Three little words — back, gone, done — describe today's world of soap operas. Melissa Reeves (Jennifer on "Days of our Lives") is back. Reeves, who has played one half of daytimes' super couple alongside Jack (Matt Ashford), opted to stay in Tennessee during the first COVID wave due to concern for her family's health. Cady McClain (formerly Dixie on "All My Children") stepped in for several episodes and won an Outstanding Guest Actress Daytime Emmy for the gig. Alison Sweeney (Sami on "Days") has wrapped up her latest foray into Salem. Sweeney loves the role. She has played Sami since she was a preteen but has no desire to return full-time. "With Sami, you never know what she is going to do, which makes it so much fun," she said. Not fun enough to stay around. Sweeney has too many other projects. Hallmark movies, writing, producing and charity — and being a happy mother and wife.

Rebecca Budig (Hayden on "General Hospital") told Soap Opera Digest she is not returning to the show. The last time I talked to any of the producers at "GH" was 2019. She went on to say how much she enjoys working on the show and would love to be asked for a return visit. The character of Hayden has been recently mentioned several times. Perhaps just a red herring — or Hayden will be back and played by another actress.

The latest COVID symptom is award show whiplash. When the Golden Globes was axed by NBC, the Critics' Choice Awards stepped in to take over. As a member of TCA, I loved it was taking over. Oh, wait, not so fast. The CW, where it was to air, pulled out. No alternate date has been set.

To find out more about Lynda Hirsch and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

Photo credit: onkelglocke at Pixabay