Question: Who on your cast should write their
autobiography?
Hillary B. Smith (Nora, OLTL): “Catherine Hickland (Lindsay, OLTL). I would definitely buy it. She’s had an extraordinary life, and she’s been married to some interesting men, too!”
Soaps In Depth, July 3, 2007
I thought it would be fun to celebrate having a new Head Writer by compiling a “wish list” created by Hillary fans. While we’ve been writing and requesting some of these storyline scenarios for years, Ron Carlivati’s recent promotion truly serves as a new beginning. Here is what we know about the scribe thus far. Ron Carlivati has actually been on staff with OLTL for eleven years, formerly serving as a staff writer. He brings a legal background to the table and graduated from George Washington University’s school of law. He then worked briefly as a corporate lawyer before changing career paths and pursuing work as a soap writer. Carlivati began his tenure with OLTL back in 1996 as a writers’ assistant. He then gradually transitioned from a breakdown writer to Co-Head Writer, before finally assuming the HW position. As far as I’m concerned, this is a man who has earned his stripes and deserves a shot at the top slot. He possesses history with the show and its characters, and judging by how much of the cast praised him on the Emmy red carpet, I genuinely believe he will deliver where others failed. On that note, I asked some fans to put forth what they wish to see from our new Head Writer, in the way of storylines for Hillary and Nora’s character.
Beth from IN: “It’s all about Bo, Nora and Matthew for me. I want Nora to have her own story, but I miss seeing this family together. I also miss Nora’s family, and I wish the new HW would expand her family by focusing on the Gannons again and bringing back some of our favorites. I really have high hopes for Ron Carlivati based on everything I’ve read about him so far. I’m hoping he’ll know what’s best for Nora’s character and realize that Hillary deserves to be on the front burner.” Julie from NM: “I want to see Nora cultivate a life of her own and place herself first. I hope viewers get to see Nora learn from all the bad she’s experienced over the past few years, and that along with a new writer, comes new trails for her to blaze. I was watching Hillary be interviewed on Emmy night, and recall her saying something to the effect of how even after fifteen years, there’s more story to tell. This fan couldn’t agree more, and I hope this new Head Writer agrees as well!” Katherine from NC: “I’m so excited at the possibilities after learning that we have a new writer for the show – and one who is familiar with the characters and OLTL history. What I want to see first for Nora is to have her and Matthew build a new home together. I think that’s really important, even before a potential Bo/Nora reunion or anything else. I’ve been so sad at how Nora’s life was ripped apart and fans never got closure on so many levels; it’s as though Nora has been stuck in limbo at Asa’s mansion ever since the fire. So I’m really hoping that we get to see Nora and Matt rebuild a life for themselves, because the bond they share is so special, and then I think the rest will follow.” Katie from IL: “There’s so much I want to see happen for Nora that I don’t even know where to begin! I really think that I’d like to see her working and back in the courtroom more than anything, because that’s who Nora is and also because it would give Hillary a great storyline. Anything that gives Hillary the story she deserves is good enough for me, so I’m willing to keep an open mind and see what the new writer has planned.”
Lisa from CA: “I really want to see Nora have a story that focuses on her rather than on everyone around her. Nora has suffered far too long, and Hillary deserves a thought-provoking story that will place her in the forefront again. Let men fight over her and let her be the one to pick and choose who is deserving of her time and affection. I want to see Nora in the thick of the prosecution scene as well, because we still haven’t really had the opportunity to see her as DA for more than a minute here and there.” Martha from FL: “I want to see more romance for Nora! I want a Bo-Nora reunion that fans have been awaiting for years. I want to see more family scenes with Nora, Matthew and Bo as part of this. I would also like to see Nora back in the courtroom and working cases as the DA. I’d also like to see Hank, RJ and Rachel back on the canvas, and think it would be neat to have Rachel reunite with Kevin and join forces with Nora as an ADA. Finally, bring on the Nora/Lindsay feud!” Meg from NY: “I would love to see Troy MacIver return to town. It isn’t that I’m a fan of love triangles and want Nora caught up in the middle of one, but I think it would create interesting possibilities now that the Nora-Lindsay rivalry is kicking in. Honestly, I fell in love with Bo and Nora as a couple but also enjoyed her relationship with Colin/Troy, and I think now would be a great time for the show to get Ty Treadway back and explore all options.” Nancy from HI: “I want to see so many things happen for Nora – work, romance, and intrigue – but most of all, I’m actually excited to see what the new Head Writer has planned for her character. While I’m hoping this HW takes stock in what fans have to say, I also think it’s important he maps out a clear path for Nora’s character, using his own skills and the history he has with our show. I think it’s all about balance, so I’m really open to any option he puts forth for us, as long as Hillary is given a story that uses her talent and places her back in the spotlight.”
Rosemarie from AZ: “She needs romance in a huge way! Speaking of which, when is Bo going to wake up and realize that Nora is his soulmate and how much he still loves her? I’m really hoping Mr. Carlivati ‘rights’ the ‘wrong’ that has been done to Bo and Nora fans all these years. Fans of this couple have been disappointed for so long, and someone needs to put an end to this cycle. I know that no soap couple can stay happy forever, but what happened to Bo and Nora was so sad. Their love story deserved to be treated with more respect and I’m hoping this Head Writer recognizes how long fans have been waiting for their reunion.” Staci from NJ: “I can’t wait for Nora and Lindsay to go head-to-head again! Whether they fight over Bo or someone else is unimportant to me, but I’m hoping the rivalry is revived like we were promised. I think there are so many possibilities there, and I’d really like to see RJ back on the canvas because I think he should be a focal part of Nora’s life with all that’s recently happened. It’s wishful thinking I suppose, but I think RJ would play a huge role in the Nora/Lindsay feud because of his history and past relationships with both women.” Susan from IL: “I think I'd like to see Nora mix it up a bit with Lindsay over Bo. But then I'd like to see her move on... Nora needs her own story. Maybe a new man, maybe not... I'm not sure I really care what the story is about, as long as it's all about Nora! Oh, and Nora and Matthew need to get their own home. Now that the arsonist has been arrested, surely her insurance company will pay out so that she can move out of Asa's... although it has been nice to see Nigel and Renee from time to time!” Tara from MI: “As a long time viewer of ‘One Life to Live’, one of the things that I've always enjoyed was the rivalry between Nora and Lindsay and I would love to see more of that! It doesn't matter if they're fighting over the last available booth at Carlotta's diner or the last copy of The Banner; the chemistry between Hillary B. Smith and Catherine Hickland simply shines.”
As always, I want to thank all the fans who participated in this month’s column! While each of us has different ideas and preferences in terms of what we wish to see materialize for Nora’s character, we all agree that Hillary is seriously overdue for a story that will thrust her back into the limelight. I’m currently in the process of compiling a master list of suggestions that shall include the above fan contributions as well as those from various other Hillary fans across the online spectrum. Many of us have difficulty in carving out time to write the network, and I also think it sends a strong message to those in charge to see Hillary’s fans coming together for the purpose of generating storyline ideas on her character’s behalf. I currently have upwards of 150 suggestions from Hillary fans, and will be submitting these to Ron Carlivati on a monthly basis for as long as I continue to receive them. Participants will be identified (with their permission) to reinforce credibility and contributions will be printed verbatim, so please contact me if you would like to participate in this project. I genuinely believe that Ron Carlivati will put forth an incredible story for Hillary, because he is vested in the show, its actors, and its fans. He is a self-declared OLTL fan, having watched the show for three decades, so I deeply believe his respect for the medium will translate into a reinstated appreciation for our vets – and most importantly, for Hillary.
Ultimate Soap Fan Guide
Summer 2003
Tip Sheet
How
to Meet Some of the Actors: “Go to
a public appearance, the fan club
luncheon or Super Soap Weekend. People
have told me that they wait in my line
forever [at Super Soap Weekend], and I
try to get there early and stay later.
That’s the proper venue to get an
autograph, and I really want to make
sure that people who wait get one.
Between venues, I’ll try to stop and
sign as many as I can.” –Hillary B.
Smith
Should the fans hang around outside the studio? “I always feel so badly for the people who wait outside. My feeling is, go home and watch the show. This is where we work, it’s not where we’re doing public appearances. We’re not always at our best when we go outside. It’s our only way to see daylight, and we may have had a bad day, and this isn’t the place to start doing interaction with fans. It’s not fair to them; they’re not going to see us at our best.” –Hillary B. Smith
Soaps In Depth
January 7, 2003
Passion's Plaything
What is Nora’s man doing in Lindsay’s arms?
Nora’s the happiest gal in Llanview this week when it looks as if her dreams are about to come true. But every silver lining has a cloud, and in this case it’s a thunderhead called Lindsay!
Nora Makes a Shocking
Discover!
As the week begins, Nora
is becoming a little
suspicious of Troy. First,
she learns that he and
Lindsay were in the
jewelry store at the same
time, then Sam tells her
that he spied the duo in a
confrontation. Her
curiosity piqued, the
legal eagle lets herself
into the doc’s office and
begins snooping through
drawers. That’s when she
stumbles upon something
that Troy has gone to
great lengths to hide – a
diamond engagement ring!
Overwhelmed by her
discovery, Nora fails to
notice that her beau also
has hidden his marriage
certificate with late wife
Joanna in the same place!
“Nora just feels badly about finding the ring,” explains her portrayer, Hillary B. Smith. “Of course she tells him about it, and then he proposes. She says, ‘Oh God, this doesn’t work. I’ve forced your hand here,’ but then he tells her that he actually planned to give it to her that day.”
As it turns out, Troy isn’t miffed at all when Nora accidentally stumbles upon the sparkler. “At first, he’s not sure what she’s found,” says Ty Treadway (Troy), “He’s afraid that she’s found the marriage certificate, so when it turns out that she’s just found the ring, he’s relieved!”
Having dodged yet another bullet, Troy tells Nora how much he adores her, and they make love. When she agrees to become his wife, neither notices that Lindsay is watching them through the window.
The Wedding Planner
While Lindsay vows there
will never be a wedding,
Nora is on cloud nine.
“She’s totally and utterly
head over heels in love,”
says Smith. “From her
perspective, there’s an
honesty there, a chemistry
and obviously a sexual
attraction. This is a new
lease on life for her. He
is a great doctor, and
there is so much to
respect and love about
him. Matthew loves Troy,
and Sam seems okay, too,
so the world is good.
“At this point, Nora still doesn’t know that he’s ever been married,” Smith continues. “She only knows that there was a woman he was once in love with and it didn’t work out. End of subject. She even tells him, ‘Let’s plan this big wedding, since it’s going to be your first and only wedding.’ She’s blissfully unaware of anything that’s going on between Lindsay and Troy. In fact, Lindsay is so far off of Nora’s radar right now. She feels really strongly that Lindsay cannot touch her.” Talk about your famous last words!
Desperate Times,
Desperate Measures
Even as Nora is
concentrating on her rosy
future, Lindsay proves
herself to be a major
thorn in Troy’s side.
Furious about the
engagement, the jealous
blonde goes to see the
object of her desire and
winds up in a major
confrontation with him.
Soon, Troy finds himself having to play upon Lindsay’s only weakness: her desire for him! “She ends up becoming more vulnerable than she thought she could be,” previews Catherine Hickland (Lindsay). “Even though her actions started out as revenge, I think there is a very deep sexual attraction that Troy doesn’t want to acknowledge. She’s hoping that it can be more on an emotional level, because she’s so needy.”
Unfortunately for her, Troy knows only too well just how needy she is, and realizes that it just might play to his advantage. “He’s in a situation where he’s doing things he’s not really proud of,” admits Treadway. “By doing so, he digs himself into a deeper hole.”
As is often the case, anger soon turns to something more when next week, Troy finds himself locked in a situation of which Nora definitely wouldn’t approve: He’s locked in a passionate kiss with Lindsay! But is it genuine emotion bubbling to the surface, or is this Troy’s idea of a good way to keep Lindsay quiet? That said, two questions remain: How long can Troy keep Nora in the dark, and just how far is he willing to go to do so?
