Star of the Week

*wait patiently while the animation loads*

Soap Opera Magazine (4/21/98)

As AW's Jake McKinnon stood stoically in the courtroom awaiting his arraignment on charges of negligence in Shane's death, Vicky burst in, demanding to be heard. As Jake's emabattled eyes fell upon the vision of his beautiful, loving wife as she rushed to his defense, he couldn't help but be heartended by her devotion, knowing she would say or do nearly anything to free the man she loves.

And while Vicky's 11th hour siege upon the courtroom vindicated Jake, the price of freedom was devestating, as Vicky confessed that she was at the cabin with Shane when Jake phoned--confirming Jake's worst fears and crushing his heart in the process.

For rising to the occasion of those highly charged scenes, for unequivolical sincerity and for the craftsmanship that reminds us just what a pro he is, Soap Opera Magazine salutes Tom Eplin as Star Of The Week.

AW executive producer Charlotte Savitz was overwhelmed by Eplin's performance. "This probably the best work I've ever seen him do. First of all, it's wonderfully written and a fabulous situation; (Tom) hasn't had an opportunity to show all these sides of the character because we haven't had this kind of story until now. I think he's done stunning work throughout this"

Producer Scott Collishaw reveals that Eplin went through plenty of emotional trauma during the taping. "We do alot of segementing of shows. (Tom) had to play the aftermath of this big explosion before he did the actual explosion. It was very difficult, and he was very careful to plot it out. He had very strong emotional scenes (to play), but by the time he got to the courtroom scene, he knew what he had to do," says Collishaw.

And Eplin did deliver. "Tom has been one of our most treasured actors for years", praises Collishaw. "His work has always been exceptional. But this topped anything I've ever seen him do. He played so many levels at the same time: the pain of learning the truth, realizing Vicky had been lying to him all this time, the public humiliation of it--in front of everyone in an open courtroom.

"You could see the love in his face when he said, "Please say it isn't true", Collishaw continues. "That, then, turns into unspeakable rage; he just looks like he wants to tear her apart. And I'll give away a little secret. I had asked all of the people in the courtroom to remain standing throughout the scenes because I wanted the feeling of people frozen on their tracks," reveals Collishaw. "At one point Tom turned around, saw everyone standing and screamed, 'Oh you like the show you're seeing. Everybody sit down. Sit down!!' It was completely adlibbed."

Co-star and good friend Eric Morgan Stuart (Chris) can't say enough about Eplins work. "Tommy did a phenominal job in a scene that could have easily been a mess. He had to simultaneously show anger and compassion, and he did a wonderful job showing both".

The crew broke out into spontaneous applause after Eplin wrapped the scenes. Savitz adds, "Everyone had the same reaction. People were in tears; people were thrilled for him. I think Tom felt exhausted. It takes a great deal out of you emotionally and physically to give it your all, the way he does. That's one of the things that makes him so wonderful."



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