By Marlena De Lacroix What's a soap critic to do? There are only six soaps. I have a long memory and remember the very early 90s, when Bill Bell originated the homeless storyline with Stephanie, which way proceeded the current one. Ken Corday is an enemy of free speech; he sought to destroy the critical arm of Soap Opera Weekly years ago. But … [Read more...]
Archives for 2010
Wrong is Right
October 8, 2010 by 9 Comments
By Marlena De Lacroix I have to say I almost choked when I heard that Frank Valentini and Ron Carlivati were re-signed to One Life to Live. Isn't this show dead last in the ratings and going even further south? Aren't they the duo that made Dorian a Valley of the Dolls shrew, had Todd sleep with Marty his prior rape victim, exiled the only gay … [Read more...]
As the World Turns Stops: Sobs! All Those Afternoons!
September 8, 2010 by 16 Comments
By Marlena De Lacroix When I was in high school I was noted for spending my afternoons watching soap operas and eating cole slaw. Decades later, I am sobbing ... and I mean real big salty tears ... into my slaw as As the World Turns is drawing to a close, heading to With the end of As the World Turns, let’s celebrate soaps. Our memories of … [Read more...]
Ban James Franco from Daytime!
August 11, 2010 by 12 Comments
By Marlena De Lacroix Publicity whores! Marlena hates them! I'm so sorry that my otherwise carefree, wonderful summer was interrupted by my rants to friends visiting our summer cabin about how James Franco has taken over the daytime world this year. Not just with his repeated visits to General Hospital as Franco, but his egotistical appearances … [Read more...]
What’s a Daytime Emmy Year Without Complaining? Or Even Watching?
June 30, 2010 by 10 Comments
For a full report on the Viva Las Vegas Daytime Emmys, read the post following this one by Marlena's friend, TV columnist Ed Martin. But first ... ____________________________________ By Marlena De Lacroix Due to a car malfunction, Moose, Nigel and I had to stay away an extra day this past Sunday, (delightfully) stranded in … [Read more...]
Daytime Emmys Downplay Soaps, Celebrate Las Vegas
June 29, 2010 by 3 Comments
By Ed Martin One could find worse ways to spend a lazy summer evening than watching a live awards show from Las Vegas featuring many current top acts from shows along the strip. But when I sat down to watch CBS' presentation of the 37th annual Daytime Emmy Awards on Sunday I was looking for a celebration of daytime programming -- and I didn't … [Read more...]
What’s That Smell?
June 8, 2010 by 14 Comments
By Marlena De Lacroix On Saturday, my husband Moose and I were driving on a back road through the Pennsylvania woods to have dinner at a very good restaurant. Suddenly a familiar tell-tale putrid smell entered the car. Skunk! I gasped and a few seconds later my eyes welled up in tears. No, the tears didn't come from the intensity of … [Read more...]
The Sadness of the Long Running Soap Fan
April 30, 2010 by 21 Comments
By Marlena De Lacroix When most longtime watchers get disenchanted or downright disgusted with their old soaps, they are usually angry. We've all invested years of our lives and our deep feelings in this genre. Now, it's gotten to the point where I'm not angry anymore. As we watch the final act of daytime soap opera, I just find myself … [Read more...]
