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73 December 29th, 2010 On-Air On-Soaps Michael Fairman’s Best & Worst List of 2010!

Courtesy/ABC

In a dramatic and very bizarre year in the world of soaps, On-Air On-Soaps Michael Fairman revealed for the first time most of his picks for the Best and Worst in Soaps in 2010 in several categories on last night’s episode of BlazinRy Radio on the BlogTalk Radio network.  In case you missed the show, or were listening and noticed the show went off  the air before the announcements in several key categories were made, we have posted the entire Best and Worst List of 2010 today.

In addition, if you would hear the episode you will get the rationale of several of the choices, and the reveal of many runner-ups in the key categories.  Make sure to listen to the full episode from BlazinRy Radio at the bottom of this post.  (The player will begin automatically, so to turn off the program, click the pause button on the player)

Some information: The decision for Best Soap was not clear-cut in 2010. It was between three shows: General Hospital, One Life to Live and The Bold and the Beautiful. While each had its ups, it also had many downs. OLTL with the axing of Kish and the Ford family being integrated into the show were the downs, but the very dark and riveting series offered at times creative storytelling, which is where it gained some significant ups.  GH had an extraordinary first six months of the year only to have it falter with the return of Brenda Barrett, which made this early front runner take a nosedive.  As for B&B, while it had the most shocking and sensational storytelling moments, Stephanie’s cancer story, The Party Boink, and the plight of the homeless, it on many days could just not hold our interest.  And therefore, we came up with categories we feel honor each of these shows.

View the complete 2010 Best and Worst List, and hear last night’s BlazinRy episode below!

ON-AIR ON-SOAPS. MICHAEL FAIRMAN’S BEST AND WORSTS OF 2010!

BEST SOAP

One Life to Live

BEST SOAP FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THE YEAR

Courtesy/ABC

General Hospital

MOST SURPRISING SOAP

The Bold and the Beautiful

BEST WEB SOAP

Venice

WORST SOAP

All My Children

MOST DISAPPOINTING EPISODE

As the World Turns finale

FAVORITE MEMORIAL EPISODE

Palmer Cortlandt Memorial  – All My Children

BEST SOAP CROSSOVER

“What If” Series on ABC.com and Soapnet.com

BEST SINGLE PERFORMANCE MALE

Jonathan Jackson – Lucky rips into Nik and Liz for their affair – GH

BEST SINGLE PERFORMANCE, FEMALE

Kimberly McCullough – When Patrick tells Robin he slept with Lisa  – GH

BEST SINGLE MOMENT OF THE YEAR

Photo Credit: JPI Studios

Sonny shoots Dante – General Hospital

BEST OVERALL PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR

Jerry verDorn – One Life to Live

BRST OVERALL PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS,

Florencia Lozano – One Life to Live

BEST OVERALL PERFORMANCE BY A SUPPORTING ACTOR

Eric Sheffer-Stevens – As the World Turns

BEST OVERALL PERFORMANCE BY A SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Suzanne Rogers – Days of our Lives

Close runner-up:  Stacy Haiduk  – The Young and the Restless

BEST RETURN

Kim Zimmer (Echo DiSavoy) – One Life to Live

WORST RETURN

David Hasselhoff (Snapper Foster) – The Young and the Restless

BEST RECAST

Maura West (Diane Jenkins) – The Young and the Restless

WORST RECAST

(TIE) Darius McCrary (Malcolm) and Eden Riegel (Heather) – The Young and the Restless

STRANGEST RECAST

Billy Warlock for Michael Lowry as Ross Rayburn – One Life to Live

MOST BOTCHED STORYLINE

The return of Brenda Barrett- General Hospital

FAVORITE STORYLINE OF THE YEAR

Tea’s bucket list and dealing with her “impending” death and the twists and turns – One Life to Live

WORST PLOT

Teenage Jessica – One Life to Live

Close runner-up:  Nighttime Hope- Days of our Lives

WORST REVEAL

Caroline switched the paternity results of Chloe’s Baby – DAYS

MOST OVERUSED PLOT DEVICE BY ONE SHOW AT ONE TIME

Multiple Doppelgangers at Y&R:  Sarah Smythe/Lauren Fenmore and Patty Williams/ Emily Peterson. Then, Patty and Sarah working together!

BEST WRITING

(Three way tie in an imperfect soap year, each head writer had success and major flops)

Bob Guza, General Hospital

Brad Bell, The Bold and the Beautiful

Ron Carlivati, One Life to Live

WORST WRITING

Photo Credit: JPI Studios

The writing team of As the World Turns

MOST UPSETTING MOMENT OF THE YEAR

The stupidity by the ATWT writing team to kill Reid at the end of the show leaving the only gay male couple/characters left on daytime without a happy ending.

MOST SHOCKING MOMENT IN SOAPS

Immediate dumping of the Kish storyline as they were front in center of story – OLTL and ABC blaming the same-sex story for it’s rating woes.

WORST DECISION THAT IMPACTS SOAP FANS

ABC/Disney Cable Networks dumps SOAPnet for re-branding with ABC kiddie channel in 2012

MOST RUINED TRIANGLE

Carly/Bo/Hope – Days of our Lives

MOST RUINED RIVALRY

Carly and Vivian –Days of our Lives

MOST CRINGEWORTHY COUPLE

Photo Credit: JPI Studios

SHADAM- Adam and Sharon – The Young and the Restless

BEST NEW COUPLE

Luke and Reid – As the World Turns

MOST IRRITATING CHARACTER

Sharon Newman – The Young and the Restless

WORST NEW FAMILY INTEGRATED INTO A SOAP

The Ford Family – One Life to Live

MOST REVITALIZED CHARACTER

Brady Black – Days of our Lives

MOST CREEPY PERFORMANCE

John Wesley Shipp – One Life to Live

BEST WEDDING

Bo and Nora with David Vickeroshi presiding over ceremony- One Life to Live

Close runner-up: Luke and Tracy  – General Hospital

BEST NEWCOMER MALE

Nic Robuck – One Life to Live

Close Runner up: Chad Duell, General Hospital

BEST NEWCOMER FEMALE

Courtesy/ABC

Kim Matula – The Bold and the Beautiful

BEST NEW CHARACTER

Michael Nouri as Caleb – All My Children

THE ACTOR AND CHARACTER WHO KEEPS GIVING AND COMING BACK!

James Franco as Franco – GH

BEST GUEST STAR PERFORMANCE

Daniel Benzali as Theo Hoffman/The Balkan – General Hospital

BEST ODD COUPLE

Brooke and Stephanie – The Bold and the Beautiful

Close Runner up: Tea and Blair – One Life to Live

 

Listen to internet radio with BlazinRy Radio on Blog Talk Radio

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73
  1. Patience DePhazio says:
    December 29, 2010 at 3:07 pm

    While I agree that John Wesley Shipp was creepy as OLTL’s Eddie Ford, he was creepy in a good way. He was the reason I tuned into OLTL.

    Reply

    Michael Fairman replied December 29th, 2010 at 3:22 pm

    Hey Patience!
    Yes, he was creepy in a good way, that is why he got the nod.
    Best,
    Michael

    Reply

  2. Cassie says:
    December 29, 2010 at 4:41 pm

    All us sole fans miss Brandon Buddy We think him a Kristen alderson done the best at there last scence an we are all so greatful that cole is talked about all the time

    Reply

    Michael Fairman replied December 29th, 2010 at 6:19 pm

    Hey Cassie:
    Make sure to listen to the BlazinRy radio player at the bottom of this list. Brandon was one of the five runner-ups for Best Single Performance by an Actor…
    Yes, I loved it and I agree and he was mentioned on the live show.
    Michael

    Reply

  3. liz says:
    December 29, 2010 at 4:49 pm

    I can’t say I’m not disappointed. Van Hansis is marvellous throughout the year yet he’s overlooked.

    Reply

    Michael Fairman replied December 29th, 2010 at 6:20 pm

    Hey Liz:
    Thanks for your comment. Van was not overlooked as you say, and you know I think his work was extraordinary. If you listen to last night’s show of my reveals of most of the categories, Van’s performance was a top runner-up for Best Single Performance by An Actor and also Van was a runner-up for Overall Best Performance by an Actor.

    Best,
    Michael

    Reply

    DAL replied December 30th, 2010 at 2:53 am

    So why isn’t he in that list? One more time, he is overlooked. That’s not the first time. Van Hansis did the most powerful performances several times this year! I really don’t understand you choice here.

    Victoire replied December 30th, 2010 at 3:01 am

    Michael, I’m sorry but Stevens isn’t better than Hansis: Hansis has better reels than Stevens especially for the emotional moments. In what scene Stevens has gut-wrenching moments? I watched all the Luke’s story, including the scenes with Reid, and I can tell you that Van Hansis is way better. I think that it’s the new aspect of that character, Reid, who is nasty, mean and criticizing everybody who excited poeple about Stevens, because when you watch closely, Stevens plays his characters always the same way, without real nuance. Van Hansis, OTH, plays his characters with deep nuances and with real adaptation to the character he is currently playing. And you can see that he played Luke with so much understanding for what his character was going through. Michael, I’m really not happy with your choice and I disagree.

    Victoire replied December 30th, 2010 at 3:06 am

    Michael, why didn’t you put Hansis in the supporting category? He would have won if you put him there.

    mmc replied December 30th, 2010 at 7:25 am

    I respect you so much Michael but Van should have been #1.I’m surprised that he wasn’t!

    MGG replied December 30th, 2010 at 11:39 am

    If you think Van Hansis did an extraordinary work why didn’t you choose him in one of those categories? Van Hansis has been overlooked so many times when he did deserve the recognition for his amazing acting, and one more time, that’s the same story.

    Michael Fairman replied December 30th, 2010 at 12:40 pm

    Hi MGG and everyone of the wonderful fans of Van Hansis. I want to explain the criteria here and my decision process, so you can see how I came to the decisions which you are upset by in certain categories.

    1) On-Air On-Soaps top 25 Best Moments Countdown
    This is very ironic…i was very concerned and tried to be very sensitive to the fans of the site. The issue , and why I felt i had to put Luke grieving with Reid’s death at #8 instead of number one, was two-fold.

    First, the killing of Reid and the ruining of any possible future for LuRe was involved in this moment, and I feared some would see it as, “How can you put in the Best Moments, when they killed Luke’s man?” That is why in the caption above the slideshow for Luke, I quantified it as “Van Hansis performance when Luke grieved over Reid’s death.” So it was not being confused, ( as I have seen posts everywhere else confused too) and it still upset everyone here anyway.

    2) The Best Moment of 2010 is exactly that – The Best Single Moment of the Year on Soaps, and I felt that the way Reid and Luke’s story was botched even during Van’s amazing performances, felt to me all mixed in with other things on the key episode of Reid’s death, while some of the other moments ahead of this were more solidly executed by the soap itself . Blame Goutman and the gang for this one.
    This is by NO MEANS a slight to Van.

    NEXT
    3) Michael Fairman’s Best & Worst Picks of 2010 –
    Best Supporting Actor – Why ESS over Van…
    In my opinion, ESS supported Van, and supported the stories he was in …Luke to me is a central character, an integral lead character on the show. Now in the Daytime Emmys race it is key for actors to place themselves ( and the shows) in categories they have a chance to win, which is why Van could be in this and should be in this category come Emmy time..but for my year in review it was Eric who was the supporting actor, or in other words Reid was brought on as a spoiler in Luke’s lovestory with Noah. It was not Reid’s story, in actuality.

    4) On-Air On-Soaps Fairman Picks Best and Worst – Overall Performance by an Actor in 2010 –
    This was a very tough call to make..if you listened to the broadcast on BlazinRy, ( and again, i am not sure if we were cut off on the air, so you were unable to hear this) Van was my top 2 runner-ups..
    The reason I went with Jerry verDorn and not Van, was simply that Van was in and out of story for most of the year, and he was not always continually on the air, and front and center and driving huge story. Yes, there were several big stories involving him that were key, but in the end, I had to look at this very critically and not just interject all my personal favorties, when I have to be a critic, as well as a journalist and i like all of you a fan of the genre.

    When it’s time for the Emmys this year, and hopefully Van gets his much deserved recognition, we can all be cheering…

    It was almost like, what I should have done was created a special category to honor him. Any thoughts for a category name ? Let me know

    Best to all of you, and please have a safe, healthy and prosperous 2011!

    XOXO’s
    Michael

    liz replied December 30th, 2010 at 12:03 pm

    Michael, thanks for your reply. No, I didn’t listen to the show because after listening to the host’s interview with Van, I have no interest of listening to another show hosted by him. I did think you love Van’s work, that’s why the omission of his name anywhere on your list here is so disappointing.

    MGG replied December 30th, 2010 at 2:34 pm

    Thank you for your reply, Michael. I, of course, accept the criterias you choose for the categories and I agree that Eric was a supporting actor for Van who was the lead actor in their story. But once again, that list makes things look like Van hasn’t been recognized for his amazing work, and it’s not the first time. Van Hansis is always so fair play and never complains, at least publicly, about this continuous indifference from the soap press. I don’t know what category you should create exclusively for Van, because all the categories are already there. Van Hansis is number 1 in the Best Performance of the year and in Best actor of the year from my own point of view. And I think that’s totally unfair that you put Van’s wonderful performance in the 8th position because of the writers’ choices. Van’s acting was flawless and was the very best. Yes, I think that’s very unfair for Van even if I understand your criterias. What I think is even more unfair is that Eric didn’t have any powerful episode and he is named first in numerous categories in the soap press, but Van had several powerful episodes (I can name at least 9 episodes in which Van shined and played his character with so much intensity and beauty in 2010 only) but isn’t named first from anyone of you, soap journalists. That’s totally suprising and not understandable. I don’t know what Van did to you all to be treated so unfairly when his work is one of the best.

    Anyway, I wish you the best for the new year too, Michael. Thank you.

    Michael Fairman replied December 30th, 2010 at 2:39 pm

    Hi again:
    I think you misunderstood…Van is not being put in the #8th position…it is for the storyline…”Luke grieves over Reid’s death” I indicated that it was Van’s performance in the caption that was the moment I was referring to, so it was not confused that I was chooosing the 8th Best Moment of the year to be the killing of Reid. So, I do not feel that that moment was the single Best Moment of the Year in Soaps in terms of story…that is what the criteria is…it is not an acting category..no where in the Top 25 Best Moments is it an acting competition…it is for a moment on the soap that was the best moment of the year…

    So, i do not feel in this case, I am treating Van unfairly….

    I hope this might try to clarify for you again…if you are still not understanding me, hit me back here and let me know where the disconnect for what I am saying is….cool?

    Thx
    Michael

    MGG replied December 30th, 2010 at 4:09 pm

    Michael, thanks again for taking from your time to answer. I think I understand your criterias for best moments and I understand that Van’s beautiful performance is what helped you choose this particular moment in that position, otherwise it wouldn’t have been mentioned there.

    What I’m disappointed about is that Van’s performances are mentioned nowhere in your list of best performances or best actors of the year. It looks like he has been forgotten one more time. Other actors with no real powerful performances during 2010 are mentionned, but not Van, Van who has several powerful moments to submit for 2010. That’s what I wanted to highlight.

    I watched Van’s scenes during all those years of him portraying Luke Snyder, then I watched the other actors in ATWT and in the other soaps, and I can tell you that no other actor plays his character like Van does.

    Please, Michael, forgive me if I’m bothering you with my replies, it’s just that I got disappointed with all the soap mags and sites who all forgot to mention Van’s amazing performances in their last publications and in their “best” lists, and when I read your list, it is again Van who is forgotten. I love it when poeple are recognized for their beautiful and hard work, and when they aren’t even if they deserve to be recognized, it makes me unhappy. I was so excited by Van’s scenes during 2010 and not seeing his name in those lists is hard. Van made me feel what Luke was experiencing during all those powerful moments and his work has to be rewarded. If you can create a special category for Van, please do so. But it would have been easier to mention him in one of the “official” categories.

    Thanks again, Michael for your disponibility and for your understanding.

    Ducourage replied December 31st, 2010 at 3:51 pm

    Hey Michael, why Van Hansis wasn’t in a tie with Jonathan Jackson or in a tie with Jerry VerDOrn, if you think he had to made it first in a catégory?

    HW replied December 30th, 2010 at 3:21 am

    Why wasn’t Van Hansis a runner for best performance from a supporting actor? I know that Van Hansis is more of a lead actor because he is really amazing and he played a major, main character, but he is young for this category, so why not writing his name in the supporting actor field?

    Reply

    MGG replied December 30th, 2010 at 11:48 am

    Van Hansis has the powerful acting of a lead actor but he submits his reels for the supporting actor category: I remember he himself said that that’s because he doesn’t have the long experience of the actors who work in the business. Anyway, Van Hansis had to win one of those categories and it’s the sign that when one does a really wonderful work but that they don’t make publicity about it or about themselves, they are overlooked. Poor Van!

    mmc replied December 30th, 2010 at 11:26 am

    Michael , while i love Eric and his wonderful performance as Reid, it was Van by his facial expressions, his smile that carried the scenes alone and with Reid. Van is one of the best actors to watch…he’s so real and conveys every emotion so well and you believe what he’s feeling. To say I’m disappointed that he didn’t win best supporting or best actor is an understatement.i know you loved the Luke/ Reid story and again, Erics portrayal of that snarky neurosurgeon was a character i loved but without Van his character would have been lacking !i If nothing else, don’t you think Eric and Van should have tied!!!!

    Reply

    MGG replied December 30th, 2010 at 2:37 pm

    I totally agree with you mmc. But I just think that Van’s performances were better than Eric’s. Van always addes those details to his acting that made Luke a realistic character when Eric played Reid more like a stereotype.

  4. Martsolf says:
    December 29, 2010 at 5:37 pm

    Revitalized! I like it. Thanks Michael. E

    Reply

    Brian T replied December 30th, 2010 at 7:59 am

    I agree with Michael about Brady being revitalized. Also digging Brady’s hair and scruff these days.

    Reply

  5. bottomchef says:
    December 29, 2010 at 8:41 pm

    Yay for Kimberly Matula as Best Newcomer Female. She’s a good actress, definitely better than JMW and Frantz. Now if only Hope could slap Steffy and Amber! She has a lot of chemistry w/ Conroy. It’s great that B&B didn’t pair Hope w/ her step brother Thomas since Adam Gregory is a terrible actor and that would be more incest on B&B, w/c is already incest heavy. While many in the soap press complained abt OLTL for dumping its lgbt couple and ATWT’s lgbt storyline, B&B should have been mentioned as worst compared to ATWT and OLTL. B&B centers around LA fashion and it has no lgbt chars despite having tons of useless, boring straight chars. At least those soaps had lgbt storylines and AMC has Bianca.

    Reply

  6. Stephanie says:
    December 29, 2010 at 10:02 pm

    I do agree with most of this list. I think Elizabeth Hendrickson from Y&R deserves a mention with her reaction to Chance’s cheating with Heather. It was heartbreaking and raw and I could actually feel her pain.

    And well ATWT’s finale was nothing to write home about. Lily and Holden had a long history and their reunion of sorts was just kind of glossed over. Yes it was MB as Lily but that’s not the point.

    Reply

  7. lindsey says:
    December 29, 2010 at 11:37 pm

    why

    Reply

  8. Jammi says:
    December 29, 2010 at 11:50 pm

    Just listened to the podcast and i have to say that I agree with you on most of your choices. I am a huge JJ fan and i thought that scene in March when Lucky learned about the affair between nik and liz was amazing. He just owned that scene and i would be really surprised if he didn’t go home with an emmy for that.

    That being said your runnerups are so spot on too. Van has has dome really banner days since Reid came on the scene. a few banner moments for him ; may 5th when he ripped into REid after learning there were complications in the surgery and then later at the house where they ended up kissing and almost having sex. van just owned it that day. September 7th was another banner day van just killed it (no pun intended) and owned the scenes and the pain Luke was feeling was mirrored by all of us who loved Reid as well it was just so beautiful and its about the only thing besides eric’s performance that I appreciate about the story because you’re right killing reid was the stupidest thing they could have done.

    the malcolm recast…awful. and as for eden reigel? Love her but don’t like heather not even edens’ portrayal can do that. I also agree with you about Sharon. And brenda was a bust. i agreed with the caller who said that she didn’t see a reason to bring her back. I didn’t either. I’m hoping as time goes on taht we will see it i mean i love sonny/brenda but right now i don’t see it and the storyline is just ugh. also don’t like how everyone seems to be oblivious to the balkan i mean i know he’s crafty but when you have to dumb down characters to make it work it just annoys me. i could say so much but i better stop eeep sorry for the long comment michael

    Reply

  9. Judy says:
    December 30, 2010 at 7:13 am

    I’m thrilled to see Maura West as the best recast! Now I wish she would get a solid story to show what she really can do.

    I had no problem with the finale itself of ATWT and enjoyed it. For me the problem was the months and weeks leading up to it. They waited too long for the final stories and too much time was spent on newbies like the unnecessary Blackthorn. In what I am sure is not a popular opinion, even Reid as popular as he was got too much focus and it should have been more of a Luke story who was a legacy character. Too many long term characters wound up in supporting roles to relative newbies like Carly and Jack in a supporting role to Janet. Did anyone really care about Craig’s new son Gabriel and if they healed their relationship? Why have Lucy return and see so little of her father or grandmother where the history was rather than them worrying about Gabriel? Biggest miss to me was missing vets like Lisa, Susan and Emma.

    Reply

    Dada replied December 30th, 2010 at 11:08 am

    I agree with you: Reid got all the focus from soaps mag when the focus should have been on Luke! Van Hansis was so fabulous during this year! He had so much powerful scenes!

    Reply

    Judy replied December 30th, 2010 at 12:37 pm

    I’m not talking about the soap press putting too much focus on Reid but rather the writers making it a Reid centric story rather than Luke centric with Reid in a supporting role. The whole show the last few months concentrated too much on newbies.

    MGG replied December 30th, 2010 at 2:14 pm

    Van played the main character in this story, Luke was the central character, not Reid.

    mmc replied December 30th, 2010 at 6:27 pm

    There’s no one who who can say so much with his eyes and his sweet smile like Van can.It has always been such a pleasure to watch him…and watching him with Eric was so believable.He plays every emotion so beautifully.ATWT should never have gone off the air, especially with the miserable ending it had.I wish the best for our wonderful Van in 2010!!!!!

    Reply

  10. Brian T says:
    December 30, 2010 at 8:10 am

    I agree with most everything Michael has listed. I do want to point out that I think the Ford family on OLTL was kind of shoved down our face in a bad way at first but the characters are growing on me. I personally do not like Langston with Ford (Bobby) and feel the couple is a mismatch but James and Starr are perfect. One last thing, although I love Jessica L. and she is doing a great job as Inez. I do not understand why they want to make her play an older character. The actress is only 34 in real life and they could have created a different role for her and hooked her up with someone her real age like Cristian but instead they have her playing a charcter that must be at least 43 to have a 25 year old son (Bobby).

    Reply

  11. bottomchef says:
    December 30, 2010 at 9:19 am

    The host was really annoying. He didn’t know much abt daytime! And he kept asking what category would be next. Move it along. You’re the host. Uggh. That hot mess or mess portion was a mess! No one cares abt these broadway actors and actresses imitating people or choking on fast food. Such a pointless, annoying portion! I stopped the podcast after that bec it was so annoying. He should have watched most if not all of the picks so he could contribute something significant to the discussion.

    Reply

  12. Lucie says:
    December 30, 2010 at 11:01 am

    I stil can’t get over this Reid death and never Will.

    Then. The Lusty finale was so badly written. There is no way that Dusty would choose saint Janet o ver his t rue love Lucy.

    Epic fail.

    LuRe and Lusty 4ever

    Reply

  13. Dada says:
    December 30, 2010 at 11:03 am

    Michael, I am very disappointed that you didn’t choose Van Hansis in the best male performance category or even in the best supporting actor. I am hugely disappointed: Van Hansis did the best work I had to witness on TV and I’m frustrated you didn’t see it too. As one other poster said, you (the soaps journalists) overlooked him, like during all the other years of Van Hansis doing his best acting to entertain us.

    Reply

  14. MGG says:
    December 30, 2010 at 11:33 am

    Not happy that Van Hansis didn’t get the recognition he deserves for his beautiful acting during the Luke supporting Noah with his blindness story and during the Luke and Reid storyline. Van Hansis did the best work. Not happy at all!

    Reply

  15. mmc says:
    December 30, 2010 at 2:37 pm

    Michael, i do understand that Eric was a supporting actor and Van more the lead….well he (van ) should have won lead.I think Jerry Ver Dorn is a great actor, but this should have been Vans year.maybe the category should be” consistantly fantastic ” for Van.i love him , i love to watch him,i think he truly is the best of the best.i do know you appreciate his talent and you had to make a decision and i’m sure it wasn’t easy..As annoyed as i am i think you were honest about how you felt.but please god let van submit some reels and win the Emmy!

    Reply

    Michael Fairman replied December 30th, 2010 at 2:45 pm

    Hey MMC:
    Thank you for your fantastic posts through the years..you are one of our faves here at On-Air On-Soaps…so know that!

    Now on to Van: I actually like the idea of “MOST CONSISTENTLY FANTASTIC” if others feel the same we can add to the list….

    Thanks for trying to understand my POV, but you know I love Van, and all his works makes me have to grab for the hankies, because he is so endearing,

    Best,
    Michael

    Reply

    mmc replied December 30th, 2010 at 2:47 pm

    I know you love him because i do too.

    Stefanie replied December 30th, 2010 at 8:08 pm

    Michael, don’t worry, I think most people know you love Van. You’ve always supported him. You’ve certainly praised him plenty of times!

    I don’t quite agree with you that Van falls into the lead actor category, though. Even in the LuRe storyline, Van/Luke was more in the supporting role, which I thought was one of the weak points of the storyline. By that I mean, once Luke and Reid got caught up into the Chris and Katie drama/stupidity, they didn’t really have their own storyline, and it was really Luke being a supporting character to Reid as Reid had *his* character growth, etc.

    I actually was disappointed in the show for that, as then Van/Luke was stuck with really only having scenes with Reid (who I loved! I was a LuRe endgamer), even though he was one of the core characters with family members all around that he could interact with. ATWT dropped the ball about the importance of the family ties at the end. It wasn’t until Reid died that I’d consider Van having a “lead” role.

    But, yeah, Van is most “MOST CONSISTENTLY FANTASTIC.” :) Unfortunately I doubt that any of the ATWT actors will be remembered when it comes to Emmy time, because I would have loved to see him at least nominated, let alone finally win one after being nominated three times. His scene after Noah’s surgery with Reid was where I thought he shone the most, although I know a lot of people prefer the scene after Reid’s death (which also was great, don’t get me wrong!).

    mmc replied December 31st, 2010 at 6:43 am

    I think Van had so many stellar performances…the death scene for sure, but also when he was teaching Reid people skills, when he fought for Noahs surgery,when Reid misunderstood Lukes feelings for Noah.just watching Vans face, his smile, the way he tilted his head so many scenes stand out to me.If he wasn’t on enough to be considered lead, then best supporting should have been it.if i had the time I could list them all, there were so many good scenes.Eric is a wonderful actor too, about that there’s no doubt.And like I said they could have shared this honor like in the last months of ATWT they shared their scenes.It’s good that i could come here to give my opinion because my Husband has had it with me! I can’t blame him.

    Reply

  16. Kalamaty says:
    December 30, 2010 at 2:43 pm

    Michael…. thanks for the list, and for the inclusion of Stacy Haiduk as a contender for Best Supporting Actress! Anyone who watched Y&R the last 18 months or so knows what a force of nature she was in her portrayal of both Emily and Patty. I seriously think the scribes at Y&R best be knocking on her door again. Although, now that Diane has resurfaced, perhaps that’s not in the cards for a while. Speaking of, I’m still wishing that Susan Walters could have come back…. I believe her Diane was much, much better! Susan was a much better rival to Stafford because they’re physically just about the same. This new, pint-sized, pixie-haired Diane just isn’t working for me. Phyllis could take her out without batting an eye!! :)

    Back to Haiduk…. she was absolutely riveting to watch and her committment to the character was just amazing. Besides being stunningly beautiful, you just know that she gave 110% in each and every one of her scenes. I really miss her being on the show and hope that a return is imminent! Instead, we get the vapid, scenery chewing antics of former hair model Yvonne Zima as “Daisy”. YAWN!!!!!

    Since I’m on a rant, I want to also say that Y&R needs some high profile gay storyline and SOON! I always wished they would have taken Don Diamont’s character of Brad in a totally new direction; balancing a secret male lover on the side! What else did that gorgeous man have to do in that giant, empty house? He already made his way through every woman in Genoa City!!

    Reply

  17. Paul8148 says:
    December 30, 2010 at 3:53 pm

    Want is anyone guess for Emmys? My guess is

    Lead Actor Frontrunners base on Episodes

    Maurica Berand As Sonny (Kristina’s Therpy)
    Tony Geary (Luke and Tracy’s Wedding)
    James Scott (EJ admitting to be behind the kidnapping)
    David Carney (Adam’s Farewell to Pine Valley)
    Peter Bergman (Not sure for want but he always find a wheel to summit?)

    Notes: Would love to put in both Saint John and Ver Dorn but who knows of Saint John will even throw his hat in and the type of performence Ver Dorn is giving does not stand out via one episode or screen. Also watch out for John Anitson if he is prenom lead

    Lead Supporting Actor Frontrunners:

    Johnathan Jackson (Lucky calls out Nik and Liz on their affiar)…

    Hmmmmm: Race is over pour Van and Eric through. And of course Billy Miller, Scott Cliffton, and the rest……..

    Younger Actor:

    Frontrunner:

    Eddie Anderson (Matthew gets dump at his parents wedding or Matthew calls out Bo for “sleeping” with Inez)

    Brandon Buddy (Star and Cole breakup/Good Bye)

    HMMMMMM: New Will on Days, Zach Conrey, Chad Duel, and all others, thanks for playing.

    Lead Actress:

    Susan Fannerly (Pick a reel from the cancer/homeless storyline)

    Laura Wright (Carly Says goodbye to Michael before he heads to Prison)

    Florencia Lozano (Tea confirms to Blair she is sick)

    Katherian Kelly Lang. (Brooke convinces Stephine to let her help Stephine)

    Michelle Standford (Phyliess rips into Nick after she dumps him.)

    And of course you can not discount, Sweeney, Nancy, Debbie Morgan, Zucker (if lead this year), West, ect, ect, ect……..

    Supporting Actress:

    Susanna Rogers (Maggie grieves Mickey death, Maggie tells her family she is find before Alice’s funeral, Maggie tells the rest of Victor’s family to stay for his wedding, Maggie tries to talk Victor out of the wedding, ect, ect, ect.)

    Kimberly McCullough (Robin throws out Partick after he admits to cheating)

    Thanks for playing, Zucker, MCE, Laura Kuldow, ect, ect, ect.

    Younger Actress

    Kristen Anderson (Star and Cole Break Up/Good Bye)
    Actress who plays Kristen (Kristen thepry)
    Molly Burrett (Melina confronts Carly about giving her up)

    Thanks for playing all others….Boy this is as boy as younger actor now.

    Best Soap

    B & B (Stephine and Brooke visit Skin Road)
    DOOL (Alice’s Funeral)
    ALL My Childern (Palmer’s Memorial)
    OLTL (Stacy dies, Bo and Nora Wedding part 2, Eli blows up the cave and gets pop by cole,)
    General Hospital (Sonny shoots Dante)
    Y&R (Victoria’s and Billy’s Wedding)
    ATWT (Final Episode)

    Special Mentions

    Best Couple: Todd and Tea
    Best Odd Couple: Tea and Blair
    Couple in Making: Star and James and Victor and Maggie
    Best Storyline: Tea’s bucket list
    Best Moment: Oliver realizes he just wall hump Brooke,
    Best Trinagle Couple: Lisa/Partick/Robin (Well I got the most enterainment out of it)
    Best Triangle Non Couple: Dante/Michael/Carly

    Worst Storyline: Midnight Hope
    Worst Couple: Nick and Aggie
    Worst Trinagle: Oliver/Bridget/Nick
    Worst Non Triangle: Claire/Sonny/The Justice System
    Wasted of Talent: Rick Heast and Sarah Brown

    Reply

  18. Ducourage says:
    December 31, 2010 at 3:47 pm

    I think that Van Hansis deserves to win the Supporting actor category much more than Eric Stevens. Van Hansis can’t be considered a lead actor even if his character was central in the show, because he is still young and hadn’t enough airtime duirng the year, except during the last episodes. Van Hansis runs now for the Supporting actor category and he has way better performances than Stevens, so Van Hansis should have made it to first place in this category. Like another poster said, I think that that’s unfair that Van Hansis isn’t mentioned in that list.

    Reply

  19. Tanya says:
    December 31, 2010 at 7:53 pm

    I love Eric and it’s great to see him & Van already in other movies. Why couldn’t ATWT just sell them to another Soap, but I guess that is asking for too much. Wouldn’t it be cool to see Eric on House as someone related to House, sometimes his looks and acting even though it’s different, but when Eric was playing Reid and being all sarcastic it remind me of Hugh. Hey what do u think of Robert Newman playing Victor’s little Brother I think we need someone from Victor’s Past to shake him up, and also if they do finally age him (not that I have anything against the young Actor who plays him), but what do u think of Drew garret playing a young adult Kyle?

    Reply

    mmc replied January 1st, 2011 at 6:33 am

    i think i read somewhere that Eric prefers not to do soaps, but I’m sure that could change if he got the right part.I wish Van would get something steady soon.He truly deserves something good to happen in his life.While I love Eric and think he’s wonderful, to me there’s nobody who can act like Van . He conveys every emotion so well.His eyes ,his smile, that gorgeous face.I’m annoyed that he didn’t share best supporting actor or best actor or best something.He deserved it more than anyone.And his worrk with Eric was excellent…the sad scenes, the happy scenes, the love scenes….no body did it better than Van!!!!

    Reply

  20. Tanya says:
    December 31, 2010 at 9:38 pm

    Hey how do they pick the best Drama Reels does it have to include most of the cast members because I don’t think B&B would submit either of the 2 episodes where Stefanie interview the real life people from Skid Row. Surely the Reels that they would submit would be between either episodes from Stefanie’s Cancer episodes and probably before that when she & Brooke were back and forward about what she should do about that revelation. Also how do they submit the writing Reels?

    Reply

  21. Zippy says:
    January 1, 2011 at 3:56 pm

    Although Luke was a legacy character on ATWT and Van Hansis did a magnificent acting job, I do believe Eric Sheffer Stevens did deserve the accolade of Best Supporting Actor. IMO, he was really the catalyst for the elevation of performances by several cast members, including Van Hansis. By the way, I believe strongly that Hansis is a very fine actor, too. I know many people have said this, but it’s so true. I would not have watched the last few months of ATWT if I hadn’t noticed the chemistry Eric Sheffer Stevens had with Hansis and others, including Katie. In fact, he had more chemistry with Katie than Chris by far.

    It is ironic that the very people who gave us the characters of Reid Oliver and Luke Snyder dismantled them so thoroughly. I cannot help but wonder if they read sites like this one. If they do, I would be curious to know if they are surprised that people are still debating Nuke versus Lure and continue to pose the question “why?” Did P&G or CBS nix the sex scene? From what I can tell on the internet, most people, straight and gay, were supportive of Luke having a happy ending. Does anyone know if there was an outcry or an opposing campaign to deny Luke or did the writers just assume that they should because middle America might object? I think people, including myself, can’t let go of this story because there are still so many questions that haven’t been answered satisfactorily. Also, even though I’m not gay, I am troubled, very troubled by the fact that gay characters always seem to have tragic endings. Until we have explanations that are more detailed than JP’s and CG’s thus far, I don’t know if the controversy will die down.

    Reply

    mmc replied January 2nd, 2011 at 6:53 am

    Van and Eric had so much chemistry as Luke and Reid.As a long time viewer of ATWT I never saw a couple with so much chemistry.I’m a straight married woman with three grown sons , none who are gay.I loved watching Luke and Reid ….i don’t think we’ll ever see a love story like this again.I am such a fan of Erics’ and I think he is a wonderful actor and his character of Reid was so unique however , to me Vans acting was the best in so many scenes.Van as Luke made their love story so believable .No body acts like Van.His eyes , his smile, his gorgeous face.Van should have gotten supporting actor or even lead because as I said on another post Van is “consistently fantastic”!!!!! No body is as believable as Van.I am such a fan! Killing off Reid and leaving Luke to grieve at the loss of the love of his life didn’t make sense because this show was going off forever.I’d like to hear a reason from CG, JP,CBS,P&G, and TPTB.Luke and Reid were the only characters who did not have a happy ending.I can’t even remember my soap with fond memories because of this devastating ending for Luke and Reid.This ending devastated so many fans….i don’t know if we’ll ever get over this.The writers and P&G,etc. can’t give us an answer and i guess they won’t because they screwed up and I think by now they know it!I’m still crying!!!!!!!

    Reply

    liz replied January 2nd, 2011 at 6:56 am

    I can’t disagree with you more that Eric elevated Van’s performances, they complemented each other but Eric is not better than Van.

    Reply

    zippy2825 replied January 4th, 2011 at 8:20 am

    Okay, how about this ? I’ll agree with you. I think they complemented each other. I in no way meant to disparage Van Hansis or his acting ability. What I said was not meant to be mutually exclusive. I liked both their performances on the show.

    Also, thanks Michael for your assessment of the best and worst. I loved reading your comments and enjoyed your interview about 2010.

    George replied January 2nd, 2011 at 11:03 am

    It’s not the question of gay or straight. My GF and me are a straight couple but we adored the LURE story until the horrible and disastrous ending. Love is one of the stongest emotion among humans; it does not matter whether individuals are straight, gay, bi or whatever. CG and JP butchered the epic love story, and as you say they dismantled thoroughly their own creation. Nobody will ever understand their thinking (if at all they have any common sense). If they came up with this ending to please middle America or whoever, then it has to be worst decision taken in soap history. CG, JP, TPTB, P&G, and those involved in out and out homophobia should be asked how they would feel if the person/s they loved the most were to be squashed by a train; and they had to authorize the donation of the organs of their loved ones minutes after their death. I bet, CG, JP and company will have no answer to that!

    Reply

    mmc replied January 5th, 2011 at 4:55 am

    The death of Reid, and Luke left alone was truly the worst ending in soaps History.i would love to hear the truth one day.To be given this beautiful couple and then have them destroyed at the end was stupid and senseless . Everything was so rushed….I will NEVER forgive those responsible for making us remember Luke and Reid with such sadness. But Vans’ acting was the best.And as far as common sense. no one in charge had any

    silvercharm replied January 2nd, 2011 at 8:34 pm

    I totally agree with you Zippy. The only reason I watched ATWT last year was Eric Sheffer Stevens wonderful performance as Dr. Reid Oliver. He deserves all the accolades he is now receiving from the soap press. Why do Van Hansis fans feel the need to diminish Eric Sheffer Stevens? It is disgraceful. Van Hansis is a wonderful actor in his own right, he doesn’t need pumping up by degrading another actor. It only makes his fans seem petty and vindictive. Nothing wrong with saying you want Van Hansis to win the Emmy. Eric Sheffer Stevens has said as much. They both elevated each other when on screen together. It would be fantastic if they both could win Emmys but I’m afraid that is wishful thinking. I think the EP and writers probably destroyed any chance of that happening. I hope I’m wrong.

    Thank you Michael, it’s a pleasure to catch up on the soap world here. Your list was spot on. I also really enjoyed your interviews with Eric Sheffer Stevens, Van Hansis and Jake Silbermann when ATWT ended last year. All my best. Have a wonderful New Year.

    Reply

    mmc replied January 3rd, 2011 at 5:46 am

    I’m a Van Hansis fan but i’m also a fan of Eric.I have always said his acting was wonderful and his character was so unique.i just wish that Van could have gotten best Actor or even shared best supporting Actor with Eric.how could anyone really choose.Their characters were so different but their acting together made each one better.i would never diminish Erics’ acting , he’s so wonderful.but so is Van .And i do think Van should be up for the Emmys .These are two wonderful actors, two gorgeous men and I wish the best for both of them.As a long time ATWT watcher, they were my favorite couple of all time.The chemistry was beautiful!

    Jean replied January 3rd, 2011 at 6:36 am

    Where have people degraded another actor? No one has said anything bad about Eric’s acting, so there’s no need to start rumors. All they have said is they prefer Van and feel he turned in the better performance – all the while with comments that they feel Eric is talented, too. Nothing wrong with that, and people are entitled to their opinions.

    ktbob replied January 3rd, 2011 at 1:44 pm

    Jean, there are several comments above that put down Eric’s acting. Here are some direct quotes:

    “Hansis has better reels than Stevens especially for the emotional moments. In what scene Stevens has gut-wrenching moments?…Stevens plays his characters always the same way, without real nuance.”

    “Van Hansis runs now for the Supporting actor category and he has way better performances than Stevens, so Van Hansis should have made it to first place in this category.”

    “What I think is even more unfair is that Eric didn’t have any powerful episode and he is named first in numerous categories in the soap press.”

    True, they’re not “he sucks!”, but they are negative. Some pro-Van comments were positive towards Eric’s performances, too, but not all. Doesn’t mean people aren’t entitled to their own opinions, but there were definite negatives towards Eric and his acting. I’ve seen this backlash on other sites praising Eric’s performance this year as well. It’s sad, because Van and Eric are always so positive towards each other and their acting skills.

    silvercharm replied January 3rd, 2011 at 9:16 pm

    Ktbob, thanks you said it much better than I did. The backlash is on this thread and other threads and definitely on other sites. I don’t even understand how anyone can try and deny it. I stand by my comment, it’s fact not rumor. You are right about Van and Eric, they have only kind words for each other. It would be nice if some of the fans could follow their example. I understand why so many fans want Van nominated for the Emmy, he is a wonderful actor. Eric’s performance was the stand out for me last year and I don’t feel the need to say negative comments about Van, or diminsh his acting ability in order to root for Eric. I really wish they both could be nominated and win. Whatever happens with the Emmys, I wish both Van and Eric great success in their future endeavors. They gave us Lure and I will always be grateful.

    silvercharm replied January 3rd, 2011 at 10:08 pm

    mmc,

    I know how much you love Van/Luke and Eric/Reid, it shines through in all your comments. Your exuberance of joy for Lure always makes me smile. I understand why you want Van Hansis to get the nomination for the Emmy. His portrayal of Luke was beautiful. You are so right about the chemistry, it’s no wonder so many of us fell crazy in love with Lure. I doubt we will ever see that again on daytime television. As far as the ending goes, there’s a saying in Lure-ville *train? what train?* :) Happy 2011

  22. Terri says:
    January 2, 2011 at 2:51 pm

    I think Eric Sheffer Stevens was the perfect choice for best supporting actor. He had nine months to make an impression and he did so brilliantly.

    Reply

  23. Steve says:
    January 2, 2011 at 4:19 pm

    Your selection of Jerry ver Dorn as Best Male Actor was on the mark in my opinion. This gifted actor has been a consistant champ for 30 years now and deserving of the recognition you bestow. Congratulations, Jerry!!!

    Reply

  24. Sally says:
    January 2, 2011 at 8:20 pm

    What I found so annoying was Days bringing back Justin and Adrienne and Shane and Kim only to waste them. It is sad to see Judy Evans who is more talented than half the newer cast of Days used a fill in character to babysit or to be Stephanie’s sounding board.

    Enough with the blackmail, who is the baby daddy crap. That is all the show is about. If this show was written, produced and acted like it was 30 + years ago millions of fans would who stopped watching, would return and the ratings would be great.

    Days, I have been watching since the early 70′s, you are much better than what you are producing now.

    Reply

  25. Sally says:
    January 2, 2011 at 8:32 pm

    PS, I love watching Echo, Vicky, and Dorian on OLTL. They are so enjoyable, they get an A+.

    Reply

  26. Mark says:
    January 2, 2011 at 11:11 pm

    Can’t bear to listen to another interview with Ryan, but I’m glad to see you talking about how bad the Luke/Reid ending was. Of course, since it’s a soap, in my mind Reid didn’t actually die, but was spirited away to some mysterious medical facility where his life was saved. He and Luke are getting it on as we speak.

    Reply

    mmc replied January 3rd, 2011 at 10:38 am

    BRAVO!!!!!

    Reply

  27. Jester says:
    January 4, 2011 at 11:13 pm

    Wow, Days did bad… unfortunately they have Gold with Crystal Chappell, Peter Reckell, Louise Sorel… and they screw it up! At least the scenes are still amazing because of the amazing talents. I want Bo and Carly to stay together and I want more from the Carly/Vivian rival. I think doing a story about Carly’s abuse would be AMAZING. Love Crystal… such a beautiful and talented actress. Her character is so hated and it sucks. So yes, that is what i wish for 2011!

    Reply

  28. phyl says:
    January 7, 2011 at 11:21 pm

    My 2 cents:

    Best Soap: OLTL
    Best Wedding: TIE BETWEEN HENRY’S AND BARBARA’S ON ATWT AND BO’S AND NORA’S ON OLTL
    Best Overall Performance by a Female: COLLEEN ZENK
    Best Return: KIM ZIMMER’S ( I don’t always appreciate seeing the strongest actress in daytime play a pitiful loser, but it beats not seeing her at all…..)

    Reply

  29. Mary says:
    January 8, 2011 at 2:36 pm

    Michael, I just want to add that for Best Guest Star, my vote goes to Michael Sutton (Stone Cates). It was wonderful to see him again. It may have only been two episodes, and a few scenes, but he delivered an incredibly touching and beautiful performance. His appearance on GH made me miss Michael Sutton and Stone Cates even more. This is a fan who has waited fifteen years to see her favourite actor and favourite character return to daytime. Besides being talented and intelligent, MS is absolutely gorgeous.

    Reply

  30. Lynn Smith says:
    January 16, 2011 at 11:39 pm

    Best and the worst list Way to go Nicolas Robuck Best Newcomer

    Reply

  31. Dede says:
    January 22, 2011 at 2:18 am

    I adore Sharon and Adam. They are the reason I tuned back into young and the restless. MM and SC pulled me in with the kiss at gloworm. They have the best chemistry of any couple on young and the restless. Are they controversial Yes. That is why they succeed . Daytime has gotten boring and predictable and Sharon And Adam or new and exciting. If daytime would take more chances than maybe they would not be a dying breed.

    Reply

  32. Lola says:
    January 29, 2011 at 5:39 pm

    Michael,

    I couldn’t agree with you more about what has happened to Sharon and how awful the Sharon and Adam pairing is.

    The writers really cheated both Shick and Phick fans. If they weren’t going with Shick then I don’t think they should have broken up Phick. They could have written Phick without Sharon. (I’m not even a Phick fan)

    Shick fans were really cheated. They waited for years for Shick and then a reunion was ripped away. I agree with what you said about fans waiting around for years only to be given the middle finger.

    Reply

  33. Laura says:
    February 1, 2011 at 6:32 pm

    Michael,

    I just listened to your interview on blogtalkradio and it was a pleasure to listen to you- the host as always was grating but you were wonderful. I couldn’t have agreed more with your thoughts on the handling of Luke and Reids story and the performances from Van and Eric. I completely agree with your choice of ESS for supporting actor- as wonderful as Van always was- IMO and simply put- Eric was better. And the category being supporting- Reid was the very definition of a supporting character- In many stories including Lukes. So I can understand your reasoning and frankly when it comes down to it- its YOUR opinion.

    I want to thank you for being so involved and such a champion for this genre and thank you for enduring that interview! You are a good sport.

    Reply

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