Dorian is Da Bomb!
Above, Dorian drops bombshells at a Buchanan Enterprises shareholders' meeting right before she announces her takeover. "Let Me Blow Ya Mind," by Eve (featuring Gwen Stefani) plays in the background. This was some of the BEST soap opera viewing that I've witnessed in YEARS, especially as it relates to Robin Strasser and her character Dorian Lord. Dorian was large and in charge and Ms. Strasser was in full command of the material. I don't know what was my favorite moment (I was disappointed I'd edited out her shoulder roll in the mvid that was totally gangsta). But as a fan of old school divas from the 40s, 50s, let's just say the entire episode was right up my alley. Not only that, I agree with a comment Ms. Strasser made in one of the soap mags that the HAT deserved its own Emmy!
The Buchanan Takeover/New Frontier (Cramer Enterprises)
This past couple of weeks inspired me to make two more videos because I enjoy music so much and also this story. I decided to link previous videos that to this point I believe tell the story of the Buchanan Takeover and the New Frontier (Cramer Enterprises).
Mel - ADORE!
"The Cramer phoenix is rising again," Dorian uttered to Blair some 10 years ago in scenes written when Claire and Matt Labine where head writers at OLTL. Dorian and Blair were executives of a cosmetics company name Melador. At the time, Dorian was on her way to meet a renown African American photographer name Princess Little in a Washington D.C. bar. While meeting with the photographer at the St. George Hotel, Dorian literally stumbled upon a man, who many consider the love of Dorian's life (unless Herb or David floats your boat ) Mel Hayes, played by actor Stephen Markle. On Saturday, June 7, 2008, Robin Strasser told fans on her Hotline that Mr. Markle would be returning for shows that celebrate OLTL's 40th anniversary, which is on July 15, 2008. (Since then, TV Guide has confirmed several returns, including Markle's.)
I pulled out one of the tapes sent to me by a fellow Dorian and Mel fan with scenes from the beginning of the Dorian and Mel romance. What struck me at seeing these scenes was Dorian as a corporate executive with strong business instincts. She and Blair were head honchos at Melador. In addition to being a doctor, Dorian ran and/or owned a TV station, newspaper, cosmetics company, magazine. Now that she is CEO of Cramer Enterprises, I'd like for her to turn the business world on it's ear and shock the hell outta everyone who merely saw her taking over the company as a way of getting even with Clint for dumping her for Nora and underestimating the brilliance it took on her part to actually be successful at such a huge endeavor.
Secondly, the dialogue written by the Labines leaped off the page. It was intelligent, sexual or in other words for mature audiences. Mel and Dorian slept together after they met. The chemistry between them was combustive and I couldn't believe I was thrilled at Dorian hopping into bed with what appeared for the time to be a drunk with obvious baggage (still mourning his deceased wife).
Part of the appeal with Dorian and Mel was that they were sexual with each other and they had adult conversations. There was humor and their fights were explosive. The relationship was one of passion and genuine love.
Before she could even return to Llanview from D.C., Dorian called Clint to set up a meeting. On her return, Dorian got Clint to speak to Viki about interviewing the multiple Pulitzer prize winning Mel for a job at "The Banner." Eventually, he did land a position as a reporter. He became fast friends with his publisher, the editor and other denizens of Llanview as he and Dorian began a stormy romance. Mel was a drunk. His wife died in a plane crash the previous year and he struggled in mourning her death. Dorian helped him through all that while he helped her (well, forced her) to face truths from her childhood. Mel and Dorian married in The Banner city room. Less than a year later, his plane went down in the Bahamas, where he was filling in for Clint at a publisher's conference. Dorian blamed Viki. A body was never found.
For clips of Mel and Dorian visit: