Here are the grand winners and my thoughts.
Younger Actress: GH's Julie Marie Berman (Lulu)
I was rooting for GH's Kirsten Storms, but I am very happy that Julie won. She completely deserves it. She is a stunning actress, and GH did the best job casting her as Lulu Spencer. Julie also looked so beautiful and classy as she nervously accepted her award. Adorable!
Younger Actor: DAYS' Darin Brooks (Max)
Not who I wanted to win, but this was a tricky category. I didn't really have a favorite. I'm not unhappy with Darin winning because how often does anyone at DAYS win anything? So, congrats to him. He's lucky.
Supporting Actress: DAYS' Tamara Braun (Ava)
This surprised me. Tamara was only on for SIX MONTHS. She was on GH (as Carly) longer and never won an Emmy. But Tamara winning makes me happy to some extent because I love her. She's brilliant. But it makes me wish I saw her as Ava so I know why she deserved to win. Too bad AMC's Alicia Minshew didn't win. She deserves an Emmy one of these years.
Supporting Actor: A tie! AMC's Vincent Irizarry (David) and GL's Jeff Branson (Shayne)
Ties are usually pretty rare, and this one was the first category presented. Vincent is an amazing actor. Even though I don't like his character, I still say he deserves every Emmy he wins. And I was rooting for Jeff. I'm glad that he won for GL because we've truly been able to see how talented he is. When he was on AMC as Jonathan, he didn't get the best material.
Lead Actress: OLTL's Susan Haskell (Marty)
YAY!!!! My pick of the night won! I was so excited that I was jumping up & down. She totally deserves this win. She won for the fallout of Todd raping Marty again (more emotionally than physically). She was brilliant when Marty learned the truth and discovered he lied about her entire life. Marty fought hard against Todd, and Susan got an Emmy for it. Wonderful! And her speech was sweet.
Lead Actor: Y&R's Christian LeBlanc (Michael)
Of course he wins again. I'm the least happiest about his win. It didn't excite me. This was another tricky category, though. I wasn't sure who should win.
Writing: General Hospital
I am appalled at this! I was angry at this because GH does not have the best writing. Mobsters are heros, the Quartermaines are hardly shown, Jason and Sam are back together, and there's almost constant violence. Some of the dialogue is stuff we hear more than once. How could GH win over OLTL? The episodes submitted must have been superb.
Directing: One Life To Live
Yay, OLTL won! It won over AMC's huge CGI tornado event. Wow! I don't know what episodes OLTL submitted, but I'm sure they were brilliant. I've been very happy with OLTL's directing. OLTL looks the way a soap should. Nothing fancy or on location most of the time.
Drama Series: The Bold And The Beautiful
Not what I was rooting for, but good for them. I believe they said it was B&B's first win. Thus, I'm extremely happy for B&B's cast, crew, and executives. But how could they not get to speak? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! That is so unheard of! Shame on CW and the people running the show. That's the worst part of the night, in my opinion.
Favorite Parts: OLTL's Susan Haskell winning made my night. As did GL's Jeff Branson's win. The opening of the show was very amusing - Vanessa Williams' in all these daytime scenes as she's singing. I loved seeing GL's Olivia & Natalia a part of that. The little parts of Elmo and Gordon trying to get in past Oscar were funny, and the Lifetime Achievement to Sesame Street was fun. AMC's, DAYS', and B&B's clips for Outstanding Drama Series were captivating. I always love the drama series clips, especially when they include great music. GL's tribute was very moving. I was loving it until they cut it off. I enjoyed the fashion segment because Ricky Paull Goldin (Jake, AMC; ex-Gus, GL) was a part of it. He looked so hot. He & Chrishell Stause (Amanda, AMC) pulled off the James Bond look perfectly. And B&B won Outstanding Drama Series for the 1st time. How fresh!
Bad Parts: The worst was no one from B&B being able to speak after B&B won Outstanding Drama Series. Two performances completely not needed were Vanessa Williams' second musical number and the special fashion segment. The Foof For Children charity segment was moving, but it went too long. That probably wasn't needed either. There wasn't a montage for the people who passed away. There weren't clips for all the acting categories; there is never enough time. Many people were not present to accept awards for Morning Show, Talk Show Host, etc. The Lifetime Achievement Award for Sesame Street was a bit too long. General Hospital won for Outstanding Writing. And finally, Guiding Light's special farewell tribute could have been longer and was cut off without so much as a warning.
8.31.2009
8.28.2009
My 2009 Emmy List
Daytime Emmys this Sunday at 8 PM EST on The CW with an hour-long red carpet show airing at 7.
Here are my Emmy picks!! These are who I'm rooting for.
Outstanding Younger Actress: GH's Kirsten Storms, but I wouldn't be upset if GH's Julie Marie Berman won.
Outstanding Younger Actor: AMC's Cornelius Smith Jr.
Outstanding Supporting Actress: AMC's Alicia Minshew, but I'd enjoy seeing DAYS' Tamara Braun win.
Outstanding Supporting Actor: Either ATWT's Van Hansis or GL's Jeff Branson
Outstanding Lead Actress: OLTL's Susan Haskell, but it'd also be great to see AMC's Debbi Morgan or ATWT's Maura West win.
Outstanding Lead Actor: GL's Daniel Cosgrove. DAYS' Peter Reckell winning would be amazing since DAYS doesn't usually get Emmy recognition.
Outstanding Writing: One Life To Live
Outstanding Directing: One Life To Live
Outstanding Drama Series: I'm seriously leaning towards Days Of Our Lives since I've never seen it win an Emmy. AMC and B&B don't deserve to win, in my opinion.
Here are my Emmy picks!! These are who I'm rooting for.
Outstanding Younger Actress: GH's Kirsten Storms, but I wouldn't be upset if GH's Julie Marie Berman won.
Outstanding Younger Actor: AMC's Cornelius Smith Jr.
Outstanding Supporting Actress: AMC's Alicia Minshew, but I'd enjoy seeing DAYS' Tamara Braun win.
Outstanding Supporting Actor: Either ATWT's Van Hansis or GL's Jeff Branson
Outstanding Lead Actress: OLTL's Susan Haskell, but it'd also be great to see AMC's Debbi Morgan or ATWT's Maura West win.
Outstanding Lead Actor: GL's Daniel Cosgrove. DAYS' Peter Reckell winning would be amazing since DAYS doesn't usually get Emmy recognition.
Outstanding Writing: One Life To Live
Outstanding Directing: One Life To Live
Outstanding Drama Series: I'm seriously leaning towards Days Of Our Lives since I've never seen it win an Emmy. AMC and B&B don't deserve to win, in my opinion.
7.28.2009
OLTL 7/28 ~ My Favorite Couple...
BO AND NORA KISSED TODAY!!!!!! FINALLY!
AFTER 10 OR 11 LONG YEARS, THEY ARE MAKING THEIR WAY BACK TOGETHER!!!!! US FANS ARE SCREAMING AND POSTING IT EVERYWHERE! WE LOVE BO & NORA, AND WE ALWAYS KNEW THERE WAS SOMETHING STILL BETWEEN THEM!
THANK YOU, OLTL WRITERS! THE KISS WAS MAGICAL AND BEAUTIFUL! THEIR LOVE IS STILL ALIVE!
AFTER 10 OR 11 LONG YEARS, THEY ARE MAKING THEIR WAY BACK TOGETHER!!!!! US FANS ARE SCREAMING AND POSTING IT EVERYWHERE! WE LOVE BO & NORA, AND WE ALWAYS KNEW THERE WAS SOMETHING STILL BETWEEN THEM!
THANK YOU, OLTL WRITERS! THE KISS WAS MAGICAL AND BEAUTIFUL! THEIR LOVE IS STILL ALIVE!
6.26.2009
OLTL ~ Farewell To Marcie Walsh
Last week we One Life To Live fans bid goodbye to two characters: Marcie & Michael McBain. The actors, Kathy Brier & Chris Stack, were let go from the show a couple months ago. The characters moved to Seattle, WA for a fresh start. First, they had decided that "their" baby, Hope, rightfully belonged with her teenaged parents, Starr & Cole. And out of the blue Michael told Marcie about his job offer from Seattle Grace Hospital. Just like that moving sounded like a pretty good idea. Michael said goodbye to his brother, John, while Marcie said good bye to friend Gigi. They did not leave without a happy ending for the fans: they found out that Marcie's pregnant. They had been trying different ways to have a baby, and now they finally will. At this point it doesn't matter if it's a girl or boy. Michael & Marcie will be wonderful parents.
While it was two characters who left, Marcie was the more beloved one. Michael only became prominent because of her (and John, I suppose) and was cared about more when portrayed by Nathaniel Marston. Marcie has been around since 2002, her maiden name being Walsh. She was only suppose to be on for three episodes. For a while she was a recurring character, her sole purpose being Jen Rappaport's best friend. Her role expanded, and viewers came to love her. She was real and down-to-earth. What made her so appealing was her size. She was heavy like so many women are in real life. Usually, the soap operas are full of super-thin women. It was wonderfully refreshing to have a strong female character with a real weight.
Marcie reached the height of her popularity when paired with Al Holden (also portrayed by Nathaniel Marston). They were adorable, and I probably saw their entire relationship. But so much is fuzzy because I got hooked on them towards the end of their short romance. Both attending Llanview University, Marcie was Al's tutor. They became friends, and their biggest hurdle was Al's drug addiction. She staged an intervention by herself and helped him through detoxification. Then they were free to fall in love. It was such a pure, sweet love between them. They took everything step-by-step since Marcie was afraid of making love with him. She didn't want to disappoint him, and she was self-conscious of her weight. Al was her hero through her weight issues, and he supported her stance on world peace. Classmates believed she wasn't supporting or caring about the troops fighting for their country. They treated her badly, and I'm sure thin girls saw her as easy to pick on because of her weight. Girls made her sing by a dumpster as they threw trash at her. Another night she was kidnapped, knocked out, and tossed into a dumpster. Al found her and spent the night by her side in her dorm room. College life was not easy for Marcie Walsh, but nothing could keep her down for long. She only grew stronger from those horrible experiences.
The most unique aspect of Al & Marcie was their love for music. It was such a prominent part of their lives, and it really added to their romance. Al secretly took a job as a radio host. He called himself "The Voice Of The Night", sharing words of wisdom and playing meaningful songs. Marcie got sucked into every word he said, and at some point she discovered who "the voice" was. I think that was a big factor in her falling for him. Al burned Marcie a CD, called Marcie's Mix, the very night they said their first "I love you"s. One special song on it was "This Year's Love" by David Gray. They sat together on the floor, holding each other while listening to it & talking. More songs used for them were: "Take Me Away" by Lifehouse, "Take A Little Piece Of My Heart" by Janis Joplin (sung by Marcie), and "Something Right" by Julia Fordham.
That dumpster incident came with consequences. Marcie passed along an infection to Al, and he became so ill that he needed a liver transplant. His mom donated part of hers, but it wasn't enough. Al's liver was too damaged, also in part from his drug use. Al, the love of Marcie's life, died. It was a tragedy for her and his parents - legendary characters Grabrielle Medina and Max Holden. It was also tragedy for the fans; Al & Marcie's love story had only just begun. Music continued to be used for this precious couple. Marcie played "This Year's Love" on the radio in memory of him as a montage of their greatest moments were shown. Max and Gabrielle were also shown crying, and Marcie sang along through her tears. Marcie sang "Iris" by the Goo Goo Dolls during Al's funeral; it was his favorite song. And "The Scientist" by Coldplay played as Gabrielle and Marcie comforted & held each other. I think they were in Al's dorm room, going through his belongings. Music expresses love & loss so beautifully, and it helps to have those songs to remember Marcie & Al by. It connects us to them.
It was so easy to feel Marcie's pain. She was sad for a good couple of months. Kathy Brier portrayed her grief brilliantly. But Marcie wouldn't be heartbroken forever. Death cannot stop true love. Like magic, Al got a second chance with Marcie, with the help of his former step-mom Luna Moody. I think first he could see & hear Marcie and everything but no one could see/hear him. Then his soul was put into Michael McBain (also Nathaniel Marston), a bitter doctor leading a lonely life. Every time Al's soul was in him, it's like he was Al. But no one knew it. Al's mission was to get Marcie to see that it was Al inside Michael by the end of Valentine's Day. He tried & tried, but Michael made some mistakes without Al's soul. And Marcie was still grieving.
On Valentine's night "Michael" had Marcie's favorite band, Simply Red, play at Capricorn. They played "Sunrise" and "You Make Me Feel Brand New". The latter is Marcie's favorite, and she danced to it with "Michael". Afterwards, Al did just about everything he could, and he finally succeeded in getting Marcie to see it was him. She stared into his eyes to Michael's soul, and for one episode we had Al & Marcie back together. It couldn't stay that way. Once time was up, they both forgot what had just happened, but Al's soul was forever inside of Michael. And the love story of Michael & Marcie began.
My memory of Michael & Marcie before their wedding is fuzzy. I know I saw everything that happened to them, but a lot is vague. I know they had their ups and downs. They broke up and got back together - that typical soap couple thing. Marcie began writing a crime novel and did some investigating on her own. She even sort of shadowed the police to understand their job better. She proved to be a talented writer. Her book, The Killing Club, was brought to life, and it was a good read. It centered on one character solving a series of murders that related to something in her past. What broke Marcie & Michael up was their strong focus on their respective careers. The killings began occurring for real, and there was a big serial killer storyline that Marcie was, of course, involved in. But I don't remember too much of that, and Marcie wasn't injured.
On another Valentine's Day (probably 2006) Michael planned to propose, and Marcie had no clue. They were at Ultra Violet to see Lifehouse perform. Again, more music. During the song "You And Me" Michael had the television screens set up to say, "Will you marry me?" Marcie was shocked. They discussed this huge decision to get married, and in the end Marcie said, "Yes." They were blissfully happy, and they wed in early May. Despite a looming tornado, the wedding went off without a hitch. It was beautiful, and the reception was like a real wedding, for the most part. What sets it a part from any other is that Marcie sang to Michael: an original song, "When It's Real". It appeared on Kathy Brier's sole album, Heartbreaker. It's suits them so well. I don't think Michael & Marcie had a honeymoon. Maybe they did, and we didn't see it.
From the tornado rubble was a baby boy. The disaster made him an orphan, and Marcie & Michael found & took care of him. They fell so in love with the baby, and Marcie realized she wanted to be a mother more than anything. They learned at some point that they couldn't have children the natural way (or so they thought). They fought to adopt the baby and named him Tommy. They were truly Tommy's parents, but it later was revealed that Tommy was biologically Todd's son with Margaret Cochran. Michael worked with Rex Balsom & Adrianna Cramer to keep it a secret. Secrets don't stay hidden for long. Once the truth was out, there was a custody battle. Todd was awarded custody, but Marcie wouldn't have it. She went on the run with Tommy, leaving Michael behind because he wasn't as determined as she was & she was still angry with him for keeping the secret.
We saw what a protective mama bear Marcie really is. She knew how dangerous Todd is and could not let him raise Tommy. She put her life on the line to protect and raise Tommy. And she truly is a wonderful mom. I was on her side through this whole thing. She and Michael would have given Tommy a better life than Todd. They deserved him more than Todd. Marcie hid at her brother's place, in a drag club, and finally ended up at The Bonjoir Cafe in Paris, TX - where Viki Lord was also hiding & living a new life. Todd was always on her tail, but she managed to hide in Texas for a while as Sally Ann, a waitress. She avoided Viki very well. But of course, everything came crashing in for her. Michael found out where she was, Viki saw her, and Todd (with the cops) closed in on her. In this story climax, Kathy Brier show her full acting abilities. Her work was amazing and totally Emmy-worthy. Marcie went to extremes by taking Viki hostage at the cafe. She had no other place to go. Michael (now Chris Stack) exchanged himself with Viki and shared emotional scenes with Marcie & Tommy. He convinced Marcie that she had to give Tommy to Todd. There was no other choice. Marcie was arrested and fortunately sentenced to community service.
Marcie tried to continue a normal life with Michael, but her budding career as a teacher was tarnished. As were their chances of adopting any more children. Parenthood didn't seem to be in their future. But when Starr Manning, Todd's daughter, got pregnant last year by Cole Thornhart, she was unsure about keeping the baby. She was only 16, and she overheard Marcie saying how much she wants to be a mom but can't. Starr decided to give her baby to Marcie via open adoption. Marcie wasn't sure at first but then agreed to it. Michael was against it because of Todd, and he moved out. Marcie was determined to go through with the adoption and raise the baby on her own if she had too. She always hoped Michael would change his mind, though. Marcie happily eased Starr along every step of the pregnancy. Meanwhile, Todd planned to steal the baby and raise it with an amnesiac Marty Saybrooke. He changed his mind the night the baby was born. But since the start of his plan was in motion, it was easy for Jessica Buchanan's alter, Bess, to switch the baby with her dead one. Marcie and Starr mourned for their baby girl, Hope, while Jessica was raising her as Chloe without any knowledge of what Bess did. Another chance at having a baby was seemingly shattered. Michael mourned too and grieved with Marcie, bringing them together again.
A recent series of events & revelations led to Hope being returned to Starr and then Marcie. Natalie Buchanan and Jared Banks learned the truth well before anyone else but kept it a secret to protect Jessica. Marcie found out that Hope couldn't have died from RH disease, as originally believed. Jessica was gradually unraveling. She reverted back to Bess and took "Chloe" since Bess knew how close the secret was to coming out. Jared & Natalie told Viki and Clint the truth, and Bess was found in West Virginia. Jessica came back out and with mom Viki's help realized her baby died & Bess switched the babies. By now, Starr's and Cole's parents learned the truth and told everything to them. Hope was returned to Starr & Cole briefly for a farewell before Marcie & Michael took her. But it didn't feel right anymore to Marcie.
Marcie got the feeling that Starr wanted to keep Hope. She was right. Also last week, she brought the baby back to Starr, and they shared very moving & poignant scenes in Starr's bedroom. I consider that to be Marcie's last hurrah. She did such a wonderful thing in giving Hope to Starr. To us, it seemed like Marcie wouldn't have a child. But maybe she had suspected she was pregnant. She did take a pregnancy test. Maybe she learned that she could have children. Of course, when someone on soaps can't have children, it doesn't stay that way.
And then, of course, Michael sprung the idea of moving out of Llanview for a fresh start. And we got a happy ending. Marcie fans, never forget her final moments: smiling while showing Michael the positive pregnancy test and then laughing as Michael picked her up & spun her around. Pure happiness. Their dream will finally come true. And we'll never forget Marcie Walsh McBain - wife, mother, sweet friend, and even singer. She began as a young college student and grew into a caring woman liked & loved by many. We will miss her & Kathy Brier and hope for nothing but the best. I'm sure Kathy will move on to more success and Marcie will raise her child on "Cloud Nine" with Michael.
I don't know if there is a Michael & Marcie website, but there is a Marcie & Al one. You can live through everything Al & Marcie (aka Marcal) on this wonderful fan-made site: http://tessarae_2.tripod.com/marcal_2.htm.
And there's always Kathy Brier's websites to support her and keep up with her music, acting, & whatever she does next:
http://kathybrier.com/
http://www.myspace.com/kathybrier
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Divas-of-Daytime/57142508951
While it was two characters who left, Marcie was the more beloved one. Michael only became prominent because of her (and John, I suppose) and was cared about more when portrayed by Nathaniel Marston. Marcie has been around since 2002, her maiden name being Walsh. She was only suppose to be on for three episodes. For a while she was a recurring character, her sole purpose being Jen Rappaport's best friend. Her role expanded, and viewers came to love her. She was real and down-to-earth. What made her so appealing was her size. She was heavy like so many women are in real life. Usually, the soap operas are full of super-thin women. It was wonderfully refreshing to have a strong female character with a real weight.
Marcie reached the height of her popularity when paired with Al Holden (also portrayed by Nathaniel Marston). They were adorable, and I probably saw their entire relationship. But so much is fuzzy because I got hooked on them towards the end of their short romance. Both attending Llanview University, Marcie was Al's tutor. They became friends, and their biggest hurdle was Al's drug addiction. She staged an intervention by herself and helped him through detoxification. Then they were free to fall in love. It was such a pure, sweet love between them. They took everything step-by-step since Marcie was afraid of making love with him. She didn't want to disappoint him, and she was self-conscious of her weight. Al was her hero through her weight issues, and he supported her stance on world peace. Classmates believed she wasn't supporting or caring about the troops fighting for their country. They treated her badly, and I'm sure thin girls saw her as easy to pick on because of her weight. Girls made her sing by a dumpster as they threw trash at her. Another night she was kidnapped, knocked out, and tossed into a dumpster. Al found her and spent the night by her side in her dorm room. College life was not easy for Marcie Walsh, but nothing could keep her down for long. She only grew stronger from those horrible experiences.
The most unique aspect of Al & Marcie was their love for music. It was such a prominent part of their lives, and it really added to their romance. Al secretly took a job as a radio host. He called himself "The Voice Of The Night", sharing words of wisdom and playing meaningful songs. Marcie got sucked into every word he said, and at some point she discovered who "the voice" was. I think that was a big factor in her falling for him. Al burned Marcie a CD, called Marcie's Mix, the very night they said their first "I love you"s. One special song on it was "This Year's Love" by David Gray. They sat together on the floor, holding each other while listening to it & talking. More songs used for them were: "Take Me Away" by Lifehouse, "Take A Little Piece Of My Heart" by Janis Joplin (sung by Marcie), and "Something Right" by Julia Fordham.
That dumpster incident came with consequences. Marcie passed along an infection to Al, and he became so ill that he needed a liver transplant. His mom donated part of hers, but it wasn't enough. Al's liver was too damaged, also in part from his drug use. Al, the love of Marcie's life, died. It was a tragedy for her and his parents - legendary characters Grabrielle Medina and Max Holden. It was also tragedy for the fans; Al & Marcie's love story had only just begun. Music continued to be used for this precious couple. Marcie played "This Year's Love" on the radio in memory of him as a montage of their greatest moments were shown. Max and Gabrielle were also shown crying, and Marcie sang along through her tears. Marcie sang "Iris" by the Goo Goo Dolls during Al's funeral; it was his favorite song. And "The Scientist" by Coldplay played as Gabrielle and Marcie comforted & held each other. I think they were in Al's dorm room, going through his belongings. Music expresses love & loss so beautifully, and it helps to have those songs to remember Marcie & Al by. It connects us to them.
It was so easy to feel Marcie's pain. She was sad for a good couple of months. Kathy Brier portrayed her grief brilliantly. But Marcie wouldn't be heartbroken forever. Death cannot stop true love. Like magic, Al got a second chance with Marcie, with the help of his former step-mom Luna Moody. I think first he could see & hear Marcie and everything but no one could see/hear him. Then his soul was put into Michael McBain (also Nathaniel Marston), a bitter doctor leading a lonely life. Every time Al's soul was in him, it's like he was Al. But no one knew it. Al's mission was to get Marcie to see that it was Al inside Michael by the end of Valentine's Day. He tried & tried, but Michael made some mistakes without Al's soul. And Marcie was still grieving.
On Valentine's night "Michael" had Marcie's favorite band, Simply Red, play at Capricorn. They played "Sunrise" and "You Make Me Feel Brand New". The latter is Marcie's favorite, and she danced to it with "Michael". Afterwards, Al did just about everything he could, and he finally succeeded in getting Marcie to see it was him. She stared into his eyes to Michael's soul, and for one episode we had Al & Marcie back together. It couldn't stay that way. Once time was up, they both forgot what had just happened, but Al's soul was forever inside of Michael. And the love story of Michael & Marcie began.
My memory of Michael & Marcie before their wedding is fuzzy. I know I saw everything that happened to them, but a lot is vague. I know they had their ups and downs. They broke up and got back together - that typical soap couple thing. Marcie began writing a crime novel and did some investigating on her own. She even sort of shadowed the police to understand their job better. She proved to be a talented writer. Her book, The Killing Club, was brought to life, and it was a good read. It centered on one character solving a series of murders that related to something in her past. What broke Marcie & Michael up was their strong focus on their respective careers. The killings began occurring for real, and there was a big serial killer storyline that Marcie was, of course, involved in. But I don't remember too much of that, and Marcie wasn't injured.
On another Valentine's Day (probably 2006) Michael planned to propose, and Marcie had no clue. They were at Ultra Violet to see Lifehouse perform. Again, more music. During the song "You And Me" Michael had the television screens set up to say, "Will you marry me?" Marcie was shocked. They discussed this huge decision to get married, and in the end Marcie said, "Yes." They were blissfully happy, and they wed in early May. Despite a looming tornado, the wedding went off without a hitch. It was beautiful, and the reception was like a real wedding, for the most part. What sets it a part from any other is that Marcie sang to Michael: an original song, "When It's Real". It appeared on Kathy Brier's sole album, Heartbreaker. It's suits them so well. I don't think Michael & Marcie had a honeymoon. Maybe they did, and we didn't see it.
From the tornado rubble was a baby boy. The disaster made him an orphan, and Marcie & Michael found & took care of him. They fell so in love with the baby, and Marcie realized she wanted to be a mother more than anything. They learned at some point that they couldn't have children the natural way (or so they thought). They fought to adopt the baby and named him Tommy. They were truly Tommy's parents, but it later was revealed that Tommy was biologically Todd's son with Margaret Cochran. Michael worked with Rex Balsom & Adrianna Cramer to keep it a secret. Secrets don't stay hidden for long. Once the truth was out, there was a custody battle. Todd was awarded custody, but Marcie wouldn't have it. She went on the run with Tommy, leaving Michael behind because he wasn't as determined as she was & she was still angry with him for keeping the secret.
We saw what a protective mama bear Marcie really is. She knew how dangerous Todd is and could not let him raise Tommy. She put her life on the line to protect and raise Tommy. And she truly is a wonderful mom. I was on her side through this whole thing. She and Michael would have given Tommy a better life than Todd. They deserved him more than Todd. Marcie hid at her brother's place, in a drag club, and finally ended up at The Bonjoir Cafe in Paris, TX - where Viki Lord was also hiding & living a new life. Todd was always on her tail, but she managed to hide in Texas for a while as Sally Ann, a waitress. She avoided Viki very well. But of course, everything came crashing in for her. Michael found out where she was, Viki saw her, and Todd (with the cops) closed in on her. In this story climax, Kathy Brier show her full acting abilities. Her work was amazing and totally Emmy-worthy. Marcie went to extremes by taking Viki hostage at the cafe. She had no other place to go. Michael (now Chris Stack) exchanged himself with Viki and shared emotional scenes with Marcie & Tommy. He convinced Marcie that she had to give Tommy to Todd. There was no other choice. Marcie was arrested and fortunately sentenced to community service.
Marcie tried to continue a normal life with Michael, but her budding career as a teacher was tarnished. As were their chances of adopting any more children. Parenthood didn't seem to be in their future. But when Starr Manning, Todd's daughter, got pregnant last year by Cole Thornhart, she was unsure about keeping the baby. She was only 16, and she overheard Marcie saying how much she wants to be a mom but can't. Starr decided to give her baby to Marcie via open adoption. Marcie wasn't sure at first but then agreed to it. Michael was against it because of Todd, and he moved out. Marcie was determined to go through with the adoption and raise the baby on her own if she had too. She always hoped Michael would change his mind, though. Marcie happily eased Starr along every step of the pregnancy. Meanwhile, Todd planned to steal the baby and raise it with an amnesiac Marty Saybrooke. He changed his mind the night the baby was born. But since the start of his plan was in motion, it was easy for Jessica Buchanan's alter, Bess, to switch the baby with her dead one. Marcie and Starr mourned for their baby girl, Hope, while Jessica was raising her as Chloe without any knowledge of what Bess did. Another chance at having a baby was seemingly shattered. Michael mourned too and grieved with Marcie, bringing them together again.
A recent series of events & revelations led to Hope being returned to Starr and then Marcie. Natalie Buchanan and Jared Banks learned the truth well before anyone else but kept it a secret to protect Jessica. Marcie found out that Hope couldn't have died from RH disease, as originally believed. Jessica was gradually unraveling. She reverted back to Bess and took "Chloe" since Bess knew how close the secret was to coming out. Jared & Natalie told Viki and Clint the truth, and Bess was found in West Virginia. Jessica came back out and with mom Viki's help realized her baby died & Bess switched the babies. By now, Starr's and Cole's parents learned the truth and told everything to them. Hope was returned to Starr & Cole briefly for a farewell before Marcie & Michael took her. But it didn't feel right anymore to Marcie.
Marcie got the feeling that Starr wanted to keep Hope. She was right. Also last week, she brought the baby back to Starr, and they shared very moving & poignant scenes in Starr's bedroom. I consider that to be Marcie's last hurrah. She did such a wonderful thing in giving Hope to Starr. To us, it seemed like Marcie wouldn't have a child. But maybe she had suspected she was pregnant. She did take a pregnancy test. Maybe she learned that she could have children. Of course, when someone on soaps can't have children, it doesn't stay that way.
And then, of course, Michael sprung the idea of moving out of Llanview for a fresh start. And we got a happy ending. Marcie fans, never forget her final moments: smiling while showing Michael the positive pregnancy test and then laughing as Michael picked her up & spun her around. Pure happiness. Their dream will finally come true. And we'll never forget Marcie Walsh McBain - wife, mother, sweet friend, and even singer. She began as a young college student and grew into a caring woman liked & loved by many. We will miss her & Kathy Brier and hope for nothing but the best. I'm sure Kathy will move on to more success and Marcie will raise her child on "Cloud Nine" with Michael.
I don't know if there is a Michael & Marcie website, but there is a Marcie & Al one. You can live through everything Al & Marcie (aka Marcal) on this wonderful fan-made site: http://tessarae_2.tripod.com/marcal_2.htm.
And there's always Kathy Brier's websites to support her and keep up with her music, acting, & whatever she does next:
http://kathybrier.com/
http://www.myspace.com/kathybrier
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Divas-of-Daytime/57142508951
5.21.2009
SOW's 20 Most Fascinating Couples
In the May 26, 2009 issue of Soap Opera Weekly there are twenty couples featured and celebrated. Here's the little introduction paragraph and a list of the spectacular twenty.
Try narrowing 20 years of soap love stories into 20 memorable couples - it's not easy! (We're putting the 20 runners-up on our Web site.) Check our latest "20 most..." list, and then vote for your fave at http://www.soapoperaweekly.com. Is your couple not on our list? Write them in at tellus@soapoperaweekly.com. (Remember, the couple had to get romantically involved between 1989 and 2009, which makes some classic pairs ineligible.)
All My Children:
Noah and Julia
Tad & Dixie
Another World:
Cass and Frankie
As The World Turns:
Jack and Carly
Luke and Noah
The Bold And The Beautiful:
Deacon and Brooke
Days Of Our Lives:
Jack and Jennifer
Shawn and Belle
General Hospital:
Sonny and Carly
Guiding Light:
Bill and Lizzie
Olivia and Natalia
Loving:
Casey and Aly
One Life To Live:
Jake and Megan
Patrick and Marty
Passions:
Luis and Sheridan
Port Charles:
Caleb and Livvie
Santa Barbara:
Warren and BJ
Sunset Beach:
Ben and Meg
The Young And The Restless:
Michael and Lauren
Phyllis and Nick
Try narrowing 20 years of soap love stories into 20 memorable couples - it's not easy! (We're putting the 20 runners-up on our Web site.) Check our latest "20 most..." list, and then vote for your fave at http://www.soapoperaweekly.com. Is your couple not on our list? Write them in at tellus@soapoperaweekly.com. (Remember, the couple had to get romantically involved between 1989 and 2009, which makes some classic pairs ineligible.)
All My Children:
Noah and Julia
Tad & Dixie
Another World:
Cass and Frankie
As The World Turns:
Jack and Carly
Luke and Noah
The Bold And The Beautiful:
Deacon and Brooke
Days Of Our Lives:
Jack and Jennifer
Shawn and Belle
General Hospital:
Sonny and Carly
Guiding Light:
Bill and Lizzie
Olivia and Natalia
Loving:
Casey and Aly
One Life To Live:
Jake and Megan
Patrick and Marty
Passions:
Luis and Sheridan
Port Charles:
Caleb and Livvie
Santa Barbara:
Warren and BJ
Sunset Beach:
Ben and Meg
The Young And The Restless:
Michael and Lauren
Phyllis and Nick
5.16.2009
2009 Daytime Emmy Nominations
This year the Emmys will be on the CW on August 30, hosted by Tyra Banks. The nominations came out May 14, and we now have a 3-month wait. The noms are surprising, to say the least. There are some glaring omissions. I just hope the actual ceremony will be worth-watching and not too focused on everything but soap operas. We'll have to wait and see, won't we? :)
And now for the major nominees...
Outstanding Directing Team:
All My Children
Days Our Our Lives
One Life To Live
Outstanding Writing Team:
All My Children
General Hospital
One Life To Live
The Bold And The Beautiful
Outstanding Younger Actress:
Meredith Hagner (Liberty, ATWT)
Rachel Melvin (Chelsea, DAYS)
Kirsten Storms (Maxie, GH)
Julie Marie Berman (Lulu, GH)
Emily O'Brien (Jana, Y&R)
Outstanding Younger Actor:
Cornelius Smith Jr. (Frankie, AMC)
Darin Brooks (Max, DAYS)
Blake Berris (Nick, DAYS)
EJ Bonilla (Rafe, GL)
Bryton McClure (Devon, Y&R)
Outstanding Supporting Actress:
Melissa Claire Egan (Annie, AMC)
Alicia Minshew (Kendall, AMC)
Julie Pinson (Janet, ATWT)
Tamara Braun (Ava, DAYS)
Bree Williamson (Jessica, OLTL)
Outstanding Supporting Actor:
Vincent Irizarry (David, AMC)
Jacob Young (JR, AMC)
Van Hansis (Luke, ATWT)
Bradford Anderson (Spinelli, GH)
Jeff Branson (Shayne, GL)
Outstanding Lead Actress:
Debbi Morgan (Angie, AMC)
Maura West (Carly, ATWT)
Susan Haskell (Marty, OLTL)
Susan Flannery (Stephanie, B&B)
Jeanne Cooper (Katherine, Y&R)
Outstanding Lead Actor:
Thorsten Kaye (Zach, AMC)
Peter Reckell (Bo, DAYS)
Anthony Geary (Luke, GH)
Daniel Cosgrove (Bill, GL)
Christian LeBlanc (Michael, Y&R)
Outstanding Drama Series:
All My Children
Days Of Our Lives
The Bold And The Beautiful
I am NOT amused! Nor impressed! Every year now these nominations end up being surprising & disappointing. This year's are a bit better than last year's, from what I remember. But overall, they're a let-down. In a personal way, there isn't anyone I'm overly excited about. None of my favorites are here. As an All My Children viewer, I cannot believe it has the most nominations. It doesn't deserve all of those noms! Being a huge supporter of the soap world, there seems to be some balance in the acting categories, except for AMC's apparent domination and Bold & Beautiful's one lonely nom.
AMC has many talented actors, but I don't understand Irizarry's and Young's nominations. Aren't there more deserving supporting actors than them? I'm the happiest with Morgan's nomination, and THANK GOD that Brianne Moncrief (Colby) didn't get a nom. But what about Michael E. Knight (Tad)? He had some top notch work in '08.
I'm happy with most of As The World Turns' and all of One Life To Live's nominations. Not sure about ATWT's Hagner and Pinson; I haven't watched enough of them to see if they deserve Emmys. Hansis should win for Supporting Actor; it's been a long time coming. OLTL's Haskell should win for Lead Actress; the "rapemance" story was HUGE for her. Why Kristen Alderson (Starr) & Brandon Buddy (Cole) didn't get nominated I don't know. And yet again Kathy Brier (Marcie) is omitted.
I love Guiding Light's nominations; I wish there was more. How about Marcy Rylan (Lizzie), Crystal Chappell (Olivia), and Gina Tognoni (Dinah)?
The usual General Hospital actors are nominated, and again, I don't know why Geary is. He's stuck with the same kind of material year after year plus he gets two long vacations. What did he do this past year that deserves an Emmy? Why wasn't there more GH noms?
Then you have the usual Y&R nominees, but I'm surprised there's no Kristoff St. John (Neil). I'm also stunned that Y&R doesn't have two nominees in both lead categories. And I keep hearing about how amazing Billy Miller (Billy) and Elizabeth Hendrickson (Chloe) are! No noms for them?
I'm pleased with all the Days Of Our Lives noms because that show usually doesn't get the credit & recognition it deserves.
B&B is the one that got shafted. Way to go, Flannery, for B&B's single acting nomination! Not sure if there should have been more or not.
On the whole, I'm the happiest with the Lead Actress category because I know all of those women deserve to be there. I'm the most displeased with BOTH younger categories because I believe there may be better actresses & actors than some of the ones there.
I'm rooting for OLTL in both the Directing and Writing categories because it is one of the best soaps. It has been for, like, 2 years now. AMC had better not win for Writing because most of the past year it has been sh*t!
This leads us to the biggest reason to hate the Daytime Emmys this year: Outstanding Drama Series. What the f**k?? Only three nominees and not the most deserving AT ALL! DAYS maybe, but the other two, no. AMC is in a deep hole, and I can't believe it's better than OLTL or GH. That being said, where are OLTL & GH? Or even Y&R - the other best soap? I think even GL was pretty good this past year. And WHY only THREE nominees? That doesn't make sense! I think I'm honestly rooting for DAYS , but being a long-time AMC fan I could easily change my mind. Of course, it all depends on what episodes were submitted. AMC did have some great ones in the beginning of the year. Maybe because of that, they deserve to win. It's just shocking that other, more-deserving soaps are omitted.
And now for the major nominees...
Outstanding Directing Team:
All My Children
Days Our Our Lives
One Life To Live
Outstanding Writing Team:
All My Children
General Hospital
One Life To Live
The Bold And The Beautiful
Outstanding Younger Actress:
Meredith Hagner (Liberty, ATWT)
Rachel Melvin (Chelsea, DAYS)
Kirsten Storms (Maxie, GH)
Julie Marie Berman (Lulu, GH)
Emily O'Brien (Jana, Y&R)
Outstanding Younger Actor:
Cornelius Smith Jr. (Frankie, AMC)
Darin Brooks (Max, DAYS)
Blake Berris (Nick, DAYS)
EJ Bonilla (Rafe, GL)
Bryton McClure (Devon, Y&R)
Outstanding Supporting Actress:
Melissa Claire Egan (Annie, AMC)
Alicia Minshew (Kendall, AMC)
Julie Pinson (Janet, ATWT)
Tamara Braun (Ava, DAYS)
Bree Williamson (Jessica, OLTL)
Outstanding Supporting Actor:
Vincent Irizarry (David, AMC)
Jacob Young (JR, AMC)
Van Hansis (Luke, ATWT)
Bradford Anderson (Spinelli, GH)
Jeff Branson (Shayne, GL)
Outstanding Lead Actress:
Debbi Morgan (Angie, AMC)
Maura West (Carly, ATWT)
Susan Haskell (Marty, OLTL)
Susan Flannery (Stephanie, B&B)
Jeanne Cooper (Katherine, Y&R)
Outstanding Lead Actor:
Thorsten Kaye (Zach, AMC)
Peter Reckell (Bo, DAYS)
Anthony Geary (Luke, GH)
Daniel Cosgrove (Bill, GL)
Christian LeBlanc (Michael, Y&R)
Outstanding Drama Series:
All My Children
Days Of Our Lives
The Bold And The Beautiful
I am NOT amused! Nor impressed! Every year now these nominations end up being surprising & disappointing. This year's are a bit better than last year's, from what I remember. But overall, they're a let-down. In a personal way, there isn't anyone I'm overly excited about. None of my favorites are here. As an All My Children viewer, I cannot believe it has the most nominations. It doesn't deserve all of those noms! Being a huge supporter of the soap world, there seems to be some balance in the acting categories, except for AMC's apparent domination and Bold & Beautiful's one lonely nom.
AMC has many talented actors, but I don't understand Irizarry's and Young's nominations. Aren't there more deserving supporting actors than them? I'm the happiest with Morgan's nomination, and THANK GOD that Brianne Moncrief (Colby) didn't get a nom. But what about Michael E. Knight (Tad)? He had some top notch work in '08.
I'm happy with most of As The World Turns' and all of One Life To Live's nominations. Not sure about ATWT's Hagner and Pinson; I haven't watched enough of them to see if they deserve Emmys. Hansis should win for Supporting Actor; it's been a long time coming. OLTL's Haskell should win for Lead Actress; the "rapemance" story was HUGE for her. Why Kristen Alderson (Starr) & Brandon Buddy (Cole) didn't get nominated I don't know. And yet again Kathy Brier (Marcie) is omitted.
I love Guiding Light's nominations; I wish there was more. How about Marcy Rylan (Lizzie), Crystal Chappell (Olivia), and Gina Tognoni (Dinah)?
The usual General Hospital actors are nominated, and again, I don't know why Geary is. He's stuck with the same kind of material year after year plus he gets two long vacations. What did he do this past year that deserves an Emmy? Why wasn't there more GH noms?
Then you have the usual Y&R nominees, but I'm surprised there's no Kristoff St. John (Neil). I'm also stunned that Y&R doesn't have two nominees in both lead categories. And I keep hearing about how amazing Billy Miller (Billy) and Elizabeth Hendrickson (Chloe) are! No noms for them?
I'm pleased with all the Days Of Our Lives noms because that show usually doesn't get the credit & recognition it deserves.
B&B is the one that got shafted. Way to go, Flannery, for B&B's single acting nomination! Not sure if there should have been more or not.
On the whole, I'm the happiest with the Lead Actress category because I know all of those women deserve to be there. I'm the most displeased with BOTH younger categories because I believe there may be better actresses & actors than some of the ones there.
I'm rooting for OLTL in both the Directing and Writing categories because it is one of the best soaps. It has been for, like, 2 years now. AMC had better not win for Writing because most of the past year it has been sh*t!
This leads us to the biggest reason to hate the Daytime Emmys this year: Outstanding Drama Series. What the f**k?? Only three nominees and not the most deserving AT ALL! DAYS maybe, but the other two, no. AMC is in a deep hole, and I can't believe it's better than OLTL or GH. That being said, where are OLTL & GH? Or even Y&R - the other best soap? I think even GL was pretty good this past year. And WHY only THREE nominees? That doesn't make sense! I think I'm honestly rooting for DAYS , but being a long-time AMC fan I could easily change my mind. Of course, it all depends on what episodes were submitted. AMC did have some great ones in the beginning of the year. Maybe because of that, they deserve to win. It's just shocking that other, more-deserving soaps are omitted.
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