WATCH: AS THE WORLD TURNS Tribute to Nancy Hughes

AS THE WORLD TURNS paid tribute to Nancy Hughes today after it was revealed the character had died on Monday's episode. The show chose to not feature the funeral but focus on the aftermath with family and friends doing good deeds in Nancy's honor. It was an emotional day with many special flashbacks and a prayer with Helen Wagner's voice. There was even mention of Chris and Nancy's young daughter, Susan, that died before ATWT premiered. We also got scenes between Lucinda and John, Barbara and Lisa and Tom and Margo. It was hard not to cry while watching if you have watched this soap for a long time.

There were a number of things the show could have done better. Obviously with the time restrictions we were not going to get a three week tribute a la Alice Horton on DAYS OF OUR LIVES. But it would have been nice to see Nancy's children at least mentioned, especially the wonderful Rosemary Prinz as Penny. Patricia Bruder was sorely missed as Ellen. Like Bob and Kim's 25th anniversary party earlier this year, it was the best of what ATWT can be in 2010 but a shell of what made the show great in year's past when the entire cast would have been involved and the town would have come together like a real community to honor a local icon. It sort of summed up a driving reason why many think the show has failed in recent years. Nancy's death will have little or no impact on over half the canvas because characters and stories rarely intersect. This even occurred in today's episode with John showing up at his daughter Margo's house but not even talking to her. The show's 30th anniversary was one of the best episodes ever so showing that flashback reminds viewers what the show has become. Strangely the show ended with Katie and no "in memoriam" to Helen Wagner. The actress's rare appearances over the past decade have been spent (some might say wasted) on frivolous conversations with Katie so to the writers that relationship apparently was more important than the ones longtime fans might appreciate more.

But enough of the nitpicks. Wagner was a legendary actress and her long run may never be duplicated. How sad that she did not live to tape the final episode of AS THE WORLD TURNS. And despite my qualms I am truly grateful to ATWT for at least taking this day to celebrate Nancy Hughes. Let's hope her spirit will continue to impact as the final 11 episodes play out.

Watch today's AS THE WORLD TURNS below and let us know your thoughts.