Kelly Sullivan Axed from "General Hospital"! I Don't Get It.

Soap opera fans are used to changes on their favorite shows.  We may not like them, but change is inevitable.  Most changes aren't THAT bad and we learn to live with them.  However, the loss of one of our favorite characters/actors when a show decides to let an actor go is NOT something a soap fan takes lightly because these characters and actors become like extended family to us.  We all have our favorite soap actors/characters, and we don't always agree with each other.  But every once in a while, you find an actor that is so talented that most of us can agree that we love him/her.  Such is the case with Kelly Sullivan.  Kelly has been playing the role of Kate Howard/Connie Falconeri on "General Hospital" since September of 2011.  She replaced Megan Ward, who originated the role.  It was announced this week that Kelly Sullivan has been written out of the show.  This is wrong on so many levels.  

First of all, she made the character likeable, which I didn't think was possible.  She brought a certain quality to the character that was different.  Kate was no longer just a stuffy business woman.  She had a sense of humor and was fun--and NICE.  Her portrayal of someone with D.I.D. was absolutely amazing!  So at this point, I knew she was probably one of the most talented women on the planet, and I was looking forward to her next storyline.  I had been getting worried because she wasn't on much lately.  There was talk of a third personality.  Then suddenly, we seemed to be getting something.  A Sonny/Kate/Olivia triangle.  This sounded interesting.  I'm not a big fan of love triangles, but hey.  If it gave Kelly Sullivan a storyline, I was all for it.  That's when the bomb dropped that she was being written out of the show.  It doesn't make any sense. Why create a storyline that could give her character something to do only to write her out? 

Point # 2.  Sonny & Kate (a.k.a. Maurice Benard and Kelly Sullivan) have great chemistry.  If they're going with a Sonny/Olivia pairing just because they share a child (but haven't been together in 25 years), that makes ZERO sense.  Yes, she's more his "type", but I don't see any chemistry there at all.  Not romantically anyway.

Point #3.  There are characters and then there are characters that change your life.  I was listening to a fan tonight tell how Kelly Sullivan's portrayal of a woman with D.I.D. literally changed her life.  I was brought to tears as she described how Kate/Connie taking control of her condition and getting the help she needed caused her to take control of her own mental illness.  Characters like this should not be thrown away.  Any actor who can change a person's life with the way she portrays a character is golden and should be appreciated by TPTB of the show she is on.  It isn't every day a person gets to change someone's life in such a drastic way.  Why anyone would throw away an actress that could do that is beyond me.  And I hope and pray that TPTB change their mind and keep Miss Sullivan.  I hope this is one of those situations where you are writing her out temporarily and bringing her back at a later date.  It's been done before, so I hope this is the case now.  Otherwise, this is a BIG mistake.

To Kelly Sullivan, I have this to say.  I admit that I was not a Kate/Connie fan when the character was on originally.  But you changed that with your brilliant portrayal of the character.  You made me like Kate/Connie.  Thank you for your dedication to your craft, the show, and the fans.  Your portrayal of Kate/Connie will never be forgotten.  You are very talented, and I wish you well.  I love you.  

The Fan/Celebrity Relationship

I have always been a big fan of celebrities.  I have too many favorites to count.  It started when I was a teenager and has shown no signs of backing off over the years.  Maybe it comes from my desire to want to be in the entertainment business in some way.  Most people I know, especially my own family don't get it.  They think it's silly.  It's always made me feel like a bit of an outsider.  And it's only when I'm around other fans that I feel truly accepted.  

Over the years, I have formed a relationship of sorts with some celebrities.  I've talked to some on the phone and was very close to one for a while.  It always surprises me, though, when a celebrity I don't know well remembers me.  Case in point, I recently tweeted a celebrity I haven't contacted in a while. I was shocked  when he remembered me and said he hadn't heard from me in a while.  There have also been times when I got a reply back from a tweet, and I felt like I had died and gone to heaven.   

Still...I always had the attitude that the celebrity was there to entertain me.  It was their job. That's the life they chose.  The only money I should have to pay is to buy their movies, CD's or other merchandise they're selling.  So when I noticed a trend lately where celebrities were asking the fans to donate money to their projects, I was a little offended.  I mean, really?  I've heard of getting backers/investors for projects, but I thought that asking the fans was going a little too far.  I mean...they have money and contacts, right?  Why should the fans pay for their projects? 

Then I met a man online named Leon Acord, who has a web series "Old Dogs and New Tricks".  I now consider Leon to be a friend, and I hope he feels the same way.  He has totally changed my life and my way of thinking.  He posted a link The Art of Asking on Twitter.  After watching the video, I totally get it--and am now a huge Amanda Palmer fan.  I now see it as the fans being investors in projects, and I think this is a good thing.  We're the recipient of the final project, so why shouldn't we be involved in some way?  

Leon is trying to raise money for the 3rd (and what he says is the final season) of "Old Dogs and New Tricks". They need to reach their goal of $9,999 in the next TEN DAYS.  They are currently at $3,081.  Please help them out by going to Old Dogs and New Tricks Season 3 to contribute. Thanks!

A Soap Fan's Opinion About Fans and General Hospital

I've said it before, and I'll say it again.  Soap fans are the most loyal group I've ever seen. It doesn't matter what is happening on their soap. They will defend their favorite characters to the death.  Unfortunately, soap fans can also be the scariest group of people you will ever come across.  I've dealt with fans for years and have been freaked out by some of them. But my latest encounters on Twitter have me totally shocked and freaked out.

We all have issues with our shows and it's unrealistic to think that no matter who is writing or who the Exec. Producer is, we'll all go with whatever they dish out.  Sure some viewers do, but I'm not one of them, and I've never been able to understand the ones who are.  But as I said in a previous blog, they are a soap execs. dream viewer.  TPTB don't have to worry about dealing with them because they're always happy.  I am not one of those people, and I have been known for my "poison-pen" letters.  But over the years, since I've been involved with different celebrities, there is one thing I have learned.  It's OK to voice your opinion. I'm all for it.  You can still give your opinion without coming across as rude.  It's called constructive criticism.  Unfortunately, I have come to realize that most people don't understand what constructive criticism is.  It means expressing your opinion politely. 

From what I have seen on Twitter, some "fans" haven't learned the concept of constructive criticism.  They think it's OK to say whatever they want to the head writer of their show, and if the writer doesn't like it, tough--it's the writer's fault and the writer should get off Twitter if they can't take it.  And Heaven forbid if the writer responds to them with the same rudeness and blocks them instead of taking the "fan's" rudeness.  Like being on the internet makes it ok for the viewer to be rude, but if the writer is rude in return, the writer is to blame. Um...NO! To those people, I say GROW UP and take responsibility for your words/actions!  It isn't ok to be rude to someone and then be offended when you get rudeness in return.  And it most certainly won't get you anywhere with TPTB.  

The worst case I've seen of this is the fans' reactions to Frank Valentini (@valentinifrank on Twitter) and Ron Carlivati (@carlivatiron on Twitter), Exec. Producer and Head Writer of "General Hospital", respectively.  It's no secret that GH has been in trouble for years.  The last regime under Exec. Producer Jill Farren Phelps and Head Writer Robert Guza, Jr. was a disaster!  Even I stopped watching several times.  What they did to some of my favorite characters was a travesty.  OLTL and AMC were canceled in 2011, and GH was next on the chopping block.  Enter Frank Valentini and Ron Carlivati who literally turned OLTL around during their tenure.  They have done the same for "General Hospital".  Considering the huge mess they were left to deal with, I'm very impressed with what they've done in such a short time.  First they had to clean up the mess left behind by Guza before they could do anything else.  That took MONTHS!  What they have done is nothing short of a miracle.  So you will have to forgive me if I wonder what everyone's problem is.  I mean seriously...do they not remember what the show was like just two years ago? The difference is like night and day.  Is it that people don't know good writing when they hear it? Were they so brainwashed by Guza's writing that they honestly can't see (or hear) that what we have NOW is good writing?  Mr. Valentini and Mr. Carlivati don't deserve the crap they've been getting from the fans.  They're not even giving them a chance.  It takes time to turn around a holy mess.  You can't do it all at once.  But for some reason, people seem to think it can be done.  These shows are written in and taped in advance. It's a slow process.  I have noticed that most of the people giving them a hard time are the ones who ONLY ever watched GH and not OLTL.  Fans that used to watch OLTL or both OLTL and GH seem quite happy with them.  The cast seems happy with them as well.  I hope the viewers who are criticizing Mr. Valentini and Mr. Carlivati will learn to at least give them a chance.  They seem to forget that it's thanks to them they still have a show to watch.   

I would like to send my love, gratitude, and admiration to Frank Valentini and Ron Carlivati.  I was a fan of both of you from your time on "One Life to Live".  You did amazing work then, and you continue to do so now on "General Hospital".  You literally turned "General Hospital" around and made the show great again.  I am loving the show more than I have in years.  It is a credit to your guidance and writing.  You are both extremely talented and know exactly what has to be done.  Thank you from this grateful fan!

Farewell, Duchess--We'll Miss you, Jeanne Cooper

Recently, the soap opera world suffered another great loss when "The Young and Restless" star, Jeanne Cooper passed away on May 8, 2013 after being ill and hospitalized for quite a while.  Today, the show honored her with a tribute--no, make that a celebration of her life.  Knowing what little I do of Ms. Cooper, mostly from posts on Facebook and Twitter from her son, Corbin Bernsen, she'd probably come back to haunt me if I called it a "tribute".  Somehow, the word "tribute", while honorable, seems wrong in this case--sad, actually.  I'm sure Ms. Cooper wouldn't have wanted that.  So I will call it a celebration.  

Ms. Cooper, Jeanne or Jeannie as many lovingly called her, was well loved by everyone.  Not just everyone who had the chance to know her or work with her, but I mean by EVERYONE, whether you watched Y&R or not.  I can honestly say that I have never met anyone who didn't love Jeanne Cooper.  She gave love and respect to her fellow actors and people in general, and in turn she got love and respect back.  Or is that the other way around?  I'm not really sure.  Maybe it's just a circle.  She was also a no-nonsense, outspoken type.  "Direct and to the point" is probably the phrase I'm looking for here.  And she was very open about most things in her life.  The most memorable example of her openness was when she had a face lift on TV during a Y&R storyline in 1984.  I remember that like it was yesterday.  I was 16 years old, and I can remember reading that she was going to do it. I remember thinking "She's going to do WHAT?!!"  It was truly a first for daytime television.  To this day, I can't believe she did it.  But that is the kind of woman she was, and I admired her for that.  I still do.  More people should be like her.  

I wish I had been able to meet her and get to know her.  Those that did are very lucky.  She seems like she was one heck of a lady.  She was a true legend.  Not just because of her great acting ability.  That is only part of it.  But because of the way she treated people.  Treating people with kindness, love, and respect, giving of yourself, helping out your fellow actors--that is what makes someone a true legend.  

Farewell, Duchess--Jeanne--Jeannie--We love you and miss you.  

OLTL/AMC Fans Get the Short End of the Deal AGAIN!

If you're a soap fan, you are probably well aware of the fact that "One Life to Live" and "All My Children" were canceled and last aired January 2011.  Fans were outraged, and protests were held.  Unfortunately, nothing could change the minds of TPTB of ABC. Enter a little known company called Prospect Park who said they were committed to bringing back BOTH shows online.  Online?  This is different--definitely a new concept to soap fans.  It was the miracle the fans of both soap operas had been hoping and praying for. The fact that the average fan never heard of this company (which should've been a clue) didn't seem to matter.  Fans were thrilled beyond belief!  We were getting our shows back! Shows were scheduled to begin in January 2012.  Good news, right?  WRONG! The day before Thanksgiving, Prospect Park announced they were shelving the idea. Fans were outraged!  My Twitter timeline was full of tweets from angry fans.  Who could blame them?  I did my share of venting as well.  We put our trust in this company and felt let down and betrayed again.  Fans once again quickly rallied and launched a campaign to prove that there was a life for the shows online.

In the meantime, "General Hospital" named Frank Valentini and Ron Carlivati from "One Life to Live" Exec. Producer and Head Writer.  Not only did Mr. Valentini and Mr. Carlivati turn GH around and give us back our show, which had gone downhill with the previous regime, but they also gave us back a little bit of "One Life to Live" by bringing on Kristen Alderson, Roger Howarth, and Michael Easton as their characters from "One Life to Live". The actors were on contract, but the "characters" were on loan from Prospect Park. Everything was going well and the OLTL fans were happy since it seemed that Prospect Park dropped the ball and would not be bringing back "One Life to Live".  Nobody--I repeat--NOBODY thought "One Life to Live" and "All My Children" were coming back at this point.  

Then, just when we thought all hope was lost, we learned in January of 2013 that the shows would indeed be brought back online.  Fans were thrilled beyond belief!  Everything was going our way---FINALLY!  We were getting the justice we deserved.  It was eventually announced that the first episodes would be airing on April 29, 2013.  They would be available for FREE on Hulu. They would also be available on Hulu Plus if you wanted to pay $7.99 for a subscription to the site an also on iTunes.  Prospect Park and The Online Network promoted the shows by saying the shows were available "Anytime, Anywhere.  It's no longer daytime. It's anytime".  I couldn't believe it!  I could watch the show on MY schedule?  Really?  This was a soap opera fan's dream!  Wrong again!

Fans waited with anticipation for the debut.  The day finally arrived.  Fans tuned in to see their shows.  It was heaven! The actors were happy, the fans were happy, and both shows were in the top 5 on iTunes.  Everything was going better than expected.  And then it happened....

After only THREE WEEKS, The Online Network, parent company of Prospect Park, released a press release on May 16 announcing that they were cutting back on episodes. They would only be showing TWO episodes a week of each show instead of FOUR.  The reason?  Apparently, the fans are at fault.  Yep, they sited fans' viewing habits as the problem. They said the fans have been watching on demand or "binge viewing" (watching all episodes at once).  Now, let's think about this, shall we?  First, it's Hulu and iTunes. Of course it's on demand! And binge watching?  Hello? Did they not encourage BOTH these things when they said "It's no longer daytime.  It's anytime!"?  THAT was the beauty of this whole venture!  Heck, even the actors themselves were constantly saying "It's no longer daytime.  It's anytime!".  Now, PP/TOLN has promoted it as "anytime" TV, the actors were also promoting it as such.  So WHAT did they expect from the viewers? Of course we're going to watch when we can.  Furthermore, they said that due to their research and after analyzing our viewing habits, they feel they "have been expecting our audience to dedicate what has turned out to be an excessive amount of time to viewing these shows."  They also said "We are finding that asking most people to regularly watch more than a half hour per day online seems to be too much."  WHAT?!  They are currently only showing four half-hour hour shows weekly of both series. That is a total of TWO HOURS a week!  For the most part, soap opera fans are used to watching FIVE HOURS of each of their shows EVERY WEEK.  And we have never had any trouble keeping up. Now they want to cut it down to 2 shows a week for each series.  That is a total of ONE HOUR of programming PER SERIES, people!  

They go on to say "The clear conclusion is that while somewhat mixed, these viewing patterns resemble more closely the typical patterns of online viewing rather than how one would watch traditional television."  Is that a serious statement?  It has to be one of the dumbest things I've ever heard.  Here's a thought.  Maybe they resemble the typical patterns of online viewing rather than traditional television because THEY ARE ONLINE SHOWS NOW!  

In addition, they basically said that we need to watch BOTH AMC and OLTL to ensure the success of the shows.  Heck, they pretty much demanded it.  Basically, if one fails, they both fail.  Now, I can't speak for everyone, but I only ever watched OLTL even though I kept up with AMC through magazines and  occasional channel switching during commercials. Now I'm expected to watch AMC as well as OLTL?  I feel like a gun is being held to my head, and I don't like it one bit.  Watching a show is supposed to be a CHOICE, not a MUST.  We were also told we need to watch the show on the day they first air in order for it to count and to make this a success.  Nevermind that the shows have constantly been in the Top 5, which proves it's working.

Let's recap, shall we?  Not only are we too slow and stupid to keep up with 2-4 hours of programming a week (not counting the unnecessary recap shows), but we're being punished for watching when and how we want and being told we need to watch both shows the day they originally air.  This is insulting!   Instead of demanding we watch both shows, why didn't they try ASKING?  (Note to Prospect Park/The Online Network:  Try watching this: The Art of Asking. You might actually learn something.)

Now, I have been a loyal daytime viewer for over 30 years.  I have also been lucky enough to have been involved with different soap celebrities over the years, and I know some of what goes on "behind the scenes".  So I am suspicious by nature and know a load of bull when I hear it.  This press release by The Online Network REEKS of a cover-up.  They based their decisions on TWO weeks of shows.  Two weeks, in which BOTH shows were in the Top 5 on iTunes.  It doesn't add up!  It seems to me that they bit off more than they could chew. They should've taken the time to do more research and learn viewers' viewing habits BEFORE they decided to go ahead with bringing the shows back. They should've done more planning, research, and thinking things through instead of jumping into this so fast.  If it's a money issue, fine.  Just tell us.  Contrary to what they obviously think, we won't break.  All we expect is HONESTY.  But PLEASE don't make US the bad guys because you didn't do your homework.  The fans deserve better.

This feels like ABC all over again. We're being disrespected.  The sad part is there are fans who will actually do whatever Prospect Park/The Online Network wants.  I'm serious. Over the years, I've had numerous encounters with this type of fan.  They're the ones who are ALWAYS happy with EVERYTHING on their soap.  They will blindly do whatever is asked of them to help out their favorite show.  I fondly refer to these people as Stepford Viewers.  Don't get me wrong.  I don't think it's completely bad.  Annoying to a point, maybe.  But it's a soap opera's execs. dream to have these viewers. Soaps need these viewers. They get to do whatever they want, and the viewer will be happy while the rest of us who speak up are considered nags, pests, and never happy.  More fans need to start speaking up.  I'm not saying be rude. I'm saying be politely critical.  Constructive criticism is a good thing.  But don't just lie down and take it when a network/company pulls what Prospect Park/The Online Network is doing.  Show them we're not stupid. Fight for what you deserve and don't you dare give up one minute before you get it!  Remmber--THEY need US, not the other way around.  

Misuse of the Word Bully is An Insult

How many of us have read/heard something about someone and defended that person to the person who made the comment?  It doesn't matter if the injured party is someone you know or don't know.  No big deal, right?  I've always thought it was nice when someone did that and have felt the need to do it myself on occasion.  It isn't that I didn't think the person could defend themselves. I know they can. It's just my nature to speak up.  I know I would want people to do the same for me and appreciate it when they do.  So imagine my surprise when I recently stuck up for someone and was labeled---*gasp*---a bully by the people making the nasty comments.

The unfortunate incident began on Twitter when I read comments directed towards a writer of a TV show.  People were criticizing him for some of the storylines on the show he writes for.  Now, there is constructive criticism, and then there is just plain rude comments.  I'm all for constructive criticism.  But these people were just plain rude and had the nerve to complain when he responded with sarcastic remarks and/or blocked them.  I simply tweeted that his remarks were sarcasm and to "grow up!"  People started attacking me over my comment and at least one called me a bully.  I've been called many things in my life, but I can assure you, "bully" is not one of them. People who know me can tell you that just isn't me.  I'm actually quite calm, patient, loyal to a fault, and have a very long fuse. I'm also very open-minded and usually try to avoid confrontation at all cost. But when I see/hear someone being insulted for no good reason, I can't stay quiet.  I try...but it usually doesn't end well.  I can be bossy and opinionated at times, but a bully? Me?  I didn't think so.  So when someone called me that, I was shocked!  My comment may have had a little bite to it, but it's hardly bullying. By definition, a bully is a noisy, blustering fellow, more insolent than courageous, who threatens, intimidates, or badgers people who are smaller or weaker than he is; an insolent, tyrannical fellow.  Now, I have been bullied before, and I know this is NOT what I did.  Not even close!

When something like this happens, I tend to question myself.  After all, we don't always see ourselves the way others do.  So I did the only thing I could think of.  I asked a friend's opinion, who agreed it wasn't bullying.  At one point, a total stranger, who had nothing to gain by agreeing with or defending me, came to my rescue.

To make matters worse, the same people attacking me over my comment said that if the writer (AKA the recipient of their rudeness) can't take it, he should get off Twitter.  I am SO sick of that argument!  Just because people are rude to him & he chooses not to take it, he should get off Twitter?  Umm...no.  Everyone has a right to be on Twitter (and the internet in general).

This whole thing got me thinking.  If it had happened off-line, it would've just been classified as just an argument because honestly, that's exactly what it was.  We also defend people offline and no one accuses us as being a bully.  So why is it considered bullying when it's online?  Defending someone is unacceptable now?  And why is it that people think that they can make rude comments to someone, but if the person they're being rude to responds in kind, then THEY are the rude one?  People seem to think that because it's online, they can say whatever they want since the internet is covered by the right of free speech and if others don't like it, tough toenails.  And when someone calls them on their behavior, well they're just wrong.  They'd rather label someone a bully than admit that the person calling them on their behavior might actually have a valid point.  It's easier that way.  Heaven forbid if they should take responsibility for what they said.  It just seems to me that people are hiding behind the internet as an excuse to say what they want without any consequences. What is wrong with this picture?  Am I the only one who seems to think there is a problem here?

I'm not saying that people shouldn't voice their opinions online. I'm simply saying that if you do it rudely, you shouldn't be surprised or complain if you get rudeness in return.  And you shouldn't label someone a bully just because they defend someone.

Any thoughts?

I'll Love You Forever--R.I.P. David (Davy) Thomas Jones

I have wanted to do this blog for a while now, but I just couldn't find the words, so I apologize for my tardiness.

The date was February 29, 2012.  I was looking forward to what the day would bring.  After all, Leap Day only comes every four years.  I was sure it was to bring only good things.  I couldn't have been more wrong.  At approximately 1:15 p.m. eastern, my entire world once again came crashing down.  This is when I read a tweet that Davy Jones of The Monkees had died at the age of 66.  At first, I thought it was a cruel internet hoax.  There was no way this could be true.  Then I saw that the tweet was from the Official Monkees Twitter account.  I knew immediately it was true. I was and am overcome with grief over this sad news.  Davy was the youngest of the four Monkees, he was a vegetarian and very active and athletic.  As long as I live, I will never understand this.  It's just wrong and will never make sense to me.  

My mind raced.  Suddenly, a ton of memories came flooding back.  This wasn't just the death of another celebrity.  It was also the end of an era for me.  I recalled a conversation in 1986 during lunch in the high school cafeteria with a friend who was a fan.  Before that, the only thing I knew about The Monkees was that I used to watch re-runs when I was a kid and could only remember the Monkee Men.  After this conversation, I started listening to their music and watching the TV show.  Then in 1987, I started a fan club with a friend called Monkee Lovers Unlimited.  Eventually, I took over exclusively and the club lasted for 12 years.  I saw The Monkees two times in concert, and I saw David once in a solo concert.  I met David 3 times.  All three times, he was very kind. I can recall one time I tried to talk my way back stage.  Since I'm disabled, I couldn't get into the room they were in.  Eventually, Davy came out and talked to me.  It wasn't until later that I found out that Davy was the one who vouched for me when they asked if anyone knew me.  I was shocked and surprised that he knew who I was and would do that. Then there was the time after a solo concert that I met Davy again.  My father, who was pretty much dragged there, didn't know how to work my camera.  He asked what button to push.  Davy was the one to show him!  At the time, it was one of the most embarrassing moments of my life.  Now, it is one of my most cherished memories. 

Davy Jones wasn't just another celebrity to me.  He and The Monkees represented 25 years of my life.  Monkee Lovers Unlimited was the first fan club of several that I have ever run.  Since then, I have run several fan clubs, been involved in several other fan clubs and with several other celebrities in some capacity.  If it hadn't been for Davy Jones and The Monkees, I can guarantee you that I wouldn't be where I am today.  I would not have had the experiences I've had or have met the friends or other people I have met over the years.  My life changed because of Davy Jones and The Monkees.  You see, friends...Davy & The Monkees only owed me and their fans their best performance.  It is I who owe THEM everything because if it hadn't been for them, I would not be the person I am today.  RIP Davy.  Thank you for everything.  I'll love you forever.