DAYS: January 2025 Discussion Thread

[carolineg]

Yeah, it was weird then too.  Marlena wasn't actively seeking him out though.  Leo showed up at her apartment uninvited to ask some therapy questions and turned on Drag Race for her to watch because he was talking about it.

I am aware this isn't the first time Marlena's been friendly with patients.  She's technically currently married to her former patient.  Ethically Marlena's interaction with her patients has always been questionable.  There is just something more believable and organic about Marlena helping Julie, Hope, Jack, whoever than forcing us to believe she just finds Leo that likeable to spend time with him as a friend.

This is Ron's way to shove Leo down our throats by using the main heroine of the show to prop him.  If Marlena likes him obviously the audience and everyone else should.  There is no way I could ever believe the woman we have been watching for nearly 50 years would be bff with Leo Stark.  

[Contessa Donatella]

Well, I completely agree with your analysis but then I have a problem with one thought that flies in the face of it & that is that I have this sneaking suspicion that in the same way that it seems that Deidre seems to personally like RSW, I think she also personally likes GregR. But perhaps that REAL life issue doesn't need to get tangled up with our very REEL life objections. Yeah, maybe that's our out. 

 

[carolineg]

I have mentioned several times that I think Deidre likes and enjoys working with both RSW and GR.   I said as much a page or so ago on this thread.  I highly doubt it's her big idea to have stories and scenes with Ben/Alex and Leo.

Just as I have mentioned about Body & Soul-it seems like these actors are having fun.  Enjoying their jobs doesn't mean they are writing scripts or pitching these ideas.

[Contessa Donatella]

No, I don't think Deidre or any other members of the cast are dictating story. I just do not think that is a thing. It's not like Maurice Benard on GH. But it is true that often writers change what they're writing based on what they see. So if they see people enjoying being on screen with other people, then it is possible that story could get changed as result of it. And, I do think that is a thing.

[Liberty City]

I agree; it's clear she enjoys working with them both, although, one is questionable from my own personal opinion of them. But, if she's having fun, then that's what should count, yes?

Although, I don't think Hall has enjoyed Body & Soul, just in judging her response to Michael Fairman of this past fall's Day of Days event.

[AbcNbc247]

I’m glad they’re having fun, but at the same time, I feel they deserve better than this. And deserve better than to be treated like big jokes 

Edited January 31 by AbcNbc247

[carolineg]

Oh, I don't think Deidre enjoys Body & Soul.  I know she likes playing Hattie, but I don't think she's keen on playing her long term.  I think it's probably a bit fun for her to have different screen partners and do different things after all these years.  DH has always been clear she has no say in writing these days and just goes with the flow.

I'll give her a pass as well because it is probably good for her to do something light hearted.  I am sure the upcoming material will be very difficult for her.

That bothers me as well.  Their actual jobs and livelihood are being made fun of.  I know some actors don't mind and lean into the joke, but long time vets like LK, JR,  Judy Evans, Deidre, etc deserve better than being mocked.

[Liberty City]

I just wonder how she does feel about the continued use of Hattie vs. the usual use of Marlena. I'm sure it's a nice change of pace, but I also wonder how persistent it will be (if ever) under Paula Cwikly & Jeanne Marie Ford. I appreciate her "go with the flow" attitude so much, even if it's beneath her talents to play what she's been made to play. April 24 cannot come fast enough.

Oh, absolutely!! A nice cushioning piece, too.

[Contessa Donatella]

Really, when you get right down to it, the nitty-gritty, none of them deserves being mocked. And, especially after the year/s they had under YouKnowWho, ie Fired Guy, well, it seems to me, now they definitely deserve better. I guess it's not surprising that this would be troubling to us. And, Leo Stark and Body & Soul are just symbols of the mockery that is being made of this long-running soap that sometimes we hate but mostly we love. 60 Seasons & this is what we have to show for it. 

[carolineg]

I feel like I will again give the show grace because I do think they are overusing Hattie to meet Deidre's guarantees.  Obviously they could figure out a better use for Marlena, but I do think there was more of a John story planned and perhaps things changed quite quickly given the circumstances.   It's not an excuse for Ron, but I can at least rationalize the fact the show may just have not had enough time to rework some things given the taping schedule.

I feel like Body & Soul will be dropped by April or at the very least minimized and Hattie will just pop in from time to time.

[Liberty City]

I'm just hoping "done" means done where that storyline is regarding, because it's so, so, so bad.

[j swift]

I think there's a lot of foreshadowing of how the story will end.

Chanel and Stephanie have already quit.  Bonnie is in the hospital.  There is a saboteur.  And the "fans" as exemplified by Lady Whistleblower don't seem satisfied. 

So, I would imagine that an upcoming Dimera family emergency and hospital business storyline that were hinted in the winter promo will take priority, and shutdown the production.

[j swift]

Friday's cliffhanger has red herring all over it. 

BUT - justice for Rita, love her, love the glasses, love the taser, love the whole thing.

Also, kudos to Kayla and Gabi's wedding dresses.  Kayla's in particular was really beautiful, and such a breath of fresh air from her usual shirt waist, pointed collars numbers. 

Finally, did Gabi offer to drive Arnold to the wedding, despite it being right outside the hotel?  The map of Salem continues to confound me (although I found this fun attachment on Reddit)

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[AbcNbc247]

I will settle for nothing less than having it be completely erased from existence 

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The same way that the Alex/Kristen fling, the Johnny/Chanel baby and Abigail investigating Clyde's drug operation at the time of her death were erased. 

[carolineg]

Lol!  I am fine with that too, but I feel like the show is so entrenched in the bit now.  It would be hilarious if no one ever mentions it again come late April though.  I was still thinking some characters would talk about working at Body & Soul.  We just wouldn't see it.