Likes and Yikes - 2009

This is my version of a best and worst list for the year, as some things I’ve enjoyed and others make me shake my head in disgust and/or confusion. Just like TV Guide’s Cheers and Jeers, which at times had cheers within jeers and jeers within cheers. It is not comprehensive, but just my general feelings on random topics that I can’t elucidate into a 500 or more word essay at this point. As with soaps some stories are still underway, I am planning on writing a "year in review" post later this week about the general trends of 2009.

GH: Lulu Dante La Bohème

General Hospital’s Lulu and Dante (otherwise known as Dominic) went on their first date this week. Dante lived up to his promise of taking her to the opera, even if Lulu hadn’t remembered his vow.

The Serials - Part 1

One of my big projects for 2010 is a summary of a book called The Serials -- Suspense and Drama by Installment, which was written by Raymond William Stedman. This non-fiction book was published in 1971, and focuses on the history of serials (movies, radio and television.) Since the book was written so many years ago, later soaps won't be mentioned in it, but I think it will be fascinating to read about the evolution of soaps from radio to television.

Christmas in Soapland 2009

This is a write up about the holiday episodes that aired the week of December 21 for All My Children, As the World Turns (December 24 & 25 only), Days of Our Lives, General Hospital and One Life to Live. For many of the characters, Christmas wasn't merry or bright and nary a mention was made of other winter holidays like Hanukah and Kwanza. If more holiday celebrations took place the following week it is not included in this blog entry and if any character is not included or there are any typos the blame should be placed upon spell check or me. I have listed my comments on each of the shows in alphabetical order.

ATWT: Canceled

Earlier this week, it was announced that “As the World Turns” was canceled. The show, which was created by Irna Phillips, premiered in 1956 on CBS, and was produced by Procter & Gamble (now TeleNext). It will end its run in September, with taping to end before summer.

OLTL: Natalie's Loss & Jared's Death

Natalie has lousy luck with men. This is the second time in her young life that her husband has died. Faced with this loss, she has to find the strength to move on, while saying goodbye to Jared and the dreams that they shared, which would never come to pass like having a family.

GH: World AIDS Day

December 1st is World AIDS Day. It is a day to recall those who've been lost to this disease, those who are living with it and preventing its spread. General Hospital was the first to have a long-term core character become HIV positive, Robin Scorpio, over a decade ago.