November 11, 2003

So what's going on with the change?  I set up the new column last night and sure enough, someone I hadn't heard of had the name, so I've changed over to a new title.  Hope it's no too confusing for folks and my apologies to the folks who were already using Diva Dish!  I really didn't know you were there.

Sage has posted a pre-leaving note (I won't say Good-bye!) in his journal. 

Sage's Last Entry Before Leaving

Welcome!

It's with a heavy heart that I assume the gossip columnist role from our dear friend, Sage.  If you have not heard of Sage's departure, the details are here. 

I have a slightly different style of writing from Sage, but I hope you'll enjoy my forthcoming columns as you have enjoyed his.  Of course, there *is* no adequate replacement for Sage, so we will hope that while it might not be exactly the same, it can be different and still fun and informative.  He has left me with some big shoes to fill (and you know how hard it is to fit into size 13 lilac pumps!).  I'll do my best to do right by you folks, to keep you posted on what Sage is up to in his travels and all that I can dig up about our ABC soaps!

If you take a moment to explore the "Essential Linkage" drop down menu above, you'll find more information on me, personally, as well as other pertinent columns.  I do realize that a lot of Sage's fans never even knew there was an entire website attached to his work, so feel free to explore Eye on Soaps.  I'm sure you'll find  a voice that you will enjoy amongst our many and diverse commentary columnists.

Sage has also promised to keep us posted on his travels and adventures through a live journal I've set up for him to access on the road.  You'll find it here and also in the drop down menu above.  He will update as he can.

None of this is coming out right because I'm really going to miss my friend and it feels funky to be writing *his* column.

Anyway, on with the soaps...
 

AMC

Lovin on the rooftop does NOT mean a warm (especially in November!) reunion for Kendall and Ryan.  Almost immediately, Kendall makes Ryan fully aware that their tryst was a mistake and that she's going to fight him tooth and claw for the Cambias fortune.  Later, when Ryan finds Binaca's sonogram picture (Why don't they just take out a full page ad in the Pine Valley Bulletin and post Bianca's peanut picture there?  The entire population of the town has already seen it and furrowed their collective brow while puzzling THAT one out), he starts to put the clues together while the Jeopardy theme song plays in the background (What is Bianca's Pregnant?). Kendall then  claims the picture as her own (Having had a ton of ultrasounds, I'm betting the fact that most hospitals print the mother's name on the picture might be an issue for her) and tells a skeptical Ryan that she's carrying the Cambias heir (why she didn't bring that up before is going to be a mystery for her to explain, I'm sure).  Whether Ryan ends up with Kendall or Greenlee is still in the "TBD" file.  (psst:  "to be determined)

One thing that IS determined is that the road for Kendall and Erica is still very, very rocky and their intermittent moments of peace and love will be few and far between.

I would like to reiterate what  Sage has been saying regarding the ultimate reunion between Lena and Bianca.  You'll see more movement in that direction this week and ABC is NOT planning at this time to back down on the story.  They're just taking their sweet time getting there, to the frustration of the many fans of the couple.  When Lena dodges the legal bullet, she and Bianca will continue to be drawn to one another with Maggie pulling strings here and there to encourage Bianca to follow her heart.

Bold and Beautiful Bobbie Eakes (ex-Macy) will be showing up on December 8th as Babe's bawdy mother, [insert gwaffaw here] Krystal Carrington.  It's expected that she will be introduced as a love interest for Tad, but look for sparks to fly between Krystal and Adam as AMC does it's litmus test for actor chemistry.  The boards are already buzzing with comparisons between Krystal and Arlene and she hasn't even hit the screen just yet.  Given my affection for Arlene, I hope AMC can pull this character together with something akin to the same pizzazz afforded to and generated by Olivia Birkelund.

ABC is doing its best to generate intrigue and interest around Babe/JR/Jamie, not only by getting Mary and Adam tightly involved in the story (a good move since the dynamics between the two of them adds spark to the dullest of stories), but also by using the crossover tactic of moving Babe (Alexa Havin) over to OLTL to intermingle with Paul (Don't feel bad if you have to take a second to remember who Paul actually is... he's Kelly's newfound brother, played by Brock Cuchna).  Interestingly enough, When Babe crosses over, she and Paul will be spied upon by David and Dorian, who have a lot of the same spark as Adam and Mary, only in reverse.  The character of Paul will also be crossing over to AMC.  All of this soap inbreeding begins on November 17th with Cuchna to AMC, then Havin shows up on OLTL on the 21st.  Babe has ammo and she's not afraid to use it, by the way.  When Adam gets more aggressive about getting her out of town, she comes right back at him with the juicy info she gained while eavesdropping on his conversation with Erica.

It has long been said that a happy couple is a boring couple and that a fifth wheel is just in the way.  Sadly, that seems to be how AMC is viewing veteran actors, Eva LaRue, John Callhan and Julia Barr.  All three have been rumored to be in limbo in regard to their contract status, as is David Canary, who is actually getting more air time lately than the three others put together.  With orders being issued by upstairs offices at ABC to trim off the dead wood, all three ABC soaps have been using tactics to dump off actors they haven't been using.  Also to be considered is the old EP rule of character creation.  Executive Producers of the individual shows receive residuals for each of the characters created under their tenure and continue to do so as long as those characters are continued on the show (it's the character that is considered, not the actor playing the role). When more money needs to be freed up for a show, an easy way to do it is to start eliminating characters created by a former regime.  That creates two reasons why we see a good bit of change in a show's cast within a year or two of a new EP taking over the show (the time factor being dependent upon how iron clad the contract is of the actor on the chopping block).  It's also why you'll often see characters discontinued in batches, most of whom likely came onto the show around the same time.  They have to free up money to hire in new faces, for which the current EP may take credit for creating (and set up their own retirement fund), plus the newcomers (raiding the modeling pool, these days) can often be hired in at a fraction of the salary plus residuals that the veterans cost the show.  Less money is spent on cast expenses and the current EP gets to start nest feathering.
 

OLTL

After too many long years of veteran fans begging and pleading, of hotline comments saying, "I'm here, I'm willing and they just aren't calling" and new OLTL fans saying, "What IS the big deal about Dorian??" OLTL finally threw us a bone and signed Robin Strasser back to her role as (well, the other one, darlin) reigning Diva of ABC Daytime, Dr. Dorian Cramer Lord Callison Vickers Hays Laurence.  Since her return to OLTL in February of this year, the show has not seemed to quite know what to do with her (another drawback to new EP's, new writers and new highers up who just don't get the veteran characters and don't really care to learn more about them).   Although Dorian has been a delight, she has been lacking her own story (apart from the five minutes that she was Mrs. Mitch Laurence) and the character has primarily been driven by the dynamic performance of Ms Strasser and the chemistry she shows with the actors with whom she is paired.  Particularly delightful is her renewed "relationship" (if you can call it that) with ex-husband, David Vickers.  This will continue to be explored as they both take a deep interest in Paul, Kelly's prodigal brother who has recently showed up in the form of Brock Cuchna.  When Alexa Havins (Babe from AMC) crosses over next week, David and Dorian will be spying on the two, not realizing that she's actually Mrs. Adam Chandler, Jr. 

Rumors that Hillary B. Smith is leaving OLTL and will be replaced out by Nancy Lee Grahn appear to be false.  In fact, one source laughed out loud when I went fishing for info on a possible exit for HBS.  I'd previously heard that inroads were being made to bond Matthew and Bo because Nora was set up to be a victim of the music box killer, leaving poor Matthew orphaned and to be raised by Bo and Gabrielle, which would help her work through her grief over losing Al.  Evidently, at this point the plan is the direct opposite of that, with Gabrielle set to be killed off and a Bo and Nora reunion in the works.  I loved Bo and Nora, but the idea that it's a ship long since sailed rings in my head, along with the idea that poor Gabrielle is going to get to heaven and find that Al just ain't there!  In the near future, we'll see Bo, Nora and Matthew spending time at Asa's.

Asa will also be imparting his grandfatherly-in-law wisdom to Kelly, advising that she fight for her marriage and not give up so easily, despite her protests that it's really Blair that her husband loves and wants.  Kevin then lies his face off to Asa.  If you recently heard that the OLTL set was closed for a special shoot, it was because the love scene between Kevin and Blair that is upcoming is extremely steamy, even going so far as to require a parental warning before the episode airs.  Blair and Walker will finally wed with Blair wearing a much more attractive dress than in her previous aborted wedding.  At that time, almost everyone in the room except Blair will know the truth about Todd, including Viki. 

On December 10th, Matthew Ashford will be arriving fresh from DOOL to portray Dr. Stephen Haver, a professor at Llanview U.  His character will be interacting with Jessica and will possibly be part of what wrecks the romance between Antonio and Jessica, freeing the El Lion to pursue Evangeline Williamson (OLTL was strongly advised to axe the Jessica-Antonio connection).  Other sources say that Haver's stay is short term and that he will ultimately end up being the music box killer (and music boxes everywhere had best be on their toes since it appears they have their own special killer out and about... I mean, who ever wanted to kill a music box other than the occasional parent who grew weary of hearing the same... frickin... song... over...and...over...and...over...).  From what I've heard, NO ONE knows who the killer will be and as so many others, this story is being created by the seat of the writers' pants.  To me, Mattie is always and forever will be Tommy Hardy, woo-er and kink-partner of Felicia the Scrincher on GH.

As you've heard from Sage and elsewhere, Ty Treadway, Soap Hunk Extraordinaire, will be returning to OLTL on December 10th.  Despite my best hope that it would be as the undead Colin, he will be the psychologically impaired Troy and is also in the running as a candidate for the coveted role of killer of music boxes.  Treadway's stay, sadly, is short term at this point and not much is known about why his character is being resurrected and in what way he will be used.  I'm just glad I'll get to look at him a bit more.  As the bitter victim of a cable company that does not carry SoapNet, I haven't seen him since he was carted away in a straightjacket.  *sigh*  All the good ones are crazy.

I know you've been on the edge of your seat, biting your fingernails down to little nubs, but don't look for a resolution to the high drama and suspense of Where Is Adrianna, Really?!!  River will continue to pine for her and do his best to investigate her whereabouts, to no avail, while Dorian makes more of those mysterious phone calls.

[Oh for the love of Agnes Nixon... I can't believe I'm watching OLTL right now and they have actually uttered the hopelessly sappy idea that Al has to win over Marcie by Valentine's Day.]

Lastly, I HOPE my sons are taking notes from OLTL!  Giving Ma a pink 1962 drop top caddy is definitely a good way to win points and score a fried chicken dinner or two!

GH

Carly's awake and the scenery is GOOD with both Sonny and Alcazar hovering over her, trying to win her confused affections.  It's not going to be an easy path because she'll soon confide to Courtney that she doesn't feel what she should feel for her husband and children.  Feeling pressured, she hides from Michael and Sonny, then ends up on Alcazar's doorstep.  From what I hear, there's no resolution to this anytime soon, but vacations are planned for Tamara Braun, Maurice Benard and Steve Burton in the near future.  Rumors are that the players concerned are open to the idea of shaking up the couples on the set, so really, it's anyone's call at this time as to where the cards will land in this game of 52 actor pick up.

With rumors abuzz about the supposedly imminent departure of Nancy Lee Grahn from the role of Alexis, we were then faced with the info that she would not be participating in the fete of all ABC soap events, Super Soap Weekend in Orlando, Florida.  Spokespeople from Grahn's camp say that there is no word of the actress leaving the show and that her absence from the SSW agenda was due to personal obligations.  A strong romantic story between Alexis and Cameron Lewis has yet to hit front burner, despite network promises of its imminent appearance.  If anything, Lane Davies (Cameron) has been shoved back to the level of being stored in the props closet to the point that rumors (untrue) are now circulating about HIS departure from the show.  Now that custody of Kristina has been returned to Alexis and she no longer needs Cameron's support in order to see her daughter, one has to wonder what connection she will elect to continue with her valiant supporter of the past year.  At this time, NLG is still taping episodes for GH and no solid information regarding her being written off the show has surfaced.

As Karen from Wubs reported her in "Hot Scoops" column, couples are being shaken up right and left, with (I love this line) "new alliances forming and releasing like a dryer sheet in a load of socks."  (She didn't say that and I didn't originate the idea... I just dig it and don't recall who said it first)  Karen did say, quite aptly, that the shake up of the couple is bound to piss off nearly every fan base in some way.  Nikolas and Emily stay hot and heavy.  Zander and Faith form a sexy, unholy pairing.  Dillon gets up close and personal with his newly appointed ward (he's hired by Alcazar to guard his neice, Sage), much to Georgie's dismay.  Skye and Luke are thick as thieves and truly being to understand and appreciate the deviousness of the other.  Sam gets the harsh side of Jax after her interference with his delivery of the Dead Man's Hand to his dying father is too little, too late.  This can be nothing less than foreplay for the couple, I would imagine.  A casting call has gone out for a new man for Maxie, with Kyle fading back into the woodwork.  Courtney gets a kiss from the town Swiss Army Knife man (Brian), giving her a bit of a stir. 

With Constance Towers taping beginning Nov 24th for Christmas airing, fans are speculating about a more permanent return of our favorite femme fatale, as well as daring to hope that any of her delicious children will be returning for our viewing pleasure.  With all of the Cassadines having returned from the dead at some point, I figure anything is possible.  Of course, there's little hope of a Stavros return until MarziPan releases him from the steely grip of her lustful thighs and lets the boy get back to work.  (*tap*tap*tap*)

As Sage feared, Billy Warlock will be leaving with a whimper instead of a bang after six years on the show.  It was recently announced that Warlock would be leaving the show in December after years of watching his character be pushed aside until Sonny or Ned needed a punching bag.  "Eye on Soaps" is happy for him and hopes that he will finally connect with a show that is able to recognize and use his considerable talent. 

The "Friends of Jill" mill was buzzing away when casting of the role of Sam's father, Cody McCall with the quick assessment that it would be in the form of Kale Brown (ex-Sam Rappaport from OLTL).  For those who are unaware of the FOJ policy, the Jill in question is Jill Farren Phelps, current Executive Producer of OLTL and the friends of Jill are the hoard of actors that seem to find a home on whatever show she happens to be heading up at that time.  In this case, very few of her pals have made their way to GH, the only one of note being A Martinez (ex-Roy), who was already on staff when she arrived and left during her time with the show.  What folks have to consider is that at this point, the EP's have very little control over what happens on the shows with the puppet strings reaching much further up than their office.  In this case, the role of McCall went to Days veteran actor, Stanley Kamel. 

ABC, and more specifically GH, has recently met with some fan (and actor) resistance to the amount of skin being displayed by underage actors on the show.  Lindze Letherman (Georgie) and Eileen Boylan (Sage) are both being told to wear up and down to there clothing in character, much to the cringing of the moms in the audience who are wincing at the accentuated pubescent boobies and almostpubic hip huggers.  I'm far from a prude and being a child of the 60's, I'm all for self-expression, but puh-lease, let's afford the sub-18 actors a little dignity if they are uncomfortable wearing clothes from the Ho's-R-Us stores.

Lastly, if anyone has not yet contributed to Eye on Soaps this month to offset the site expenses, please remember that your every donation helps to keep us on the net!  We can't do this without your help.  To donate, please scroll back up to the top of this page or click here, where you can click on the PayPal link or the additional link given for more information.  (Also, if you click on Sheriff Bart, you'll get a surprise .wav - Hey, it's like I'm wav'ing to you!)

Thanks for checking in with me this week, even knowing Our Sage wouldn't be around.  I expect a final update from him to be posted sometime tonight before he hits the road later this week.  Sage, my friend, you'll be missed more than you'll ever know.  Happy trails, Captain!  I'll be around next week with more Diva Dish.

Take care, folks.

PS:  For fun, here's one of the formats I
considered for this column...

http://www.eyeonsoaps.com/rumortest3.htm

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