The Soap Box for July 7th

It's difficult to even know where to begin. So much is going on. Some of which I am happy about. Some is just stupid.

Ridge has been found - by who? Brooke of course.  And Bill has been busted! Right? - Wrong. What's that you say? Ridge has amnesia? Are you surprised? You silly rabbit!  Perhaps this week he will recall the Spencer logo on the sleeve of the jacket Justin wore while flying the helicopter - just prior to dumping Ridge into the Sea.

As a result of Quinn's involvement in Ridge's latest near-death experience. Hope has had it. The final straw - so to speak. Causing Hope to finally make a decision between the brothers Spencer. And Liam has come out victorious! Or has he? You didn't really believe that the Mighty Quinn would let slide  - did you? Oh no Ma'am. Ms. Fuller has gone plum cray-cray. She has stabbed Liam in the neck with his own sword. And if that were not enough, she has come right out and told Liam flat out that if he does not forfeit Hope to Wyatt and leave forever to Paris, she will indeed kill not only him - but Hope as well.

Quinn has gone even as far as to make a larger than life version of the Spencer swords. The very one she will use to kill Liam.  And eventually Hope.  Live by the sword - Die by the sword. A promise Quinn has made to Liam. And off to his home she went. With sword in toe.

Deacon is hip to her jive and informs Wyatt that his mommy has lost her ever-loving mind. Telling Wyatt of the sword, and where she was headed. Wyatt then dashes out of the warehouse - in a rush to save his brother from his crazy mama.

I really hope that this will be the end of Quinn. I am growing tired of her.  What is interesting - as a side note, I was watching Two and a half Men the other night and I am 99% sure that I saw Quinn playing the role of one of Charlie's conquests. And she exacted revenge on him pretending to me the mother of his child. A child he was unaware of. I could be wrong - but I am pretty sure it was her. And oddly enough, she was a crazy B*tch in that episode as well. Hmmmmmm

But I digress....

As I was saying. I hope Quinn goes far-far-far away.. and that Hope and Liam get married - finally - officially. And that Wyatt ends up with Steffy.  Ha!

Meanwhile in GC.  A storyline I am thrilled about! The answer to the inevitable question of Whose your daddy? has been answered! Paul is the daddy!! I absolutely love, love, love this!! Dillon is such a good guy and Paul is such a good guy. I love that Paul has the chance to be a daddy again, after killing his insane son. Hey, stuff happens!  I know what you're thinking.  Paul has a daughter.  Well ... I can't stand Heather! So there!

The bonus to all of this is that Nicki is Paul's baby mama.  And that is a huge 'how-ya-like-me-now' to Christine!  HA!  Can you tell that I am not a Cricket fan?  I never did like her. And let's face it .. if it was not for nepotism - she would not be on the show. She is certainly not there for her acting skills!

On another note.  Let me just say that I love and adore Mrs. C. And I miss her every single day. And I applaud Y/R for trying to keep her in the story lines of the show. But does anyone really care anymore about that ridiculous music box?  Or Jill and Collin for that matter? UGH!  It is during their scenes when I go and refill my glass, or take a potty break.  I'm sorry, but Jill has the absolute worst taste in men.  They really need to find her a good man.  A decent man. A handsome man.

What else is happening? Well... Neil is married - AGAIN!  Good Lord that man can go through some women - can't he?  I mean, seriously? He is turning in to Ross (From Friends) So if you are not up to date, Neil has married Hillary. A girl young enough to be his daughter. A girl who happens to be in love with his son. And his son is in love with her. Not awkward at all!

Speaking of awkward. What is up with Sharon not wanting to marry Nick again? And moving Mariah in? I mean c'monnnnnn! Hmmmm ... let me take this girl who is the spitting image of my deceased daughter - who caused me great mental agony and forced me to have electric shock therapy ... and move her into my home!!

Ummmm. Hell to the NO!!

But alas, they do call it soap operas for a reason - right?  Can't wait to see what this week will bring.

Stay tuned friends!

The Soap Box for May 10th

It is so hard to know where to begin. Let's head to L.A. first. Well, it is quite simply the sibling swap. Katie and Ridge are deeply in love and Brooke has decided to take Bill back. The two couples are living happily ever after - or are they? Brooke has decided to drop the ultimate bomb on Katie by pulling out the documents that she had once replaced with Aspen leaves, and gifting Bill with joint custody of Will, and awarding him with the head seat of Spencer Publications. Essentially outing Katie. Leaving Katie down and out. Well, not so fast there partner. Ridge comes home and upon discovering what has taken place, he comforts his beloved Katie and in professing his love for her, while wrapping a red ribbon around her marriage finger, he asks her to be his wife. Katie of course happily accepts his proposal to become the newest Mrs. Ridge Forrester.

Brooke shows up to try and justify her actions to Katie, only to discover that the weak little sister is in fact not wallowing in misery, but is actually quite happy with the way her life is unfolding. Brooke cannot share in her sister's happiness upon finding out that Katie will become the new Mrs. Forrester. And actually has the balls to confront Ridge and flat out asking him not to marry Katie.

All together now. WOW!!

On to the next generation of sibling swap. Hope is now dating both of the brothers Spencer. Yes. After the pregnancy scare of Hope and Wyatt, Liam kidnaps Hope and reminds her of their undying love for one another. Hope admitting to herself and to Liam that she does not want to lose him, yet, she does not want to give up Wyatt. Liam convinces Hope to date them both. Equal time. WHOA!! She agrees and then informs Wyatt of the new arrangements. Needless to say he is not impressed.

Quinn, meanwhile has lost her mind. I can't decide if I like her or not. She is blackmailing Bill into supporting Wyatt and his love for the fair Hope, and claiming Wyatt fully as his son by giving him the Spencer name.

I will admit that in the beginning I hated Wyatt and wanted him to go back into the woods where he came from. I loved Liam and Hope together. But now I just don't know anymore. Yes. I have fell for Wyatt's charms. I am guilty!!

Can we discuss Abby for a moment? She is a little cray-cray!! We leave off with her holding an axe and very much wanting to kill Taylor. Which, I would be okay with. I have never been on TeamTaylor. And dear crazy Abby seems to have a problem with the fact that the woman who murdered her mother is now having relations with her father. Go figure!

Here is how I'd like to see things playing out. I want Hope to pick Wyatt. I want Ridge and Katie to get married. Brooke to find out that Bill was having sexcapades with Quinn, and for her to dump him, leaving Bill available to get together with Quinn. And Brooke to be alone with herself. Though, is Brooke ever alone for more than twenty minutes?

Anyhow. In GC. The jig is up. Victor has been busted. Nick and Sharon know all about the fake Cassey aka Marriah. Okay -I admit that I totally did not see that one coming!

Seems she has been quite the busy girl. Torturing Sharon - to the point where Sharon is popping medication and having electric shock therapy. Meanwhile, and in her spare time, tormenting Abby, which, I am okay with, since I am no fan of Abby and Tyler. ha!

Sharon is now suffering from memory loss after her ECT - don't you just hate when that happens? So now she has no idea what the secret is that 'Cassey' was trying to get out of her for Victor.  What to do about this? Hypnotherapy of course! Nick, who is now madly in love with Sharon again, is totally against this and commands the doctor to yank Sharon out of hypnosis when things start getting interesting.  Now Nick thinks the secret Sharon is sorry for is that Sharon burned down the Newman ranch. *face palm* Will this story EVER come to a conclusion?

Am I the only one getting bored with Phyllis being in a coma? Seriously, she needs to either wake up and come back, or be replaced, or die. I love Phyllis but enough is enough.

On a side note - any bets on who Victoria is pregnant for? I kind of like it both ways. Romantically, of course, if it is Billy's baby, then they could kiss and make up - and who doesn't like a happy ending? On the other hand, if the baby is Ben's ... well... all hell would break loose.

Hmmmm. Dilemma, Dilemma. lol

Stay tuned!

The Soap Box For March 10th

It's been awhile since our last visit and so much has happened - even for soap land!

Let's get right in to it shall we? Brooke is finally getting what she deserves! Ridge and Katie have fallen in love - and Brooke is astonished that Ridge could leave here - for her sister. What's that called again? Karma? Poetic Justice? Yes and YES! And I am eating it up with a big spoon!!!

So what will Brooke do now? Go back to Dollar Bill? I think that she should - frankly they deserve one another.  As for odd couples, perhaps I am alone but I am still not a fan of Wyatt and Hope. Actually I am not a fan of Wyatt and anybody. Something about him just does not appeal to me. Seems Aly feels the same way, I think there is going to be a battle of the Crazies when Aly and Pam take on Quinn.  And yes, I am looking forward to it. By the by ... can I just say that I detest the way Quinn treats Pam like a servant. What is that about? SMH

And what in the world is happening on Y&R??!!?? Clearly Adam is alive, so will the original Adam return? Apparently Victor and Chelsea discover something later this week. I hope the original Adam does make a comeback, I actually liked him better. Although I know I am in the minority on this. That's okay. :)

So, there seems to be a snowball dance going on with the couples. Any guesses on who will land with who? Hilary and Neil? Jack and Kelly? Victoria and Stitch? What about Billy?

Is anybody happy about Sharon and Nick getting closer? Anybody? Anyone at all? I know that I am against it! I want her dirty secret to come out. Nick needs to know what Sharon did with Summer. Someone please give him my phone number!!!  How delish would it be for Phyllis to come back as Nick and Sharon stand at the altar? Ahhhhhhhh ... now that's what I'm talkin about!!

Speaking of dirty deeds. What the heck is up with Victor??? Just when you think you have seen the maximum potential of his ruthlessness - he brings in fake Cassie to torture Sharon! O-M-G!! Can we say sadistic?? I really want him to get busted!!

Yes, Yes, Yes, I know that villains make the soaps interesting and entertaining and it would be boring if everyone got along and lived happily ever after ... but ... WOW!!

Well, if the previews are true - the rest of this week should be an interesting one - fasten your seat belt friends!

Until we meet again....

The Soap Box for February 1st - YR Cast Hosts Twitter Parties To Save Ratings

I don't normally post two days in a row but I just cannot help myself. On Y&R yesterday, the new/old Billy made his appearance. After the explosion - and the death of Adam, they 'guy who got away' crawled up to Victoria's door and wallah - the new/old Billy appeared.

Although I did love the recent Billy - I have to say that I am not too shook up by the swap. I also know that I am in the minority. After doing some research, I have found the #TeamMuhney and #TeamMiller fans are outraged by the changes to the show. Going so far as to flying banners over CBS studios and starting boycott petitions against the show. Y&R is apparently beginning to get a tad concerned as since the leak about Adam being offed from the show - over 500,000 viewers have stopped watching the show. Many of whom had watched Y&R for decades.

In an effort to entice fans to come back - or at least not lose any more viewers, CBS has decided to host Twitter parties with cast members of the show. I actually stumbled across the first one, hosted by Kevin, Chloe and Chelsea the other day. This fan interaction resulted in the three stripping down to their birthday suits and covering up with poster boards saying that they love #YR.

Yesterday's Twitter party was apparently hosted by Nick, Lauren and Michael, but from what I gather, the fans are not biting. In fact - they couldn't care less. I have to admit that when I stumbled across the first one - I thought it was kinda cute - but not sure it is enough to win back decade-long viewers who feel slighted and taken for granted. Fans who have put their collective foot down in protest against CBS.

On another note. Can I just speak for a moment about the house fronts that are now being shown at the beginning of each scene? Firstly, let us discuss Victoria's home. When she and Billy first moved in they made such a big deal about the home being like that of the show Father Knows Best, and that humble home is set on a residential neighborhood street, with a shallow yard, yet the house front pictured makes the home appear to be more of an estate with lofty acreage. Another sign that the new writers are not being authentic to old story lines. Are they hoping that we've all developed amnesia?

Furthermore, why do all of the pictured homes look as though they were snatched from photo bucket? They just don't look real. More postcard like. I have to say that I prefer the way B&B does it - where aerial shots are done of the homes, which are actual homes owned by the Bell family.

I have to admit that I am a bit concerned about the life of my favorite show. I have been a loyal fan and viewer of Y&R since '78. Yet, even I have to admit that the story lines are getting stupid. Sloppy. Boring. (I mean, the return of Carmine yesterday- really???)  With the abandonment of other viewers and the declining of ratings ... I have to wonder how long of a life Y&R has remaining.

The Soap Box for January 30th - KABOOM!!

This has been quite the week on the soaps. Let us begin with Y&R shall we? Well, this has been the week of goodbye for Adam Newman, who was fired for being a goof behind the scenes. And today, January 30th was to be his final episode. And how did they do it? A car explosion of course. Billy - and, well, everyone else - found out that Adam had killed little Delia, and well, quite simply Billy lost his mind. Understandably so. Billy grabbed his gun and a hunting he did go. Once he caught up with Adam at the penthouse, he escorted Adam at gunpoint to the scene of Delia's death, where he forced Adam to tell him the whole story about what had happened that fateful night.

Following that, Billy forced Adam to drive down to Delia's school, where some more bad acting took place as Billy recounted Delia's final performance as the wicked witch in the school play. They had words and Billy decided to make Adam drive to see Chloe and confess to her.

While on their way - in the bad weather and slick roads (aren't there always slick roads or a storm when the sh*t is about to hit the fan?) ... Billy unbuckles his seat belt to easier face Adam as he continues to scold him for the murder of his daughter. Adam attempts to take the gun from Billy, when suddenly the car loses control and rolls down the embankment and a shot goes off.

*Pause for shocked reaction.*

We are not supposed to be able to tell who is left bloodied in the car and who is kicking out the back window. And of course by the time Paul and Nick arrive, there was an unknown man who got away as told by a passer-bye'r. And somebody left in the car - but of course Paul and Nick could not tell who that somebody was.  Que the car explosion. And the preview of Paul and Nick informing Victoria that there is no way that anybody could ever survive that explosion.

Now, here is my thinking. Adam was fired, and Billy is being replaced by the old Billy. Coupled with the fact that the bloody hand hanging out of the driver's side window was wearing a ring that looked a lot like the one Adam was given by Chelsea earlier this week during their wedding. Not to mention that Adam was the one driving. But we are too stupid to realize this by the upside down car.

So, me thinks that Billy got out of the car and staggered away - wracked in grief and shock, and will resurface some point in the future - probably during his funeral, but it will be the 'new' old Billy. And Adam went KABOOM!!

Just on a side note, does anybody else think Kelly will be pregnant for Billy? But I digress...

As for B&B, Wyatt has been busted by Liam with help from Charlie and Pam, armed with the proof that Wyatt had indeed stolen the Hope diamond, he heads down to Emerald Bay to interrupt a romantic moment between a vacationing Wyatt and Hope and shows them the video acquired by Liam. Hope of course is devastated - again - and appears that she is going to leave Wyatt as a result of her disappointment and disillusionment. Could it be that simple? I doubt it.

Brooke is trying her level best to win Ridge back, who has put his foot down that he will not remarry her. (Despite the fact that Ridge excused Brooke having had accidental sex with Hope's former boyfriend Oliver, he just cannot seem to get over the fact that she has slept with her sister's husband.) It's good to have high moral standards. ;-)

It is also becoming more and more obvious that Ridge and Katie are going to end up together - which is what I have been saying all along.  Meanwhile Bill is digging up dirt on Ridge during his time in Paris, in efforts of winning Brooke back .... the way I see it ... they deserve one another. Although I have never been a fan of Ridge, and don't particularly like him for Katie - it would serve Brooke right. And THAT I would LOVE to see!!

The Soap Box For January 9th ~ Just Saying

I have to say that B&B is getting really twisted. Does anyone else think that Ridge is going to end up with Katie? Not sure how I feel about that. Although it would be delicious for Brooke to get a taste of her own medicine - finally NOT get the guy. And for Katie to finally get the man. But all of this husband / brother-in-law swapping just doesn't sit right with me.

Speaking of sibling swapping - it appears that Hope is now with Wyatt - right? Well ... as they say, it ain't over until the fat lady sings. I am still hoping that Liam and Hope end up together. Perhaps because I am just not a fan of Wyatt. On the other hand - it does appear that Ally is fixating on Liam. But I honestly don't care for her either. Hey! I've got it! Match Ally and Wyatt together and ship them off to Paris with Thorne! Yeah! That's it!

What can I say about Quinn? That lady is a special kind of crazy. She is a nut, dipped in a lunatic, wrapped in a psycho path! The way she is always going after Donna - Does anybody foresee Donna 'disappearing'? I gotta say that I LOVED when Liam confronted her. Awesome!!

Apparently next week Quinn will be threatening Charlie - I hope Pam gives her a run for her money! As we all know, Pam can meet Quin's Crazy and raise her three more Crazies!

As for Y&R - Kelly is getting on my nerves. I just don't care for her. And what is the story there anyway? Is she Stitch's ex wife? And while we are talking about odd balls, can I just take this moment and say Please Lord do not let Devon and Hillary hook up!! Although I appreciate Roxy's position - being insulted by Devon's accusations of her being a gold digger. I wish she would come back and save him from Hillary!!

Let me chat a minute about Jill and that damn music box. Is that not the most ridiculous story line ever? Just give me the jewelry box and be done with it! So, now she is kidnapped. Am I alone in saying that I really don't care about this? She can stay gone!  Who do we think has snatched her? Collin? And speaking of Collin ... wouldn't it be an interesting twist if Collin was really Ian Ward? That would make Dillon and Nick half brothers, but also make Dillon and Kane half brothers. Hmmmm....

The Soap Box for January 5th - Major Cast Firings And Hirings

This is not going to be my normal Soap Box post where I just give my opinion on the happenings in my favorite soaps. I have read a bunch of articles on some major changes taking place and wanted to pass on the information to you!

There is some major Soap Opera activity going on behind the scenes of The Young and the Restless. The show’s newest producer Jill Farren Phelps is doing a virtual hatchet job on the entire cast. There are going to be some major cast changes aka hirings and firings. Jill is a soap industry veteran who is infamous for major upheaval as she moves from show to show. Leaving angry fans in her wake.

Sophie Pollono who played Delia Abbott is among the actors to get slashed. Others on the chopping block include Christel Khalil, who won an Emmy Award for her role as Lily Winters Ashby, Kevin Schmidt as Noah Newman; Genie Francis as Genevieve Atkinson; Marcy Rylan who played Abby Newman; Debbi Morgan as Harmony.

Jill Farren Phelps makes no apologies for the firings and evidently the entire cast is fearful of the axe she so freely wields. Jill is known as a corporate headhunter and likes to move actors around – giving favor to those she enjoys working with most and giving little of any regard to the show’s history of story lines or the devoted fans.

As for the recent firing of Michael Muhney, seems that the stew thickens, in addition to his alleged mouthy and disrespectful tude behind the scenes, the married actor with three children apparently has been very naughty. There are sexual allegations against the actor who plays Adam Newman, after multiple incidents of inappropriate behavior with the young actress Hunter King who plays Summer Newman. Evidently Michael Muhney has been fondling the young actress’ breasts in addition to other inappropriate actions. After several complaints from Hunter King, Jill Farren Phelps finally decided to get rid of fan favorite Adam Newman. Michael Muhney’s final episode will air on January 30th.

Just when you think the wicked producer has done all there is to do … there is more! Following the letting go of Michelle Stafford who played Phyllis Newman, and others mentioned above – next to go is the actor who plays Billy Abbott – Billy Miller, who asked for time away to pursue prime time work, and was told No Way! And was ultimately fired. David Tom who played Billy Abbott from 1999-2002 has been recast in the role of Billy Abbott.

In the past year that Jill Farren Phelps has joined the show, she has been affectionately dubbed The Angel Of Death. Fans of The Young and the Restless are going to be sent spinning when the rest of the dirt hits the fans for sure! I for one am NOT impressed AT ALL!!

On a completely different note – only because I am usually pretty good and knowing these things and this one took me completely by surprise, but Greg Rikaart (Kevin Fisher) came out of the closet. Since the Supreme Court’s decision to rule that married same-sex couples are entitled to Federal benefits and that same-sex marriages are now legal in California. He sent out a tweet and photo to fans that officially confirms he’s gay. “Not getting married anytime soon, but celebrating #equality tonight nonetheless,” the New York native wrote to go along with a picture of himself with his beau.  I’ve got to say that this is probably the only good news that I have seen while researching the going’s on. I am truly very happy for him!!

Hold on to your hat fellow Young and the Restless fans, the next couple of months are going to be extremely hectic!

The Soap Box For Nov 19th - Do The Right Thing

Hey there! It's been a while since I gave my thoughts on the dramas unfolding in soap land.  A lot has happened since we last visited.  Where do I begin?

Y&R is as always - scandalous.  The loss of poor Delia has torn Billy in half.  Chloe seems to be finding a way to cope a bit better with the help of Kevin. Have I mentioned how much I love Kevin?  Billy on the other hand is being eaten alive with the guilt of leaving DeeDee in the car.  Smart? Nope.  I feel sorry for him.  And Victoria who just can't seem to do anything right in her attempts to reach him.  Normally I can't wait for Adam to get caught - but I have to say that I feel sorry for him too.  He did not even know that he had hit Delia with his car that night - and he did stop when he thought he had hit the dog.  The guilt is eating him alive. But realistically who would believe him?  It's very sad.  By the way - does anyone else think that Billy with a gun is a bad idea?  :-\

We all love a villain - don't we? But can I say how glad I am that Carmine is dead?  Can I also say that it is Lauren's fault that Michael and Fen are in prison?  Popular opinion? Perhaps not.  Oh well! lol  It's true, perhaps she should have kept her legs closed.  I also have to say that I hope Michael gets out and Fen stays in the slammer.  Am I a fan of Fen? Nope!  Can ya tell? lol

On another note, it would seem that inheriting over 2 billion bucks has gotten the best of Devon, what is up with him suggesting Roxy is a gold digger??  Give me a break. They have been together for six freaking years!  Making her cry in public? Not cool Devon!!  Get over yourself!!

Can I also say that I am getting a little tired of the ghostly visits from the beyond?  John Abbott and now Cassie. Give me a break.  This is Y&R not a round on the ouji board.

Anyhow .....

What can I say about Brooke?  :-|

How dirty it was to steal Bill from poor Katie.  But what Bill did this week probably was the worst of the worst! Pretending to break it off with Brooke and making Katie believe he was coming back to her. Sleeping with her - using her - as a pawn in his plot to get the company back? WTH!!!???  In my humble opinion Dollar Bill is lucky that Katie would even deign to be in the same room with him - little on take his sorry butt back! Only to discover that she had been played. Can we say OUCH! I nearly did the happy dance when Bill opened the envelope and discovered that Brooke had replaced the signed paperwork with the leaves collected in Aspen.  HAHAHAHA!!!

The icing on the cake is when Brooke threw Bill out of her home after informing him that they are O-to-the-VER.  As much props as I give her for doing the right thing [finally] ... let's face it ... this IS Brooke we are talking about ... how long could it really last?  Bets on how long it take her to move Bill back in?

So, Thorne's daughter Alley showed up today ... do we like her? hmmmmm Me thinks the jury is still out on that one.  What I do feel is that she will be making a play for one of the Spencer boys - Wyatt perhaps, which of course will make Hope a bit jelly .... and poor Liam will be left in the lurch.  Any bets on how that will al play out?

There is a common thread here ... on both shows. Just Do the right thing people! Adam needs to confess. Michael needs to be freed. Brooke needs to leave Bill alone. Hope needs to be with Liam.  But I suppose that doesn't make for good TV though  right?

Well ... that's my two cents for now.  C'ya soon pEEps!!

The Soap Box for September 27th - I Do, Do I?

OK - we have not visited in quite some time and a lot has happened in soap land.  The reading Mrs. C's Will has come and gone - seems that everyone but Jill made out like a bandit. Especially Devon - who walked away with over 2 billion dollars of the estate.  We later learned that Victor got ownership of Chancellor Industries - with Cane named as the one who will run the day-to-day operations.

Chelsea has been busted in babygate. It seemed that Connor had the same genetic eye disease as Adam and Hope, and would eventually lose his eyesight. Adam caught wind of this and confronted Chelsea about the paternity of the baby - and ultimately got the truth out of her. Adam is the daddy. A truth that Chelsea had to inform Dillon of. A truth, which devastated Dillon. Sending him into yet another tailspin. During a storm (isn't that when all of the bad stuff happens?) a loud boom of thunder sent Dillon right back into PTSD land - and taking Connor with him.  Avery, Adam and Chelsea all show up at the cabin where Dillon is held up with the infant, convinced he is back in Afghanistan and under attack.  Avery eventually gets through to Dillon and baby Connor is safe.

Adam informs Chelsea that she will not be living with Connor in the home she shared with Dillon - and lays down an ultimatum prompting Chelsea to pack up her baby and her belongings and move into Adam's condo.

Upon taking their bundle of joy to the hospital, it is learned that Connor in fact does not have the same illness as his daddy - but had his cornea's scratched/scarred during birth - when Dillon delivered Connor at the warehouse. Needless to say Adam is going to hold this over Chelsea's head - forever!

Meanwhile, since Avery left Nick alone on their wedding day - Nick had been continually circled by crazy Sharon who has not been taking her medication for months and has been conversing daily with her dead daughter Cassey.  Plotting how to get Nick back.  Run Nick Run!!

Avery heads off to Georgia to visit Phyllis, filling her sister in on everything that has been going on..  All of her failures and urging Phyllis to wake up. Certain that Phyllis would get great pleasure in Avery's screw ups. A non-responsive Phyllis lays in bed as Avery empties her soul to her sister before walking out of the room.

Cut to Phyllis' finger moving!!

Oh Lord PLEASE let Phyllis come back!!

Across the nation to L.A. where all hell is breaking loose.  Maya and Carter are now engaged. Rick is giving Caroline another chance to behave. Brooke and Bill are still an undercover item - but Dollar Bill has presented the fair Logan with a ring as a token of his commitment to her. Understanding that she cannot wear it right now - but letting her know that he intends to make her his wife. As soon as he divorces her sister!

Don't ya hate when that happens?

Wyatt is back!!! Daddy came to see him and they kissed and made up.  Awwwww!  Back in the Spencer fold, Wyatt is taking every opportunity to make a play for Hope - even informing Liam that until the "I Do's" .. she is fair game.

Hope of course is loving all of the attention, being fought over by the brothers Spencer. I think we can all understand that - can't we?  From what I gather though - Steffy is going to make life a bit more interesting in the near future. Despite the fact that she has agreed to an annulment.

Quinn would love nothing better than to see her beloved Wyatt win the fair Hope, and considers the new working arrangement between Quinn Artisan Designs and Forrester Creations her opening to pull the strings needed to insure a successful launch of not only the future of her own business, but also the future of Wyatt and the HFTF queen.  Even if it means making a play for Eric!

The Soap Box For September 2nd - Celebration Of Life

I have not done a B&B post recently so thought it was about time. But where do I even begin???

Brooke and Bill are now together - sort of officially. Wyatt got an ear full about daddy from Kate and then confronted Dollar Bill, who essentially disowned him.  Throwing him off of the Spencer Publications property, demanding back the pass card and credit card.  Where upon Liam catches up with his long lost brother in the lobby to announce his good riddance to Wyatt.  Something tells me this is not the last we will see of Spencer Jr.

Thorne and Thomas failed in their latest attempts to dethrone Rick from his Forrester Presidency, following a successful relaunch of the newly branded Hope For the Future - now affectionately known as HFTF. After the show, Caroline informs Rick that Maya had a sleepover guest by the name of Carter the night of the premier of Room 8 - the very event Rick missed due to working so hard with Caroline - getting everything ready for the HFTF show.

Rick confronts Maya - and then announces his disappointment in her dishonesty and keeping secrets from him. The one thing he detests more than just about anything.  A devastated Maya is left in the lurch - while Rick and Caroline reunite - overnight.  A fact that a scantily clad Caroline shares with Maya the following morning when Maya shows up at Rick's home to try and work things out.

What can I say? They call it a soap opera for a reason!

Over in Y&R land, on Friday's show (In Canada) the residents of GC have gathered for the celebration of Katherine's life service, where Father Todd performs the ceremony. Father Todd of course is played by Corbin Bernsen - Jeanne Cooper's son.  And in a post earlier last week, he spoke of the irony of the role and how he had to remain stoic while everyone around him was crying and mourning Katherine - who of course is his r/l mother.  Not sure I could pull that off!

The ceremony was held in a lovely park in GC - I am pretty sure it is the same park that Diane was murdered in ... but I digress.  Naturally every detail of the celebration was done to the letter of Mrs. C's specifications.  Strictly observed by Nikki and Jill, who made all of the arrangements.

I must say it was nice to see the return of so many characters who have not been written into story lines in quite some time!

Part two of the ceremony will air in Canada on Tuesday, as Y&R is not airing Monday due to the Labor Day holiday.

That about wraps it up.  See ya again soon pEEps!!

The Soap Box for August 18th - Farewell Mrs. C!

So, Y&R has finally gotten around to addressing the passing of our beloved Mrs. C!  And after three long months since Jeanne Cooper left us in May, I bet you thought that the writers of the show were going to handle the death of this icon with splendor. Right?  Well, Friday was the moment we have all been waiting for and forgive me, but I feel like it was a tad lack-luster.  Not befitting the Matriarch of the show whatsoever!!

Friends and family receive postcards from Mrs. C - each from a different destination - summoning their presence to the Chancellor Estate at a certain date and time.  Of course there is a storm outside - isn't there always?  After a weather delay - affording Jill just enough time to set the tone, Murphy finally shows up without his wife.  (And a bit too happy for my liking.) He talks about the wonderful world-wide adventure he and Katherine had been on.  The Great Wall of China, The Great Barrier Reef, Egypt, Australia ... and so on ...  when he finally gets around to telling the gathered loved ones that when they went to bed 'that night' - Katherine passed away in her sleep.

Cut to Nicki doing what is perhaps the worst cry ever in Soap Opera history.  Murphy goes on to explain that Katherine knew she was dying in April following her surgery and that this is how she wanted to go. Away from her loved ones - seeing the world in her final days.

Jill of course is outraged at the selfishness in Katherine's way of handling her death and denying her family and friends the opportunity to say 'good-bye'.  Murphy goes on to explain that upon Katherine's passing, he phoned the rest of the family.  I presume he is talking about Brock, Mac and Tucker.

What is odd to me is the way this whole thing was handled. It just doesn't make any sense.  Would Brock not then get in touch with Jill? Would Tucker not contact his son Devon?  For me there are way too many holes in this storyline.

Murphy then whips out a letter, which was written by Katherine, informing Jill that she will have a way to say 'good-bye' ... going on to say that Katherine wanted Nicki to read the letter to those who have gathered.

The letter essentially calls Jill out on making 'this' all about her ... and expecting that some gathered might be crying at the news - in the fact that they are hearing this letter means she is gone.  Katherine then goes on to say that there will be time for all of that, when a party is thrown in her honor.  The biggest, most extravagant party of all time.

This will all pick up on Monday ... so I guess we will see how all of this plays out, but I have to say that I am less than thrilled with how it is unfolding thus far.

The Soap Box for August 11th

We pick up with Hope and Liam being engaged - again ... as Hope puts all of the pieces together and brings Bill Spencer yet another son. Yes, Wyatt is Liam's half brother.  Surprise? - Not.  Steffy is still pulling the strings on Liam and Hope's relationship from Paris, despite giving Liam to Hope prior to her departure, Steffy has determined that she will not give Liam an annulment and will force the lovebirds to wait another six months for a divorce to go through the courts before they can finally wed.  Wyatt is not unhappy by this news, with eyes on his future sister in law, me thinks that the newest Spencer will try his best to make fair Hope his very own.

Katie is still running Spencer Publications and putting Bill and Brooke to the test, with nanny cams set up throughout the home, Katie fixes it so that her husband and sister will be alone - as Katie watches on the computer to see what the two will do.  Indeed they did manage to keep their clothes on, and just when Katie starts to soften her heart and decide that she will take her husband back and forgive him for sleeping with Brooke, Bill discovers the hidden cameras and upon confronting his Mrs. he announces that he will not give in to her sneaky surveillance and storms out. Cut to Bill making arrangements to charter the jet and fly off to meet Brooke.

Heading over to Genoa City - where do I even begin??  DA. Cricket has decided to accept Chief Paul's suggestion of allowing Fen to serve time in a drug rehab. Carmine is still taunting Lauren and Michael.  Phyllis has been shipped off to Georgia - to a facility where it is hoped that new treatments will eventually awaken the carrier of the truth.  Does this mean that Phyllis will eventually return to the show?  It was understood that she was gone for good.  It does appear however that the writers have opted to leave the door open for the fiery redhead to return at a later date.

With Avery away - getting her sister settled in to the treatment facility, Sharon is taking every opportunity to 'comfort' Nick .. convinced that she will make him hers once again and should he find out that she is responsible for switching the paternity results around and indeed Summer is his daughter and not Jack's. Well, he will understand why she did what she did - in the name of their love.

Chelsea's baby was delivered by Dylan, following their wedding... try as she might, she just could not keep that full-term baby in any longer!  When the EMT's arrive and comment on how fortunate the new parents are to have such a large premature baby, Chelsea pipes up stating that she, herself, was a 10lb baby and that would be the reason their son is not underweight.   I'm thinking that one has nothing to do with the other as I was 8lb's at birth and yet my daughter  who was two weeks late was born weighing 6lb 15oz.  Hmmmm

Thus the difference between Soap land and reality eh?

But I digress.

Let me also call your attention to this upcoming week ... apparently this coming Thursday here in Canada / Friday in the USA, "friends and family will gather at the Chancellor Estate for an important homecoming." This may be the return of Murphy - who may perhaps announce the passing of our beloved Katherine.

As we know, Jeanne Cooper passed away in May and during the Y&R tribute, Jess announced that "in a couple of months" Y&R would address the passing .... well ... it is now August ... so ... this could be it. Stock up on tissues!!

The Soap Box for July 22nd - The Twists

There is a lot happening in Soap land lately, kinda difficult to keep up. So here we go....

In B&B, Hope and Liam just got re-engaged upon his return from Paris, where he confronted Steffy and learned the truth of why she had abandoned ship.  Hope has also shared her thoughts with Wyatt about his being a Spencer - and Wyatt's mother is so obviously hiding a big secret. I think we all know what that secret is - don't we?  The real question is, will the future Mrs. Hope Spencer be met at the alter by Liam or Wyatt?

Y&R is getting ridiculously good!  Phyllis overhears Sharon spilling her guts at the grave-site of Cassie.  The cat is out of the bag!  Phyllis confronts Sharon, and then informs her that she is going to the MS charity event to spill the beans to Nick and Jack.  Sharon will have none of this and chases Phyllis to the event. Racing up the stairs behind Phyllis, where they have another encounter and Phyllis ultimately takes a rather lack-luster tumble down the stairs, hitting her head and is later found by Nick and Avery.

Phyllis of course is in a coma - so Sharon's secret is safe - for the moment.  However, those of you who are not aware; let me be the one to break the news - Michelle Stafford  is leaving the show after 19 years of playing Phyllis Summers. First appearing in 1994. Now, the word on the street is that she will be appearing through the end of July and into early August before finally leaving, however, she did film her final scenes on June 19th.  Daniel is reported to be returning on July 30th - whether he brings Heather and Lucy back with him is still unknown.

So, the way I see things, this can go a couple of ways.  Either Phyllis regains consciousness long enough to bust Sharon - before she dies.  OR - Phyllis dies, and Sharon's secret is safe ... until a later time at which point Summer will require a kidney or something and of course Jack and the Abbots will not be a match - Nick will be tested and TaaDaa!

I suppose time will tell how this is going to ultimately play out.  But According to the tweet posted by Michell Stafford on June 19th, we are in for quite the ride.


"I will air on the show through July into the beginning of Aug! There is much more to see!! VERY fun story with many twists!! Trust me! ❤|"  - Michelle Stafford

The Soap Box for July 12th ~ The Truth Comes Out!

Once in awhile you watch an episode that is so delish you can almost taste it.  Today I received a double serving of deliciousness!!

I am so excited about where these shows are going that I can hardly stand it. I feel like the cat that ate the canary!

B&B had Liam visiting Steffy in Paris, where he learned exactly why she made the choice to leave town - not to mention her marriage.  He tried desperately to persuade his wife to return home with him, but ultimately left when Steffy held her ground in thinking that he would be better off with Hope. Hope, who is touring Wyatt's family business, ever curious about the sword pendant he is wearing, which just happens to be mysteriously identical to that of the swords worn by Bill and Liam.  Wyatt explains that he never knew his father, who was deceased but rumored to be an ass.  Interestingly enough that Wyatt's mother seemed to know exactly who Liam was, when Hope questioned her about the pendant. Anybody else get the sense that Hope is going to fall for Liam's long-lost brother?

Speaking of trouble in Spencer paradise... Katie and Bill sign the divorce settlement papers, where upon Katie is awarded a modest 1% of Spencer Publications. 1% - apparently just enough to knock Dollar Bill off of his feet when his sister Karen arrives at the office and announces that they are no longer equal owners of Spencer Publications. Indeed that measly 1% was just enough to make Karen the primary shareholder, at which point Katie announces that she was just appointed CEO and informs Bill that he is Fired - effective immediately!!

Can we say - Checkmate!  HA!

Meanwhile, in Genoa City, Summer is still trying to get her footing after being floored by the news that Nick is not her father. Informing Kyle that they are brother and sister - and therefore are unable to continue their relationship.  Nick makes an unannounced visit to Jack's home, where an emotional Jack welcomes Nick with a punch to the face.  Well deserved I might add.  Sharon has vowed that she will be there for Nick, she will support him as nobody else can, thus drawing him back to her and reuniting their family - as she promised Faith.

Summer appears at Jack's doorstep, deeply emotional - heartbroken and as the two stand face-to-face in the Abbott living room, Jack and Summer try to navigate these uncharted waters. Jack encourages Summer not to hate Nick, reassuring her that Nick does love her - and that he and Summer can take all the time they need to move forward in their relationship as father and daughter.

After getting Faith off to bed, Sharon is visited by the ghost of Cassie, who of course knows everything her mother is up to in hopes of reuniting with Nick.  At this point we learn of the lengths Sharon will go to make her dreams come true. Even at the expense of Summer, who is indeed Nick's daughter!!!  You heard me right!!

It seems that Sharon overheard the Doctor calling Nick to advise that the results of the DNA test were in, when Sharon snuck into the lab and switched them to indicate that Summer was not Nick's child!!

WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!?

The Soap Box for June 16th - And the Daytime Emmy Goes To..

Its Daytime Emmy time again folks! And in case you missed the 40th Annual installment, here is The Soap Box rundown of the important categories. ;-)

• Best Lead Actor – Doug Davidson – Paul Williams – Y&R
• Best Supporting Actor – Billy Miller – Billy Abbott – Y&R 
• Best Supporting Actor – Scott Clifton – Liam Spencer B&B
• Outstanding Drama Series Writing Team – The Bold & the Beautiful
• Best Supporting Actress – Julie Marie Berman – Lulu Spencer – GH
• Best Lead Actress – Heather Tom – Katie Logan-Spencer – B&B 
• Outstanding Drama Series Directing Team – The Bold and the Beautiful
• Best Younger Actor – Chandler Massey – Will Horton – DOOL
• Best Younger Actress – Kristen Alderson – Serena Baldwin – GH
• Outstanding Drama Series – Days of our Lives

Melody Thomas Scott presented the wedding dress from the 2002 wedding of Nikki and Victor Newman to be inducted into the Smithsonian. It was noted that the character Nikki Newman has indeed been married 12 times and her official name is:

Nikki Reed Foster Bancroft DiSalvo DiSalvo Newman Abbott Landers Newman Newman Chow Sharp Abbott Newman

Undoubtedly the reason Melody was selected to be the wearer/bearer of the Daytime Wedding Dress to the collection of the Smithsonian. 

Corbin Bernsen and Jess Walton MC the memorial portion of the show as we remember those from in front of the camera as well as those from behind the scenes, who are no longer with us:

♥ Fran Bascom

♥ Gary Collins

♥ Jeanne Cooper

♥ Carolyn Conwell

♥ Phyllis Diller

♥ Jim Duffy

♥ Michael Clarke Duncan

♥ Bonnie Franklin

♥ Al Freeman Jr.

♥ Annette Funicello

♥ Art Ginsburg

♥ Luis Godinez Sr.

♥ Gary Hunt

♥ John Ingle

♥ Rusty Mills

♥ Jerry Nelson

♥ Al Rabin

♥ Paul Skipper

♥ Emily Squires

♥ Jean Stapleton

♥ Ron Weaver

May they all Rest In Heavenly Peace.

---

All in all not a bad show this year. Of course I am not personally pleased that Y&R didn't take the big award, but am truly happy for the cast and crew of DOOL! 

Congratulations to all of tonight's winners!!

Until next time...

The Soap Box for June 11th ~ Whose Your Daddy?

Things are beginning to heat up in the land of the soaps. On Y&R today, Nick fessed up to Phyllis, admitting that Summer was not his daughter - and that he knew all along that she wasn't. Further trying to defend his action by saying that he didn't want to lose another child after having just lost Cassie. Needless to say Phyllis is furious with Nick - until it dawns on her that Summer and Kyle are out on a date and Summer has only one thing in mind for the night ... to lose her virginity - to her unknown brother.

Phyllis manages to track down her daughter and is relieved to learn that brother and sister have not done the deed.

Call me crazy, but I'm thinking that when Jack finds out - it is not going to go well for Nick!

Meanwhile on the B&B Steffy tells Hope that she is going to leave the country and she wants Hope to take care of Liam. Effectively giving Liam to a bewildered Hope.  Will she just leave and not even tell Liam what is going on with her? Or that she is unable to have children? Hmmmmm...

It is a bad week in LA for pregnant women as Brooke decides she absolutely must tell Bill and Katie that she is with child - when she collapses in their living room before getting the news out. The happy couple rush Brooke to the hospital where she learns that she has lost baby Spencer.

Bill takes the opportunity to remind Brooke of their agreement to not tell Katie of their extra curricular relations, and Brooke keeps silent about the miscarriage.

The Soap Box for June 4th

So, we're into another week of Y&R and it just doesn't feel the same knowing that Mrs. C will no longer been seen on the show. Of course her passing still needs to be addressed. That will be a difficult week for sure! (Mental NOTE - Stock Up On Tissue!!)

Any thoughts on who is publishing Neil's personal journal on a blog? My guess is the mysterious Rose.  Any thoughts on who Rose is? I still think that she is Leslie and Tyler's half sister. Time will tell I suppose.

Is anyone else growing tired of Kevin and Chloe? I think the writers got it wrong. They should not have tampered with Michael and Lauren's marriage ... I would love to see Kevin and Chloe break up!!  Of course, I have to admit that I never really was a fan of Chloe.

As for another story line I am not a fan of ...May I just say that although I do not have strong feelings about Dylan, I think that what Chelsea is doing is really shitty.  When he finds out that the baby is Adam's - it will kill him!!

On to B&B ... Brooke continues in her attempts to convince Eric to be the pseudo father to her baby with Dollar Bill.  She is cracking at the seams under the mounting pressure. Are we supposed to feel sorry for her?

We learned today that Steffy can no longer have children. OK - this actually made me feel badly for her. No woman wants to hear that news. Especially being so young - and attempting to hold on so desperately to her new hubby, who does - eventually - want children.  Seems the card she pulled out of her sleeve at Liam and Hope's wedding turned out to be a joker.

Jacqueline MacInnes Wood, the Windsor, Ontario born actress who plays Steffy Forrester leaked in an interview with ET Canada that after five years in her role, she will be leaving the show. Jacqueline referenced the intense story lines coupled with the ending her current contract, and her desire to travel as reasons for her departure.  There is no word if Steffy will leave LA for Europe, or if the role will be recast.

As always.. Stay tuned...

The Soap Box ~ Tribute To Jeanne Cooper "Goodnight"

My eyes burn from the tears I shed today during the tribute episode to the incomparable Jeanne Cooper.

Beginning with Jess Walton who plays Jill Abbott standing at the bottom of the stairs of the Chancellor Estate. The same stairs, which Katherine ascended on her final scene of the show that aired right before her passing on May 8th of this year.

Jess begins the tribute by speaking of Jeanne Cooper, guiding us into the Chancellor living room, as she notes that the Young and the Restless will indeed address Mrs. Chancellor's passing on the show. It will air in 'a couple of months' as told by Jess Walton, who reminds us that there will be many characters whose lives will be impacted by the passing of Mrs. C.

Jeanne's children, seated on the sofa of the Chancellor living room, Corbin speaking on behalf of his brother and sister, so elequantly expressing love of their mother, as well as their heartfelt gratitude for the support offered from the Y&R cast and fans.

The remainder of the episode is of the cast reminising about their time with Jeanne Cooper ... sharing stories ... memories ... tears ... the laughter, the moments where words were a struggle to find. I noted how no one was rushed. When someone was speaking and got choked up ... the rest of the circle just allowed the silence ... they just sat in that space of shared grief.  Mutual glances across the room, knowing smiles as they told stories of the first time each met Jeanne. Especially the male cast members. Apparently your weren't someone until you were goosed by the matriarch of the show.



Some of my favorite moments of the tribute where the heartfelt stories. Greg Rikaart (Kevin Fisher) remanises about a scene where Kevin had just returned home from being kidnapped. He visits Katherine to thank her for never giving up on him, and following her monalogue, where he had no response line, he improved "I love you too."  He said that those words were not a part of the script, but indeed were just something he felt in the moment, so he said it.

Anyone who has ever watched the show knows that Katherine is famous for her straightforwardness, but perhaps more than that, she was famous for her jewelery.  And during the tribute Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Newman) sat with some of Katherine's jewels draped over her crossed knee. Just sitting there, as if a part of Katherine was present in during the conversations. Which I'm certain that she was. And forever will be.

The tribute ended replaying the final scene Jeanne Cooper was seen in. The now infamous "Goodbye" scene between Katherine and Jill.  Jill escorting Katherine to the bottom of the stairs, offering to help her up to her room. Katherine gazing upward, and then back to Jill ... saying that she believes she can manage.  Turning back once more for an improved "Goodnight."

Once the scene is over, Katherine has ascended the stairs, the camera cuts to Jess Walton at the bottom of the stairs. "Goodbye Jeanne."  Jess shuts off the lights and the camera pans back into the darkened and now empty living room of the Cancellor Estate, setteling upon a beautiful photo of the one and only Katherine, her beloved jewels set in front of the frame.

Rest In Heavely Peace Jeanne Cooper / Katherine Chancellor.

♥♥♥

The Soap Box - May 24th - Tribute Reminder

Just a quick reminder that the Tribute episode for the late Jeanne Cooper will be airing on the following dates:

• Monday, May 27th - Canada
• Tuesday, May 28th - USA

~~~

The Soap Box for May 15th

On B&B Bill is injecting himself into the life of yet another family member, coming to the rescue of the damsel   Caroline, whose relationship with Rick is on the way out. If she would only let Rick get two words out - enough to say  'it's over".  Dollar Bill has dug up the past of Maya to use it against her by way of a young may who she is court ordered to stay away from - or risk going back to prison. $10,000 later - the two are planned to run into one another and the proof is in the pictures, which will undoubtedly be used as blackmail to keep the fair Maya away from her young Mr. Forrester.

Steffy is in the hospital, not remembering she and Liam are indeed married, or that she is with child. Well, that she was with child. The family are gathering around her hospital bed and nobody wants to tell her that she was pregnant, but lost the baby in the motorcycle accident. Perhaps there will be Hope for Liam after all!

It has been a week since the Legend Jeanne Cooper passed away, and even longer since we've seen her 'goodbye' scene as she ascended the staircase in her final episode on the show. If you are like me, you are wondering - waiting, to see how Y&R will address the passing of the Duchess. I have read ahead this week and there is no mention of Mrs. C's passing, however, her real life son Corbin has posted that upon  visiting the set of Y&R, he observed taping of a tribute to her to be aired on May 28th.

It would seem to me that if they are going to address her passing on the show then they will need to 'find her' next week ... for the funeral to be at the end of May. With that said, his wording reads as if the cast will just do tributes on that day. Until I can read ahead of next week's shows, it will be unclear as to which way the show will handle her passing. If at all.

It should also be noted that Canadian viewers are a day ahead of the US, so if the show is to air on May 28th - I believe this to be in the States, therefore look for the tribute episode to air in Canada on the 27th.

The following is the post from Corbin about the tribute.


"On my way to the airport I visited the set of The Young and Restless where they taped a tribute show to my mom. It was just incredible, all the kind words from cast and crew about her, the stories. Some of which I'm still trying to digest. It airs on May 28 and for all those who loved her on Y&R, well this is just a magnificent send off. Thanks to all there for your kindness and love. She would be deeply honored and I suppose a bit annoyed at the same time for all the affection."