News Round-up

AS THE WORLD TURNS in 2008: The "World" at Warp Speed
Patrick Erwin writes: "AS THE WORLD TURNS may be the second oldest soap, but this year, the show burned through storylines at warp speed. There has been a tremendous amount of action onscreen, as well as behind the scenes, in 2008 at ATWT. But interestingly enough, the general mood of the show seems to be back to where it started in 2008 — in a cloud of darkness."

MICHAEL FAIRMAN: Saying goodbye to Myrtle, "AMC's" tribute episode
"...when "AMC" decided to have the tribute episode for Eileen and her alter ego Myrtle Fargate, I was hoping they would do her and themselves justice. I am thrilled to report back...that as far as these tribute episodes on the soaps go, it was one of the all-time best!"

SARA A. BIBEL: Goodbye, My Friend
"ALL MY CHILDREN's memorial tribute to Myrtle Fargate (Eileen Herlie) moved me to tears by minute two -- a personal best (or worst?) Flashback laden-reminiscences showcased the character's long history with the show. And I mean long. The Linc and Kitty references were so old school that many viewers, including me, undoubtedly had no memory of the characters or story. But judging from the clips, it was damn good soap."

MARK HARDING: Form and Function
"I think a mistake that GL has made is that they are patterning themselves after a reality show...but reality can often be boring. Their production model lends itself perfectly for high-stakes adrenaline storytelling...and I think that could have attracted an audience."

Jay Kenneth Johnson's Five Greatest DAYS OF OUR LIVES Moments
Johnson reflects on his fondest memories from his years in the Salem fold.

How to cut the Christmas calories
During the EASTENDERS special: Swap a mince pie (240 calories) for a slice of chocolate log (185 calories).