Soapie memories

There was a time (although it may be staunchly denied) that my family sat down very faithfully everyday and watched Santa Barbara and Rustelose Jare (as The Young and the Restless was called in the days of simulcast). I don't know if it was a lack of channels or a predisposition for contrived drama that prompted us to do it, but between 5 and 6, that's where we were.

Interestingly, I mostly remember watching it with my Dad. The Father and I companiably sat through Santa Barbara, which was bizarre and weird and pretty bloody funny. With all seriousness we'd curse Kelly to the nearest diamond mine, hoping against hope that this time she would stay dead. We'd laugh at Gina, of Mrs Capwell's Cookie's fame, who's lighthearted evil deeds were nothing in comparison to the big honcho himself - CC Capwell. But our favouritest character was the much maligned, but ever redeemable, Mason Capwell. The red-headed stepchild loved only by his mama. I missed one all important episode after Mason's long sought love Mary died, felled by a trapdoor in the roof that blew over in a strong wind. The Father (who gets dewy at the end of Sleepless in Seattle) caught me up about the funeral: "It was very nice. But the best part was when CC told Mason that he loved him and was sorry for his loss."

After Santa B, it was The Young and Restless, which I fear we watched just for Jack's exploits and because it filled up the 20 minutes to supper at 6. I was always up and down to fix the radio for proper reception so that we could get the simulcast English. I don't even remember what it was about mostly, except that the same whiny characters are present during its new timeslot on E.

Now I've moved my penchant for investing too much time in imaginary characters (TM Marissa) to Isidingo. I will not rest until Lee and Rajesh get back together. And now that it's come to light that Barker has been secretly hiding Lee's presumably dead mother in a mental institution, I seriously can't afford to miss an episode...

PATTOTE - Better living through imaginary people.