Peyton Place Ideas for a remake.

Ked

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Since we're already discussing variants on THE COLBYS, but what if it would be another classic soap remake?
NuPaper Dolls? NuFalcon Crest? NuDallas? Or, dare I say it, NuHotel?

I still hope they do a new Peyton Place. Possibly still set in the 60s... and I'd film it on location in the very town where the 1950s movie was filmed:


I'd have these characters be the main cast:

Peyton Place Cast3.png



I decided to include Selena Cross from the original novel/50s movie, only made her black. Betty Anderson would also be Hispanic. Marion Patrtridge from the novel/movie would also be included, and would be one of the show's villains as the self-righteous, gossipy old biddy who makes it her goal in life to make life hell for Constance and Allison. Michael Rossi would still be the new doctor in town, and he and Constance have themselves a steamy on-again-off-again romance that may or may not end in matrimony. Norman Page wouldn't be Rodney's brother like how he was in the TV series, but back to his "Norman Bates"-esque character in the novel. He could probably even be the show's signature gay character, and would become attracted to Lew Miles.

Allison would be the show's narrator, even during the season where she disappears. That's because she eventually returns, and the last season would reveal she's been writing about the events this whole time. She gets her book published, creating a metaphorical wildfire when the residents of Peyton Place realize its about them.

I even came up with an idea for how the series ends (premature, I know :lol:). Dr. Rossi has been put on trial and is awaiting his fate (much like the original series), but reassures his pregnant wife, Constance, that things will be alright. Meanwhile, Allison and Rodney are strolling quietly through the town, hand-in-hand. At this point, they are not a couple, but are certainly available. They end up by the train station (which is where the series begins when Dr. Rossi came into town), and watch as people get on, while new people get off. The camera's view is suddenly on the train, and it takes off while Allison and Rodney watch it go.

We hear Allison's voice one last time: "Thank you for visiting Peyton Place. Good-bye."
 

Ked

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Seriously though why hasn't HBO or FX or some such network made a darker Douglas Sirk style remake of Peyton Place. They could touch on all the more sordid things from the source material and add all kinds of artistic/stylistic little bits. It would be amazing. A twisted look behind the glorious technicolor curtain of perfect 50's/60's America.
All perfect facades masking crumbling ruined things.

I think it's time.

Plus, they could do what Grace Metalious originally wanted and have Selena Cross be raped/impregnated by her father, and not her stepfather (cuz back in those days, incest was too racy for readers). And they could delve deep into just how twisted Norman Page's relationship with his mother, Evelyn, was (especially since she gave him enemas, yuck). Also, in the novel, the town's namesake, Samuel Peyton, was black. Imagine the locals having a hard time with that bit of information!



Because the idea has taken over my brain, I thought up some more stuff:

Since the original TV series was planned to start in 1962 (they ended up having to wait till 1964), that's when I'd have the series begin. It would end in 1969, like the original series, totaling 7 or 8 seasons.

Constance would go back to owning a dress shop and not a bookstore. That would be a perfect excuse for decking both her and Allison out in fashionable 60s outfits: its a way of advertising her own work while she's out and about. And having Allison also wear the clothes would show the town that she, Constance, can make dresses not just for mature women, but also for younger ones as well.

I'd also reference other famous/infamous works/real life events for the characters of Allison, Betty and Constance: Allison, after she returns from her disappearance, would casually give one bizarre explanation after another, one of which is a pretty blatant "Rosemary's Baby" reference; Betty would have a storyline similar to "Valley of the Dolls"; and Constance would have a romance that ends in fatal disaster, mirroring what happened with Lana Turner's abusive lover (meaning Allison gets to go stabby-stabby to save her mother).

Oh yes, and Michael Rossi had a different name in the original printings: Tomas Makris. He was named after a co-worker of the author's husband, and he sued for libel. Thus the name "Michael Rossi" was born. In editions published in the United Kingdom, he was called Michael Kyros. Why am I bringing this up? Because I'd have Michael Rossi be split into 2 characters:

Dr. Michael Rossi, based off the original TV series; and Tomas Kyros, the new principal of Allison's high school. Both men end up having steamy affairs with Constance (first Principal Kyros; it's with him that she has the infamous "diamond-hard nipple" scene with :lol:). Principal Kyros isn't long for the series, though. Either he quits and leaves town, or he dies in a school-fire, or gets murdered, or leaves because of a scandal, or gets arrested for something... either way, he ends up leaving the show either towards the end of the first season or somewhere in the second season. Miss Elsie Thornton becomes the new principal, which the students are all glad for, since she was their original choice.
 

Willie Oleson

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how twisted Norman Page's relationship with his mother, Evelyn, was (especially since she gave him enemas, yuck).
Twisted little me remembers that.
Also, in the novel, the town's namesake, Samuel Peyton, was black.
That's quite significant and yet I don't remember it at all.
Constance would go back to owning a dress shop and not a bookstore
Oh noos! I loved the bookstore, and it allows every character to drop in, not just the female characters. And Allison is so fond of literature, there should always be an excuse to have her hold a book.

I also want that creepy carnival/funfair accident, but maybe in the remake they could do something bigger, season cliffhanger style, that involves more characters e.g. a roller coaster accident.
And the Peyton mansion has to be lush & plush, of course.
upload_2018-5-30_10-58-0.png

This staircase would guarantee a proper tumble, but I wouldn't mind an exact copy of the original.
But the point is, a cacaphony of wood, fabrics, drapery, carpets and ornaments, combined with a little bit of 1950s/1960s Hollywood tackiness.
 

Ked

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Twisted little me remembers that.

Everyone does. :lol:

That's quite significant and yet I don't remember it at all.

Well, I could be misinformed on that detail, yet I do like including it all the same. :)

Oh noos! I loved the bookstore, and it allows every character to drop in, not just the female characters. And Allison is so fond of literature, there should always be an excuse to have her hold a book.

Oh I know! Let's give Constance both businesses. :D I know that may sound unrealistic, a single mom in the 60s owning two shops, but I think it could be justified: she inherited the bookstore from her father (I was also thinking she got her house from him as well). I think that could say a lot about Constance; her father owning a bookstore would suggest a quiet little home-life for her, yet her ambition made her want to go out and see the world... yet her pregnancy forced her to return home. But it was that same ambition that made her decide to start her own business.

Plus, she could have some of the other young characters come work for her: Selena Cross, of course, ends up working the dress shop. Maybe Norman Page or Lew Miles (or both) end up working in the bookstore. And Constance oversees them all.

And it could give Marion Partridge more reason to be jealous of Constance, who is 36 (the exact age Marion claims to be), single, beautiful, glamorous, and independently well off. Y'know, everything Mrs. Partridge is not. :lol:

I also want that creepy carnival/funfair accident, but maybe in the remake they could do something bigger, season cliffhanger style, that involves more characters e.g. a roller coaster accident.

Oooh, a roller coaster accident! ^^ Could make for a thrilling episode. :D

And the Peyton mansion has to be lush & plush, of course.
View attachment 11176
This staircase would guarantee a proper tumble, but I wouldn't mind an exact copy of the original.
But the point is, a cacaphony of wood, fabrics, drapery, carpets and ornaments, combined with a little bit of 1950s/1960s Hollywood tackiness.

Agreed. I think the Peyton Mansion should look like its from another world, almost, thus making it a creepier dwelling - fitting for the villainous Martin Peyton. :D

Plus, wasn't there, in the original, a scene where a woman falls down the mansion stairs? I remember she made a lunge at Betty, who dodged, and later left the mansion so nobody would blame her for the woman's apparent death?
 

Willie Oleson

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and later left the mansion so nobody would blame her for the woman's apparent death?
Yes, they blamed Rita's father, Eddie Jacks.
Adrienne Van Leyden, introduced as Peyton's fiancée, was brought to Peyton Place to seduce Steven, hoping it would end Steven and Betty's marriage.
Peyton wanted Rodney & Betty to become his successors, and not Steven because he was a bastard and that would tarnish the Peyton bloodline.
upload_2018-5-30_18-25-7.png

Great stuff!

Let's give Constance both businesses
Why not two businesses run by two different people? Perhaps snobby Doris Schuster thinks that Peyton Place could use some style and haute couture.
That dress shop could be a hangout for all the nasty gossip and bitchery and - since I know you're going to mention this - a fabulous catfight between Betty and Selena.
The possibilities are endless, and with the remake-mania of the last two decades it's surprising they haven't done it yet.
 

Ked

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Yes, they blamed Rita's father, Eddie Jacks.
Adrienne Van Leyden, introduced as Peyton's fiancée, was brought to Peyton Place to seduce Steven, hoping it would end Steven and Betty's marriage.
Peyton wanted Rodney & Betty to become his successors, and not Steven because he was a bastard and that would tarnish the Peyton bloodline.
View attachment 11177
Great stuff!

Indeed. :D

Why not two businesses run by two different people? Perhaps snobby Doris Schuster thinks that Peyton Place could use some style and haute couture.
That dress shop could be a hangout for all the nasty gossip and bitchery and - since I know you're going to mention this - a fabulous catfight between Betty and Selena.
The possibilities are endless, and with the remake-mania of the last two decades it's surprising they haven't done it yet.

Actually... believe it or not, I'm okay with there being no catfight in "Peyton Place."

I know, I know, shocking, but for some reason, "Peyton Place" just doesn't really seem like a catfight show... Well, I can see there being a few b*tch-slaps, and I can see one woman murdering another, but an out-and-out catfight... I don't know, it just doesn't seem fitting.

For me, *this* is a Peyton Place Catfight:

Although you do raise a good point about Doris Schuster (she was the New Yorker lady with the deaf/mute daughter who witnessed a murder/fight, right?) being the dress shop owner, wanting to bring some high fashion in... she could even hold a fashion show at the high school, or at some other place to garner attention.

Heh, but the way you described that shop becoming the hangout for all the gossips reminds me of the Pratt sisters from "Lark Rise to Candleford". They were a pair of spinster seamstresses who were jealous, spiteful and gossipy towards anyone they deemed lower than them, but they'd fawn over anyone who was either their equal or superior. Pearl Pratt was particularly notorious, although Ruby Pratt was generally much nicer. In their first season, they were a pair of ugly old b*tches, but as the series wore on, they became steadily nicer and prettier.

This is one scene that kind've sums them up a bit:

But anyway, I suppose a catfight is more or less mandatory by today's standards. And the idea of Betty, a Hispanic girl, and Selena, a black girl, each wearing trendy 60s clothes, and fighting each other in a dress shop, knocking over mannequins and such, does sound like a lot of fun. :D
 
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Willie Oleson

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Especially if it happens in the shop window and they're only wearing underwear. Le scandal! Dr. Rossi would have to stop them of course, but maybe he would take some time to "figure out" what was going ono_O

Why should Betty be hispanic?
 

Ked

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Why should Betty be hispanic?

Funny how you don't ask why Selena should be black. :lol:

But regarding why I would have Betty be Hispanic, a few things inspired that choice. First of all, shows like Dynasty and Riverdale have diversified their original almost-all-white casts, which does better reflect today's culture and offers more representation. So when I thought to myself, "Which Peyton characters could be non-white?" After some thought, I figured the Cross family could be black (they could act as foils to the richer Miles family), but I wondered if that could be enough.

Then I remembered how Riverdale made Veronica Hispanic, so why not do the same for Betty (thanks to Barbara Parkins, my image of Betty Anderson must always have great big dark eyes and real thick, black hair; and any Hispanic girl can answer that description). At first that was just a random choice, but then I came across an interview of Rita Moreno.


What she went through during her career during the 50s, how she was always the "ethnic" girl with the funny accent, and never the "American" girl; how growing up, she had no role models - not until she got the part of Anita in "West Side Story"; how Anita became her role model...

It all struck me as an opportunity with making Betty Anderson Hispanic. What would it be like for a teenage Hispanic girl in a mostly white, small and gossipy town during the 1960s? Seems like a pretty good thing for a show like "Peyton Place" to delve into.
 

Willie Oleson

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Funny how you don't ask why Selena should be black
Because I thought she was your fanmade mash-up of the novel-Selena and the series-Vickie Fletcher, who schemed and blackmailed her way into Dr. Harry Miles' family.
It all struck me as an opportunity with making Betty Anderson Hispanic. What would it be like for a teenage Hispanic girl in a mostly white, small and gossipy town during the 1960s? Seems like a pretty good thing for a show like "Peyton Place" to delve into.
But Betty was "that girl", that girl who was deemed too pretty and too sexy for her own good. That girl who wanted to live in The Mansion and never disguised that eagerness which added to the overall impression of a gold digger and a vixen - but since she was always so honest about it it never really felt that way.
What I'm saying is that she felt like an outcast without having to address the issues of race which, imho, would have been a little too obvious.
Not that it couldn't work for an Hispanic Betty, but I wouldn't want race to outweigh her personal demons.
Harry Miles and his family weren't outcasts at all, the problem started with Lew and Carolyn Russell's supposed interracial affair.

So, what now? Chaos in the writers room? So soon already?:D

Anyway, I think it would be a good idea to move Tom and Susan Winter to an earlier stage in the story, and probably skip the Rachel Welles storyline since it was only done to distract the audience after Mia Farrow had left.
The Webbers should be there, and the Chernaks (weren't they somewhat similar to the novel's Cross family?) and maybe they could alter the Who Killed Ann Colby mystery.
Or maybe there is nothing to alter since it was never revealed whodunit. I still think it was Hannah Cord!
 

Ked

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Because I thought she was your fanmade mash-up of the novel-Selena and the series-Vickie Fletcher, who schemed and blackmailed her way into Dr. Harry Miles' family.

Oh. Nope. I just used a screencap of Vickie because I had already decided to make Selena black, but there weren't any other young black women on the show (I don't think?). Although... I was thinking about going ahead and having Lew Miles be gay (that would actually be part of the reason why his family moved to Peyton Place: Lew had been sexually molested by a colleague of Harrys', but Lew admitted to enjoying it; the Miles' decided to start fresh in a new town), and he and Norman Page end up meeting secretly.

Taking your idea of Selena being a mash-up of the original Selena and of Vickie, perhaps she finds out about Lew and Norman, and blackmails Lew into marrying her to escape her poverty-stricken life... but she decides to be nice and tells Lew he can still see Norman. After all, after years of her own father molesting her, Selena has become frigid, and enjoys being married to a man who has no desire to bed her.

But Betty was "that girl", that girl who was deemed too pretty and too sexy for her own good. That girl who wanted to live in The Mansion and never disguised that eagerness which added to the overall impression of a gold digger and a vixen - but since she was always so honest about it it never really felt that way.
What I'm saying is that she felt like an outcast without having to address the issues of race which, imho, would have been a little too obvious.
Not that it couldn't work for an Hispanic Betty, but I wouldn't want race to outweigh her personal demons.
Harry Miles and his family weren't outcasts at all, the problem started with Lew and Carolyn Russell's supposed interracial affair.

So, what now? Chaos in the writers room? So soon already?:D

Have no fear. I didn't have my heart set on what I had in mind for Betty. She doesn't have to have race as an issue for her. It probably would have been too heavy-handed. But I still like the idea of her being Hispanic... perhaps then, her race is never mentioned? The show could probably get away with that. If Betty and her family have been in Peyton Place for a few of generations, then that could mean the residents are used to them and don't think of them in that way. Therefore, race has never been an issue for Betty.

Also, I wasn't planning on the Miles family to be outcasts. Since they're wealthy(ish), educated and respectable, nobody looks down on them. Heck, I was even going to have Marion Partridge fawn over them - although it would be a "You're a credit to your race" kind of thing, which the Miles' find patronizing. Marion was also going to have a scene where she sees Lew and Selena talking, and jumps to the conclusion that they're in a relationship (this takes place early in the series). She then takes Lew aside, and tells him that he could do better than "that Cross girl"; although she also tells him, "I'm sure there are plenty of nice other girls you could find in one of the other towns." The implication being that, since there are no other black girls in Peyton Place, Lew should look for one somewhere else - and stay away from all the white girls.

Anyway, I think it would be a good idea to move Tom and Susan Winter to an earlier stage in the story, and probably skip the Rachel Welles storyline since it was only done to distract the audience after Mia Farrow had left.
The Webbers should be there, and the Chernaks (weren't they somewhat similar to the novel's Cross family?) and maybe they could alter the Who Killed Ann Colby mystery.
Or maybe there is nothing to alter since it was never revealed whodunit. I still think it was Hannah Cord!

I'd reference Rachel Welles by having that be Allison's pen-name when she writes her book. :D

Hang on, wasn't Ann Colby Hannah's daughter? Or am I completely bungled up?
 
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Willie Oleson

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Taking your idea of Selena being a mash-up of the original Selena and of Vickie, perhaps she finds out about Lew and Norman, and blackmails Lew into marrying her to escape her poverty-stricken life... but she decides to be nice and tells Lew he can still see Norman. After all, after years of her own father molesting her, Selena has become frigid, and enjoys being married to a man who has no desire to bed her
Nice! But I would replace Norman with Paul Hanley. I want Norman to become Betty's stalker.
although it would be a "You're a credit to your race" kind of thing, which the Miles' find patronizing
I've never seen the movies (and this character) but I'd love to have a "Mrs. Oleson" type on the new show.
I'd reference Rachel Welles by having that be Allison's pen-name when she writes her book.
Lovely:)
Hang on, wasn't Ann Colby Hannah's daughter?
Steven and Ann are the children of Catherine Peyton and Hannah's husband.
After the divorce, the ex-husband left with baby Ann, and Hannah raised Steven as her own son (because she knew her ex-husband would have preferred to have the son).
All this to protect the reputation of Martin Peyton's cold-hearted daughter. That bitch!

So now we have the basic outlines, maybe it's time to call some well-known writers. How about the Pollocks, are they still alive?
 

Ked

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Nice! But I would replace Norman with Paul Hanley.

Allow me to look up who this Paul is first:

"Brother of Elliot's murdered wife Elizabeth and a professor of English at Peyton College who bonds with Allison when she becomes a student in his Freshman English class. He is an enemy of Elliot, because as a child he gave false testimony which sent Elliot to jail for 18 years."

Meh, I'm not sure I want this character... because I want it revealed that Elliot Carson *did* in fact murder his wife. That's to give Allison a better reason for reacting so badly when she meets her biological father. Not only is he not the man she's imagined her whole life (in fact, I'd have it so that she often speaks to his photo on the mantelpiece; that would happen in the first episode where Allison walks in, calls for her mom but finds she isn't home, and so goes to talk about her day with the photograph. Constance walks in with some groceries, sees what Allison is doing, and voices her concern that her daughter has been doing that too often lately), but he is also a murderer.

Elliot would tell Constance that he killed his wife just so he could be with her, but Constance informs him, "You're sick."

I want Norman to become Betty's stalker.

Huh. I kinda like that idea. Well hey, he can start off stalking Betty and causes her some trouble before he has a revelation. :lol:

I've never seen the movies (and this character) but I'd love to have a "Mrs. Oleson" type on the new show.

I had to look her up too. I'm guessing she's from "Little House on the Prairie"? Either way, yes, that's the type of character Marion Partridge would be. As for the movie, you can watch it on youtube:

Yes, the image has been "disguised", but its not too distracting. And the audio is pretty good. Otherwise you'll have to pay to watch it... unless you can find it for free online somewhere else.


Thank you. X)

Steven and Ann are the children of Catherine Peyton and Hannah's husband.
After the divorce, the ex-husband left with baby Ann, and Hannah raised Steven as her own son (because she knew her ex-husband would have preferred to have the son).
All this to protect the reputation of Martin Peyton's cold-hearted daughter. That bitch!

Oh that's right. And to think, I actually read that last night on wikipedia. :lol: Well, there's so much going on in that one little town... that's why I'm for narrowing the cast down as much as possible.

(Although I always did find it interesting how much of an influence Catherine Peyton had on the series, despite dying so soon.)

So now we have the basic outlines, maybe it's time to call some well-known writers.

What basic outlines? I thought we were just brainstorming. :lol: Although I wouldn't mind letting any professional's take over, if they were interested... and actually going to *do* it.

How about the Pollocks, are they still alive?

NO! None of that!

 

Willie Oleson

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in fact, I'd have it so that she often speaks to his photo on the mantelpiece
And how I'd love to see that anonymous stranger visit Peyton Place! (e.g. as a travelling salesman).
Elliot would tell Constance that he killed his wife just so he could be with her, but Constance informs him, "You're sick."
I know what you're doing here, Ked.
You want her to marry Dr.Rossi, and then have that marriage being troubled by Rossi's clingy and scheming ex-wife Stella.
:)
Yes, the image has been "disguised", but its not too distracting.
I think I'd struggle to watch a movie and do a Space Mountain ride at the same time. But thanks anyway:lol:
Although I always did find it interesting how much of an influence Catherine Peyton had on the series, despite dying so soon
Yes, she did it before Jacqueline Perrault, and she ruined many lives. Horrible woman!
 

Ked

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And how I'd love to see that anonymous stranger visit Peyton Place! (e.g. as a travelling salesman).

Huh? Oh, did you assume the photo would be of some random dude that Constance picked out? I suppose that would make sense, going with my idea that she wants nothing to do with Elliot Carson.

I know what you're doing here, Ked.
You want her to marry Dr.Rossi, and then have that marriage being troubled by Rossi's clingy and scheming ex-wife Stella.
:)

Well, first off, I believe I already established I wanted Dr. Rossi and Constance to wed. In my description of how I wanted the series to end, it would be with Dr. Rossi in a jail cell, reassuring his pregnant wife, Constance, that he was going to be fine.

However, I had completely forgotten that Dr. Rossi ever had a wife. I'm not too familiar with the original show after Allison left. So I really had no intention of making a Blake/Krystle/Alexis triangle with Michael/Constance/Stella. In fact, I wasn't going to have Michael and Constance marry until the end of the 6th season.

(Real quick, this is how I'd have the seasons:

Season 1: 1962-1963
Season 2: 1963-1964
Season 3: 1964-1965
Season 4: 1965-1966
Season 5: 1966-1967
Season 6: 1967-1968
Season 7: 1968-1969)

Stella could still come in around the early to middle seasons and cause trouble, but I'd like to avoid any serious love-triangle stuff between her, Michael and Constance.

I think I'd struggle to watch a movie and do a Space Mountain ride at the same time. But thanks anyway:lol:

Understandable. :lol: But I hope you're able to watch the movie, it may help you get a better idea of what I had in mind for the new series to be a mashup of the book/movie/TV show.

Yes, she did it before Jacqueline Perrault, and she ruined many lives. Horrible woman!

Sounds like a character you can do a lot with. :D
 

Ked

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@Willie Oleson Just in case you're still interested in the subject, I thought a bit more on how I'd do "Peyton Place." This time, I decided to focus on Allison:


Season 1: When we first see Allison, she is every inch "Alice in Wonderland" - long straight golden-blonde hair with a headband/hair-ribbon, a white short-sleeved blouse, a blue skirt, and Mary Jane shoes. She'd also be holding some books, naturally.

She holds conversations with a photo of a man on the mantel, whom she identifies as her father. Constance disapproves, but Allison ignores her. Constance also disapproves of Allison's group of friends: shack-dweller Selena Cross, neurotic Norman Page and newly arrived Lew Miles (Constance actually doesn't start out having a problem with Lew; at first she thinks he's a perfectly nice boy and it'd be good for Allison to have more friends like him; but something happens later on that sours Connie's perception of young Lew).

Allison also has a crush on Rodney Harrington, who is currently dating Betty Anderson. I haven't quite decided what exactly happens there, but Rodney ends up dumping Betty and asking Allison out. She excitedly agrees, but manages to play it cool. The two end up having a pretty good time together. Once again, Constance disapproves, seeing Rodney as a wildly inappropriate match for her innocent daughter.

Next, former New York socialite Doris Schuster opens a new dress shop, filled with trendy 1960s clothes. Selena Cross eagerly applies for a job and gets it (this means she can finally get some new cloths - nice ones, too). Allison comes by the shop to congratulate Selena, and bumps into Doris' deaf-mute daughter, Kim, who takes an instant liking to Allison. Doris' husband, David, also takes a shine to Allison and suggests she become Kim's babysitter. Allison agrees, while Doris glances suspiciously back and forth between her husband and this pretty young teen.

After some time of watching David and Kim fawn over Allison, Doris steadily grows bitter towards her. One day, she sees Allison talking with Lew Miles, and, after seeing them hug, gets a spiteful idea. She goes and finds Marion Partridge, the town's notorious gossip, and "offhandedly" remarks about the possibility of Allison and Lew being in a secret romance. Marion spreads the remark like wildfire; both Constance and Lew's mother, Alma, are quick confront their children. Allison and Lew defend themselves, insisting they were never lovers and had no intention to be.

Betty manages to steal Rodney back by revealing her pregnancy by him. However, she miscarries, and Rodney goes back to Allison.

Allison begins to take more notice of how bad the lives of Selena and Norman are, though: she witnesses Selena's father, Lucas, hit and then try to beat her, but the presence of Allison and Selena's younger brother, Joey, stop him. As for Norman, he ends up confiding in Allison just how possessive his mother is, and how nervous he gets around girls.

Allison also wants to make amends with Betty, and invites her to her birthday party. Constance yet again disapproves of this decision, as she has never liked Betty's sexual reputation. But Allison insists on inviting Betty, who shows up with Lew as her date. Rodney pours liquor into the punch bowl, and then starts a game of "photograph" by turning out all the lights and passionately kissing Allison. Constance comes in and creates a scene, ordering every teen out of her house. She and Allison have a big fight that results in Constance slapping Allison.

Not long after, Allison experiences another slap: while out on a walk with Norman, the subject of kissing comes up. Norman again talks about how awkward and scared he is about such things... and how wildly curious. Allison decides to give Norman a kiss to help him overcome his shyness (though she's quick to point out beforehand she doesn't want to become lovers with him; she's still in love with Rodney; Norman will have to find his own girl to have more kisses with).

Unfortunately, they were being followed by Norman's mother, Evelyn, who separates them, slaps Allison, and drags Norman home.

Allison tells Rodney about her kissing Norman; Rodney finds the news amusing and says she probably did Norman some good. He does take offense to Evelyn Page slapping his girlfriend, though, and even wishes Mrs. Page were a man so he, Rodney, could slug him.

Evelyn Page is quick to spread word that Allison Mackenzie is new hussy in town, and Doris Schuster decides Allison isn't good to have around her house anymore. Kim takes the news badly, but David reluctantly agrees with his wife. Allison is heartbroken at not getting to spend time with Kim, but she soon gets a job at the local newspaper thanks to Matthew Swain, whom Allison calls "Uncle Matt" despite him being her mother's cousin.

The comes the prom. Rodney and Allison attend as each other's date, but Rodney starts to get jealous when he sees Betty dancing with every available guy in the room. This results in a petty argument with Allison, and the two decide to break up. Allison then finds Norman skulking in a corner, and orders him to dance with her. He does so, albeit clumsily.

[Selena's father, Lucas, leaves town.]

In the season finale, during the town's 4th of July picnic, Allison and Norman go for a swim at the lake; Marion Partridge spotted them going that way. Meanwhile, Rodney and Betty end up at the same lake, and go skinny dipping. Marion's husband, Charles, saw the nude pair but didn't see their faces. He mentions this to his wife, and Marion instantly assumes it was Allison and Norman, and wastes no time in phoning as many people as she can.

When Allison returns home for the evening, Constance descends upon her in a rage. Allison holds her own and insists she was never naked with Norman, that the rumor is nothing but a lie. And just as she's on the verge of convincing her mother that that is the truth...

...Evelyn Page storms in, announcing that Norman admitted to having sex with Allison (in actuality, Evelyn forced her son to "admit" to that). She warns Allison to never again come near her son, and Constance angrily orders Evelyn to leave her house. Once Mrs. Page is gone, though, Constance turns on her daughter, accusing her of lying all along. Things become so wildly heated that Constance calls Allison a bastard, and reveals she never married Allison's father.

Stunned, it is Allison's turn to call Connie a liar and races upstairs...

...only to scream at the sight of Nellie Cross having hung herself in Allison's bedroom closet.


Season 2: Allison is in shock from both learning she is illegitimate and seeing Nellie's dead body, and has to be hospitalized for a while. She gets over it just so she can be there for Selena. But things are tense between Allison and Constance. The former ends up confiding in "Uncle Matt" that, once she graduates this year, she'll be leaving for New York. Matthew warns Constance to try and reconcile with her daughter, or she might lose her forever.

Meanwhile, Elliot Carson comes to town and gets a job at the newspaper - right alongside Allison. He starts a rapport with her, and later goes to the bookstore where Constance works. She is thunderstruck by his arrival and orders him to stay away from Allison. Elliot waves the order aside, pointing out he can't quit his new job so soon.

Elliot continues to grow close to Allison, who rather enjoys talking with him. He makes a good replacement for Rodney and Norman, who have been avoiding her.

Constance is very worried about Allison, and tries to warn her daughter away from Elliot, but Allison spurns her mother's advice. Eventually, Constance confides in Matthew who Elliot Carson really is: he's Allison's biological father... and that he murdered his own wife when he found out Constance was pregnant with his child. He had been found out and arrested, serving all these years in prison.

Matthew agrees Allison must be kept away from Elliot, but is unsure how to proceed, as Elliot could very well be a dangerous man.

Meanwhile, Rodney comes back into Allison's life, asking if she wants to give things another go. Allison says she's not sure, and ends up asking Elliot for advice. Elliot decides his daughter could do better, and goes to tell Rodney to stay away from her. Rodney, having no idea who this man is, tells him to mind his own business.

Elliot doesn't take kindly to this.

Later on, one evening, Rodney is out walking - and gets hit by a car. The driver doesn't pull over, but speeds away. Rodney is found and brought in to the hospital, where he recovers, but has to go around in a wheelchair for a while.

The news does bring Allison to Rodney's side, however. Something Elliot disapproves of.

Elliot also ends up disapproving when he starts to notice how close Constance seems to be getting with Principal Kyros.

Not long after, Principal Tomas Kyros is found dead - murdered.

Amid the resulting frenzy of the whole town wondering and gossiping while the police investigate, a terrified Constance confronts Elliot, hoping that it was not him. He doesn't admit to anything, aside from saying he's glad "that man" is out of the way of him and Constance getting back together.

Her fears confirmed, Constance next worries that Elliot will go after Michael Rossi, her other potential love interest, next. She warns the doctor to never go anywhere alone, to always watch his back and be careful of anyone he doesn't already know. Michael is suspicious of such warnings, but Connie insists she's just paranoid about the recent murder.

Meanwhile, Allison discovers that Elliot Carson is her father (I haven't decided how yet). At first, she doesn't take it so well... but after thinking things over, she decides he's actually surprisingly close to how she imagined her father to be. She welcomes Elliot into her life with open arms and even encourages Constance to get back together with him ("After all, he's not married anymore. His wife passed away some time ago, did you know?").

Constance is too afraid of what it'll do to Allison if she finds out what a monster her father really is, and simply says she's not in love with him anymore. But this only causes more tension between mother and daughter. Constance is forced to come clean and tell Allison not only the truth about Elliot's late wife, but also her suspicions that Elliot murdered Principal Kyros. And possibly had something to do with Rodney's accident.

Stunned, Allison refuses to believe it... and yet...

Eventually, what Connie fears will happen occurs: Elliot gets the impression that there's something going on between her and Michael, tries to murder the doctor. He sets a trap for him at his beach house, but Constance gets wind of Elliot's plan and races over.

Allison follows, desperately hoping that she might catch her mother in a lie or something. Constance saves Michael, but he's badly injured. Elliot appears and becomes violent with Constance. Allison arrives and sees the fight. She grabs a knife and stabs Elliot, killing him (this is a reference to how Lana Turner's daughter killed her mother's abusive boyfriend, which resulted in a trial held during the original movie's run - which helped a lot with its publicity).

Once again, Allison goes into shock once she realizes what she's done, and must be hospitalized. Constance gets Michael to testify that it was Constance herself who killed Elliot (in self defense, of course), fearing how the citizens of Peyton Place would view Allison if they knew. She also leaves out that she and Elliot knew each other beforehand, saying only that he recently became obsessed with her. The police buy Connie's story and no charges are pressed.

But Allison becomes disgusted with how many lies her mother has told; disgusted with how all her dreams have been shattered; disgusted by all of Peyton Place; and in a horrendous fit, viciously cuts her own hair.

Allison becomes withdrawn from her friends and family, until one night, she takes a shower (symbolically cleansing herself of Peyton Place), puts on new clothes she recently bought from the dress shop, places all the money she has into her purse, and goes walking around the town, stopping at various places and remembering old moments, just like Mia Farrow's last episode.

Meanwhile, Rodney has bought a ring, and is preparing to propose to Allison. The last line he speaks this season is, "Allison Mackenzie, will you marry me?" But Allison remains unaware of this as she goes for her evening stroll. Finally, she makes it to the outskirts of town, takes one last look over her shoulder, before continuing onward.


Season 3: Everyone searches wildly for Allison, but she can't be found. Accusations fly and theories are shared, but nothing can be done. Allison Mackenzie is gone.

Around Christmas, Selena Cross and her little brother Joey, in their neatly fixed-up home, are happily decorating their tree, when a drunk Lucas comes in, wearing a Navy uniform. He quickly becomes violent and lecherous, and Selena beats him to death with a pair of fireplace tongs.

Sometime later, close to the season finale, Constance is buying a new outfit at the dress shop, being assisted by Selena. Just then, Naval Officers come in (they open the door for Marion Partridge to enter first, but she steps into another section of the store and isn't noticed by Connie or Selena) and question Selena about the whereabouts of Lucas.

Selena says she knows nothing, but after the officers leave, she breaks down and hurries into the back room. Constance follows and tries to console her, but Selena lets it out what truly happened: that she killed Lucas and buried him under the sheep pen. Marion, who had quietly stepped up to the door, overhears everything, and just as quietly scurries away before Constance comes to check to see if there's anybody else in the shop, before closing the door behind her. While Constance tells Selena to keep things quiet, Marion phones her husband, the district attorney.

Its not long before Selena is arrested and Marion has the town viciously gossiping about her - and about Constance too (Marion correctly deduced Connie instructed Selena not to say anything). Ted Carter breaks up with Selena, saying being attached to a murderess would ruin his chances at becoming a lawyer. Michael, Matthew and Harry gather to discuss the possibility of revealing the truth about Lucas, except that could potentially ruin Selena for the rest of her life.

The trial takes place, and both Joey and Selena each take the stand. Then a third witness is called forth:

Allison Mackenzie.

In the crowd, a woman wearing a hat, scarf, sunglasses and coat stands up. She takes off these things to reveal that she is indeed, Allison Mackenzie (and her hair is as short as it was during last season's finale; plus her wardrobe is a lot more flashy and trendy than how it was in the last two seasons). She steps up to the stand amid a flurry of whispers, each one wondering where she's been all year.

[When Allison is sworn in, she says, "I do." This is her first line in Season 3. This is meant to make fans speculate that this is a sign that she and Rodney will marry, as his final line in Season 2 was practicing his proposal to her.]

Allison testifies that she knew Lucas Cross abused Selena, having seen him beat her (she gives more self-assured testimony than her movie-counterpart did) and even states she noticed bruises on Selena from time to time.

In response to Allison saying she say Lucas slap Selena, the prosecutor asks her if she herself has ever been slapped. Allison says yes: by her mother, by Evelyn Page, and by Lucas Cross himself. She goes on to say that one time, she stopped by the Cross' shack to meet up with Selena, but she wasn't there. Just a drunk Lucas who became angry, started accusing Allison of making Selena think she was better than him, and even started saying other things that didn't make sense, and slapped Alison, who made her escape when Lucas tripped on something.

Of course, Allison is lying, but she's trying to help Selena by painting Lucas as a consisently abusive man. The prosecutor takes note that nobody else was around when Lucas allegedly slapped her, though. Allison remains cool, though, and says she never told anyone about it because she was too young, too afraid and too stupid.

Constance is called to the stand next, and asked if her daughter ever brought her troubles home. Constance ends up having a breakdown, and a recess is held.

Several people try to get close to Allison to ask her where she's been, but Allison only has time for Selena, who of course also wants to know where she's been. Allison reveals she went through with her desire to go to New York. While there, she roomed with an actress named Stephanie Wallace, who knew somebody who worked for a magazine, and that was how Allison got her first job there.

Meanwhile, Matthew Swain, Michael Rossi and Harry Miles all gather to discuss whether they should reveal that Lucas raped and impregnated his daughter, but they know doing that would ruin Selena's life. They decide to follow Allison's example and make statements that they too noticed Selena was being abused, and that it was they who drove Lucas out of town to get him away from her.

With all this evidence, Selena is acquitted, much to the anger of Marion Partridge. But everyone else is relieved and glad for Selena.

Rodney goes up to Allison with the wedding ring in his pocket... but then a man steps up next to Allison. She introduces him as Lewis Jackman, a publisher in New York City... and her boyfriend. Rodney congratulates them and sadly walks away.

Constance manages to corner Allison, but only tell her how relieved she is to finally know where her daughter is. She also comments on Lewis, saying how he seems like a nice man... only for Allison to come out and say that he's already married.

"Like mother, like daughter."


Season 4: I only have a general idea for what happens here, but Lewis ends up telling Allison he wants to divorce his wife so he can be with her... only he dies in a car crash. Not long after, Allison is confronted by Lewis' widow, who reveals herself to be pregnant. She wants to know if Lewis had really fallen in love with Allison, but the latter lies and says Lewis had just broken up with her before the accident. This comforts Mrs. Jackman, and she leaves peacefully.


So there. What do you think?
 

Ked

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@Willie Oleson If you're still interested in hearing about this, I ended up thinking of some "Alice in Wonderland" motifs I'd have for "Peyton Place." Because Allison is often associated with Alice, I started wondering if any of the other characters could be associated with the same story. I did end up thinking stuff for the female characters, at least:

Marion Partridge, since she's the most antagonistic of the female characters, has an intense hatred for Allison, and holds a position of power in town (being both on the school-board and the wife of the district attorney), I figured she could be associated with the Queen of Hearts. Such as, she'd wear jewelry/accessories/clothing that have a heart shape/pattern, has a red rose garden, and maybe at one time, while she's in Doris Schuster's dress shop, is looking over a dress with white roses, and demands that she be given one with *red* roses instead. And while she never yells, "Off with their heads!" her vicious, angry gossiping could be seen as an equivalent.

Hannah Cord, since I'd have her remain a redhead, would be the Red Queen. While she'd be counted as an antagonist/villain, she's still nicer than Marion (the Red Queen in the books actually was nicer than the Queen of Hearts). She's also more dignified, and as the housekeeper/assistant/possible-secret-lover to the most powerful man in town, she too has her own influence over Peyton Place. Also, during moments where Hannah does something of particular interest, she'll be wearing red.

Alma Miles would be the White Queen. While she's not fat, pale, stupid or childish like the queen in the book, Alma is kind, eccentric (intentionally quoting the character: "I believe up to 20 impossible things everyday!"), quick to protect her child, and often wears white: a white apron, a white blouse, or a white evening gown. And since she ends up on the school-board, and is the wife of the town's neurosurgeon, also holds some influence over the town.

Betty Anderson would be the Cheshire Cat. :lol: She'd randomly appear up in trees, grinning mischievously, and will be either helpful or antagonistic towards Allison, depending on the situation... or whatever mood Betty is in.


Constance and Selena are the only two main female characters left, and I couldn't really think of any Wonderland counterpart for them... aside from one of them being seen as "Alice's Sister." Being Alice's Sister would mean that, while they do have a connection to Allison, they're more of a tie to reality for her. Like, Constance usually wakes her daughter out of her daydreaming, or Selena will remind her friend of what's going on in the "real" world.
 

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More "Wonderland" motifs for the ladies:

Marion plays bridge (a *card* game) with her "gossip group", whereas Hannah and Alma play chess with Martin and Harry, respectively (the chess pieces Martin Peyton owns are black and red - Hannah always plays red; whereas the one the Miles' own is black and white, and Alma always plays white).

At some time, Allison challenges Marion to a game of poker, and wins (Marion's hand was a straight heart flush; Allison's was a royal diamond flush). When Hannah becomes threatened by Betty possibly replacing her, the two sit and play chess (Betty taking Martin's usual seat and playing black). Hannah smugly wins.

Perhaps there's even a time where Hannah and Alma end up playing chess - and by some coincidence, each already brought their own chess sets, so they're able to play their signature color. This time its Alma who wins.
 

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@Willie Oleson If you ever get tired of me talking to you about all this, feel free to tell me so, and I'll stop. But until then, here's more details for how I'd do a new "Peyton Place":


All the major deaths that occur:

Season 1 - Catherine Harrington, Nellie Cross
Season 2 - Tomas Kyros, Elliot Carson
Season 3 - Lucas Cross
Season 4 - Evelyn Page, Ann Howard
Season 5 - Leslie Harrington
Season 6 - Matthew Swain
Season 7 - Martin Peyton, Roberta Carter, Marion Partridge

Also, Dr. Rossi has a dream in the final season (after all of these deaths have taken place) where he's sitting at the long table in the dining room at Peyton Manor. At the head of the table is Martin Peyton himself, and all the other characters on this list (except for Matthew). All look ghostly and ghoulish as they smile evilly at Dr. Rossi and raise their glasses in a toast to him. Rossi then looks back at where Martin is sitting, only to see that he's transformed into Matthew, who looks sadly back at him and asks, "Why couldn't you save us?"

Dr. Rossi awakens from his nightmare... and within the same episode, he is accused of murder, and put in a cell.

~~~

How I'd end each season:

Season 1: Of course, you may recall I'd end this year with Allison finding out that she is a bastard... right before finding Nellie hanging by the neck in Allison's bedroom closet (first we'd get a view of the floor, with the photograph of Allison's "father" shattered on the floor, a metaphor for a plethora of things; then the camera pans up to Allison as Connie comes running in; before turning and giving the audience a full view of Nellie's body; and then turning to black)

Season 2: Basically it'd be just like how Mia Farrow exited the original show, only Allison doesn't walk out of the hospital. Instead, she starts off in her bedroom, where she goes into the bathroom and takes a shower, symbolically washing herself of Peyton Place. Next, she puts on new clothes she bought from the dress shop, symbolically taking on a new identity. Then she goes walking around town at night, remembering all the moments where her life got ruined. She peeks in on Rodney, not knowing that he's practicing on proposing to her, and then walks down the road that leads out of town. She takes one final look back, before continuing on.

Season 3: I'm actually not sure what kind of cliffhanger I'd end this year on, mostly because I decided Selena's trial would end on a positive note with her being acquitted (though its clear Marion Partridge is *not* happy, and is going to do something about it).

Season 4: This season's cliffhanger was actually inspired by you, willie. It ends in the summertime, where the residents of Peyton Place are enjoying a new amusement park built by the Harrington's money... only for a lethal accident to occur. Basically, this is meant to be the show's Moldavian Massacre - albeit with a better payoff. Hopefully, anyway. :lol:

Season 5: Rodney, reeling from having lost both his parents and disgusted by all the pressure his grandfather has put on him, decides to leave Peyton Place for college. The final scene is modeled after the one from the movie, where Allison leaves town and Selena begs her not to go; only its Allison who comes running up as Rodney is leaving. However, she does not try to convince him to stay, but instead encourages him. He needs to leave and be on his own for a while ("It worked for me, it might work for you!"), but she does remind him that there are still a lot of people in Peyton Place who love him, and will be waiting for his return. Rodney drives off while a sad-eyed Allison waves good-bye, even running a little after him, just to keep him in sight a few seconds longer...

Season 6: Much like the 3rd season, I'm not sure what kind of cliffhanger I want to end this on yet.

Season 7: I've already talked about this; that Michael Rossi is standing in his jail cell, reassuring his pregnant wife, Constance, that he's going to be fine, that they'll pull through all this. She smiles and walks away, with the camera facing her, Michael still visible over her shoulder. The further Constance goes, however, the more her smile begins to slip... and then she's out of frame, with only the small figure of Dr. Rossi behind bars onscreen. Then we cut to Rodney and Allison strolling through town, going from place to place, looking like they're reenacting the Season 2 cliffhanger - only minus the voice-overs. Not a word is spoken between them, yet they hold hands throughout the whole scene. They end up at the train station, where they watch new families arrive... and old families leave. The camera is now on the train, which begins to depart. We hear Allison's voice, "Thank you for visiting Peyton Place. Good-bye."

~~~

Also, I know I already talked about how I'd do Allison's overall storyline for the series (or at least the first three seasons), but I ended up thinking how I'd write Selena:

Season 1 - In the pilot episode, her older brother, Paul, leaves town, angry over their father stealing his son's wages again. Later on, Selena gets a job at Doris Schuster's new dress shop - not just to help her family, but also to provide herself with the chance of getting to dress better. She does end up getting to do just that, and starts gaining more attention from boys... especially Ted Carter. Only they must keep their romance a secret, since I still intend for Selena to be black in this version.

Meanwhile, Selena's father, Lucas, tries pulling on his daughter what he did with Paul: he tries taking her wages from her so he can buy liquor. Selena ends up having to hide her money so she can properly save up. Lucas seems to resent his daughter's attempts at improving herself, and at one point hits her while a shocked Allison watches from the window.

At Allison's 17th birthday, Rodney turns out all the lights so everyone can couple up and make out. In the dark, Selena receives a passionate kiss from Ted. After that, Selena attends the prom with Lew Miles as her date, but she ends up dancing the night away with Ted, who walks her home. Once she enters the shack, a drunk Lucas attacks her... and rapes her.

Later on, Selena faints in front of Matthew Swain, who takes her to Dr. Rossi. Selena explains her symptoms to him... and he tells her she's pregnant. She begs for an abortion. At first he won't do it... until she reveals that the baby's father is also its grandfather. Dr. Rossi performs the abortion - although he has never done one and has to take Harry Miles into his confidence for help. Afterwards, Michael, Matthew and Harry all go over to the Cross shack and corner Lucas. They get him to sign a confession and then run him out of town, with Harry telling him that if he, Lucas, ever comes back, then he, Harry, will personally lead a lynch mob on him.

What the men don't realize is that Nellie overheard everything. The shock sends her into a dazed depression, and in the season finale, while Selena is enjoying the 4th of July picnic with Ted, Nellie hangs herself.

Season 2 - With both her parents gone, Selena takes full care of her younger brother, Joey. Of course, first she must lay her mother's body to rest, although at first she can't find a church that will bury Nellie, on account of her committing suicide. Constance helps her out, and eventually Nellie is given a proper burial.

Once that is over, things begin to change for the two Cross children. While this is the year where Allison's life spirals out of control, Selena blossoms. She no longer has to hide her wages, there's no more drunken Lucas to drag the family down, and there's the kindness of Selena's friends to help her fix the shack up to make it a more proper home.

Then of course there's Ted wanting to make his relationship with Selena public, despite his parents' disapproval. They threaten to not pay for his going to law school if he continues to see Selena, who encourages him to just give in. But Ted tells her once he's finished with school, his parents won't have any say in who he marries.

Graduation comes, and Selena becomes a full-time worker at the dress shop.

Season 3 - Selena helps out in the search for Allison, but nobody can find her. For a while, Selena spends her time taking care of Joey, working in the dress shop, helping out Constance...

...until Christmas Eve comes, bringing with it none other than Lucas Cross. He barges into the shack-turned-house, drunk as usual... and quickly turns violent. And lecherous. Selena ends up beating him to death with fire tongs.

For a while, Selena stews quietly in guilty paranoia, until finally, around Easter, two Naval officers come into the shop, looking for Lucas. Selena manages to keep cool, but once they're gone, she breaks down and runs into the back room. Constance goes after her and tries to comfort her. Selena blurts out the truth, that she killed Lucas and buried him under the sheep pin. Constance promises she will keep Selena's secret. Unbeknownst to them, Marion Partridge was also in the shop and overheard everything. She sneaks out and phones her husband, the district attorney.

Selena is arrested and put on trial, but thanks to the testimony from a returned Allison, Constance, Elsie Thorton (Selena and Allison's old teacher who became the school's new principal), Harry, Michael and Matthew, Selena is acquitted.

Unfortunately, during this whole matter, Ted Carter returns to ask Selena if what his mother wrote him is all true. Selena confesses she did indeed kill her father - and Ted immediately breaks up with her. It doesn't matter to him if she killed Lucas in defense or not; he believes a man of his standing shouldn't be involved with a murderess. He leaves town again, and doesn't return until several seasons later.

Also, Marion Partridge is furious over the trial's outcome (she fondly remembered Lucas for building her kitchen shelves; she seemed to find his death to be an attack on her; plus she already hated Selena for being younger and prettier than Marion). She decides she's going to make Selena pay one way or another.

Season 4 - Marion succeeds in passing a zoning law that will force Selena and Joey out of their house. At the same time, Marion also manages to blackmail Doris Schuster into firing Selena (perhaps something about making certain that nobody buys a dress from a "murderess").

Jobless, homeless, with an 11-year-old boy to take care of, Selena is in shock about what to do next... and quite by accident, discovers that Lew Miles and Norman Page are gay lovers.

Immediately, Selena blackmails Lew into marrying her so she can support Joey with the Miles family fortune. Lew is angry at first, but then he realizes Selena makes the perfect beard: shes perfectly willing to put up a front, but makes absolutely no demands on him in the bedroom. In fact, Selena even becomes curious and gets both Lew and Norman to confide in her.

Marion Partridge is angrier than ever that she didn't succeed in running "that Cross bitch" out of town. She starts viciously gossiping about Selena, but Alma, although she is suspicious of her son's sudden marriage, isn't about to have her own daughter-in-law be talked about. Thus begins a small war between Marion and Alma. The latter ends up winning.

In the season finale, Selena gets caught in the carnival accident. Her fate is left unknown...

Season 5 - ...until its revealed that she's still alive. But she also lost an arm. (This detail was inspired by something that I read happened in the original books - not to Selena but to another girl. I decided to have it happen to a character that's been around since the beginning.)

Selena must now adjust to having only one arm (Marion Partridge is cruelly pleased about this; she believes Selena has finally been "punished"). She even ends up getting a hook-hand. At first Selena feels embarrassed and ashamed by her appearance, but her friends and family help her through this.

One day, Joey comes home and announces that his school is putting on a play, "Peter Pan", and would Selena help him rehearse? He wants the part of Peter, even though he was told by some of the other kids "Peter isn't black." Selena encourages him, and even auditions with him. The teacher mistakenly believes that Selena is auditioning for the part of Captain Hook, and casts her. At first Selena says no, but everyone else convinces her to do it.

Selena ends up playing both the part of Mrs. Darling and of Hook (I read that originally, Jim Barrie wanted the same actor who played Mrs. Darling to also play Captain Hook). She receives a standing ovation for her performance.

(It should be noted that during the production of the play, Selena meets an itinerant actor named Tim Randlett.)

Season 6 - Selena's older brother, Paul, comes back to Peyton Place. At first, Selena is angry at him (even going so far as to slap him - with her non-hook hand, that is), but eventually gets over her hurt feelings. After all, it wasn't Paul's fault for everything bad that happened to her. And even if he had stuck around, who's to say things would have been better? But I'm also planning for Paul to have his own story that affects Selena... except I'm not sure what that is yet.

Selena also is becoming dissatisfied with her marriage to Lew. Even though she loves him as a friend, she's growing tired of being his beard. She's also growing more and more close to Tim... and starts having an affair with him. That is, an emotional affair. Selena is still haunted by memories of her father, and jaded by Ted leaving her. So she can't bring herself to have sex with Tim, who tries to cope and help her. But things get too heavy for him, and he ends up leaving as well.

But this does get Selena to realize that she wants a real relationship, a real marriage.

[I'm also considering having it so that Selena's hook-hand is the weapon that's used to kill Matthew Swain. Fortunately, Selena not only has an alibi, but she had already reported that her fake arm had been stolen. Only problem is I can't figure out why somebody would go through the trouble of stealing a fake hook-hand to use as a murder weapon... not unless the murderer was Paul Cross, or an acquaintance of his, and they used the arm totally out of improv.]

Season 7 - Selena has a heart-to-heart with Lew, and the two decide to end their sham-marriage... eventually. First, Selena must get a job and a house, as she is still responsible for Joey. She manages to get her old job at the dress shop back (Doris decides to hell with Marion Partridge; Selena was her best worker and she wants her back!) and starts saving up. Within time, she has enough to get a new place for her and Joey to live in, and she and Lew begin divorce proceedings.

Peter Drake, the lawyer who defended Selena back in Season 3, finds out about her divorce, and confesses he had fallen for her during that time; but kept it to himself as it was wildly inappropriate. Only to be deeply disappointed once he heard she got married so soon afterwards. Sensing that this could lead somewhere, Selena agrees to go out with Peter (Joey is quick to point out how he once played a Peter).

With her old job back and a new man in her life, things are starting to look good for Selena...

...but then Ted Carter comes back into town.

He's gotten married to a snobby blueblood by the name of Jennifer Burbank. Even though Ted acts proud to be married to her, he privately confesses to Selena that he's unhappy, and that he still wants her.

Taken aback, Selena doesn't know what to do at first. But then we get a scene that was inspired by the 1950s movie: Ted gets Selena in his car and starts telling her that, even with one arm, she's still the most beautiful girl he's ever known. He gets cozy with her, and she starts asking him how much does he want her. "You wanna make love to me?" she asks in a husky whisper.

Ted starts to lay her down, nuzzling her neck... and BAM! she hits him with her hook-hand (no, she doesn't stab him; just whacks him with the side of it) and gets out of the car, saying, "Now go make love to Mrs. Ted Carter! I've already got a man - a REAL man! And even if I didn't, I'd still be too good for the likes of you!" and storms off, head held high.

[Ted broke up with Selena for being a murderess. His new wife ends up murdering his mother. Talk about irony.]

Selena ends up marrying Peter Drake. Her final scene is her bravely going into their new bedroom with him, and closing the door behind her.
 

Ked

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It will take some time to read (and visualize) everything, but please don't stop:)

I know this is adding to your reading list, but I wanted to mention this before I forget... plus there's really more looking required than actual reading.

This past week, my family and I were vacationing in Disneyland, and I suddenly got the idea to model the sets for Peyton Place after various areas of the park. Such as...



Main Street USA





New Orleans Square (I'd even base Peyton Manor on the Haunted Mansion)





and Pacific Wharf in California Adventure.


(In season 4, Leslie Harrington builds an amusement park for the town to attract more tourists; only something goes wrong - either a negligent accident, or intentional sabotage, I haven't decided yet - which causes a catastrophic accident. Having the amusement park be situated just outside of town would mean we could have such a big disaster without having to sacrifice any of the sets.)
 
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