Could Scabs Stop General Hospital’s Bleeding?

This article by Spin's Vixenella was first published in TV Guide Canada, Nelson's Ratings, April 6. 2009. http://tvguide.sympatico.msn.ca/The+Nelson+Ratings+Apr+6+2009/Soaps/Nelson_Ratings/Articles/090406_ratings_nelson_NB.htm?isfa=1

Click. That was the sound of disillusioned General Hospital (GH) fans “voting with their remote” and turning off their TVs in the middle of sweeps. Seldom have fans reacted so swiftly and with such determination, but fans of Spixie, Spinelli (Bradford Anderson) and Maxie (Kirsten Storms), were true to their word. On Friday (3/13), Spixie fans got a wonderful surprise as Maxie told Spinelli she loved him and would love him forever. From Friday to Monday (3/16), daily ratings inched up as fans tuned in for the continuation of the long-awaited “I Love You’s”; unfortunately along with those “three little words,” Spixie fans were treated to Maxie threatening to sleep with Johnny, (Brandon Barash). Once again, GH was giving Spixie fans a love story with one hand and snatching it away with the other; Tuesday’s (3/17) ratings declined from Monday’s highest rated show of the week.

By Tuesday (3/17), horrified Spixie fans watched Maxie in total self-destruct mode, kissing erstwhile gigolo mob prince Johnny Zacchara in the back of a limo. Whip-lashed from being jerked around for nearly a year, a volcano of Spixie fans erupted, flooding the GH Comment Lines with hundreds of calls vowing to turn off their televisions on Wednesday (3/18). One of the large Spixie fan websites documented over three hundred angry fan calls to the GH Comment Line. Spixie fans may have been as good as their word as ratings plunged noticeably further between Tuesday's sleazy limo scene with its 1.9 rating to Wednesday’s 1.8 rating.

Incredibly, ABC’s venerable General Hospital, winner of last year’s Emmy for Best Daytime Drama, boasted a 1.8 rating for its Wednesday (3/18) episode, the worst daily rating received by any ABC Daytime show during the week ending 3/20/09. Complicating GH’s troublesome decline, this is a “sweeps” rating period instrumental in setting future advertising rates. Even more embarrassing, on Wednesday (3/18), GH featured a promoted cameo by NASCAR star Jeff Burton, without which the 1.8 daily rating may have been even lower.

The most alarming news for GH has to be the dramatic decline since the same period last year when scabs’-written episodes were airing following the Writers’ Strike. During the same period in 2008, GH maintained an average daily rating of nearly 2.3 with an audience of almost 3 million viewers a day. This year, during the week of 3/16 - 3/20, 2009, GH averaged 1.9 in daily ratings with an average audience size of 2.6 million viewers.

Just in the Nielson Ratings for the week of 3/23 - 3/27, 2009, all soaps across the networks gained over the prior week. Even with better ratings for the week ending 3/27/09, the analysis for GH remains unchanged. During the same scabs’-written period last year (3/24 - 3/28, 2008), GH hit what was, at the time, a new low, losing more than 400,000 viewers over the same period in 2007. The Nielson’s for the week of 3/23 - 3/27, 2009, including the daily ratings, nearly mirror the comparable period in 2008, at the time a new low for GH, but today viewed with a sigh of relief over last week’s abysmal ratings. For the week ending 3/27/09, GH gained only 25,000 viewers over the same scabs’-written period last year; in contrast, both AMC and OLTL gained in excess of 315,000 viewers from the comparable scabs’-written period. Finally, GH gained 198,000 total viewers for the week ending 3/27/09, that is approximately the 101,000 viewers potentially attributable to those specifically boycotting Wednesday (3/18) the prior week, plus an additional 97,000 viewers, in line with the weekly viewer gains from AMC & OLTL, +80,000 and +104, 000 respectively.

GH needs a serious shake-up. Over the past year, GH has angered nearly every fan base. There seems to be no long-term vision, no commitment to character development, no commitment to couples, and no commitment to the show’s rich 46-year history. GH has no romantic stories, no happy couples, and scant little love in the afternoon. GH is an unrecognizable sleazy, violent mess, and any given week in danger of lagging behind the rest of the ABC Daytime line-up. Rumors abound of upcoming cast changes and high profile returns of beloved characters, but is that where changes should occur? Are General Hospital fans telling ABC Daytime loud and clear, they enjoyed the scabs’ interpretation of characters, couples, and stories as much or more than anything currently on tap.

GH Daily Ratings Week of 3/16 – 3/20, 2009Monday: 2.0/2,793,000Tuesday: 1.9/2,540,000Wednesday: 1.8/2,449,000Thursday: 2.0/2,727,000Friday: 2.0/2,719,000

Ratings Week of 3/16 – 3/20, 2009
Total Viewers
(Compared to Last Week/Compared to Last Year)1. Y&R 5,116,000 (+23,000/-406,000)2. B&B 3,299,000 (-231,000/-796,000)3. DAYS 2,986,000 (+288,000/+36,000)4. AMC 2,699,000 (+81,000/+184,000)5. OLTL 2,664,000 (-20,000/+16,000)6. GH 2,646,000 (-101,000/-342,000)7. ATWT 2,532,000 (-148,000/-666,000)8. GL 2,133,000 (-127,000/-534,000)

Ratings Week of 3/23 – 3/27, 2009
(Compared to Last Week/Compared to Last Year)Total Viewers1. Y&R 5,195,000 (+79,000/-258,000)2. B&B 3,495,000 (+196,000/-549,000)3. DAYS 3,052,000 (+66,000/+210,000)4. GH 2,844,000 (+198,000/+25,000)5. AMC 2,779,000 (+80,000/+318,000)6. OLTL 2,768,000 (+104,000/+338,000)7. ATWT 2,730,000 (+198,000/-413,000)8. GL 2,249,000 (+166,000/-328,000)

Source for ratings data: http://boards.soapoperanetwork.com/index.php?act=home

The "F" Word: The FCC vs. Miss Maxie Jones

The mild-mannered Spin’s Vixenella has had enough of General Hospital…again This time she is taking matters into her own hands and calling in the Feds, not the Feds currently sniffing around Port Charles for dangerous balls, but the Federal Communications Commission. Yes, in utter exasperation, the Vixenella has finally reported GH to the FCC. Here is a transcript of her call.

FCC: Good Morning, this is the Federal Communications Commission Complaint Department. This call may be recorded for quality control purposes. Now, how may I help you?

Vixenella: Hi, Vixenella here. Are ya’ll the bunch in charge of regulating the public air waves, like network TV…the same ones who raised all that hell about Janet Jackson's boob-shot at the Super Bowl?

FCC: Yes, we are.

Vixenella: Well, the Vixenella is a patient woman and certainly not one to complain, but I can’t take the outrageous obscenity on General Hospital any longer. I want the FCC to crack down on GH like the Goth God of Zume.

FCC: Miss Vixenella, what exactly is the nature of your complaint?

Vixenella: Well, it is Miss Maxie Jones and her persistent, wanton, reckless use of the “F” word. Should decent, God-fearing, refined, sensitive viewers of daytime television, such as the Vixenella, be exposed to Maxie’s use of the “F” word day after day? What about children? There could be kids watching, and what do they hear, the foul “F” word rolling off Maxie’s tongue without a second thought.

FCC: Miss Vixenella, are you suggesting the “F” word has been used on General Hospital, a daytime network program?

Vixenella: Yes, that is exactly what I am telling you. Maxie Jones on General Hospital has used the “F” word at least a zillion times. Nearly everytime she speaks of Mr. Damien M. Spinelli she uses the “F” word, and I’ve had enough of her assault on decency.

FCC: Miss Vixenella, have you contacted the program or network directly about your concern?

Vixenella: Do you think I would be bothering you if I hadn’t already contacted both GH and the network? I have written and called that GH Head Writer/Special Consultant Bob Guza, and the truth is…I think Guza loves the “F” word as much as Maxie Jones does.

FCC: Miss Vixenella, can you describe the nature of your contact with Mr. Guza?

Vixenella: Well, first I called Mr. Guza and told him I thought Maxie Jones needed her mouth washed out with soap. He asked if that was because Maxie kissed Johnny Z, and I said, “no, but a good lip- scrubbing with some antibacterial soap wouldn’t hurt that either.”

I explained as regrettable and vile as Maxie kissing Lulu’s angry, worthless, shiftless, boyfriend was, it was not my business to judge if she wanted to whore herself out and wallow in the muck with the likes of Johnny Z. I advised Mr. Guza my concern was strictly limited to Maxie’s continuous, daily use of the “F” word.

I implored Mr. Guza to have Maxie cease and desist her wretched use of the “F” word, particularly when speaking to or about Mr. Spinelli. I advised Guza, "everyone on nine planets had already heard Maxie call Spinelli the “F” word…"

FCC: Excuse me, Miss Vixenella, are we talking about the same obscene “F” word?

Vixenella: Sir, we must be talking about the same “F” word. Have you ever heard Maxie use another “F” word? “Friend” is the only “F” word she knows. In fact, at this point, it may be the only word of any alphabetic stripe, she knows.

The Vixenella knows doggone well Maxie’s obsessive use of the “Friend-word” to describe Spinelli is a bald-faced lie. Spinelli is not just her friend; Maxie Jones is in love with Spinelli; you know it; I know it; fans everywhere know it; Guza knows it; Hell, the crew of the International Space Station knows it, but every day ad nauseum, we are exposed to this incessant “F” word from Maxie’s lips. At this point, most GH fans would prefer exposure to the free-range toxic balls roaming Port Charles than to hear Maxie whine out that “F” word one.more.time.

And, since ABC doesn’t have the good sense to put a stop to it, can you FCC people step up and help out here?

FCC: Now, Miss Vixenella, when you contacted Mr. Guza did he give you any satisfaction that changes in Maxie’s use of the “F” word would be forthcoming?

Vixenella: No, he did not, and this crap with the “F” word has been going on for nearly a year. I’m telling you, I think Bob Guza himself is the one behind Maxie’s use of the “F” word. The last message from Mr. Guza was back during the summer when he told us to “Believe.” Guza said to “believe f*ship would turn into love,” and we’ve been “believing,” but as to the Spinelli and Maxie romantic love story, it has been slim on the “receiving.”

Suffice it to say, the Vixenella’s negotiations with Mr. Guza broke off when he declined the Vixenella’s kind invitation for a sudsy mouth scrub with a scorching hot metal-brush, if he let Maxie use the “F” word one more time.

FCC: Is there something the FCC could convey to Mr. Guza to prompt settlement in a mutually agreeable fashion?

Vixenella: Well, now that you mention it, I would be satisfied with the following: Maxie could add “boy” before the “F” word when speaking of Mr. Spinelli, i.e. “boyfriend.” That would work, or Miss Jones could refer to Mr. Spinelli as her lover, significant other, bed-buddy, or at least something remotely descriptive of their relationship, but the “F” word, friend has got to go before this Vixenella does some toxic ball-bashing of her own.

FCC: Miss Vixenella, to avoid a nasty investigation, is there any consensus or compromise you can reach with GH regarding Miss Jones’ use of the “F” word?

Vixenella: No, there is no middle-ground. Spinelli and Maxie have been doing their dance of love for too long. So, this Spixie fan is not willing to compromise by accepting only a Spixie friendship as some warped consolation prize! I don't want a Spixie friendship...I've seen that; it was lovely, and it has beautifully moved on to love, so either cough up the Spixie love story, or put an end to the “f*ship.” It is indecent and obscene how long the Vixenella has been waiting for a romantic Spixie love story.

FCC: Thank you, Miss Vixenella. You poor dear, you and the Spixie fans have suffered enough. For the love of all that is right and just, we will get right on this.

Vixenella: Thank you! Ta and Spixie Kisses to you and the whole gang over at the FCC.

*Vixenella snaps out of her Lemon Vodka Collins delirium …*

Vixenella’s Video of the Day:
As evidence to the FCC, the Vixenella would submit EXHIBIT A. As far back as March 2008, Mvidder NeverLetGo97 demonstrates Miss Maxie Jones’ persistent use of the “F” word. With thanks & Spixie Kisses to Mvid by NeverLetGo97, Song: BestFriend, Artist: Toybox.

Calling All Spixie Fans! Opposite Attraction Needs YOU!

 
Inspired by my Spixie friends Heather (moviesurfer) and Jenny (jyl22075) at Live Journal and Opposite Attraction. Spixie fans, click the icon below to visit Spixie's Opposite Attraction Fan Forum.
 

 VIXENELLA'S VIDEO OF THE DAY: Enjoy this GREAT video to Paula Adbul's, Opposites Attract beautifully created by Jessica (SteveBurtonShoe) to promote the Opposite Attraction Spixie Fan Site. It is a tremendous resource and great place to hang out for all Spinelli and Maxie fans.  

 

 

General Hospital: Believing Better Be Receiving

General Hospital: Believing Better Be Receiving

The snarky Spin's Vixenella takes on General Hospital Emmy action and the new SoapNet "Believe It Can Happen" Spixie promo.

Follow along as the correspondence war between Spin's Vixenella and General Hospital head writer Bob Guza continues to rage. Could there be a thaw in their relationship? Will there be "Peace in Our Time?" Click the link below for the next installment in Spin's Vixenella's "Letters to Bob" series, published first at Blog Critics Online magazine.

VIXENELLA'S VIDEOS OF THE DAY:

Spixie & The Interloper Present Emmy

SOAPNet's new promo Believe In Your Heart, Believe It Can Happen Spixie with 2 other couples from OLTL thrown in for good measure

Rice-a-Roni and Re-runs

By George, I think I’ve got it! Rivaled only by Jackal PI’s investigatory skills, Spin’s Vixenella has decoded and deciphered the top-secret, encrypted message bearing the key to Spinelli’s summer storyline. More than two weeks ago, Spin’s Vixenella stumbled upon a seemingly straightforward, innocuous quote from an unnamed General Hospital “insider.” See for yourself, and follow along as The Vixenella cracks the code for “insider-speak.”

QUOTE:
"Spinelli and Bradford the actor are extremely popular and TPTB truly want to give him a love interest but the question is who? TPTB are quietly looking around for someone for him by this fall, in the meantime he will be helped by different characters."

Covertly, Spin’s Vixenella went to work on the hidden message and finally deciphered it cryptic meaning. The answer is Rice-a-Roni and Re-runs!

The Vixenella invites you along for a walk through her deductive process. First, “TPTB” is well-known code for “The Powers that Be,” aka “TIIC,” “The Idiots in Charge.” TPTB are the people “upstairs,” the “higher ups” at GH…the writers, the producers, the directors, and executives, i.e. Frons, Phelps, Guza, et. al.

Slowly re-read the entire quote; now focus your attention on "Spinelli and Bradford the actor are extremely popular and TPTB truly want to give him a love interest but the question is who?"

Hmmm..."want to give him a love interest, but who...?”

Who indeed! Mysterious and perplexing, don’t you agree? The illusive question for the ages, ponder...who could be a love interest for Spinelli? The female character Spin has been paired with onscreen for the last 5-6 months leaps to my mind, but The Vixenella is just logical that way. It can’t be Maxie; that is just too simple. Maxie and Spinelli…that would never work. Too many people enjoy them together and see their super-couple potential. Spinelli’s love interest must be someone else, but who? TPTB will never figure out who, if, each time Spinelli is put in a wildly successful pairing, it is unceremoniously jerked out from under him by the new soap hunk flavor of the month.

Turn you attention to the next key phrase in the cipher: "TPTB truly want to give him a love interest..."

The mystery here lies in the odd irony of the words themselves. A love interest for Spinelli is wholly and completely within TPTB's control, so please forgive The Vixenella, as she seriously questions TPTB’s sincerity or doubts how "truly" TPTB want to give Spin a love interest. If they TRULY wanted to give him a love interest, GIVE HIM ONE! Pray God, what stops them, if a love interest for Spinelli is what TPTB truly want? That is the “Power” part of TPTB…you guys already have everything you need to give Spinelli a love interest…power, paper, pencil, stone tablet….if you write it, it will come.

Moving on in the deductive process, TPTB seem to have mounted their own covert op. According to the quote, "TPTB are quietly looking around for someone for him (Spinelli) by this fall, in the meantime he will be helped by different characters.” May I say, if TPTB are "quietly looking around for someone" for Spin...it is very quiet! Or is this a cover story concocted by TPTB to stall until they see how it goes with Maxie’s summer love, Dr. Matt Hunter? Sneaky, sneaky…stall Spinelli’s storyline as a way to hedge TPTB bets, just in case Maxie’s new romance bombs. Exactly..keep Spinelli available and flailing aimlessly in the event TPTB need to quickly insert Spinelli to prop up their sordid summer mess.

Back to the coded message, we have already being treated to the “different characters” helping Spin. Thus far, we have seen Spinelli “helped” by Patrick, Coleman, Jason, Sam, Diane, Leyla, and Jax. Next at bat will be the original Vixenella herself, Claudia Z. Have I left anyone out? Stay tuned Spin fans for another summer of rollicking comic relief as Pinball Spinelli is batted about the canvas propping character after character, with limited storyline progression or character development of his own. Only time will tell how long a character like Pinball Spinelli can remain viable and likeable with no story of his own, thrown from wacky hijinks to wacky hijinks, used only for comic relief.

If any of this sounds like a re-run, it is. Strangely, Spinelli fans have travelled this very route before. Did anyone save TPTB quotes from last summer right before or after Lulu was paired with Logan? Here we are again at the precipice, and this time Spinelli will watch Maxie star in this summer’s version of “love-to-hate-to-love” new guy, Matt Hunter.

Why does The Vixenella even bother to learn the names in the Hot Summer New Guy Hit Parade? Some don’t even make it to February Sweeps. Now another year, another viable love interest snatched out from under Spin, and yet another pack of empty promises to his fans. This is not even a thinly disguised RE-RUN! Did we really love it so much last summer; we must feast upon it again, and so soon?

Remember the “old school” TV game shows? When you lost on the old game shows, you were always sent home, with a "lovely parting gift" often Rice-a-Roni, the San Francisco Treat? If you don’t remember Rice-a-Roni as the perennially favorite consolation prize, watch some game show re-runs on the Game Show Network. Just a suggestion, since GH is about to go into summer recycles and re-runs itself. At least the Game Show Network has re-runs from many years ago, instead of just last summer.

Read the quote carefully one last time:

"Spinelli and Bradford the actor are extremely popular and TPTB truly want to give him a love interest but the question is who? TPTB are quietly looking around for someone for him by this fall, in the meantime he will be helped by different characters."

Aha! Puzzle solved. Spinelli’s storyline this summer is a re-run from last summer. Once again, Spin and his fans are sent home with a heaping helping of Rice-a-Roni, the lovely parting gift for losers!

Oh, and now Spin’s Vixenella has an encrypted message for TPTB at GH. Let’s see how long it takes them to decode this.

"The fans of Spinelli and Bradford Anderson really can’t properly express our thanks. Expect to see our special brand of appreciation passionately expressed in an outpouring of letters, emails, phone calls, lower ratings, horse-heads, etc.…like I said…we simply cannot thank you…ENOUGH!

P.S. We, Spinelli fans, are just not that into Rice-a-Roni, but we would happily share our lovely parting gift with YOU! "

VIXENELLA'S VIDEO OF THE DAY: It just doesn't get much more poignant and painful than this people. Almost one year ago today, this beautiful vid was first posted on YouTube by the talented Spencerfanfirst aka Spikey. I always loved this mvid even during the heady days of Spixie, but NOW this vid haunts me almost to tears. If anyone still doubts we are on the cusp of a summer re-run and wasted talent, please take a look at this, and be sure to listen through to the end...there is another interesting twist as the credits roll. Enjoy Rainbow Connection a magnificent mvid showcasing Luke/Laura and Spinelli/Lulu.