AMC ~ Cady McClain FIRED!

It was just over a week ago that I read a spoiler in my e-mail stating that Cady McClain was fired and Dixie would be the next victim of the Satin Slayer. For the most part I kept my emotions in check, but I was shocked. On the inside I was angry and hurt. I was also in a bit of denial.

How could this happen? Cady had just returned a year ago!

Dixie being alive was a Christmas present for the fans; AMC squeezed in a couple of scenes just for us. Then in February she returned full time and was back in Pine Valley for good. There was hope and happiness in fans' eyes again; Tad and Dixie had another chance and JR got his mother back. All was well, in a sense. There was much bitterness, but everything got sorted out. Tad and Dixie had a new understanding of each other, and they were on a mission to find their missing child Kate. Fans recieved hope again for Christmas when the real Kate came to town. Everyone expected a great story of Tad and Dixie discovering her, and there was always the possibliity of Tad and Dixie reuniting. In fact, they planned a lunch date just before her fate...

Dixie died from tainted peanut butter & banana pancakes. She flatlined at the hospital on Monday after sharing one last moment with Tad, saying, "Together forever." Yesterday, Tuesday, was the ultimate heartbreak. Joe tried to revive her, but he had to break the news of her death to the family. Dixie came to her children and Tad as an angel. She saw Kathy (Kate) with Tad, and realized the girl's true identity. Her whole passing was sad and beautiful.

But how could AMC do this - not just to us but also to Cady? HOW? It's unbelievable! Dixie is a beloved character, and Cady is a huge asset to the show.

I just cannot believe they would do this!

There was so much story left for Dixie and Tad. They were suppose to find and raise Kate together! They were suppose to marry and divorce a couple more times. They were suppose to wish on stars together again. They had a future! Fans had hope! And AMC just squandered everything! They ruined the show just to provide a major death to their serial killer storyline. What a waste of a good year! Just when T&D were getting back on track...as well as JR turning into a man Dixie can be proud of...

IT'S TERRIBLE! Every AMC viewer should be outraged by this action! I am, all the Cady/Dixie fans are, and all the Tad & Dixie fans are. It's the WORST firing AMC has EVER done!

But maybe us fans/viewers can bring Cady back...make AMC reverse their choice in a way. I don't believe that there's a chance for Dixie; we saw her die on-screen. But maybe we can get Cady back. It's not like she wanted to leave; there was no negotiation with her. AMC told her what they planned. The choice is all on their hands. So Cady could return...some way.

But she needs our help!

Write to the people of All My Children. Call the people of All My Children. Write to the soap magazines. Let yourself be heard! Sign the Save Dixie petition. And if you are so inclned to, boycott AMC. Stop watching the show. Some fans are doing that; more power to them!

Let AMC know how horrible this death/firing is!

Go here to find writing and calling information: Contacts

Here is the petition: Save Dixie

And also keep in touch with Cady; let her know how you feel: Cady's Official Site

RIP: Dixie Cooney Martin. You will always be loved and never forgotten.

GL ~ Happy 70th!!!!!!!

70 years ago on January 25, 1937 The Guiding Light debuted on NBC radio at 4:15 pm.

It has come a long way since that day... It moved to CBS. It was on the radio for 15 years and made its transition to television in June 1952. Many soap operas had failed to survive such a transition, but creator Irna Phillips had much faith in The Guiding Light's success. And succeed, it did.

Irna Phillips is credited with being the inventor of the soap opera. Without her, where would numerous devoted fans be? Where would the actors and crew be? What path would the writers, producers, and creators have taken? Irna Phillips is a person to adore and be grateful for.

Like I said, Guiding Light has come a LONG way. Its first family was the Bauers, whose next generations are still seen today. It dropped the "The" in the late seventies and has had a couple of signature logos and theme music over the decades. No matter what, though, the lighthouse will always be its key symbol. And of course characters and families have come and gone. Today's families include the Coopers, Spauldings, and Lewises. Today's divas are Reva, Harley, and Olivia. Today's dashing men are Josh, Gus, and Alan. But no matter who pops up in town, the show reflects its history, usually.

And its history is obviously a huge one. I couldn't possibly cover it all in any blog of mine. In fact, I don't even know it all. I've only been watching six years! But one thing remains true - GL is one in a million. Why? Because it's the longest running show in broadcast history. God forbid the day that it's cancelled.

This year marks an incredible one for not only the show but also its cast, crew, and viewers. The cast and crew are having a yearlong celebration by promoting volunteerism and creating three special, spectacular episodes.

The first show was on January 3rd; it focused on the idea from the movie Pay It Forward. Their theme is called "Find Your Light". In the episode little Zach found a bag of hundreds of dollars with no identification. Later, a note was found, and the money was for the town of Springfield. Dinah was the one tracking the money and the note. What she found was that several Springfield citizens had helped one another, spreading the saying, "Find your light". The episode also showed a connection between the characters - the theme of brotherhood. I've recently discovered that this theme was vital to GL back in its early days. So, the present has fused with the past through brotherhood. But not only in that episode...

Either for this month or for the whole year, Guiding Light's opening has been altered. It features a guiding light (from a lighthouse?), hands joining together, and the cast reciting a poem that was once said before each show during its radio days.
The poem and the current theme is this:

There is a destiny that makes us brothers.
None goes his way alone.
All that we send into the lives of others
Comes back into our own.

GL's second special episode was shown today. It brought the past to the present, or the present to the past. Today's major characters/actors were the characters/actors of its radio and early TV years. The episode was quite impressive. The sets, clothes, make-up, and hair were revamped to the times of yester-years. And major players turned into major players of the past. Justin Deas (Buzz) became Papa Bauer. Crystal Chappell (Olivia) became Meta Bauer. The two most important roles went to today's biggest divas... Kim Zimmer (Reva) was the beloved Charita Bauer as Bert Bauer. And Beth Ehlers (Harley) was the intimidating Irna Phillips; she did a superb job. There are no words to perfectly describe the episode because it is quite phenomenal. I advise you to watch it even if you are not a regular viewer of Guiding Light.

The third special episode has not aired yet; tune in on February 14th. To tell the truth, it’s not even a real episode. It revolves around the actors participating in their volunteerism. GL’s cast and crew are undergoing a yearlong project to help build homes. Each month they will be helping in a new town of a different state; they’ve begun with Biloxi, Mississippi. And they plan to take viewers with them on along the way. Viewers are invited to join GL in each town, helping in any way they can. This all leads back to the slogan “Find Your Light”… There is a website for fans to keep track of GL’s anniversary celebration: FindYourLight.net. You can see where the actors will be next. You can post photos of “your light” and watch the actors share their “lights”. You can see pictures from each volunteer visit. If you are a GL fan, this is a remarkable site for you.

Everything the people of Guiding Light are doing is remarkable; no other show has celebrated an anniversary in this manner. At least not that I know of.

So join GL in its yearlong celebration by visiting the website, watching the special episodes, or volunteering in either your community or the towns where GL’s cast will be. Or simply celebrate by watching past episodes or wishing Guiding Light a very happy birthday, as I will be doing today.

Now there’s only one last thing to say…

HAPPY 70th BIRTHDAY, GUIDING LIGHT!!! May you continue your fun, beautiful, melodramatic ride for many more years and reach 100!

GL - The Dynamic Threesome

Can you believe what’s happening with Lizzie, Jonathan, and Tammy? I think their story has gotten absurd!

They were once this great trio, banding together against Alan in order to protect Lizzie and her unborn baby. It put a damper on Jammy’s relationship, but it’s Jonathon’s baby too. I admire Tammy for sticking by her man and helping him protect his child when it’s not her own. It was cute seeing all three come together for the sake of the baby and work out a living arrangement so that Lizzie didn’t have to reside in the Spaulding mansion.

The trio seemed to be handling Alan’s machinations very well, and despite being worried about his every move, they put on a brave front. They were not going to let him push them around and ruin their lives, and they certainly weren’t going to let him control the baby’s life/future.

But of course the tables turned, and Lizzie was the one to crack and make a mistake. I don’t remember the full story with the almost shooting of Alan, but it definitely sent the trio down a hole. Lizzie’s predicament looked grave, and the options were slim. I understand there wasn’t much for the trio to do to keep Lizzie and the baby from Alan’s clutches. Can’t say I blame Jonathon for coming up with a last-minute stunt; what else could he do to “save” his daughter?

Jonathon and Lizzie have been married for a while now, right? It’s getting to be a little too long, and the trio is no more. After all Tammy sacrificed before with letting Lizzie practically live with them, now she has to let Jonathon go. She can’t even be anywhere near Jonathon and Lizzie without it looking suspicious. Tammy has been shut out!

I understand that they’re all doing this for the baby; it’s an important cause. And Jonathon & Lizzie are doing a terrific job with their façade; they’ve proven their dedication to their baby. But as a Jammy fan, this story is starting to get out of control. It’s becoming all bad news for the cousin lovin’. They have to sneak around for everything, even to share sweet, loving gazes, not an easy thing to do since Alan has eyes and ears everywhere. How frustrating! To make matters worse they’ve got Lizzie and Remy coming between them. Oh my goodness!

Lizzie is in love with Jonathon without him knowing it. Remy is falling for Tammy without her knowing it. Lizzie is deliberately trying to come between them, and Remy has already shared a kiss with Tammy. When will Jonathon and Tammy realize what’s really happening? And what more will happen as this story progresses?

The big question on my mind – how much longer will Jonathon and Lizzie’s marriage last? It can’t go on forever, especially since I don’t see Jonathon falling for Lizzie anytime soon. Maybe they’ll keep it up until the baby is born, or maybe Alan will lay off them. Both predictions are pretty far-fetched, but there has to be a new twist that causes the marriage to backfire.

And I hope that twist happens soon because I’m ready for the next phase of the trio plus baby girl. Bring it, GL!

ATWT - Storm Baby

Who would have thought that an ice storm would bring on the death of a baby? Am I right?

Well…maybe I’m not…since Emily was pregnant and about to leave town while the storm was happening. What was she thinking?! Don’t tell me that she was so paranoid that she couldn’t even think of her child’s safety and well-being!

Oh, Emily…

I understand her desire to leave town somewhat because you never know what Paul might do, but to leave town when a fierce storm is coming? That has trouble written all over it! Meg was so right in trying to stop her, but it’s a shame that Emily is completely against her. Storm + Meg = stress for her and the baby. If Emily wasn’t so angry with Meg, I’m sure things would have gone differently. Meg might have gotten through to her and wouldn’t have had to lock her in the barn. But alas…

I wish Emily were more rational; she practically put herself in danger with all the ranting, fighting, and pleading. She doesn’t make a very good pregnant woman. Luckily Meg was the sensible one and a nurse. She knew what she was talking about where the baby was concerned, even though Emily wanted none of her help. But what could she do?

And of course Emily went into labor. Everyone knew that would happen, right? She had to put complete trust in Meg to take care of her and the baby, but she didn’t do that very easily. Can’t say I blame her since she hates Meg.

But who would have thought that a fire would start? I mean, that kinda came out of nowhere. Luckily Emily wasn’t pushing yet, hehe. But why didn’t they head to the house in the first place? The barn isn’t sanitary/sterilized, and the walk to the house can’t be that far. And there are more supplies in the house, but I guess Meg wasn’t thinking. The storm also must have been so bad that they just couldn’t go out at all in it…until they were forced to, of course.

Paul showed up at just the right time, didn’t he? I can’t believe that Meg even got through to him on the phone! It was blizzard conditions out there, and yet their cell phones still worked and they could hear each other. But yes, Paul saved the day by saving them from the fire, which only took a couple of blankets and speed.

And Emily’s labor process went forth at Emma’s house with all kinds of helpful supplies and a very sturdy kitchen table. I guess ATWT couldn’t spring for a living room set where Emily could be comfortable, or they didn’t have much time to get Emily to anywhere but the table.

The labor looked extremely unpleasant (kudos to Kelley Menighan Hensley for the realness), but Emily gave birth to a baby girl, Jennifer. How sweet of her wanting to name the baby after Paul’s sister. And of course the baby wasn’t crying because she wasn’t breathing, which is how Friday’s show ended.

I expected the baby to be born early from this storm and to not initially breathe; it’s happened countless times before on numerous shows. And naturally, I expected her to start crying because ATWT just wanted to give us a little scare, right? Low and behold the terrible news in the latest Soap Opera Digest: Paul and Emily’s baby DIES!

RIP: Baby Jennifer Stewart Ryan. Your auntie Jennifer will look after you now.

How could ATWT do this?! It’s unbelievable! This show doesn’t carry the baby-killer reputation, right? I was looking forward to see what this baby would do to Paul and Emily’s relationship – whether unite them or cause custody battles. I was looking forward to this baby girl going through her teen years and acting out like Paul and Emily have done so many times in the past. But this baby doesn’t have a future, which is extremely sad since Emily is one of my favorite soap characters.

I feel Emily’s pain due to being very empathetic, and it doesn’t surprise me that she blames Meg for the tragedy. It’s typical Emily, right? But it’s just as much Emily’s fault too because she planned on traveling in a STORM and kept fighting with Meg. She brought on some of the stress, and the storm did too. The whole situation brought on the possible death of the baby, but Emily is blinded by her hatred of Meg. I wonder what Paul will do in response to everything. Yes, he’s devastated too, but what’s he gonna do about Emily vs. Meg?

All I can be sure of is that this will be an ugly, on-going war. Tears will be shed, and catfights will ensue. Look out, Oakdale!

GH - Island Adventure

I know this happened last month, but it was the storyline that kept me tuned in every day...

For all you long-time viewers, could you imagine seeing Luke, Robert, and Holly together again?

Now, I wasn't watching back then, but my mom filled me in on how funny those three were. So I made sure to watch The Hilarious Trio, as I called them. Although the plot this time around was unimportant, the trio proved to be funny enough for it to not matter. And what was the plot exactly? Running from authorities & bounties while hiding out & bickering about who gets the jewels. It may not have been a life-or-death situation, but the trio made it watchable. I loved every second of it!

My memory is fuzzy on how it all started and why they were wanted in the first place. But I do remember how the three of them ended up back together... Luke fleed his wedding to Tracy; with the help of Robert? And they were on a mission to find Holly for some reason. Maybe it was to get to her before the bouny hunters did. They found her in a nice hotel room on Marco Island. And before you know it, they were behind bars.

The humor and fun officially started with the jail scenes. The trio tried to figure out how to escape, coming up with plans they've used in the past. They eventually out-did the guards and donned disguises, but it's a shame I don't remember the exact wisecracks. Oh, but I do recall when one plan didn't work and they were stuck in jail in disguise...all three were sitting on the bench - Holly in between the sleeping Luke and Robert. I'm sure it was funny when they woke up or when Holly woke them up.

After jail, the trio found themselves in the woods close to dusk. Somehow they had camping gear, but not much. The best part of that stage of the adventure was the sleeping arrangements. There was only one sleeping bag, which appeared to be big enough for the three of them. But Holly refused to slip in there with the two of them. She was determined to find her own bed...until she heard a howling sound, made by either Luke or Robert. And the three of them shared the sleeping bag - Luke and Robert were snug as a bug while Holly seemed pretty uncomfortable. It made for a hilarious night and morning...

Holly "suddently" remembered she owned a villa not too far away, and then the so-called plot really took off. The trio stayed on the island in that house for weeks, or so it seemed. It was all about the jewels and winning Holly's affections. The trio had a great time together no matter what they'd say. When the crowd increased with Lulu, Dillon, Robin, and Patrick, it only got better...

Luke: "All right, the party's over. Three may be a crowd but seven is an ugly mob!"

Oh, there was so much humor to remember with the whole trip...

I don't think too much happened with just the seven of them. So, just when you think it couldn't get any better, it did with the one and only Anna Devane showing up in spy style - climbing down from a helicopter in all black clothing. And what's the first thing she does - kick and punch Robert to the ground. So beautiful! I was giddy with excitement since I had gotten to love Finola Hughes from her AMC days. Seeing Anna with the rest of the gang was such a joy. She brought so much to the table - number one being a family reunion with Robert and Robin.

The best part of there being eight people was the jewels being gone the next morning. It was a riot seeing everyone try to figure out who took them. But soon the bounties finally caught up to the trio, but Holly got the upperhand. She was going to run with the jewels and leave everyone tied up. Luke, being the charming one, convinced her that she needed a partner. So just when they were about to get away and you think nothing could stop them, Tracy showed up! And weren't you all thinking she'd arrive sooner or later?

Luke: "Spanky! You came all this way to see me. I'm so touched."

Tracy saved the day for everyone since she hired the bounties in the first place. But of course there was one last laugh... Tracy and Robert ended up passed out from drugs (sleeping pills?) and sharing a bed while Luke was free to shmooze Holly. Oh, how hilarious!

And Anna left with a bang... Just when Holly was on her plane with the jewels, Anna joined her. But she took the jewels and jumped out of the plane with a parachute.

Anna: "So I'll take these. Thank you. I hope you have a safe flight, and -- sorry there's no peanuts."

Just like that she was gone...for now. She'll be back later this month for the whole summer.

And then you thought that's it, right? No?

Robert: The jewels?
Luke: Every last gem.
Robert: What did Holly get away with, then?
Luke: Spanky's traveling jewelry.
Tracy: The junk!

HAHA!!! Luke, that sneaky devil!

What an adventure! I've never seen anything so full of fun, excitement, and laughter. I may not recollect every punch-line, but it's still quite an unforgettable story. I laughed my head off! A story with Luke Spencer could never disappoint.

Side note: if this entry seems too much like a summary, I apologize. It is what it is; it's how it came out.

AMC - Bitter Reunions

I'm about to admit something that I NEVER thought I'd ever say...

Dixie was right. She never should have come back to Pine Valley. All she did was cause hurt to those she loves.

Don't get me wrong... I'm beyond thrilled that my Dix is alive and that she's back in town. Welcome back Cady McClain, lets drink to the occasion, and all that. And I couldn't wait for her to see Tad and JR; I couldn't believe that it'd be painful like she said it would be. But it was...

While I thought there'd be more than just an ounce of happiness, both reunions were too sad to watch. Let's begin with Tad, the love of Dixie's life. The first episode was sweet... I loved all the flashbacks as they stared at each other, completely blocking out David. It's great that Tad pretty much ignored David and punched him while walking out with Dixie's hand in his. I've always loved seeing Tad in protective mode around her. And then they talked... You can't blame him for not believing it's really her; he's been fooled before. Then Dixie said the trigger that made him believe and made viewers smile: Ozzie and Harriet. It's the exact same thing that Tad said when he returned from the dead over 10 years ago. Once upon a time, Tad said they'd be in the Hall of Romantic Couples along with Ozzie and Harriet (you know, that old TV show).

And then the pain started... Tad realized she's been in town for months without telling him and JR. He realized she intentionally stayed away from everyone. He realized she abandoned JR. And he could not help but be hurt. He layed everything on her: from telling her to go to hell to pointing out the struggles that JR has gone through without her. In the end he said, "As far as I'm concerned, you are dead. At least you're dead to me." *sigh* It will take a long time to repair Tad & Dixie's relationship that was once beautiful and full of so much love.

Dixie's reunion with JR, her only son, was the most powerful of them all. Yes, it was weird seeing Dixie with her grown-up son when he's only suppose to be 17. But JR's the one who couldn't believe what he was seeing, thanks to David setting it up and Dixie not expecting him. JR stood silent for the longest time, not knowing what to say. Dixie, being the loving mother that she is, tried soothing him. They left to talk, and it was sad to see JR realize that his beloved mother stayed away from him. Pain was written all over his face as he tried to make sense of it but rejected her. Dixie hardly gave him an explanation, and so JR walked out. He said, "You stopped being my mother four years ago. The loving, sweet Dixie that we all missed so much and remembered really is dead." Evidently, there was nothing sweet about their reunion.

Both reunions made me see that Dixie got what she deserved and should never have returned. But she DID come back, and she's here NOW. That's what matters. She came back, and she can make things right. Everyone deserves a second chance, right?

And besides, she hasn't told a straightforward explanation yet... Kate is alive; Tad and JR just don't know it yet.