Soap Operas Poll: Vets vs. Newbies

In a genre that has been labeled as "troubled", one would think that The Powers That Be in the soaps world would move heaven and earth to pull in every single viewer possible. And indeed, oftentimes they attempt to do just that. They write bizarre and shocking stories, they bring back old faces and they add new characters/use new camera techniques/introduce new sets. But some would argue they are missing a big piece of the puzzle: utilizing the acting talent they already have.

In the midst of on-going news surrounding actor pay cuts, layoffs and recasts (see below), many of us are left wondering what is going on. Why are the characters the viewers so love being let go? Why are the vets being cut at the same time new faces are being moved in? Are these new characters so integral to future story that they are necessary to introduce, or is it just because they are lower-paid warm bodies who can maybe propel story forward, but maybe not? I don't know.

And so I ask you, soap fans, would you rather see your favorite veteran characters be saved in exchange for a freeze on new characters? Or are new characters the only way to move forward? Before you answer, remember, even the veteran actors were new on the canvas at some point (unless, of course, they were original cast members).

Let us know your thoughts - and if you don't see an answer that best describes your thoughts, feel free to leave a comment.