ONE LIFE TO LIVE Interviews
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OLTL Head Writer Ron Carlivati
— STEVEN BERGMAN
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OLTL Writer Sounds Off On Rape Retelling
— By Lauren Flynn
ONE LIFE TO LIVE Head Writer Ron Carlivati is the first to recognize that the idea of a rape survivor living under her former rapist's roof isn't easy to digest, but in the 9/2 issue of Digest, he reminds viewers that Marty has no memory of the gang rape involving Todd, and insists that the curious relationship between the two couldn't happen under any other circumstance. Read on to hear more about what the scribe has to say regarding Todd's motives and his take on viewers' reactions.
Soap Opera Digest: It's still unclear what Todd really has in store for Marty. Why did he take this woman into his home without telling anyone?
Ron Carlivati: He made a very spontaneous decision in the moment when he realized that Marty didn't know who he was ... and he sees this opportunity to maybe start to shape her memories not only about him, but of John and Cole, who he cannot stand. Then, he starts to get something out of it. He's got nobody and is all alone in this house, and here's this woman who seems to be very grateful for him and he starts to be able to talk to her. He's getting something different than he thought he might have gotten out of it. He starts to see this opportunity for redemption and possibly for forgiveness.
Digest: But that can't go on forever.
Carlivati: Obviously, it's all going to blow up in smoke. All the time I think Todd is thinking, "Is this all going to come back to her?" But talking to her becomes a little bit like a drug for him; he starts to get addicted to it. I think he sees this gift that she doesn't even remember and she doesn't see him as this horrible person. And I think you might know that it's wrong when you have an addiction; you might know that you're headed for disaster, but I think you push all those other things out of your mind. And I think that's always sort of been the case with Todd. He doesn't always worry about the consequences. I think what makes this story great is you're not exactly sure what he's doing. We purposely didn't give him the talk-to so he could say, "Well, I'm using her for this, this, this and this. This is why I took her." I think it's more interesting to watch the two interact and not know exactly what he's doing, especially because it changes from week to week to week.
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How far will OLTL take Todd (Trevor St. John) and Marty's (Susan Haskell) story?
— ABC
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Digest: What do you say to viewers who cringe at the idea of a friendship or something more between these two?
Carlivati: I'm not quite understanding the resistance to exploring their relationship if she didn't know. I think I would want to hear more about it. Some of that is a reaction to just hearing Todd and Marty in the same sentence or seeing them in the first day or the week of the story. I'd be curious to know if they feel that way now. She doesn't know who he is.... I have yet to meet someone who didn't think the rape story was the one of the best stories that ONE LIFE TO LIVE ever did, but if I said, "Hey, I have an idea. Let's have three guys hold down Starr and rape her, what would everyone's reaction be?" They'd say, "No, I don't want to see that." That doesn't mean that we don't sometimes tell stories that aren't sometimes difficult to watch or shocking. They always have consequences, but I think you can't be afraid to tell a story if it's a good story.
I like the story. I think at the moment it's the only story I can't wait to see. I like seeing Todd with another woman, even if it's Marty. Marty doesn't know Todd, Todd is trying to erase what happened. I can understand this.
It isn't about what she remembers...the viewers remember and Todd remembers. Marty is what she always was, a victim. RC needs to stop living in the past and create his own storylines, and stop ripping off old ones. You can use the past to create new stories without copying the stories. As a woman, I am shocked that this is what Susan Haskell came back for. Marty wasn't needed on the canvas. This storyline is a debacle and this interview proves why RC needs a co head writer.
This whole thing is a publicity stunt. And when TSJ said he liked gang rape...that was a publicity stunt. Rather bad publicity than no publicity.
So what the heck does this mean for John and Marty? Is he not going to get back to their "love story" that he claimed it was? I can't stand this story with Todd and Marty. I think it's sick and disgusting. I'm very disappointed if this is what Susan Haskell came back for. I thought she'd come back for the story with John and Marty. But, what the heck, is Ron not going to write that now? I thought we'd get something better than what we are getting with Todd and Marty. I'm very disapopinted in this show now so as it is and this is only icing on my "disappointment cake"! What's happening? Is he going with John and Blair now? Call me very confused.
I gave the story a chance, but now it has committed the most offensive crime a show can, it's boring...move along already
In the past I could root for Todd even though I knew what he was doing was wrong. His ultimate goal was to get his family back. But this is just stupid. Why is Todd doing this? It makes no sense and it completely erases any progress Todd and Marty made over the years. What is the point? There is noting to root for in this storyline, but Marty giving Todd hell. Sadly, if they keep dumbing down Marty like this- no one is going to care.
I find it insulting. Why and how Ron & company would think this is appealing is beyond me. Maybe newer viewers are not privy to the history with these two, but viewers of 15+ or more are. They aren't Luke & Laura and quite frankly, I don't know why SH, Marty came back from the dead. She was at one time relivate to the canvas; now she isn't. Her and John never had anything connection. We were told they did, but never seen it for ourselves so its no great lost to me if she just goes. Maybe, Thorston Kaye would to a guest spot as Patrick and come to take her and Cole back with him to Ireland were the Thornharts belong. Bye, Bye
I rather like this bond that Todd and Marty are forming. I would like to see Todd redeemed once and for all. He needs to change from the evil, vengeful Todd he always before. To me, what better way for Todd to get redeemed than to have the woman whom he raped and who is now a shrink to forgive him. After all, this rape happened years ago and Todd being a Lord heir was a very messed-up guy because of it, and we should all move on from it. Yes, rape can never be forgiven, but Todd does deserve a chance at redemption and this is his one big chance. After all, Blair forgave him over and over again, didn't she? Or what does this say about Blair?
Mr. Carlivati asked how people were feeling about the story now. I still do not like it. I think it was offensive from the beginning and still feel that way. Mr. Carlivati likes to use history but has a habit of rewritting it. We have already seen scenes where Todd and Marty have moved past what has happened. Why bring it all up again? I enjoyed SH as Marty many years ago, but I am not getting why the character is back. Mr. Carlivatii is trying to tell us about this great love of John and Marty, but it never played out on screen. John's dream of Marty and telling her he missed her had me asking, when did this happen? Every time her name is mentioned, it's by someone else talking about how much he misses her, but I've never see it on screen. And now there might be something with Todd? I think Mr. Carlivati needs to go back to the drawing board and come up with some original ideas and forget history. So far, all his stories have fallen flat for me. I'm so disaqppoint
I don't need you to understand why we as your viewers don't like this story, I just need to understand that we don't so you need to do something else. Mr. Carlivati you don't write for you, you write for us.
I'm not as offended by the burgeoning friendship between Marty and Todd as I am by the faux romance referenced between John and her. WE WERE THERE...IT WAS ONLY A FEW MONTHS AGO!!!! There was no romance, there was some paper airplanes and some dried fruit. There was John telling Marty to "knock it off." There was no romance and Ron insults the viewers by telling us there was. The next time somebody tells John he is mourning Marty, I would love for him to finally speak out and admit the truth. They were becoming friends, but they were not in love. John is the one whose character needs to finally be developed. Marty's role right now is more one of therapist to both an awake Todd and a sleeping John. Let her fulfill her role, then pack up her son and head back to Ireland to find a very much alive Patrick. They were written as soulmates and that is the story we bought.
I like the storyline I think it's an interesting character study what if Todd hadn't raped Marty and the 2 actors are very good in it,
This idiot Carlivati actually doesn't understand why vieweres that have watched this show for over 15+ years would be upset with this storyline. He actually said "I don't understand why they would be so upset? Marty doesn't remember the rape so why not explore their friendship?" Because even though she currently doesn't remember the rape that doesn't mean it didn't happen, you jerk. The central park jogger, thankfully, doesn't remember nearly being beaten to death and violently raped so I guess in Carlivati's brillant assesment it would be ok for her to go to the prison to visit the man who nearly killed her and become friends. Hey if you don't remember and everyone else does should it really matter? YES! I can't believe they fired the 2nd Marty to bring back the 1st Marty for this digusting and boring storyline. Marty and John were not in love so stop trying to shove that down our throats. Better yet just quit, Carlivati.
I watched the original storyline with the rape and I have to say that I am not in the least bit offended by what is happening on-screen now. In fact, Todd & Marty are my favorite couple on the show and I am rooting for them to be together--in a legitimate way! The Todd & Marty storyline is by far my favorite one on the show! Trevor St. John and Susan Haskell are going a great job--their scenes rock! The chemistry between these actors is obvious. Why not put two talented actors together, especially when they can make the storyline work? And it IS WORKING! I hope that Todd tells Marty the truth about everything and she not only understands in the end but also takes his side! I'd love this! I think it is fascinating to see Todd interacting with Marty and telling her how he really feels about things. We really get insight into Todd this way as well. I'm really looking forward to all of the upcoming Todd & Marty scenes. I just hope it does not end anytime soon!
Todd and Marty are not a couple and if she forgives him for what he is doing to her, I will lose all respect for her. Its ridiculous and despicable. It's like the other posters said, Marty might not remember what he did but we do. He didnt just rape her that one time either. He attacked her and nearly ruined her life over and over again. Now Todd trying to get close to Marty by lying to her and keeping her away from her son is, IMO, so disgusting I cant stand to watch it. I hate that they ruined the relationship that Todd and Marty did develop over the years which was Marty forgiving him and the two of them developing a sort of peace with other and trying to get on with their lives. There is no way they should ever be a couple. Ever. They cant even be friends after he lied to her, manipulated her, made her remember the rape and then acted like he played no part in it. Todd belongs either in jail or in a mental institution.
Why does RC bother asking us how we feel about a story? He hasn't cared so far. I guess our opinion only counts when it's a story HE wants to write. He apparently doesn't care about history as much as he says he does either. Marty came to some kind of truce with Todd years ago. She even came back to defend him during the rape trial with Blair. Then when Christina Chambers filled the role she was hating Todd's guts again. Why? So she could be a victim for John to rescue? "I was raped. I was raped." I think it was brought up every day she was on. Now I see with SH in the role Marty is still the victim. This time it's like Todd is raping her all over again by deceiving her. Personally, I just want the Thornharts to leave Llanview. I'm tired of them both. But if he insists on telling this story, he should not make it a romance.
I love the storyline. It is interesting and it keeps me tuned in daily. We record the show to watch at night, my husband and I. Todd has such a fantastic way of looking at life. Even though he does thing in the "not so right" way, you have to feel a bit sorry for him. The actor is sensational!! He brings life to Todd. Great storyline! thumbs down to the Mendorra story, though.
The original Todd and Marty story was compelling and brutal and wonderfully acted. It should have been respected and let it be what it was. Ron the repeat doesn't respect history he decimates it on a whim for his idiotic visons that have lead the show into the toilet. He doesn't write for the audience. Everything is a joke. It's camp or it's awful or both. He ruined John and Natalie cause they didn't work for him. Never mind the ratings have never recovered so clearly they worked for a lot of people . He is destroying the very basis of Todd and Blair is just a booty call for McBoring. His preferred couples are boring and have no chemistry sorry Ron not interested in the Rex and GIGI show day in and day out. He was given good actors like Tuc and Andrea Evans and he completely botched their stories and Susan Haskell was the least wanted return cause the Todd stuff is gross and Marty and John are a snooze no matter who is playing Marty. He cares nothing about the viewers. It's
I was a 35 year viewer of OLTL, the 40th anniversary shows were the last ones I watched and I cried because it was like losing a best friend. The Todd and Marty story disgusts me and the rest just bores me. So I quit but still hold out a very slim hope someone will see the light and start to fix this show that Mr. Carlivati has ruined for me and probably many long time viewers. Mr. Carlivati needs to realize he isn't the only viewer but if he keeps up these horrid and boring stories he just might get his wish and only have himself to write for as the lone viewer.
I like this story and where it is going it is very cleverly done; what if Todd had never raped Marty and stayed the night as she asked him to? The acting is great and it incorporates Marty and Todd history before the rape very well.
Love this story and love seeing Susan Haskell back as Marty.
I think this story is a slap in the face to every woman who has ever been a victim of rape. To romanticize Todd and Marty is an insult to viewers across the board. Rape is a serious offense and to make her go through this memory loss and somehow grow this close relationship to the man responsible for the rape is just plain wrong!! Shame on the writers over at OLTL. Wrap this story up ASAP.
i work with rape victims and if you ever hear their stories about their rape you wouldn t even consider doing a love story between a rapist and his victim the women and girls i work with would never forgive rapists why dont you visit a rape victim center and talk with real women and children then you would nt think rape is something that you can disgrace and make fun of on your show it really is a slap in the face to all women that is right in their minds
I have been upset with Todd's behavior ever since he started abusing Cole, Markko, Langston, and Starr (mentally and physically). This storyline is extremely disturbing. I agree it's like Marty getting raped all over again; Todd is a sick, controlling, manipulative man. I do love TSJ and his amazing talent, so please make it a dream sequence or some other soap-esqe way to explain Todd's despiscable victimization of everyone on the show. Save Our Soap!!!! (S.O.S.)
Ron Carlivati doesn't understand why viewers are upset about Marty and Todd. I have a question for him. Were you ever raped? It is vile, horrendous and life changing. Todd's continuing rape of Marty is simply unacceptable. Carlivati is not a good writer, he is a hack and should be fired.
This is a case of a writer just not getting it. He keeps thinking if you give it enough time we'll love it. How long is it going to take for him to realize we hate this plot and it is not going to change? It just gets worse. Marty makes Todd a better man? Riiiiight. So much so that he blackmails a doctor into telling his daughter that her child has died and he plans to kidnap the baby. I understand that he can control what Marty learns but the nurse isn't a prisoner. She could google Marty, learn she has a son and realize Todd is lying about lot of things. I can't wait for this horrible story to be over and not because I'm anticipating the fallout but because I dislike it so much.
I love the Todd & Marty story! It is my favorite one on the show and Todd & Marty are my favorite couple! I would like to see them get married and have a baby--seriously! TSJ and SH are amazing together. These actors should be working together! I want Todd to level with Marty and for her to knowingly choose to be with him! That would be a great story. The other characters wouldn't understand Marty's choice but she and Todd make their marriage work against all odds! I don't want to see Todd & Marty apart for a boring John/Marty/Blair triangle. I have no interest in that. With Todd & Marty, I cannot wait to see every single one of their new scenes! They are riveting! I hope that Mr. Carlivati has the guts to keep this couple together! I don't care about any other couple on the show. I'm only invested in Todd & Marty!
I agree with Ann...John needs to go to jail, and Marty needs a chance to think this through without anyone medeling in her business with Todd...Granted, Todd has explaining to do, but she outht to forgive Todd after she's calmed down. I've never seen a more sinsere Todd than in this story line with Marty. Mr. Carlivati had the guts to put them in a story line, so hopefully Marty will forgive Todd and tell John Thanks but Butt Out, and then Marty can lay some ground rules on Todd so that they can both start over fresh based on the truth, and the changed Todd- I don't want this story to be for nothing. Let the redeamed Todd prove he's changed by convincing Marty he's sorry, and let Marty trust him, and let them get Married...For goodness sake, quit making Todd pay for what he did years ago! I want to see Marty/Todd marriage, not another Tea/Todd or Blair Todd relationship. Please! Leave John with Blair and let Todd have a second chance to make right to Marty, Cole and Starr...give it
I know what Todd did to Marty but I can't help but love them. I love the chemistry they have. I also love the idea of Trevor & Susan being a couple. They are so hot together. I never thought I would be so hooked on these two but I am. I want a love story between them no matter what happend. I have never seen Todd this way but with Marty. He is so sinsere with her. I want Marty to forgive Todd & them have a chance at real love. I want it to be based on no lies, rebuilding trust, with Todd being a changed man. Mr. Carlivati has me so into Marty & Todd & I hope he has a love story in store for these two!
Don't people remember Luke & Laura from General Hospital?????? Luke raped Laura and they ended up being the Biggest super couple on Daytime. I think OLTL should explore Marty & Todd, they have chemistry. I think there should be a love story between them. I mean, it is only a show; it is not real!!!
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