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Todd Manning

Revision as of 02:53, 1 May 2010 by Nk3play2 (talk | contribs) (→‎Relationship With Blair)
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Todd Manning
Todd Manning(main)
Trevor St. John as Todd Manning
One Life to Live
Portrayed by Roger Howarth
(1992–1995, 1996–1998, 2000–2003)
Trevor St. John
(2003-present)
First appearance December 1992
Created by Michael Malone
Profile
Nickname(s) Boomer
(by Sam Rappaport)
The Prince of Darkness
(by fans & press)
Aliases Thomas Manning
(full name)
Todd Lord
Gender Male
Born January 2, 1972 (1972-01-02) (age 52)[1]
Occupation Owner/Publisher of the Sun
Residence 437 Jackson Hill Road
Llanview, Pennsylvania
HowarthOLTL-Todd
Roger Howarth as Todd Manning


Thomas "Todd" Manning is a fictional character from the ABC daytime drama One Life to Live. Created by writer Michael Malone, the role was originated in 1992 by actor Roger Howarth. In 2003, Howarth departed from the series and the role was recast with actor Trevor St. John as Todd physically revised following plastic surgery.

Character History

Character creation

Todd Manning was originally intended to be a short-lived role. Howarth's portrayal of the character inspired notable fan reaction, which prompted the creators to layer Todd's personality and showcase him regularly within the series.[3][4][5] Michael Malone, the character's creator, said fleshing out the villain reminded him of what he loves about soap operas. "The story-telling is a genuine collaboration, not just among writers but by the actors," he said.[6] Malone felt he could not take full credit for the development of the character from Marty Saybrooke's gang rapist to what the character later became, and also noted Howarth's impact:

In the creation of Todd Manning, no one played a larger role than the remarkably talented Josh Griffith, first associate head writer, then co-head writer, during my stay at One Life. Josh loved, lived and breathed Todd and fought passionately for his position on the show. Second, Todd never would have evolved from 'first frat boy' to the major cast member he became without the powerful talent of Roger Howarth. Because of Roger's ability to convey the complexity of Todd (the hurt as well as anger, the insecurity as well as bluster, the brains, yearning, manipulativeness, sexiness, tenderness, nastiness) we were able to explore both the deeply dark side of this character (the effort to destroy Marty to cover the rape, the attempted revenge on his lawyer Nora, the attack on Luna) and at the same time slowly uncover his growing struggle (usually a failed struggle) towards some kind of redemption. Romantic leads have often begun their careers playing villains (Valentino, Clark Gable, Humphrey Bogart among them). These characters appeal because they make women feel both the thrill of the "bad" and the lure of the hidden "good": they can lead the man to change through love. "I'll save him!" Fans loved Todd from the beginning because he always had that appeal. The network was therefore happy to have him return to Llanview whenever Roger would come back, and happy to have him move into story in major ways.[6]

Malone originally scripted Todd as a serial rapist. During the 1993 rape storyline, it was "Todd canon" that he raped character Carol Swift a year or two before raping Marty, and was hinted by the series that he had raped other young women before Carol.[7] He is at first presented as age 18,[8] but is later stated to have been 20 at the time of the rape.[9] Since then, the character's age has been changed slightly or drastically based upon the occasional rapid aging of his children.

Malone gave the character the last name "Manning" without knowing Victor Lord’s mistress was named Irene Manning. This oversight is what allowed the writers to later reveal Todd as Tina and Victoria Lord's brother.[3][6] Todd was made Victoria's brother to give the writers more story to work with while transitioning Todd from a recurring character to a main character.[6] They felt they could begin with the mystery regarding the false heir, David Vickers, a con-man claiming Todd's fortune as his own, and have him corrupt Tina. Developing Todd not only as Victoria's unwanted sibling but as "her professional rival" who used "a splashy tabloid newspaper to wipe out her venerable Banner" appealed to Malone.[6]

Makeup

Signature scar and the hair

Toddscar

A makeup artist applying Todd's scar to Howarth; the scar stretched in a curve across the character's right cheek, and appeared a thin, medium red during its significantly healed version.

In mid 1993, the character was given a "nasty-looking" scar to his right cheek in order to make him seem even more menacing; the series showcased Marty's friend, Luna Moody, stopping his second physical attack on Marty by hitting him with a crowbar and scarring his face. The camera would often emphasize this scar, which would later become synonymous with the character.[4]

Independent casting director Howard Meltzer explained, "Todd wears the scar like a badge. It’s a warning to others: Don’t mess with me."[10] Meltzer felt that Howarth underplayed Todd; Todd did not have to rant to incite fear. "He gets a lot more from the raising of an eyebrow than raising the volume of his voice," Meltzer stated.[10] Todd's actions were mostly in response to the environment around him. Meltzer thanked Howarth's "expressiveness" for making it possible for viewers to see "the wheels turning".[10] The scar additionally served as a reminder to Todd, of his past villainy against Marty.[11] It was applied by glue, with a little makeup to make it look more authentic, and usually took 10 minutes to apply.[12]

Todd's hair was also integral to the character. It was described as "enigmatic, with an air of innate authority".[10] The hair was said to demonstrate Todd's lack of pretense and to convey an "I don’t care" attitude, and compliment the character's "overhanging brow". Todd would therefore seem more threatening but vulnerable at the same time.[10] The hair often concealed the "intense, vulnerable eyes underneath".[10] These features contrasted well to the character's mouth, which was cited as pouty and sensual and conferring "a charming, boyish quality". These attributes could sometimes be misinterpreted as Todd being less dangerous than he actually was.[10] Photographer Robert Milazzo said that the hair was the softening part of the character, as portrayed by Howarth. "You don’t expect that intensity because of it," he said, and that it made Todd more intriguing.[10]

In November 2008, Todd was given a new "scar" to go along with his new face. Given to him by character John McBain during a physical altercation in which John beats Todd with a gun, the "scar" was to symbolize Todd's "second rape of Marty" and past history with her.[11] The cut was significantly smaller than the original but placed in the same spot. Despite the cut being viewed as "a poetic nod" to Todd's history, it was gone by January 2009. St. John stated, "I know. It’s too bad. I honestly have no idea why they wouldn’t keep that reminder on Todd’s face. It might be an economical thing. You know it costs to apply that kind of makeup each day."[11]

Music

Todd's theme and related cues

Powerfully dark theme music was applied to assist Todd's volatile nature.[13][14] Referred to as "Todd's theme" by producers and fans of the series, and consisting of ominous low chords, it usually served to signal to viewers that, whenever played, Todd was about to commit a vicious, dangerous, or threatening act.[13][15] This was especially evident in Howarth's portrayal, and continued during St. John's early portrayal.

The original creator of Todd's theme music, composer David Nichtern, said he loved Todd and enjoyed implementing the different versions of the Todd theme.[14] While describing Todd's "return from the dead" music (a prominent event at the time),[14] first played in 1996, Nichtern addressed the broader aspect of his music composition for the character:

All of Todd's music has had a certain 'vibe' to it, especially since the character is so well-drawn. It also has seemed particularly well-suited to my guitar style, so I've enjoyed 'becoming' Todd musically. The key is always to represent his dark side, but with the possibility of redemption and power behind the whole thing. That's what makes him such an interesting character. Todd's cues are always custom-made so to speak, so there is energy and attention going toward getting the exact flavor of what the current story-line is saying about his journey.[14]

Three primary musical themes assisted Todd's evolution: The original Todd theme, from 1993 to 1996, encompassed Todd's rape of Marty and his early misdeeds; the second theme was repeatedly heard in 1998 and 2000; and the third theme was first heard in 2001. The 1993 Marty rape sequence "was scored almost entirely with popular rock songs".[15] During the lead-up to the rape, described as "chilling" while the fraternity party is going on, "the hard edged songs playing at low volume in the background [intensify] the underlying tense, aggressive atmosphere".[15] When Todd reaches his turning point and makes the decision to rape Marty, "the song being played ('Head Like a Hole') [is] brought up to a louder volume" and the lyrics are clear: "I'd rather die/Than give you control."[15] This allows Todd's motivation for the rape to significantly register with viewers through the use of background music.[15]

Additional musical themes for Todd have been his "minous chords" while stalking Nora Gannon in 1993 following her contribution to his jail sentence, his romance with Rebecca Lewis in 1994, where a sweeping romantic theme with tragic undertones are heard and "sometimes interspersed" with the former ominous music, his rescue of Marty along with two children, and the Todd and Téa romance.[14][15] In mid 1994, when Todd rescues Marty and two children from a car crash, "his change of heart [is] reflected by a change in music".[15] His dominant theme then becomes "a tuneful, forward moving piece".[15] This theme is used regularly throughout Todd's 1994 redemption storyline and later when he becomes the Lord heir (1995).[15] In August 1996, when Todd "returns from the dead" after several months of absence, the "on-edge, demented sound, by which we [are told] that Todd [has] once again undergone a psychological change, this time for the worse" is introduced; the theme first assists Todd's emotional breakdown and revenge scheme[16][17] upon discovering wife Blair Cramer having sex with character Patrick Thornhart.[15]

Casting and portrayals

Roger Howarth

File:Roger Howarth as Todd Manning.jpg

Howarth as a young Todd Manning, dressed in a variation of Todd's grunge and "Salvation Army-like" clothing style.[18] The apparel was used for Todd's 1994 stalking of character Nora Gannon.[19]

Malone credited Howarth's versatility as the reason he was cast as Todd and as one of the contributing factors for the character's subsequent complexity.[6] During a February 2, 1993 interview with magazine Soap Opera Digest, Howarth stated he was surprised he won the part. "I really don't know how I made it," he said.[20] He met a One Life to Live casting director two years before acquiring the role when he was in a New York play.[20] When he heard about the opening on the show, he "auditioned just like everybody else".[20] Howarth said, "I made it to callbacks, and I got the part."[20] During an August 10, 1993 interview with Soap Opera Weekly, he grimaced as he was read a quote from the February 1993 interview.[21] He previously stated, "I was happy to get the part of Todd, but it was the furthest thing from the fabric of my personality." Howarth responded to hearing this quote by saying, "What a totally self-involved, pretentious thing to say."[21] He clarified, "When it comes to creating a character for a soap opera, they have to go with an archetype, one that's recognizable. The one they created with Todd is that he's privileged and very rich." Howarth said, "My upbringing was not like that at all. Status is really important to the characters I seem to be playing. To me, Roger, I don't think it's that important."[21][22]

Howarth was consistently cast as a bad guy,[21][20] and said he did not know why but loved it. He decided that he "would never want to come in now and play a nice guy for three months" and that the bad-boy persona fit him well.[21] He felt that playing nice would be "dreadfully" boring, but that it was just as easy to portray a bad guy as to portray a good guy.[21] He said the key to understanding Todd is Todd's concern for how he is perceived by people. "I don't think Todd's obnoxious, and I can't try to play obnoxious. It's so important to him to think he looks good to others," said Howarth. "He's able to mistreat people, which in turn pumps him up. He doesn't appear to the world to be vulnerable in any way. His defense mechanisms have spun out of control."[21]

Howarth spoke of what he viewed as the complexity behind Todd raping Marty. "Todd was in love with Marty," said Howarth.[21] Though Todd and Marty initially have a one-night stand, she rejects his later romantic advances; this begins to upset Todd and eventually starts to fester. Todd failing an exam only adds to his frustration because everything "had always come so easy to him".[21] Rather than admitting that he himself is the reason for failing his exam, he blames Marty; it has to be his tutor's fault. Todd subsequently tries to cast all of his problems off on Marty.[21]

In an April 5, 1994 interview to magazine Soap Opera Update, Howarth commented on Todd's clothing style. This was before Todd's wardrobe would eventually be regulated to mostly "suit-wear". Todd would dress in expensive grunge, Salvation Army-like "rags".[18] Howarth described Todd's "suit-wear" as "all Ralph Lauren. Double R.L. 80 dollar pants and a 400-and-something-dollar jacket".[18] At the time, the clothing was the only thing he admired about the character,[18] and found it disturbing that people could romantically desire a character he considered unhealthy. "I don't get it," he said. "I don't want to insult anybody, but I don't know why he's attractive."[18] Though the interviewer concluded that Howarth's own good looks may have contributed to the character's attractiveness, Howarth surmised that, for some reason, skinny white guys were in demand.[18]

Howarth was perplexed by writers who feel villains need to be redeemed. "Todd's a pretty interesting character just the way he is," said Howarth. "There's no need to fix it if it's not broken. I don't know where the whole notion of redeeming characters comes from. People used to say to me, 'I hope you get redeemed so you can stay on the show.' Well, Todd hasn't been redeemed, and he's still on the show."[23] Howarth continued, "I don't love the character I play. If I met Todd on the street, I wouldn't say 'Hi' to him, but I do love playing this character."[23]

Asked about Todd's future, in a 1994 interview months later, Howarth said that he had no predictions about what was going to happen to the character, but that he would be happy portraying Todd regardless.[24] He did, however, have concerns about what direction the writers might take Todd. "I've been lucky because Todd's done a lot of things and he's gotten the chance to show different parts of his personality," said Howarth. "He's not one-dimensional. We've covered many things and I'm not sure what's left to do, but I hope they just don't compromise Todd. I just want him to stay the jerk that everyone loves!"[24]

During Howarth's portrayal, the writers detailed Todd's personality as a blend of dark humor, uncouth behavior, and the essence of a tortured soul. The character would often deliver one-liners that ranged from humorous to sadistic.[25][26][27][28][29][30][31] In 1997 and 1998, he is given comedic partners to sometimes help emphasize this aspect. The first addition is Charlie Briggs, portrayed by actor Robert J. Hogan. Hogan was first seen as Briggs in 1995; he is working for rival company The Banner before Todd "[steals] him away". Hogan said, "Briggs had been on the show for 17 years, but they never showed him."[25]

Similar to comedy teams, where the "funny guy" usually has a "straight man" who either sets up the joke or simply does not understand it, Briggs was Todd's "straight man".[25] An element the writers added was Todd's inability to sometimes realize that the joke was about him.[25] Scenes between Todd and Briggs typically involved Todd issuing "some bizarre order" to Briggs, or Todd asking Briggs a "way-out question" that was often "way out of line".[25] During these scenes, the script would sometimes have Briggs respond with a "stupefied look" on his face.[25] Though Briggs appeared lost at some of Todd's comments, Hogan felt that Briggs was "more than a match" for Todd. "You look at a kid yelling at you," he said, "and you can't take him seriously."[25]

Todd's second comedic pairing becomes his friendship with a parrot he names Moose; the bird was portrayed by two South American blue and gold Macaws named Flash and Lucky.[32] Part of Todd's character trait within the story is that he is closest to this bird than to most humans.[32] He tells his private thoughts and secrets to Moose, which puts the character in direct conflict with Todd's then-wife Téa Delgado.[32] Actress Florencia Lozano, Téa's portrayer, clarified: "My character, um, has a very adversarial relationship with the bird. Um...it's sort of jealous of me, I'm jealous of the bird. We're both trying to get close to Todd."[32]

File:Roger Howarth with Todd's pet bird Moose.jpg

Howarth on set with Todd's pet parrot Moose.

In addition to Moose and Téa's antagonistic relationship, the storyline involves the bird issuing insults or "funny" remarks to anyone causing problems for Todd. The parrots' awareness of the real world as compared to the fictional world helped them to connect with the actors and better achieve comedic timing.[32] Parrot trainer Ed Richman, explained, "The character of Todd would be yelling or screaming or somebody else would be yelling or screaming... Uh...the birds kind of know in their hearts, inside of them, that it's not real."[32]

Richman had been working with Flash and Lucky for fifteen years, and the birds had developed an "impressive résumé", having appeared on shows such as Magnum, P.I. and Jake and the Fatman, which eventually led them to One Live to Live as Todd's pet parrot.[32] Richman stated that Howarth caught on "real quick" regarding his interaction with Flash and Lucky and that he was the best actor he had worked with in the industry.[32]

To achieve different personality moods for Moose, the producers would trade parrots; Flash was used for intimidating scenes where it looked like he "was going to kill somebody", and Lucky was used for the "loving, very caring", physically close portrayal of Moose.[32] The parrots did not actually speak themselves; voice actor Ron Gallop was used to deliver the verbal aspects of the character. Gallop joked, "I train them not to speak so that I have a job."[32] Lozano recalled, "I've had monologues with them and, you know...just like any other kind of — acting with anyone else or anything else — you take it off of the bird or the person. And, um, obviously, the birds are really good actors because — they're just being honest."[32]

Other characteristics defining Todd were the character's eating habits, his nightmares, and issues with sexual intimacy. The character typically ate with his bare hands, while usually refusing to use silverware.[33] Within the story, Téa is at times determined to teach Todd proper table manners. Todd is aware of proper table etiquette, but prefers not to acknowledge this.[33] Téa is also there to help console him about his nightmares, and wants him to open up about them.[34] Todd's nightmares were designed as a look into his "soul" and personality; they are the driving factor behind him hardly resting. Rare for him to discuss the matter, he eventually opens up to Téa about them.[34][17]

Todd's vocalized resistance to sexual intimacy stemmed from his horrific past misdeeds and romantic past with Blair Cramer.[17] In addition to his mental anguish for having raped Marty, he had become bitter after surviving a near-death experience and being presumed dead in 1995. Upon his return in 1996, he discovers Blair on the floor of their penthouse having sex with Patrick Thornhart, which causes him to "shut down" emotionally and to seek revenge against the two.[16][17] Todd subsequently limits his emotional affection to his daughter, his sister and occasionally to children. The writers often emphasized Todd's fear of sexual intimacy by making this a prominent obstacle for Todd and Téa's relationship. At one point within the series, Téa is shown to strip down naked in front of Todd and plead for him to make love to her. In response, Todd angrily throws her out into the cold — a rejection more about not being ready for human closeness of this nature again than a genuine rejection of Téa.[35] Todd having been raped at age 14 by his adoptive father was suggested by the series and seen as a possible cause for his low libido.[36][37] The character later renews his interest in sex when romantically reunited with Blair, but at the time remains ambivalent towards sexual interaction.

The two essential components completing Todd's personality are his cleverness and use of weaponry (such as bombs and guns). Howarth's portrayal showcased the character consistently out-smarting police, family and anyone he targeted, sometimes with weapons. In one storyline, he fakes split personalities in order to avoid a life sentence in prison for holding 14 people hostage; he had used fake dynamite because he knew he would be able incite fear without the real version.[38] He was scripted to always remain one step ahead of his enemies.[38]

Trevor St. John

File:Trevor St. John as Todd, Main.jpg

St. John as Todd Manning after Todd's plastic surgery; the hair was initially regulated close to shoulder length in order to resemble Howarth's 2000–2003 version of the character.[39]

In May 2003, months following Howarth's departure from the series, the character was recast. Actor Trevor St. John stepped into the role. However, it was not yet determined that the character he was portraying was Todd until August of that year. St. John initially took the role of Walker Laurence, while exhibiting uncanny similarities to Todd. Eventually, the audience started to notice, which created suspicion throughout the soap opera community regarding Walker's identity.[40] Magazine TV Guide soon realized the matter, and set up an interview with St. John. Wanting to immediately address the question, Delaina Dixon of the magazine bluntly asked St. John if his character was Todd. St. John replied, "I don't look anything like Todd." Further pressed and asked if maybe he was Todd but with plastic surgery, St. John still did not answer directly. "He had a different voice and height," he said. The interviewer noted that anything is possible in the soap opera world. St. John agreed, but informed that the audience would definitively know on August 26, 2003, and that they should keep watching.[41]

As suspected, Walker was eventually revealed to be Todd; Todd had received plastic surgery. He had been severely beaten to the point of disfigurement during a murder attempt on his life ordered by Mitch Laurence. While recovering in the hospital, Todd conducts research and learns that Mitch has a brother named Walker (also portrayed by St. John), who goes by the name Flynn Laurence. Todd pays Flynn for information on Mitch, and has extensive plastic surgery in order to physically resemble Flynn and get revenge on (as well as protect his family from) Mitch.[42]

Malone stated, "During my second stint at One Life, I had to decide whether or not I should recast Todd."[3] Malone said that the series could not let Todd leave the canvas.[3] "There was a committee involved in this recast," he said, "but during [St. John’s] audition, which was extraordinary, we all agreed he was Todd. And that unanimous decision is very rare in this business, as you know. It was a risky choice, but he really made it work."[3] Malone said he felt St. John made the character his own.[3]

St. John did not know that Malone and executives were considering him as Todd, but he said that there was no strategy in his performance as the character once he won the role.[11] "I feel the moment is by far the most interesting thing, and the only thing worth exploring. I think what you’re seeing is a non-interpretive performance," he said. "Todd is already written on the page, so it’s my job to bring him to life in that moment. The answer is in the question. I don’t think in terms of evilness, goodness or vulnerability. This is the line, and this is how I feel, so I act it without analyzing it to death."[11] St. John said that he prefers the audience to interpret the character. He said teachers do not teach actors that in acting class.[11] "Teachers tell you to interpret the character," he said.[11] "I disagree. A character exists irrespective of how an actor plays the role. I know it’s an unusual way to approach acting."[11]

When asked if he watched Howarth's work as Todd before portraying the character, St. John said, "They wanted me to watch about 15 episodes because the producers expected me to play Todd like [Howarth]. This was before I started shooting. I watched two episodes but I never tried to mimic [Howarth's] style."[11] St. John said, "As an actor, that’s ridiculous. I needed to get a sense of who Todd was first, and that has to happen organically. I don’t care if Marlon Brando played the role before me. An actor shoots himself in the foot when you try to play a part like another actor. It’s awful — and very limiting and very uncreative."[11]

Analyzing Todd, St. John felt that it was nice to step into the role and have instant concrete relationships: "There was so much history with Todd. I became a core character. It was grounding. I could look at old scripts and ask people, 'What was your relationship with Todd like?' Whereas with Walker, no one knew." St. John said this is what acting is all about — "your relationship to people when you figure out how to play a scene".[43]

Regarding Todd's style, St. John focused more on the character's hair. He told magazine Soap Opera Weekly that he wanted a haircut. He hoped that the show's writers and producers would let him trim off a little of it. "It's just not me to be this shaggy. Right now it's OK, because I've made the creative choice that I'm letting myself go because [Todd's] not really right in the old noggin," he said. "They asked me to leave it alone until further notice. I even gained a little weight so it looks like I'm not thinking about appearance. But personally, I'd like to be a little cleaner."[39]

Due to the praise Howarth received for his portrayal of the character, as well as the length of his portrayal, it became inevitable that viewers and the soap opera media would start to compare St. John's performance as the villain to Howarth's. They wondered how Howarth might have acted out certain scenes and recited certain lines. St. John replied: Template:Blockquote

St. John acknowledged the love/hate relationship that viewers have with Todd, but commented on how this factor keeps the character from becoming boring.[44] "It’s fun," he stated, "bad guys are always the most popular, I think." St. John felt that likeability is unnecessary. "I think empathy is what people respond to. If you understand a person, the person can do whatever unlikable act, and you’ll still be rooting for him," he said.[44] He added, "And Todd’s kind of both good and bad. He’s got his good side with his kids, and yet he is conniving and vicious and all those negative things. That’s the kind of character that people like to watch. No one likes to watch a monolith of niceness. The worst thing a writer could do is make a character nice, period. Or likeable."[44]

St. John said that Todd is capable of anything, in his opinion. "When people ask: 'Would Todd ever kill anyone or hit Starr or Blair,' I always answer, 'sure.' If I say no, then I’m limiting the character," he stated.[11] "Todd is a marvelous character to play because he could commit genocide, or find a cure for AIDS. He’s full of possibilities — good and bad." St. John said, "Who knows what someone is truly capable of? Who’s to say that Todd isn’t attracted to one of Starr’s friends, or Starr herself, even? What if Todd wants to kill Viki in one moment? See, as an actor that always gives you conflict to play — and that subtext enriches a performance."[11]

Storylines

Rape of Marty

Todd first appears in Llanview in December 1992 as one of Kevin Buchanan's college fraternity brothers. Kevin's then girlfriend, Rachel Gannon doesn't really take a liking to him. To make matters worse, Todd began making sly and underhanded comments about Kevin & Rachel's interracial relationship. Todd would seek local rich girl, Marty Saybrooke's help when he needed to pass a major exam to remain on the football team. The two slept together after only two days but Marty expected something more and Todd rejected her. Though upset, she continues to tutor him. Coincedentally, Todd fails the test and is kicked of the team; he vows revenge on Marty. When Marty attended the Spring Fling with Kevin, she got so drunk that she ended up embarrasing Todd infront of a crowd of people. Marty got so drunk that she could barely stand, so Kevin took her to his room so she could sleep it off. In a rage, Todd recruited Zach Rosen and Powell Lord and led them up to Kevin's room, where they gangraped Marty. Marty reported the rape, and all three along with Kevin (who Marty believed had participated, but later dropped the charges) were arrested. The lawyer for the three was Nora Hanen, Rachel's mom. She believed strongly that Todd was telling the truth when he said the sex was mutual. But, another woman Carol Swift revealed that Todd had raped her also. Disgusted, Nora attempted to drop the case but the judge wouldn't allow it. Nora concluded her defense (or really prosecution) by delivering an arguement damning Todd, Zach & Powell. Thought it was declared a mistrial, Todd continued to harass Marty out of anger. Todd was caught harassing Marty again, by Luna Moody and she hit him with a led pipe. Todd was left with a permanent scar and he was temporarily death in one ear. While recovering, Todd was visited by estranged father, Peter Manning. Peter told Todd he was disgusted with him and disowned him. Todd was later tricked into confessing to the rape during a confrontation with Marty. Todd, Powell ^ Zach were then sent to prison. Todd plotted revenge against Marty, as well as Nora & Powell (who had accidentally confessed to Marty earlier). He met Rebecca Lewis, Powell's girlfriend. When he escaped, he kidnapped Rebecca with Police Commsioner, Bo Buchanan & Powell hot on his trail. After a struggle over a gun, Todd was shot and fell into a river with everyone assuming he was dead. Todd was later revealed to be alive and hiding out at Llanfair. All was going well until he was discovered by young C. J. & Sarah Roberts. They bought his story and began sneaking him food. Later, while on the run again, Todd saved Marty, Viki's daughter Jessica Buchanan and C.J. after their car crashed. Todd tried to get away, but he was shot by Bo and taken into custody. Todd was eventually granted a full pardon and released from jail. After gaining his freedom once and for all, Todd is once again threatened with prison when a serial rapest goes on the loose in Llanview. Todd does some independent instegating and finds out that Powell (who has seemingly suffered a psychotic trauma) is the one raping people. After almost being killed by Powell, Todd makes a heart felt apology to Marty for the rape.

The Secret Lord

Todd later learned that Peter was on his death bed. It was a bitter sweet goodbye to the man who had abused and neglected him. Upon Peter's death, Todd gets acess to the old letters of his mother, Barbara which reveal that he was adopted. David Vickers & Dorian Lord discover that Todd is the longlost son of Victor Lord & Irene Manning and he's worth more $30 million. He then inherits his money, and buys The Intruder from Dorian renaming it The Sun. Meanwhile, Todd begins developing strong feelings for Dorian's niece, Blair Cramer who is supposedly pregnant with his child. Todd discovers that she was lying but they eventually reconcile and marry in 1995.

Relationship With Blair

Todd later has her fake a pregnancy but it turns out that Blair is really pregnant. After they get married, Blair is attacked and suffers a miscarriage. Todd later learns that she wasn't pregnant when they got married and she didn't get pregnant until their wedding night. The marriage is annulled but they reconcile and get married again. Todd later goes to Ireland to bring back Marty, but he is shot by someone who is looking for Patrick Thornhart. Todd is thought to have died until he resurfaces months later and witnesses Blair & Todd having sex. He is so angry that he kidnapps Starr but brings her back. He makes plans to frame Patrick for blowing up Guy Armitage's yatch, but his plan backfires and Guy ends up dead and Patrick is out of town at the time.

Enter Tea Delgado

In an effort to get custody of Starr, Todd marries his lawyer, Téa Delgado and they win Starr. Though it was just business at first, Todd & Téa eventually fall in love. Todd hires Blair to work for him again and to frame Bo Buchanan for the murder of Georgie Phillips. When all the evidence starts pointing towards him, Todd kidnapps everyone involved in the murder case in hopes of making the real killer confess. Rachel finally confesses to Georgie's murder and Todd & Téa run off together. Todd hits Téa but she gets him arrested. Todd later confesses to Sam Rappaport that he was molested as a child. Todd goes into a coma-like state and when he awakens, appears to be suffering from multiple personality dissorder like his sister Viki. "Tom" is gentle and has much more self-control and is determined to have another chance with Téa.

References

  1. ↑ Todd was stated to be 20 years of age when he raped Marty Saybrooke in 1993. He also celebrates his birthday on January 2, 1998.
  2. ↑ At the time, Todd was thought to have died and he was posing as Walker Laurence.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Branco, Nelson (2008-10-01). "Shame and Prejudice: Mishandling sin on ‘OLTL’". TV Guide. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Jennifer Hayward (1997). "Case Study: Redeeming the rapist". Consuming Pleasures: Active Audiences and Serial Fictions from Dickens to Soap Opera. University Press of Kentucky. pp. 174–183. ISBN 081312025X. 
  5. ↑ Gerry Waggett (2008). One Life to Live 40th Anniversary Trivia Book, The: A Fun, Fact-Filled, Everything-You-Want-to-Know-Guide to Your Favorite Soap!. Hyperion, 2008. pp. 272 pages. ISBN 140132309X, 9781401323097. http://books.google.com/books?id=FxIAmjBPZCQC&pg=PA27&dq=Todd+Manning+rape&output=html&cd=4. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 Michael Malone gave detailed interviews to website magnifmalonian. "Malone Q & A". magnifmalonian. http://members.tripod.com/magnifmalonian/id30.htm#__1. Retrieved 2007-08-26. 
  7. ↑ Sloane Gaylin, Alison (1995-10-24). "Roger and Out". Soap Opera Digest. 
  8. ↑ "Special Section: Where would soaps be without the bad boys and vixens that cause turmoil?". Soap Opera Update. 2001-07-31. p. 38. 
  9. ↑ In the September 23, 2008 episode, Todd tells Marty Saybrooke that he had been 20 years old when they had their first romantic encounter, before the rape.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7 "Daytime's Most Fascinating Faces". Soap Opera Magazine. 1998-02-24. 
  11. ↑ 11.00 11.01 11.02 11.03 11.04 11.05 11.06 11.07 11.08 11.09 11.10 11.11 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named TvGuiDe.com
  12. ↑ "Male Soap Opera Stars". Phil Donahue Show. 1994-05-17. 
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Paul Glass and another producer explain that 90% of the music that airs is custom written for the show. They try to select music that is suitable for the situation, and that the characters might actually play."The Music Directors". Soap Opera Digest. 1997-06-10. pp. 60–61. 
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 In 1998, David Nichtern gave an exclusive interview via e-mail regarding his music compositions for One Life to Live. Harris, Marg (November 1998). "Making Music: Interview With OLTL Composer David Nichtern (Part I)". http://web.archive.org/web/20061028091811/http://www.geocities.com/~onelifer/nichtern1.html. Retrieved 2007-08-26. 
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 15.5 15.6 15.7 15.8 15.9 Harris, Marg. One Life to Live music history compiled over the years through numerous interviews and emails with show producers (to 1999). Retrieved on 2009-07-14.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 The soap press and then viewers have referred to the character this way. "Prince of darkness returns". About.com. 2000-06-01. http://onelifetolive.about.com/library/weekly/aa060100b.htm. Retrieved 2008-07-20. 
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 "Todd Finds True Love – With His Wife! (Téa)". Daytime Digest . October 1998. 
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 18.4 18.5 "Roger Howarth—The Other Side of Evil". Soap Opera Update. 1994-04-05. 
  19. ↑ "Todd Manning 101: 1994". SOAPnet. http://sn.soapnet.go.com/galleries/todd-manning-101?page=5. Retrieved 2009-07-18. 
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 20.4 "Loving's ex-frat boy pledges OLTL". Soap Opera Digest. 1993-02-02. 
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 21.4 21.5 21.6 21.7 21.8 21.9 "August 1993 Roger Howarth interview". Soap Opera Weekly. 1993-08-10. 
  22. ↑ "Roger Howarth (Paul, ATWT)". Soap Opera Digest. http://www.soapoperadigest.com/soapstarstats/rogerhowarthbio/. Retrieved 2008-07-24. 
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 "October 1994 Roger Howarth interview". Soap Opera Magazine. October 1994. 
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 "1994 Roger Howarth interview". Soap Opera Digest. Late 1994. 
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 25.3 25.4 25.5 25.6 S. Keene, Irene (1998). "BASKING IN THE SUN: As OLTL's Briggs, Robert Hogan remains cool under Todd's fire". Soap Opera Weekly. 
  26. ↑ Todd to Officer Andy Harrison, after Todd is a suspect in the attempted rape of Rebecca: "You got it, Babe. You guys wouldn't know the truth if it jumped up and bit you in the badge." One Life to Live (1994). Retrieved on 2008-07-22.
  27. ↑ Todd to Bo Buchanan, after being recaptured at the dance, when Bo asks Todd if there is anything they can get for him: "Yeah, I'm gonna need your address, so I can send you a Christmas card." One Life to Live (1994). Retrieved on 2008-07-22.
  28. ↑ Todd to Victoria Lord: "It's amazing that you came out to be half-way normal. I mean, my life is totally screwed up, and Tina... WoHoa! She doesn't exactly have it all together." One Life to Live (1995). Retrieved on 2008-07-25.
  29. ↑ Todd to Victoria Lord, when she suggests that he see her shrink, after his return from Ireland: "Look, you wanna be the poster child for the American Psychiatric Association, you go ahead... Me? I'll get a bottle of scotch and save a hundred bucks." One Life to Live (1996). Retrieved on 2008-07-22.
  30. ↑ Todd to Marty Saybrooke, after his "return from the dead" and Ireland, when she asks him how he is back: "Beats the hell out of me....I guess when really bad people die, they go to Llanview." One Life to Live (1996). Retrieved on 2008-07-22.
  31. ↑ Todd to Lindsay Rappaport as he is the child-like split personality "Tom" after Victoria Lord asks him if he knows Lindsay: "Yeah, sure...Sam's ex-wife! And I know why Coach left you, too! 'Cause you're a meany! You're nasty!" One Life to Live (1998). Retrieved on 2008-07-25.
  32. ↑ 32.00 32.01 32.02 32.03 32.04 32.05 32.06 32.07 32.08 32.09 32.10 "Amazing Tails". Animal Planet. 1997. 
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 "OLTL Todd & Tea 1998: Dinner At The Sun". One Life to Live. 1998. 
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 "Todd and Téa Sleep Together". Soap Opera Weekly. 98-04-07. 
  35. ↑ Todd and Téa: Todd kicks Téa out into the cold, One Life to Live (1998-02-04). Retrieved on 2008-07-24.
  36. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named news.movieretriever.com
  37. ↑ [[Sam Rappaport (One Life to Live)|]] and Victoria Lord discuss Peter Manning's likely rape of Todd on Todd's fourteenth birthday. This is further discussed throughout the year. One Life to Live (1998).
  38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 "THE YEAR IN SOAPS! THE BEST OF '98 PLUS PREVIEW '99". Soap Opera Update. 1998. 
  39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 "What is your beauty/fashion/health resolution?". Soap Opera Weekly. 2003-12-30. 
  40. ↑ Kroll, Dan J (2003-07-27). "Michael Easton To Join OLTL Cast". SoapCentral.com. http://www.soapcentral.com/oltl/news/2003/0728-easton.php. Retrieved 2007-08-28. 
  41. ↑ Dixon, Delaina. "Interview: Trevor St. John – Walker Laurence, One Life to Live". TV Guide. http://www.trevorstjohn.com/interviews2.html. Retrieved 2007-08-26. 
  42. ↑ "Todd Manning biography". ABC.com. http://a.abc.com/daytime/onelifetolive/bios/todd_manning.html. Retrieved 2009-07-21. 
  43. ↑ "Far from the Manning crowd". Soap Opera Weekly. 2004-01-17. http://soapoperadigest.com/soapstarstats/trevorstjohnbio/index1.html. Retrieved 2007-08-26. 
  44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 44.2 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named www.tulsaworld.com
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