KAM, the great soap writers have just disappeared. Even if you were not invested in LnL, there were so many well-drawn characters that there was something for everyone. In the 60's soaps were terrific. There were so many memorable characters, and their stories in many cases were ground-breaking on social issues. Soaps told their stories as no other medium could because they had the time to really let characters grow and almost "live" in real time. You could tune in each day for a visit with what felt like old friends. I barely watch the networks anymore as they have descended into a world of cheesy talk shows and reality shows and, of course, the endless game shows. There is no creativity and serious storytelling on the networks either. Cable seems to be the place for exciting programing these days. Soaps have really been gutted by reduced budgets and the lack of support for what they do. It is really sad for those of us who loved this genre.
Today, Alexis' daughter Molly turned down Jordan's son TJ's marriage proposal. These characters are a step up from being extras - they are barely on the show and have no consistent storyline. I don't even know what Molly does - college? How is the audience supposed to feel anything for characters who are not part of a well-crafted story? Gloria Monty knew all about that. Frank Valentini does not. She was so good at it. All of the main and supporting characters had well-crafted storylines that built up over time - not too fast, not too slow. Just perfectly paced. she even gave Scotty and Jennifer Smith a scene together after Luke and Laura had run away, just so the audience could see things from their point of view. Same for Lee Baldwin and his anger at Luke and Laura for what he felt they did to his son. I guess it's pointless to complain...the glory(a) days are long over.
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