I wish GH would quit bringing on newbies. I realize that casting is the only part of their operation that doesn't totally blow (it bares repeating that Mark Teschner totally rules at his job) but honestly there is no point. They don't use half the cast they already have - characters that have legitimate ties to the canvas as it is and the history of the show... This endless string of undeveloped newbies is frusterating beyond belief when the airtime is so desperately needed for other storylines that already exist.

I completely agree - where is Bobbie or Mac or even Edward?

Why bring on an entirely new family (the Zaccharas) when the Quartermaines haven't had a story in years?

Because the Quartermaines don't usually pick up guns to solve their power struggles. They were way more interesting when they fought dirty. Guza is too lazy to come up with compelling or interesting storylines where someone doesn't end up with a bullet in the head as a way of resolution.

The problem with that, aside from the obvious gratuitous violence, it that murder loses it's impact after a while.

Where does he then go from there? It makes me shudder to think

I know, it's hard to think about. Guza seriously doesn't get that all of this murdering isn't "thrilling" or "exciting" --it's simply turning more viewers away. Or if he does get it, he simply doesn't care.

Hence, the endless amount of disposable newbies. Bring 'em on, get 'em killed, hire more. Isn't that entertaining?

In addition to the upsetting violence, and lack of entertainment value

"disposable newbies" cause viewers not to invest in the characters, and if we're not invested, we're not going to watch

It seems simple to me, but Guza doesn't appear to understand it

Jason Thompson's back tomorrow. Thank you Lord.

I realized even more strongly that Scrubs are the only reason I watch. I didn't tape episodes at all since JT has been out, and I have not missed it at all.

Holy SORAS! Have you seen the new medianet pic of Spencer?
http://swee-*test*-('")goodbyes.org/gallery/displa...lbum=131&pos=39
Jason Thompson looked extra pretty today. I'm glad he's back.

I know...wasn't it last month they SORASed him to like three? Now he's like seven???

I mean I know the older he is the longer Courtney has been dead and that's wonderful...but good night Irene.....lets not make it THAT obvious......

And another newbie... http://soapnet.go.com/soapnet/article/path.../category_shows

Um, the SORASed Spencer creeps me out in a way I haven't been creeped out since....Michael Corinthos. Why can't all the kids just be like Cameron, Jake, and Anonymous Baby Patrick Had to Hold.

All the SORASing makes me nervouse for cuties like Kristina and Cam. Once they go down that road, it would be silly for them not to start doing that for all of the kids. Not that I would be surprised if they didn't considering the inconsistency in every other storyline of the show.

I know I have that fear as well...then I remember that according to the dialogue..Guza only just now became aware of Cameron's existance since he only NOW allowed Jason to speak of Cameron as being important and just as in danger as Jake....so Im hopeful maybe his forgotten status will save him.

That and Kali Rodriguez and Braden Walkes out act half the grownups on this show most days....

I couldn't agree more about Kali and Braden. I seriously love those kids! I think Kali Rodriguez has Kimberly McCullough-like potential if they keep her around. With Rick Hearst and Nancy Lee Grahan as onscreen parents I really can't see her not growing into a brilliant actress.

and
http://www.soapoperadigest.com/news/breaking/
Spring(field) Is In The Air
Insiders tell Digest that Rick Springfield (Noah) is headed back to GENERAL HOSPITAL for a summer story arc, which will also involve his rock star doppelgänger, Eli Love. No word yet on if he'll reprise his romance with Anna (Finola Hughes), who's currently in town visiting her pregnant daughter, Robin. See an upcoming issue of Soap Opera Digest for more details.

Whoa!

So I just read that Finola Hughes is headed to Y&R. Um, explain this to me?

And good to see Seamus Dever bouncing back -- he's headed to Army Wives. Bye Dr. Devil-in!