Celia,
In one of the usual interviews we get when there is a new head writer, I read that either Tony Morina or Josh Griffith reached out to MS about returning. Hate the way this went down.

Hi Celia
Getting caught up on some of these older posts. I have never cared for M.S, but today’s show with Summer being cared for by her old/new mom, was so sweet and touching, I have to admit to liking her better as Phyllis again than I liked her as Nina. She seems more in her element, back in GC than she did in PC. She is different somehow, but can’t put my finger on it, help me out!

Hi, Violet,
It’s 3:42 in the morning, and my eyes are wide open–tired, but can’t fall asleep….one of those white nights for me–
I was about twelve when I was old enough to grasp what was going on with the stories. Before that, it’s mostly sort of a blur.
But, I remember Michelle well—I was fascinated by her willowy figure and aura. I truly was completely captivated; mouth agape!!
My grandmother sat for me and my siblings ( all six of us, LOL) while my mother was in law school. She watched many a soap—So, I became a soap-opera addict.
I can understand why you see Michelle in a different light from Phyllis—I think it’s because her role as Nina was not that of an adult. At least that’s my perception. There was something very infantile about the character. A plausible explanation could be the fact that Nina was never given the ‘years’ to grow up and mature accordingly—-due to the fact that she was in a coma for twenty years. Perhaps this portrayal is what TPTB wanted to achieve.
Yet, her persona; her countenance; her flair for fashion and how she wore those mouth-watering outfits,….everything about her is incomparable—Nina or Phyllis.
Michelle Stafford is charismatic—if you have read any of my past posts, I basically said that Michelle’s Phyllis cannot be categorized as one way or another—she’s a combination of things—a schemer, a passionate lover, a nurturing mother, selfish but loving. Her multi-faceted personality is what makes her stand out!! Intractable femme fatale!! Gina, as impressive as her acting skills are, did not represent Phyllis—-the character lost her essence by changing her.
What’s disappointing to me is that the writers are choosing to display the scheming Phyllis of yore—-I only hope the PTB will keep the character’s sensitivity and vulnerability now and again, as we saw today with Summer.
I have a feeling Phyllis will hook up with Jack—I said as much when Gina’s hair was dyed red and Jack reverted to calling her “Red”. I knew something was up—preparing Michelle’s entrance. To be honest, though? I hope not!! I don’t like Jack–never have. Eva LaRue is my next choice for Jack.
Sometimes, Violet, when we have an antipathy toward either a character, or an actress/actor; nothing will make us change our minds……yet, even so, I can appreciate talent, whether I like the person or not.
The new Nina is a bust for me. She’s mediocre, at best….nothing to WOW about. I am not familiar with her acting; but so far, she’s not doing it for me. No comparison to Michelle. Not in my eyes, LOL.
‘Nite, Miss Violet.❤️

Celia
Thanks for your insightful explanations. You never fail! I have never cared for M.S but since she’s been back in GC, I am having second thoughts. She has become softer and more vulnerable somehow, which I think Jack may be picking up on. I also think her portrayal of Nina, compounded my dislike of her.
I agree with your assessment of Ms. Watros as Nina. While I did like her in other roles, she’s not doing it this time. I actually think Gina would have worked out better. I am anxious to see how mama Celeste and Jack get along. Maybe you would have liked the first Jack years ago.Can’t think of his name right now. The one that took his own life. I’ve gotten used to this Jack. Cane is the one I absolutely can’t stand, especially with Traci.
Celia, I also suffer from Insomnia, but only since I’ve been older. Don’t know how I’d have handled it at your age with a family to care for.Have you tried MELATONIN? Didn’t work for me, made me feel weird the next day. Hope you had a nice 4th of July anyway. Guess we had real fireworks in L.A area, but didn’t feel anything in San Diego area. My sister who lives on L.I also, felt one a few years back, knocking her off the John. I did a lot of teasing, but she did not take it well.