October 29, 2009
The DAYS OF OUR LIVES wardrobe department really deserves kudos for their adept job at camouflaging actress Arianne Zucker's (Nicole) burgeoning belly. The actress is 7 1/2 months pregnant, but you'd never know it. You can barely tell on screen. Granted, Zucker has always been the long and lean type, which helps. But the shows costuming crew has gone all out diverting all attention away from Zucker's belly. She's wearing long, loose shifts, layers galore and lots of scarves. And not just in dark dreary grays, browns and blacks — Zucker's been clad in array of bright brilliant colors, and somehow it's all working like a charm.

September 10, 2009
When it comes to crazy, evil and sleazy, YOUNG AND RESTLESS hit the casting jackpot with Stacy Haiduk (Patty/Mary Jane), Michael Muhney (Adam) and Sean Kanan (Deacon).

The crazier she gets, the crazier I get about Paul's twisted sister, Patty. Stacy Haiduk knows no boundaries when it comes to letting it all hang out. She goes for every scene — heck, every moment — with gusto, and she's never afraid to push the envelope. Meanwhile, although I was a huge Chris Engen fan, I have to admit Michael Muhney is starting to win me over. His portrayal of the diabolical Adam actually evokes a little sympathy now and then, when it looks like he's actually starting to feel for his torture victim, Ashley. And Muhney's chemistry with Eileen Davidson (Ashley) is so intriguing. Last, but not least, Sean Kanan has really become a master at playing seedy bad guys. He makes Deacon so deliciously slimy, you can't help but root for him. (Sorry Amber and Daniel fans!) Maybe it's the sex appeal Kanan infuses into the character. It's no wonder the usually levelheaded Victoria found herself in the sack with him.

July 28, 2009
There's been an influx of Harmony onto DAYS OF OUR LIVES over the past few months. First, Eric Martsolf, formerly Ethan Winthrop, was given new soap life as John Black's number one son, Brady. Then, leading man Galen Gering, formerly super cop Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald, transformed into Salem FBI man Rafe. Now, in the most ironic of turns, Lindsay Hartley, last seen as Passions' ditzy darling Theresa, is joining Days as Brady's new love interest and Rafe's sister. Of course, Hartley has plenty of appropriate chemistry with both actors, since she already played Martsolf's love and Gering's sister on that other NBC soap. There's only one more move left for Days to make for this whole crazy casting situation to come full circle. The show needs to bring Mackenzie Westmore (ex-Sheridan) aboard to play Rafe's deceased fiancé, Emily, in flashbacks. Heck, they wouldn't even really need to hire her. They could probably get away with just using some old Luis/Sheridan footage.

June 18, 2009
The twistedness of the whole Phillip III storyline on YOUNG AND RESTLESS is so crazy and complex that it's hard to follow who's who and what's what. Is the real Phillip dead? Or is Langley the real Phillip and very much alive? And what does it all mean for Cane? I haven't got a clue what's going on and to be honest, I couldn't care less. I'm still absolutely mesmerized by the whole twisted mess. It kind of reminds me of LOST, my nighttime obsession; a show which always leaves viewers with more questions than answers. I never really know what's going on there either, but I love it and am absolutely hooked.

May 28, 2009
YOUNG AND RESTLESS owes a major debt of gratitude to ALL MY CHILDREN. It all started back in 1989, when [AMC] fired Peter Bergman (ex-Cliff Warner). Y&R wisely scooped him up to play Jack Abbott. Three Emmy awards later — Bergman won outstanding lead actor honors in 1991, 1992, 2002 — they're still reaping the benefits of landing one of the most premiere talents in daytime. Last year, Y&R scored two more stellar AMC castoffs: Elizabeth Hendrickson (ex-Maggie/Frankie) and Billy Miller (ex-Richie). The divine duo, who have been brilliantly coupled in a push-pull, love-hate relationship, hit it out of the park on a daily basis. As a Y&R viewer, I'd personally like to thank AMC for the cast cuts. Because their loss has certainly been the Genoa City soap's gain.

April 20, 2009
Score one for every women scorned out there! Nia Peeples seriously brought down the house with her final performance on YOUNG AND RESTLESS. After Neil betrayed her not once, but twice — first sleeping with Tyra; then, helping the little tart gain custody of Ana by pleading her case to a judge — Karen left her wedding ring at the courthouse and headed home to pack. By the time Neil caught up with her, she was ready to leave him, but not before calling him out on his despicable behavior. Namely, using her to get over Dru; then, taking a mistress and humiliating him. Karen even gave Neil a slap, which he richly deserved. Peeples will definitely be missed. She's a great actress, who can deliver anything with gusto. Here's hoping another soap scoops her up, pronto!

March 13, 2009
Why does DAYS OF OUR LIVES persist on depicting Lucas as such a clueless fool? Chloe dumped him; then, came running back to him after he was hurt in a explosion, and there were no real questions asked. Wouldn't most guys demand to know why their fiancé called off their wedding instead of just blindly reconciling with them? And considering his marital track record — he's thrice divorced — you'd think Lucas would be more redolent about taking the plunge again. But what really took the cake was when Lucas confided in Daniel about his pre-wedding spat with Chloe. Daniel went on and on extolling the virtues of Chloe and telling Lucas he'd be crazy to let a woman like her go. Of course, poor sap Lucas couldn't catch a clue that Daniel was head over heels for Chloe. I guess, when it comes to Lucas, love really is blind.

January 21, 2009
What was up with Y&R's Karen suggesting Ana call her something else, like "Mama Karen," now that she's living with her and Neil? The move came totally out of left field. First of all, smart, savvy Karen is above such a ridiculous suggestion. Ana's been calling her "Karen" for months. Plus, it was totally inappropriate, considering Ana already has two moms: biological mother Yolanda and the woman who raised her, Tyra. Fortunately, Ana had the good sense to reject the idea, noting it would hurt Tyra's feelings.

December 2, 2008
Tall, dark and handsome Brad Carlton has never needed any help when it comes to women. Over the years he's romanced and married an array of Genoa City beauties — Cassandra, Ashley, Victoria... Hence, it's totally out of character to have him suddenly work underhandedly to get the girl. And having him team up with loose cannon Phyllis, of all people, is ludicrous; not to mention, beneath him. First off, Sharon and Brad have a past and they've remained good friends. Considering the state of her marriage to Jack — it's sinking and fast! — all Brad has to do is sit back and relax. It's only a matter of time before Sharon turns to him for solace and affection.