DAYS: May 2025 Discussion Thread

[janea4old]

I get what you're saying, in that this is what allows you to accept what you are watching, and that works for you.

But for me, changing the traits of a character that much with a recast and new writing, then they are no longer the same character.  I am unable to accept that a villain is now just a nice dude because the show wants me to, I just cannot.  If they want a grey character, then they should write off the villain and *create* a new character who is grey. 
I'll never accept that Sonny Corinthos is a nice guy, despite what GH wants me to think.  Same goes for the villains on DAYS.

It's frustrating for me, and not enjoyable.  It occurs to me that I watch soaps to be entertained, and the current show is just making me angry and irritated. It's not fun for me.  I want to honor Drake to see John's story conclude, but there isn't much of interest to me anymore at all, so I'll probably stop following the show in a few weeks.

Edited Tuesday at 04:06 AM by janea4old

[Paul Raven]

I think that kind of thinking gives the writers a free pass.

OK let's have Fred murder someone but not face any real consequences because Mary loves him. Maybe she'll be angry for a few weeks and Bill will swear to avenge the death but that will blow  over then we can just go on.

The idea that a bit of self loathing and rejection is punishment enough is ridiculous. Especially when these type of characters never reform.

It allows the writers to go for shock value over and over.instead of crafting storylines that really delve into a dark/ villianous character. Not many people IRL can get away with multiple crimes and still be apart of a community.

[AbcNbc247]

Shelle

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Call me crazy but I still think there’s hope for them. Their scenes today proved it to me. I loved how they were there for each other and talked about what’s going on with their fathers. And how Belle helped Shawn get a lead on Kevin’s roommate. Their relationship, at the moment, seems so natural. In a way, it reminds me of how Sami/Rafe were after they got divorced. And while I do like Shawn/Jada and EJ/Belle as couples, I’m looking forward to going along for the ride and (hopefully) seeing Shawn and Belle find their way back to each other.

And I still think there’s hope for Gabi and JJ too. I don’t see them as an endgame couple but I do enjoy them together. Javi was a pain in the ass though and kinda messed up their scenes. And also messed up Gabi’s reunion with Arianna.

Speaking of Arianna, I’m glad that she’s back in Salem. And she did have a point about Gabi and Javi. But yeah, Javi’s still a pain in the ass lol his scenes with Leo weren’t bad though, surprisingly. Mostly because they were centered around him and not Leo. That definitely wouldn’t have happened a few months ago

It’s too soon to make any judgments about the actress playing Arianna but I’m looking forward to seeing her storyline. And to seeing the interactions that she has with other characters on the canvas. Hopefully, she won’t be friendly with the guy who tortured and sexually assaulted her fathers. 

I also enjoyed Julie’s reunion with Doug III. Her being so stubborn and resistant today was classic Julie. I still kinda feel bad for Doug III though. 

[j swift]

I want SHELLE to be friends, like Belle is friends with Philip.  It will always be awkward, but they've known each other since high school (24 years ago).  And it has never worked out for them romantically.

One assumes Shawn-D could've used a computer at home (or Black/Patch), to continue his investigation. So, why did he show up at the Pub after he lied to take PTO, and then lied directly to Jada's face about being sick?  Unless, of course, it was just a totally inorganic, nonsense device to run into Belle.

When is Johnny's first day of work?  He got the offer, met about the offer, talked about the offer.  When's he actually going into the office?  And does he own a suit (other than the red devil one)?

I liked that Chad had to rule out EJ for having Philip beaten because of what happened with Rex vis-à-vis Kate, that's a cool linkage, especially because I think everyone forgot to say goodbye to Rex.

2 Questions:

1. Is it the next day, or do Sofia, lil'Rachel, and Ari share a birthday?  Also, I missed it, how old is Ari? Did everyone skip prom?  Because I thought Prom coincided with Sofia's birthday.
2. And what was Javi's dream job in Florida?

Edited yesterday at 03:25 AM by j swift

[Michael]

I think it's the next day, or nothing explicitly ties this one to the prior one, unless Shawn had on the same clothes as when he called in sick? So maybe I'm wrong. Did they acknowledge that Tate's little sister and babymama seem to have the same birthday? And why wasn't Tate invited to Rachel's tea party??

Javi trained to be an EMT (I thought it was in Corpus Christi, though). He revealed this after he saved Sarah from certain death -- by reminding her that she had an EpiPen -- and Leo questioned how he knew what to do.

[j swift]

No, you're totally correct, for whatever reason I was thinking of Cape Canaveral.  Is the problem with being an EMT in Salem that nobody seems to drive, or use ambulances?  I could've sworn they walked Philip over on a gurney from the hotel to the hospital.

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Is the writing staff trying to use coded messaging ? Javi was very specific that he wasn't fired for being gay, but he was harassed into quitting.

I wish Johnny was going to work at the paper, I'd like him with Chad.

I hope there's no foreshadowing in Tate and Shawn feeling queasy…

Edited yesterday at 04:12 AM by j swift

[Soapsuds]

The show hit #3 today.

The episode was eh.

I loathe Leo. He needs to go!

[MichaelGL]

I think in the long run, Shelle is endgame. The current writers are just playing it slow and natural at the moment and I love it, it’s classic soap opera storytelling. I hope Cwikly and Ford are given time to write these two apart as well gradually working their way back to each other. The potential is endless with EJ and Jada thrown in the mix. 

[AbcNbc247]

The two main couples were front and center today and I couldn’t be happier.

I was actually a little surprised that Xander figured out that Sarah knew about Philip’s fraud. The way the Philip/Xander scene was written, I thought the secret was going to be dragged out for a little longer. Which I actually wouldn’t have minded but I really enjoyed Sarah and Xander’s scenes today. They were acted well and written well. You got a real understanding of why Xander and Sarah did the things that they did. And now that Xander’s moving out, I can’t wait to see what happens next for them. 

And I guess now we know why Abe and Paulina got a new apartment. I’m glad that Johnny and Chanel have a place of their own now. I think it’s just needs a paint job though lol Johnny and Chanel were sweet today too but I hope that this isn’t the end of the drama for them. The drama of Chanel’s suspicions about Johnny could play out for so long and o hope that it does. Johnny did look hot too but he could’ve looked hot for a little longer

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The fundraiser at the Small Bar seemed a little random though but I like how everyone, and their storylines became involved in it. And I’m not really sure about Cat being so goofy all of a sudden. 

And, Maggie was used very well today too. First, with Philip and then to comfort Sarah. 

[brisbydog]

Well, this was a difficult one for me. I love Xander, but I definitely support Sarah too. That’s what makes a great soap couple, when you enjoy them both equally. When I first watched Days, Steve was the flashy one I first noticed, but Kayla’s quiet strength was the anchor of that pairing, and still is. I think Xarah might get there in 30 years.

I think Sarah created this nightmare scenario with her choice back in January. Had she just gone to Xander in the first place, told him calmly with Maggie as backup, and encouraged him to legally remove Philip, then this would have been over without bloodshed. But she wanted to put him on a leash. We saw her early on almost enjoying her power over Philip and telling him she owned him and he had to listen to her. And eventually, her plan worked and Xander and Philip started to love each other. If this had been exposed on Day 1 Xander would not have the level of betrayal he felt for his brother. Listen to his words as he beat him, it was anger about being tricked, at building a bond he now thinks is fake. And his fear that people are ‘laughing behind his back’ has been a theme throughout.

Sarah’s initial argument that Victor would have ‘wanted’ this was always weak. The stronger one was her fear of losing Xander to jail. She should have drawn a line last year when she stopped him killing Brady. But she enabled that behaviour and accepted it. This mess, where she dragged more and more people into her lies, was not sustainable. Maggie should have told her to fess up as soon as she learned about it.

Today Xander was leaning into anger, but every now and then that mask would slip and you would see the deep hurt. When he said he could no longer trust her that was devastating, but she knew this all along. I am glad we got those scenes with Victoria to see that he is still in there struggling to manage his emotions. This is a man who was treated like an animal by Victor, neglected by Fiona, and trained to operate on anger. He has absolutely no tools to manage it. He desperately needs therapy. Pity the only shrink in town is one he shot once upon a time.

[teplin]

Going back to the Reilly days, so many Salem residents have killed, tried to kill and/or threatened to kill people with virtually no fallout for them. It's bothered me for decades. With the new writers, it seems there might actually be actual consequences to Xander's violence this time. I hope it's not resolved quickly. Paul and Linsey both did a great job today. 

[j swift]

Stephanie looked really beautiful today.  Her hair matched her dress and she looked stunning.

As for Cat, now she's an art major?  And she's taken a few too many kooky pills.

I felt the Xander and Sarah interactions would've been improved greatly by just allowing them to talk for one long scene.  I think Xander's whole demeanor began to be a distraction.  Especially as it was prolonged from scene to scene. A slow burn would've been more entertaining.  

Also, it is difficult not to look at the two characters, him with slicked back, a sharp suit, and charming accent, and her with her ratty hair, baby voice, and jeans, and not think they seem ill-suited for each other.  And that's only the superficial differences.  Their morals, values, and coping skills are also diametrically opposed. 

Big kudos to the team for having a character soon return just as Sarah and Xander break up.  It doesn't seem contrived, or too convenient.  This was a long term secret, and I appreciate that it will have equally long-lasting consequences.

Edited 7 hours ago by j swift

[ranger1rg]

I'll add to what others have said -- the Xander and Sarah stuff today was really, really good. Kudos to both actors, and to the writers who gave them interesting and real dialogue that explained both characters' points of view.

It's unbelievable how much better DAYS is under these new writers.

[j swift]

I wonder if Xander will mention Sarah's history of mental illness in determining custody?

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I understand that she has the upper hand now, but if Philip refuses to name his assailant, that won't last for long.

Although, it would be odd if two characters are complicit with their attackers.  Yet, as Brady mentioned regarding the baseball bat incident from a few months ago, Xander has gotten away with a lot.  It is almost like he is a billionaire who is above the law.

I assume we're meant to hope Xander and Sarah get back together, but today showed that there are just as many reasons for them to stay apart.

Edited 3 hours ago by j swift

[brisbydog]

Imagine having to do that in one take