Welcome to EOS' Resident Cynic, Kate Brown's Journal

My friend Meredith suggested, since I have been watching AMC from the very beginning, that writing about it must be almost like writing about my family. And she is right. I have deep affection for AMC and because of that I often find it difficult to criticize. I cut it slack that I would never cut another soap or movie or primetime show, simply because it has been part of my life for such a long time. But just like family, there comes a time when I am forced to point out that something is irritating the hell out of me!

And what could that be? The sloppy disappearances of Tim and Frank. True, they were not my recent favorite characters, but the way their departures were handled highlighted some very troubling aspects of the current AMC. What are those? TPTB cheaply cashing in on AMC history without honoring it. And the increasing tendency to be just plain sloppy in execution and writing.

Tim was a beloved character for many years. We saw him suffer through Natalie’s problems, gain a wonderful stepfather and stand by his sister. We also saw him struggle with the realization that his stepfather had fallen in love with his nutcase aunt. And then Harold died. Poor Tim. When the Dillons left town, they were missed.

Tim comes back to save his cousin’s life. However one felt about the actor, it was good to have Tim back. TPTB did not have to do very much to have longtime viewers care about Tim, we already did. And then Tim started dropping hints about how things were going badly back home. That Janet was causing trouble again. This gave viewers hope that the Dillon clan might be returning to PV. And then there were the rumors that a search for a new Amanda was on the way. You don’t have to be a cynic to know that ABC only “leaks” what it wants to leak. TPTB reeled viewers into Tim’s story with very little expended effort. They depended on our knowledge of AMC history and our loyalty to characters to make Tim work. For whatever reason, it was decided not to pursue the Dillon angle. Fine. Soap fans know we do not always get what we want. But how difficult would it have been to write a goodbye scene for Tim?

Hayley: Just spoke with Uncle Porkchop and, boy, Tim, things there are really rough.
Tim: Yeah, they suck. I am thinking that I cannot leave Amanda to deal with it by herself. And my dad needs me, too. I need to get home.
Hayley: I know. You are a good man Tim. I will never forget what you did for Enzo. I will miss you. We love you Tim.
Tim: I love you, too, Hayley.

Tim and Hayley hug. Fade to commercial.

See? That wasn’t hard at all. And it didn’t even call for one of those “cutting edge” (snicker, snicker) double screen shots.

And then there is Frank. We were inclined to like Frank and to see him do well in Pine Valley. Why? Because we loved his parents, Jesse and Angie. And there was the added bonus of having him visited by Jesse spirit. And ABC let “leak” that Frank would be visited by his father’s spirit again and again. Well, we never saw Jesse after that first time. TPTB tied Frank to Mia through backstory, but they never seemed really committed to doing anything with that. Like a Frank/Mia/Jake triangle. And then the Simone/Tarantino/brother- in- a- coma/Mean Daddy mess. And then Frank was gone. Poof!

Again I ask, how difficult would it have been to write one goodbye scene?

Setting: Jake’s office. Joe and Jake are sitting around, shooting the breeze.

Joe: You know Jake, I could never get that desk to shine like that when it was mine. How did you get that high gloss?

Jake(obviously uncomfortable): Well,umm, Dad, one of the residents helped me with it. Frank Frank come in Frank!

Frank enters the office.

Frank: Glad I caught you two together. I have something I need to tell you.

Jake: What is it Frank?

Frank: Well, my mom called. Turns out there is an opening at her hospital and I am considering taking it.

Jake: Why Frank? Arent you happy here?

Frank: Oh no, PVH is a great hospital. It’s just since coming here I have had to face a lot of things I have been running away from. I realized I have been running away from some things with my mother, too. Maybe working together we can straighten some things out.

Jake: I understand completely, Frank. No problem.

Joe: Please give Angie our love.

All three shake hands. Fade to commercial.

Not only would these two scenes have tied up some loose ends, but they shown respect for the viewers. The viewers they counted on to make these stories work in the first place.

They botched this badly. And the next time they try to rely on my love of AMC history to be interested in a new character, it won’t be given quite so quickly or unconditionally.

I would love to hear how you think things are going in the Valley these days!

Kate
Katebrowneos@hotmail.com

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