The Suds Report - Sept4/09

Ed Note: Soapgeist will be posted on Tuesday instead of Monday due to the holiday.

SUDSIEST QUOTES OF THE WEEK:
“I think it’s like nighttime TV. Just because one show gets cancelled doesn’t mean nighttime TV is out the window. But ABC is showing a huge vote of confidence by moving [the New York-based)] AMC to L.A., they wanted to expand, not contract. So I think our situation is a very, very positive one.”
—Susan Lucci (Erica, AMC) to the AP dissecting what GL’s cancellation means for the rest of the industry
Translation: I’m the queen of denial. Oh, and I’m really bad at math. With one billion prime-time shows on air, I think one measly soap cancellation isn’t a big deal in an eight-soap universe lineup.

“I’m mourning her. They’re putting Let’s Make a Deal in our place. All I can say is: BIG deal!”
—Rich society diva Tina Sloan (Lillian, GL) in Phillyblurbs.com
Translation: One good thing has come out of GL’s cancellation — I’m getting the most press of my career! Why didn’t I speak out before — you know, when the show was tanking creatively? That’s the real question.

“Should take a taxi to the Emmys tonight. Cheaper than a limo. Better yet — I should be the first ever to ride a bicycle. [It’s eco-friendly].”
—Future Emmy winner Michael Muhney (Adam, Y&R) on something called Twitter
Translation: And I’m a soap star; I’m broke, ‘yo!

“Steve [Burton, Jason] told me that I wasn’t allowed to do [any outside projects] for the next year [laughs].”
—Kelly Monaco (Sam Giddens, GH) in Digest regarding her contract renewal
Translation: Burton runs GH. And apparently, a photographer is Burton’s boss.

“I’m not happy. I will go on the record and say this: If they knew it was a possibility that this was ultimately going to be the situation, it would have been nice to know that they were in discussions about it. That would have been, in my opinion, more professional and more respectful for the actors and their families. Then we could all have emotionally centred ourselves and grounded ourselves for this transition.”
—Emmy winner Jacob Young (JR, AMC) to Digest on AMC’s move to L.A.
Translation: Then, I remembered I work for ABC. Also, does anyone know if Kyle Lowder is still playing Rick Forrester on the world’s No. 1 soap?

“One day, I told the makeup girl that I really liked Lauralee [Bell; ex-Cricket]. She said, ‘She’s very down-to-earth for being who she is,’ and I was like, ‘Huh?’ Lauralee is so wonderful and sweet that I didn’t know.”
—Emmy winner Tricia Cast (Nina, Y&R) in a Digest interview on how she wasn’t aware that her co-star was the boss’s daughter for three years!
Translation: The Bell name threw me. And I was never invited to those infamous annual Bell Christmas parties.

“Sharon doesn’t care about Phyllis’s feelings.”
—Sharon Case (Sharon, Y&R) in a Digest story preview
Translation: She just steals them.

AWARD SHOW CENTRAL
Emmy morning quarterbacking with Jimmy!
Overall, the 36th Daytime Emmy Awards were a hit! I haven’t seen the air show yet — but the majority of critics seemed to have enjoyed it. ATI wonder kid and loyal soap fan, James Romanovich, answered several of our questions. This is what he had to say:

Where was the In Memoriam segment he promised? “OK, the long and short of it is that for the In Memoriam segment, we were simply out-voted as they haven't done it in years.”

Cutting short the GL farewell: “It was actually four and a half minutes —which is a lot of time in a two-hour prime-time show for a 73-year-old soap on the CW which targets an 18-34 female skewed network. In spite of that, we were still able to pull it off. I know some GL fans would have liked a 10-minute farewell, but [that was unrealistic]. Hey, at least [we got to say goodbye]. Why did it go to commercial abruptly? Network timing. Otherwise, I would have liked to have stayed on that shot of the cast for a while longer. It wasn't our call. Same for B&B’s Brad Bell’s speech, which I’m trying to find a [clip of] for the B&B folks to post. The CW had a firm out at 10 p.m. no matter what.”

What’s next for GL? “Speaking of which, I met with TeleNext Chief, Brian Cahill, yesterday … I have a call in to P&G Productions about GL. Stay tuned. That may, or may not, mean anything.”

End notes: “Creatively, I was told overwhelmingly by key executives, Academy members, actors and so forth that this was one of the best-looking shows they have had in many years. I can take pride in the fact that we accomplished everything we wanted to do. We gave the fans a show! This year, the Emmys was produced with a sense of purpose and relevance. You saw it in the faces in that theatre. That night, the industry was on top of the world. I wouldn't have changed anything about the show other than wishing the CW had given us an extra five minutes. Or 30 minutes. We did this show for two reasons: our love of daytime and the fans. We certainly didn’t do it to get rich; not by a long shot. The show is also a perfect fit for Feed The Children because isn’t daytime all about awareness? Whether it’s fashion, causes, life choices, or wellness? Oprah is all about living better. Dr. Phil is about eliminating weaknesses.  The Doctors is about health. Where in prime time do you see that on a regular basis? So daytime offered a vehicle of awareness for Feed The Children, which is very important to us. Look for the Kenya documentary with Susan Lucci, Anthony Geary, and Kelly Monaco tentatively titled Kenya: As We See It soon.”

Some other observations on soaps:
1. Would love to put Imaginary Bitches on television and sell it internationally. Wouldn’t be a big winner this early outside of the web, but it has all the right elements for future success.
2. Liz Hendrickson (Chloe, Y&R) actually comes up to my waist as I’m 6’4” and she must  be 5’ even. She’s extremely attractive. Very petite but completely on fire. I have a lot of respect for her work. She and Billy Miller (Billy, Y&R) have great chemistry.
3. Nadia Bjorlin (Chloe, DAYS) has had a pretty sweet gig for these last few months. I wish I could get paid to nap. All kidding aside, she’s very captivating and the Chloe/Daniel chemistry works. Daniel and Kate work, too.
4. How great is Rick Hearst (Whip, B&B)? He’s so talented!
5. How cool is it that GH shot on location? They should do that more often.
6. If I could re-invent GL, I would.
7. Jon Lindstrom (Craig, World Turns) gives 110 per cent in any role he plays.
8. Hoping One Life’s chief, Frank Valentini, who I think is a genius, realizes the gold that is Rex and Schuyler. I could see these two guys on a road adventure like Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. I would bet my life they’ll end up us brothers or cousins.
9. And finally ... Stacy Haiduk’s (MJ, Y&R) cat at the Emmys … that cat was sitting right by me the whole show … and scared the [crap] out of me.
10. Here’s a big shout-out for everyone who participated in Daytime Gives Back! Especially the producers and actors for making it happen.

CRUISING SOAPS
GL’s Jeff Branson (Shayne) and Kim Zimmer (Reva) join Cameron Mathison’s bon voyage!
TV Guide Canada will be offering a fan the chance to interview their favourite soap star in a printed feature in TVGuide.ca — and a free cruise! Can you out-bitch Nelson Branco? I dare you!

END GAME

The longest running soap opera in American history is wrapping up storylines as they prepare to pack up the sets, costumes and props after 72 memorable years on CBS. GL may air its final episode in mid September, but the show won’t go dark completely. Adoring fans in Atlanta on Nov. 7 will have the incredible opportunity to get to know 10 of the best-loved actors from GL in a day and evening extravaganza as they say “so long” to Springfield.
WHO: Kim Zimmer (Reva Shayne), Robert Newman (Josh Lewis), Daniel Cosgrove (Bill Lewis), Frank Dicopoulos (Frank Cooper), Gina Tognoni (Dinah Marler), Jeff Branson (Shayne Lewis), Grant Aleksander (Phillip Spaulding), Jessica Leccia (Natalia Aitoro), Bradley Cole (Jeffrey O’Neill), Jordan Clarke (Billy Lewis) and GL director Adam Reist.
HOW TO REGISTER: Go to www.celebrityeventsgroup.com and click “So Long Springfield.” Follow prompts for secure purchase by major credit card. You may also call 1-866-364-0330. Tickets will not be issued — bring picture ID and computer confirmation to receive wristband for admittance on the day of the event.

MAN CANDY
Would Scott have won if he was still on All My Kids?
Brandon Beemer (Owen, B&B) was robbed! For the third year in a row, Mr. James Scott (Elvis, DAYS) took home daytime’s highest honour, soaphunks.net’s Mr. Adonis. If Beemer wasn’t crowned, Suds Report is very happy with Scott’s third consectuive triumph. Scott’s a keeper.

THE IDIOT RATINGS
Winner — Y&R and DAYS inch upwards! Crystal Chappell, hurry up!
Loser — B&B in trouble again!

Ratings for the week August 24-28, 2009
Courtesy of Soap Opera Network
(Compared to Last Week/Compared to Last Year)

Total Viewers
1. Y&R 4,962,000 (+148,000/-188,000)
2. B&B 3,227,000 (-235,000/-128,000)
3. DAYS 2,761,000 (+206,000/+170,000)
4. GH 2,401,000 (-91,000/-362,000)
5. ATWT 2,397,000 (+74,000/-118,000)
6. *OLTL 2,279,000 (-48,000/-231,000)
7. *AMC 2,208,000 (-75,000/-147,000)
8. GL 2,012,000 (-40,000/-116,000)

*NEW LOW

Household Rating
1. Y&R 3.5/12 (+.1/-.2)
2. B&B 2.3/8 (-.1/-.2)
3. DAYS 2.1/7 (+.2/+.2)
4. GH 1.8/6 (-.1/-.3)
4. **OLTL 1.8/6 (same/-.1)
6. **AMC 1.7/6 (same/-.2)
6. ATWT 1.7/6 (same/-.2)
8. GL 1.5/5 (same/same)

**TIES LOW RATING

NOTE: TVGuide.ca values viewers of all shapes, colours, sexualities, and ages, which is why we print the total viewing audience tallies. Screw you, Madison Avenue! We’re not buying your bull anymore. And memo to soaps: perhaps you should start selling ad space that caters to older, gay, and black audiences. You know, the people who actually watch this garbage! These are desperate times — you can’t afford to turn away any revenue streams available.

All My Children, A/ABC — Confirmed: Kaye out!
• It’s time to vote for your favourite Mimi Torchin-produced Soap Opera Weekly cover! So far in this recurring anniversary poll, I had the hardest time choosing the most memorable AMC cover. Yes, I agree with Torchin that AMC’s “Who Shot Will?” cover was a pivotal moment in soap magazine history, but artistically, I think “Heaven Can Wait” (Tad’s visit with his dead relatives) was just too beautiful not to choose. Click here to pick your fave.

• The Suds Report overheard Thorsten Kaye (Zach) telling friends at the Emmys that he will not be making the move to L.A. However, Cameron Mathison (Ryan) has reportedly finally made up his mind — he will be moving to Cali. Not too surprisingly, Susan Lucci (Erica) is still undecided.

• Does time heal all wounds? At the Emmy dinner, CBS hack Barbara Bloom was asked to take a picture with Ricky Paull Goldin (Jake) and Beth Ehlers (Taylor) — and they obliged. Was all forgiven? No, not really — but they saw the irony in the photo op. You know what? Good for Babs.

• God has a sick sense of humour! Every year, I run into ABC chief Brian Frons during Emmy season in the most awkward of situations! (Last year, we were stuck in an elevator together.) This year? Yesterday, I had lunch at Tavern, a Brentwood hot spot, and guess who was sitting near me? Yep, Fronzie. He was having lunch with The View’s executive producer Bill Geddie.
 
• Soap vacation alert: TV Guide’s Michael Logan is reporting that AMC will “riff on the classic Jane Fonda film They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? with an epic dance marathon that’ll run a full 10 episodes. The special event (airing Sept. 17-30) involves the entire cast, headlined by former Dancing With the Stars contenders Susan Lucci (Erica) and Cameron Mathison (Ryan). The plot has the citizens of Pine Valley pulling together to help Erica raise money for her new pet cause — starving kids in Africa — via a local telethon. The rules: Couples must maintain physical contact at all times and never stop moving. In order to earn a break from the dance floor, a couple has to bring in a big donation from telephone call-ins. Mass exhaustion ensues, but so does the sex and mayhem.” How original, Chucky. [Puke here.]

As The World Turns, Global/CBS — Is Mark Collier returning? • With Austin Peck (Brad) on his way out, Katie needs a new love interest. In the past, World Turns has asked Mark Collier (ex-Mike) to return to the CBS sudser, but he has always declined. However, the sexy and hung actor has had a change of heart! Word is that Collier has agreed to return to the show. • Speaking of Austin Peck (Brad), the actor is so hated by his cast that he had to sit at the DAYS table at the Emmy dinner. “The World Turns cast despises him so much that they refused to be near him during the Emmys. No one would talk to him. He’s being ostracized. They think he is the scum of the earth,” says one of Peck's former DAYS co-stars. Hey, it takes two to have an affair, people! Peck’s getting a bad rap, if you ask me. Next week, you just might find out who Peck had an affair with.

The Bold and the Beautiful, CTV/CBS — Why is Tylo still on this show?
• Zzzz: Another Hunter Tylo (Taylor) scandal.

• Finally: This week, Kyle Lowder (Rick) returns to the screen! It’s about time. I’ve missed the bitch.

• Antonio Sabato Jr. (ex-Dante) and I caught up while I was in L.A. Would the My Antonio star return to B&B? “Yes,” he says without hesitation.  “Work is work — and I loved Dante. I would also consider coming back to GH as Jagger, too. I love soaps.”

Days of our Lives, Global/NBC — CC?
• The C Word: I hope Carly comes back to Salem and saves Chloe from heterosexual hell — and Crystal Chappell and Nadia Bjorlin (Chloe) become daytime’s hottest lesbian love affair. “Omigod, I would love that! I’m game,” says Bjorlin. And so am I!

General Hospital, CTV/ABC — Scrubbing out AIDS?
• Scrubs has a message for fans here. And no, they don’t tell you stop watching this craptastic show.

• Gulp: I got my hands on a few bottles of MonaVie Juice! I’ll have a full review of the magical elixir in a few weeks. Maybe it will cure my bitchiness!

Guiding Light, Global/CBS — Will Alan die? • Blogger Lara Nieves offers her GL endgame thoughts here. • After the light fades out on Sept. 18, CBS air repeats of The Price Is Right until Let’s Make a Deal debuts on Oct. 5. • My favourite pregnant actress, Marcy Rylan (Lizzie), tells The Suds Report that she would sign with another soap — and is moving back to L.A. • As Suds hinted a few weeks ago, Alan risks his life to save Phillip’s. BTW: Grant Aleksander (Phillip) visited Y&R chief Paul Rauch at the Y&R studios to catch up. “What a talented actor,”  Rauch tells Suds. • Stay tuned for intense interviews with Gina Tognoni (Dinah), Marcy Rylan (Lizzie), Zack Conroy (James), Crystal Chappell (Olivia) and Kim Zimmer (Reva) very soon. Truth will save the world.

Imaginary Bitches, imaginarybitches.com — Garden of Eden! • Check out my beautiful and talented imaginary wife, Eden Riegel (ex-Binks, AMC), speaking her mind, heart and soul here at the Tech Emmys courtesy of welovesoaps.net. The Young and the Restless, CBS/Global — Victor, Victoria! • Casting Coach: Is Y&R courting Emmy winner Tamara Braun (ex-Reese, AMC, ex-Ava, DAYS) as a Victoria Newman recast? I can’t say — but will CBS have the balls to fire a pregnant woman? Well, if they don’t have the cajones — then they should buy some. Check out my exclusive sit-down interview with the best executive producer in daytime history, Mr. Paul Rauch, this Wednesday. • “Forgive me for appearing arrogant.” Run out and buy Digest for Thom Bierdz’s (Phillip) must-read apology to fans for his acting choices during his much-trumpeted return. “It is hard to be a gay person in a straight world,” he expresses.

—Which east-coast hunk was being checked out by all the stars — male and female — at the Emmys and after-parties? By now, “because of The Suds Report’s notorious blind items,” they are all aware for what he is infamous for — and wanted a view of the goods which are always noticeably on display?

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Nelson Branco is a Toronto freelance entertainment journalist, who regularly contributes to Hello! Canada, The National Post, The Los Angeles Times' theenvelope.com, TV Guide USA, tvguide.com, Inside Entertainment, OUT, and fab magazine, along with spearheading the soap coverage for TVGuide.ca's popular daytime TV hub. After graduating from Ryerson University in 1997, he moved from Toronto to New York in 1998 to take on the roles as senior news editor at Soap Opera Update. Branco first freelanced for Soap Opera Weekly as an intern in 1994, and after leaving Soap Update to help create and launch Bauer Publishing's In Touch Weekly in 2003, Branco continued to freelance occasionally for its sister publication, Soaps In Depth. Most recently, he helped create and launch Canada's first celebrity magazine, Weekly Scoop in 2005 as its news and entertainment director. Branco is also a contributor to a new TV show titled Planet Soap to air in Canada and America.