The Best of 'One Life to Live' in 2011

If you still can't quite conceive of a television landscape that doesn't include "One Life To Live," you're not alone. Arguably the best soap on the air will fade into the history books come January 13, but before we go, let's celebrate the best Llanview had to offer in 2011.

Best Storyline: The Two Todds
This wasn't just the best storyline on "One Life To Live," it was the best story on soaps, period. The Tale of Two Todds was just classic soap at its best. Trevor St. John had done what was thought to be the impossible: step into the gargantuan shoes of Emmy-winning icon, Roger Howarth, to play the pivotal role of Todd Manning. St. John made the role his own in short order, infusing the character with his own unique blend of comedy and pathos.

Alas, in 2011, the show lured Howarth back and suddenly we were torn between which Todd was which. The twists and turns on this one were as relentless as a roller coaster, as we tried to untangle matching DNA tests, shared memories and the surprise resurrection of the Madwoman of Llanview, Irene Manning (Barbara Rhoades). By bringing Howarth back, the show even managed to right the wrong of Marty (Susan Haskell) sleeping with Todd. Thank goodness. As farfetched as it all was, the execution of this gripping tale was near-flawless (did St. John's Todd really have to be killed off?) and propelled "One Life To Live" up the ratings ladder, further begging the question, why did ABC cancel it?

Best Return: Tina and Cord
You can't always go home again, as some much ballyhooed returns often fall flat (see Gina Tognoni as Kelly Cramer). "One Life to Live" hit a homerun with original troublemaker, Tina Lord, and her exasperated soul mate, Cord Buchanan (Andrea Evans and John Loprieno) coming home to roost. Cord and Tina were one of the shows biggest supercouples and had the appropriately angsty storylines to support their popularity. This time around, Cord had managed to resist his ex-wife's overtures, but Tina's patented wide-eyed wiggle was too much to ignore. Through carefully planned flashbacks and bevy of folks who knew before they did they'd reunite, Cord and Tina reminded us why we loved them so much. The couple gave into fate and remarried for good, giving their story a proper ending. The chemistry between Evans and Loprieno was as fresh as it was in the 80's and their resulting reunion was sweet and heat rolled into one deliciously romantic package.

Best Special Episode: Erika Slezak's 40^th Anniversary
Not that you would have known it, given the non-existent promotion ABC put behind it, but "One Life to Live" penned a tour de force episode to celebrate Slezak's 40-year tour through Llanview. Though she wasn't Vicki's original portrayer (that honor goes to Gillian Spencer, ex-Daisy, "All My Children") Slezak IS Vicki. The Leading Lady of Llanview's confrontation with her two most potent alters, Nikki Smith and Jean Randolph and her struggle to gain control over them, showcased why Slezak is considered one of the genre's finest performers and the recipient of a record-setting six Daytime Emmys for Outstanding Lead Actress. Unlike most "special episodes" on soaps, this one didn't rely on gimmicks, forced flashbacks or over-the-top effects. Rather, it focused on good writing and allowed its featured star to do what she does best.

Best Exit: Mayor Lord Goes to Washington
Though Robin Strasser's Dorian hadn't been given much to do over the past few years, when it came time for her to leave Llanview for some trumped up job in Washington, it was riveting nonetheless. Why? Because the show wisely focused Strasser's last days on one last gathering of the formidable Cramer Women and more importantly, had her play her final scenes with Slezak. Although Viki and Dorian have about a million marriages between them, arguably their greatest pairing has always been with each other. They've fought over men, money, houses, even the Lord name and there's never been a false note between them. After getting trapped together one last time in Mayor Lord's office, the two longtime adversaries admitted begrudging respect, yet acknowledged their "frenemy" status. Though more enemy than friend, this ending was capped off with a treasure trove of classic flashbacks relieving their greatest moments. Thank you "One Life To Live" for such a classy send-off for such a beloved character and performer.

Best Couple: Tea and Shaun
While they aren't romantic partners, Tea and Shaun (Florencia Lozano and Sean Ringgold) are hands down the best couple in Llanview, proving you don't have hit the sheets to have great chemistry. Shaun has nothing but the utmost respect for the Lady Lawyer, providing a shoulder to cry on as well as a menacing stare to anyone who even looks cross-eyed at Tea. Genuine friendships are a rarity in soaps, but Shaun and Tea show it's not only possible for soap citizens to form lasting bonds, but for men and women to be true pals as well.