Current Plots Discussion II: Discussing Today's Episode and Current Storylines

[brisbydog]

Kristen acting like she (and EJ) would not have done the exact same thing to Titan if presented with the opening.

And I'm tired of people pulling guns. Xander didn't even look concerned. He knows she is not going to shoot him.

[DisneyBoy]

Stephanie and Jada should be a lesbian couple. They look so comfortable together and happy. Jada is a nice foil for her.

 

[Rodney]

I still don't get Rafe's hang-up about Jada.  He's still acting like such a dick about this.  Jada honestly didn't know that Rafe was Arnold at first, and she thought that Rafe had cheated on her.  She did nothing wrong.  At all.

[Rodney]

Watching more of the episode, I'm shocked by Sami and Gabi being so terse with each other.  I'd thought that they were on good terms.  Plus, you'd think that Sami would've been more understanding of Gabi not wanting to sympathize with E.J.'s condition.

And Melinda should not be calling herself Kristen's friend.  The woman killed her daughter.  I know that it was accidental, but still . . . she shouldn't be.

[CanaryFan98]

51 minutes ago, Rodney said:

Watching more of the episode, I'm shocked by Sami and Gabi being so terse with each other.  I'd thought that they were on good terms.  Plus, you'd think that Sami would've been more understanding of Gabi not wanting to sympathize with E.J.'s condition.

And Melinda should not be calling herself Kristen's friend.  The woman killed her daughter.  I know that it was accidental, but still . . . she shouldn't be.

I don't buy Kristen/Melinda being friends for that reason.

As for Sami/Gabi didn't Gabi have the letter revealing Sami/Lucas's affair? Also does Sami know that Gabi slept with EJ?

 

[Rodney]

3 minutes ago, CanaryFan98 said:

As for Sami/Gabi didn't Gabi have the letter revealing Sami/Lucas's affair? Also does Sami know that Gabi slept with EJ?

Yes, but I doubt that Sami would've held that against her given that she's not with Lucas, anyway.  And as for the latter, that's hard to tell.  If Johnny found out about that (and I don't remember whether or not he did), then she probably knows, but he would've told her offscreen.

[BuckeyeLou]

I did get a kick out of Sami sitting down to eat waffles & then lit into Leo's messing up Will & Sonny's relationship...she was smiling like a Chesire cat.  When Javi burst into Rafe's room, when he saw a woman, he should have backed out immediately not keep yapping :)

[DisneyBoy]

34 minutes ago, BuckeyeLou said:

I did get a kick out of Sami sitting down to eat waffles & then lit into Leo's messing up Will & Sonny's relationship...she was smiling like a Chesire cat. 

Same. After all the years of this being The Leo Show, Sami reminding him of how shitty he's been was very satisfying.

In fact, I really loved everything about Sami today. Well, except her knowing she's likely messed up Jada and Rafe by using him for comfort sex. That's not cool.

Melinda saying she's Kristen's friend is an all-time character low. Does she have a brain chip?

[DisneyBoy]

How is Jada going to the Small Bar if Gabi and Sami and Javi and the rest are eating waffles in their PJs? Is it daytime or nighttime? Right now, it seems to only be night for Jada. Either that, or she's asking her fiancee to meet her at a bar at 9am...!

I don't love how intense the new actress is playing Gabi. Banus got a little too intense in the last few months/years too, and it made the character unlikeable. Yeah, she's being questioned by her boyfriend in a murder case, so I get it, but still. Shrill bitchy Gabi isn't the best Gabi, IMHO.

Kristen, stuff your stupid gun where the sun does not shine. I'm so sick of Stacy's Kristen just waving a gun around like it's some kind of ultimate trump card. She showed up waving it at the Jarlena wedding, and here we are, years later and nothing's changed. It's so dumb.

Plus, Kristen has never cared about controlling the DiMera empire. How many times must it be said? She never aspired to run it. Never once in all the years Eileen played her. Show, please stop assuming every single character can step into the CEO position or wants to, and that it makes for a good story. In the last five years we've seen Stefan, Gabi, Kristen and EJ all as CEOs (I think - maybe I'm forgetting somebody) and none of it was remotely interesting. Only EJ is a believable CEO, because he always was a businessman. And technically Stefan was too, but we saw no evidence of it really.

Sami's outfit is hideous (and so is Vivian's blouse!) but her conversation with Kate is nice. Their friendship was one of the best surprises in the last years of AS' tenure on the show.

 

EDIT: Weirdness alert! In the preview video for this week, Maggie says "that VAMPIRE had better be gone by the time I come back"...but in this episode she actually says "that VILE INTRUDER had better be gone..."

Did they redub the preview? I've never heard of them doing that before...

Edited April 16 by DisneyBoy

[norcalgal]

1 hour ago, DisneyBoy said:

Show, please stop assuming every single character can step into the CEO position or wants to, and that it makes for a good story. In the last five years we've seen Stefan, Gabi, Kristen and EJ all as CEOs (I think - maybe I'm forgetting somebody) and none of it was remotely interesting. Only EJ is a believable CEO, because he always was a businessman. And technically Stefan was too, but we saw no evidence of it really.

I think car mechanic/former Mafia enforcer Jake was also CEO (co-CEO with Gabi?). But yeah, Show treats the CEO position like it’s something anyone can just do. 

Edited April 16 by norcalgal

[brisbydog]

4 hours ago, DisneyBoy said:

 

 

EDIT: Weirdness alert! In the preview video for this week, Maggie says "that VAMPIRE had better be gone by the time I come back"...but in this episode she actually says "that VILE INTRUDER had better be gone..."

Did they redub the preview? I've never heard of them doing that before...

She said both actually. Vampire when she went upstairs to pack, and intruder earlier in the scene

Loving the show this week!

Rafe is so very low key. I really wish Galen would put a bit more oomph into his performance. He should have played that scene with some emotion. Jada/Elia puts in all the work. I'm glad she walked. Everything she said was absolutely correct: his own sister was fooled, and he basically assumed she was sleeping with Shawn again and retaliated. Good riddance.

On to Dope #2. First JJ, you should not be interrogating your own girlfriend, second, you have zero physical evidence, third, like Rafe, put some emotional reading into your delivery, you put me to sleep. Gabi rocks. I love Cherie. Glad she walked as well. Even though she was totally outside the house with a gun that night. But I don't think she did it.

Sami and Kate were a joy. Just two old enemies sharing gossip. I loved them giggling over Shawn and Jada's hook up. I also liked Sami's run in with Kristen. I think the last time they tangled Kristen was trying to get Xander to shoot her.

Philip, Maggie and Vivian were also great fun. I adore Louise Sorel. Philip though is an idiot if he thinks that he can keep postponing the inevitable. Vivian is a ticking timebomb who has no real allegiance to him. I think she is going to tell Xander a version of the forgery that does not implicate herself. She would throw Kate under the bus in a heartbeat, but would she sell out Philip? I think Sarah's part is safe for now. Alex is the most likely to tell Xander that one. He is the other cog in this wheel of lies that is not on board.

Bonus: I loved Vivian's note. And Maggie's reaction.

Xander and Kristen were the best part. He had no fear of her at all, and no concern that she was going to shoot. He's been down this road with her far too many times. My favourite part was him reminding her that he once loved Rachel as his own, and telling Kristen that she is still a better mother than Fiona ever was to him. That kind of writing has been sorely lacking and makes me wonder if the new girls were already playing around with the scripts. A few years back Xander didn't seem to even remember he knew Rachel, let alone played dad to her for over a year. Can't wait until tomorrow to see what Vivian has to say to him!!

[BuckeyeLou]

Some Classic Soap confrontation scenes today!  Loved Xander vs. Kristen, Xander played the "Mother" card...well played!  Gabi, her face red with anger, confronts JJ for assuming she is the shooter.  Vivian vs. Philip..her sarcasm is so funny.  Rafe vs. Jada...both of them Very hurt, both assuming the Worst about each other, which is understandable, Jada thot Rafe turned into a Creepy Guy & Rafe assumed Jada had turned into a Cheater.  I love that Maggie is back, she looked so pretty in that blue outfit.  Loved Sami & Kate back to Sparring..Sami was sparkling & she looked so pretty in that Green suit & her hair pulled back.  

[DisneyBoy]

What did Viv's note to Maggie say?

[BuckeyeLou]

1 minute ago, DisneyBoy said:

What did Viv's note to Maggie say?

It was a "Good bye" note, the funniest part was she said there was Dust on top of the Bookcase :)

[brisbydog]

43 minutes ago, DisneyBoy said:

What did Viv's note to Maggie say?

“Farewell Maggie and good riddance. Philip has made me realize there was only one thing for me to do. P.S. The top of the bookcase needs dusting. You’re Welcome, Vivian Alaimain"

[DisneyBoy]

Thank you for typing that out! The version I watched didn't allow me to read it.

Honestly, I was hoping for better snark than that.

I still shake my head and giggle over Viv teasing John over his Yo Ling heritage. "Let's have lunch! Chinese! Your treat!"

[norcalgal]

2 hours ago, brisbydog said:

“Farewell Maggie and good riddance. Philip has made me realize there was only one thing for me to do. P.S. The top of the bookcase needs dusting. You’re Welcome, Vivian Alaimain"

The thing is, the “writing” looked like it was printed on the paper, rather than actually hand written. So did Vivian help herself to the Kiriakis printer too?  🤣

[Retired at last]

I always hated that people just went from high school to CEO. I think Ciara was an intern first, at Victor's company, wasn't she?  Gabi started as a model, then a shop owner. She must have gotten her MBA in jail.

[CanaryFan98]

16 minutes ago, Retired at last said:

I always hated that people just went from high school to CEO. I think Ciara was an intern first, at Victor's company, wasn't she?  Gabi started as a model, then a shop owner. She must have gotten her MBA in jail.

Chanel went from opportunist to bakery shop owner in an instant. I mean I know it's a soap but I think a bit of a build up would've been nice. I think that's a large part in why the younger generation is lacking amongst other things. 

Hope, Jennifer etc had pitfalls before they got to where they did professionally. Hope wasn't taken seriously as a cop especially when she showed up in that fur coat of hers but eventually over time she gained their respect. 

Same with Jennifer who was a plucky doe-eyed reporter that Jack didn't take all that seriously either but eventually he did. These used to be good character arcs that we saw develop over time and helped with character development.

They felt like actual people and not caricatures that seem interchangeable.

[Giuseppe]

39 minutes ago, norcalgal said:

The thing is, the “writing” looked like it was printed on the paper, rather than actually hand written. So did Vivian help herself to the Kiriakis printer too?

Yeah, it was clearly a printed font that is supposed to resemble fancy handwriting, lol. Guess they figured that'd be easier to read than someone's actual handwriting. 

[brisbydog]

Reallly good episode. Again!

Xander slowly being told that Philip, the brother he has grown to trust, has been duping him for months was exquisite thanks to the amazing Louise Sorel as Vivian (I knew her when she was putting her daughter's pigeon into a pie on Santa Barbara!). And that she just did it for spite, knowing Philip was never going to pay up, makes it even better. I can't wait for the fall out tomorrow.

And Philip, at the start of the episode realizing that Alex is a ticking time bomb who will tell Xander as soon as he can, and at the end realizing it is too late for him to heed Alex's advice and tell him himself. If only Sarah would now tell Xander her part, but I bet she won't, thanks to Maggie who agrees with her that Victor would love his two sons working together. I imagine that is not going to be quite so harmonious now. Wonder if Xander keeps up the facade so they can solidify their takeover?

The Estonia stuff was plodding. I just don't feel any urgency. I wish John's children were on this trip to give the scenes some energy. The only part that made me wake up was when Orpheus asked Marlena for help with Christian's custody case? Wait what? He got out of Salem river with that gaping head wound? Swam to New Zealand or whereever Jan sailed off to? Has the resources as a criminal on the lam to get himself a lawyer and sue for custody? I want answers lol!

[DisneyBoy]

2 hours ago, brisbydog said:

Xander slowly being told that Philip, the brother he has grown to trust, has been duping him for months was exquisite thanks to the amazing Louise Sorel as Vivian (I knew her when she was putting her daughter's pigeon into a pie on Santa Barbara!). And that she just did it for spite, knowing Philip was never going to pay up, makes it even better. I can't wait for the fall out tomorrow.

A pigeon? Why?? LOL

I love Louise too...but Vivian blew all this up just because Philip said he needed time and asked her to be patient? That doesn't track for me. Now she gets nothing.

Plus, if her son Stefan was running DiMera for a while there, wouldn't he have stashed away money for his Mom? Why is Viv still after money? She had plenty in the 90s, was a huge success in Bollywood, and helped Stefan get ownership of DiMera! When in all that time did she lose everything? I honestly don't I understand. 

So for me, today's developments felt more like they arbitrarily decided to wrap this storyline up a bit. Now the question is when will Xander realize Sarah knew?

I *hate* the Rosebud joke. It was  neither funny nor appropriate in the context presented. For real, a dying man quoted a movie line, for no reason? 🙄😒 Knock it off. This is John's death storyline. Save the quips for Leo.

Great scenes with Sarah and Maggie though. Lindsay really went there. Her tears felt real. She's been under stress. But I'd rather the secret was kept. Heck, maybe Philip could have done something terrible to Vivian to keep it. Then, it could have been a longterm plot, forgotten and then resurrected at the perfect moment.

Alex needs to stop with his bravado and outrage. The world does not revolve around him and he has more reason to want Philip running the company than for convicted felon Xander to run it alone. His anger feels so forced.

Edited April 17 by DisneyBoy

[Retired at last]

I don't know if anyone else was surprised (not in a bad way) that Viv just spilled the secret in one fell swoop. I kind of love it that her need for vengeance doesn't preclude her "own" son.

Yep, if Sarah doesn't tell Xander that she has known when he tells her tomorrow (or whenever), which she won't, she will make it 10x worse. Or, maybe it can't get any worse and he will leave her immediately. I'm fine with that. I never liked the character of Sarah as portrayed by Linsey. Wasn't Sarah, at one time, a dancer? Melissa someone played her, I think. Unless I am remembering the wrong character.

I agree about the story to rescue John is too plodding. And, the inability to get rid of villains time after time is ridiculous. And, of course, Marlena will get Orpheus out of the hospital, and then will probably take off. Who does Christian need custody of? Jan's baby? Isn't that kid in college yet? Does that mean Christian and/or Jan will also be returning to Salem?

[Rodney]

2 hours ago, Retired at last said:

Who does Christian need custody of? Jan's baby? Isn't that kid in college yet? Does that mean Christian and/or Jan will also be returning to Salem?

More than likely, yes, Jan's baby since he's the father of said baby.  But as far as I know, he's a toddler by now, being raised by an on-the-run Jan.

As for whether or not either is returning, Jan is always possible.  As Shawn and Belle's main nemesis, it makes sense with both now back on the canvas.  And with Shawn now single, she can make a decent play for him.

Christian/Evan, on the other hand, is one of the main nemeses of Ben and Ciara.  No point in him returning long-term if neither of them is on the canvas.

Edited April 17 by Rodney

[tribeca]

Is Christian David’s father ?

[Rodney]

6 minutes ago, tribeca said:

Is Christian David’s father ?

Yes.  He's being raised by his sister, Zoey, in New Zealand.

[brisbydog]

4 hours ago, DisneyBoy said:

A pigeon? Why?? LOL

I love Louise too...but Vivian blew all this up just because Philip said he needed time and asked her to be patient? That doesn't track for me. Now she gets nothing.

Plus, if her son Stefan was running DiMera for a while there, wouldn't he have stashed away money for his Mom? Why is Viv still after money? She had plenty in the 90s, was a huge success in Bollywood, and helped Stefan get ownership of DiMera! When in all that time did she lose everything? I honestly don't I understand. 

So for me, today's developments felt more like they arbitrarily decided to wrap this storyline up a bit. Now the question is when will Xander realize Sarah knew?

I *hate* the Rosebud joke. It was  neither funny nor appropriate in the context presented. For real, a dying man quoted a movie line, for no reason? 🙄😒 Knock it off. This is John's death storyline. Save the quips for Leo.

Great scenes with Sarah and Maggie though. Lindsay really went there. Her tears felt real. She's been under stress. But I'd rather the secret was kept. Heck, maybe Philip could have done something terrible to Vivian to keep it. Then, it could have been a longterm plot, forgotten and then resurrected at the perfect moment.

Alex needs to stop with his bravado and outrage. The world does not revolve around him and he has more reason to want Philip running the company than for convicted felon Xander to run it alone. His anger feels so forced.

This is all about the cover up lie: Alex can't stand the idea that Xander thinks he can't satisfy his woman.

As for the pigeon, I don't recall why except Augusta was mad at her daughter so killed something she loved.

3 hours ago, Retired at last said:

I don't know if anyone else was surprised (not in a bad way) that Viv just spilled the secret in one fell swoop. I kind of love it that her need for vengeance doesn't preclude her "own" son.

Yep, if Sarah doesn't tell Xander that she has known when he tells her tomorrow (or whenever), which she won't, she will make it 10x worse. Or, maybe it can't get any worse and he will leave her immediately. I'm fine with that. I never liked the character of Sarah as portrayed by Linsey. Wasn't Sarah, at one time, a dancer? Melissa someone played her, I think. Unless I am remembering the wrong character.

I agree about the story to rescue John is too plodding. And, the inability to get rid of villains time after time is ridiculous. And, of course, Marlena will get Orpheus out of the hospital, and then will probably take off. Who does Christian need custody of? Jan's baby? Isn't that kid in college yet? Does that mean Christian and/or Jan will also be returning to Salem?

Melissa, Maggie's daughter, was a dancer at one point. She was played by Lisa Trusel.

Sarah needs to tell Xander she knew. Otherwise when he goes nuts on Philip Kate will tell Xander to hurt him.

Edited April 17 by brisbydog

[Rodney]

Kind of confused by Sarah saying that she might've ruined her friendship with Stephanie when I saw no signs of them even being friends before now. . . .

[CanaryFan98]

11 hours ago, Rodney said:

Kind of confused by Sarah saying that she might've ruined her friendship with Stephanie when I saw no signs of them even being friends before now. . . .

I agree I mean I'm not opposed to them being friends but it was more believable if this was Sarah/Kayla since they are colleagues. Or even Sarah/Tripp(if he was still around). 

Edited April 18 by CanaryFan98

[brisbydog]

I thought the Philip and Xander confrontation today touched on everything it should. Philip's lonely childhood with no connections to Rex or Bo, Xander's feelings that he was always an embarassment to Victor, and them somehow growing to like each other. It's been the big plus in this story and I have truly enjoyed their growth as brothers. I have a feeling Xander is going to get over the Philip part of this fast (it's not like he wouldn't have pulled this himself). The Sarah part will be far worse.

Rafe sure isn't in a hurry to find out who shot EJ. Nor is he sharing with the police.

Vivian's visit has been a blast. I always enjoy her and this propelled the plot forward which is most welcome. Sami and Rafe are a snooze but that's mostly him. I loved them leaving together.

The other "big" return of Rex appears to be forgotten. Did he leave town? Is he still on that one room at the pub? Do I care?(spoiler: nope).

Two more Ron episodes to go... but I feel like the new team had a hand in the scripts over the past fortnight or so.

[norcalgal]

7 hours ago, brisbydog said:

I thought the Philip and Xander confrontation today touched on everything it should. Philip's lonely childhood with no connections to Rex or Bo, Xander's feelings that he was always an embarassment to Victor, and them somehow growing to like each other. It's been the big plus in this story and I have truly enjoyed their growth as brothers. I have a feeling Xander is going to get over the Philip part of this fast (it's not like he wouldn't have pulled this himself).

 

7 hours ago, brisbydog said:

Vivian's visit has been a blast. I always enjoy her and this propelled the plot forward which is most welcome.

ITA to all this. So glad the truth is out because I always felt that if Philip had confessed soon after the rapport was established with Xander, the latter would have gotten over it fairly quickly anyway, and may still do so. I also really liked Philip’s confession. It came across as sincere and heartfelt.
Yay to Vivian being the catalyst for ending the fake letter story which dragged on long enough.

[BuckeyeLou]

So, was that the end of Sami's story?  She was able to help her Son process his life story & she got a free "sleepover" at Rafe's, but I thought she would be more involved in Marlena's story, etc.  I guess she will return when Drake's story is concluded?  It seemed like a short visit.

[norcalgal]

28 minutes ago, BuckeyeLou said:

So, was that the end of Sami's story?  She was able to help her Son process his life story & she got a free "sleepover" at Rafe's, but I thought she would be more involved in Marlena's story, etc.  I guess she will return when Drake's story is concluded?  It seemed like a short visit.

What’s weird to me is Sami used the phrase “have to return to Italy”.  Why “have to”?  Does she have a job in Italy that won’t allow her more time in Salem?  I mean, she even acknowledged the stuff with John is ongoing and she should stay, yet still said “have to” go back.  Oh well, whatevs.

 I did chuckle at Sami and Vivian being seat mates for the same flight. But of course…

[CanaryFan98]

35 minutes ago, BuckeyeLou said:

So, was that the end of Sami's story?  She was able to help her Son process his life story & she got a free "sleepover" at Rafe's, but I thought she would be more involved in Marlena's story, etc.  I guess she will return when Drake's story is concluded?  It seemed like a short visit.

I believe we are going to see her again soon. She probably filmed a bunch of episodes but we aren't seeing them at once yet either.

3 minutes ago, norcalgal said:

What’s weird to me is Sami used the phrase “have to return to Italy”.  Why “have to”?  Does she have a job in Italy that won’t allow her more time in Salem?  I mean, she even acknowledged the stuff with John is ongoing and she should stay, yet still said “have to” go back.  Oh well, whatevs.

 I did chuckle at Sami and Vivian being seat mates for the same flight. But of course…

Sydney is still in Italy so I wonder if it's about her.

[TimsLove25]

Chiming in that I loved the Phillip/Xander convo too.

Their relationship is one of the most complex and interesting on the show.

[rcc]

Since the Sami and Vivian dynamic was before my time, are they friends?

[CanaryFan98]

19 minutes ago, rcc said:

Since the Sami and Vivian dynamic was before my time, are they friends?

Yes in their own dysfunctional way. They both shared a mutual hatred of Kate and saw each other as kindred spirits. Although Vivian was way more fond of John than Sami was.

[brisbydog]

https://www.daytimesoapstop.com/post/star-performer-s-of-the-week-paul-telfer-john-paul-lavoisier

 

 

[DisneyBoy]

13 hours ago, brisbydog said:

I thought the Philip and Xander confrontation today touched on everything it should. Philip's lonely childhood with no connections to Rex or Bo, Xander's feelings that he was always an embarassment to Victor, and them somehow growing to like each other.

Yes....it's just a shame that JPL didn't bring much to the table from a performance perspective. His "anger" towards Vivian was so weak, I didn't even believe him calling her a bitch.

Liked the "Agent Kiss & Tell" from Sami 😄

...guys, I still don't get why Vivian even bothered with this plot if she was just going to arbitrarily blow it up. This is such a letdown to me. Even Philip called her out!

Why aren't Shawn and JJ arresting Melinda? Ava obviously shouldn't be borrowing guns and the ex-DA knew that.

I get the strange sense they're now setting the groundwork for Safe as the endgame. Sami hasn't been this affectionate towards Rafe in years!

Weird not having either Sami or Vivian stay in town long enough to have some scenes regarding John...they're both so connected to him.

To whomever said Stefan's likely coming back...yeah, I think it's inevitable now.

Edited April 19 by DisneyBoy

[norcalgal]

15 hours ago, CanaryFan98 said:

Sydney is still in Italy so I wonder if it's about her.

Yes, but unless there’s a crisis with adult Sydney, it still doesn’t rise to the level of “have to” return to Italy, especially contrasted with the very real crisis of MIA John. But in the scheme of things, this is a minor nitpick for me.

10 hours ago, DisneyBoy said:

I get the strange sense they're now setting the groundwork for Safe as the endgame. Sami hasn't been this affectionate towards Rafe in years!

Unless Rafe semi permanently leaves Salem a la Sami, I don’t see Safe happening. Doesn’t make sense for them to couple up if one person is gone from canvas 95+% of the time.

Of course a different option is to recast Sami so Safe can both be in Salem as an active couple, but a recast Sami ain’t happening.

[CanaryFan98]

12 hours ago, DisneyBoy said:

Yes....it's just a shame that JPL didn't bring much to the table from a performance perspective. His "anger" towards Vivian was so weak, I didn't even believe him calling her a bitch.

Liked the "Agent Kiss & Tell" from Sami 😄

...guys, I still don't get why Vivian even bothered with this plot if she was just going to arbitrarily blow it up. This is such a letdown to me. Even Philip called her out!

Why aren't Shawn and JJ arresting Melinda? Ava obviously shouldn't be borrowing guns and the ex-DA knew that.

I get the strange sense they're now setting the groundwork for Safe as the endgame. Sami hasn't been this affectionate towards Rafe in years!

Weird not having either Sami or Vivian stay in town long enough to have some scenes regarding John...they're both so connected to him.

To whomever said Stefan's likely coming back...yeah, I think it's inevitable now.

That would be me it was so obvious they just needed him to be away for Gabi to be with JJ for a while and then have her available for his return. 

I thought this as well between this and Sami finding what Lucas did unforgivable I can see Days keeping Rafe on standby for Sami. I personally don't see Sami as a character that needed an endgame. I think her endgame is either the Grim Reaper(my personal preference) or realizing she's content being alone and her joy is in her children. 

I admit I'm surprised that Ejami wouldn't be endgame as they had EJ held hostage for years in that relationship and both his kids with Nicole died. However I wonder if JS was still in the role they would have done this. Maybe they just don't see it with AS/DF(I don't either but I would be surprised if Days admitted such a thing)

Can they let Lucas move on with his life and commit to a long-term love interest for him? He has ties to this show that don't have to deal with Sami you would think the show would want to bring back as many vets/familiar faces as they can that want to be here long term. 

1 hour ago, norcalgal said:

Yes, but unless there’s a crisis with adult Sydney, it still doesn’t rise to the level of “have to” return to Italy, especially contrasted with the very real crisis of MIA John. But in the scheme of things, this is a minor nitpick for me.

Unless Rafe semi permanently leaves Salem a la Sami, I don’t see Safe happening. Doesn’t make sense for them to couple up if one person is gone from canvas 95+% of the time.

Of course a different option is to recast Sami so Safe can both be in Salem as an active couple, but a recast Sami ain’t happening.

Unless Days were to end sometime soon AS would only need to be there then and just have her and Rafe reunite(if they are endgame).

[tribeca]

Posted earlier that Sami’s children are her true loves.  @CanaryFan98 posted a much more elegant response and got Me thinking. 🤔 

The Character of Sammy has a been  jealous, and felt unloved.  It would be a beautiful, fitting ending if she realized she was enough.    Before she came to that realization, though she could do a little more scheming and entertain us a little bit more  

[CanaryFan98]

6 hours ago, tribeca said:

Posted earlier that Sami’s children are her true loves.  @CanaryFan98 posted a much more elegant response and got Me thinking. 🤔 

The Character of Sammy has a been  jealous, and felt unloved.  It would be a beautiful, fitting ending if she realized she was enough.    Before she came to that realization, though she could do a little more scheming and entertain us a little bit more  

I think some characters are meant to be alone. Erica Kane on AMC being alone in the end made sense to me. There are some characters that can't be tamed. Sami is one of them. Marlena despite having multiple popular pairings also was different in that while she didn't need a love interest to be relevant she was able to coexist with one. I just don't see it for Sami in general.

[methodwriter85]

On 4/19/2025 at 10:35 AM, norcalgal said:

Unless Rafe semi permanently leaves Salem a la Sami, I don’t see Safe happening. Doesn’t make sense for them to couple up if one person is gone from canvas 95+% of the time.

I agree. I didn't think they were setting themselves up for anything. It very much felt like a "revisit" of a past relationship you still have fond feelings for, but you're not actually in love with. Hell, Rafe even pointed out that Sami was only asking him to go to Italy because she knew he'd say no.

I did really like Phillip and Xander's confrontation. They were fun as the Brothers Corporation for a bit.

[brisbydog]

The show sure has been good as we wind up Ron's tenure, almost like someone was rewriting these last scripts.

Apart from Rex, whose visit accomplished nothing, and Roman having the same flashback for the 80th time, I loved everything today.

Belle and Philip were really great. Two people with so much history and both so flawed they don't bother judging each other. I think Justin is Xander's lawyer though. He may have to hire Melinda.

I really am not hating Alex these days. He and Stephanie are finally working for me. I like knowing pregnant Joy is out there though. I so appreciated Xander bringing up how it hurts to have the gardener thing thrown in his face and Alex apologizing. I sure wish that they'd come over a bit later so Sarah had managed to confess. Enough already.

Can I say I'm delighted that Philip and Xander will have to fake a united front to please Mr Shin. Keep on with these two please!

Susan was not too annoying today, and I loved that she instantly saw that Belle loves her son. And EJ is "finally" awake but it's been only two Salem days lol

[norcalgal]

42 minutes ago, brisbydog said:

Can I say I'm delighted that Philip and Xander will have to fake a united front to please Mr Shin. Keep on with these two please!

Haven’t seen today’s episode yet, but I hope that in the process of faking their united front, they actually rediscover the brotherly bond they genuinely felt before the forged letter revelation.  Heck - this is a constant trope in romantic comedies - male and female characters fake a relationship which later becomes a real romance.  So why not do this with a sibling relationship?  😁

[DisneyBoy]

I'd definitely be more into it if we'd actually seen them make some sort of business deal at any point in the last few weeks. Something to show them learning from each other and bonding. The big "takeover" happened off-camera, and all they've done is stand next to each other otherwise. Big whoop.

For those of you who have seen the cute video JPL and Paul T posted on social media of the two brothers helping each other do mundane things, THAT was a more fleshed-out look at their relationship improving than what little we've seen on the show. This is all lip-service, same as Belle saying "I love you EJ!" and him waking up. Like...come on...!

We can't keep track of who actually cares about whom anymore because we're so numb from hearing people randomly say "I love you" or "we're over" now without enough evidence shown for it to be readily apparent just from watching the show.

Steph and Alex - true love? Or just dating? Who knows! I guess we have to wait for them to tell us with dialogue since the writing for them is so bland, like their chemistry.

In any case, nice to see Susan, but of course we had to get more blathering on about her stupid psychic powers. Can we lose that BS? I mean, she's already quirky enough without it.

It was an okay episode, no huge complaints, but I'm disappointed I can't give Belle credit for owning up to her terrible affair when talking to Philip, only to then say "I love you" in front of EJ's mother and all...

If Xander can pick up on Alex and Steph's damning silence and muted reaction to his huge news, he'd logically be able to pick up on Sarah's too.

How is Kayla such a happy doctor? It's strange how well-rested and pleasant she always seems LOL.

 

[Artsda]

Everyone needs to stop covering for Sarah. She doesn't deserve loyalty from Alex or Stephanie.

 

[brisbydog]

2 hours ago, Artsda said:

Everyone needs to stop covering for Sarah. She doesn't deserve loyalty from Alex or Stephanie.

 

She does from Philip though. She helped create a situation where Xander is more sad than angry and that's good for Philip 

Alex was never going to keep quiet he was a time bomb 

[DisneyBoy]

That scene today in the Square with Susan spazzing, Gabi yelling and Kat going bug-eyed is exactly the kind of stuff I hope disappears once Ron's work is finished on...Thursday is it?

I heard we get the new team on the 24th, right?