Podcasts about Knots Landing

Send us a textA glass of nostalgia, a splash of danger, and a valley full of secrets—this Falcon Crest recap is loaded. We kick off with canned screwdriver memories before diving straight into the vineyard's new tempo: grief turning to heat as Lance and Terry find solace by the lake, Richard reeling from news that Leather Pants Pam is “gone,” and a blacked-out Bronco shoving him toward another near-death mystery. The pace is tighter, the stakes are higher, and every smile hides an angle. Angela does what Angela does best—listen, learn, and leverage. After overhearing Anna and Cassandra's budget blowup, she weaponizes restraint and reputation, from a brutal San Francisco office visit to a quiet threat at home. Meanwhile, Melissa tries to toe the line between growth and fury as Robin undercuts her in her own house. A weary priest calls out her legendary sins with unvarnished honesty, and Cole steps up to defend boundaries—finally—before the next crack forms. The sharpest blade belongs to Maggie. Amnesia can't mute instinct, and every mention of Richard lands like static. Angela arrives in soft colors and sharp intent, dropping a whisper of an affair that Chase refuses to confront head-on. The result? A single glass on the table, a note underneath, and a choice that rewrites the power map of the valley. Add in Father Christopher's arrival—an earnest smile covering a secret that could split the family—and this hour becomes a study in how truth, money, and memory are traded in Tuscany Valley. If you love 80s prime-time soaps, high-stakes family politics, and plot twists that actually pay off, you'll feel right at home. Hit play, then tell us: is Maggie safer with Chase or Richard—and did Angela finally go too far? Subscribe, share with a fellow soap lover, and leave a review with your boldest theory.

In this episode Tommy and Lynn discuss episodes 26-29 of Knots Landing season 7.

Send us a textA blue Mercedes is wrecked, the bride is gone, and every Carrington instinct goes into overdrive. We open season five of Dynasty with a true gut-punch: Fallon disappears on a stormy night, Alexis faces a fast-tracked bail hearing, and Blake—silk robe and all—reckons with a crumbling empire he swears he can rebuild. The stakes feel higher, the stakes feel messier, and that chaos is exactly why this hour sings We dig into the power struggle around Alexis' freedom, where Dex acts while Steven and Adam bristle about control. Then Steven does something few heirs in soapland ever do: he follows the money. A quiet audit at Colby Co. leads to a $5 million trail through Hong Kong and a confrontation that explodes the line between family loyalty and corporate sabotage. It's not just drama; it's a case study in reputation, governance, and how fast trust evaporates when the numbers don't lie. Balancing the heat is pure glamour: Dominique Deveraux plotting a La Mirage showcase and Brady Lloyd—played with velvet cool by Billy Dee Williams—turning a simple booking into a power move. The lavender suites, the asymmetrical couture, the wet bar glow—every detail is strategy, every entrance a negotiation. Krystal counters Blake's despair with a clear-eyed reminder that the operator matters more than the cash, framing the season as a comeback story waiting to be funded. And just when the house finds its footing, Sammy Jo pulls an airport shocker that jolts custody, credibility, and the fragile truce between brothers.If you love Dynasty's cocktail of boardroom blows, family betrayals, and glamorous scheming, this recap is your front-row seat. We unpack the missing-person mystery, the bail politics, the Hong Kong money trail, and the music-meets-real-estate play at La Mirage—then leave you with burning questions about Fallon's fate and whether Alexis can beat the case without burning every bridge. Hit follow, share with a fellow soap lover, and tell us: whose side are you on this season?

Send us a textA vintage ad rabbit hole, a cup draw, and suddenly we're waist-deep in one of Knot's Landing's most combustible season openers. We kick off with Connie Giannini's Figurines spots—small, sugary time capsules that set the mood—then pivot into a neighborhood where every sunny driveway hides a secret and every choice exacts a price. Gary plays house in two zip codes until Abby draws a hard line: pick a door. Val chooses distance and a quiet room at Rusty's ranch, which turns into a powder keg the second Gary shows up. The brawl is raw, messy, and revealing; it isn't just bodies colliding, it's entitlement meeting consequence, and a marriage splintering in front of a kid with a guitar. Meanwhile, Abby proves she's playing chess on a bigger board. One envelope, one unpublished manuscript, and JR becomes a silent guest at Seaview Circle. It's ruthless and brilliant, the kind of move that crosses state lines and guarantees aftershocks. Gary's bombshell—Jock's will is finally being read—adds fuel to the question no one wants to ask: is he chasing love, or securing leverage? Across the street, Karen won't let memory turn Sid into a footnote. Her dynamic with Mac crackles—half investigation, half attraction—while his theory reframes everything: what if Sid's death wasn't a professional hit, but a sloppy, local tampering? That notion drops like a pin on Wayne, the mechanic with a flat affect and a private scrapbook that says he's been watching all along. We move through all of it with a fan's heart and a critic's eye: the credit tweaks, the swelling strings, the kids growing up, and the way a cul-de-sac becomes a crucible. If you love prime-time soaps, character-driven stakes, and crossovers that actually matter, this one delivers. Press play, ride the waves with us, and tell us: who made the smartest move—Abby, Val, Karen, or Mac? If you're hooked, follow the show, share it with a friend who misses appointment TV, and drop a review to help other classic-soap fans find us.

Send us a textA bomb tears through the night, Maggie wakes without a past, and Angela finds herself boxed in by court orders and cool smiles. The Phoenix doesn't ease back into Falcon Crest—it lights the match. We walk you through each twist and why this premiere feels sharper, faster, and far more dangerous than anything the vineyard has poured in a while. Maggie's amnesia reframes the heart of the show. She reads rooms even when names vanish, pushing Chase to confront who he's been instead of who he remembers being. Across town, Richard's nursing a spinal injury in a sleek, sterile fortress while ominous threats arrive and a razor-smart attorney, Jennifer Jordan, sets boundaries and battle lines. Lance, raw with grief, trades healing for high-risk stunts and bad choices, turning into a beautiful liability. And Melissa? She's turning county into theater, testing patience and parole in equal measure. The power struggle crackles as Cassandra and Anna flex legal control over Falcon Crest, floating a resort plan that tramples heritage for amenities. Angela's purple-clad fury isn't just about money; it's about meaning—how land, legacy, and labor define a family. Then the quietest bomb drops in a Connecticut convent: Julia's “lost year” hides a living heir raised among priests. That revelation ricochets through bloodlines, leverage, and loyalty, reminding us that in Falcon Crest, the past never dies—it waits to be weaponized. If you crave vintage soap drama with modern pacing—amnesia, long-lost children, boardroom warfare, and razor-edged banter—this is your glass. Hit play, subscribe for the next premiere breakdown, and tell us: which twist changed the game for you?

She was the woman America loved to hate. From Clint Eastwood's Play Misty for Me to nine unforgettable years as Abby Ewing on Knots Landing, Donna Mills turned elegance, ambition, and icy stares into television gold. In this exclusive conversation with Steve Kmetko, Donna opens up about her Hollywood journey—from her first soap operas in New York to becoming a primetime icon. She shares behind-the-scenes stories about working with Clint Eastwood on his directorial debut, why Abby was more than just a villain, her thoughts on a possible Knots Landing reboot, and the powerful ways the show touched fans' lives. Donna also talks about motherhood, her new podcast We Are KNOT Done Yet with Michele Lee and Joan Van Ark, and what legacy she hopes to leave behind. If you grew up in the era of 1980s TV dramas, or you're discovering Knots Landing for the first time on streaming, this episode is a must-watch.  Donna Mills interview, Knots Landing Abby Ewing, Donna Mills Clint Eastwood Play Misty for Me, Still Here Hollywood podcast, Steve Kmetko interview, 80s TV icons, Donna Mills podcast, We Are KNOT Done Yet, classic soap opera stars, Knots Landing reboot.  #DonnaMills #KnotsLanding #PlayMistyForMe #AbbyEwing #StillHereHollywood #SteveKmetko #80sTV #ClassicTV #SoapOperaIcons #HollywoodLegends Show CreditsHost/Producer: Steve KmetkoAll things technical: Justin ZangerleExecutive Producer: Jim LichtensteinMusic by: Brian SanyshynTranscription: Mushtaq Hussain https://stillherehollywood.comhttp://patreon.com/stillherehollywoodSuggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.comAdvertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.comPublicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us a textBright lights, sirens, and a glassy pool set the stage for a season opener that wastes no time: Kristen's body is found at Southfork, and the blame ricochets between JR and Cliff before the sun is up. I take you through the minute-by-minute chaos—the broken balcony, the bourbon, the finger-pointing—then pull the camera back to the moves that matter: strategy, custody, and reputation. We travel from Dallas to Abilene and onward to Southern Cross, where Sue Ellen plants her flag and draws a bold boundary around John Ross. The showdown on that sweeping, terracotta-topped ranch reframes the fight: this isn't only about love or law, it's about who gets to define “fit,” “safe,” and “home.” JR counters with a hard-nosed attorney and a character case; Sue Ellen counters with presence, purpose, and a new kind of power. Meanwhile, the DA revives a buried truth—Kristen's past confession to shooting JR—that stains every alibi and turns motive into a mirror. Along the edges, the episode digs into money and identity. Lucy and Mitch wrestle with class and pride, proving that affection can buckle under lifestyle. Donna and Ray spar over a $3 million decision and what “our money” actually means, testing trust without throwing love away. I also weave in choice behind-the-scenes lore—Dynasty's ratings ascendancy, network nights, and the surprising early-life connections among TV icons—that enrich how we read the stakes on screen .By the final beat, Dallas feels both bigger and tighter: a murder mystery, a custody conflict with teeth, and a family machine humming without two of its most familiar gears. If you love high-stakes melodrama with brains, you'll find plenty to savor here—glamour, grit, and just enough scandal to argue about all week. Hit play, subscribe for the next pull from the bag, and tell me: whose case are you buying—JR's leverage or Sue Ellen's line in the sand?

Send us a textFour colossal soap worlds. Four very different ways to bring heat. We dive into a season where Knots Landing leans into the quiet power of neighbors and consequences, Dallas turns a hospital room into a war room, Dynasty weaponizes wit and glamour, and Falcon Crest splits the deck, then wins both hands with action and adult ruthlessness. If you've ever wondered why some finales feel like true cliffhangers and others feel like revelations, this breakdown will change how you watch.We start on the cul-de-sac, where Lily Mae's nosy wisdom, Abby's precision, and Gary and Val's silence say more than any twist. Richard Avery's descent and unexpected accountability become the spine of a season that proves slow burn can sting. Then we head to Southfork, where JR orchestrates chaos from bed with a rotary phone and a devilish grin while Sue Ellen quietly levels up, Bobby shoulders duty, and Pam's thread wobbles. Timeline quirks around Jock's death pop up—but Dallas still crackles because legacy rivalry is the fuel.From there, it's shoulder pads and sharp tongues. Dynasty decides to be prettier, wittier, and proudly outrageous, letting Alexis, Adam, Dex, Kirby, and a returning Sammy Jo turn every room into a chessboard. Dominique steps in and widens the arena, proving style can be strategy. Finally, we pour a glass at Falcon Crest: explosions, hidden treasure, a mid-season pivot, and Angela back on her bully remind us why older power players make the best television. Richard embraces the dark, Chase inches toward necessary ruthlessness, and Maggie anchors the heart under the heat.By the end, we stack the villains—JR, Alexis, Abby, Angela—and ask you to crown the chaos champion. Ready to argue, rewatch, and relive the most iconic prime-time moves? Hit play, then tell us your pick and your biggest gasp moment of the season. If you enjoy this deep dive, subscribe, share with a fellow soap fan, and leave a quick review to help more people find the show.

Send us a textA door opens, a world flips, and suddenly there's no room left for euphemisms. We've been watching the glances, the lunch breaks, the blue suit excuses—then comes the moment that turns suspicion into sight. We walk you through the Knots Landing season 3 finale beat by beat, from Val's tight smile at a party she didn't want to host for a book she's not sure she recognizes, to Gary choosing the one room where praise drowns out consequence, to Abby's calm as a blade wrapped in silk. We unpack Richard's return and how “fine” can hide a storm: the sprinklers, the double features, the note in the trash that changes Laura's calculus from hope to vigilance. We compare two master operators—Abby and Lily Mae—each relentless, but aimed in opposite directions. One seduces with permission and flattery; the other forces the truth into daylight with a straight spine and a steady stare. And we get into the publishing pivot that turns “A Family in Texas” into “Capricorn Crude,” where covers get sexier as the pages get riskier, and how Val's edits become a shield against the conversation she doesn't want with Gary. Then it happens: Karen at the threshold, Abby in the robe, Gary half-dressed, and Val arriving to see exactly what she refused to imagine. No speeches. Just motion—locks, drawers, keys, and a car cutting through the night while Gary runs beside a story he can't narrate anymore. We talk fallout, dignity, and the practical questions that hurt the most: Who keeps the house? Who gets the kids you didn't birth but helped raise? How do you rebuild a self after a public break? If you've ever clung to “I didn't see it” as a life raft, this is your reckoning. Press play for a grounded, gutsy recap with sharp character insight, TV history notes, and the moments that make great soap feel uncomfortably real. If this breakdown hits, follow the show, share it with a friend who loves prime-time classics, and leave a review to help more soap fans find us.

Send us a textA velvet-voiced stranger silences La Mirage, a jeweled hand throws real mud, and a bride vanishes into a storm—this finale doesn't blink. We open on Dominique commanding the room, then watch her stride into Blake's office with details he doesn't want to hear about the Villa Marini and Rashid Ahmed. The twist lands with a smile: she's a Carrington, or close enough to rattle the family crest. That single revelation reframes the power map in Denver and sets the tone for what's coming next.Meanwhile, Sammy Jo turns chaos into leverage, pushing for full custody of Danny while cozying up to Adam in the gym. Steven's fuse burns fast; one taunt about “help” raising his son and he snaps, proving the Carrington temper is a plot device all its own. Across the chessboard, Kirby arrives with a pistol and leaves with a ticket to Paris because Alexis turns a crisis into a negotiation before the tea cools. Adam swallows the humiliation and falls into Sammy Jo's script—because in this house, rebounds are a sport.Blake's empire buckles as the bank forecloses and Dex saunters in with a lowball bid for the Not Broncos. Krystal offers faith and fight in equal measure, but the math doesn't care about monologues. Then the two set pieces hit: a spa-side quip from Alexis about Krystal's baby earns a faceful of mud, and Fallon's wedding tilts into nightmare—headband off, vision blurring, guests packed shoulder to shoulder as she slips out, jumps in the car, and vanishes into the rain. Inside, detectives slap cuffs on Alexis over a six-figure check tied to Mark Jennings, and Dex can only watch as diamonds meet holding cell fluorescents. Outside, headlights, roadwork, and a truck fill the frame as the screen cuts to black.We're talking new power players, custody brinkmanship, foreclosures, reconciliations, and a cliffhanger that begs for theories. Hit play, subscribe if you're new, and tell us: whose move changed the game the most—Dominique's reveal, Fallon's flight, or the bank's hammer? If you loved the ride, share the show and drop a review so more die-hard soap fans can find us.

She was the moral compass of Knots Landing and one of primetime TV's most unforgettable characters. Michele Lee — the actress, singer, director, and producer who brought Karen MacKenzie to life for 14 seasons — joins Steve Kmetko for a wide-ranging, funny, and deeply personal conversation. Michele shares behind-the-scenes stories from the Knots Landing set, from fan-favorite romances to the infamous pranks, and reflects on how her character helped shape conversations about marriage, equality, and resilience on television. She also takes us back to her Broadway roots (How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Seesaw), her leap into directing at a time when women weren't always welcomed behind the camera, and her personal journey through love, loss, and new beginnings. Along the way, she opens up about friendships with Joan Van Ark and Donna Mills, why Knots Landing still resonates today, and a surprising mid-air encounter with George Clooney that only Michele could tell. From the Broadway stage to the Seaview Circle cul-de-sac, Michele Lee proves why she's a timeless star who's still here, still sharp, and still inspiring. #MicheleLee #KnotsLanding #KarenMacKenzie #ClassicTV #80sTV #TVDrama #BroadwayMusicals #HowToSucceedInBusiness #Seesaw #GeorgeClooney #DonnaMills #JoanVanArk #BehindTheScenes #HollywoodStories #CelebrityInterview #StillHereHollywood #SteveKmetko Show Credits Host/Producer: Steve Kmetko All things technical: Justin Zangerle Executive Producer: Jim Lichtenstein Music by: Brian Sanyshyn Transcription:  Mushtaq Hussain   https://stillherehollywood.com http://patreon.com/stillherehollywood Suggest Guests at: stillherehollywood@gmail.com Advertise on Still Here Hollywood: jim@stillherenetwork.com Publicist: Maggie Perlich: maggie@numbertwelvemarketing.com   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us a textRevenge is a dish best served with fine wine and explosives in the spectacular season 4 finale of Falcon Crest.Like the old lady who swallowed a fly in the children's rhyme, our Tuscany Valley power players find themselves trapped in destructive cycles of their own making. Angela Channing returns to her gloriously villainous roots, abandoning her compliant façade to orchestrate the financial ruin of Chase and Richard. Her meticulous plan to sabotage the Helios deal demonstrates why she remains television's most calculating matriarch – but even she doesn't see the blindside coming.The emotional stakes soar as Lorraine's condition deteriorates to brain death, forcing Lance to make an impossible choice while Richard watches his obsessive vendetta claim yet another victim. Meanwhile, Melissa faces her sentencing with unexpected support from Angela, whose courtroom appearance masks a deeper strategy. Family bonds shatter as Chase betrays Maggie with Connie Giannini, sending Maggie straight into Richard's surprisingly welcoming arms.But the true masterstroke comes when Cassandra Wilder reveals her shocking identity – she's the daughter of a man whose vineyard Angela destroyed years ago, and she's spent decades plotting the perfect revenge. Now controlling two-thirds of Falcon Crest, Cassandra proves that patient vengeance is the most devastating kind. The season concludes with a heart-stopping explosion at Richard's home, leaving viewers to wonder who survived as the power dynamics of Tuscany Valley are forever altered.Whether you're revisiting this golden age primetime classic or discovering it for the first time, this finale reminds us why vintage television delivered unmatched dramatic satisfaction. Pour yourself something "bubbly and bright" and witness the spectacular culmination of 30 episodes of scheming, betrayal, and the ultimate power play.

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Send us a text"Oh, it's like that?" - the perfect phrase for this explosive episode of Falcon Crest where betrayal and revenge take center stage. Unlike other soap operas where only one villain typically wreaks havoc, everyone in Falcon Crest seems to be everyone else's enemy.This episode delivers everything a soap opera fanatic craves - shocking confessions, physical confrontations, blackmail, and delicious comeuppance. Melissa finally admits to framing Lance but discovers her husband Cole slept with her cousin Robin, leading to one of the most spectacular catfights in primetime history. Meanwhile, Leather Pants Pam uncovers Richard's secret recordings and uses them to help free Lance from jail before executing her masterful revenge by purchasing the storage facility Falcon Crest desperately needs.The brilliance of "Confessions" lies in how it positions multiple characters against Richard Channing heading into the finale. With Melissa, the corrupt judge, and Pam all harboring murderous intentions toward him - plus Lance now free with Angela's blessing - Richard better keep his head on a swivel. The episode perfectly captures the circular firing squad nature of Falcon Crest's relationships, where alliances shift and collapse within moments.What makes this hour particularly satisfying is watching characters we've followed all season finally reach their breaking points. From Angela's gleeful meddling in Chase and Maggie's marriage to the tender bedside wedding between Lance and Lorraine, every scene builds tension for what promises to be an explosive season finale.Ready to see which of Richard's enemies strikes first? Subscribe now and join our community of primetime soap enthusiasts as we prepare for the finale that might finally deliver the Falcon Crest explosion we've been waiting for!

Send us a textWhen plans go awry, true character is revealed. This pivotal episode of Falcon Crest serves as the perfect bridge toward the season finale, connecting all storylines while raising the emotional stakes for every character. Lance's escape plan collapses when Lorraine suffers a devastating fall from a fire escape, landing her in a coma with multiple injuries and the loss of their baby. Driven by love rather than self-preservation, Lance abandons his chance at freedom to be by her side, only to be arrested at the hospital in a janitor's disguise. His capture sets the stage for what promises to be a dramatic legal battle ahead. Meanwhile, Melissa's web of lies begins to unravel when Greg Reardon discovers her $50,000 payment to Joel. The revelation forces her to contemplate turning herself in, even as she worries about separation from her son Joseph. Her emotional turmoil is perfectly captured in tender bedtime scenes that showcase the high cost of her deception. Just as she prepares to confess, Robin returns with news that she's pregnant with Cole's child, adding another explosive element to an already volatile situation. Elsewhere in the valley, Chase and Maggie's anniversary celebrations are cut short by work commitments, creating tension in their marriage. When Chase is later confronted by Connie's romantic confession, his rejection is gentle but firm—though the encounter suggests more complications ahead for the couple. Perhaps most intriguing is the continued development of Cassandra and Damon's storyline, as their recurring nightmares reveal more about their mysterious past and a traumatic house fire that clearly shapes their present mission. As the episode concludes, all players are perfectly positioned for the coming finale. Will Lance face justice? Can Melissa find redemption? What is Cassandra and Damon's true connection to Falcon Crest? The answers await in what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to this season's most compelling storylines.

Is Desperate Housewives the "daughter" of Knots Landing!

Send us a text"What happens when denial finally shatters?" That's the question at the heart of this riveting Knots Landing episode that left me literally frozen in place until the credits rolled. Season 3, Episode 21 "China Dolls" delivers one of the most emotionally raw television experiences of the early 80s soap era. The episode centers on Valene's painful awakening to Gary and Abby's affair, which has been building in plain sight while she desperately clung to denial. The metaphor of a cat and mouse partnership—where trust is established only to be betrayed—perfectly captures the psychological dynamics at play.  Laura finds herself in an impossible position when Karen encourages her to visit Richard at the psychiatric facility, despite him previously threatening her with a weapon. Richard's surprising self-awareness ("I thought you were the weak one... only when you left I realized it was the other way around") offers a stark contrast to Gary's self-destructive behavior. Meanwhile, Joe needs a date for a work dinner to fend off his flirtatious boss, leading to an unexpectedly sweet platonic evening with Ginger. The episode culminates in a scene that had viewers cheering—Valene confronting Abby directly about the affair, resulting in Abby's cruel taunt "I can have him anytime I want" and Valene delivering a satisfying slap across her face. Despite this moment of clarity and strength, we watch in dismay as Gary, obsessively watching Abby from windows throughout the episode, ultimately returns to her by the end. What makes this episode extraordinary isn't just the dramatic confrontations but the psychological truth beneath them. It reminds us that sometimes our worst enemy isn't the person betraying us, but our own unwillingness to see what's right in front of us. As the host reflects, "It's one thing for Gary to lie to you, it's another to lie to yourself." Want to share your thoughts on this explosive episode? Reach out at soaplorepodcast@gmail.com or text through the show notes on your mobile device.

Send us a textA sudden power shift ripples through Denver as Blake Carrington faces financial collapse, forcing him to humble himself before his ex-wife Alexis. The moment is electric—Blake squirming uncomfortably while Alexis, draped in chocolate brown with luxurious chinchilla accents, savors every second of his discomfort. After years of him keeping her from her children, the tables have dramatically turned. Meanwhile, the Carrington mansion erupts in chaos as Sammy Jo makes her grand return, boom box blasting Michael Jackson's "Thriller," determined to reclaim her place and her son. Her unexpected announcement that she's staying indefinitely throws Krystal into a panic as the delicate family balance threatens to collapse. When Steven discovers her modeling career was a complete fabrication, the stage is set for a potentially explosive custody battle. The episode's most intriguing development arrives in cream-colored elegance at La Mirage. The mysterious Ms. Devereaux, played by the legendary Diane Carroll, makes an unforgettable entrance with mountains of designer luggage and an imperious attitude. Her cryptic meeting with Alexis delivers some of Dynasty's most quotable lines ("I didn't invite you, I sent for you") while establishing her as someone with intimate knowledge of Alexis's past—and potentially dangerous intentions. Elsewhere, Fallon's wedding preparations are interrupted by the return of troubling symptoms from her concussion, coinciding with sudden doubts about marrying Jeff. Tracy Kendall dramatically quits after revealing she's been spying for Dex, and Kirby's increasingly erratic behavior culminates in a disturbing scene with a gun. As the penultimate episode of the season, "New Lady in Town" masterfully sets up multiple cliffhangers while delivering the glamour, scheming, and emotional confrontations that make Dynasty an enduring television classic. Don't miss this pivotal episode that promises to change the power dynamics of Denver's elite forever.

Send us a textThe drama reaches fever pitch in this action-packed exploration of Falcon Crest Season 4, Episode 27, "...and the Fall." As Lance awaits escape at the shipping yard, the walls close in from all sides with Richard's $10,000 bounty driving the hunt to fevered intensity. Chase's business victory turns complicated when Connie reveals her past with loan officer Larry Michaelson, creating an intimate moment that Cole misinterprets as infidelity. Meanwhile, the mysterious Cassandra and Damon continue weaving their web around the Tuscany Valley elite, leaving Richard increasingly suspicious of their true motives and identities. The search for truth takes a devastating turn when Maggie and Greg discover that Joel—the Florida Man who might hold the key to Lance's exoneration—has died of an overdose. This revelation brings grief to Terry but visible relief to Melissa, whose involvement in Lance's framing grows more apparent with each nervous interaction. In true Falcon Crest fashion, the episode culminates in a heart-stopping sequence as Angela arranges Lance's escape to Italy. When Richard and the police close in on Lance's hideout, Lorraine makes a desperate attempt to flee via a fire escape, resulting in a terrifying fall that leaves her fate hanging in the balance and Lance abandoned at the shipping yard, unaware of the tragedy. This episode perfectly captures what made Falcon Crest exceptional—blending high-stakes business dealings, complex family dynamics, and edge-of-your-seat suspense into primetime soap perfection. Fascinating behind-the-scenes revelations about casting choices and on-set tensions add another layer to our appreciation of this golden age television classic What soap opera character would you recast, and who would play the role? Share your thoughts and join the conversation by texting us through the link in our show notes or emailing SoapLorePodcast@gmail.com.

Send us a textWhat happens when the pressure building beneath a seemingly calm surface finally erupts? In this episode, we dive deep into Knott's Landing Season 3, Episode 20 "Acts of Love" - an exploration of emotional breaking points and the decisions that change lives forever. The episode pulls us in multiple directions as we witness characters pushed to their limits. Richard's recovery in a psychiatric facility forces Laura to establish firm boundaries despite pressure from well-meaning friends. Meanwhile, Gary's obsession with his methanol business creates the perfect storm for disaster in his marriage to Valene. I share a personal story about witnessing an epic meltdown at Whataburger - when a fry cook named Ray reached his breaking point after 13 hours of staring into bubbling grease. His dramatic counter-leaping exit serves as the perfect metaphor for what happens when we ride the razor's edge too long. The heart of this episode explores a painful truth: sometimes people we love hold us emotionally hostage. Whether it's Richard's manipulation of Laura or Gary's neglect of Valene, we witness characters struggling to break free from these invisible chains. As Valene embarks on an impromptu road trip and meets Willie, a former boxer turned restaurant owner, she gains perspective on Gary's business ambitions - only to return home to a husband who's crossed an unforgivable line. What's your breaking point? When do you recognize it's time to step away before flinging hot grease everywhere? Join me for this analysis of one of primetime soap opera's most pivotal episodes as we examine the art of emotional emancipation and the consequences of riding the edge too long.

Welcome to another episode of Bob Barry's Unearthed Interviews. Thanks for joining us. Today we have a truly special guest joining us. You know her as the iconic Valene Ewing from the classic series “Knots Landing.” She was a beloved face in film and television for decades. She's not just a talented actress, but also a vibrant spirit with a wealth of very different experiences to share. We'll uncover the stories behind the scenes and the laughter that kept her going. Wait until you hear how she got into showbiz!

TVC 703.6: Award-winning producer, director, and author Joseph Wallenstein talks to Ed about how Knots Landing producer Michael Filerman helped him become a director. Joe's podcast, Whatcha Know Joe?, is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever else you find podcasts.

Send us a textBlake Carrington's world is shattered when his hopes for a bank loan extension collapse, threatening his $100 million investment in South China Sea oil wells. The timing couldn't be worse as the family gathers for Fallon and Jeff's pre-wedding celebration at La Mirage. Behind the scenes, Alexis revels in her successful scheme - having paid Rashid Ahmed five million dollars to create this very crisis, she now swoops in with a predatory offer: a $100 million loan that would give her control of Denver Carrington if Blake can't repay it within six months. Meanwhile, Sammy Jo makes a dramatic return to Denver, demanding time with her son Danny and throwing the household into disarray. Her confrontational style has everyone on edge except Fallon, who matches her barb for barb during a heated exchange at La Mirage. The tension between these two women highlights the class divide that still separates Sammy Jo from the Carrington inner circle, despite her technical status as a family member. The episode takes a shocking turn when tennis pro Mark Jennings, after being rejected by Alexis and told to leave her penthouse, is found dead on the pavement below her balcony. Was it an accident fueled by his drinking, suicide, or murder? Suspicion immediately falls on Congressman McVane, who was seen lurking outside Alexis's building just moments before, but this is only the beginning of what promises to be a complex mystery. This hour perfectly captures Dynasty at its best - showcasing glamorous settings and sharp-tongued confrontations while revealing the ruthless machinations that drive these characters. John Forsythe delivers a particularly moving performance as Blake silently processes his financial ruin while maintaining a brave face for his family. As the episode closes with a detective interrupting the celebration, we're left wondering not just who killed Mark, but how Blake will possibly recover from Alexis's most devastating attack yet.

Send us a textWhat happens when the most devious, glamorous, and dramatic characters from vintage primetime soaps throw you a birthday party? Step into this fantastical celebration as we imagine receiving gifts from the icons of Dallas, Dynasty, Falcon Crest, and Knots Landing! From Southfork Ranch to the Carrington mansion, through the vineyards of Falcon Crest and the cul-de-sacs of Knots Landing, this special birthday episode takes you on a journey through the golden age of primetime television. The gifts reveal everything about these beloved characters – JR Ewing hands over a stock portfolio with shady origins and a tracking device disguised as jewelry, while Alexis Colby delivers a fur coat just to outshine Krystal's silk robe. Angela Channing shares rare wine and possibly her secret Reagan diaries, while Abby Cunningham causes a stir with her inappropriate gift of champagne and a book on seduction. Beyond the presents, imagine the conversations! Picture Richard Channing and JR Ewing comparing villain tactics, or Claudia Blaisdel and Julia Cumson discussing their mental health journeys. What would happen when Melissa Agretti flips a table while Kristen Shepherd announces her baby daddy drama? This crossover fantasy brings together the schemers, dreamers, and backstabbers from four iconic universes. For fans of vintage primetime soaps, this episode is pure wish fulfillment – a celebration of the shows that defined an era of television and continue to captivate viewers discovering them today. Whether you're an OG viewer from the 80s or a millennial discovering these treasures for the first time, this birthday fantasy delivers all the drama, shade, and shoulder pads you could wish for. Have a favorite character gift from the episode? Tell me which present you'd most want to receive – Jane Wyman's Reagan diaries, a diamond tennis bracelet from JR, or maybe Dex Dexter's turquoise jewelry? Let me know in the comments!

Send us a textThe placid suburban streets of Knots Landing erupt into chaos when Richard Avery's mental health spirals out of control in one of the most gripping episodes of the series. What begins as a seemingly innocent dinner between Richard and Abby quickly reveals the depth of his deterioration when he misinterprets her intentions and becomes aggressive, earning himself a stinging slap across the face. Desperate to reclaim his former life, Richard orchestrates a scenario to bring his estranged wife Laura and their son Jason to his home. Using an elaborate train set as both bait and cover, he creates a disturbing hostage situation when he refuses to let them leave. The psychological tension builds masterfully as we witness Richard's transformation from a hurt, lonely man into someone genuinely dangerous. His sudden brandishing of a gun when neighbor Gary attempts to intervene pushes this domestic drama into terrifying territory. The episode brilliantly showcases the community dynamics of the cul-de-sac as neighbors react to the crisis. Karen's determination to reach Richard through their friendship provides the emotional anchor, while police negotiate from outside. The contrast between Richard's unraveling mental state and the pristine suburban setting creates a dissonance that heightens every moment. When he finally allows Laura to leave but turns the unloaded gun on himself, we see the true nature of his breakdown – not a desire to hurt others but a dramatic externalization of his internal pain. "Night" stands as a testament to what made Knots Landing different from other primetime soaps of its era – its willingness to explore the darker undercurrents of suburban life with nuance and psychological depth. By the episode's end, as Richard's belongings are packed away and he begins treatment in a psychiatric facility, viewers are left wondering about the fate of this complex character and the community forever changed by this night of reckoning. Subscribe to Soap Lore for more deep dives into these golden age primetime classics that still resonate with surprising relevance today.

Send us a text"The Exposé" delivers a gut-punch exploration of what happens when our talents and compromises collide with our relationships and integrity. At its heart are two parallel journeys of people discovering that their attempts to course-correct may have come too late. Valene has written a manuscript based on Gary's famous Texas family that's caught a publisher's interest. Her excitement quickly turns to anxiety when Gary finally reads it and declares it can never see the light of day. Though fictionalized, the story contains enough truth about the Ewings that Gary fears public humiliation. What follows is Valene's painful realization that her newfound talent has become a threat to her marriage. When she agrees to shelve the book in exchange for Gary spending less time with Abby, we see a woman sacrificing her creative voice to preserve her relationship. But Gary's immediate breaking of this promise triggers something in Valene that many viewers will recognize—that moment when compromise becomes capitulation, and you finally say "enough." Meanwhile, Richard Avery's storyline offers an equally compelling examination of compromise gone wrong. A talented lawyer reduced to arranging escorts for his firm's clients, Richard embodies the soul-crushing reality of being valued for all the wrong reasons. His desperate attempts to reclaim his professional dignity backfire spectacularly when Marnie, one of his regular call girls, secretly records him discussing his arrangements. The televised exposé leaves Richard professionally ruined, scapegoated by the very company that demanded these services. The episode brilliantly captures how we sometimes find ourselves trapped in stories not of our making. As our characters discover, you can make accommodations, follow the rules, even stand up for yourself when things go too far—and still end up paying the price. What would you sacrifice to tell your truth? Or to reclaim your dignity? These questions linger long after the credits roll. Ready to dive deeper into vintage primetime soap opera debauchery? Subscribe now and join our community of newbies and die-hard fans exploring the golden age of television drama together.

Shaun highlights two podcasts Still the Place and We are Knot Done Yet that feature actresses who starred in Melrose Place and Knots Landing respectively, reminiscing about the shows. But the styles of the two podcasts are in stark contrast with lessons for making a successful show.

Send us a textWelcome to a deliciously devious examination of gold digging strategies as displayed in Dynasty's Season 4, Episode 24 "The Check." This episode serves as the ultimate field guide to extracting wealth from the Denver elite – some methods brilliant, others spectacularly misguided. Mark Jennings emerges as our unexpected hero, demonstrating perfect timing and leverage when he blackmails Alexis Colby for $100,000 after catching her in a lie about Ahmed Rashid. His champagne-sipping, opportunity-seizing approach pays off handsomely as he secures his bag and promptly leaves town. Meanwhile, Tracy works both sides as Dexter's spy in Alexis's company, collecting double paychecks but risking everything with her emotional entanglement. The contrast couldn't be clearer when we witness Kirby's disastrous attempt at revenge against Alexis – a golden opportunity squandered by poor planning and a servant mindset. The episode brilliantly juxtaposes these gold-digging strategies against Blake Carrington's $100 million business crisis and the surprise reappearance of Sammy Jo, whose modeling contract dreams crumble alongside her relationship with an abusive advertising executive. Through each character's trajectory, we learn valuable lessons about target selection, strategic positioning, and knowing exactly when to cash out. Whether you're team Mark "Champagne Poppy" Jennings or fascinated by the psychological blocks preventing Kirby from leveraging her position, this breakdown will have you raising your own champagne flute to those who master the art of securing the bag. The episode ultimately teaches us that successful gold digging isn't just about proximity to wealth – it's about understanding power dynamics, recognizing opportunities, and maintaining the emotional detachment necessary to walk away at the perfect moment.

Send us a textThe shocking secrets and betrayals in "Full Circle" demonstrate why Dallas remains the gold standard for primetime drama four decades later. When Sue Ellen receives the devastating news that her sister Kristin has given birth to JR's child, she reaches her breaking point, refusing to continue the charade of their marriage while pouring all her love into raising baby John Ross. JR, ever the manipulator, begins maneuvering for custody while simultaneously courting PR executive Leslie Stewart – unaware she's secretly recording his every misdeed for rival oil company Westar. His audacity reaches new heights when he threatens to "put Sue Ellen in a box" before letting her take their son, showcasing the ruthless determination that made Larry Hagman's character a television icon. Meanwhile, Cliff Barnes finally confronts his long-lost mother Rebecca about abandoning him as a child, in a heart-wrenching scene that adds surprising depth to his character. This emotional reunion occurs just as he discovers evidence linking JR to an international conspiracy involving a counter-revolution in Southeast Asia. When the oversight committee fails to act on the evidence, Cliff immediately suspects Bobby's interference, further straining the Barnes-Ewing rivalry. The episode delivers its most spectacular soap opera moment when Dusty Farlow – previously presumed dead – returns wearing leg braces but determined to walk again for Sue Ellen's love. This unexpected resurrection offers her a potential escape from JR's toxic grip, while setting up an inevitable confrontation. As if these developments weren't explosive enough, the final scenes reveal Kristin's return to Dallas, where she's already manipulating Jordan Lee into believing he's the father of her baby – collecting checks from both him and JR in a classic double-cross scheme that perfectly exemplifies the delicious deception that made Dallas appointment television. Have you watched these classic Dallas episodes? Share your favorite JR scheme or which character you were always rooting for in the comments below!

Knots Landing Reunion: Constance McCashin & John Pleshette!We're heading back to Seaview Circle with Constance McCashin and John Pleshette—beloved for their roles as Laura and Richard Avery on the iconic CBS prime-time series Knots Landing.More than four decades after the show's debut, Constance and John remain close friends. In this special reunion, they share stories from the set, reflect on their characters' journeys, and talk about their enduring off-screen bond.Constance, returning to The Locher Room, brought nuance and strength to Laura's unforgettable arc. John, who played the complex Richard Avery, also worked behind the scenes as a writer.Join us for a warm, funny, and heartfelt conversation between two longtime friends and Knots Landing favorites.

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Send us a textKaren Fairgate stands at a crossroads in "Letting Go," finally visiting Sid's grave after avoiding it since his funeral. "For the first time since you died, I feel alive again," she confesses, removing her wedding ring to place on a necklace—a powerful symbol of honoring the past while embracing the future. This pivotal moment comes after sharing her first kiss with Larry, triggering a flood of conflicting emotions about desire, guilt, and what it means to move forward after devastating loss.Meanwhile, Joe's ex-girlfriend Lorraine arrives unexpectedly from New York, offering to compromise on the very things that once separated them: marriage and children. "You win," she tells him, but Joe recognizes the difference between genuine desire and reluctant compromise. His insistence that children deserve two parents who truly want them showcases surprising emotional wisdom and forces Lorraine to confront her own hesitations about family life.The methanol business venture brings simmering tensions between Valene and Abby to a boiling point. When Abby uses questionable methods to convince a senator to support their cause, Val confronts her directly about her tactics. Their confrontation crystallizes into a defining philosophy clash: "Use what you have to get what you want," Abby advises unapologetically, while Val promises to watch her "like a hawk." This electric showdown sets the stage for an escalating power struggle between two fundamentally opposing worldviews.A touching scene where the family watches home movies of Sid provides emotional counterbalance, allowing them to remember him through genuine moments of joy rather than just through the lens of loss. This beautiful sequence illustrates grief's evolution—from raw pain to something more complex that makes space for celebration alongside sadness.What makes Knots Landing exceptional is precisely this willingness to explore genuine human emotions and ethical dilemmas without resorting to simplistic answers. Whether you're navigating grief, relationship compromises, or moral boundaries, these characters' struggles mirror real life in all its messy, complicated glory.

Send us a textThe line between celebration and catastrophe blurs deliciously in Dynasty's "Birthday Party" episode as Baby Blake's second birthday becomes the perfect storm of family drama, business betrayal, and romantic complications. At the center of this lavish spectacle stands a birthday party that defies all reason – complete with a functioning train, Shetland ponies, jugglers, a poolside mermaid, and a terrifying six-foot jack-in-the-box. While the toddler guest of honor appears utterly shell-shocked, the adults orbit around him with their own agendas. Jeff dons clown makeup (poorly) to play "Mr. Clown," unwittingly attracting Kirby's attention and stoking Adam's jealousy. Meanwhile, Fallon battles mysterious headaches while putting on a brave face for her son's celebration. he true fireworks happen away from the party grounds. Krystal delivers a palm-stinging slap to Tracy's face after Tracy suggests they're cut from the same cloth – secretaries who slept their way to the top. Alexis drops a bombshell hint about having a fourth child, sending ripples of speculation through the Carrington dynasty. Kirby takes shooting lessons, proving herself a surprisingly accurate markswoman with potential targets in mind. And just when Blake believes he's secured a business triumph that will catapult Denver Carrington above Colby Co, his $100 million deal with Rashid Ahmed is exposed on national television as funding arms for international conflict. The episode culminates with Fallon and Jeff announcing their intention to remarry despite their palpable lack of chemistry, setting up future complications against the backdrop of Blake's unfolding international scandal. Like all great Dynasty episodes, "Birthday Party" serves up the perfect cocktail of wealth, betrayal, unexpected alliances, and consequences that will reverberate through the lives of Denver's elite. Don't miss this quintessential glimpse into the golden age of primetime soap operas!

Send us a textIf you've ever wondered about the blurred lines between opportunity and opportunism, "Silver Shadows" delivers a masterclass in navigating relationship dynamics when wealth, age, and attraction collide.When Abby Cunningham catches the eye of aging Hollywood director Andrew Douglas, who believes she's the spitting image of his long-dead love Terry Clarington, what begins as curiosity quickly evolves into a mutually beneficial arrangement. Andrew showers Abby with priceless gifts while she provides companionship and the nostalgic echo of his lost love. But as Gary and others question her motives, we're forced to consider: who's really taking advantage of whom?The episode brilliantly parallels modern controversies about relationships between wealthy older men and younger women, reminding us of figures like Anna Nicole Smith and J. Howard Marshall. Through Andrew's character – a once-influential artist now trapped in a body that's failing him – we witness the poignant reality of aging creative minds and their search for meaning in their final chapter.This isn't just about gold-digging or exploitation; it's about agency and dignity. As Andrew directs his own death scene with cinematic flair, we're reminded that everyone deserves the right to make their own choices until the end, questionable as they might seem to others. Meanwhile, subplots exploring Karen's budding relationship with Larry (who initially pursued Abby) add delicious layers to the neighborhood dynamics.Ready to dive into this vintage primetime gem that tackles issues still relevant today? Listen now and join our discussion about how we view relationships, aging, and autonomy. Text us your thoughts or email soplorepodcast@gmail.com to share your take on this captivating episode!

Send us a textA rigged justice system, rejected advances, and secret schemes drive this tension-filled episode of Falcon Crest as familiar faces navigate treacherous waters in Tuscany Valley. The verdict is in, and justice is anything but served. Lance faces the culmination of a corrupt trial as Judge Holder—secretly in Richard's pocket—pushes a deadlocked jury toward a guilty verdict. When Maggie spots Richard having a clandestine conversation with the judge across the street from the courthouse, her investigative instincts kick into high gear. The resulting seven-year prison sentence shocks everyone in the courtroom, with Lance vowing to prove his innocence no matter how long it takes. Romance proves equally complicated throughout the valley. Emma cautiously considers a relationship with Damon despite still nursing heartbreak over her Nazi ex-boyfriend who met a tragic end. Richard's attempts at seduction fail spectacularly when Cassandra rejects his advances at an after-hours Tuscany Downs, and even his loyal assistant Pam chooses an evening with her cat over his company. Meanwhile, Chase finds himself drawn to champagne expert Connie Giannini, whose professional knowledge creates tension with Cole but whose shoulder massage leads to a passionate night between Chase and Maggie. Behind closed doors, schemes continue to develop. Melissa's search for a surrogate mother takes an interesting turn as her cousin Robin subtly positions herself for the role. Cassandra appears to be orchestrating business deals designed to potentially overload Falcon Crest financially. And Terry embraces her newfound independence through gambling success, standing her ground with Reardon while demanding cream and sugar in her coffee like the boss she is. With family loyalties tested and alliances shifting by the minute, the residents of Falcon Crest demonstrate why taking the "primrose path" of pleasure so often leads to unforeseen consequences. Will Lance find a way to overturn his conviction? Can Richard overcome his growing isolation? And who will ultimately control the destiny of the Falcon Crest empire?

Send us a textYou've never seen a trial quite like this! In "The Trial," Falcon Crest delivers courtroom drama with a corrupt twist as Richard Channing secretly bribes the judge to ensure Lance's conviction. Despite Angela's protests and Lance's emotional testimony about his love for his grandmother, justice hangs in the balance while the truth remains buried. This episode, masterfully directed by Robert Foxworth himself, showcases a remarkable moment when real-life connections elevate on-screen performances. The genuine emotion between Lorenzo Lamas and Jane Wyman—his actual godmother—creates a rare instance of authentic vulnerability in soap opera territory, proving that sometimes the most powerful scenes come from real relationships Meanwhile, heartbreak and opportunity collide for Melissa and Cole when they learn surrogacy might be their only path to another child. Just as they process this news, Melissa's beautiful cousin Robin arrives with perfect timing and unmistakable chemistry with Cole. Is this convenient coincidence or the setup for a complicated entanglement?< The mysterious Cassandra and her brother continue their covert infiltration of the Channing family, harboring secrets about their mother's connection to Angela. Their calculated approach to Richard and Emma suggests a revenge plot years in the making. Similarly, Connie Giannini's interest in Chase appears more personal than professional, creating potential fractures in his marriage to Maggie. Beyond the drama, Falcon Crest continues to surprise with its sophisticated fashion choices that defy the stereotypical 80s aesthetic. The elegant, timeless styling of characters like Angela, Connie, and even the antagonists provides a visual feast that feels surprisingly relevant decades later. What will Lance's fate be? How far will Richard's corruption extend? And what hidden connections tie these newcomers to the Channing dynasty? Pour yourself something "bubbly and bright" and join me as we unravel the tangled web of Falcon Crest's fourth season.

Since the debut of These Are My Children in 1949, the daytime television soap opera has been foundational to the history of the medium as an economic, creative, technological, social, and cultural institution. In Her Stories, Elana Levine draws on archival research and her experience as a longtime soap fan to provide an in-depth history of the daytime television soap opera as a uniquely gendered cultural form and a central force in the economic and social influence of network television. Closely observing the production, promotion, reception, and narrative strategies of the soaps, Levine examines two intersecting developments: the role soap operas have played in shaping cultural understandings of gender and the rise and fall of broadcast network television as a culture industry. In so doing, she foregrounds how soap operas have revealed changing conceptions of gender and femininity as imagined by and reflected on the television screen. In a wide-ranging and enjoyable interview with Dr. Elana Levine, we covered a broad array of subjects pertaining to the history, culture, and craft of soap operas. After an initial conversation, I asked her a series of questions about her work and how it resonates with other genres such as the Real Housewives franchise, especially how original housewives (domestic workers as well as suburban housewives of numerous ethnicities and races) represented the viewership of soap opera consumption and support. We talked about the early origins of soap operas, especially with Proctor & Gamble in the early inception of the soap opera genre to now, with the innovative partnership and collaboration between Proctor and Gamble/CBS and the NAACP in debuting the new soap opera, Beyond the Gates.  We discussed the ways in which the viewership of soaps, mostly working women and stay at home women shed light on significant aspects of American Women's and Gender history, women's civic participation (combing public and private space) as well as informs how women viewers, often housewives and domestics, found ways to weave their own life narratives together with those of cast actors, thus contributing to an interpretive lens on life matter,(blurring line between real and imagined), representing both an innovative and inclusive type of Citizenship seasoning process, whereby, via interaction with soap operas stars as both celebrities and everyday people, (as fellow Cinema scholar Anna McCarthy talks about in her work on ways in which 1950s television, functioned as a kind of citizen machine governing America,  championed inclusive democratic practice that engaged citizens in repetitious call and response and back and forth conversation about everyday practices of everyday working people.  Lastly, we talked about the parallels with primetime soap operas like Dallas, Dynasty, Knots Landing, Yellowstone, as well as what Dr. Levine calls a hybrid form of soap opera storytelling found in series like Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, and other primetime television series. We also spoke about the parallels between soap operas as meditations on aspects of good and evil, finding interesting synergy with genres such as wrestling as soap opera drama sport, the drama of superheroes and villains in the DC and Marvel Universe, as well as versions of science fiction. Dr. Elana Levine is Professor of Media, Cinema and Digital Studies in the Department of English at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. She got her PhD, Communication Arts from University of Wisconsin–Madison. Her research areas of interest include Television history, theory, and criticism; gender, sexuality, and media; media industry and production studies; media audience studies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Since the debut of These Are My Children in 1949, the daytime television soap opera has been foundational to the history of the medium as an economic, creative, technological, social, and cultural institution. In Her Stories, Elana Levine draws on archival research and her experience as a longtime soap fan to provide an in-depth history of the daytime television soap opera as a uniquely gendered cultural form and a central force in the economic and social influence of network television. Closely observing the production, promotion, reception, and narrative strategies of the soaps, Levine examines two intersecting developments: the role soap operas have played in shaping cultural understandings of gender and the rise and fall of broadcast network television as a culture industry. In so doing, she foregrounds how soap operas have revealed changing conceptions of gender and femininity as imagined by and reflected on the television screen. In a wide-ranging and enjoyable interview with Dr. Elana Levine, we covered a broad array of subjects pertaining to the history, culture, and craft of soap operas. After an initial conversation, I asked her a series of questions about her work and how it resonates with other genres such as the Real Housewives franchise, especially how original housewives (domestic workers as well as suburban housewives of numerous ethnicities and races) represented the viewership of soap opera consumption and support. We talked about the early origins of soap operas, especially with Proctor & Gamble in the early inception of the soap opera genre to now, with the innovative partnership and collaboration between Proctor and Gamble/CBS and the NAACP in debuting the new soap opera, Beyond the Gates.  We discussed the ways in which the viewership of soaps, mostly working women and stay at home women shed light on significant aspects of American Women's and Gender history, women's civic participation (combing public and private space) as well as informs how women viewers, often housewives and domestics, found ways to weave their own life narratives together with those of cast actors, thus contributing to an interpretive lens on life matter,(blurring line between real and imagined), representing both an innovative and inclusive type of Citizenship seasoning process, whereby, via interaction with soap operas stars as both celebrities and everyday people, (as fellow Cinema scholar Anna McCarthy talks about in her work on ways in which 1950s television, functioned as a kind of citizen machine governing America,  championed inclusive democratic practice that engaged citizens in repetitious call and response and back and forth conversation about everyday practices of everyday working people.  Lastly, we talked about the parallels with primetime soap operas like Dallas, Dynasty, Knots Landing, Yellowstone, as well as what Dr. Levine calls a hybrid form of soap opera storytelling found in series like Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, and other primetime television series. We also spoke about the parallels between soap operas as meditations on aspects of good and evil, finding interesting synergy with genres such as wrestling as soap opera drama sport, the drama of superheroes and villains in the DC and Marvel Universe, as well as versions of science fiction. Dr. Elana Levine is Professor of Media, Cinema and Digital Studies in the Department of English at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. She got her PhD, Communication Arts from University of Wisconsin–Madison. Her research areas of interest include Television history, theory, and criticism; gender, sexuality, and media; media industry and production studies; media audience studies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/gender-studies

Since the debut of These Are My Children in 1949, the daytime television soap opera has been foundational to the history of the medium as an economic, creative, technological, social, and cultural institution. In Her Stories, Elana Levine draws on archival research and her experience as a longtime soap fan to provide an in-depth history of the daytime television soap opera as a uniquely gendered cultural form and a central force in the economic and social influence of network television. Closely observing the production, promotion, reception, and narrative strategies of the soaps, Levine examines two intersecting developments: the role soap operas have played in shaping cultural understandings of gender and the rise and fall of broadcast network television as a culture industry. In so doing, she foregrounds how soap operas have revealed changing conceptions of gender and femininity as imagined by and reflected on the television screen. In a wide-ranging and enjoyable interview with Dr. Elana Levine, we covered a broad array of subjects pertaining to the history, culture, and craft of soap operas. After an initial conversation, I asked her a series of questions about her work and how it resonates with other genres such as the Real Housewives franchise, especially how original housewives (domestic workers as well as suburban housewives of numerous ethnicities and races) represented the viewership of soap opera consumption and support. We talked about the early origins of soap operas, especially with Proctor & Gamble in the early inception of the soap opera genre to now, with the innovative partnership and collaboration between Proctor and Gamble/CBS and the NAACP in debuting the new soap opera, Beyond the Gates.  We discussed the ways in which the viewership of soaps, mostly working women and stay at home women shed light on significant aspects of American Women's and Gender history, women's civic participation (combing public and private space) as well as informs how women viewers, often housewives and domestics, found ways to weave their own life narratives together with those of cast actors, thus contributing to an interpretive lens on life matter,(blurring line between real and imagined), representing both an innovative and inclusive type of Citizenship seasoning process, whereby, via interaction with soap operas stars as both celebrities and everyday people, (as fellow Cinema scholar Anna McCarthy talks about in her work on ways in which 1950s television, functioned as a kind of citizen machine governing America,  championed inclusive democratic practice that engaged citizens in repetitious call and response and back and forth conversation about everyday practices of everyday working people.  Lastly, we talked about the parallels with primetime soap operas like Dallas, Dynasty, Knots Landing, Yellowstone, as well as what Dr. Levine calls a hybrid form of soap opera storytelling found in series like Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, and other primetime television series. We also spoke about the parallels between soap operas as meditations on aspects of good and evil, finding interesting synergy with genres such as wrestling as soap opera drama sport, the drama of superheroes and villains in the DC and Marvel Universe, as well as versions of science fiction. Dr. Elana Levine is Professor of Media, Cinema and Digital Studies in the Department of English at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. She got her PhD, Communication Arts from University of Wisconsin–Madison. Her research areas of interest include Television history, theory, and criticism; gender, sexuality, and media; media industry and production studies; media audience studies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/film

Since the debut of These Are My Children in 1949, the daytime television soap opera has been foundational to the history of the medium as an economic, creative, technological, social, and cultural institution. In Her Stories, Elana Levine draws on archival research and her experience as a longtime soap fan to provide an in-depth history of the daytime television soap opera as a uniquely gendered cultural form and a central force in the economic and social influence of network television. Closely observing the production, promotion, reception, and narrative strategies of the soaps, Levine examines two intersecting developments: the role soap operas have played in shaping cultural understandings of gender and the rise and fall of broadcast network television as a culture industry. In so doing, she foregrounds how soap operas have revealed changing conceptions of gender and femininity as imagined by and reflected on the television screen. In a wide-ranging and enjoyable interview with Dr. Elana Levine, we covered a broad array of subjects pertaining to the history, culture, and craft of soap operas. After an initial conversation, I asked her a series of questions about her work and how it resonates with other genres such as the Real Housewives franchise, especially how original housewives (domestic workers as well as suburban housewives of numerous ethnicities and races) represented the viewership of soap opera consumption and support. We talked about the early origins of soap operas, especially with Proctor & Gamble in the early inception of the soap opera genre to now, with the innovative partnership and collaboration between Proctor and Gamble/CBS and the NAACP in debuting the new soap opera, Beyond the Gates.  We discussed the ways in which the viewership of soaps, mostly working women and stay at home women shed light on significant aspects of American Women's and Gender history, women's civic participation (combing public and private space) as well as informs how women viewers, often housewives and domestics, found ways to weave their own life narratives together with those of cast actors, thus contributing to an interpretive lens on life matter,(blurring line between real and imagined), representing both an innovative and inclusive type of Citizenship seasoning process, whereby, via interaction with soap operas stars as both celebrities and everyday people, (as fellow Cinema scholar Anna McCarthy talks about in her work on ways in which 1950s television, functioned as a kind of citizen machine governing America,  championed inclusive democratic practice that engaged citizens in repetitious call and response and back and forth conversation about everyday practices of everyday working people.  Lastly, we talked about the parallels with primetime soap operas like Dallas, Dynasty, Knots Landing, Yellowstone, as well as what Dr. Levine calls a hybrid form of soap opera storytelling found in series like Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, and other primetime television series. We also spoke about the parallels between soap operas as meditations on aspects of good and evil, finding interesting synergy with genres such as wrestling as soap opera drama sport, the drama of superheroes and villains in the DC and Marvel Universe, as well as versions of science fiction. Dr. Elana Levine is Professor of Media, Cinema and Digital Studies in the Department of English at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. She got her PhD, Communication Arts from University of Wisconsin–Madison. Her research areas of interest include Television history, theory, and criticism; gender, sexuality, and media; media industry and production studies; media audience studies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/american-studies

Since the debut of These Are My Children in 1949, the daytime television soap opera has been foundational to the history of the medium as an economic, creative, technological, social, and cultural institution. In Her Stories, Elana Levine draws on archival research and her experience as a longtime soap fan to provide an in-depth history of the daytime television soap opera as a uniquely gendered cultural form and a central force in the economic and social influence of network television. Closely observing the production, promotion, reception, and narrative strategies of the soaps, Levine examines two intersecting developments: the role soap operas have played in shaping cultural understandings of gender and the rise and fall of broadcast network television as a culture industry. In so doing, she foregrounds how soap operas have revealed changing conceptions of gender and femininity as imagined by and reflected on the television screen. In a wide-ranging and enjoyable interview with Dr. Elana Levine, we covered a broad array of subjects pertaining to the history, culture, and craft of soap operas. After an initial conversation, I asked her a series of questions about her work and how it resonates with other genres such as the Real Housewives franchise, especially how original housewives (domestic workers as well as suburban housewives of numerous ethnicities and races) represented the viewership of soap opera consumption and support. We talked about the early origins of soap operas, especially with Proctor & Gamble in the early inception of the soap opera genre to now, with the innovative partnership and collaboration between Proctor and Gamble/CBS and the NAACP in debuting the new soap opera, Beyond the Gates.  We discussed the ways in which the viewership of soaps, mostly working women and stay at home women shed light on significant aspects of American Women's and Gender history, women's civic participation (combing public and private space) as well as informs how women viewers, often housewives and domestics, found ways to weave their own life narratives together with those of cast actors, thus contributing to an interpretive lens on life matter,(blurring line between real and imagined), representing both an innovative and inclusive type of Citizenship seasoning process, whereby, via interaction with soap operas stars as both celebrities and everyday people, (as fellow Cinema scholar Anna McCarthy talks about in her work on ways in which 1950s television, functioned as a kind of citizen machine governing America,  championed inclusive democratic practice that engaged citizens in repetitious call and response and back and forth conversation about everyday practices of everyday working people.  Lastly, we talked about the parallels with primetime soap operas like Dallas, Dynasty, Knots Landing, Yellowstone, as well as what Dr. Levine calls a hybrid form of soap opera storytelling found in series like Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, and other primetime television series. We also spoke about the parallels between soap operas as meditations on aspects of good and evil, finding interesting synergy with genres such as wrestling as soap opera drama sport, the drama of superheroes and villains in the DC and Marvel Universe, as well as versions of science fiction. Dr. Elana Levine is Professor of Media, Cinema and Digital Studies in the Department of English at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. She got her PhD, Communication Arts from University of Wisconsin–Madison. Her research areas of interest include Television history, theory, and criticism; gender, sexuality, and media; media industry and production studies; media audience studies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/communications

Since the debut of These Are My Children in 1949, the daytime television soap opera has been foundational to the history of the medium as an economic, creative, technological, social, and cultural institution. In Her Stories, Elana Levine draws on archival research and her experience as a longtime soap fan to provide an in-depth history of the daytime television soap opera as a uniquely gendered cultural form and a central force in the economic and social influence of network television. Closely observing the production, promotion, reception, and narrative strategies of the soaps, Levine examines two intersecting developments: the role soap operas have played in shaping cultural understandings of gender and the rise and fall of broadcast network television as a culture industry. In so doing, she foregrounds how soap operas have revealed changing conceptions of gender and femininity as imagined by and reflected on the television screen. In a wide-ranging and enjoyable interview with Dr. Elana Levine, we covered a broad array of subjects pertaining to the history, culture, and craft of soap operas. After an initial conversation, I asked her a series of questions about her work and how it resonates with other genres such as the Real Housewives franchise, especially how original housewives (domestic workers as well as suburban housewives of numerous ethnicities and races) represented the viewership of soap opera consumption and support. We talked about the early origins of soap operas, especially with Proctor & Gamble in the early inception of the soap opera genre to now, with the innovative partnership and collaboration between Proctor and Gamble/CBS and the NAACP in debuting the new soap opera, Beyond the Gates.  We discussed the ways in which the viewership of soaps, mostly working women and stay at home women shed light on significant aspects of American Women's and Gender history, women's civic participation (combing public and private space) as well as informs how women viewers, often housewives and domestics, found ways to weave their own life narratives together with those of cast actors, thus contributing to an interpretive lens on life matter,(blurring line between real and imagined), representing both an innovative and inclusive type of Citizenship seasoning process, whereby, via interaction with soap operas stars as both celebrities and everyday people, (as fellow Cinema scholar Anna McCarthy talks about in her work on ways in which 1950s television, functioned as a kind of citizen machine governing America,  championed inclusive democratic practice that engaged citizens in repetitious call and response and back and forth conversation about everyday practices of everyday working people.  Lastly, we talked about the parallels with primetime soap operas like Dallas, Dynasty, Knots Landing, Yellowstone, as well as what Dr. Levine calls a hybrid form of soap opera storytelling found in series like Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, and other primetime television series. We also spoke about the parallels between soap operas as meditations on aspects of good and evil, finding interesting synergy with genres such as wrestling as soap opera drama sport, the drama of superheroes and villains in the DC and Marvel Universe, as well as versions of science fiction. Dr. Elana Levine is Professor of Media, Cinema and Digital Studies in the Department of English at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. She got her PhD, Communication Arts from University of Wisconsin–Madison. Her research areas of interest include Television history, theory, and criticism; gender, sexuality, and media; media industry and production studies; media audience studies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/popular-culture

Send us a textEver wondered what happens when you finally find your voice but no one's listening? "Best Intentions" delivers a masterclass in the painful evolution of relationships when one partner grows while the other stays stuck in old patterns.The episode weaves together two powerful storylines about women discovering new parts of themselves. Valene uncovers unexpected writing talent through a journalism class assignment that morphs into a 500-page manuscript detailing her experiences with the Ewings. When her mother Lily Mae and neighbor Abby conspire to get it published, Valene must decide whether to embrace this new identity as a potential author, despite Gary's dismissive attitude toward her ambitions.Meanwhile, Laura faces the ultimate dilemma: pregnant with Richard's baby while planning to leave him. Her growing success as a realtor has strengthened her sense of self-worth, making his dismissive behavior increasingly intolerable. Richard's temporary transformation after learning about the pregnancy quickly deteriorates, proving that awareness of one's flaws doesn't automatically create lasting change.The episode brilliantly captures that moment when you realize someone isn't capable of being who you need them to be, no matter how much you wish they would. Laura's ultimate decision to leave despite her pregnancy reflects the painful reality that sometimes even the deepest connections can't survive when growth happens unevenly.What makes this storyline resonate so deeply is the subtle performance work – Laura's face slowly changing as Richard rambles about wine tours, completely missing what she truly needs. It's a masterful portrayal of the moment someone realizes they've outgrown a relationship that once felt essential.Have you ever had to choose between outgrowing someone or shrinking to make them comfortable? Share your thoughts by texting through the link in our show notes or emailing soplorepodcast@gmail.com.

Lauder for Men by Estée Lauder (1985) +  David Jacobs' Knots Landing season 12 +  Noel Black's The Other Victim (1981) with The Eternal Dillards 7/1/25 S7E45 To hear the complete continuing story of The Perfume Nationalist please subscribe on Patreon. 

In our newest edition of "Before the Show", we look at the Italian Bowl in Toledo and a hurdler having multiple wardrobe malfunctions in Segment 1. Then, in Segment 2, we are joined by Chico as we discuss the lack of ticket sales of Hulk Hogan's Real American Wrestling at Cleveland State, along with an update on Greg's progress on "Knots Landing", before talking about the selection of movies on Bounce.

Send us a textWhat happens when betrayal, revenge, and real estate collide in California wine country? The aftermath of Cole abandoning Melissa at the altar creates shockwaves through Falcon Crest that nobody could have predicted. Melissa Agretti refuses to play the victim after her public humiliation. Rather than retreating into shame, she transforms her wedding day disaster into an opportunity for reinvention – horseback riding in her couture gown alongside Craig Reardon and setting the stage for what becomes the most jaw-dropping confrontation in Falcon Crest history. When she delivers the first-ever "b*tch" to Angela Channing's face while returning her ruined wedding dress, television history is made in a moment of pure soap opera perfection. Meanwhile, the power struggle over the Giannini vineyard intensifies as Angela and Chase position themselves to control this valuable property. The unexpected arrival of Mary Giannini in a casket rather than on a private jet throws both their schemes into chaos, proving once again that in Tuscany Valley, even the dead play crucial roles in the ongoing vineyard wars. Angela's iconic declaration that her "money is old and strong like the back of my hand" reminds everyone why she remains television's most formidable matriarch. The episode delivers its most surprising wisdom through four-year-old Joseph, whose simple but profound observations about honesty and forgiveness force Cole to reconsider his actions. This leads to an unexpected physical confrontation between Cole and Greg Reardon that somehow transforms into friendship, culminating in an impromptu vineyard wedding where enemies become allies in true soap opera fashion. From Angela's symbolically split red-and-gray outfit to Richard's bizarre reaction to Lorraine's pregnancy, "Recriminations" showcases why primetime soaps of the 1980s created such devoted audiences. If you're nostalgic for the golden age of television melodrama or discovering these classics for the first time, this landmark episode demonstrates precisely why these stories continue to captivate decades later.

This week, I'm welcoming author Christopher Rice back to The Sewers of Paris to talk about his new book, Party of Three — a steamy romance about a gay couple who finds room for a third. On past episodes, I've chatted with Christopher about finding inspiration, for example from soapy shows of the 70s and 80s. This time, we'll go deep on his writing process and the process of psychoanalyzing himself and the characters he creates. Plus, the story of how he once helped solve a murder.We'll have that conversation in just a minute. First — if you're enjoying The Sewers of Paris, I hope you'll consider supporting the show on Patreon. You may also enjoy my YouTube videos about the making of iconic movies and TV shows — I have a new one coming this weekend about the complex legacy of Brokeback Mountain. And check out my weekly livestreams on Twitch, my book Hi Honey, I'm Homo!, and my free email newsletter. There's links to all that in the episode shownotes, and at MattBaume.com.

Send us a textIn "New Beginnings," Dallas delivers one of its most emotionally devastating episodes as characters teeter between hope and heartbreak. The hour opens with celebration at Southfork as the Ewing family gathers to honor Jock and Ellie's reunion and upcoming honeymoon, but beneath the festive exterior, relationships unravel at every turn. Sue Ellen finds herself confronted by her lover's wife in a lunch meeting that changes everything. Rather than the angry confrontation we might expect, Alicia Ogden calmly requests only discretion while sharing her husband. The quiet dignity of this woman who refuses to give up her husband despite knowing he loves another shatters Sue Ellen's illusions about her affair with Clint. Linda Gray masterfully portrays Sue Ellen's transformation as she realizes she cannot continue destroying a marriage where genuine love exists, even if it's one-sided. Meanwhile, JR operates on multiple fronts – manipulating Ray into taking on a business venture beyond his expertise, alienating powerful Westar executives by backing out of a deal to sell Ewing Oil, and planning to divorce Sue Ellen while his parents are away. Larry Hagman brilliantly captures JR's casual cruelty and the fleeting glimpses of genuine emotion that make him such a compelling character. When JR and Sue Ellen share a rare moment of vulnerability, reminiscing about their first attraction, we see what might have been possible between them in another life. Just as reconciliation seems possible, the episode delivers its knockout punch – a phone call from Sue Ellen's sister Kristen announcing she's just given birth to JR's son. The perfect timing of this revelation, immediately following JR's statement that their son John Ross is "the best thing we ever did," showcases Dallas at its dramatic best. As Sue Ellen's face hardens from vulnerable hope to devastated resignation, we're reminded why this series remains the gold standard of primetime soaps. Don't miss our deep dive into this pivotal episode that sets up explosive consequences to come. Subscribe now to catch all our coverage of classic Dallas storylines and join the conversation about television's most iconic family drama.

AITA: For secretly paying my girlfriend's debt? DIRT ALERT: Liam Payne details, BOOB TUBE BONANZA: Holly watched "Clean Slate" and Alexis has "Poker Face" Season 2 details. Plus, were is the rest of "Knots Landing?!" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

AITA: For secretly paying my girlfriend's debt? DIRT ALERT: Liam Payne details, BOOB TUBE BONANZA: Holly watched "Clean Slate" and Alexis has "Poker Face" Season 2 details. Plus, were is the rest of "Knots Landing?!" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices