Congrats to Guiding Light!!

AMC ~ A Blessing

Today a child was born. And I was determined not to miss it.

I haven't been watching All My Children lately because of the Dixie fiasco, but I still care about my characters. And I have seen bits and pieces of the show when I'm home; I'm not completely against it. Yesterday I caught a quick glimpse of the ending - Krystal in labor.

Now, I love Krystal more than anyone else on the show, and it hurts to miss what's happening with her. But I also still hurt from what AMC did to Dixie and Cady. So, I'm not ready to give in and return to watching it every day.

But Dixie being gone is good for one reason (and one reason only)... Tad can be with Krystal again, especially since her baby is his. I've always enjoyed them together; they have magic. I was so pleased when I read that the baby's Tad's instead of Adam's. Not only is it great drama but it also sets a bond for Tad and Krystal. So, because of that and because I love Krystal, that baby is very significant to me. I think usually all soap babies are; the birth of a baby takes viewers away from drama and gives characters happiness. But the children of my favorite characters are especially important.

And seeing Krystal in labor yesterday... I could not miss the birth of her second daughter. Today being a Wednesday meant that I could only see half of the show, and man, was I lucky! Soaps typically drag out deliveries till the end of the show, but that wasn't the case here. Sure, it was an intense situation; Colby had to play doctor and the baby was stuck at one point. But it went smoothly, and it was over by mid-show.

Nothing is more precious than seeing a mother bond with her child for the first time. Watching Krystal with her new adorable baby was beautiful. But there are no rightful words to truly describe their moments together. It was just...pure sweetness and pure innocence. I could not miss it for anything in the world. It made my day a happy one.

JR and Babe showed up, and the family bonding continued. Despite any bad things going on, JR; Babe; Colby; and Krystal bonded together with the new baby. How sweet to see JR smiling and Babe meeting her new sister.

Next, mother and child made it to the hospital, which is where Tad was. I couldn't see, unfortunately, but I could hear through the radio...Tad seeing his daughter for the first time. I'm sure baby's first moments with Daddy were just as special as first moments with Mommy. I wish I could have seen them, but I'm lucky I saw her arrival.

The baby's name was going to be Charlotte, but that's when everyone thought she was Adam's. Surely she'll be given a new name.

And I don't think things have been too good between Krystal and Tad lately, but their daughter has the power to bond them like never before. Here's hoping for some sweet family scenes.

Emmy Pick List

Even though I explained who I'm rooting for in my last entry, I thought I'd put them in a list for simplicity.

Younger Actor: GL's Tom Pelphrey

Younger Actress: ATWT's Alexandra Chando and GH's Julie Berman, but I love all five.

Supporting Actor: ATWT's Trent Dawson

Supporting Actress: GL's Gina Tognoni, but I'll be happy if GH's Genie Francis, GH's Rebecca Herbst, or OLTL's Renee Elise Goldsberry wins.

Lead Actor: GL's Ricky Paull Goldin - my love!

Lead Actress: GL's Crystal Chappell

Directing: GL

Writing: GL

Drama Series: GL, but it'd be a great change to see any of them win.

Emmys 07

It's that time of year again....EMMY SEASON!

Yes, the Daytime Emmys is in June this year, but the nominations were revealed mid-March. Let the discussion begin...

Before I go through each category, it's amazing the number of nominations each show got. All My Children only has FIVE! ONE of them is an acting nom. I guess the show sucked this past year. General Hospital One Life To Live each got ten, which isn't too bad. They each got a few acting noms. But GH is NOT up for best drama series while OLTL is. Wow!! As The World Turns and Guiding Light are the shows/soaps with the most nominations. ATWT: 16; GL: 17 (#1). Amazing! It's so great to see CBS's lowest-rated soaps come out on top with nominations. They have noms in almost every acting category. And GL is up for best drama series; it could be their year, which would be wonderful since they're celebrating 70 years on air.

Now for each major category, including my picks -

Younger Actor: Passions actually has a nomination! You don't see that very often, and the show has been cancelled. So, bravo to James Stevenson (Jared). Y&R's Bryton McClure (Devon) is nominated; good for him. As The World Turns has two guys - Van Hansis (Luke) and Jesse Soffer (Will). They are great; both of them had a good year. BUT GL's Tom Pelphrey (Jonathan) is on the list again after winning last year. He has the best chance, and I'm rooting for him.

Younger Actress: I LOVE everyone in this category! I'll be happy with whoever wins! AMC's only acting nom is Leven Rambin (Lily), who is superb portraying an autistic girl. ATWT's top teens are nominated - Jennifer Landon (Gwen) and Alexandra Chando (Maddie). Both are so talented and had a great year, but I LOVE Alexandra! Jennifer has a great chance, though, since she won last year. GH's Julie Berman (Lulu) is new but brilliant; she's got a nomination after her first year on the show. And last but not least, GL's Stephanie Gatschet (Tammy) has her first nomination, and she deserves it. How great would it be if she and Tom Pelphrey won?! But like I said, I'm for all five. They all have a chance in my book.

Supporting Actor: I'm not crazy about this category at all! But I am surprised that OLTL's Dan Gauthier (Kevin) is nominated. I just didn't expect it. Filing out the rest: ATWT's Trent Dawson (Henry), GH's Rick Hearst (Ric), and Y&R's Greg Rikaart (Kevin) & Kristoff St. John (Neil). Rick Hearst had a good year, but I'm rooting for Trent Dawson. His character is so lovable, and it'd be cool to see him win.

Supporting Actress: This category is tough as well. I've got four that I'd love to see win. Last year's winner is nominated again - GL's Gina Tognoni (Dinah). Love her! Two lovely ladies from GH are nominated - Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth) and Genie Francis (Laura). Now, I am surprised that Genie could get a nom since she was only back for a month. But I'm pleased it's happened, although it would be much better if she up for Lead Actress. She truly deserves a win. I'm rooting for those three women, but I also like OLTL's Renee Elise Goldsberry (Evangeline). The other two ladies nominated are OLTL's Heather Tom (Kelly), surprisingly, and B&B's Lesli Kay (Felicia).

Lead Actor: This is the category that has the most significance to me this year. Lots of talented and Emmy-deserving guys are up for the award. From Y&R nominations go to Peter Bergman (Jack) and Christian LeBlanc (Michael). They are brilliant. From ATWT Michael Park (Jack) is nominated; it'd be nice if he'd win one of these years. And as always Tony Geary (Luke) from GH is on the list. He will win; it's a given fact. I swear he always wins, but I really don't want him to this year. However, if he submitted his scenes with Genie Francis, then he deserves another win. He and Genie are superb together. After all those guys, comes MY guy: Mr. Ricky Paull Goldin (Gus) from GL. I love him so much; he's my favorite actor. He had a fantastic year, and I'm not just saying that as a fan. His character went through an addiction and detoxification - wonderful material for Ricky. He gave some of his best acting to that story. I'm rooting for him all the way; I'll be angry if he doesn't win.

Lead Actress: CBS has swamped the whole category with ladies from three of their shows. ATWT's Maura West (Carly) is nominated again; maybe she'll finally win. Y&R's Jeanne Cooper (Katherine) and Michelle Stafford (Phyllis) are included too. Congrats to Jeanne; there aren't too many matriarchs receiving nominations. GL's Kim Zimmer (Reva) is nominated again after winning last year. Every year she says she'll pull out of Emmy contention, but she hasn't yet. She has a good chance of winning becuase her character battled breast cancer last year. And last but not least, the woman I'm rooting for - GL's Crystal Chappell (Olivia). She has won an award for Supporting Actress, but this is her first shot at winning one for Lead Actress. I hope she wins because I like her very much.

Directing: ATWT, GH, GL, and OLTL fill out this category. None of these are really surprising, at least not to me. I'm rooting for GL of course; it's my main show. But I wouldn't complain if OLTL won.

Writing: We've got B&B, GH, GL, and Y&R. Bravo to all four, but of course I'm rooting for GL. Writing is more important than Directing, in my opinion, and it'd be great to see GL win this Emmy.

Drama Series: Shocking this year! GH is finally NOT nominated! I can't remember the last time this has happened! Without GH all four shows have a good chance of winning. B&B, GL, OLTL, and Y&R are the ones nominated. Since GH has dominated this category for years, I'd love to see any of them win. But it'd would be the best thing in the whole world if GL finally won. It's been nominated for the past few years, but THIS year is its 70th anniversary. To win Best Drama Series would be one hell of a way to celebrate. Good luck, GL!

And there you have it. I look forward to providing commentary next year. Until then... Congrats to everyone nominated this year! And good luck to those I'm rooting for!

OLTL ~ Young Love

One Life To Live is pretty great right now. After so long, I finally have a couple that I am so in love with. Usually it's difficult to like teen stories. But when they work, they're impossible not to enjoy. They especially work when they're focused on characters not aged and already beloved.

Starr Manning is growing up before our very eyes by Kristen Alderson, who stepped into the role around ten years ago. We watched Starr as a bratty child, and now she is a teenager. She has always been special, being a product of the infamous Todd and Blair. Now she is also dating an older guy, with whom she has so much chemistry.

I love Starr and Cole so much! They're so sweet together. And since the world is against them, it's hard not to root for them. It doesn't even matter that Cole should be WAY younger than Starr; they work!

It wasn't that long ago that I was a teenager, but I never dated. So, there was no trouble between guys and my parents. Thus, it's SO frustrating to be a Starr and Cole fan! Their parents want them apart. WHY? It's ridiculous! Starr and Cole are adorable and in love. All they are doing is dating; no one is getting hurt. Why can't they be together?

Okay...yes, months ago Cole used steroids and went on a rampage in front of Starr. He didn't hurt her! He didn't try to rape her! All he did was tear the room apart! And the things he was saying was the drugs talking. He got past all that. He stopped using the steroids; he was kicked off the football team. He and Starr have moved on from that terrible time. Why can't their parents move on?

And why can't their parents listen to them? Starr and Cole can't even get a word in about anything; they don't get the chance to explain their relationship. I know they've been lying to their parents about seeing each other, so their parents would have a hard time believing anything they say. But they'd tell the truth about their relationship if only their parents would just talk with them and hear their side of things. But that hasn't happened...

Their parents are acting like children. Marty's the most sane one; I think she wants them apart just to protect Cole from the wraths of Todd and Blair. Todd is the maniac. He believes just because of one incident that Cole can never change and not hurt Starr. And Blair... She just wants them apart because she hates Marty.

Starr and Cole love their parents, but in their eyes their parents are completely wrong. And they're right. Cole would never hurt Starr, and he would never force her to do anything she isn't ready for. And they are in love! When two people love each other, nothing can keep them apart. Their parents are blind.

But what can I do? And what can Starr & Cole do? They're teenagers. Not much can be done, which is why they reverted to sneaking around in order to be together. And recently they tried to run away. Sounded like a great idea, but they were caught by their parents, who won't let them explain anything. Parents believe what they want to believe, and they don't want to let their children go and grow up.

Hence, Starr and Cole's story is a long and frustrating one. But that's what makes it so great. They're in love, but they can't be together. When there's a likable couple in that situation, the frustration is worth it. It'll be a huge reward when they can be together. Great scenes there will be when (if) that happens.

Until then we need to hope for the best and bask in the past... I have two favorite Starr/Cole moments: their night babysitting little Tommy and their whole night alone at the ski cabin.

Nelly Furtado was playing at Capricorn, where all parents were. Michael and Marcie went too, so Starr had to babysit. It was perfect for her and Cole to be together. It was sweet and simple - pizza and a movie. Sure, they shared some kisses, and they talked about sex two important things for a young couple. But most importantly, they had that perfect evening without getting caught.

There was a Winter Festival at Llantano Mountain. Parents went, and Starr & Cole were convinced to go too. They didn't know their parents were there until they were already there. They avoided them, and the place became snowed in for the night. Starr and Cole managed to get a room just for them, and it was the most romantic time of their lives. They were together for the whole night, and they said, "I love you," to each other. And I got what I hoped for... They didn't have sex, which is good since they are so young. Instead, they slept in each other's arms and woke up together. It's so beautiful when a couple does that and sex isn't even in the picture.

But that time of course was ruined because that time they did get caught, and everything went so far down hill. Very sad indeed.

But let's end on a positive... Starr and Cole are wonderful together, and their parents are nuts.

The defense of a teenage love rests.

OLTL ~ Truman Murder

One Life To Live if HUGE right now!

The sick, evil Spencer Truman has been murdered in Blair Cramer’s hospital room.

He has caused the town so much pain and agony. It’s a hefty list to dive into. But people are angry he hasn’t paid for his crimes. Marty declared him not fit for trial, so he was supposed to go to an asylum. The town wanted him in prison! For good reason too… At the hospital he took Marty hostage and could have shot Todd. And he escaped his room again…

Spencer was crazy. Before his escape, he kept seeing and talking to Blair even though she wasn’t actually there. Then he killed his lawyer and switched clothes with him. He was free to make a getaway…straight to Blair. He’s obsessed with her. He kept pumping her with drugs. He put her in a wedding dress and had a fake ceremony; he spoke to a minister that wasn’t there. Afterwards, Spencer said it was time to consummate the marriage. He got on top of her and was so going to rape her.

But then you see the perspective of someone entering the room, picking up scissors, and stabbing Spencer multiple times in the back. Blood splattered everywhere, and Spencer fell to the floor dead. It was a brilliant murder; it looked like a rendition of Psycho.

Now, just to let you know, I missed Monday’s (1/29) show. So you guys probably know more than I do.

I am now going to provide a list of suspects – the people that I think could have done it. And just as a reminder, Blair was passed out when the murder occurred. She has no clue who did it, but we viewers can probably figure it out…

Suspects

Rex Balsom - the most likely suspect. He was found in the room standing over the body and holding the murder weapon. Bo’s trying to give him time, but he’s just not telling the truth as to why he was there. He looks extremely guilty! He could be protecting someone, though, and he doesn’t want anyone to know that little Tommy McBain is really Todd’s missing son. Motive: Spencer knew the truth about Tommy; Rex could have killed him to make sure he didn’t talk. Other than that, what on Earth would lead Rex to committing murder?

Todd Manning - the one most likely to be a murderer. I’m not sure where Todd was when the murder happened, but I did see him at home with Jack before the murder. He has a criminal past, and he was in prison for an alleged murder, a set-up by Spencer. He’s not acting guilty, but he’s extremely pleased that Spencer is dead. Motive: His family has suffered enough because of Spencer. He would do anything to protect Blair and keep her safe. He would do anything to keep his family safe.

John McBain - the one wanting to see Spencer pay more than anyone else. He left abruptly from his apartment the night of the murder, and Michael found him at the hospital. I think he was helpless on the ground, due to still recovering from a car accident of course. He shouldn’t even be out and about in the first place, but he’s been the most frustrated about Spencer not going to prison. Motive: Spencer killed John’s father years ago. After finding that out, John’s been full of revenge. He wanted to go after Spencer while they were both in the hospital.

Asa Buchanan - the one who doesn’t let anyone mess with his family and get away with it. Spencer thought he was a Buchanan and wanted revenge for the way Asa treated his mother. Even though he’s not a Buchanan, he still wanted revenge. He was a Buchanan enemy, and Asa wouldn’t just sit around and do nothing. Asa was seen the night of the murder at The Palace; he had a cryptic phone call, asking, “Did you get the job done?” Motive: Spencer did all kinds of thing to his family. He even tortured Asa himself. And Asa would do anything to protect his family. Nobody messes with the Buchanans.

Michael McBain - the one who doesn’t seem capable of murder. He is a gentle soul; it’s no wonder why Marcie loves him so much. He is John’s brother, so he understands John’s revenge drive. He knows his son is really Todd’s and that Spencer knows too. He is also a doctor, so he’d have ample opportunity to kill Spencer. What’s suspicious about him is that he left Marcie in the middle of the murder night to take care of something. Motive: He hasn’t told Marcie about Tommy; he doesn’t want her to know. So, he could have murdered Spencer in order to keep the secret buried. And Spencer killed his father. So I’m sure there is a part of him that wants either revenge or justice.

Marty Saybrooke - who knows what she’s capable of? She was Spencer’s psychologist; she’s the one who saw him unfit for a trial. She also cares about John and doesn’t want to see Todd & Blair hurt anymore (I think). I don’t know where she was during the murder, but she was a little surprised to find out he’s dead. Most importantly, Spencer held her hostage at the hospital; he had a gun to her head or body, maybe both. He could have killed her had it not been for Todd. Motive: She has been scared of Spencer attacking her again; she probably wanted him dead. So, she could have taken care of him herself. Spencer also threatened her son, Cole. If anyone harmed her son, she could be capable of anything, right?

Paige Miller - the one who shares a past with Spencer. She was his ex-wife, and they had a son together. She kept their son away from Spencer by giving him up for adoption. She was also involved in the death of John & Michael’s father; she was drunk while operating on him with Spencer. She also knew Spencer was bad news when he came to town. Motive: Spencer has caused her emotional pain over the years. He has involved her in crimes she didn’t want to be a part of (he involved her in his big set-up of Todd going to prison). She could have snapped and finally gotten the “justice” that she has hoped for.

And Natalie Buchanan - the least likely suspect. There has to be someone that people would never in a million years believe would commit murder. I think Natalie is that someone. She is personally involved in the case against Spencer mainly because John McBain is her boyfriend. And I’m not sure where she was when the murder happened. But if she’s the killer, she would not let John take the fall. She’ll protect John from the police suspecting him. Motive: She could have murdered Spencer for John, who has been obsessing over him not going to prison. John’s been so focused on Spencer that she could have ended his life just to save John from himself. Also, Spencer has done harm to her family. He hated the Buchanan family with such a passion; he made her brother sterile and dangerously taunted her grandfather. Natalie could have sought revenge.

My thoughts and theories? Well…in murder storylines, the killer is always someone no one expected. Always the LEAST likeliest suspect! And that’s why I’ve included some ‘least likely’ suspects. With that in mind… I do not believe that Rex, Todd, John, or Asa did the crime. They are too obvious. Michael looks obvious too, but who would ever believe he would commit murder? He’s a doctor! Marty, Paige, and Natalie all have some good motives, and to my knowledge they had the opportunity. It would be a little surprising to me if one of them did it, but you never know. And actually, I do think Marty did it. The cops aren’t suspecting her. And where was she during the murder? Huh? She could have done it!

But… The other day someone in the dark was shown (from behind) with a newspaper. He was at his desk, and the front-page headline was about Spencer. The person was definitely a guy, and he got angry at the headline. Who was that? Is he the murderer?

We’ll have to stay tuned, OLTL viewers…