I am such a dunce, of course, he's Hope's half-brother....

Thanks @jam6242 & @carolineg for setting me straight.

I didn't mind Jennifer today, I thought she could easily slide into the benevolent matriarch role.  Which is funny considering that when she was SORASed, we were told that she was a bit of a handful.  But, I guess everyone grows up.

I giggled when they mentioned that Hope was “always” good at opening puzzle boxes, as if she had done it more than one time.  But, I was slightly disappointed that we didn't actually see Ciara open the box, because I still don't get why it was so difficult to figure out.

Everyone's funereal garb was character specific, including Ciara's too-short cocktail number.

I won't comment on if Liz and Marie made up before leaving Salem (due to already faulty memories), but I would understand if they held a grudge.  It really highlights how important Neal was to the history of DAYS, and how they did him wrong by never giving him an exit story.  I look forward to their interactions with Sarah.

Edited December 2, 2024Dec 2 by j swift

I forget if I said this before, but it is startling how much better the show is when it's centered on people we actually care about. All the classic returns were a sight for sore eyes. It happily surprised me how well even Schnetzer, who was gone the longest, while only being on the show for about a year, managed to fit in so seamlessly. 

How did we leave things with Ciara? Was she pregnant last time we saw her? I, of course, think naming her daughter Addie is ridiculous. Same question for Shawn and Belle, what was their last exit story? I can't remember if they were on the outs and if they were, why?

They gave Liz a fifth husband and two sons! The fan-fiction cogs in my head can't help but turn, but we haven't even met adult Noel yet so I shouldn't get ahead of myself.

I thought it was peculiar that they avoided Marie mentioning Nick. Since he was a never before mentioned creation, I would simply bring on his younger brother in the same fashion to carry on Marie's lineage. One of the moments that hurt the most was Marie coming to grips with being the last OG Horton sibling left. I can't fathom what that must feel like.

All the flashbacks were so lovely, except the Devil possession crap. That did not need to be mentioned or remembered in any way, shape, or form.

Was Peyton Meyer actually young Doug or Doug III in his scenes today, where "Bill" being his cellmate was just a coincidence? Either way, "Bill" was hot as hell.

At the risk of getting it all wrong @Bright Eyes

Ciara was pregnant during Hope's search for Bo.

After a drunken snog with Jada's sister, Shawn acknowledged his alcoholism, and went to rehab in Massachusetts.  While Belle agreed to give him space and eventually went to Hong Kong (no word if she's run into Tripp and Wendy who are also there).

I would be excited to meet Liz's sons, as long as one of them isn't a judge on Salem's version of the Masked Singer….

I think Doug's possession was his last hurrah, in terms of big stories, but it didn't need to be included.  I'm certain many will blame the writer for trying to pat himself on the back by making it an important moment.  But, I'm sure Kayla would have more meaningful memories of Doug.

I thought the black and white fake flashback at the end was creative.  But, it is funny that they've not mentioned Susan's complicity in Doug's coming to Salem.  Also, Eli was oddly knowledgeable about Doug's history.

Edited December 2, 2024Dec 2 by j swift

Days need to sign Stephen Schnetzer to a long term contact ASAP.  He is a popular actor and Steven Olsen is an original character and a member of the Horton family.  WIth the recent deaths of John Aniston, Bill Hayes and Drake Hogestyn an older learning man is needed to help fill the void.

I would also like to see Maree Cheatham stick around on a recurring basis.  She still has it!

19 minutes ago, Efulton said:

Days need to sign Stephen Schnetzer to a long term contact ASAP.  He is a popular actor and Steven Olsen is an original character and a member of the Horton family.  WIth the recent deaths of John Aniston, Bill Hayes and Drake Hogestyn an older learning man is needed to help fill the void.

From his latest interviews, it seems like he is up for a three-to-six month storyline stint if they'd come up with something worthwhile. He lives in Florida (yuck!), so I doubt a contract would be a viable idea.

2 minutes ago, Liberty City said:

From his latest interviews, it seems like he is up for a three-to-six month storyline stint if they'd come up with something worthwhile. He lives in Florida (yuck!), so I doubt a contract would be a viable idea.

The show has 15 - 20 dark weeks each year.  They could probably figure out a way to make it work.  I had forgotten just how much charisma Schnetzer has.  I would love to see him wooing the ladies of Salem and being a bit of a rogue.

11 minutes ago, Efulton said:

The show has 15 - 20 dark weeks each year.  They could probably figure out a way to make it work.  I had forgotten just how much charisma Schnetzer has.  I would love to see him wooing the ladies of Salem and being a bit of a rogue.

Again, I'm not sure it's something he'd want to do. He made it clear to mention a three-to-six month timeframe. I don't think he wants full-time.

1 minute ago, Liberty City said:

Again, I'm not sure it's something he'd want to do. He made it clear to mention a three-to-six month timeframe. I don't think he wants full-time.

I read the interview.  I get it. 

Quote

How did we leave things with Ciara? Was she pregnant last time we saw her? I, of course, think naming her daughter Addie is ridiculous. Same question for Shawn and Belle, what was their last exit story? I can't remember if they were on the outs and if they were, why?

LMAO why? its her GRANDMOTHER, why is it ridiculous to honor one's grandmother? I might agree if she'd named her after Julie

2 hours ago, Bright Eyes said:

The fan-fiction cogs in my head can't help but turn, 

I already have a story idea in my head of Ciara returning to Salem, a grieving widow and getting involved in a triangle with Liz’s sons 😂😂

Don't know why no writers were interested in Steve Olsen. Flip Mark was only in a few episodes before the Olsens left for Europe.

From Jason 47 

James Carroll Jordan (Steve Olson)        7/13/72-8/16/72 Bill Bell brought him back for a month. Why bother?

Stephen Schnetzer (Steve Olson)           6/26/78-12/25/79 Think that was Elizabeth Harrower.

I always thought Steve would have been a good addition in the 80's involved with the Di Meras.

3 minutes ago, Paul Raven said:

Stephen Schnetzer (Steve Olson)           6/26/78-12/25/79 Think that was Elizabeth Harrower.

Brought in under Ann Marcus, written out by Harrower. 

You would think they would’ve wanted to keep Steve on, since he was a younger character.

What can I say that hasn't been said. Today was lovely, calm, dignified, not at all like Salem is today. I thought Marie's bitterness was a bit much. Stephen climbing in the window I thought was kinda silly. I loved all of the real flashbacks. No comment about the newly created ones. I was surprised to see the Doug III actor playing being in prison as Brent Douglas. That first flashback is so old. Can't wait to watch it again. 

Can't believe it took 38 years for Liz Chandler to return! Even longer for Julie's brother! Outside of certain characters, writers and producers really have had little use for the history of the show, especially from the 70s and 80s.

Like almost everyone here, I've enjoyed these past few episodes -- the returns, the emotions, the nods to history.

I hate to be a Debbie Downer, but I think Susan Seaforth Hayes was bad in Friday's episode (where she learned that Doug died). Am I the only one who found her oveer-the-top and hammy and pretty awful?

I feel for Hayes and all she's been through. I really do, and I know how difficult those scenes and these episodes must have been for her. Still, I don't think it worked.