I hope that all of you (or at least most of you) enjoyed my last article, where I wrote a letter to Annie Douglas Richards about her wicked ways. I was asked to do it again this week, so I have chosen Ben Evans as the recipient of my poison pen. And also let me apologize for my tardiness in getting this edition out.

Dear Prince (Of Darkness),

I know you are stuck between a rock and a hard place right now, what with two beautiful woman both loving you and wanting to spend the rest of their lives with you. And let’s not forget that you have a little 5-year old son to take care of (for now). However, I am both heartbroken and upset at the fact that you would drag out this unfortunate situation for so long, and cause more and more heartache for these two ladies (Meg and Maria).

First of all, we all know that it is Meg whom you truly love and want to be with, not Maria. But just like so many unhappy marriages these days, parents stay together for the sake of the children. We all know that that is not necessarily the right thing to do. Parents today have split up and divorced, under friendly and not-so-friendly terms, with children who are younger than Benjy. Why you insist on letting this little sniveling, whining brat control your life is beyond me. How many times must we witness his condescending tone and mean-spirited manner when it comes to Meg? He knows how much you love her, yet he continues to treat her like a third class citizen – just because he doesn’t want his mommy and daddy to be apart? I’m not a parent (yet), but I think that your precious, little son needs to have a real heart-to-heart talking to and get him straightened out once and for all.

Then there is Maria. Your first (and current wife). Granted, she still loves you and wants to be with you until the end of time, but it is definitely not fair to her or to everyone else, that you allow her to live in your house, pretending that things will work out for all concerned (again Benjy). You need to be firm with her and tell her that it would be best if she and Benjy moved to their own place until you can sort out your feelings for her and Meg. Now I am not saying that you have to stop seeing Benjy – you see your son as often as you want and let him know how much you love him, but this situation as it stands now is not working and will only cause more heartache down the road. If Maria wants to move out then let her. Don’t stop her for the wrong reasons; let her do it for the right reasons.

And now onto our lovely, yet sometimes naďve Meg. Yes, you love her and want to be with her, but you unconsciously push her away with your actions towards your family. All I can say about that is "shame .. shame .. shame". You refused to see what has been directly under your nose for so long now, that when things finally blew up in your face – you were actually surprised it happened. We all know that you are not the type of person to let people know how you feel, or what is going on inside your head and your heart, but this is the woman you claim to love and want to spend the rest of your life with. I think you should be spilling your guts to her about every little fiddle and fart that is going on in your life. All of those times when you told her "don’t worry, things will work out" have been the biggest let down for Meg. You, not Maria, broke her heart. I think it is time that you go back to school and take a refresher course in Morals and Conscience 101. If you had nipped this in the bud months ago, things would not be as messed up as they are now.

Oh, and let’s not forget Casey and Sara too. Casey was your best man at your wedding to Meg. How many times did he try and talk to you about this awkward situation – yet you basically told him to mind his own business. Well you should have taken his advice, because now you think that Casey and Meg are "a couple", when in fact they are not. Granted, this portion of the letter should be sent to Casey, reprimanding him for putting the moves on Meg when she was in such a vulnerable state – but you caused it in the first place.

The one thing that you are finally doing right is going to Seattle to investigate Tess the Nanny. Everyone in Sunset Beach, including Maria doesn't trust her as far as they can throw her. But you have been ignoring the signs and putting things off as usual. Now that you are giving this situation your fullest attention, I hope things start to become crystal clear for you and Meg. Don't you think that the two of you deserve some happiness for once? Happiness that lasts for more than only 2 weeks? I should hope so.

Sincerely,

Bloody Upset!

ISSUE #26: There's A New Man In Town
September 9th, 1999

Even though Jude Cavanaugh (Sean Kanan) has only been on the show for about 2 weeks, I felt I had to write about him now. In the short time he has resided at The Beach, he has completely won me over (for now).

Although his entrance into this sunny town was shrouded in a little mystery, which we love, he has quickly shown us that he is a smart man who is going to turn things around at the Liberty Corporation. And being one of AJ's protégé's doesn't hurt either, we know that AJ Deschanel is a savvy businessman himself. But more importantly, he has already proven that he is not gullible stooge that Annie can manipulate and sink her claws into.

The first thing you notice about Jude is his striking looks. Handsome, yet devilish, he has this aura about him that lets people know he can not be taken for granted. Secondly, he seems to be a very street-smart person, someone who has "been around the block a few times". It is going to take a lot to try and pull something over on this man. And lastly, we know nothing about him other than he was a young man whom AJ took under his wing, coached and mentored in business. There is something definitely more to this man than what meets the eye.

Don't get me wrong, gang. I'm not saying that Jude Cavanaugh is the next Saint of the Sunsets, but I'm sure there are a few layers to this guy that will be peeled away as time goes on. For now, I am sure glad that there is FINALLY! Someone who is both strong enough and definitely smart enough to stand up to Annie (not that everybody doesn't do that already), but who also knows how she operates and is not foolish enough to fall for her tricks. Gregory was/is the same way, but Greggie also liked to "play" with Annie. Lead her along in some wild cat-n-mouse contest to see how she would come out of it at the end. Well, we all know what end that led her to … the road that drives right up to the Poor House!

Unfortunately, this weeks' article is not as lengthy as it usually is, and that is because my topic of discuss has not been on the show that long. However I would like to give my usually .02 cents worth of comments here before I wave bye-bye.

On the good side, I am extremely pleased that the show has added a strong character that will make a great impact and impression for this show, and possibly help give it the boost that Sunset Beach Needs.

On the bad side, taking into consideration that actor Sean Kanan is a recovering alcoholic (in real life) and has been working to stay clean and sober, I think it would be a good idea for the writers of the show to make Jude Cavanaugh a character who does not drink alcohol. Yes, we already have Olivia sipping from the Kool-Aid jar, but she is a recovering alcoholic "character". In the case of Jude, why not make him a character that just does not like to drink. A person who takes care of his body, stays healthy and maintain a certain life-style. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. And I feel it would not only send a positive message to the viewers, but also help in Sean's personal addictions as well. Read the article "Kanan and Able" in the Library section of this website, and you will understand exactly what I mean.

In closing, to Sean Kanan, we wish you the best of luck in your prosperous future at SB, and look forward to seeing the "stuff hit the fan" with Annie. (I had to keep it clean here, you know that cursing is not allowed.)

ISSUE #27: Falling In Love Again
September 16th, 1999

I can’t say enough about how much I adore Aunt Bette, "Mrs. K" as she is sometimes referred to. This woman brings such warmth, love, and most of all humor to any situation she is in. She makes the most, or should I say best of the moment, and always brings a huge smile to my face.

For some time now, we have watched as Bette’s romantic feelings for AJ Deschanel grow or is it re-surface? We remember that when AJ first came back to Sunset Beach, Bette made it clear that she had a "thing" for AJ back in the old days (but then again, who didn’t? – so they tell me). All the ladies wanted the dashing and handsome AJ. But alas, Olivia was the woman who stole his heart, while Bette was left to ponder her existence in this world, and then she married one in guy in a long line of men.

Now that AJ is around, he has made it clear that he wants Olivia back in his life, especially since Gregory is dead (for now). And then there was that awful Francesca Vargas murder, and things were extremely upsetting for everyone involved. So Bette, in her usual wacky fashion, decides that she is going to tell AJ exactly how she feels about him, because "life is just too short". But what happens next … the poor thing gets her bubble broken when AJ declares that he is going to pursue Olivia no matter what. The look on Bette’s face said it all, utter heart-break. Now I have written about Bette in the past, and to this day say that she is one of the best things to happen to SB. She can make me laugh one minute, and cry the next – and those big expressive eyes of hers are the key to her success. Whether she is consoling her daughter over a ruined relationship, helping Olivia over her lost child, reprimanding Annie over destroying a family, or even flirting with every man in town, she has the ability to completely pull us into the story. So much so, that we feel every pain, and every elation that she is going through at the time.

Now I was hoping that Bette would have her own juicy storyline, as well as her own love story. And I really thought that a new person would be coming to town and would eventually fall into Bette’s arms. It looks like that man is going to be AJ himself, because as of late, Olivia has not given the time of day to him in the romance department. She is so completely consumed with her son Trey, that she has unintentionally pushed AJ further away. So what does he do to get even ... he ignores her and starts spending time with Bette. Which we all know is the best reverse psychology there is. You always want what you can’t have, so in this regard, AJ is making Olivia come to him, rather than he chasing after her. But my twisted little brain thinks that pretty soon, AJ is going to start having real feelings for Bette, the kind that she has been hoping he would have for her. I personally am wishing that it comes true, I would really like to see Bette happy and in love, and I think AJ is the perfect gentlemen for her. He complements her in so many ways … they are both a little wacky (granted, she more than he), they are both working at the Media Center, and they both want real romance and love in their lives. And if Olivia keeps up her current string of excuses to keep people away from her and Trey, I can just bet (no pun intended) that AJ will be with Bette within a few months.

Now here is where I am probably going to upset some of you, but I still think that Olivia belongs with Gregory. I know, I know, you are all saying "is she out of her mind or what?" for stating this, but hear me out. With everything that Gregory and Olivia have been through, and done to each other, there is no denying that they both love each other very deeply. How many times did we think that Gregory and/or Olivia were just going to break down and tell the other how much they want to get back together and be a family? How many times did we see that crack in Gregory’s façade when he would be disgusted with Livvy one minute, but then she would say something to him and he would literally start to melt in front of her? But back to Bette and AJ, yes I want them to get together. AJ needs to stop wasting his time on a woman who is never going to love him the way he should be loved and wants to love a woman back.

Part of me thinks that Jude Cavanaugh might make a play for Bette, but then again, if history has taught us anything, Jude and Annie will probably wind up together. Remember, most people are always attracted to someone who is their opposite. And right now, nothing could be more opposite than Annie and Jude. I was rather disappointed when things didn’t pan out with Officer Ruiz. The last time I think I saw him was at Ricardo and Gabi’s wedding and he was getting kind of cozy with Bette (or was that the other way around?)

Anyway, regardless of who Bette ends up with, one thing is for sure … she is long overdue for some TLC from a MAN. I just hope it is AJ, because that will make things a whole lot more interesting. Imagine – a friendship as strong and as long-lasting as Bette’s and Olivia’s would be put to the test. I for one am waiting with batted breath to see that first passionate kiss between Bette and AJ, and then waiting for the poop to hit the fan between Bette and Olivia. I’ve got my pooper scooper ready and waiting!

ISSUE #28: Another One Bites The Dust
September 24th, 1999

It is with deep sadness that I write this week's column. One that I wish I didn't have to do, but I must let my opinions out for all to read. They also say it is good therapy! As most of you know by now, our beloved show has been cancelled by NBC. With this upsetting news, I need to speak my mind about this entire situation.

Why is it that NBC, with their long history of daytime dramas, keeps canceling shows that are very popular with the viewing audience? 3 months ago, AW got the ax to make room for Passions, and now Sunset Beach is being killed. Did you know that NBC has cancelled more soap operas in their entire history (10 or 11 I think) than ABC and CBS has combined? Probably not - and that just goes to show that NBC does not, nor has never cared about their daytime audience. When SB first aired, it was given a big publicity push, but six months later we hardly saw any commercials or magazine articles about it. Last year they did the entire "Does Your Mama Know You're Watching?" advertisements during the summer months, but as soon as the Shockwave story was over, so were the commercials. To this day, I have yet to see a promo for SB during the primetime hours, yet on any given evening I can view a 30-second commercial for DOOL, as well as see a promo for DOOL during the shows that come on after it has already aired. Why is that? I have also had my fill of Passions promotions, especially in the soap magazines. There are so many articles and editorials (whether good or bad) that my eyes are hurting me from reading them. All of this because it comes from James E. Reilly, the supposed King of daytime soaps. Hey, what about Aaron Spelling, the Sultan of Television? He has produced more hours of television than any other person in history. And we are not talking about shows that have lasted only 1 or 2 years, but shows that were on the air for many, many years and became a part of our history. Just look at how many shows he has now, Love Boat - The Next Wave, Charmed, 7th Heaven, Beverly Hills 90210 just to name a few.

And speaking about publicity, some people will probably disagree with my statement that Sunset Beach wasn't given the same advantages as other new soaps have gotten over the years. Here are the facts: SB has only had 3 or 4 covers on Soap Opera Weekly and I believe 1 or 2 covers on Soap Opera Digest (weekly trade magazines here in the United States). That is absolutely pitiful for a show that has been on the air for over 2 1/2 years. You do the math ... there are 52 weeks in a year (ergo, 52 issues per magazine), with 11 shows on the air. That's over 250 magazine covers, and only a handful of them were given to Sunset Beach. So not only has the network not given the show a decent chance, but the publishing industry also did not give it a chance. Between all the soap magazines out there, Soap Opera Weekly gave us the most coverage with cast interviews and articles. General Hospital, Days Of Our Lives, Young and Restless and All My Children are constantly featured in these magazines, and why? Because they have been around for many, many years. I will say it again, our show was not given a fair chance.

Now I also must put some of the blame on the daytime viewers in general. We sit around our televisions and complain that there is nothing new and exciting and different being done in soaps today. But when a new show comes along that is new and different, we turn our backs on it. Sunset Beach has completely broken the mold (or at least given it a big crack) on what a daytime drama should be. It has tons of real outdoor scenes, their special effects during last years ShockWave story were the first ever in daytime serials, and the cast of actors is fresh, young, talented, and diverse. It features not only Caucasians, but also African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans and they had Asian-Americans during their first year. All of these things we viewers have asked for. So why is it that when we were finally given what we wanted, we would not watch? I can't honestly believe that more people would rather spend an hour of their time watching teeny-bopper girls and their pre-pubescent antics, snitching and backstopping each other like 6 year olds? And how childish are we to stop watching one show just because another show was cancelled? Yes, I am speaking of all these people who vowed that if Another World was cancelled, they were going to stop watching their other NBC soaps, as well as any show on the NBC network. I thought that we viewers were maturer than that. Now I am not saying we can't have our own opinions about what we like and don't like (I for one am the first to speak up) but let's face facts - boycotting a television program because a favorite show of ours was cancelled is down right stupid and immature, and rarely gets anything accomplished. If you want to bring back a show that was taken off the air, or prevent one from being taken off, then we need to write to the network executives. The power of the pen is mightly powerful, and I am just starting to realize that myself.

Now I don't watch all the other soaps that are on television right now, I admit that I have been watching Passions since it debuted. Does this mean I will stop watching because Sunset Beach has been cancelled? No. If and when I decide to stop watching Passions it will be because I don't like what I am seeing. And right now, I am not thrilled with the show. There are only 2 storylines that hold my interest and unless something really great happens in the next few months or so, I won't be watching much longer. The Princess Diana references I thought were in very bad taste and utterly uncalled for, as well as this witchery with Tabitha is not up my alley. But then again, James E. Reilly is famous for tapping into the "after-world" (so to speak).

And while I am on my roll, what is with these Nielsen Ratings? Who the hell has a Nielsen Box in their home? I don't, I never have, nor have I known anyone in my entire life who has had one either! SB has a huge following amongst high school and college students, are there any of the Nielsen Boxes in college dormitories? I think not. How can a network properly judge the viewership of a show if there aren't enough monitoring systems out there? This entire Nielsen thing completely baffles me. For every single Nielsen rating point, it is supposed to equal 900,000 viewers - so that means that on average, about 1.2 million people are watching our show, where as over 6 million people are watching Days Of Our Lives? That is definitely not right. Plus what about all of our friends overseas in England, Italy, Spain, etc. They do not count towards the Nielsen ratings in America. This too is not fair, because our European viewership makes up a huge portion of the shows overall popularity. The network, at large, needs to come up with a better, more efficient way of rating the popularity of their shows. A way that allows ALL viewers to participate in the ratings process. Why not give every single television set in America (for now) a special R-Chip. This chip sends the viewing data to the Nielsen company, but only after one specific show is being watched (not good for channel surfers). 15 viewing minutes for 1/2 hour shows, and 40 viewing minutes for 1 hour shows. The V-Chip blocks out programs we don't want our children to watch, so now I have just invented the R-Chip. R = Ratings!!

So, I think I have basically said my peace now. I will say that the powers that be over at Sunset Beach are trying to see if another network will pick up the show and continue to air it on television. Let's all keep our fingers crossed that this happens before the end of the year, and stay up to date with this website for all your Sunset Beach information and news.