Deep Focus: Oakdale Edition Page 2
WRITE SOME WRONGS
There were few complaints about ATWT’s cast, but the writing department didn’t get off so easy. The most common gripe? The show could also use a little remedial history lesson.
Stupid writing, great acting … not enough use of the vets. The viewers aren’t stupid … we are just treated that way!
A.H., watching one year
Oh, God, the writing is AWFUL. Gwen used to be spunky and awesome and she didn’t give a damn, but now she’s weak and falls to pieces without Will. Jade is completely pointless — she’s supposed to be over Will, but they drop hints that she isn’t. Meg is whiny and sanctimonious, Paul is useless, Craig is just a stereotypical villain, Lily is spoiled and obnoxious, and Luke is just a prop to pull out sometimes. Jean Passanante needs to be fired, as do the rest of the writers; ATWT needs to embrace its history, not rewrite it. AND FOR GOD’S SAKE, GIVE US MORE LUKE AND HENRY.
J.H., watching three years
ATWT has more rich history than any other soap. GL has been on longer, but no veteran actors/characters remain. ATWT refuses to capitalize on its history on a daily basis. The show needs to be focused around the Hughes family, appreciate the history, celebrate holidays and get back to its roots. You can tell modern stories in a traditional format and I fear the show is relying too heavily on gimmicks.
R.N., watching 26 years
I began watching AS THE WORLD TURNS once I knew ANOTHER WORLD was going off the air and some of the same characters would be on the show. I fell in love with the show, and have watched ever since. I would like to see the show return to its former glory, and am very concerned that it is turning into a parody of itself. I love Terri Colombino, but the character of Katie is so annoying and shallow that I can’t stand to watch her scenes anymore. Also, I adore Gwen, but the Cleo storyline is so ludicrous I have to skip those scenes, too. I can’t remember the last Gwen-centric storyline that I actually cared about, even though Jen Landon is one of my favorite people on the show. The new main titles are horrendous, too. The only current storylines I’m enjoying have to do with Craig and all the people who are out to get him. I hope for better things from this show once Rosanna returns.
KB, watching eight years
Fire whoever you need to in order for this show to re-establish itself as the powerhouse soap that it once was and can be once again! Quit bringing on so many new faces. Bring back old actors, ask the original and most popular actors back when looking into recasting or bringing back an old character, use the vets more … every last one of them. Utilize balance more; it gets pretty old seeing the same characters day in and day out, and quit de-characterizing certain characters just to write a storyline that, to most viewers, is fast forward-worthy.
D.A., watching 12 years
It’s like reading a good book and [finding] that halfway through the book, the author has changed all the characters, personalities and plotlines, so it’s like reading an entirely different book. You just get into the story and it suddenly changes and makes no sense whatsoever.
J.F., watching 50 years
TRUE LOVE
Of course, some just gushed about their favorite show.
I love ATWT and tape it every day when I work so I won’t miss it. Everyone at work teases me because I still have a Jack and Carly screen saver. I love, love, love Carly and Jack and just want them to be together again.
M.A., watching 25 years
I have been watching this show since I was 7 years old)…. I love anything Carly-related, I hate it, though, that the writers make everything her fault. I love the tradition of this show, I love the way hard-hitting issues are dealt with. The actors are great…. I love it.
S.M., watching 14 years
I’ve watched since I was 3 years old. I remember the organ music playing when I began my afternoon naps as a child. I think my granny up in heaven is still watching!
D.S., watching 50 years
Over the years, I’ve whittled down my TV viewing to only one regular show: ATWT. I’m not just talking about daytime, but prime-time as well. I tune in to a couple prime-time sitcoms regularly (THE OFFICE, ANDY BARKER, P.I.) and catch a drama now and then, but ATWT fills my need for watching really good actors develop interesting characters with rich relationships over a long period of time. The overall cast is the best in daytime [in my humble opinion], and when the writing mines the details of relationships, it is right ON!
B.B. [and no, it’s not Barbara Bloom, head of CBS daytime], watching 25+ years
AND FINALLY, TO SUMMARIZE….
The biggest messages to take away would be:
1. Keep characters consistent for your longtime viewers (they can evolve, of course, but personality changes should not be utterly random). Nothing pisses us off more than character rewrites.
2. Family relationships (siblings, parent/child) are what keep me riveted, as much and often more than romances. Please don’t forget people are related to each other — they should know and follow what goes on in each other’s lives.
3. Those of us who have watched a long time are exceedingly loyal, even if we can only watch via TiVo. Please don’t give up on soaps!!! Tell your sponsors we are out there, even if Nielsen can’t track us!
A.M., watching 25 years
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