If there's one thing about success in the entertainment business it's this: imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. That means if something is working on another show, steal or borrow the idea ASAP!

Soap operas are a classic example of this, frequently crafting plots in the mould of Ugly Betty, The Devil Wears Prada, 24 or just about anything else daytime dramas can adapt into a soap opera format.

The latest form of flattery will be on All My Children with the introduction of actress Beth Ehlers as a new character in Pine Valley, Lt. Taylor McBride, a U.S. Army vet who has recently been deployed in Iraq.

The idea comes from - that's right - Army Wives!

At least new All My Children writer Chuck Pratt admits it freely, telling TV Guide that "The story is certainly influenced by the success of Army Wives:

The goal is to present the kind of debate that's going on all over the country in a way that's entertaining and relatable and without taking sides."

Army Wives has certainly raised the bar when it comes to military families and the issues that the soldiers and their spouses confront.

Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.