By Connie Passalacqua Hayman This week marks the 24th anniversary of the debut of my alter ego, Marlena De Lacroix. My first column with that byline under the standing headline Critical Condition debuted in the second issue of Soap Opera Weekly the last week of November 1989. Weekly was an immediate success and Marlena became very popular very … [Read more...]
When All Soaps Are In Lockstep, Is Improvement Possible?
November 16, 2010 by 20 Comments
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...]
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...]
Celebrating the Glorious Life of Guiding Light: From 1992, Marlena’s Analysis of GL at its Peak
September 15, 2009 by 23 Comments
Don't miss Marlena's farewell to Guiding Light on blogtalkradio's Brandon's Buzz at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16 or later on the network's archive. ____________________________________________________ By Marlena De Lacroix In March 1992, Guiding Light reached the apex of soap quality, that perfect blend of excellence in writing, acting … [Read more...]
The Killing Fields of Soap Journalism
August 15, 2008 by 34 Comments
Thinking Fans Comment Update Aug. 17: Young Jay spent his snack money on Soap Opera Weekly ... Professor Cindy calls for higher soap writing standards ... Liz V is saddened by the decline of soap journalism ... and more. See Comments below. _________________________ By Marlena De Lacroix This is a short note to Marlena readers in another … [Read more...]
