenge way before his illness. The trust had been severed since her affair with the bar tender, I don’t care how rosy their relationship seemed to be. Some people’s marriage cannot prosper or survive after a betrayal like that. I could never remain married to a husband who had cheated on me….not for the kids, not for anything.
So, Timmm, I do believe this turn of events is very telling.
There is, of course, another side….what Harry said makes much sense also…..in that, Michael is trying his damnedest to alienate Lauren. He wants to alleviate the pain by hurting her. He is opening the door for her…preparing her for his death.
Michael came a long way to gain such a noble heart. I do not want to see his departure from Y&R.
I echo the sentiments expressed by both Wendy and Cee Cee. You both expressed yourselves beautifully. I know a lot of folks are unhappy with the direction Y&R has taken as of late, and I certainly understand why, but the aforementioned scene was heart wrenching, poignant and honest.
And to use a tired old phrase, it serves as a good example of a character driven story line. Bravo to the writers and bravo to Christian Le Blanc.
And to quote Dickens’ Oliver,”Please sir, I want some more.”
I agree with all of these comments.
I have to say that for most of this storyline, I’ve been annoyed. Lauren and Michael survive Sheila Carter, the return of Sheila Carter, and then the return of Sheila’s evil sister Sara who LOOKS like Lauren; they survived all of Kevin’s shenanigans, all of Gloria’s shenanigans, Michael’s past; and my favorite, they survived the unappealing task of raising the most INSIPID child on the planet, Fenmore. And after all that, including Carmine (Good Lord, how could I forget him?), it’s cancer that brings them down???
Then, I thought about it and realized that they never survived Carmine and that Michael’s fears are to a certain degree, a result of Lauren’s infidelity.
I thought Christian LeBlanc did a beautiful job, as always, of making me believe every word coming out of his mouth. I have to add that I have never seen the actress who played Felicity but I was mesmerized. A small role but beautifully played against Michael’s anguish. Wow.
I have to add one thing. I truly hope that this is not the ENTIRE focus of the storyline. I know that Michael’s fears and insecurities are real, but I would love for the storyline to expand beyond his preoccupations with pleasuring Lauren. He is facing a life-threatening battle and it seems to me that a complex character with history like Michael, would be thinking about a lot more. The opportunities seem endless for what they could write …please go there.
aha!
Michael paying for sex is not– heartbreaking –it is stupid..
Michael bangin a hooker is ridiculous and stupid, not *heartbreaking..
(if the hooker is better than Luren it might become a thing LOL ..) I hear they know their trade well .. lol
Pratt will have Michael diddling hookers, gotta love it !!
oww oww! forward..
Michael gets the clap, herpes or HIV..
I betcha..
half the Y&R characters have some sort of disease and it’s Laurens time to get a disease, too..
It’s going to herpes !! .. ohh geez lol ..
Perhaps reading is not your strong suit su……..nowhere in the above article did it say Michael bangs…….as you so crassly phrased it…….her.
Ended up he didn’t have sex with her, they just talked.
Is all this leading up to that mikey will die? I sure hope not.
The last thing I want to see is Lauren playing the senior sex kitten and acting like a cat on a hot tin roof.
Su, su, Su. I do believe you are missing the point. Michael hiring a hooker is the HEART of the matter. I am not a man, but I can surely understand the male ego and all its ingredients, nuances and mental machinations.
A man may have everything he can possibly want, but losing one’s potency and sexual prowess, which is an integral part of what makes a man a MAN, is like having a death sentence looming over his head. Considering the fact that his wife cheated on him when in seemingly good health, imagine how insecure he must feel, at this juncture in his life!!
It is not a joke…it is a serious matter where men are sometimes driven to suicide….I have this from a good, reliable source….my husband, the doctor.
Believe it or not, it happens more often than any of us thinks.
Besides, I do not think anything sexual happened between Michael and the hooker. I think there was talking, comforting and easiness involved…..all night..no sex.
What Cee Cee said.
No, nothing sexual did transpire. Michael wants Lauren to think something did so she will be disgusted and be done with him in order to abate the grief that his impending death will cause. He also needed to confide with an indifferent stranger so he can get out all those demons, the fears, the abject sadness without dragging her down. Because the kind hearted prostitute doesn’t know him, he can let it all out without hurting her. He can’t do that with Lauren because he doesn’t want to destroy her chance of leading a happy and passionate life. Also, Michael has prostate cancer and when you couple that with chemo, it tends to make a man unable to perform which is another reason why he wants to stay away from Lauren–he doesn’t want to feel, as he put it, like “half a man.”
you’re completely missing the point – he didn’t have sex with the hooker, he revealed his soul. not sure what episode you watched or perhaps you’ve been brainwashed by Pratt and JFP to only see the sensational, sophomoric side of a story. This scene was beautiful and classic Y&R.
Michael is confused and scared. He knows his wife is a sexual and vulnerable woman. He doesn’t know how to handle the cancer and possibly losing his ability to satisfy his wife. The scene with the hooked showed he is terrified and must find the answer within himself and not Lauren.
The hooker is just like a doctor…there to make you feel better and charges a fortune…lol
duh .. I know that..
I was giving the boring scene a new twist.. something interesting to happen..
The stupidest thing I have ever seen;
a man gets himself an attractive prostitute and and doesn’t even attempt to see if he can get it up (the purpose) but instead he puts all his self-pity on her..
that is ridiculous stupid..
They went through the whole thing for a self-pity scene with a prostitute aha only in soap would a man not do it, or try to.. now that would have been truly interesting; could he or couldn’t he.. 🙂
Jim, I am outraged you compared a doctor to a prostitute. Outraged, I tell ya!
Why……why……why…..(stammer, stammer, stammer)………………………………..a prostitute has MUCH better handwriting.
Pratt did the same storyline on Melrose Place when the character kimberly had cancer and hired a prosit ute for her husband Michael! Yep this bunch of writers for all daytime shows are real gems!
Just repeating a dumb joke one of my doctors recently told me to cheer me up…i do apologize if it offends anyone!!!
Jim–I was kidding–I thought your joke was not only funny, but it was appropriate.
Maybe you’re kidding back!
He only wanted to talk, no sleep with her.
Christian LeBlanc is a wonderful actor. His monologue was touching, very emotional. The actress playing Felicity (Lindsey McKeon) is such a fine actress, she managed to play back the ball to LeBlanc and, at the same time, held herself back. Two veteran actors meeting in an act of grace.
She learned from the greats when she was on Guiding Light. Her TV parents were Kim Zimmer and Robert Newman. She wasn’t that great when she started but she got so much better over the years. I just wish another soap would pick her up, she’s a beautiful woman and can act..
I was touched by Christian’s performance and my heart breaks for Michael and Lauren but this story really does not make sense. We haven’t seen how Michael came to this point because so much of his and Lauren’s journey has been off screen and ignored. It’s also not really true to Michael or the Baldwin’s long marriage. Their marriage is and has always been far more than just sex. So kudos to Christian LeBlanc for his fine acting, but his and Tracey Bregman’s efforts don’t make up for poor storytelling.
Pratt hates the storyline since he came on board that is why all of the proper beats have not been done. CLB scenes were well done these actors are having to fight I am sure to bring emotion into this since that is not Pratt’s strength.
Yes, Pratt said right here to Michael Fairman that it’s not a storyline he would’ve written because it’s about a man’s privates. Geez..I guess if a female cancer had breast cancer he couldn’t tell it because it’s just about a woman’s boobies? Immature. To be fair, it’s Phelps story and she only had Michael on 1 day a week! LeBlanc, Bregman & Rikaart did awesome with almost no material. Even Tognoni nailed it upon Phyllis finding out. But then nothing.
I don’t like the direction Pratt’s taking it. At least push Lauren toward a single man-not a married one with kids! Why destroy his family? The hooker scenes could’ve gone so wrong but LeBlanc & McKeon saved the day! It would be a crime if he is being written of Y&R. As a GH fan though, I’d love him there if that happens.
is the GCAC the only place to book a room in town??
are there no motels for cheaters to take their side-pieces to without going to a high profile establishment like The Club?!
Obviously Michael did not want to hide his ‘illicit tryst’, otherwise he would have taken great measures to conceal an affair…if he were indeed having one. Read Harry’s post, The__Moustache…LOL. Victor??
those scenes were heart breaking & christian knocked it out of the park!!!
i don’t think he had sex with her – i really believe they just talked…………..
I know!
they should have had sex, or tried to..
now, that would be a bit earth shaking!! A shocker !! 🙂
instead we got another crying in my beer scene 🙁
Here’s my thinking on WHY Michael hired a hooker. I don’t think that Michael had any intention of ever having sex with Felicity, period. What I think he was doing by hiring the hooker was finding someone he can talk to about his issues with his cancer, losing his manhood, about the love he has for his wife and all of that, to someone that does NOT have that emotional or tangible or familial connection to Michael and his family. There was just no way that Michael would have talked to his mother Gloria about this, certainly not Kevin, certainly not Fen, and obviously not Lauren. Kevin, Gloria, Fen, and Lauren may and most likely will not buy Michael’s reasoning when he finally admits that he hired a hooker. Yes, Michael would never hire a prostitute if he were a healthy and vibrant and virile man who is deeply in love with his wife and family. But we all have to look at Michael’s reasoning from a psychological standpoint and understand very clearly his reasons for doing what he did. Was it right of him to do that? No, it wasn’t. Will his family understand? Only time will tell!
Yes, Michael….we all think what you so well expressed. It seems we are all on the same page except for su….”Gotta” love her….everything in Su’s book is black and white…with FIFTY SHADES OF GREY, here and there. Right, Su? LOL.
Over the years, writers come and go…and some storylines I like and others I don’t. But one thing never changes….I always enjoy Christian’s performance. He is absolutely one of the VERY BEST there is!!!!
Thank you Christian, for giving us your best EVERY TIME!!!!
Wonderful acting by Christian as ALWAYS……………….
I thought it was very strange. Not true to the characters.
Lindsey looked great.
Tracey also looked great.
HUH?
Lauren is a Barbie doll…and just as old.
oh CeeCee
you had me “laughing OUT Loud” about Lauren (Barbie)…. “and just as old”
I used to get so angered… ie: for and with, Traci Abbott, the heated rivalry and arch nemesis w/ Lauren Fenmore Baldwin
Lauren always seemed to come out on top… and the much maligned Traci persevered.. had Colleen…. and married Steve Connelly
alas, Colleen died
if ever , there was a human interest story… it was with Beth Maitland… Traci Abbott
being the youngest child… in her mind… “least” successful… of her older siblings Jack and Ashley
the overweight sister… living in the shadow of Ashley
the death of her only child
I just love her returns to Genoa City
ie: Christian LeBlanc… is another human interest
from the male perspective… a Mans’ STORY…
hasn’t he always done a sterling job sharing the male species emotions ?
I’ve finally decided this is why I like DAYS, of the 4 remaining soaps
the police station… and for the most part… the hospital… and LOL the park… and Horton Square…are just that, a backdrop… a part of the scenery
DAYS still attempts to showcase… both male and female perspective and points of view
Michael from Y & R isn’t a cop… a mobster, a doctor… and certainly within the category of legalese male presence
but… he showcases… men… with emotion
from A to Z he’s premiered all his tenure… and this includes his ATWT
I don’t know if Christian LeBlanc is being let go…
Charles Pratt … had better be licking his wounds, this includes JFP
this would be an amazing get for Lauren to feature herself… should this be the route Y&R forwards
after BM and MM… Christian LeBlanc is leading the pack…
@Patrick
Thanks for replying.
I am impressed by your post Patrick. So honest, so fresh….and yes, I agree about Traci. As far as I’m concerned, she is the most real character on Y&R. Somehow, the bosses have always featured her as a backdrop, within the rest of the scenery. The only real story she had was her infatuation and consequent love for the pool boy, Brad. But, even then she was upstaged by Carlton himself. There is something to be said about that…..had she been thinner and scheming, would she have had all the applause? Sad, isn’t it?…..how the pressures of society dictate what’s good, bad, thin, fat, ugly or beautiful!
Michael, as his brother Kevin, came in like a wrecking ball….a story of good versus evil, where good won. I hope CL is not on his way out….I love him as an actor…always delivers, never disappoints. He could have won this year if Tony G had not hit a home run and then some, with the Fluke storyline. I do have a strong antipathy for Geary, but I cannot deny his suprlative acting.
I am glad you liked my attempt at humor, Patrick. But, every time I see Lauren, I shake my head. Granted, she’s old enough to be my mother and she looks great. Her body is stunning…petite but voluptuous. However, she is as ageless as Barbie. So, I cannot help but assimilate her to a piece of plastic. Soon enough she will look younger than her son Finn, yes?
I know these are soaps……..but try to keep it real. There is not one muscle on Lauren’s face that moves. Her hair doesn’t even move.
I should not judge because I may get “itchy” when I start to see wrinkles. However, I would never want to look like a dressed-up, made-up doll. I like my hair loose, free of chemicals.
As yourself, I do not mind the boring, and sometimes antiquated scenery that is DAYS. It’s comforting….and I love Victor. That is one baddie I do not mind seeing. I don’t know what it is about him….but, his one-liners crack me up.
You are a very philosophical writer, Patrick….not too obvious; but I feel you. And, I bet you have a big heart. I see my female version in you. Your counterpart, Patrick. Later.
Well as long as everyone looked great, Mo, that is all that matters.
Who is Lindsey?
I do think Lauren looks great but sometimes she reminds me of one those unnamed girl muppets from Sesame Street.
You are being too kind to Lauren, Harry…LOL. At least the muppets have personality and ‘movable parts’.
I think it’s great to look so good ….but, we are all aware Lauren is too artificial. I believe in plastic surgery, but not to be overdone……just a little nip and tuck here and there. She looks half her age….very unrealistic. If Lauren would be placed in a boutique’s window, she would be mistaken for a manikin.
….out of context, but I must say…. from what I am observing, it seems to me, that both Sage and Chelsea have been impregnated by no other than Gabriel/Adam. I have said it first. If I am wrong? I will bury my head in the sand in shame.
Rarely these days to Soaps surprise or shock me (spoilers, casting news, etc.). My jaw was on the floor during their first scene. It was perfectly acted by the terrific Christian LeBlanc (Emmy reel) and Lindsey McKeon. Michael is lost, and feels he is a burden to Lauren. In a dark twisted way (I love the show went there), he was trying to get his groove back by ‘practicing’ on a paid prostitute. In his mind, it was easier to burden a stranger with his issues and recovery than his own wife. I thought it was realistic for his character, and ultimately glad he didn’t ‘go there,’ but would have been OK if he did. It would have led to more interesting storyline, as this path will too. Sorry guys, but these are the risks Chuck Pratt and JFP were talking about, and I’m on board with them.
Emmy? Please we just got through this years!
Timm, that is how I feel about the next presidential election.
Logically I see why Michael feels he may die and wants to know his family has moved on BUT his scenes were with an unknown character who is a hooker. I get that sometimes what you need to say or how you feel cannot be expressed with the people you love most but it is just hard to digest this scene entirely or should I say emotionally digest this scene because, who is Felicity? Why cannot Michael reach out to his best friend Phyllis? Another example of one of the worst written weeks on Y&R. Michael has barely said two words to Phyllis after she came out of a coma and Phyllis has not even had a scene with Michael since his cancer diagnosis. VERY bad writing with no possible excuses!
That is true about Phyllis, Timm.
But I think he needed to confide in a stranger who doesn’t know him and who would be indifferent to his angst. Apparently, this happens in real life.
I also think his other motivation is for Lauren to find out that he spent the night with a hooker so she will be done with him.
Harry 🙂
He wanted to test it, she if he could get it up/do the deed..
and then it turned into self-pity rant with a prostitute aha!
c’mon, that is stupid.. now we’ll never know know; can he??
Christian LeBlanc is excellent, he is a prime actor, we all know that..
He gave a good performance, no doubt of that..
but-
the whole idea of scene was stupid..
it went from interesting, could he, to a self-pity rant.. aha!!
but it was good ..
Thanks for explaining it to me, Su00.
I didn’t get it.
What would I do without you?
I see your point Harry, I’m not connecting well with Gina either!
Hi, Timmm,
Perhaps he feels that Phyllis has enough on her filthy plate, and does not want to burden her. Beside the fact that she has been in a coma….could not be the best advocate if her mind was affected……It is also possible that Christian may not have the same chemistry with Gina as he had with Michelle. I realize that acting is acting…with anyone. However, these characters are human, and as such, they interact with some characters better than others.
I said this in another thread but it is worth repeating. One of the flaws of soaps today is they are being written for the most part for their entertainment value– but entertainment and storytelling are two different things. I can watch trending videos on the Internet all day long and be entertained, but they are not art. Entertainment makes me a spectator, I am watching the action, judging it, reacting to it. Storytelling is an art form, a writer, should be drawing me into the story, I shouldn’t be thinking about about how I am feeling, a writer should engage my imagination so I can imagine what the character is feeling.
So, for me, on soaps, I find there is a lot written to be entertaining, for me to watch outside of the story, not bring me into it. But there are moments when a writer manages to elevate it back to the art form writing is supposed to be. That moment with Michael was such a moment.
I was drawn into that moment, I lived that moment with Michael. I felt what Michael was feeling, I understood it and in the end it did what a story is suppose to do– used the action to bring me into mindset of the character, so I can put myself inside that character and experience what that character is experiencing.
Sadly those moments are far and few between on soaps– there is nothing wrong with being entertained, but some days I really missed as I said before the artistry of real story telling. I can only imagine if the whole story of Michael’s cancer and how it effects him and his loved ones were written, like that moment how good it could have been.
But it wasn’t and for this moment I have to give a lot of credit to the actor for finding that nugget and polishing it with his performance — with a less skilled actor that moment could have fallen flat. So it was a great moment, it made me a bit sad to be reminded how good this show could be if they would stop trying to entertain me and would start writing to tell a real story.
I agree wholeheartedly.
Christian LeBlanc is consistently one of the best actors on Y&R. His performances are always very touching, riveting and honest. The way he is able to deliver his material so believably and emotionally is what makes a great actor, which he is. I truly hope that Michael is able to overcome his cancer, because it would be a HUGE loss for Y&R to lose Christian LeBlanc. Lindsey McKeon also did a wonderful job, and it’s too bad her appearance is for only 2 episodes.
Gina Tognoni also delivered an amazing performance this episode, when Phyllis was talking to a comatose Jack. Those scenes were very touching, and I think Gina T is meshing very well with the show. She’s a great actress, and her take on the character of Phyllis is definitely working.
Great acting from both leads in the two days’ episodes together; however, doesn’t Michael realize he may need a shrink? Soul-searching is one thing, but soul-searching with a hooker? If she had perhaps even confided in why she does what she does and draw a parallel between the two, fine. But the hooker with a heart of gold gimmick? If not a shrink, how about spiritual guidance for Michael?
And someone else said I earlier: where is Michael’s fight for himself? If I were in his shoes, I’d be doing EVERY BLESSED THING to be with my loved ones at all costs. Self-loathing by Michael is a tough one for me to digest. He’s always fought for the underdog; now it’s time to fight for himself. When will he have his epiphany?
Michael is on a self-pity binge..
And dropped his pity pile on a prostitute AHA!
then, to top it off-
he never did find out if it works or not..
If he had given it test ride and worked he would be all smiley in Laura’s arms..
Too bad he didn’t do what he had planed..
now we’ll have month of Michael’s pity party .. lol 🙂
I like some campy, but humorous campy not ‘sappy campy..
be interesting to see how this works out for him..
Pratt will give it journey before the conclusion..
Oh, Lordy, Lord, Su. I am having so much fun reading your posts. Give it a test ride? That is hilarious…’ Hey, buddy, let’s go give it a test ride”.
Su, this scene had nothing to do with sex, and everything to do with emotion. I agree with Harry. He needed to bounce things off and vent, to a certain extent, with someone impartial….a stranger. Moreover, if he wanted to show Lauren that he is not worthy of her devotion, then, what better way than hire a lady of the night?
If you consider this fantastic and realistic show of human struggles as campy, then we have two completely outlooks/takes on this scene, and most importantly what despair does to people and their mental state.
Yes, that is probably the only thing we agree on, Su. Michael may well be experiencing self pity and self loathing. But, he is not looking for pity from anyone else. I doubt that’s what he wants. ….neither is he looking for validation that what he feels is justified. His mind is on a dark voyage….he is looking for that elusive place which may shed some light into what he is experiencing. He knows he is on the edge of a precipice ….he does not know if he will fall.
But, I do think he is trying to get his house in order….that includes having his wife despise him to ease her pain if he dies.
I think this could earn him an Emmy . Obviously , he loves Lauren wanting to spare her a possible death.It is both selfish and a loving act for his wife.His fear of not being able to be a husband in all the ways for a vital woman in every sense of the word. Lauren shouldsee riright through him,she knows him better than any one.This will be a sad storyline.This couple have survived so much,always have .
I think Michael its pledging to life to his part.
He is great (Michele) however. ….there are two male actors on this show that are just horrible. …. (stitch) and (neal)
And, a Robert. Neil really really gets on my nerves….that holier-tha-thou attitude is misplaced. He is one of the most flawed character…he never learns his lesson. He makes the same mistake over and over. Again, he gets it on with someone young enough to be his daughter and then some. His behavior disgusts me.
Yes. ..what about the way he treated Sophia, the mother of his son (Moses)?
and when he got his sight back. ..he still acted blind. …
he simply can not act.
This summer beginning on July 21, Netflix streams the return of WWE: Unreal for its third season. The behind the scenes docudrama series gives fans a glimpse of life in WWE and inside the writers room, as injuries, last-minute pivots, and career-defining decisions reshape WWE’s biggest event of the year, WrestleMania 42.
WWE Unreal is taking fans deeper than ever inside World Wrestling Entertainment’s creative process, The hit docuseries will once again pull back the curtain on some of the biggest moments, boldest decisions, and unforgettable storytelling with some of the WWE’s greatest legends who’ve shaped the industry and new stars who are emerging as prominent parts of the future.
In the new season of ‘Unreal’ which consists of 5 episodes at 50 minutes each: John Cena says goodbye, a fan favorite returns, and the next generation of Superstars rise to the occasion.
Photo: WWE
The cast and WWE superstars featured include: the aforementioned Cena, plus Cody Rhodes, Liv Morgan, CM Punk, AJ Lee, Trick Williams, Lash Legend, Stephanie Vaquer, Oba Femi, Bron Breakker, Chelsea Green, Matt Cardona, Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch.
As previously reported AJ Lee revealed on General Hospital star Maurice Benard’s (Sonny Corinthos) mental health series, State of Mind, that she was part of the cast of WWE: Unreal.
WWE: Unreal production credits include: Directors/Showrunners: Chris Weaver and Erik Powers Executive Producers: Peyton Manning, Jamie Horowitz, Ross Ketover, Keith Cossrow, Ken Rodgers, Jessica Boddy, Lee Fitting, Ben Houser, Marc Pomarico Sr. Producers: Harley Glantz, Brian Decker, Michael Flynn Producers: John Galiani, Dan Gati, Jeremy Lundblad Production Companies: Omaha Productions, NFL Films, Skydance Sports, WWE.
So, what do you think of the loglines for the new season of WWE: Unreal? Who are you most excited to see featured in the behind the scenes drama from the list of WWE superstars and the twists and turns leading into this past April’s WrestleMania 42? Let us know via the comment section below.
If you have ever tuned-in to the soap opera genre over the last 50 years, and witnessed some of the greatest romances, drama, classic and outlandish storylines of all-time, you would have seen Deidre Hall smack dab in the middle of it as longtime Salem heroine, Dr. Marlena Evans.
It was 50 years on this date, June 21, 1976 that Hall first appeared on DAYS on NBC which was its home for 57 years before it moved to its current streaming platform on Peacock in September of 2022.
In Hall’s first episode she was introduced as a psychiatrist treating Mickey Horton (John Clarke) at Bayview Sanitarium after he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Mickey learned that his brother Bill Horton (Edward Mallory) was the biological son of Mike Horton (Wesley Eure) with his wife Laura (Susan Flannery) and that he had been lied to for years and years. From that moment on, the rest is television and soap opera history. Days of Our Lives put Hall front and center.
Photo: NBC
There were so many heartbreaking and shocking story twists involving the beloved Marlena. One of the first was the historic crib death of baby DJ (Don Jr.) in 1980, Marlena’s infant son with Don Craig (Jed Allan). The story had never been told on daytime television and Hall’s performances received accolades from TV critics to fans when Deidre received thousands of letters from grieving mothers who had gone through the same thing in their own lives.
DAYS also brought Deidre’s twin sister, Andrea Hall Lovell to the show as her on-screen sister Samantha, who had a grudge and even locked Marlena up in a sanitarium and took her place! Fast-forward and in 1982, DAYS launched the Salem Strangler story where everyone believed Marlena was his next victim, only it turned out to be Samatha. Jake Kositchek (played by Jack Coleman) was revealed to be the actual serial killer.
Later, Deidre would assume the role of Marlena’s look-alike, Hattie Adams in 2004, once played by her sister, Andrea. Over the years, Hattie has come back to Salem and caused trouble giving Hall a chance to play a different type of character, then the always upstanding Marlena.
Photo: JPI
THE LOVES OF MARLENA
Deidre Hall struck gold with all her leading men: from the late Jed Allan, to Wayne Northrop as Roman Brady, and of course, her enduring love story with the late John Black played by the iconic Drake Hogestyn. In fact, Marlena’s 1986 wedding to John (who was believed to be Roman at the time) remains a favorite of fans to this day.
TOP MARLENA STORYLINES OF ALL-TIME
While the list is long, here are several that were some of the memorable during Deidre’s five decades in Salem!
The Possession (1994- 1995)
Considered one of the most ambiguous, outlandish and unforgettable story arcs in soap opera history, then Days of Our Lives head writer, James Reilly went there! Marlena was possessed by the devil! That included; the demonic eyes, hissing at father John (Black) the priest, morphing into creatures, and the classic levitating in her bed! It became a cultural phenomenon and cemented Deidre Hall’s status as a daytime television legend. Just ask Ryan Gosling!
Photo:JPI
The Affair with John Black (1993)
John and Marlena’s forbidden love could not be denied and they had passionate affair, while she was still married to the real Roman. Problem was her daughter, Sami (Alison Sweeney) caught her mother having sex with John on a desk that changed Sami forever.
The Salem Stalker Mystery (2003-2004)
In a shocker, Marlena was revealed to be a serial killer who bumped off several Salem favorites residents who were all alive on the island of Melaswen (spelled “New Salem” backward). Turns out, she was manipulated and gaslighted by Andre DiMera (Thaao Penghlis) to do the “killings” and had no memory of her actions.
The Pier Scene (1991)
This remains Michael Fairman TV’s all-time favorite Deidre Hall moment, which featured some of the best acting in the storied careers of both Hall and Drake Hogestyn.
In the story, a presumed-dead Marlena returns after four years. One foggy night on the pier, John is alone, and Marlena steps out of the fog to reveal herself, and is reunited with the love of her life. You can watch it any year, any decade, and in any moment, and it will have you reaching for the hankies again and again. (best music score fo a soap scene of all-time too!)
Photo: NBC
Kristen’s Secret Room Reveal (1997)
Marlena was caught in Kristen Blake’s (Eileen Davidson) elaborate web of lies, when she was held hostage in a secret wine cellar/room until John managed to track her down, leading to an iconic on-screen reunion. The classic catfight between Hall and Eileen Davidson was one for the ages.
It should be noted that Maison Blanche, Queen of the Night, Possession, Aremid and Lady in a Cage were all a part of classic DAYS storyline and all featured Hall at the epicenter of it from 1993-1996.
THE RECENT YEARS OF MARLENA
In recent years, DAYS brought back the possession 2.0 storyline under then head writer Ron Carlivati in 2021 where the devil leapt back in Marlena after taking advantage of a frail Doug Williams (the late Bill Hayes)
In 2025, viewers watched the end of the love story of John and Marlena, as John succumbed to injuries sustained in an explosion saving a vial of medication needed to bring Bo (Peter Reckell) back to life. Marlena has been a widow on-screen since June of 2025 as Hall as portrayed the good doctor struggling with her grief and to move on with her life since his death.
Photo: JPI
One story that never goes away is Stefano DiMera’s (the late Joe Mascolo) obsession with Marlena, his “Queen of the Night.” Even in death, Stefano is toying with her from the great beyond with the mysterious chess set and the missing “pawn,” that he had gifted John and Marlena in his will. The mystery is currently unfolding on all-new episodes of Days of Our Lives.
Tune-in to Days of our Lives on the Monday, June 22 episode as Marlena looks back at her 50 years in Salem.
Share your congratulations to Deidre Hall for this incredible 50-year milestone as Dr. Marlena Evans on Days of Our Lives in the comment section. Then let us know, what is your all-time favorite storyline or moment in the life of Marlena over the past 5 decades? And, just for kicks, and to celebrate this amazing milestone, here is Marlena levitating below circa Christmas Eve 1994.
General Hospital
Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
With the highly-anticipated returns of Finola Hughes (Anna Devane) on this week’s June 24 episode of General Hospital, Steve Burton’s (Jason Morgan) upcoming return on July 13, which also serves as the ABC daytime drama’s 16,000 episode, things are about to fire on all cylinders in the story, as noted today by series star, Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos).
On Father’s Day, the three-time Daytime Emmy-winning actor and mental health activist took to his Instagram and expressed in a video that he has some unbelievable upcoming senes with the aforementioned Burton and Hughes. Add to that Nazneen Contractor (Justine Turner) and Rick Hearst (Ric Lansing), where Benard gave credit where credit is due to the GH writing team, which is led by co-head writers, Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten..
In this video, Benard said, “I just want to get on here and say that I did some work with Steve Burton, Finola Hughes, Rick Hearst, Nazneen Contractor, and they’re all just fantastic. Truly fantastic. But, I want to say the writing was just exceptional. It truly was. It was exceptional. So, thankful for that kind of writing. I know writers don’t get the credit a lot, but I just want to say to the General Hospital writing team, keep rolling!”
GENERAL HOSPITAL PREVIEW
So now the question becomes, with a major tease like that, what is about to go down between Sonny, Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric? Will we finally get to the end of the line for Sidwell (Carlo Rota), as previously teased by the GH co-head writers? Will we learn what happened to Jason and Anna, fully? Will Justine and Sonny becomes closer or stop their liaisons? And what of Ric? Will he be true blue to his brother or double-cross him? There is a lot at stake as we move further into the summer and one that looks like it could be one of the more exciting ones in years!
FINOLA HUGHES CONFIRMED AMAZING SCENES WITH MAURICE BENARD
As a punctuation point to his video, Benard also shared this written message in the post: “I just did some wonderful scenes with Steve Burton, Rick Hearst, Finola Hughes and Nazneen Contractor and and unbelievable writing, freaking amazing scenes that you will see in the near future on General Hospital.” In fact, Finola Hughes jumped in the post comment thread and responded, “I loved our scenes so much xxx”
Fans will most likely see all the scenes Benard referred to later in July, since GH tapes approximately six weeks ahead of air.
So, are you excited to see what Maurice is talking about? Are you hyped for what’s to come on GH? Any clue on what you think will go down between the main characters on the soap with the returns of Anna Devane and Jason Morgan to the mix? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
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