By Marlena De Lacroix 1. Isn't it most curious that two of the most intelligent women characters in daytime -- Dr. Marty Saybrooke on One Life to Live and fashion mogul Jackie M on The Bold and the Beautiful -- have gone from brunette to blonde in the last few months? Fashion, or just another attempt by the networks/shows to "dumb down" smart … [Read more...]
The Downward Soap Spiral Accelerates
October 10, 2009 by 20 Comments
By Marlena De Lacroix Bonjour, everyone. This November will mark 20th anniversary of my becoming Marlena De Lacroix, soap critic. Marlena's mission has always been to write the truth as I see it, no matter how impolitic. But now, for me -- I repeat, for me -- it's clear that we've reached the end stage of network daytime soap opera, a … [Read more...]
ABC’s Misguided “Sweeps” Tries to Feed Off of Guiding Light’s Death
September 11, 2009 by 12 Comments
By Marlena De Lacroix I usually don't read a lot of previews or spoilers. But what I've seen this week and what I've read for the rest of the month of September alarms me. The ABC soaps seem to think its sweeps month, staging stunts and attention-getting storylines that are de rigueur in crucial ratings-measuring months. September isn't one … [Read more...]
Soap Shrink at Sea: On Deck with All My Children’s Melissa Claire Egan
May 1, 2009 by 1 Comment
By Damon L. Jacobs When I interviewed Melissa Claire Egan (Annie Novak Lavery on All My Children) on SoapNet's "Rock the Soap Cruise," all I kept thinking was, "courage." This young woman has the courage to reach inside herself and expose the deepest parts of her soul every day in front of her audience and in front of her peers. She was … [Read more...]
Soap Shrink at Sea: On Deck with The Young and the Restless’ Elizabeth Hendrickson
April 24, 2009 by 8 Comments
By Damon L. Jacobs Combine the beauty of Jennifer Garner and the comic timing of Debra Messing and what do you get? The hysterically entertaining and insightful Elizabeth Hendrickson! During SoapNet's "Rock the Soap Cruise," we talked about her experiences and life lessons learned from mistakes on All My Children and her current run on The … [Read more...]
Soap Shrink at Sea: On Deck with All My Children’s Bobbie Eakes
April 17, 2009 by 8 Comments
Thinking Bobans (Bobbie fans) on Ms. Eakes: Says renee, "I've become a Boban because of her insightfulness" ... and DSO816, "She's an unheralded and spirited actress" ... and Dana Webb, "She is so down to earth and balanced" ... and more. See Comments below. ______________________________________ By Damon L. Jacobs Before meeting Bobbie … [Read more...]
On the Soap Shrink’s Couch: All My Children’s Annie Lavery
February 4, 2009 by 4 Comments
Thinking Fans Comment update: antmuoz doubts AMC will "actually tell a reality-based story with Annie. But if they did, it might be a daytime first in that it doesn't involve cloning or demonic possession" ... while Matthew objects to AMC's "fear-based portrayal of Bedlam with outdated methods and near criminal activity" ... and more. See Comments … [Read more...]
Marlena’s “Only the Bests” List 2008
December 29, 2008 by 18 Comments
Thinking Fans' picks and pans for 2008: Cherry Ames pans Todd/Marty as "the foulest story ever" ... DSO816 picks the Angie/Jesse reunion ... while Marlene agrees GHNS2 set the bar higher for all soaps ... and more. See Comments below. ________________________ By Marlena De Lacroix Last year I decided I will no longer do "Best" and … [Read more...]
The “New” All My Children, Part 2 — Finding the Heart (s) of Pine Valley
December 19, 2008 by 15 Comments
Thinking Fans Comment Update: renee wnts a long-term storyline for Brot, but is certain there will never be one ... Kristen thinks Bianca and Reese "are more in lust than in love"... while Kasey thinks Angie "has just the right blend of steel and magnolia" ... and more. See Comments below. _________________________ By Marlena De … [Read more...]
