Question of the Week: Is Scripted Drama Really Dead?

Susan Lucci, Cameron Mathison, Rebecca Budig,
Debbi Morgan, Darnell Williams
All My Children
ABC Daytime (but  not for long)

With the recent sickening and misguided cancellation of All My Children and One Life to Live, “The Powers That Be” at ABC have been insisting that the genre of Daytime Drama is dead. If it is dead, it wasn’t from natural causes. It was murder. But, I don’t believe that it is dead. The phenomenal outpouring of the fans who are struggling to be heard by the network is proof that scripted drama is still a beloved medium. I’m impressed by the efforts of the fans of these two shows who have decided that they won’t go without a fight.
As a writer, I’m a fan of scripted drama. I know for a fact that people still appreciate serialized writing. The number of you who visit this site to read Punch’s Cousin each day is testament enough of that. So, I can’t accept that there’s not a market for daytime serials any longer.

I’m curious to know your thoughts. Do you really believe that audiences only want to see reality and panel shows during the day? Do you feel that there’s still value in traditional story telling? To quote a recent interview with Agnes Nixon, “Are people tired of stories? I don't think so. The letters and calls that everybody has gotten say they weren't tired of our stories.” I agree with Miss Nixon.

I love to see the efforts of the fans of All My Children and One Life to Live. Perhaps they can make a difference though I fear it’s too late. However, it’s never too late to let your opinions be known. The more we express what kind of programming we really want to see, the better chance we have of keeping other dramas—both daytime and prime time—from meeting a similar demise.

Would you rather watch a program about dieting or something like the clip below? Your thoughts are appreciated. Let’s give rise to our voices…

Question of the Week: What’s Your Favorite Room?

We all have a favorite room in our homes.  If you’re like Bertie, your favorite space in the house might be the kitchen—the heart of the home.  Maybe you have a fondness for your bedroom.  Or, perhaps you favor your living room because of the many happy times you’ve spent there.  I’d like to know about your favorite room.  Why do you like it?  What makes it your favorite spot?  I look forward to reading your comments!

Question of the Week: Do you Believe in Ghosts?

This morning, I awoke to find that all of the antique clocks in the house had been stopped. Two of them had the front crystals open—a condition in which I had not left them the night before. They had all stopped within five minutes of one another. This, I’m sure, can be explained scientifically in one way or another. It’s been raining here, so that may have something to do with it. It isn’t the first time something peculiar has happened around here that I can’t explain. Shoes have moved on their own, doors open and close, a plate once hurled itself across the room. The topic of ghosts is one that is rich with debate. So, I want to know how you feel about it. Do you believe? I look forward to reading your comments.

Question of the Week: What's Your Favorite Treat?

Every week, I share some of the delicious foods that I enjoy. Now, I’d like to know what foods you like. What are you favorite treats? What’s your favorite meal? What makes your mouth water? Cuisine is an art. What food makes your life more beautiful? I look forward to reading your comments!

Question of the Week: What's Your Favorite Film?

Bette Davis as Charlotte Vale: Warner Brothers

I’m partial to films made before 1969. I’m a sucker for Davis, Crawford, Swanson, Cotten, Fontaine, De Havilland, Leigh, Taylor and Clift. But, that’s just me.

Whether you’re a classic film nut or the first in line to see the latest releases, I’d like to hear about your favorite films. What picture could you watch over-and-over again? What movie means the most to you?

I can’t wait to read your comments!

Question of the Week: Let's Talk About Pets

Why not?

I know that many of the visitors to Stalking the Belle Époque are pet owners and animal lovers.  You've all read about my Bertie, now I'd like to know a little about your pets.  What kinds of pets do you have?  What are their personalities?  If you don't have a pet, what kind would you like.  Having animals around us makes our world immeasurably more beautiful.  I'm sure we'd all like to know about the four-footed friends that bring joy and beauty to your life.  I look forward to reading your comments!

Question of the Week: What's Your Dream Goal?

Each of us has a dream that we wish to realize at some point.  For some of us, our greatest fantasies may seem completely out of reach.  While we may never pilot a mission to Mars or find fame and fortune in films, we can reach acceptable compromises that will feed our souls.  It's important to think big and work small.  After all, the old cliche about "baby steps" is true.  So, what's your dream?  What do you want to be your greatest achievement?

Question of the Week: What's Your Favorite Scent?

I'd like to know what scents you find pleasing.  Are you fond of a particular fragrance? Do you love the smell of the park after a rainstorm?  Maybe it's the crispness in the air just before the snow.  What do you like?  Please, comment below.  I'm looking forward to your answers.

Question of the Week: The Art in Your Heart...

There’s art in everything. Look around you. Do you have a favorite object, a favorite thing? Think of something that you consider special. Perhaps it’s a beloved piece of jewelry. Maybe, there’s a family heirloom that you cherish. What makes it special? What makes it beautiful? I invite all of you to share your object with me by posting a comment below. I’m curious to know what makes you happy by bringing beauty to your life.



Painting by M. Antione, from my collection.