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OPINION
Soap Dish
— By Michael Karol
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Michael Karol, editor
— Soap Opera Weekly
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October 21, 2009
Dishing with Pine Valley's Despicable Doc
I spoke with Vincent Irizarry (David, ALL MY CHILDREN) for Weekly. Here are some tidbits we didn't have room for in print. The recent Daytime Emmy winner talked about his character's motivations and what he would like to see in David's future.
Weekly: Why is David trying to "scare Marissa straight," so to speak, when it comes to being with JR and having JR's children?
Irizarry: He doesn't like JR; he's not a fan of the Chandlers. JR was with his daughter, Babe, and he holds JR responsible for Babe's death in more ways than one. At the end, JR and Babe were very much in love with each other and it broke his heart when she died; [but] years before he plotted to kill her. David caught him on it. That's a hard thing to forget. You would never trust the [person] again. So that's part of it. The other part of it is that JR brought Babe back to Pine Valley because his father [Adam] manipulated him into coming back — if he hadn't come back, Babe would still be alive today. So David's always held them responsible. He's always felt that JR's a drunk, spoiled rich kid, and eventually his demons will come out, and it will destroy Marissa, just like he did Babe.
Weekly: What would you like to see in David's future?
Irizarry: I want him miserable, grief-stricken [laughs]. Certainly, I want him to find real happiness, and I think that would come with finding somebody that he can love and be loving to. And that he would learn from his mistakes. What I love about David is that he's an extremely complex person. He's got major issues, obviously, but I believe there is something [decent] deep within him, and you see that when he's with children: He's truly touched by their innocence, and his better spirit comes out. There have been times that he's had the opportunity to express his humanity with some of the women that he's been with. But he's so damaged in many, many ways, psychologically and emotionally. He's got his own pathology. I would like to see him have a revelation that is life changing. That's not to say he'd be a perfect human being — but he can draw from that at times and move on.
October 9, 2009
AMC Cancels Aidan
Now that we know Aiden Turner (Aidan) has been let go from ALL MY CHILDREN, it's bittersweet to see him more active than he's been on the show in six months. Whether Aidan's needling Adam about his own past ties to Annie, or sticking it to Annie herself, or helping Zach and Kendall hatch their plan to keep Kendall safe and Annie in play, Turner makes it clear that AMC dropped the ball with his character. Given half a chance, he always rose to the challenge and delivered. Although it's too late to do anything in Turner's case — or in the case of another fine actor, Beth Ehlers (Taylor), who was brought on with much fanfare and left in a black hole with nothing to do — maybe AMC, and the soaps in general, might think a bit harder about the talent they have, and what it will cost them in viewers to ignore it, get rid of it, and pursue plots and characters (Hello, Cougar Kane!) that have a huge ICK factor.
Keeping Up With Wisteria Lane
In its sixth season, DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES is better than ever, and how many series can you say that about (especially ones that specialize in soapy goodness)? Within the first minute of episode one this season, we found out it was Susan (Teri Hatcher) marrying Mike (James Denton), not Katherine (Dana Delany).
I was pretty sure it was going to be Susan; I spoke with executive producer Bob Daily last May, and he noted, "For [Mike and Susan], it's always one of the unanswered questions of the series … where will those two end up? It was such an integral part of the first season. The trick is balancing the fans' desire to get them back together again, with the dramatic need of keeping some tension in that relationship…[but] their relationship will always be important to the show."
Daily also mentioned that Delany will "absolutely" have more to do, since one of the major characters, Edie (Nicollette Sheridan), was killed off last season. Which is great news, because Mike and Susan's wedding made Katherine, er, angry: Susan had never ventured across the street to talk about it or about her stealing Mike back from Katherine. This has set the stage for Katherine to hop on the crazy train, and if there's one thing I love, it's watching a great actress like Delany chew the scenery.
Bree (Marcia Cross) is proceeding full-steaminess-ahead in her affair with Susan's ex, Carl (Richard Burgi) — but keeping it a secret from her hubby Orson (Kyle MacLachlan) and Susan might be a problem. And finally, there's a new, mysterious family living on Wisteria Lane, headed by Drea De Matteo (ex-Adriana, THE SOPRANOS) and Jeffrey Nordling (ex-Larry, 24) as Angie and Nick Bolen. Their son, Danny (Beau Mirchoff), has some anger issues, and he was dating nice girl Julie (Andrea Bowen), Susan's and Carl's kid, who was also tutoring him. Problem: Someone strangled Julie, and almost succeeded in killing her. Danny should worry: Mrs. McCluskey (Kathryn Joosten) is on to him. P.S. Anyone who thinks Hatcher isn't a powerful actress hasn't seen her scenes at the hospital after Julie was attacked.
The men of Wisteria Lane are talking about setting up a neighborhood watch. If you've never watched the show, this is the perfect time to start, and if you used to watch it, but let it fall off your TiVo list, start recording it. It's the best soap currently on prime time.
September 25, 2009
A Sci-Fi Buffet
The news this season is good for those of us who like our soaps tinged with the paranormal.
Fox's premiere of FRINGE stood up to the series' first season. And that's saying a lot. FRINGE picks up where it left off, with FBI agent Olivia (Anna Torv) returning from her visit to another universe (similar to ours but, for example, one where the World Trade Center still stands) in a dramatic way, via a car crash. She doesn't remember what she saw in the parallel world once she wakes up, but does remember (she thinks) that she's supposed to find something. She does not remember who told her this, or what or where the "thing" resides.
In the meantime, the Feds are shutting down the Fringe division of the FBI. The reason: lack of actual proof that the weird stuff Fringe investigates really happened, and that continuing to investigate it will help mankind in any tangible way. Broyles (Lance Reddick) is hard-pressed to offer the committee that is investigating Fringe the proof it needs; in the meantime, whom- or whatever sent Olivia crashing back into our reality is still after her. Cue the Bishops, the formerly "mad" (and still with a screw or two loose) Walter (John Noble) and his stalwart but shady son Peter (Joshua Jackson), who work to figure out who's trying to kill Olivia and stop him (it?). They do, and as a result Peter provides Broyles with the proof he needs — but there's a jaw-dropping twist in the last few seconds.
The cast (including Blair Brown as a key employee of Massive Dynamic, a global technology company that figures in many episodes, and Kirk Acevedo as Charlie, Olivia's FBI colleague and loyal friend) is uniformly excellent, and the setup in this episode ensures a crackling and suspenseful season to come. Special props to creator JJ Abrams for several shout-outs to an acknowledged influence, THE X FILES.
The former Sci Fi network, now called SyFy, recently wrapped its summer series WAREHOUSE 13. I found it every bit as intriguing as FRINGE. Saul Rubinek is note-perfect as Artie Nielsen, the schlubby-looking but savvier-than-you-think steward of the titular warehouse, a government storage space hidden somewhere in South Dakota that houses supernatural objects.
Joanne Kelly and Eddie McClintock are equally satisfying as sparring but respectful Secret Service agents Myka Bering and Pete Lattimer, newly assigned to retrieve lost or missing Warehouse 13 objects, like Lewis Carroll's looking glass (from which an evil Alice doppelganger escapes, trapping Myka in the mirror and taking over her life), or Edgar Allen Poe's pen and journal, which give the user the power to make anything he writes come true. As Artie's mysterious, imperious boss, Mrs. Frederic, the imposing CCH Pounder, is amazing as usual, but woefully underused (probably because she's also starring in the new Fox sitcom, BROTHERS).
The finale had several nice surprises — including a betrayal by one of Artie's loyal friends, and a huge explosion in the warehouse with Artie at ground zero. This is one that I hope comes back.
Finally, FLASHFORWARD premiered with a literal bang — worldwide chaos, including car, plane and every-other-kind-of-vehicle crashes — precipitated by a two-minute, seventeen-second blackout that apparently affected everyone on the planet … except for one mysterious man in black. During the blackout, almost everyone had a vision of himself or herself living their lives six months in the future.
Our hero, FBI agent Mark Benford (Joseph Fiennes), saw himself investigating the cause of the blackout, especially the "Why?" aspect. Unfortunately for Mark, a recovering alcoholic, his doctor wife Olivia (Sonya Walger, LOST's Penelope) saw herself with another man in six months. And his partner, Demetri (John Cho) was the only one we know of so far who had no vision at all during the blackout. Does that mean he'll be dead by next April?
Maybe, maybe not. As one character suggests, perhaps they were given these visions of the future so they could change them. But given the man in black, seen via a blurry video camera lurking in a Detroit stadium while everyone around him was unconscious, I doubt the blackout has such positive ramifications. That's better for the viewer, because, as we all know, any successful soap thrives on villainy and treachery to balance all the heroics.
September 11, 2009
Fall Treats Abound
Everyone I've spoken to in every demographic — except newborns; I tried talking TV to my week-old twin niece and nephew, but they slept right through my spiel — agrees that there appears to have been no summer, and all of a sudden it's Labor Day. But for those of us who cover TV, fall is the best time of the year, when we get to sample what the networks and cable stations have to offer, and hopes are high that one pilot, or, praise the cathode ray tube, maybe more than one — will exceed expectations.
Here's what come over the transom so far — and if you're one of those who doesn't like to know anything about what's ahead, then STOP READING NOW.
Fox has already found its first hit. GLEE takes off from the high point of its pilot episode and took me even higher. Will (Matthew Morrison) only has six of the 12 Glee Club members he needs in order to qualify for the regionals — and if he doesn't qualify for the regionals, the McKinley High Glee Club will be shut down. GLEE is all about the music, and how it heals, annoys and otherwise affects the teachers and students at McKinley High. Further complicating matters:
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The cast of GLEE
— Fox
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1. Hilarious Jane Lynch as tough-as-nails Sue Sylvester, head of the school's trophy-winning cheerleading squad, the Cheerios, who doesn't deal well with competition.
2. Will's demanding wife, Terri (Jessalyn Gilsig), who wants the moon, including a status symbol house and kids, and is currently lying to Will about being pregnant.
3. Rachel (Lea Michelle), the unpopular, most talented member of Will's Glee Club, who is heartbreakingly in love with…
4. …handsome Finn Hudson (Cory Monteith), McKinley's star quarterback, also a Glee Club member, and balancing the jock/geek combination as best he can.
5. Unfortunately, Finn's girlfriend, Quinn (Dianna Agron) is jealous of the time he's spending with Rachel. So, having conveniently become pregnant by Quinn's best friend, obnoxious jock Noah (Mark Salling), during a drunken night of revelry — also, she says, because she "thought she was fat that night" — Quinn tells Finn the baby's his. But Will's wife, who needs a real baby, may have something to say about that….
6. Meanwhile, gay Glee Club member Kurt (Chris Colfer) discovers his inner jock in an effort to convince his dad he's not gay, and becomes the star kicker and, in an incredibly empowering TV moment, the team's savior.
There's so much more, such as hangdog football coach Ken Tanaka (Patrick Gallagher), who has a crush on cleanliness-obsessed McKinley guidance counselor Emma Pillsbury (Jayma Mays), who only has eyes for…married Will, of course.
Sounds like a soap, dunnit? It is, in the best possible sense, and I can't wait to see the above issues play out during the upcoming freshman season, plus a slew of promised guest appearances by the likes of Victor Garber (ELI STONE) and especially the fabulous Kristen Chenoweth (PUSHING DAISIES).
Have I mentioned the MUSIC?! Everything from Beyoncé to Burt Bacharach to Leonard Bernstein is showcased in tightly choreographed and heavenly sung numbers. GLEE is that rare TV entity: a show created as a labor of love that turned out to be one of the loveliest offerings of any recent season. It's my new No. 1 with a bullet.
August 31, 2009
Red Carpet Clinker
Growing up, I loved awards shows like the Oscars and the Emmys. But by 1995, when David Letterman hosted the Oscars and laid an egg with his flat attempt to find humor introducing Uma Thurman to Oprah Winfrey and both of them to Keanu Reeves ("Uma…Oprah. Oprah…Uma." "Oprah…Uma…Keanu"), the thrill was gone. Since then, I've recorded the shows, fast-forwarding through the stiff, scripted intros, which are rarely as funny as the writers thought, unnecessary production numbers and the endless commercials.
So it was with last night's 36TH ANNUAL DAYTIME EMMY AWARDS, presented for the first time on The CW (ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC didn't want 'em). Vanessa Williams was a spunky hostess — although more of a nighttime soapie (UGLY BETTY, the aborted SOUTH BEACH) than a daytimer. Her opening number — singing "I Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" with special lyrics geared to a handful of daytime stars, while video screens behind her placed the former Miss America in scenes with Ronn Moss, Tony Geary, and so on — was cute, but a direct lift of Billy Crystal inserting himself into the films he sang about when he hosted the Oscars for several years.
The rest of the night was also pretty standard fare. Like the daytime soaps, the show has been troubled by low ratings in recent years, to the point where there was a question as to whether it would even air, until it was picked up by The CW. I'd bet this telecast did little to remedy the situation. For example, winners Meredith Vieira (Best Game Show Host for WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE) and the co-hosts of THE VIEW (Best Talk Show Host) were no-shows, which could only have the effect of further diminishing the importance of the awards and telecast.
The CW used the opportunity to hawk its prime-time schedule whenever possible, during the red-carpet preview, commercials and the show itself. Did daytime viewers really need to see 90210's Jennie Garth put through an awkward red-carpet interview? Or Garth and co-star Lori Loughlin woodenly presenting one of the awards? Or Daytime Emmy winner (but not for a soap) Louis Gossett Jr. being asked how it felt to win the Daytime Emmy and responding it was an "outstanding" experience? Or Ian Somerhalder introducing a clip from The CW's upcoming series VAMPIRE DIARIES during the show? For me, the only vampire who can lay claim to daytime is Barnabas Collins! (Okay, and maybe Caleb from PORT CHARLES.)
There was the usual award show weirdness, like YOUNG AND RESTLESS' Stacy Haiduk looking all goth in black and showing up with her character Mary Jane's prop cat. Gilles Marini (DANCING WITH THE STARS, Sex and the City) is apparently everyone's idea of sexy these days, but proved he's either a himbo or just wasn't paying attention when he announced the character (Shayne Lewis) instead of the actor (GUIDING LIGHT's Jeff Branson) as Best Supporting Actor. And perhaps because The CW using much of its time to promote its shows, Outstanding Drama Series winner (BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL) exec producer/head writer Bradley Bell's acceptance speech was cut because the show ran too long.
The segment about daytime stars' participation in the charity Feed the Children was certainly worthy of noting, but went on a bit too long and started to look a mite self-congratulatory, especially on a daytime awards show, and considering that the organization's founders were relegated to a quick stand-up thank-you from the audience before a break to commercial.
So what did I like about the show? Loved the first award, Best Supporting Actor, going to the very worthy Vincent Irizarry from my show, ALL MY CHILDREN (the category featured a rare tie: he and Branson). Hands down, the funniest line came from beloved TV vet Betty White, who got a standing ovation as she introduced the GL tribute, joking, "I've been watching GUIDING LIGHT ever since it went on the air in 1776." (The tribute itself was great, but too short.) The salute to SESAME STREET's 40 years on the air was cute. Williams, as noted, was a game host.
But all in all, the show seemed as if it was trying too hard to prove that daytime was indeed chock-full of glitz and glamour, while not offering enough of the real thing.
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Are you sure it was this years desperate housewives that you saw, because the season finale I saw just plain sucked. In fact, I am pretty sure I won't be back next season!
Are you sure it was this years desperate housewives that you saw, because the season finale I saw just plain sucked. In fact, I am pretty sure I won't be back next season! . Another thing, I sure wish you security code thing was a little easier to read!
Michael, if you want a soap story told in the old fashioned soap tradition of a several month long slow build, complete with dropped hints along the way of what was to come, then look no further than the love story of Olivia and Natalia on Guiding Light!! This story has been building since Jan 2008 and has been painstakingly mapped out so that all the reasons for them to fall in love were revealed to us at in tantalizing nuggets over the last 16 months!! People all over the world fell under their spell! Fans who were anxious to see a romance evolve like the great shows of old, slowing and carefully so that you were fully invested in them as a couple by the time they got together! Bravo to Ellen Wheeler and Jill Lorie Hurst for guiding and writing this beautiful tale and to Crystal Chappell and Jessica Leccia for providing the talent and chemistry to this fantastic pair!!
I think a storyline that will be remembered in soap history as the quintessential slow-burn, return of the old-fashioned love story, is Otalia currently on Guiding Light. It has got to be one of the most beautifully crafted, intricately developed and unsually consistent stories I have ever seen on my screen. Ever since Jan 2008 every beat, turn, phrase, look, day, has brought us closer to the wonder that is Otalia, and every single of these beats has not only fit like a glove in the grander scheme of the Otalia sl, but has rang true with real life and made the viewers from all backgrounds relate to it with one of its many layers (religion, friendship, family, economic class differences, gay, straight, first time falling in love, etc.). I am truly in awe of the creators and actresses that have given us this amazing story. It's a story-telling masterpiece!
Guiding Light's Otalia storyline has brought back the slow burn that we have been sorely missing. They have been building this story for over a year while getting we viewers invested. It has been beautifully written and superbly acted. The details, down to the smallest of gestures or looks have been dead on. It is well worth turning this show on each day just to see how it all plays out. I have been a soap watcher for 28 years and have to say this is the best storyline I have seen in a very long time.
Micheal, Guiding Light Ellen Wheeler,Jill L Hurst has brought back the mean of a true good old school romance they have written a timeless masterpiece, the epic love story of Oliva & Natalia it is simply the best story on televison with family, love ,conflict and redemption.their are so many new & old viewers are turning the GL on.
Michael, If you would like to see a true to life love story, told like none we have ever seen on T.V.. then please do yourself a favor and take a look at Guiding Lights, Otalia. This love story breaks down so many walls of emotional separation in love pairs. These two people started out as enemies, then started relying on each other when there was no one else, then they became friends, and this became a family. The story shows you how they cope, how they communicate and finally how and why they fall in love. If you like a good love story, told perfectly and acted magnificently, then you must watch Guiding Light. You too, will fall in love with Otalia; like so many have, from around the world. Just watch it, you'll see what we mean.
The Otalia storyline is definitely one to watch on Guiding Light if one is looking for a wonderful slow building..well thought out storyline. It's being told in classic storytelling form and the portrayal is amazing.
I would have to wholeheartedly agree with all the posters above me who have stated that if what you are looking for is an old fashioned slow burning love story than you need not look any further than Guiding Light's Otalia storyline. The slow build of this love story has enthralled many hearts and minds and Ellen Wheeler, Jill Lorie Hurst, Crystal Chappell and Jessica Leccia should all be praised for their work and commitment.
siting AMC as an example? The show that rushed a lesbian wedding/break up (as compared to Otalia's slow burn on GL), that rushed through a heart transplant storyline with Kendall getting her brothers heart and then walking around the next week (as opposed to Olivia's heart transplant from Gus on GL that was a year long story), that crammed fast paced action into the Stuart murder (as compared to the slow, subtle mystery of Edmond's murder on GL). Yeah, great insight.
Hmmm First thought to pop into my head when I thought about drawn out true to life stories was Olivia and Natalia. Guiding Light has been building that couple for, what, a year and a half now? Crazy! Especially nowadays where soap stories don't get drawn out like they used to. I definitely recommend checking that one out.
I don't have to watch Erica/Ryan or give it a shot. I have another choice. Turn off the tv and that's exactly what I plan on doing. If AMC fires Pratt and gives me back my Jerica, I'll return but until then I will be watching another network. Good work AMC
You are a better viewer than I am because I am not happy about Erica with Ryan and I'm not going to give it a chance. I won't be watching AMC at all . Erica should be with Jack. Give Ryan his own woman, like Liza, and give the rest of us a break AMC!
I wish I could be as blase about the Erica/Ryan thing as you are and sit down and watch it , but it's too disgusting for words. He is fresh out of bed with her CHILD and is ther GRANDMOTHER of the son said daughter shares with him. Plus Ryan is a total moron. I can't stand the sight of him and also will never have a chance of getting Erica/Jack back together as long as Pratt and Fron's pet Lavery is hanging around Erica. Nope, I won't give it a chance at all and I hear Y&R is a much better show anyway. As far as Jackson, I adore him but no way I want to see him with Brooke. They tried that romance twice and it bombed both times. No chemistry or interest at all. Why doesn't AMC hook up Ryan with Liza, Krystal, Taylor? Why must it be a Kane woman?
Erica and Ryan? NO THANK YOU! I'm not watching it either. I'll be watching DOOL with my mom. If AMC smartens up and puts Erica back with her soulmate Jackson, please put it on your site or in the magazine and I will come back. Ryan can drop dead for all I care.
What is the obsession by AMC with Ryan Lavery and having him with a Kane woman? He is the most annoying, boring, stupid character on the show. I can't stand the sight of him and not even Erica can make him likeable. They aren't putting Erica back with Jack for this?
The pairing of Erika Kane and Ryan Lavery is just so wrong and discusting. There will be no chemistry like JACK & ERIKA period! I have watched AMC since 1970 and if JACK & ERIKA do not reunited I am done with this soap forever.
I like your P.S. about getting a story line going for Aiden. They are wasting his talents. Give him something to do...an investigation is in order! And how about a new love interest with someone who doesn't dump him?
Aidan needs a real story. Aiden Turner has proved his worth to this program and this destruction of his character is unacceptable. Why not have Aidan searching for Greenlee? I'd love to see an Ailee reunion! I'd also love to see Aidan's past explored - WHO is Aidan's father? I'd love to see Aidan/Zach end up half brothers. There is so much to explore with this character. I miss Aidan and I miss the magic of Aidan and Greenlee..
The only thing I have to say about Erica and Ryan is that I am sad to see it is now Erica's turn to prop Ryan. (And where is Jackson in all this?) My favorite character is Aidan and I would like for him to have a story that doesn't involve baby sitting. The guy is a PI, ex-soldier, bonefide HERO! Why are the writers making him into a criminal? Aidan has put in his time propping others and he needs a story of his own. He has proven he can carry a story in the past and I want to see him do it again! Aidan is the one who hasn't dealt with his feelings about Greenlee. He still loves her, I am sure of it! I want to see Aidan find Greenlee and I want to see them fall in love all over again!
Reunite Aidan & Greenlee! It was great with both Sabine & Rebecca. Make it so the body found was not Greenlee; but a woman with a ring much like the one Ryan gave GL. He has told Jack--together they secretly learned this woman was a hermit; no family or connections. So they decided to cremate her & give her some final dignity. Meanwhile, they secretly search for Greenlee--staying guarded about it, because the chances of her surviving the pitch over the cliff were slim; she could be submerged somewhere. I know Aidan never stopped loving her. Aidan overhears about David's secret patient--and on learning he was in Conn when she 'died', gets Tad's help to trail David. Aidan finds Greenlee, and we go from there!.... Aiden proved he's frontburner material. He needs to be with someone who appreciates & stays with him, like Sabine's Greenlee did, & Rebecca's did at first. I agree with Kaidy--why turn him into a criminal?
I'd like to respond to the P.S. about giving Aidan a real story. The man has SKILLZ and he should be frontburner and the story should be about him and his needs and his emotions and his character development. What is truly unbelievable is Aidan always losing out in the romance department. The man is one of the sexiest actors in daytime! I'm tired of only seeing him in a supporting role lately. Aiden Turner is almost a veteran, he has been on the show for 7 years and he was nominated for an Emmy in 2003. If the writers would give him a story to work with, he would have a chance of being nominated each year. I like the idea of Aidan finding Greenlee alive and somehow they fall in love again. As an Ailee fan,the way my favorite couple ended was extremely unsatisfying and frustrating. If Mr. Pratt would somehow reunite Ailee, it would go a very long way to helping me, and I'm certain a lot of other viewrs, to once again enjoy must-see tv and love in the afternoon.
I got a story for Aidan how bout he ditches that wet blanket Annie before he further ruins his life. Go to Jackson and confess that he saw that body in Connecticut and that no way it could be Greenlee's. With Jackson as an allie Special Ops Aidan goes off to find Greenlee whereever she is and brings her home to those who truly love her.Then Greenlee and Aidan can hash out their differences that ruined their marriage,Greenlee realizes Ryan's so called love for her is a joke and Aidan is the man for her. Ailee gets a real wedding that involves their families,wouldnt mind seeing an Anna and Robin crossover to support Aidan.
I would love for Aidan to get his own story. A totally new love interest. Someone who loves him and isn't pining over some fool(like Ryan). How about the new character coming soon Madison North....the DA's wife. Those two could steam up our screens all summer!
I am so tired of the writers crapping all over Aidan Devane. I want to see Aidan leading his own storyline away from the insane Annie crap! There is so much that the writers could do with Annie. The writers need to delve into Aidan past, and create a mystery surrounding who Aidan father is.
I am waiting for an Ailee reunion!!!The story they have Aiden in right now is so unlike his true character.I would love for the story to play out that Aiden has been looking for Greenlee and does find her.I would rather her stay gone then to see her brought back for Ryan.I think the writers could use his grief for losing Greenlee as an excuse for the way he is acting.Listen to the viewers,we want Ailee back!
It is breaking my heart to see Aiden Turner under-utilized on the the show. I just want to see Aidan in a decent storyline where he is the focus, and he isn't being used as a plot device. I love seeing Aidan in PI, special ops mode. A Mystery about who Aidan's father is would be Awesome!
I wish the writers would invest in Aidan, and write him a decent storyline. I would love to see the writer revist Aidan's past, and bring some family in for him. There is so much that we don't know about Aidan. Who is his father, what really happened to his mother, his military experience. All these things can be explored with Aidan if the writers would just invest in him. I would love to see Aidan in scenes with Brot and Frankie talking about his military experiences. I would also love to see the writers bring back Greenlee for Aidan, and rebuild them. Aidan and Greenlee was sizzlin hot together, and they brought out the best in each other. Aidan deserves a second chance with his one true love Greenlee.
I would love to see Aidan get a storyline not involving the "oh so wonderful" Ryan Lavery. Frankly, I am sick of Ryan and the propping of him. His character is horrible and I haven't liked his character since 2005 when he stuck his fist in our beloved Greenlee's face. (R.I.P Greens!) Speaking of Greens.... How about a return of our favorite fiesty-shorty? Bring her back on one condition.... She returns for AIDAN!!! The Aidan and Greenlee pairing was the only reason I watched All My Children and since their pathetically-written demise my viewing has been ceased. Please bring back our Aidan and Greenlee (a.k.a. Ailee)! I need to see some love in the afternoon, not the stuff Pratt has been shoveling out.
I just want the real Aidan back! There are so many stories that the writers could write for Aidan. so many wonderful ideas already. I want to see the writers get back to the basis with Aidan. I want to see Aidan in PI mode investigating the fake Greenlee corpse. I want Aidan and Greenlee back. A rescue adventure story with Aidan would be exciting.
I want Aidan free from lunatic Annie, and in his own lead storyline. Then I want to see Aidan reconnect with Tad. I want to see Aidan in a mystery storyline about who his father is. I would love it if Aidan turned out to be Adam Chandler's son. Maybe Adam had an affair with Aidan's mother while he was in London on business. Imagine the family dinners.
I love the character of Aidan Devane, and it's a shame the writers won't utilize him and capitalize on his popularity with the fans. Aiden Turner deserve to lead his own storyline, and Aidan shouldn't be used as plot in stories for any character. I want to see Aidan tied to a major family in Pine Valley. I like the idea of the writers creating a mystery story around who Aidan father is. Maybe Anna could be part of Aidan's story.
Aidan Devane is one of my all time favorite leading men on AMC. It kills me that Pratt doesn't write for him, instead only uses him to push stories for other characters. I want to see Aidan deal with the fake Greenlee corpse. There is no way Aidan would see that corpse, and not know that it isn't Greenlee. Aidan would be off rescuing Greenlee so fast it would make Ryan overblown airtime hogging head spins. Why isn't Pratt letting Aidan investigate Greenlee's death, instead of making him look like a moron with Annie? I want to see Aidan rescue Greenlee, and then I want to see them fall in love all over again.
I want Aidan to have a compelling story dealing with something real.. Maybe bring in a brother or sister for him. I'm tired of Aidan being a 3rd party in stories. He need his own story. There is so much that we don't know about Aidan, and I would love to see Pratt explore him more. I would also like to see Aidan get another shot with Greenlee if she comes back. Aidan and Greenlee was amazing together, and they ended too soon.
If anyone on AMC deserves a storyline it's Aidan Devane. He is sexy, strong, romantic, mysterious and drop dead gorgeous. I'm tired of Aidan always getting hand me down-left over stories from Ryan. I would like to see the writers create a story for Aidan and about Aidan. Aidan past is some what of a mystery. The writers should captalize on that. And pairing him with Greenlee again would be a real plus. They had it going on until they were ruined for toxic ruinlee.
I am tired of Aidan being wasted in worthless storylines pimping other characters. I want to see Aidan Devane in a story written for him, and one that focuses on him. There is so much story potential for Aidan. I think Aiden Turner would rock in a James Bond 007 adventure type storyline. He is gorgeous, and have an accident to die for. What's not to love about Aidan Devane!
I want to see Aidan in a decent storyline where he isn't made to look like a total and complete fool to prop another character. Aidan deserves better than that. Maybe the writers should bring back Greenlee for Aidan. They were AMC's most exciting couple for a while, and I always thought they had the potential to be great.
It's high time Aidan Devane had a lead storyline of his own. I would love to see Aidan involved in some kind of mystery.. He is such a sneak. It would be fun to watch.
I have loved the character of Aidan Devane for 7 years, and it's disappointing to see him relegated to being a plot device for other characters. Aiden Turner deserves to have a storyline where his character is the focus, and isn't used as a tool for someone else. Come on writers give Aidan a decent storyline please! Let Aidan next adventure be the mystery of the Greenlee corpse. Give special operations Aidan Devane his romantic hero groove back.
Aidan definitely need his own storyline. Aiden Turner is more than capable of carrying his own story, and I'm dying to see Aidan be the focus for change. The possible stories for Aidan are endless. The writers just need to invest in the character and write for him.
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Pratt and Frons need to give Erica a real compelling story and stop this stupid Adam/Annie/Ryan garbage. It's beheath her. She needs to have a health crisis to battle, which will bring Jackson back to her side where he belongs. They fight the good fight and end up back together. That's good old fashioned soap romance that keeps you rooting for the couple and gives them an obstacle that is not another boring 3rd party. That's what I want to see.
I would love to see a story on who Aidan's father is! Zach and Aidan as half brothers would be oh so fun to watch! Come to think of it JR and Aidan as half brothers would be more fun to watch! Since the A-team has gone south I would love it if Sabine Singh would be brought back as a new love interest for Aidan since we know Greenlee would only be brought back for Ryan (gag) AT is a great actor and the only reason I watch now a days!
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I want the writers to write a story for Aidan Devane.. I am tired of seeing Aidan used as a plot device. Aidan is a leading man just like Zach and Ryan. I don't understand why the writers refuse to write for Aidan. The writers neglect of Aidan is making me angry.
Michael, I LOVE your latest column (7/15) and I am one of those angry, FORMER viewers, that HATES this repulsive Ryan/Erica idea for all of the reasons you state, but especially for that last one. JErica belong together. We longtime viewers have walked every step with them for 22 years. We were jerked around waiting for a wedding , and that took 18 years to get, and they only allowed us 15 minutes of a marriage before blowing it up by making Erica look like a pathetic woman who needs to have sex with men she doesn't love or want, instead of working things out with Jack. The K/M family was magic, a perfect blend of everything we loved. Walt Willey is worth writing for. He is still sexy, handsome, and charming, and he and Susan Lucci sitll have that amazing chemistry they began with. They are as popular as ever so why won't AMC write for them? I have tuned OUT and will not be coming back until AMC makes things right. I will NEVER watch Erica with her grandson's father that's for sure.
Another Ryan/Erica hater and former viewer here. I quit when they killed off Dixie with poisoned pancakes and this show has only gone downhill from there. When I read they were pairing Erica with Ryan Lavery, of all people, I thanked my lucky stars that I had stopped watching before this travesty. They know the fans want Erica and Jack and Tad and Dixie, but yet they don't care to give it to us. Now I'm watching Cady on ATWT and I am not watching AMC at all. As a Erica/Jack fan, if they reunited them, put the family back together (Reggie, Lily, Greenlee, Bianca, etc) I would come back and watch them, though I am still protesting the rest of the show because of Dixie. The Zen/Ryan hour is not for me.
Great column. Ryan /Erica NOT watchable. Erica/Jackson is the reason I haven't left the show yet. However, if they keep treated Jack the way they are, that may change and soon.
I am not watching AMC as of now for several reasons, the number one being that Erica and Jack are not together. If the Montgomery/Kane family was to be reunited , then and only then would I tune back in to a show that I once enjoyed, but now find to be a snooze. Loved your column, Michael. You are right on target.
Michael K. you ROCK! I love that an editor isn't afraid to say what he thinks, to side with the fans, and to take TPTB to task for making a huge, foolish mistake that has already cost them viewers (I saw the latest ratings). With the daytime media being in such dire straights, it would behoove TPTB to hang on to their vets; to their popular characters; and to their popular pairings, rather than playing bed-hopping with people who don't make sense together. Erica and Ryan are one such couple. I read your magazine every week, and most of the time there is a letter or acknowledgement of the JErica fan contingent, so they know they are popular and they know what the fans want to see. Why aren't we seeing them? That's the question I would love to hear/see Pratt/Frons/Carruthers answer. I already know I won't agree with whatever they say but it would be nice to find out why they won't give the fans what they want
Jack and Erica belong together. I cannot stand to see her with anyone else, let alone Ryan Lavery. Ugh. More Aidan would be great! I used to love his character. He is wasted and deserves more air time.
There is only one way I'd watch this Erica/Ryan storyline. If Erica is playing him to give Jackson a wakeup call and it works. That's the only way I'll watch.
Charles Pratt is the worst thing to happen to AMC in a long time. B&E weren't much better. Since AMC brought the "unabortion" story on board, AMC has been sinking fast. What better way to end the show for good than to have Erica smoozing with God-Awful Ryan Lavery. If that doesn't end the show for good nothing will. Erica/Jack and the K/M family were the best thing to happen to AMC in years. They were diverse, dysfunctional, fun, snarky. but when the chips were down, nobody, but nobody, would hurt or come between any of them. We don't have a family like that anymore. What a shame they chucked it all ( no pun intended) for tornadoes that killed people we don't care about; babies that are continually at death's door; children emotionally abused by their parents idiotic actions; vets being tossed aside for newbies nobody cares about, etc, etc. The AMC I loved once is no more.
Loved your column Mr. Karol. I am not going to be watching Erica with that jerk Ryan Lavery, who seems to think that he is the owner of Kane/Montgomery women and must bed them all. Too bad he doesn't have chemistry with one of them. To hear Erica spouting off that she never met a man with his integrity and honesty before , is a crock. She's been in love with a man for over 20 years who is the epitome of those qualities, and in fact, couldn't lie on the witness stand years ago when Erica wanted him to so she could get custody of Bianca. Jackson is THE MAN for so many reasons and I am sick and tired of AMC's execs forgetting the past and rewriting history. They are losing another viewer because no way I'm watching Erica with a man who has bedded and been engaged or married, to her daugther and step-daughter. It's too sick for me.
I hate what AMC is doing to Erica. Listening her slobber over Ryan and telling him that he is the right man for her, makes me sick, especically since the RIGHT MAN for her is Jackson. I don't like that AMC is keeping them away from one another, letting Jack have little airtime, and now put another block between he, Kendall, and Erica with that stupid Greenlee accident reveal. Why is AMC doing this to one of it's best couples. I can't bear to watch anymore.
Not only is Jack and JErica being sacrificed for this uninteresting, revolting, lunacy, but now AMC is shafting the Walt Willey fans by writing him out of the show for an "undisclosed" amount of time. Well, AMC, this fan will be leaving AMC for an "undisclosed" amount of time until you stop this ickfest of R/E and bring back our JERICA.
I enjoy reading your blogs. But I would have to strongly disagree with your recent statement. "Fans are tired of the focus being on Zach and Kendall and Ryan." Fans ARE tired of Ryan being shoved into Zach & Kendall's storyline. Fans are REALLY tired of not being able to talk about Z/K without Ryan being tossed into the mix. Enough already. Fans are tired of Ryan period-hypocritcal, sanctimonious & a know it all. I hate Ryan & I dislike him being an interloper in ALL Z/K storylines. I am still waiting for an independent Z/K storyline. Ryan/Zach should not even be speaking let alone working together. UGH. And now we hear Erica propping Ryan's virtues? Not long ago she was rightly calling him out on his faults? Blind adoration is not a way to get fans of this "new" pairing. If Z/K's popularity has waned,its because of Ryan & because of Pratt's nonsensical writing for the characters. Free Z/K from Ryan & their popularity will be obvious. They are AMC's #1
I strongly disagree with your statement that "Fans are tired of the focus being on Zen story". The majority of fans are sick too death of "The Ryan Lavery/Fake Liza Hour". Ryan is the most hated character in daytime & I don't mean love to hate. Ryan is in every single story, every scene, and every character is damaged to prop him. After months of cheering Erica on for calling Ryan on his vile behavior. Now, she's praising him for his vile behavior. Why? Couples/characters are destroyed/damaged for the sole purpose of propping Ryan. ITA with those who say "FREE Zen From Ryan". Free AMC from Ryan. Fake Liza is another useless, disgusting character that is shoved down our throats. Frons/Pratt's pets need to go. Fans want a Ryan/Fake Liza free AMC & A Pratt free AMC. The problem isn't Zendall being on so much, it's Zendall can't have a story unless the vapid Ryan is shoved into it. It's a shame that the great Erica Kane is now on Ryan propping duties, whil
I loved your column and ITA on everything. I hate Ryan period and I am so bored by Zendall it's not funny. Sacrificing Erica Kane to prop loser Lavery is too much for me. She and Jack belong together and to see/hear Erica prop that other jerk is too much for me and I can't watch it anymore. Is that what AMC wants?
This is one viewer who has already left the pitiful waste that was once a great show. Pratt was the worst thing to happen to AMC ever. He and Frons have buried it and I dont see it ever coming back. Now that they have dashed the hopes of all Jackson and J/E fans, I don't even care if AMC is no more. It's what they deserve.
I strongly disagree with you comments about Zach and Kendall and I laugh when I see people complain that they've taken over the show. When? They were barely on in June and they've shared very little screen time in July. If you want to look at the culprits who are eating up the show, look no further than Ryan, Liza and Annie, three of the most unlikable characters to ever grace a TV screen. To be subjected to these three have led to plummeting ratings. And let's not forget that "brillant" Fake A Dead baby storyline for Jamanda that made the entire show ground to a halt in June. However, the biggest problem AMC has is the head writer Charles Pratt who gives a whole new meaning to "incompetence". This man has failed to execute one good storyline since he was hired. Each decision he has made has further damanged the show.
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Aidan and Greenlee are magic and should by all means be reunited when Greenlee finally reappears and it should only be Aidan to bring her home. Forget Ryan and rebuild Aidan and Greenlee and they will once again be the the HOT Couple AMC desparately needs and the couple viewers what to invest in and follow. Pratt needs to give up trying to make Ryan the romance king of PV and get Jackson back to make things right with his "Love" EK. We viewers know Aidan would never give up on Greenlee, he would search until he found her which is THE STORY Aidan deserves and viewers finally get what we want: Aidan and Greenlee finally reunited. Let them fight and struggle to get their life back but Greenlee belongs with Aidan and Erica belongs with Jack. Who even cares what Ryan thinks, give him Annie. Aidan deserves more than he's been dealt by Pratt. AMC, if you want better ratings and more viewers tuning in, listen up: TPTB pay attention and start getting it right for the fans....time is running out and we de
Thank you Michael for saying what Ailee fans have been saying for quite a bit, Aidan saw that body in Conn and knows its not Greenlee I refuse to believe that he wouldnt want to know where Greenlee really is if not dead,thats what Aidan should have been doing instead of wasting how many months with succubus leach Annie Lavery, who wasted no time in dumping Aidan to move on to her next prey Adam Chandler, those are months of Aidan's life he cant ever get back. If Pratt had any brains he could have had Aidan working with Jackson to find Greenlee's whereabouts. When are the TPTB understand Ryan with Greenlee equals unwatchable, Aidan with Greenlee equals watchable
THANK YOU MICHAEL for another spot on column about the pukefest that is Ryan/Erica and the popular choice with is our beloved Jack and Erica. I can't bring myself to watch Erica these days and I haven't watched one moment of this disgusting attempted pairing. Seeing Jack, as gorgeous as ever, being shipped off to Europe without a scene with Erica, angers me to no end. Of course, we know why there wasn't a scene between them. How can they continue to try to sell Ryan when Jack is around, LOL. No contest and they know it. They know that the JErica fanbase will only grow larger and more vocal and that ticks them off. Well too bad. We are NOT giving up our fight to reunite our couple and bring one of our beloved 20 plus year vets back to the forefront. Thank you for your support and not being afraid to voice it..BTW I also love the Greens/Aidan idea. Georgianne/CoFounder of The Jackson Posse http://www.thejacksonposse.com
Add me to the long list of viewers who won't watch Erica with Ryan and want Jackson and Erica back together. The way Jack was shipped off to Europe without a final scene with Erica is appalling but hardly surprising from this regime that has no respect for the show's history or its viewers. If Jackson doesn't come back from Europe, this viewer won't be coming back either.
Awesome column! I agree with you about bringing back Greenlee, and pairing her with Aidan. I really enjoyed Aidan and Greenlee as a couple, and thought they had so much potential. I would love to see them get a second chance.
Thank you for another great column! I would love to see Greenlee back, and paired with Aidan. Aidan and Greenlee rocked before they were ruined for the Rylee pukefest.. There is so much story left to tell with Aidan and Greenlee..
Thank you so much, Mr Karol, for telling it like it SHOULD be! I agree with your comments about Aidan and Greens. It soon will be the perfect time to reunite them. Mr Pratt should start writing Aidan IN character. Aidan would never have let Greens go like that. And when he recognized that the body wasn't Greens, he would not have stopped until he found out what happened to her and where she really was. Not only that but he would never have let Jack think that his daughter was dead if he had ANY doubts about the identification of the body. Mr Pratt will go a long way to start rectifying what is wrong with AMC if he starts writing ALL the characters in character and not these campy, cartoonish versions of the characters we have loved for years. I would like to see your scenario for Aidan and Greenlee and Jack and Erica play out on screen. As it is now, I hardly pay a lot of attention to what is going on most days because most of the plots are about newbies and the vets are only background if on at all. S
Once again you write a perfect column that I agree 100 % with. I will never watch Ryan and Erica together. The only man i want to see Erica with is Jackson. The fans love Jack and Erica and it seems like their fanbase just grows bigger and bigger all the time. Reunite Jerica is all I can say and I also love your Greenlee/Aidan idea. THANK YOU FOR A GREAT COLUMN.
Once again you are the voice of the people. You are talking about my two favorite couples, Erica/Jack and Aidan/Greenlee. I would love to see Aidan/Jack get a hint that Greens could be alive (and the perfect person to figure it out would be Erica which would bring her and Jack together as they all try to find the truth) which would result in a storyline for this great foursome. Only PLEASE can we be spared Ryan and Zach butting in and taking that storyline over too? I am so sick and tired of both of them and the never ending promotion of two men who bore me to tears.
Once again you nailed it Mr. Karol!(claps) Too bad the AMC writers aren't listening. Aidan and Greenlee shouldn't have ended to push toxic Rylee, and to give Ryan a story in the first place. Aidan and Greenlee fans were robbed to push a deadbeat couple that most fans don't even care about. Now the same thing is happening to Jerica. There is absolutely no reason for this pairing between Ryan and his son's grandmother. Ryan/Erica pairing just like Ryan/Greenlee is a complete turn off. I would love to see Adian and Greenlee get a do-over. Until the Ryan loving writers stop pushing their own agendas, and listen to their viewers, AMC will continue to suffer.
Once again you nailed it Mr. Karol! Great column! Too bad the AMC writers aren't listening. Aidan and Greenlee was wonderful together. The writers never should have ended them to push toxic Rylee and to give Ryan a story. Aidan and Greenlee fans were robbed to pimp a deadbeat couple that most fans do not care about. Now the same thing is happening to Jerica. There is absolutely no reason to pair Ryan with his son's grandmother. Just like Rylee, Ryerica is a complete turn off. I would love to see a Aidan and Greenlee do-over.. Until the Ryan loving writers stop pushing their own agenda, and listen to their audience. AMC will continue to fall in the ratings.
You haven't been studying the ratings too closely or you would also notice that during this summer each time the ABC promo for the week and the majority of articles focused on the moronic Amanda/Jake Dead Baby storyline or something other than Kendall/Zendall the ratings have DROPPED. Look back over the summer ratings, the proof is in the numbers. When the ABC commercial and the articles in magazines like your's have focused on Kendall or Zach/Kendall in some way, those weeks have seen rises in either total viewers and/or ratings points. ALL and I do mean ALL other storylines have dropped the ratings. I think there was only one week where the Jake/Amanda storyline was the focus of promotion where there was a rise in ratings, but that was early in the summer before the true extent of the idiocy of these characters and the story they're saddled with became known. YOU may not like them, but obviously, Zach and Kendall are the lifeblood for AMC.
I happily admit to being one of the reasons the ratings are down on AMC. I will never watch Erica with a Lavery and now that Jack has been dismissed, I owe them no loyalty. Maybe one of these days Pratt/Frons will get it and give the fans what they want, if of course, there are any fans left by then.
Thanks for seeing what we see, Mr. Karol. Ryan and Erica? UGH is right. I was nauseous watching them the other day. Erica should have been walking down that street with her beloved Jackson. What is wrong with the folks at AMC?
Thank god for DVR's I fast forward through Erica and Ryan! Yuck-O... AMC needs to give Erica a real storyline, she doesnt have a home, or a job or meaning on that show...cougar? More like skunk this storyline with Ryan stinks! Loved Aidan and Greenlee when there were together. (And Aidan needs air time!) Over Ryan and Greenlee! (if she is "alive" leave them dead...) Loving Jake and Amanda! Always love the Slaters!
Would have been nice if we could have seen B&B accept their award and see the cast and crew on stage. Could have done without Vanessa's second song and dance with Giles. Why was Giles even there? I could have done without him altogether. Rachael should have read the winner, not him. And Jennie was superfluous. I wondered if she was going to say anything.
Ryan and Erica is barely a step up from the awfulness that was Ryan and Greenlee. Greenlee was the love of Ryan's life like bagels are my son's favorite lunch - my son's favorite lunch changes by the week!!! But you got the right idea with putting Aidan and Greenlee back together. That's the best couple on All My Children since Greenlee and Leo! They deserve another chance - away from Ryan who has made Greenlee unwatchable from the second they were first paired.
Erica with Ryan is making me physically ill and I won't be watching any of it anymore. Where is her and our beloved Jackson? Why is AMC making a huge mistake by forsaking a Supercouple that the fans want to see and who have had a long history and following? I just don't get AMC anymore and honestly, I'm beginnng not to care.
AMC is as low as it could ever go, IMO. I stopped watching months ago when they dissed Erica/Jackson as a couple , but now the cougar thing is beyond entertainment and I won't be tuning in until that ends and they smarten up, bring Jackson home, and do what they should have done long ago, make them be the core couple of the show. What they are doing to Aidan is also disgusting from what I've read. He has always been a good guy, a hero type, and suddenly we are supposed to believe he'd turn? How stupid do TIIC think we are?
Thank you, Thank you. I thought that I was the only person out there that simply regurgitate whenever Ryan's on. He is the worse actor ever, he over acts and is more over the top than any other actor ever. Ryan totally makes me sick. As for the powers that be, if you think Ryan's sexy, think again. He is not a turn on he's a total bore. I ditto all of the insightful writers regarding the poor writing that's taking away our beloved AMC. I've always and still do love my Erica Kane, but I can't endure seeing her with the poor inept Ryan. Evidently the writers don't like to listen to the people who really make them successful, if they did Jackson and Aidan would still be around. Maybe they want to lose their jobs or see the show canceled, because that's just what will happen if they keep on promoting an actor that no one likes and not listening to fans. I will not support Erica/Ryan story line, and please get rid of Annie, she makes me double over in pain. Poor, poor. ch
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