R.I.P. As the World Turns (aka My Ode to Soap Operas)

So, I'm supposed to be studying for my last final tomorrow (side note: yay!), but I'm proscrastinating. Also, I'm saddened by the news that CBS has cancelled As the World Turns. The last episode will air September 17, 2010 after 54 years. Once upon a time, especially in late middle school through early college, I eagerly waited to see what would happen next in Oakdale.

Though I haven't regularly watched the show in a few years, I hate that the genre is slowly dying. Guiding Light went off the air this fall after a 72-year, 15,762-episode run and the future looks pretty bleak for daytime serial television. My viewing timeline of GL was very similar to that of ATWT, which is fitting since they were considered "sister" shows. And while I was sad to see GL's cancellation, it didn't hit me as hard then as ATWT's has hit me now. Maybe it was because GL was virtually unrecognizable to me by the end of its run having been reduced to out-of-studio location shoots and shaky, single-held cameras as a means to cut costs. I did tune in for the very last episodes of GL. It was like saying good-bye to a long and faithful friend. I was pleased that it ended with the annual Bauer barbecue and the reunions of some of my favorite relationships/couples, especially the four Muskateers, Mallet and Dinah, Bill and Lizzie, and, of course, Josh and Reva.

This makes me wonder what will be in store for As the World Turns' final episodes. I dearly hope it centers around core characters and families and brings together the most cherished couples. I would especially love for the final words to be spoken by Nancy Hughes, played by Helen Wagner. Wagner, the only original cast member remaining, spoke the first words on the soap ("Good morning, dear") in 1956, and it would be fitting if she spoke the last.

I know soap operas get a bad rap, but their very nature makes them so fascinating. They are a unique television medium in that they tend to go on and on creating rich, vibrant histories. This is the reason they are so very different from primetime shows and the reason fans get so into them. People who watch soaps generally grow up watching soaps with their mothers or grandmothers. I grew up watching Days of our Lives with my mother and when I got older, I branched out to other soaps. Because it's on everyday year after year, the characters become familiar and viewers become unusually invested in their lives. While soaps today have fallen mightily from the deliciously campy, adventure-filled, love-in-the-afternoon, heydeys of the '80s and the more realistic, well-written, social awareness of the '90s, I still hate to see the genre die. And though General Hospital and All My Children are especially atrocious these days, I would never want these shows canceled mainly because, misguided or not, I still have hope for them to get better and become the shows I once loved. I think daytime can be revitalized and I draw such hope from the example set by One Live to Live, which, in my opinion, is the best in daytime. It's just soapy goodness. It helps that the show has hired a head writer that seems to sincerely love and, perhaps most importantly, respect the genre. As a result, the show has experienced a rebirth in quality storytelling. OLTL isn't perfect but it's generally well-written, respectful toward its history, and integrates the entire cast and canvas.

While I wasn't entirely surprised by the decision to cancel the show (ATWT has been hanging by a thread for a while now since producer Proctor & Gamble hasn't been exactly subtle about it's desire to get out of the soap business), I was most certainly disappointed. Lately, I have been checking in with ATWT once in a while since the news broke that Paul Leyden's Simon is returning, so I would be up-to-speed when Simon stepped back into Oakdale. Though Simon and Katie were the reason I first tuned into ATWT (they are still one of my top soap couples of all time), I became fond of the other Oakdale residents and was entralled in their lives, loves, joys, and heartbreaks. If you'll indulge me, I'd like to relive some of my favorite moments/couples/storylines.


-Simon and Katie's wedding of convenience. One of the funniest, most entertaining weddings in soap history. I wish I could find a clip of it. Seriously, it's up there with, though doesn't quite surpass, Sean and Tiffany (er, Elsie May Crumholtz)'s wedding from General Hospital.

-More Simon and Katie: Halloween. The airport. Simon admits he loves Katie. Katie teases Simon with her superstitions. First Halloween anniversary. The real wedding. The cottage. Simon begs Katie to live when she flatlines after donating part of her liver to sister Margo. I really wish I could find the scenes of Simon and Katie in the opera house basement in Malta as they are probably my favorites, but alas.

-Hunt Block's snarky and dastardly Craig Montgomery. I loved Block's Craig with Cady McClain's Rosanna.

-Paul and Rose: I loved Scott Holroyd's Paul (I still prefer his Paul to Roger Howarth's version) with Rose. They just sparkled. First meeting. The gazebo. First date. Engaged.

-Trent Dawson's Henry Coleman and his hilarious, partners-in-crime-turned-best-friendship with Katie.

-Hal Munson's death. How I loved Hal. The sadness surrounding his death was exaccerbated by the fact that it resulted from his portrayer Benjamin Hendrickson's suicide. Jesse Soffer's performance as Will Munson was especially moving. I loved his entire run as Will. He was one of the best actors the show produced. And that's not damning with faint praise. This is a show that launched the careers of Meg Ryan and Julianne Moore in addition to employing one of the best casts in daytime.

-Dusty and Lucy: It started at the warehouse. Hiding. The charm. Dusty comforts Lucy at the Oakdale PD. First kiss. "I could drown in you." Dusty saves Lucy. Breakfast in bed. Courtyard break-up.

-Jack and Carly's Montana wedding and Jack is Sage's father.

-Luke comes out to Holden and Lily.

-Lucinda's cancer.

-Paul and Meg in the cabin. Before they spiraled into a mess of suck. This was also the only time I cared about Roger Howarth's Paul.

-Luke and Noah: First and second kisses. First time.


Also, some iconic memories I've only seen via YouTube.

-The fabulous Lisa Grimaldi.

-Bob and Kim.

-Julianne Moore's dual roles of Frannie and Sabrina Hughes.

-Teenaged Lily and Holden first meet in the Walsh stables. I really wish I could find the scene where Holden drops down from the loft and Lily is left speechless. That's one of the most recognizable moments from the show.

-Steve and Betsy's wedding. (Betsy Stewart was played by future America's sweetheart Meg Ryan.)

-Old school Tom and Margo, played by Justin Deas and Margaret Colin.

-Scott Bryce's vulnerable and tortured Craig Montgomery. His Craig was best with Finn Carter's Sierra and is likely Craig's best pairing period.

-Margo pulling Casey off life support.

-Jack and Carly in Teague's cabin.



I know there are plenty more, but it's hard to get them all when a show has a decades long history. Luckily (and hopefully), these will all live on via the wonder that is YouTube.

1960s Nostalgia Courtesy of Mad Men and Brooks Brothers

Love Mad Men? Dream of being Don Draper? Well, now you can! Sort of. At least, you can dress like him! And it's all thanks to the genius minds over at Brooks Brothers.





Below is the actual suit. It's part of Brooks' Fitzgerald line in the 1818 Collection, which is "distinguished by narrower lapels, higher armholes, a two-button jacket and trimmer fitting, plain-front trousers."




In celebration of this fashion nostalgia, we should celebrate the man himself. We should also celebrate his wife. Because, like Blair Waldorf, Betty Draper is my hero. Apparently, I aspire to nothing more than an endearingly manipulative, bitchy upper class WASP and a slightly disturbed, 1960s suburban housewife.

Yeah, I'm OK with that.

You Know You Love It

Procrastination has struck. So, in honor of Gossip Girl's gallant return to television last night, I thought I could celebrate with some of my favorite Gossip Girl fashions. (Click on the pictures to enlarge.)


Blair Waldorf:



Blair Waldorf is, quite possibly, the best character on television. She's bitchy, manipulative, scheming, and fashionable. Also, she has the greatest headband collection known to (wo)man. Basically, she's my hero. Here she is at her preppiest. After all, what's more preppy than a prep school uniform?!






This is probably my favorite Blair dress/look. I have coveted this dress from the moment I saw it. I love the rich color and smooth fabric.




Does Blair Waldorf aspire to be a sailor?! The United States Navy better watch out.




Blair rocks the high fashion...




...and the vintage. That hat is so fabulously over-the-top, it almost needs its own shot.




The White Party.




I want that dress. And that bike. And him.




You can't go wrong with a summer dress like this.




I love this bathing suit style. Modest, yet sexy.


The van der Woodsens:



I'm not entirely sold on the idea that Serena's plunging v-neck blouse was appropriate for a college visit to Yale. But I strongly approve of this Ralph Lauren blazer. A+, Miss van der Woodsen.






Looks like S takes after her mother. A young Lily Rhodes van der Woodsen rocks East Coast equestrian chic in California.


Chuck Bass:




Because he's Chuck Bass. Do you really need another reason?


Nate Archibald:



I'm 99% sure that's a Brooks Brothers argyle sweater. I think it's been well-established how I feel about those.




The Vanderbilt family crest.




The uniform at St. Jude's Preparatory School.



Ahhh, welcome back Gossip Girl. I missed you so.

XOXO.

I Think I'm Finally Ready To Talk About It

So, it's been over a week since that awful Wednesday evening when Anoop was kicked off America Sucks American Idol. It took a week of bitterness but I think I'm finally OK with it. Still not overly happy because when I think about that damn judge's save, I still get a little rage-y. But I've accepted it and I'm ready to move on. I know, that's what really matters. Anyway, Anoop seems to be taking it extremely well. His interviews have all been gracious and charming. I especially loved this one. It helped kickstart my healing process. So good for him! I hope he does well. Alright, I think that's enough of my melodramatics for now.

I did go to the Clef concert last Saturday. It was really good. Probably the best one I've been to, and I've been to every single one since I was a sophomore. They released their new CD, Twist. It's pretty great. I highly recommend it. You can check out a bunch of their performances on YouTube.

Also, Monday was the last day of classes and I attended the last class of my undergraduate career! So sad. I have one more exam for the semester and then...GRADUATION! I still have mixed feelings. The whole thing has been very bittersweet. I didn't realize when I came to Chapel Hill just how much I would love the town and the university. Well, it's been a great four years.

Now it's time for my cruise!

Update...Again

I know I said I'd post more fashion reviews over Spring Break. I had my wisdom teeth taken out Thursday and I meant to get a few in before that, but I just didn't get around to it. Bear with me and I'll get them up as soon as I can. Meaning some time next week, I hope.

In other news, the UNC/Duke game was AWESOME! Best basketball game of my undergraduate career. The senior basketball players gave speeches after the game and all was wonderful. Now, it's time for March Madness!

Also, Anoop is still kicking on American Idol! Yay!

Back to School!

Well, another semester has started. My last as an undergrad. Crap. It doesn't get any better the more I say it. Sigh. Time for more pleasant things.

So, I was watching the American Idol auditions Wednesday night and who pops up but a former Clef Hanger! OK, so that's not how it happened, but I'd like to appear less Clef-stalker-ish (they're so dreamy!). I haven't actually followed American Idol in years, so my odds of just happening upon this gem live were unlikely. But, luckily, I got an email from someone who clearly loves me that former Clef Anoop Desai might be appearing on the audition show becuase he saw a brief clip in a promo. See how little it takes to peak my Clef-interest? Just the possibility of a Clef sends me running back to a show I abandoned forever ago. Long story short: Anoop was ridiculous. Ridiculously awesome! As I pretty much expected him to be. He sang beautifully and with personality. I had a minor issue with Simon calling his outfit "geeky." Ahem. Simon? In America, we call that look "preppy." Has he ever set foot on a college campus? Though, in all fairness, it was a bit borderline. Take that shirt, make it short-sleeved, add a pocket protector, tuck it in, and Simon's spot on. But, as it was, Anoop's look was casual and preppy. And we like that around here! No makeovers needed, thank you. Anyway, thanks to Anoop, I will be stuck watching American Idol this season. Damn those Clefs, their talent, and their gorgeousness. See what they do to me?!

Since this is turning out to be a school-themed post, um, can we quickly (I don't want to linger on the subject, it's so painful) talk about the men's basketball team? And a case of me speaking too soon. Yeah. What the hell?! Talk about a fall from grace. (I just realized that those last few sentences could also apply to my Carolina Panthers. Again, what the hell?! Disappointment is a nasty bitch!) Anyway, let's hope the Tar Heels get their ish together in time for the Big Dance.

P.S. I'm sitting here watching Jurassic Park III on TNT (my somewhat strange love of Jurassic Park is probably best saved for another post) and I just needed to put out into the world how much I love Sam Neill and William H. Macy. Because, well, they're awesome!

ABC Hates Me

How is it that shows like Rules of Engagement, According to Jim, and Grey's Anatomy (you read that right, Grey's hasn't been interesting in two years and it's officially jumped the shark!) continue to pollute the airwaves, yet quality television programming gets the ax?! Why am I in such despair? You see ABC, in its infinite wisdom, has decided to cancel two of my shows. I know! The nerve! So, it is with deep sadness that I bid them farewell.

RIP Pushing Daisies and Dirty Sexy Money. I will cherish your few remaining episodes.




Pushing Daisies: You were a whimsical wonderland. Every episode made me smile from the sheer cuteness that radiated from my television screen. OK, also because of the hotness of Lee Pace as Ned the Piemaker. I will miss your quirky ways and your awesomely obscure references. I will never again wonder if Ned and Chuck will accidently bump into each other while rounding a corner. No longer will Emerson's greed, cynicism, and mastery of one-liners give me joy. Finally, Olive. Oh, Olive and her unrequited love for Ned. I will miss her spunk and apparent aversion to crewnecks.




Dirty Sexy Money: I didn't watch a second of season one, but ended up being sucked into this show this fall since it came on after Private Practice (yes, I watch that mess, don't judge!). It is pure soapy goodness. A guilty pleasure done right. It's what should have been the Dallas or Dynasty of this generation. It did soap better than every single one of the daytime dramas. And believe me, I'm no stranger to daytime. Judging! Stop! What will fill the void in my life for delicious soapy drama?! Well, you know, other than the über-awesome Gossip Girl? And the sometimes-awesome, but really more hit-or-miss Desperate Housewives? Isn't it enough that daytime is currently circling the drain? Why get rid of one of the good bits of soap in my life? Why have you slighted me again, soap gods?!


Serves me right, I suppose. After the loss of my beloved Men in Trees, I knew I shouldn't trust ABC. Fool me once...

Oh, but before I go I should mention that there is one bright spot on ABC. And that is the wonderful American adaptation of the British drama Life on Mars. I was vaugely familiar with Jason O'Mara because of his brief appearance in Band of Brothers (I'm a sucker for nearly anything WWII-related), but I forgot just how smoking hot he was until this show thrust itself into my life by being fortunate enough to take the timeslot after Grey's Anatomy. Finally, something good came from my roommate continuing to watch that drivel! So ABC gets some credit for keeping his beautiful face on my television screen. If you don't watch this show, watch it. Please! After all ABC has done to me, I don't think I could handle losing Jason O'Mara this show from my life too!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to see a professional for my over-attachment to these shows.