j swift

Nevertheless,—and perhaps even more pointedly—Harding Lemay had a valid observation: decades later, all of those books bear author attributions that omit his name entirely. The covers don’t say “inspired by” or “based on a story by.” It’s as if those (likely pseudonymous) authors had originated the Rachel/Steve/Alice saga themselves.

Excellent point @chrisml, well stated

I’m honestly surprised Kristen hasn’t been woven into John’s exit storyline—this could’ve been a golden opportunity to redeem the character in a meaningful way. I know, I know—this is probably an unpopular opinion. Kristen’s name alone sends some fans reaching for the fast-forward button. But hear me out: the dynamic between Kristen and Marlena can actually be fun when it’s not dipped in full-blown chaos. Their history is deeply tied to the era that really cemented John Black as a character. There’s something intriguing in the idea that men like Shane, Andrew, and Steve are constantly stumbling into disaster—and it’s the women who have to save them. Imagine Kristen using her particular (and let’s be honest—entertainingly shady) skill set to help Marlena uncover what really happened to John. And maybe Kristen could find love with Andrew's ISA mentor. Because I cannot think of one romantic pairing that has ever been sucessfuly played by this actress. And I think it would be entertaining to pair her with an equally manic guy to see what havoc they could create. Without loosing touch completely with the OG Kristen that wanted to work in non-profits with orphans.

This is the development story that I wanted. AW had been through three failed expansions/spin-offs: Somerset, For Richer, for Poorer, and the 90-minute expansion. So, why was it chosen, once again, as the source material? I wanted to know more context about the culture of daytime TV. There's a fun detail that the opening party was unusually sumptuous. So, it might have been fun to hear about the PR roll out. Why did NBC decide to use another soap rather than a talk show or a game show? There's no reason given why Texas was put into development. I wonder if we are capricious? Did too many people complain that the Ryan's Hope book didn't contain enough story synopsis? And now we are saying there was too much in this book?

Hard to imagine how challenging it must be to return after three years and perform an emotional scene—with an actor you've never worked with—centered on a plot point that unfolded decades ago.

Well, that was not the ending I was hoping for... Jada is a mess. Is this the beginning of a downward spiral for the Chief? I still believe Rafe is innocent, but does he know who did it—or at least think he does? And if so, is that why he’s keeping JJ in the dark about the listening device? Not for nothing, but when even Javi is telling Rafi that Jada has earned a “hall pass,” maybe it’s time he lets go of all that pent-up anger. And then there’s Kristen—who has somehow morphed into a completely unlikable, narratively useless character. I don’t want her back with Brady, I don’t want her tormenting Brady. The only way to salvage her at this point is to give her a compelling new love interest—either through business or mystery. She deserves one last shot, for the legacy of the character. But if that doesn’t work? I never need to hear from her again. Finally, some good news: I finally found Chad’s jacket on WornOnTV! Now if only I could find it in stock…

Agreed, that it was another time, and she was a victim of circumstance and rare opportunities. But, if I hear about her scratching around at CBS Sunday Morning with Jane Pauley, all bets are off!

That would be so sad, Rita was the only one left that liked EJ.

One suspects Standards & Practices would never allow them to actually film a child shooting an adult—but wouldn’t it make a deliciously twisted revenge arc if lil' Rachel were the one to shoot EJ with Melinda's gun? I’ve also been puzzling over why Roman had his gun in his back pocket—until I considered that it may be the very thing that clears Roman, Kate, and Johnny. Lastly, a crackpot theory for your consideration: With the backstage shakeups and the exodus of Joy, Theresa, Ava, and Rachel, maybe the ever-growing suspect list is a narrative sleight of hand. What if EJ’s shooting is just a shiny distraction to cover the sudden vanishing acts as part of a bigger transition? Just something to keep in mind as the gears shift...

Megan is a cornerstone of One Life to Live’s legacy. As the luminous star of Fraternity Row—Llanview’s soap-within-a-soap—she was even referenced in the show’s final broadcast week, a testament to her enduring presence. It was Megan who propelled the characters to Eterna, the pinnacle (or nadir, depending on one’s tolerance for sci-fi theatrics) of OLTL’s more outlandish storytelling. Her death was so impactful that an entire anniversary was themed around it—a rare honor in the soap world. And, of course, when Viki met Natalie, she had the rather extraordinary realization that Megan was only the first daughter she had conveniently forgotten she had given birth to.

It’s scientifically impossible for the writers to have traveled back in time and read my post from yesterday—but imagine my shock when EJ actually referred to his son as *Giovanni*. Kate took quite the logical leap, assuming EJ would resort to a hit-and-run over Rex. That’s never really been his style. @AbcNbc247 , I have a sneaking suspicion that today’s shooting is just the tip of the iceberg. Something tells me there’s a much bigger surprise on the horizon. On a lighter note, Chad’s jacket? Absolute perfection. Still not listed on WornOnTV, but I *need* it. Meanwhile, Cat continues to feel like she wandered onto the wrong set, and Kayla—a *senior* doctor, mind you—is somehow stuck pulling 36-hour shifts? That was a dumb bit of detail, I assume to disqualify her as a suspect, but I never thought she was a suspect. Why didn't Ava give Melinda back her gun? Otherwise, didn't she make trouble for her friend? Because when the cops find the gun, they'll suspect Melinda, and she'll have no proof that she lent it to Ava. And just for fun, let’s take stock: Salem has collectively forgiven Cat, Ava, Philip, and Gabi for all manner of violent misdeeds, yet Theresa remains persona non grata for a little light forgery and resulting in a fortune for Alex? Consistency is clearly not this town’s strong suit.

or, more likely, the April Fools' prank video was filmed 4/1/24

I remember, after many of the tributes, I was more conscious of the GL actors living in New York, or the Tri-State Area. Even today, I find myself amused thinking about Larry Gates (aka HB) commuting on the subway to work. Or, Jordan Clarke (aka Billy) grabbing a slice for lunch. And especially the very elegant Tina Sloan having to go to work to put on Lillian-drag. They played such larger-than-life personas, that it is difficult to conceive of them struggling against the forces of the urban jungle in the 1990s.

From a storytelling perspective, it feels like a missed opportunity for Ava to continue serving as a surrogate mother figure for Sophia. It seems inevitable that Sophia is about to go full-on gaga over Tate. But with Ava as her confidante, she felt more grounded—like a legitimate fourth spoke in the Tate/Holly/Doug3 triangle. Now, there’s nothing tethering her to reason, making her all the more likely to embrace full-fledged villainy as a force determined to keep Holly and Tate apart.

Unless (hope spring eternal), and they do some sort of creative “Rashomon”-inspired storytelling and tomorrow show us what people were doing during today's time jump. So, by Friday, the two timelines merge. 🤞 Furthermore, any day should feel like a Friday cliffhanger, if they are telling the story well. Because the stakes should always feel heightened and unpredictable.

Given that Johnny has never exactly exuded worldliness—or much of a European vibe (they dropped the 'Gio' nickname with record speed)—it feels more natural for him to share scenes with Roman rather than EJ. I didn’t quite follow the Sami reference, but it’s worth noting that she still doesn’t know Johnny is aware he's the “product of rape”—arguably the clunkiest line of dialogue in this entire storyline. Every time Johnny is saddled with that awkward exposition, it completely derails the moment for me. I have to disagree with @AbcNbc247 I actually thought the time manipulation was a clever choice. I frequently joke that we have no idea what time it is in Salem, so this felt tailor-made for my sensibilities. We have no clue where Johnny, Chanel, Jada, Gabi, and Rafe have been—or for how long. We don’t know whether EJ has already been injured. And we certainly don’t know what transpired before Ava arrived. What we do know is that if EJ survives, he can identify his attacker. That said, I question the conspicuous absence of Chad, Kate, and Leo—each of whom has a motive, yet none have been directly impacted by the article’s fallout. And why are Philip, Alex, and Xander being so easily ruled out? Ignoring the business angle feels like a missed opportunity. Would it have killed them to give us a scene of EJ smugly taunting his less competent corporate rivals?

Have they forgotten that Chanel was initially mad at EJ for trying to pay off Joy to leave town?

Point taken about a preference for an act of kindness, (or some random death out of nowhere), over his spy persona. However, I would argue that John’s journey must be heroic—on a grand scale—for at least two reasons. First, unlike real people, most of John's enemies haven’t simply held grudges or sought petty revenge; they’ve attempted world domination or, at the very least, threatened the lives of those he loves. His battles are less about settling old scores and more akin to tilting at windmills—fighting against overwhelming forces to ensure the world remains a safer place for the next generation of his family - we can discuss if Rachel is worth it another time. Second, the stakes must be heroic because nothing less would pull him from Doc’s side. As Orpheus so aptly reminded us, they are the most important thing in the world to each other (which also explains the pathology of their children, but that’s also a discussion for another time). In that context, I’d argue that John’s death is the ultimate act of selflessness—on the show, of course. Let’s not get carried away. 😉 Third, there's been so much death on Days in the past few years that we've seen a peaceful death, and a man killed by his enemy. So, they have to keep it fresh - so to speak.

It is an excellent point, and honestly I had never considered the comparison. As a fatal optimist, I wonder if we project the wrong feelings onto Ms McKinsey's resignation? It is possible that she simply felt her needs weren't a priority for production, and moved on without anger or frustration. Her method was dramatic, but as we've seen in interviews, she had a flair for drama. I recall reading the original reporting on her leaving GL. It was never my perception that she was angry. It felt like she was pleased with herself for getting one over on the production. But, she always seemed to me as more resolute than frustrated.

Are any of John's enemies still alive—either in canon or real life? It would be a remarkable and heroic journey for John to eliminate all of his enemies before his time comes. DAYS really missed the mark on how people talk after being shot. Both Orpheus and not-John showed no signs of shock—they were cracking jokes and speaking in riddles. It would have been far more effective if they were being interrogated. There was no logical reason for either of them to respond like that instead of focusing on the pain of their wounds. Andrew being a himbo is absolutely in character. Shane was suave and debonair, but his twin, Drew, was more of a himbo—so it tracks. EJ’s clapback at Belle was really well-written. I’m not sure the character would normally be that insightful, but the point he made—that Belle is seeking absolution, and he refuses to give her the satisfaction—was excellent. That’s some unique, creative, and thoughtful writing, and credit should be given where it’s due.

The hair is a dead give away. It is even brighter in person.

Am I recalling incorrectly, that was part of the maturation of Brady as played by Kyle Lowder? He was bratty to Marlena, and then there was a thing with Belle and the train tracks. But, eventually, there was a rapprochement and Brady called Marlena "Mom" for the first time after they talked about his childhood memories.

I just ran into Michelle Val Jean in person at the grocery store! I was standing at the deli counter at Gelson's in Calabasas, and to my right was a woman with an iconic head of hair. So, I asked if she was MVJ, and she said yes, and removed her sunglasses. I told her that I am enjoying her new show, and that I thought it was remarkable that her dream came true, and she was able to create a soap opera from scratch. She was very gracious and I scurried away. But, I had to tell someone, and nobody else at Gelson's seemed to care.

As a card carrying civil libertarian, I don't like the message that Rafe is free of the constraints of being a cop, so he can ignore EJ's right to privacy, simply because he believes that EJ broke the law. But, somehow it is worse that Jada, the chief of police, would wire the DA, without a court order. There's stretching credulity, and then's there just disrespect for the rule of law. I would rather EJ walk free from justice, then celebrating the suspension of the basic rights as citizens to talk freely in our homes without the spying of local governmental and private agencies. I mean, it's a heck of thing to write the chief of police persuading the DA to place herself in danger to collect information that wouldn't be admissible in court. Now, back to waiting to see if Orpheus is able to steal Andrew's shirt.