The Young and the Restless’ Victor Newman In Crisis: Our Soap Shrink To the Rescue!

Thinking Fans Comment Update October 10: Matthew Cormier argues for more long-term, in-depth character development instead of  "crazy plot-driven one-day-at-a-time crap." See Comments below. _________________________  By Damon L. Jacobs It's not easy being The Young and the Restless'  Victor Newman.  Finding love with a woman half his age … [Read more...]

A General Hospital (Bang Bang!) Double Header

Thinking Fans Comment Update October 2:  Lois chronicles soaps'  long history of bloody brides (who knew?) ... Cat complains that The Shooting was ripped off from The Godfather Part III ... while Cyber is just tired of bad, repetitive writing ... and more. See Comments below.  ______________________________  The occasion of yet another … [Read more...]

A Soap Shrink Special: The Valuable Lesson You Can Learn From The Bold and the Beautiful’s Stephanie Forrester

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.  __________________________  By Damon L. Jacobs Soap operas … [Read more...]

General Hospital: Night Shift Pulls a Stunner!

Thinking Fans Comment Update Sept. 26: pjs reports that his tear ducts got a work-out ... Nancy wishes Night Shift could become home to neglected soap veterans ... Marilyn Henry reflects on other great soap scenes ... and more. See Comments below.  _________________________  By Marlena De Lacroix Last night I unexpectedly saw the best soap … [Read more...]

He’s Back: Paul Rauch for Real!

Thinking Fans Comment Update Sept. 20:  Christian in Boston loved Rauch's OLTL except for the lighting (bring sunglasses!) ... James expresses respect ... but Cherry Ames lists Rauch's soap sins, chapter and verse ... and more. See Comments below.  ____________________  By Marlena De Lacroix Paul Rauch. That name may send you screaming … [Read more...]

A Descent into Prime Time: 90210 and Gossip Girl

Marlena has always looked down her nose at prime time soaps (at least those post-Dynasty and Knots Landing.)  Years ago at SOW I even wrote a column called "Who Needs Beverly Hills 90210?" and to my surrpise,  thousand of young fans wrote in and said, "We do! We do!" So although the new 90210 and Gossip Girl are not theoretically fodder for my … [Read more...]

Marlena Says: Take Me Home to Pine Valley

Thinking Fans Comment Update Sept. 16:  James recalls shopping and dining in old Pine Valley ... Kel agrees it's too soon to judge the new headwriter ... Brandon opines even bad Pine Valley circa 1997 beats today's incarnation ...and more. See Comments below. ______________________ By Marlena De Lacroix All My Children was always my … [Read more...]

Theater Review: One Life To Live’s Peter Bartlett in What’s That Smell? The Music of Jacob Sterling

By Marlena De Lacroix Wednesday night I LMAO and in addition laughed so often I had tears and mascara running down my face. I attended a preview of  What's That Smell? The Music of Jacob  Sterling, a "comedy with vocal selections" starring David Pittu (Tony nominated for Is He Dead?)  and our own beloved Peter Bartlett (Nigel, One Life to … [Read more...]

From Bad to Good or Good To Bad: Seven Soap Characters Who Changed Before Our Eyes

Thinking Fans Comment Update Sept. 9:  Sina nominates Maxie Jones ... Greg would include Vanessa Chamberlain ...  Aaron misses Annie Dutton ... and more. See Comments below.  ________________________  By Patrick Erwin It's been interesting to watch recent scenes with Melissa Claire Egan as Annie on All My Children. Once a good girl, Annie … [Read more...]

Soap Shrink: Is One Life to Live’s Blair Cramer a Tramp or an Icon of Female Empowerment?

Thinking Fans Comment Update Sept. 4:  Matthew Cormier suggests a no sex vow might help Blair heal ... Johnny, however, can't fathom the randy Blair in therapy ... and more. See Comments below.  _________________________ By Damon L. Jacobs You've got to hand it to Blair Cramer.  She may have grown up in foster homes, she may have a nasty … [Read more...]