All My Children
Daytime Fave Debbie Morgan OUT at The Young and the Restless!
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
Jill Farren Phelps and Josh Griffith are cleaning house at The Young and the Restless! First, came word yesterday of Genie Francis, then Marcy Rylan, being shown the front door at the number one soap, but last evening came the news that Daytime Emmy winner, Debbi Morgan has also lost her daytime gig.
Morgan tweeted the news first to her fans stating, “To all my twitter fans wanted to B the first to tell you the new regime has let me go from Y&R. Will tape my last show Oct. 5th & I move on! Have a lot of moving & reorganizing to do after being let go from Y&R so wanted you all to know won’t be on twitter but only 4 short while.”
Debbi, who was so well-known for her role as the beloved Angie Hubbard on All My Children, took on the role of Harmony at Y&R even before the final episodes of the legacy ABC soap aired. Although she was enthusiastic, as were many of her fans, at the start of her time in Genoa City, over the last several months her storyline never took hold.
What do you think about the axing of Debbi Morgan? And, who’s next? Weigh-in!
All My Children
8 Years To The Day Of All My Children & One Life to Live Being Canceled; Still Considered By Many Worst Move For Daytime
It’s hard to believe that 8 years ago today on April 14th, 2011, the soap world, its fans, and the cast members, learned of the heartbreaking news that ABC, in one swift move, decimated its daytime line-up when they announced the cancellations of long running series, All My Children (which would end at its 41st year), and One Life to Live (which would ends its run in its 43rd year).
At the time, ABC announced it would move to more lifestyle/entertainment series to replace these dramas. In its place came The Chew and The Revolution, neither show is still on the air today. Executives at that time pointed to research saying that times are changing and that their decision was “guided by extensive research into what today’s daytime viewers want,” and blame, in part, “the changing viewing patterns of the audience” for the axing of AMC and OLTL
Then ABC Daytime President, Brian Frons had joked to Deadline about the big announcement that he: “Pre-entered the witness protection program prior to today’s events.” He added that “The demise of the two venerable soaps was actually a year in the making. A year ago, we started to look at our projections where the ratings for the soaps would go. When those projections came in pretty discouraging, the network began to aggressively develop replacement shows, 15 of them. Four of the 15 were picked up to pilot: The Chew and The Revolution and two others, a talk show and a dating show. Originally, the idea was to cancel only one daytime drama. The way the ratings developed and the pilots turned out, the ratings developed negatively and pilots developed positively, so we decided to make a bigger shift.” Of note is that when it went off the air, One Life to Live was in third place among its competitors in the ratings.
The press release that came with the cancellations stated: “To honor the core, passionate audience and their rich history both shows will conclude in a manner that respects their legacies and the longstanding hopes of many of their viewers.”
Following the cancellations daytime reeled. The mainstream was sure it meant the endings of the soaps, period. However, four shows illustrated that is not true at all. For Days of our Lives, General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless all remain, and still whether they are up or down in their numbers/ratings, they remain relevant and important to the enduring daytime viewing audience.
Sadly, as with any shows, the end of ABC’s AMC and OLTL meant loss of jobs for so many working in front of the camera and behind the scenes. One Life was the last soap opera in production in New York at the time. AMC was already being shot in LA to cut costs to save it.
Still in 2019, if you venture on to social media, especially Twitter, you see fans constantly missing its stars and the towns of Llanview and Pine Valley, wanting this wrong rectified. Although Prospect Park tried to revive the show with their online versions, eventually after legal battles that went on for a few years, ABC now retains the right to these properties,
The good news is that many favorites from AMC and OLTL have found success and been hired on other soap operas, bringing their followings with them, whether it be on-screen, or in the writing, producing, directing or crew departments.
So, do you think the loss of AMC and OLTL consolidated daytime and made the remaining shows stronger so they would not be touched or canceled? Do you think ABC should try to mount a resurrected AMC and OLTL or an amalgamation of the two? Do you remember where you were when you learned the two soaps were cancelled? Was this the worst misstep of all-time for daytime? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.
All My Children
George R. R. Martin’s “Leak” Of New Hulu Series WILD CARDS Featuring Eden Riegel, Thorsten Kaye. and Greg Rikkart
April Fool’s Day started off with a bang today when Eden Riegel (Ex-Bianca, AMC) posted a photo of herself with Thorsten Kaye (Ridge, B&B) and Greg Rikaart (Ex-Leo, DAYS) in a very intriguing image. See above pic! As it turns out, it’s said to be from behind the scenes from some leaked footage of the upcoming Hulu series, Wild Cards.
The premise of Wild Cards is based on the sci-fi anthology series edited by George R. R, Martin, best known for writing the “Song of Ice and Fire” novels, on which HBO’s Game of Thrones is based. Riegel’s husband, Andrew Miller is the showrunner attached to the upcoming series.
On Martin’s website he teases the set-up of the “leaked” video clip: “This was not supposed to go public.. Everybody (Well, everybody that has been paying attention knows that we are developing two Wild Cards as a series for Hulu Andrew Miller has taken the reins as showrunner, a writing staff has been hired, and they have been hard at work for months. What was NOT supposed to be known is how far they’ve come. Not only have some scripts been finished, but the first show has gone into production and has been shooting. That was supposed to be a deep dark secret, however. We wanted to surprise the world. It’s hard to keep secrets in Hollyweird, however. And now it appears that some of the rough footage has been leaked by person or persons unknown”
Meanwhile, Riegel sent out a series of tweets: “Hooo boy…cat’s out of the bag! Fans, please don’t judge our show based on these leaked videos!! The effects are going to knock your socks off. And my costars, @Iamthorstenkaye and @gregrikaart, are doing the best work of their lives!” That was followed by, T”hank you @GeorgeRRMartin_ for the chance to work with you on your first foray into soaps! I am humbled and honored. We won’t let you down.” And then, “I’m probably not allowed to share this with all the NDAs I signed, but damnit I’m just so proud of the #wildcardssoap team! think we are breaking new ground for soaps. So proud to work with you!”
Now below, check out the Wild Cards “leaked footage” and let us know if you think of the …. um … drama! Comment below. And one more thing … Happy April Fool’s!
All My Children
WATCH: All My Children Reunion On Strahan & Sara
On Monday’s episode of ABC’s Strahan & Sara, the show welcomed several stars of the beloved All My Children for a reunion, of sorts. Joining hosts Michael Strahan and Sara Haines were Susan Lucci (Erica), Walt Willey (Jack), Cady McClain (Dixie), Jacob Young (JR) and Jill Larson (Opal).
While it was wonderful to see the stars from Pine Valley again, it was also a painful reminder that this network, ABC, canceled the show, and had put in its place – The Chew, and now Strahan & Sara – since canning the series. In fact, as you will see on the clips below, many of the crew who work on this talk show were once the crew for All My Children.
During the segment, Susan Lucci was tested to see if she remembered all of Erica Kane’s wedded names. Later, Walt Willey and Susan re-created the final scene of the ABC version of All My Children between Erica and Jack, where Jack walks out on her. However, this time, they have Jack changing his mind and coming back to Erica and sealing their relationship with a kiss – a moment of closure that never happened (since the show moved to online via Prospect Park).
In addition, Cady McClain and Jacob Young re-created the infamous Dixie “dying from eating poison pancakes” scene, as JR watches his mother die, only this time she lives.
It’s always great to see these veteran performers, but Strahan & Sara is trying to capture the soap viewers to put eyeballs on their show by bringing in talent from the show that sadly and wrongly went off the air.
Watch the clips below from the All My Children reunion below. Then, let us know what you thought of it via the comment section below.
Drew Barrymore Daytime Talk Show Pilot In The Works
DAYS Promo: What’s Going To Happen At Jarlena’s Wedding Anniversary Shindig?
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Franco Looks In The Mirror … And Believing He Is Drew Kisses Kim
The Bold and the Beautiful Ratings Winner With Phoebe is Beth Reveal
Constance Towers Returns To GH As Helena Cassadine … But Just How Does She Appear?
DAYS Stacy Haiduk and Eric Martsolf Talk Kristen & Brady’s Twisted Relationship : The Mask, The Deception, The Sex
Kelly Monaco Addresses Billy Miller’s Departure From GH
WATCH THE TRAILER: Dominic Zamprogna Stars In New Short Film, ‘To The Moon and Back’
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Hope To Steffy, “I’m Taking My Daughter & Don’t You Dare Try To Stop Me”
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Will Franco Wake Up As Drew & Become The Next Victim Of Mind-Mapping?
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Will Franco Wake Up As Drew & Become The Next Victim Of Mind-Mapping?
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Hope To Steffy, “I’m Taking My Daughter & Don’t You Dare Try To Stop Me”
Kelly Monaco Addresses Billy Miller’s Departure From GH
DAYS Stacy Haiduk and Eric Martsolf Talk Kristen & Brady’s Twisted Relationship : The Mask, The Deception, The Sex
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Franco To Cameron, “Tell Your Mom I Love Her … And Tell Her I’ll Be Back”
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Franco Walks In On Shiloh and Dr. Cabot’s Plans for Cameron
Constance Towers Returns To GH As Helena Cassadine … But Just How Does She Appear?
WATCH THE TRAILER: Dominic Zamprogna Stars In New Short Film, ‘To The Moon and Back’
Daytime Emmys To Merge Younger Actor & Actress Category Into One As Gender-Inclusive Categories Are On The Rise
BH90210 ‘Reboot’ Premiere Scores In The Ratings; But Did You Love It … Or Hate It?
DAYS Promo: What’s Going To Happen At Jarlena’s Wedding Anniversary Shindig?
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Liam Realizes Beth Is Alive As Scott Clifton Delivers Heart-Tugging Performance
David Hedison, AW and Y&R Alum and Star of ‘Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea’ Dies At 92
THIS WEEK: Eileen Davidson Makes a Return to The Young and the Restless
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Jack Wants His Memory Back, But Do You Want Him To Reunite With Jennifer … Or Stay With Eve?
How to Get Away With Murder To End After Its Upcoming Sixth Season
GH’s Friz Wedding Reception Set To Bring Romance, Drama & Plot Twists (Promo)
As Chelsea Makes Her On-Screen Return On Y&R; Melissa Claire Egan Looks Back At Some Of Her Most Memorable Scenes
GH’s Trans Actress Cassandra James On Her Portrayal Of Terry: “It’s Not Lost On Me The Importance Of The Work I’m Doing”
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Thomas’ Turn To The Dark Side Is Getting Creepier! What Is His Next Move?
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General HospitalAugust 10, 2019GENERAL HOSPITAL: Will Franco Wake Up As Drew & Become The Next Victim Of Mind-Mapping?
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RecapsAugust 10, 2019THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Hope To Steffy, “I’m Taking My Daughter & Don’t You Dare Try To Stop Me”
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General HospitalAugust 13, 2019Kelly Monaco Addresses Billy Miller’s Departure From GH
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Days Of Our LivesAugust 13, 2019DAYS Stacy Haiduk and Eric Martsolf Talk Kristen & Brady’s Twisted Relationship : The Mask, The Deception, The Sex
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General HospitalAugust 9, 2019GENERAL HOSPITAL: Franco To Cameron, “Tell Your Mom I Love Her … And Tell Her I’ll Be Back”
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General HospitalAugust 8, 2019GENERAL HOSPITAL: Franco Walks In On Shiloh and Dr. Cabot’s Plans for Cameron
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Breaking NewsAugust 13, 2019Constance Towers Returns To GH As Helena Cassadine … But Just How Does She Appear?
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General HospitalAugust 11, 2019WATCH THE TRAILER: Dominic Zamprogna Stars In New Short Film, ‘To The Moon and Back’
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Now this to me is a shock. I loved Debbi as Harmony, and will dearly miss her as part of the cast. The role was a refreshing change for her. But I guess this is JFP getting rid of most of the ABC cast-offs. I see Darnell being next to go, and if he isn’t, then I call a misjudgment on her behalf. I will miss Debbi Morgan with all of my heart!
It will be interesting if they let Darnell go as they had a casting call for his son or nephew or something. I don’t remember if that was before Bell was fired or not.
But I see him going as well. He really isn’t needed anymore now that Jack is better, though they could write for him if they wanted to.
If they aren’t going to write for Debbi, who has a solid storyline and connection to Genoa City, I fail to see how they could write one for Darnell who has ZERO connection to the show.
Im so sick and tired of Tommy Lightfoot Garrett bashing only Jill F. writer. He is so up Maria Bells butt he is bashing in all his columns Jill so un classy when Jill IS NOT the only one to make these cast cutting decisions! Get A Life Tommy. I like Michaels articles much better!
Huh? Who the hell is Tommy Lightfoot Garrett ?
Would love to see Angie Hubbard on GH!
Yep, was thinking the same thing.
The writngs on the wall people.
JFP was brought in to pull the plug on a show thats been on life support for some time.
Look for General Hospital to knock this crapfest out off the #1 spot!
I wouldn’t be at all surprised, GH is rocking at tbis point!
They would have kept MAB if they wanted to pull plug of the show. She was doing fine at butchering the show.
The losing streak for Neil Winters in the love department continues.
Debbie needs to start going outside daytime for work. It won’t be easy but she’s so talented, it would be a crime for her not to try.
Morgan is a wonderful actress but the role of Harmony was not for her. Watching her scenes was awkward rather than captivating and interesting.
I wish there was still a Pine Valley that Debbie Morgan could come back to……
I agree with you David. The role Harmony played was a boring role, even though she is a good actor.
This will not be the last of the firings. JFP needs to get rid of MAB’s stunt castings, pare this cast down, get the show under budget and concentrate on the core families on Y&R. I don’t see this as a bad move. As excellent of an actress Debbi Morgan is, her character never caught on with fans, myself included. So, her being let go did not surprise me!
I agree with you 100%! News of the four (so far) cast reductions announced over the past day have been music to my ears, especially since none of these characters work in the “Y & R” world.
Genevieve, Sofia and Yolanda/Harmony were typical MAB-created characters: One-note, shrill and just plain annoying. However, SORAS’ing the character of Abby to the alleged age she is not (late 20s…??) was wrong from the get-go – that “Naked Heiress” thing was just awful and that is why nobody likes this whiny character.
How come I am not in the least bit surprised? I hope GH grabs up at least Genie Francis. It just as well Debbi, Genie and Marcy are outta there since Y&R wasted them big time in order to keep giving up all the airtime to Victor and his family big whoop. Just what I want to see-more of Prictor choosing his next child bride LOL!
Harmony and Genevieve were a bunch of bores. They needed to trim the cast.
ITA they were poorly written characters and I won’t miss them. I hope Genie Francis is back on GH by Thanksgiving.
As for Y&R, lately it is Sucksville-stories that drag on forever such as Paul killing his son (good lord it hasn’t even gone to trial yet and I am bored to death of it), Phyllis being in trouble over ancient history for running over Paul and Christine (a story which keeps bring Christine an annoying character back) and now this dumb Tim fiasco. And lord knows how long we will be subjected to Victor’s amnesia and Sharon acting like an idiot on a power trip.
And meanwhile the rest of the cast is wasted like Ronan and Nina who were brought back and I was so happy to hear that but I never see them. Nina has had a handful of scenes and I was hoping to see her and Ronan finally bond but instead Ronan has his head up Phyllis’ ass UGH!
I barely watch Y&R these days and when I do turn it on I get bored fast cause the show is dragging like a pig stuck in the mud with stories I stopped caring about weeks ago.
And JFP hardly gives me hope-I have seen her butchery before. From what I hear, GF, DM and MR are just the first few heads to roll-how soon til someone we CARE about, like a vet of the show gets the axe?
I ain’t sticking around to find out. I watch on GH now!
wow, JFP isn’t messing around, Debbie, Genie, only thing they both have in common is that their superstars and most cost alot but still, wow, hope Genie gets back to GH AND debbie can visit GH too.
Yes, bring Angie and David Hayward to GH, that Hospita needs some drama!
Looks like a another soap opera is going to be gone soon, I don’t understand why, I hope someone will step up and save this one before all the others will be gone too. Don’t let them take our soaps away for good.
Soaps are dying because they forgotten what they were. A soap’s bread and butter was romance. But they don’t know how to tell good romance stories anymore. They are too quick; a couple meets, hooks up, marries, and divorces in one week. Okay maybe not that fast, but you get the point. Or else, they try to rehash old romances like Nikki and Victor, but you can only break up and reunite a couple so many times before the audience loses interest. Perhaps soaps adapting the mini series format will be better, where the storyline for characters have a beginning, middle and end would work better. I hope this show survives because it use to tell the best love stories and if they can get back to business that might bring audiences back.
excellent post & i totally agree!
I totally agree with you Mary!
They will be gone soon too because FF which ruins the ratings and because people watch online for faster access and people are interested in “reality” shows.
None of which would be enough to kill the soaps if the writing were good. There’s still an audience out there that craves what soaps used to provide.
That is why they are making budget costs to keep the show alive
The world has changed, but i hope the soaps survive.
I may have to stop commenting. Three departures this week alone! Surely more to come. Wow! Genoa City’s U-Haul lots will be busy as everyone picks up and goes.
It is a shame so many talented actors, fan favorites all, are left scrambling. Sadly, Port Charles, Salem, and Los Angeles (OK, the Forrester Creations campus) are not big enough to accommodate the refugees. Oh, I wish daytime drama was as it once was, thriving and exciting and embraced by the webs… or cable even! TVLand is finding success with its retro-style sitcoms (HOT IN CLEVELAND, THE EXES). What about a daytime block of half hour serials?!
I agree! GH, Days and B&B have full casts, we simply can’t keep adding more because great talent like Debbi Morgan becomes available.
Like GF, I’m not surprised! Harmony wasn’t really for DM. Love her to death and she will be missed!
No surprise here. She was fired by the same woman who killed off Alan Quartmaine.
MAB hired amazing talent and often, too bad she did not know how to write for them. Just like Maura West, amazing with no story. Hoping Josh Griffith gets back to the core family and great story. Anxious on word of other departues, excited for new material.
Wishing Debbie well. She did a stellar job in her role!
Not surprised that JFP is cleaning house, it’s what she does. No disrespect to Ms. Morgan is a fine actress and I enjoyed her for many years on AMC as Angie but, GH is full enough and favorites are already pushed aside for the likes of this stupid Christina/Trey/Joe Jr. storyline that I don’t think anyone cares about ??? Genie is another story altogether. I would welcome her back to GH with open arms given the right storyline. I grew up with Laura and would love to see another L&L reunion. Face it, the whole Anna/Luke relationship is a bit forced. I’d rather see Luke with Tracy if Genie doesn’t get come back.
I think what GH has done with Starr, Todd and John is fine but again, it’s a full cast and bringing both Michael Easton and especially Roger Howarth to the show have been great additions —- but no more!
I am sorry to see Debbie go. I never watched YR but followed Debbie from AMC. She is an amazing. actress and I wish her well
Well I think that there could be room for Debbie at GH. What about a new chief of staff who would be a prominent resident of Port Charles . . . then we could bring on Darnell to mix things up too.
I agree wholeheartedly that the show is a big mess and badly needs refocusing, but when you have talent around like Marcy Rylan, Genie Francis, and Debbi Morgan, I do think it makes sense to try to write something compelling for them before you just give up and decide they can’t contribute anything. Harmony is sort of a pointless character, but that’s not Morgan’s fault, and I would have made an effort to reshape the character and give Morgan a chance to show what she can do before just deciding to get rid of her. Ditto Marcy Rylan. (Genie was a lost cause from the minute JFP was hired; no was JFP would let her stick around.)
Sigh. I’m not sure I’m ready to agree that there’s a hidden agenda on Sony’s part to kill the show, but it’s certainly true that JFP is a perfect choice for that kind of role.
This is to make room for Steve Burton who makes a seven figure salary.Why do you think they were axed. I read it on Daytime Confidential
Wow! This week is more exciting than the soaps itself. Can’t wait to see what will happen next week.
I’m looking forward to letting go of Tucker, Kyle and Eden. And a couple of others that I can’t think of right now.
I don’t like Kyle Chelsea Nikki or Victor they should go Phyllis needs jail
I love Debbie Morgan and wish her all the best. She is an amazing talent!
Great actress and a beautiful woman. She just didn’t fit in on Y&R. Y&R has its own stable of stars, and MAB did a disservice to talented displaced abc actors by bloating the cast of Y&R and not providing them with good material. Our beloved legacy Y&R characters and stars suffered as well. I’m hoping all of these firings indicate the new regime’s focus on traditional Y&R.
This ain’t going to be pretty
Sorry to hear this. I loved Debbie on AMC, she and Darnell were an iconic couple (that is Angie and Jessie), and always will be. I am a huge ABC Soap Fan, but started watching Y & R to see her work there, and I truly liked how she played the role of Harmony and really thought she and Kristoff St. John’s character looked good together. Then when Darnell came over, I really thought eventually they would migrate together at some point after their new characters fell into their own on Y&R. I am sure she will find work quickly, as she is quite talented. I wish her all the best. Maybe she can make her way to GH at some point!!!!
I think this is a horrible decision!! They finally put her and Neil together and now are not even going to give them a chance.
The stupid powers that be don’t even give viewers time to get really invested in a character before they dump them!!
Neil+Harmony=zzzzzz
MAB had enough time to write Harmony better and she failed to do so.
Id love to see Drucilla back
jfp is doing what she does best & that is getting rid of characters – i knew this would happen when she became in charge – i wonder who will be next………….
She’s only getting rid of useless characters so it’s all good.
It’s sad but daytime Tv is not what it used to be. There are so many wonderful actors I have grown to love. I STILL MISS All My Children, One Life To Live, Guiding Light, and As The World Turns. I hope Y&R does more than continue to be the NineWives of Victor Newman.
Just how many bullets does JFP have in her gun? More than the usual 6 shooter? Betting on Neil, Lauren & Katherine as the next targets ……
They only got rid of MAB’s castings and characters so far which is a good thing.
Oh thank god! I was hoping they’d get rid of the character of Harmony. She was useless and boring, and it was honestly awaste of Debbi Morgan’s incredible talents. I believe she’ll find a TV show (be it daytime or primetime) that can really put her skills to use in a manner that is productive for story and character.
Thank god they are getting rid of older newbies that were written so terribly
Agreed!
I still watch soaps but I’ve gotten to helping writing online style soap boards. It’s been the most fun I’ve had in a long time.
I am not surprised about the “firings” or rather writing off. I have never found Genie Francis a particular great actress or even charismatic. Debbi M is great but sometimes I find her a bit grating. Harmony was not a good match and boring. Debbie and Darnell should be apart; that was a once in a life time pairing and it is time to let it go. I would rather see Susan Lucci or David Canary on General Hospital. Lucci especially could bring some comedy to GH and maybe make some interesting comments to Tracey Q and the gang. And while we are at it, maybe Y and R should stop the nepotism. Melody Thomas Scott, Lauralee Bell, MAB, Bradley Bell all these people involved with Y and R wo had family links or at least at the time of being hired the odds are some of them aren’t going to be that good when you rely upon nepotism to get the door open and in some cases held open wide with red carpeting. Personally I would love a moving funeral of Nikki and Victor. Eric Braedon is so tiring as Victor Newman. He should marry someone more his age. IT seems like they write for him to always be on top; its time to show him losingmore often.
I have watched Y&R since ’73. It amazes me that there are only a few characters of color in 2012. I have concluded that this is not happenstance. Victoria Rowell and Debbie Morgan are excellent actresses. It appears to me that Y&R is very much like the U.S.A.. Not ready for characters of color to blossom on this particular soap. I see demise in the future for this now boring weekly melodrama. Nia Peoples did a great job, and the actress who portrayed, Carmen was fun to watch as well. There are several veteran and new actors/actresses who cannot bring their characters meaning. I enjoyed Abby and Sarge. Sad to see another daytime drama fall into the same category as the now minority.