WEEK OF JULY 8, 2007 EDITION

THE VOYAGE OF VENGEANCE EXPLODES!!!

As fans of SALEM LIVES already know, the VOYAGE OF VENGEANCE event officially began on Monday July 2 in the wake of the SALEM LIVES: VENDETTA climax. This week, the VOYAGE OF VENGEANCE explodes as many Salemites fins themselves going down with the ship...literally. "It's a summer blockbuster story and it is epic," says EP/HW Tim Lowery. "However, it is not going to be a story or event that is driven by the catastrophe. This is going to be driven by the characters. This event greatly changes the canvas. We lose some beloved characters but, in the wake of tragedy, comes love and romance for some new couples and some of our most beloved couples. There are some magic moments that will drive fans to tears. It's great drama and it tugs at the heartstrings."

Indeed it does. One setsider reported four scenes, in particular, that had the whole cast and crew in tears. "It was alot of raw emotion and the acting and overall impact of the scenes really got to everyone," says Lowery. "I think it's some of the best stuff we have done and I hope the fans agree. Every episode this week is fantastic with big things happening every day and it all leads to Friday, which is some of the best drama we have seen all year. Every day this week just gets bigger and bigger with what we are doing. We hope the fans enjoy it."

Lowery credits his Co-EP/HW, Patrick L. Ewing, a great deal with the evolution of VENDETTA, the VOYAGE OF VENGEANCE, and the upcoming stories in the wake of all this. "I need to thank him alot," says Lowery. "Our visions came together on all this and the results are what you are seeing now. We each brought our own ideas to the table and it all meshed so beautifully. He really has written some great stuff during all this. He always has written great stuff but he has reached levels I never thought could be reached in writing. Just take the MCF reveal episode, for example. The suspense and drama of that episode was top notch and all credit goes to him for that. I am just glad to have him writing with me. SALEM LIVES would not be the same without him."

Lowery admits the biggest difficulty with all this is the cast cuts that are being made. "The next few weeks and beyond will be hard," sighs Lowery. "Some wonderful actors and actresses will be gone but we need to do what's best for SALEM LIVES. We feel this is best an that the story potential is great from so many angles. We hope the fans understand and sit back for an amazing ride."

For more on the cast cuts hitting SALEM LIVES, check out next week's edition of the INSIDER which will feature in-depth coverage of any departures that have occurred thus far.

WHO'S IN/WHO'S OUT

Paul Kersey (Alan Harris): Kersey, who returned to the role of Alan in June 2006, last aired on July 4 when Alan was shot for the second time and fell to a watery grave. A setsider reports that Kersey only signed for a year, which was the length of the story, but the door does remain open for a possible return. For more on Kersey's exit, check out next week's INSIDER.

Jensen Ackles (Eric Brady): Ackles, who reprised his popular role in May 2006 for what began as short-term but soon became a recurring role, is out. He last aired on July 4 when Eric succumbed to a gunshot wound with his family around him. Setsiders report that Ackles had stayed much longer then expected and that recurring was still hard to do with the actor's primetime gig on the WB's "Supernatural" so the time had come for Ackles and the show to part ways. For more on his exit, check out next week's INSIDER.

PREVIEWS AND PEEKS INTO WK OF 7/9/07

-Several Salem couples share some magic moments.

-Two dramatic love confessions take place.

-Several Salemites meet their maker.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK: THURSDAY JULY 12 AND FRIDAY JULY 13

DON'T MISS TWO DRAMATIC LOVE CONFESSIONS, A DRAMATIC SHOWDOWN, AND MAGIC MOMENTS FOR SEVERAL BELOVED SALEM COUPLES. HAVE THE TISSUES HANDY!!

NEXT WEEK: The cruise ship survivors fight for their lives in the stormy seas. Don't miss a stunning, jaw-dropping moment that will leave you breathless!!