Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Casey Moss and Camila Banus Hit All The Right Notes In Emotional Suicide Prevention Story Arc!
Courtesy/NBC
In the pick-up of the haunting episode of Wednesday’s episode of DAYS, Thursday’s episode brought out the hankies, as we witness what happens to JJ (Casey Moss), after he intends on ending his own life by going to Horton Town Square on Christmas Eve to do it.
However, a knock at his door changes everything when none other than Gabi (Camila Banus) shows up. A smart Gabi notices JJ is in his police dress uniform. She knows from her brother, Rafe (Galen Gering) that an officer only dons that for weddings and funerals. She then notices the pile of letters on the desk, and shockingly finds the one that is addressed to her and opens it. Gabi begs JJ to tell her this is not what she thinks it is … a suicide note!
Once realizing the full scope of what JJ is about to do, Gabi reveals that even she contemplated suicide when she was in prison, but knew if she were to take her own life that would only cause more pain and guilt for her loved ones. No matter what she says, JJ cannot ease his pain and guilt over shooting Theo (Kyler Pettis), and pulls out his gun to go to the Horton Town Square to end his life. A desperate Gabi tries to delay him as she rips open each letter he wrote and reads them aloud. She then opens the gift she came to give him from her daughter, Ari and forces him to look at it.
Then, in one of the most hankie-inducing moments of the soaps 2017, JJ breaks down and cries, as he puts his gun away, and Gabi hugs him.
Gabi does the selfless thing for a friend in need, and offers to stay with him through the night with her goal to keep an eye on him through this difficult time.
Next, Gabi helps JJ get out of his police uniform, and asks him to tell her that he will go talk to someone tomorrow for help. JJ says he will. He thanks Gabi for everything. While there is a soapy plot twist at the end of the episode, where Lani (Sal Stowers) misinterprets a hug between JJ and Gabi which sends her reeling, the episode also ends with a message and the number to call for the suicide prevention hotline for those in need.
So, what did you think of the scenes between Casey and Camila as JJ and Gabi in this emotional episode? Comment below!
Days Of Our Lives
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
After languishing on the bubble for months, on Friday, NBC handed down the decision and canceled the medical drama Brilliant Minds after two seasons.
Brilliant Minds stars Zachary Quinto as neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.
The final six episodes of what will now be the end of its second and final season were already set to air beginning on May 27, after being pulled off the network schedule in February as viewership saw a steep decline. Brilliant Minds second season became the lowest-rated drama on linear TV viewing, which didn’t bode well fo a network renewal, although it had its hard core fan base.
Photo: NBC
There are some exceptional notables in the cast along with the talented Quinto that includes Days of Our Lives alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez) who joined the series in its second season as Nurse Nico Silva, and One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) who plays Wolf’s love interest and fellow physician, Dr. Josh Nichols.
The rest of the talented cast includes: Tamberla Perry, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, Aury Krebs, Spence Moore II, Donna Murphy, John Clarence Stewart, and Brian Altemus.
In an ironic twist of fate on Thursday, April 30, Days of Our Lives finally revealed the actor who was Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Javi, when they announced that actor Jacob Martinez had now stepped into the role. Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming new episode, Calderon left in the spring of 2025, but will be seen in the part for the final part this month, and then on June 20, Martinez debuts as Salem’s new Javi.
Taking to his Instagram with a sorrowful and heartfelt post on the Brilliant Minds cancellation was Teddy Sears who wrote, “Thank you, Brilliant Minds. I got the call today and I didn’t want to hear, but I knew that it would come, You have to be a particular vintage to quote Don Henley from memory, but that’s the line that came to mind earlier today after I got off the phone with our inimitable showrunner Michael Grassi who delivered the news that NBC has cancelled the series”.
Photo: NBC
Sears continued, “To say that I feel sad to be moving on from these stories, this character, and this cast and crew just doesn’t paint the entire picture. I’m sad, sure. But I’m also deeply grateful that I got hired to play this part, so proud of the stories we told, and the other actors I got to play alongside. I’m excited to see what comes next, what adventures await, and terrified to be without a professional home. A quick and heartfelt thank you to everyone, all over the globe, who found us and found themselves in us, in our characters and in our stories. We wouldn’t have been able to tell them without you. And we still have 6 fresh episodes yet to air, and I do hope you tune in enjoy the remainder of the series. They’re the best we’ve done.”
As he wrapped up his sentiments, Sears signed off with, “The more I know, the less I understand. All the things I figured out I have to learn again. I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter. But everything changes…Thank you, Brilliant Minds.”
Calderon took to his Instagram story and simply shared, “Thank You, Brilliant Minds.”
The medical drama was created and executive produced by Michael Grassi alongside Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Lee Toland Krieger, DeMane Davis, Jasmine Russ, Henrik Bastin, Jonathan Cavendish, Andy Serkis and Shefali Malhoutra.
So, what do you think of NBC’s decision to cancel Brilliant Minds after two seasons? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside
The final few moments of the Thursday, April 30 episode of Days of our Lives, will pave the way, to what just may be the end of Sophia Choi’s (Rachel Boyd) life, but not as you may think!
After an unhinged Sophia paid a visit to Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman), maced him in the eyes, knocked him out and then tied up to a chair, now conscious, she lets him know that she holds him responsible for all the trouble and trauma she has gone through from adopting her child, and her being sent to a mental institution.
So instead of the unregistered gun Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) gave her to finish off Johnny, Sophia sets up a plan to light candle, use nail polish remover and turn on the gas on the stove to ultimately create a mass explosion, which although Johnny pleaded to her not to that to all the innocent people inside his apartment building, she doesn’t seem to care.
Photo: JPI
FIERY FACE OFF
The plan was supposed to be, after she takes care of Johnny she will toss the gun in the Salem River, then focus on payback to Holly Jonas before leaving town to start a new life.
Now, Sophia makes her exit, leaving Johnny to be a few moments away from an explosion or gas inhalation, when Chanel (Raven Bowens) comes home after awaiting the results of her mammogram. She sees Johnny tied up, as he panics and tells her to put out the flame on the candle, things go awry, and a fire has begun and everything may go up in flames with Johnny and Chanel inside.
Photo: JPI
A BROKEN SOPHIA
Back in her room, Sophia breaks down after reading the social media comments about her, she planted, and then starts writing a suicide or farewell note which says. “I’m tired of begging for forgiveness for my mistakes. All I wanted was to move forward, to be loved and understood. But it’s clear that I was never going to get that. Holly Jonas said that I was dead to her. So, as her former BFF, I’m going to make her dream a reality.”
Photo: JPI
A DEADLY TRAP
Now, the fate of Johnny, Chanel and Sophia will be revealed on tomorrow’s May 1st cliffhanger, which may be the end of Sophia when she crosses paths with Kirsten at the bridge near the river. We do know Rachel Boyd is no longer appearing in the show credits section and is now off contract with the soap.
So, what did you think of the climatic final moments of DAYS? What did you think of the performance of Rachel Boyd as Sophia Choi? Let us know via the comment section.
Breaking News
Jacob Martinez is ‘Days of Our Lives’ New Javi Hernandez Replacing Al Calderon in the Role
Finally! The casting has been revealed as to just who would be Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Days of our Lives, Javi Hernandez. On Friday, April 30, the long-running soap opera revealed Jacob Martinez is taking on the part and he will first be seen this coming June 30th and then on all-new episodes streaming on Peacock.
As previously reported, the popular Calderon exited the soap opera last year to join the cast of the NBC primetime medical drama, Brilliant Minds as nurse Nico Silva, who in May will air the remainder of their second season. The series has been on the bubble for renewal by the network. His last episodes as Javi will also air this May on DAYS.
Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming, Martinez has been secretly ensconced in all the drama in Salem for quite some time. When viewers see the new Javi in story, we should learn what will happen in Javi’s relationship with Leo Stark played by Emmy winner, Greg Rikaart, plus his continued relationship with his relatives in the Hernandez clan. Currently, when Javi returned to Salem after taking care of his ailing father, and after the bust-up of his marriage to Leo thanks to Dimitri (Peter Porte), he claimed he had moved on with someone else while he was away from Salem.
Photo: JPI
Like Calderon before him, Martinez is a multi-talented actor and singer. Jacob’s resume is impressive having appeared in the musical In Pieces: The Musical at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater and he was hand-picked by Joey Contreras to play the role of Grey. Other credits include: the short film, Memory Swim and the play Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage.
Martinez hails from Norfolk, Nebraska and appeared when he was very young at the Johnny Carson Theatre, and as DAYS fans know, Jacob is now working at the Days of our Lives studios, right where the “Tonight Show” is filled. In addition, Jacob Martinez is a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA).
Taking to his Instagram on Thursday, April 30 once the news of his casting was revealed, Martinez, expressed, “Way too many people to thank in one post, so I’ll just say THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART to each and every person who continues to pour into me and encourage me to chase my dreams. I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am. I already feel beyond blessed, supported, and loved. See you all in Salem ⏳”
Jacob Martinez appeared on Friday on the Days of our Lives Instagram account announcing his casting. You can check it out below. Deadline was the first to report the casting switch.
So, excited to learn who is the new Javi Hernandez? Please welcome Jacob Martinez to the role and be on the lookout for his debut on June 30. Comment below.
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Casey Moss and Camila Banus gave excellent performances. You really felt Gabi’s desperation and determination to stop JJ from going through with his suicide. And poor JJ is a broken, exhausted soul. Casey and Camila work great together.
Understated, heartbreaking performance by “JJ.” Great “one-man” solo performance. Painfully realistic. Kudos.
Phenomenal episode ! All the acting was top notch. This show is on fire. Casey really brought his A game, I was in tears. I believe that was an Emmy worthy performance.
The suicide prevention number at the end of the show was a great moment as well.
Gabi did a good job, but why didn’t she call Jen or someone else???? Marlena.
Days has sure improved…you should had printed that suicide prevention number at the end!!!…Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Micheal Fairmen-no one does a soap site better then you…wonderful interviews and stories ect-you keep us well informed and we all appreciate it,,,,and Happy Hanukka (spelling) and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!!!!
They did print it after the solo performance of “JJ.”
Well acted, sad subject, handled delicately and in a sensitive manner. NOW let’s move on – enough – let Abe have a Christmas Miracle and let Theo come magically out of his coma – he looks great by the way for someone who’s been in a coma for weeks –
Okay, so now Lani comes in and sees JJ with Gabi – and probably will jump to the wrong conclusion. Wouldn’t it be nice if JUST ONCE a character can catch someone in a compromising position and give them the benefit of the doubt?
While I can appreciate the effort to bring this topic to light, the huge problem here is that once again an unqualified writer has left people with the impression that all you have to do is cry it out and get a hug and then everything will be all better. Snap, crackle, pop: the whole problem is solved, from start to finish, in a matter of days. That’s an awful thing to do. If you’re going to do this, do it right or don’t do it at all.
What is a qualified writer? Ron Carlivati is doing the best work of his career. Also, Gabi stopped the suicide attempt, but did not solve any problem. She repeatedly told JJ that he has to go to therapy. Shouldn’t we watch a few more episodes before judging?
I am not sure this episode could have been any better. Casey Moss was amazing. There have been so many great performances on the show since Ron C joined the show. Camilla Banus is the most gorgeous woman on daytime and has the acting talent to match. The scenes on Friday show with Jennifer and Abe were outstanding.
For Emmy consideration:
Eileen Davidson (Susan)
Alison Sweeney (Sami)
Chandler Massey (Will)
James Reynolds (Abe)
Ari Zucker (Nicole)
Casey Moss (JJ)
Lauren Koslow (Kate)
Camilla is that–a beauty! She nicely played off Casey–well done!
Good stuff Would have been better if she had accompanied him to a hospital as far as helping people know what to do but have to make some allowances for soap twists
While it was nice to see Casey’s performance, I do think it’s problematic that this story about the shooting of a young African American male has now shifted to being a story about the white police officer. This story should be centered on Abe and the African American family instead.
I think DAYS is telling the story in a balanced way because ALL LIVES MATTER, downtownla.
The situation isn’t balance in real life. African Americans are being targeted by the law enforcement. And to say All Lives Matter is like saying, “Save the Dolphins” is a dumb campaign because ALL ANIMALS MATTER. The way the past two days has played it, it’s Abe who has to apologize for being a jerk. His son is shot, but he is the one that is wrong because he did not give forgiveness, the way a kind white person gave him forgiveness all those years ago. So is the lesson in real life that blacks should forgive all the white cops because white people helped blacks before when blacks screwed up? This story is not topical and has nothing to do with the crisis of young black men being shot.
Yeah, this was not a credible foundation to do a story about police shootings, because (despite Abe’s irrational, emotion based take on the situation) nobody is really going to believe that JJ had any racist intent in shooting Theo, nor does anybody believe that Theo was a hardened criminal.
UNLIKE most of the shootings that have made headlines in recent years (and Hell only knows how many that happened before cell phone cameras caught them in action) this tragedy was purely one of a misunderstanding. The scanner that Theo was holding that night DID look like a gun, from a distance.
It might have been a better story if the cop who shot him was not somebody whose family had been friends with Abe for decades, and somebody whose personal history would make it unlikely for him to be a racist.
So let me see…according to you we shouldn’t see the pain and turmoil that both families are in? It is not like they were strangers. Their families have been intertwined for decades. Shame you feel that way.
I totally see this as a legitimate concern. It does feel like they are downplaying the “white cop shoots an unarmed BLACK man” aspect to this story, even though it’s been promoted as one of the major layers to this story.
I think because this is a soap opera and they can show so many perspectives, seeing the aftermath for the officer is totally acceptable. But I would agree they aren’t telling the AA side of this story nearly as clearly or precisely.
I actually think they handled a topical subject matter pretty well – everyone had “their say” from “their perspective” – it’s too bad that in real life, victims don’t magically come out of their coma – If the writers get ‘too preachy’ it would turn-off the Viewers, and, this is a Soap, not an In-Depth Documentary on how many innocent victims are shot by Police.
And I feel it did that also.
The story is solid and well-done as a soap story. Lots of twists and good acting. However, don’t try to connect it to the current crisis in America. It has nothing to do with it and there is nothing to learn from watching this soap.
I’m going by what was shown on DAYS, downtownla. Viewers saw JJ was within his right to shoot Theo because he thought Theo had a gun and Theo turned around with the “gun” raised.
We saw JJ agonize over his decision to shoot. We saw Abe relentlessly attack JJ’s actions. We heard Abe mention of the “black boy wearing a hoodie”. The insinuation was there. There was even a conversation between Eli and Gabi about the ” appearance” of the shooting.
I understand the realities and unjust situations of the world involving innocent blacks being shot/murdered by cops, but I also know cops are targeted for simply being cops and they are murdered. I see nothing wrong with showing a cop as a human being struggling with what he did.
Above all, it was a storyline about the father of the victim and the cop who pulled the trigger. DAYS never said it was a Black Lives Matter Storyline.
I don’t think anyone should forgive anyone if they don’t feel right about it. As for Abe, he understood the suffering he felt when he accidentally shot Brady years ago.
Each real life case should be looked at separately and not clumped together. And the soaps have a job to entertain viewers and not necessarily to teach viewers.
Just to be clear, downtownla, Abe had every right to be angry because he was grief stricken. That was good, but it was also good when he saw clearly through his anger/grief that JJ wasn’t a racist, rogue, cop turned attempted murderer.
Kudos…Camilla & Casey!!!
Emmy-worthy. Plas, so much more. Kudos to Camila and Casey!
I didn’t think it should have been Gabi that found and stopped him. She didn’t seem like the best person to get through to him, even with their past history. It kind of felt out of the blue. But then having seen why- the bad timing for his ex-girlfriend to walk in and find comfort in Gabi’s current beau’s arms- I got it….it progresses story.
That said, those scenes were very well done. Camilla did a beautiful job, and Casey is ripping his guts out in this storyline.
WATCHED , today ep’ 12/25/17
James Reynolds blew me away. his scenes with JJ prior to the “miracle” of Theo … w/his family by side.
Abe Carver … knocks me out and over. APPLAUSE
AND YEAH – SO – many – DAYS cast members are , should, and be deserving of emmy nods.
Casey Moss – you have grown. as a person and in your craft. LOVE YOUR WORK
Excellent performances by CM, CB, MR and JR. The story is still being told. Many aspects of story: the black young man, the police officer and family members of both. It is not just one character’s story.
These scenes were so beautifully delivered and I really appreciated the fact that they highlighted the friendship between JJ and Gabi.
I have found myself going through mood swings and depression this year (new for me) and of all my family in my life (I am a married mother of two little boys), it was my younger, married, and recently became a father, male friend who always noticed when I was not myself. HE was the one who seemed to reach me when I was in despair and just knowing he was there for me made all the difference in the world. Sometimes the only ones that can reach you are those you do not expect.
Being a parent is the best job you will ever have, but having a FRIEND is the best gift you will ever receive.
I also appreciated the scenes of friendship between Jennifer and Eric.
Days of Our Lives is firing on all cylinders when it comes to the dynamic of friendship and the subtleties of what true friendship is. Hopefully the story will stay at that — no one needs to know what happened between Eli and Lani, but it is soap so it will probably be discovered.
Yes, yes, and a thousand times, yes, Chrystie!!!!!!!! Incredible performances with both underlying and obviously poignant social issues…..
Now, here come more juicy, bad-girl ( and bad-boy, if Stefano makes an appearance) scenes …..VIVIAN!!!!! All the way, milady. Do your thing!!!!
Stefano and Vivian are behind the DiMera “hacking”…… licking my lips in anticipation……
And then, there was the day after.
The JJ, Gabi, Lonny, Eli switcheroo was so contrived, stupid and poorly written, that Days may well be on it’s way to the cartoon GH was when RC got fired.
Just sayin?
I have never really been a fan of Gabi’s, but this episode changed all that. These two actors hit it right out of the park. I was almost in tears watching JJ and his taking all the blame. His pain. This is also the first time I have not liked Abe. He has been the worst. His son broke the law, and everyone else is guilty. BS. JJ did exactly what cops are trained to do. Theo pointed what looked like a weapon, cops have seconds to respond. Or they could be shot. JJ responded. Hope should have told Abe to shove the job where the sun don’t shine, and then made a stink till Theo went on trial. Everyone paid for this except the guilty, Theo ,and Kate as usual.