HOLLYWOOD—Tackling tough issues is something daytime dramas used to do on a regular basis. Bill and Lee Phillip Bell tackled rape, incest and adultery on “The Young and the Restless” long before primetime television had the guts to do so. So it is no surprise that yet again, a Bell family member will be tackling one of the nation’s biggest issues currently facing many across the country today. Lung cancer is on the rise, with many people who have never smoked in their lives being diagnosed with the often deadly form of lung cancer. Last fall Bradley P. Bell, the two-time Emmy® winning executive producer of “B&B” began a storyline that captured my attention. Having dealt with family members who are currently battling different types of cancers, I was mesmerized by the diagnosis of stage four lung and brain cancer of the show’s most popular character Stephanie Forrester. Stephanie is played by four-time Emmy® winner and Golden Globe winning actress Susan Flannery. This week viewers were shocked to see one of the most popular male characters on the series Nick Marone now finding out through an X-Ray that he has a spot on his lung.
Nick, played by the amazing Jack Wagner, has been a smoker for years. Nick explained to a stern but loving friend Stephanie that he began smoking as a teenager when he was growing up around sailors, who often smoked on ships. The cigar smoking billionaire, who runs Jackie M Designs as well as the conglomerate Marone Enterprises, was stunned by the news from his doctor that he needed further testing on his lungs. Wagner is one of the most believable and sensational leading men in television today and his reactions of shock and then denial were picture perfect for this viewer as well as the other 40 million “B&B” viewers worldwide.
In typical brilliant Brad Bell fashion, Stephanie could not keep her mouth shut. The scene when Nick left Stephanie’s Bel Air mansion and told her, “Maybe I should leave while I still find your advice caring,” was humorous, but played perfectly by both Wagner and Flannery to make such an emotional impact on viewers. At the end of Wednesday’s episode, Nick walked outside of the Forrester mansion and began to light up a cigar. Then with excellence and total control of his emotions as an actor, Wagner’s eyes seemed to glaze over with sadness, then contempt and ultimately resignation to throw away the match and not smoke at that very moment. Viewers know that this is going to be a tough addiction for Nick to kick. After decades of lighting up, putting smoking down for good is going to be a journey, and thanks to Brad, we’re all going to take this journey together.
Susan Flannery plays every scene perfectly. From Stephanie’s concern to her bossiness, we can’t get enough of this blue-eyed diva. Women lust after Nick Marone, and men admire him. Jack Wagner’s performance should not be underestimated. Next week Nick’s journey takes a turn that viewers are not expecting. We also witness Stephanie’s further interference in his life. I’m not saying it’s a turn for the worse. I am asking viewers to be patient, and anyone reading this story should turn “B&B” on to see the incredible storyline which our Holmby Hills legend Bradley P. Bell is about to layout for viewers. Expect this storyline to be done with honesty and integrity. Much like the recent homeless storyline on “B&B,” Nick’s journey is one you don’t want to miss.
“B&B” airs weekdays on CBS.
Photographs are Courtesy: Jon McKee Photography
