Of all the rich material Susan Flannery has been given to play over the years, none was richer – or more powerful – than what she got in 1999. Last year Stephanie coped with trying to keep Brooke from getting her hands on another one of Stephanie’s sons, as well as the physical and emotional problems she developed as a result of her anguish. With Flannery, you can always tell what the character’s thinking, because it’s right there on her expressive face. From rage to terror to pain and finally happiness (when Stephanie and Eric remarried), Flannery nailed every moment realistically and smoothly. And with Flannery, that’s the key: It never looks like she’s acting.