Tristan got a great deal with CBS/Y&R..
He rarely works yet he gets paid..
CBS/SONY has the budget to do that ABC doesn’t..
Actors will go where they get the sweet perks and the most money..

With a contract, which Tristan had, he is guaranteed a set pay if or if not he works..
I’m not sure if he is still under contract or recurring which is paid by the scenes..

Oh, my, AJQ. you sound soooo depressed. I have never met Robert Scorpio. But, I have heard so much about him, I await with bated breath. Are you trying to rain on my parade? LOL ( please do not take me too seriously). I do sympathize, though. I complain all the time….Yet, I come back for mor. Why? I love my soaps.
The doldrums are kicking in?…only a little bit?…well, only for a couple of storylines for me. Actually it gives us the opportunity to appreciate the good storylines….you know, the ones we all love; with a plot that makes sense, or one that does not cater to adults acting like children?
I love my Nina and my Roger. Oh, yeah, add Kiki to that. I think she’s doing great. I also know that I am in the minority….
So, you feel that Tristan’s appearance will be to assuage/quench some of the fans’s thirst for GH vets or to boost the above characters’s acceptance? Are you suggesting GH needs these vets because it is on its last leg? You must realize, AJQ, that there are many new fans , very, very many, who are not familiar with these vets. Life goes on. Vets age….I must have repeated this ad nauseam; some of these great thespians are retired or semi-retired. Perhaps they do not want to work every day. I respect you, your opinion and any other fan who feels the same way as you. Of course, it is a given that I respect the vets, but, it is what it is. This is reality. The younger generation needs a chance to venture into this business, no? We cannot constantly bemoan the vets’ absences. Cheer up, AJQ. You may be pleasantly surprised.

As usual, so very well said, AJQ! I could not agree with you more! However, I am still going to savor the much-requested return of Robert Scorpio and celebrate his apparent “Christmas escape” from “Wisconsin!” It’s been an age since I’ve felt such anticipation for anything GH-related, hence I shall not look the Varni gifthorse in the mouth, regardless of whether his is simply a short-term ploy to placate those who recall those heady glory days in a gone-by Port Charles! (Plus, more Robert, Anna, Robin, Mac, Laura, Monica, Tracy, Johnny Z., et al, equals less Nina, Franco, Sappy, Val-Chops, Hayden, Kiki, Ava, Julian, Alexis and all the rest of their tiresome ragtag-team…..including Sonny and Carly, too!)

Franco and Nina are hardly featured on the show anymore, they’ve definitely been de-emphasized under the new writers, which is a good thing. So I wouldn’t say they’re wanting people to tune in for them. I think they’re wanting people to tune in for what, in my opinion, is a better show overall since Altman & Passanante took over. Less nonsense, more character driven stories. I know I’ve enjoyed watching more in recent weeks than I have most of the year to this point.

I do totally agree that Tristan should be under contract. That was a major blunder by FV to not sign him the last time he was on the show, and instead let him walk out the door to Y&R in the middle of a major story. But rather than worry about that behind the scenes stuff, which will take care of itself in the long run, I’m just gonna enjoy the all-time great character Robert Scorpio being back home where he belongs, for as long as he’s around.

CeeCee your argument has absolutely no basis in fact, that GH vets are retired, older, don’t want to work, vets age.

Somehow this ridiculous narrative has emerged on social media that GH vets are not on GH because they don’t want to be. It couldn’t be because of Frank. Genie wasn’t on because she had personal issues, her mother, she disproved that. Leslie Charleson is retired and spends her time taking cruises, well amazing, when they ask her to work, she’s on now.

Vets get older? The younger generation needs a chance? Lol! Who are you talking about? Jonh J York, John Lindstrom Rick Hearst are in their 50’s, your Roger is pushing 50. Genie, Kristina Wagner early 50’s, Lynn Herring a couple of years older. Michelle Stafford is 50.

There are many new viewers? Well the ratings suggest not many and if there are more than I think it just means more long time viewers got fed up and they are the people most likely to watch and improve ratings. And you don’t have to know the vets and their history to enjoy them. The characters are better, more well defined and that gives better story potential, a more connected canvas and that comes through to even new viewers. And they are played by excellent actors, those that don’t need to be propped.

I agree AJQ. I would like to be excited about his, but unfortunately, GH no longer remembers the actors/history that saved GH from cancellation all of those years ago. Robert should be there now, all the time, driving story like he always did. That said, so many other vets should be there as well…..Lucy, Felicia, Kevin, Mac, Monica, Bobbie…….

Awesome post AJ! So true about them trotting out the vets for these short story arcs, while leaving us with a bloated cast full of newbies that we don’t give two hoots about. Solid plan for long term ratings success.

If you would put your anger aside, you would see that I was generalizing and not talking about any particular person. Furthermore, I was including all soaps, not just GH.
Perhaps I have misinterpreted your comment? But, the main theme of your argument seems to be that it is futile to bring in vets just for a short stint. You would like to see vets stay permanently. Is this not what you meant? If I have irritated you in any way, I apologize. But, I cannot control whatever angst controls you. We try to respect each other on these boards. When we happen to disagree with another poster’s comment, we try to express our disagreement with civility…..or as Harry does; he puts a very diplomatic spin to his sardonic opinions.
There is no need to insult my intelligence by saying that I have no basis for my argument? I thought I did, and I brought it to light without insulting you, sir.
Do you take me for some kind of brainless twit? By the younger generation, I am referring to not Roger or Michelle or any of these older actors. I am specifically talking about ‘up and coming’ dilettantes such as Haley Erin, or any other actress/actor just starting out. By the same token, this does not negate my appreciation for the vets. I do have my favorites……from Jeannie Cooper to Erika Slezak to David Canary……without enumerating all of them.
MERRY CHRISTMAS.

You sound like someone who is given a Porsche as a gift and complains about the color! Enjoy the ride while it lasts my friend!

CeeCee, I’m not angry and I haven’t said you were a twit. I’m not sure why you need to make it personal and not just stick to the facts.

I’m tired of the made up narrative that Vets are not on GH because it is their choice. No you weren’t speaking about a specific person and neither was I. I gave several examples. The narrative is not supported by other soaps either. I watch Days sporadically and I see Victor, Maggie, Caroline, Marlena, John, Roman. It is sort of telling that when you mentioned three of your favorite vets not one was from GH.

And Dan, you’re right Franco and Nina haven’t been featured much as of late, not since August when they were dominant and the ratings really took a dive. They’ve been limited and ratings have improved.

But wait for it. They’re creeping back and really my point is that after the Jason stuff dies down and Tristan and Kim are gone, they will be right back, front and center, and TPTB are hoping that with enough people coming back for Tristan and Scorpios, they’ll stay for Franco and Nina.

Franco is creeping his way back. He’s going to be prominent at the Holiday gala, there are pictures of him drinking champagne and smiling with Maxie, the young woman, now much younger woman, that he targeted, stalked, seduced and then tormented after. And since he’s been back he’s been nothing but lewd and disgusting toward her. But he’s not Franco, he’s Roger right?

Today Franco is now in Liz’s orbit. But it’s not Franco, it’s Roger. He’ll be back at the hospital working, he’ll be around Crimson, he’ll be all over. They will do everything to make him work but without having the character earn it or create a story the audience can really buy, because he’s Roger and Frank thinks that most GH fans are OLTL fans who love Todd and just want to see him.

He is mistaken. Has been mistaken and will be and GH will continue to suffer as the former OLTL EP bends over backwards for his former OLTL actor while so many great GH characters and actors are MIA or brought back sporadically to keep the show afloat for actors like Roger who can’t do it themselves.

Why indeed, AJQ? Why is it so hard to get TPTB to give viewers what they want? Ratings plunge when such players as Nina, Franco, Ava, Paul, Kiki, Morgan, Valerie and Sabrina are featured but rise when vets such as Robert Scorpio returns. In fact, there was a collective, audible sigh of relief coming from the viewers when Mac made a surprise appearance. That collective sigh said,”We didn’t even know how much we missed Mac until he came back.”
See? I think we lower our barometer of expectations when served a big steaming pile of crappolla every day and hence, when something good is served up, we eat it up with enthusiasm.
Here is the truth–we soap fans are not that hard to please. Honestly, if we were we would not be watching day time drama to begin with. If we are engaged in collective complaints and the ratings fall, you can bet your bottom dollar the writing, direction, production and acting are not up to par. Just listen to the viewers and give them what they want–they want Robert and Mac Scorpio and they don’t want Nina and Franco. It’s that simple.

Thank you for the info, Timmm. Luv-ya, always.

Wow! Timmm. What a great analogy about the Porsche. I appreciate your comforting comment, my love.

AJQ–I hear ya. The other day on Twitter some Twit (no one here) posted that Nina is the new Lucy Co. This bugged me. For one, why do we need a new Lucy when the old one is a classic? Just like New Coke was a disaster, so is New Lucy–bring back classic Coke, hence, classic Lucy. When I told this Twit on Twitter the aforementioned, she responded, “But Lucy is not available.” Say what? Lynne Herring would very much be interested in coming back to GH but she has not been asked! Moreover, Michelle Stafford is about the same age as Lynne Herring so it’s not an age thing. And what irks me is can’t Stafford find her own niche as an actress rather than ride on the trail winds of a classic? My feeling is Stafford is trying so hard not to be like Phyllis from Y&R that she doesn’t know where to turn as far as fleshing out her character is concerned. And it shows…Nina is very awkward to watch and an assault on my nervous processing system.

Superb post, Shay!

Hi, my lovely, Shay.
Trust me, I understand perfectly and fully what the message is. My contention is how said message is delivered…any angst towards me after my jovial comment about finally meeting Robert Scorpio, was unexpected. I was expressing my joy, nothing more; nothing less. The reply could have been made generally……not affixed to me. That made it personal. To be honest, Shay, sometimes a handful of fans make me feel less than; that I need to apologize for my age; that I am not worthy of GH simply because of my young age or that I am a new viewer.
Everyone has been a newbie( actor, actress) one time or other, albeit your argument holds true about how talented or not these newbies are, in today’s GH. I get it. You know how critical and catty I can be, Shay. By the same token, and to be fair….this is probably the best the soap gods can do. Perhaps the dregs of aspiring actors is what is offered now. But, Alexis is no newbie, is she? I do not like her acting…it is forced….soon she’ll declare her pregnancy. Well, Kris Jenner thinks she may be pregnant at 60, why not Alexis?
Lamenting about the vets and why are they not back is getting old, Shay. I merely made a general statement that some of these fine thespians are done. They want to enjoy their retirement. Some have health issues. However, I was unceremoniously blasted, naysaying my words. No one knows why the vets are not all here. I don’t really care. That is my point. To add to Timmm’s very appropriate analogy with the Porsche, lol……”Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.”
So, Shay, what if none of these actors/actresses can rise to the pinnacle of honor? Do we stop watching? It is definitely a catch 22. We all age, including actors. However, even the aging process was brought into question. I did not make up the phenomenon. It does happen…lol.
Furthermore, Shay….thank you for talking to me as an equal. Not as a nuisance; not as an imbecile; not as a child.
Right back ‘atcha’, amica mia.

Shay…Finally had a chance to play catchup on the comments. So some ramblings at 3am…

Well said about the vets vs the newbies. I’m all for newbies, and have been around for many who are now considered favorite vets, like Anna/Robert, or Felicia/Frisco, etc. There were also casualties, but for those that made it, they seemed to have way better stories to work with than the current crop, and just a bit more flair.

Love the positive feelings about Tristin’s return, however brief. Hope it’s much longer if the writers can do him and Anna justice.

Guess I’m more tolerant towards some characters than you, but that’s par for fan preferences. However I do feel bad when they bring in A-list actors to GH and give them questionable storylines/roles…like Roger, Michelle, Ava, Julian. I’m not going to include James Franco because I’m not a great fan, it was one of his temporary experiments, and his Franco was just too perverse and bizarre.

Wish age wasn’t such a touchy topic. Don’t know why it even has to be mentioned since soap characters and fans are a community of all stages/ages and experiences. Depending on what end of the spectrum you are on (or tolerance for violence like Su, who many of us have a kind of “affection” for, and then there’s JimL spinning his offshoot stories) , some comments can be read as negative. Shouldn’t be this way because I don’t think they are meant that way, but I guess it boils down to how things are said, and then heard.

I am having issues. Shut up! I mean, computer issues!
Suffice to say, Shay’s post is a brilliant thing of beauty. Thank you Shay for saying it so much better than I ever could.

Honestly, I don’t want to BE that person who dwells on the past. But circumstances dictate that I be that person. No team of brilliant engineers can replicate the pyramids, no writers from Oxford’s MLA Writing program can come close to Shakespeare, Hemingway or Fitzgerald, and no rock group can even begin to dwell in the same hemisphere as the Beatles.
Check out Anna and Robert on the Beach, Part 15, Youtube and you can add to that list–no current soap opera couple can come even close to their intensely erotic love scenes. And before some whipper snapper tells me that the aforementioned is before their time, allow me to prematurely snap back,”Well, Shakespeare was before my time too!”
The truth is many things were just better in the past. I wish this were not true.

Harry, I responded to you below, re: wedding on the beach.

Its all i want for Christmas…lol

Shay…I’ve often wondered on why they’ve kept some cast and stories on to such mixed reviews. Heard a really good interview with members of the Star Wars movie…all without spoilers. Liked Harrison Ford’s take on what he thinks is the success…good story, universal concept, good vs evil, one being stronger than the other at given time, continuity, relationships, how they are passing the torch. Some of the new cast members said they were proud to be part of an on-going, forever story they grew up with and loved. Sigh!!! Just the things I think most of us GH and, even Y&R fans, have been asking for.

It’s not that I don’t see some of what you might call superficial details of my own. In my working careers, compared to the businesses you say you’ve been involved in, these kinds of details might have been mentally noted but not discussed.

Harry, oh yes I do remember. That whole introduction of Anna, by Gloria Monty, was masterfully done: beautifully filmed on location, superbly acted. The story was told in flashback and was exceptional. Gloria Monty never started a story — in her 1970s-1980s heyday — that didn’t already have a predetermined arc and conclusion. They were like novelas. And the drama came not from plot points, but from clearly defined character motivation. When she needed to make Anna a heroine, to fill the gap left by Emma Samm’s departure to “Dynasty,” it wasn’t immediate. It was built carefully and led to the introduction of Robin, thirty years ago. Do you remember how Robin used to call her dad “Robbie,” before she knew Robert was her father? Those were the days. GH’s golden age, with the Wendy Riche/Claire Labine years the silver age. What substance can we use to label our current age? Is it the coal age, the cow chip age?

Ethan sucks!

Oh I loved Ethan!

Sadly, when Kathrine died, Jill did to!

Exactly, Leah. I always considered Colin as great comic relief. I thoroughly enjoyed that scenario about him getting frisky with Esther. I also that he and Cane would make an entertaining tongue-in-cheek investigators, lol. And, he and Jill are perfectly paired. But, as you say, he is wasted. So, I trust all of you who say Robert is a far cry from Colin, who is portrayed to look like a donkey’s arse.

Timm,my fear is that they are starting to do the same with Michael E Knight’s character.

Oh, Tristan, don’t you know that when it comes down to the nitty-gritty, all that really matters to Alexis is her own physical gratification, be it from the likes of Sonny, Ric, Jerry, or Julian???? As long as her nearly-constant itches are being scratched, she is more than ready and willing to put up with just about anything from a man, all sanctimony and faux high standards aside!!!! That’s why I find her character to be so repulsive….in addition to her teenage-like conduct and tacky, revealing wardrobe, of course.