February 15, 1999
Non-Spoiler Articles

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Soap Opera Digest

COMINGS and GOINGS - The Latest Cast Changes

Who's Coming

Days of Our Lives - Javier Grajeda (Benny): Benny is a crooked lawyer who Brandon (Matt Cedeno) employs to bring down Abe (James Reynolds). He first airs on February 10.

Who's Staying

Days of Our Lives - Austin Peck (Austin Reed): "He's happily staying with the show," reveals Executive Producer Ken Corday. "He has agreed to re-sign. I'm thrilled to have that big hunk of a guy here, and he's going to be involved in some great story with Sami, Nicole, Lucas and Brandon"

Soap Opera Digest

THUMBS UP! And DOWN!

Thumbs Up! - Location, Location, Location

Once upon a time, traveling to exotic destinations was commonplace for soaps. But today, the bottom line rules: It costs big bucks to leave the studio, so most shows stay home. When a soap DOES venture on location, it's a treat. And stories shot on-location provide memories that can resonate for a long time.

John and Marlena's Hawaiian honeymoon on Days of Our Lives LAST summer is a key component of a CURRENT plot. John recently recalled what happened when he disappeared into the not-so-Pacific Ocean. (He was brainwashed and had sex with a brainwashed Hope.)

While it isn't feasible for soaps to make too many forays into the great outdoors, it's a breath of fresh air when they do.

APPLAUSE, APPLAUSE

Kudos to DAYS for mentioning dearly departed characters. When "Hope" was shot, Doug recalled how her mom, Addie, survived leukemia.

Soap Opera Digest

NBC GOSSIP - DAYS' KEVIN SINGS HIS CASTMATES' PRAISES.

Ladies' Man: "I would work with Lisa Linde [ex-Ali] again in a minute," says Kevin Spirtas (Craig), who has high praise for his co-stars. "It would be great to be crazy with Julianne Morris [Greta] and Kristian [Alfonso, Hope] because we get along so well. I have the best time with Deidre [Hall, Marlena]. We could have some great stuff with professional tension. That underlying evil tension for me, and her knowing that something is up. And Marlena's a doctor. Maybe Craig can go to therapy. Who knows? But, Deidre is right there and she knows her stuff. This woman knows how to turn emotional twists on a dime."

Soap Opera Digest

CLASSIC LINES - Some Of TV's Funniest Lines Are On Soaps

DAYS OF OUR LIVES - (Chloe brushes off Craig's attempts to bond with her.) Craig (hurt and annoyed): 'You know, I always thought I was missing something in my life, but now I'm sure: an obnoxious teenager with a bad attitude"

Soap Opera Digest

ASK US

Q I watched a movie recently called The Night Before, which was made in 1988. There was a woman in it who looked like Patrika Darbo (Nancy, DAYS OF OUR LIVES). Was it her? J.A., National City, CA

A Yes, it was. The Night Before is one of Darbo's many film credits.

Q Are DAYS OF OUR LIVES' Belle Black and Shawn Brady related? S.G., Elmwood Park, IL

A No. When Belle was born, Sami switched her records to indicate that Roman, not John, was Belle's dad. That would have made Belle and Shawn first cousins, since Bo is Roman's brother. But since Belle is John's daughter, she and Shawn are not related, even by marriage.

Soap Opera Digest

SOUND OFF - What's On Your Mind?

Just Do It - I have never been more frustrated with DAYS OF OUR LIVES than I am now - and I have been watching for nine years. When is something good going to happen for Bo and Hope? I pray that the powers-that-be ease up on them and find a way to bring them back together. I don't care which other couple is sacrificed (we know not everyone can be happy at the same time), just reunite our beloved Bo and Hope. They have been through enough waiting for this reunion to occur. J.B., Aberdeen, MD

Please send all correspondence for Ask Us and Sound Off to this address: Soap Opera Digest, 261 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016. E-mail: SODaskus@aol.com or SODsound@aol.com Due to the volume of mail received, we regret that we cannot answer your letters personally. All correspondence is the sole property of Soap Opera Digest. The letters have been edited, where appropriate, for purposes of clarity or space.

Soap Opera Weekly

REVOLVING DOOR

· Update: Louise Sorel's last airdate as Days of Our Lives' Vivian is Feb. 22.

· In: Beginning Feb. 10 on Days, Javier Grajeda plays Benny, Brandon's crooked lawyer.

Soap Opera Weekly

COMMENTS FROM THE PEANUT GALLERY

Dead Again - Days' Bo doesn't realize how lucky he is: Mourning Hope is easy for him since he's done it so many times before.

Soap Opera Weekly

INDUSTRY INSIDER - From Down Under

The Australian Publication TV Soap Magazine hosted its first Boomerang Awards Jan. 21 at Hotel Bel Air. Winners were chosen by the magazine's readers. Days was named best show, and Days' Louise Sorel (Vivian) was named Best Bad Girl. From The Bold and the Beautiful, Ronn Moss and Katherine Kelly Lang (Ridge and Brooke) were chosen Most Exciting Couple, and Darlene Conley (Sally) was named Favorite Comedic Actress. From The Young and the Restless, Doug Davidson and Lauralee Bell (Paul and Christine) were named Best Supporting Male and Female. Not all American soaps air in Australia.

Soap Opera Weekly

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

Emmy season is upon us. This week, ballots will be mailed out to Academy members, to be returned by Feb. 25. Actors are the only ones who can vote for actors, but since they rarely get the opportunity to actually watch the other soaps, we have compiled a list of performers who might get lost in the shuffle. No one can accuse us of being unqualified to spot talented actors - after all, we watch the soaps for a living!

Supporting Actor - Kevin Spirtas, Craig, Days

Scheming and clawing his way to the top as chief of staff of Salem University Hospital could have made a lesser, lazier actor resort to mustache-twirling villain antics. Spirtas, however, wisely chose never to go that route. Instead, he offered such a well-layered depiction of a knavish manipulator that one could actually see the wheels spinning in his calculating head. And the flip side of Spirtas' dastardly Craig act - that of a loving, devoted husband to Nancy - was just as compelling. Who can forget his tour de force scenes as a desperate Craig sat vigil at Nancy's bedside, overwrought with emotion as he prayed for her recovery? The wide range of material Spirtas has available is the stuff winning Emmy reels are made of.

Soap Opera Weekly

CRITICAL CONDITION by Marlena De Lacroix

SALEM

I've been absolutely loving Peter Reckell since suddenly SORAS-ed teenage son, Shawn (nee Shawn-Douglas) returned to Days of Our Lives recently (played by newcomer Jason Cook). The tenderness, the genuine love and concern that Reckell has shown in this father/son relationship makes it all so real and touching. I'm not talking about the simplistic visual shtick - the twin leather jackets that father and son often wear, or the fact that Reckell is frequently shown with his arm slung around Shawn's shoulder. What I love is the wonderful maturity Reckell's acting has lent to the relationship. And the handsome Cook has been quite good in his own right!

Princess Gina has finally died, and I'm glad that twisted storyline is behind us. (To me, the highlight was the frequent sight, early on, of Kristian Alfonso in Gina's crown and royal finery. There hasn't been a more breathtakingly beautiful princess since Grace!) And I am looking forward to the eventual reconciliation of Bo with the real Hope, who as I write this is still trapped somewhere in France in a castle with Stefano. (But not in Marlena De Lacroix's neighborhood. I've searched!)

Also, the wrap-up of the Gina story featured a wonderful, deeply felt performance by Bill Hayes. Bill is, of course, half of one of the greatest soap acting teams of all time, and I rejoice every time Days brings back Bill and his wife, Susan Seaforth Hayes, as Doug and Julie. Keep the Hayeses on Days - permanently! They lend an unparalleled emotional and historical richness to the show.

Marlena De Lacroix assumes full responsibility for her opinions, which are not necessarily those of SOAP OPERA WEEKLY. E-mail her at marlena@interport.net

Soap Opera Weekly

MAIL CALL

The most hotly discussed topic among readers remains Days of Our Lives cutting off SOAP OPERA WEEKLY. T. Hernan of California writes, "Perhaps the powers that be should pay less attention to the soap magazines and their non-effect on ratings and take a good, hard look at the real problem. Last time I checked, soap magazines weren't involved in storyline planning." L. Davis of Massachusetts adds, "I understand there is a fine line that must be walked between pleasing the shows who provide much of the magazine's content and pleasing the readers who want balanced coverage and a place for their opinions to be heard. In my opinion, SPW under Mimi Torchin walks that line with dignity."

Soap Opera Weekly

COMING ATTRACTIONS

Kristian Alfonso and Kevin Spirtas (Hope and Craig, Days of Our Lives) guest star as their Days characters on the Feb. 17 episode of NBC's Friends.

Soap Opera Weekly

VIEWERS' VOICE - Poll Results are in….

Days of Our Lives: Do you think Hope should forgive Bo for marrying Gina?

Most Days fans wanted to see Bo and Hope back together, especially since their breakup "wasn't his fault. He was tricked!" Others wanted the reunion to take a little more time so that "Bo can woo her like he used to, in lavish costumes at exotic locales."

This Weeks Questions

In the News

#1 - All My Children: What should Ryan do to win back Gillian?

#2 - As the World Turns: What should Jack do now that Carly has left him?

#3 - Days of Our Lives: What exit would you script for Vivian?

#4 - General Hospital: Should Stefan have told Laura he knows Lucky is alive?

In General

#1 - Who do you think are the most influential people working in daytime today?

#2 - What actors would you add to our For Your Consideration list [for Emmys]?

#3 - Who was your favorite performer the week of Feb 7?

#4 - Of which daytime couple are you most envious?

Send your answers by Feb. 15 to Voice 7, SOAP OPERA WEEKLY, 261 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016. They'll publish your responses in Vol. 11 Issue 12. You can also respond by e-mail to SPWvoice@primediamags.com

Soap Opera Update

A LOSS FOR DAYS FANS! Jensen Ackles to leave? Austin Peck to stay?

Update has learned that it's likely that Jensen Ackles (Eric) will be leaving DAYS OF OUR LIVES when his contract expires this summer. The Emmy-nominated actor quickly soared to popularity when he joined the show in 1997, garnering heavy air time and fan adoration. Sources say that there is no casting call out for the role, which means that Sami will be without a twin once again.

But better news is to be had for another of the soap's hunks. Negotiations regarding Austin Peck (Austin) are nearing agreement. According to setside sources, the show has worked very hard to keep Peck because it wants the star to remain in Salem. It hasn't proven to be an insurmountable task since the actor himself has expressed a desire to remain a cast regular. And considering that the character of Austin has been so prevalent to story for years, the show would be wise to keep him. So what's the delay? Rumor has it that it's down to fine contract points.

Soap Opera Update

TOP SOAP STARS FACE OFF!

See Who Wins For Their Favorite Charities…

The only time that soap stars and game show people meet is when the Daytime Emmys roll around, right? Wrong. Recently, 15 actors from the six West Coast daytime dramas got together to play for their favorite charities on WHEEL OF FORTUNE. The episodes will air the week of February 7, and are being done in conjunction with SoapCity.com.

"I've played the game in my living room," shares Shemar Moore (Malcom, THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS), "but I think I'm about to suffer an ego blow - that wheel is actually pretty heavy. When I watch at home, I'll look at the TV and say, 'Hey, come on you weaklings! Spin that wheel!' Now I'm trying to do it and I'm getting blisters."

Like Moore, GENERAL HOSPITAL's Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth) has played the game from her abode and had the added advantage of being on the show's set before. "I was here last year as an alternate, but didn't get to go on," relates Herbst, whose winnings went to the charity Jessie's Cause, a program that brings awareness to pregnant women about Strep B. "It's the number-one infectious killer among newborns," notes Herbst. "Over 2000 babies a year die from it and it can be treated with an antibiotic."

DAYS OF OUR LIVES' Drake Hogestyn (John) confessed to not having practiced, but he still walked in prepared. "I play hangman at restaurants with my daughters," grinned the actor, whose charities, ALS (ZasAngels) and Retinoblastoma International, have connections to daytime. "They've both touched the soap world," notes Hogestyn, referring to the late Michael Zaslow (Roger, GUIDING LIGHT), who succumbed to ALS in 1998, and retinoblastoma, which affects Michael and Hunter Tylo's (Taylor, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL) baby daughter. "Hopefully," adds Hogestyn, "we'll make a few dollars and make a difference."

Look for other famous WHEEL OF FORTUNE players, including B&B's Katherine Kelly Land (Brooke); DAYS Jason Cook (Shawn), Patrika Darbo (Nancy) and Deidre Hall (Marlena); GH's A Martinez (Roy) and Tava Smiley (Chloe); PASSIONS' Liza Huber (Gwen) and Brook Kerr (Whitney); PORT CHARLES' Kimberlin Brown (Rachel); and Y&R's Sharon Case (Sharon), Francisco Quinn (Tomas) and Heather Tom (Victoria).

One actor who won't be seen on air is this year's alternate - DAYS' Kevin Spirtas (Craig). "I was standing by in case someone couldn't make it," says Spirtas, wryly adding, "or if they fell down a flight of stairs after I pushed them."  By Michael Maloney

Soap Opera Update

WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND?

We Want Bo Back!

Thank you so much for featuring our favorite, Peter Reckell. Bo Brady, only as played by Peter, is the hunk that got us hooked on DAYS OF OUR LIVES when we were in college. There never was and will never be anyone as sexy and exciting as that Bo, who rode his Harley into our hearts. Now we are moms and our Bo is back, but we are disappointed. Not by Peter, but by the show, which has stripped the character of everything Bo Brady. We long to see the romance of Bo and Hope. Give us a reason to be fans again.  -Carole, Dani, Jen, Security, CO

Soap Opera Update

WHY THEY LEFT

Days Of Our Lives' Louise Sorel (ex-Vivian)

Viewers were shocked when DAYS OF OUR LIVES opted to not renew the contract of fan favorite Sorel, who's played Vivian Alamain since 1992. Signs that Sorel was on her way out appeared when the show dropped to recurring status Ivan G'Vera (ex-Ivan) and Tanya Boyd (ex-Celeste), both of whom worked with Sorel. In an effort to cheer up her co-star, Sorel quipped to G'Vera at the time: "Don't worry about it. I'll be next." Sadly, Sorel's words turned out to be prophetic. Of the time leading up to her own axing, the actress lamented, "I was getting stomach aches, because no one would talk to me or my agent. Finally, they told me. It is always a shock when somebody just drops you like that. If it had been handled with some respect, it would have been a really nice thing. Every week, you open the magazines, and there is another person coming, going, coming, going. And so I am just another one of those statistics," the actress philosophized.

Sorel has denied reports that she'll be taking over the role of OLTL's Dorian from the departing Robin Strasser. Previously, Sorel played Judith Sanders on that show from 1986-'87. If Sorel does land in Llanview, she'll be reunited with the show's executive producer Jill Farren Phelps, who was in charge of SANTA BARBARA, on which Sorel played the infamous Augusta Lockridge.

Why They Chose To Return To Daytime

The following favorites who've returned to daytime have already made the year 2000 a winner for soap fans! Let's hope more favorites will return!

Bill Hayes and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Doug and Julie, DAYS OF OUR LIVES). Fans welcomed these two favorites back to the show last fall when Doug and Julie caught up with Bo and Hope in Europe. Response was so positive to this charming twosome that DAYS was encouraged to invite them back for a second run. This time, hopefully, they'll be around a lot longer.

Soap Opera Update

MEAN… MEANER… MEANEST!

Update isn't afraid to rate soaps' newest cast of nasties. These characters are bad to the bone and proud to live up to their infamous reputations, but Update is ready to take them on! We're here to grade these evildoers on their ability to wreak (and relish) havoc! On a scale from 1-10, with 10 being the highest, see which meanie it is best to avoid at all costs!

Princess Gina Von Amberg, DAYS - Villain Rating 7

We never felt that Hope as Gina was really a viable threat to anyone… well, except maybe to the art galleries of Europe. But the real Princess Gina was something else - something that rhymed with "witch." Anyone knows that in Salem, you can take just about anyone on - even Satan himself - but no one messes with Alice Horton! And what kind of a mother is cold and uncaring to a confused Shawn? Only a selfish, royal pain in the… Oh, viewers were just waiting for this one to finally get hers - and praying that Dr. Marlena would save the day before the "I do's." The only regret in Salem is that the real Hope didn't return in time to take on this imposter. All we can say is long live the real Hope - may she reign on forever more. Now, what is the next obstacle for the long-suffering Bo and Hope?

Reformed Baddies? DAYS' Sami

It took a visit to Death Row to make Sami realize how bad she was. God gave her a reprieve, and from the looks of it, a new, kinder, gentler Sami has emerged. It was only after she reformed that she now stands a chance with Austin. Will it last?

Soap Opera Update

THE WOMEN OF 2000

The Greeks had the goddess Athena. The Italians had Mona Lisa. But the soap world is luckier than either of the two because we have an entire population of intriguing beauties at or disposal!

Eileen Davidson - Ashley, Y&R

Eileen Davidson is made of the stuff that any man would love. Some people say that things are better when they are experienced the second or third time around, but in the case of Eileen Davidson, every time we see her again is a breathtaking experience with the irrepressible star. A combustible mix of sex and brains, Davidson's arrival in Genoa City back in the mid-1980s propelled just as many men to wag their tongues as she did declarations from working women who deemed Ashley their newest champion. Now happily married to PORT CHARLES' Jon Lindstrom (Kevin), Davidson radiates even more! The duo's ceaseless efforts in the name of environmental protection and children's welfare have been vocal, which proves that not only does Davidson possess beauty on the outside, but also from the inside.

Alison Sweeney - Sami, DAYS

Alison Sweeney is wickedly enjoyable. May her spell continue to mesmerize all who are lucky enough to watch. It feels so good to be so bad. Just ask Alison Sweeney. The verdict on her alter ego Sami has led to more stalemates than the once indomitable Cold War! Through it all, however, Sweeney emerges the consummate professional; viewers (usually devout Sami bashers) have sometimes confused reality with fiction, forcing Sweeney's Sami to often land on daytime's "Most Wanted" list, but the actress herself has always held her head high above the criticisms. Once a girl in the midst of puberty, Sweeney has blossomed into a woman of stature and grace. As it were, Sweeney is the genre's best success story; the golden-haired stunner is direct and bedazzling without alienating her co-stars in scenes. She's an ethereal beauty with the goods.

Soap Opera Update

NICOLE & LUCAS

DAYS' battling newlyweds infuse their marriage with sarcasm, extravagances and sex!

No match made in heaven, the marriage between DAYS OF OUR LIVES' Lucas Roberts and Nicole Walker is strictly business. Monkey business at that!

Nicole wed Lucas while she was still engaged to Eric Brady. At this point, neither Lucas nor Eric know the bride was bribed to the tune of $5 million by Lucas' mom Kate when pressure was on to find a wife for him to win custody of Will.

Now, Lucas and Sami share custody of the boy, and Eric was left broken-hearted until Greta soothed his wounds. Discontented Nicole still loves Eric and has taken to drowning her sorrows in booze, but Lucas is nearly oblivious.

"Lucas doesn't think there's any problem," says Bryan Dattilo (Lucas). "He thinks all he has to do is keep Nicole happy, even if that means she works as a model at Titan with Eric, who's a photographer. As long as she wants a little career, Lucas doesn't see any harm in it. He believes things are fine and doesn't want to mess things up."

Lucas realizes that Nicole was not in love with him when they married, but he's sure that in time, she will love him "Lucas feels that he has it good," Dattilo explains. "He doesn't want to face any problem even if it's right in front of him. He hears comments about money - being the reason Nicole married him - but he refuses to address the issue, doesn't even entertain the thought."

Although Lucas has put his own drinking problem under control, he refuses to address Nicole's habit. "Lucas has noticed Nicole's drinking," says Dattilo, "but he's not about to do an intervention or anything. Lucas doesn't have that kind of concern for her; he's more selfish in the relationship. If Nicole wants to drink and be out of control, he doesn't much care. Lucas wants her to behave as a good wife with him and in front of all his relatives, but he doesn't care what she does on her own time regarding her drinking. He doesn't pull her aside and say, 'Hey, I've been through this. Let's work on the problem together.' No, he's too selfish for that."

Nicole and Lucas get something out of the arrangement, but it has nothing to do with love. "Lucas is very attracted to Nicole. He lusts after her every moment of the day, but it's not love. He doesn't have the same feelings he had for, say, Carrie, whom he loved. It's a very different dynamic with Nicole. It's a power and status thing."

Sexual Attraction

Lucas knows only wealth and an easy path. Nicole, raised in poverty, is a streetwise survivor. One thing this couple has in common is a healthy libido.

When Lucas first came to town, his first stop was backstage at a local rock show. There he enjoyed the post-concert carnal pleasures of the star. He soon fell for Carrie, but slept with her sister Sami. Several years later, Nicole came to Salem from an abusive home and, while hiding her past loves and losses, became a top Titan model. She bedded until-then-virgin Eric and he proposed, but Kate made the better proposition. Lucas needed a perfect trophy wife, and mom - secretly - delivered Nicole, who wanted a lavish life. It came with a price: loneliness in the arms of her wealthy husband.

Relationship Forecast

Too close for comfort! Everyone knows newlyweds need their own space, but Lucas and Nicole live in the Kiriakis mansion along with Will, Kate, Victor and Philip. Nicole's brother Brandon lives there, too, as does Lucas' half-sister Billie when she's in Salem. Half-brother Austin lives in the guesthouse with Sami.

No matter the size of this estate, there's no room to keep secrets hidden. Brandon has already noticed Sami's charms; Austin is sympathetic towards Nicole; Lucas has major sibling issues with Austin, who almost died in a boxing match with Brandon. Nicole's not crazy about Victor's return and authoritarian tone. Kate and Victor have their problems… and some with Philip, too. No wonder Lucas keeps his head in the clouds, and Nicole, in the midst of her drunken reveries, wants sweet Eric back!

The Players

Brotherly Love - Not quite. Half-brother Austin has always been a thorn in Lucas' love life. First, he courted and won Carrie. Now, he continues to play dad to Will and help Sami maintain shared custody of the boy. He's also sympathetic towards Nicole.

Special Friend - Sami had a one-time encounter with Lucas when they were more pals than love interests. He was after her sister Carrie, and she was lonely. Now their son Will is the tie that binds.

Mommie Dearest - Kate has always spoiled Lucas and watched his back. Paying Nicole to marry Lucas is a secret that binds Kate and Nicole in a cold war.

Jilted Lover - Eric, Sami's twin and Carrie's half-brother, was engaged to Nicole when she wed Lucas. He's dating Greta, but his heart belongs to Nicole.

Sweetheart - Greta is 180-degrees opposite Nicole in the love experience department. Shy, sweet and naïve, it's not likely that she can survive Nicole's tactics to reclaim Eric's affection… but you can bet she'll try.

Soap Opera Update

THE FUTURE OF SOAPS

Where are soaps headed in the new millennium? Daytime experts offer their insights…

Last year was hardly the best one for the soap opera medium. Two daytime dramas, the beloved veteran ANOTHER WORLD and the growing-in-popularity and irreverent SUNSET BEACH, were both canceled by NBC. Critical reviews sometimes blasted even the best of what the soap genre had to offer and, perhaps most disconcerting, the ratings weren't improving. But those in the know believe that there will always be an important place for soaps on TV.

Daytime talent manager Michael Bruno, who's also worked as an agent and wrote scripts for GENERAL HOSPITAL during the Claire Labine era of the mid-'90s, feels that the soap opera world has already learned from recent mistakes and still has plenty to offer its loyal audience. "Soaps have learned that storylines based around friends don't work," points out Bruno, whose clients include Lauren Koslow (Kate, DAYS OF OUR LIVES), Rebecca Budig (Greenlee, ALL MY CHILDREN) and Ellen Wheeler (ex-Marley, AW). "They have to be about families. SUNSET figured that out by creating families around Ricardo and Meg, only by that time, it was much too late."

Soaps have also learned that veteran actors, not pretty model types who are developing their acting chops, sell story. Front and center are longtime fan favorites. DAYS OF OUR LIVES has given the long-running Bo and Hope a frontburner tale which has brought seasoned pros Bill Hayes and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Doug and Julie) back to Salem. THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS continues to showcase the Victor/Nikki love story. And AMC has hit pairings in James Mitchell (Palmer) and Marj Dusay (Vanessa) and David Canary (Adam/Stuart) and Jennifer Bassey (Marian).

"The soap opera medium is an American tradition," Bruno adds. "It's about families and it's about people who want to see families. In a way, people like to think of their soap operas like an old shoe. They like the idea of turning it on 15 years later and they'll know exactly who the people are. Soaps are a comforting and stable entity in a society that, unfortunately, is very unstable."

At a final press conference for SUN, executive producer Gary Tomlin stated that for a new show to survive, a sense of commitment is needed. Fortunately, that's what ABC and NBC have shown respectively to their newest soaps PORT CHARLES and PASSIONS. A new executive producer, Julie Hannan Carruthers, and headwriting team Jonathan Estrin and Karen Harris, recently checked into PC, while NBC has given creative charge of PASSIONS to its creator/headwriter James Reilly.

"ABC and Disney are behind PORT CHARLES," notes Bruno. "And they've shown it by making these changes at the top. If there wasn't a commitment, then the old regime would have been kept." As for PASSIONS, Bruno says, "Personally, I don't miss a day of that show, and I can't say that about any other soap on the air right now."

While overall ratings are down, fans still turn out in droves to see their favorite actors at such events like Super Soap Weekend at Walt Disney World. "Actors are very aware of their fans," notes Bruno, whose clients Billy Warlock (A.J., GH), Kin Shriner and Julie Pinson (Scott and Julie, PC) have attended SSW. "I'm seeing that many of the actors are a lot more grateful to be there. People are willing to stay longer to sign autographs and pose for photos. There's more of a commitment that actors have toward their fans. They'll do charity appearances as well as the paid public appearance."

Another sign that the medium is alive and well has been the formation of cable soap channels. SoapNet, the cable network from Disney/ABC, which premiered last month, airs rebroadcasts of ABC soaps GH, AMC, ONE LIFE TO LIVE and PC, as well as classic serials FALCON CREST, KNOTS LANDING, THE COLBY'S and soap-like series such as SISTERS and HOTEL. SoapNet has its own informational show, too - SoapCenter - which takes viewers inside the shows and behind the scenes for unique perspectives on the beloved genre. Another soap cable channel is SoapCity (owned by the Sony Corporation), which has the rights to Y&R and DAYS.

Claire Labine, creator of RYAN'S HOPE (which is also being rebroadcast on SoapNet), concurs with Bruno regarding the familial appeal of soaps. Labine professes, "I believe with all my heart this form is the most compelling and most important form in television: the power of a serial to illuminate and to inspire, to help people in real, fundamental psychological ways, and to provide role models, to provide a sense of family if they don't have a family."

Bruno feels that the secret to soaps surviving in this new millennium can be found in storytelling techniques clearly present in the medium's newest show PASSIONS. "Insiders make fun of PASSIONS, but I truly feel that show is going to run up the charts," predicts Bruno. "It's about romance, relationship-driving stories and secrets. It's also doing a slow build in terms of the romance. It's taking its time showing us who is who as we watch characters fall in love.

"What happens on a lot of the other shows is that a new regime will come in and start to abruptly move the show in a new and completely different direction. Audiences are left wondering just who's who. Then, viewers end up taking offense and turn the show off. I watch PASSIONS and I know immediately whom I'm supposed to root for. I know that ultimately, Theresa and Ethan need to be together."

Promotion, which remains a vital part of the daytime genre, is taking on new forms in the new millennium. NBC has plans to open a PASSIONS store that will sell merchandise related to the show. The goal is not to make money, per se, but to encourage support for Ivy, Luis, Sheridan and the rest of the folks in Harmony. ABC recently made available for purchase a glass replica of a crystal invitation used in the Crystal Ball storyline on AMC. By watching and purchasing these souvenirs, fans show their support AND their faith in their shows' futures.

And everyone knows that without the undying fans, there would be no soap operas on the air today! -By Michael Maloney