2003 in WubReview

That's right, a whole year of Review Just For You.
The Good, the Bad and the Wubbly
Who GH Lost. Recasts, firings and leavings

Could GH have gone through MORE cast members last year? 2001 and 2002 were bad enough, but this sets a new precedent. Is there any other soap that introduces more characters at once, just to kill them off or have them leave (or recasted) before we can even say "SummerLydia"? Not to say all of this was a bad thing, but when characters like Gia, Taggert, AJ and Felicia can just disappear it's a sad day in daytime indeed. None of them had a fab exit, many just "left town" and faded from our TV screens. Fanbases be damned this year as well--no couple emerged unscathed.
2003 brought our real lives into war and turmoil. Instead of providing an escape, GH decided to add to our level of violence. Babies lost, women chained to walls, gunshots, stabbings, cliff diving and plain depressing stories graced our screens. Not even the "event" of the year--Brenda's return, could spark GH into life. (At least it gave the magazine's a reason to stop running the "WILL VM RETURN/" covers for a few months.)
Emily's cancer story had such promise. Instead it was glossed over, hurried and used as a prop for a triangle that really made no sense. Johnny's exit was done terribly; we should have seen Jason have to blow him away. Jason's a powerful "hitman" right? Well, show it, damn it. Don't say: Take care of him and leave the scene at that. Guza's great on violence but where it may have proved to be a great moment (Johnny begging for his life) he chickens out.
GH needs three things: Family, history and a heart if it's going to warrant anyone watching in 2004. The only fun I had this year was the Christmas Special and that's just because Tony Geary never ceases to amaze. (Connie Towers helped too!) I really hope he has enough cash to bankroll his own independent film soon. He deserves so much better. Genie Francis, where ever you are... you were so smart to get the hell off of GH while the going was good!


Whether he was on a backburner, in a crypt or helping his lady-love overcome her cancer, "Zander" was played with subdued brilliance by Chad Brannon this year. Watching him watch his father kiss "Dobson" was priceless. It's too bad GH never really knew where Zander "fit"--because it was clear that Chad could fit anywhere!

sucess2


Could two great comebacks have been so screwed up by TPTB than these? First all the Brenda hype--then the Brenda Burnout when she was on 24-7. Still, NOT picking up Vanessa's option was just plain stupid. As for Stephen Nichols, I can't say much without getting very angry. We all know a great story was there, waiting to be told (especially with Tyler Christopher back as Nikolas); it's just too bad the writers couldn't find it. Connie Towers also gets a nod because no matter when or how she comes back, it's just plain FAB.

For Shame, Mr Fronz! Axing our beloved "Lila and Edward" is bad enough, but to replace them with a bunch of newbies and terrible storylines? Please.

  • Worst Storyline: Tie: Card Caper/Carly Captivity
  • Comeback that has me going: HUH?: Justus Ward
  • Missed opportunity: AJ/Skye
  • Worst new character: Brian
  • Worst set: "France"
  • Best Speech: Helena at Stefan's funeral
  • Best Couple: Dillon/Georgie
  • I hate: Sage
  • Stupidest use of redux: Carly's Coma Dreams
  • Glad you're back: Jane Elliott
  • Hottest Love Scene: Zander/Elizabeth
  • Thing I want the most: Embrat's giant rock of a ring
  • Most disappointing story: Emily's cancer. Done terribly and hollow; a real let down

    OTHER 2003 AWARDS

    Oh, yes, "Starting Over"... a syndicated realilty soap that's on daily. Missy Nyanza's gone, but there's plenty of other's to take her Authentic Place!


    All My Children has been just fab this year. The core families are intact, the humor is there and hot love scenes abound. AMC has just the right amount of camp, drama and sheer fun to be a daytime escape!


    Hildi on "Trading Spaces" is destructive and just plain mean. Jamie and Alli on MTV's "Rich Girls" are just plain idiotic. Oy.

    Reminds me of Jefferson Starship plus Linkin Park. What's not to love?


    Is it the "GH" Connection? Both starred in "Elf"...THE Family movie of Christmas, and now both have successful prime-time shows. James Caan stars in "Las Vegas" with our own Vanessa Marcil and Mary costars in "Joan of Arcadia" with Amber Tamblyn. Scary but true!
    Happy New Year to Everyone! Thank You for reading the WUBS Net! Cheers~Karen