Wednesday, December 31, 2008 8:15 PM EST | By Errol Lewis

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(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — After two straight weeks of repeats and interruptions, “General Hospital” is back in full swing with lots of drama heading your way.

THIS WEEK ON: GENERAL HOSPITAL

Jax and Carly come to a mutual understanding. Nadine makes it clear that she wants nothing to do with Equinox and its dealings with manufactured weapons. In honor of Ruby’s memory, Luke and Bobbie discuss rebuilding Kelly’s. Sam is unsettled when she witnesses how close Lucky and Elizabeth are getting. Robin feels the stress of motherhood. Patrick informs Sonny that Michael’s condition could be permanent. Sonny and Carly come to an understanding and work on re-building their relationship. Diane suggests that Alexis and she work on bringing Jax and Carly back together, instead of tearing them apart through a divorce. Johnny is arrested, and Ric offers help from Anthony. A surprising individual bails Johnny out.

The Inside Story: Claudia and Her DVD’s
Claudia has her hands on the latest Jerry Jacks DVD, but unfortunately for her Sonny is too close for comfort. Claudia tries to distract Sonny and hide the DVD before he grows suspicious on Monday, January 5. Carly catches Claudia in the act.  Carly gives Claudia a stern warning. Claudia is surprised by Sonny’s generosity and latest actions. Johnny learns of what Jerry’s been up to in the afterlife. Lulu grows suspicious of Johnny and Claudia.

A Closer Look: When Spinelli Met Winifred
On Friday, January 2, Spinelli met Winifred (played by Senta Moses), his “female counterpart.” On Monday, January 5, Maxie grows suspicious of Winifred, but is quickly calmed down by Spinelli’s words. Unfortunately, being the Maxie we all know and love, that won’t stop her from snooping. Winifred threatens Maxie, while Spinelli can’t side with Maxie this time. Thinking she is saving him, Maxie goes to great lengths (think bedroom) in changing his mind.

What To Watch

• Nikolas and Nadine seek Alexis’ advice on Tuesday, January 6.
• Carly and Jax have a date on Wednesday, January 7.
• Jax flirts with Olivia on Thursday, January 8.
• The FBI is closing in on Spinelli and Jason retaliates against Sonny on Friday, January 9.

General Hospital News and Headlines

• ‘GH’ Casts a New Recurring Role
• Natalia Livingston Return’s to ‘GH’
• New ‘Bachelor’ Gets Aide from ‘General Hospital’
• Review: Vanessa Marcil Stars in ‘The Nanny Express’
• SON Top 10: Who was the best of the best on “GH” during the week of December 29, 2008 – January 2, 2009?  You decide! The SON Top 10 is back starting Friday, January 2, 2009 at 4:00 PM, EST.

SON ALERTS: WEEK OF JANUARY 12, 2009

• Monday: Claudia is fine with the way things are. Carly and Jax take baby steps to a reconciliation. Nikolas and Nadine take on the government. (What? )

• Tuesday: Agent Rayner offers Jason a deal. Claudia pressures Sonny into offing Jason. Jax and Carly share a romantic evening.

• Wednesday: Jason gets in too deep with the Feds. Kate spies on Claudia. Lucky and Sam are at odds.

• Thursday: Sonny questions Jason’s morality. Claudia continues her search for the most incriminating DVD. Maxie puts Spinelli’s mind at ease. Natalia Livingston re-joins the cast as Rebecca, a mystery woman that plays mind games with Nikolas.

• Friday: Jason and Sonny put their cards on the table. Ric is suspicious of Claudia. “General Hospital” kicks off a major groundbreaking storyline as Patrick recalls the events before disaster struck.

“General Hospital” airs Weekdays on ABC. Weeknights on SOAPnet. Check local listings.

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Wednesday, December 31, 2008 4:21 PM EST | By Errol Lewis

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(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — Secrets are hard to keep.

THIS WEEK ON: DAYS OF OUR LIVES

After asking the woman he loves and the mother of his “unborn” child to marry him at the beginning of the New Year, would EJ really want her to find out what he’s been up to soon afterward? Nicole finds pre-nuptial agreement paperwork that suddenly falls out of EJ’s briefcase. Care to explain Mr. Wells?

Hope works her magic on Bo and convinces him to take a romantic break with her. It will be well worth it Brady. Lexie and Abe learn that Theo must undergo surgery in order to relieve pressure on his brain. Max offers himself as Chelsea’s date to the engagement party.

A Closer Look: Lucas the Protector
It’s bad enough that Daniel is with his mother, but does he have to sniff around Chloe too? Lucas is about to find out as the two duke it out. Of course, Lucas throws the first punch on Thursday, January 8. Kate tells Daniel that she thinks they should take a break from their relationship.

What To Watch

• John remembers seeing Marlena on a pier many years ago on Friday, January 9 .

Days of our Lives News and Headlines

• SON Top 10: Who was the best of the best on “DAYS” during the week of December 29, 2008 – January 2, 2009?  You decide! The SON Top 10 is back starting Friday, January 2, 2009 at 4:00 PM, EST.

SON ALERTS: WEEK OF JANUARY 12, 2009

• Nicole’s plan moves forward.
• Phillip tries to fight his attraction to Stephanie.
• Chloe and Daniel get intimate.
• Brady is on to John.

“Days of our Lives” airs Weekdays on NBC. Weeknights on SOAPnet. Check local listings.

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Discussion: DAYS PreVUE: Week of January 5 Edition

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Wednesday, December 31, 2008 5:00 PM EST | By Angela Rosa

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(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — Looking for trouble.

THIS WEEK ON: ALL MY CHILDREN

Ryan and Greenlee’s bliss is not contagious; Erica balks at the sight of the duo back together while Opal warns them against a holy union. Pete’s plot to grab Colby’s attention fails miserably. On Tuesday, January 6, Angie learns Rebecca may factor into her life a lot longer than she originally expected. Passion flares between Amanda and JR as Pine Valley’s newest millionaire tries to convince her former mark to stop drinking. The reveal of Taylor’s deception proves to be a positive catalyst for Brot and Taylor on Thursday, January 8.

A Closer Look: Shaky Ground
Erica’s hits a nerve (Bianca’s) when she voices her concern about the time Reese and Zach have been spending together. Is Miranda, Spike, Ian and Gabrielle’s mother’s mother full of bunk or just astute? On Monday, January 5, the effect Zach’s close proximity has on Reese prompts the architect to put the kibosh on their friendship. The tension between Reese and Bianca continues to mount despite Reese’s assurance that Erica’s concerns are completely off base. Greenlee scoffs at Bianca’s concerns but later takes notice of the dynamic going on between Reese and Zach. Still the cosmetic mogul and her fiancé urge Bianca against testing her fiancé. Erica, meanwhile, confronts Zach and Reese with her suspicions. Bianca decision to heed Ryan and Greenlee’s advice goes straight out the window when she finds Reese in Zach’s arms.

The Inside Story: All In a Day’s Work
A sedated Krystal unabashedly attends the grand re-opening of the casino on David’s arm. David’s good mood improves when Krystal makes her hesitant feelings about Tad’s imminent return obvious. A drunken JR’s behavior at the casino serves to further delight the menacing doctor. But has David gone too far? On Wednesday, January 7, Amanda is unnerved to find a bloody oar and no sign of either David or JR after leaving them alone on her yacht. Back at Wildwind, the situation grows increasingly volatile as JR violently restrains David and demands admissions. Krystal tells a concerned Opal about the pills she’s been taking. JR stops himself from killing David and walks out of Wildwind in disgust after realizing Krystal has been sleeping with David. Opal races to find Krystal when Tad arrives home early on Friday, January 9. Kathy, meanwhile, tells her father about David’s visits. Krystal’s day promises to get worse when JR arrives at the house poised to spill everything to Tad.

All My Children News and Headlines

• ‘AMC’s’ Egglesfield Is History
• Pine Valley’s Ins and Outs
• SON Top 10: Who was the best of the best on “AMC” during the week of December 29, 2008 – January 2, 2009?  You decide! The SON Top 10 is back starting Friday, January 2, 2009 at 4:00 PM, EST.

SON ALERTS: WEEK OF JANUARY 12, 2009

• Monday: Tad demands the truth from Krystal. Bianca’s plan backfires. Pete is heartbroken over Colby’s rejection.
• Tuesday: The jig could be up for Aidan. Tad plays hardball with Krystal. Randi’s past comes back to haunt her.
• Wednesday: Zach suspects that Erica is up to something. Aidan promises Annie that he’ll help her. Josh vows revenge against Zach.
• Thursday: David has dire news for Zach. Aidan coaches Annie on what to tell Dr. Sinclair. Opal questions Krystal about David’s true motives.
• Friday: Josh makes a desperate move. Amanda buys a pregnancy test. Angie and Jake team up to bring David down.

“All My Children” airs Weekdays on ABC. Weeknights on SOAPnet. Check local listings.

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Wednesday, December 31, 2008 12:47 AM EST | By Errol Lewis

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(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — After a two year absence, the Soap Opera Network Top 10 poll returns just in time to ring in the new year.

Who is Daytime’s Top Actress? Actor? Couple? Only you can decide as SoapOperaNetwork.com is proud to return to you the SON Top 10.

When the last Top 10 ballot was cast on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 and the last results chart posted on Thursday, November 16, 2006, ABC’s “One Life to Live” was dominating the charts. Renee Elise Goldsberry (ex-Evangeline Williamson) was Daytime’s Top Actress for the 34th week (out of 96 weeks) and David Fumero was Daytime’s Top Actor for the third time in 31 tries. While he ranked a distant number 2 in vote counts at the time, “General Hospital‘s” Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos) held the record of most weeks in the Top 10 (169) and most weeks spent at #1 (91). Only “All My Children‘s” Alicia Minshew (Kendal Hart) and “One Life’s” Michael Easton (John McBain) came close as each held on at 131 and 105 weeks on the chart, respectively. “General Hospital” was daytime’s Top soap as it ranked #1 for a record 73 weeks. “All My Children” was second with 66 weeks spent at #1.

With so much history behind it, it is anyone’s guess as to why we decided to pull the plug on this once popular feature. Look for the SON Top 10 to begin accepting new votes on Friday, January 2, 2009 for episodes covering the week of December 29, 2008 – January 2, 2009.

Discussion: SON Top 10 Returns!

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Tuesday, December 30, 2008 2:17 PM ET | By Errol Lewis

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(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — While we ring in a new year and anticipate more drama filled soap opera on daytime’s remaining eight soap operas, we won’t soon forget how much has happened in the year gone by.

With 2008 almost but a memory, each of daytime’s broadcast networks have filled up on what you can expect to see on their schedules between New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

 What you won’t see on New Year’s Day on ABC, CBS or NBC is a soap in sight. The day before, ABC makes us relive Tornado’s (“All My Children“) and Game Shows (“One Life to Live“), while 2007 comes to life again courtesy of “General Hospital” and its look back at the Nikolas and Emily engagement party that ended in tragedy. Of course, it would appear that ABC is gearing fans up for the return of Natalia Livingston to the soap (she first airs as a new character named Rebecca on Thursday, January 15). CBS and NBC bring us fresh episodes of “The Bold and the Beautiful,” “Days of our Lives” and “The Young and the Restless.” “As The World Turns” and “Guiding Light” are pre-empted. 

Wednesday, December 31: New Year’s Eve

• AMC: Repeat – Another tornado hits as Jake is operating on Kendall and he pushes her gurney out of the way of falling debris. Greenlee is surprised to see Bianca with a baby. Bianca tells Zach she will keep the baby’s paternity a secret until Zach can tell Kendall that he is the father. Angie operates on Natalia and it is revealed to Tad and Frankie that Natalia is Jesse’s daughter. JR agrees to marry Babe. Babe admits to Krystal that she knows she is dying but doesn’t want JR to know that she knows and she says goodbye to Little A. Annie searches for Emma at the Chandler home and runs into Ryan. Pete and Colby search the tunnels for Adam and Erica (episode #9985; original air date 10/22/08).
• ATWT: Pre-empted.
• B&B: Fresh Episode – While airing a fresh episode to the east coast in its regular timeslot, the soap will air latenight on CBS’ West Coast (Pacific time) affiliates. Otherwise, the days episode will be made available on CBS.com.
• DAYS: Fresh Episode.
• GH: Repeat – Episode begins with a flash forward of Nikolas waking up and discovering a body and this is followed by a flash back to the beginning of the ball where Nikolas proposes to Emily. Nikolas announces their engagement to the guests and the couple shares a waltz. Sam and Liz have a catfight over Jason. Johnny sneaks into the ball to track down Anthony. Spinelli accidentally reveals to Lulu that he has feelings for her while Lulu tries to enjoy her time with Logan. Jason goes into action mode when he finds out that Anthony has escaped his home and is on the loose (episode #11420; original air date 10/31/07).
• GL: Pre-empted.
• OLTL: Repeat – Rex fights for his life in surgery and dreams of being on a game show where he competes against Brody for his life and for Shane. Rex flat lines. Gigi tells Shane the truth about who his father is and he reacts badly. Gigi fights for Shane’s forgiveness and asks him to wait with her for Rex to come out of surgery. Roxy gathers everyone in a group prayer for Rex. Natalie offers Tess a deal; if she is allowed out of the Secret Room to see Rex she will agree to give up Jared (episode #10281; original air date 10/1/08).
• Y&R: Fresh Episode.

Thursday, January 1: New Year’s Day (Welcome to 2009)

• ALL: Pre-empted due to parades and sports activities on the broadcast networks.

Friday, January 2

• ALL: Fresh Episodes of all daytime soaps.

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Discussion: New Year, Old Memories: Welcome to 2009

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Tuesday, December 30, 2008 1:55 AM EST | By Scotty Gore

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(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — “One Life to Live‘s” Mark Lawson declared the hunkiest daytime soap star.

SoapHunks.net, the popular soap opera website dedicated to daytime’s hottest past and present male stars, has named “One Life To Live” newcomer Mark Lawson as Daytime’s “Best Hunk” for 2008. Lawson portrays Brody Lovett on the ABC Daytime drama series.

The actor narrowly edged out “The Bold and the Beautiful’s” Brandon Beemer (Owen) for the honor. Also nominated were Shawn Christian (Daniel, “Days of Our Lives“), Eric Martsolf (Ethan, “Passions”), and One Life” co-star John-Paul Lavoisier (Rex). Lawson joined “One Life to Live” on April 24th, 2008.

While earning the title of “Best Hunk,” Lawson was also honored with “Best Chest” and “Hunkiest Newcomer.” John-Paul Lavoisier won “Best Hair” and “One Life to Live” was named “Hunkiest Soap,” beating out “As the World Turns,” “The Bold and the Beautiful,” “Days of Our Lives,” and “The Young and the Restless.”

Several “One Life” male cast members received nominations in other categories, but lost out to other soap stars.

For the complete list of all this year’s nominees and winners, check out the Soap Hunk website.

Discussion: Lawson Named Number One Soap Hunk

“One Life to Live” airs Weekdays on ABC. Weeknights on SOAPnet. Check local listings.

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Tuesday, December 30, 2008 12:43 AM EST | By Scotty Gore

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(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — Soap Opera Digest releases their annual “Best and Worst” list for 2008, with “One Life to Live” leading all soaps by receiving top honors in nine categories.

It was a year filled with time travel, multiple personalities, a visit to heaven, trips to foreign lands, musical guests, shocking returns, and a 40th anniversary on “One Life to Live.” But through it all, fans of the long running daytime drama were gripped by touching and provocative storylines including Todd Manning having sex and falling in love with an amnesiac Marty Saybrooke, Dorian Cramer Lord’s surprise takeover of Buchanan Enterprises, and Jessica Brenan’s altar Tess holding her sister Natalie Buchanan and boyfriend Jared Banks hostage for months in a secret room beneath Llanfair vowing to make them pay for the accidental death of her late husband Nash. With such an exciting year in Llanview, it’s no wonder that “OLTL” earned the distinction of being named “Best Show for 2008″ in SOD‘s December 16th edition.

However, “OLTL” also garnered mentions in other categories including: ‘Best Musical Appearance’ (Snoop Dogg), ‘Most Entertaining Male’ (David Vickers), ‘Biggest Tearjerker’ (Nash’s death), ‘Most Daring Story’ (Marty and Todd’s romance), and ‘Best New Couple’ (Rex and Gigi). But with the good comes the bad, with “OLTL” winning ‘Worst Story’ with the soap’s return to the fictional land of make believe known as Mendorra, ‘Worst Recast’ with Justis Bolding as Tina and Cord’s daughter Sarah Roberts, and ‘Worst Special Episodes’ for the “Go Red” episodes (tied with “All My Children” and “General Hospital). In case you missed it, the “Go Red” references and episodes were the result of a cross-promotion between ABC Daytime and Campbell’s Soup last February, urging viewers to adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle.

For the complete “Best and Worst of 2008″ list, check out the December 16 Edition of Soap Opera Digest, or by visiting their website.

Discussion: OLTL’ Named Best Soap of 2008

“One Life to Live” airs Weekdays on ABC. Weeknights on SOAPnet. Check local listings.

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Sunday, December 28, 2008 8:46 PM EST | By Venus Stone

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(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — Another New Year for those in Genoa City……

THIS WEEK ON: THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS

Katherine is caught red-handed by Jill as she’s stepping foot into the Chancellor mansion. Jill immediately thinks she’s Marge trying to pretend to be Katherine and calls the cops to have her arrested. Karen has doubts about marriage to Neil. An offer is given to Jill and she has a hard time resisting. Gloria and Jeffrey plan to scheme when Katherine is put in the jail with her.

What to Watch: Trouble Brewing
Jack gives Billy a serious warning. Yet another face-off between Jack and Victor occurs. Abby comes back home to the ones she loves. Amber keeps herself occupied with her thoughts as to whether Kevin is a cold-blooded murderer. Victor and Nikki find themselves sharing a close moment together. Phyllis won’t stop her scheme in keeping her man. Brad, meanwhile, spends some New Year’s Eve time with Sharon and a tender moment is shared between the two.

• “Y&R” will be pre-empted on Thursday, January 1.

SON ALERTS: WEEK OF JANUARY 5, 2009

• Cane tries to clean Billy’s clock.
• Jack’s omission sends Sharon into filing some papers
• Jill has Jack in her sights for destruction
• Kevin’s conscience starts playing with him
• Billy and Lily get physical

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Sunday, December 28, 2008 6:59 PM EST | By Venus Stone

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(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — Costly repercussions…

THIS WEEK ON: AS THE WORLD TURNS

Henry isn’t pleased to learn that the only reason why Maddie is back in town is to try to start again with Casey. When she expresses how they both are different people now, Henry hesitantly agrees to give them a chance to try again. Bonnie tries to get Jade to come to Metro with her but Jade tells her she doesn’t want to be pushed into Derek’s life. Jade and Luke have a run in and when he leaves upset for her not accepting his apology, she follows after him only to run into Derek and Bonnie. Derek lets Jade know he doesn’t want to have anything to do with her, but she shoots back at him by telling him he wasn’t even on her mind.

Dusty admits to Meg that he still longs to have Johnny in his life; even admitting that he would have taken Craig up on his offer for joint custody. Josie heads to the hospital to see Paul and becomes deeply concerned when he reveals a vision to her, under the assumption that he’s ‘seeing’ Jennifer in front of him. When she tries to explain the vision to Dusty he disregards what she has to say until Meg reminds him t hat Paul’s visions have rarely been wrong. Meg and Dusty soon head over to the hospital where Paul tells him that he sees Johnny surrounded by a lion. After a call to the PI, Dusty once again comes up short. Meanwhile Lucy continues to stay hidden at the Lakeview with Johnny.

What to Watch: Flirting with Disaster
Lucinda and Brian get into an argument over New Year’s plans which causes her to push him away, telling him to go to Metro by himself. Maddie and Noah, who are also at Metro have a heart-to-heart, where she tells him about hearing Casey and Alison making out in her room at the Lakeview. Noah comforts her by taking her to Al’s unaware that Luke has seen them. Once again upset at their closeness, Luke gets drunk; Seeing this, Brian decides to follow him. After telling Brian to leave him alone, Luke grabs him and kisses him in a taunting manner. Noah witnesses it and assumes that Brian was the one that came on to Luke, punching him cold. Brian quickly covers when Lucinda sees him later all bruised and bloodied. Unfortunately for Luke, Noah soon learns that he was the one that put the moves on Brian and walks out on him.

• “ATWT” will be pre-empted Wednesday, December 31 and on Thursday, January 1.

SON ALERTS: WEEK OF JANUARY 5, 2009

• Craig is closer to the truth than he realizes
• Casey apologizes to Maddie for his actions but reveals his true feelings
• Jade picks Lily’s brain about Brian
• Brian confesses all to a furious Lucinda
• Katie’s guilty conscious points Craig in the right direction

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