I recently watched the show here on RUclips. As a little boy watching this show, I remember laughing out loud (probably not understanding the double entendres). Now as an old man, the show also made me cry. I never realized that all the "good byes" in the show would similarly happen to me. I was surprised to react that way. I love soap even more. Nice work Tony.
I'm fairly conservative but I must honestly admit this was one of the funniest shows I ever watched. (One of my favorite actresses, Katherine Helmond, passed away in 2019 at age 89 from Alzheimer's complications. RIP, dear one.)
I agree that's why I loved watching this program...Chester Tate made me laugh so much. Jessica is also funny. Burt is also ❤😂. That's why love this Operah
This was my favorite show since age 6. At least once every ten years I have to watch every episode in order. More recent that has become easier. This show is very special to me. It's a show I used to watch with my family every night.
I recently watched Soap from the beginning and the first three seasons and they were perfection!!!! When Soap went to an hour it lost its magic. But, Soap is and was EXCELLENT!!!!!!! I loved the Jessica/ Benson and Billy. Some of the sweetest scenes were with Benson and Jessica. Benson’s final scene with Jessica made me cry. It was so sweet and heart warming. “ Benson, you’re my best friend.” I cry everytime she says that. I grew up watching Soap. It is absolutely wonderful!!!!!! Unique and laugh out loud funny and at the same time so touching.😊
Just binged watched it on RUclips and I remember it being longer as a kid. I guess that has to do with having to wait a week for the next episode vs I'm just watching them all in one day😅
A TV movie could’ve worked, but even if it was in preparation, the final nail in the coffin was Cathryn Damon’s death due to ovarian cancer in 1987, just 6 years after SOAP left the airwaves, and just a year after Benson left the airwaves. So after her death, SOAP was dead. I don’t think a tv movie was planned, but Damon’s death probably played a role in no tv movie.
Thanks for the Info of Chuck being the Original Murderer of Peter. I had always thought that Chester was A Poor Choice Of Murderer especially since He Didn't Know That Jessica had An Affair with Peter.
@@kjk7611 Yeah, she asked Chester if He'd Like It If She'd Had An Affair, but, She never said that She Had An Affair With Peter To Chester before Peter was Killed.
@@kjk7611 I think Mario is right because at the time of Chief of Police (or Piece of Cholief) Tinkler's murder investigation of the family, Tinkler revealed Chester's motive for killing Peter would be over the affair Jessica was having with Peter. Then later that evening (or in the next episode) Chester was upset with Jessica, who reminded him that he already knew she had had an affair on him, but Chester countered with "But I didn't know who you had that affair with?!"... Interesting rewrite, none of the motives were really fleshed out for the five suspects showcased in the season 1 cliffhanger, except for Corinne and Jessica. Benson being the butler - was kind of a gag suspect - but Burt and Chester... Why would Burt kill his own son?! And as many of pointed out, how could Chester kill him? But this happens on soaps sometimes when a character becomes so popular you have to go back to the typewriter to save them.
@@laurabentzinger200 Yep. He was comedy relief from the "serious" plot points, breaking those up beautifully for pacing. On his own show, _HE was_ the one holding everything together dialogue-wise.
My mother introduced me to this show some years back and I fell in love with it. I remember getting all 4 seasons on dvd and then after watching the final episode I was so upset to find out that there weren't any more episodes. I wish it would have been at least teased what possibly could've happened to all the characters in season 5. It's shows like this that makes it hard to want to watch again knowing the outcome, which in my opinion kind of ruins that show overall. In my own head I just assume that if there was a season 5 that mostly everyone who looked like they were going to be killed actually lives, and that Jodie would've eventually came back to himself, but not sure if he they actually would've made him marry Maggie. Chester probably would've tried to kill Danny and Annie but stops himself. And of course with Jessica being one of the main characters, they wouldn't have let her die.
Played by the late Nancy Dolman, Martin Short's wife. He was sure lucky to have married such a beautiful girl on both the inside and outside! Such a shame that he lost her to cancer. They deserved to be together much longer. RIP Nancy.
I just marathoned Soap and am so grateful to see this. I'd forgotten the last episode debacle and was not at all happy!! I watched this in real time from age 17 onward. I had no idea there was so this much controversy around it. If I ate Vlassic pickles, I'd stop, even all these years later!!
Jessica’s final monologue is so sad. All she cared about was her family and if God could take care of them. It’s one of those scenes that is so emotional but so good and Katherine Helmand is awesome as Jessica Tate in that scene.
The show was funny and was able to keep it's humor through actor changes....but it also had some very touching moments. When Jess had to say goodbye to Corinne was very true about parenting...and choices It dealt with some tough issues...like teacher student relationships and racism.... The show was so ahead of the times in some ways, and so behind the times in others... Please, watch the show from the first episode to the last episode until you judge it...... I really think Sopranos stole their ending from the premise of how Soap ended In the end it is entertainment
This show and "Police Squad" were two of the funniest, they had lots of silly puns, and off handed gags, that sometimes even the audience seemed to take a second to realize. I like to think this show takes place in the same universe as my favorite film "Transylvania Twist", lots of silly shenanigans but generally lighthearted and loveable. "Get Smart" was also one of my favorites, I wish "Soap" would have continued as tie-in novels like "Get Smart" did.
I honestly feel the Burt Campbell cliffhanger, with Burt about to bust some criminals: one behind him with a knife, and two behind the door of the room Burt was entering, each with guns, would have resolved itself like a Rube Goldberg machine to some effect.
It was a great tragic-comedy show, and I believe all these "liberties" were out of the "politically correct" movement starting in that time. The show mentioned every negative and prejudicial aspect of the American society of the 70's - 80's. Funniest until the very end.
I recall at the last episode, there was a plea to the tv audience to call an 800 number so as to let Network brass to continue the show. I remember that the ratings had dipped somewhat after time slot was changed, and they were going to cancel Soap. I wanted to call the number, but my husband at the time, said there would be enough people doing so, that it wasn't necessary. WELL ---- He was WRONG! And no matter about sponsors, etc, it had lasted 4 years! Which makes the ending of this show absolutely horrendous! EVERYONE deserved a better situation than what happened.
In 1995, there was a short-lived show on the brand new network, WB, that was reminiscent of "Soap". It was called "Muscle" &, this time, someone was clearly prepared for a cancellation (which did occur), because the final episode ends with an incredible scene that literally leaves all the characters dead. After almost 30 years, the show still has never been released on VHS, DVD, Blu-Ray or anywhere else, other than a few clips on youtube. It was the first WB show to be cancelled & featured a great ensemble cast which included Alan Ruck & Michael Boatman, who went on to "Spin City"; Amy Pietz, who went on to "Caroline In The City" & Nestor Carbonell, who went on to the now-seldom-seen "Suddenly Susan". The pilot even guest starred Adam West, whose character promptly died. The show revolved around the employees & members of a gym/health spa. Same co-producers as "Soap", Witt & Thomas. The show would make a perfect addition to the "Shout Factory" catalogue. As for "Soap", its best scene ever had Jodie using the refrigerator for hiding Bob from Chuck.
I remembered when my parents wouldn't allow me to watch SOAP because mush of the subject matter wasn't appropriate for kids, although i didn't have a clue as to what was going on. I would always end up sneaking up to the upstairs TV to watch SOAP or I hid behind the wall as my parents watched it. but now looking back at it 30 years later, I see why they didn't want me to watch it, although I still liked it. I hated that it was canceled. i remember that at the time, ABC did a public announcement that it was canceling SOAP and that they felt that SOAP had "gone too far" in it's subject matter.
Didn't get into this when I was a kid cuz I didn't understand it. But I recently watched the entire series and I loved it so much. I really wish they would've given it a couple more seasons with a fitting ending.
I'm sad soap is over I feel like its not really over. Why has Jesica had to die and not Al who was originally wanted in the first place...Its not fair that she died. It seems like things are not over also with also with other actor's. Therefore Soap should go on....THE SHOW MUST GO ON ❤💖
soap was special.....and for 40 years Ive been waiting for season 5.....I guess Ill be waiting till the after life, grrrr, also it works best if seen once a week like a proper soap.....not binge watched as thats cheating.
Maybe "Bob" would've killed Peter for leaving him behind to be stuck living in Hawaii (which Bob hated). Imagine "Bob" confessing to murder in open court!!
Peter was tall, dark, and handsome. And very popular with the ladies. Chuck was a meek fellow who had to hide behind a puppet to even talk to his family. He would likely be jealous of his brother.
Chuck...& Bob, would've probably been made out to be simply insane. Chuck/Bob always had an insult in his/their pocket. And he/they were the most unlikely characters to remain regulars.
@@laustcawz2089 Peter & Bob (& Chuck) seemed to never have been aware of 1 another's existence. I don't think Peter ever lived in Hawaii. Burt mentioned that Bob, & Chuck, may've moved to Hawaii for entertainment purposes.
This show aired as reruns on my local UHF station during the 80's. I was able to watch the series through at least twice, maybe three times. Yeah, the Moral Majority HATED this show. Remember, the GOP had just brought in all the former Dixiecrats who had switched parties and traded in their white hoods for church clothes, but they were just as racist, as sexist, and as homophobic as ever. And boy did they praise their Invisible Friend when Soap was cancelled.
@@kjk7611 I suspect you don't know many Christians and are incorrectly projecting the attitudes/actions of a few onto a much larger group. Notice how I said, "I suspect . . ." That's because, unlike you, I don't state my opinion like it's an accepted fact.
He did aeem to disappear towards the end of the show. Perhaps he secretly left to go to Malaguay, preparing a plan to rescue Jessica. Keep in mind that we never saw Jessica bleed from the shot, nor was there even any confirmation of where the shot came from or who actually got shot, only the implication.
I recently watched the show here on RUclips. As a little boy watching this show, I remember laughing out loud (probably not understanding the double entendres). Now as an old man, the show also made me cry. I never realized that all the "good byes" in the show would similarly happen to me. I was surprised to react that way. I love soap even more. Nice work Tony.
I'm fairly conservative but I must honestly admit this was one of the funniest shows I ever watched. (One of my favorite actresses, Katherine Helmond, passed away in 2019 at age 89 from Alzheimer's complications. RIP, dear one.)
I agree that's why I loved watching this program...Chester Tate made me laugh so much.
Jessica is also funny. Burt is also ❤😂. That's why love this Operah
Beautiful lady RIP
This was my favorite show since age 6. At least once every ten years I have to watch every episode in order. More recent that has become easier. This show is very special to me. It's a show I used to watch with my family every night.
I recently watched Soap from the beginning and the first three seasons and they were perfection!!!! When Soap went to an hour it lost its magic. But, Soap is and was EXCELLENT!!!!!!! I loved the Jessica/ Benson and Billy. Some of the sweetest scenes were with Benson and Jessica. Benson’s final scene with Jessica made me cry. It was so sweet and heart warming. “ Benson, you’re my best friend.” I cry everytime she says that. I grew up watching Soap. It is absolutely wonderful!!!!!! Unique and laugh out loud funny and at the same time so touching.😊
Just binged watched it on RUclips and I remember it being longer as a kid. I guess that has to do with having to wait a week for the next episode vs I'm just watching them all in one day😅
A TV movie could’ve worked, but even if it was in preparation, the final nail in the coffin was Cathryn Damon’s death due to ovarian cancer in 1987, just 6 years after SOAP left the airwaves, and just a year after Benson left the airwaves. So after her death, SOAP was dead. I don’t think a tv movie was planned, but Damon’s death probably played a role in no tv movie.
I still love this show! Best comedy ever
Jody turning in to old Jewish guy was the best!🤣🤣
Thanks for the Info of Chuck being the Original Murderer of Peter. I had always thought that Chester was A Poor Choice Of Murderer especially since He Didn't Know That Jessica had An Affair with Peter.
Jessica told him.
@@kjk7611 Yeah, she asked Chester if He'd Like It If She'd Had An Affair, but, She never said that She Had An Affair With Peter To Chester before Peter was Killed.
@@mariovaccarella6854 Are you sure? I remember her telling Chester before Peter's murder.
@@kjk7611 I think Mario is right because at the time of Chief of Police (or Piece of Cholief) Tinkler's murder investigation of the family, Tinkler revealed Chester's motive for killing Peter would be over the affair Jessica was having with Peter. Then later that evening (or in the next episode) Chester was upset with Jessica, who reminded him that he already knew she had had an affair on him, but Chester countered with "But I didn't know who you had that affair with?!"... Interesting rewrite, none of the motives were really fleshed out for the five suspects showcased in the season 1 cliffhanger, except for Corinne and Jessica. Benson being the butler - was kind of a gag suspect - but Burt and Chester... Why would Burt kill his own son?! And as many of pointed out, how could Chester kill him? But this happens on soaps sometimes when a character becomes so popular you have to go back to the typewriter to save them.
In the pilot Jessica told Peter that if Chester knew that Jessica had an affair it would “kill him”’and early spoiler
The humor is so well written
I binge watch every decade.
Benson was a lot funnier on Soap than he was on his own Show.
I agree. Better Writing
Diff.writters and chemistry prob.
@@laurabentzinger200 Yep. He was comedy relief from the "serious" plot points, breaking those up beautifully for pacing. On his own show, _HE was_ the one holding everything together dialogue-wise.
He even thought that too, lol
true
My mother introduced me to this show some years back and I fell in love with it. I remember getting all 4 seasons on dvd and then after watching the final episode I was so upset to find out that there weren't any more episodes. I wish it would have been at least teased what possibly could've happened to all the characters in season 5. It's shows like this that makes it hard to want to watch again knowing the outcome, which in my opinion kind of ruins that show overall. In my own head I just assume that if there was a season 5 that mostly everyone who looked like they were going to be killed actually lives, and that Jodie would've eventually came back to himself, but not sure if he they actually would've made him marry Maggie. Chester probably would've tried to kill Danny and Annie but stops himself. And of course with Jessica being one of the main characters, they wouldn't have let her die.
I agree.
and what happened to Burt!
Loved your summary but you kept referring to Annie as Mary. Danny's affair was with Annie.
Played by the late Nancy Dolman, Martin Short's wife. He was sure lucky to have married such a beautiful girl on both the inside and outside! Such a shame that he lost her to cancer. They deserved to be together much longer. RIP Nancy.
I just marathoned Soap and am so grateful to see this. I'd forgotten the last episode debacle and was not at all happy!! I watched this in real time from age 17 onward. I had no idea there was so this much controversy around it. If I ate Vlassic pickles, I'd stop, even all these years later!!
Jessica’s final monologue is so sad. All she cared about was her family and if God could take care of them. It’s one of those scenes that is so emotional but so good and Katherine Helmand is awesome as Jessica Tate in that scene.
Thank you so much for this
Always loved SOAP
Thanks again and God bless
this show aged so well!! even the fashion can still be actual! loved rewatching it, but i didn t remember the cliffhanger ending!!!
Danny didn't have a fling with Mary, that was his actual mother. Chester had remarried to Eunice's college roommate, Annie. Ewww.
The show was funny and was able to keep it's humor through actor changes....but it also had some very touching moments. When Jess had to say goodbye to Corinne was very true about parenting...and choices
It dealt with some tough issues...like teacher student relationships and racism....
The show was so ahead of the times in some ways, and so behind the times in others...
Please, watch the show from the first episode to the last episode until you judge it......
I really think Sopranos stole their ending from the premise of how Soap ended
In the end it is entertainment
Loved this show. Everyone in the thumbnail pic deserves an Emmy!!
This show and "Police Squad" were two of the funniest, they had lots of silly puns, and off handed gags, that sometimes even the audience seemed to take a second to realize. I like to think this show takes place in the same universe as my favorite film "Transylvania Twist", lots of silly shenanigans but generally lighthearted and loveable. "Get Smart" was also one of my favorites, I wish "Soap" would have continued as tie-in novels like "Get Smart" did.
What other concepts did GET SMART tie into?
The entire series can be seen on the Tubi television app.
What episode of Benson tells us what happened to Jessica?
HATED this episode was the last and we got no answers to SO many cliffhangers!
I honestly feel the Burt Campbell cliffhanger, with Burt about to bust some criminals: one behind him with a knife, and two behind the door of the room Burt was entering, each with guns, would have resolved itself like a Rube Goldberg machine to some effect.
And what would that be? What's the rube Goldberg machine?
The heck are you talking about??
Real ashame Fantastic show Great actors Best ever Story line was unforgettable Writing was brilliant
just binged entire show ... didn't know it was canceled .. sad ending to grate series
GREAT.
It was a great tragic-comedy show, and I believe all these "liberties" were out of the "politically correct" movement starting in that time. The show mentioned every negative and prejudicial aspect of the American society of the 70's - 80's. Funniest until the very end.
Thank you
The show Soap ran before Desperate Housewives could crawl.
Susan Harris was brilliant!!
All Soap episodes are on RUclips for free. Also, there are of better quality than others. Look for the good one.
I recall at the last episode, there was a plea to the tv audience to call an 800 number so as to let Network brass to continue the show. I remember that the ratings had dipped somewhat after time slot was changed, and they were going to cancel Soap. I wanted to call the number, but my husband at the time, said there would be enough people doing so, that it wasn't necessary. WELL ---- He was WRONG! And no matter about sponsors, etc, it had lasted 4 years! Which makes the ending of this show absolutely horrendous! EVERYONE deserved a better situation than what happened.
Loved Soap in 70,s, my favourite character's were jessica , benson burt and bob , ❤ great show .
Unfortunately in today’s world this show wouldn’t last one day :( PC
LoL. Are you new? Do you see the trash on tv? It’s not PC.
I think it could have a home on Comedy Central. I think South Park hits non PC topics pretty hard. I loved it when it was on network TV.
In 1995, there was a short-lived show
on the brand new network, WB,
that was reminiscent of "Soap".
It was called "Muscle" &, this time,
someone was clearly prepared for
a cancellation (which did occur),
because the final episode ends with
an incredible scene that literally leaves
all the characters dead. After almost 30 years,
the show still has never been released
on VHS, DVD, Blu-Ray or anywhere else,
other than a few clips on youtube.
It was the first WB show to be cancelled
& featured a great ensemble cast which included
Alan Ruck & Michael Boatman,
who went on to "Spin City"; Amy Pietz,
who went on to "Caroline In The City"
& Nestor Carbonell, who went on to
the now-seldom-seen "Suddenly Susan".
The pilot even guest starred Adam West,
whose character promptly died.
The show revolved around the employees
& members of a gym/health spa.
Same co-producers as "Soap", Witt & Thomas.
The show would make a perfect addition
to the "Shout Factory" catalogue.
As for "Soap", its best scene ever
had Jodie using the refrigerator
for hiding Bob from Chuck.
I remembered when my parents wouldn't allow me to watch SOAP because mush of the subject matter wasn't appropriate for kids, although i didn't have a clue as to what was going on. I would always end up sneaking up to the upstairs TV to watch SOAP or I hid behind the wall as my parents watched it. but now looking back at it 30 years later, I see why they didn't want me to watch it, although I still liked it. I hated that it was canceled. i remember that at the time, ABC did a public announcement that it was canceling SOAP and that they felt that SOAP had "gone too far" in it's subject matter.
The first gay character in television was a character named Peter Panama on a show called the The Corner Bar in 1972.
Didn't get into this when I was a kid cuz I didn't understand it. But I recently watched the entire series and I loved it so much. I really wish they would've given it a couple more seasons with a fitting ending.
FYI. Pat Barron, I believe imitated Vlasic Pickle Animal/Grouch Marx Character
OK. I stand corrected. I always was of the belief and thought it was Pat Harrington. I'll defer to you. Thanks for the correction.
Love this show! "Bat" cambell
You can watch this show on Tubi tv
Wow just watched the whole series on RUclips I had forgot Jessica’s unresolved cliff hanger. What’s the link to your fans only page?
Good 👍 stuff
Check out the television history project you tube channel for SOAP and Benson episodes
Can we just comment how handsome Tony Figueroa is, lol
I'm sad soap is over I feel like its not really over. Why has Jesica had to die and not Al who was originally wanted in the first place...Its not fair that she died.
It seems like things are not over also with also with other actor's. Therefore Soap should go on....THE SHOW MUST GO ON ❤💖
soap was special.....and for 40 years Ive been waiting for season 5.....I guess Ill be waiting till the after life, grrrr, also it works best if seen once a week like a proper soap.....not binge watched as thats cheating.
Agreed on all points!
@@Chrissy521stl I still wish we had a season 5..............sob
A special actor who knew how to entertain sure miss him
What about the last show.
i loved the show and was sad to see it end that way i made a video about the ending of soap
Mary was his mother. Annie was Chester's wife.
I would like to know the reason why Chuck would have killed him.
Maybe "Bob" would've killed Peter
for leaving him behind to be stuck
living in Hawaii (which Bob hated).
Imagine "Bob" confessing to murder
in open court!!
Peter was tall, dark, and handsome. And very popular with the ladies. Chuck was a meek fellow who had to hide behind a puppet to even talk to his family. He would likely be jealous of his brother.
Chuck...& Bob, would've probably been made out to be simply insane. Chuck/Bob always had an insult in his/their pocket. And he/they were the most unlikely characters to remain regulars.
@@laustcawz2089 Peter & Bob (& Chuck) seemed to never have been aware of 1 another's existence. I don't think Peter ever lived in Hawaii. Burt mentioned that Bob, & Chuck, may've moved to Hawaii for entertainment purposes.
Just watch the last 10 episodes at the tail end of a marathon!
I hated them for not having one more season!
It was the perfect ending everyone dies ....or do they!
This show aired as reruns on my local UHF station during the 80's. I was able to watch the series through at least twice, maybe three times. Yeah, the Moral Majority HATED this show. Remember, the GOP had just brought in all the former Dixiecrats who had switched parties and traded in their white hoods for church clothes, but they were just as racist, as sexist, and as homophobic as ever. And boy did they praise their Invisible Friend when Soap was cancelled.
What an awful thing to say about Christians.
And what an incorrect generalization to make.
@@MayorMcCheeseStalker But so true.
I remember them, in 1982. But the Xian groups were still on their backs.
@@kjk7611 I suspect you don't know many Christians and are incorrectly projecting the attitudes/actions of a few onto a much larger group. Notice how I said, "I suspect . . ." That's because, unlike you, I don't state my opinion like it's an accepted fact.
Bob and Chuck ruined the whole show they made me mad
Why?
You’ve got to be kidding me
What ?? Nothing about Saunders , Bensons replacement!?
He did aeem to disappear
towards the end of the show.
Perhaps he secretly left to go to Malaguay,
preparing a plan to rescue Jessica.
Keep in mind that we never saw
Jessica bleed from the shot,
nor was there even any confirmation
of where the shot came from
or who actually got shot,
only the implication.