The success of "Revenge" is one big reason that Roger Newcomb and his team at WeLoveSoaps.net are declaring the rest of 2012 as "The Year of the Soap." Here, according to Newcomb, are four other reasons to celebrate the genre:
'NASHVILLE'
"I'm originally from Nashville and one of my favorite movies is Robert Altman's 'Nashville,' so I'm biased. Connie Britton has become my favorite actress. I knew she wouldn't sign up for something fluffy or stupid." Debuts 9 p.m. Oct. 10, KSTP, Ch. 5
'SWITCHED AT BIRTH'
"One thing I complain about on daytime soaps is that they keep doing the same things over and over again. 'Switched' has a new twist. One of the girls is deaf and signs with her best friend. I've never seen fight scenes done through signing. It's intense." 7 p.m. Mondays, ABC Family
'GLEE'
"I know people pick on it. There are definitely clunker episodes. But I like the transition of Rachel and Kurt to New York, where they are at the bottom of the totem pole. Kate Hudson has been amazing." 8 p.m. Thursdays, KMSP, Ch. 9.
'THE VAMPIRE DIARIES'
"I think the chemistry of the cast and the writing [are] excellent. They're willing to kill off people or change the dynamic. With vampire stuff, there's always a chance it can get cheesy, but this show is completely invested in what it is." New season starts at 7 p.m. Oct. 11, WUCW, Ch. 23.
NEAL JUSTIN
