October 21, 2008
During her initial DAYS OF OUR LIVES run, Nadia Bjorlin's Chloe was one of the show's most interesting characters: an awkward teen transformed into a inspiring heroine. Her complicated love life, being torn between Brady and Philip, had viewers hooked. Remember the passionate Broe and Phloe fan camps? Then, there was Chloe's poignant battle with leukemia, as her friends rallied around. But since she's been back, the soap's scribes seem to be perplexed over what to do with her. First, they threw her in bed with Philip. Then, they tossed her into an elevator with Lucas. Now she's bonding with Daniel. It's as if Chloe has lost all purpose and direction, wandering from man to man. It's a sad fate for a character who was once the heart and soul of DAYS' teen set. Hopefully, Brady's return will get Chloe back on track as the wonderfully complex young woman she used to be.

September 23, 2008
I'm finding all the fuss over Daniel's sketches on YOUNG AND RESTLESS and his prospering art career hard to believe. Aside from his nice, at best, portrait of the late Sabrina, the rest of his artwork is downright amateurish. Simple pencil sketches of the women he's slept with. No one in their right mind would shell out cash for these pix, nor would they ever have landed Daniel his own art exhibit in New York, of all places. Heck, he would have been lucky to land a showing of his work in Genoa City.

September 2, 2008
It may just be the most fabulous twist in years: scheming brat Chloe is really Esther’s long-absent daughter, Kate. Did anyone even see this coming? Kudos to Y&R for scripting this crafty little turn so exquisitely. Esther never ran into Chloe all these months she’s been hanging out in Genoa City, and Katherine didn’t recognize her, because the old photos she saw of her namesake look absolutely nothing like the young woman she is today. Now that the secret’s out, the possibilities are endless. Just watching Jill come to terms with the fact her son is married to Esther's — of all people's — daughter is priceless, not to mention all the fireworks that will ensue now that the conniving Chloe has sunk her hooks into Cane and the Chancellor fortune.

August 20, 2008
DAYS OF OUR LIVES ventured outside the box with this week's black-and-white film noir episodes, and the results were delightful. From the dialogue to the performances to the spot-on wardrobe and hairdos — LOVED Sami's snood! — it was classic 1940s. Speaking of Sami, Alison Sweeney's Marilyn Monroe/Minnie Mouse voice was a hoot, particularly as her character gushed over EJ's sexual prowess. And Arianne Zucker (Nicole) was fantastic as the jealous, jilted wife, wavering between serious actress and ace comedienne. My only complaint with the episode was all the smoking by the men.

August 7, 2008
Kudos to DAYS OF OUR LIVES for their decision to venture into the great outdoors, when supercouple Bo and Hope renewed their wedding vows. The location scenes were absolutely beautiful and were reminiscent of daytime past, when that was the norm for special occasions. Over the years, fewer soaps have opted to go that route, sticking instead to the confines of their studio walls. Obviously, budget constrictions have forced producers hands. However, after witnessing Bo and Hope's horse drawn carriage adventures it really makes you long for the good old Days.

July 15, 2008
GENERAL HOSPITAL is thriving with an embarrassment of riches — and they're all in the supporting actor category. Derk Cheetwood started out as Sonny's trusted bodyguard Max, but was transformed into a lovesick puppy when his secret crush on Carly was revealed. Who'd have thought Cheetwood would have been such a fantastic comedian? Things have only gotten better as he’s gotten "involved" with Sonny's sharpshooting attorney Diane, played to perfection by the divine Carolyn Hennesy. Not since Oscar and Feliz has there been a more hilarious odd couple. And speaking of funny, there's Bradford Anderson's Spinelli, THE most unique character on all of daytime. His adoration for Jason and mesmerization by Maxie never fails to provide daily doses of laughter and heartfelt drama. The list goes on and on, from Blake Gibbons' Coleman to Sonya Eddy's Epiphany to Nazanin Boniandi's Leyla to Minae Noji's Kelly Lee. GH’s has always been known for their stellar casting, but when it comes to supporting players the show is truly in a league of its own.

July 1, 2008
After suggesting in last week's blog that PASSIONS' Ben Masters (Julian) be considered when YOUNG AND RESTLESS casts Gloria's ex and Michael's dad, Lowell, I got to thinking about where some of the show's other soon-to-be unemployed actors might best be utilized around daytime. Eric Martsolf (Ethan) would make the perfect recast as Sami's long-missing twin brother, Eric, on DAYS OF OUR LIVES. Think about the fireworks if he reconnected with Nicole after all these years! Meanwhile, McKenzie Westmore (Sheridan) might make an interesting addition to GENERAL HOSPITAL Quartermaine clan. She's got the rich sophisticate thing down and would be an interesting match for Jax or Sonny. Or, better yet, maybe she could turn lapdog Patrick's head in a direction other than Robin's. And how about Galen Gering (Luis) stirring things up on BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL? Ashley needs a man at the moment, and Brooke is always up for a new affair.

June 23, 2008
With all the talk about Michael's father Lowell on YOUNG AND RESTLESS of late, it looks like the show might be looking to cast Gloria's drunken, hippy ex in the not-too-distant future. Here's a thought about who the casting department should seriously consider: Ben Masters (ex-Julian Crane, PASSIONS). Masters work was 80 percent comedy on PASSIONS, which would serve him well as a member of the wacky Baldwin gang. Yet, he always shined during his rare dramatic moments on the NBC soap, too. Masters is a formidable actor who would hold his own in confrontations with Christian LeBlanc's Michael, and his chemistry with Judith Chapman (Gloria) would no doubt be amazing.

June 3, 2008
I tuned into GENERAL HOSPITAL the other day and was pained to see sweet, angelic, fill-in-your-own-adoring-adjective Nikolas spending time with mafia slut Claudia Zacchara. Surely, this cannot be the pairing of the future? Surely, the show isn’t following up Nikolas and Emily’s fairy tale love story with a tawdry tale about a prince and a vamp? There are so many other women in Port Charles more deserving of knight in shining armor Nik. Nadine seems the obvious choice. However, I’m rooting for the lovely Leyla. After getting the shaft from Patrick, she deserves a true prince.

May 20, 2008
YOUNG AND RESTLESS has always been a cutting edge show — timely storylines, crisp dialogue, impeccable wardrobe, and, above all, lively, up-to-date sets. Well, all except one: the Chancellor living room. It's old stale and bordering on decrepit. Wouldn't hip Jill have suggested some redecorating by now? Or what about Katherine's 20-something pal, Amber? Heck, even the forever young Katherine should be smart enough to know it's time to call in the pros to revamp the place. A couch circa 1990 or 1980 would be a vast improvement over the 1970's version Katherine and company having been sitting on for 30-plus years. And how about some new draperies or, better yet, plantation shutters? It's time the place got a major overhaul.

May 6, 2008
After a couple of years of sputtering about and losing its focus, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS appears headed for a resurgence now that Maria Arena Bell has taken over the reins, and one character benefitting from the change is Jill Abbott. Under the Lynn Marie Latham regime the once feisty Jill had been inexplicably watered down. Heck, the highlight of her day was having tea with Katherine. But these days she's back in the mix as the savvy, sexy spitfire she used to be going head-to-head with Nikki, trying to outsmart Gloria, and mixing it up with Jeffrey. It's been a long time overdue, and no one is more deserving than the always divine Jess Walton.

April 29, 2008
I really hate it when writers try to shove a soap couple down my throat and will more often than not absolutely rebel against it, just because I can. For that reason as much as I adore Brandon Barash as GENERAL HOSPITAL's Johnny Be Bad, I'm not a Johnny/Lulu fan. Why? I was/am a big Logan and Lulu supporter. (Yes, I love Josh Duhon, too.) Their pairing developed slowly and steadily, albeit predictably. Girl hates boy. Girl falls for boy. You know the drill. And Maxie in the middle provided plenty of drama and angst. Then, out of nowhere, the GH scribes decided to abruptly switch course. Suddenly, lovable Lulu was tossed into Johnny's mob world, and it was bye-bye Logan, hello mafia hunk. The makings were all there for a nice, spicy triangle, which I would have been open to. Problem is, GH didn't go that route. Instead, Lulu dropped Logan like a hot potato and started swooning over hotheaded Johnny, and viewers were just supposed to get on board. Sorry, not this viewer. Johnny's "Piano Man" sensitive side was a nice touch, but it doesn't make up for his gun wielding. Meanwhile, Lulu's abrupt about-face makes her look incredibly fickle and the latest in the show's long line of Smart Women, Foolish Choices.

April 24, 2008
Despite the thousands of stories I've written on actors over the years I have to admit receiving a phone call or note to say thank you happens rarely. Sure, you always hear about it when a performer doesn't like something the magazine has written. And there have been numerous times I've had to say, "I'm sorry," for an article I've honestly had no part in. If only saying "you're welcome" to a performer's "thank you" happened nearly as often.

Over the years, I've received notes from a handful of actors — Lynn Herring (ex-Lucy, General Hospital), Frances Reid (Alice, Days of our Lives), and Wally Kurth (ex-Ned, General Hospital) to name a few — and even flowers on two occasions from Patrika Darbo, Kevin Spirtas, and Lisa Linde (ex-Nancy, Craig and Ali, Days) and Lauralee Bell (Christine, Young and Restless). And Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH) did rave for months (really!) about the story I broke about his nervous breakdown. Plus, there have been thank you calls from Eileen Davidson (Ashley, Bold and Beautiful), Natalia Livingston (Emily, GH) and the impeccably well-mannered Thaao Penghlis (Tony, Days).

Recently, I wrote an Applause on Peggy McCay (Caroline, Days) and instinctively knew she would call upon reading it. She did, quipping, "I'm glad I didn't disappoint you." And, a few short weeks later, I was pleasantly surprised to hear from Jay Kenneth Johnson (Philip, Days) regarding an interview and opinion piece on the misuse of his character.

In an age where people are so busy they squeeze in cell phone calls to their own family in between errands, it sincerely means a lot when someone takes time out of their day to say thanks. So to all of those who have over the years, it is most appreciated.

April 15, 2008
Interviewing Drake Hogestyn (John, Days of our Lives), be it in person or via the phone, is always easy and fun. There's no pulling teeth to get good quotes out of him. Hogestyn loves to chat, especially about the new John. He's putting his heart and soul into the revamped character, who he's hoping will stick around for a long, long time to come. And who can blame him? These days, John is must see TV. The old John, not so much. Sure, he was a fine hero, but the Dudley Do-Right act had grown tired and dull. With new John you're on the edge of your seat waiting to see what he'll do and say next. Speaking of dialogue, every time I talk to Hogestyn, these days, I reveal the latest line he delivered that had me laughing out loud. My favorite so far, hands down, was, "Were we mugged here?" Talk about bursting Marlena's bubble, after she told John the dock had special meaning to the two of them. Hogestyn appreciates the feedback, and it usually prompts him to share an upcoming line or funny set side story. Last time we chatted, he admitted the cast and crew were chuckling over his one-liners, too. Alison Sweeney (Sami), for one, recently burst out laughing during rehearsal, when EJ likened John to Tony Soprano, and John came back with the perfect retort. Stay tuned. Maybe you'll get as loud a laugh out of it as Sweeney did.