tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post2825151744296733321..comments2023-11-02T09:08:08.645-04:00Comments on We Love Soaps: Some Objective First Thoughts on THE BAY & Indie SoapsKevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13659344675956886092noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post-35734089896036446452010-09-18T00:32:03.501-04:002010-09-18T00:32:03.501-04:00The theme song didn't bother me at all. I don...The theme song didn't bother me at all. I don't get the critique of it. What were people expecting? Maybe I wasn't expecting anything so I was open to just experiencing it? Mary Beth Evans was the best thing about the "episode" in my opinion. She just freakin rocks and makes ANY script work. Yes the sound was bad, but they are apparently fixing it (I'm sure it's so it can be broadcast on television overseas). I told myself I would wait to watch until an entire 30 min episode (first chapter?) was available but I couldn't help myself. I will continue to watch, as I did GOTHAM, for awhile. I'm not going to stick with GOTHAM though. And if THE BAY wants to keep me, it had best deliver.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01573106868159282925noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post-45910694765236840132010-09-16T14:29:27.880-04:002010-09-16T14:29:27.880-04:00I strongly applaud Gregori and the wonderfully tal...I strongly applaud Gregori and the wonderfully talented cast and crew who put this together. I was privy to get to see the next few episodes and am excited how all these stories come together in a surprising way.<br /><br />Aside from what has been said about sound, I also want to state how much I enjoyed the confessionals, as they gave the viewer private insights into how that character feels about their family and their own lives. We were privy to psychological insights that we don't necessarily get from the actual unfolding of the story. For me, that makes watching the ongoing story so much more juicy and fun.<br /><br />Many current shows utilize a "mockumentary" approach to storytelling, such as Modern Family and The Office. Wouldn't it be exciting for a soap to incorporate this technique? Doing so would add layers of intrigue and subtext to the main action. <br /><br />Kudos to ALL involved in this exciting project!Damon L. Jacobshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02933846695513222091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post-37742552786219796872010-09-16T14:15:59.452-04:002010-09-16T14:15:59.452-04:00Roger,
Thanks. I liked the opening credits, they...Roger,<br /><br />Thanks. I liked the opening credits, they're very professional and reminding me of the great primetime soaps from the '80s. But they could be sped up a bit.<br /><br />Again, I applaud every one involved in the project. This is what Gotham should have been. Unlike Gotham, the Bay is about a cast of characters. I can't state how much I LOVED the "Confessions of the Garretts." It was an innovative idea that helped to reveal the motivations of many characters.<br /><br />I'm looking forward to the next episode. Frankly, I was hoping that the confessionals might be worked into the series as a way of exploring other characters.SoapFan78https://www.blogger.com/profile/16867531085107236880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post-28997068755223037202010-09-16T12:45:59.489-04:002010-09-16T12:45:59.489-04:00Overall, I liked the premiere. The production valu...Overall, I liked the premiere. The production values are, by far, the best I've seen in any of the indie soaps. I was intrigued by the characters and definitely wanted more.<br /><br />Like SoapFan78, I didn't care for the theme song. It just didn't grab me at all and doesn't seem fitting with the cool credits. Speaking of the credits, don't get me wrong. I love me some credits and hate the fast-moving, shrunken credits on TV these days. But, the credits in this episode took up something like 2 minutes out of the almost 8-minute episode. Personally, I'd rather have more meat, more story and less credits. It's the story that's going to pull in the audience as opposed to the credits.<br /><br />I think The Bay is off to a great start and I'm intrigued.Robb C. Sewellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06765190425973782744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post-79593271913329099382010-09-16T12:42:35.540-04:002010-09-16T12:42:35.540-04:00For the most part, I agree with your thoughts on t...For the most part, I agree with your thoughts on the show. The acting and casting were great, as expected. And for me, it was visually far more appealing than I anticipated. <br /><br />I did notice some issues with sound, but not enough to deter me from watching. And yes, while I understand the length, for a first episode, it felt really short. <br /><br />The Confessions, however, were a brilliant idea and really served to acclimate viewers prior to the premiere. <br /><br />Now, to the music. Here's where we disagree. I really dislike the music for the Confessions. Interesting music and certainly may be appropriate for episodes down the line, but I didn't think it matched what was happening within the Confessions. To me, it was overly dramatic and really gave an otherwise sophisticated looking production a very cheesy feel. <br /><br />The song that aired on the premiere was much better, in my opinion. Was it perfect? Probably not. And down the road, will it fit with the feel of the show? I don't know. But it was catchy enough and was just "there" enough that I think it's memorable without being over the top or something I'll get sick of hearing. Actually, I thought the opening sequence/credits was one of the strongest elements. <br /><br />Overall, I'm pleased and will continue to watch.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post-65017870416560367422010-09-16T12:06:10.770-04:002010-09-16T12:06:10.770-04:00Those who are used to (or used to be used to) the ...Those who are used to (or used to be used to) the hour long soap format will have some adjusting to do. But I think there are so many who are disappointed with the current offerings, that the lure of seeing our favs onscreen, good storytelling, and the idea of something fresh will be well worth the change in format. I'm thrilled that Tristan is back, and that the show held my interest. It mingled enough facts and questions to leave you wanting more. Kudos.Valerie Hudsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09834310184863504926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post-67435583033965868642010-09-16T11:19:45.239-04:002010-09-16T11:19:45.239-04:00I actually love the theme song! But I agree with t...I actually love the theme song! But I agree with the criticism about the sound quality of the episode!<br /><br />My only small 'critique'/comment was that I wish the episode had started with the Garretts (the core family) and not Mack and Christine; in the first episode(s) in particular, I feel like the Garretts should be the focus.<br /><br />Great performances by everyone! I think Bryan's story and Marly's relationship to her mom were the most compelling parts of the premier. Some friends of mine told me that they were so glad to have the Confessions to go to, because the episode made them so curious about why Marly and Sara were at odds.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00650817966715548369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post-77371059795556373142010-09-16T09:57:29.761-04:002010-09-16T09:57:29.761-04:00SoapFan78, glad I'm not the only one that real...SoapFan78, glad I'm not the only one that really like the "Confessions" theme.<br /><br />As for publicity, THE BAY has been covered pretty extensively in the soap magazines. They have done interviews, features, etc for the past few months. You can look at many of these on THE BAY website.<br /><br />Outside the magazines, Daytime Confidential and We Love Soaps are two of the most popular soap opera websites and we have both covered extensively as well. I know many others have as well.<br /><br />The actors also made tons of appearances on various radio shows and did numerous interviews.<br /><br />As with all things, I'm sure something could have been done more or better. But I want to give credit to the amazing fans of Mary Beth Evans, Tristan Rogers, Lilly Melgar and so many others for helping to spread the word online and helping to promote the show. THE BAY has a solid foundation already thanks to them.Roger Newcombhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17605713149480918249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585163331194032530.post-33726628435573560462010-09-16T09:49:29.616-04:002010-09-16T09:49:29.616-04:00I agree with your thoughts.
The theme song was th...I agree with your thoughts.<br /><br />The theme song was the weakest point. The haunting instrumental from the "Confessions of the Garretts" was much stronger and evocative. The music stood out as being both unique and setting a tone of intrigue. I hope that the "Bay" producers substitute it for the current opening theme.<br /><br />My other criticism would be publicity. I heard that many soap journalists from the magazines were not made aware of "The Bay." No promotional materials were given to them. Is this true? <br /><br />This is the best web soap starring known soap actors. I understand the mainstream press is terrible about writing about soaps but there's no excuse for the soap press not to be informed about it.<br /><br />Mary Beth Evans is great as Sara Evans. Damn, that woman has had a life. What a schemer, too! <br /><br />I also appreciate the diversity of the show.SoapFan78https://www.blogger.com/profile/16867531085107236880noreply@blogger.com