Soap Opera Update

I'm not weighing in with a news flash or spoiler. There are enough sites for that kind of information. What I have are some suggestions (and hopes) if the TOLN is going to survive.

I don't like the airing of only two episodes of each show a week. For my part, they could forget the MORE on Friday and fill that spot with another episode of one of the shows.

I'm concerned now that because there are only two episodes, I put off watching them. Before with four episodes a week for each show, I had to make time to watch. Now I find I sort of shrug and figure I'll catch it tomorrow. Or they could lengthen the shows another fifteen minutes giving us forty minutes of programming. Twenty-three to twenty-five minutes of programming may fit a sit-com, but the storytelling of a soap opera doesn't work well in that time frame.

And that's only if they resolve the apparently unresolved issues with I've forgotten the name of the union.

You have to give TOLN an A for effort. Seeing my old friends (AMC & OLTL) again on my TV is a treat. I  hope it's not just an appetizer that fails at delivering a full meal.

More Thoughts on the Online Soaps and Network Soaps--General Hospital

Of the two (All My Children and One Life to Live) my favorite remains OLTL. The only thing that bugs me about my fave is a tendency for the music to drown out the dialogue on occasion, especially when they're at the club Shelter.

I had hoped my mom would engage with the new format, but since her vision is so poor she seldom watches TV anymore. I tend to watch them on my Kindle HD, but I've moved my LG network thingie back to my bedroom since it doesn't want to play well with the TV in the living room. Both TVs are LG, but the network hub works better on the bedroom TV which means I'll be watching the soaps at night in bed if I can stay awake.

I've gotten used to having more free time in the daytime so this will work out well.

As for General Hospital, the three OLTL transplants have returned in their new personae. For me, Kirsten Alderson has hit it out of the park with her new character, Lauren "Kiki" Jerome. She's very edgy and is involved with Morgan Corinthos. We don't have a name for Roger Howarth's character. His hair is lighter and styled, and he's pretty hot, in addition to being, for now, a man of mystery. Michael Easton's character is Dr. Silas Clay, brother to the Steven Clay character. Frankly, he's as creepy as his brother was, and I'm not warming to that dude at all.

Currently, Roger Howarth is airing on both OLTL and GH! I really thought Trevor Howard's character, Victor Lord, Jr., was killing him off the other day, thereby releasing him from OLTL, but no, he's still alive.

For OLTL I miss Jessica--where's Jess? There's been no mention explaining her absence. I know in the 30 minute format, the number of characters is reduced, but Jessica is a core character. She could be recast, and I think she ought to be on the show. I'm not digging Natalie--she really, really needs something to do, and I don't mean Cutter.

As for AMC, I don't miss Erica--never cared for the character. That's just me, but I wouldn't mind an occasional drop-in. I do miss Tad. He's been mentioned--he's on a PI case--so maybe he'll drop in soon. The  JR character hasn't quite jelled for me yet, but the thing that bugs me most is not having any kind of explanation for Dixie's being alive.  Now we are dealing with soaps, and I can suspend disbelief for just about anything, but I need a reason, folks!

That's it for now.

New Print Copies Have Arrived

Here's a photo of my upcoming print release, TAMING TALIA. Angela Waters did a superb job as always.

Stay tuned for contest details on my web site.

Book Lovers Buffet Bouquet of Books Sale

Book Lovers Buffet Site

For three days, May 1-3, over 150 romance novel ebooks of multiple genres are on sale for 99 cents! That's right! Just click on the link above to go to sale site. Then click on your favorite genre/s to view all the amazing selections. And be sure to click on the Contests link to check out the prizes you might win.

BTW, BROKEN PROMISES is listed under the Mystery/Suspense category.

All authors participating in the Book Lovers Buffet are welcome to enter a blurb and category link.

All My Children and One Life to Live Return to Daytime--no, Make That All Time!

The good news is that most of our beloved characters are back, even some that were dead--this IS soap opera, after all.

I've seen two episodes, and the production values are great: sets, locations, but it doesn't quite seem like Pine Valley. Nothing is familiar. The sets are, as I said, fantastic, but there aren't any that even resemble what I used to know as Pine Valley. Given five years have passed, and children have SORAS'd (soap opera rapid aging syndrome) even more, it's conceivable that everyone has a new home. Certainly Angie and Jesse deserved their lovely new home, as does the irrepressible Opal.

We still don't know who was shot at the end of the last TV episode, but it appears after two episodes that it's TAD MARTIN who's been lying comatose for the last five years. And Dixie is alive--no explanation for that fact, other than this IS a soap opera after all.

Also unexplained, David Hayward has been in prison for the last five years and he's on his way back for revenge. Or maybe I just can't remember the fine details since it has been nearly two years since the show last aired on ABC.

There's no Erica Kane, and personally that's a good thing, but I know others will miss her arrogant, self-important persona because she's been there from day one. A little Erica I could handle, I guess.

We are already involved in a mystery: Angie's daughter Cassandra has been abducted. Angie doesn't know, but Jesse is already chasing her down. I hope he hurries.

We have an older Miranda and A.J. Eden Riegel put in an appearance today, and it was lovely to see her. Dr. Joe Martin also made an appearance today, but I think he's sticking around, minus Ruth.

These are thirty minute shows with brief commercials. On Fridays there will be a recap episode with additional features, which I'm not sure about since we haven't hit the first Friday yet.

I'm very excited about OLTL's return. It's only been off the air a little over a year, so not such a difficult transition. Llanfair looks like the TV version only with upgrades. The entrance, foyer (with a smashing new marble floor) and living room are set up pretty much as they were on ABC. New wall coverings and fabrics, general updates add to the fresh feel, but it FELT like home to me. Bo and Nora's apartment is very familiar. Dorian and David are back, but there are more changes (location of the stairway for one) and the living room feels smaller, but still somewhat familiar. I think this feeling of familiarity really adds to an easier transition from the prior OLTL to the present version.

We have a Washington, DC based scandal featuring--who else--Senator Dorian Lord. David Vickers is the house husband and starting his own reality show--good for laughs. This scandal puts Viki and Dorian at loggerheads--ideal conflict to get things going.

Nora and Bo find oxycontin in Matthew's things and he won't say where it came from. He took it from Danielle, who suffers an OD at a night club--somehow she's now over 21.

Blair and Cutter have changed Capricorn to Shelter. The club's opening night ends rather chaotically with Dani's OD, and then the talent bails. 

Todd makes his presence known, as does--wait for it--Victor who isn't dead, after all, but we knew that, and now everyone does. 

Of the two shows, OLTL has been my favorite for a long time, and that's still the case. But I'll definitely be watching both. What can I say: they're in my blood.

And yes, the shows are being skewed toward younger viewers, but that's necessary for continued survival since the younger generation will find the free Hulu.com online version accessible anytime. Those who enroll in HuluPlus ($7.99/mo) to stream the shows to one of their devices or the TV, like I do so my eighty-nine-year-old mom can view it. It's also available on iTunes for a minimal cost.

Links: http://hulu.com/one-life-to-live/  and  http://hulu.com/all-my-children/

Audiobook Coming...THE MAN FOR THE JOB

The Man for the Job has always been one of my favorite books, and soon (hopefully sometime this summer) it'll be available in audio book format. The multiple characters with their varying accents should be an auditory treat for listeners. They include upper class New York, upper class British, East London, and  New Jersey mob boss.  I have a wonderful NY actress and voice over actress who has a wonderful facility with all sorts of accents, award-winning actress Aria McKenna of Voice Tree Productions.

Blurb:

Lust at first sight.

Ex-police Detective Mike Carlton considers bodyguard work a necessary evil--it pays the bills. But he changes his mind as soon as attorney Gwyneth Wells waltzes into his office.

A stalker? Yes, he'll guard her all night long if necessary. All he has to do is convince this uptight attorney with a fondness for Italian shoes and a propensity for getting into trouble that he's THE MAN FOR THE JOB...and the man for her.

Excerpt:

Like an armored tank brooking no obstacles, Gwyneth strode along the busy streets of the Big Apple. For once she wasn't worried about being mugged or stalked--just let someone try.

“Wilford Wells, just wait until I get hold of you. I'll wring your wrinkled old neck for the trick you've played on me,” she muttered, knowing she must look as demented as half the people around her. Still, she didn't give a damn what anyone thought.

“'Now then, sugar’, Uncle Wil had said, ‘This Mike Carlton, I checked him out. He's the best.’”

The best? If that phony cretin was the best, she'd hate to see the worst. She'd show her uncle what she thought of the best. She'd pull his gray, stringy ponytail out by the roots.

Dammit. She'd presented herself at Mike Carlton's office, expecting to be treated with due respect, and instead he'd hit on her like she was a lap dancer in a stripper bar.

He'd even had the nerve to kiss her in the back seat of a taxi. Never mind that Richard's kisses had never made her hot and squishy inside. Mike's lips were tender and warm, and he'd tasted of his morning coffee. How could one kiss--a kiss that reminded her of a rich burgundy, dark and earthy--upset her so?

What was the matter with her? She had no business thinking about Mike's lips or his earthiness--no matter that she already had. Keeping her head on straight was of paramount importance. At least it always had been.

Gwyneth entered her office building and managed a semblance of self-control while riding the creaky elevator to the tenth floor. True, she and her uncle could have afforded offices in a better location, but Uncle Wil had argued that their clients might be intimidated by more ostentatious surroundings. And these were certainly humble.

Humble or not, the sight of Wells and Wells, Attorneys-at-Law always made her feel proud, even if the faux gold paint was a touch tarnished. She loved her uncle, but he was in for a shellacking. And she was just the woman to wield the brush.

“He in?” Gwyneth asked the assistant she shared with her uncle. Without waiting for an answer, she flung open the door to his office.

“Good afternoon to you too, sugar.”

She leaned across her uncle's desk, resisting the urge to throttle the only relative with whom she could stand to be in the same room. “You have some explaining to do.”

An expression of total bewilderment took up residence on her uncle's grizzled face. Rearing back in his chair, he frowned. “What the hell's the matter with you?”

“Th-that detective you referred me to--he's a joke. That's what's the matter with me.”

“You saw Mike Carlton, right? Not one of his flunkies?”

“Yeah, I saw him. He's arrogant, rude and a throwback.”

Maybe it was the glint in her uncle's faded blue eyes and the twitch of his lips--or maybe it was the prickle on the back of her neck--but something made her stop mid-rant. “He's standing right behind me, isn't he?”

“You got that right,” came the already too familiar voice.

Gwyneth whirled. “You!” Advancing on the arrogant upstart leaning against the door frame, looking ever so pleased with himself, she shouted, “I can't believe you'd have the effrontery to show your face in my office after your unconscionable behavior in the taxi.”

“You hired me, Counselor,” Mike replied with a shrug, turning his palms upward. “What else could I do?”

“I distinctly remember firing you,” she bluffed, all too aware that she'd done no such thing.

His forehead furrowed, but crystal green eyes shone under thick, dark eyebrows. “Fired? No, I think I'd remember if you'd fired me.”

“I did,” she insisted, barely refraining from stamping her foot. “I'm sure I did.”

“Were we in the taxi when you supposedly fired me?”

“Of course we were.” The nerve of the man--acting so innocent, when all the time he knew exactly what had transpired between them.

Removing his fedora, Mike ran his fingers through wavy, dark-brown hair while he appeared to consider her words. Honestly, if she weren't so mad, she wouldn't mind tangling her fingers in those curls and…

Great! The man had cast a spell over her. She was on the verge of turning into a gibbering, over-sexed hedonist.

Then he smiled. He had such a sexy mouth and gorgeous eyes, but she didn't trust his expression. She took it as a sign that he was about to say--or do--something totally outrageous.

“That's not what I remember happening in the taxi.” Then, as if remembering they weren't alone in the room, Mike stepped around her and approached her uncle. “Sorry, Mr. Wells. We weren't properly introduced. I'm Mike Carlton.” Mike offered his hand to her traitorous uncle who was actually smiling at the P.I. “Your niece has hired me to find out who's stalking her.”

“I fired you!” Gwyneth gave in and stamped her foot.

“You didn't.”

“Well, I am now.” She fumbled in her purse and pulled out a roll of bills. “Here. Take this for your time and no effort. You are officially fired--as officially fired as I know how to fire anyone.”

Mike took her money, ruffled the bills, then handed them back to her. “Too much, and besides, the taxi ride was pure pleasure on my part. You're very entertaining, Counselor.”

Outraged, she turned back to her uncle. “See what I mean? He's… he's… “

“Got you all stirred up. That's what I see, sugar.” Uncle Wil’s shoulders shook with laughter.

Exasperated, Gwyneth took a deep breath in a feeble effort to regain control--then another. “Why aren't you leaving?” she managed to ask in her most dulcet tone. “You have been dismissed. I no longer have any need of your services. Must I say it in another language perhaps?”

“I understand English, Counselor. It was my first language.” He nodded at her uncle. “Sir, it was a pleasure meeting you, however brief our acquaintance.”

“What's this butter-won't-melt-in-your-mouth act you're putting on for my uncle? That's not how you talked to me.”

All she received for a reply from the outrageous phony was a smirking half-grin as he turned to leave.

“Mike,” Uncle Wil called after the wretched detective. “I think we can do business. Since my misguided niece has fired you, I take it you're free for another job?”

“No!” she cried, unable to stop herself.

Ignoring her, Mike stopped, turned around and smiled. “Yes, as it happens I am.”

“Good, 'cause I'm putting you on retainer. I want you to find Gwyn's stalker.”

“I'd be more than happy to work for you, Mr. Wells.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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More Talk About Soap Operas Coming Soon

Is it possible? Will ALL MY CHILDREN and ONE LIFE TO LIVE find a new life as Internet based series? I certainly hope so. I've missed my favorite soaps, so much that I finally bit the bullet and started watching THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS about six weeks ago.

Actually, it was the news that Steve Burton (ex-Jason, GH) was signed for a contract role on Y&R. Steve left GENERAL HOSPITAL last fall and moved with his family to Nashville. Unfortunately, I won't be running into him at the grocery or mall since I moved from Nashville to Western Kentucky a couple of years ago--but I digress. Apparently, they've worked out an acceptable deal where he can commute.

Back to watching TV on the Internet. I don't really care for it. I love watching Netflix, but I'm not crazy about Hulu and Hulu Plus which is where the two series will be available. I have HuluPlus on my Kindle HD and there's even a HD out USB type cable so I can connect the Kindle to the TV, BUT apparently the contract with Hulu won't allow it to function that way. I can watch just fine on the Kindle though. But I have a nice 42 inch TV, and frankly, I would rather watch on my TV.

Still I can also connect my computer to the TV and stream Hulu that way.

It seems that AMC is already taping in Connecticut, I think. That should keep the costs down. I really look forward to OLTL's debut the most because that was my favorite of all the shows. I don't know how I'm going to like the emphasis on "youth", (Yes, I'm an old Baby Boomer fart), but I'm willing to give it a go.

The soap opera format has evolved from radio (I remember listening to Stella Dallas on the radio) to TV, and now to the Internet. I guess it's a sign of the times. It's also a cross-generational family affair. My late father watched AMC every day after he retired, and bought the family's first cordless phone so that he wouldn't have to get up from watching to answer the phone. And my dad was a bit of a tightwad, too. My mom still watches, and now we'll have togetherness as we gather to watch them again on the Internet.

Of course, they're going back to the thirty minute format, so we'll probably watch all at once on weekends.



Marie-Nicole Ryan writes romantic suspense with a load of family drama. She loves her soaps, hot soap opera hunks and even hotter cowboys.
http://marienicoleryan.com/