Week of November 20, 2006 Edition

***NOTE: THIS WEEK'S INSIDER IS VERY LIGHT ON SPOILERS AND PREVIEWS AS THIS WEEK AND THE WEEKS AHEAD ARE TOO HUGE TO SPOIL HERE. THE PREVIEWS FOR THIS WEEK WILL BASCIALLY BE THE SAME ONES MENTIONED IN THE PRESS RELEASE BELOW FRIDAY'S EPISODE SO DO LOOK AT THAT IN ADDITION TO THIS. EXPECT TO SEE THE INSIDER LIKE THIS UNTIL THE END OF THE YEAR TO AVOID RUINING THE SURPRISE ***

SHOWDOWN IN SYDNEY!!!

Who will survive the battle in the outback?

Lives are forever changed this week on Salem Lives when all hell breaks loose in Sydney and the aftermath is shocking. "We have been hyping this for weeks but I honestly think the fans have no idea what is coming," says EP/HW Tim Lowery. "This is so exciting and Wednesday and Friday are absolutely HUGE. I am not saying anymore about it but it's really something that will change many lives." As viewers witnessed last week, several beloved Salemites fell into Stefano's trap and were captured. Meanwhile, Jack and Billie continued to allude Stefano's clutches and found themselves trapped in an air shaft filling with gas. "The viewers will love what is coming," vows Lowery. "We have two surprising heroes and then we have this great escape which leads to the ultimate showdown between Victor and Stefano. It takes place in this shopping district in Sydney. There are civilians watching and there is a fountain-it's like a little courtyard. Then, all hell breaks loose as gunshots are being fired all over with civilans running and some of our beloved characters are fighting for their lives. It's chaos." When the dust settles, bodies are everywhere and some beloved Salemites have fallen prey to the carnage. "Major characters are shot and those that aren't are trying to save lives, including the lives of those that were shooting at them," says Lowery. "We are seeing heroic efforts all over the place. Two character, in particular, put their lives on the line for both strangers and loved ones and the results could be tragic. All I can say is the endings of Wednesday and Friday will leave two characters on the brink of death and if there is anything fans have learned from me killing off Marlena and Jennifer-no one is safe." All the Insider can say to fans is...HOLD ON TO YOUR SEATS BECAUSE YOUR IN FOR ONE HELLUVA RIDE!!!

ABBY AND CHELSEA: THE TWIST YOU NEVER SAW COMING!!!

Tragic days ahead?

Chelsea makes a choice this week on Salem Lives that puts Abby and her in danger and will forever change both their lives forever. The week begins with Max dragging the girls to Thanksgiving dinner with their family at Chez Rouge. "The girls eat dinner and then Chelsea walks off," previews EP/HW Tim Lowery. Chelsea tells Abby she is going back to the bridge to party with Seth and Paul and Abby is discouraging it. "Abby only acted out and went to the bridge the first time to get to Max," notes Lowery. "Chelsea is doing it for fun even though Chelsea reminds Abby that they are both in the same boat having suffered alot of loss and feeling alone, especially with Jack and Billie away." Chelsea takes off and Abby gives chase, a choice that will forever alter both girls' lives. "Chelsea opts to go back to a dangerous situation and Abby makes her own choice to follow," says Lowery. "They know they are being reckless but they have no idea the depth of what they are getting into." Frankie and Max notice the girls gone and tell Cassie and Kate what happened earlier that night at the bridge. The four of them take off for the bridge in hopes they the girls are there and that they can prevent any harm of coming to them. Meanwhile, Abby and Chelsea are unaware that Seth and Paul want more out of the evening then just partying and also want to make sure they stay silent about just what goes on under the bridge. The girls return to the bridge and then begin to realize the horror of the situation they are in and what happens next is shocking and tragic. "The viewers will be blindsided," vows Lowery. "They know something happens but the how they don't know and I can promise the fallout from this will have major repercussions for both girls and their families and will forever change their lives. It's all part of the big Wednesday and Friday cliffhanger shows but you have to tune in Monday and Tuesday to see the buildup. This whole week is huge and this is just one big part of it."

THE END FOR ERIC? SO LONG NICOLE!!!

No more happy days for Eric and Nicole?

Eric nears his end this week onSalem Lives just as Nicole prepares to leave town. The week begins with Nicole reacting to finding Eric and Greta in bed together. "Eric and Greta set it up because he knew she would come over and he knew this would be the final straw for her since she had suspicions," says EP/HW Tim Lowery. "He knows this will be enough for her to run away and go to LA and keep her job. He loves her and wants her happy and to move on. How will giving up her dream job to spend her final days with a dying man do that?" Nicole breaks down but then realizes she doesn't need Eric so she calls LA and learns if she wants to keep her job she needs to be back in LA by morning. Therefore, Nicole opts to get her the rest of her belongings for Eric's suite by sending for them and makes a beeline for the airport. Greta overhears and tells Eric, who is pleased. "Greta once again begs him to reconsider and tell his loved ones what is going on," previews Lowery. "She knows he won't take medical help but she wants him to at least tell his loved ones as his condition is dire now." Eric and Nicole end up arguing and Eric gets overcome by pain and loses consciousness. A frantic Greta goes against Eric's wishes and call 911 and he is raced to the ER. "Greta is in a panic and her heart is telling her to do what is right even if Eric wouldn't agree," says Lowery. "The doctors at the hospital tell her that his condition is deteriorating rapidly so she decides to go against another one of Eric's wishes and calls his family. Caroline, Sami, Austin, Will, Lucas, and a few others race to the ER and finally learn the truth about Eric and are devastated." Meanwhile, Nicole is boarding a plane to LA and says adieu to Salem...or does she? Not so fast! "There is a twist there and Nicole gets a surprise that is quite ironic considering her past relationship with this person," laughs Lowery. "I think the fans will like it." As for the status of Jensen Ackles (Eric) and Arianne Zuker (Nicole), Lowery offered no answers. "They are both short-term and that hasn't changed," he says. "It really helps the story because the fans have no idea how this will turn out because neither actor is locked in and I like that. This story is tragic and what is coming up is the real emotional, gut-wrenching stuff. Eric's loved ones will be put through the ringer-big time."

Week of November 20, 2006 (also posted in the Press Release under Friday's episode)

Several beloved Salemites face flying bullets and tragedy in Sydney, Australia while two foes engage in a tense standoff. Who will survive when the dust settles? Meanwhile, in Salem, residents gather for Thanksgiving while worrying about their loves ones in Sydney. However, tragedy and danger loom large there as well. A dying man makes a heartbreaking sacrifice and later finds his secret uncovered. Meanwhile, one resident prepares to bid adieu but will they? Plus, two reckless residents make a choice that will change their lives forever and it’s a race against time to prevent tragedy. (REMINDER: SALEM LIVES DOES NOT AIR ON THURSDAY NOVEMBER 23 DUE TO THE HOLIDAY BUT WILL RESUME FRIDAY NOVEMBER 24)

Red Letter Days!!

DO NOT MISS WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 22 AND FRIDAY NOVEMBER 24 FOR THE BEST SALEM LIVES EPISODES SO FAR THIS YEAR THAT INCLUDE TWO INTENSE, HEART POUNDING CLIFFHANGERS THAT WILL LEAVE YOU BREATHLESS!!!

Next Week: Week of November 27, 2006 (also posted in Press Relase under Friday episode)

The traveling Salemites return from Sydney with grim news as lives hang in the balance. One character sees their life flash before their eyes and a suppressed memory begins to make itself known while another character fights for life as well and walks toward the light. Meanwhile, a rescue attempt begins in the wake of tragedy and a family rallies around a loved one as time begins to run out. However, a shocking discovery may present one last hope but is it too late?