On Soaps, Suicide Is Rarely Painless (Even for One Life To Live’s Todd)

Thinking Fans on the roof with Marty and Todd:  John isn't convinced Todd jumped out of remorse ... Steve cringes at soaps' attempted suicide for pity stunt ... while Damon L. Jacobs (our Soap Shrink), on the serious side of the subject, points out the greater risk of suicide among gay teens ... and more. See Comments … [Read more...]

On the Soap Shrink’s Couch: The Young and the Restless’ Katherine Chancellor, Daytime’s Greatest (Though Most Self-Destructive) Dame

By Damon L. Jacobs When you think of The Young and the Restless' Katherine "Kay" Chancellor, what is the first thing that comes to mind?  Is it her fiery take-no-prisoners passion?  Is it her unsinkable resilience?  Could it be her sharp tongue or trademark short blonde locks?  I think we can agree she embraces all of these qualities.  But at … [Read more...]

Marlena’s “Only the Bests” List 2008

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...]

Merry Christmas, Cher Thinking Fans!

This our second Christmas here in our home on the Web. By now, we feel we know most of you by name, and are more pleased than words can express to welcome your regular visits. So many of you Thinking Fans have been frequent correspondents, and have enriched our site with your thoughtful, heartfelt commentary.  Thank you, thank you, for investing so … [Read more...]

As The World Turns in 2008: The “World” at Warp Speed

Thinking Fans Comment Update: James wonders, "Where's the happiness in Oakdale?" ... likewise, Steve says Oakdale has become "a bitter, mean-spirited place" ... and more. See Comments below.  ____________________  By Patrick Erwin As The World Turns may be the second oldest soap, but this year, the show burned through storylines at … [Read more...]

The “New” All My Children, Part 2 — Finding the Heart (s) of Pine Valley

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...]

The “New” All My Children, Part 1 — Lifting the Fog of Stupidity

Thinking Fans Comment Update: EricMontreal22, once horrified by Pratt's arrival, is now "pleasantly thrilled" ... likewise Donna L. Bridges, though still wary of Pratt, yells "Yippeee!" ... but Cate disdains the suggestion of a  Reese bisexual romance storyline. See Comments below.  _________________________  By Marlena De Lacroix      A … [Read more...]

Peter Bartlett Contest Winner Announced

Marlena and the Atlantic Theater Company are pleased to announce that Trudi of West Virginia (go Mountaineers!) is the winner of two tickets to What's That Smell? The Music of Jacob Sterling.  She scored the highest of our many entrants in our Peter Bartlett Quiz contest. Our thanks to all who entered. As you know, Peter co-stars with writer … [Read more...]

The Soap Shrink Interview, Cont’d: Ilene Kirsten On Her Insightful Creations — Ryan’s Hope’s Delia and One Life to Live’s Roxy

Part 2: One Life to Live's Roxy By Damon L. Jacobs Yesterday, I interviewed the insightful  Ilene Kristen on the creation of her iconic role of Delia on Ryan's Hope.  Today she talks about Roxy, her current, vastly entertaining character, who debuted on One Life to Live in 2001. D: How did the events of 9/11/01 shape your creation of … [Read more...]

The Soap Shrink Interviews Ilene Kirsten On Her Insightful Creations — Ryan’s Hope’s Delia and One Life to Live’s Roxy

By Damon L. Jacobs Ilene Kristen is an actress famed for a having both enormous acting talent and an idiosyncratic sense of humor which helps her to steal every scene she's in. But behind the wisecracks is a wise soul with unique understanding of human psychology. She's used that understanding to create two iconic daytime characters: Delia on … [Read more...]