Interview (Days): Sarah Brown Returns to Daytime

Sarah Brown is no stranger to daytime soap operas. The 36-year-old award-winning actress has been a part of many of daytime’s casts, including “General Hospital” (as two different characters at two different times), “The Bold and the Beautiful” and “As the World Turns.” Since she’s made her mark at ABC and CBS, it’s only natural that the time has come for her to conquer NBC and join “Days of Our Lives.” Sarah made her debut a few weeks back as Sami’s new boss, Madison James. I spoke with Sarah recently, and she told me all about her new role.

Daytime Dial: I was very excited to hear you’d be coming back to daytime, especially in a role like that of Madison James. What can you tell me about your character?

Sarah Brown: Madison is a tough cookie. She’s got a very strong sense of who she is and what she’s in town to do, which is take over the world, basically. She’s come to Salem, and she wants all of Kate Roberts’ business (Countess Wilhemina Cosmetics). She’s a tough CEO in the sense that she’s a businesswoman. She knows, she researches, she does her homework, and she speaks all the languages that she possibly can to help develop strong relationships between herself and her distributors. She works all the time. She doesn’t really have much of a personal life. She’s there to work and to succeed and to build and grow her business bigger and bigger. She’s smart enough to know how to deal with both women and men in the business world.

DD: How did the “Days” cast welcome you to the fold?

SB: They just made me feel so at home. I came into the make-up room, and every person in there that was working or not working took the time to say, “Hey, we’re really excited you’re here,” “Welcome to ‘Days of our Lives,’” and “You’re going to have fun here.” Everyone here is wonderful. It’s a great place to come to work.

DD: In your daytime career, you’ve played lots of different types of characters. So far, what do you like best about playing Madison?

SB: I love that she’s a fashionista. I like wearing pretty clothes when I go to work, because I run around in my jeans and T-shirt all the time, so I like having that time in my day where I get to get all made up, put on pretty jewelry and be super girly that way. It’s fun because when you are running around in your day-to-day life, sometimes you forget to do that or you don’t have time.

I also really like the idea of playing a businesswoman who is conducting legal business and sort of getting to shine a light on how the world is changing around us, and how women are more and more in a position of power — how they handle it, how they are treated and how they have to work twice as hard all the time and be twice as good at everything they do in order to be taken seriously.

DD: Now, what about these sparks we are seeing between Madison and Brady?

SB: She can’t be all business. Nope, there’s got to be drama and romance, romance, romance. Yeah, there’s a big spark between her and Brady. It’s there immediately and it stays, and it’s underneath everything while they’re trying to run this company. Right now she’s more interested in building her business and building her company, but she’s super attracted to this person she works with. I think it bothers her a little bit. And it causes some problems for her, both personally and professionally.

First Day on the Set of Dallas

Interview (Days): Jack Is Back — And He Wants Jennifer!

As part of the rejuvenation and regeneration of “Days of Our Lives,” yet another familiar face has returned to Salem, and “Days” enthusiasts couldn’t be more excited. Matthew Ashford has returned to town, after being held prisoner in Afghanistan while working on a story, and plans to reclaim his life — ex-wife Jennifer and daughter Abigail included. Of course, it won’t be easy, as nothing is on soaps, but I’ve got my money on Jack Deveraux’s ability to charm his way back into his family’s life. I spoke with Matt recently about his return to Salem.

Daytime Dial: I know you’ve kept busy doing other projects and televisions series, so how did it come about that “Days” producers were able to lure you back to the show?

Matthew Ashford: I had gone in some years back and had a good conversation with the producers at that time, and they were very upfront. They told me, “We really like you, love your work,” and all that good stuff, but they didn’t have anything available for me at the time. They were actually trying to clear the deck a little bit anyway. I appreciated the honesty, because it’s better than them saying things they think you want to hear, but then nothing comes of it. I understood that, so I kind of moved on.

It started up not too long ago, Jack’s name had been coming up in dialogue — Jack’s doing this; Jack’s doing that — but still no call on my end. Then kind of out of the blue, I get a phone call and they ask: “Are you around? What’s your schedule? What’s your level of interest?” And I was interested. They said: “We have a story that we are interested in writing. We think there’s some really exciting things we can do with the character of Jack.”

DD: As an actor, that’s always good to know.

MA: Exactly! That’s what I’m looking to hear. They have written some really fun stuff, some very challenging things, and that’s what brought me back. There’s a lot of great stuff coming — they have definitely been true to their word. They are interested in the character of Jack. It’s a far more complicated playing field now with Jennifer and this Dr. Dan, and Abigail is now a grown young woman who has her own wants and needs. So coming to terms with that, and then there’s other people in town that I’m just starting to get to play with, which is all very, very cool.

DD: I never did buy the story that Jack was “on a walkabout” to find himself. I knew he had another, better reason for leaving his family. I’d say being held hostage is a good reason. Now that Jack is back, what does he hope to accomplish?

MA: He’s come back to regain his life. That’s the reason everybody comes back to Salem, to regain their life. He has always wanted Jennifer, and I think he’s honest and sincere when he says that. Melissa (Reeves, who plays Jennifer) just returned to the show with the passing of Alice, and I think the audience was like: “Yeah, we like this. We like seeing her again. She’s got roots here, and we like those roots.” I just think those characters are important. They are important to the story. They’re important as characters.

DD: Jack has a way of coming back into Jennifer’s life just when she has decided to start over and commit to another man …

MA: That’s kind of funny, isn’t it? How’d that work out? I would think that would be highly annoying to any girl. At least Jennifer has never used the word “stalker,” but I guess you could say in some way he’s a wife stalker.

But he’s back to find his life in Salem again. The writers want to dig into the who, what, when, why and where of everybody, and they’re not afraid to look at old story lines and go from there. But they also are bringing to it a new look, a fresh perspective and excitement and energy, and they are willing to look at things a little differently. I’m excited to say that there are things that will be brought up and you will say, “Oh wow, I didn’t think we’d get into that.” And we are, and it’s good.

DD: With this return to its roots, “Days” fans old and new are very excited to see what’s in store for them, and for their favorite characters.

MA: It’s very good because a longtime viewer will say: “Yes! I remember that!” And a younger viewer might say: “Well, that’s kind of weird. What’s that all about?” But hopefully it will be told in such a way that the younger viewer and the longtime viewer will be able to come together. And that is what I think is the smart thing to do: Let people enjoy their passion for the show together. When Ken Corday talks about how this is a family show, it’s every generation of people sitting down together saying, “Yeah! I like that,” or “That was really important when I was your age too.” It’s all very exciting.

DD: It also must be exciting, and complimentary to you as an actor, that “Days” wanted you to return to help roll out the new/old “Days of Our Lives.” Looking back, you’ve been involved in most of the more-fun and fan-favorite story lines.

MA: I just think we found a level of communication and trust, and that, for us, was paramount. Some of the other stuff was window dressing. Oh they (Jack and Jennifer) were on a cruise, or stuck in a cabin in a snowstorm, or in a train, or in a Wild West show, or wherever the heck we were. I think the important thing is the connection between these characters with all the roadblocks they threw up in between. So, yes, I’m eager to do that. I think we have had some wonderful scenes already. It doesn’t mean that they are happy. It doesn’t mean that the scenes are easy, but there is definitely a connection. I’ve had to rely on Missy very much as we’re jumping back into this, and she’s been wonderful in supporting me. Just jumping in, it takes two to tango, and fortunately she’s been very supportive and very helpful.

DD: Jack always seems to be getting himself into something — please tell me that won’t change.

MA: Oh yes, I hope he continues to get into something. I hope he never gives that up. He’s always trying something. Some people say you can’t be goofy and bumbling and also be taken seriously, but I hope we don’t have to make it a strong distinction between the two, because he’s overcoming obstacles. Like I said, I just hope that he gets into things seriously, really gets in the middle of it.

Interview (YR): Eileen Davidson's Alexis Peterson Is on the Case

Most of daytime fans know Eileen Davidson as Ashley Abbott, whom she’s portrayed on “The Young and the Restless” off and on since 1982. But many might not know that she is also an accomplished author. Along with co-writer Robert Randisi, she has penned four “Soap Opera Mystery” novels, the latest installment being “Swingin’ in the Rain.” In “Swingin’,” Eileen explores the world of swingers’ clubs as a backdrop to murder.

Daytime Dial: Here’s a question I am sure is on everyone’s minds: What made you decide to set your new book in the world of swingers?

Eileen Davidson: I had heard about different people living in Malibu who were into it. And I was like, “You’re kidding!” It was just really shocking, and it seemed like a great backdrop for a murder mystery. After I did some research, I discovered how prevalent it is in society. I’m fascinated that so many people are into it, that it’s kind of a very well-kept secret. And I’m wondering if they ever run into each other at the dry cleaners or in the carpool line.

DD: How did you research it?

ED: This is a true story. I was at Scott Baio’s birthday party, and a woman came up to me and said she was a big fan of my books and asked when I was going to write the next one. And I said, “Well, I’m kind of in the middle of writing it now.” And she asked, “What’s the premise?” And I told her, and she goes, “You’re not going to believe this, but one of my good friends was the manager for one of the top swingers clubs in L.A. for 10 years.” So I gave her friend a call, and we spoke for an hour, and she gave me so much information. She told me everything, and everything she told me I put in the book: game rooms and the dark room, where everybody denies going into, but it’s always full.

The club she managed is closed now, but she said: “I know of someone who is running another one. And if you want to go, I can get you in there.” And I was thinking I should go there for research, but then I thought, Do I really want to do that? So I told her that maybe someday I’ll check it out. But I don’t know.

DD: In theory, it seems like a good idea, but then when it gets down to it ...

ED: Exactly! Exactly! I guess my Catholic upbringing is alive and well.

DD: I like that you incorporated Alex’s fears now that we’re down to four network soaps. What are some other bits of soap business that you bring to your books?

ED: The opening scene of the book actually happened to me in the ’80s while I was filming a scene for “YR.” We were filming the scene at a park in the pouring rain, and I had a crewmember underneath me trying to push me up this steep, muddy hill that I needed to get up, and I kept sliding down. So, I have some guy under me, not in the shot, trying to get me up there, and I keep falling down. We laughed so hard, because I could not get up that friggin’ hill.

DD: I am really enjoying the slow development of Alex and Jakes’ relationship. It’s realistic, and it’s getting better and stronger. Do you purposely keep her relationship with Jakes grounded so that Alex herself does not go crazy?

ED: That’s a good way of putting it, actually, because there is so much crazy stuff going on around her that there has to be something that is a grounding force besides her daughter. So, it’s just kind of the way the relationship evolves. When he was first introduced it was not supposed to be like a love interest, but it evolved that way in the first book. It was just sort of this natural evolution.

If you want to get in on the mystery, buy Eileen’s book “Swingin’ in the Rain” on amazon.com, or wherever books are sold. And check out her first three books while you’re at it!

Heather Lindell Stars in PBS's "H.M.S. Pinafore"

(PRESS RELEASE)

PBS ARTS FALL FESTIVAL KICKS OFF OCTOBER 14 WITH CLASSIC GILBERT AND SULLIVAN ROMP

Broadcast date:
Friday, October 14, 2011, 9:00 p.m. ET/NEW YORK
Friday, October 14 -- 9:00pm PCT 50.1 - PBS SoCal - HD on KOCE in Southern California

For other areas, please check your Local Listings

Guthrie Theater’s “H.M.S. Pinafore” leads nine-part series that includes Pearl Jam, Bill T. Jones and six more dance, music and opera performances

Starring: Heather Lindell (ex-Jan Spears, "Days of Our Lives") as Josephine

Introduced by: Rainn Wilson

Directed by Joe Dowling, choreography and musical staging by David Bolger


One import, Heather Lindell (last seen on Broadway in "La Cage aux Folles") is fetching as Josephine, the captain's daughter, and she has ample opportunity to show off her impressive pipes.

MSPMag.com 06/27/2011
Heather Lindell, in the role of Josephine, had breathtaking vocals - several of her song finales seemed to ring out through the theater long after the song had finished.

The Examiner.com 6/25/2011
The acting is terrific, of course (this is the Guthrie). Ditto the singing; the wonderful G&S music comes through with resounding intensity. As the lovers Heather Lindell and Robb McKindles sing gorgeously and their scenes together are very funny.

HowWasThatShow.com 06/25/2011

What happened on AMC?

For those who missed it, here's a brief summary of what happened on the final episode of "All My Children" last Friday. It definitely left viewers hanging, ensuring that many will watch as the soap transitions to an Internet format in January.

It was a beautiful conclusion, mostly, to a long-running, beloved soap, bringing back several old characters and reuniting them with their loved ones. Stuart (David Canary) turned out to be alive and went on to presumably live happily ever after with Marian (Jennifer Bassey). Jamie (Justin Bruening) confronted his troubled brother JR (Jacob Young), trying to get through to him. Brooke (Julia Barr) surprised Adam (also played by David Canary) by buying his mansion back for him. At a party at the mansion, Randi (Denise Vasi) announced that she might be pregnant, while Brot (JR Martinez) and Natalia (Shannon Kane) celebrated their engagement. Jack (Walt Willey) demanded that Erica (Susan Lucci) choose between him and a movie career. Tad (Michael E. Knight) gave a heartfelt speech to all his friends and family (and “AMC” fans) who have been with him over the years. Adam asked Brooke to marry him, and she said yes.

Then things quickly took a dark turn and left viewers hanging. After Jack walked out on Erica at the party, she opened the door to find JR standing there with a gun pointed at her and we see him pulling the trigger. If fans want to find out what happens next, they’ll have to watch the soap when it continues on the Internet, through production company Prospect Park, in January.

Interview (Days): Doc and John Bring Back Family Values

Unless you’ve been living under a rock recently, you’ve heard about all the recent changes over at “Days of Our Lives.” In a valiant attempt to return to its glory days of family, romance and just plain good storytelling, “Days” is pulling out all the stops, including luring back fan favorites such as Deidre Hall. Deidre has played Dr. Marlena Evans off and on for almost three decades, and she returns to much fanfare today, Sept. 26. I spoke with the “Days” star recently, and she told me all about her return to the show.

Daytime Dial: What made you decide to return to “Days”; how were they able to coax you back?

Deidre Hall: It was a combination of things. But mostly, it was two words: Greg Meng. Greg and I went on a book tour with both of our books. He wrote “Days of Our Lives 45 Years: A Celebration in Photos.” It’s a fabulous tabletop book. So, we traveled together for several months, and we would sit at a table autographing hundreds of books at a time. And people would come up to me and say, “When are you coming back to ‘Days’?” I would say, “I have no plans to come back to ‘Days.’” And Greg would say, “Oh, but we would love to have her back.” And we would both smile, and that would be the showbiz rap that we would do.

At one point, a woman came up to me and asked, “What would it take to get you back?” And I looked at Greg and I said, “Well, I would have to be invited.” And Greg looked at me and said: “Well, none of us had ever thought of that. You’re invited!” He set about a plan that didn’t just include bringing me back, but to bring “Days of Our Lives” back to its heyday — to the family core values we all loved many years ago and the audience has resonated to. And he’s done it!

DD: What are you allowed to tell me about the circumstances of Marlena’s return?

DH: John has almost completely recovered from this illness that had befallen him (and why we went off to Switzerland). And we return back to Salem to dedicate the Horton Square. Also, there has been a terrible crisis in Salem that is revealed in those first five or six episodes. And it affects every single person in Salem. And we are back because of it and we are integral to it, and it kicks into motion an incredible series of dramatic turns.

DD: I started watching “Days” back in about ’90-91, and I always thought it was the best soap on because of all the reasons: romance, family, drama. How excited are you to be able to explore these cornerstones? Because Marlena really embodies all of those as a character, as well.

DH: Exactly everything you just said — that is what the show is. You hit it right on the head. It’s so empowering and enriching to be able to play it now. Marlena is stronger, is more devoted to John than ever before, and has a fierceness that we haven’t seen in her before. She’s taking no prisoners. And when this drama starts to unfold, you will see her tested and tested and tested, and she steps up every time. It is so thrilling to play this sort of woman who is utterly empowered. And there is no room for doubt. No room for hesitation. She is solid, and she is there.

DD: Since we saw Marlena last in January 2009, what has Deidre been up to? Have you been doing other projects? Traveling? Charity work?

DH: I have done, oddly enough, all those things. During the break, I took my son David to Brazil on an Operation Smile mission, which is dealing with children with serious disfigurements. And that was life-altering for both of us. I took him to Washington, D.C., where we campaigned for the Child Nutrition Act, which passed! I wrote a book called “Deidre Hall’s Kitchen Closeup.” It’s a lifestyle book that answers the dreaded three words, “What’s for supper?” As a mom, I know that’s a continual struggle. But it’s a lifestyle book, too, so it’s got great helpful hints, and even if you don’t cook, it’s really funny. It’s a funny book. It’s available on Amazon.com.

DD: What has it been like for you these past few weeks being back on “Days”?

DH: It is like coming back to your family, and stepping onto the stage or even stepping into the studio, and a sea of smiling faces coming toward us — arms flung open and “Oh my gosh!” I came back a few days early, and having the time to sit with your friends and catch up and: “How are the kids? Oh my gosh, they are in college now? And how is your mom?” Just friendships that have taken a little bit of a vacation, and they are right back in place.

DD: Of course we’re excited that you, Drake Hogestyn and Christie Clark are coming back. But I’m also excited to have Marlena interacting with Sami again, because she’s always been the problem child, but now she’s an adult, and she’s been through so much. Are you excited to explore that dynamic again?

DH: We haven’t seen that much play out yet, as that hasn’t been in the script. I know that a big crisis arises in Salem that puts her marriage with Rafe into play. I can’t say more than that, but Sami and EJ are deeply involved. Both for different reasons, and it affects their relationship.

DD: When you left back in 2009, “As the World Turns” and “Guiding Light” were still on the air, and now they are gone. Soon “One Life to Live” and “All My Children” are going to Internet platforms. That leaves what I call the Big Four. What are your thoughts on this turn that the daytime soaps have taken, and how do you think this return to the show’s roots will help?

DH: It will survive because it’s what we’re longing for right now, and the show will give the audience, old and new, what it’s always wanted now, when it means the most. Which is a return to core values, a place to find comfort and replenishment, and we are as good as our word. We are your family, and we are there for you. And they’ve figured out a way to produce the show on the budget required to do it without sacrificing what is on the screen. We’re in very healthy shape, so look for us to be around for a long time!

I am also hoping to extend that relationship with the fans through Facebook (search “Deidre Hall”) and Twitter (twitter.com/DeidreHall). I’m tweeting all about the show. I’m pretty good at it, and I’m finding a new relationship with the fans, which is closer and more intimate, and that’s nice for me.

Goodbye, All My Children

[(ABC/Rick Rowell) TOP ROW: TATE BERNEY. SARAH GLENDENING, THORSTEN KAYE, MACKENZIE ALADJEM, CHRISTINA BENNETT LIND, DANIELLE PARKER, CAMERON MATHISON FRONT ROW: JAKE VAUGHN, THORSTEN KAYE, ALICIA MINSHEW, ELLAH MILLER, IAN SLATER, SUSAN LUCCI, WALT WILLEY, REBECCA BUDIG]

As if you needed the reminder, don't forget to watch ABC's final episode of All My Children. After almost 42 years, the show will no longer air on ABC. Although it will move to an online venue at Prospect Park, there is no definite start date, nor any definite info on who will return for the revamped AMC. Even La Lucci, the grand dame of AMC, has not committed one way or the other yet, but we do know, she isn't happy about ABC's decision to cancel the show.

Interview: Catching Up With Nancy McKeon

Nancy McKeon, while best known for her role of Jo Polniaczek on “The Facts of Life,” actually got her start on daytime television. She appeared on the now-defunct “The Secret Storm” and “Another World” before donning a ponytail and plenty of attitude on the hit ’80s sitcom. Now soap fans and “Facts” fans can watch Nancy this weekend on “Love Begins” on the Hallmark Channel (premieres Sat. Sept. 17 at 9/8c; see local listings for more days and times). I spoke with Nancy about her new movie, as well as her “Facts” family.

Daytime Dial: What was it about the movie and the role of Millie that caught your fancy and made you want to be a part of the production?

Nancy McKeon: I have two little girls, and my primary job is here with them, so when I choose to step away, the timing has to be right, and this was. It was summer, so they could come with me. They don’t really know Mom’s “other” job. They just know my cooking, cleaning and carpooling.

And I love the Hallmark Channel. I’ve done some other things for them, too. I love the stories they tell and this group of people; they were pretty terrific. Right now it is more important, because this way my girls can actually watch the work. There have been some things that I have done that are just too grown up for them to see for a while. So this was a chance for them to make fun of me in funny costumes and funny shoes and funny hair.

DD: There was a real chance that the role of Millie could be seen as a busybody instead of helpful, but she really is a kind and generous soul. Was it written like that, or was it something you brought to the role?

NM: I think a lot of it was there. You could very easily become Mrs. Kravitz if you want to, but it really wasn’t that kind of movie. In my life, I’ve had some really lovely people — teachers, my own mom — who I was able to go to and talk to if I needed a sounding board of any kind. Seeing that and being able to come be in that particular role is just really lovely.

It’s different when you go back and do a period piece. You are able to remember times when people really talked instead of texted or emailed real quickly. You really kind of got to sit down and have a cup of coffee or tea, and talk about life and your desires or expectations and fears. It was interesting being around that group of people, because all of a sudden I find myself the older one on the set. I’ve always been usually the younger one on the set, but now I’ve transitioned into having been around so long.

DD: How was everyone to work with?

NM: They all were great. We had lots of chats about work and school and things that they are interested in. Everybody was just fantastic.

DD: What do you hope viewers take away from the movie?

NM: It’s just nice to be able to sit with the family and watch a story, and maybe remember that talking is worthwhile and sometimes taking a chance is worth it. You do have to be a little fearless, a little vulnerable, but it’s worth it in the end.

DD: Do you still keep in touch with the gals from “The Facts of Life”?

NM: I talk with Lisa (Whelchel, “Blair”) and Charlotte (Rae, “Mrs. Garrett) all the time. Lisa doesn’t live too far from me, so she comes down to the ranch all the time and hangs out. Charlotte has been here. Her sister lives in Dallas, so Texas is a middle point for us all. The others are usually working here, there and everywhere. We just got the award from TV Land, and we all got together for Charlotte because she is an incredible lady. She was an incredible teacher, and I’m very grateful that I had the opportunity to work with and learn from her.

I’m privileged and proud to call them my friends. We had a great time when doing that show. It was really great for all of us. We’ve been very lucky and very blessed. It’s nice to be able to be adult friends and enjoy each other’s company.

Interview: 90210's Michael Steger Is Excited About the Future

(photo credit Geno Nicholas)

The kids of West Beverly High School have finally graduated. Some will go to college; some will go right to work. But you can bet on one thing staying the same: They all will have their fair share of drama when the fourth season of “90210” premieres on the CW Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 8/7c. Recently I spoke with series star Michael Steger, who plays Navid Shirazi, and he gave me the scoop on what viewers can expect from my favorite guilty-pleasure television show.

Daytime Dial: When you first auditioned for the “90210” reboot, did you have any apprehensions or doubts that the show even needed a remake?

Michael Steger: I didn’t think any of the remakes were going to make it. I was very skeptical at first. I started going to more and more auditions for the show, and what got me really interested is when I found out Gabe Sachs and Jeff Judah from “Freaks and Geeks” were on board.

DD: While I enjoyed the throwback of having some of the original “90210” cast on the show, I was happy when the show began to focus on the new characters and phase out the previous ones — that’s when it really hit its stride and found its focus.

MS: Yeah, the first season it seemed like we had like 50 cast members, which was really ridiculous. Whenever the vets were in the episode, Navid was out. I was like, “Aw, man! What’s going on?” We had to share a lot of screen time with everyone, so it got tricky. But now, the writers are in a place where we are all really enjoying where the stories are going, and they keep on surprising us with both funny and dramatic stuff. It’s good.

DD: What are some story lines you have enjoyed playing?

MS: The whole thing with Navid putting Adrianna through rehab and dealing with that situation. I thought it was a very difficult story line. It was so hard to pull off, and I felt like we told a great story. That was one of my favorites. And his relationship with Silver starting up has been amazing.

DD: It’s been great to be able to see Navid really grow up and mature through the years.

MS: Yes, especially when he finally put his foot down and ended things with Adrianna. He found some backbone and he was like, “You know what, I can’t take any more.” He made a huge change in his life, and I think that change came with a lot of fear. It was the best thing Navid could have ever done. That was the best part about playing the character — the idea of him maturing from a boy to a man.

DD: What can we expect for season four?

MS: We’ve all graduated. Navid is not going to college. In fact, he’s at the helm of the production company. His entire family went to Switzerland because of his father being charged with child pornography. So, Navid ends up moving in with Silver, selling his car and just putting all of his money into his business. Silver becomes his assistant. But he’s still being haunted by his dad’s past. Ex-business partners who happen to be pretty upset start showing up.

DD: What about the rest of the West Bev gang? What are they up to?

MS: Navid is going to be working with Dixon, but he’s no longer working FOR me. Also, my sister ends up not getting on the plane and stays in town, wanting to move in with me and Silver. With Max and Naomi and the whole pregnancy bombshell at last year’s finale, they address that in the first episode. Navid does see Ade again, and it’s a very awkward situation, but they do talk in the first two episodes.

DD: Much like your characters, you must be excited to graduate into the real world of adulthood and the story lines that will bring.

MS: Oh yeah, definitely. I feel like there is so much more you can do outside the high school. There are so many more mature story lines. We’re not confined to the walls of West Beverly, and it feels good. We’re doing a lot more location stuff. The sets look amazing, and we’re at the beach more than usual. I’m excited, because there’s going to be a lot more action going on.