DAYS: This is a great time to bring back an original cast member

[RionPassions]

With Alice and Mickey, DAYS' last remaining original cast members, off the show, it would be nice if at least one of the original Hortons returned.

The only original Horton (actor and character) still alive is Marie, played by Maree Cheatham. And bringing her back to the show, at least on a recurring basis, wouldn't be too far-fetched because her grandson Nick is engrossed in major story. She could come back to offer her grandson sound advice, and perhaps take an interest in his love life. Would she approve of Chelsea?

Marie could fill the void left by Alice and Mickey. With Maggie, Doug, and Julie on the show, she has veteran characters to interact with, as well as newbies like Nick.

DAYS should be making a play for Marie. Imagine the buzz they could create if they brought back an original cast member!

BTW: Maree last appeared on daytime in 2002 as Mona on Passions.

[Gray Bunny]

Wow, as soon as I read the title of this thread, I too thought of Maree Cheatham as Marie. She has held up well over the years and has that warm, maternal vibe. I think it'd be a great idea to bring a Horton child back and Marie makes perfect sense.

[KLN]

Definitely.

I didn't really realize how likeable and interesting Marie was until I saw her in the first episode of the show when it was broadcast on SoapNet. I looked her up, and realized that I recognized the actress from other roles (when she was older). Now, I'd love to have her back!

[billyjill]

I have yet to be convinced that this show is invested in the Hortons.

But I'd like to be

[Shawn]

It'd be nice but I doubt it.

Remember KC's comments about not bringing back old characters?

If Anna doesn't have a chance, then Marie sure as hell doesn't have one.

[KLN]

Yeah, I thought we were supposed to get this great Horton replenishment? Looks like the DiMeras came first.

Next Christmas, for the tree-trimming episode we'll only see the tree with an empty Horton living room.

[Keith]

Unless things are balanced, Kenny'll be right. For all we know, everyone will celebrate at the Pub next year.

[billyjill]

Don't give them ideas, man.

[Mason]

Good Lord, there seems to be more negativity and cynicism about DAYS now than even in the worst days of JERk, Higley or Langan.

[RionPassions]

Marie has a better chance than Anna. Anna is only a Brady and DiMera by marriage.

[billyjill]

I think it's just the whole idea of expectation, people expected more from the head writer change, and this whole thing about being off of NBC in 2009 casts a formidable shadow.

But I do think there is reason to be skeptical about the investment in Hortons, that family hasn't really been done well by in a while. They had some nice Christmases for sure but there's really no anchor for Salem's first family. In the 90s there was Jennifer and Mike, now Jennifer is gone and Mike is MIA. Abby is leaving, Nick is here and Jeremy is around but teens and tweens need to be connected to properly be able to assume the reigns. Maggie is a supporting character and they don't seem eager to give her an actual storyline. Hope is never really used in her Horton capacity, people think of her pretty much as a Brady now (I cooked up this storyline once where they can show Hope assuming some of the Horton administrative responsibilities at the hospital, that way they can show her checking in on Ciara at the nursery or daycare there and she wouldn't be called a bad mom, she'd get her scenes with her baby and also be doing something ... and then somebody could start undermining her there ... anyway). There is a lot of doom and gloom surrounding Alice and they are content to let Doug and Julie just guest now and then.

I don't mean to be a downer, but the Hortons is one area that I am not hopeful. I'd love to be wrong!

[KMan101]

Marie better come back for Alice's eventual funeral. If they ignore that then I'll hit the roof.

I totally agree with Rion though. I think it'd serve DAYS well to get Cheatham back and have Marie, sadly, take over Alice's spot :(

I can't believe I'm even writing that. God, I'm tearing up.

[KLN]

Absolutely. And what's most fleeting about it is that Hogan Sheffer himself said that he was going to replenish the Horton family. Thus far, that hasn't happened... and there's no point in bringing on people like Nick and Jeremy if their parents 'n such aren't around to thusly connect them.

The Horton family are now the guest stars of the show that was once theirs, and it's sad.

[KLN]

I'd prefer Maggie to take over Alice's spot, rather than Marie. The simple fact of it is, she's been around all this time while Marie hasn't. Viewers are more attached to her, so she's the more logical choice, IMO.

[KMan101]

I agree Kenny. I guess I still hold out secret hope Maggie will actually get a story. I should know better by now.