Photo courtesy of CBSsoapwatch.com

Fall soap storylines are really taking off now. Although “The Young and the Restless” is by far the highest rated, the best daytime drama today and the one that has remained true to the soap genre while reinventing it as well, is CBS’s other mega hit, “As The World Turns.” A soap that is over a half century old has a tough time keeping key players and show veterans hot, exciting, interesting and refreshing. Eileen Fulton, Helen Wagner, Kathy Hayes, Don Hastings and Elizabeth Hubbard are winners in that category, especially Eileen, who was such an institution in daytime that CBS created a primetime drama surrounding her “ATWT” character Lisa. Eileen is like a breath of fresh air on the show and so are the other veterans. My former client, Glenn Ford, was married to Miss Hayes, so she has a special spot in my heart as well. Miss Wagner will be turning 90 soon and she doesn’t look a day over 60. She still has that strong voice that is even sexier than Lauren Bacall’s and Elizabeth Hubbard is still successfully chewing up the scenery and has such great chemistry with Noelle Beck, who is the new and more interesting Lilly. Mr. Hasting, I have one thing to say to you: “I Remember it Well.” That is the song that he and my longtime friend Eileen Fulton sung on her most recent CD “Along for the Ride.”

Fans were stunned when fan favorite Grayson McCouch returned to the show as “Dusty.” Normally when a fan favorite is killed off, there isn’t a chance they will return. But with multitalented and dynamic executive producer Chris Goutman and one of daytime’s most superb writers Ms. Jean Passanante in charge, the return of Dusty was not a flop, but a real hit. McCouch, who is well on his way to becoming the best actor ever in daytime, a title the late Michael Zaslow held for practically a decade and the continued compelling storytelling the soap “ATWT” has been delivering for over four years now. It’s no doubt that we will continue to be entertained by the residents of Oakdale.

The return of Dusty was handled brilliantly. Of course with the return of supervillain James Stenbeck, we knew that he had to be involved with the return of Dusty, who all of the Oakdale residents believed died last year. McCouch competed with huge storylines on other soaps this week. “B&B’s” Loretta Young look alike and beauty Hunter Tylo had some of the best scenes of her career. Giving her child Jack over to her longtime nemesis Brooke, played by Katharine Kelly Lang, must have been difficult to play, but Tylo did so with aplomb. Tylo lost her beloved son Mickey last year and we have to believe that memory was not far from her mind while playing these Emmy worthy scenes since she was so emotionally wrought and sad. Billy Miller made his debut as Billy, the now super spoiled rich kid who returned to Genoa City on “Y&R.” Having been a recast for the amazingly talented David Tom had to be difficult, but Miller handled it with ease. “Days” had a murder mystery heating up, and Emmy winner Jeanne Cooper will be playing, yet again at age 79, dual roles on “Y&R.”  

Photo courtesy of CSBsoapwatch.com

With all that said, Grayson McCouch stole the show. Daytime drama was at its best but also McCouch was at his best. There is no doubt that this young man will find himself on the silver screen as one of Hollywood’s top leading men one day. But until then, how lucky “ATWT” viewers are to have the handsome talent return to daytime. McCouch has an amazing storyline coming up. Don’t think Dusty’s return won’t have repercussions for many months to come. John James and Mr. Anthony Herrera have been a shot in the arm for the soap. But McCouch’s return could, in my opinion, remove Sara Palin from the headlines. The new headline? Daytime’s Brightest Star Returns to Oakdale!