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Days Of Our Lives

DAYS Casey Moss Delivers Poignant and Evocative Performance As JJ Contemplates Ending His Life

Photo Credit: JPI Studios

In one of the most riveting performances and episodes of the soaps in 2017, Days of our Lives’  Casey Moss (JJ) was front and center, and had the opportunity to show his depth as an actor, while delivering a powerful message to the audience, and in an issue that faces many people who spiral down the depths of depression, and have lost all hope.

This is juxtaposed against Christmas Eve in Salem when families come together and celebrate, while JJ’s sorrow provides the drama.

The Wednesday installment of the NBC daytime drama series was a perfecty crafted standalone episode from head writer, Ron Carlivati, where the viewers watch JJ decide to end his life, and look on as he goes through the steps he feels he must take to prepare for his own demise.  This included writing heart-breaking letters to his loved ones, and of course, to the young man he shot, Theo (Kyler Pettis) and his grieving father, Abe (James Reynolds).  Each move of JJ’s inner torment played to perfection by Moss, took the audience on a gut-wrenching journey.

Throughout, JJ flashes back on his life and reflects on when he was younger and key moments in his relationship with his mother, Jennifer (Melissa Reeves), and his father, Jack. Viewers were treated to a return by Matthew Ashford, who reminded us all of why we love Jack Deveraux.

Photo Credit: JPI Studios

In the story, at first disheveled from his overriding depression and guilt,  JJ  decides to take a shower and shave before his final steps in his plan.  He lays out and then puts on his police dress uniform. as he continues to organize this thoughts through his agony.

When JJ writes his suicide note to Theo, he begins: “Dear Theo, I said I wanted you to have all the things you wanted, and now you have nothing, because of me. I’ve come to see that I can only pay for taking your life by taking my own, so I’m going out to the square, to the same place where I shot you, with the same gun, and maybe, in some small way, it will help balance out the universe …  make up for what I took from you.  I have left something to everyone else I love, but I have nothing to give you…except my life.”  After signing the letter, JJ seals the envelope, and write “Theo” on the front, and adds it to the pile, which included a hankie-inducing letter to his mother.

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When he writes his goodbye letter to Abe, JJ pens: “Dear Abe, how do I say I’m sorry for something that is unforgivable, especially when it was you who first made me understand just what this badge means.”  Taking a moment, JJ recalls the day via a flashback that Abe encouraged him to apply to the police academy. JJ continues writing: “I saw how angry you were when I got it back. You thought it was dead wrong, and I think you were right, so I’m giving it back to you.”  JJ seals his letter to Abe in an envelope, and adds his police badge on top of it.

As the episode nears its conclusion, and after finishing all his letters, and with the stack of envelopes in front of him, JJ pulls out a gun from his desk drawer and inserts the clip, and seems ready to end his life.

So, what did you think of the performance by Casey Moss? What did you think about the construction of the episode, and how it played out? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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I like JJ. Have since he returned and was a thorn in his mother Jennifer’s side. There has been an arc with JJ and I appreciate it. Suicide is a major issue in our society and good for DAYS to tackle it. I appreciate a human story apart from crazy resurrections and endless repetitive love games. This story has been moving to me. Thank you.

How true, Iacovos!- JJ has been a prime example how youth can turn its life around. Yes, he was a vey stinging thorn in his mother’s side……he slew his demons, as it were…..not permanently slain, I guess.
He feels so much guilt, I don’t know if anyone could ever come out of that—especially if Theo does not wake-up….such a compelling story. I cried!!
I was so impressed by the scene……how methodically, almost lovingly, as macabre as it sounds, he sought to the future of those he loves, by endieng his life…..a life for a life? Very poignant.
Such a sensitive, mourning-worthy social issue!!!!!!!! Not only is Casey hot, he has really proven his worth as an actor. Someone will stop him, at the eleventh hour, yes?!?!?!?!…..I hope so!!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New year, my friend.

Ending….

Ron C. continues to impress me with his great writing. Instead of introducing new characters he is using the entire cast in various storylines. This gives Casey a time to shine at his best, but the whole cast has been wonderful. It just proves, give good writing and the actors will shine. I stopped watching DOOL for a number of years because the writing was awful and the acting to me was just not good. But wow, what a change in the show now and the actors have really stepped up. I see alot of Emmy noms. next year. DOOL has become the soap to watch, and I am a long time GH viewer. Applause to Ron C. who deserves so much credit for turning Days around to a must watch soap now.

Casey deserves a Emmy as well as the show for best drama. This storyline is riveting. I’m glad this story is being told. Kudos Ron Carlivati and the writing team. Also Kudos to Casey for a heartfelt performance.

I agree that Casey Moss deserves an Emmy – I have been watching Days for over 40 yrs and he brought me to tears – I have never seen such great acting from someone so young. I am 59 and watched Days for along time, Casey – you brought me to tears. i LOVE all the actors on DAYS – but JJ your pulled it off,

shucks… per your words – ” i LOVE all the actors on DAYS ”

it’s a marvel to watch writing and acting so in sync with each other. dang it !

it’s been a dream to tune in

i’m about a week behind… can’t wait to see the new DiMera.. played by Tyler Christopher… WITH his onscreen mother… Vivian Alamaine… played by the grand dame of all … OK I know there are plenty others… she’s in the top echelon… Louise Sorel

YES

blast off

again… @ DAYS

Casey Moss deserves an Emmy for this episode. So great of Ron C. to write and focus on Casey and JJ, he’s such a great and underrated talent.

I hate seeing JJ go through this, especially when he’s not at fault, he was only doing his job and protecting himself!

It was an absolutely heartbreaking episode to watch. Poor JJ is such a tragic figure. Casey Moss did an excellent job. When given powerful material, he delivers.

I attempted suicide in my younger years the last time nearly 20 years ago so watching someone contemplating suicide is a bit uncomfortable even if it is just a soap and knowing JJ really wont go all the way-brings back so many bad memories…CM is doing a fine job in his role-i smell an emmy nomination!!!!

….Proud of you, Jimmy. You are a conqueror, you know that?? Bless you.

Love Robin, Jimmy….but, can you imagine if the mom, mysteriously, turns out to be Vivian? Can’t beat that!!

To be honest, I found it to be overly drawn out and difficult to watch (albeit well acted) while watching what, I guess, were supposed to be “older scenes” re-enacted (I don’t know for sure, have only been watching since 2013) – I understand that JJ is upset, but it seemed ultra-melodramatic to me.
I certainly do understand however, how people can spiral downward into a depressed state that seems insurmountable and was glad that there was a full panel displayed for The Suicide Prevention League.

Those scenes were recently created. As far as I can remember, Jack was already dead when JJ, in the form of Casey, returned to Salem.

I don’t know if it was difficult to watch, but not really interesting/entertaining, but maybe it wasn’t supposed to be. Some of it was sad, the letter he wrote to Theo saying he’s giving his life for Theo.

Why didn’t the Salem PD get JJ into counseling?

Outstanding stuff! I could watch Casey Moss all day. We’ll leave it at that…

You bet, James……so much good stuff on Days…..
….heard through the grapevine that Tyler Christoper will be playing another one Stefano’ s long lost sons….his name is Stefan O. DiMera…..So very clever, that. Can’t wait for the mayhem to begin at chez DiMera’s, James….everyone vying for number one rooster-son in the great, vast mansion. Can’t you just hear the echoing of angry voices bouncing off the walls? LOL….Love it!!

Thanks for your reply, Celia! You’re absolutely right. Interesting stuff about Tyler. It’s so refreshing to see DOOL firing on all cylinders again. “echoing of angry voices bouncing off the walls” — hysterical! Take care, Friend. 🙂

If true i hope Lee turns out to be his mom and played by Robin Strasser

Agree completely. I did enjoy his youthful persona as a dedicated irritant to Dr. Dan. (Loved it when he broke Jonas’ expensive toys.) However, both his character and himself as an actor seem to have grown into an interesting 3-dimensional troubadour/protector.

I was surprised that this episode did not portray JJ giving away his treasured guitar to someone. (Perhaps I missed the guitar getting buried with Page?)

Gotta say, JJ’s bearded, unkempt rakish troubled period gave him a fleshed-out much more grown-up appearance, making a more interesting person that we’d like to learn more about.

I’d like to see his cousin Eric provide him with genuine priestly guidance to abandon his police job, for which he is unsuited. Rather than taking his life, a much better path to assuage his guilt and atone for his misdeed would be re-dedicating that life to the difficult task of long-term truly helping those in need.

Eric and JJ aren’t cousins or related in any way, ChandlerFan. Eric’s parents are Roman Brady and Marlena (Evans) Brady Black. JJ’s parents are Jack (AKA Billy Johnson) Deveraux and Jennifer (Horton) Deveraux.

Thanks for your reply, ChandlerFan!

So glad you are a MossFan, too! You make some great points about his growth as an actor as well as the character’s development. I also enjoyed JJ’s interactions with Dr. Dan. Take care, Friend!

Casey’s performance was excellent <I really felt bad for him made me cry.I don;t know how he did it, he may need therapy after that great performance. I hope the episode helped alot of people. Now Theo needs to come out of the coma so his dad won't be so mean' and I understand why he is.

Kudos Casey Moss…Ron Carlivati…and all the actors in this truly amazing episode!!!

Personally, didn’t totally enjoy it, but I understand where they were going with it. I guess today’s ep will take up where this one left off.

An amazing 2 day performance by Casey. Suicide during the holoday’s Is becoming more common, especially among law enforcement and the military. Emmy worthy performance….

JJ s been my favorite character since he showed up with an axe to grind in Salem
Im glad Rons writing for Jj and bringing him back to his best storyline since the time he tore up the square when he had uncovered that Jack had raped kayla
Casey s the next leading man on Days

He needs a partner comparable to his acting and Sal Stowers is not it.

I haven’t seen so much heated energies light up my telee… since Chad and Gabs

JJ and Lani are WOW… I enjoy this twosome. the natural sensuality between these two is smitten

Sal Stowers has proven to be GOOD for this show and good for Abe Carver family. PLUS she has shown good work as an employee of SPD AND as a daughter to Abe, and sister to Theo…. SO .. i’d say Sal Stowers is across the board melding quite nicely with the whole production.

I don’t know what to think… is she preggers from Eli or JJ ? haven’t watched this part yet… or is this rumour mill fodder

either way… I hope JJ and Lani find their way back.

Casey’s performance was exceptional and so real to life. It showed the audience exactly what the monster of depression can do to people. I think Casey deserves an award for his performance.

Does anyone know who the ep’s script writer and/or breakdown writer is?

All I know is this is my mom’s show, and I’ve been helping her through my dad’s death. She was watching Days daily, which she has done since before I was born, and I noticed the Theo shooting story. Now I’m hooked plus holidays are always something to tune in for on Days, whether story is good or not. This standalone ep had me mesmerized. It is unlike anything I’ve seen on DT in ages. I know Days has some excellent Classic writers going back to the 80s and 90s, and it could be any one of them. I’m sure we’ll find out when award season comes along, hopefully, but I need a little instant gratification.

Very good story line – need it during the Holidays

I have watched Days for over 40 yrs and I was in tears over Casey’s performance – I was in tears and Gabi’s actress helped me. I saw Gabi save the day!!! I knew she would dave JJ. Too bad for Lani though – she thinks that JJ slept with Gabi – There goes the SOAP!!

The kid has stepped up to match the good writing. This is great soap opera.

Dec. 20th episode was a great powerful show j j did a great job glad days devoted the time on the subject (depression) Dec 21st with j j and Gabi was a tearjerker I think at one time or another as gone through depression it’s a part of Life some people pull throw and some don’t

Casey and James Reynolds deserve Emmy nominations.

Liked very much sad but Casey hit out the park it was nice seeing Matthew Ashford again I wish stay on for good . Only issue I had no Steve and Adrienne they are JJ family too

Stunning. Just watched it. Ron reversed the flashback tool from folks laughing on a sofa to a real day problem.

At first I did not like JJ at all but now I feel for the guy what was he suppose to do he thought that Teo had a gun so he had to protect himself.Abe son isn’t no angel here.As one who suffers from anxieties and depression I know how he felt.Some days you just feel like giving up.While I never came close to suicide I have thought about it ,but I am to chicken to die,Well back to the show enough about me,Casey did an excellent job I could really feel his pain.I am so glad that Abby stopped him I wonder what Abe will say when he finds out that JJ tried to kill himself.Maybe he will lighten up on JJ.Hey didnt Teo hack into something?Well isnt that illegal? Why is Abe overlooking that?

ABOUT – the only time I think Abe.. may have … got side tracked. was when he was at the SPD with Rafe and JJ… as they read the report… from INTERNAL AFFAIRS … and JJ was found “not guilty”

sorry.. lack of a better term…

Abe flying between being the father of.. and his upholding the law… and his relationship with JJ

I thought Abe emotions got the best of him… did you watch the scenes between him and Jennifer… as she pleaded with him for understanding

any way… the 12 /25 episode of miracle.. happened

it’s going to be a tearful reunion for the Horton and Carver familial.

PROP : I was so taken with Doug and Julie in Theo room… with Abe and Valerie by his bedside… as they asked Abe to come to the Horton gathering…

Abe : to Doug and Julie.. that he was uninviting himself this year. he wasn’t going to pretend what happened.

it just cut some

steller stuff from the whole production

Casey Moss not only deserves an Emmy, but an Oscar as well.

What motion picture was he in to deserve an Oscar?

Once Upon a Time in Salem.

I congratulate all involved with this storyline! Suicide is an all too common issue that people face on a daily basis, especially at this time of year. And while the majority of those thinking of suicide didn’t have the circumstances that JJ did, they face real struggles. This story is timely and very important. I am glad to see DOOL address this in such a gripping way, a way that is sure to garner a lot of attention and hopefully save lives. All those involved, especially Casey have been doing a remarkable job. It has truly been the most moving story I’ve seen in many years on soaps. Blessings to those who are facing suicidal thoughts. May they find what they need to work their way through to a happier, healthier life.

As someone who has struggled mightily with depression my whole life, I could not be more impressed with the writing and the performance by Casey Moss. If he does not win the Emmy, it will be nothing short of highway robbery. I was touched deeply, as I’m sure were others…those of us who have been there know a better job could not have been done. Simply outstanding. Thank you, Casey.

Casey Moss delivered!!!! Great episode

Excellent writing by Ron and bravo to delivering a fantastic performance Casey, of a man contemplating and planning to end his life. Emmy worthy for sure!!!

Days Of Our Lives

Days of our Lives Star, Greg Vaughan, Gives Health Update and Thanks Everyone for Their Support

Greg Vaughan (Eric, Days of our Lives, ex-Lucky, GH, and ex-Diego, Y&R) provided an update on his health on Sunday, March 17th. Vaughan had previously shared that he had become ill during a trip with his sons to Colorado, and had developed altitude sickness when he was having trouble breathing accompanied by terrible headaches and landed in the urgent care.

Now on St. Patrick’s Day, Greg took to his Instagram and shared how he is feeling now, and to thank everyone for their love and support.  As it turned out, Vaughan was diagnosed with high altitude pulmonary edema, commonly known as HAPE. However, he is on the mend slowly and surely.

In his new video post, the DAYS favorite started by expressing, “I just felt such an appreciation and gratitude for everything. . reaching out. Your prayers have been felt. It’s been a struggle, but I’m over the top. And, taking this moment just to say I didn’t realize the things that I was going through. My (original) post was simply just to educate, put some information out there and some things that I was feeling, just share that information and the struggle that I was going through, which I didn’t quite understand. And it wasn’t because I’m stubborn or just because I’m a father, a man, and didn’t want to go to a doctor. It is just something I thought was so minor that I could overcome it, just by taking care of myself.”

Photo: JPI

The Daytime Emmy winner then revealed his actual diagnosis, “So, basically my situation was high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). With some good friends, doctors that had reached out to me, it kind of gave me some understanding on the aftermath, which was very, very beneficial.”

“But I’ve been resting, taking care of myself even though I live in a hamster wheel,” said the dad of three teenaged boys. “I gotta get up and, you know, do my normal domesticated stuff, eventually. I’m tired of laying down in this bed, but, I am feeling much better.”

Photo: GVaughanIG

Talking on his confusion of trying to understand what could have been ailing him, Vaughan expressed, “I couldn’t quite figure it out, even though I was emphasizing and professing to my children going on our spring break getaway about hydration. I professed it. But, even though I was acting on it, it had a greater effect on me, and for which I did not even think, because my head was such in pain, and I was in a very bad state of mind – not being able to be out there with my kids on the mountain, enjoying their time, as well. I thought I was doing the right thing. Unfortunately, my lungs were full of fluids and my head was in severe pain and even migraine pills didn’t even help. So, I just want anybody that goes into the Colorado Mountains to know, it is no joke. It is this very serious thing which I guess is why they call it the Mile High City.”

Greg had a mountain of ‘thank you’s’ to give for the outreach he received from his original post, “For everybody internationally, wherever you are, I love you and I appreciate you and just the time and the thoughts that you’ve shared with me,” said Vaughan. “I didn’t realize that it would make such an impression on so many people around the world. I feel tremendously loved and I can’t say it enough. I’m good. And I appreciate you.”

Photo: GVaughanIG

The actor concluded his video with, “To all the family and friends that have reached out to me, man, it means the world. So take care of yourself, enjoy your spring break with your families. It’s Saint Patty’s Day, obviously. I wish I could be out there.” Vaughan added, “I feel loved and touched and I can’t emphasize that enough. I’ll take better care of myself, promise you will do the same.” Before he signed off, Greg shared, “Just know, that I’m alive and well and breathing, and I’m sore. So, be well, take care. I mean it. Thank you, tremendously.”

Glad to know that Greg has been on the mend, and shared his appreciation for everyone that reached out to him during this trying time? Comment below.

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Days Of Our Lives

‘Access Hollywood’ and ‘Couple to Throuple’ Host Scott Evans to Appear on Days of our Lives

Scott Evans, host of Access Hollywood and the Peacock reality series Couple to Throuple, will make a guest appearance this week on Days of our Lives.

Circle the Thursday, March 21st episode of DAYS for Evans’ arrival in Salem. During his tape date last fall (since DAYS tapes months well ahead of when episodes actually stream), Scott posed for a snap alongside Mary Beth Evans (Kayla), Jackée Harry (Paulina), James Reynolds (Abe) and Greg Rikaart (Leo).

Teasers for the 3/21 episode of DAYS share that Leo tries to come up with his next gossip column, and Paulina and Abe return home to a mini-celebration set up by Johnny and Steve. Will Evans pop up in one of those scenarios? Stay tuned.

Photo: JPI

For a long time, soap opera fans knew only of one Scott Evans. The one who played Oliver Fish on One Life to Live from 2008-2010.  But in show business, there are two Scott Evans’ that are widely-known.

Last Thursday, March 12th at the 35th annual GLAAD Media Awards, it found both Scott Evans and Scott Evans together in the green room and they taped this video ditty below, calling out how they both share the same name.

Photo: JPI

Last weekend, viewers saw OLTL’s Scott Evans on-stage at the Oscars when he performed in the musical number “I’m Just Ken” from Barbie led by Ryan Gosling.

As for Access Hollywood’s Scott Evans, he has been with the entertainment news program since 2015, appeared in the recent Ladies of the 80s: A Divas Christmas with Linda Gray, Donna Mills, Nicollette Sheridan, Loni Anderson and Morgan Fairchild, and currently has an overall talent and development deal with NBCUniversal.

So, looking forward to seeing Scott on DAYS? Check out ‘Evans meeting Evans’ below, and then share your thoughts in the comment section.

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Days Of Our Lives

Days of our Lives Star Greg Vaughan Shares Sudden Health Scare: “I Truly Feel Like I Work & Live in a Soap Opera!”

What started out as an adventure with his sons, quickly turned into a nightmare for Days of our Lives Daytime Emmy winner, Greg Vaughan (Eric Brady).

In a series of Instagram posts, Vaughan shared the sudden health crisis he found himself in.  The images show Greg with an oxygen tank to help him breathe.

The actor began to fill people, sharing, “I’ve said more than a few times, I truly feel like I work & live in a Soap Opera! 🤪 this trip was nothing short of another great Vaughan adventure!”

He went on to say that on a father and son Colorado spring break trip, he began to feel shortness of breath, feeling tired and with a headache and after two days of hoping he would feel better, Vaughan finally went to an Urgent Care to get checked out.

Photo: GVaughanIG

“I finally surrendered & went to urgent care and to my shock I learned that I was experiencing severe altitude sickness.” Vaughan admitted. “My Blood Oxygen was at 54% & my lungs were full of fluids! Blood oxygen, also known as oxygen saturation, represents the percentage of hemoglobin in your red blood cells that is carrying oxygen. Most people have an oxygen level of 95-100%….”

Providing more detail to his health scare, Greg shared, “Well, 4hrs later, a couple of bags of IV & oxygen tank strapped to my face, I was told that I needed to immediately get off the mountain! However I couldn’t, we still had another day to go & wanting the boys to enjoy their last day on the hill tops! I opted to go home with an oxygen tank, a good laugh for everyone, and I know will follow, but my boys looked after their old man & fortunately they had friends on this trip!”

Photo: JPI

The experience of altitude sickness in the Colorado Rockies gave Vaughan a bit of a new perspective, “In all seriousness, no matter your age, and all the times I’ve ⛷️ & 🏂 in my lifetime, Colorado Rockies is no joke! As they say, ‘ take a breathe and smell the roses!’ That is truly something we need to remember & appreciate! #recover”

Share your well-wishes to Greg as he continues to be on the mend via the comment section below.

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