Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Eric Martsolf and Stephen Nichols Named ‘Power Performances of the Week’
Last week’s Days of our Lives provided quite the backdrop for some stellar performances, as we had previously noted earlier in the week here. However, there were a few scenes and moments that just stood out to us, that even when we watched them back for a second or third time, still got us choked up.
First, Daytime Emmy winner, Eric Martsolf (Brady) really deserves some major kudos here for his understated and effective work when Brady is finally given the truth – that his daughter Rachel is alive – and his brother Eric’s (Greg Vaughan) child, Mickey is the one who really died in a nefarious baby switch scheme thanks to Xander (Paul Telfer) and Victor (John Aniston).
Courtesy/NBC
Not only did Martsolf convey the joy that his daughter was alive juxtaposed with months of angst that preceded it, but he also showed the heartbreak knowing that Eric and Sarah’s (Linsey Godfrey) child did not survive. In scenes with Arianne Zucker (Nicole), Greg Vaughan, and later with Stacy Haiduk (Kristen), where Brady tells Kristen their child is alive, Martsolf delivered.
Then, there was Stephen Nichols (Steve), who did what he does best, showing the vulnerability of Steve Johnson. In key scenes following surgery to rid Steve’s head of the chip that made him believe and act like Stefano, Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) tries to explain her new relationship with Justin (Wally Kurth). That alone is a shocking moment for Steve … and then he cannot understand how his sister and Justin broke up. That is when Kayla has to tell Steve that his beloved sister, Adrienne (Judi Evans) had passed away a year ago following a tragic car crash.
Courtesy/NBC
Steve is overcome with emotion and tears, as any brother would be who loves his sister, which made this all the more realistic. It was heartbreaking watching Steve try to deal with finding out Adrienne was gone and then blaming himself for not being there for her. It was made all the more hankie-inducing in a later scene, when he hugged his brother Jack (Matthew Ashford), as the two mourned the loss of their sibling.
For these moments noted above, Michael Fairman TV names Eric and Stephen last week’s Power Performances of the Week.
So, what did you think of Eric and Stephen’s work? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
For me the most overpowering scene in a week filled with them was when Jack and Steve finally reunited in Steve’s hospital room. As wonderful as it was to have Steve and Kayla in the same place together again, that moment of the brothers finally hugging each other again after all those years caused me to burst into tears of joy and relief to have them together again. Matt and Stephen were exceptional in that scene and I will remember it always.
Stephen and Mary Beth had me sobbing as Steve remembered the past. So powerful
My mother was doing the same thing. Stephen and Mary Beth began way before my time. I just don’t understand the fascination with these two.
Your mother has great taste.
Two great choices!! Both actors were wonderful..I loved Brady talking to Nicole about everything and then when he found out. Everything with Stephen was exceptional this week, I loved him finishing his vows to Kayla as he got his memory back and then when he and Jack hugged..
Great acting but this show has too many plots involving amnesia or mind control…
Last week was probably the best all around acting & writing during the whole jump.
Stephen Nichols is the best male actor in daytime right now. The range he has shown since his return has been amazing.
Stephen is the best. Im not taken with Brady so meh.
As for the character of Steve our Patchman he has such range and is far more human than most of Days stereotypes. As for the current storyline I truly think Kayla no longer deserves this man. She has proven to be far more taken with herself than anyone else. She also displays a constancy in that she has zero faith and belief in Steve and yet she is the first to betray her own set of codes (honesty and faithfulness). He deserves someone far less critical of him and one who actually sees the man he is not someone who has to be tied to her strings.
The scenes between Jack and Steve were just incredible. It has been a long wait to have Matt Ashford and Stephen Nichols in such a powerful scene mourning Adrienne. The whole week of shows last week was great with the Kayla-Steve story as well as the baby story. The pace was good and you really could not miss a day.
I will grant you that these 2 actors were terrific! As stated by @Jimh, there are too many stories relying on amnesia and mind control, to say nothing of the old staple, the baby switch. BTW, as I write this, it has been a few days since we saw Sara take off with the baby she now knows is not hers. They are sure dragging out this storyline out for all it’s worth. I just want to see Brady and Kristen be given their baby! Then you should have even more outstanding acting performances to highlight, and I can move on…
But before I do, one other point about DOOL. Maybe I’m all by myself on a limb here, but I just don’t like (or understand) the character of Kayla. Her eruption at Steve in Monday’s show was so uncalled for. She should be glad that he made her choice easier (by stepping aside); she has been so whiny and wishy-washy to the nth degree. And let’s forget all the amnesia, mind control, face masks (for impersonation), and brain chips for a moment. In what universe does a physician operate on her ex-husband (brain surgery, no less)? And as Chief of Staff, Kayla evident specializes in virtually every discipline in medicine: that is what I find hard to believe.
And while I’m on a negative rant here, I have to admit I am not a fan of the other so-called heroines of DOOL: Jennifer (never liked her — I may be influenced by the actress, though), Hope (too undefined as a character), and the beloved Marlena (to me, a cold, uncharming, know-it-all). I apologize for offending fans of these characters: they just rub me the wrong way (maybe Kayla also specializes in dermatology and could treat my ill-rubbed skin).
Give me Kate (more please), Kristen, and Nicole anytime!
And one other thing. I am not a long-time viewer of DOOL, so admittedly my opinions of these beloved characters is framed over the last few years. Other viewers with a much longer investment might be far more enamoured with these “heroines.”
Also, in addition to the absurdity of the brain chip plots, wherein Stefano’s “essence” (?!?!?!) was implanted into Steve’s body, I was a bit confused, as I remember the same actor playing Stephan on GH (Steve, Stefano, and Stephan), to say nothing of the possible return of Stefan O….
Jamesj75
I have never agreed with anyone more, especially your view of those so-called heroines. I would also like to add to your list, Julie who can also be a pushy busy-body. I also like Kate, but not Nicolle so much. I feel she always has some darn reason for butting into someone’s life. I would just love to see Kristin gone for good, as I don’t think she can ever be totally redeemed. The first time someone looks at her daughter the wrong way, is she going to kill them? I also can’t stand Sarah, so whiney, screeching, loud and obnoxious. So now that we’ve named all these women, not too many left, oh except Gabi, and there’s only one name for her!
Hello Violet Lemm2! Thanks a million for your reply! Glad you largely agree with me, and it’s awesome to read your opinions on this!
I do understand your points about Nicole and Kristen. BTW, I wrote my post before Kristen stabbed Victor. I know she’s done some terrible things (understatement). As Gabi has. But the actress who portrays Kristen is just so mesmerizing — that’s why I “enjoy” this villain.
Of the women, my absolute favorite is Kate, also mesmerizing and stunning. I’m always happy for any storyline they send her way; I don’t care how many times she is held captive; at least she’s on screen!
And I am totally with you on Sarah (“whiney” personified) and Julie (“busy-body” personified). I think it’s great that this actress has a long and storied body of work with this show. But when there are scenes of Julie and Gabi arguing, I often find myself siding with Gabi.
Jamesj75
Thanks for your quick reply. Not too much to look forward to these days. I had meant to reply to your comment about Steve and Kayla’s
outburst to him. Being a woman, I can perfectly understand what that was all about. She was hurt, angry and any other emotion I could think of because he gave up so easy and didn’t rant and rave about giving her up to someone else, mainly Justin without a fight.We women are like that James, if you love us fight, you don’t just walk away!
So nice talking to you, stay well,
Just a quick reply, Violet Lemm 2, you make a great point about Kayla’s reaction to Steve. Okay, so now I can “walk away….” 🙂
Thank you, Violet Lemm 2. You stay well, too!
She became completely abusive and cruel! Kayla lies not sweetness at all! She needs therapy!
I don’t see that at all. She was hurt? She is living with another man for heaven’s sake! She does everything she can to throw Justin in Steve’s face and is as abusive as she can be. Sorry these excuses for Kayla are a bit off and seem more like the interviews given by the actress to justify spoiled and crappy behaviors
Thanks for your replies, Jaime. I am just noticing them now. (I didn’t get the usual email noting a reply to a post.) But you make some great points about the flawed character of Kayla. Take care.
Sounds more like the interviews by the Days staffers and actors than a reality. This woman is weak, dependent, needy and everything a professional should not be. She is also in total denial of her own actions and the consequences not of others behaviors but her own.
I am in total agreement with everything you stated.
As for Kayla she is unrecognizable today and enables the worst. She is a woman who completely denies her own role in creating situations and destroying her own marriage. She blames, she rants, she lashes out, she distorts the events and facts, feels entitled, shamelessly blames the victim and inserts herself as the primary victim! She and Justin have acted out, have enabled their worst of behaviors and present themselves as weak, spoiled and completely needy individuals incapable of standing on their own two feet.
As Chief of Staff its a bit ridiculous since her actions are completely lacking in professional ethics. From operating without a trained certified neurosurgeon, to operating based on emotions, to entertaining her new boyfriend in the ex’s hospital room while unconscious and having that boyfriend stalk a patient was rather obscene. There is just so little left of the Kayla that we knew. As for Justin a more infantile man would be hard to find. He is totally dependent on having someone there for constant ego stroking. To pretend this is entertaining is a farce. To say they are over bolstering a character Justin who had not led a story for 20 years and has been inserted not naturally placed in this one was in such poor taste that one can only be turned off.
Thank you for your reply, Dexter. Your further analyses of the characters of Kayla and Justin are insightful, and I agree with you! I was looking at Kayla’s profession only in the sense of her boundless areas of expertise. Your point about her “lacking in professional ethics” in myriad ways is an even stronger argument, to say nothing of a Chief of Staff constantly showing public displays of affection in the workplace. Take care.
So grateful to have Stephen back. Watching Steve and Kayla again feels like I have my Days back. They bring to the show what other couples dont for me. As outrageous as having a chip in your brain SL is Steve and Kayla always bring a realness to their scenes. I hope Stephen finally gets Emmy recognition
Loved the Stayla scenes. These two shine incredible performances no wonder MBE has so many Emmy’s. And Stephen Nichols going from obsessed villain, Stefano to our beloved Steve Johnson, incredible acting range . Love love loved it
Steve broke my heart. For once it wasn’t his bad choices that hurt Kayla. He was on his way home to her. His life got blown up in 5 minutes- he found out his wife was with someone else and his sister was killed. Just heartbreaking scenes.
It is Kayla who betrayed him. It is her bad behaviors not his. Its just time Kayla looked into a mirror rather than this nonsense that anything Kayla says goes. Because of Kayla’s insistence upon everything her way I can no longer support that character and I truly believe its Time Steve dumped her for real
Based on the number of posts/replies, it looks like you’re here only to bash Kayla to those who are fans of the couple. Wish I had that much free time. But, then, I wouldn’t use it for such petty & infantile behavior.
How can you defend Kayla and her bad behaviors??!
But Kayla never accepts any blame! It’s disgusting
Stephen Nichols hands down is best actor on Days and hopefully the writer will capitalize on it. The chemistry/connection he and Mary Beth Evans have is out of this world. I love their dance scenes because they convey more with a look than any couple I have ever watched on tv.
He is the best by far.
To bad the writing is awful and those justifying bad behaviors including some from the days set who just stroke the writers egos are doing more harm than good. It becomes insulting and that is a good way to lose your own fan base.
For the most part, Days seems like it’s getting back to what makes it so good, family, drama, and angst. It was nice to watch this week. Though they really need to cut back on all the flashbacks. The only ones that were really relevant and fitting were the Steve/Kayla and Marlena/Orpheus ones. Watching the two actors that play Steve and Kayla is a true joy, they have that much connection and chemistry. Plus they are both really good actors!! Eric has really grown and continues to grow it’s a joy.
Oh please don’t let Steve and Hope get together. I was really sick of him and Sweetness, but she is the lesser of two evils. It was bad enough seeing him romance Marlena.
Better Hope than the spoiled thing that is now Kayla
Jaime
I am not crazy about Kayla, but it is not that she’s spoiled. She’s hurt because Steve is not fighting for her as he always has. Nothing could ever come between them, but now Steve feels so guilty with the Stefano thing, he’s pushing her away to another man and she can’t stand it.
She is abusive and shows a total lack of concern for anyone’s feelings other than herself. His never even come into play. She threw him away and dumped him like garbage. She not he.
I love Steve and Kayla; would love for them to reunite. Agree Hope and him no.
Yes to hope
O.K here goes.I know there are a lot of Kristin fans out there, but has everyone including the writers who made her this person,really,forget who she really is? Brady is so stupid when it comes to women, I can ALMOST give him a pass, but to let this crazy woman take off with his child is worse than stupid, it is aiding and abetting a criminal. My God, she stole his first child right out of his mother’s womb. I don’t think she would hurt the baby, it’s the idea of rewarding her in a sense, letting her just take the baby and run, like she deserves this prize she’s won. She just sat there and stuck a knife into his grandfather, and then he just gives up his daughter to this lunatic! Sorry, but this is so distasteful to me and my maternal feelings.
Days Of Our Lives
Patrick Muldoon and Jennifer Taylor Cast as Mike Manning’s Conservative Parents on ‘The Bay’
The ever-expanding cast of the streaming soap opera, The Bay, has announced two new additions for its upcoming 9th season, including Days of our Lives favorite Patrick Muldoon (ex-Austin Reed). TV fans also know Patrick Muldoon from his role as Richard Hart on Melrose Place.
In story, The Bay will bring Caleb McKinnon’s parents into the mix. Caleb is played by Daytime Emmy-winner and Outstanding Supporting Actor nominee this year, Mike Manning.
According to Deadline, Muldoon, along with Jennifer Taylor (Two and a Half Men), will play Caleb’s ultra-conservative parents. When Caleb married Daniel Garrett (Eric Nelsen), they all but abandoned him. The season looks to bring a major story for Manning and hopefully and eventually love and acceptance from Caleb’s parents.
Photo: JPI
The casting news doesn’t stop there. Rhonda Ross has been tapped to play Colleen Givens, the biological mother of Pete Garrett’s (Kristos Andrews) wife Vivian (Karrueche Tran) in the new season.
Coleen is brought into the mix when Pete searches for Colleen after Vivian becomes ill. In the backstory, Colleen is a jazz singer who gave Vivian up for adoption at birth. Now she may be Vivian’s only hope to stay alive.
Photo: LANY Entertainment
The series is up for 5 Daytime Emmy nomination at the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards on June 7th including: Outstanding Drama Series, Writing, Directing, A Martinez (Nard0) for Supporting Actor and the aforementioned Manning.
What do you think of the casting of Patrick Muldoon and Jennifer Taylor as the on-screen parents to Mike Manning on The Bay? Comment below.
Days Of Our Lives
Kennedy Garcia on Joining the Cast of Days of our Lives: “For a Role to Come up for a Teenager with Down Syndrome was Just Amazing!”
Days of our Lives has made a groundbreaking move for the soaps, by casting Kennedy Garcia in the new role of Felicity. Viewers of the Peacock streaming soap opera will first see the character beginning the week of May 20th,
Garcia has previously appeared on primetime including on 9-1-1, This Is Us and more. Speaking to TV Insider, Kennedy shared: “I have wanted to be on a soap opera for a long time, so for a role to come up for a teenager with Down syndrome was just amazing!”
In real life, Kennedy who has Down syndrome is also a cancer survivor, and becomes he first teen with Down syndrome to land an ongoing role on the soaps. “It’s really such a special thing. I am so proud of Days of our Lives for taking this step and taking a chance on me. Inclusion in this industry is so important and I am proud to help move it forward.”
Photo: JPI
As to a little insight on her new role of Felicity in Salem, Garcia shared. “She is sweet, funny and kind. She is also very smart and she never misses anything. Most of all, she loves her family more than anything else. I think that viewers will love her and see the beauty she brings to everyone in her life.”
The actress added, “I hope that everyone will love Felicity and see that even though she has Down syndrome, she is cherished by her family and friends, she is capable of great things, and she’s a hard worker. I’m pretty sure she bakes better than I do. She is also a typical teenager who has real feelings and fears that people will see as her story goes on. I hope no one underestimates Felicity as a character, or actors with disabilities like me. Representation is so important and I’m so thankful for this opportunity to become Felicity and let you all get to know her, and me!”
What do you think of Days of our Lives casting of Kennedy Garcia and the importance of inclusion and representation on streaming and daytime dramas? Comment below.
Days Of Our Lives
TONIGHT: ‘Daytime Stands Up – A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer’
On Thursday night May 16th, the daytime community comes together for Daytime Stands Up – A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer, streaming live at 8 pm ET/5pm PT.
Stand Up To Cancer, in collaboration with leading daytime community voices Michael Fairman and Alan Locher, are coming together for a first-of-its-kind livestream event, Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer … We All Have a Story.
The three-hour benefit will feature stars from the world of daytime drama television past and present, musical performances, and stories of emotional on- and off-screen experiences with cancer. Special celebrity guests will also join the effort to encourage viewers to support urgently needed research and new cancer treatments. You can watch live on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel, The Locher Room or the Stand Up To Cancer website.
In support of the event, SU2C will simultaneously launch a 10-day eBay silent auction, from May 16 through 26, for soap opera fans to bid on a wide range of items, including a meet-and-greet experience with the cast of NBC’s Days of Our Lives; an autographed script from the cast of CBS’s The Young and the Restless and signed merchandsise from CBS’s The Bold and the Beautiful cast; a 1:1 video call with General Hospital’s Cynthia Watros, Maura West and Laura Wright, and with daytime legends Robert Newman, Vincent Irizarry, Colleen Zenk, and more. Full details will be shared the evening of May 16, at StandUpToCancer.org/DaytimeStandsUp.
As part of the event, you will hear, cancer survivorship stories from General Hospital’s Cameron Mathison and The Young and the Restless’ Colleen Zenk, who will reflect on the impact of publicly sharing their diagnoses; and 2024 Daytime Emmy nominee Eric Braeden, who shares his battle with bladder cancer
Daytime icon Jackie Zeman, who played nurse Bobbie Spencer on General Hospital for 45 years, shared by daughters Cassidy MacLeod and Lacey Gorden.
Elizabeth Hubbard who played the iconic Lucinda Walsh on As the World Turns and Dr. Althea Davis on The Doctors, shared by her on-screen daughter Martha Byrne and real-life son Jeremy Bennett.
Two-time Emmy Award-winner Jerry verDorn (Guiding Light / One Life to Live), shared by widow Beth verDorn and his on-screen wife on Guiding Light, friend and co-star Liz Keifer.
Andrea Evans, who played Tina Lord Roberts on One Life to Live, shared by her husband Stephen G. Rodriguez and daughter Kylie Rodriguez.
Kamar de los Reyes shared by his One Life to Live co-stars Michael Easton (General Hospital) Trevor St. John (The Young and the Restless).
Poignant reflections from actors who have portrayed breast cancer survivors, including Sharon Case and Eileen Davidson from The Young and the Restless; Erika Slezak from One Life to Live; Tina Sloan and Kim Zimmer from Guiding Light and more.
Additional talent slated to participate in the virtual benefit include (subject to change): Eddie and Kristen Alderson (One Life to Live); Elia Cantu (Days of Our Lives); The Day Players, featuring Days of Our Lives castmates Carson Boatman, Brandon Barash, Wally Kurth (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee), Eric Martsolf (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee); Kassie DePaiva (One Life to Live); Don Diamont (The Bold and the Beautiful); Linsey Godfrey (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee, Days of Our Lives); Leo Howard (Days of Our Lives); Lesli Kay (The Bold and the Beautiful); Eden McCoy (General Hospital); Kin Shriner (General Hospital); and Michelle Stafford (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee, The Young and the Restless).
You can watch the Daytime Stands Up livestream below. Now let us know if you have a cancer story that has affected your life via the comment section below, or how a daytime TV character who went through a cancer battle, gave you strength and courage in your own journey.
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‘Tracker’ Season Finale Scores 7.4 Million Viewers, Making It Most-Watched Sunday Night Broadcast Show
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AMERICAN IDOL: Abi Carter Crowned the Winner, Katy Perry Sheds Tears In Her Final Episode
General Hospital’s Maurice Benard Defends Sonny Going Postal, “It Could Definitely Happen”
Michael Easton Shares on the Loss of Kamar de los Reyes, “I Was Holding His Hand When He Passed”
Giovanni Mazza On Contract at General Hospital: What Are Your First Impressions?
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Alexis , Finn, and Kristina Face Life-Altering Moments
Patrick Mulcahey OUT as General Hospital Co-Head Writer
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Alexis , Finn, and Kristina Face Life-Altering Moments
AMERICAN IDOL: Abi Carter Crowned the Winner, Katy Perry Sheds Tears In Her Final Episode
Michael Easton Shares on the Loss of Kamar de los Reyes, “I Was Holding His Hand When He Passed”
Kim Zimmer Reveals Breast Cancer Diagnosis
The Young and the Restless Eileen Davidson to Chat Live on Ashley’s Alters Storyline
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