Soap Opera Uncensored: Issue 32

by Nelson Branco

that is very real: They’re insecure and in love just like any other family.

  Karen and Dani must be the happiest relationship you’ve been a part of so far in your daytime career. And it’s nice to see a couple on daytime that’s been together for decades.

  Yeah, that’s a different part of a relationship. Once your kids are raised, you’re still trying to find yourself in your career and in life. Karen and Dani are in a different stage of a relationship — and I find that interesting. As somebody who has been with my husband for over two decades… things change, it’s different and I like this dynamic. People are going to relate to the story a lot, I think.

  Is there anyone you are dying to work with on B&B? Brad has an embarrassment of riches in the talent department. I can’t wait to see you throw down with Susan Flannery! Talk about a wet gay dream…

  I can’t wait to work with everyone. They’re all so nice. I’m very spoiled going to that set each day. I’ve known these people socially for years. I get hugs when I walk in. From Ronn [Moss] to John McCook. I had dinner with Katherine [Kelly Lang] not too long ago… and, of course, I’ve worked with Susan Flannery on VENICE. I feel like I know these people. I’ll just pop up in their scenes if I have to! Brad doesn’t even have to write anything for me. I’ll just be in the background and have a ball.

  What a great studio, too. I love Television City. And you also have the Y&R cats to get into trouble with there! We’re not in Peapack, N.J., anymore.

  Yes, no swimming geese! They did get more airtime than we did!

  Bitches. The future of daytime doesn’t seem so bleak when you’re at TV City. There’s still a glamorous machine at work there. Even the DAYS set is sort of falling apart. What are some of the differences working at the B&B studio from the other studios you are used to?

  Michael was telling me before my first day, “You’re going to love those dressing rooms!” I spent the majority of my career in New York on GL where there were two actors to a box! It’s ridiculously lush here. I mean, I have my own bathroom! My first impression walking on the B&B set was how beautiful the sets are. It’s such a visual show. I want to live in those sets.

  When you returned to DAYS, you increased the ratings. Is there pressure to do the same at B&B, which is the only soap to increase in numbers this past year? I’m confident you will and continue B&B’s momentum in that department.

  Um, no. I can only go in and do my job. I’m on a team. I’m going to promote it and sell it. It also helps that I believe wholeheartedly in the show — and I’m a fan of the show. Ratings are someone else’s worry on B&B. I have to worry about numbers on VENICE. [Laughs] That’s one of the great things about being on B&B is that I don’t have to worry about that stuff. I don’t believe that any one actor can affect ratings. I don’t. It’s all about the story. I’ll say this until I’m no longer here: Story is the star.

  Speaking of your other shows, VENICE and THE GROVE, do you think this B&B-Chappell marriage will help all three shows? Otalia has an international and rabid following and B&B is the most watched daily serial in the world. It’s a great union, if you ask me.

  I agree. And that was actually discussed when Brad brought it up to me during one of our talks. Listen, he was the first person to come up to me and congratulate me when I won the Emmy for VENICE at the Tech Emmys. He’s been very supportive of VENICE and has said wonderful things about the show. He told me to help talk about the B&B storyline and promote it, and vice versa.

  I’m super-proud of Brad. He’s thinking outside of the box while maintaining the integrity of B&B’s history and identity. Has Hillary B. Smith filed a restraining order against you yet? You’ve stalked her all the way from Llanview to Venice Beach and now to L.A. Did you ever think you’d be reunited on a daytime soap opera every again? It’s kind of awesome how it all worked out, huh?

  I love stalking Hillary! She’s my favourite target. We joked about that. We had one day on the set together since I started. It’s been, like, 14 years since we’ve been on a daytime set together. We had some good food, did our work and then we went home. It was very exciting. [Laughs]

  Oh, to be a fly on your dressing room wall! Is it tough commuting? I know you moved out of Hollyweird to Central California.

  No, it’s easy. I’m in L.A. once a week anyway because it’s easier for me to write there. When I write VENICE and THE GROVE, it’s important for me to get out of mommy mode so I can sit down and accomplish my show duties. We’re also building websites for the shows so I have to be in L.A. anyway. Hey, it’s nice to shoot over to TV City and tape a couple of days a week to keep things different and fun.

  Would you sign a contract with B&B? I know the recurring aspect is appealing to you and your schedule.

  [Pauses] I’m trying to enjoy the moment. I would never say never. I absolutely love, love, love going into B&B. I couldn’t say I wouldn’t. If this works out for everybody, then that’s terrific. I have no complaints. Do you like how I answered that? [Laughs]

  What did you think of the Emmy nominations in general?

  I’m happy for everyone. I think it’s terrific. A lot of us speculated whether or not the ceremony would even happen. There was a lot of iffiness. I’m glad it’s happening. I love the venue. I’m glad it’s in LA and at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Most of us felt, the actors anyway, would be happy if the awards weren’t televised or streamed. Back in the day, we’d sit around white-linen tables and we were allowed to drink wine. They were fun back then. But it’s always a fun time, regardless.

  Erika Slezak changed her Emmy reel; that sneaky devil. She probably saw how amazing your reel was…

  Good! I love Erika. She’s hugely talented. I’ve been a big fan of hers forever.

  Have you written a speech yet?

  I don’t do that. [Laughs] I don’t know… I was honestly just happy to get a nomination. My head hasn’t been in the Emmy game for quite some time. Even picking the pre-nom stuff… I had all the DVDs but it was still strange to watch all that stuff and not being on DAYS anymore. It was kind of like being nominated for GUIDING LIGHT but being on DAYS at the same time. You look at your material and go, “Omigod that feels like a whole other lifetime ago.” I’m going to attend and have a good time.

  Not a lot of DAYS actresses break into the Lead Actress category so this is a pretty big accomplishment. Does the nomination, along with joining B&B, provide additional closure or punctuate your catharsis from being shockingly let go from DAYS last year?

  You know, people have made more out of this than I have. The minute I wrapped DAYS, I walked out gratefully with my box of things. I very rarely look back. Even if I disagree with something, I can still respect people’s decisions. The minute I left DAYS, I was done. What I was aware of was trying to support the fans who were supporting me and that character. The fans have so much more invested in Carly. I wanted to take care of the fans. As for me, I just want to move on to the next project.

  I’m sure you, as a writer, can understand: I have to put something else down in order to pick something else up. I have to put down VENICE to pick up THE GROVE, and vice versa. I have to put down THE GROVE to do my scenes at B&B. I can’t multi-task like that. There was never an issue for me at DAYS… it was just time to go. But I’m grateful for the nomination. I was really proud of the storyline, the writers, the directors, the producers and the actors. I worked really hard on the story. It was a huge challenge as an actor. You always want to do your best – and that was a very rare opportunity for me on DAYS to do a solo storyline. I did most of that story by myself! [Laughs] It was interesting. That’s all what any actor wants is an opportunity to perform. As for Carly, I wasn’t expecting a nomination for her.

  Carly was created to be hapless heroine but you evolved her over the years. I’m glad NATAS recognized that. You must be happy for your on-screen daughter, Molly Burnett, who was nominated as Younger Actress for a second time.

  Of course! She’s like my baby. She had a hard year. I told her
, “I will always check up on you. You’re my child. Are you eating?” [Laughs] Yes, I’m very, very proud of her. She’s a wonderful actress. I’m glad she was recognized.

  Many are depressed that the two best shows last year, B&B and ONE LIFE TO LIVE, weren’t recognized in the drama and writing categories. Does it frustrate you when the Emmys don’t get it right?

  It’s very subjective. And that’s the system. It’s what we have to deal with. There were definitely surprises. At the end of the day, the shows that are still on the air are the ones that are extremely successful. I feel like I lost two loved ones last year because AMC and ONE LIFE were my shows. I don’t even think I’ve accepted it yet. I know it’s a lot of money to come to the Emmys but I really hope NATAS gives the entire cast and crew of AMC and ONE LIFE tickets for free because I would like to see them all there. Can we push that agenda, please? One of the great things about attending the Emmys is being able to see all your friends from other shows. And to have that party afterwards and celebrate with the community. I’m afraid many of those people will not show up because they’re out of work and can not afford it. That’s my two cents.

  One of the most surprising omissions was VENICE in the Outstanding Special Class Short Form category. VENICE won the Emmy last year…. Were you shocked? I was! Did it sting a bit even though you were nominated for Carly?

  No. Again, it’s very subjective. I think it’s nice to see THE BAY nominated. The only suggestion I made to the Academy was that it would nice if the web shows could compete amongst ourselves since there are many web shows out there. I don’t want to compete with documentaries and other short formats. I don’t know how people choose the best show in a category of different genres. To me, it’s odd. I have a great show to submit next year so I’ll be back in the Emmy race like gang busters.

  Most important question: Have you picked out your Emmy dress yet?

  [Laughs] No, I haven’t. I’ve been busy working.

  That’s no excuse! Well, if you need any help... I’m still dying to see you in a hot black tux with your boobs hanging out. [Laughs] What’s the latest on the VENICE and THE GROVE?

  I turned in my long-term story for VENICE: Season Four last week, so the writers are starting to write the shows today. We’re shooting that at the end of October. THE GROVE is nearly finished. We’re shooting the pilot in August. I’d say, by October, THE GROVE will be on the Internet.

  Do you worry that you may oversaturate the market with two web soaps starring you and your usual acting posse?

  No. It’s seasonal. By the time VENICE airs again, it would be after a year break. And you’re talking about 12 weeks with one episode airing each week. I don’t think that’s overdoing it.

  What else can you tell me?

  THE GROVE will be sponsored by merchandise sales. We’re also going to have sponsorship packages. But we’re going to try to put THE GROVE out for free! That’s what we’re thinking at this point but that could change.

  Wow.

  The idea at this point is to make THE GROVE available to everyone.

  EMMY REEL 411

  WHAT DID THE NOMINEES SUBMIT?

  On your mark, get set, handicap: We’re just a little under a month before the 39th Annual DAYTIME EMMY AWARDS will be handed out on June 23. But if you’re wondering how the pre-nominees secured final nods and which competitor has the best odds of winning, below is a list of the reels submitted, which was compiled by SOAPCENTRAL.com recently. UNCENSORED will analyze the reels before the DAY EMMYS air with predictions.

  OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES

  AMC

  Episodes #10711 and #10712

  Air Dates: September 22, 2011, and September 23, 2011

  Running Time: 1:12:00

  Episode 1 Synopsis: Erica made plans to head to California to work on a movie about her life. JR continued to spiral out of control as he felt he'd lost everything in his life. Adam was stunned when he learned that Stuart was still alive, and the two twins were later tearfully reunited. Cara revealed to Tad that she was pregnant.

  Episode 2 Synopsis: Brooke purchased Chandler Mansion for Adam, and Adam promptly scheduled a party to celebrate Stuart's return. At the party, all of Pine Valley gathered to recall years of memories. Jackson angrily walked out on Erica. From a secret passageway behind the walls of the mansion's parlor, JR fired a gun into the crowd.

  DAYS

  Episodes #11714 and #11720

  Air Dates: November 11, 2011, and November 21, 2011

  Running Time: 1:13:16

  Episode 1 Synopsis: Jennifer talked to Hope about her conflicted feelings for Jack. E.J. and Stefano discussed what John's trial meant to their family. John's loved ones gathered at the pub before his trial, unaware that a gunman was across the street with rifle drawn. The gunman fired several rounds into the pub. When the gunfire ceased, Sami realized that her son, Johnny, was nowhere to be found.

  Episode 2 Synopsis: Rafe and Will found Johnny safe and sound at the pub. Sami confronted E.J. and accused him of kidnapping their son, but the rage turned to passion, and they had sex. Will walked in and saw his mother in the throes of passion.

  GH

  Episodes #12266 and #12294

  Air Dates: March 21, 2011 and April 28, 2011

  Running Time: 1:14:15

  Episode 1 Synopsis: Carly was informed that her daughter, Josslyn, had cancer, and that a kidney transplant was not likely to be an immediate possibility. Luke told Tracy how he and Laura had reacted when they'd been told that Lucky had died, and remarked that Lucky would never get over losing his child. Jason, Elizabeth, and Lucky grieved over the death of Jake.

  Episode 2 Synopsis: Luke's friends and loved ones staged an intervention for him. Each of Luke's loved ones read him letters explaining what he meant to them, and how his alcohol abuse was affecting their relationships. Throughout the intervention, Luke remained combatant, refusing to acknowledge that he was an alcoholic.

  Y&R

  Episodes #9710 and #9806

  Air Dates: August 5, 2011 and December 23, 2011

  Running Time: 1:14:01

  Episode 1 Synopsis: The residents of Genoa City displayed varying degrees of guilt over the night that Diane Jenkins was murdered. The late Diane provided a haunting voiceover as Ronan Malloy interrogated potential suspects, and those with motives worked on cementing alibis.

  Episode 2 Synopsis: After crashing her car, a drunken Nikki wandered into the church and realized that she had missed her daughter's wedding. A guardian angel appeared to Nikki and walked her through a series of significant events that Nikki had experienced in her life. Nikki assessed her life and realized that she had to make some changes. Before disappearing and returning Nikki to the present, the guardian angel revealed one final secret.

  OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR

  Maurice Benard, GH

  Episode #12352

  Air Date: July 21, 2011

  Running Time: 13:05

  Episode Synopsis: When Brenda arrived to tell Sonny she was leaving, Sonny told her that he couldn't love her because he was afraid of love. Power, he said, he could understand, signaling an unwillingness to leave his mobster lifestyle. After trying to promise Brenda the life she dreamed of, Sonny explained that the man she loved never existed. When Brenda left, Sonny broke down and cried. Later, Sonny confessed to Carly that he wasn't sure if Brenda would have stayed with him if it were not for her having a young son.

  Anthony Geary, GH

  Episode #12325

  Air Date: June 13, 2011

  Running Time: 17:56

  Episode Synopsis: Lucky arrived to try to convince his dad to return home. Luke brushed him off, saying that he didn't have a home to return to. Everyone had their own version of how he should be, Luke railed. He noted that he was a father against his will and a lousy husband. Growing up around johns and seeing his sister turn tricks had taught him that love was commerce. He stunned his son by revealing that there was a silver lining
in the drunk driving death of Lucky's son. By killing a child, Luke stated that he been moved beyond redemption and was liberated from ever having to be a father again. After Lucky left, Luke sat alone with a gun with a single bullet in the chamber. Lupe, a female companion, was able to take the gun away from him and asked for details about Luke's son. Luke praised Lucky glowingly, and said that he'd given him the best gift he could -- a goodbye.

  John McCook, B&B

  Episodes #6174 and 6175

  Air Date: October 13, 2011 and October 14, 2011

  Running Time: 14:31

  Episode Synopsis: Eric set up a romantic dinner for Stephanie. Noticing that Stephanie only seemed to cough when he was around her, Eric questioned if he made Stephanie sick. Stephanie seemed uneasy by Eric's advances, prompting him to question if she felt that a woman with cancer could not be beautiful. Later, Stephanie told Eric that they were past the point in their lives where they should be intimate. Eric became curt and said that Stephanie's idea of a relationship was getting what she wanted, while his needs were ignored.

  Because it airs for only 30 minutes, B&B actors are permitted to submit two episodes.

  Darnell Williams, AMC

  Episode #10588

  Air Date: March 30, 2011

  Running Time: 12:01

  Episode Synopsis: While visiting their former home, Angie went into labor. Jessie tried to summon the paramedics, but none were available. Angie told Jesse that he'd have to deliver the baby. They reminisced about their life together, and spoke of the dreams they had for their baby, named Ellie after Jesse's mom. During labor, Angie lost consciousness. When Jesse was finally able to deliver the baby, the infant wasn't breathing. He tried unsuccessfully to revive her. Jesse grieved uncontrollably over the baby's death, until he heard the sound of a baby crying in the distance... a baby that had been abandoned in Officer Brot Monroe's squad car.

  Robert S. Woods, ONE LIFE

  Episode #10950

  Air Date: June 14, 2011

  Running Time: 6:26

  Episode Synopsis: Bo told Viki that the doctor recommended taking Matthew off of life support. Knowing that his brother, Clint, needed a heart transplant, he questioned what would happen if he allowed Matthew to remain on life support and Clint died, only to have Matthew not get any better. Then, he said, he would have killed his brother. Later, an obviously distraught Nora told Bo that Clint refused to accept Matthew's heart, so they could give Matthew all the time he needed to get better.

  OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS

  Crystal Chappell, DAYS

  Episode #11655

  Air Date: August 19, 2011

  Running Time: 5:43

  Episode Synopsis: Carly was being treated for drug addiction/withdrawal. Alone in her