SUNSET BEACH is NBC's best soap. Unfortunately because it's not as big as Days, or outlandish as Passions, Sunset is suffering from a bad case of "middle-child syndrome."

Since being spared a turn on the chopping block (Another World, unfortunately, was axed), Sunset has been forging ahead with strong storytelling, a brisk pace and a plethora of strong performances. The show seems determined to prove it is a daytime force to be reckoned with. Since July, Sunset has been must-see TV. The Ricardo/Gabi/Antonio saga reached an apex when Ricardo suffered a stroke after viewing the infamous tape of Antonio and Gabi's lovemaking. Gregory, the Richards family patriarch, was revealed to be Francesca Vargas' killer. Tess and Tim orchestrated a scheme to break up Ben and Meg, and Sara and Casey that was a thrill to watch. And the Amy/Sean/Emily triangle finally heated. With all this excitement, the question is: Why is this "Jan Brady" of NBC consistently in the ratings basement?

The blame for Sunset's woes falls partially on NBC, which seems keen on packaging Days and Passions together, all but excluding Sunset. That seems very strange because, the last time I checked, Sunset was an NBC soap! Another blow is that since it's almost cancellation in July, and the reshuffling of the lineup for Passions, many affiliates have either dropped Sunset or placed it in a timeslot only a night owl could love. Also, with Sunset's future in doubt, many viewers have given up on it, not wanting to invest time in a something labeled a sinking ship.

Sunset is a show worth watching-and saving. Now is the time for first time viewers, and those who have given up prematurely, to tune in.