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As The World Turns

Want to Know What's Good on the Soaps? – Power Performances of the Week!

Courtesy/ABC

Courtesy/ABC

For all of those naysayers in the world who say that soap operas are the poor step children in the entertainment medium, and that the performers in them are just churning out the same ole’ same ole’, day in and day out, one can look no further than this week on daytime.  There were so many riveting moments performed by some of the best that soaps have to offer, that when everyone in the mainstream says there is nothing left in soaps anymore, and they are an eroding commodity, they should have witnessed what many fans saw.   Our Power Performances of the Week, include five actors who each gave us chills and made us reach for our hankies.   Let’s begin in Port Charles with General Hospital’s Kimberly McCullough and Jason Thompson.   As Robin and Patrick, the betrayal and disintegration of their marriage began, when Patrick fessed up to Robin he cheated on her with nut job Lisa, while she was away in Africa.   After having been backed into a corner due to Lisa’s machinations, he had no choice but to admit to Robin his infidelity.  McCullough, whose performance was so powerful when she realized that Patrick shattered their marriage, showed us once again how given the material, she can hit it out of the park every time.  And, the writing of these scenes was also spot on.  Robin was all at once strong and that hurt little girl we have watched grow up before our very eyes for decades.   We never want to see our Robin hurt.  When it does, it’s a major moment.  On Friday’s episode, McCullough did it again when she struggles to come to terms with Patrick’s betrayal, realizing she wants to work things out.  Jason Thompson, what can I say?  One of soap operas best leading men. And, perhaps can out cry any male actor on daytime with real tears, and real emotion.  As Patrick, Thompson played his embarrassment, betrayal, and disgust of the situation with Lisa, and what he had done to his beloved wife, and their child, Emma to perfection.  It looks from where I am standing and from what we know is to come – a special return from Michael Sutton, as Stone Cates in the month of September – that old heartfelt wounds between Patrick and Robin, and the impact of the memory of Stone, will play out.

Courtesy/ABC

Crossing over to Llanview, Robin Strasser (Dorian) reminded us all of how to chew the scenery, and still make everyone around you, and the audience at home, believe every single second of it.  When Dorian’s big wedding day to David Vickers (aka Buchanan) arrived, and the duo had finally gotten past their mistrust of each other and got over themselves, and truly admitted their feelings for one another, it looked like this match made in heaven was going to endure.  Ah, but not when Tuc Watkins (David) is involved, because he had to be written out to go star on Desperate Housewives for awhile.  So Ron Carlivati and the One Life to Live writing team came up with a perfect plan that gave Strasser her moment to shine.  Dorian receives a letter that David is standing her up at the altar for the second time!  Reeling from the news, humiliated, and embarrassed, Dorian retreats to her room and bit by bit comes unglued, destroying everything in her path, and ending up on the floor clutching a pillow, and reminding us that there is a fragile little girl inside Dorian.  But wait!  When Viki (Erika Slezak) comes to help Dorian, literally and figuratively pick up the pieces, Dorian lays into her nemesis and blames her for the whole thing… classic Viki/Dorian!  Later, as Langston and Starr brought Dorian back to La Boulaie, the intensity and the emotions of the abandonment and betrayal were brilliant played by Strasser yet again!

Photo Credit: JPI Studios

As we head over to Oakdale, it was truly a gift from Jean Passanante and As the World Turns writing team to give Colleen Zenk (Barbara) an episode that truly showed her remarkable talents.  It was truly, I believe, a love letter to Colleen and Barbara for 32 years of bringing a one of a kind character to the small screen.  As the series ends it’s remarkable run of 54 years on September 17th, Friday’s episode was the beginning of the can’t miss episodes that will tie together, and give closure to a myriad of the key characters.  But it started with veteran Zenk.  As Barbara and Henry struggled to come to grips with whether they should marry one another with the Stenbeck curse hovering over them, Zenk played it to the hilt.  In a part “cougar” storyline, Barbara wondered if she was too old, not pretty enough, or was it her past evil skullduggery that was making Henry not commit?  But it wasn’t.  It was the curse of the Stenbecks that had this man, who was formerly scared by his own shadow, wanting to run to the hills.  But after an emotional and convincing speech by Barbara about their unorthodox and bizarre life and love, the wedding was a go and it was to happen right away! In the second half of the episode, that is when Zenk really shined.  Realizing her family would probably never show up for a wedding of hers and Henry, she was shocked when they all did! And, in bittersweet and emotional moments with the core characters of her family and extended family, back-history was subtlety played, and rivalries were subdued, as everyone was there to support Barbara in her big moment.  When it came to the vows – hankies!  Colleen, tears flowing (and reminding us all of Barbara’s and Colleen’s real-life cancer scare and the true meaning of getting a new lease on life), delivered a monologue to Henry (Trent Dawson) that without a doubt was one of the finer moments.   Bittersweet, joyful and life-affirming, Zenk did it all throughout the episode devoted to her.

Photo Credit: JPI Studios

Finally, Days of our Lives James Scott (EJ Dimera) did not disappoint, and showed us the gamut of emotions behind his dark, brooding, and yet romantic character when the truth came out at EJ and Sami’s (Alison Sweeney) wedding day!  Many have known for months that before Labor Day, all of EJ’s lies would spin out of control once Rafe (Galen Gering) had the evidence to bring him down for his hideous plot to make Sami believe her daughter, Sydney had died!  Let’s not forget EJ was behind the baby girl’s kidnapping in the first place, and concocted all of this to exact revenge on Sami and everyone that wronged and betrayed him in the first place. After Rafe broke up another one of Sami’s weddings (the gal at this point should never get in a wedding dress again!) with the evidence of EJ’s deception, the sexy Dimera’s house of cards came tumbling down.   It was then we witnessed another superb performance by Scott.  Knowing he has been caught, EJ reveals he did it all, but he truly and deeply loves his Samantha no matter what he had done. EJ begs her to marry him, forgive him, and to stay with him, as he is now a changed man.  And, he does this with tears in his eyes!  Only James Scott can pull this off and gives so much dimension to this character that in the hands of anyone else, it could come off as just an evil sonofabitch with one black heart, and no redeeming qualities.  Later, after Sami lets him have a piece of her mind and kicks him to the curb and takes his kids out the front door, it’s daddy Stefano who lays into him for being so stupid to open his big mouth in front of Nicole, which caused his downfall.  Looking completely disjointed and unnerved by the disappointment of his father, and the shock of losing everything he fought so hard to get back, EJ ends Friday’s episode with one final thought:  “I’m going to kill Nicole”!

On-Air On-Soaps says “Bravo” to all the above talented men and women who make watching daytime still a fun and emotional rollercoaster!

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2 and 1 man women was the Performance of the Week for me 1st Alison Sweeney(days) Kimberly McCullough(GH) “the only thing was good about Gh this week” And Maura West and Michael Park(Jack and Carly) the always the best!!!

I totally agree about James Scott’s perfomance for the week of August 23rd. He did indeed show every emotion possible. And one thing that makes EJ DiMera so compelling is his vulnerability when it comes to Sami and his children. He bleeds with love for them and when the week ended the only things in life that really matter to him are gone. How often is it that an actor can say so much with his demeanor and his eyes? I cried along with EJ this week and expect to be doing more of the same in the coming weeks.

KIMBERLY McCULLOUGH IS AWESOME. Since she was a child, to a teenager and now a young woman she continues to amaze with her talent and beauty. She always brings it even when the material isn’t there but when it is she flys. And she always brings out the best in her partners – she did that with Michael Sutton ( looking forward to their reunion ) she did that for Steve Burton ( who is now a one note actor with the same expression on his mug 24/7 ) and she has certainly done that with Jason Thompson. He is a good actor whose gotten better thru’ the years but he continues to be at his best when he’s with his “perfect partner. “

HAVE TO AGREE WITH YOU!!!!! 🙂

So true, Eileen. Agree with you!

KIMBERLY McCULLOUGH AND JASON THOMPSON WAS AWESOME THIS WEEK!!!!! THEY SURELY HAD ME IN TEARS JUST GREAT!!!!!!! 🙂

Wow! I would definitely love jason thompson and kimberly mccullough performances in # GH . I enjoyed watching the revelation scene. It’s so awesome! and the emotions that are coming out such a real emotions with two married couple who are dealing with crisis with their family life. Kimberly McCullough emotions are so amazing, she handled her emotions so real and natural, she delivered the betrayal, being cheated , looking such clueless of this cheating stuff… Jason thompson did a great job as always , he is giving his best whatever material or story giving to them. I can see how good he was on his own way. Kimberly McCullough and Jason Thompson always good when they are good and they keep doing their acting so well. They know how to play any scenes no matter how bad it is they will make it good. Both these actors gave their own best when they had a great story on the show… They bring each other’s best! I am loving this sl in gh for now and it’s keep getting better and better… This is the only story that appealed me on the show right now….. Kudos to Kimberly McCullough and Jason Thompson for doing this story so great! 🙂

Jason Thomspon and Kimberly McCullough were definitely awesome this week.
It was great to see this two nail the emotional scenes that they shared. I have enjoyed watching Kimberly since she was a young girl. But the character of Robin gained a new fan this week when she uttered the words – IF YOU COME NEAR MY DAUGHTER AGAIN, I WILL KILL YOU MYSELF. I love when a female character does not play the victim. And yes she was betrayed by her husband, but her first instinct goes right to protecting her child!!!

Colleen Zenk Pinter has always been my a favorite character of mine. I did not watch the scenes, but I will be sure to track those scenes down.

Thank you for sharing. I hope that all the soaps realize that there are soap viewers out here that want to see good soapy stories.

I have to agree about Kimberly and JT on General Hospital! They are in a class by themselves as far as I’m concerned…delivering spot on performances every time. I just wish the show would realize how special they are because they rarely give them the air time they deserve especially considering this is supposed to be a frontburner story.

I just finished watching yesterday’s episode of ATWT – everything you said is true! Colleen has been a delight to watch for years. While some of the show’s writing leaves a lot to be desired, it is wonderful what they gave to Barbara to complete her story. She and Henry are a fine match, as proven in their vows. 🙂

I cannot get over how amazing Jason Thompson has been through out this story, I think in my personal opinion he is one of the best actors on daytime. He brings his heart to the set no matter what he does. Kimberly McCullough was fab on reveal day such heartbreaking emotion.

James Scott is the best actor on Daytime TV and I don’t know any actor on DAYS who is supposed to be a bad guy, but you root for him to get the girl. To bad TPTB don’t realize who the true HERO on DAYS should be. James totally made the scene bareable for me to watch. It was so heartbreaking and cruel what Sami did to him when she took his kids away. Especially when she didn’t allow him to say goodbye to Sydney. I cried right along with Ej!

I totally agree with you! Just remember, Sami did it to EJ first, with the original sin!
So why does she have all the sympathy?

I love how James Scott never disappoints!! He always does an excellent job! I was feeling EJ’s pain right along with him this week.

James Scott is amazing …and Ali Sweeney is no slouch either. I’m more convinced than ever this is an Ejami story. And James will rock it for all it’s worth.

Colleen Zenk was wonderful. Barbara was real, one of us, flawed and yet thankful to get a chance to do it better. The wedding storyline was perfect. Trent Dawson and Colleen Zenk pulled it off so well I heard myself think… wonder if they are a real couple? I love all the characters on ATWT. I am going to miss my escape of reality. These people have been in my home over 35+ years. I’ve never been to NY. Never seen a studio or movie set. And up till mid Sep, I have washed my clothes, iron and folded while my TV was on CBS. Guess I’ll turn it off and just put the radio on the oldies station.

Isn’t it about time Robin Strasser’s Dorian and her fans got a romance written for the character that didn’t hinge upon the availability of Tuc Watkins? Strasser always rocks. She was exceptional with the material she was given. But I am tired of the Dorian and David rerun.

Coleen and Trent as barbara and henry were fabulous together,And when vienna lied to henry and pretended to be pregnant I cried for him.But finally Barbara and Henry got together…she is so beautiful, and he is so adorable and he finally grew up.Their wedding was so touching…i could see them together as a couple. in real life..anyone else agree?

James Scott is a brliiant actor and my main reason for still watching this show. He shows Ej so complex and passionate and the love he has for his darling Samantha and his beautiful children. I cried right alongside him when she took the kids away from him. JS is a wonderful actor he should be leading romantic man, Ej is so charming and oozes romance like no other on this show. Look at his proposal with the dinky fishing hat!! He needs to be with the leading female character Sami. Jamison have amazing chemistry, why waste this. Other shows would kill for what Days has with Jamison.

Nice to see JS receive much deserved praise for his amazing acting. He is one of the best actors on Daytime. He draws you and and makes you feel everything he’s going through good, bad or in between. Never in all my years of wathcing DOOL did I imagine rooting for or loving a Dimera as I do EJ. JS has done an outstanding job with this character.

have to agree with all the praise for James Scott. He is beyond awesome and my only reason for even tuning in when I know he is on, dont want to miss anything that down the road will be considered an Emmy worthy consideration.

thank you for recognizing him and his talent and his strength as a romantic leading man.

As The World Turns

2024 Golden Globes: Justin Hartley and Amanda Seyfried Among First Round of Presenters

The 2024 awards season truly gets underway this Sunday night ,January 7th on CBS with the presentation of the 81st annual Golden Globe Awards honoring the best in motion picture and television as deemed by the voters of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA).

The ceremony will be broadcast live and will air beginning at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST, from the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The ceremony will also be available on the CBS app and will stream on Paramount+. (Note, however, only Paramount+ subscribers who have Showtime can stream the event live; others can watch the show the next day.)

The first round of presenters was revealed on Wednesday and two soap opera alums are on the list including Justin Hartley (ex-This Is Us, The Young and the Restless, Revenge, Passions) and Amanda Seyfried (ex-Lucy, As the World Turns and ex-Joni Stafford, All My Children).

Photo: HFPA

Joining Justin and Amanda as presenters are: Angela Bassett, Will Ferrell, Michelle Yeoh,George Lopez, Julia Garner, Justin Hartley, Gabriel Macht and Patrick J. Adams.  Previously, Jo Koy was named host for the telecast.

The Golden Globes are back on CBS for the first time since 1982. In addition, Dick Clark Productions is back after years away as the longtime Globes producers.

To review the nominees click here.

So, looking forward to the Golden Globes and seeing Justin and Amanda? Comment below.

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As The World Turns

Richard Roundtree, ‘Generations’, ‘ATWT” and ‘Shaft’ Star, Dead at 81

Motion picture and television leading man, Richard Roundtree, has passed away at the age of 81. The actor, best known for his role in the iconic film Shaft, and its sequels, died from complications from pancreatic cancer on October 24th in his home in Los Angeles.

In a statement, Roundtree’s manager, Patrick McMinn shared, “Richard’s work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men in film. The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated.”

During his extensive credits and career, Roundtree made two stops to two daytime soap operas. In 1990 till 1991, Roundtree played Dr. Daniel Ruebens on the defunct NBC soap opera Generations. He later appeared on As the World Turns from 2002-2003, taking on the role of Oliver Travers, the father to T. Marshall Travers played by Lamman Rucker.

Photo: NBC

Roundtree’s leading lady on Generations, Jonelle Allen took to her Facebook upon learning the news of the death of her former castmate and friend, expressing: “My Leading Man on Generations. I Am Very Sad. My Condolences To Your Family. Dearest Richard Roundtree.”

In a subsequent post, Allen shared a photo of their Generations’ characters, Daniel and Doreen about to lip-lock. Jonelle stated, “In the scene with him I kept thinking: ‘Shaft is about to kiss ME!!!’ Thank You.”

On Generations, Roundtree’s character of Daniel Reubens was a brilliant doctor, who was accused of killing someone by causing an explosion at a lab in 1974. He and his daughter, Maya, then went “underground” for the next 15 years. Maya was played by Viveca A. Fox.

Photo: AP

Fox, honored her former on-screen soap father with an Instagram post upon learning of his death. Vivica wrote: “GM Dawlings! My heart is sad this morning as late last night I learned that LEGEND Actor @officialrichardroundtree had passed. I had the blessing of working with Richard on alot of 1st in my acting career! He played my Dad on the soap opera #Generation‘s TV show #90210BeverlyHills Mr Roundtree thank u for your AMAZING GIFTS! U will truly be missed as u were the 1st African American Action Star #SHAFT I’ll never forget the time u stood for ME when a director was being a jerk to me! I’ll miss your smile, jokes, laughs & hugs! REST EASY KING! U DID WELL. #Classic #LEGEND #LeadingMan #Actor #SuperStar #Respect #RestInPeace”

Richard was also known for his roles in Roots and the Brad Pitt thriller Se7en. On television, Roundtree appeared on: Murder, She Wrote, A Different World, Beauty and the Beast, 21 Jump Street, MacGyver, Beverly Hill 90210, L.A. Law, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Alias, Desperate Housewives, Heroes, Grey’s Anatomy, Chicago Fire, and Private Practice and many more.

Share your condolences on the passing of Richard Roundtree via the comment section below.

 

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As The World Turns

Soap Alum John Wesley Shipp Shares Health Update

John Wesley Shipp, best known to daytime fans for his roles on As the World Turns, Guiding Light, One Life to Live et al, and primetime fans for his role in The Flash, shared a heartfelt health update via his Instagram.

While Shipp did not go into specifics, he did say he underwent surgery earlier in September for an urgent medical issue.

In his post, accompanying by his photo, John expressed: “Hello out there! Friends and contacts have written recently, like, “where are you? are you ok?” Well, here’s the deal: I had surgery early this month for a health issue that had to be dealt with immediately. All went well, but I’ve had to postpone a theatre production and personal appearances as the recoup will take some weeks. I do read and appreciate what you share with me, that you entrust me with your thoughts and feelings. You are ever on my mind and in my heart, and I look forward to getting active and out there again as soon as possible. Until then, remember to play nice, be kind, and stay engaged! Our futures depend on it.”

Photo: JPI

John’s soap resume is quite impressive having portrayed: Dr. Kelly Nelson/Victor Laszlo on Guiding Light, Doug Cummings on As the World Turns, Martin Ellis on Santa Barbara, Carter Jones on All My Children and Eddie Ford on One Life to Live. Shipp won two Daytime Emmys along the way.

More recently, John has appeared in primetime’s, Arrow, The Flash, Stargirl and countless other TV appearances.

Share your well-wishes for a speedy recovering to John via the comment section below.

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