Official As the World Turns thread

[hilside]

Calling all ATWT fans!!!!!

I noticed there were threads for other soaps, but didn't find one for this show, so I figured I'd start my own.

I have watched ATWT and GL as long as I can remember. I'm 31 now, so some of the earliest stories I remember were the Betsy/Steve/Craig triangle, and Margo and Tom trying to bring down Mr. Big.

I write the scoops for all the soaps for TVMegasite, which I usually get from Soap Opera Digest and Soap Opera Weekly. I just read that Benjamin Hendrickson (Hal) is leaving by the end of the summer, after 19 years. The show says they will recast.. I can't believe that. After an actor has played a character for that long, I think they should let them walk into the sunset--I don't think it will be easy getting used to a new Hal! What do you think?

 

[hilside]

bump

 

[yourtravelpro]

While I like Benjamin Hendrickson, I never really felt that he and Emily clicked. They need to have a more good looking guy cast for the role of Hal.

While it's hard to see someone else fill his shoes, think back to the old Craig. Did you ever think he could be replaced? I think the new Craig is actually better.

I also think that the actress that just came on as Hal's daughter, should have gotten the part of Molly instead. She looks and acts similar. The new Molly doesn't seem to fit yet, but maybe it is too early on to tell.

 

[Alice28]

I am 32 and my mother started watching ATWT and GL when she was pregnant with me, so I essentially have grown up with these shows.

I hadn't heard that Benjamin Hendrickson was stepping down; depends who they recast. Sometimes recasts actually work, but this new Molly bugs me. I don't even know why they recast that character-she's kind of had no life and been grating since Jake died.

What I like about the show right now: The key hunt- I like how Allison has started to mature, although if Emily and Chris have a fling I will scream. Didn't they have some one night stand or something a LONG time ago? Or am I thinking of her and Paul? Or was it Molly and Chris? Or was that Molly and Andy? Argh! Can't keep track! What else do I like- I like seeing lots of Jessica and Margo although how many times can this story be done in soap land? I love Katie and Mike and hope that Terry McConnell is back from maternity leave in a reasonable about of time. LOVE Henry! He needs to go work for Lucinda- now that could be quite funny! Rosanna and Paul have good chemistry and I love, love LOVE James. The ultimate in smart soap villians!

Would like to see a little more Jack and Carly, although with Carly (And Lily) it seems when they get a storyline it monopolizes the whole show. I like seeing Kim, Susan, Bob, John, Lisa and Lucinda get meaty storylines too!

 

[hilside]

Originally posted by Alice28
I am 32 and my mother started watching ATWT and GL when she was pregnant with me, so I essentially have grown up with these shows.

I hadn't heard that Benjamin Hendrickson was stepping down; depends who they recast. Sometimes recasts actually work, but this new Molly bugs me. I don't even know why they recast that character-she's kind of had no life and been grating since Jake died.

I understand what you are saying, and agree that sometimes recasts do work. However, I think there should be a line somewhere. Hendrickson has been in that role for 19 years. I just don't think a recast will work. I don't like the recast Molly, either--personally, I think they should have reversed it, and the new Nikki could play Molly, and the new Molly could be Nikki.

Originally posted by Alice28
What I like about the show right now: The key hunt- I like how Allison has started to mature, although if Emily and Chris have a fling I will scream. Didn't they have some one night stand or something a LONG time ago? Or am I thinking of her and Paul? Or was it Molly and Chris? Or was that Molly and Andy? Argh! Can't keep track!

Actually, it was all of the above!

Originally posted by Alice28
What else do I like- I like seeing lots of Jessica and Margo although how many times can this story be done in soap land? I love Katie and Mike and hope that <Terri Colombino> is back from maternity leave in a reasonable about of time. LOVE Henry! He needs to go work for Lucinda- now that could be quite funny! Rosanna and Paul have good chemistry and I love, love LOVE James. The ultimate in smart soap villians!

Would like to see a little more Jack and Carly, although with Carly (And Lily) it seems when they get a storyline it monopolizes the whole show. I like seeing Kim, Susan, Bob, John, Lisa and Lucinda get meaty storylines too!

ICAM!!

 

[hilside]

Originally posted by yourtravelpro
While I like Benjamin Hendrickson, I never really felt that he and Emily clicked. They need to have a more good looking guy cast for the role of Hal.

Oh, I definitely disagree. Why does every soap couple have to be two gorgeous people? To me, the fact that he wasn't a total hottie just reinforced that what they had was true love, not just physical attraction, as so many soap couples are.

Originally posted by yourtravelpro
While it's hard to see someone else fill his shoes, think back to the old Craig. Did you ever think he could be replaced? I think the new Craig is actually better.

To be honest, it took me several years to get used to Hunt Block in the role. It didn't help that the writers drastically changed his personality from the last time the character had been on the canvas. I liked him, but he just wasn't Craig to me.

Originally posted by yourtravelpro
I also think that the actress that just came on as Hal's daughter, should have gotten the part of Molly instead. She looks and acts similar. The new Molly doesn't seem to fit yet, but maybe it is too early on to tell.

I agree.

 

[chell]

So glad to see this thread! Hilside it sounds like we have been watching for about the same amount of time. I hate to hear that Hal is leaving.

 

[disney4us2002]

ATWT is the only soap I watch faithfully.

I'm a bit confused reading above. I heard Molly was leaving but didn't realize the character was being recast. I don't understand why the recast as her character is really unnecessary to the plot. She had been kidnapped and they easily could've killed her off. Is that the long-haired woman that was hysterical in Holden's house on Friday? I was lost. I guess I haven't watched closely enough. I tend to have the tv on but do other things as well.

Hal's daughter Nikki? I'm having trouble remembering her. Was she the girl with the realllly long black hair that was stalking him several years ago?

Somewhere in this house I still have the tape I made of Betsy & Steve's wedding! I loved the actor playing Craig back then. Hunt was a bad guy (Ross' brother maybe) on GL and it took me over a year to not see him as that guy. I don't like it when the character changes with the actor.

Several big-name actors started on ATWT and it's funny to remember them from way back when.

When Tom and Margo was after Mr. Big, was that Tom the actor now playing Buzz Cooper on GL? Honestly, I'm not that thrilled with the woman playing Margo. I liked Margaret Colin (I think that's right).

BTW, I hate the whole James Stenbeck baloney and wish someone would just knife him in prison, lol. That man has more lives than catwoman!!

Perhaps I'm just a nut but I also liked it when they used to have Jack and Lily sing (not together). They're both great singers.

One last thought/question: Does Allison know that Emily is her actual biological mother? Sidebar (yes, I could talk ATWT forever, lol)..... when shows age children to make the storylines work, it gets weird because the parents don't age at the same rate so you end up with a 35 yr old parent and 25 yr old kid (exaggerated, but you kwim). I just find that too weird.

 

[Alice28]

Originally posted by disney4us2002
ATWT is the only soap I watch faithfully.

I'm a bit confused reading above. I heard Molly was leaving but didn't realize the character was being recast. I don't understand why the recast as her character is really unnecessary to the plot. She had been kidnapped and they easily could've killed her off. Is that the long-haired woman that was hysterical in Holden's house on Friday? I was lost. I guess I haven't watched closely enough. I tend to have the tv on but do other things as well.

Hal's daughter Nikki? I'm having trouble remembering her. Was she the girl with the realllly long black hair that was stalking him several years ago?

Somewhere in this house I still have the tape I made of Betsy & Steve's wedding! I loved the actor playing Craig back then. Hunt was a bad guy (Ross' brother maybe) on GL and it took me over a year to not see him as that guy. I don't like it when the character changes with the actor.

Several big-name actors started on ATWT and it's funny to remember them from way back when.

When Tom and Margo was after Mr. Big, was that Tom the actor now playing Buzz Cooper on GL? Honestly, I'm not that thrilled with the woman playing Margo. I liked Margaret Colin (I think that's right).

BTW, I hate the whole James Stenbeck baloney and wish someone would just knife him in prison, lol. That man has more lives than catwoman!!

Perhaps I'm just a nut but I also liked it when they used to have Jack and Lily sing (not together). They're both great singers.

One last thought/question: Does Allison know that Emily is her actual biological mother? Sidebar (yes, I could talk ATWT forever, lol)..... when shows age children to make the storylines work, it gets weird because the parents don't age at the same rate so you end up with a 35 yr old parent and 25 yr old kid (exaggerated, but you kwim). I just find that too weird.

Yes, Allison knows Emily is her biological mother. I hate the aging as well- case in point- Bonnie and Jessica- irritating. Esp cause Jess was at least 30-35 when she had Bonnie and now she's what....45 at the oldest? Dumb.

Yes, the old Tom is now Buzz on GL. Nikki was the young girl with the long dark hair.

 

[sha_lyn]

When Tom and Margo was after Mr. Big, was that Tom the actor now playing Buzz Cooper on GL? Honestly, I'm not that thrilled with the woman playing Margo. I liked Margaret Colin (I think that's right).

Yes that is him. It took me a long time to like the last 3 Margos. The origional is hte only one in my book. If I remeber correct the origional Margo and origional Tom (now Buzz on GL) are or were married in real life.


My mom, grandmother and aunt watched ATWT from the beginning. I know GL was once radio, I'm not sure about ATWT. I've watched them both my entire life.


So who do you guys think is Jordans mom? Rumor it is a main character. While it would make sense that it is Lucinda, I really think it is Margo. Does anyone remember how long she was missing before Tom found her back when Mr Big kidnapped her?

My dad was out of work that yr and he watch ATWT and kept me up to date as to what I missed while at school. I know the storyline lasted a long time. Maybe started in Spring break and ended in the summer. I know I saw the beginning and end but missed a lot of the middle.

I hate to see Benjamin Hendrickson leave. The rumor was being denied at first, but now it seems they are confirming it. As much as I love Randolph Mantooth, I couldn't stand to watch him as Hal. It does seem like he (Hendrickson) has one standin that does pretty well.

Oh there is a rumor that either Jack or Carly is being killed off. Oh I hope it is Carly.

It took a couple of yrs to get use to Hunt Block as Craig, but now Ican't imagine anyone else playing him. Same with Sierra. I didn't like anyone one but the origional for a long time.

don't like the recast Molly, either--personally, I think they should have reversed it, and the new Nikki could play Molly, and the new Molly could be Nikki

ITA.... The new Molly looks too young to be Molly, and the new Nikki looks too old to be Nikki.

Somewhere in this house I still have the tape I made of Betsy & Steve's wedding!

Oh that is one soap moment I wish I had. the others are all from GL.... LuJac's music video, Mindy and Kirks wedding and the one wedding where all the bridesmaids had on green gowns. Ithink maybe Nola and Quintons? It was featured in the opening for a long time. It dates back to Harley and Alan Michael, but I think she had on a BM dress so she is not the bride. Seems like Vanessa was also a brides maid. It wasn't one of Josh and Reva's weddings.

anyway.... so what one ATWT character would you ladies like to see return? I have several, but the one I would really like to see is Steve. However since everyone from his life is gone it seems unlikely.

I guess my second choice would be Caleb and Julie. It's hard to see anyone but the actor that died playing Caleb however. The last one was ok, but he just isn't Caleb.

 

[sha_lyn]

Sidebar (yes, I could talk ATWT forever, lol)..... when shows age children to make the storylines work, it gets weird because the parents don't age at the same rate so you end up with a 35 yr old parent and 25 yr old kid (exaggerated, but you kwim). I just find that too weird.

LOL, one of these days Susan will have grandchildren the same age she is LOL.

 

[chell]

Even after all this time I am still not used to this Margo. Craig and Rosanna are also ones I have had a hard time getting used to.

 

[Friend_of_Piglet]

Hi everyone

Thanks for starting this thread.
I'm a third generation ATWT watcher. My grandmother watched from day one, then my dad :yes:: I said "Dad"). He watches faithfully every day. And I've been watching the show since my grandmother baby-sat me when I was 2 years old. And I'm 29 now
I'm sorry to hear that Benjamin is leaving, not surprised though. My favorite character of ALL time is Paul Ryan. But played by Andrew Kavovit 1987-1991. I do have to admit that Roger Howarth is doing a great job with the role. It took me a while to get used to Hunt Block, but now I can't imagine him not playing Craig.
I LOVE JAMES STENBECK!!! Love Henry too.
Love Bob's toast every Thanksgiving.
I miss the Snyder's and the pond, the Mona Lisa, Montgomery & Associates, the Benefit Ball, the McKechnie Castle and many many other things I can't think of at the moment.
I'd like to see Lucinda with a Storyline.
I wish (other than that Paul mentioned above) that Kirk Anderson would come back as well as all Snyders.

I too can talk ATWT forever.

Sooz

 

[minniegirl88]

I watch it randomly in the summer since i have to go to school.
I love soap operas and dramatic movies/tv. I think they are sooo interesting.

ATWT is my favorite and i've been watching it during summers for like 4 years and i'm 16.

 

[ginna74]

I don't like the new molly either I saw the old molly on another soap as I was channel surfing

 

[hilside]

Wow! So great to see some responses to this thread! I, too, could talk ATWT forever. I think it's funny I don't know much American or world history, but I can tell you almost anything you want to know about ATWT and GL past storylines! LOL

I'm a bit confused reading above. I heard Molly was leaving but didn't realize the character was being recast. I don't understand why the recast as her character is really unnecessary to the plot. She had been kidnapped and they easily could've killed her off. Is that the long-haired woman that was hysterical in Holden's house on Friday? I was lost. I guess I haven't watched closely enough. I tend to have the tv on but do other things as well.

Supposedly, the new Molly, Christina Chambers, is a temporary recast, just long enough to wrap up Molly's current storyline, because Lesli Kay wanted out now. Her husband, Keith Couloris (ex-David Stenbeck) lives in L.A., and she was tired of a bi-coastal marriage.

I saw the old molly on another soap as I was channel surfing

Yes, she now plays Lois on General Hospital. She actually was seen on both shows at the same time for a week or so.

Hal's daughter Nikki? I'm having trouble remembering her. Was she the girl with the realllly long black hair that was stalking him several years ago?

Yes, that's her. She was played by Jordana Brewster, who has since been in movies like The Faculty and The Fast and the Furious.

Sidebar (yes, I could talk ATWT forever, lol)..... when shows age children to make the storylines work, it gets weird because the parents don't age at the same rate so you end up with a 35 yr old parent and 25 yr old kid (exaggerated, but you kwim). I just find that too weird.

Yes, this trend disturbs me, too. Did you realize that Katie was actually born after Adam? Yet, over the past few years, Katie was clearly older than Adam.

Oh there is a rumor that either Jack or Carly is being killed off. Oh I hope it is Carly.

SPOILER ALERT!!!!! According to the latest Soap Opera Digest, Jack will be presumed dead, but he isn't really.

Keep posting folks! I love this! By the way, for those of you that also watch Guiding Light, I started a thread for that show here.

 

[disney4us2002]

So ATWT and GL are both taped in NYC? It seems the actors switch betweeen those two soaps a lot. I find that confusing for several months and then you adjust.

Thanks for clearing up the Nikki thing. I knew her name was Jordana Brewster because my son has the Fast & Furious movie. I really liked her. Did she leave to go to college (the storyline not Jordana)?

I guess because there was a big break in time between the old Rosanna (from the Snyder pond days) to this new Rosanna that it didn't seem as weird but I don't care for the way the char change when they recast. The old Rosanna was just soooo sweet. Plus, omg, I loved the old Mike Casnov (Christian something?) and his gorgeous brother that rescued Lily.

As much as I love the Lily/Holden relationship, I really miss Damian Grimaldi. He was just delicious!

I had not heard that the actor that played Caleb had died. He was so young.

So many char names to keep track of, lol. I miss Josh (Lily's bio dad) and her grandfather too. I can't remember the names but I really liked her grandfather and the young dark-haired woman who was his wife but fell in love with the other Casnov. I'm terrible with names.

As for current storylines, I don't care for the Jessica/Ben/Doc storyline at all. Poor Ben has been crapped on by all the women in his life!

 

[sha_lyn]

I wish (other than that Paul mentioned above) that Kirk Anderson would come back as well as all Snyders.

Oh I'd love to see Kirk and Sam come back. I think with James back now, it would be the perfect time to bring them back. Hummm.... with the "rapid aging syndrom" that kids on soaps get, could they set it up for Jordan to be Sam's son? I could just see James sticking her is some place (like he help Barb stick Rose, Carly and Emily in the spa) and having her artificially insemnated.

Henry kind of reminds me of Kirk. He helps fill that void that Kirk left. Craig in the very beginning was the same type of character too. A bit shady but loyal to their friends and really with a good heart under all the sceming.

I had not heard that the actor that played Caleb had died. He was so young

The orgional caleb died in 1993 of a drug overdose. It was one of those stories that make good tabloid news. Drug overdose in a hotel with a prostitute. I've tired to find more info but can't right now. IMDb doesn't even have a pic of him and all they list for him is ATWT and a guest spot on Miami Vise.

 

[hilside]

Plus, omg, I loved the old Mike Casnov (Christian something?) and his gorgeous brother that rescued Lily.

The original Mike was Shawn Christian, who is now a regular on Summerland. He was definitely yummy. And, oh boy, did I love Mark (played by Alexander Walters)--at least until he cut off his hair.

So many char names to keep track of, lol. I miss Josh (Lily's bio dad) and her grandfather too. I can't remember the names but I really liked her grandfather and the young dark-haired woman who was his wife but fell in love with the other Casnov. I'm terrible with names.

Lily's grandfather was Cal, and his wife was Connor.

The orgional caleb died in 1993 of a drug overdose. It was one of those stories that make good tabloid news. Drug overdose in a hotel with a prostitute. I've tired to find more info but can't right now. IMDb doesn't even have a pic of him and all they list for him is ATWT and a guest spot on Miami Vise.

This is the only picture I could find--it's the original Caleb and Angel:

 

[r3ngels]

Originally posted by disney4us2002


As for current storylines, I don't care for the Jessica/Ben/Doc storyline at all. Poor Ben has been crapped on by all the women in his life!

Thank you, Thank you... I think it is the worst storyline in a long time Margo and Jessica are acting like grade school girls with crushes on Doc. I am waiting for a cat fight to discredit them even more.
They are suppost to be intelligent, happily married professionals and yet the writers, out of the blue, want us to believe that they would do this.
Margo and Tom haven't had a fight in years until they cast "Doc" and know they "have no chemistry and the spark is gone" according to Margo.
We are also suppost to think that Jessica, who obviously didn't learn from the whole Marshall storyline even after her daughter spent time in jail for killing him, While trying to get pregnant with her husband would sleep with a guy without any protection. And all along Ben goes along with it... It makes him look so stupid.

Please.... these people are "lawyers, doctors, detectives, and district attorneys" or at least they play one on TV

Okay that is my vent for the day... I just hate that storyline... give me Lucy/Dusty Jordan/Jennifer Paul/Rosanna.... Craig, Lucinda, Lily anyone else pls just get rid of the Doc storyline