I definitely don't think Days is in as bad of shape as it has been several times in the past.  Yes, Ron had some horrible ideas, but he also had some decent ones.  He was just struggling to execute them and it's been an issue for too long. 

That being said, Days does have at least a few solid episodes a week in general.  Consistency and favoritism to certain actors is more the issue than out right horrible story telling (Body and Soul aside).

There were times in the Higley eras where I absolutely wanted to give up.  Now, I am just more annoyed than actually upset with the show.  

I also think Days severely struggles with the "next" generation of actors.  With John gone, who takes his place?  Brady is a wimp, Eric is gone, Rafe is Rafe, Billy Flynn is out the door, Shawn, JJ, Tripp are too bland and they have never done a good job building up the next group of actors.  They've been relying on the vets to carry them for far too long.

6 minutes ago, carolineg said:

I also think Days severely struggles with the "next" generation of actors.  With John gone, who takes his place? 

We both know who, but he doesn’t want to be full time 😉😂😂

10 minutes ago, AbcNbc247 said:

We both know who, but he doesn’t want to be full time 😉😂😂

Yes, obviously it is Paul Narita and Christopher Sean. 

22 minutes ago, carolineg said:

I also think Days severely struggles with the "next" generation of actors.  With John gone, who takes his place?  Brady is a wimp, Eric is gone, Rafe is Rafe, Billy Flynn is out the door, Shawn, JJ, Tripp are too bland and they have never done a good job building up the next group of actors.  They've been relying on the vets to carry them for far too long.

On the other hand (always the optimist), I would watch a show centered around Jada, Stephanie, and Gabi.  I think they are modern, vibrant women, and they don't feel as if they could've also existed at any other time in Days history.

Those three women, their families, their antagonists, and the dumb guys who love them are currently enough for me.  Furthermore, I would argue that if you survey the ingénues of the other four soaps, Jada, Stephanie, and Gabi are the most likable, and fun, without being only motivated by romance.

And, it feels like a breath of fresh air focusing on those three, as opposed to the older male leads of other shows.

 

Edited April 23Apr 23 by j swift

3 minutes ago, j swift said:

On the other hand (always the optimist), I would watch a show centered around Jada, Stephanie, and Gabi.  I think they are modern, vibrant women, and they don't feel as if they could've also existed at any other time in Days history.

Those three women, their families, their antagonists, and the dumb guys who love them are currently enough for me.  Furthermore, I would argue that if you survey the ingénues of the other four soaps, Jada, Stephanie, and Gabi are the most likable, and fun, without being only motivated by romance.

And, it feels like a breath of fresh air focusing on those three, as opposed to the older male leads of other shows.

 

Stephanie is like a little housewife to Alex.  She's not dynamic IMO at all.  And sure, Jada and Gabi have potential, but there has to be a strong leading man and Alex, Rafe, and JJ don't fit the bill.

Days has always been very super couple based and there is not a single couple on the show that's even close right now besides the older vet couples.  Xander and Sarah are the only couple I would consider to even be near that space and they aren't that great.

4 minutes ago, carolineg said:

Stephanie is like a little housewife to Alex.  She's not dynamic IMO at all.

That’s one thing that I’m hoping changes under Paula/Jeanne 

Edited April 23Apr 23 by AbcNbc247

7 minutes ago, AbcNbc247 said:

That’s one thing that I’m hoping changes under Paula/Jeanne 

Same.  I really like Abigail Klein and think she has charm.  I just feel like Stephanie has jumped from man to man since she started and pretends to have agency and feelings for herself, but doesn't.

1 hour ago, AbcNbc247 said:

😂😂😂😂

Ehh… it’s his own fault. And I’ll gladly do it again when Jamey’s last episode airs 👍😂😂

I actually don’t mind that, because most of the ideas were good. The biggest problems were always with the execution. 

Inserting Stefano’s essence into Steve”s brain was a good idea?  Turning Ben the serial killer into the young romantic lead was a good idea? Double doppelgängers (Hattie & Bonnie) at the same time was a good idea? Abby’s DID? Body & Soul?

1 minute ago, Efulton said:

Inserting Stefano’s essence into Steve”s brain was a good idea?  

Inserting? 

1 minute ago, Maxim said:

Inserting? 

I think it was into his brain but his ass may have been Ron’s first choice.

-- A hospital fundraiser is fine, but holding it to save the hospital??? Really??? Another ridiculous Carlivati move, just like watching obnoxious Leo and Javi bid with money they either don't have or lied about not having.

-- Gabi had to jump from a $1000 bid to $15,000 to make JJ jealous? Girl is clueless.

18 minutes ago, carolineg said:

Same.  I really like Abigail Klein and think she has charm.  I just feel like Stephanie has jumped from man to man since she started and pretends to have agency and feelings for herself, but doesn't.

That's the one consistent trait that Stephanie has had when played by Shelly H and now this current actress.  It's logical since she grew up with Kayla never quite ever finding purpose/agency in her life after Patch 'dead' and even when he returned from the dead.. Kayla kind of lacked agency.

Maybe the new head writer could explore that.

2 minutes ago, Soaplovers said:

That's the one consistent trait that Stephanie has had when played by Shelly H and now this current actress.  It's logical since she grew up with Kayla never quite ever finding purpose/agency in her life after Patch 'dead' and even when he returned from the dead.. Kayla kind of lacked agency.

Maybe the new head writer could explore that.

That's an interesting take.   I feel like Kayla moving from nurse to Dr. made me think she had her life in control as a single mom in LA.  We know so little about Kayla's LA life post-Steve.  It could be a great angle for Stephanie to talk about-witnessing her mom never move on and grieve for Steve all those years.  It would explain why she clings to her romantic partners. 

55 minutes ago, carolineg said:

Stephanie is like a little housewife to Alex.  She's not dynamic IMO at all.  And sure, Jada and Gabi have potential, but there has to be a strong leading man and Alex, Rafe, and JJ don't fit the bill.

Days has always been very super couple based and there is not a single couple on the show that's even close right now besides the older vet couples.  Xander and Sarah are the only couple I would consider to even be near that space and they aren't that great.

Xander and Sarah have the it factor the problem has always been Ron writing them variations of the same story since 2020 (one of them keeps a secret from the other).  I am hopeful that they get the super couples treatment under the new regime.

6 minutes ago, brisbydog said:

Xander and Sarah have the it factor the problem has always been Ron writing them variations of the same story since 2020 (one of them keeps a secret from the other).  I am hopeful that they get the super couples treatment under the new regime.

You forgot about the time Sarah thought she was Renee Dimera 😂 (I don't blame you)

Paul and Linsey definitely have great chemistry, but I agree they are stuck in a rut.  It makes me feel like Xander/Sarah love one another but don't trust each other at all.  It's a little hard to root for.  I do think there is a lot of story to still tell there so I hope they at least get some different material.