Thinking Fans Comment Update Sept. 30: Matthew Cormier wonders why Stephanie is so jealous of Brooke … jefhamlin says it all started with Beth Logan … and Cherry Ames says the marvelous Susan Flannery almost makes her want to watch B&B, but not quite. See Comments below.
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By Damon L. Jacobs
Soap operas are unique in their ability to slowly portray a character’s bad behaviors, tragic downfall, and ultimate redemption. But lately I’ve been troubled by the vehemence of the anger, blame, and finger-pointing OFF screen. We have all recently seen actors, producers, anonymous bloggers and even journalists engage in attack, blame, and judging. My feeling is that many are ignoring the most consistent and essential thread in the soaps’ history: Good people do messed up things when they are afraid. If someone is in pain or insecure, they are more likely to lash out at others than to ask for help. They deserve empathy and understanding, not attack. Case in point: Stephanie Forrester.
When we first met Stephanie in 1987, we were introduced to a stylistic, calm, rational business woman (played from the start by Susan Flannery) who had a tendency to meddle a bit too much in her children’s love lives, especially [Read more...]
