With the Daytime Emmy Awards just a few days away, I decided to take on this final challenge!

Having to choose the best among the four daytime dramas I watch every day was daunting, to say the least. Had it not been for the narrowing of which episodes were submitted for review, I could have flipped a coin to make my selection.

However, after the release of the specific submission episodes, to the public, was revealed, the task was a bit less of a challenge — still a challenge nonetheless.

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Without further delay, here are my picks for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series…

No matter how I looked at it, there was no questioning the fact that I had to call it a tie!

The Bold and the Beautiful presented an outstanding and original story matched by no other soap opera as the audience witnessed Maya Avant revealing the truth of her birth gender to the love of her life, Rick Forrester. Expecting the worst, Maya soon learned her love was well placed as Rick demonstrated his unconditional love for her. As the episode played out, I found myself alternately teary and sitting on the edge of my seat watching a love story layout against the backdrop of Maya’s story becoming scandal fodder for Spencer Publications.

In addition, the follow-up episodes of Maya and Rick’s wedding truly had me holding my breath as Maya finally got the chance to confront her father, Julius, regarding his small-minded, bigoted attitude — a moment where we are witness to the seeds of a change for an entire family.

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General Hospital demonstrated a new level of creativity as well. The episode, filmed in significant periods of black and white, illustrating the recollection of days gone by, finally gave viewers the complete backstory of Luke Spencer. As Luke recalls the destruction of his childhood family, and the part he played, the audience truly feels they are getting glimpses of the past. Adding to the richness of this episode are the moments in General Hospital, remembering bygone days and beloved hospital staff.

The second episode submission, the Nutcracker Gala, along with every revelation of nearly every hidden secret kept fans glued to each new moment… especially the moment Patrick is reunited with his beloved Robin. Each scene built on the previous and was a roller coaster ride viewers enjoyed taking.

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Some may think a tie is the easy way out, but in this case, I think it’s warranted. Just as last year the NATAS voters, awarded a tie, I wouldn’t be completely surprised if they took the same step this year.

Now that the Daytime Emmys will be live-streamed via Periscope, I hope you have your chargers ready so you can watch the show live and see your favorites awarded their well-earned statuettes!