All My Children
On-Air On-Soaps Names The Best and Worst of 2013!
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
2013 was the year the soaps made a comeback with a surge in the ratings for all the four remaining network soap operas, and its public mainstream perception beginning to be restored. And the medium made its first foray into keeping television production values for the web, with the returns of All My Children and One Life to Live.
In addition, some beloved familiar faces returned to the genre that started their careers. Plus, the soap operas of 2013 presented some top notch acting performances, especially from the ladies! Come Daytime Emmy time, depending on how it all plays out, could be a tough call! On the flipside, it was also a year of tremendous disappointments, soap shockers, and sadness that will be felt for some time to come.
On-Air On-Soaps would like to take a moment to pay tribute to the tremendous work of the talented men and women in front of the camera and behind the scenes, whose tireless efforts in the grind of producing and acting in this genre’s format is always astounding for its sheer volume of material and its caliber! But of course, in addition to naming the best moments of the year, there were several not so stellar moments, characters, storylines, and more that get the dubious honor of some of the “Worst’s” of 2013.
So with all that said, On-Air On-Soaps presents our annual list. As you will read, we try to dissect it all in our look back at the year in soaps. In several categories, it was a tight a race to call, and so, we had to call it a “tie”. In other categories, there were several very close runner-ups that deserved huge recognition and those are included, as well.
Now, while we know many of you have your own picks and choices, and may disagree or agree with our picks, we encourage you to let us know your thoughts as well. And most of all, we want to wish everyone a healthy, prosperous, and festive New Year! It is you, the fans, who are the engine that continues to be that driving force of the soap industry with your unbridled passion and devotion to the shows themselves, and the characters and performers you love to see every day.
So here we go … after the jump, we reveal the list of the Best and Worst in Soaps 2013!
SOAPMAKERS OF THE YEAR
Courtesy/PaleyCenterforMedia
Frank Valentini and Ron Carlivati – General Hospital– Valentini and Carlivati receive our highest honors for throwing everything but the kitchen sink in for a memorable 50th anniversary year of the longest running soap opera still on the air! Great production, great writing for the most part, and great performances by one of soap’s most talented casts, made the show the soap experience of 2013. See interview here!
BEST SOAP
General Hospital – The 50th anniversary year was one of the strongest in the show’s history with an uptake in the ratings, the tale of Robin’s (Kimberly McCullough) return, the Nurses Ball, the special 50th anniversary episode, the returns from blast from the pasts, and some heartbreaking and hilarious moments throughout the year that will be remembered for quite some time to come.
MOST IMPROVED SOAP
Days of our Lives – This show is in the best shape it has been in years. First, it takes the Daytime Emmy for the first time in over three and half decades, and weaved some interesting, controversial, engaging, and suspenseful stories, set up with big pay-offs that did not disappoint.
MOST DISAPPOINTING SOAP
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
The Young and the Restless – What felt like a mass exodus for various reasons of its leading players (Stafford, Miller, Muhney), the deep hole left on the show by the death of Jeanne Cooper that has never quite materialized into interesting on-screen story from the on-screen death of Katherine Chancellor yet, a head writing change, tired plot lines we have seen on other soaps with a high predictability factor in all the stories, and a tireless array of newcomers that have not clicked with the audience … makes this show the real bummer of 2013, which is heartbreaking to say, when it’s the number one soap on the air, and boasts an incredible A-list cast!
BEST WEB SERIES
The Stafford Project – Former Y&R star Michelle Stafford took her real life experiences and gave us a look at a single mom with a daughter trying to date! What made this so good was the great casting by Stafford of her guest stars, which included: Y&R’s Joshua Morrow, motion picture star, Kelly Preston, and that brilliant all-soap-star cast in the season one finale.
BEST GROUNDBREAKER
Courtesy/TOLN
Jeff Kwatinetz – Prospect Park – Whether you agree with how it all went down, Jeff Kwatinetz along with his business partner, Rich Frank, did the almost impossible and mounted the returns of the canceled ABC soaps, AMC and OLTL. The reboots were fraught with legal issues, changes in the viewing schedule, confusion for the audience, and that was just for starters! But in the end, through Kwatinetz tireless efforts, the shows came back, albeit differently, at least for a short time in a new home online on Hulu. Unfortunately, Jeff is also groundbreaking for suing ABC for $93 million dollars in this backstage drama that continues to unfold over General Hospital’s use of OLTL characters and more!
MOST EXCITING MOMENT FOR SOAP FANS
The online launch of One Life to Live and All My Children – After having their iconic shows cancelled, and hearing the backlash from disgruntled fans who wanted their shows back, Prospect Park brought them online in a flurry of moves to get the shows resurrected before they would lose the rights to the show. This was the company’s second attempt, and this time, the shows debuted online on April 29th on Hulu. The production entity also had a world premiere for the first episodes, something seldom, if ever, done in soaps! This whole whirlwind experience gave soap fans hope that the genre can thrive once again, and become vital in a whole new format.
MOST DISAPPOINTING NEWS AND BIGGEST BUMMER FOR SOAP FANS
The online revivals of One Life to Live and All My Children were shelved after one season, and as of this moment, season two is a no-go. The reasons behind it, too numerous to go in to here, but it’s all been said everywhere before.
BEST EVENT OF THE YEAR
Courtesy/ABC
The Nurses Ball – General Hospital – This event lived up to the hype! The song and dance numbers, blasts from the pasts with musical appearances from Jack Wagner (Frisco) and Rick Springfield (playing himself and Noah Drake), Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring) back in her rightful place hosting the Ball, and the hankie-filled closing number “You’re Not Alone” with Robin’s (Kimberly McCullough) picture overlooking her husband and daughter as Sabrina (Teresa Castillo) and Patrick (Jason Thompson) were joined in a “We Are The World” moment with the cast who joined hands in unity. A great way to celebrate the 50th anniversary and still honor the beloved missing in action/believed to be dead at the time: Robin.
BEST PRIMETIME SOAP
Nashville – We don’t know what happened, but this primetime series got soapier, and thus more interesting to watch! And, that midseason finale with the closeted country and western singer Will Lexington (Chris Carmack) about to end his life in front of an ongoing train, and Peggy (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) being shot, were enough to lock this in for us!
BEST OVERALL PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR
Jason Thompson as Patrick Drake – General Hospital – In scene after scene, whether it be finding out Britt’s (Kelly Thiebaud) baby was not in fact his, still grieving the loss of his wife Robin who he did not know was alive, the moment when Patrick saw Robin (Kimberly McCullough) again at the church, or trying to be a single dad and doing right by daughter Emma (Brooklyn Rae Silzer), and the internal struggle to enter a new romance, and more, made Jason Thompson’s emotional, heartfelt, and raw portrayal our overall favorite in 2013 … and one more thing, he sang beautifully in the closing number at the Nurses Ball … who knew?
BEST OVERALL PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS
Photo Credit: Sue Coflin/Max Photos
Finola Hughes as Anna Devane – General Hospital – The inner pain of losing her daughter Robin (Kimberly McCullough), and the quest to find her once she knew she might be alive, gave Hughes material that she just ate up and delivered with poignant emotion and fire. Who can forget when she sees Robin for the first time, faces her family torturer Faison (Anders Hove), has a heart-to-heart with Patrick (Jason Thompson) over moving on with his life, or the capper, the scenes where she plays both Obrecht (Kathleen Gati) as “Anna” and the real Anna in the showdown scenes. Whatever material Finola was given, she gave a performance that will be remembered.
Runner-up:
Eileen Davidson as Kristen DiMera – Days of our Lives – What an incredible performance by soap veteran Davidson! And, even though at times it was high camp, it was all believable and even painful to watch Kristen’s plans for revenge on Marlena, which in the end backfired on her! And, those scenes with Deidre Hall (Marlena) were mesmerizing. A Daytime Emmy could easily go to Davidson!
BEST SINGLE PERFORMANCE MALE IN A STORYLINE (TIE)
Jerry verDorn as Clint Buchanan – Man of the Year/Clint’s meltdown – One Life to Live – When this two-time Daytime Emmy winner is given material worth his talents he soars. And, in the final few episodes of the online revival of OLTL, Clint goes crazy, and still loves his “Viki” at the same time!
Photo Credit: David Russell/TOLN
Roger Howarth as Todd Manning – Todd says goodbye to his family – One Life to Live – When Roger Howarth returned to the online revival of OLTL, even for a short time, his impact was felt. There were no more heartbreaking scenes, perfectly under played by Howarth, when Todd bid Dani (Kelley Missal), Jack (Andrew Trischitta), Sam (Patrick Gibbons Jr.), Viki (Erika Slezak) and Blair (Kassie DePaiva) a somber goodbye. Hankies galore! We loved seeing Howarth this way.
BEST SINGLE PERFORMANCE FEMALE IN A STORYLINE
Finola Hughes as Dr. Obrecht and Anna Devane – General Hospital – While we know dual roles are always Emmy-lauded, this time an actress played dual roles with a prosthetic mask twist! The showdown at Steinmauer Maximum Security Prison, where Faison was housed for his crimes, gave Hughes a chance to play Obrecht as a masked “Anna” and the real Anna! It was the one of the most thrill-a-minute performances in soapland in quite some time!
BEST OVERALL PERFORMANCE BY A SUPPORTING ACTOR
Billy Miller as Billy Abbott – The Young and the Restless – Miller delivered some exquisite performances in his final months as Billy Abbott, including the episode where Delia dies in a hit and run and he finds her lifeless body …. plus the aftermath, which is still playing out on the air. Even though we are not a fan of the decision to tell this story, it gave Miller some Emmy-worthy material. He will be sorely missed in Genoa City and on Y&R!
Runner-up:
Blake Berris as Nick Fallon -Days of our Lives – Nick’s tangled web of lies, cover ups and deep emotional wounds came to the forefront in 2013, beginning with his disastrous wedding to Gabi (Camila Banus) which dovetailed into his continued homophobic stance to Will (Chandler Massey) and Sonny (Freddie Smith). And then came the big reveal, that he was raped in prison. Berris made Nick believable as an emotionally tortured man.
BEST OVERALL PERFORMANCE BY A SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Courtesy/ABC
Kathleen Gati – Liesl Obrecht – General Hospital – Truly, one of the standout performances of the year. Gati played Dr. Obrecht as the evilest woman on the planet, then showed her emotional side when Faison (Anders Hove) asked her to wear the “Anna” mask in order to have sex with him, plus did her rendition in blonde wig of Peggy Lee’s “Is That All There Is?”, and then sang “Au Tannenbaum” from jail on the Christmas episode. And that is just a few of our favorite things, that the multi-talented Gati bestowed upon the viewers in 2013!
Runner-up:
Jess Walton – Jill Abbott – The Young and the Restless – For us, knowing the true life friendship and camaraderie shared by Jess Walton and the late Jeanne Cooper, watching Jess through the story points where Jill learns of Katherine’s passing, and then the beautiful monologue and performance as Katherine’s memorial, reminded us of why Jess is in a league of her own. More please in 2014!
BEST OVERALL PERFORMANCE BY A YOUNGER ACTOR
Max Ehrich as Fen Baldwin – The Young and the Restless –Watching the disintegration of his parents’ relationship and the downfall, gave Max Ehrich plenty of meaty material come Emmy time! And yes, Fen on drugs, and prison time were involved too!
BEST OVERALL PERFORMANCE BY A YOUNGER ACTRESS
Photo Credit: Sue Coflin/Max Studios
Kelley Missal – Dani Manning – One Life to Live – Missal was given the chance to shine when OLTL took once innocent Dani, and made her into a drugged-out troubled young woman in the revival of the series. And, Missal played every story beat with believability. An Emmy nomination should come her way, if we had anything to say about it.
BEST CHILD PERFORMANCE
Brooklyn Rae Silzer as Emma Drake, General Hospital – Is there anyone cuter than Brooklyn Rae? She is becoming quite the little actress, and GH knows they struck gold with this little one!
BEST NEWCOMER MALE
Casey Moss – JJ Deveraux – Days of our Lives – At first, JJ was an angry rebel doing drugs, and having anger management issues! Now, he has become more of an anti-hero, and Casey Moss has played all the beats and a new star is on the rise!
Runner-ups:
Eric Nelsen (AJ) – All My Children and Corbin Bleu (Jeffrey) – One Life to Live –Both of these actors showed their acting chops, and had plenty of airtime in the online revivals of these series.
BEST NEWCOMER FEMALE
Courtesy/NBC
Denyse Tontz as Miranda Montgomery – All My Children – Denyse had the task of playing the teen-aged version of the daughter of lesbian mom, Bianca (Eden Riegel). Tontz showed that she fit the bill, and was believable in the part.
WORST NEWCOMER
Jordan Lane Price as Celia Fitzgerald – All My Children – We understand that the show was looking for a young, beautiful, innocent girl falling in love with her knight in shining armor, played by Rob Scott Wilson (Pete), only for us the performance fell flat.
BEST NEW CHARACTER, FEMALE
Maura West as Ava Jerome – General Hospital – This savvy soap veteran made Ava Jerome must-see soap TV whenever she walked into a room, and delivered her lines with such lethal undertones! We loved it … and Ava’s red-hot fling with the much younger Morgan Corinthos (Bryan Craig)! You go, Ava!
BEST NEW CHARACTER, MALE
Darin Brooks as Wyatt Fuller – The Bold and the Beautiful – Brooks brought his charm, sex appeal, and acting chops to B&B after winning a Daytime Emmy a few years ago on DAYS, and working in primetime. Now back on soaps, Brook’s Mr. Fuller is really making a case for Hope (Kim Matula) to be with him … instead of wishy-washy Liam (Scott Clifton)!
WORST NEW CHARACTER
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
Hilary Curtis on The Young and the Restless – This whole storyline from the blogger, to Rose, to Hilary’s revenge with the help of Mason (Lamon Archey) which gave story to the Winters clan was just not needed, and this character isn’t either, even though Mishael Morgan plays her to the hilt!
BEST RECAST
Robert Gorrie as Matthew Buchanan – One Life to Live – We thought we would never forget Eddie Alderson, whom we loved in the role of a young Matthew B. However, Rob Gorrie, was put front and center throughout the whole run of the reboot of OLTL, and showed his acting mettle as a grown up young man trying to juggle responsibility and his own wants for freedom.
BEST VILLAIN
Anders Hove as Cesar Faison – General Hospital – Hove plays obsession like nobody’s business. His creepy dark side combined with his often times brilliant whimsical line delivery, makes him a “Best” for the ages!
BEST EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS TO GET A SHOW ON ITS FEET AGAINST ALL ODDS
Jennifer Pepperman of One Life to Live and Ginger Smith of All My Children – These talented, tireless, fearless ladies did nearly the impossible! They got the revival of All My Children and One Life to Live up on its feet in record time, and kept the show moving through production deadlines against many battles along the way that could have shut the soaps down! In the end, there were 40 and 45 episodes for OLTL and AMC respectively … you got to respect their immeasurable talents and passion. Any show would be lucky to have them presiding!
BEST WEDDING
Courtesy/NBC
Nick and Gabi’s wedding – Days of our Lives- Now this wedding had it all! Chad (Casey Deidrick) exacting his revenge on Gabi (Gabi) for her part in Melanie leaving Salem by stopping the wedding! Will (Chandler Massey) coming forward and admitting he is the baby daddy of Ari! Nick threatening Chad (which went nowhere), and Sami (Alison Sweeney) breaking up with Rafe (Galen Gering) over it. So much happened that we needed a scorecard, but that’s good!
Runner-up:
Brady and Kristen’s wedding – Days of our Lives – Now this wedding was a laugh riot! And we are not sure it was supposed to be, but it was so much fun to watch! The gaping mouths of the wedding guests as they watched … twice … the video of Father Eric (Greg Vaughan) and Kristen (Eileen Davidson) having sex (while at the time no one believed he was being drugged and raped), Marlena (Deidre Hall) fumbling with the AV equipment, Victor’s (John Aniston) quips and more … it was a fun nups, eh?
WORST CRAFTED EXIT
Michelle Stafford exit as Phyllis –The Young and the Restless – For an actress of such stature, Y&R spent what looked like $10 bucks on the fight in the stairwell between Sharon (Sharon Case) and Phyllis, which put Phyllis in a coma, only to be shipped off to a facility in Georgia. Stafford’s last episodes were spent in a coma while others talked to her at her bedside. Who wanted to see that?
BEST TEARJERKER
Courtesy/ABC
Emma runs into Robin’s arms at the wedding of Patrick and Sabrina – General Hospital – Was there a dry eye in the house when Emma (Brooklyn Rae Silzer) sees Robin (Kimberly McCullough) for the first time after believing her mother had died? And the very much alive Robin, in a moment beautiful played by Kimberly McCullough, picks up her daughter in her arms and tells her, “Mommy’s here!” Hankies!
WORST MEMORIAL EPISODE
Katherine Chancellor Memorial Service – The Young and the Restless – This was hard to watch on many accounts. First, for us, saying goodbye to the iconic character of Genoa City’s Mrs. C, but while it was heartbreaking, at times, it was difficult to swallow that many key members and friends from Katherine’s past were not at the memorial, and in within the episode, the powers-that-be threw in the wedding of the impromptu wedding of Paul and Christine! The special Y&R episode, where the cast talks about Jeanne Cooper just after she passed, was by far superior!
MOST GUT-WRENCHING STORYLINE THAT WAS HARD TO WATCH
Courtesy/ABC
Cassandra’s kidnapping and the sex trafficking storyline – All My Children – This gritty, and often grisly tale took a page from Agnes Nixon’s long tradition of ripped-from-the-headlines stories with a modern twist for the online reboot. Cassandra (Sal Stowers) was raped and drugged by evil Russian sex-traffickers, later found herself pregnant, aborted the baby, and that is just some of the plot points. Harrowing!
WORST EPISODE
The Relish Wars – General Hospital – Pickle-Lila was the epicenter of this cringe worthy episode, where we watched the insensitive crossover for soap fans with The Chew (the show that took All My Children’s place) filled with the feuding Quartermaines (AJ and Tracy) meeting the likes of Mario Batali and Carla Hall. The Chew hosts puked on the relish, and we are next introduced to Roger Howarth with blonde hair! Who the hell was he supposed to be? Enough said.
BEST STORYLINE
Kristen’s Revenge – Days of our Lives – Eileen Davidson (Kristen) made this story thrive, and the writers took some chances a la the rape of a priest (Greg Vaughn) the ruination of John (Drake Hogestyn) and Marlena’s (Deidre Hall) marriage, Brady’s (Eric Martsolf) tragic flaw of addiction, and it made for an exciting and twisted journey watching Kristen exact her revenge on number-one enemy …Marlena! The story also had a beginning, middle and end … for now.
Runner-up:
Courtesy/NBC
Robin’s Return – General Hospital – This story had it all … super villains vs. the super heroes, high emotional payoffs when Robin (Kimberly McCullough) saw her family again, and so much more, and she was finally reunited with Patrick (Jason Thompson)!
WORST STORYLINE
Celia’s Benefactor – All My Children – Who was the benefactor? Who cares! This story about a character we never knew before, Celia, as played by newcomer Jordan Lane Price and her boarding school antics, and the mystery of her benefactor that had the talented Francesca James (now on the series as Evelyn Johnson) making mysterious phone calls to God knows who, left us puzzled. The story did get juicy towards the end of the season when Celia’s visions became more haunting, and Opal’s (Jill Larson) too, but what about that benefactor? Huh?
BEST WRITING (TIE)
Gary Tomlin, Chris Whitesell, Lorraine Broderick – Days of our Lives – In 2013, we had the delicious revenge schemes of Kristen DiMera, including a rape of a priest, Will and Sonny, and Sami and EJ’s love stories, Nick’s prison secret revealed, and much more! While viewers had to wait long for the pay-offs when they came, the stories delivered the goods.
Ron Carlivati and GH writing team– General Hospital – From high drama and heart, to fantastic one liners and inside jokes that fans understood, the head scribe gave us all the twists and turns of Robin’s return, the Nurses Ball antics, the story of Maxie’s baby, the return to Corinth and a visit from Delia from Ryan’s Hope and more!
WORST WRITING
Courtesy/TOLN
Susie Bedsow Horgan and Thom Racina – The beginning of the One Life to Live reboot – We love the past work of Susie and Thom, which makes this all the more difficult. When the revival of OLTL began, Horgan and Racina were in charge of the writing team and help give our beloved Llanview an overhaul – all the characters were drinking, they focused way too much on the story of Matthew Buchanan and the younger set, while forgetting some of the veterans. And let’s not forget, the ill-conceived return of Victor Jr., played by Trevor St. John, who is soap gold! Thank goodness, the show turned around once Jessica Klein and Marin Gazzaniga were writing the show, and by the end of the season, OLTL was must-watch soap!
Runner-up:
Josh Griffith and writing team – The Young and the Restless – Nikki’s MS, Dylan being the bio-son of Nikki, Delia’s death, Sharon’s behavior, on or off meds, are just some of the big offenders of the stories thatmany Y&R fans were not happy with in 2013.
BEST CLIFFHANGER
Allison Perkins discovered with syringe at Clint’s hospital bedside by Natalie who screams – One Life to Live – The reboot of the series finally got into a groove. How delicious was it to see Alison Perkins (Barbara Garrick) again at the end of the season with syringe in hand laughing maniacally, and Natalie (Melissa Archer) screaming like she saw something from a horror film? We so wish someday, we will get the opportunity to see what happens next!
Runner-up:
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
Robin’s Return – General Hospital – Take your pick! There were so many cliffhanging moments of whether she would get out of the Cassadine lab, would she be reunited with her different family members, and so on, that the whole story was a giant cliffhanger in itself.
MOST BELOVED CHARACTER AND PERFORMER WE MISS THE MOST
Jeanne Cooper as Katherine Chancellor – The Young and the Restless – This year was one of the saddest in memory for soap fans with so many devastating blows. But the one that touched everyone was the passing of Daytime Emmy winner and icon, and our friend, Jeanne Cooper. There will never be another one like her. We love you Jeanne! And in Genoa City, there is a huge empty space without the likes of Katherine Chancellor. You see it every week, if ever the show could use a dose of Mrs. C., it’s now!
MOST SURPRISING RETURN
Robert Kelker Kelly – Stavros Cassadine – General Hospital – When Cartini decided to revisit Luke and Laura’s classic tale of the Ice Princess in 2013 for the show’s 50th anniversary, we never expected to see the elusive Robert Kelker Kelly back as Mr. Freeze! How over-the-top and fun was he! Stavros also ushered in the new Lulu too, since the show had to make a casting change due to the departure of Julie Marie Berman and brought in Emme Rylan.
Runner-up:
Courtesy/ABC
Matthew Cowles as Billy Clyde Tuggle – All My Children – What a delight to see Matthew Cowles, the original evil pimp return to Pine Valley and have him in scenes with former arch-nemesis’ Jessie (Darnell Williams) and Dixie (Cady McClain)! It was a good use of history, and Cowles is still as good as it gets when it comes to character acting!
BEST RETURN
Kimberly McCullough as Dr. Robin Scorpio Drake – General Hospital – We were just so thrilled to see Kimberly back on screen again, after that horrific send-off by the last GH regime, who quickly decided to blow Robin up in a lab! Thank goodness, Frank and Ron didn’t bring the character back with amnesia, but instead had her struggle to get home to the people she loves. McCullough is gold for General Hospital, and she brought the emotion that we come to love from Robin when she was reunited with Anna, Robert, Emma and Patrick.
WORST RETURN
Victor Lord Jr.– One Life to Live –The best cliffhanger in soaps of all-time was Victor being seen alive and left tied up by Alison Perkins (Barbara Garrick) at the end of ABC’s One Life to Live. When Prospect Park was able to nab Trevor St. John (Victor Jr.) for a limited number of episodes, fans were over the moon. Problem was, the reactions by the Manning/Lord family members that Victor was indeed “alive” was troubling! No one even blinked an eye! St. John was still brilliant, though, even though the story was a bit bungled. However, we loved seeing Roger Howarth (Todd) and Trevor St.John in scenes together!
BIGGEST WELCOME FOR A SOAP STAR
Courtesy/CBS
Steve Burton as Dylan McAvoy – The Young and the Restless – CBS Daytime rolled out the red carpet for this major acquisition for their number one soap, which included confetti falling from the studio ceiling sky when Burton visited The Talk to announce he has indeed signed on to Y&R. Didn’t he get a CBS Daytime goodie bag too, via Julie Chen?
WORST DECISION TO WRITE OUT A CHARACTER
Vargas on Days of our Lives – Uber-sexy Sean Douglas (Vargas) could have been the new love interest for Hope, or any other of number of gals on the Salem canvas. But, the powers-that-be put him in handcuffs and in jail, never to be seen again. MISSED OPPORTUNITY!
MOST SHOCKING RECAST
Thorsten Kaye as Ridge Forrester- The Bold and the Beautiful – After it appeared that AMC had hit the skids, we were happy to hear that fans would get to see the talents of leading man Thorsten Kaye again on B&B. Only, we were shocked to find out he was the replacement for Ronn Moss as Ridge Forrester! The jury is out if the recast works with the fans in this internationally beloved soap!
MOST RUINED CHARACTER
Courtesy/CBS
Sharon Newman of The Young and the Restless – Poor Sharon Case has the distinction of having won this category three years running for the character she plays, and it’s not her fault! Can Y&R ever put Sharon Newman back together again as a character who makes logical sense, even though they gave her bipolar disorder to explain some of their story choices? This year, Sharon altered the paternity results of Summer Newman (Hunter King), left Phyllis to die at the foot of the stairwell, and talked to her dead daughter (Camyrn Crimes) professing she will use any means necessary to get back with Nick (Joshua Morrow)! Stop the Sharon madness Y&R!
MOST BORING CHARACTER
Lulu Specer Falconeri – General Hospital – Thus far, since the thaw from her being put on ice by Stavros, and regaining her memory after her amnesia, and being angry and bitter over being lied to by best friend Maxie (Kirsten Storms) and losing custody of baby Connie, Lulu (Emme Rylan) is still pretty dull. Will the show liven her up … and make her more of a villainess in 2014? Something needs to be done. STAT!
BIGGEST WASTE OF TALENT
Casey Deidrick as Chad DiMera – Days of our Lives – After Nick (Blake Berris) threatened Chad, after Chad ruined Nick and Gabi’s (Camila Banus) wedding, what happened to Nick’s revenge on Chad? Instead, Chad faked a brain tumor, got shot and was sent to Boston, when Deidrick decided to leave the show.
MOST OVERUSED PLOT DEVICE
Courtesy/ABC
DNA Tests and killing children via a hit and run! – There were plenty of overused plot devices in 2013 that found General Hospital and The Young and the Restless chief among the culprits!
BEST COUPLE
Will and Sonny – Days of our Lives – Quite the on-screen chemistry that Chandler Massey (Will) and Freddie Smith (Sonny) have built. Kudos to DAYS for keeping a same-sex couple in-story and not letting them be back-burnered, but continuing to have them be a vital component of big umbrella storylines. Now with Guy Wilson stepping into the role of Will on-screen in January, will WilSon continue its popularity? One thing is for sure… in 2014 there are plans for the duo.
Runners-Up:
Tea and Victor Jr. – One Life to Live – Oh, how we missed seeing Florencia Lozano (Tea) and Trevor St. John (Victor Jr.) in their volatile love story. When St. John and Lozano shared scenes, although briefly, they still showed they got it!
EJ and Sami – Days of our Lives– Whether you love EJami or hate them, Alison Sweeney (Sami) and James Scott (EJ) play one of the sexiest duos on television, period! Their unique version of sexual foreplay is quite dangerous … don’t you think?
MOST TORTURED COUPLE
Courtesy/NBC
Patrick and Robin – General Hospital – Viewers have watched this beloved duo literally put through the ringer, and so have we! For two years, Robin’s “death” has been the backbone of so much angst for Patrick who missed his wife, and for Robin, who over the last several months has been tortured to get back to her hubby and their child. Will she ever tell him what happened while she was away … in grisly detail? Plus, now it ain’t looking like smooth sailing for the duo …. because of a woman named Sabrina!
MOST WASTED COUPLE
Cane and Lily – The Young and the Restless – Every story beat that seemed to come the way of Cane and Lily, played by Daniel Goddard and Christel Khalil, was utterly boring … no fault of their own. The writing regime better pick up their story in 2014! The return of Cane’s dad, Colin Atkinson (Tristan Rogers) looks promising to kick some story into high gear for this popular duo with daytime fans.
MOST BORING COUPLE (Tie)
Daniel and Jennifer – Days of our Lives – This couple is like watching paint dry, and so too are the plot devices used to create some conflict and problems for the duo. Let’s hope 2014 sees new life for these characters, and NOT with each other!
Courtesy/ABC
Michael and Kiki – General Hospital – So, after these two character fall madly in love, pretty quickly we might add, they have become story-less. In real life, Chad Duell (Michael) and Kristen Alderson (Kiki) are dating each other, and are quite cute, entertaining, and fun! Maybe we could inject that into their relationship in 2014?
MOST TRICKY TRIANGLE
Brooke/Bill/ Katie – The Bold and the Beautiful – Sound the trumpets … for this triangle could give Heather Tom (Katie) her third straight Daytime Emmy! After literally pushing Brooke (Katherine Kelly Lang) and Bill (Don Diamont) together, and Taylor (Hunter Tylo) spilling the beans that the duo had a fling and Brooke got preggers, Katie went ballistic, and thus began a cat and mouse game with Bill, which included taking his company from him! Only Bill had the last laugh! He dumped Brooke to go back to Katie, only to regain his company! Only, it looks like he still loves Brooke! Rot-ro!
MOST RIDICOULOUS ON-SCREEN GESTURE
Courtesy/CBS
Bill Spencer – The Bold and the Beautiful – Dollar Bill (Don Diamont) stabs himself with his incy-wincy sword necklace in an argument with son, Liam (Scott Clifton) about loyalty!
BEST USE OF BAKED GOODS
Jennifer’s pot-laced donuts – Days of our Lives – How great was it to see the ladies of Salem stoned out of their minds? So. Much. Fun.
So, after reviewing our picks, which do you agree with? Which do you disagree with? What are your thoughts on the Best and Worst in Soaps of 2013? Were you happy to see some of your favorites and favorites shows getting year-end honors? Share your thoughts below!
187
Leave a Reply
Hmmm.. My comments are this. GH has been given much credit in past interviews. With as much as an “exodus” as noted in this piece. Also. the is the character of “Lulu” “boring” because of the actress?…Also because in past pieces the writer has held praise for both the actress as well as the character.
Imo…this Lulu might work better as a villan.
Disagree that Lulu is most boring character. Far more worthy candidates like Rafe & Kiki (GH) exist. Emme has been doing a great job in the nearly impossible situation of following the incredibly talented and popular JMB and being half of a super couple. Her scenes with Dante ( Dom Zamprogna) losing Connie were heart wrenching. The problem is Lulu is being written one note, obsessed with having a baby. She needs MORE story. She doesn’t need to be a villain, but a heroine. Lante could be next generation Luke & Laura. Lulu needs to get back to her spunky , fiesty, adventurous roots and Emme could play that, if they would just write it.
ER as Lulu was one of the worst casting decisions IMHO. This actress is incredibly boring and the characterization falls completely flat for me. I wish that GH would either do a “presumed dead” story for Lulu or recast the part with someone who could bring more dimension to the role.
I know that the baby story has been dragging on far too long. But this year has given Lulu the opportunity to be interesting since ER’s arrival. There were scenes and scenarios in the kidnapping/amnesia story which could have and should have captured our attention. And, certainly, the christening reveal had many moments which should have been interesting, pivotal ones for Lulu and the actress playing her. But these simply didn’t seem to work while, at the same time, the scenes were working for some of those around her. I see missed opportunities here. Hoping for better in 2014 and I agree with Michael – better has to come STAT.
The role of being a legacy child of Luke and Laura, is too pivotal to have been cast with an actress whose ability is not up to the demands of the character. Writing is only part of the difficulty with this recast and sadly, from the point of her re-introduction with the amnesia story, there has been an unsettling lack of understanding of the core characteristics of L as they were assembled via her parents’ DNA. Now, as rendered by this young woman, L is unrecognizable and the gradual maturing of the persona that had been built up via Julie Marie Berman’s tenure has been torn down and imploded. And as regards this headwriter, I fear there will be more damage down the road. Ironic, since he and FV have professed how they “love the Spencers”. Turning L into a villainess isn’t the answer to make her less boring. To do that would be to ignore the progress she made coming out of her teenage years when she was the bratty child searching for a family to belong in after being shunted from place to place. She finally found that home with Dominic Zamprogna’s D and made peace with Anthony Geary’s Luke. With a baby or not, the layers that this character has to offer were criminally wasted the last year of Julie being in the role. Now they’ve compounded the problem with an actress who is a woeful miscast.
I hope Julie Berman returns to claim her role as Lulu in 2014! The sequence they filmed at the time of her departure when Maxie had a nightmare about how Lulu would react to finding out the truth about the baby’s paternity unbelievably riveting and gave us a glimpse of how much more poignant and unforgettable the conclusion to this storyline would have been with Berman in the role.
Matthew, I am with you on this post. That brief snippet into what could have been sums it all up. ER has managed to make this all rather “forgettable”. Though many want to just forget all things baby for a while now.
I love Emme Rylan! She has done an amazing job and should be given a break. She is talented.
A break? How many more “breaks” does one give an actress. ER inherited a “plum” role complete with a gorgeous leading man, legacy parents and a history beautifully crafted by JMB. On top of that an introductory story line supposedly tailored so that Ms. Rylan would have a clean slate to bring her interpretation of Lulu to the screen. Not to mention the opportunity to “redefine” all of Lulu’s relationships. Oh and said storyline was complete with vets RKK and CT. She has oodles of press and solid chunks of airtime with a frontburner story. So pieces of her storytelling has been pretty lame to some. But which actress hasn’t had their share of this – not to mention Julie who had the Bordello, Wolfie Dogs, Drinking and “break ups” w/ Dante. ER has had the opportunity to play fun, distraught, loving, betrayed. She has had 9 months of “breaks”. Truthfully can’t remember an actress panned for so many months still remaining on a show. I recall what happened to Ms. Morgan and her luke warm reception as a recast Kristina. Not sure why Ms. Rylan is above the fray in critique.
@BethCP
@Emmmgirl
Perfect breakdown and summary of what went wrong… with nuLULU
Emme Rylan… was perfect as Lizzie, GL… and Abby, Y&R.
both little rich girls… spoiled… believe it… she was fiesty, fun, fabulous… in both those roles… and yes… she lacked a sense of maturity… but.. on those shows.. she contributed.
on GH.. is it because she portrays a Married Woman… with a lone husband.. and had a child…. all the trappings a real woman would rise to the occasion
I had to google her time on the show.. she debuted April, 2013.. so.. that has given her… Emme Rylan… 9 months to craft her character
I wouldn’t call her the most boring… character of all the 4 remaining soaps… now.. yes she’d be… if you compared her to Julie Berman.. Man… she had the perfect look… stature… sexy allure… whereas… Emme Rylan.. tho, cute as a button.. has a small, diminuitive stature… and uses too much make-up… and is too feminine for this role… I knew the minute i saw ER with her onscreen husband.. Dante.. that she was in trouble…
as for most boring….
heck… that could go to a multitude of actors…
daniel and Jenn, days
kiki and michael, gh
Well I disagree with the best new comer and supporting actress. Teresa Castillo should be mentioned in a category for sure….she was amazing playing the role of Sabrina and at the same time gained a fan base having been put in a very tough position. Robin and Patrick are old news…There even awkward to watch on screen now, there over and out. Jason Thompson should have received an emmy a long time ago and if he doesn’t receive one this year it will be very disappointing.
I agree, Sabrina should have won most boring character of all time. I do think Patrick fell asleep the first time they made love. The second time? I think he plucked nose hairs.
On what planet are you living?…Obviously not the one called reality, because we CANNOT be watching the same show! Sappy is, was and will always be the most poorly conceived and horrendously acted soap character of all time! She is worse than useless, and the ongoing lame attempts of the “Amazing Cartini” to magically convert this major annoyance into anything resembling a meaningful and important aspect of GH have failed big time!!!! All the fairy dust and Disney-based directives in the world aren’t enough to waft away the profound resentment that viewers feel for having this supremely idiotic storyline and sophomoric role forced upon us day in and day out!!!!
I agree that if the baby fallout and custody fight had been played out with Julie, the story would have been so much more dynamic between all four characters. ER seems like a lovely person but all this stuff about giving her a break is a bit too much. She’s a vet, now on her third soap as a recast and the whole amnesia storyline to facilitate the switch and ease in a new Lulu was a fail. I think about her introduction to that of say Chad Duell who got dropped right into a major storyline and didn’t have a chance to ease into his role as Michael-and he was a newbie!
You make a very good point, Meegs – and one that applies to any recast situation. I do think that viewers should expect more from any actor or actress who has the amount of experience that Emme Rylan brought to GH. Any actor or actress in their 30s with two soaps and two recasts in his or her resume should hit the deck running more in the way a much younger and less experienced Chad Duell did in 2010. And all the comments from ER’s fans about her past successes further reinforced, for me, that I was not seeing this touted ability appear on my GH screen. This became a case of “don’t TELL me – SHOW me.” Yes, it takes a while to get into a new character – but, as mentioned above, Chad Duell did it well in 2010 and was very soon acclaimed as Michael. For the most part in 2013, ER’s Lulu was rather one-dimensional, lacking the complex layers and nuances I had become accustomed to seeing in the portrayal of Lulu. Missing these layers definitely made her less interesting to me. To begin, there were scenarios played out in the amnesiac phase which I had expected would have been delivered with more range and depth. And these scenarios did not require ER to be Lulu yet – they just required that she keep me interested by convincingly played an amnesiac. Instead I found I was seeing mostly the same one-note “deer in the headlights” look instead of emotional layers. Continue through the summer with (again one-note) perky Lu (admittedly much the fault of the writing) and into the christening reveal and tortuous custody hearing. Finally the range of emotion began to broaden – but in segregated pieces with a moment of brittle anger here and a flash of pain there – but not integrated in the way that keeps me truly interested. Yes, there were sweet baby scenes, but I felt as if I were watching a bio pic of the actress’ real life, so wasn’t as “interested” as some fans were in those. It’s only been during the past month that I have seen some scenes (like those with Kirsten’s Maxie yesterday) that made ER’s Lulu slightly more “interesting” to me – scenes which have suggested a more interesting depth, range and balance that, for me, have been essential elements of any portrayal of the adult Lulu.
Agree with most of your picks and here is praying in 2014 Sharon Case will be Most Improved Character! Happy New Year to all!
I’m glad everyone loved Days this year..This was hands-down my favorite year…but I’m an EJami fan so I’m totally biased lol. I think they were the best couple of 2013 but I appreciate that they were your runner-ups.
Brooklyn Rae Silzer as Emma is adorable. Don’t forget Lauren Boles on Days as Ciara. She’s fantastic and I think she’s going to keep Hope on her toes in 2014!
Hoping 2014 is as good as 2013 was and hoping for an EJami wedding!!
Lauren Boles as Ciara is quickly becoming one of my faves on the show. She’s a scene stealer!
That chick has serious issues! Im not sure why theyre writing her as such a disturbed whack job but little Lauren plays it to the hilt!
I love her too!! Ciara is like the mini Sami.
Sorry but there is rumor that E.J. and Abigail might have an affair…i think Hopes daughter is going to be a future Days heartbreaker and troublemaker…Days once again has become my favorite soap…and i wish they give Caroline a new love interest even if he’s younger…the man who keeps showing up and making Kate, Sami, and Gabi nervous because they think he might know what theyve done with Nick'(who is most likely not dead)…can you imagine the looks on the faces of Kate, Sami and Gabi as they sit at the Brady Pub and Caroline introduces her date and it turns out to be that same man from the park?
“Everyone” did not love days this year as you put it Angela. There were many dissatisfied fans out there that think the show cross over several lines that never should have been crossed. I watch days because it has always been a reasonably family, faith, wholesome, goodhearted show, this year has been full of more sleaze than ever and days has become a HUGE disappointment!
I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy Days this year. I’ve been watching for a very long time and Days hasn’t always been the “wholesome, good hearted show” that you recall. I’m not sure what show you were watching prior to 2013. I’m sure there’s a particular reason you didn’t like the show this year but didn’t mention it. Maybe it’s just time to change the station.
please..Days is one (if not the less) outrageous soaps ! It is totally ‘wholesome’ compare to the other soaps this year.
p.s: like Ej would like twice at someone like little Abby..lmao..maybe Days writers will be dumb enough to write an ‘affair’ but if so it will be a flop and totally out of character..not a good idea..
I agree with Lois. The story they did with Kristen and Eric was disgusting and I did not watch. Thankfully that story is over and I can watch again.
OK, Lois, I need 4 u 2 tell me what “goodhearted” show you’ve been watching. Bcuz, it is not, nor has it ever been Days of Our Lives. And this is coming from a 30+ year viewer here. The ONLY time of the year that Days is goodhearted is during Christmas time. The rest of the time is filled with rape, murder and Satan.
Okay I can agree with most of you that perhaps goodhearted was to strong of a term, but days surpassed it sleaze level this year more than any year I have watched since 1986 except for from 2008-2011, which I wouldn’t bother to watch. I just think days has been way better in the past with their writers & creativity in writing storylines. The use of characters history went completely out the wind. Where is the,adventure, REAL romance, TRUE supercouples, intrigue, HUMOR etc? There is nothing intriguing , mysterious. or praise worthy about relationship based on sex/revenge. Not to mention other shallowly written storylines. Tomlin & Whitesell were epic failures for much of 2013 . They are starting to show some promise with the writing of Eric & Nicole, Rafe & Jordan, but I am holding out before I can give a thumbs up.
Seriously?? DAYS crossed the line just this year?? So, you didn’t mind Carly being buried alive? Marlena Satan? Jack raping Kayla? 2 dogs getting married? Marlena killing half the town off in gruesome ways? (She suffocated Alice Horton with a doughnut!!), EJ raping Sami? Sami shooting EJ in the head? Kate blackmailing Chloe into hooking? The wonder twins? Nicoles dad forcing her into porn? Lexie switching Bo And Hopes baby for hers? Chelsea running Zach over? Kate framing Sami for murder and having her almost executed? Sami selling her baby sister to a black market baby ring?? This is the tip of the iceburg! One of DAYS first big stories was a sister and brother in love with each other! (Amnesia/new face). If u didn’t enjoy DAYS fine, but saying it “surpassed its sleaze level” is LAUGHABLE!
There storyline & there is then there is sleaze gaTo, All of the storylines you mentioned I have watched with the exception of Kate blackmailing Chloe, Nicole’s dad forcing her into porn. None of them crossed the line into disgusting, which to my way of thinking Days did at least 3 X this year.Okay so Marlena satan was pretty wild for 1995-1996, A brother & a sister in love which I barely remember pushing limits at the time, Marlena “killing all those people, who were NEVER really dead, Lexie & the great baby switch. Now moving on to EJ raping Sami, definite sleaze, Sami shooting Ej bad, but considering what he did to her, not so bad. Kate framing Sami for murder bad but not sleaze. Carly buried alive pushing it but not overboard. The definition of sleaze is immoral, sordid, corrupt behavior , which both Kristen & Ejami qualify for, perhaps I should have added the term smutty to sleazy just for Ejami benefit..it means vulgar, rude, crude, dirty, filthy, salacious, coarse, obscene, lewd, pornographic. I believe talking about killing someone while having sex & butt humping in the middle of the living room qualify, so if you want to find me LAUGHABLE, I don’t care! You believe that you are right I believe that I am right, go figure. I want to see REAL romance on days not some PSEUDO romance! So you heard my top 2 reason I consider days to have been pretty sleazy this year. Perhaps though I misunderstand days writers, maybe they are writing Ejami this way to show us what real love does not look like. If that is the case they are doing a terrific job. Kudos to them! Okay you got 2 of my reasons, my 3rd is the rape of a priest. I see the reason behind the storyline & all the fallout it is causing thereby creating more storyline, I even see the reason behind the ejami storyline given the murder of Nick, but that does not change my opinion at this point.
Worst couple carly and franco
I thought it was going to be Patrick and Sabrina…
I thought it was going to be Dylan and Avery on Y&R
Franco and Carly for sure. Unwatchable.
It CERTAINLY should have been!
They both are/were horrible couples.
Dylan and Avery is worse than Carly & Franco…
I agree, Patrick and Sabrina REEKED!!
Carly and Franco are horrible….there is no white washing this coupling. In addition, Patrina are ill conceived as are Mikiki, etc….GH is TERRIBLE at romance.
Agree on all points.
Isn’t this the truth? Carly and Franco are so forced. The OLTL actors don’t fit well on the show, maybe Silas fits the best but the other two don’t at all. I was seriously hoping they’d go with AJ and Carly.
cutesy, cutesy, tease, tease, romp…
Carly and Franco ARE filler –
so.. now.. to give Carly something to do.. she’s going to amazon her glamazon and hell hath no fury like a woman scorned… and she’ll try to best Ava
well girl.. a queen has happened on the scene and it’s not you.
as for Franco… what to do with his mixed up act… is all thats left.. is for Carly and franco to gaze in to each others eyes… and caress all the feelings.. no one else gets?
Franco has no where to go? if they don’t flesh out his parentage.. with Scotti and Heather… that’s all that’s left.. and if that doesn’t work… whats the point .. they’ve had us give up… Todd… Franco pre-brain tumor.. after… and it’s left us not caring anymore… despite how tantalizing the prospect of “us” wink, wink, with Todd/Franco…
A I loved having AMC and OLTL back and wish the dust would settle to get them back, but was not a fan at all of Miranda Montgomery. And I agree the benefactor story was a waste of time! I also agree about the reactions of Victor Lord Jr’s family. You would have thought he just came back from picking up a gallon of milk! He never did explain what he had been through, just like Robin on GH. But Tea and Victor together were hot! Loved GH’s Nurse’s Ball storyline, and the 50th anniversary surprises too!
Victors return was a big let down…no one even wonder who was in his grave or if it was empty!!!
Well they ve all seen it happen before,so they were a bit desensitized to it
with the exception of Danni
Steve Burton ..best welcome..hum? 0h well
Kimberly M….best return….I guess so(not a fan)
Jason Thompson…..yes I agree ..he’s a fine actor…..
F. Hughes…overall..all around good actress?…if they say so
B. Seitzer..best child star…I agree with that ..she’s good
the best villan award to Fasion….I guess so?
Orbrecht…(I forgot her name…I guess she good..but I can’t watch her EVERYDAY..Jmop!!
Ron and Frank did a good job bringing GH back!!! I must admit they did a wonderful job!!
Lets hope the show stay good eternally!!!
Kathleen G…Dr.O was GHs best newbie…id watch her everyday!!!
The BEST and most deserving award winner! Congratulations, Kathleen Gati!!!!
I can’t treasure her enough!
Ms. Kathleen Gati!
when that once in a lifetime.. character just happens on the screen… and we’re truly enchanted… case in point… how intelligent.. and disarming.. this delectable delight… rears
for the love of… Serial… they simply must make her a force to be reckoned with.. a force of nature… all her own….
I liken her… so much.. because of what catapulted to the top of the heap… at GH.. and thats.. Britta and Nicholas… and for however long.. Britta gets to keep Ben… till he’s returned to Dante and Lulu…
isn’t it going to be something when that happens… the loss of her son… like how… Britta was lost with Dr. O and Faison… yet.. we know she has that beacon.. and support from Nicholas.. she’ll trot on… and reel brilliant
back to Ms. Gati…
I liken her.. to: Marion Colby…. w/daughter Liza, AMC
I liken her.. to: Enid Nelson… w/son Greg, AMC
I liken her.. to: Mary Williams.. w/son Paul, Y&R
just a cumulative of superlative reel to delight! fascinating creature to bloom and fastidiously taken hold and bar none… is : BEST overall performance by a supporting actor
reign that emmy in… it’s Kathleen Gati
Concur! Gati doesn’t just make what she is given fly. She makes the most nonsensical acts of her character completely believable. In one scene w/her daughter, Dr. O can be both mother hen & incredibly cruel – yet it all makes sense with her tone of voice or a gesture. She can have us laughing w/her comments to Duke, then cringing in fear a minute later when she confronts Anna w/such bald-faced hatred. It’s a great performance that gets better when placed opposite someone she doesn’t have scenes with, like Maurice Bernard. Dr. O & Sonny on Christmas Day – how weird was that? Yet, it felt like a gift to watch these two tigers pace in their cages next to each other.
@kansasGuest.
“Right On!”
to me she’s over rated…jmop!!!
To campy..she’s good come down to earth!!
Dylan is getting his father….
Sam justvgotbher father….
Frank and Jill think alot..or what??????????????
wow
.. amazing, I agree with it all..
((I will circle this ‘agree day’ on my calendar, I would never want to forget the miracle lol )
LOL.
su….. share the kool-aid
I love your spoiler sceneries, anyway
Not looking to 2014 for Will and Sonny. Should’ve had the wedding with Chandler, not letting the new guy do it right off the bat
Biggest waste of talent/underused talent should go to RC &FV and there use, or lack there of, of ratings nabber Tristan Rogers as Robert Scorpio. Every time TR returns to GH so do the fans and every time the writers struggle with ways of incorporating the uber-popular Rogers. Thus he’s off to Genoa City again.
Thats one of their flaws…better use of some of their vets, especially Monica…otherwise they are the best thing to happen to GH in recent years! They have good ideas but it feels like careless writing…there needs to be more continuity, some romance, a little less violence,less camp, and more character and plot connections!!! The cast is a little too bloated and needs more balance! Otherwise this show could be just as great as it was in the early 1980s…its good and fun and entertaining but it could be better!!!
in total agreement
I think Genie Francis was way underused from the minute she came back!
I’ve read that GF wasn’t used as extensively as she could because family issues required her to be elsewhere sooner than expected.
I agree that TR is ratings gold. It was foolish to have him in a drug induced coma for so long. I realize TPTB did that until Kimberly McCullough was returning, but Robert could have had temporary memory loss. Wasted talent. I’ve always loved TR, but especially in Season 2 of Night Shift when Robert had colon cancer. He played that story line out fabulously.
Have to agree about Vargas. Great acting, great looking and lots of chemistry with Kristian aka Hope. Potential for a somewhat forbidden love story with redemption for ex criminal
Vargas. What a waste.
Totally agree with this one as well. Loved Vargus. What were TPTB thinking!
Also LOVED the doughnuts episode….. very funny, very bold, very creative.
Kayla was great in that scene. Another wasted character.
I agree!!!
I know, I thought Vargas would have been perfect for Hope. She always had a thing for bad boys and redeeming them— and I think they would have been great together– never understood why they let him go. As you said a real waste.
since when ? Bo was a ‘rebel’ good guy and Roman (Hope had a big crush on Roman BEFORE Bo…) was a good guy ‘cop’ she NEVER had a thing for ‘bad boys’ and wanting to redeem them..ugh..
@realitycheck— I was thinking of men like Larry, her first husband, that Franco guy and that guy Patrick she dated who were of questionable character. And you might call Bo a rebel– but to Hope’s friends and family he was a bad boy– also while as Gina she dated Stefano and the Pawn, so I guess I was thinking she had deep down a thing for dating men who had danger attached to them or mystery– and Vargas had that– maybe we just have different definition of what bad boy means— but thanks for the input.
Biggest waste…. !!!! couldn’t agree more… verbatim
Vargas ooh la la’ed his time in Salem…. geez! dang TPTB for letting go a fine reason… FINE ultra stud in the making, had all that….
for Hope… with Nick… with Theresa….
he was just starting… simmering… and BAM… like a gut punch….
He was stellar for Hope!
it’s quite tragic… to see Hope… without Bo… thank god… the relationship and chemistry with Ciara.. is what pulls her through…
Vargas… as the redemptive bad man….
but… oh… wasn’t he FUN with Theresa…. and who knows where he coulda woulda shoulda went with Nick.
perhaps TPTB will see the err in their ways and return him from the brink, prison fodder… and he goes underground, incognito… for the secret service… and comes back to Salem and sweeps Hope off her feet.
this was thee coup that is a missing link…
he had all the makings of elevating… good… loved.. quality stuff to be had..
now.. we’re all missing out…. loved Vargas
on the flip side…. MF…. you should have included…
on the women’ side: Kelly Sullivan, ex Connnie, GH.
I still miss her… quality, intelligence, loved her acting choices… so natural… so, on fire… penetrated a mystique that reeled days of ole’. she made an impact on GH, that, to this day is still reeling from… the brink of bottoming out… Sonny Corinthos and his brood. add Carly, Olivia, and Kiki to this messed up… gotta vent my truth
she was a very talented actress but her skill was wasted in a terrible story and character on GH. I am hoping that we get to see her on much bigger and better things in the near future
YES!
Missing Kelly Sullivan along with you!! Amazing talent!! I know story lines rule, but I do sometimes question the choices re who is chosen to be let go from GH. I realize that others left by their own choice this year, but GH did lose some real talent in 2013 – Kelly being one departure over which “management” had control.
I so wanted Vargas for Nicole. Really liked his character and the actor. They wasted that one.
Gh making Sonny look like the worst wise guy in history. Rob has to watch some Sopranos episodes. Totally not believeable
They don’t want GH to be like THE SOPRANOS. In fact, many fans are glad RC is putting more emphasis on the hospital & other characters.
EJ and Sami are the best couple and the most tortured (as are their fans), IMO. This may be DAYS last chance before some of us change the channel and leave…for good. They better not blow it.
DAYS ratings are already starting to go down and the show hasn’t trended since this contrived, out of character plot with EJ and Sami. Nobody wants to tune into a show that depresses them (I know I don’t – and haven’t!). TV is suppose to be fun and exciting. I no longer feel that way about DAYS. Sad how fast things went downhill.
Umkay LMFAO
Um, where do u see the ratings starting to go down, honey? Ratings are up across the board compared to last year.
Ratings are up? Good news! Does that mean we can credit EJami then since they’ve been front and center? Or do they only get blamed when ratings go down? Hmm…#AgendaDrivenTrolls
U can credit good storytelling 4 the increased ratings.
So, Mr Fairman, do you have anything to say about the marvelous Kelly Monaco and Michael Easton! And their third coupling! Another resurgence of their impeccable chemistry, their impeccable acting partnership! They just keep pounding their magnificent rhythm into our brains! We want more and more!
No, we don’t. LOL
yes yes!!!
They are fabolous!!!
Here’s hoping for _a McCall-Clay baby….
Daniel should get a Baby sister!!!!!!!!!
Yes we do. Something more should be happening to this couple.
Shana Call Clay……..love it!!!!
Yes! I can then FF the couple without missing a beat.
For me, hands down, the best soap is Days or Our Lives. I had stopped watching years ago when it was on opposite OLTL, but after the latter’s demise, I returned to viewing and it shows what made soaps classic: intergenerational relationships and drama. It’s must see tv for me now.
I skip GH when the former OLTL actors are on as I hate seeing their new characters forced to fit again with their same love interests from before. It’s an insult except to their fans.
I was so excited for the OLTL reboot, but felt Melissa Archer and Natalie was wasted as an actor and a character. Show should have recast John McBain and allowed their story to continue. It left a bad taste in my mouth.
GH has been largely a miss for me. They have so many compartmentalized stories, we can go weeks without seeing a storyline instead of their being a good mix every week of various stories. Plus, they have regular continuity errors and largely boring stories. Doesn’t mean there haven’t been some great moments (i.e. Robin’s homecoming reunion with Emma).
agreed.
Couldn’t have stated it better. So tired of clifhangers that go nowhere for days, sometimes weeks. An overloaded cast with the focus on none. NuLulu has never worked for me. Perhaps because I didn’t like her as Abbey on Y&R either. The Nurses Ball was a vast disappointment compared to it’s glory days in the past. No fan of GH’s producer or head writer. Ditto for those on Y&R.
I agree — I think that the cast is too large to tell good integrated stories. Everything looks like a show within a show and some characters are simply used as props such as Elizabeth Webber.
Don’t get me started on the lack of story for Liz/RH one of the most gorgeous women on daytime and you can’t get a story for her. As my husband would say a dynamite figure her skin is like a porcelain doll what is wrong with you people plus she has major history with the show!!!
Nick and Gabi’s wedding better than Brady and Kristen’s wedding? No way! Marlena playing the wizard of Oz behind the curtain by playing the sex tape in the church, fist fights, crying, defrocked priest! It had everything = soapy goodness!
Nick and Gabi’s wedding, or I should say the episode, was way better that Bristen’s wedding. The whole Nabi episode was centered around the wedding, the fallout and how it affected connected to Nabi whereas the Bristen episode had the fallout but then cut to Jordan/Rafe, Cameron/Abby,Daniel, etc. WTF??!! Nobody wanted to see that.
I have read quite a few reviews of the online Hulu/PP/TOLN versions of All My Children and One Life to Live. Most attacked them and had little good to say. This article is thoughtful, and in my opinion correct about “General Hospital” as well as OLTL and AMC. Thank you, Michael.
You forgot the soap with the best behind the scene drama— my pick ABC and Prospect Park feud over characters from OLTL and the various lawsuits— and the close runner up Y&R for whatever is happening there the makes everyone want to jump ship or is forced to walk the plank (get booted off). Hoping the New Year will be bigger and better for all soaps– my wish— a brand new network or cable daytime soap to stir the pot— but it doesn’t look like that will be happening soon (sigh)
What is happening on Y&R that is making actors jump ship or get fired? Jill Faren Phelps – the kiss of death.
YAY, a shout out to EJami. Ali S and James S are amazing!
I love WilSon, but I have to disagree about them getting “Best Couple”. I am VERY disappointed about their SL. Will and Sonny have no life outside of that bore Gabi and the baby. All they do is obsess over her or Nick. The writers need to remove Gabi from their orbits ASAP! I am tired of EVERY story they have, involving her. Will is a Brady and a Horton. Sonny is a Kiriakis. Gabi should be supporting them, not the other way around!!!
As much as i like GH, Days has become far better at the moment…GH needs better use of vets otherwise whats the point of bringing some back…i like Lucy but shes a little too cartoonish…i want her to open up a spa…there is a mud bath room at the spa…both Carly and Ava end up together in the mud bath…they argue and a mud fight ensues…kinda like I Love Lucy’s fight in that grape episode…lol…let Heather finally be released from mental hospital…her constant escape has grown old fast…why isnt anyone looking for her? Micheal and Lauren are boring…i get more excitment from picking out lint between my toes…bring back Penny and have her turn out to be Scotts daughter Serena…she could stir up a little trouble for Mike and Lauren or just write them out…maybe if Micheal could get a new facial expression he’d be more interesting…Sab shouldnt be preggars…she should be cut from Pat and Robs storyline(i feel bad for the actress T.C.)…but she needs a different storyline stat, and away from Felix…he’s become very annoying with his constant interferance in Sabs life…throw the dog a new bone to chew on, PLEASE!!! In spite of it all i still enjoy much of the show but i know it could be better!!!
Interesting your comment about DAYS being better at the moment given what you say about GH needs to use there vets better, DAYS is the biggest offender in soaps concerning their vets, shipping them off like they were yesterdays trash when they have been big money makers for them in the past, it’s terrible how they treat them! DAYS should have planned for the few vets they had years ago, it’s not REALLY all about money, or if it is, it not just about that magically demographic age 18-49. The audience that watched for the last 20-30 years, should not be treated as a throw away commodity either, Just remember what DAYS has done to their vets & remember it could be your favorites a few years from now.
Both GH and Days need to use their vets better…I currently call Days the best soap and it does show and use most of its vets in better ways than GH, and their plots are better connected and have continuity where GHs often isnt and even disappears for weeks!!! My biggest gripe with days is with them not using Abe, Roman, and Kayla more and keeping Bo in limbo…either recast or kill off the character. IMO Days is currently the best soap and its story most interesting…that could change eventually and usually does…next month i might like GH better…its all about the story for me!!!
Pretty spot on, Michael! Here’s my own list:
Best Show: DAYS/GH (tie)
Worst Show: Y&R/B&B/OLTL/AMC (tie)
Actress: Eileen Davidson
Actor: Greg Vaughan
Supporting Actress: Kathleen Gati
Supporting Actor: Anders Hove
Story: Eric’s rape (DAYS)
Moment: Marlena showing the Eric/Kristen recording at Brady & Kristen’s wedding (DAYS) and Robin and Emma’s reunion on GH (tie)
Great post, Michael. I agree with most of your choices. However, Eilleen Davidson deserved best villain by far. I would rather have no one mention Jeff k. From PP. Kudos to cast and crew who persevered through chaos.
Casey Deidrick received a great parting reel for 4 years of sleep walking on Days. That was more than he deserved. The issues there were not writing or continuity.
Kristen and Brady’s wedding was awesome and will live in Soap infamy. I adore Blake Berris and revere his talent.But I have almost forgotten Gabi – Nick Wedding after the amazing year at DAYS. EJAMI will be my vote for best couple.
And I think Scandal edges Nashville in primetime. But proud of so many primetime soaps, including THeGood Wife, Downton Abbey, Mad Men.
Who would have ever thought 2013 would have been such a sterling year for soaps.? Terrific year. TY – Michael for your professionalism and support of the genre.
I have never been more disappoint in your top picks for days EVER…the complete destruction of days most beloved couple is not great story telling. It was total garbage!Completely re- writing the characters so that they were unrecognizable by there fan base. Tomlin and Whitesell rewrote most of John & Marlena history to look as though they it were evil, not the loving commit couple we really know they are to make this storyline work. Vargas gets my thumbs down I am glad he is gone, and Ej and Sami know nothing about what real love is in spite of what their fanbase thinks.
And the funniest moment had to be GH when Britt tossed Emma’s doll accidentally onto the BBQ– that was hilarious and made me instantly like Britt. Also best newcomer for me was Stitch on Y&R– he is the only newbie on that show that has real potential— he has great chemistry with Victoria and so when her relationship with Billie implodes I hope they become a couple.
And a close runner for the worst story line has to be that music box mystery on Y&R– it is just plain dumb and it is going nowhere fast.
Days as Best improved soap. Umkay LOL
Now that Kristen is gone.. I see Days losing its shine.
Love them or hate them… how bout just hate em Puke!
Kristen’s departure set up a few great storys, including Brady’s downward spiral with drugs and the new beginning between Eric and Nicole. Kristen is still an integral part of the Days of of our Lives!
I realize that it took a major league effort to get OLTL and AMC off the ground as quickly as Ginger Smith and Jennifer Pepperman did, but I can’t help but feel that if the shows had better writing from Day 1, by headwriters with past experience at AMC and OLTL, respectively, and if in AMC’s case, they’d had more veterans from the start, and less of a desire to Shock and Awe, and more of a desire to tell stories from the heart, both shows would have had more online clicks from viewers, and maybe they wouldn’t have been shelved. Maybe. I know that there are alot of things that happened which resulted in their cancellation/suspension. But the bottom line is that neither show attracted the number of viewers they predicted, or implied in interviews they were getting. And if we’re going to give the two EPs credit for putting the shows together ASAP, I think they have to take their lumps for not putting out a product that had as many people tuning in as they needed to keep the shows afloat. That’s on them, too.
I have to take my hat off to GH for doing a good job overall at giving the fans what they wanted this past year. I’m not a steady GH viewer, but I have tuned in more than I’d thought I would to watch the Patrick/Robin reunion, the return of Lucy Coe and Laura Spencer, and Anna Devane and Robert Scorpio working together and reuniting with Robin.
IA that Y&R has been very disappointing, and I appreciate that you didn’t gush with praise over B&B, Michael. I think that show, in particular, is overly hyped with nonstop triangles and quadrangles that go round and round. DOOL has improved alot this year and I’m looking forward to John Black’s return and how Marlena and Brady deal with him being back in Salem. DOOL needs to give Kristian Alfonso a storyline for a change, but other than that, I expect DOOL will continue to do well in 2015.
WORST DECISION TO WRITE OUT A CHARACTER: Young and the Restless, Adam Newman, played by Michael Muhney, being fired……big mistake
Absolutely. This one is going to hurt Y&R. The straw that broke the big camel’s back.
I TOTALLY AGREE
Totally agree. As he exits, so will I.
Also Worst PR ever picking the flesh off the bones of the guy for their own job security and bringing in the soap media to help spread the rumors! Excluding Mr. Fairman of course! Classy move CBS/Sony just could not let the guy leave.
Here’s an actor that elevated a horrible storyline that the fans hated, then they not only publicly fire him, but try to humiliate him. Those despicable cast members only damaged the show and themselves. Hello Melody Thomas Scott, Eric Breaden, and Doug Davidson. Karma is coming very soon for you. The fans won’t forget. I hope Michael Muhney returns to Primetime and features where he’ll be surrounded by a higher class of professional actors. Y&R is a huge loser on this one.
December 17th, was the big accouncement… MM let go!
well… 13 days later… 2 weeks have gone by… and no “real” announcement as to why?
we may never find out… but, then again… is behind the scenes our business?
it just smarts, and is so dissappointing… and some anger, because of the lack of quality, intelligent, actors left in Genoa City
I hope he ends up in Salem! DOOL – please adhere and relish the prospect he ensues
he’s that Good!
Since AMC has left, I have been searching for the best replacement. I have found it in The Bold & The Beautiful. Love the story lines, directing, acting…..it is a fun escape.
dont agree with the Nurses Ball being the best event of the year. I love the Nurses Ball and always looked forward to it but this year they should have just renamed it the Sabrina ball since it was all about her. And Sabrina/Patrick should have been in the most boring category. Atleast Micheal and Kiki have chemistry
Michael, you have once again given us a lot to think about . By revisiting all the soaps, you have given us a great over view of all that has occured this year so far. I do agree with your breakdown of most of the soaps and why they do or do not deserve to be recognized. This is a great job of reporting.!…….
Ditto!
Thank you: MF – for giving your fans… I mean this.. as it would seem, like fans are thanked, over and over.. for “watching the shows, by the network production … but … when it comes to cast and writing..are we ever really listened to? which is the issue… we’re left venting through this fun, blog
I agree with most of your choices for GH &Y&R. I don’t watch the others. Definitely the GH Nurses Ball was the best TV time for me! They MUST do something w/the LuLu character, she is too hard to watch since Berman left! When Steve burton went to Y&R, that was the first I ever started watching that soap. Have watched daily ever since! I like Adam & sorry he was fired :(. Hopefully they can do something w/the Sharon character. LOVE Nashville! Happy new year!
The Young & The Restless has been a horror show the past three years. Their best actors are leaving in droves, then Phelps brings in her pet chimp to take over as the show’s new star. Unbelievable garbage. CBS and Sony don’t know how to run a soap anymore. At least the Bell’s still control The Bold & The Beautiful. I don’t care if it’s rated #1. Their main audience is made up of elderly shut-ins and trailer park dwellers. Just look at their demos, it tells the story.
It’s so telling when you watch the show and half the people you don’t recognize! The casting department is an epic fail who have probably been told that they should hire solely based on looks. What we get are a bunch of newbies who have the range of a cardboard box. Phelp’s boy toy included. Let’s see if they are still lauding their #1 position next year.
– “Days of OUR Lives” –
#1. Most Improved Soap
#2. Best Overall Performance Female… “runner-up” Eieen Davidson, DAYS
#3. Best Overall Performance Supporting Actor, Male… “runner-up” Blake Berris, DAYS
#4. Best Newcomer Male… Casey Moss, JJ, DAYS
#5. Best Wedding… (tie) Nick and Gabi – Brady and Kristen, both! DAYS
#6. Best Storyline… Kristen’ Revenge!…. ta-da DAYS!
#7. Best Writing… (tie w/GH) DAYS!
#8. Worst decision to write out a character… Vargas! DAYS
#9 Waste of Character – Casey Diedrick… ex-Chad, DAYS
#10 Best Couple… DAYS! Will and Sonny… runner-up : DAYS! EJ and Sammi
#11. Most boring couple… LOL… sorry to vent… it’s true… Daniel and Jenn, DAYS
#12. best use of props… and/or baked goods… love those donuts… LOL… Kayla you reign supreme… in my book .. DAYS of OUR Lives is Talented… on par excellence!
“if” DAYS was the surprise winner of last year… Best Serial.. 2012….
Days is recognized for multiple achievements… why not garner another objective… and truth… repeat… repeat! as best show… 2013….
all the elements are on… weaving, threading, interaction between the whole cast… vets, their sired children.. and their beloved grandchildren.. mixed in with newbies… new cast members.. all cohesively threading the viable elements that Salem renders…
You clearly only watch a show so your list is biass n pointless!!
I don’t agree with your picks of Days for best storyline and best writing. The Kristen storyline had so much potential. Once again, Days showed how they love Rape. Seems like they can’t write anything unless it involves rape. I personally found the writing boring. Watch stuff from the early 1990’s from Days. Now that was fantastic writing! Also, where’s the payoff for the John and Marlena fans? We have stuck by our couple through thick and thin. Days destroyed our couple. 🙁 John Black should have been most ruined character. I want my John and Marlena back!!!
John is coming back.
I miss Jarlena too but I liked that they were broken up and had marital problems. They spend too long getting along and being too sugary for my taste. It was like they could do no wrong! I have enjoyed Marlena causing trouble and scheming with Victor. Showing that she is a human that can screw up instead of being the perfect Doc. However, I am more than ready for John’s return!! It’s been long enough.
John Black should have been the worst written character, I have to completely agree with Angie on that. He was written in such a way that no one even recognized him anymore, Heck I don’t think even Drake Hogestyn recognized him anymore LOL,but that not really even funny. What Tomlin & Whitesell did to the character of John Black this year was way over the top OOC writing, out & lies about John&Marlena affair, completely unbelieveable in the way John would have accepted, forgiven, & try to bed Kristen to save his son. The head writers made an entire fanbase angry to the point they completely tuned out.These things alone should have disqualified the writers from being consider for the best writing of a show. John Black was not the only character people did not recognize, Marlena & Jennifer also were not themselves & there were others. HOWEVER never under estimate the power of a fanbase of 27+ years. John Black is on his way back to Salem, the fans can’t wait, not only that but an enormous amount of people want to see John & Marlena reunited. Writers can screw with characters history all they want but in the end they need to be careful, it may come back & bite them. Another great thing was Drake’s thank you to the fans. I have never met Drake, I would love to but I have heard he has always been such a gracious man to his fans & this time was no different, at Day of Days he said ” I want to thank the fans for getting me off the sidelines, off the bench, back into the game, that the fans of John & Marlena felt cheated by the storyline.” He spoke the absolute truth, in the past year we felt cheat, we were told the couple would have angst. we got seperation, estrangement, almost to the point of divorce. Not exactly the story we wanted to see, so I hope & pray that TPTB see this, tell the writers, look this is what we want you to do now, go do it, do it extremely well, we will settle for nothing less. If you can’t this done we will find someone who can! Okay so I will count my blessing, hopefully now we will get to watch them find their way back to each other & fall in love all over again.
Best Soap Couple Should be Todd and Blair.. Both Kassie and Roger gave Outstsnding Performances, Their sizzling Chemistry (for two decades) was still Strong, they had some great lovemaking and a secret wedding, along with their heartfelt, emotional goodbye scene.. The fans were overjoyed to see Todd and Blair back where they belong, in each others arms..very difficult to say goodbye.. Thanks Michael
I appreciate you taking the time to make a list each year Michael. I don’t watch all the Soaps so I can’t really pick and choose but of the two that I do watch GH and Y&R, I thought Liz Hendrickson was a better choice for Supporting Actress. She was just as phenomenal as Miller and not given all the incredible material that Miller was given throughout Delia’s death storyline. So, here’s hoping they both take home an Emmy in 2014!
AMC had good writing but there were too many new faces. David was everyone’s favorite villain. They were turning him into mush and we hardly got to see him. Erika never even surfaced. The five year time change was really more like ten. When you had Dixie, JR, and AJ together, you really couldn’t see any age difference. Soap watchers try very hard to not think too much about things but some things are just too ridiculous. Way too much cursing and sex scenes going way too far were very distracting. I am still watching the repeats of AMC on soapnet and enjoying those. I only have one more day of AMC until soapnet is gone. Boo to all things ABCD!
The only other soap I watch is Y&R. I am a new watcher so I don’t have the ties to the actors that other viewers have. I like the storyline. I never liked Phyllis so no loss to me. Adam is a really good actor so sorry he is leaving but sounds like it was necessary. I thought Catherine’s death was handled beautifully. I watched Catherine’s last scene going up the stairs and I cried. I never cry ! I can’t get interested in the other soaps, I’ve tried.
The soap characters have been busy! Yep to Best Return because Robin’s Return/Kimberly McCullough’s return was the only reason I returned as a GH viewer! My homegirl Robin, my Scrubs, my ScrubsEmma. my full of hugs Scorpio (Devane) family have me rushing to watch DVR recordings of GH. I hope the writers don’t mess it up!
Loved all the picks, but to me the biggest waste has to be Rebecca Herbst as Elizabeth on GH. Will she ever get a storyline?
DAYS rocked the house this year! Glad you recognized it! Much as I like Wilson, I have to admit Ejami was my pick for best couple this year. I personally, don’t find either of your picks for Most Boring Couple to be that boring. I also, don’t think Carly and Franko are anything close to being boring. Molly and TJ would be my choice as Most Boring. Awesome choice for Best Storyline and Biggest Tearjerker!
Wasted couple – Lily & Cane…perhaps because there is no spark, nothing interesting about them? For years I have hit FF when they appear on screen.
Definitely agree about the Vargas character. Holding out hope that one day Theresa’s part in his arrest will come out and he can return.
As far as best welcome…please…it is called self promotion. A gimmick to excite fans. Unfortunately, NOTHING they can do, including making Dylan Nikki’s son is going to bring my interest in Burton’s character.
As a major OLTL fan I was thrilled with the show returning. Too bad they botched it lousy writing and focusing way too much on the younger set. Having them drinking and do idiotic things is not must see tv. I applaud the effort but, not the results.
And what about a category for Soap Killer of the year – presented to Jill Farren Phelps?
Thank you for putting Sean Douglas on the list. I still don’t get why Days didn’t put him on contract. Not many newbies get that much of a positive reaction from fans. He had chemistry with everyone. Still shaking my head over that one.
I agree with Days being most improved and ratings are definetly up from 2010-2011 when it was a snooze Fezz. Soaps always have good and bad days. For Me Kristen was awesome as Ms villian Dimera, Miss the Chaos she caused. Love my Ejami and Wilson too. Hoping 2014 see’s them grow from strength to strength.
Too much to comment on. Agree that Hilary is worst new character. Write her off stat.
The pot donuts were so funny.
Also agree that Phyllis’ exit was such a waste of Michelle. Her last days were spent in a bed in a coma. Stupid!
Daniel and Jen are boring. So are Cane and Lily. I thought the wedding at Kay’s memorial was odd. Guess they thought, hey, everyone’s here, it’ll save us money. Why not? But it was insulting. My memorial better be all about me!!!!! 🙂
DOOL or GH. GH or DOOL. It looks like the soap fans agree that Days of our Lives AND General Hospital are at the top of their game! Where does that leave Y&R and B&B?
Days of our Lives has been great and continues being great and is set up for many great story’s in the future. These are OUR DAYS!!!
I love that the fans of General Hospital are loving their soap!
The Bold and the Beautiful is still a joke.
The Young and the Restless should have been buried with Bill Bell.
Best villian – Kristin on DOOL for sure. Hoping for a Sami & E.J. wedding in 2014 and a Chad D. return. A Chad/Gabi love match would spice things up a bit….and Eric & Nicole are meant to be. Sorry, priesthood.
Great article Michael–However I saw no mention of the Iconic–can’t take my eyes off of him–
STEPHEN NICHOLS. Y&R, DOOL and GH have all been privileged to showcase Stephen’s talents thru the years–and although I understand he has been happily busy behind the camera, film directing–he is sorely missed in front of the camera. Stephen has that undeniable,”IT” factor, as an actor/artist that translates to any genre or medium. Stephen Nichols has shown his acting chops time and time again–reinventing himself and creating unforgettable, magnetic characters that are timeless, ageless and always leaves us wanting more. Give the man a vehicle–and he will deliver. As far as the Soap Genre goes–there really are no boundaries–it continues to transcend and evolve–while still maintaining its core Soap Formula/Values–sucking us into that delicious and exciting emotional vortex we love to escape to. Case in point– Breaking Bad–Yes, I said Breaking Bad–It’s a SOAP. The biggest, bad a$$ soap that ever was–but it definitely incorporated all the critical SOAP elements with a super injection of exceptional production values–that each episode gave us an Academy Award winning performance/production. And I’d be remiss not to mention–that our beloved (or not so beloved) Walter White–actor Bryan Cranston was as many of you know in the SOAPY–Loving so many years ago. I am still grieving the shows demise–but have some consolation in knowing–Better Call Saul–(if that is indeed the shows name) is on the horizon. In closing and focusing once again on the Phenomenal Stephen Nichols–I ask the question–who will be the wise, Executive Producer, Writer or Director who is going to make Stephen Nichols an offer he can’t refuse and in doing so Make My Day or DAYS?!
All those soaps had Stephen Nichols, but only one soap had Patch Johnson whom we all accepted as Steve. There’s Days of our Lives or DOOL or DAYS. Choose one of the three!
Great post Airin! Stephen Nichols is so incredibly talented and I cannot wait for him to go to another soap, because that is the soap that I will definitely be watching! 🙂
Lulu is soooo boring and no it has nothing to do with the actress as even when Julie was playing Lulu her & Dante where a SNOOZE FEST!!! Just like now!!! Will from Days bugs and us not a good actor AT ALL not sure how he win awards (oh that’s right the Emmys are rigged) He constantly has this horrible laugh smile in EVERY SCENE sad or happy it’s ridiculous. Looks like he is just going to bust out in laughter WHEN IS NEW WILL FINALKY COMING BEEN WAITING & WAITING!! That OLTL reboot shouldn’t even be mentioned. IT WAS HORRIBLE from start to finish!! AMC was way better but still shouldn’t so be mentioned. TERRIBLE TERRIBLE
Chandler Massey’s last episode is January 2nd. Guy Wilson’s first episode is January 6th.
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.
GH’s Roger Howarth Chats On Shifting From Franco To Drew & The Stunning Story Twist
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?
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”
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?
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Franco Looks In The Mirror … And Believing He Is Drew Kisses Kim
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?
-
General HospitalAugust 10, 2019GENERAL HOSPITAL: Will Franco Wake Up As Drew & Become The Next Victim Of Mind-Mapping?
-
RecapsAugust 10, 2019THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Hope To Steffy, “I’m Taking My Daughter & Don’t You Dare Try To Stop Me”
-
General HospitalAugust 13, 2019Kelly Monaco Addresses Billy Miller’s Departure From GH
-
Days Of Our LivesAugust 13, 2019DAYS Stacy Haiduk and Eric Martsolf Talk Kristen & Brady’s Twisted Relationship : The Mask, The Deception, The Sex
-
General HospitalAugust 9, 2019GENERAL HOSPITAL: Franco To Cameron, “Tell Your Mom I Love Her … And Tell Her I’ll Be Back”
-
Breaking NewsAugust 13, 2019Constance Towers Returns To GH As Helena Cassadine … But Just How Does She Appear?
-
General HospitalAugust 11, 2019WATCH THE TRAILER: Dominic Zamprogna Stars In New Short Film, ‘To The Moon and Back’
-
Breaking NewsAugust 9, 2019Daytime Emmys To Merge Younger Actor & Actress Category Into One As Gender-Inclusive Categories Are On The Rise