I preface this with the usual disclaimer that I hold the unpopular opinion of not shipping John/Marlena, but even I knew the significance of their reunion on the docks (Doc on the docks!) in 1991, with John - at that point - still believing he was Roman.

Of course, the fallout from that, the two Romans, the gorgeous Chichen Itza remote in Mexico (back when soaps still had a budget!), and everything in between with Bo, Carly, Isabella (who had just discovered she was pregnant with Brady), well...it kept me watching. As much of a colossal mess that John Black later became, I still respect Days for not firing Drake Hogestyn (he did earn his own popularity when playing Roman), since that's usually the fate of recast actors when the original actors return to a role, and the whole saga fueled stories years down the line. Besides their former "brotherly" relationship, maybe it's another reason why John/Bo remained close. Both of them experienced their wives returning from the dead. LOL!

In all seriousness, as much as Alison Sweeney's SORAS'ed Sami did shake things up, I still think the show chickened out in aging the twins when it did, since the consequences could have also driven story, i.e. maybe John suing for visitation and the Bradys being torn, Carrie caught between love and loyalty for two fathers, etc. It would have been messy, but a mess rooted in history and realism, no sci-fi needed! But Marlena's return was a ripple effect for John, the Bradys, Isabella, and the 'real' Roman himself. Objectively, it was a big moment that paid hefty dividends soap-wise.

The most memorable moments on US soaps for me are (random order):

• AMC 1994 Tornado - I absolutely adored it. It was so well done. And the stories leading into it and stories leading out of it were just amazing.

• SuBe Shockwave - The earthquake scene and the tidal wave hitting the boat were also just absolutely awesome.

• SB Eden's rape - it was just so brutal. And it was so intense. And it gave so much drama and great acting.

• Y&R Cassie's death - probably the most heart-breaking death scene I have seen on a soap.

• Y&R Matt Clark's death (or "death", since they retconned it.. ugh!) - I had no spoilers back then and I had no idea that Matt would rip out his breathing tube and put it in Nick's hand, willing to die, just to frame Nick. Amazing! I also adore Rick Hearst in the role.

• The City "Happy Now" messages start to appear - Jared Chase's murder kind of got me interested in The City, but seeing the "Happy Now" messages start to appear, that completely hooked me into the show. Jocelyn being bricked into the wall was just a jaw dropping moment for young me.

7 hours ago, Wendy said:

I preface this with the usual disclaimer that I hold the unpopular opinion of not shipping John/Marlena, but even I knew the significance of their reunion on the docks (Doc on the docks!) in 1991, with John - at that point - still believing he was Roman.

Yes, that moment on the docks still holds impact and was staged really beautifully!

@alwaysAMC I didn’t start AMC u til Dimitri and Erica were already married, in the early part of the story with Kendall. I would have eaten that gothic storyline up as a teenager had I seen it!

7 hours ago, Wendy said:

I preface this with the usual disclaimer that I hold the unpopular opinion of not shipping John/Marlena, but even I knew the significance of their reunion on the docks (Doc on the docks!) in 1991, with John - at that point - still believing he was Roman.

Of course, the fallout from that, the two Romans, the gorgeous Chichen Itza remote in Mexico (back when soaps still had a budget!), and everything in between with Bo, Carly, Isabella (who had just discovered she was pregnant with Brady), well...it kept me watching. As much of a colossal mess that John Black later became, I still respect Days for not firing Drake Hogestyn (he did earn his own popularity when playing Roman), since that's usually the fate of recast actors when the original actors return to a role, and the whole saga fueled stories years down the line. Besides their former "brotherly" relationship, maybe it's another reason why John/Bo remained close. Both of them experienced their wives returning from the dead. LOL!

In all seriousness, as much as Alison Sweeney's SORAS'ed Sami did shake things up, I still think the show chickened out in aging the twins when it did, since the consequences could have also driven story, i.e. maybe John suing for visitation and the Bradys being torn, Carrie caught between love and loyalty for two fathers, etc. It would have been messy, but a mess rooted in history and realism, no sci-fi needed! But Marlena's return was a ripple effect for John, the Bradys, Isabella, and the 'real' Roman himself. Objectively, it was a big moment that paid hefty dividends soap-wise.

I don't think I need a disclaimer saying I am a John/Marlena shipper lol and loved the docks scene.

I also really loved Wayne Northrop. I know the Tale of Two Romans leads to the affair and that is one of my favorite stories. I do wonder if the show ever should have brought Wayne back. The show would have been a very different place in the 90's, but long term Roman's character became completely secondary. I would have at least made John Roman again after Wayne left. It wouldn't have really changed that much from a storytelling point of view. John basically replaced Roman anyhow. It would really only affect who the children could marry and the yearly retcons of who John really was.

40 minutes ago, titan1978 said:

@alwaysAMC I didn’t start AMC u til Dimitri and Erica were already married, in the early part of the story with Kendall. I would have eaten that gothic storyline up as a teenager had I seen it!

Oh you would have loved it! This was the night of Dimitri and Natalie's engagement party, but of course the reveal of Angelique changed everything, which was Helga's plan all along.

On AW, Rachel's trial for murdering Mitch, Mac meltsdown on the witness stand when he finds out he can't possibly be the father of Rachel's baby.