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I'm sure this has been answered hete in past forums, but why was Melissa's character written out, especially at the beginning of the season? She was a fan favorite and Ana Alicia was contracted until the end of the season anyway.
Ana Alicia Question
- Thread starter Jimmy Todd
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Ana was let go under the orders of Michael Filerman. He was involved with the show from the very beginning but then took very much a back seat, in the latter part of season 1. He returned for the 8th season with creative control; making the decision to introduce a new family the Ortegas, in an attempt to bring a more earthy feel after the 'everything and the kitchen sink' season 7 (which was very entertaining).
One of the Ortega characters was Pilar and she was around a similar age to Melissa, just as good looking dare I say it maybe even better but not as feisty or shrewd. So Melissa's fate was sealed but like Sheree J. Wilson in twilight DALLAS Ana was contracted to the end of the season. Michael just didn't know what more he could do with Melissa and Ana was vocal about this, in a diplomatic way. In addition to receiving all her bucks Ana got extra on top for five episodes, portraying doppelgänger Samantha Ross. This was an attempt by Michael Filerman to all but admit he had made a mistake and to throw a life jacket, to a now ailing show.
Samantha Ross (played by core cast member Ana Alicia) is on the phone, in the FC living room to someone in Chicago. Angela wants her to testify for the prosecution in the case against Richard. Pilar goes to the living room, just as Samantha finishes her conversation, (a scene from season 8, 1988-'89):
Pilar: "So what kind of work do you do Samantha?"
Samantha: "I'm a photographer."
Pilar: "Oh! You met Richard on the job."
Samantha: "Why are you so interested?"
Pilar: "I'm just curious. Now what kind of woman would've agreed to do what Richard asked?"
Samantha: "The kind of woman who is very interested in money and something tells me you just might understand that."
Pilar raises her infamous eyebrow. This happens when she is annoyed.
Angela joins them: "Oh you see Pilar understands a great deal about money."
One of the Ortega characters was Pilar and she was around a similar age to Melissa, just as good looking dare I say it maybe even better but not as feisty or shrewd. So Melissa's fate was sealed but like Sheree J. Wilson in twilight DALLAS Ana was contracted to the end of the season. Michael just didn't know what more he could do with Melissa and Ana was vocal about this, in a diplomatic way. In addition to receiving all her bucks Ana got extra on top for five episodes, portraying doppelgänger Samantha Ross. This was an attempt by Michael Filerman to all but admit he had made a mistake and to throw a life jacket, to a now ailing show.
Samantha Ross (played by core cast member Ana Alicia) is on the phone, in the FC living room to someone in Chicago. Angela wants her to testify for the prosecution in the case against Richard. Pilar goes to the living room, just as Samantha finishes her conversation, (a scene from season 8, 1988-'89):
Pilar: "So what kind of work do you do Samantha?"
Samantha: "I'm a photographer."
Pilar: "Oh! You met Richard on the job."
Samantha: "Why are you so interested?"
Pilar: "I'm just curious. Now what kind of woman would've agreed to do what Richard asked?"
Samantha: "The kind of woman who is very interested in money and something tells me you just might understand that."
Pilar raises her infamous eyebrow. This happens when she is annoyed.
Angela joins them: "Oh you see Pilar understands a great deal about money."
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Ana sure was the big winner of season eight. I don't think Ana was cast when Michael no longer had physical input. Her first episode was "House Of Cards", from season one.
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Granted some of Melissa's stuff could be shrill but I missed her when she wasn't squaring up to Angela.
I have a more private question concerning Ana-Alicia. Ana appeared on social media in "full force" 3-4 years ago. She wrote back to fans on FB, on Insta and even got back to them privately. In a way, I suppose it was to arouse interest in her return to acting. When her mother died, I believe this ambition was no longer there and even her production company never did anything. Does anyone know if she´s ok and if she´s willing to "return" to "us" somehow? I believe that a number of stars of the show somehow retired from public life due to age and do not want to have them photographed because the "youth" is no longer there, but Ana looked great 3-4 years ago. Anyone?
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Season #8 should have been a battle between Melissa and Angela, with other family input.
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From what I know Ana's production company Quebrada Entertainment launched a new Latino short, in October 2018 and she was promoting / providing philanthropy to charitable causes late 2019, into early 2020. According to www.falconcrest.org Ana is keeping well. Their source was Karen Davis (FC set costumer) who heard this from Susan Sullivan.
Melissa sneaks into the mansion and manages to get up on a few steps of the stairs. However the sliding doors of the study open. In her nightgown the wine loving grandma Angela appears, to interrogate her grandson's wife, (a scene from season 2, 1982 - '83):
Angela: "Its almost midnight."
Melissa: "So it is. Hello Angela!"
Angela: "Where have you been, so late?"
Melissa: "I'm surprised you noticed my absence."
Angela: "Was Richard Channing with you?"
Melissa: "I had a business arrangement; just like Lance has those important business meetings, in the city."