Current Plots Discussion: Actually Today's Episode

[boes]

11 hours ago, DisneyBoy said:

To just say directly what I had danced around in previous posts, there are rumors that Deidre Hall is privately a lesbian. I don't know if that's true, it doesn't bother me if she is, and yes, I read that she has had multiple marriages with men, but it does bother me that Marlena's wardrobe has turned more mannish in recent years when she was constantly wearing flattering, very feminine-looking sweaters and cardigans and blouses, and blazers only occasionally. Now she's like a one-woman blazer fashion show constantly. I'm not saying these rumors have any basis to them, and I realize it's impolite to stereotype women who wear blazers as being lesbians, but if the actors are bringing more of their own clothes to work (which we've heard is the case) or if the people running the costume department are just acquiescing to Deidre's preference to wear blazers, I still think it runs against the years we've watched Marlena wear a variety of clothing. If Kate were to suddenly start wearing overalls after all of her years of corporate blazers with fanciful prints and colours and accessories, I would be equally confused. It just seems like we're supposed to accept that this is how Marlena normally dresses...and it doesn't work for me. I know she's a woman of a certain age and maybe she doesn't want to have to wear shapewear or something, and that's completely fine, but putting Doc in some nice sweaters would probably help mix it up.

But then I don't get why Ciara is wearing scarves around her neck either. Tempting fate?

I think Vincent is great, A real find and I hope they don't ruin him so he can be a continued presence on the show. He seems completely deranged and I like that.

Rumors that Dierdre Hall is privately a lesbian?  While in public she's a ...... thespian?  

You lost me on the blazers=lesbian theory, almost as much as "why would it matter"?   She could be walking around in Nancy Sinatra's boots, Dolly Parton's wigs and hell, Arnold Schwartznegger's jockstrap and I still wouldn't think of her as much other than a long-standing, rather boring and stiff veteran actor.  

My mom and my gaggle of aunts, including a nun, rarely wore dresses if they didn't have to.  Slacks and the occasional blazer were the usual outfit.  Judging sexuality by the outfit, then I guess my mother and my aunts should have been leading the Dykes on Bikes contingent in the SF Pride Parade.  That would have come as a shock to my Dad, not to mention my mom.

I don't get the point. 

Edited August 14, 2020 by boes

[DisneyBoy]

In a nutshell - It's weird that she's always always always always in boxy blazers and slacks given how the character used to dress. Also, having heard the actress might be gay, I find this wardrobe choice even more distracting.

I'm not saying blazers = gay and I'm definitely not saying gay = bad, let's be clear on that. But hopefully you guys get me well enough by now to know that.

Wardrobe choices are sometimes used on this show to indicate when a character is acting unlike themselves. For Hope, if she styles her hair differently or wears pearls or a tiara, we're supposed to assume she's Princess Gina again. Now if I had also heard a rumour that Kristian Alfonso privately thinks that she's a blue blood of Royal descent, that would be on my mind while I was watching the show. I would also be confused if the show wasn't trying to say she was Princess Gina but had her wearing excessive jewellery or styling her hair differently than she usually does.

You get it?

Edit: some examples.

Old Marlena

 

Edited August 14, 2020 by DisneyBoy

[Pearson80]

31 minutes ago, DisneyBoy said:

In a nutshell - It's weird that she's always always always always in boxy blazers and slacks given how the character used to dress. Also, having heard the actress might be gay, I find this wardrobe choice even more distracting.

I'm not saying blazers = gay and I'm definitely not saying gay = bad, let's be clear on that. But hopefully you guys get me well enough by now to know that.

Wardrobe choices are sometimes used on this show to indicate when a character is acting unlike themselves. For Hope, if she styles her hair differently or wears pearls or a tiara, we're supposed to assume she's Princess Gina again. Now if I had also heard a rumour that Kristian Alfonso privately thinks that she's a blue blood of Royal descent, that would be on my mind while I was watching the show. I would also be confused if the show wasn't trying to say she was Princess Gina but had her wearing excessive jewellery or styling her hair differently than she usually does.

You get it?

Edit: some examples.

Old Marlena

 

You have to remember that the characters are no longer dressed by a wardrobe person, since they no longer have a big budget for clothes, the actors get to decide how they will dress. So Marlena no longer dresses they way she used to, she now reflects Deidre.   In the past, Deidre has always said that Marlena had the best taste in clothes while she sucks regarding clothes in real life...  I do miss the characters dressing how they used to be.  For example: Kate used to be so elegant and sophisticated.

 

 

Edited August 14, 2020 by Pearson80

[DisneyBoy]

Yes, exactly. It just so happens that Lauren Koslow's personal wardrobe choices, while eccentric, don't completely run against Kate's character, at least as I see it. I kind of feel that one of the most interesting things about Kate the last few years has been her wardrobe (sad to say that), almost as if she spent so many years being elegant and work appropriate for other people that now with all of her money and self-acceptance, she has allowed herself to dye her hair blue and wesr bold patterns and things like that and have a bit more fun with life. There's nothing in the script to indicate that that's the case, but I think of Kate now as more free. And because she's always working in the corporate world, we always see her in blazers and slacks and that just makes sense to me.

Marlena on the other hand rarely seems to work and yet is constantly wearing things like this no matter whether she's at home or at a wedding or whatever.

It feels like I'm watching Marlena come out late in life....only without the actual coming out part. I also find her rather stiff and uncomfortable, compared to how she used to be, in many of her scenes so there has just been something really off about Marlena for some time now. I realize that's just due to the actress phoning it in or putting in another day's work or maybe feeling disenchanted with the storytelling, and I completely completely understand that! We all are. But yeah. If there's a wardrobe department at all, it would be nice if they varied Marlena's looks, giving Dee options she's comfortable with.

[Pearson80]

Never mind.

Edited August 14, 2020 by Pearson80

[DisneyBoy]

I'm not trying to make this into a big thing or harp on it. Love and respect to DH. It's just that we often discuss all the ways in which the show contradicts itself or just fails to come together as a whole and this is one of those things. I felt like I could safely mention it here after all these years without people jumping to the wrong conclusions, but I'm happy to move on having made that point 🙂

[boes]

1 hour ago, DisneyBoy said:

I'm not saying blazers = gay and I'm definitely not saying gay = bad, let's be clear on that. But hopefully you guys get me well enough by now to know that.

 

Of course I know you're not equating gay with bad.  

But speculating on someone's sexuality will get plenty of people who don't know you thinking you might be also implying judgement.  And speculating on someone's sexuality based on what they wear is a can of worms so vast I don't think we can even see the other side.  

Tons of women dress like Marlena and I don't know many women who wear dresses on a regular basis and plenty who never wear them because they're just too much trouble, regardless of sexual orientation.  

As I'm sure you're aware, there's a whole ugly history of judging people's sexuality by how they dress, how they act, how they walk, etc. and it never ended well.   And, it's not over. 

Not a place you want to go.

Edited August 14, 2020 by boes

[DisneyBoy]

10 minutes ago, boes said:

But speculating on someone's sexuality will get plenty of people who don't know you thinking you might be also implying judgement.  And speculating on someone's sexuality based on what they wear is a can of worms so vast I don't think we can even see the other side. 

As I was saying, I felt comfortable enough with the group here to mention this knowing you guys wouldn't think I was passing any kind of judgment on Deidre.

Television being a visual medium, where what the characters are dressed in becomes part of the story that's being told, of course we're going to look at these outfits and ask ourselves what they're telling us about the people wearing them. Not all women who constantly wear blazers are gay, obviously, but some gay women do wear blazers, or adopt a more traditionally "masculine" dress code. There are also some women who are just less comfortable in dresses, and that's fine too.

We've all commented on what we think of what Abigail wears or what Gabi wears, to the point where people have compared them to hookers. If that's not considered offensive, why should it be offensive or a can of worms for me to say it seems like Marlena is gradually coming out of the closet because of what she's wearing? I understand that's probably not the direction of the narrative, but if I had never watched this show before, the thought would cross my mind, same as it did with Stephanie Forrester on The Bold and the Beautiful, with her constantly in those severe pantsuits. Although, to be honest, those made me wonder more whether she was an aspiring Korean dictator.

I'm not dense. I know the ecosystem we've developed here depends on us being polite with each other and possibly straying away from topics that may be considered too polarizing. I felt like I could safely say this without ruffling feathers. Perhaps I was wrong. Hopefully y'all don't think less of me for giving voice to this observation, which again was not intended as a condemnation or negative judgment in any way shape or form. In any case, as I said before, I'm fine dropping it and moving on.

[boes]

2 minutes ago, DisneyBoy said:

As I was saying, I felt comfortable enough with the group here to mention this knowing you guys wouldn't think I was passing any kind of judgment on Deidre.

Television being a visual medium, where what the characters are dressed in becomes part of the story that's being told, of course we're going to look at these outfits and ask ourselves what they're telling us about the people wearing them. Not all women who constantly wear blazers are gay, obviously, but some gay women do wear blazers, or adopt a more traditionally "masculine" dress code. There are also some women who are just less comfortable in dresses, and that's fine too.

We've all commented on what we think of what Abigail wears or what Gabi wears, to the point where people have compared them to hookers. If that's not considered offensive, why should it be offensive or a can of worms for me to say it seems like Marlena is gradually coming out of the closet because of what she's wearing? I understand that's probably not the direction of the narrative, but if I had never watched this show before, the thought would cross my mind, same as it did with Stephanie Forrester on The Bold and the Beautiful, with her constantly in those severe pantsuits. Although, to be honest, those made me wonder more whether she was an aspiring Korean dictator.

I'm not dense. I know the ecosystem we've developed here depends on us being polite with each other and possibly straying away from topics that may be considered too polarizing. I felt like I could safely say this without ruffling feathers. Perhaps I was wrong. Hopefully y'all don't think less of me for giving voice to this observation, which again was not intended as a condemnation or negative judgment in any way shape or form. In any case, as I said before, I'm fine dropping it and moving on.

Bolded items - not me.  Outfits don't signal me very much and I don't care for the hooker comment and never use it.

There's a world of difference in calling someone a hooker and asking if someone is a lesbian,  world of difference.  Not comparable terms at all.

I don't watch the Bold and the Beautiful.  Did the Stephanie character come out as gay on the show?  Susan Flannery is gay, again, not the same.

And this is my last post on this subject.

[wurdalak]

 

2 hours ago, boes said:

And speculating on someone's sexuality based on what they wear is a can of worms so vast I don't think we can even see the other side.  

@DisneyBoy is correct in saying  that clothes have often been used in movies, shows and popular culture to send signals about characters, including their sexuality; at one time some things could not be said explicitely because of standards and practices or other restrictions, some that may still apply in some production companies.

Clothes were also used in real life by LGBT people a few decades ago when it was more difficult to meet like-minded people in an open social setting. Some well coded shirt color or ensemble could do the trick, without going too blatant. In this specific case, I do not know anything about DH's private life to conclude if the speculation may be founded; I would even have to inquire with my lesbian friends as to whether the clothing she wears on the show might indeed be part of whatever code may presently be in place, but there is nothing concrete enough there for me to make the effort at present.

Edited August 14, 2020 by wurdalak

[DisneyBoy]

42 minutes ago, boes said:

Bolded items - not me. 

...huh? Confused. It seems like you would have had to click bold for them to go bold...and then your next comments refer to the comments that were bolded...

Did not know Susan F was gay.

Perhaps the best way for me to say this is to say that if the actors are now the ones having to supply their own wardrobe for their characters, I would like to see better consistency with what they wear on a camera and how that reflects their characters. I want to feel that I'm looking at what Marlena, John, Abigail, Gabi, Will, Victor, Xander etc are choosing to wear every day. Not what Deidre, Drake, Kate, Camilla, Chandler, John and Paul happened to have in their wardrobes. If there happens to be some crossover there, that's fine, but if the actor's personal style or identity doesn't mesh with the character they're playing, I would like someone working at the show to provide an alternative that feels more true to the character.

42 minutes ago, boes said:

There's a world of difference in calling someone a hooker and asking if someone is a lesbian,  world of difference.  Not comparable terms at all.

I would never call someone that or ask someone that question.

I guess what we're talking about are visual shorthands. If I were making a TV show where I wanted to suggest a female character was an escort, I may give her a tight outfit with a lot of cutouts and exposed skin, for instance...though that is a cliche and fashion these days trends towards those features so pretty much anyone you see on the street could be dressed like that and it wouldn't mean anything. I get that.

And as we've been discussing lately, I think we all find Ciarra's wardrobe hugely baffling, especially the constant use of chokers. I get that the 90s are back In style, but she's married to a man who choked the life out of women, so what are they trying to tell us here? She's into that?

On the other side, I'm very happy to see that Allie has been wearing comfortable sweatshirts and sweaters and things like that, because that's exactly what someone in her situation would be wearing, and yet we very rarely see people dress casually on this show anymore.

Back to plot, I finally watched the scenes with Eve from yesterday and oh my gosh that wig! It was sitting so high! You guys were not exaggerating 🤣

Edited August 14, 2020 by DisneyBoy

[Irlandesa]

I don't get the "dressing like a lesbian" thing at all.  Marlena's attire always strikes me as what would be appropriate for a woman in a professional environment; especially something like psychiatry where I imagine attractiveness is the last thing they'd like to convey.  (To avoid transference.)

It could also be related to body image issues.  As women get older, sometimes things are jigglier and lumpier than they were in the past.  Smart stylists know that putting a woman in a fitted outfit can still highlight her curves and attractiveness.  Left to their own devices (which sounds like might be the case at DOOL?) a common choice women make is to cover things up.  It's not necessarily as attractive but it'd explain the blazers.

Her attire is more reflective of a woman of a certain age in a certain profession than anything related to her sexuality, IMO.

[kitmerlot1213]

Vincent's best line?   "You killed four people, three of them permanently. "  Only in Salem--I love it!

I missed the last twenty minutes of today's episode, so I hope someone can give me some confirmation--from how Eve reacted when Claire mentioned setting her up for the church bombing, I'm guessing Eve isn't the one who ruined Ciara's wedding dress, or who stole the engagement ring or who drugged the drink, so then who's the actual culprit?

I'm confused about whose side we're supposed to be on in this whole Gwen, Chad, Gabi, Jake debacle because everyone is kind of acting underhanded.  I'll always be Team Gabi because I love CB but I don't think that's what the show wants.

 

[methodwriter85]

Well, I'm enjoying Vincent. And I liked the show referencing Eve and Claire's relationship. I'm going to miss Crazy Eyes Claire, though.

[nilyank]

37 minutes ago, Irlandesa said:

It could also be related to body image issues.  As women get older, sometimes things are jigglier and lumpier than they were in the past.  Smart stylists know that putting a woman in a fitted outfit can still highlight her curves and attractiveness.  Left to their own devices (which sounds like might be the case at DOOL?) a common choice women make is to cover things up.  It's not necessarily as attractive but it'd explain the blazers.

 

It is the same reason why Sonny is always in a suit especially when he is at home talking about puppies with Ari. Freddy said he wears suits because of his yo-yo weight gain/loss.

[methodwriter85]

20 minutes ago, nilyank said:

It is the same reason why Sonny is always in a suit especially when he is at home talking about puppies with Ari. Freddy said he wears suits because of his yo-yo weight gain/loss.

Chandler said that is the reason he was pretty much stuck in the flannel shirts when he came back. He was about 30 pounds over his fighting weight.

Edited August 14, 2020 by methodwriter85

[DisneyBoy]

It would have been so much better to see Sonny in some cool sweaters the last few years since he lost his job. It's not a problem for people to have gained weight, but Sonny has looked so needlessly uptight for so long. Seeing him more as a casual Dad would have been much more attractive I think. And since Will pretty much never wears sweaters I think it would have made them look good opposite one another.

Today was boring as hell but it was nice to see Kassie bring it in her scenes with Claire. NuClaire can act but I agree that she definitely reads as more mature then original recipe Claire...who, in all honesty I would have rather seen in the scenes today with Kassie just because they had that history together.

Hope and Rafe just define inappropriate workplace interactions. If I was a citizen of Salem, I'd be having a field day with all the crap they've gotten away with since they got together on the job. How she was ever made commissioner after murdering and covering up the murder of Stefano is beyond me. It doesn't matter if he's still alive, she was still guilty of the attempted murder and cover-up.

But yes please, let your boss place your police badge right there near your lady parts and look seductively up into his eyes before you've even started your first shift back on the job.

[Pearson80]

2 hours ago, wurdalak said:

Clothes were also used in real life by LGBT people a few decades ago when it was more difficult to meet like-minded people in an open social setting. Some well coded shirt color or ensemble could do the trick, without going too blatant. In this specific case, I do not know anything about DH's private life to conclude if the speculation may be founded; I would even have to inquire with my lesbian friends as to whether the clothing she wears on the show might indeed be part of whatever code may presently be in place, but there is nothing concrete enough there for me to make the effort at present.

It is funny you say that, I am from the Caribbean where women wrap their hair with beautiful colorful scarves and headdresses and my grandmother told me back when she was a young lady that women who liked other women would wrap their hair a certain way to signal to each other their intentions. 

Edited August 14, 2020 by Pearson80

[SueB]

I’m glad Ben apologized to Claire.  And kudos to Claire for how she handled Eve.  
 

I wonder if Claire will warn Allie about Sami’s custody battle. 
 

Unpopular opinion: I like Rope.   Team Rope. 
 

My reaction when seeing Eve’s wig

Just... no.  

 

Edited August 14, 2020 by SueB

[Frozendiva]

1 hour ago, Pearson80 said:

It is funny you say that, I am from the Caribbean where women wrap their hair with beautiful colorful scarves and headdresses and my grandmother told me back when she was a young lady that women who liked other women would wrap their hair a certain way to signal to each other their intentions. 

I would probably be the idiot who liked that styling/wrap and be clueless.

[Silver Raven]

It's really sad that nobody remembers Wendy the midwife.  Where's her family?

Where was Marlena while all of this was going down in her office?  She knew Ben had an appointment with her.

 

[DaphneCat]

28 minutes ago, Silver Raven said:

It's really sad that nobody remembers Wendy the midwife.  Where's her family?

Where was Marlena while all of this was going down in her office?  She knew Ben had an appointment with her....

 

At least she was vaguely mentioned.  Serena...Who?(

Vincent arranged an emergency to keep Marlena from coming in.  I thought he had potential but then, it's time to give Ben the shot and Vincent talks and talks and talks rather than just doing it.  I was hoping he was going to be a different kind of thug.  One who acts first and talks later.  Vincent, I'm VERY disappointed.

[peachmangosteen]

4 hours ago, kitmerlot1213 said:

I missed the last twenty minutes of today's episode, so I hope someone can give me some confirmation--from how Eve reacted when Claire mentioned setting her up for the church bombing, I'm guessing Eve isn't the one who ruined Ciara's wedding dress, or who stole the engagement ring or who drugged the drink, so then who's the actual culprit?

No confirmation. They just left it hanging lol. It definitely seems like Eve is not behind that though. Perhaps it was Vincent but, if so, Eve clearly didn't tell him to do it or know that he did. Much like with Allie's baby daddy, I suspect TPTB don't actually know what they're gonna do with that yet lol.

I still enjoyed the Chad/Gabi/Jake/Gwen stuff today but it was more boring than usual. I fast forwarded everything else.

[nilyank]

4 hours ago, SueB said:

I wonder if Claire will warn Allie about Sami’s custody battle. 

I mean Allie knows her mom and she overheard Sami tell Claire that she is not going to let Nicole to get the baby. Does she really think her silly note would act like a magical set of adoption papers that the courts would totally accept as valid?

Cannot wait until Sami leaves so she doesn't have to deal with these silly people.

Edited August 15, 2020 by nilyank

[howmanywords]

2 hours ago, DaphneCat said:

Vincent arranged an emergency to keep Marlena from coming in.  I thought he had potential but then, it's time to give Ben the shot and Vincent talks and talks and talks rather than just doing it.  I was hoping he was going to be a different kind of thug.  One who acts first and talks later.  Vincent, I'm VERY disappointed.

Same. He had ONE JOB! I know there had to be some effort into putting Ben under a spell but still. Vincent was talking way too much. Still, I'll keep him. I'm cool with him tormenting  Ollie.

[CanaryFan98]

9 hours ago, boes said:

Bolded items - not me.  Outfits don't signal me very much and I don't care for the hooker comment and never use it.

There's a world of difference in calling someone a hooker and asking if someone is a lesbian,  world of difference.  Not comparable terms at all.

I don't watch the Bold and the Beautiful.  Did the Stephanie character come out as gay on the show?  Susan Flannery is gay, again, not the same.

And this is my last post on this subject.

No Stephanie didn't but I do see DB's point here her hair cut etc also changed through the years.

DH/Marlena's been consistent regardless of wardrobe choices.

6 hours ago, DisneyBoy said:

 

Hope and Rafe just define inappropriate workplace interactions. If I was a citizen of Salem, I'd be having a field day with all the crap they've gotten away with since they got together on the job. How she was ever made commissioner after murdering and covering up the murder of Stefano is beyond me. It doesn't matter if he's still alive, she was still guilty of the attempted murder and cover-up.

But yes please, let your boss place your police badge right there near your lady parts and look seductively up into his eyes before you've even started your first shift back on the job.

I don't see the point of it for a variety of reasons. However on a random note how has nobody even considered filing a lawsuit vs the Salem PD. Then again the University Hospital is still open despite everything.

[lb60]

7 hours ago, kitmerlot1213 said:

I'll always be Team Gabi because I love CB but I don't think that's what the show wants.

Same here. I often think my choices of who to root for are not what TIIC had in mind.

Speaking of wardrobe, that scarf loosely tied around Ciara's neck is a subtle touch. The better to strangle you with, my dear. <eye roll>

[Frozendiva]

Eve's wig does make her head look like a cone. Didn't like her going after Claire and knocking her down. Lady, you were Claire's friend and confidant. You treated her like your daughter.

Was a bit uncomfortable with Rafe putting Hope's badge past her waist. Yes, they were married, but he is in a position of power. Why would she want to be a detective again? Enjoy retirement or living off the trust fund!

Gwen's negligee set was nice. She and Chad are being telegraphed. Might be better than boring old Abs. How convenient that the DiMera folks liked the downhome Jake and closed the deal.

Given all the crap that's gone on in her office, wouldn't Dr. Evans have her office set up with a camera? 

Ciara's outfit had a little too much going on.

[Irlandesa]

11 minutes ago, Frozendiva said:

Given all the crap that's gone on in her office, wouldn't Dr. Evans have her office set up with a camera?

Probably not inside her office.  There might be privacy issues with having a camera in her office.  But outside of her office?  Yeah, I'd think that.

[bunnyblue]

The way Eve's ugly wig is planted on top of her head with her wispy blonde hair poking out from the bottom reminds me of Jan Brady and her hilariously awful ill-fitting wig.

I'm liking the new Claire, though her dark thick eyebrows are a bit distracting. It's so strange how Claire went from wearing tight revealing outfits to chunky sweaters. I wonder why the show did a 180 with her wardrobe when the actresses changed.

Ciara looks much better with her shorter hairdo; her hair is so thick that when she wore it long it overwhelmed her face. 

I missed almost the entire Rope relationship but I am aware of some of their ugly history. Regardless, I'm one of the few who is enjoying their rekindling relationship. I think they have nice chemistry and since neither one is currently attached, I'm willing to see where they take this.

 

[boes]

1 hour ago, bunnyblue said:

 

I missed almost the entire Rope relationship but I am aware of some of their ugly history. Regardless, I'm one of the few who is enjoying their rekindling relationship. I think they have nice chemistry and since neither one is currently attached, I'm willing to see where they take this.

 

I am, too.  I'm enjoying Hope more post-Gina than I have in years.  She's just....lighter, somehow.  I've always mostly detested Rafe, but right now, with Hope, not so much.  

[DisneyBoy]

3 hours ago, Frozendiva said:

Didn't like her going after Claire and knocking her down. Lady, you were Claire's friend and confidant. You treated her like your daughter

It bugs me a lot too, especially since they had music in common and I thought the show was going to actually do something with that angle. But the truth of it is, I'm just grateful that their  situations aren't reversed, the way I thought they would be when Clare became a pyromaniac, and Claire isn't knocking Eve down to the ground and ranting and raving like a crazy person. Ron doesn't know how to write women at all so this is what he reduces them to. Claire's fortunately getting the better end of the deal.

I still support Eve's revenge tour, however. I would like to see more people have a burning hatred for Ben.

48 minutes ago, boes said:

She's just....lighter, somehow.

That's exactly it. Hope lately has reminded me more of who she was back in 2012 and 2013, before Bo's departure became something the show had to address, and before Aiden came on the scene. She used to just be everyone's friend and a happy person with good energy. It's nice that we've kind of come back to that finally.

[CanaryFan98]

That wig on Eve makes her look like Kris Jenner.

[peachmangosteen]

10 hours ago, bunnyblue said:

I wonder why the show did a 180 with [Claire's] wardrobe when the actresses changed.

It lends more credence to the speculation that the actors are wearing their own clothes,

[Sandman]

22 hours ago, SueB said:

My reaction when seeing Eve’s wig

Just... no.  

I have no idea what happened in that scene. My entire attention was taken up by horror at the ... thing on Eve's head.

Just ... no.

[MerBearStare]

Appearance-wise, the new Claire reminds me a lot of Laura Palmer from Twin Peaks.

[peachmangosteen]

2 hours ago, MerBearStare said:

Appearance-wise, the new Claire reminds me a lot of Laura Palmer from Twin Peaks.

I can see that. Ugh, now I'm reminded of the dreadful reboot that I wasted hours of my life on lol.

[kitmerlot1213]

I'm sorry, but why does LG insist on speaking her lines in a little girl baby voice when she's trying to convey Sarah's happiness?

I kind of love that Belle is standing with Sami against Eric and Nicole regarding custody of the baby because if we go by the idea that they all have to follow "what Allie wants" then the baby would go to Rafe, then Will and Sonny and then Eric and Nicole.  And Belle is right in that Allie is hardly thinking clearly about what is best for her baby--at last count she's offered her child to five different people.  Just as long as her mother, the baby's grandmother, doesn't get her hands on him.

I did like Kate speaking some truths to Marlena about her perceived favoritism towards certain kids and now we have Mar's cold anger towards Sami so it looks like Kate's right.  According to Marlena, Sami should just keep her mouth shut regarding her own grandson because Eric and Nicole will be great parents.

[DisneyBoy]

While I was watching the scenes with Justin and Bonnie, Judi had me flashing back to her role as Paulina on Another World. Judi has this incredible softness and sincerity to her. She really knows how to deliver a line. She just always brings a sort of spark and authenticity to what she does, and I guess that's why I've always preferred her as Bonnie. She may be more over-the-top, but Adrienne was always so stiff and dull and her storylines were kind of crappy, at least since 2012. All this to say, I liked Bonnie today with the hat.

I don't like, however, Justin being drawn into her web. This woman was unspeakably cruel to his wife who is now dead. He should be running for the hills, no matter how many hats she gives him.

Ron clearly struggles to write enjoyably troublesome characters. Leo had potential but became smarmy and gross and crossed the line. Bonnie and Hattie have done the same, but at least Hattie stepped in to save Marlena's life during the coma storyline, which was a pretty big deal for her to do that.

Sarah has definitely lost some weight as well as some hair. She looked good today, but I wish they had kept the somewhat reddish tone to her hair, as a link to her heritage. I know that's not exactly how it works. Just because your mother has dyed red hair doesn't mean you should also have dyed red hair LOL but now she looks pretty unrelated to Maggie.

I don't even want to think about how much time and effort it has taken for Paul Telfer to have and maintain that body of his. He's also lost some weight compared to when he first debuted on the show, but dang his torso is flawless isn't it? Ben who?

In spite of the fact that there are really big plot problems, I'm kind of enjoying this storyline with the silly baby because it's bringing together a whole bunch of characters I consider central to the show. It's so nice to see scenes with Marlena, Kate, Lucas and Sami, or Eric Nicole and Belle.

I'm not liking the inconsistencies however. Since when does Sami loathe Kate? They were co-conspirators and BFFs the last time they were both on the show for an extended period together. And how the hell does Sami of all people get off calling the DiMera Mansion the House of Usher? She raised her children in it with her rapist! Did I miss the day she started hating on Gabi..?

Lucas had me cheering with his line about Sami desperately returning to Europe to spend more time with "what's left of EJ!" Go man, go! 🤣

...but then he lost me by imitating Sonny and flying into a rage about how she's a bad mother only to immediately calm down afterwards. Ron really just loves these random tantrums, doesn't he?  And any contrived, out of character excuse for Sami to slap people too.

I'm really surprised Eric hasn't rolled over and just let Sami have her way on this. He knows he doesn't really have any claim to the child, and that any kind of prolonged battle between Sami and Nicole will only damage relationships more. Even Nicole acknowledged today that they might only be taking possession of the kid for a short term, and she also pointed out that Eric's heart is still healing from having lost his own daughter. So don't all arrows point in the direction of Eric waving a white flag and co-signing Sami taking the kid? I just don't get what he's fighting for here....like, at all. If he's trying to say he's following through with Allie's wishes, she ran off and at this point the adults need to step in and clean up her mess. I would like to think more of the family members would be upset with Allie for putting them all in this position. Instead, they keep talking about the strain she's been under, as if she hasn't manufactured most of that herself. Bottom line, I would think most of this anger would be targeted towards Allie and not Sami....and the relative with the most stable life in Salem would be elected to be a temporary guardian to the child. Easy.... right?

I mean, if Allie doesn't want her mother taking over the baby, and her mother wants to go back to Europe, why doesn't Lucas just petition for the role of temporary guardian? He's single, isn't raising anybody else, and could move to Salem permanently for a while. Yeah, why isn't Lucas a candidate here? It's not like Sami could convince him to give up the child to her. They aren't married and she already has her hands full with three other people back in Europe. They aren't even sleeping together, so it's not like she can work her charms to snatch the boy away. Lucas has been weirdly not involved in most of the storyline, hasn't he?

Also, wasn't he written off the show to go and help Allie out with her underage drinking problem? How is it then he's taking no responsibility for how she continued to spiral out of control? Why isn't Sami throwing it back in his face? I'm just confused. Lucas is talking like he wasn't in Europe the last few months supposedly supervising his daughter. If she got pregnant then it's obviously been under his watch too.

In spite of all of these weird details, I actually enjoyed this episode.

Edited August 17, 2020 by DisneyBoy

[BuckeyeLou]

Baby Boy Horton!  Oh Good Grief: give the child a NAME!  Everybody got haircuts!  I like Sarah's new-do...she & Xander are just so cute together!  And  I loved Bonnie's gift of the cowboy hat 🙂  I wondered if that was Wally's own hat that he brought to set?  Doesnt he wear a cowboy hat when he is doing his singing gigs?  I enjoyed Sami & Lucas back & forth....I am "Team Lucas" in this....Good Grief, Sami wants to take the child out of the country?!  I dont think that is legal.  And I enjoyed Marlena & Kate's "Grandma" talk & discussing their Children & Grand-children.

Quote

 

 

[nilyank]

1 hour ago, DisneyBoy said:

I'm not liking the inconsistencies however. Since when does Sami loathe Kate? They were co-conspirators and BFFs the last time they were both on the show for an extended period together. And how the hell does Sami of all people get off calling the DiMera Mansion the House of Usher? She raised her children in it with her rapist! Did I miss the day she started hating on Gabi..?

 

Sami has always hated living at the mansion and has called it the House of Horrors many, many times. The only reason that she had lived there was because of the kids and EJ. Since they are not there, I can see why Sami wouldn't want to go there. As for hating on Kate and Gabi? That's bad writing on Ron's part and in fact if they would allow Sami to explore the Dimera side of town, she could put in her support of Gabi over Chad and make some snide remarks about Abby in the process. But I don't think the show is going to do that.

As for Marlena, if she doesn't support Sami and her very valid reasons for blocking Eric and Nicole grabbing that baby then she should have said no to Sami. Instead she is acting like a bitch to Sami as if Sami is blowing things out of proportion. But what can I expect from a Serial Killer Lover? Not much.

Edited August 17, 2020 by nilyank

[Harmony233]

I like the family conflicts in this story much better than the silly stories about brainwashing etc 

Also somebody please give this poor kid it's silly to keep calling him Allie baby lol.

[Pearson80]

I loved the show today even Bonnie and Justin even though I think she is really a brainwashed Adrienne.  Ron better resurrect Adrienne who still has stories left to tell in my opinion.

I just cannot stand Nicole and her doofus husband Eric. Nicole has no self-awareness, of course Sami does not want you near her grandson. Have you forgotten that you stole her daughter Sydney and switched her with another baby girl.  As a mother, she missed time with her kid that you stole from her that she could never get back.  She had the gall to call Sami a selfish bitch in front of her siblings, wow just wow.. 

Eric the doofus is just as maddening as his wife.  If Eric had any sense he would realize how wrong it is for Nicole to go anywhere near Sami's children and grandchildren.  They could play a role as aunt and uncle in the baby's life without adopting him.. In life you have to know when to pick your battles, fighting with Sami over custody over her own grandson is just plain stupid...

I absolutely loved the Marlena/Kate scenes and the Lumi scenes. Lucas just gets her and knows how to get Sami to listen to another point of view. I was not upset with him going after Sami, he was very angry over the Allie situation. It has to hurt Lucas knowing that Allie did not even want him to have the baby. 

The best part of the show was the fact that the serial killer was not on today...

Edited August 17, 2020 by Pearson80
Oops! Marlena a Ben devotee was on today..

[nilyank]

2 minutes ago, Pearson80 said:

The best part of the show was the fact the serial killer and his worshipers were not on today...

Marlena was there.

[rcc]

Sara and Xander are such a great couple. She looks much better with the new haircut too. Justin very sexy in that hat. 

[chediavolo]

On 8/14/2020 at 11:56 PM, bunnyblue said:

The way Eve's ugly wig is planted on top of her head with her wispy blonde hair poking out from the bottom reminds me of Jan Brady and her hilariously awful ill-fitting wig.

I'm liking the new Claire, though her dark thick eyebrows are a bit distracting. It's so strange how Claire went from wearing tight revealing outfits to chunky sweaters. I wonder why the show did a 180 with her wardrobe when the actresses changed.

Ciara looks much better with her shorter hairdo; her hair is so thick that when she wore it long it overwhelmed her face. 

I missed almost the entire Rope relationship but I am aware of some of their ugly history. Regardless, I'm one of the few who is enjoying their rekindling relationship. I think they have nice chemistry and since neither one is currently attached, I'm willing to see where they take this.

 

Yes!!🤣 Exactly like Jan Brady. Well, Jan may have done a better job of putting it on. 

[chediavolo]

I also liked todays show with the family drama line instead of the weirdness and craziness. Like a real Soap Opera! I must be the only one who  Hated Sarahs hair though. She looked like she got it "done" at the hair dresser where the little old ladies go. 

[DisneyBoy]

1 hour ago, Pearson80 said:

I just cannot stand Nicole and her doofus husband Eric. Nicole has no self-awareness, of course Sami does not want you near her grandson. Have you forgotten that you stole her daughter Sydney and switched her with another baby girl.  As a mother, she missed time with her kid that you stole from her that she could never get back.  She had the gall to call Sami a selfish bitch in front of her siblings, wow just wow.. 

Yeah...why haven't we heard Sydney's name mentioned? It feels like all the characters are weirdly talking around her and that whole storyline. And yet it's the elephant in the room whenever the discussion veers towards Nicole taking ownership of a child from Sami's bloodline. Say "Sydney"! Say it!!

Edited August 17, 2020 by DisneyBoy

[RunningMarket]

Sami and Allie are exactly the same - albeit with a focus on a different person.

Allie: my mother has ruined my life and is responsible for all the bad things including climate change and COVID!

Sami: Nicole has ruined my life and is responsible for all the bad things including famine and disease!

I can only imagine the custody hearing, with Sami bulldozing her way over the judge and everyone else in the room. Good luck encouraging Sami to have a civilized conversation. And I say this as someone who has always enjoyed Samantha Jean Brady and her antics over the years.

I see Sarah got the group discount at the Salem Hair Salon.

Edited August 17, 2020 by RunningMarket
Adding More

[Irlandesa]

1 hour ago, DisneyBoy said:

Lucas had me cheering with his line about Sami desperately returning to Europe to spend more time with "what's left of EJ!" Go man, go! 🤣

His complete disregard for EJ with both that statement and his later "what about EJ" had me living! Favorite moments of the episode for sure.  I don't know what Sami is thinking.  She's not the official guardian or parent so she can't get the baby a passport and the baby would need one to go to Italy.

It'd be kidnapping. 

But I did like the family drama today.

And I don't love Sarah's new haircut but I think I would love it if she were wearing a flapper dress.