This week’s episodes of Days of Our Lives were both tough to watch and a glorious celebration of just how powerful soaps can be. Joy and heartbreak were beautifully balanced, familiar faces returned and unexpected resolutions were delivered. As regular Soapboxer Curtis is out this week, you’re stuck with my thoughts on what was a pretty incredible week of solid soap.
Emmys All Around
If I were in charge of such things, I would submit the episode which aired on Tuesday, June 3rd, for the Outstanding Daytime Drama Emmy when the time rolls around. It was, simply put, perfection as Salem dealt with the heartbreak of John’s death and joy of Bo’s awakening. (You can read a recap here.) “Forty-eight hours ago, Bo was given last rites and we were waiting for John to come home,” said Roman as the show perfectly illustrated the great unpredictable mystery that is life.
A Portrait of Grief
Sometimes, the biggest performances involve capturing small moments. Deidre Hall has been stunning to watch as Marlena has dealt with the horrific shock of losing the man who was her anchor. As Marlena dealt with well-meaning friends and family, her every moment felt weighed down, as if she was moving through deep waters and trying to avoid the undertow. And if the moment when she listened to the voicemail didn’t break your heart, you might not have one. (That moment was especially moving as, unless I miss my mark, that was the late Drake Hogestyn’s voice saying, “I love you Doc.”)
When talking to Carrie, Marlena had a line which simply and beautifully summed up what might be the story I’m most looking forward to watching in the weeks ahead. “I’m going to have to find a way to move forward in this new life that I have,” she said, barely holding back the tears. How relatable is that to so many people in the audience who, like Marlena, have lost a loved one?
Next week promises to be yet another tear-filled week as Salem comes together to say a final farewell to John Black. Look for the service to begin on Tuesday, June 10. And yes, there are still familiar faces who haven’t yet appeared yet but will next week, including Charles Shaughnessy’s Shane.
Gone For Good?
Truth be told, I wasn’t all that interested in Jack and Jennifer’s return… but man, these writers made me change my tune. First, we got a lovely, simple scene in which Jack and Leo bonded over having had abusive fathers. That was followed by a simple moment in which each admitted they hadn’t heard from Gwen, both clearly saddened by this. Gwen may not have been loved by many viewers, but these two men clearly care about her, and that gives us permission to care, too, when she returns.
Later, Jack and Jennifer managed to give us a bit of closure when she admitted to believing, in her soul, that their beloved daughter Abigail is really, most sincerely dead. We, as viewers, often find ourselves — rationally or not — having our beliefs shaped by our favorite characters. If they like someone, we like them. And if they hold out hope that a loved one isn’t really, truly gone, it encourages us to do so. With this moment, we were given permission to let Abigail — and her epic romance with Chad — go.
Reunited, And It Feels So Good
Bo waking up and reuniting with his family provided the perfect counterpoint to the sadness surrounding John’s death. One of my favorite aspects of this particular story was Bo finding out about all of the things which had happened in his absence. “How many grandkids do I have?” he marveled. It was also nice that we finally got a bit of resolution where Shawn’s guilt about having shot his dad was concerned.
I was sort of annoyed that he didn’t ask where Ciara’s husband, Ben, was. It would have been nice for Ben to put in an appearance, especially since it’s been well established that he and Alex look nothing alike. Perhaps they feared confusing viewers, but I’m a big fan of never underestimating the audience or dumbing things down on their behalf.
Baby On Board
I’ll admit that I haven’t been a big fan of the Doug/Holly/Tate/Sophia mess. But this week kinda sorta had me warming up to it. First, we introduced Ari into the mix. New portrayer Marissa Reyes is a spitfire who has her TV-mom’s mischievous look in her eyes. Then there were the scenes in which mom-to-be Sophia faced the realities of her situation while touring the hospital. “Seeing the birthing video… I mean, I knew that I was going to have to pus the baby out of me one way or another… seeing it in such graphic detail? Let’s just say I wasn’t expecting to see a horror movie today. I had no idea it was gonna be all so gross and not to mention painful!”
Random Thoughts
• I’m intrigued by Cat’s mysterious connection to Sami and John, and loved her whole skydiving date with Chad. Of course, I have to remind myself that it’s not worth investing in that couple given that his portrayer, Billy Flynn, soon will be leaving for The Young and the Restless. But I’d love for her to stick around, and maybe this Sami connection is how she’ll be woven into the core of the canvas.
• Whenever soaps show a magazine or newspaper article, such as the obit Leo wrote about John, I freeze-frame to read the text. And all I can say is that Leo’s copy editor should be fired, ’cause that thing was a mess!
• How lovely was it that Julie, upon hearing about Bo, immediately picked up Doug’s framed photo so she could share the good news with her late true love?
• I had zero interest in Stephanie’s erotic novel… until suddenly it was being passed around like a hot potato. Unless I missed something, it’s currently in the possession of Sophia’s mom… which is an absolutely intriguing development!
