4evaQuez

Another boring episode. I was surprised to see a Johnny/Brady scene. Has Johnny always called John, Grandpa? I honestly can't remember the last time John and Johnny had a scene together, outside of Johnny's possession. John didn't seem to like Johnny during those episodes, but I'm not sure if we're supposed to think that John could sense Satan inside Johnny or if he genuinely didn't like Johnny. I don't care about Belle being back.

This is a reach but didn't Chanel and Allie bake the cake for the Gwen/Xander and Leo/Craig double wedding? I don't think Chanel and Nancy ever shared scenes, but that's the only thing I can think of, especially since Chanel called her Mrs. Wesley. That implies that their interactions were formal and not personal. That being said, I think the interaction was just to heighten the drama. The one time Chloe and Johnny - when Johnny was possessed by the Devil - shared a scene; Chloe didn't know who Johnny was. I don't think there's a reason to think Johnny would know Nancy either. However, both did.

The show no longer sees Kate as a villain; her marriage to Roman solidifies that. While I'm certain she'll keep the secret, the show has already indicated that Vivian is manipulating Kate into keeping the secret. Kate isn't doing it for her own villainous reasons. She did when she first returned to the canvas with Carly in the 2000s. Kate and Vivian sparred about Vivian's "affection" for Philip back then, too. Philip seemed more annoyed and exasperated by Vivian back then. He also didn't trust her, but Vivian calling Philip her son feels in character to me. (Maybe less so since that was before Quinn, Stefan, and Jake all entered the canvas). This is a perfect comparison. Both are aggravating actors.

I wish Sydney were around for this reason. Sydney was conceived in love, and I think after Sami forgave EJ for the rape. It could be narratively interesting to see their different reactions to their parents and to each other. I could see Johnny being jealous of Sydney and/or Sydney being angry at Johnny for tarnishing - in her mind - their parents' love. Allie could also add to the story as there is so much the show refused to explain to us regarding their time growing up with Sami and a mostly comatose EJ in Europe. Allie seemed to have a lot of rage at EJ, and I think the former Allie actress would be able to deliver more to the storyline. If Johnny and Belle had any relationship at all, it would be interesting how it would impact their dynamic. However, I can't remember much of a dynamic between the two. I can't remember if the two had scenes together; however, I do remember Kirsten's Belle discussing whatever feud Carrie and Sami were having at the time. Belle was firmly team Sami. This was at the outdoor mall - Salem Place I think the name was - that was a prominent set during that time. I assumed the two had scenes I just didn't remember. I looked at the Wiki for their appearances. Christie left in 1999 and Kirsten was introduced in 1999. Kirsten left in 2004, and Christie returned in 2005. It seems like a pretty small window for the two to share scenes. However, I do strongly remember that scene of Belle defending Sami to whomever she was talking to regarding Carrie.

I'm actually most excited to see Carrie and Belle's relationship. I don't think those two have interacted on-screen since Kirstin Storm's Belle. I've always been interested to see what their relationship would be and if they would consider each other honorary sisters—the same goes for Carrie and Brady. I'm also interested to see Carrie and Will. Has Carrie ever interacted with adult Will? I'm assuming on Beyond Salem, but I only remember my excitement with seeing Carrie and John, so I don't remember if Carrie and Will interacted. I'm also excited for Hope and Jennifer—my two favorite Hortons. I can't wait to see Jennifer confront Fabby/Cat. I'm also happy Ciara will be back. I'm indifferent to the EJ/Johnny storyline. I don't like recast EJ, and I think the Johnny actor doesn't have the acting ability to make this storyline worthwhile. I, too, wish Allie was around and Sydney. Edit to Add: I'm curious who the new actor is with Julie. Since they seem to be at Doug's gravesite, could this be a long-lost grandchild of Doug or Julie? Long-lost Horton?

Considering Beyond the Gates is supposed to have a predominantly black cast, I think I'm a little more concerned for Guza's worst tendencies than Ron's worst tendencies. Granted maybe it was just the nature of General Hospital, but I in no way want to see the level of violence and the distorted moral compass Guza injected into General Hospital onto a predominantly black show. I also think Guza has women live for men in a much more extreme way than Ron. I actually think Ron is better at writing traditional heroines. I also think a character like Carly Manning would be eviscerated if she were portrayed by a black actress. I know Carly isn't popular on these boards, but a black woman defending black men who live for illegality. No thank you! Again, Beyond the Gates is supposed to have a different focus, but Guza's writing, at times, would not only be offensive for a black cast but down right racist. For General Hospital and a predominantly white cast, it was mostly just repetivie and boring and predictable. I think Ron's worst traits is that he loves to live in the past, but for a new Soap that would be less of an issue. I also think he has a penchant for psychotic women - Jessica Buchanon; Marty Saybrook; Heather Webber; Connie Falconeri; Kristen Dimera. He also becomes too campy and too META in his writing. However, I also think he showed that he had potential with writing interesting black, female characters: Chanel and Paulina started with good to great writing and potential. He at least attempted to give Lani interesting material; although, I don't think the actress could handle it. He seemed comfortable allowing black characters to be in scenes together. I still remember Days having a record with the most black characters on screen in one scene. This isn't me saying Ron is a great writer or great at black characters, but I think he's shown more skill than Guza. I have less concerns as long as someone can balance Ron's more destructive writing qualities.

According to Google, Cherie Jimenez is 37, and Chandler Massey is 34. Would people be interested in a late-teens Arianna? I think that's the only way the proposed storyline would be interesting. The last time we saw Arianna; she was being introduced to pre-SORASED Holly, so we could pretend they've been friends for years.

Were Chanel and Alex in a relationship? I thought they only had the threesome with Allie. Either way, I do think Chanel is innocent. She has done nothing but plan a surprise party for Johnny. She hasn't flirted with Alex, misled Alex, and she's been ignorant of Johnny's trepidations because Johnny hasn't shared them until just now. That's all on Johnny.

I should have been more specific. I don't think Casey generates romantic chemistry, but he is great with his family. Johnny/Carson, I don't think is good with anyone.

I'm okay with Joy not being a nice person. Personally, I think we have too many nice people on canvas, especially in the Chanel/Johnny/JJ/Alex category. (I don't know if I should include Stephanie here since she's in her 30s, but she is heavily connected to Alex. Stephanie and Chloe had a somewhat rocky history, so it could be a foundation for a Joy vs. Stephanie feud). I think Joy is needed to shake up the tedium of the set that should be anchoring stories.

I decided to comment since I'm pretty excited about Joy's introduction to the cast. So far, I thought the actress was good. She didn't do anything that wowed me, but she at least has energy. Sadly, that's all it takes to stand out on Days' lethargic cast. While we don't know too much yet, I do like how Nancy described her as a drama queen with a penchant for messy situations. Granted, I thought the actress felt a little too grounded and mature for drama queen, but we'll see how it goes. I really wish the show would recast Carson/the Johnny actor. He's never been dynamic, and he's somehow even more forgettable in scenes than when he was first introduced. Similar to Casey/the JJ actor, I think he's a handsome man who fails to generate chemistry. Based on the Johnny/Joy scenes, I just can't imagine this being a breakout pairing. I think the Joy actress was doing her best to sell it, but Carson seemed so disinterested. I don't need Johnny to be a bad boy, but I at least need him to have a personality. I know this is going to be sacrilegious, but I don't like the Stephanie/Jada friendship. The actresses do not work well together. I despise Stephanie. DESPISE. Alex/Justin, Paulina/Chanel, Bonnie/Nancy, I'm not certain how the show ended up with so many chemistry-free pairings in one episode. I kept hoping Ben would should up and strangle some people.

I think J.J. just needs a popular pairing. Casey has struggled in the romantic pairing department. Maybe he and recast Gabi will have chemistry. The show could also try him with Joy and Chanel. It could actually be pretty soapy if he and Fabby fall in love. I didn't include Shawn because sadly I think he's in the failed character category at this point. The show obviously doesn't care about BB's Shawn, and he's basically in the same spot as Josh Taylor's Roman Brady. The character is important because of the legacy but this version of the character is just window dressing. I didn't include Lucas since I was wondering about the last popular Horton male and Lucas was introduced in the 90s. I think Jason Cook's Shawn and Will Horton have been popular since then. I just don't think any other Horton male has really taken off.

Who was the last successful male Horton on canvas? I'm assuming Will; although, I see him as more of a Brady/Evans/Roberts since those are his more significant familial relationships. Wll/Abby is the only Horton relationship I remember having any significance, and that seemed to disappear with MM's Abby. (Of course, there's also his father.) I also think his coming out storyline and being the son of Sami did a lot to help his place on canvas. Then of course there's Will/Sonny. Will also had a somewhat successful teen scene with Will/Gabi/Chad/Mia. Personally, I think Will struggled in the rivalry department. Will/Nick was good, but Sami/Ej/Kate/Gabi pretty much usurped that from Will. Will/Leo was never interesting and more comedic, campy relief. Will/Ben could have been big, but the show decided they should be best friends. J.J. I don't think really took off. Eli, same as J.J., but for different reasons. There's Nick who seemed at least mildly successful. Nathan is a memory. It's odd that the Horton males have struggled so much.

I know. I noted that Chloe and Bonnie have history, too. I was actually thinking of their more recent history with the Bonnie/Lucas baby lie. I just think Kate/Bonnie/Abe are a weird assortment of characters to discuss Joy. Then I remembered that this is probably because of Body and Soul.

I'm already liking Joy. Since Chloe is my favorite character, I'm biased. I hope the show writes her well. I find it confusing that Bonnie is talking about Joy with Kate and Abe. Granted Kate and Chloe have an extensive history, and I guess Bonnie and Chloe have history, too. It's still an odd assortment of characters. I hope Parker will be introduced, too.