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Why do you believe TPTB feel it is necessary to perpetuate character assassinations on returning vets? We'll use the latest incarnation of Holly as a woman who would give up her own child at birth and then later hold the secrets of his parentage for ransom as an example.
I can remember times back in the 80’s, I would look at my character and say, “you really make me sick sometimes”. The reason for this was that Gloria set the bar so incredibly high for her “heroes” that you became this “Saint”…..almost. Tony had to deal with it more than I did and I could tell on occasion, it really got to him. I dealt with it in an entirely different way. I liked that Scorpio was a good guy, but I disliked the nobler than thou mantle he had to wear. After Gloria left, I was able to “muddy” Scorpio up a little. I did this in many ways, but the fact remains that being the hero on GH back then had you wearing this ungainly “white hat”. Today that isn’t a problem. I doubt there’s a white hat to be found anywhere in PC. But this affected the way people regarded you. Especially the fans, who expected plenty.
Today’s values are different. Tony’s character reflects more the way HE sees Luke. Yes, I know there’s the Laura part of it, but in all honesty you have to look at the way the show is and not how it was. I can remember from day one I always saw Luke Spencer as something of a “shady person who could not be trusted”. In this respect he was the perfect ”anti-hero”. But, I still had a hard time believing this character could EVER do good for anyone but himself. The image of LS that the public saw was Gloria’s vision, not Tony’s. If Gloria was still on the scene, things would be quite different. LOL I realize what I am saying sounds like a justification for current events. It isn’t. What I am telling you has really never been said before and seems applicable right now.
As regards the current use of vets? This is more about shock value than anything else. If it brings ratings then do it. And that’s about as far as respecting history goes. On the other hand, if what I've just said DOESN'T bring in the ratings, then it's time for a change. I mean, common sense has to take hold at some point.
As to how to how much interest in the history of a soap a writer has? It depends on the soap. GL I believe, places a high propriety on its history. The same might be said for Y&R. But this is a grey area for me. The people who really value it are the fans. The actors, maybe. The producer, also maybe. Unless of course YOU were the producer who created the history. Sri Rao was unique. He had a solid knowledge of the show he was writing about and knew all the characters and how they fit into the puzzle. He adjusted the story with sensitivity. IF it is necessary to alter history, and I believe on occasion it is, then it needs to be done like a skilled surgeon with a scalpel. Not an Ax Man.
With Holly, they’ve set out to make her the greatest cutthroat bitch since Bonnie Parker, who would do ANYTHING for a dollar. In this respect you might say, “Holly is a personification of the times”. There is still latitude here for that to be changed. I always get a laugh when I recall that Robert likes his women a little on the larcenous side, with British accents.
I realize this doesn’t necessarily make for engaging viewing to everyone. But until someone somewhere, lets out a big “sigh”, and says “OK, we have to listen to the viewers”, I don’t expect a change. The first step is understanding the audience you have, not the audience you want.
But think about this. They can re-write history all they want, but it really can’t be changed. What was done back in the 80’s is documented on tape and for the most part available on YT. They can screw with stuff all they want but those special moments and scenes are there forever. Those memories are untouchable.
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Very nice article. You would think the Mickey would value the audience they have, no? Well to quote MissDivine, no one ever accused them of being too bright.