Eight Years In Another World

If this were fifteen years ago, when daytime dramas were still widely expected to continue on forever, I would use this book as a guide in creating my own. While an easy read, Eight Years In Another World is intelligent, and captivating from the start. This book is one of the few I've read where I feel I've been granted an all-access pass to explore behind the scenes. Continuing good points, I absolutely love how Harding Lemay willingly puts his work on display against others, and openly admits when mistakes were made. It's always refreshing to hear both sides of a story told honestly.

One complaint. It's depressing, as a diehard fan of the genre, to constantly have Mr. Lemay referring to it as a lower form of entertainment. While I understand that's how he feels, and respect it, constant reiteration makes one wonder if he realizes who his audience is. If you can overlook that minor flaw, this book is a must-read.

A+

So Unfair!

I go on Hulu yesterday to watch Another World, and find out it's only going to be available through October 13th. This is so unfair! Have been following the stories for over a year, and now I feel like I've wasted my time. What exactly was the point of airing it at all? I'm left with so many questions. Do Jamie and Marley live happily ever after with Olivia's baby? Are Paulina and Jake ever going to be happy together? What happens to Kevin? What havoc does Carl reek before his eventual redemption? These are just some...

Very sad...

Mysteries...

Have been getting back into Another World after a little bit of a lull. Am intrigued by a couple mysteries that are just starting. Who is the person sending those flowers to Cass? Honestly, my first thought is Sharlene. I can absolutely see her popping up alive just as Frankie and John commit to one another. Perfect, old-school soap. My second guess goes along those same lines. What if Kathleen returns to town with a renewed interest in Cass? I've said from the very beginning of watching that Kathleen was my first choice, and while I've warmed up to Frankie and Cass considerably, I still stand by my word. Can't wait to see who it turns out to be.

Special Prosecutor Kevin Andersen is connected to Jake somehow. Are they family? Former lovers? Enemies? Does it have something to do with Paulina? Whatever it is, I hope it turns into a big enough story arc to keep the gentleman portraying Kevin around. Like him very much.

I can't stand Paulina! She's an absolute scumbag. It's funny how quick she is to jump in Vicky's face about every little thing, but when Vicky points out that she plays just as dirty, she suddenly wants to leave the hot kitchen. Okay, I'll admit it. I've said it before. The biggest reason I have such an immense distaste for Paulina is Judi Evans. What a terrible actress! I've never seen her make a genuine choice, or opt for subtlety. Everything is as far over the top as possible. Hope I don't have to put up with her for the next eight years worth of show! Please! Before we leave this topic entirely, I would like to take a minute to speak directly to Jake and Grant. Please, oh please, remove your heads from your asses in regards to this woman and realize she is nothing but a stanky whore. You'll be surprise how greatly your lives improve once she isn't in them. Promise.

Another Nail...

So, Soapnet has officially been axed. What a shame! A large majority of the soap viewing public pointed to the network as a possible savior for the genre. I knew from the moment reality TV and useless throwaway movies became the focus, it was doomed. Oh, how I wish Brian Frons would have seen the amazing potential of the niche and fully committed. Canceled favorites like Ryan's Hope, Port Charles, and Another World were featured prominently at the start. Over time, they were relegated to slots after midnight. I'm convinced they were put in such positions to justify eventual discontinuation. I have always questioned why an original daytime drama was never attempted. Just foolishness. There's absolutely no hope for canceled soaps. One of the last hopes I had for survival is gone. Disgusting and sad.

Scenery Chewing 101...

Okay, I have to go there. Judi Evans is ridiculous! I have never seen such an over-the-top display as when Paulina was finally ready to come clean to Grant. Hollering, screaming, and flailing your arms does not give a scene depth. Along those same lines, the ability to cry on cue isn't the only requirement to being a good actress. As if those scenes weren't vomit and headache inducing enough, I was forced to sit through yet another Jake/Paulina confrontation. Thank God for Tom Eplin. He was the only thing keeping me from putting a gun to my head. I honestly don't understand how Judi is so highly regarded. I think she's terrible. She officially gets my vote for the worst recast in history! That's saying something. Can't stand her!

Not Guilty!

So, the jury finds Carl innocent in relation to the attempted murder of Rachel. I must say, Carl's lawyer meant business. With every point the prosecution made, a more intelligent rebuttal was waiting. Very impressive! If he can escape attempted murder charges with all the evidence pointing to his guilt, it's highly unlikely Carl will ever pay for any crime he commits. BC residents should watch their step more than ever. I have a feeling revenge is a dish Carl will serve up icy cold.

Cass is an asshole! I can't believe he's angry with Felicia for putting Lucas first. They are husband and wife after all! Oh, that's right. Everyone's supposed to live their lives on Cass' whim. It doesn't matter if you're marriage suffers, you lose a baby, or your trying to protect yourself from a murderer. As long as Cass is happy, it's all good! I hate him more everyday!

Jamie and Marley decide to elope. Jake gets wind of the plan and sets about stopping it. Everything he told Jamie and Marley in order to get them home was true. I admire his perseverance. One problem in all of this. He's started falling for Paulina. Will he finally realize Marley isn't worth his energy? Will Marley realize she wants him just as he and Paulina start building a life together? What kind of factor will Grant play? So many questions...

Explosions!

Jenna finally sees Matt for the scumbag that he is. Certainly took long enough. I'm happy that she didn't instantly run to Dean. Shows she has character and morals. It's going to be very interesting to see the relationship between Jenna and Dean develop. Oh, and another thing. If Matt is too heartbroken to stay in Bay City and manages to convince Lorna they should run off together, I wouldn't exactly be devastated.

Frankie's near-death experience appears to have put things in prospective for her. I'm really glad that Cass went ballistic on her after finding out about the miscarriage. His doing so may have finally allowed her to see the jackass he really is. I support her decision to keep the pregnancy from him. There was no more room for confusion in her life at that point. She handled everything as best she could at the time. I'm not looking forward to these two reconciling. Blah!

Everyone seems to think they have Carl right where they want him. Something tells me it won't exactly be that cut and dry. Piece of advice for all involved, he very cautious.

Mark Pinter has assumed the role of Grant Harrison. I enjoyed him immensely on All My Children and am anxious to see how he tackles this challenge. Maybe Grant will finally become something more than filler.

True Evil...

I'm sad to say that I think I was wrong about Taylor returning. Unfortunate, really. Was looking forward to her psychotic brand of entertainment. As crazy as she is though, Taylor has absolutely nothing on Carl. Trying to have Rachel killed at the television studio was just the latest in his long line of unspeakable deeds. I have a feeling, that when all is over, Rachel is going to look back on this attempt to take her life as the good old days. There's no telling what lengths Carl will go to in trying to get what he wants. A man with no morals or boundaries is extremely dangerous. I've heard rumors that Rachel and Carl eventually become involved romantically. If accurate, I can't wait to see how it all unfolds. Oh, boy!

As much as I enjoy Jake and Paulina, their constant arguing is getting old. I hope the pace picks up soon. Bring on the amazing supercouple I've heard so much about.

Sam and Amanda are boring. How many more times do we have to see someone staying with someone else out of obligation. If Olivia knew what was going on, I'm pretty sure she wouldn't like playing second fiddle. The collective men of Bay City need to grow a pair and stop being so selfish.

While we're on the subject of selfish idiots, I'll mention Cass. He up and leaves a perfectly happy life with Frankie to run back to his first wife and kiss her boo-boos. After a couple of months of "trying" to work things out, he gets bored and expects Frankie to be waiting. He confesses his love, admits his mistake, but says he can't leave Kathleen quite yet because of Carl. Confused? I am. I hope Frankie tells him to kick rocks the next time he comes sniffing around her heals. I hate him so much!

Knots Untied?

Poor Iris! All the time and energy she's been exerting in an attempt to expose Paulina has been for not. Fear not, though, I'm sure she'll find many other ways to cause trouble.

Hooray! Jake and Paulina are finally married! I have a strange feeling things aren't going to go exactly as planned. I'll tell you one thing for sure, I can't wait for the real love story between these two to begin. Maybe then, Jake will finally realize that Marley isn't worth his affection. Jensen Buchanan is stiff and unlikable as Victoria/Marley. I've yet to see any sort of spark, decent acting, or attempt to own the roles. Hopefully, all the good I've heard about her portrayal of these characters shows itself eventually.

Matt is a total sleeze! Just minutes after humping Lorna, he's with Jenna acting the perfect boyfriend. It won't be long before Dean catches onto the game he's playing and makes things right. I'm actually excited to see the relationship between Jenna and Dean develop and hope it delivers on the potential that's there.

There's a storm brewing in Bay City and it's sure to bring tons of delicious drama. When the weather gets bad on soaps, it's always can't miss!

She's Baa-aack!

I certainly hope John and Sharlene don't get too comfortable. Taylor is back and ready to serve up some revenge. She's as psychotic as ever and I'm going to love every second! Okay, I know this post is really short, but I had to share the good news with everyone! Hooray for Taylor!

Push Me, Pull You...

I hate Cass Winthrop! I really wish he would start making decisions with the head on his shoulders. He knows absolutely nothing about police work but is insisting on sticking his nose in the Signet investigation. It may be fun for him to play these little, ridiculous games, but it's not going to end well. If nothing else, Cass should think of the two women he supposedly loves and put their safety and welfare ahead of his stupidity. I wish Signet would take him out!

Scooby-Doo --I mean John and Sharlene are getting on my last nerve. I really don't know how much more of their stupid adventures I can take. John needs to cut his losses and take a full-time position at the clinic. I can understand wanting to clear your name and reputation, but this dance is getting real tired. After all these hours of agony, I had better at least get my Taylor payoff!

The Role Of Paulina Cory...

Those are words I didn't expect to hear yesterday when tuning into Another World. One of my biggest soap annoyances is when actors and actresses change without warning. Cali Timmins had won my heart as Paulina from the moment I started watching. Now, though, Judi Evans as officially stepped in. It's only been one day, so I'm willing to give her a chance. Apparently, Jake and Evans' Paulina eventually become a supercouple. We'll have to wait and see if I feel the magic.

Fireworks!

What exactly does Carl have planned for Bay City? How will Kathleen figure in? What role will Lucas play? These are all questions I can't wait to get answers to. Carl is definitely one of the most intelligent villains I have ever seen on daytime. Just when the good citizens of BC think they have him pegged, he changes the game entirely. Top-notch drama!

Paulina and Jake are adorable. I have a feeling it won't be long before their little marriage scheme has real emotions mixed in to complicate things. The game of cat and mouse that they're playing is great entertainment. Awesome!

John and Sharlene are ridiculous already! You would think they'd realize by now that Taylor is always one step ahead, with nicely covered tracks. How much longer is this nonsense going to continue? Taylor needs to come back and rid Bay City of those two buffoons for good.

Sincerity...

Tom Eplin is amazing! My heart broke for Jake when he finally came to the realization that there isn't hope of reuniting with Marley. I just wish Jake would learn from his mistakes instead of setting his sights on terrorizing poor Paulina. Whatever happens, I'm hooked. Mr. Eplin is fast becoming one of my favorite actors, brava!

Why does everyone insist on treating Victoria like a meddlesome child? I really don't like the way Ryan is always sidestepping her questions and putting everyone else first. She seems to be ignored at every turn and I can't see her putting up with it for much longer. If Ryan isn't careful, she's going to walk out and not look back.

It looks as though Kathleen finally has Cass. How long will it last? I don't think it will be long before Cass thinks he has to play hero when he finds out Frankie is pregnant. Kathleen is a strong, beautiful woman who deserves better than to be second best. Then again, how much sympathy can you have for someone who continually places themselves in that role?

Kathleen Or Frankie?

Let's be clear, I don't think Cass deserves either. That jerk seems to enjoy having two women at war over him. If I had to choose one to have what they think would be their happily ever after, it would definitely be Kathleen. She's been through three lifetimes of hell and is in desperate need of a break. Frankie is too needy and clingy for my liking. She needs to focus all her energy on what's best for the baby now and let everything else fall away. Get it together, woman!

Speaking of desperate, delusional women, Donna needs help. If ever the old saying about the truth setting one free applied, it would be to this situation. Why is it so difficult for this beautiful, highly intelligent woman to tell the truth? Doesn't she realize that practicing that one simple rule could rid her life of all unnecessary heartache and problems? Donna lies as easily as she breathes. Not a good way to live.

Taylor, Taylor, Taylor! I imagine she's having a wonderful time watching John, Sharlene and company run in circles. Everytime that crew of junior detectives hits a dead end, I can't help but chuckle. I know it won't last forever, but I'll be cheering Taylor on until it all catches up.

Undeniable Chemistry...

So, I may be in the minority with this, but I don't like the way Marley treated Jake when she saw him on the tent crew. Don't get me wrong, I completely understand wanting revenge when someone does you wrong, but there are ways to go about it. The way that Marley through her supposed happiness in Jake's face was rude and unnecessary. To that point, I think she was doing her best to try to hide her obvious feelings for him. I may be wrong, but I think it's only a matter of time before these two find their way back to each other.

Taylor has taken to haunting John and Sharlene from beyond the grave. I love it! Something tells me the menacing doctor isn't really dead. The scenario, as it's playing out now, seems perfectly set up for an eventual return. I wish I could have seen Taylor's psychosis from the beginning. She has certainly been the most entertaining part of the show in the short time I've watched. I absolutely cannot wait to see what else the deranged doc has in store for the smug pair. Delicious!

Bat-Shit Crazy!

That Taylor Benson is definitely insane. Bringing Sharlene to an abandoned amusement park to kill her isn't exactly the brightest of ideas. I've never understood how women go so crazy over men who so obviously don't want them. Does Taylor honestly think murdering Sharlene is going to endear her to John? Let's get serious! Somehow, I just don't see this amusement park murder plot working out good for psycho Benson.

Take Me Away...

So, I've recently discovered Another World through Hulu.com. To say I was immediately swept up would be a major understatement. The characters and storylines are so richly drawn and thought out that it's almost impossible not to fall in love instantly. The actors and actresses are right up there with the best in daytime. I absolutely cannot wait to see how things play out. I think I'm in it for the long haul. Bay City is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to visit.

Saving The Soaps...

Everyone knows I'm extremely passionate about daytime drama. For over a decade, the shows under that umbrella have been in steady decline. Nielsen ratings, the system used to measure the number of households watching specific programming, have become outdated and inaccurate. With the advent of Tivo and DVR recording devices, much of America no longer watches shows as they air. To that same point, the audience for which daytime dramas were originally created, the housewife, has all but vanished. My solution to save this genre, as well as television in general, is for the Nielsen family to come to terms with cable providers to include individual trackers in each box. It is then, and only then, that television ratings will be fairly represented.