"Soap" in Your Eyes

I've rarely watched Soap since its original 1977-81 run on ABC, but A.S. Berman's Soap: The Inside Story of the Sitcom That Broke All the Rules (BearManor Media) does an excellent job of reminding me why I liked this quirky, innovative show so much.

Highly controversial in its day, Soap could be not only hysterically funny but surprisingly touching, and had a thoroughbred cast brimming with stage-trained actors. Behind it all was creator Susan Harris, one of the most distinctive voices in television comedy.

Berman's book is impressively researched, drawing on substantive interviews with cast and crew members. His critique of the show candidly addresses its flaws, but also celebrates what it did best, while acknowledging the talent and drive that went into its creation. And the detailed episode guide will have you chuckling as you recall some of the show's best moments.

Soap is a show that well deserves a book-length tribute and assessment. A.S. Berman has delivered it.