4evaQuez

Yes. Various people are discussing Victor's passing: Kate and Chloe; Xander and Brady; Belle and Shawn; Maggie and Julie; Justin and Bonnie. The show is also acknowledging SR/Maggie Horton Kiriakis's 50 years on Days. While looking at the past, the show is also setting up some future storylines. I won't say in case you want to see for yourself. The show ends with two cliffhangers. There are a lot of flashbacks, including Maggie Horton's first episode. It's marvelous.

This was a perfect episode.

I so agree. I'm shocked by how much I'm loving Xoe. The two really work well together, and I do think we see a different version of Xander with Chloe. I thought the scenes showed one of NB's biggest strengths as an actress. She's okay with letting other people have big moments. She wasn't mugging the camera or having dramatic reactions to Victor's death or Philip's name. She conveyed the history she had via very subtle looks. Immense worry when Xander mentioned checking on Maggie. Hurt, regret, and maybe even a tad insulted when Xander mentioned his rivalry with Philip. I think NB reacts to people really well. Chloe was able to convey her own history with people while allowing the scene to center on Xander. The "I love you" at the end even felt authentic if rushed. I know a lot of people here don't like Paulina, but I was excited that she is going to be mayor. Paulina makes a much better Soap Opera mayor than Abe. She's more dramatic, she has fewer scruples, and the Carver/Price/Grant family feels more centered around her than Abe. I also hope they'll put her back into a less morally good position as mayor like she was when she was first introduced.

This is such disheartening news. In the casting thread, we've discussed how it only seems to be women who are on these odd temporary schedules where they leave for months and return or leave entirely. It's sad to learn that there's a systematic and abusive reason why women are forced to do this. JKJ is the only man I can think of who's seemed to leave abruptly and under suspicious circumstances lately. He immediately came to mind. It would also explain the recent news we are discussing in the spoiler thread. As for the woman who was yelled at during a sex scene, I assume that's MM/Belle. The article states she was in her early 40s "at the time," and MM is currently 46. (Today is her birthday according to Wikipedia). The last sex scene I remember with her is with EJ last year, and when you take into account the 6-month film-to-broadcast gap for filming at Days, MM probably would have been around 43 or 44 at the time of filming. NB/Chloe is currently in her early 40s, but she is still filming sex scenes. AZ is in her late 40s, but she is also still filming sex scenes. I can't think of any other woman who would fit. I'm not certain who would have been kissed inappropriately at an awards show. The article didn't give enough information to make a reasonable guess.

I honestly never realized how much I wanted this episode when I first saw you post it. I've been thinking about it nonstop ever since. I think this would have been a wonderful Season 6 episode. While I think Season 5 works, too, since she interacts with Grams and Sam in that season. I think Season 6 works better since it's all about time travel and the Warren/Halliwell legacy. I would have preferred this to the temp agency subplot. Maybe Paige wants to learn more about the Warren line which would let her meet Melinda in an episode, a young Prue in an episode, and Witchstock could have been its own little Paige trilogy.

Was this around the time that Bo could see the future, or was that a different storyline? I swear the things I don't like kinda just bleed together. ETA: Oh wait, I just remembered Bo was dead when JPL was Philip, so Bo was psychic for some unrelated reason.

They (Chloe and Lavoisier's Philip) shared screen time. I don't think they were romantically involved as this when the show was pursuing Chloe/Deimos. His Philip was then going to pretend to be the father of Chloe's child (later Holly), but that was before Chloe remembered she was implanted with Dan and Nicole's embryos. As you can tell even from that little write-up, a lot of rewrites were happening as this storyline was airing. I also think NB/Chloe was pregnant in real life during some points of this storyline. I thought his Philip was okay, but it was definitely a step down for Jay's Philip. I think he had okay chemistry with most people but nothing that really popped. His Philip is one that I know was there, but he didn't leave much of an impression. The Real World guy left more of an impression - granted not a good impression but a lasting one. Fath and Lavoisier dated in real life, so putting them together depends on how they ended their actual relationship. Granted Philip and Mimi do have a child together. Since this is the Spoiler section, the speculation on another board is that Philip and Chloe will leave canvas together as NB is apparently no longer with Days.

No offense, but I'm honestly not certain what you're conveying here. We do know for a fact that Dimitri has never been married. We have gotten dialogue confirming this from Dimitri and Megan, and that's why he needs to marry Gwen. He can only get his inheritance if he marries - a woman, I guess - before 40, which he has never done. Roman was married to Marlena and Anna before 40 and had three kids. Kate was married to Curtis before 40 and had two kids. Lucas was married to Sami, Carrie, and Chloe before 40 and had two kids. Brady was married to Chloe before 40. I'm not certain how old he was supposed to be with his marriage to Theresa and the birth of his two kids. Also what you quoted is saying that not everyone over 40 has to choose to have marriage and kids, which is true. However, your examples are people who clearly chose marriage multiple times. Brady at least had no say in the conception of his two children, but we did see him try to choose to be a father to Holly when he and Nicole were planning to go on the run with her.

Chad and Stefan have been getting along for months now. I remember complaining about it after a scene where the two hugged each other. I remember asking if the actors forgot they were in character because Stefan and Chad would never hug each other. I think we're supposed to see the two as close brothers now, even though it doesn't match their history.

This is one of those moments where I wonder what the original source - would you happen to have it @DisneyBoy - means by higher paid. From my understanding, Soap actors are guaranteed a certain amount of episodes per season and they are guaranteed a certain pay based on those episodes. Afterward, there's a different pay structure once the actor exceeds those allotted and agreed-upon episodes. I wonder if this is a case where Drake H. is paid more per episode, but RSW appears in more episodes a season. Effectively Drake H. is higher paid per episode but RSW gets paid more a season because he appears in more episodes. Drake H. feels like he's rarely on. I, however, question the veracity of the report since I can't imagine RSW getting paid more that GG/Rafe or EM/Brady. Both of whom have mostly been leads since the late 2000's, and neither have ever left full-contract status. It's only now that the EM seems to be on a little break as he isn't airing as much. GG seemed to be on an airing break when he was with AZ/Nicole, but he seems like he's airing more again lately with EK/Jada. I also question if he's getting paid more than GV/Eric. While GV isn't as consistent as GG or EM with his contract status, he's usually depicted as a lead when he's on contract, and he and AZ/Nicole seem to be two of the most aired people on canvas right now. GV/Eric also started a couple of years before RSW, but his coming and going may impact his pay. Finally, there's BF/Chad. Both started the same year, but BF, in interviews, makes it seems as if Days were really hot for him to join the show. He's part of a popular pairing, and BF has never left full contact status. He's also another lead. RSW did leave and return. Of course, I have no insider knowledge, and I have no idea how good these people's agents are or what leverage they hold in negotiations. That being said, I can't imagine RSW having so much leverage that he's the highest-paid male on the show without there being some behind-the-scenes controversy regarding it. Actors aren't known for being humble.

Thank you for saying this. I honestly couldn't understand why Kate and Theo gave each other such an affectionate hug. I was racking my brain with the three Theo portrayers (Terrell, Kyle, the current Theo) and couldn't think of anything. That makes sense. I missed the dialogue as I was still trying to figure out their connection, so maybe the show addressed it. All I heard was Kate having something to do with Theo's shooting, which I also didn't remember. I remember JJ shooting Theo as the show (badly) trying to be topical during BLM, but I couldn't remember Kate's role in it. I think the show wants us to see Sarah in her 40s, actually. The show made several mentions of her being playmates with Eric and Sami when she was first introduced. During one of Carrie's return visits, the show gave them a reunion and they mentioned being best friends when they were both teens. When Sarah believed she was Renee Dumonde, the show mentioned several times Sarah being a small child in the early/mid 80s. I remember commenting how ludicrous it was that they wanted us to believe LG was in her 40s. I completely agree. I also hated Belle's response. I know she was in lawyer mode and doing her job, but it seemed cold, insensitive, manipulative, and even emotionally abusive in its own subtle way.

I would like for Ciara to be a psychiatrist. VJ's Ciara (the teenage/adult Ciara before VK) showed an interest in psychiatry after her rape, and she even shared scenes with Marlena as her mentor before the show moved her into Chad's orbit post-Abby's first "death." I think psychiatry would be a good antidote for VK's Ciara's biggest flaw as a character, her selfishness, and refusal to see the harm her and Ben's actions cause others. The show also desperately needs a new psychiatrist as Marlena needs a suitable replacement. Also, I think "business" people on Days feel interchangeable in their jobs and characterizations. I also think psychiatrist better honors Bo and Hope as characters as a psychiatrist is still a heroic profession that serves the community like detectives. A "business" person would encourage Ron and other writers to write Ciara as a "Kiriakis" and as a female Victor, instead of honoring the heroic qualities of Bo and Hope while still distinguishing Ciara as her own person. It would also honor the legacy of Horton doctors at Salem University Hospital as we currently don't have any in Salem.

I've been watching Days; although, I haven't posted in a while. I just haven't had much to say. Days is in one of those peculiar moments where all Soaps sometimes find themselves. Things are happening, but the show still feels like it's in a holding pattern until the next Sweeps period. 1. I really loved Chad's scenes with Doug and Julie. I wish the show had written Chabby more as Hortons than as Dimeras. I think Chad and Abby could have benefitted, and I think it more naturally fits MM's version of adult Abby and Chad. I hate that Chad lives in the Horton house after Abby's murder. Not because he lives there, but it would have been great to see Chabby raising their children there with JnJ and Doug and Julie. I'll always lament that the show didn't combine Julie's Horton line (Eli, Lani, and maybe a recast Scott Banning), Jennifer's Horton line (Chabby, recast JJ), and Hope's Horton line (Cin, Shelle, recast Claire) into a new Horton family. Their's history, legacy, rivalry, friendship, and chances for redemption in those listed characters. Pity we didn't get to see it. 2. This isn't hyperbole; although, I understand why some people may think it is. I think the Fake Paulina and Abe story is one of the top 3 stories Ron has written since he's been at Days. The story, so far, is wonderfully paced. There's a good mixture of humor, camp, menace, and suspense. The actors are doing a great balance - this is from someone who never liked the actor who plays Abe. I also think Abe is asking the right questions, and Fake Paulina has reasonably appropriate responses. History is also been shared in a way that makes sense and is natural. There have also been some good close calls - like Rafe and Talia - that have been effectively thwarted. I know I could always eat my words tomorrow, but so far, I've found myself excited every time this story gets airtime. 3. I love Julie vs. Gabi. I think the pacemaker storyline is the only failure these two have had. 4. I want the Theo actor recast. That being said, Theo feels like he's in such a peculiar place on the canvas. He's a legacy character, but his contemporaries (Ciara, Joey, Claire, and now Ben) with whom he shares the most history are all off-canvas. His father is missing, and I think his reintroduction perfectly encapsulates his looking for a place on the canvas. No one knew he was returning, Chad just randomly finds him, he's staying at the Salem Inn because there's no natural place for him to stay. I guess there's Dimera, but it feels odd as Theo hasn't played much of a role in the Dimera storylines. He barely knows Paulina, and the awkwardness can be seen on screen. I guess we'll see how his scenes with Megan go tomorrow, but it's odd when a legacy character literally wanders on canvas. 5. I find it kind of hilarious that Diana Colville hasn't been mentioned for decades, but now Leo is constantly describing her as a conniving monster and comparing her to Megan Hathaway Dimera. I almost want Genie Francis to return and play this new diabolical monster.

Paulina and Julie shared scenes today. I'm genuinely excited to read @boes reaction to this. I think the Chanel/Johnny/Wendy/Tripp/Talia group is the worst 20-something set I've ever watched on Days, and I've been watching since 1993. I was revolted at watching Tripp try to be sexy. Speaking of, does anyone else in the Johnson family know about Joey's broken leg? I don't think Steve, Kayla, or Stephanie have mentioned it, at all. Wendy has become the strangest character on current Days; yes, I'm including Megan, Kristin, and even the deceased Susan in this list. She is literally flirting and making sexual innuendo with Tripp while she is on the phone with Johnny and has the gall to be upset that Johnny is with Chanel. This isn't even the first time she's done this. It's become a core character trait by now. Personality-wise, I can't tell the difference between Tripp and Johnny. Why didn't Talia just walk out of the room when Colin was in the closet? (Insert inappropriate Leo snark here). I find it absolutely amazing that both of Sami Brady's twins became supporting characters in Chanel Dupree's storylines. Are we certain Johnny isn't Lucas' son? He is getting the same lackluster, forgettable, and we wish you weren't on canvas writing that male Hortons get. See Shawn Brady from yesterday's episode as an example. So, Abe has been beaten twice, kidnapped, suffered a brain injury, and currently has amnesia all as a result of his relationship with Paulina. Can we officially say he's in an abusive relationship?

Jada, Talia, Paulina, Chanel, Colin, Sloan, Abe. It's actually shocking that Shawn isn't related to anyone in that major storyline. It's also pretty cool that this is a major storyline with a mostly black cast propelling it. It's sad the storyline isn't better, but I think it's still a sign of progress. The show actually does try to address this. Kayla tells Nicole she's too busy to look at the results because of the Abe and Colin emergencies. Nicole, who is not a medical professional, is shown reading the results. I'm not saying it's perfect, but the dialogue confirmed twice that Kayla never saw the results. The second time this is confirmed is in Kayla's office when Nicole tells Kayla the results. Sloan was seen taking birth control, and she was at the hospital to refill her birth control prescription. Talia is a bust as a character. I did like Chloe's dialogue today about the crimes Xander committed against her and others. I wonder if the show has completely forgotten about Xander kidnapping and faking Holly's death when Chloe was Holly's legal guardian. I also liked her talking about wanting to stay away from Kiriakis men. I don't get what the show is going for with the Megan/Dimitri dynamic. I was hoping the show would go for gothic and unsettlingly incestuous (like Norman Bates and his mother). Instead, Dimitri feels kinda dumb, childish, and almost Stooge-like around Megan. A guy who manipulated the ISA, or whomever, to grant him, Kristin, and Megan immunity for various attempted murders, kidnappings, poisonings, etc. doesn't seem like a guy who would have qualms marrying a stranger for a trust fund, presumably worth millions of dollars. I'm honestly just curious what Dimitri (Von Lechner) and Stefan (Alamain) dynamic would be. Isn't there some long-running feud between the families? Sadly, I think the show will just go for the boring "Dimera Brothers" angles and pretend it's exciting and new. (I know Dimitri and Stefan aren't brothers, but I imagine the show will go for the same Stefan vs Chad or EJ vs Stefan or EJ vs Chad dynamic since they are in the same age range.) I wasn't watching when the original Diana Colville was a character. I wonder how her fans feel about her being an emotionally abusive mother. Lois Lane is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist in the Superman mythos. Neither Gwen nor Leo compares. I wonder why the writer thought that joke was so funny that they repeated it.

Personally, I would hate for Sloan to be like Gabi. I think the show damaged Gabi, apparently beyond return, during the Abby/Gabby/Gabi is beaten and loses the ability to give birth storyline. Since then, Gabi has felt isolated as a character from her core relationships - Will and Sonny and Chad -, has become more of a cartoon villain with that odd pacemaker storyline, has random feuds not based in history - Nicole and Chloe - and has seemed directionless. Gabi was one of my favorites, but I don't get much enjoyment from her anymore. There has been a Spectator set for a little while now. We saw Gwen and Xander have some scenes there after they stole it from Jack and Jennifer. It isn't much, but it's there.

I don't know how I feel about Sloan and the DNA swab. I really like Sloan, and from experience with this show, the writers no longer remember how to have an antagonist without making them an irredeemable cartoon villain. Granted, for me, there's something about a swab that feels less evil than switching paternity results, but I'm still concerned. I hope Sloan isn't roadkill for Ericole. Sloan should just put Jada on the lease. I think we've seen Jada searching Sloan's home more than we've seen her in her room at the pub. I really dislike all the yelling EC/Jada has been doing lately. EC/Jada was not responding well to JS/Sloan well at all. However, I did like Jada's reaction to hearing Nicole is pregnant, possibly by Eric. I hope her abortion is somehow integrated into the storyline because I liked Jada vs. Nicole a lot more than Jada vs. Sloan. NB/Chloe lives in one of the Carolinas now. Today, while watching the show, it hit me that I think NB/Chloe did a lot of bulk filming. It would explain why she (and Xander) have a set dedicated to them, Chloe rarely leaves the set, and it explains why she is entirely absent from Nicole's storyline. It dawned on me because there's no other reason why the Gwen/Chloe scenes wouldn't have been filmed. There is a Spectator set after all. I actually was interested in seeing the Gwen/Chloe dynamic. I think they've only filmed together twice, and once was before their new rivalry. I hate how much I like Xoe. Oh, the Dimeras were on, too. Someone said the show is trying to replicate the Quartermaimes (General Hospital) with the Dimera family, and I definitely saw that dynamic today. I kept waiting for a pizza to be delivered mid-scene.

I think I would have liked Jasper as Johnny Dimera, too. As Johnny, I'm certain writing, directing, and acting would remove the abusive subtext of his scenes, and they would just let him be a royal asshole, which I think the actor does well. I think it'll also make sense why his version of Johnny wouldn't be well-liked by John. (Does anyone remember when Johnny was possessed by the Devil, unbeknownst to John, and John so obviously disliked Johnny? The show never explained whether John was supposed to be sensing the Devil in Johnny - it didn't play that way - or if John just didn't like Johnny - that's how it played. I don't think the two have shared scenes since. Will also disliked Johnny, and the show never gave us a reason why.) As for Peter Porte, he's someone who simultaneously looks younger and older than his age to me. I'm not certain if I could buy him as Johnny's father or Sami partner.

I just finished today's episode. I like when Soap characters jump to the wrong but reasonable conclusion. Paulina and Rafe and even Sloan believing Colin kidnapped Abe makes sense and raises the stakes for Abe in an appropriate manner. I like Fake Paulina. I'm certain the stuffed cats are for budgeting and ease of filming purposes, but they do make her seem even more unhinged and desperate. The actress is doing a great job, and I'm even finding Abe enjoyable. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think the two are balancing humor and menace quite well. Whitley/Fake Paulina seems desperate enough to do anything while it still feels appropriately comedic. I question if Ron has been looking on his neighbor's test for answers regarding these two. I have to give Ron another compliment - I'm shocked. I loved the Rafe and Paulina interaction. Rafe - "Abe is a fighter." Paulina - "Abe just had brain surgery. What is he going to fight with?" I seriously guffawed. I wish the show hired a different actor for Colin. He doesn't feel menacing. Just rude. Leo is a waste of a character. I know Ericole are defined by their "pained loved." However, I'm exhausted by these two. I despise weepy Nicole.

I just finished watching yesterday's episode; I'm about to start today's episode. I have a few comments. 1. I've really disliked EC/Jada's acting choices these past few weeks, especially these past few episodes. Something in her acting has changed, and I'm not feeling the sisterly chemistry between Jada and Talia. I hope the show can course correct because I like Jada, but something's off. 2. I love Anna, and I think LH is one of the best actresses on the show. However, I think the show either needs to bring on a SORASED Noah for her, or she needs to be written off the show. The Anna/Nicole scenes make no sense considering their shared history which is rooted in baby secrets. I think Anna/Nicole/EJ/Eric/Tony could be quite dynamic. Considering Anna's role in the Sydnapping, Tony "dying" during the Mia/Nicole/Sydney/Grace storyline. (I know that was because of the Dimera vs. Kiriakis war, but Tony was simultaneously feuding with Nicole regarding the Mia/Grace secret). Anna going on the run for years because EJ and/or Stefano were after her. Anna and Eric could have a complicated and nuanced relationship because of Anna's role in the Sydnapping but also Anna's connection to Carrie. None of that is happening. It's weird seeing Anna be so maternal to Nicole - who doesn't deserve it - when Anna presumably lost years of her life on the run because of Nicole, EJ, and Sami's drama. 3. I liked the fake Paulina much more than I was expecting. There have been a lot of abductions in Salem lately. About to watch today's episode.

This episode felt like it had a lot of people in it. There were also some surprising interactions like Brady and Gwen and Brady and Alex. I enjoyed those. Why did the wardrobe department put Sarah in black? I could barely see her baby bump. I actually didn't see it at all when she placed her bag in front of it. Bonnie must have x-ray vision. I'm not sure how I felt about those scenes. How sad that LG's Sarah has been around since 2018 and her strongest ties to the canvas are supporting characters. Speaking of Sarah and her ties to the canvas, why does the show go out of its way to illustrate Maggie and Sarah have a terrible relationship? Maggie didn't realize her daughter was missing for a year. Maggie only put up a small fuss before agreeing to her amnesiac daughter with a penchant for stabbing people as her Renee Dumonde persona lives in the Dimera house, where I don't believe she ever visited Sarah/Renee. Now, Sarah hasn't even told Maggie that she's pregnant. I assume because Sarah knows Maggie loves Xander more than Sarah and would never keep such a secret from him. Stephanie and Chad should just move to Iowa or Switzerland or anywhere that's not Salem, USA. I really like Broe vs. Xoe. I thought NB looked especially beautiful in this episode. I also thought Xander offered her the arts editor job and not the sales job. I actually wish Victor was around to harangue Chloe about how she is yet again destroying the Kiriakis family. I really disliked the Maggie vs Justin scenes. There are some characters that I really dislike in parental mode. While I didn't have an issue with Justin as Sonny's father, I am annoyed with Justin as Alex's father. I also don't feel particularly invested in the business meeting between Alex and whatever the temporary character's name was. That scene impacted three interactions today: Maggie/Justin, Alex/Stephanie/Chad, Alex/Gwen. There isn't that much drama there from that interaction. Also, why did the show strongly imply the man was doing coke in the bathroom for neither Alex nor Stephanie to bring this up to Maggie.

The rumor is that something happened with JKJ behind the scenes that torpedoed all of his storylines. He appeared in the credits for weeks after his last appearance onscreen which indicates that he still had time left on his contract, but he and/or the show were done with each other, regardless of the contract. I do think the show initially was behind Phloe. The two were even in some anniversary shot hugging each other, and Brady was nowhere near them with Kristen. I assume if Philip returns; it'll be with a recast.

I do wonder if Chloe was put into Xander's orbit solely to give her a reason to interact with Sarah and Rex. We know both know about Philip being alive. Xoe doesn't really make sense unless it's to get Chloe to discover the truth about Philip. I thought I was the only one who didn't care about Paul and Andrew. However, I would add Megan and Harris to the Beyond Salem crew, and unfortunately, they are included in the spoilers.

Nicole, Anna, Tony, EJ, and pregnancy secrets. This is starting to have a lot of the players from the Grace/Sydney baby switch. If I were Tony, I would stay away from stairs and large planks of wood, considering his fate in that baby lie storyline. Leo and Gwen are back? It feels like it's been 2 or 3 weeks since we've seen them. I'm interested in Bonnie finding a pregnant Sarah. I'm not interested in Maggie vs Justin.

Looking at the rest of your response. I think we're talking about slightly different things. I wasn't talking about Sloan keeping the baby secret. I was responding to @brisbydog who was responding to @peachmangosteen Peach's quote is below: I'm responding that I hope Eric doesn't hold a grudge or umbrage against Sloan for helping her brother. Unlike Eric who is keeping a secret for a killer, Nicole, or as Peachmangosteen stated, Eric recently abducted Stefan and let a madman conduct neurological experiments on Stefan. Sloan isn't doing anything illegal. She's using her law degree to help her only family. I, too, was concerned with Eric's look. Eric has three major modes: sanctimonious, rage, and empathy. I'm hoping he'll choose empathy, but his look seems like he'll choose sanctimonious. I agree. I think what hurts this story is that the narrative's point of view changed somewhere in the telling of the narrative. Chanel was originally the point of view character and Sloan was the villain. Usually, in stories like this, Chanela and Paulina would learn some lessons and achieve some character growth at a story's conclusion. That wasn't the case here. Paulina and Chanel didn't learn a thing, and they end the story exactly where they started. Colin became the villain with an assist from Talia, who is obviously going to be redeemed. However, the biggest narrative change is that Sloan became the protagonist, although not the point of view. She is the one who's changed and moved on from her original vendetta against Chanel and Paulina. She acquired a new family member that allows her to show a softer and more familial side. She's urging Colin to leave the Duprees alone - before the rooftop climax - and she's committed to Colin, not for vengeance but for familial love. We've seen Sloan change dramatically but in very subtle ways that are still in character. These changes keep her an antagonist but one with relatable and - I would argue - rootable layers. Paulina and Chanel are just screaming at people without realizing how their actions help to create and escalate tensions to their rooftop climax. It's hard for me to feel sorry for those two characters, especially Paulina.