Question: Why do we all like Vargas? He's not a nice guy...he's not a veteran character...he's not related to anyone we love....he's not a positive asset to Salem...WHY then?
Answer: Because he's against Nick. And we like characters who are enemies of characters we hate! Simple as that.
But that seems kind of odd, doesn't it? Do we really hate Nick that much that we'll like anybody who opposes him? ...Yup.
How did we come to dislike Nick so much? When he first was up for parole, many people wanted to give him a second chance. That's one of Days' big themes. SECOND CHANCES. We remembered the Nick Fallon pre-prison.
The sweet guy who Chelsea dumped for Daniel. The guy who was buds with Max. The guy who took in foster children he didn't know and helped support their mom. The genius who created an alternative fuels project. The guy who tugged on all his relative's heartstrings when he took responsibility for his actions and went to prison.
This Nick Fallon is who we felt for when he came back. Unfortunately, we were in for a classic Days twist: turning a good guy into a bad guy...or vice versa.
Even the most conservative, anti-homosexual person would agree that Nick's behavior is unjust, uncalled for, and cruel. The fact is, our perspective of Nick changed the second he started in on Will.
It's safe to say that WilSon is one of the most popular couples on the show right now. So, any threat to a fan fav, especially a threat based on social bigotry, is a catalyst for character hatred.
The young, skinny, super-genius, underdog is gone. And the writers have re-worked his character so that we all turn against him, and root for his demise.
The same phenomenon happened recently when Salem's opera-singer came back. Chloe Lane is a complex character whose "good guy" and "bad guy" status changes constantly. (Read full bio in "Trip Down Memory LANE")
When Chloe first came to Salem in 1999, she was the unpopular, independent, different, taciturn, shy, and dark new girl. Not fitting in, being bullied, and yet having an amazing talent made "Ghoul Girl" a powerful character that you rooted for and tried to relate to.
However, her following storylines shook up that image. Her seductive, cheating, lying, and sneaky ways soon stole any sympathy we previously had for her. Occasionally we'd switch back over to her side when Kate tried to kill her, or when Vivian was manipulating her, or when she had post-partdom depression.
But upon her return, which was soley for the purpose of destroying Daniel's relationship with Jennifer and getting back with him, she crossed the line to "HATE" again.
This is where I realized the power of this trick--of liking one character JUST because one hates another.
Admittedly, at first, I was not in favor of the Dannifer ship. I was far too devastated over the Jack&Jennifer break up and later widow issue. I LOVED watching Jack&Jennifer scenes. They are adorable and had that quality that always brought them back together, even through years of tumultuous relationship problems.
Therefore, I was absolutely against Daniel nudging himself in and ruining a long-time-running super couple.
However, Days was clever and got me to sing a different tune by using this trick. They brought back Chloe so that I had to chose a side: Dannifer...or Danloe.
By making me hate Chloe, I was forced to root for Dannifer.
My perspectives completely shifted because of this. If I don't want Chloe to be happy, then I want Jennifer to be happy.
Curse you, Days writers for forcing me to change my attitude!
Days has been exploring the different sides of "villains" to make them into people you empathize with. Notable ones include: Anna DiMera, Kate Roberts, Kristen DiMera, Nicole Walker, Mimi Lockhart, and...Sami Brady!
Yes. Samantha Gene Brady. The role won a special fan award for "America's Favorite Villain" at the 2002 Daytime Emmy Awards.
Sami was quite the villainess back on 1995 when she was conspiring against Austin and Carrie, drugging people, lying, scheming, seducing and hiding paternity results. The Carrie-Austin shippers really hated Sami and were relieved when she could no longer hold being a father to Will over Austin.
The continuing plays for Austin, Brandon, and Franco, kept Sami on the "Hate" side of the line. Her constant floating from one guy to the next never guaranteed a solid "Team Sami."
However, somewhere along the line, the way we viewed Sami changed. Maybe it was giving birth to twins, maybe it was being committed to Lucas, maybe it was being manipulated by the DiMera's, maybe it was in Witness Protection.
The fans begun to root for Sami. Her support skyrocketed and everyone started saying, "Go Sami!"
Lumi, EJami, Safe. So many people were pulling for these couples to work out. Now, Sami's many men are an ENDEARING part of her character.
Fan's perspective on characters can change on a dime. One minute you love them and want them to have a second chance. The next, you find yourself rooting for whoever can bring about their downfall!
The fabulous writing on Days is what makes these personalities so complex, that we are constantly deciding whether to LOVE them, or HATE them.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Thursday, March 28, 2013
How to Become a Main Character
Toss your tasseled cap in the air, Sonny. You have officially graduated! Now you are a mainstream character.
This week, Sonny has gone beyond the confines of his storyline. Now that he has immersed himself in a storyline that has nothing to do with him, he can officially be called a series regular.
For the most part we have only seen Jackson Kiriakis within the walls of "Common Grounds" which is the name of his coffee shop that everyone has seemed to have forgotten. Sonny's screen-time has been dictated by what is he is doing in the "Will-gay" storyline.
Granted he talks to many character within this storyline (Will, Sami, Lucas, Kate, Gabi, Nick, EJ, Brian, Chad, Justin, Adrianne). But every time we see him, we see that his scenes at their core are dedicated to "Will's storyline."
HOWEVER, on Tuesday, March 26, 2013, Sonny Kiriakis stepped into the RATE storyline.
Rafe and Kate's relationship is a completely separate story. Now that Sonny knows their secret, he shall become the third character associated with the storyline. He is now THAT CHARACTER who finds out the secret, who is debating whether or not to tell, who will be persuaded to keep it quiet, and who will eventually be the one to unveil that secret.
Congratulations!
Because he is now a part of a storyline apart from the one he was originally brought on the show to do, he can now be recognized as part of the main cast. His character is being used for stuff outside his own story. This is a sign of a versatile character; one who will stay on for a while. He's versatile!
Sonny has surpassed other characters who were brought on to play their part in a specific story, but once their story was over, they had no use and their time on Days came to an end...
Some recent examples are: Prison Warden, Dr. Ben Walters, Madison James, Ian McAllister, Taylor Walker, Andrew...
Sonny has proven to be a sustainable character. He has earned his place in Salem. Being a Kiriakis, owning Common Grounds (again, "the coffee shop"), being the first gay character, being Will's boyfriend, and just being awesome!
Props to Freddie Smith! (who turned 25 this month)
Other characters before Sonny have done the same. They have come on the show intended for one specific storyline, but then graduated to others because they were so adaptable.
Probably the biggest success story is Rafe. Raphael Hernandez came on Days as Sami's flirty safe house guard. After the "Sydnapping" storyline ended and Sami returned, he could have disappeared. BUT the writers brought him back, gave him a job at the Salem PD, and put him together in a volatile relationship with Sami.
Rafe has gone beyond his original placement. He has been cloned. He has been with Carrie. He has been on John Black's detective team. He has been wrapped in EJole drama. Rafe was even the cause of three other characters on the show: Ariana, Gabi, and Dario.
Like Sonny, Rafe graduated into the main cast and is now one of the major hunks in Salem.
Another character who stayed on was Melanie Layton. She stayed on so long, her name changed three times!
She was originally brought on to the show as Max's half sister, Melanie Robbins- but her name was found to be Layton. After Max rescued his half-sister from Trent and her questionable lifestyle in Europe, she still had some reforming to do. Her scenes involved Max, Stephanie, Chelsea, Trent, and Maggie. Her story climaxed with Trent's murder and Nick's kidnapping.
After that, Max was to move to London. Melanie could have gone with him, but she stayed for one reason. As Max said, "Can you spell Kiriakis?"
Her following storylines gave her the names "Melanie Kiriakis" and "Melanie Jonas." Just before she left, she could have been "Melanie DiMera."
Smaller characters who did this would be people like Mia. She came to Days to give Nicole a baby, but stayed after that mess was over to move in with Maggie, have a relationship with Will, and to bring in Chad.
Cameron is a very recent one who came for Lexi's death, but stayed for Abigail...and to be a doctor (with a secret, now).
Yes, this seems to be the tradition in Salem. This is the test. The character is either good or bad, adaptable or non adaptable.
Luckily for Sonny, he's the kind of character who can be involved in other people's lives. He's not just the gay character. He's not just Will's devoted boyfriend. Now...he's the guy who knows about RATE.
ConGRADulations Sonny! I have a feeling we'll be seeing a lot more of you.
This week, Sonny has gone beyond the confines of his storyline. Now that he has immersed himself in a storyline that has nothing to do with him, he can officially be called a series regular.
For the most part we have only seen Jackson Kiriakis within the walls of "Common Grounds" which is the name of his coffee shop that everyone has seemed to have forgotten. Sonny's screen-time has been dictated by what is he is doing in the "Will-gay" storyline.
Granted he talks to many character within this storyline (Will, Sami, Lucas, Kate, Gabi, Nick, EJ, Brian, Chad, Justin, Adrianne). But every time we see him, we see that his scenes at their core are dedicated to "Will's storyline."
HOWEVER, on Tuesday, March 26, 2013, Sonny Kiriakis stepped into the RATE storyline.
Rafe and Kate's relationship is a completely separate story. Now that Sonny knows their secret, he shall become the third character associated with the storyline. He is now THAT CHARACTER who finds out the secret, who is debating whether or not to tell, who will be persuaded to keep it quiet, and who will eventually be the one to unveil that secret.
Congratulations!
Because he is now a part of a storyline apart from the one he was originally brought on the show to do, he can now be recognized as part of the main cast. His character is being used for stuff outside his own story. This is a sign of a versatile character; one who will stay on for a while. He's versatile!
Sonny has surpassed other characters who were brought on to play their part in a specific story, but once their story was over, they had no use and their time on Days came to an end...
Some recent examples are: Prison Warden, Dr. Ben Walters, Madison James, Ian McAllister, Taylor Walker, Andrew...
Sonny has proven to be a sustainable character. He has earned his place in Salem. Being a Kiriakis, owning Common Grounds (again, "the coffee shop"), being the first gay character, being Will's boyfriend, and just being awesome!
Props to Freddie Smith! (who turned 25 this month)
Other characters before Sonny have done the same. They have come on the show intended for one specific storyline, but then graduated to others because they were so adaptable.
Probably the biggest success story is Rafe. Raphael Hernandez came on Days as Sami's flirty safe house guard. After the "Sydnapping" storyline ended and Sami returned, he could have disappeared. BUT the writers brought him back, gave him a job at the Salem PD, and put him together in a volatile relationship with Sami.
Rafe has gone beyond his original placement. He has been cloned. He has been with Carrie. He has been on John Black's detective team. He has been wrapped in EJole drama. Rafe was even the cause of three other characters on the show: Ariana, Gabi, and Dario.
Like Sonny, Rafe graduated into the main cast and is now one of the major hunks in Salem.
Another character who stayed on was Melanie Layton. She stayed on so long, her name changed three times!
She was originally brought on to the show as Max's half sister, Melanie Robbins- but her name was found to be Layton. After Max rescued his half-sister from Trent and her questionable lifestyle in Europe, she still had some reforming to do. Her scenes involved Max, Stephanie, Chelsea, Trent, and Maggie. Her story climaxed with Trent's murder and Nick's kidnapping.
After that, Max was to move to London. Melanie could have gone with him, but she stayed for one reason. As Max said, "Can you spell Kiriakis?"
Her following storylines gave her the names "Melanie Kiriakis" and "Melanie Jonas." Just before she left, she could have been "Melanie DiMera."
Smaller characters who did this would be people like Mia. She came to Days to give Nicole a baby, but stayed after that mess was over to move in with Maggie, have a relationship with Will, and to bring in Chad.
Cameron is a very recent one who came for Lexi's death, but stayed for Abigail...and to be a doctor (with a secret, now).
Yes, this seems to be the tradition in Salem. This is the test. The character is either good or bad, adaptable or non adaptable.
Luckily for Sonny, he's the kind of character who can be involved in other people's lives. He's not just the gay character. He's not just Will's devoted boyfriend. Now...he's the guy who knows about RATE.
ConGRADulations Sonny! I have a feeling we'll be seeing a lot more of you.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Everybody Loves Lumi
The Lumi chemistry makes an appearance on screen this week. In case you are a novice to couple names, Lumi refers to the dynamic duo of Lucas and Sami!
Sami Brady and Lucas Horton have been doing scenes together since they began their careers on Days in 1993. Twenty years later, they still find themselves stuck in situations together.
The obvious explanation for this is that they are connected through the children they share: Will and Allie.
Since 1995, Lucas and Sami have fought over Will, come together over Will, been forced apart because of Will, and have temporarily joined forces for Will.
Allie was the child that came out of really the only loving, stable time in their relationship.
The legendary "green" wedding they had in 2007 marked a relatively happy time for this couple. Around the time Sami was pregnant with the twins, Lumi were hiding in a safe house. One particular scene that sticks in my mind is Sami doing pregnancy yoga and Lucas gets sooooo turned on! Gotta love Lumi!
Whatever storyline they are in the middle of, the BEST part of Lumi is the dialogue. Whether they are arguing about EJ, cuddling and reading Coleen's love letters, baking cookies, or giving birth on Marlena's bed, their dialogue makes the audience collectively smile.
They always cleverly play off of each other's personalities. The back and forth shots at each other make for humorous and playful conversation. Even in their serious, life or death, deeply romantic moments have that sweet, classic lightness.
Here are some examples:
Lumi are baking cookies for Will:
LUCAS :Yea, it so happens I bake. I roast. I simmer. I slice. I dice. I do it all...I have muffin pans. I have cookie sheets. And I have one thing that very few people possess.
SAMI: An ego the size of the Hulk?
Lumi are discussing John's role as a father figure in Sami's childhood.
SAMI: He didn't do a very good job. I mean, look at me. I'm a mess.
LUCAS: Well, that's true. *Sami hits Lucas with a pillow*
SAMI: You were't supposed to agree with me.
LUCAS: Aw, come on. You spoon-fed me that. I couldn't resist.
Since Lucas has come back to Salem he and Sami have gotten back together, shared some cute, sexy moments, and broken up over EJ. Not much has changed for this couple over the years. However, for their children's sake, they can still communicate on good terms. (relatively good terms: there was a time when they were raising Will when they weren't speaking.)
Most of their interactions now have to do with Will and Allie. Lucas comes by to pick up Allie's drawing. Lucas and Sami talk about Will coming out. And now, they have a special bond as they are about to become grandparents! Yay!
"That's what happens when you're a kid and you have a kid." -Lucas.
This brings us to this week's hilarious Lumi moments. Sami and Lucas team up to help Will get out of Nick's trap and get his daughter back. Go Team Will!
Sami has a plan. Rafe calls her his "partner in crime." That assessment is all too true.
Here are some wonderfully nostalgic Lumi lines from this week:
SAMI: I have a plan
LUCAS: That is the scariest thing you say. That is the scariest sentence you ever say.
SAMI: Don't wuss out on me.
SAMI: Yes. Thats sounds more like the Lucas Horton I know and love. Please.
LUCAS: It's just I'm a little reluctant to go to jail these days- but, fine. I'm in.
LUCAS: We should have, you know, a code in case someone's coming. Like a code word like, "We are going to JAIL! (fake cough)"
SAMI: Ya. Perfect, Lucas.
LUCAS: You brought equipment with you? Come on, really? And gloves? Come on, Sami.
SAMI: Oh, look. Salem Stalker.
LUCAS: Ooh, John Black shooting right here.
SAMI: Where are the newer files?
LUCAS: I got Trent Robbins homicide.
SAMI: Alright, we are moving in the right direction.
LUCAS: It's like taking a trip down Salem's own murderous row.
SAMI: That one says, "DiMera shooting.
LUCAS: Well, you gotta be a little more specific.
SAMI: It says 2007. That's when EJ was shot.
LUCAS: Well, maybe that was a big year in mob justice.
LUCAS: When did you put on weight?
SAMI: The same time you quit working out.
RAFE: I can't just let you walk outta here.
LUCAS: Then, arrest me. Now. Go ahead. Do it.
SAMI: Yeah, me too.
RAFE: That's it. And you both agree? Since when?
LUCAS: And I don't wanna go back to jail, ok. I hate jail. Jail sucks!
LUCAS: Sami's plan was swiss cheese. Had a bunch of holes in it.
LUCAS: (to EJ) Aw, man. She's all yours, buddy.
SAMI: Ok. I see you are growing soft in your old age, Horton, but- thank you for saving my ass back there.
And we all look forward to seeing more of this legendary chemistry in the future. No matter whom Sami's with, she can always find a friend, an ear, and an ally in Lucas.
Just wish for better success next time for these grandparents-to-be!
Sami Brady and Lucas Horton have been doing scenes together since they began their careers on Days in 1993. Twenty years later, they still find themselves stuck in situations together.
The obvious explanation for this is that they are connected through the children they share: Will and Allie.
Since 1995, Lucas and Sami have fought over Will, come together over Will, been forced apart because of Will, and have temporarily joined forces for Will.
Allie was the child that came out of really the only loving, stable time in their relationship.
The legendary "green" wedding they had in 2007 marked a relatively happy time for this couple. Around the time Sami was pregnant with the twins, Lumi were hiding in a safe house. One particular scene that sticks in my mind is Sami doing pregnancy yoga and Lucas gets sooooo turned on! Gotta love Lumi!
Whatever storyline they are in the middle of, the BEST part of Lumi is the dialogue. Whether they are arguing about EJ, cuddling and reading Coleen's love letters, baking cookies, or giving birth on Marlena's bed, their dialogue makes the audience collectively smile.
They always cleverly play off of each other's personalities. The back and forth shots at each other make for humorous and playful conversation. Even in their serious, life or death, deeply romantic moments have that sweet, classic lightness.
Here are some examples:
Lumi are baking cookies for Will:
LUCAS :Yea, it so happens I bake. I roast. I simmer. I slice. I dice. I do it all...I have muffin pans. I have cookie sheets. And I have one thing that very few people possess.
SAMI: An ego the size of the Hulk?
Lumi are discussing John's role as a father figure in Sami's childhood.
SAMI: He didn't do a very good job. I mean, look at me. I'm a mess.
LUCAS: Well, that's true. *Sami hits Lucas with a pillow*
SAMI: You were't supposed to agree with me.
LUCAS: Aw, come on. You spoon-fed me that. I couldn't resist.
Since Lucas has come back to Salem he and Sami have gotten back together, shared some cute, sexy moments, and broken up over EJ. Not much has changed for this couple over the years. However, for their children's sake, they can still communicate on good terms. (relatively good terms: there was a time when they were raising Will when they weren't speaking.)
Most of their interactions now have to do with Will and Allie. Lucas comes by to pick up Allie's drawing. Lucas and Sami talk about Will coming out. And now, they have a special bond as they are about to become grandparents! Yay!
"That's what happens when you're a kid and you have a kid." -Lucas.
This brings us to this week's hilarious Lumi moments. Sami and Lucas team up to help Will get out of Nick's trap and get his daughter back. Go Team Will!
Sami has a plan. Rafe calls her his "partner in crime." That assessment is all too true.
Here are some wonderfully nostalgic Lumi lines from this week:
SAMI: I have a plan
LUCAS: That is the scariest thing you say. That is the scariest sentence you ever say.
SAMI: Don't wuss out on me.
SAMI: Yes. Thats sounds more like the Lucas Horton I know and love. Please.
LUCAS: It's just I'm a little reluctant to go to jail these days- but, fine. I'm in.
LUCAS: We should have, you know, a code in case someone's coming. Like a code word like, "We are going to JAIL! (fake cough)"
SAMI: Ya. Perfect, Lucas.
LUCAS: You brought equipment with you? Come on, really? And gloves? Come on, Sami.
SAMI: Oh, look. Salem Stalker.
LUCAS: Ooh, John Black shooting right here.
SAMI: Where are the newer files?
LUCAS: I got Trent Robbins homicide.
SAMI: Alright, we are moving in the right direction.
LUCAS: It's like taking a trip down Salem's own murderous row.
SAMI: That one says, "DiMera shooting.
LUCAS: Well, you gotta be a little more specific.
SAMI: It says 2007. That's when EJ was shot.
LUCAS: Well, maybe that was a big year in mob justice.
LUCAS: When did you put on weight?
SAMI: The same time you quit working out.
RAFE: I can't just let you walk outta here.
LUCAS: Then, arrest me. Now. Go ahead. Do it.
SAMI: Yeah, me too.
RAFE: That's it. And you both agree? Since when?
LUCAS: And I don't wanna go back to jail, ok. I hate jail. Jail sucks!
LUCAS: Sami's plan was swiss cheese. Had a bunch of holes in it.
LUCAS: (to EJ) Aw, man. She's all yours, buddy.
SAMI: Ok. I see you are growing soft in your old age, Horton, but- thank you for saving my ass back there.
And we all look forward to seeing more of this legendary chemistry in the future. No matter whom Sami's with, she can always find a friend, an ear, and an ally in Lucas.
Just wish for better success next time for these grandparents-to-be!
Saturday, February 9, 2013
A Lost Storyline
Ok, Days fans. Erase everything that we have built up for the last three years from your mind. Forget every shred of revealing evidence, and think of a storyline completely differently from the way it actually happened.
Now that you've done that: Big Reveal: Parker is Daniel's.
...What?
Yes, Parker was actually Daniel's all along.
But...everything you said for the past three years led us to the conclusion that-
-No, Parker is Daniel's.
But...
No, Daniel's. We changed it.
This joke of reveal is very disappointing. The new writers were doing such a great job.
They brought Kristen back, and revisited EVERYBODY's previous inclinations toward the character. Brady, Marlena, John, Hope, Jennifer, all of which coincided with their characters from twenty years ago.(about). The introduction of a homosexual relationship; making it just as volatile and lovable as any other relationship on daytime. Paternity questions with a young pregnancy. Sami caught in the middle of two handsome men.
Classic Days with new and captivating twists and at the same time keeping it real.
But, now? Turning one of the show's most elaborate and dramatic paternity reveals into a joke. Not cool.
Let me explain...Chloe Lane is coming back to Salem. How do the writers explain this? Well, apparently they couldn't come up with anything better than, "Parker's real father is someone in Salem at this time."
What really makes this a terrible storyline is the fact that the writers are asking us to throw out everything we remember from 2010-2011. If they think they can just come in and say, "Oh, no. That was a mistake," they are sadly mistaken.
The old writers worked their butts off to make that a thrilling story for the viewers at the time. And the Chloe/Daniel/Philip question was played out so much, that fans began collecting facts, trying to put the pieces together. Once the reveal happened (that Philip was the father) that fact was solidified and all the loose ends were tied.
The timing was even right. Philip and Chloe got together on April 23, 2010. Chloe was with Daniel just long enough afterwards to make the baby's father questionable. It made so much sense: Dan and Chloe had been trying for a while and nothing happened. Then Philip gives it a try....
What happened to that logic?
During the test results story, the writers made us think that all the characters involved switched the results by having them do something on their computers/mobile devices. (Philip, Melanie, Chloe, Daniel) But, all four situations were explained.
Then, they made Caroline switch it who has a surprising knowledge of technology for an old lady. But what they did was explained: she heard Stephanie talk about it, she had the password 'cause she worked there, and she hated Kiriakis love children. She had the means, motive, and opportunity.
They story the new writers try to pass off---completely illogical. Ian, Stephanie's friend, was a nerd. And now he's gotten in an AA program for substance abuse? He was a shy nerd. Also, he didn't know what the results meant when he retrieved them for Stephanie. She told him that "Neg." meant that Phil was the dad AFTERWORDS. That flashback they showed was completely out of context. Why would he switch it, if he didn't know what it meant?
Also, after Parker was born, there was multiple evidence that they came up with to support the idea that Philip was his father. Whenever Parker was fussy, Philip's touch and voice would calm him down. On multiple occasions.
What happened to that?
Philip had such a connection with Parker that he felt that he was ready to be a father after holding him. (They did the same thing with Mia: she had a stronger connection with Grace than with Sydney cause Grace was her real daughter.)
Where'd that go?
And the kicker: Parker has DIMPLES! Hello?! Jay Kenneth Johnson(Philip) has the biggest dimples ever! Dan said, "I don't know what side of the family that came from but it sure is cute," as they close up on JKJ's dimples. If you notice, one shot of Parker now, in 2013 showed him smiling with dimples.
How do the writer's explain that? They don't!
Also, Chloe and Daniel are both dark-skinned with dark hair. Yet, Parker is light-skinned with blonde hair. After they had the big dramatic reveal in the church (so awesome), Parker was shown with blonde hair growing in. He looks so much like Philip!
If the writers were going to switch paternity, then why did they cast a light-skinned toddler with blonde hair and dimples? That's very suspicious. He does't look like either of his "parents."
This secret and reveal was so incredibly huge that it took a whole year to do. Most storylines last half a year, if not a few months. The Phloe affair and Parker's paternity dominated the screen-time from 2010-early 2011:
Phloe having sex. Phloe keeping it secret. Nathan finding out about Chloe. Carly finding out about Chloe. Carly telling Chloe she's pregnant. Paternity test. Steph finding out. Steph schemes. Dan suspicious of Phil. Mel finding out about Chloe. The wedding. The birth. Dan finding out about Phil. The "Beatdown at the Baptism." Mel leaving Phil. Dan kicks Chloe out. Chloe suicide. The last name switch.
Such a great story! Seriously...a guy get's his ex-girlfriend and step-mother in-law pregnant! Come on! That's a fantastic storyline! How could you just turn everything that happened that year around? It's like they took an eraser and slid it over April 2010-August 2011.
You can't just erase the hard work of the writers. You can't un-experience that storyline. You can't take back that moment when it all came together and all made sense. You can't forget this.
For Phloe fans everywhere whose hearts were broken, I offer this: the actor playing Parker is light-skinned and dimpled. They could've cast a dark one. Perhaps, they will correct this mistake some day.
For now, we must cringe every time we are reminded of the facts, evidence, emotions, upheavals, reveals, stories... and the days of our lives that year that were lost.
Now that you've done that: Big Reveal: Parker is Daniel's.
...What?
Yes, Parker was actually Daniel's all along.
But...everything you said for the past three years led us to the conclusion that-
-No, Parker is Daniel's.
But...
No, Daniel's. We changed it.
This joke of reveal is very disappointing. The new writers were doing such a great job.
They brought Kristen back, and revisited EVERYBODY's previous inclinations toward the character. Brady, Marlena, John, Hope, Jennifer, all of which coincided with their characters from twenty years ago.(about). The introduction of a homosexual relationship; making it just as volatile and lovable as any other relationship on daytime. Paternity questions with a young pregnancy. Sami caught in the middle of two handsome men.
Classic Days with new and captivating twists and at the same time keeping it real.
But, now? Turning one of the show's most elaborate and dramatic paternity reveals into a joke. Not cool.
Let me explain...Chloe Lane is coming back to Salem. How do the writers explain this? Well, apparently they couldn't come up with anything better than, "Parker's real father is someone in Salem at this time."
What really makes this a terrible storyline is the fact that the writers are asking us to throw out everything we remember from 2010-2011. If they think they can just come in and say, "Oh, no. That was a mistake," they are sadly mistaken.
The old writers worked their butts off to make that a thrilling story for the viewers at the time. And the Chloe/Daniel/Philip question was played out so much, that fans began collecting facts, trying to put the pieces together. Once the reveal happened (that Philip was the father) that fact was solidified and all the loose ends were tied.
The timing was even right. Philip and Chloe got together on April 23, 2010. Chloe was with Daniel just long enough afterwards to make the baby's father questionable. It made so much sense: Dan and Chloe had been trying for a while and nothing happened. Then Philip gives it a try....
What happened to that logic?
During the test results story, the writers made us think that all the characters involved switched the results by having them do something on their computers/mobile devices. (Philip, Melanie, Chloe, Daniel) But, all four situations were explained.
Then, they made Caroline switch it who has a surprising knowledge of technology for an old lady. But what they did was explained: she heard Stephanie talk about it, she had the password 'cause she worked there, and she hated Kiriakis love children. She had the means, motive, and opportunity.
They story the new writers try to pass off---completely illogical. Ian, Stephanie's friend, was a nerd. And now he's gotten in an AA program for substance abuse? He was a shy nerd. Also, he didn't know what the results meant when he retrieved them for Stephanie. She told him that "Neg." meant that Phil was the dad AFTERWORDS. That flashback they showed was completely out of context. Why would he switch it, if he didn't know what it meant?
Also, after Parker was born, there was multiple evidence that they came up with to support the idea that Philip was his father. Whenever Parker was fussy, Philip's touch and voice would calm him down. On multiple occasions.
What happened to that?
Philip had such a connection with Parker that he felt that he was ready to be a father after holding him. (They did the same thing with Mia: she had a stronger connection with Grace than with Sydney cause Grace was her real daughter.)
Where'd that go?
And the kicker: Parker has DIMPLES! Hello?! Jay Kenneth Johnson(Philip) has the biggest dimples ever! Dan said, "I don't know what side of the family that came from but it sure is cute," as they close up on JKJ's dimples. If you notice, one shot of Parker now, in 2013 showed him smiling with dimples.
How do the writer's explain that? They don't!
Also, Chloe and Daniel are both dark-skinned with dark hair. Yet, Parker is light-skinned with blonde hair. After they had the big dramatic reveal in the church (so awesome), Parker was shown with blonde hair growing in. He looks so much like Philip!
If the writers were going to switch paternity, then why did they cast a light-skinned toddler with blonde hair and dimples? That's very suspicious. He does't look like either of his "parents."
This secret and reveal was so incredibly huge that it took a whole year to do. Most storylines last half a year, if not a few months. The Phloe affair and Parker's paternity dominated the screen-time from 2010-early 2011:
Phloe having sex. Phloe keeping it secret. Nathan finding out about Chloe. Carly finding out about Chloe. Carly telling Chloe she's pregnant. Paternity test. Steph finding out. Steph schemes. Dan suspicious of Phil. Mel finding out about Chloe. The wedding. The birth. Dan finding out about Phil. The "Beatdown at the Baptism." Mel leaving Phil. Dan kicks Chloe out. Chloe suicide. The last name switch.
Such a great story! Seriously...a guy get's his ex-girlfriend and step-mother in-law pregnant! Come on! That's a fantastic storyline! How could you just turn everything that happened that year around? It's like they took an eraser and slid it over April 2010-August 2011.
You can't just erase the hard work of the writers. You can't un-experience that storyline. You can't take back that moment when it all came together and all made sense. You can't forget this.
For Phloe fans everywhere whose hearts were broken, I offer this: the actor playing Parker is light-skinned and dimpled. They could've cast a dark one. Perhaps, they will correct this mistake some day.
For now, we must cringe every time we are reminded of the facts, evidence, emotions, upheavals, reveals, stories... and the days of our lives that year that were lost.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
A "Big Reveal" is a Big Deal
It's time for a Days of Our Lives classic "Big Reveal" episode! Another wedding interrupted and ruined by a big event...or a secret coming out!
This kind of drama is not a stranger to Days. One of Days' favorite times to reveal a secret, ruin happiness, and start a fight is during a wedding or a happy church moment.
Just when everything seems like it will work out, and the secret will be kept...well, secret, something happens or someone comes forward.
This year was kicked off with a big one: the Nick/Gabi wedding fiasco. Where the secret about her baby's paternity was revealed.
These "Big Reveal" storylines usually dominate the scenes of an episode. And will last for at least two days. Then, there will be a "fallout" plotline that will follow each character involved and how it this "big reveal" affected them.
The Gabi/Nick/Will secret is no different. And this is an an especially big event. We know because it seems like every character in Salem is somehow involved.
Because both Will and Nick are Hortons, it will affect all of the veteran Horton characters, and they will all have something to say about this.
Will is also a Brady, so the Irish family is affected.
Gabi brings her Hernandez family into the mess as well.
Will's boyfriend is a Kiriakis, so that family is affected.
And every DiMera somehow has a connection to this also.
Yes, everyone in Salem seems to be involved! And the scenes of January 11th, 14th, and 15th all follow each member of the community as he/she finds out, and/or deals with the fallout.
The fact that Will, Nick's gay cousin and best man, knocked up the bride, Gabi, is all anyone can talk about.
Everyone thinks they could've done more...or been there for him/her....and maybe this disaster wouldn't have happened. The truth is- this scandal happened under everyone's nose and they would have gotten away with it...if it weren't for that meddling kid, Chad!
It seems like everyone is blaming Will. Given that he is the baby's real father and he didn't accept responsibility yet...one could see that point.
HOWEVER, Will was the one who ultimately told the truth. (thanks to Chad's incentive). And it was Gabi and Nick who were proclaiming the lie all over Salem, and who lied to the priest, and who put on this show that was meant to fool everyone. Seriously, this isn't all Will's doing. Heck, it wasn't even his idea!
Let's jump to the conclusion that Will doesn't want the baby because he has his new gay lifestyle, and he would be worse father than the responsible employed (ex-felon) Nick! Nevermind the fact that when Nabi persuaded him into agreeing, and when he tried to say that it wasn't the right thing he got out-voted and shut down. No! This is clearly all Will's fault! (sarcasm)
Now add on top of all this: Nick's homophobia.
It will be interesting to see how Days incorporates the new GAY dynamic into a paternity reveal. People are upset about the lie. But it's not like they can think that Will wanted to steal Gabi, or that they were cheating on their respective others. (like Sami's paternity secret regarding Will: Victor's right, that is ironic).
So people cannot characterize Will as a promiscuous womanizer...because he's gay. And yet, they are all hoping that it will work out for Nick and Gabi. Umm, hello? What about Will? Do you hope it works out for him? Or do we just not care?
Sami hit it right on the nose: Gabi put into motion what was best for Gabi...and Nick. Keeping the baby from knowing Will and vise versa is not good for the baby... and especially not good for Will. Even if he kept his distance, like Lucas said, it would be torture. And much worse than having the kid go between two parents.
See? Sami, Lucas, putting in their two cents. And everyone else is fighting about it, taking a side. Sami/Rafe. Hope/Kate. Sonny/Chad. Maggie/Victor. Abby/Chad. Sami/Gabi. Lucas/Will. Julie/Maggie. Caroline/Eric. Abby/Cameron. Will/Sonny. and a rumored...Sami/Adrianne (can't wait to see that).
BTW: Where the heck was Allie when all this was happening? She was the flower girl...where did she go? Did she hear Will's reveal? She wasn't with mommy or daddy...so what happened to Auntie Allie?
Be warned. Just because the initial "Big Reveal" is over does not mean that the fallout is not still in progress.
Nick is determined to be the dad, even if that means using the information he now knows to put Will in prison. Rafe is swearing off Sami while EJ steps in as a supportive ally. Will and Sonny are in love but on the rocks. And what will become of the baby?
Stay tuned for the "Big Reveal"'s fallout storylines.
This kind of drama is not a stranger to Days. One of Days' favorite times to reveal a secret, ruin happiness, and start a fight is during a wedding or a happy church moment.
Just when everything seems like it will work out, and the secret will be kept...well, secret, something happens or someone comes forward.
This year was kicked off with a big one: the Nick/Gabi wedding fiasco. Where the secret about her baby's paternity was revealed.
These "Big Reveal" storylines usually dominate the scenes of an episode. And will last for at least two days. Then, there will be a "fallout" plotline that will follow each character involved and how it this "big reveal" affected them.
The Gabi/Nick/Will secret is no different. And this is an an especially big event. We know because it seems like every character in Salem is somehow involved.
Because both Will and Nick are Hortons, it will affect all of the veteran Horton characters, and they will all have something to say about this.
Will is also a Brady, so the Irish family is affected.
Gabi brings her Hernandez family into the mess as well.
Will's boyfriend is a Kiriakis, so that family is affected.
And every DiMera somehow has a connection to this also.
Yes, everyone in Salem seems to be involved! And the scenes of January 11th, 14th, and 15th all follow each member of the community as he/she finds out, and/or deals with the fallout.
The fact that Will, Nick's gay cousin and best man, knocked up the bride, Gabi, is all anyone can talk about.
Everyone thinks they could've done more...or been there for him/her....and maybe this disaster wouldn't have happened. The truth is- this scandal happened under everyone's nose and they would have gotten away with it...if it weren't for that meddling kid, Chad!
It seems like everyone is blaming Will. Given that he is the baby's real father and he didn't accept responsibility yet...one could see that point.
HOWEVER, Will was the one who ultimately told the truth. (thanks to Chad's incentive). And it was Gabi and Nick who were proclaiming the lie all over Salem, and who lied to the priest, and who put on this show that was meant to fool everyone. Seriously, this isn't all Will's doing. Heck, it wasn't even his idea!
Let's jump to the conclusion that Will doesn't want the baby because he has his new gay lifestyle, and he would be worse father than the responsible employed (ex-felon) Nick! Nevermind the fact that when Nabi persuaded him into agreeing, and when he tried to say that it wasn't the right thing he got out-voted and shut down. No! This is clearly all Will's fault! (sarcasm)
Now add on top of all this: Nick's homophobia.
It will be interesting to see how Days incorporates the new GAY dynamic into a paternity reveal. People are upset about the lie. But it's not like they can think that Will wanted to steal Gabi, or that they were cheating on their respective others. (like Sami's paternity secret regarding Will: Victor's right, that is ironic).
So people cannot characterize Will as a promiscuous womanizer...because he's gay. And yet, they are all hoping that it will work out for Nick and Gabi. Umm, hello? What about Will? Do you hope it works out for him? Or do we just not care?
Sami hit it right on the nose: Gabi put into motion what was best for Gabi...and Nick. Keeping the baby from knowing Will and vise versa is not good for the baby... and especially not good for Will. Even if he kept his distance, like Lucas said, it would be torture. And much worse than having the kid go between two parents.
See? Sami, Lucas, putting in their two cents. And everyone else is fighting about it, taking a side. Sami/Rafe. Hope/Kate. Sonny/Chad. Maggie/Victor. Abby/Chad. Sami/Gabi. Lucas/Will. Julie/Maggie. Caroline/Eric. Abby/Cameron. Will/Sonny. and a rumored...Sami/Adrianne (can't wait to see that).
BTW: Where the heck was Allie when all this was happening? She was the flower girl...where did she go? Did she hear Will's reveal? She wasn't with mommy or daddy...so what happened to Auntie Allie?
Be warned. Just because the initial "Big Reveal" is over does not mean that the fallout is not still in progress.
Nick is determined to be the dad, even if that means using the information he now knows to put Will in prison. Rafe is swearing off Sami while EJ steps in as a supportive ally. Will and Sonny are in love but on the rocks. And what will become of the baby?
Stay tuned for the "Big Reveal"'s fallout storylines.
Monday, December 3, 2012
The Magic of SORAS
SORAS- the acronym. What does it mean? Soap Opera Rapid Aging Syndrome.
In the magical world of soaps, the writers cannot wait for characters to grow up to put them in storylines. Children who are born are more exciting if they are of "drama age." Therefore, the solution: make them older.
This is why a character can go from age 4 to age 16 in one year. And why it's weird that people's kids seem to be too old to be born to their parents.
And this is why the current Brady-Kristen match up is SUPER awkward. Let us dive into the magical world of Rapid Aging Syndrome.
Fun Fact: who holds the record for the most SORASed character? Answer: ......E.J. !!!! Elvis was born in 1997 onscreen (as John Jr.) to Kristen and John Black. However, he returns to Salem in 2006 as a grown adult. He should have been 9 years old, but he's SORASed a full 12 years!!!
Coming in second is a tie: Philip Kiriakis, born in 1995 and SORASed from 4 to 15 in 1999, and Brady Black, born 1992 and SORASed from 8 to 19 in 2000. (both 11 years)
Right behind them in 3rd are Belle Black, born in 1993 being SORASed 9 years in 1999, and Chelsea Brady from age 7 to age 16 in 2006 (also 9 years).
Other notable SORAS characters are Shawn Douglas Brady who went from age 12 to age 15. And Will Horton who went from age 13 to age 15.
Let's focus on Brady and EJ for the moment, because they are both relevant with the Kristen storyline.
EJ, who was born to Susan, is Kristen's former adopted son. Now he's her brother. Is it weird for Kristen to be helping him with his love life and at the same time be thinking, "hey, I used to be your mom,"? Or "I took care of you when you were a baby,"? If Susan comes back, (which I hope she does) that conflict with Kristen will be revisited and will be really awkward because John Jr./ Elvis is now a grown man.
With Brady, the weirdness comes into play regarding his father and his relationship (or current lack thereof) with Kristen. Miss DiMera was his stepmother when he was 5. Now, she's sleeping with him?!?!?! Kristen was sleeping with John 15 years ago and now she's doing it with his son. If we guess that she was in her 20s then, then she'd be in her 40s/50s now. And Brady is supposed to be 20, but is currently 31. This could only happen with a SORASed character!
So be prepared for when the Brady-Kristen affair becomes publicly known, or just known to John, for it to be extremely awkward and confusing. How could this even happen???
Well, this program is brought to you by the magic of SORAS! SORAS... bringing you rapidly aged Days of Our Lives characters for the past few decades!
In the magical world of soaps, the writers cannot wait for characters to grow up to put them in storylines. Children who are born are more exciting if they are of "drama age." Therefore, the solution: make them older.
This is why a character can go from age 4 to age 16 in one year. And why it's weird that people's kids seem to be too old to be born to their parents.
And this is why the current Brady-Kristen match up is SUPER awkward. Let us dive into the magical world of Rapid Aging Syndrome.
Fun Fact: who holds the record for the most SORASed character? Answer: ......E.J. !!!! Elvis was born in 1997 onscreen (as John Jr.) to Kristen and John Black. However, he returns to Salem in 2006 as a grown adult. He should have been 9 years old, but he's SORASed a full 12 years!!!
Coming in second is a tie: Philip Kiriakis, born in 1995 and SORASed from 4 to 15 in 1999, and Brady Black, born 1992 and SORASed from 8 to 19 in 2000. (both 11 years)
Right behind them in 3rd are Belle Black, born in 1993 being SORASed 9 years in 1999, and Chelsea Brady from age 7 to age 16 in 2006 (also 9 years).
Other notable SORAS characters are Shawn Douglas Brady who went from age 12 to age 15. And Will Horton who went from age 13 to age 15.
Let's focus on Brady and EJ for the moment, because they are both relevant with the Kristen storyline.
EJ, who was born to Susan, is Kristen's former adopted son. Now he's her brother. Is it weird for Kristen to be helping him with his love life and at the same time be thinking, "hey, I used to be your mom,"? Or "I took care of you when you were a baby,"? If Susan comes back, (which I hope she does) that conflict with Kristen will be revisited and will be really awkward because John Jr./ Elvis is now a grown man.
With Brady, the weirdness comes into play regarding his father and his relationship (or current lack thereof) with Kristen. Miss DiMera was his stepmother when he was 5. Now, she's sleeping with him?!?!?! Kristen was sleeping with John 15 years ago and now she's doing it with his son. If we guess that she was in her 20s then, then she'd be in her 40s/50s now. And Brady is supposed to be 20, but is currently 31. This could only happen with a SORASed character!
So be prepared for when the Brady-Kristen affair becomes publicly known, or just known to John, for it to be extremely awkward and confusing. How could this even happen???
Well, this program is brought to you by the magic of SORAS! SORAS... bringing you rapidly aged Days of Our Lives characters for the past few decades!
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Sweeps Sweeten Storylines
"November DAYS are here!" With back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back intense storylines.
Aside from the Days official site design change, a November promo is circulating Days news.
The November Sweeps are here! What are the "november sweeps" anyway?
Well, fresh out of a college media class: here's the answer.
In 1940, TV broadcasting began a "Neilson" survey within households using a "people meter"on top of the tv set to determine what people were watching, when, for how long, ect. This was a device that eventually measured TV ratings. It sampled 18,000 households.
Today, they still take "sweeps" of ratings based on "Neilson points." One Neilson point means 1.1 million households in America. They currently do 4 sweeps a year: in February, May, July, and November.
Therefore, the 2012 November sweep is under way. The TV program ratings from the end of October to Thanksgiving will be measured. So, Days has to make sure that they have solid ratings in November.
This is why they released a November sweeps promo. Hopefully, people will tune in and the sweeps will reveal high ratings that will ensure a cash flow into the pockets of the producers so they can keep this show on the air!
How will the writers rise to this important challenge? Well, I'm guessing the writers room went something like this:
"Hey! Let's pile on one tragedy after another. Let's have conflicts in every storyline! Let's bring back evil DiMeras, suicide, sex, marital troubles, secret revelations, parental disputes, breakups, hospital-bed scenes, and scandalous pregnancy all in one week! Yay!"
And, somehow, they did.
Fans of Days could not keep their socks on these past few weeks.
No one watching an episode could help being pulled into Daniel and Jennifer's relationship. Everyone had to pick either the Sami/John/Kristen side or the Marlena/Brady/Hope side. Whether positive or negative, viewers had big reactions to the Will/Sonny storyline. And who else felt a mixture of sadness and pity for Nicole?
It's so intense, it feels impossible to keep up with it all. Thank goodness there is a recap section on the site, because if god forbid someone misses one day, they would be lost.
With all the drama, it's a miracle we are all still following and are still hopelessly engaged. If viewers are feeling bombarded by so many dramatic storylines one after another, don't worry. That's the goal.
They purposely put John and Marlena arguing in between Nicole crying and Nick and Gabby in bed. Well, that's daytime!
They saved all the good storylines for November sweeps. So, you know that this month is going to be good!
Let's hope the ratings reflect that, and Days stays in production and on the air!
Aside from the Days official site design change, a November promo is circulating Days news.
The November Sweeps are here! What are the "november sweeps" anyway?
Well, fresh out of a college media class: here's the answer.
In 1940, TV broadcasting began a "Neilson" survey within households using a "people meter"on top of the tv set to determine what people were watching, when, for how long, ect. This was a device that eventually measured TV ratings. It sampled 18,000 households.
Today, they still take "sweeps" of ratings based on "Neilson points." One Neilson point means 1.1 million households in America. They currently do 4 sweeps a year: in February, May, July, and November.
Therefore, the 2012 November sweep is under way. The TV program ratings from the end of October to Thanksgiving will be measured. So, Days has to make sure that they have solid ratings in November.
This is why they released a November sweeps promo. Hopefully, people will tune in and the sweeps will reveal high ratings that will ensure a cash flow into the pockets of the producers so they can keep this show on the air!
How will the writers rise to this important challenge? Well, I'm guessing the writers room went something like this:
"Hey! Let's pile on one tragedy after another. Let's have conflicts in every storyline! Let's bring back evil DiMeras, suicide, sex, marital troubles, secret revelations, parental disputes, breakups, hospital-bed scenes, and scandalous pregnancy all in one week! Yay!"
And, somehow, they did.
Fans of Days could not keep their socks on these past few weeks.
No one watching an episode could help being pulled into Daniel and Jennifer's relationship. Everyone had to pick either the Sami/John/Kristen side or the Marlena/Brady/Hope side. Whether positive or negative, viewers had big reactions to the Will/Sonny storyline. And who else felt a mixture of sadness and pity for Nicole?
It's so intense, it feels impossible to keep up with it all. Thank goodness there is a recap section on the site, because if god forbid someone misses one day, they would be lost.
With all the drama, it's a miracle we are all still following and are still hopelessly engaged. If viewers are feeling bombarded by so many dramatic storylines one after another, don't worry. That's the goal.
They purposely put John and Marlena arguing in between Nicole crying and Nick and Gabby in bed. Well, that's daytime!
They saved all the good storylines for November sweeps. So, you know that this month is going to be good!
Let's hope the ratings reflect that, and Days stays in production and on the air!
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