Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Cast Shines In Saddest Of Episodes As Salem Learns That Will Has Been Murdered!
Courtesy/NBC
If you ever needed to reach for the hankies watching your favorite daytime drama, look no further than Monday’s episode of NBC’s Days of our Lives.
The series picked-up their unimaginable Friday cliffhanger with Gabi (Camila Banus) finding the strangled Will (Guy Wilson) dead on his apartment floor. As the episode unfolded, key characters including: family members, loved ones, friends, and Will’s husband, Sonny (Freddie Smith) all learned of Will’s demise.
Gabi called her brother Rafe (Galen Gering) first, who comes to the crime scene. Rafe is later followed by Hope (Kristian Alfonso). And in very touching performances by both Galen Gering and Kristian Alfonso, the two cops try valiantly to hold it together, but can’t as they struggle to come to terms with the murder of the beloved Will. Hope than decides she will be the one to call Will’s father, Lucas (Bryan Dattilo), and break the news to him. She urges Lucas to get to Will’s apartment right away. When he does, Lucas is beyond griefstricken in a heartbreaking performance by Bryan Dattilo. When he calls Will, “My boy!” … major hankies were needed. Lucas is then the one who has to tell the devastating news to Sami (Alison Sweeney) – Will’s mother.
Courtesy/NBC
Will’s grandmother Marlena (Deidre Hall), who has always been by Will’s side through his coming out, and supported him emotionally can barely hold it together when she learns of the news.
Marlena interuppts John (Drake Hogestyn) and Steve (Stephen Nichols) conversation, while they are talking about Bo’s (Peter Reckell) whearabouts, to tell them what happened and is shell-shocked. In Paris, Sonny (Freddie Smith) hears Will’s voice message where Will finally says to Sonny that everything that happened was his fault, and he loves Sonny so much. Sonny decides he is going to head back to Salem and see Will and try to make his marriage work. But he is stopped by a tragic phone call from his Uncle Victor (John Aniston). Sonny learns Will has been murdered and crumbles to the floor. Back in Salem, Abigail (Kate Mansi) while in bed with her fiance’ … killer Ben (Rob Scott Wilson) … reels when her mother calls her to tell her the shocking news of her cousin’s murder. Ben tries to say that Chad (Billy Flynn) struck again, and murdered poor Will!
Courtesy/NBC
Abby goes to meet Gabi who is with her little girl Arianna trying to process Will’s murder, and how on earth she is going to tell the baby girl her daddy is gone! Will’s dear friend, Chad (while hiding out in the DiMera mansion) learns via computer that Will had been murdered by the necktie serial killer! Chad is griefstricken, and then is desperately trying to piece together three murders and who could be framing him. And he does! He realizes it’s Ben! And at the end of the episode, he confront the killer! Finally, as Marlena, Lucas , Rafe, John, and Hope have gathered at the Salem PD, in comes Sami who has arrived in Salem looking emotionless and shattered, and goes to her mother for her a very sad hug.
Major kudos have to go to the performance of the cast of Days of our Lives for this one: In particular the men: Bryan Dattilo, Galen Gering and Freddie Smith really broke our hearts, and the ladies: Kristian Alfonso, Deidre Hall, Camila Banus, Kate Mansi all played their reactions spot on in this most saddest of episodes for long time Will Horton and WilSon fans.
So, did you need to reach for the hankies during Monday’s DAYS? Which performance was a stand-out to you? Did you how the residents of Salem found out about the death of Will? Even though, the series killed off this legacy and important character of Will Horton, do you think it provides DAYS with long term story, or just a short term temporary shocker? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, as the sadness continues all week long in Salem.
Days Of Our Lives
Days of our Lives wins WGA Award for Daytime Drama Series
Sunday night, April 14th in concurrent ceremonies in Los Angeles and New York City, the Writers Guild of America is handing out their 76th annual WGA Awards in the fields of motion picture, television, news media, and radio/audio.
In the Daytime Drama category, Peacock’s Days of our Lives was the winner, taking home its fourth WGA Award in this category in a row.
The DAYS winning writing team consisted of Head Writer Ron Carlivati Creative Consultant Ryan Quan and Writers Sonja Alar, Jazmen Darnell Brown, Joanna Cohen, Carolyn Culliton, Richard Culliton, Cheryl Davis, Kirk Doering, Christopher Dunn, Jamey Giddens, David Kreizman, Henry Newman, Dave Ryan, and Katherine D. Schock.
Photo: JPI
The team from Days of our Lives bested the only other team in the category from General Hospital, which consisted of former GH head writers: Dan O’Connor, Chris Van Etten Writers Ashley Cook, Emily Culliton, Suzanne Flynn, Charlotte Gibson, Lucky Gold, Kate Hall, Elizabeth Korte, Shannon Peace, Stacey Pulwer, Dave Rupel, Lisa Seidman, and Scott Sickles.
Courtesy/Peacock
As previously reported, a show spokesperson for Days of our Lives shared that the episodes submitted for the competition were #14663, #14678 & #14679, and mostly centered around the death, and the funeral of Victor Kiriakis played by the late John Aniston.
This week, DAYS head scribe, Ron Carlivati, confirmed that, and told Michael Fairman TV on the decision of the scripts the team submitted: “I like to have some humor, but it was also the funeral, and then there was Sarah (Linsey Godfrey) giving birth, and then Vivian’s (Louise Sorel) crashing the reading of the will.”
You can follow along with the live updated list of all the winners from tonight’s WGA ceremonies here.
Michael Fairman TV will have more on DAYS WGA Award win as it becomes available.
So, what do you think of Days of our Lives winning the WGA Award writing award for a Daytime Drama series for the fourth year in a row? Comment below.
Days Of Our Lives
Matthew Ashford and Melissa Reeves Talk Return to DAYS for Doug’s Funeral, Susan Seaforth Hayes, and Their Enduring Friendship
Last week, Days of our Lives celebrated the taping of their 15,000th episode which is tentatively scheduled to air on December 3rd. The story will feature emotional and heart-tugging scenes of Doug Williams funeral and honor his portrayer, the beloved Bill Hayes, who passed away on January 12th at the age of 98.
While the actors, producers, and crew took a lunch time break to pose for some pictures and speak with the press, they knew they would have to get back to taping the funeral, which was going to make it a tough day, but also cathartic for all who loved Bill Hayes.
Several returns have thus far been announced including; Melissa Reeves reprising her signature role of Jennifer Horton (a part she first played in 1985), and Matthew Ashford as Jack Deveraux. Reeves had last appeared on the show back in 2021, and she was replaced by Emmy-winner Cady McClain in her absence when Jennifer was in storylines. In real-life, Melissa had moved full-time to Tennessee along with her husband, Scott Reeves (ex-DAYS, GH, Y&R). Now, and as previously reported, Reeves will first appear back on DAYS for the Thanksgiving episodes with the Hortons.
Photo: JPI
Michael Fairman TV caught up with Matt and Melissa during the 15,000th episode celebration to get their take on: being back for these special episodes, how it has been working with and watching Susan Seaforth Hayes portray Julie’s grief over losing Doug, and how they have supported each other through the years. Check out what they shared below.
Melissa, you are back on the set of Days of our Lives for this very emotional and special moment in the series history. How does it feel?
MELISSA: Oh, my goodness. I am honored. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but to be here for Bill. He was like my real-life dance partner. He taught me how to ballroom dance. And to be here for Susan, of course, who’s just been our sweet hero this whole week. We’re just following her lead. She’s just been this incredibly strong example for us in the midst of this trial and season of her life. She is like just lifting us all up with her. It’s been incredible.
I was at Bill Hayes memorial service which was truly incredible and I know at the time you were in Tennessee. It was moving and celebratory of his life, all at the same time.
MELISSA: That’s all I have heard. I have to watch it on You Tube. They said it was just a real celebration of his life and I love that.
Photo: JPI
This must be difficult for Susan Seaforth Hayes depicting the death of Doug, when she is still grieving the loss of her beloved husband. (Susan pictured above with the returning Stephen Schnetzer who plays her on-screen brother, Steve Olson).
MELISSA: I’m sure Susan has those moments at home by herself, but she’s so good at being a leader and leading all of us. We’re following her, you know, and she’s like, “This is how I want to feel today.” And we’re just going along with her, you know? It’s so sweet.
Photo: JPI
How is it to see Matt Ashford again live and in-person?
MELISSA: You know, Matt and I can go years without talking, or seeing each other, and then the minute we see each other we’re chatting away.
MATT: Melissa was out on set doing a scene yesterday on the phone talking to a stage manager; as she was telling some really tough news on the phone. I’m like crying in the background, literally, I’m off-stage crying.
MELISSA: And then we get like back into normal life, and we’re like, okay, “What’s happening? What’s happening with this … or what’s happening with that?”
I had read, Melissa, that you were in touch with Matt about if there night be a possibility for you to reprise your role as Jennifer for these special episodes?
MELISSA: Yes. Well, Matt was like, “Hey! Would you want to come back? “And I was like, “Matt, you know, I would always come back. ”
MATT: Every time I come here to Days of our Lives, they ask, “Where’s Missy? How’s Missy?” Everybody backstage says, “I miss her.” All of the crew is asking about her and saying, “It would be nice to see Missy. Nothing wrong with you Matt, but …” They said, “Where is she?” I said, “She wants to come!”
Photo: JPI
There are some beautiful photos of Missy and Bill and Susan thorough the years that I found. It just reminded me of just the deep and entrenched history we all have had with the show, personally and professionally.
MATT: Missy is roughly the age where Francis Reid (ex-Alice Horton) was when she started the show, which is just crazy.
Photo: JPI
I’ve always said Missy was going to be the next generation Alice. Do you feel that Jennifer is the heir apparent matriarch of the Horton family?
MELISSA: Yes. I mean, this has been greatest blessing of my life, and that would be great. I told Ken Corday (executive producer, Days of our Lives) when I was 17 that this show would be my life. Ken always told me, “This is your home,” and I’ve always felt like that.
How have gotten through the scenes watching Susan Seaforth Hayes as Julie go through the loss of Doug?
MATT: Susan is bringing her best performance life for her and Bill. I mean, she’s a showbiz baby. She always has been one hundred percent, and she’s doing it for him, and this is who they’ve always been. So, you’re seeing this amazing performance colored by her life. She has her private life as Susan, but she has enough plugged into Julie that she’s done amazing work. The director, producers and writers are giving her room to live in these moments and it’s quite wonderful.
Photo: JPI
Have you already broken down in tears during the taping?
MELISSA: Yesterday, but today’s taping of the actual funeral I think they want us to try and be just more celebratory.
MATT: I mean, it is a beautiful long life for Bill Hayes and his character of Doug Williams, and so it will be about that. Then, you get a bunch of us together in the church pews, and there’s going to be hijinks.
MELISSA: We all have been through the waves of grief. You have that awful cry and then all of a sudden you feel okay. There are those family situations we are portraying where you’re like, “What do we do? What do we do now? You know, no one knows what to do. But, it’s so sweet. I’m looking forward to seeing how the scenes all turn out.
So, are you glad that Matt and Melissa are back for the 15K episode and Doug’s funeral? From what we can tell, it’s going to be quite an emotional journey for Days of our Lives fans, and especially the performance of Susan Seaforth Hayes,
Days Of Our Lives
Ron Carlivati Talks on Decision to Make Days of our Lives 15000th Episode About Doug’s Funeral, and Previews Chances for WGA Award
This week, Days of our Lives celebrated the taping of their 15,000th episode. In of it itself, that is an incredible accomplishment for the long-running soap opera currently streaming on Peacock.
However, this on set gathering was a bit different. Though the show is celebrating their achievement, they are also in the middle of taping scenes surrounding the death and the funeral of Doug Williams, played by the late Bill Hayes, who passed away on January 12th of this year at the age of 98.
As previously revealed many longtime favorites are back to honor Bill and the character of Doug including: Gloria Loring (Liz), Melissa Reeves (Jennifer), Matthew Ashford (Jack), Maree Cheatham (Marie), Victoria Konefal (Ciara) and Stephen Schnetzer (Steve) to name but a few.
Photo: JPI
Michael Fairman TV was in attendance and spoke with Days of our Lives head writer, Ron Carlivati to gain some insight into how the 15,000 episode was crafted and the decision to honor the character of Doug Williams and Bill Hayes as its epicenter. In addition, Ron weighed-in on this Sunday’s April 14th WGA (Writers Guild of America) Awards, where he and his writing team are facing off with General Hospital for the daytime drama prize. Here’s what Ron shared below.
Was this your idea to make the 15,000th episode centered around Doug’s funeral and passing?
RON: It was. When you’re looking at it, and laying out the calendar for the whole year and you see 15,000 is coming up, we’re like, “What are we going to do?” And then, we got the news that Bill had passed away and something kind of clicked. I was like, “We should honor Doug on that show.” So then, we started to kind of build around that … when does he pass away? How does he pass away? Who could come back? You know, it’s a lot. I’m very pleased with the returns that we got as there’s so much that you could do. We wanted everybody we could get. So, we put together a wish list and Janet Drucker (co-executive producer, Days of our Lives) made it happen.
Photo: JPI
You have Melissa Reeves back as Jennifer, when the role was last played by Cady McClain. What has it meant to have Missy back for these shows?
RON: It was so nice to see Missy Reeves. I think Cady has done such a good job, but on the 15,000th episode to see Missy as Jennifer, it’s a big deal. So having her was great, and overall, the milestone was a big undertaking, because you want to live up to it. You want the 15,000th episode to be good. Now, it has a lot of real emotion that you’re playing. because for the cast and the crew they’re honoring Bill Hayes just as much as we’re honoring Doug Williams.
Photo: JPI
Was it hard for you and the team to write this episode?
RON: Yes. I’ll tell you why it was hard to write. When I wrote, for example, Asa’s (Phillip Carey) death on One Life to Live or Victor’s (John Aniston) on DAYS, Asa is a different type of character. Like, you could have characters going, “Oh! I’m glad he is dead.” You could have different points of view, but with Doug, you’re not having that. Every person loves this man. No one had a bad relationship with him. So, you’re challenge as a writer is how do you make it that not everybody’s saying the same thing and doing the same thing. And so, we tried to find ways to make the episode about all the familial relationships and yet, how do you make it about Doug and yet broaden the scope.
Photo: JPI
I had spoken to Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie), a week after Bill’s memorial, for an interview. She said that she felt very fortunate that you did include her on discussions of how you would tackle Doug’s passing. How did that conversation go?
RON: First, I attended Bill’s funeral, which was incredible. I said to so many people it was an emotional service, but it was hard to be sad at this. The guy had an incredible life and it was an incredible celebration. And so, you’re sitting there watching this knowing that you now have to write something similar. And how do you write something that lives up to what you just witnessed? I wanted to talk to Susan to get her thoughts about, you know, how much do you want this to be about keeping Bill separate from Doug. How comfortable are you sharing your grief. She was incredible to talk to. It was a great chat.
You’re in the middle of taping these major scenes for the 15,000 episode to air in December. How do you think it’s going? Have you seen any of the scenes?
RON: I haven’t seeing anything. I mean, we were still making changes to the script up till this morning!
Photo: JPI
The Writers Guild Awards are this Sunday, April 14th and once again this year there are two daytime drama nominees, General Hospital and Days of our Lives. How are you feeling about your chances this year?
RON: It is often just GH and us in the category. I’ve won three years in a row, so I’m kind of feeling like it’s their turn.
Photo: JPI
What episodes did you submit for contention? If I recall, they had to do with Victor’s memorial.
RON: The episodes we submitted were centered around Victor’s funeral. I think one has story with Vivian (Louise Sorel). We had some fun stuff, we had some emotional stuff at Victor’s death, and I am pretty sure that our submission was three episodes right around that time.
Did you make the decision to go with those episodes because there was a mix of humor and drama?
RON: I like to have some humor, but it was also the funeral, then there’s Sarah (Linsey Godfrey) giving birth, and then Vivian’s crashing the reading of the will. So, we had a lot of fun and it’s hard sometimes to pick three that tell a story, as opposed to submitting for the Daytime Emmys, where the writing team only submits two shows. So, we shall see how it goes on Sunday.
Courtesy/Peacock
So, are you looking forward to the emotional 15,000th episode of Days of our Lives? Do you think DAYS will take home the WGA writing award for daytime dramas for the 4th year in a row? Comment below.
CBS Orders Michele Van Jean Soap Opera ‘The Gates’ to Series; Set to Debut January 2025
General Hospital’s Adam J. Harrington Weighs-in On John and Carly, and How it’s ‘Starting to Get Very Complicated”
‘Tamron Hall’ Renewed for its Sixth Season
General Hospital’s Steve Burton Reveals the Emotional Scene He Almost Could Not Get Through
Days of our Lives wins WGA Award for Daytime Drama Series
George Russo to Appear on General Hospital as Carmine Cerullo
Ron Carlivati Talks on Decision to Make Days of our Lives 15000th Episode About Doug’s Funeral, and Previews Chances for WGA Award
General Hospital’s Steve Burton Reveals the Emotional Scene He Almost Could Not Get Through
Y&R’s Eileen Davidson Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
Days of our Lives wins WGA Award for Daytime Drama Series
General Hospital’s Steve Burton Reveals the Emotional Scene He Almost Could Not Get Through
Y&R’s Hayley Erin Previews Her Role in Horror-Thriller ‘New Life’
‘The Golden Bachelor’s’ Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist to Divorce Three Months After TV Wedding
‘Tamron Hall Show’ Fire Forces ‘The View’ Hosts to Evacuate Studio
WrestleMania 40 Night Two: Cody Rhodes ‘Finishes the Story’ and Defeats Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship with Run-Ins by The Rock, John Cena & The Undertaker
-
General HospitalApril 12, 2024George Russo to Appear on General Hospital as Carmine Cerullo
-
Days Of Our LivesApril 13, 2024Ron Carlivati Talks on Decision to Make Days of our Lives 15000th Episode About Doug’s Funeral, and Previews Chances for WGA Award
-
General HospitalApril 15, 2024General Hospital’s Steve Burton Reveals the Emotional Scene He Almost Could Not Get Through
-
RecapsApril 14, 2024Y&R’s Eileen Davidson Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
-
Days Of Our LivesApril 14, 2024Days of our Lives wins WGA Award for Daytime Drama Series
-
NewsApril 12, 2024Y&R’s Hayley Erin Previews Her Role in Horror-Thriller ‘New Life’
Where the heck was Kate in all of this?? She was a doting Grandmother to Will, doing everything she could to help him! Why wasn’t she just as important in this storyline?????? GEEZZZZZ Writers get it together! She should have been there!!! Lauren Koslow would have knocked it out of the park!
you are right, Kate and Will were very close and she should have been there for sure!
Maybe the writers will have Kate show up for the funeral.
That’s true were was Kate I wonder how she is gonna take this the writers forgot about Kate?lol
So sad he was killed I hope they don’t drag this for long and show who the killer is
I quit watching “Days of Our Lives” a good 22 or 23 years ago and so I have to ask: Are they intentionally trying to lower their ratings?!
what does it matter if you don’t watch? why even weigh in that’s so silly…BYE FELICIA
agreed.
with Angela — Kate should have been around for these scenes.
I was wondering about Kate too. Is anyone going to tell her? Marlena was told right away.
When they did show Kate on todays show she shed a few tears with Lucas,in the park.Then it was back to everything as usual….Kate should have been very upset.. crying her eyes out!!She was supposed to love Will so much.Shame..SMH
They are doing an amazing job! Looking forward to the rest of the week and maybe next as well.
Yes, me too! The fight between Ben and Chad–great to “save” Chad by putting him the the hospital–and now the truth can slowly come out–and “love can conquer all.”
That’s what we want to see, isn’t it? (And for Ben to be caught, of course!).
True
yes..Ben is, like my aunt used to say, crazier than a bedbug!..lol
Ben is chillingly creepy and the suspense is ratcheting up. Abby and Chad are both so vulnerable now. Yes, Nancy, a slow reveal and love conquering all is just what we want to see!
All of Salem is supposed to find out that Ben is the neck tie killer during the 50th Anniversary events. Does anyone really think that the whack job will not end up going after Abby. And how could Abby be so dense!! Anyone with half a brain could tell there is something not right with Ben. I spotted it almost from the beginning.
I just have to say, Bryan Dattilo was outstanding. The rest of the cast, IMO, ranged from okay to not so good in their acting, but BD kicked butt and took names. I cried during his scenes, and I wasn’t a big Will fan to begin with. However, I now think the decision to kill Will was a mistake for a few reasons, and at the top of the list is that there is too much loss, death, presumed death, and near death on this show, and that’s just in one episode. Caroline is teetering near death, Bo is presumed dead, Paige and Serena are dead, now Will is dead, and Marlena was almost killed. And we’re not done yet. While this loss is the biggest among the others, and I’m emotionally invested, I wish DOOL had found another way to write off Will, great performances or no great performances. JMO.
I agree, Bryan Dattilo hit it out of the park. You really feel his character’s pain.
Totally, totally agree!! Bravo to Bryan R. Dattilo who was the one standout character who actually resonated and made me feel his true anguish. Bryan always delivers and is my favorite actor on the show. Losing his only son so soon on the heels of Adrienne breaking up with him is way too much heartbreak to bear!!
I sincerely hope with all my heart that Bryan submits these scenes for much overdue Daytime Emmy consideration. His range of talent and popularity both have been greatly ignored by TPTB!!!
Moreover, I concur that DAYS is focusing entirely too much on death, presumed death and near death stories. Killing Will was a senseless move because he provided an integral link to so many other characters and thus results in a huge void going forward.
Agree Beth — Bryan stepped up to the plate on these scenes. Dee can always cry on cue. Poor Kristian, she never has been able to squeeze out tears. Loved Will played by Chandler Massey so not broken up terribly with this Will being gone, but still, they probably just should have sent the character away with Sonny.
If you don’t think Kristian can cry go back and look at the scenes of Zach’s death. She rocked then and broke everyone’s hearts
LOL
“…Poor Kristian, she never has been able to squeeze out tears. ”
I agree… they should never have panned her so much
Kristian Alfonso excells… in two areas
1. Lovelorn… romance…
2. as a mother and familial bonding
yeah… with all the drama going on… i thought… hello? what’s up with this?
but then again…. we never see KA’ Hope emoting too much beyond coppers, romance, and family bonding
that’s enough for me
tip my hat to @Ray… the drama was all their for Deidre Hall’ Marlena to lose it
and with poster’ @Angela…. “DAYS” !!!!! do not rob us the opportunity to see the lovely Kate Roberts heartache of her much beloved grandson
dang it tho…. i’m present in Salem
I do like the way that Days is tightening up it’s cast though, even if it requires this serial killer story and other “bummer” events….Clyde getting hauled off to jail, Eve leaving town soon etc. Looks like Aidan and Dr. Dan are out as well. I HOPE Days doesn’t add too many new characters! And, YES, Bryan D was so touching today. So good.
Loved Deidre and Drake’s understated performances. Did they cut a scene where Marlena collapses into John’s arms? My only gripe is that she didn’t. Or at least, we never saw it. It’s very unlike John and Marlena to be so distant at a time like this.
To say that their performances are understated is being kind. I like them, and I’ve only been watching the show for two years or so, but I find Deidre Hall’s performacnes to be a bit stoic and distanced – Marlena doesn’t seem quite real to me, and John with that raspy one toned voice of his, I don’t know, they just don’t impress me as great actors (albiet competent ones).
I’m saddened that Will was “written off” in this harsh manner and that there shall no longer be a “sonny and will” to go back to. It could possibly mean that the show itself is preparing to close the curtain.
I agree that Marlena’s performance was lacking. That is what brought me to this page.
I respectfully disagree. Both Deidre’s and Drake’s tears were very real to me. It’s a shame that the show chooses to move on so quickly from their scenes to focus on others. When Deidre and Drake are given meaty material, they shine. I wish the show would focus on them more as core and leading characters rather than supporting two bit players.
I think the writers went for short, temporary shocker and in the end, no ratings boost and a loss of a core family character. As usual, with Days and Ken Corday, another HUGE mistake!!!
An exceptional show filled with exceptional performances. Pointles but everyone was wonderful. Give Freddie another Emmy, please!
Yes, Freddie definitely deserves another Emmy for this.
Another Emmy? No offense (I like Freddie as Sonny and wish he hadn’t chosen to vacate the role) but all he did was slump to the floor in disbelief,
I mean any capable actor should be able to do that.
I think his overall portrayal of Sonny has always been good.
On another note, I wish they would have re-cast Sonny and given more storyline to Will and Sonny – but then the writers run the risk of “offending”
the older viewers who aren’t interested in the gay characters escapades. So, in this manner, they don’t have to worry about their fleeting gay storyline….and Sonny and Will didn’t get to ‘ride off into the sunset’ with even a chance of returning in the future. I doubt they will have Sonny return to find Paul, who’s absence through this entire scenario is a bit odd (at least as of today, Oct 15) since he was “friendly” with Will.
Another stellar episode! More on their way!!!!!
Outstanding episode. Whether you agree or disagree with the killing of Will, all of the actors did an amazing job. Kudos to everyone!
I totally agree. All the performances have been superb.
Well said. Outstanding.
Much like the death of Delia on Y&R two years ago, this story basically writes itself and many of the performances we have seen will be in Emmy reels this year. But I do hope the show can lighten up just a bit– between watching Eve grieving and now the Horton and Brady’s grieve Will we could use a breather— a romance in the making, a baby’s birth, something positive right about now would be nice.
i thought this was where they were going with good news for Adrienne
and with the “cure” for Caroline ?
altho… I too have to agree with posts… that they should not have strayed from her having Alzheimers’
and should have let this antidote put her in remission…. ???
although yet again…. I have to agree with more posts… that huh? this is what Bo has been held captive all this time… for not revealing this secret formula?
dang it tho! didnt Peter Reckell look muscled toned out and ahem… sexy
we haven’t seen Eve in a while… shoot… this just riles and rankles now that the funeral is over… and DAYS is moving on…. does this mean less Kassie DePaiva…and she becomes filler?
DANG IT
what will become of Aiden, when Bo comes back
my 2 disgruntles plus killing off Will
still must see
Ali Sweeney in that one scenes… hugging it out with John and Marlena was magnetic
WISH LIST ! if EJ is alive… Michael Muhney !
I don’t know if you’ve seen today’s episode (10-13-15), Patrick, but it appears that Aiden is entertaining the idea of being a copycat necktie killer for Hope’s $5,000,000 life insurance! Remember seeing DAYS’ 50th anniversary promo? In the promo Hope is attacked and retaliates with a pair of scissors!!!!!
I have to say, the Delia’s death story on Y&R was even sadder than the three deaths so far on Days . What a tear jerker! Y&R is still playing out that tragedy today. And many viewers were ticked that Delia was killed off because she was a legacy character as both a Newman and an Abbott. Sooo, maybe legacy character Will’s death will provide much more Day’s story, like Delia’s did? Several Y&R actors also rec’d Emmys for their Delia death performances (Billy Miller and Amelia Heinle).
Yes, I was tearing up.
DOOL was fantastic Monday. It has been a long time since I re-watched certain scenes. I agree that Bryan D did an excellent job. I think not having Kate notified yesterday at the same time was a big oversight. I would have liked to have seen everything that happened yesterday play out over a few days to make it more believable. Marlena should have started screaming in the bedroom and John should have picked her up. She should have been inconsolable and should have aluded to that she was waiting on him to respond to their “Words with Friends” game. Marlena should have contacted Kate and the two of them should have had a meltdown together. Gabi should have been at the police station with Lucas, Marlena, John, Hope and Rafe. She just got out of prison for killing someone an it didn’t enter anyone’s mind that she might have killed Will? Sonny and Will should have had a phone conversation about forgiveness before Will died.
There have been so many great performances in the past few weeks. DOOL will to make a big decision of who to nominate for a Daytime Emmy in each category. I hope to see Kassie D in the Supporting Actress category. Lauren Koslow has been under-appreciated for too long. Kristian Alfonso has been a great Lead Actress this year. Kate Mansi and Billy Flynn MUST win Outstanding Young Actor and Actress. I would also like to see Jen Lilly and Eric M nominated.
I absolutely agree with you that Bryan R. Dattilo was magnificent, giving an Emmy-worthy performance! Lucas stood out and made you feel how shattered he was down to his core!!
Also, not including his mother, Kate, was a significant omission.
Bryan Dattilo is doing an outstanding job.
I can understand not including Kate on Monday. Lucas is completely devastated by Will’s death. If that dreadful woman was my mother, I wouldn’t be too anxious to see her now either.
it was with absolute wonderment… as we bear witness with Lucas…. “go in to shock mode” with both Rafe and Hope
yeah… I hope for big scenes with Kate… and even Adrienne
let alone Sami
big time
Monday’s episode would be a great Emmy contender.
Loved Camilla Banus, Brian Datillo, Dierdre Hall, Kristen Alfonso and Kate Mansi most. Cannot wait to see other performances.
This is what a soap death should be! Real, raw, heart breaking, far reaching, and long lasting impact!! Bravo to the writers, crew, and actors. No more being held on an island by Stefano. I hope what Corday says is true and that dead people stay dead!! Days is by far the best soap on the air!!
They are already planning to bring EJ back, so he didn’t stay dead for long lol!
First I have to say that the scenes of each character learning of Will’s death have been jaw droppingly realistic. So powerful. Right off the bat Camila Banus gets major props for her portrayal. This young woman is stunning in her portrayals. She killed it when Nick was murdered too. I am so glad she is back in action in Salem. This is what the show needs. When Lucas found out (Bryan Dattillo) he surprised me at his depth. Usually this actor knows one range when he reacts but for whatever reason he just expressed so many layers to his reaction and he deserves to be given major attention for it. It was flawless. Everyone else was a letdown. Deidre Hall as Marlena Evans is too overrated. Her reactions are always so sedated. As a grandmother she should have seriously lost it. Especially with how close Will was to her. Instead she just displayed a cold distance. Her usual reaction to every calamity that befalls the residents of Salem. Hope was a little overwrought and her behavior as a detective was not professional. I am not saying she shouldn’t have expressed her emotions but seriously hugging Rafe in her capacity as a police officer on duty? Not good at all. Not telling Caroline is wrong. She is miraculously healed of her “mental” illness since it is not Alzheimers. I won’t even go into what a horrible message that sends out to those dealing with parents and grandparents dealing with Alzheimers. Maybe on a another rant. Victor has no range. I love his sarcasm but that man is one dead fish and as he gets older he gets even worse. I will give Freddie Smith some praise because his reaction was sincere. I feel like it was definitely all in response to his feelings on what they did with all the gay characters on DAYS. And even though this is solely based on Monday’s episode, I was very happy to see Sami show up angry and looking all full of piss and vinegar. Alison Sweeney is best when she is angry. Can’t wait to see what she does with all the news about who they suspect for the murder. My absolute favorite moment of the whole episode however was one without many words. When Abby came up to Gabi in the park with Ari and just hugged her and they both cried. I lost all composure. I was snotty sloppy mess. I felt so bad for that young actress who plays Ari. She must be so confused as to why everyone is crying. But both Ms. Banus and Kate Mansi were stellar. I don’t always like Abby but I feel for her situation. Especially when it comes to her and her current situation. Good work to all on DAYS. I just wish that they would quickly end all these stories of the past. They are so boring. Patch and Kayla. YAWN. Bo and Hope YAWN. Victor and Caroline YAWN. Here’s a newsflash — that eye patch is so 70’s and you’re not on set for Pirates of the Caribbean. The 70’s are over set them free…..
I too would have liked to have seen Marlena really lose it! That would have been amazing. I mean Will was her “favourite person in the world”. It didn’t seem right to me at all that, after the initial phonecall, she appeared serene.
That said, I think she is very often excellent. And the Will and Marlena scenes are legend.
Peggy McCay is too good to be wasted on Alzheimer’s and stroke stories, where she is barely functional. Thank goodness that it over. Please let it be so!
My dad had Alzheimer’s and it is certainly bizarre to have a story with fake Alzheimer’s and a one-dose fake cure. What really disappoints me though is the non-rational decision-making. Kayla is initially right to question the lack of sound testing and controls. But having decided to give her mum the drug, a real professional would never have said that we’re not going to record it. She would have recorded it, so this one-patient experiment could contribute to the general scientific endeavour, with the hope that others could benefit in future.
Great job everybody!!!
No matter how good they are I will not watch. They are a group of quality actors, they have just been given a bad story to play.
Shame about Kate really . Why sadness and grief for the show ‘s 50th anniversary ? This should have been a celebration ! when you have a show struggling in the ratings you don’t take risks , you bring on the characters the audience loves . All the soaps are going down the drain ! Bold and the beautiful is totally unwatchable . It is the worst of the soaps on the air . Thank god it only goes for a half hour but then i stopped watching it for good last month so who cares .
Shout out to Danielle Page for her nuanced Monday script. It was only her third or fourth script and she did an outstanding job. Too bad the story point i.e. Will’s murder is one of the worst creative decisions any soap has ever made.
Killing Will was a huge mistake. Alison (Sami) has stated her anger at this turn of events. It was said to have been done to make room for previous players coming back, but from what I hear none are staying for the long haul so what is the point?
Long term story generated from Will’s death? Not likely. In fact, I’d be surprised if the character is even mentioned in a few months. I think this was a “shock” meant to get new and lapsed viewers to tune in and hopefully stick around once they sampled what the show is offering these days (a tired rehash of the infinitely superior Salem Strangler story from the 80s).
Unfortunately for DAYS I think Will’s death will be regarded as a HUGE mistake much like the death of Maureen Bauer on GUIDING LIGHT.
Bryan Datillo gave an Emmy worthy performance! Camilla Banus was wonderful as well. Alison Sweeney did well playing stoic Sami. Looking forward to seeing the real Sami come out.
Was surprised that we didn’t see Eric or Kate. Perhaps Greg Vaughn was on vacation?
And what about T? He was one of Will’s closest friends.
I am not looking forward yo the real Sami coming out. She’ll be blaming everyone under the stars and Ali will do her ususl scenery chewing. Bryan was perfect yesterday.
I wonder why Kate was not included in the scenes, she is Will’s grandmother and Lucas’ mother,
Great episode. Bryan D. was superb and def deserves to be nominated , along with kassie d. For her portrayal of eve, for a gut-wretching performance for the loss of a child. You felt their pain and unimaginable sorrow. Even though will was a main character to the shows history, I think the performances were superb.
I was thinking (hoping) that there would be a continuing story line between Sonny and Paul Narita. If Freddie isn’t going to come back for the long term, that only leaves two gay characters left. I started watching DOOL because it was the only show dealing with that as a major story line. Without it, DOOL is just moving characters around to do stories that we’ve all seen before.
I didn’t tear up one time. I knew what was going to happen and I was so angry at the writers for continuing to destroy the show that I could not even get into the storyline. RIP Will, RIP DOOL
I am having my doubts over these new writers. The plots are the same as twenty years ago. What’s going to happen when Bo leaves. Why fire Daniel Cosgrove? Why completely ruin Eric and Nicole. They had so much potential. A true soap love story. Why let Eve go. She was wonderful and Paige was really coming into her own. Terrible decisions. Another serial killer plot line for the 50th anniversary. How original!!! Why bring back all these so called legacy characters to save a soap. Days is dead in the water. RIP days. I will still miss you. Been watching for almost 50 years.