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.

GH - Mother & Daughter

Sam is Alexis’s daughter!!! WHAAAT??

Yes, another shocking revelation in the world of General Hospital has surfaced. Here’s a quick recap of the important info:

Alexis Davis Lansing and Sam McCall are in fact mother and daughter. Apparently, Alexis gave up a baby girl for adoption when she was sixteen because of her powerful, controlling father, Mikos Cassadine. And Sam found out from her dying brother, Danny, that she was adopted; he said, “They picked you just for me.” At the EXACT same time, Alexis and Sam tried to find their unknown daughter and mother, respectively. GH made their searches look so easy; in about two weeks Alexis found a file that claims her daughter is dead while Sam figured out that Alexis is her mother.

And then the story slooowwed almost to a stopping point. I guess it was for our benefit so we could take time to stomach the startling truth.

I must repeat since I am STILL trying to grasp the concept:
Sam is Alexis’s daughter!

Two bitter enemies are related. Of course they are because it creates a major story and conflict for them. But I did not see this coming at all. I figured Sam was adopted, but who would have know Alexis had a baby as a teen? She NEVER mentioned it during her ten whole years of being on the show!

Putting storylines aside, the initial thing to wonder is: do they even look alike? Is the age difference correct? Does Alexis look old enough to have had a daughter at 16? Is Sam young-looking enough to be Alexis’s daughter? Being an outsider looking in, does everything look right??

Maybe it does. Maybe it doesn’t. My verdict is still out ‘cause this whole thing is kinda tricky to take in, especially since Alexis is my favorite of the cast.

Either way, the truth is the truth. And it will create amazing story because Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis) and Kelly Monaco (Sam) are talented actors. There will also be a new dynamic to Alexis and Sam’s relationship. Even though they despise one another, I’m sure they’ll be driven to forge a new union. And I know Sam will love having two little sisters (Kristina and Molly).

However, both parties must be in the know first… As I write this, Jason is telling Alexis the truth due to Sam’s impending death. I wonder how Alexis will react… More importantly, what will happen between Sam and Alexis next?

Isn’t it exciting awaiting the very near future?

New Orleans FUN!

If you watch ABC soaps at all, then you've most likely seen The Fun in the Sun Tour. And if you were watching a month ago, then you know New Orleans was the recent stop. IMO, it was the best one yet! For one thing, it was on during my spring break, so I got to see every segment. And another thing, my favorite girl attended - Cady McClain. But what made it the best was the fact that New Orleans was a city in much need of a good time.

Every tour is fun and exciting. Each one has different actors doing different activities, and every setting is unique. But New Orleans was extra special because the people were celebrating Mardi Gras. Thus, it was one huge party over there, which is wonderful since Hurricane Katrina hit a couple months ago. And to see soap actors take time out of their busy schedules to help N.O. residents celebrate was touching. I'm sure the fans had tons of fun and appreciated being a part of the tour. I would have loved being there, but at least it was still thrilling to see on TV.

If you saw the N.O. stop, you know who was there. If not, then you missed some young, hot hunks (ie: Kamar de los Reyes) and some fun, lovely ladies (ie: Alexa Havins) . Personally, I don't really care for the guys; I'm just not crazy about them. But it was cute to see Cameron Mathison wearing a green 'Team Monaco' t-shirt as if he's a part of Kelly Monaco's fan club. As for the gals... I loved seeing Kelly Monaco and Cady McClain having fun; they were the highlights for me. You could tell they were enjoying the festivites.

The activites were just as delightful! Three key events were the Q&A sessions, throwing Mardi Gras beads, and visits to a children's hospital. Of course, I only remember what Kelly and Cady said/did. I know Cady talked once, but I can't remember what she said. Two fans asked Kelly, "Who's the better kisser: Maurice Benard or Steve Burton?" She laughed and answered, "I can't say that!" But then she whispered into her mike, "Steve." Everyone was shown tossing the beads to the fans. Cady wrote in her blog that they did that more than anything else. I remember them doing arts and crafts with children; it may have been somewhere other than a hospital. Cady made a red crown with a little boy (probably around 7 or 8); it was full of glittery decorations. It looked like they were having fun, and she placed the crown on his head happily.

Hence, N.O. was the place to be during The Fun in the Sun Tour. All fans who went are so very lucky! Maybe they'll stop at the New Jersey shore next. That's the closest place to me where sun fun would be best. :)

Emmy Picks

Here's who I WANT to win ----

Lead Actress: Beth Ehlers or Bobbie Eakes
Lead Actor: Ron Raines
Supporting Actress: Gina Tognoni
Supporting Actor: not too crazy about any of these guys, but... Jordan Clarke
Younger Actress: Leven Rambin or Camryn Grimes (I've seen her stuff; she's GOOD)
Younger Actor: Tom Pelphrey

Writing: One Life To Live
Directing: Days Of Our Lives (they deserve Emmys)
Best Show: Guiding Light

Here's who I think WILL win ----

Lead Actress: Susan Flannery
Lead Actor: Maurice Benard
Supporting Actress: hmm...tough call... Crystal Chappell
Supporting Actor: Tyler Christopher or Greg Rikaart
Younger Actress: Camryn Grimes
Younger Actor: Michael Graziadei

Writing: The Young and the Restless
Directing: General Hospital
Best Show: General Hospital

Post your picks too! :)

It's That Time...

The Daytime Emmys are the hugest deal in the world of soaps. It is a complete madhouse at fan bases everywhere during Emmy season. The pre-nominations and actual nominations drive everyone crazy. You want your favorites to win, but you never know who the Emmy actually goes to. The ceremony is unique each year with the clips, the presenters, and, of course, the wins. You never know what’ll happen… The wins can be wonderful and well deserved or shocking and make fans go, “What the hell?”

But let’s just focus on nominations… They can be so exciting and provoke many predictions on who’ll win. This year’s noms are no different. This year there are surprising and happy ones as well as some glaring omissions. Either way, the acting noms for each show are definitely something to talk about…

AMC: Only three noms?? SAY WHAT?! I mean, congratulations to Bobbie Eakes, Thorsten Kaye, and Leven Rambin, but AMC usually has a nomination in almost each category. What happened this year? Were only three actors good enough or were there just better actors from other shows? (sigh) Although there were few noms, I’m quite happy for Bobbie, Thorsten, and Leven; all three haven’t won an Emmy. I’m not sure what episodes Thorsten submitted, so I’m a little surprised about his nomination. He’s not favored by me to win. Leven and Bobbie have a fairly good chance to win, but they’re among other very talented actors. I hope they win; they’re two favorites of mine. Go Leven! Go Bobbie!

GH: Five noms…not too shabby, but not all that great either. Usually GH has lots of nominations, but not this year. Like I said with AMC…actors must have gotten overlooked, especially Nancy Lee Grahn (my favorite). And how on earth can Kelly Monaco be up for LEAD Actress? To me she seems more appropriate for the Supporting category; has she really done work that’s considered Lead? Congrats to her anyway as well as Tony Geary, Maurice Benard, Tyler Christopher, and Scott Clifton. They all have done amazing work this past year, but I’m rooting for others in their categories. They’re just not top favorites of mine, and a few have already won an Emmy or two. But wouldn’t it be something if Kelly wins since she is co-hosting the event? Good luck to her on Emmy night.

GL: WOW - EIGHT noms with at least one in each category! Is GL finally getting the recognition it deserves? It’s been quite low in the ratings the past few years and usually isn’t up for many awards. But it must have been excellent in 2005 because Kim Zimmer, Beth Ehlers, Robert Newman, Ron Raines, Jordan Clarke, Gina Tognoni, Crystal Chappell, Tom Pelphrey, and Mandy Bruno are all nominated. That’s the most acting noms for any show! I’m rooting for everyone because GL is an underdog show and most of those actors are Emmy-less. However, I’m not rooting for Kim Zimmer. She has, like, six Emmys already; she doesn’t need anymore, lol. While the numerous noms are wonderful, why aren’t Stephanie Gatschet and Ricky Paull Goldin a part of the list? They had huge stories in 2005 and had some phenomenal scenes. I’m sure they had some part in getting their co-stars, Tom Pelphrey and Beth Ehlers respectively, nominated! There’s always next year… And can you believe Beth Ehlers is nominated?! I guess you can; she’s been nominated a few times, but…never for LEAD! She’s the first actress to land nominations in all three acting categories; how cool is that? Anyway…she’s my girl, and I am SO excited for her! GO BETH!!

OLTL: Another poor year for them… They hardly get any nominations, mostly just one or two. It’s a talented little show full of history, but for some reason its actors are usually overlooked. This year their representative is Renee Goldsberry. I’m not really sure if she was great enough to be nominated, for there is always an oddball among the noms. But congrats to her anyway since this is her first nomination. I don’t think she has a good chance, but you never know. She could be all odds and win!

Bottom line: Good luck to everyone on all my shows! I’m sure I’ll be happy with the winners as long as they’re from my shows. ☺
And remember…anything can happen. You never know whom those Emmy judges will choose. Everyone has a chance at winning.

AMC - Poor Simone

There’s one character who deserves way more than she’s gotten. She’s a sweet person who should be happy and front burner. She’s a person who deserves a chance. That character is the one and only Simone.

What’s great about Simone? She’s strong, independent, witty, funny, entertaining, very likeable, etc. She’s one of the most refreshing characters on the show. She has great potential. But after being around for four and a half years, she shouldn’t she be past the potential phase? And doesn’t she deserve some long-term happiness after having numerous failed relationships?

Well, for some reason Simone is on a bad luck streak.

Her start on AMC was one of the poorest ever. Remember when she was a little part of Hayley and Mateo’s story? She was basically a nobody, but she evolved into the lovable woman she is today. Unfortunately, her storylines haven’t been the best. She’s been involved in all of Greenlee’s drama, and we’ve seen her love life sink again and again. How about a storyline about her and her past? And not only that, but what about some front and center time for Simone? Think about it… Has she EVER been front burner?

I rest my case.

Simone deserves a juicy, meaty story just like everyone else. We know her portrayer, Terri Ivens, can handle it; she’s been great during the loss of Ethan. What do we know about Simone anyway? I say not too much except for the relationships with her family, friends, and men. We do know her personality, but what about who she really is? What has she experienced in her life before Pine Valley that has shaped her into who she is today? AMC has obviously not explored every aspect of her life.

So, poor Simone and Terri Ivens for not getting much of a chance to shine once they won over viewers.

Now, Simone certainly hasn’t had it easy since coming to Pine Valley. She may not have had much story, but she has been wronged by love time and again. Her brother is dead, and her father isn’t too crazy about her. She has wonderful friends, but she hasn’t found the perfect guy yet. Her life has been full of loneliness. She’s had numerous relationships, but they always lead her back to the single life. She’s only been truly happy with Ethan, but TPTB decided to kill him.

Simone deserves true love and happiness. I know on soaps that contentness never lasts because it equals boredom, but it usually lasts enough. Couples have fun falling in love, and they get married and make a family. (Almost) everyone deserves a chance at that kind of life, especially Simone. It’s really all she’s ever wanted, and AMC ruined it by killing Ethan. They were happy for a little while, but we hardly saw them. And now there’s no chance for them. Poor Simone for losing the man of her dreams, the man she planned to marry.

Let’s hope Simone gets a story worthy of Terri’s talent and a better chance at living happily ever after with a man she loves with all her heart & soul. Happy…at least for a little while.