By Marlena De Lacroix a.k.a. Connie Passalacqua Hayman Soap critics never miss a chance to bash all they dislike. But credit should always be given where credit is due. So this week, Marlena would like to give kudos to three significant decisions: 1. OWN, the Oprah network, picked up the first 40 episodes of All My Children and One Life to … [Read more...]
When All Soaps Are In Lockstep, Is Improvement Possible?
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...]
Marlena’s Summer Plans
By Marlena De Lacroix Bonjour, everyone! I'm sorry I haven't posted in many weeks. As you know, my mother passed away. It happened amid the frenzy of the end of spring semester, at the end of a long academic year. I need the summer to recharge, so I'm going on relaxed summer mode until the Daytime Emmys at the end of August. However, … [Read more...]
Soap Shrink at Sea: On Deck with One Life to Live’s Kathy Brier
Thinking Fans salute Ms. Brier: John says, "It's sort of depressing thinking how daytime has actually gone downhill in the time since Kathy Brier came on to OLTL, when at the time she was a breath of fresh air in a medium that was already pretty moribund" ... while Jake says, "Brier's acting chops stand out on a show that is showcasing some really … [Read more...]
Depressions and Soaps Don’t Mix
Thinking Fans Comment Update: renee argues, "Soaps have tackled so many great social issues and done them well, but those in charge of soaps today are suspect and will not handle the topic (of joblessness) with respect" ... DSO816 hopefully suggests, "I believe the dramas currently on air can craft timely stories of some characters' layoffs, but … [Read more...]
Asa, Ace of Characters: Phil Carey Remembered
Thinking Fans pay their respects to Mr. Carey: Dale says, "There's a big hole in Llanview these days named Asa Buchanan. His presence is still very much felt, but it's never going to be the same" ... and Steve recalls, "What made Asa so real was that he truly did love his family, even if he showed that love in the wrong way" ... while James … [Read more...]
Clint Ritchie and The Buchanan Years Remembered
Thinking Fans salute Mr. Ritchie: Steve misses "the easy chemistry between Erika Slezak and Clint Ritchie" ... Dale says he "brought a fresh masculine sensibility to Llanview when the town was filled with bluebloods" ... and more. See Comments below. _________________________ By Marlena De Lacroix How sad it is for One Life to Live … [Read more...]
Soap January: Bombs Away!
Thinking Fans Comment Update: Steve's take on AMC's "January stunts" is "I don't know if I can think of a more blatant example of the type of heartless sickness that has wounded soaps" ... and S. Woods adds: "The crud on offer from these soaps is giving tastelessness a bad name" ... while Twb6y optimistically doesn't believe John and Marlena are … [Read more...]
An Open Letter to Anne Sweeney, Co-chair, Disney Media Networks and President, Disney-ABC Television Group
Dear Ms. Sweeney: I am writing to strongly protest the current Todd and Marty storyline on One Life to Live. It's in effect the long delayed second chapter of a story that began in 1993, when Todd was the leader of three college students who gang raped Marty. The two chapters couldn't be more shockingly different in intent. The 1993 chapter, … [Read more...]
One Life To Live’s “Tarty” Controversy: It’s Not Over Until It’s Over
Thinking Fans Comment Update: Melanie isn't buying the "poor Todd" routine ... Jenn misses the days when "soaps relied on love and chemistry" ... and more. See Comments below. ________________________ My friend, television journalist Ed Martin called me last week to congratulate me on my Todd and Marty: Way Beyond Merely Disgusting column, … [Read more...]