Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Drake Hogestyn Chats On The Son In Salem John Never Knew He Had!
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
This week, Days of our Lives moves their story of Paul Narita (Christopher Sean) and his bio-dad into high gear! The former mercenary, “pawn” and priest, John Black (Drake Hogestyn) is set to be a dad again! Only it’s not a newborn son, it’s the all grown up son he never knew was his!
As fans had guessed for months, Paul Narita, the gay pro-baseball player turns out to be John Black’s son! Apparently years ago, Tori (Hira Ambrosino) and John had sex resulting in Paul! Recently after was John basically was telling Paul to get out of Salem, he now realizes he better change his tune.
In an interview with TV Guide Magazine’s Michael Logan, the stalwart and enduring Hogestyn revealed his thoughts on the plot twist and if there was any chance John would not be accepting of Paul’s sexuality: “It’s not an issue and that’s very healthy. John is very cool and accepting and that’s important for the audience to see. The more we educate, the more we can fight the fear. This might have played out in a different way 20 years ago. In fact, even as recently as Will’s coming out, the writers had one of our characters having a problem with it but those lines were removed from the script. You can’t do that these days. Well, maybe you could have a villain be homophobic or racist, but you can’t do that with someone like John. [Laughs] He has enough issues of his own! We don’t need to pile it on. If anything, it’s Paul who has a problem. He tells John to go piss up a rope. But John is determined to get to know his son and forge a real relationship.”
Drake also commented on how half of Salem knows before John’s know the secret: “And it’s been right under his nose. He runs into Tori, whom he had a brief relationship with a long time ago, and she’s Japanese. And Paul’s Japanese. And they’re the only two Japanese people in Salem, and John is still not putting it together. [Laughs] It’s like there’s a ton of bricks hovering over his head waiting to drop on him. He really is excited to see Tori. It’s such a warm feeling he gets—she’s like that girl from college that you went to bars and did crazy stuff with. She and John went their separate ways and he never imagined that those couple of nights they spent together had resulted in a child. I’m pretty familiar with the twists and turns of my character and there really wasn’t a time when that would have happened because Tori was working for Stefano and John wasn’t around him then. But we just gloss over that. [Laughs] Oh, well.”
So what do you think of John being revealed as Paul’s dad? Share your thoughts below!
No surprise. I guessed it a few weeks ago.
Me too, no surprise because every time Paul’s mother saw John she almost had a heart attack…
Good for Drake to get a storyline—if he is shown…im all for gay acceptance but to teach and educate cant the show be a little more realistic—because not everyone is cool and accepting, and there is still a lot of discrimination—be truthful and show both sides of the issue because that is the only way you can teach and educate—maybe there is a town biggot who refuses to give Paul a job—at first some think its because he is Japanese but its really because he is gay—why not the biggot turn out to be Chad—let him secretly be against gays—do not bring in a day player like they once did—it could make for a more compelling story…jmo!!!
But will John really be Paul’s father—maybe Stephano is and Tori had the paternity test changed because she hates Stephano and doesnt want him to know???
Well, I like the Paul character, but I really wants DAYS to bring back Swamp Girl, aka Greta!!! I’m still convinced she’s John’s daughter with Princess Gina!!! She could stay in Salem and duke it out with Nicole over Eric!!! Greta/Eric/Nicole was hot back in the day!!!
Only on Days does a soap columnist have to explain the child two characters had came from having sex, and not some other bizarre way- LOL And who knew liking baseball and wearing leather jackets was genetic?
But in all seriousness the better story would have been if Jordan had been John’s and Hope’s daughter when they were the Pawn and Gina– that would have fitted with the history of show, there would have been no need to invent an affair with a stranger to connect a newbie to a core character. But like Drake I will just gloss over that part and ride the wave–at least this twist will give Marlena something to do other than bully Nicole.
I have a question. I started watching Days the week of Sonny and Will’s wedding. I have no concept of time. Was that really a year ago in real time or are we talking storyline time?
It’ll be a year on April 3rd.
“And they’re the only two Japanese people in town….” shhhh don’t tell DEADLINE, for them that’s two too many.
I love it! I’ve wanted this since Paul said he was a professional baseball player, because I’ve always believed it will come out John has baseball in his past too…somebody gave Paul his pitching arm and we’ve seen John’s pitching arm on screen! I’m so happy that finally the talented Drake Hogestyn will be given the opportunity to work out his acting chops! I don’t care that the timeline doesn’t fit, nothing TomSell write makes sense. I’m just happy to see Drake on my screen doing what he does best, selling emotional scripts. I can’t wait until John sees Tori and finds out Paul is his son!
Drake Hogestyn will always be relevant in my eyes
John and Marlena cemented a supercouple status and belong
adding them to the concurrent livelihood of life happen
LOL… is beyond measure
as an actor to carry… an impact that resonates
kudos applause and generates feeling
Never gonna buy this story about John being Paul father sorry,, Linda, As much as I love Drake and want his to have a great story, this just isn’t it EVEN If it does involve baseball. I am happy for Drake in that sense but the rest is total BS no matter who came up with the whole idea John Black is far to manly a guy to be saddle with a son like this. BTW I completely disagree with days doing a gays storyline in the first place. So I guess that makes me homophobic, are some of you GODphobic??? I am I fear him with my whole heart!!!
Your comment doesn’t make sense. Manlyness doesn’t exclude gay offspring. Sorry to burst your bubble.
*manliness
Let me guess “Laura”, you must be from Indiana.
Join the real world, woman.
Please don’t use the word, ‘woman’ in a pejorative manner, even if we disagree with what Laura has to say. She is entitled to voice her opinion. Why should she walk on eggshells when addressing homosexuality? I do not agree with her statement, however, I respect her opinion.
Speaking of speaking one’s mind? I do not like John Black. That thing he does with his eye….actually the entire side of his face, makes me think of Jughead…and his face looks like a question mark….he always has this puzzled look. It is my opinion, as shallow as it may be.
CeeCee…girlfriend…YOU SAID IT…T-H-A-N-K Y-O-U!!!!! H-o-n-e-y…sometimes, I DVR DOOL. And…whenever that DORKY AND DULL John Black pops up on my TV screen (BOTH B-L-A-H AND G-A-G!!!!!), I am S-O ON THE QUICK when it comes to FF through that sleepwalking-looking STIFF John…O-K-A-Y!!!!! As for John and that D-R-E-A-M-Y baseball-playing dude Paul being NuFather and NuSon…HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! Any-hoo…NOT BUYING IT…AT ALL!!!!! A-n-d…I guess this means that both Paul and that ANNOYING, WHINY AND TEMPER-TANTRUM-THROWING Will are now related…AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!!!!! Y-i-k-e-s.
Later on, CeeCee. Peace.
jaybird, I agree that John is stiff and boring.
CeeCee, Drake H.’s bizarre acting style is unsettling, to say the least.
However, if we buy into the theory that he and Marlena are meant to be together, then, at some point, they have to give him a storyline, don’t they? I think it’s high time Drake H. was given something substantial to do. Maybe it will make the character more appealing. Now if the actor can only do something about the ever-present eye squint…
It is just a way to keep another gay character on the show! Don’t see this working out.
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.”
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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‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
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