A difficult job

JasonDíSpeech

JasonDíSpeech

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So I can sometimes be negative - but I still love Days so I thought I'd post on the positives.

I have complained about the direction of the show, some of the characters, and plots; but I have been genuinely surprised at times as well. And, I would not wish upon anyone the task of taking over Days from the previous set of head writers!

Some of the things I have loved:
Gabi’s reveal as Nick’s killer- I really hated the whole Gabi-stalker thing, and found most of her relationship with Nick to be highly out of character. But the writers redeemed themselves with the way they handled the last few weeks of her character. Very nice.

Will & Sonny's wedding- It was nice to have a wedding that didn't have any DiMera meddling that also included big parts for recurring characters like Lucas and Justin and Victor. The scenes with Sami and Adrienne one-upping each other with gifts to their sons were wonderful as well, and the whole cast & crew really put out a great week of episodes.

Nicole's transformation- Discounting the last two months or so, I really liked watching Nicole grow as a character, trying to put her life in order, and not chasing after EJ (or being chased by EJ).

JJ- What started off as a typical "teen angst"/"daddy wasn't there" story with undertones of a PSA* quickly turned into one of my favourite stories. JJ dealt with difficult issues that other characters dismissed quickly, and it was nice to see someone mourning Jack on screen; and then he really worked to better himself, finish school, and pay his debt to society. I enjoy his scenes; the musical touch at Christmas was nice, too.

Kate- I've never bought Lauren Koslow as Kate - her version is written as too murderous and scheming - however I always love her over-the-top characterisation, and that came into best use during the two Nick murder storylines (e.g., when she chuckled that Gabi was an amateur during the first murder; and when she casually mentioned to Maggie that Nick had been shot).

Snark- Sometimes, when Victor, Lucas, Justin, Kate, or Nicole get a line off against one of their foes, it can turn an entirely bad episode good; and a good episode epic.

What are your personal favourite parts of the show these last two years (under the current writing regime)?
 
EJ/Abigail: Hands down this was my favorite storyline. It was out of nowhere and the 2 actors and characters still have tremendous chemistry with one another. Great storyline potential too. It's unfortunate TPTB let this ratings gold mine slip away. The affair also highlighted the tremendous acting talent of Kate Mansi(Abigail),

Sami/Rafe: Wasn't the tail end of their reconciliation under this regime? I enjoyed them finding their way back to each other.

JJ: I too have enjoyed the young Deveraux and his character development. I'd like to see him end up with a girl from another prominent Salem family.

Eric/Nicole: I have enjoyed the slow build of this storyline over the past couples years. I hope they find their way back to one another without further scheming from Nicole.

Hope/Aiden: I LOVE what I see so far. I want to see them open up more about their respective pasts.

Victor: I love how he lights up any scene he is in and he is more than just wallpaper.

Baby Arianna: What a ray of sunshine in some otherwise gloomy storylines

Lauren Boles(Ciara): Please do not age Ciara anytime soon. This actress has the ability to carry a storyline without her famous onscreen mother.

Kristen/Brady wedding: These scenes were some of the most exciting over the last year and the fallout is still rippling through Salem a al Eric and Brady.

John Black: I know he hasn't done much yet but in the off chance TPTB are lurking on this board, I want my voice heard. Give this man a storyline! Or 2!
 
I agree about the Gabi reveal and Will and Sonny's wedding. Great stories! I also enjoyed watching Nicole's transformation... I really... well, no negatives in this post. :) And the snark - it has been really great at times!

I actually enjoyed watching Eric's transformation, too, from being a priest to being with Nicole. Though I didn't always like some of the details, I really thought they did a good job with his struggle. (That's a vague enough negative that it is allowed, I hope!)

Even though she seems very straight-laced, I've somewhat enjoyed the addition of Paige, too, and what she's done for JJ's character. It certainly isn't a spectacular storyline, but I have enjoyed it. I'll also say that I liked seeing JJ make things right with Daniel, and finally have a good relationship with him. It's nice to see a kid in his circumstance actually look up to and seek advice from a father-figure instead of having a chip on his shoulder forever. So, yeah, I guess in a nutshell, I've liked seeing JJ's transformation as well.
 
Heather4CU said:
Eric/Nicole: I have enjoyed the slow build of this storyline over the past couples years. I hope they find their way back to one another without further scheming from Nicole.

Hope/Aiden: I LOVE what I see so far. I want to see them open up more about their respective pasts.

Victor: I love how he lights up any scene he is in and he is more than just wallpaper.

Lauren Boles(Ciara): Please do not age Ciara anytime soon. This actress has the ability to carry a storyline without her famous onscreen mother.
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YES! "I hope they find their way back to one another..." says perfectly what I wanted to say without any negativity! :) And yes to the others that I inadvertently left out.
 
I really loved EJ and Abby having sex. For one, it most likely ruins his relationship with Sami. But they also have great chemistry and the storyline was totally unexpected and exciting, which is rare on DOOL or even on others soaps nowadays.

I liked Eric and Nicole until her latest scheme, but I thought they were a cute couple otherwise. I liked their friendship with Daniel and Jennifer.

Before Sami took back EJ, I enjoyed seeing her with Rafe. And while I was not a big fan of Rafe subsequently sleeping with Kate, it was shocking, which is (again) not a usual thing on soaps these days, especially Days.

The Will-Sonny wedding was beautifully done. Everything about it. Funny parts, parts that made me tear up, but mostly just grin widely.

Gabi's reveal as the shooter-it was expected but tastefully done, and her character was redeemed with the blackmail explanation. I also liked her confession about hiring Andrew in 2012-I always wanted that to come out.

I also love Hope and Aiden-even better IMO than her and Bo! Such good chemistry and a wonderful slow build.
 
I really loved the Elvis and Abigail s/l deleted spoiler info in non-spoiler forum...JS

JJ's transformation into a nice young man was one I enjoyed, because I really hated flying high JJ.

Of course anything with Nicole is fair game for me, she is my favorite female on the show.

Victor is the king of one liners.
 
I always seem to go against the grain, but what I've enjoyed:

Sami and EJ- almost everything
Kate and Sami working together (in business)
Rafe and Kate (before Rafe's injury- I really think they had a possible future, but the fans, me included, wanted Kate back with Stefano, so it was "rock and hard place" for Days, thus, break up)
Kristen and Brady ... "We Almost Made It" This song is apt. I really would of liked to see them have made it and be married today. Kristen would still have her dark side, but Days would have a good couple with a backstory which is much needed.
 
The Abigail/Elvis storyline was one of the most unexpected, in my opinion. I loved it.

Sonny and Will - their whole story is one I have enjoyed.

I agree with Heather4CU on Lauren Boles (Ciara) - she is a delight to watch.

Victor - I also love his snarky remarks - can't get enough of him, would love to see more of him and John Black too - give these guys a story, please!
 
Thank you for this great thread Jason!

I too have really enjoyed JJ's transformation. I cheered aloud during the Christmas episode when he gave Parker a toy train to replace the one he had broken. I had been hoping he would do that and was very very pleased with the way it was done. I also love it when JJ goes to Daniel for advice.

I like the idea behind the JJ/Paige storyline even though I'm not terribly fond of the way it's playing out

I enjoyed Nicole's transformation as well (not counting the last couple months) and really liked the Nicole/Daniel scenes when they were living together. One of my favorites was when Daniel went to confront Brady's drug dealer and told Nicole to stay home, and she immediately said to herself, "HA! Who does he think he's talking to?" and followed him.

I love it when Nicole is snarky or sarcastic too. The best moment of this whole recent fiasco was when she complained to Eric about "loudmouth Julie." I loooove it when Nicole calls it as she sees it. Victor too. I look forward to his snark.
I also really liked when Daniel stood up to Victor (when Victor tried to get in his business and put down every woman Daniel had been in a relationship with starting with Nicole) and then afterwards was able to encourage him to apologize to Maggie.

Will and Sonny's relationship, their wedding and their continued support for one another rock.

I like seeing Kate's softer side like we did today in her scenes with Gabi and when she was by Rafe's bedside when he first came out of his coma.

EJ has some very funny lines. I enjoy it when he has his witty one-liners. I couldn't stop laughing when he complained about the use of "Mr. Greetings" as a name and then said Percy Ruggles was even worse of a name.

Even though I do not like Daniel/Jennifer very much as a couple, I did like their reconciliation scene after JJ confessed the truth to Jen. I liked it so much I was willing to give the couple another chance. I also really loved JJ's confession to Jen. Casey Moss (JJ) did a great job. I also thought JJ's scenes when he broke the window in the square were really powerful and well done.

Any time they show Marlena actually doing her job, I remember why she used to be one of my favorite characters.
 
I forgot to mention a few things I liked now that you all brought them up.
Days does humor better than most shows I watch! Especially Victor and Nicole's snarks!
Nicole changing, even if temporary, was good to see. I also love JJ's change of heart and he is genuinely a cool dude now.
 
EJ/Abigail: Hands down this was my favorite storyline. It was out of nowhere and the 2 actors and characters still have tremendous chemistry with one another. Great storyline potential too. It's unfortunate TPTB let this ratings gold mine slip away. The affair also highlighted the tremendous acting talent of Kate Mansi(Abigail),
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Aaack! How could I forget this gem? It had me on the edge of my seat for weeks - definitely a high point!

EJ has some very funny lines. I enjoy it when he has his witty one-liners. I couldn't stop laughing when he complained about the use of "Mr. Greetings" as a name and then said Percy Ruggles was even worse of a name.
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I don't like the character but he does have his moments when they're not forcing him & Sami down our throats!! He has a very dry wit when he's evil.

Any time they show Marlena actually doing her job, I remember why she used to be one of my favorite characters.
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:clap: Heck she could be in Salem forever with all of the various psychological disorders running rampant - and that's just the hospital!! Marlena is a treasure.
 
It really is good to see that despite the griping we all do, there are really a lot of things we do like.

As much as I do not like Theresa, I do like that she gets along so well with her gramma Caroline. Their scenes together are very touching.
I like that Daniel has such a good heart, and is determined to make sure that what is right is done. He showed that with JJ, with Nicole, with Eric.
I like snarky, insulting Anne, not always, but enough. She counters Maxine's lovefest for Daniel/Jennifer very well. And I really like Maxine.
A big yes to JJ's efforts to get back on the straight path, and a definite huge like to the entire Will/Sonny story, culminating in their wedding. Well done, as has their life together since.
I have really liked how Gabi confessed, and owned up to her past crimes, and that she is still protecting those who tried to help her with Nick.
 
Wow, what a fantastic thread JasonDiSpeech!!!! :) I too had favourite moments from the past 2 years...:clap:

Brady/Kristen: When these two are on screen, their scenes are explosive. When the secret came out that Kristen was using Brady to get back at John and Marlena the night before Kristen and Brady married I thought it was storyline brilliance!!!! :love: Brady's anger towards Kristen and Kristen's desperation to save her relationship with Brady was so strongly depicted it was truly captivating to watch. I personally did not think the writers could top this storyline until I saw the second attempt for them to marry. The amount of characters in Salem the non-wedding affected was HUGE. Ripple effects are still being felt around Salem. I loved watching every single moment!!!!

Will/Sonny: The wedding between these two was very well done and it made daytime history....need I say more?!?!

Nick: Blake Berris' portrayal of Nick was absolutely outstanding!!!! The character creeped me out but he intrigued me. He was always one character that I could never predict what he would do next and that to me was refreshing because after watching Days of our Lives for years, storylines become more predictable.

Nicole: I love Ari Zucker as Nicole, no matter the writing material she "kills" it on screen. I like Nicole's strong presence in Salem and it has gotten bigger the last two years. I love Nicole/Daniel, Nicole/Eric and Nicole/Rafe

I have a lot more I could mention but I think I should now get off my pedestal...:rotfl:
 
If we got to choose something we'd like to see, I would love it if somehow they worked in another musical-comedy-dance number. That male striptease/dance was hysterical. AND there are a lot of actors/actresses on the show that have done small theater and it would be fun to see some of their talent.
 
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