Where Fans Celebrate Stephen Nichols and Mary Beth Evans

Apr 28 2010

Addicted to Love

Posted in Days of our Lives, Mary Beth Evans, Stephen Nichols, Steve & Kayla 6 comments

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-By Guest Blogger miahappy

Hello, my name is Mia and I am a Steve and Kayla addict.

There, I said it. The first step in conquering any addiction is admitting you have a problem. The thing is, in this case, I am not sure my addiction is a problem.

When I was 13 I began watching Days of Our Lives (initially just to annoy my sister who watched daily despite being a Luke and Laura fan at heart). I’ll never forget the first episode I ever saw. There was a big party and Renee was killed…classic whodunit mystery involving just about every character on the show.

A week later, I quietly admitted to myself I was hooked.

I was initially convinced there would never be another couple greater than Bo and Hope. Well, in the matter of a few months, with the talent and chemistry of two spectacular actors… namely Stephen Nichols and Mary Beth Evans, I knew in my heart it did not get better than their Steve and Kayla.

I remember sitting in front of the television every afternoon after I got home from school to watch the recorded episode. Some of those old tapes (even some on Beta – yes, my dad was one of the 15 people back then to insist that Beta was the way to go – lay off!) were worn out because I would rewind and play them over and over and over. There were scenes that stood out in my memory, even years later; the patch removal, the first kiss, their first time on the roof, the first time after Kayla was raped (my personal favorite), and no doubt, their yacht wedding. I knew back then my interest teetered on obsession, but who cares. I had my daily fix and I was happy.

I stopped watching Days after Steve ‘died’ in 1990. Most of the reason was because I had just begun college and was in a real transition in my life, but another reason was because I already knew at a very young age that it just doesn’t get any better than that. How do you follow up such a great love story? The old videotapes unfortunately didn’t make the move with me and I have no idea what ultimately happened to them, but with Steve ‘gone’ it was better in my mind to let them go. I never bothered with any other soap…I knew there was no point. So for the time being, I hopped on the wagon and moved on with life.

Almost 20 years later, due to restricted activity from a pregnancy and WAY too much free time, I found myself surfing through YouTube early one Saturday morning. I was positively giddy to find a plethora of Steve and Kayla clips at my fingertips for my endless viewing pleasure. I laughed, cried and reminisced back to my teen years as I watched scenes I remembered so very fondly and could practically still recite despite having not seen them for many, many years.

It was then that I officially fell off the wagon.

Long story short, in order to feed my growing addiction I found myself engulfed in the multitude of fan fiction stories posted on the forums. I’ll tell you, I knew after reading that first story that things would never be the same. Finally, there was something to fill that void that could not be taken away by some idiot running a multi-million dollar organization…some moron who couldn’t care less about what his fans are begging for nor the product he puts out. I wouldn’t have to suffer through watching some dim-witted executive attempting to destroy something that, although fictional, held a dear place in my heart and always would.

But…I digress…

The day I read the last new fan fiction was a sad one for me. I thought to myself, ‘what now?’ It took a great deal of self-convincing and a number of attempts before I finally decided to give it a shot and write a story of my own. If there was nothing to read…I’d write. I’ll tell you honestly, it was the best decision I have made in a long time. Now there is hardly a day that goes by without some time spent writing, or reading, but mostly both. It is a wonderful escape to difficult times and the struggles we all have to deal with in life. Without this outlet, I’m sure they would have taken me away in a straight jacket months ago (but there is no guarantee my husband doesn’t have them on stand-by at this moment – in fact, he won’t tell me what the unmarked speed dial number is on the phone…I’ll have to ask him about that).

When I was asked to write this blog, my mind began to wander back to the beginning. What started this time-filler, which turned into a hobby, which quickly became an addiction for me? Well, the answer to that was the magic of Steve and Kayla.

What is it about this fictional couple that has spawned multiple websites, luncheons (*expletive* you Corday), campaigns and tons of intriguing fan fictions? What is it that kept them alive in our hearts for the past 20 years and will keep them with us forever, despite the attempts at destruction through the current production team in charge?

Here’s my take…

We start with a very flawed character, Steve “Patch” Johnson. The eye patch definitely gives him an air of intrigue and the pretense of danger. The smarmy attitude and obvious vendetta against Bo Brady peaked our interest as we began to wonder about this new nemesis introduced to the scene.

He was a mercenary. An orphan who never had anyone honestly love him, he did what it took to survive, but even early on we could see there was more to this man than met the eye (no pun intended). His time with Hope showed us glimpses into his heart; a heart he tried desperately to hide from the outside world. For him life was hard and he had been repeatedly hurt and rejected (even by his own mother). He wasn’t going to let anyone get inside his heart – that was carefully locked away, never to be opened again.

Then there was Kayla. She was beautiful, intelligent, sweet, and very caring. Raised in the textbook happy home, she lived her life caring for those less fortunate, always on the side of the underdog. Despite numerous warnings from many people who cared for her, she insisted on seeing the good in everyone, regardless of common stereotypes.

Their relationship started in the worst possible way. He stalked and terrorized her. But, fans of the couple will never forget the look on ‘Patch’s’ face the first time he saw Kayla from her closet in Cleveland. Everyone could see it was the beginning of something magical.

It was a classic love story. There was a bad boy with the heart of gold. The good girl who refused to be deterred from going after the man she wanted. She showed him what love was and helped him break down the heavy walls he had built around himself. He intrigued her, and showed her passion and excitement, making her the woman she always wanted to be despite being treated as a child by most of her family. They were a perfect fit. Brutally honest and accepting of each other regardless of what they found. They had a love like no other.

She supported him through the turmoil of his family returning to his life and the fallout of an abusive father. He supported her through a horrific rape and the devastation of deafness. Together they experienced highs and lows, good times and bad, and although many were against their relationship at the start, they won everyone over with their devotion and commitment to each other. Their love for each other could not be measured and will never be questioned.

If there were a dictionary definition of love story, I would think we would find the story of Steve and Kayla; two strong, independent people drawn together through an unbreakable connection. With them, we definitely see the sum is greater than the parts.

They can take away the actors. They can write off the characters, but thank God they can’t take away my love for them. They will live in my heart and for as long as I enjoy it, on my computer screen.

In a world that tends to be very cynical and cold, I will always have a refuge. When things just get too tough and I don’t want to face reality, I can lock myself away and escape with my ever-loving couple, whether they are riding into the sunset in the wild west, living happily ever-after in medieval times, or fighting drug lords in the jungles of Columbia…

You know what? I don’t think my addiction is a problem. In fact, for as long as it gives me the peace I seek, this addiction is going to be fed.

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wawame - April 28, 2010 - 7:37 am

I, too, am an addict. Like you, I don’t consider it a problem, but I do consider enjoying the S&K love story a nice break from everyday life that sometimes seems to overwhelm. There’s nothing like the saga of a tried and true romance to chase away the blues, all while making those who view or read it feel optimistic and encouraged. You are not alone. If a support group is needed, we can meet at my house. Rest assured I serve up an ample supply of S&K clips! Great blog, Mia! You speak for many! 😉

Christine - April 28, 2010 - 7:42 am

Wonderful blog Mia. Your story is so similar to mine. We even had a Beta machine. Like you I started out watching Bo and Hope. I had their first time at Oak Alley and their wedding on tape. I don’t know what is was about Steve and Kayla but when they started to put them together I was totally hooked. I also stopped watching after Steve died. My life was busier and in a way it was a relief not to be so tied to a show.

In the mid 90’s I started watching Guiding Light. It was on just as I was getting home and making dinner before kids came home from school and hubby from work. I did that for a few years then stopped watching it as well. Then about 3 years ago I was sitting at my computer watching some youtube link a friend had sent me and I decided to search on Josh and Reva just to see what was going on. I was so surprised by all the clips some dating way back to the 80’s and that’s when it hit me. If there was all this stuff about Josh and Reva what about my all time favorite’s Steve and Kayla. I was stunned at all the clips, then I found all the websites, then Stephen and Mary Beth’s websites. My pulse was racing. I had this feeling of euphoria. I think I now know how a junkie feels after a hit. Hours went by as I relived old memories. My husband finally came to ask me if I ever planned on making dinner that night. It was almost 7 o’clock and I had been sitting at the computer since about 3:30. I was surprised to find out that Stephen and Mary Beth were back on Days and of course I started watching again. Until that is they were written off.

So you are not alone Mia.

LONG LIVE STEVE AND KAYLA!

Giddy - April 28, 2010 - 9:35 am

Mia~What a wonderful blog! Personally, I was an AMC addict until my senior year in high school (1986) when my best friend and I would go to her house for lunch. She was a Days fan and kept talking about this hot guy with a patch. Um, okay. I guy with a patch? Really? But since it was her house and her TV, we watched what she wanted. I must say, I’m glad we did! I was hooked from that first day. I remember the scenes between Bo, Hope and Kayla as Steve stood in the background watching. Kayla told Bo he was Victor’s “little boy” and Steve’s expression was one of “Holy S#@t!” LOLOL Loved that scene!! I knew immediately that S&K were a supercouple in the making as I think so did many others.

As for fan fiction, I am like you in that I was initially terrified to attempt it. But in my mind, it was a way to keep alive my adoration for the characters of Steve & Kayla and Stefan & Katherine, as well as Stephen and Mary Beth. With alot of encouragement from Carol I jumped in head first and I’m really glad I did. The love stories of those characters live on through the fans, and I think that is a great honor for the actors who portrayed them.

Sherry S. - April 28, 2010 - 11:56 am

Not unlike several of you, I too was a Bo and Hope fan. But my early times at Days was with the original Roman (Wayne Northrop) and Marlena. Please don’t shoot me…their strawberry and creme episode is a classic. But back to Steve and Kayla. I knew the very first time Patch came in contact with Kayla, it was all over…for me and for the characters. Even then, without internet access, I knew that these two actors were destined to be together as a couple. I would rush home daily for my addiction! Back then, a fan could pretty much predict when they’re favorites were going to make an appearance. Luckily for all of us, Steve and Kayla probably were on 4 out of 5 days a week. Oh, how the times have changed! There doesn’t seem to be time enough to set up a love story…a couple will date, have sex (yes sex, not make love) and be married in a matter of several weeks. I do wish producers of soaps could see what they had in past soap operas. Not only the buildup for the couple, the buildup for the fans, and lastly, payoff. Steve and Kayla certainly gave all fans their money’s worth…I miss them terribly.

Dawn - April 28, 2010 - 1:46 pm

Outstanding blog Mia! I am also a Steve and Kayla addict and proud of it. Like you I watched them for years seeing their love endure all kinds of hardships and tests. I think it’s what really showed me that true love like that can exist in real life. I was saddened to see them leave Days both times but I can also lock myself away and relive the magic of their love story through my computer screen. Their love is still strong after all these years and their love story is still in my opinion the best on daytime television.

Liz K - April 29, 2010 - 12:24 am

WOW, such an awesome blog Mia! Like you, I started as a Bo and Hope fan (actually though, that’s when I started watching thanks to babysitters), and I was sure that when they left I would quit watching the show (I liked all the cast but no one as much as I liked them). Then I saw Steve and Kayla, and was *hooked* line and sinker. I loved watching the underdog triumph over adversity; adored seeing love conquer all. There were times when my little addiction was a needed refuge in life, and I met so many great people through that little addiction. I truly feel lucky that I was able too see that story unfold and share the excitement of it all with other fans/friends.

Side note: Can you imagine what it would have been like in the 80s if we’d had the technology to share clips, discuss the show in chatrooms/message boards/email? I think I never would have left the house, lol. I mean, even just ‘reminiscing’ gets me occupied for hours at a time some days, lol!

Apr 21 2010

Itching For Tucker

Posted in Mary Beth Evans, Stephen Nichols, The Young and the Restless, Tucker McCall 4 comments

-By wawame

It’s been a rough week.

Spring is certainly in the air, along with massive amounts of pollen. Tax season has come and gone, yet there are still some that remain to be done. Graduation plans are heating up, as is the trepidation concerning year-end exams. And there’s always a fundraising event going on as the school’s volunteer organizations put forth their final effort in making seed money for next year’s start-up. Such was the case this past Friday night.

Band Bingo Night… wouldn’t miss it for the world! Not only is it loads of fun, but the initial investment of around $40 to play usually means that I, the hubby, the boychild, and my wingman (dear and cherished friend) walk out with about $100 in combined prizes. This Friday night was no exception. Only one thing was different. That thing was…I started itching.

Approximately two weeks ago, I had some overdue dental work done. Yes, I am a total wimp when it comes to someone prodding around in my mouth. Blame it on a youth spent dealing with braces. Blame it on an old-school dentist whose working philosophy regarding Novocain was, “Less is more”. Whatever the reason, I hate going to a dentist with an unparallel passion. But, having no other choice, I went to a new dentist, and immediately fell in love. He was perfection. He was gentle, kind, and more importantly… he was pain free. When it was all said and done, he gave me my instructions along with a prescription for Amoxicillin. All was right with the world. Ten days later, I was all set to play Band Bingo with a bright smile and new lease on life. But, life had a different idea.

Just as the fourth game began, the itching started. It wasn’t bad at first, just totally inconvenient. What I was sitting on was itching the worst, so a few quick trips to the ladies room mandated that the hubby and boychild tend my cards. Soon, I began to wonder if I was going to have to spend the night in the ladies room, considering the itching became non-stop. But there was Bingo to play, so I persevered. I sat there squirming in my seat as one number after the other was called, until the itching became so intense, I actually contemplated excusing myself and stepping outside into the courtyard. Only a wall of glass was separating me from what promised to be utopia. I knew no one would notice if I stripped down and rolled in the wet grass so to soothe my inflamed skin. No one would even look my way, not when there was a chance for the illusive ‘O-75’ or ‘N-36’ to be called. No one would care that, if the said grass didn’t offer me needed comfort, I could simply roll over to the small patch of pea gravel that surrounded the non-working water fountain, and burrow my now whelped body into the cool and abrasive stones. There was a country ham to be won, coupled with an oil change, so the partially naked woman rolling around in the courtyard would have been of little concern.

The boychild left the game early and was good enough to run by the grocery store and purchase me some Benadryl. I popped a couple of tablets before the last game, but relief was nowhere in sight. Later that same night, I sat alone and half-naked at my computer, back-scratcher in hand and curse words on my lips. The itching was only getting worse. Finally, I went to bed, and a miserable hour later, I finally fell asleep. Hubby had to work the next day, so I kept the moaning down to a low roar. Little did I know that the real nightmare would begin the moment I woke up. So, let’s just cut to the chase.

A miserable day was spent going from bed to computer, and then only so I could look up and gain tons of useless knowledge concerning ‘hives‘. Finally, it was time for hubby to come home. Nothing could prepare him for the sight that awaited him. Had I not been in such misery, I might have actually enjoyed the look on his face. There he stood in stunned silence, as his wife of twenty-six years looked at him with her one good eye, considering the other was now swollen shut. I might have smiled had my bottom lip not been three times its normal size. In his wide-eyed wonderment, he was only able to mutter five meager words, spoken as if the hives had caused my IQ to drop at least 40 points… “Have-you-called-the-doctor?” What a dolt. There was no doctor to call. It was a Saturday. No doctors exist on Saturdays, only over-priced emergency rooms with eight to ten hour waits. Apparently, it wasn’t my IQ that had dropped. Again, he tried to communicate. It was then I opted to share my vast knowledge of hives.

“Dur-deck,” I replied, but he didn’t understand. What an imbecile he can be. “Dur-deck… Dur-deck,” I repeated. Again, he shook his head so to signal he was oblivious, and I began to wonder if this marriage was going to work. Finally, realizing that he just wasn’t going to get it, I opted to write the one simple word. It didn’t surprise me that, when I took out my pen, he drew back, as if wondering if I was going to write something down or impale him in the chest. Believe me; it could have gone either way. He sighed in relief when I handed him the note, and without so much as a ‘howdy-do’, he ran out the door to go chat it up with the local pharmacist about the pros and cons of Zyrtec.

The itching was relieved rather quickly after the first dose, but the swelling lingered. More than once I caught my beloved husband staring at my larger-than-life lips. Dream on, Bingo Boy, it ain’t gonna happen. Finally, when he knew that I was no longer in danger of choking for breath and that he certainly wasn‘t going to benefit from my new Angelia Jolie look, he went to bed. That’s when I had time to think.

Why, after all these years, did I get the hives? This isn’t the first time I’ve taken a penicillin based medicine. I’ve never had a problem before, so why now? And why did the hives suddenly appear after taking the said medication for ten days? Ten days? I hadn’t eaten or drank anything different, so food allergies were not an issue. Am I to believe that I developed a later-in-life allergy a full ten days after starting the medication? Something just wasn’t right. And then it dawned on me. It wasn’t the Amoxicillin, and it darn sure wasn’t anything I had eaten. I hadn’t broken out in hives because of something I had had, but rather something I hadn’t had. What I hadn’t had was Tucker McCall on my TV screen.

That’s right. I got the hives because of Tucker McCall withdrawal. It makes perfect sense. Call me an addict; I don’t care. But, it’s as plain as the swollen nose on my face… Tucker McCall withdrawal can cause a severe case of the hives. Now, I am left to wonder if I am the only victim. I dare say not. There are more than likely thousands, if not millions of others who have suffered the same fate as me. It was bad enough when Stephen Nichols and Mary Beth Evans left Days, and nothing short of a miracle that I didn’t break out then. But, I will say this; if I ever start itching again, I will hop on the next flight to Los Angeles. There, I will join countless others who are whelped and swollen, clawing at their skin as if their very life depended on it. Together, this band of big-lipped fans will storm the Y&R studios at CBS, shaking our half-emptied bottles of ‘Dur-deck’ as we demand more screen time for Tucker McCall. In unison, we shall roll across the cool concrete floors in search of relief… a relief that only more Tucker McCall screen time can deliver. It will be a sight for sore eyes, or in most cases, eyes swollen shut. Rest assured that our mispronounced demands will be for more than just a once or twice a week token appearance. Stephen Nichols is much too talented not to be seen on a regular basis, and I’ve got the hives to prove it.

Take heed, Powers That Be… take heed. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

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Miahappy - April 21, 2010 - 8:05 am

Oh, Carol….Thanks for the morning funny! I got a good chuckle out of that (not to mention the visual of the half-naked woman rolling around in the grass outside the Bingo Hall!!!!!

I’m glad you’re better. At least you got a good story out of it, right?

(hey, maybe you can make a Billet out of this…swollen lips…mmm?)

Giddy - April 21, 2010 - 9:12 am

Carol~Your misery is indeed my entertainment. That is such a funny story but I am glad you are feeling better. I know you would feel even better with a regular Tucker fix though, right? I hope they are building up to a really good story for him. I would like to know more about his background. His childhood, his life before coming to Genoa City, whether or not he might have an ex-wife in his past…..you know, blonde and blue-eyed….maybe someone who he still carries a torch for….something like that.

Dawn - April 21, 2010 - 10:38 am

LOL! Glad you’re feeling better Carol. I’d also like to see more backstory on Tucker. I’ve been curious about his childhood since I found out he was Kay’s son. I’ve wanted to know what kind of parents he had and about his upbringing.

Julie - April 21, 2010 - 3:46 pm

LOLOLOL, that was one funny blog, hope the swelling has subsided Carol. I could definitely use more Tucker on my screen.

Apr 14 2010

What Came First?

Posted in daytime soaps, Mary Beth Evans, Stephen Nichols, Steve & Kayla 6 comments

-By Liz

These days I watch soaps just to see my favorite actors, Stephen Nichols and Mary Beth Evans:

When I watch, and this has been true (for me) since the mid 90’s, I have to wonder if I saw the potential for something really great, would I give it a chance these days? Would I wholeheartedly jump in and treasure the story? Would the writers? I see how jaded I have become with the way storylines are told…the cliches, the stunts. If something interesting does start, it’s not likely to last more than some months; the momentum is lost quickly. I know I am not alone in feeling this way. So I have to wonder, if Steve and Kayla (just as we saw them) debuted in 2010 instead of 1986, would they have a chance to achieve the same popularity/greatness?

Steve and Kayla were based in character-driven drama. Their storylines seemed to flow from one to the next because the core of the characters and their internal conflicts was always “the heart” of their story together. Steve and Kayla didn’t exist in a vacuum; their relationships with family were so much of a part of who they were as individuals. The pacing of the storyline in 2010 would have been completely different, too. With today’s pacing, Steve and Kayla would have kissed each other and slept together within a week of meeting. The buildup and the longing would have been nonexistent. Today’s lazy writers could never have written complexities and subtleties of the Steve and Kayla we knew. They did not need stunt triangles, nor endless baby drama, nor constant manipulations to be interesting. Everything that daytime is today would have destroyed everything (outside of the acting) that made Steve and Kayla so special.

Why has daytime changed SO much in the past decade and a half?

I remember reading an article in the 90’s by a bigwig in the daytime industry (I’ve honestly forgotten who it was), who said that the reason soap storylines had changed so much by the mid to late 90’s was that “the daytime audience, like all audiences, became more fickle as they had more choices in programming”, which in turn meant having to try many different, shocking plots to get attention for their shows. At first, I honestly found the quote insulting. Oh c’mon. PUHlease. The reason soaps were failing and audiences were dwindling down was merely because there were more choices? A judgment was being made that “the audience” had changed and were less loyal. I found that far too simplistic. Why not blame the lame, sensationalistic sci-fi plots that had replaced the romance and character-driven drama that appealed to multiple generations (so many viewers had grown up watching with their mothers, grandmothers and babysitters)?

So what came first, the chicken or the egg? Did audiences tune out because soap opera programming no longer appealed to them as a whole? Was it the quality of the storytelling that turned them off? Or was it like this ‘bigwig’ said; that daytime lost so many viewers because there were more choices available, and the only way to get those viewers back was by pulling “stunts”/gimmicks for attention and reaction?

It is true that over the last two decades in particular we have become a nation, perhaps a world, expecting instant gratification, constant movement, instant dinners. Watching a story that drags out over a long period of time (as in a serial format), might not be in “sync” or in tune with the pace of today’s world. It is also true that the generations before didn’t have as many “other” choices to watch when soap operas got maddening and ridiculous. That said however, we still see in primetime that innovative, fresh, quirky, edgy shows that offer consistent quality programming, still attract viewers (of many ages). Why wouldn’t that be true in daytime programming? We have DVR’s now. We’ve had VCR’s for over two decades. Even back when there wasn’t much choice on “what else” to watch, there was still the choice of not watching at all- and still, soaps thrived for decades.

For me, there was a far more prominent reason for the drastic change in daytime soap viewership in the 90’s, and OJ was not it. The biggest change in the 1990’s (when soaps saw their biggest drops in viewership) to impact television as a whole, was a change in the business of show business. In the 90’s, targeting a specific (increasingly younger) demographic seemingly became the only way to attract advertising dollars- thus alienating a huge portion of daytime viewership in the process. (Even more disturbing: they think mobsters, rapists and other misogynists are great sex symbols for that younger audience they’ve been courting…but that’s another topic for another day).

When is alienating the majority of your audience a good idea? Never. No matter how colorful their packaging, nor how big the hype, there will never be an industry that thrives when most of its consumers are driven away by bad product.

So …what do you think? If Steve and Kayla debuted today, would they even have a chance to be half as great? What has changed daytime so much since the 90s, in your opinion?

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Miahappy - April 14, 2010 - 11:38 am

What? You didn’t like the classic “Marlena is possessed by the Devil” story of the 1990’s?!

I see soaps the same way I see all other areas of entertainment these days. Look at all T.V. Is there any imaginative writing anymore? Hardly. The channels are filled with ‘reality’ programming that is anything but. It’s all about scandal and shock! The raunchier the better. Make them eat garbage! Yeah, that’s the ticket!

Look at our choices of movies! How many times are we expected to go to the movies to see a remake of a remake. I swear, in a boardroom somewhere in Hollywood right now, someone is talking about remaking “Avatar.”

But, as the numbers go down farther and farther, the execs and idiots that run these studios keep doing more of the same. I’m not sure who makes these decisions, but they seem to be blaming the viewing audience instead of realizing they are just producing crap!

Would Steve and Kayla made it if they were written today? No. The main reason is we would have absolutely no emotional connection to them. The reason we love Steve is because although he has had an AWFUL life, he has a beautiful soul and has persevered despite his hardships. The reason we love Kayla is because she is able to see through the facade most people can’t get past and is determined to bring it out. She sees the goodness in all things, including the man who became her soul mate. We were given time to explore these things. We rooted for each of them, separately and as a couple. We cheered when they got together. We cried when they were torn apart. We celebrated their marriage (and cringed when it was invalidated). We mourned when Steve ‘died’ (and that’s all I have to say about that).

The key to any good story, in my opinion, is the emotional connection. We hate the bad guy, we love the hero. These days, there are no emotional connections to anyone because we don’t know anyone. We don’t know what motivates them. We don’t know what they’ve been through. I’m not sure the writers even know because they seem to change characters in a heartbeat with absolutely no justification (E.J. anyone? – and who the heck names a character Elvis, anyway? – sorry, I digress).

What’s changed? Good question. It seems the production companies spend too much time telling us what we should want to see instead of asking us what we want to see. If they listened to their viewers (Ken Corday…take note) perhaps their numbers wouldn’t be pummeling and more moms would still be at their T.V.s at lunch time with their daughters faithfully watching daytime shows…

wawame - April 14, 2010 - 1:40 pm

If anything, viewers are loyal… especially those who watch soaps. Most will stick with their favorite soap through thick and thin. But, when it gets so bad, so unbelievable, so against the history that has been years in the making, frustration will drive a viewer away. The ‘bigwigs’ stopped caring about the viewers and started caring about the profit. A loyal viewer is less valuable that a desired demographic, and IMO, is the reason for the downfall of soaps in general.

No, Steve and Kayla would never have been half as great if they debuted today. They wouldn’t have even come close. This certainly would not have been because of the actors’ ability to play the roles, but because they never would have been given the screen time, nor the story to play out. Just like with all the couples that are currently on most shows now, their ‘story’ would have been rushed through in less than three months… if that long.

When ratings go up, TPTB pat themselves on the back for a job well done. When the ratings go down, TPTB curse the viewers for being so fickled. Thank goodness Steve and Kayla came along when those holding the pen knew how to write because they knew what the viewer wanted to see. I guess today’s writers can’t see because of all that egg that is on their faces. Therefore, I say the egg came first, even though today’s writers are too chicken to give the viewers what they want. Greed can make you that way.

Dawn - April 14, 2010 - 2:06 pm

Soaps were so much better in the 80’s than are today and even in the 90’s in my opinion. That was when you could turn on a soap like Days and get swept away by the adventure, danger, intrigue, love and romance. Unfortunately that’s not the case today. Most soaps are so fast paced that viewers are quickly lost in trying to understand what’s going on. There is also two very important components missing from the soaps today: love and romance. Today we see more people cheating on their spousse or just hopping from one person’s bed to another from week to week. It’s very sad!

michelle - April 14, 2010 - 2:44 pm

Nope. i don’t think they would be today what they were
in the 80’s. Mary Beth and Stephen Rock always… but
the writing is not what is was back in the day. The writers
devoted more time to the story and characters back then.

So many people on a soap today how can you devote time
to the actors to get to know them. It just doesn’t happen.
There are still some great writers but i don’t see the
time given to couples anymore. I will keep an eye on
Stephen and Mary Beth but I don’t know if I will ever be
into a soap again like i was in the 80’s. thanks for the
blog. Great one!

Jen - April 14, 2010 - 8:35 pm

I think because it is Stephen and Mary Beth, there would be something there to pull us in, but as far as story goes? No Way. 2006-2009 DOOL should tell you that. While Stephen and Mary Beth gave it their all and they still had “it” in spades, this generation of Soaps just can’t pull a story together like they use to. I agree it has to do with the pace of the world today and espically the TV world. But, what they don’t seem to grasp is that we still appriciate a good story told out with all the beats of a story in play. It’s hard to get invested in something when there is just a start..stall..quick resolve. This could be over a month’s time or it could be over a year, they just can’t seem to get the pacing down at all. I think it is way to simple to say it’s one thing or another. I think a big part of it (ratings wise) is the internet and not “having” to watch everyday. There use to be a time if you didn’t watch (or god forbid your VCR didn’t work) that was it, you missed it. Now there is no urgency to watch. Most of the time you can even watch ahead of time. There are very rarely any surprises on shows anymore with all the spolier sites out there and such. People either talk praise or disgust at scenes they have not even seen yet. So in this respect, I see that TPTB do have a hard time trying to stay ahead of the audience. But, even saying that is doesn’t excuse lazy writing and very unappealing characters who have no character at all. Now it’s all about quick sex, even quicker marriages, then who the daddy lines. Maybe soaps themselves have been played out? Nothing is simple though about it. I know for me perosnally I gave up soaps all together for a good 8 years just because of my life situations. And honeslty, I never really found that passion I once had for them. It was all for the actors themselves, not so much the “show” or the characters. I don’t think that since I started back watching oh about 2004, that there has been one couple that I root for. I have had some I “like” but not that I would call an epic love story.. they just don’t make them like they use to.

Kris - April 14, 2010 - 10:38 pm

It’s hard to have faith in a soap these days. When I think back to storylines of the past, I don’t remember having any kind of lack of faith in the writers. I had my favorite storylines and storylines that I didn’t like, but I KNEW that eventually, things would come out the way I wanted them to. How did I know that?

Easy. Steve and Kayla loved each other. It was there. It was tangible. Therefore, if I hung in there, things would eventually be okay. I just had to be patient.

Looking back, I remember I hated the rape storyline. So much about it scared me. How would Steve and Kayla fix things after THAT?

But they did. They did, and I watched every day…I was so into that storyline. Some great stuff there in spite of all the pain.

Marina? Oh, I hated Marina. Hated. Her. HATED. HER.

Marina had to DIE, LOL!

Once she was good and DEAD, (and yes, in her case, dead was good) then I could relax and enjoy the story of how Steve and Kayla put things back together again. And while I didn’t enjoy Marina at ALL, I sure did enjoy the conversations Steve and Kayla had as they sought to make things okay again. There was meaning in those conversations. There was depth there…and there was some great romance, too.

How I loved those dances! And the times when their hands would touch…like at Thanksgiving 1989…or their first kiss after they’d been estranged (Christmas, 1989). Christmas fantasy aside, it was a great kiss, LOL!

I didn’t much like the Daniel Lucas story either…They were apart a lot, and I didn’t like for so many days to go by when they weren’t together. But I ate up the fence kiss, LOL!

So back then, I wasn’t too worried. Things would come out alright…and while I didn’t love everything, I was certainly emotionally invested.

Now?

Now it’s a completely different story. I won’t say I don’t care about Days, because I do. There’s some small part of me that wishes it could be “fixed” and become again that very special show that it once was. So I do care.

But do I have faith that it WILL be fixed? That it will be that special show?

No.

The hope is there, but the belief is not.

As for which came first…That’s a good question. I’d like to think that if Days produced a wonderful day to day show, that scads of people would still watch, regardless of the number of programming choices available to them now. But who knows?

I don’t like the way Days changed so much under the guidance of certain headwriters, becoming a show that people poked fun at rather than one that people respected. It can’t be denied that people watched, but Days changed so much that eventually it lost ground amongst its viewers. People only want silly and gimmicky or strange so much before they look for something with more emotional resonance.

Apr 09 2010

Hybrid Mom Video

Posted in Hybrid Mom, Mary Beth Evans 4 comments

Mary Beth Evans helps kick off Hybrid Mom’s Mother Day Makeover contest with a small video. I know all you Mom’s could use a good makeover! So go enter!

http://www.hybridmom.com/articles/features/contests/hybrid-moms-mothers-day-makeover-contest

4 comments

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wawame - April 9, 2010 - 4:13 pm

Mary Beth looks gorgeous!!! I love her hair longer, but then again, she would look great regardless. Sigh… so good to see her again! 😉

Liz K - April 9, 2010 - 8:08 pm

Aw, she’s just so pretty 🙂 So good to see her. Have I mentioned I miss Mary Beth?

Giddy - April 12, 2010 - 2:41 pm

Love that MB is growing her hair out! She looks amazing!!

Jen - April 12, 2010 - 4:21 pm

OH she looks totally cool! Nice contest the Hybrid Mom people have going on there also! Cool for Mary Beth to do that.

Apr 07 2010

To Watch or Not to Watch…

Posted in Days of our Lives, Mary Beth Evans, Stephen Nichols, Steve & Kayla 7 comments

~By Jen

… that is the question.

So, I have to admit that last week was a miserable week for me, it was rough. I kinda kept up on what was going on in cyber space but it was a hit and miss on what I would see. But, I DID pick up on the fact that it was confirmed that Mary Beth Evans is indeed coming back to Days of Our Lives for Alice’s memorial episodes (whatever that entails at this point). I saw it on Twitter from the official PR person from the show (I get all my news from Twitter). This was the first official notice from the show itself that she is going to be on, not just that she was “asked” to come back for the shows. So, considering I was in a miserable mood last week, this made me feel good, it made me smile, and I was happy. Not only was I going to get to see Mary Beth back on my screen, but I was going to get to see Kayla also! I should be happy, right? Well, then I started to read some of the comments/thoughts on it. Seems there is an item out there that it is possible that Mary Beth is one of the actors that could be back for “more” episodes than just for the memorial. Michael Bruno even placed her back in the “working” section of his site as “Kayla Johnson”. What does that mean? Two days? Two weeks? Or even more? No one is saying. Not only that, but speculation abounds on what “back for more than one show” really means. Even more frightening is what it might mean seeing how Stephen is not coming back with her. What will happen to Steve and Kayla? Will they even mention it? Will we have to learn something frightening like Steve is MIA again? Or even worse, are they are not even together? I personally don’t think it will be either.

I am a firm believer that you cannot trust these writers any further than you can throw them. They have given us NO reason whatsoever to trust them, NONE. This is the same team that just wrote our beloved couple off the show as if they were nothing more than day players never to be heard from again. Even more insulting is the way Mary Beth, Stephen and their fans were treated. That is where my beef lays with the whole thing. “Steve and Kayla” are fictional characters, the others are not. We have feelings, and as consumers of their show, we should be treated and respected as such (See Giddy’s Blog last week). But, this is not going to be a recap. This blog is going to be about why I am happy that Mary Beth is coming back (for however long it might be). Yes, I am happy.

The first thing I have to say is that I am a “post-Steve” Kayla fan. There, I admit it. It’s out in the open. Not that it was a big secret, but just so you have all the facts. I was able to enjoy “Kayla” minus Steve. Call me strange, weird, whatever… I have heard it all. Mary Beth did some really good work during that time and it would be a shame not to acknowledge it. But, I am not naive about things; I know how things work. I get that there is going to be “Steve and Kayla” fans, there are going to be “Stephen” fans, there is going to be “Mary Beth” fans, and then every other combination you can come up with. Everyone has a right to feel the way they feel on the situation. And supporting one situation does not mean you don’t support another. I guess I almost feel like Switzerland in this situation, because I really do see all sides of the argument.

On one hand, TPTB have shown us that they are not to be trusted with any super couple (see Bo and Hope currently). All it would take is one comment from Kayla that she hasn’t seen/heard from Steve, or they are having “trouble” and they are just taking a “break”. Now I can see this point… really I can, and as I said before, I don’t trust this regime running this show for one minute. But, I honestly do not think they will go this route. My thing is this… I just can’t worry about it. It’s not worth it to me to worry about it at this point. While I hold Steve and Kayla as “THE” couple over every other Daytime couple and I would hate to see anything tarnish that, I can’t get over the excitement over seeing Kayla, and more importantly, Mary Beth on my screen again. And honestly, to me at least, nothing they do to Steve and Kayla at this point will tarnish any memories I have of them as the greatest love story on Days of Our Lives or in daytime. Heck, many have proved that certain “things” can be ignored if need be.

I think a lot of the conversations are based on just what your personal threshold is of what you can and cannot bear to see. Everyone doesn’t have the same threshold. Everybody is looking at scenes from a different perspective. Some might look at a scene as a “Mary Beth” fan, some might look at it as a “Stephen” fan (or their respective characters), or as a “Steve and Kayla” fan. Where you personally come from has everything to do with what you are willing to accept or not accept. And again, it can be a combo of things. It’s not always so cut and dry. Few things are.

On the prospect of Mary Beth coming back for an undisclosed amount of time, I am all for it. The thing we have to remember is that this is for Alice, a tribute to her. Steve and Kayla have a history with Alice. I find it an honor that not only did Days ask her back, but that Mary Beth is accepting a come-back just for her when we know in the past she has turned down such invitations for appearances. No one at this point even knows if her story will expand beyond just a tribute to Alice, so why panic? Because you don’t trust “them”, I get that… really I do. But my prize is just seeing Mary Beth again back in her Kayla persona for how ever long they want to give us. I guess I have proved by the above statements that I am not one that is afraid of Kayla minus Steve by enduring the 91-92 days. So, that is where I am personally coming from. Even though I really don’t think it is something we have to worry about. I am well aware that others come from different perspectives on the issue and I welcome them and I think I would even agree with them.

On the issue of whether Mary Beth herself would agree to come back if she knew that it could possibly mean that Steve and Kayla were in some kind of trouble and “trusting” her on it. Honestly, I don’t know Mary Beth well enough to say one way or another if that is true or not. I know in talking with her and from interviews, both she and Stephen take the characters of Steve and Kayla very seriously and as many speculate, it’s that fire for the characters that put them at odds with the current team. There are many interviews with Mary Beth during her post-92 DOOL days where she was very open about her displeasure in they way Kayla was written during that time. She is not one to shy away from voicing her displeasure with things. So, based on that, you pretty much have to trust her on it. I know I do. I am sure when her and Stephen came back in 2006, there was nothing but good intentions. But, sometimes they just don’t always play out like we would like them to. Even saying that, I know from experience that I don’t even have to agree with Mary Beth all the time. From all accounts, her last days on the show back in 91-92 where not good ones at all, but you would never know that from her performances… never. She is a professional and she does her job as such. If she accepts a job, she will give it her best. I know that.

The question for everyone now is whether to watch or not to watch… basically it’s up to you. But, I know I will.

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Miahappy - April 7, 2010 - 5:54 pm

Thank you for the perspective, Jen.

I never thought of myself as a Steve fan, Kayla fan or Steve and Kayla fan, but you’re right. The attitude we all have at this recent news really does depend on our perspective. I did not watch the post-Steve Kayla very much, but it wasn’t because I didn’t like Kayla. That was the same time I just started college and life as a whole for me changed incredibly. Would I have watched if Steve were still there? Hard to say. Losing that character was painful for me because a part of me really loved him (still does) so could I have watched his widow suffer and ultimately move on? I’ll never know.

If I had to classify myself I guess I would go with a Steve and Kayla fan. There’s really one main reason for that, though. I think the relationship the two characters share is a huge part of the people they are. The devotion and loyalty they have to each other cannot be measured or matched, and that is a big part of what makes them the fantastic characters we love and care for.

Although I wasn’t sure when they wrote it, it is now part of Kayla’s life that she basically shut down when Steve died. She had a fleeting romance (i.e. mistake) with Shane, but essentially lived alone for 16 years until they were reunited. This is now a big part of her character. If the writers were to ruin that by a fleeting comment about the two not being together now, it would be utterly ridiculous (not that a ridiculous story ever stopped these incompetent writers). She pined for him for all those years she thought he was dead, there is no conceivable way she would give up on him now, no matter the situation. And, the Steve we all know and love would never do anything to intentionally hurt his sweetness, so I can’t think of a way I would accept the two apart…ever.

I enjoy Stephen and Mary Beth’s work. Tremendously. I like watching them together or separately. If the writers could find a way for Kayla to be on Days without Steve but not trash their relationship, it would be something. It wouldn’t be enough for me to invest my time in the show, however. They have shown us as fans absolutely no respect and I will not give them another opportunity to do it again. (I will most likely watch clips if someone were to post them, however)

Whatever happens with MB on the show, I wish her the best. I hope and pray the powers that be treat her well and give her the respect they obviously did not before. She is a big girl and knows what is best for her. I only hope the character of Kayla (and as an extension the couple Steve and Kayla) survives whatever the idiots running the show have planned.

Dawn - April 7, 2010 - 7:07 pm

I would definitely classify myself in the Steve and Kayla fan category. I also didn’t watch the show after Stephen left in 1990 but it wasn’t because I had any dislike for MB/Kayla. I was also at the start of college and that had to take priority for me. I have always been a Steve and Kayla fan but I will watch to see Mary Beth. I absolutely adore both her and Stephen and they don’t have to work together for me to watch. I’m just very scared because as we all know this writing crew isn’t very good at maintaining happy couples. I’m mainly going to watch because it’s a tribute to Frances Reid. She was a wonderful actress and this is for her. So I’ll watch even with my fears and hope for the best.

Kris - April 7, 2010 - 7:48 pm

I love Steve and Kayla, and I consider myself a big fan of both Stephen and Mary Beth, but you’d have to be blind not to be aware that I am very much in Kayla’s corner.

I think I just tend to see the female perspective very well, and Kayla’s in particular. When I was growing up, I thought my brothers were probably from Mars. And hey, when my brothers and I are in disagreement, I’m right. They’re wrong. I think it’s been scientifically proven. No, really. None of you have talked to them, have you? Cuz they might disagree that I’m always right, but what do they know?

But hey, I love Mary Beth. With Stephen. Without Stephen. No question. I love Mary Beth and I watch her in anything. GH? She was there for a few years before Stephen showed up. I watched. ATWT? Yep. Watched that too, the minute I heard she was going there. I have tapes full of her episodic roles…Don’t ask me where they all ARE right now, but I have ’em. Somewhere.

I follow Stephen around too, don’t get me wrong. I have a fair number of Stephen episodes over here too, from GH and from his episodic television roles. Personal appearances. I have a bunch of it. Trust me.

But I will watch Mary Beth and Kayla no matter what and it’s not dependent on the fate of Steve and Kayla as a couple. If Mary Beth’s there, I’m watching.

Now, will I LIKE it if Steve and Kayla are broken up? Nope. Of course not. I love them. But I don’t think it’ll be an issue because I don’t think Kayla will be in town indefinitely. If that little bit of speculation regarding a potential longer stay does pan out, she’ll be there to straighten out Stephanie, who’s kind of a mess these days. She’s being deceptive and sneaky and if Kayla gets wind of that, you know she’ll try to put the brakes on that behavior…though how much influence she has on the “adult” Stephanie is open for debate.

At any rate, if Mary Beth’s around, I’m around too.

Period.

Kris

Liz K - April 7, 2010 - 10:23 pm

To start off I just want to thank you for a great blog Jen! So well said!

I am really excited to see Mary Beth, and so happy that Kayla (and maybe her memories too) will be a part of the memorial/tribute to Alice & Frances. I don’t trust Days in the least, but I do appreciate that they wanted/invited Mary Beth back for this occasion, and I can’t help but look forward to seeing her on my screen. I miss her lots.

Just some more points I wanted to highlight/respond to that have been mentioned here as well
as posts about the possible “lengthier” stay

(1) I like that you recognize all fans have different preferences for what we are going to watch and what we are not going to watch. I really get irked by debates about what makes a “true” fan. A true fan is someone who supports, respects and/or simply enjoys an actor, show, character etc. Anyone who puts themself “above” another fan for whatever reason, has a chip they need to get off of their shoulder. The debate only alienates fans from each other and drives fans away. I can totally understand why someone would not want to see Kayla return without Steve, why some fans tuned out during some soap stories Sn and Mbe were in, why some fans would never watch GH again even if SN or MBE returned, why some fans never tuned in to Santa Barbara or As The World Turns. Not every character, story or show is going to appeal to every fan.

(2) If Mary Beth is going to be there “longer than we expect” then I am guessing it will be once or twice a week for a month or two tops to comfort family and/or just Stephanie. The current team of producers and writers proved before they couldn’t care less about writing for Kayla with or without Steve, and I don’t see why they would change their mind now. I also can’t see Mary Beth going back there as Kayla for too long, without SN, especially knowing how the writers dissed them on her last run..I doubt she is a glutton for punishment lol (and she and Stephen were both fiercely loyal to making sure these characters’ story kept some integrity).

(3) As for ruining Kayla and Steve, I don’t think this team of hacks has that kind of power. Who here takes them or that mess of a show seriously? Not me. Nothing they could do would “ruin” S&K for me. And honestly, I don’t think they’ll bother. There’s no point. The worst they will do is come up with a crappy reason Steve isn’t around (like he finally got a job or something LOL.. or he’s off in Genoa City on some business meetings *g*)…Some lame reason that doesn’t impact his relationship with Kayla in any way.

(4) *If* Mary Beth decided to return for a lengthy stay without SN, yes I would watch, as I did the first time she was on the show without him. I love watching Mary Beth’s work, and would have to give it a chance at the very least. But I won’t pretend to like the idea of S&K being broken up, and especially without Stephen around to play the story…Then again I don’t think any story at this point could make me believe Kayla living a life without Steve willingly (or vice versa) after all they have been through. I truly don’t believe that’s what we’re in for though.

wawame - April 8, 2010 - 12:08 am

I will definitely be watching, I just hope to enjoy it when I do. Of course, I am referring to the storyline(s) Kayla will be involved in and not the acting abilities of Mary Beth. Her performances are always stellar, and she undoubtedly delivers no matter the challenge. It is a shame that TPTB have tarnished their reputations beyond repair in being able to write a compelling and/or worthy storyline. So much so that the lack of faith in their abilities does make fans weary of what may or may not happen. On the other hand, as a fan, I would feel insulted if MBE and/or SN were not asked back for such a milestone as the passing of Alice Horton. I also admit that I would feel slighted if one or both of them were not asked back for the upcoming anniversary. But, what it all boils down to is that despite our speculations and estimates, the ones who know for sure have yet to share. Our worry could be in vain, or it could be totally justified. Either way, MBE will always have me as a fan.

Julie - April 8, 2010 - 3:54 am

Great blog Jen, i’ll be watching, I cant wait to see MBE back as Kayla. I think it was fantastic that TPTB at Days asked her back for the Alice tribute, of course that dosent give them a free pass on all the other craptastic decisions they have made in the past, but i’m glad she was asked back. I hope the ratings for the Alice tribute shows with the returning vets (particularly Kayla) go thru the roof and then drop back down to the basement when the vets all leave again, I want TPTB at Days to maybe start thinking like we do that it was not such a good decision to get rid of all the vets. I hope they do Alice justice (but i’m not holding my breath, I have yet to see the current creative team at Days deliver anything other than plot driven subpar unimaginative storytelling), I would probably watch the Alice tribute episodes even if MBE was not returning, I hope they have bucketloads of Alice flashbacks. On the subject of Shane and Kayla, I wonder if Evil Genius is still around??

Giddy - April 8, 2010 - 5:22 pm

MB had some great scenes with Frances Reid. Just the other night I was watching the Jencon (?) story and was chuckling when Tom and Steve came to bail Alice and Kayla out of jail and they were like, “ummm….no.” LOLOL FR deserves a wonderful send off and I’m sure that MB is very delighted and honored to be a part of that.

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Hybrid Mom Video

Mary Beth Evans helps kick off Hybrid Mom’s Mother Day Makeover contest with a small video. I know all you Mom’s could use a good makeover! So go enter!

http://www.hybridmom.com/articles/features/contests/hybrid-moms-mothers-day-makeover-contest

To Watch or Not to Watch…