I think Chappell asked to be released from her contract. Without her Reilly didn't really need Lawrence. I think he also attempted to write out Vivian at one point too.

Matt was also an opinionated actor that had been complaining about the last couple of years on the show, and asked for storyline gaurentees when TPTB halted his contract negotiations in 1993.

Reilly's first real splash was that buried alive story with Carly. I wonder what he would have done with her had she stayed?

I think I read several actors were in contract negotiations in 1993, and that the way the story was written, any of the characters could be written off at a moment's notice. Who else besides CC, MS and MA left that year?

Susan Seaforth, although she was let go in 1992.

I will always believe, given all the supernatural shadings given the Salem Stalker story, that Reilly planned to tie the story to Marlena's possession -- that her soul had been corrupted or something, which made her easy pickings for another hellish force. I've read rumors that the original story projection included Stephano experimenting with witchcraft.

I think Matt Ashford has always been "difficult" in terms of wanting to protect the integrity of Jack and protesting stupid story decisions. What was annoying to TPTB in DAYS' heyday became unworkable under the new speed-is-more-important-than-credibility model.

I will always believe, given all the supernatural shadings given the Salem Stalker story, that Reilly planned to tie the story to Marlena's possession -- that her soul had been corrupted or something, which made her easy pickings for another hellish force. I've read rumors that the original story projection included Stephano experimenting with witchcraft.

I think Matt Ashford has always been "difficult" in terms of wanting to protect the integrity of Jack and protesting stupid story decisions. What was annoying to TPTB in DAYS' heyday became unworkable under the new speed-is-more-important-than-credibility model.

Matt went along better during his second run. Back when he left the first time the show had a higher budget, and took more time crafting the episodes. I do miss Jack but I would rather have him gone than just there in a generic role. That's what Daniel is for. Lol.

I just think someone at the network doesn't find Matthew Ashford "sexy" enough.

I just think someone at the network doesn't find Matthew Ashford "sexy" enough.

And yet they somehow find Shawn Christian to be "sexy" enough.

😒