j swift

@JAS0N47 The casting director at DAYS won the Emmy. Was she eligible for the casting period of both Tates and both Sofias, or were those recast outside the eligibility period?

Since the 2025 Daytime Emmys weren’t televised and Fashion Police coverage was MIA, I asked my AI to write an episode based on red carpet photos. We used celestial round table featuring Joan Rivers, Mr. Blackwell, and Eleanor Lambert. Joan kicks things off with Luna from B&B: “She’s in a white draped number that says ‘virginal goddess,’ but the contouring says ‘I know my way around a syringe.’” Blackwell calls it “Olympus on a budget,” while Eleanor critiques the lack of structure and styling: “She’s a comma when she needed an exclamation point.” Michelle Stafford earns praise for her sheer sparkle—Joan notes the volume in her hair and minimal jewelry, though she adds, “I’ve seen less filler in a Thanksgiving turkey.” Peter Bergman’s classic tux gets Blackwell’s approval, but Joan groans: “He looks like he’s headed to a funeral for his fashion sense.” Eleanor defends the restraint: “He’s not reinventing the wheel, but he’s not crashing it either.” Linsey Godfrey’s skin-baring gown draws fire: “She looks like she lost a bet with a dominatrix,” says Joan, adding, “This is a non-televised event in Pasadena, not the Met Gala. Know your venue.” Don Diamont is dubbed “a tuxedo triumph,” but Cindy Ambuehl’s satin gown is “a cyclone” per Blackwell. Eleanor calls the ruching chaotic, and Joan roasts the chandelier earrings: “Honey, you’re not lighting the lobby.” Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson are the only couple to earn unanimous praise: “A masterclass in couple styling,” says Eleanor. Joan beams, “They planned their outfits and their marriage.” Final toast: All three raise their glasses: “To fashion—forever fabulous.” Not a great script, but I thought we needed some red carpet commentary.

You gotta give it up to the writers, sending Sofia into a catatonic state is a perfect fit for Rachel Boyd's acting talents.

Personally, I would allow Sonny to shop for me before I would wear GabiChic, but to each their own.😄 We don't hear a lot how Justin's side of the family (other than Alex), is handling the news of Titan's money issues. Has the news reached the (one assumes) Arizona branches of Titan? (IDK what Sonny does now, and I don't know why they're staying in Arizona now that they're empty nesters - nothing against AZ). Also, Philip's line about Kiriakis always pays their debts felt odd. I know it is his last name, but it was either a clunky line or a clunky delivery. It was one of those lines that one never hears IRL.

Remember when Gabi slept with EJ to punish Stefan for sleeping with Ava? I'm a bit surprised they've never gone back there. Gabi and Philip do not inspire greatness. Although I liked Gabi and Xander. Also, the floor of an office is not sexy. @carolineg - I hope Holly/Maggie or Sofia/Amy are paying for Ari's dry cleaning, that was a large trashbag. And, you know, Will and Sonny did not send Ari off to college with a cheap wardrobe.

If they’ve packed more than just patience for a five-hour ceremony, things may get interesting. Keep me posted if the mood turns messy.

Today was an Amy Choi tour de force. I even understood the slap. I don’t endorse it, but it was a clear sign that Sofia hasn’t lost her mother’s support—and I’m okay with that. Honestly, thinking back to Johnny’s trial, Amy would’ve made a far better patsy for EJ’s fake video than Chanel. Missed opportunity. The Holly and Tate announcement of their documentary side quest felt unnecessary. I think we’ve officially found Salem’s new teen investigators, but they might want to pivot back to college life and leave the sleuthing to Steve. For example, Johnny deleted Holly's photos, but are they still on Holly's cloud account? And can't they use the timing as evidence against Sofia? It feels like we got a lot of details about Sofia stealing Holly's phone that haven't paid off now that Holly got a new phone. -- Is than 18 months ago technology? I think we still had icloud back then. Also, @carolineg— you may want to slaughter me for asking,😉 but was that Holly’s room at Maggie’s or the dorm? I thought she and Ari were kicked out for starting the fire. But they must still be in the dorms if Amy came looking for Sofia there. And it definitely wasn’t Tate’s room. And wasn't Ari lugging her trash bags to move back to the Hernandez house? And one last thing: if Mr. Choi turns out to be fictional, I wouldn’t mind a little Brady/Amy romance. Just putting it out there.

Some scattered thoughts from today’s episode: First, I can remember being 18 more clearly than whatever age Thomas is supposed to be. But even then, I don’t recall elementary school teachers showing up in leather jackets. -- For reference, in elementary school, our faculty stood at the entry, and we had to bow our heads to them as we passed. So, times have changed. The blackout storyline feels like ages ago, but I’m curious whether EJ will actually face consequences for the business losses tied to the looting. It was mentioned more than shown, but there’s potential. Then, by the end of the episode, it seemed Leo is going to get distracted by Stephanie's alias. Because that's the only thing EJ has to offer Leo at this point. It is so dumb to have Leo decide his story was over, before consulting Chad. Not his call to make over his editor. Just write the story, dopey. Go follow the lead to talk to the electrician, don't sit there and gossip. And why do people constantly bring up Dimitri to Leo? They don't mention Nicole to EJ? The dude's clearly moved on. Nu-Jeremy made a strong first impression. I don’t have any history with the actor, but he seems instantly soap-ready—good teeth, strong jaw, and a solid build. He’s got that polished energy that fits right in. I’m also quietly hoping we get the return of the Horton menorah this Hanukkah. I still remember Mike lighting the candles with Robin, and it would be a nice touch. Stephanie’s reaction to the trash flowers was effective. Given how charming Nu-Jeremy appears on the surface, it was unsettling to see how clearly she’s still afraid of him. One thing I’m wondering: does Stephanie have other books to edit, or did she write this one overnight? And finally, does anyone else think of Alexandra Beaverhausen—Karen Walker’s favorite alias on Will & Grace, whenever Stephanie mentions being anonymous.

@Reverend Ruthledge May I ask you? I've read about Holly being a stewardess when she was first introduced. Is that factual, according to your memory, and was it referenced often? Was it Stanley's company? And, given that she didn't grow up in Stanley's house in Springfield, do we assume that Andy also didn't live there prior to coming to Springfield?

I think it’s a really interesting question. There were definitely socially relevant stories before the 1980s, like the interracial relationship on DAYS, but they didn’t seem designed to be instructive. The impact was often incidental, and sometimes beneficial to the audience, even if that wasn’t the goal. I agree that the shift in intention became more noticeable in the ’80s. When Jill and Katherine went for a mammogram on Y&R, it was followed by a PSA, which wasn’t something you’d typically see in the ’70s. I wouldn’t call the earlier stories exploitative, but I would argue, the idea of soaps actively trying to provide education on social issues (as opposed to moral values) wasn’t really part of the conversation until the cultural climate changed. I imagine that the response to the AIDS crisis in cities like New York and Los Angeles played a big role in that shift.

As much as I thought Aaron broke bro-code before today, I appreciated that they’re still just teens fumbling through situations way more complicated than they’re ready for. Every time I see the actor playing Aaron, he's so much bigger than I remember. I don't care how old that actor is in reality, it looks like we've watched him go through puberty over the past two years. And, given Leo Howard's other limits, somehow now that Tate's in college, I no longer think about how he looks older. Especially in scenes with Aaron and Holly. Brady doesn’t treat Tate as the Black heir. For example, Tate would learn more working for Basic Black than as a busboy. While some families groom heirs (Theo as CEO), good-guy nepo-babies like Andrew, JJ, and Shawn weren’t shaped by family ambition. Sofia’s revenge plan was a mess, no doubt. But based on the timing, it’s believable she didn’t miss her first period until after sleeping with Tate. So I can understand why she might have believed—or hoped—he was the father. And having been an 18-year-old guy, I get why Aaron didn’t tell Tate until he had no choice. We don’t know Sofia’s full intent, and I may be giving her too much credit, but it’s possible she saw Aaron struggling with his family and told him he wasn’t the father to spare him more stress. That’s not how Aaron remembers it, clearly, but I’d be willing to accept that as Sofia’s version of events. I like the tension of everyone heading to the Choi house at once. Even with the uneven acting, I still feel for Sofia, and I hope she gets a moment of real sympathy in the fallout. Because her intial intent was to find someone to help her terminate her pregnancy, she wasn't trying to entrap Tate.

Melinda is involved in a lot of things, but she is used sparingly. Is she only in private practice now, or does she work for anyone else? I recall she's not the DA, because EJ got her out over the Jude stuff, and then she worked for Dimera, but got kidnapped and fired. So, now is she's just an ethically compromised lawyer, but overall kind-hearted person? She'd be a cool talk-to for Belle. But, I can't recall if Belle has a reason to hate Melinda (I know she doesn't like EJ, so one assumes that would color her advice to Belle). For example, I had to remind myself why she's not culpable for Julie's stolen necklace (she returned it to whomever she bought it from, and they sold it to someone, who sold it to Gwen). But, I don't know if Melinda knows that Julie has the necklace back, and I wonder if Melinda will be welcome in the bookstore?

Close, because Lexi was used as an angel last year to magically cure Paulina's cervical cancer, and Abe's amnesia (it was as bad as it sounds). So, it is cannon that she has celestial powers, like her mother.

I adore Tony's accent when he says, "Theo Cah-vah"

I keep wondering if that is going to be part of the reveal (the dad's abuse is what motivates Amy's choices), but it looks like Aaron hatched the magic sperm

OK, now I'm just playing what if -- What if Titan was able to go private after the merger (using the profit to buy back the stock). Now, there's no need for stockholder support, but they're left with 1/2 a company and no investors? --- It would be a lot to assume, given a lack of exposition, but it would explain the current business story in human terms.

So, they didn't need the board's approval, because they didn't sell it, they gave it away? I guess that makes sense... (at least I will accept it for what it is, even though it doesn't make sense). How about this question --- Is EJ only cutting corners with the upkeep of the rest of the hospital, and spending it all on his project? (I.e. the blackout) Or is the project construction also cutting corners (like using cheap drywall that Leo can punch) -- and that will be the weakness of "the lab"? -- And, why are they cutting corners at all if they're using Gwen's money?

I really just wanted an excuse to comment on their matching outfits. And, I still want to be explained why EJ borrowed money from Gwen, if Tony is rich enough to buy back Dimera? I know there's history between Tony and EJ. But, it seems more likely that EJ would ask Tony to fund the project, rather than Gwen. Her money suddenly feels unnecessary. Whereas, when that was first discussed, it was logical that EJ needed more money for something, and Gwen was rich to have a diamond necklace stolen, and not be very concerned. But, now that Uncle Tony "big bucks" is in town, why does EJ need Gwen's money? And why do they still let her live in their house?

Also, are we meant to think the tension between EJ and Marlena is behind them? I know they’re both keeping the Rachel secret, but Marlena’s social stance toward EJ still feels inconsistent. She was pretty dismissive of him in the square with Paulina, and then today they’re sharing breakfast in coordinated outfits (his purple tie, her purple jacket). But, this confirms Marlena doesn't have a kitchen in-cannon. Otherwise, if she is working from home, and seeing her first clients in the morning, why wouldn't she have breakfast in her kitchen? 😉 I think since she can't cook, she turned her kitchen into a home office.

You have to excuse the hyperbole, but now that another therapist has been introduced, it feels like a lost opportunity to use a more objective character. I'm trying to remember the show that used the camera POV as the therapist for couples, that could be an intriguing way to play their story. Also, as a non-Sarah fan, and while clearly their responses were inequitable, I still feel Sarah gets off easier because Xander over-reacted with violence. She kept secrets from Xander, and didn't trust him long before he beat Phillip. And by entangling Xander's anger therapist into their couple's season, it will always give Sarah the defense that her offenses were not as bad. Rather than keeping score, they need to figure out if they are suitable long term.

Yes, I get that completely. But for me, the final reunion felt all the more satisfying because of the long wait. When I started watching in the late ’80s, Ed never struck me as particularly romantic. Loyal, yes, and reliably messy, but not someone who swept anyone off their feet. That’s why that last scene with Holly landed so beautifully. He felt like the romantic lead as he had been before my time, and I was all in. It was such a lovely note to end on.

I’m unsure of a full triangle, but Gabi definitely has plans on inserting herself into whatever Theo and Arianna are building—romantic, laundry-based, or otherwise. But, also, Theo can fill out a suit quite nicely (ahem). Also, we know the secret of Gabi being responsible for hiding the pen to record Xander and Philip is bound to come back to bite Gabi in the behind. I’m glad too. It gives Gabi some narrative autonomy again. But does that put her in direct competition with Basic Black? I honestly can’t tell what Brady’s company does anymore. Maybe Belle will finally weigh in on her father’s legacy, assuming anyone still clocks in at that office. Also, are Tony and EJ conning Gwen? Because EJ's using her to pay the hospital contractor, while Tony is buying companies left and right. Where does Tony have the cash to buy back Dimera (after EJ and Kristen already pocketed their part of the original merger)? And now he's giving away divisions of the company? When did Tony get so rich? -- It is ironic because during his first marriage to Anna, they depended on her fashion line, because he was also the Dimera with the least assets. I’m still puzzled by Marlena dropping Cat due to “cutting back,” yet somehow she’s still seeing half the town. And Sarah choosing her husband’s anger management therapist for couples counseling? Beyond the boundary issue, doesn't Sarah want someone more objective? For example, Rachel's therapist is available. She is not very good at solving Rachel's issues, but clearly she's worked with rage addicts. 😡 And yeah, I don't watch Susan either. I couldn't tell if this was the end of Doc fainting, or just the beat? I wish they would give Susan scenes with Johnny. They can speak like country folks to each other. Chanel could roll her eyes. Her priorities of looking after Marlena feels like a mean spell that Kristen imposed before she went to jail. "You will hang on Marlena like a wart - hahaha..."

Note; I don't think contrition is necessary, none of us knew the extent of her issues when this discussion began. @ranger1rg - my use of "oy" was not meant to inspire either guilt or shame. I am just as shocked, and only mentioned it as a hope that we consider it in future discussion.

It’s refreshing to recognize that we can applaud her for achieving justice without endorsing her political views. Proof that it is entirely reasonable to celebrate accountability while still disagreeing with someone’s ideology.

I really appreciate the ambition behind the Greene family. It’s rare these days to see an entire family debut at once. When was the last time DAYS introduced that kind of ensemble from the ground up? It was a bold move. But I worry they might not withstand the test of time, simply because they were the passion project of a previous writer. Without that original vision driving their arc, they risk being sidelined or reshaped beyond recognition. Soap history is full of families who started strong but faded when the creative baton changed hands.