If this offseason is any indicator, the Red Bulls will be trailing only General Hospital as the longest running soap opera on television today. In fact, as the franchise enters it’s 17th season, it looks like they may be more determined than ever to retain their title as Major League Soccer’s kings of drama.

There are so many emotional storylines taking shape that you can almost guarantee the standard seasonal format of high expectations, followed by disappointment, proceeded by a glimmer of hope, then ultimate collapse that has made this program such a melancholic addiction for years will hook in area soccer fans for yet another season of emotional tumult.

Want a sneak peak into the season to come? Check out our preview of the highly anticipated 17th year of everyone’s favorite soccer soap opera, “The New York Red Bulls.”

THIERRY HENRY REUNITES WITH HIS LOST LOVE

The star and focal point of this years Red Bull season will once again be Thierry Henry. The French legend has reconnected with the man who cast him away so many years ago. That’s right; Arsene Wenger returns to sweep Henry off his feet and away from his new home in New York.

And here is a tidbit for all of you Red Bull fans out there; he succeeds in wooing him over. That’s right; Henry falls for Arsene’s pleas when presented with a beautiful bronze statue and promises of adulation. Though Henry only commits to move to England for two months of kinship, will a needy Arsene persuade him to stay through the spring? And will Henry’s battle with achilles tendonitis ruin his relationship back in the United States?

HANS BACKE CONTINUES TO CRACK THE WHIP

Red Bull Inc. is never an easy place to work, and this season, it is no different. Hans Backe, who worked his best employees to the bone last year, may be looking to do the same for another season of hard labor. Big boss Erik Soler has a treasure chest of funds to bring in some extra help, but refuses to crack open the wallet, preferring instead to trot out his overworked staff for another year of back breaking work. And here is a spoiler alert; Soler axes the entire intern staff in the first episode, forcing one to wonder who will be in charge of bringing him his morning coffee.

Heads will surely role and legs will likely collapse as everyone’s favorite work place gets a little more trying for 2012.

JOEL LINDPERE STUCK IN AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP

We all remember the story from season 16; Estonian Joel Lindpere is brought into the fold by Erik Soler and his buddy Hans Backe and is forced to work through pain and exhaustion for Red Bull Inc. Last we left Joel, he continued to work hard for his company but was visibly tired of the rigamarole.

This season, Lindpere looks on with longing eyes as workers of his caliber continue to leave Red Bull Inc. for greener pastures, while he toils for the same salary and faces yet another year of back breaking labor. When Soler and Backe find out that overtures have been made to lure the Estonian away, they quickly clamp down on their prized possession, and make it quite clear that his future belongs with RB Inc.; whether he likes it or not.

Just how will Lindpere, a beloved character in this drama, react to his situation? Will he ultimately find a way to escape the grasp of Red Bull Inc.? Or will he find his niche and quietly endure the pain for one more season?

RAFA MARQUEZ STILL A MALCONTENT

What soap opera can be complete without the villain? Rafa Marquez provided quite a bit of drama last year, and stole the show with his continuous derisive ridiculing of his coworkers.

This year, matters only get worse. Watch the drama as Red Bull Inc. deny Marquez a two month vacation to Mexico and Brazil, further infuriating the most divisive character on television today.

TIM REAM LEAVES THE SHOW?

This one is yet to be confirmed by my sources, but word has it that the lovable Tim Ream may be written off the show completely.

Last season, Erik Soler tried to pin Ream into signing an extension with RB Inc., which he managed to wiggle his way out of. According to online rumors, the young American will leave the clutches of his employers to pursue his dreams in England. Little more is known about that, but the move will leave a gaping hole in an already stretched Red Bull Inc. staff. Who will step in to fill his role?

… And this is just the tip of the iceberg folks! There is so much left up in the air, and so little confirmed for 2012 that Red Bull fans literally have no idea what to expect from this new year. Will another star employee join the ranks of Red Bull Inc? Can the company keep it together for another year of angst and agony? And just what kind of role will this Chris Heck character have on the direction of the company?

You will just have to tune in to find out!