Endless Cheating on dramas and soaps and why it bugs the snot out of me....

So I have been pondering this for a while I know cheating is a stamp of the drama and soap world I don't see the need why everyone has to cheat on everyone nor do I think that every single couple on either genre have to have that aspect to their story to make them viable or rootworthy.

Recently when Chris and I were plotting out Blissful we were brought to this attention when we aired a scene in which Jackson slept with Greer and then in which he was supposed to start an affair with her. Fans were outraged and so we reworked and retooled it to be a one night stand and then will be brought up and dealt with, something else and something bigger will have an impact on Jackson and Dani in the long run. I don't think either of us expected to get he backlash we did and we went to work on correcting it, not everyone likes couples that cheat we learned that the hard way after the scene was written and done. In the long run we have big plans for them that don't involve plot points that lead to infidelity.

Thinking back on it cheating turns me off a storyline most of the time especially if said spouse or significant other is just cheating for the hell of it when said other person has not done anything to deserve said cheating. Most recent example I can think of is John Ross and Pamela Rebecca on TNT's Dallas I will not be watching season 3. I refuse to watch a woman who just miscarried her twins at 20 weeks pregnant be played and manipulated to believe a man stood by her and married her for him to turn around and sleep with someone else for pleasure it is a huge turn off for me. Period.

Another good example I can think of is Meredith and Derek on Grey's I have never been able to root for them because of how they began on the series. Derek still being married to Addison and not saying in anything and then when Meredith found out she was just like a-okay with it to the point of continuing their affair in Addison's face. It could be that still to this day I hate both characters as much as Christina Yang and wish they both would just go away.

Maybe it is because I am married and I love and adore my husband, even when we were dating 5 years mind you neither of us were unfaithful to each other. Sure there is always going to be temptation but part of that is just that a temptation it is not real it is meant test your relationship. Some of my all time favorite couples on TV have been based on their undying devotion to one another without the cheating thrown in. I don't think everyone has to cheat to make a couple viable, they don't period.

My biggest will always be Nathan and Haley on OTH. Yes Haley kissed Chris but she never slept with him and she learned from her mistake. What has always made them beyond special to me is their devotion to each other never once in the 9 years that OTH was on did they ever waver from that with each other. They were married the shows entire run how often does that happen and I enjoyed every second of every season of their romance and marriage! They faced a young marriage, a separation in which they both realized they were not done with each other, high school pregnancy, Nathan's shattering injury in season 5, a stalking nanny, their son being kidnapped, Haley's career coming between them, Nathan's struggle with his dreams coming and going in basketball, Haley's mother dying, a woman claiming Nathan cheated and was pregnant with his child, Dan's death. Just to name a few examples where the couple was tested multiple times and every time they chose each other and will go down in my book as one of if not the greatest supercouples of the last 15 years on television. Never once in those 9 years did they sleep around on each other for the hell of it and it was never needed for them.

Second without a doubt is Coach and Tami on FNL one of the most realistic and down to earth marriages ever represented on television, period. At the heart of their career problems, dealing with a teenage daughter and an unexpected pregnancy late in life they loved and were devoted to each other. Seriously I loved their journey my husband loved their journey we watched every week for them see above with Nathan/Haley it can be done!

Another great example recently on television is Michael/Fiona on Burn Notice never once did they sleep around on each other while they were together. They fought to be together they fought the CIA, FBI, Michael's fears, Fiona's fears and in one of the most beautiful series finales I have ever seen on TV they showed them happy with Michaels' nephew in an unknown location raising him together in front of a fire snuggling on a couch. Seriously swoon worthy for me as a fan of watching the show for years hoping that they would get the pay off they deserved.

I could mention others like Sydney/Vaughn on Alias who overcame a lot of crap without the cheating thrown in. Leo/Piper on Charmed from what I remember she was with Dan for a little bit but broke it off before she and Leo reconciled. Michael/Nikita of Nikita are another good example both the 90's version and in the newest creation of the series. Heck one of the reasons I enjoy Animal Kingdom so much by Ashley Loftin, even if I haven't warmed up to Serena/Leo I know she isn't going to pull a WTF on me and have them jump into bed with other people. So then I have to ask what about cheating draws a reader or a viewers attention to a show?

For me there has to be two things that support said creation of the storyline writing and build up to that moment. Without it it comes off sleazy and a turn off for me aka see above TNT Dallas JR/PR just gross on so many levels, or MerDer on Grey's. I hate character assassination I hate it when a character cheats just for the hell of it, when their ego is bruised and then it is portrayed as some romantic grand gesture later. If you're going to have a character cheat at least define what that cheating is hell I may even root for them I am talking about ABC's Scandal.

Everyone told me to watch it as in like everyone and I refused for a long time due to the cheating aspect. So I gave it a try a few weeks ago and can honestly say it is one of the best written drama's on TV. I don't even care that Fitz is cheating on Mellie mainly cause I know there is no love lost between them, they never loved each other nor is he in love with her. He married her for political gain, she is an ice cold bitch who has her own aspiration of political power. I find myself rooting for Olivia and him even though I know she is sleeping with a married man, the writing supports them the build up and flashbacks supported their storyline.

So I guess my point is if you are going to have a couple cheat do so with build up tell me why they are and why I should root for them to cheat.

JR's Materpiece Dallas season 2!

Normally TV is pretty uneventful for me. I watch here and there but nothing really excites me about it. Except for Monday nights now on TNT it is my can't miss show. I literally have walked away from the dinner table to watch. I record the Voice.

A few things happened this season that have just pulled me in JR's Masterpiece and my head is spinning with all the possibilities of it. Secondly the pairing of John Ross (JR's son) and Pamela Rebecca (Cliff's daughter) is just a dream come true. Rival families falling for each other and it doesn't hurt that the actors have chemistry in spades for the couple.

Other new additions to the cast I am enjoying is Mitch Pelliggi as Harris Ryland. With JR gone they did need a dark character and him working with Cliff is just brilliant.

If you watched old Dallas you know that there was a feud between the Barnes and the Ewings. I was so disappointed that they seemed to be wasting John Ross with Elena Ramos who doesn't have any ties to the original show and Pamela Rebecca the adopted son of Bobby, until this season. Starting out as revenge sex and slowly moving toward realizing they have feelings for eahc other is just brilliant writing. Not to mention the history tie in between them with their parents.

If we are building up to JR's grand plan to take down Ryland and Cliff in one feel swoop I believe it was key that he knew that turning Pamela Rebecca against her father would be key. What better way to do that than have your son fall for your enemies daughter. If you think I am crazy go back and rewatch the episodes leading to JR's death, he asked John Ross if he had feelings for her John Ross hesitated. Then went behind his father's back to protect her!

Fast forward to episode 10 and 11. John Ross acted more like a father to be and husband to her than Chris did when her twins died. Saw her at her worst in 11, Julie and Josh just sell them. Now I am sure you are wondering where I am going with this.

If Barnes Global is owned by Cliff, Katherine and Pam (Cliff's sister not daughter) that means the Ewings have to have a majority to own it. If Pam is in fact deceased Christopher would get her shares, or JR could be sending them on a wild goose chase and she in fact alive. Pamela Rebecca would get her father's shares if he were to be out of comission. In order to get John Ross in on the idea...you heard it hear first business marriage.

Not only would John Ross get Barnes Global he would have original Ewing Oil back. JR would have pulled the ultimate dupe on Cliff by stealing his daughter permanently back into the Ewings by having her fall in love with JR's son. It would kill Cliff, slay him because of his hatred for the Ewing family. TNT released some spoiler pictures for next week and if you want to doubt me look at the pictures yourself. John Ross carting Pamela Rebecca in his arms in the rain.

You have other spoilers out there from the actors saying that no one expected them to just take off like they did or that they would go there with them. Business marriage while having real feelings for each other would shock I think everyone.

All this being said I may just have to do something I haven't done in two years...make a shipper video after monday night. Suggestions for music anyone?

Dallas Season 1! Finally a soap to watch!

So I haven't watched a soap opera since 2001, GH and Carly crawling on the floor in her wedding dress after Sonny tossed her out for trying to protect her kid. Asshat. Ok I've watched a few more since then but rarely have I been a loyal viewer and then I heard they were bringing Dallas back to life...drum roll. My first thought was what an epic fail, no way can they do it better than before. Then I read that Patrick Duffy, Larry Higman, linda Gray and Brenda Strong had signed on for the reboot and I was sold.

Let me start off by saying that old Dallas was classic nighttime soap and while plots dragged out for a while with different characters I was curious as to how they would do it now. Where the audience expects a faster paced story and where it is only on 1 day a week. Let me not mention that it is on TNT probably one of my favorite TV Networks to watch. They produce quality shows Fallen Skies, Leverage, Rizzoli and Isles, The Closer and Southland.

Season 1 didn't disappoint character wise here is what I love and what I don't:

JR Ewing- Larry is still bad ass as ever, period. He and Patrick Duffy are golden as feuding brothers and his storyline this season was amazing to watch, I was so nervous that the older set would simply be props. I was wrong.

Bobby Ewing- I've always loved do gooder Bobby a good man, good husband and he needs a rival with his brother. Dallas wouldn't be Dallas if he and JR weren't at odds. I also love that he has a new wife and Ann doesn't disappoint my favorite Bobby wife.

Ann Ewing- One of my favorite new characters, she is interesting, strong and a good match for Bobby. I'm curious about her past with Harris Ryland and I certainly expect for her long lost child to appear in Season 2. I also love her with Mitch Pileggi they have wicked chem.

Sue Ellen- Linda Gray still is showing that you can come back and rock it. I love her as Sue Ellen, period. I love her trying to right the wrongs with John Ross as a mother and I am rooting for her for governor. She is still beautiful and the cast is seamless with her a part of it.

Harris Ryland- Mitch Pileggi has always been brilliant in anything he is in and I love seeing him play a power hungry kinda sick ex-husband asshole. He and Ann have mad chemistry and I hope he sticks around for season 2 after all that locket and all the hints about a child. I have a feeling he'll be back.

John Ross- Josh Henderson kicks ass that is all. I love him as John Ross, he is his father's son tip to tail as JR put it last night. I wouldn't expect anything less and JH just sells is, my only annoyance is his vomit inducing great love for his cousin's left overs. Please he could do better Rebecca anyone?!

Rebecca Ewing (Rebecca Barnes)- She is my favorite so far next to John Ross, I called it early in that she would be revealed to be Cliff's daughter and the payoff was worth it. I hate how Christopher treats her, bitch please wipe the floor with him. Could be that I hate Christopher and his saint hood, that he did no wrong marrying her at the beginning of the season after he knew about the e-mail. The proceeded to blame her for the mess he got himself into. I'm pretty sure that her love for him died when he threatened to take their kids. Perhaps she and John Ross can hook up and destroy the lame ass couple of Chris/Elena.

Elena Ramos- I don't care that Jordana Brewster is skinny she looks like me skinny, I eat a lot. I'm more annoyed that I haven't seen what is so great and grand about her that she has two men wrapped around her finger. One that she clearly believed would dump her after years together and another that must prove himself to her over and over again. Does she have oil filled boobs or something? I'm trying to figure it out all while getting annoyed with her every episode. She couldn't even break up with John Ross in person, coward bitch sent her mother and then goes and bangs Christopher.

Christopher Ewing- St. Christopher apparently, woe is me Christopher, Rebecca ruined my life Christopher. Please shut up already! He knew about the e-mail yet still married Rebecca knowing that he had feelings for Elena. Let me not even mention that instead of chasing after your 'great love' he just left to China and then hooked up with a stranger in Rebecca. Bitch you were played own it instead of whining about it, you do the right thing by paying off said ex and saying horrible things to her that are apparently forgotten about by the time you bed her. You treat your current wife like crap until you find out she is pregnant and even then it's ugh. It could be that I find Jesse Metcalfe extremely weak as an actor, Passions and Miguel anyone? Or that his renewable energy source storyline was stupid to the point of throwing up. Regardless I hope John Ross and Rebecca wipe the floor with him and Elena.

Things I want in Season 2?

• I wanna know more about Ann and Harris, I'm pretty sure a child will be popping up.
• I want to see more of JR/Sue Ellen I'll always root for them and I can't help but want them together perhaps uniting for their son.
• John Ross to finally win one over and his stupid cousin and Elena, show them that he means business, i'm sick of their great wuv and whining.
• Rebecca Barnes to go all bad ass on everyone, bitch shot her business partner watch out. Plus I wouldn't mind seeing her with John Ross, sexy times two.
• Elena to lose something, she is a fickle ho bag. She thinks she is special because she had two men trotting after her like she was in heat. Please she isn't all that.
• For them to explain where Pam is or for Pam to return!
• Bobby and JR to continue in their scheming ways, one upping each other and I wouldn't mid if Bobby losses just once.
• For Christopher to get what he deserves he is self righteous, selfish and all round I just can't stand him, see above John Ross and Rebecca.

Adventures of being a new mom!

So at the end of October my doctor decided that it wasn't safe to continue my pregnancy further than November 1st. On October 31st I was induced at 8 o'clock at night and by the next day November 1st at 1:22 pm my son was born. It was a long pregnancy filled with a few scares that to me and my husband made our sons arrival so much more important and special.

Patrick Stuart was born on 11/1/11 at 1:22 pm, he was born on All Saints day at 1:22 pm exactly 11 minutes after 1/11. He weighed 7 lbs and 0.4 oz, was 19 1/4" long. Patrick means noble servant and Stuart means steward, on top of that St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, engineers and paralegals. My husband is an engineer and I am a paralegal (even though I don't practice and haven't in years). We thought it was fitting, a month later and I can officially say that we are in love.

I never thought that you could love anyone that much, I love my husband don't get me wrong but I am head over heels in love with my little guy. I adore him and there is nothing that I wouldn't do for him, he cries and I cry with him. He smiles at me while he is eating or we are cuddling and my heart just melts. I love taking care of him and being what I have always wanted a mom finally, it is the best feeling in the world. Now many of you are wondering what this means for my writing and my show....well I have an answer sort of.

I still write I just don't have a lot of time, Patrick has to be taken care of at least every 3 to 4 hours, in between that time I have to cook, clean the house, still do laundry and get some sleep. When I'm not sleeping and other related items I write, so far I haven't made any new developments with West Lake sadly, honestly that drive hasn't been there in a few months, so another creative idea and project has been floating around. What this means for West Lake I'm not entirely sure at the moment, but I can say this project feels right and is something that I have been passionate about for years, also if you are wondering it is not Dangerous Tides.

Summer TV so far...eh...

With summer kicking off this year our favorite shows are back, ok most of our favorite shows in the Zollo house. Minus the two shows that my hubby can't stand that being said you will find my reviews below.

White Collar (USA)- YAY, Matt Bomer and company are back and after 3 episodes in we're right back into the action of this show. It never ceases to make me think and really the writing is on par with the acting. Who would have guessed that Hilarie Burton on OTH could actually do something other than cry.

Covert Affairs (USA)- I am really glad they brought this spy chick show back for a second season. I hardly see TV shows that focus on a strong kick ass female lead anymore, the only other one that I can think of is Castle on ABC. The writing is fairly decent and most of the cast can do a good job, I won't ask for a lot...mission every week I'm good.

Pretty Little Liars (ABC Family)- I got sucked in last season, it's a teenage melodrama I swore I was done with them. I have read the books so it intrigued me, once I got past the annoying theme song they play in their opening credits it is not a bad show. Things I hate: Aria/Ezra's forbidden love story, please they are morons and if I have to see him look at her creepy one more time I will vomit. Give Emily something to do other than mope about her failed romances, I get it being a gay teen is hard but come on. The things I love: Spencer, I know most people don't like her but I don't care I do, her story line is decent and I like her and Toby. Hannah is by far my favorite on the show, hands down the actress sells it, bring back Caleb for her please. As for who killed A: Honestly I am getting bored with it by now there have been no significant breaks in the case or identity making me wonder if they are pulling a LOST, do the writers even know?

Memphis Beat (TNT)- Dan and I are thrilled this is back for it's second season, we loved the first one. Jason Lee, does an amazing job on this show it is funny and quirky and not your average cop drama something that I think television needs.

Hawthorne (TNT)- So far the new season is annoying me Christina needs a smack back to reality she just was beat up and had a massive miscarriage. No one goes back to work right after that no one, she is also being a bitch to my precious Michael Vartan that needs to stop like ASAP. Camille is annoying the snot out of my by stalking married-soon to be divorced new doctor. Bobbie deserves better than her boyfriend that has turned into an ass.

Falling Skies (TNT)- Erg um, we recorded it, it is not horrible. We agreed to give it a few more episodes before we completely take it off our list.

Franklin & Bash (TNT)- Ok I don't really care for it but hubby does. I think the only bright spot is the old boss dude is he funny and makes a few good lines. Hopefully this train wreck won't be long on my screen.

Shows that haven't premiered yet for us Leverage, Burn Notice, Royal Pains and Rissoli & Isles. I look forward to leaving those thoughts when they premiere.

Welcome to my new blog!

Alright so I am bored beyond belief on bed rest with my pregnancy post surgery and I thought this would be a great way for people to catch up with my on goings whether it be writing, knitting, sewing, crafting, my thoughts on TV you name it. I will still be doing the video blog updates for both my web serials but I want to talk about other things as well. My web series you may ask? They can be found here:

http://kellyzollo.com

I'll admit it I haven't been a very good producer over the last few months ok since like last August. Aug-Nov sucked of last year not a lot more to say hubby's grandfather passed away, my orange tabby cat died 2 weeks before my birthday, yeah it was a crap end of the year. The new year got very busy and this year is shaping up to be just as crazy. Doesn't mean that I am not committed to writing or producing it just means that time management needs to be a bit better. I have a lot of new adventures going on in my personal life.

So, what you may not know I started my web design company about a year ago and while business was good at first it has begun to fade out, hey I get it the economy sucks. Leaving me still working part time at the University. I also in March found out that Dan (my husband and I) are having a baby, we found out a few weeks ago it is a little boy. 2 weeks ago I had to have emergency surgery while pregnant, thank GOD that everything went smoothly and baby and I are on our way to a speedy recovery. Being that I am now on bed rest a least for the rest of the week, I am seriously thinking about starting another home business so that after the baby is born and in August I can leave the bookstore job to stay at home.

This home business would cover a few things that I love to do other than writing, I love to knit and sew! Whether that be head bands, baby booties, hats, scarves (ok i haven't done a lot) but still you get the drift. I have a ton of left over yarn I have accumulated over the last year since I began knitting. Also I love to sew car seat covers for babies and infants. I think I could sell them for a good price, I have also been playing around with making some nursery sets which would include a carry tote, baby quilt, and learning blocks. Basically I am a crafty person and would love to have a home based craft business. What are your thoughts?

Anyways there is just the intro more to come, would love to hear thoughts and opinions!

Kelly