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.
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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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
Breaking News
48th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards: Presenters, Special Appearances and On-Air Categories
Presenters, special appearances and on-air categories have been announced for the 48th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards to be broadcast Friday night on June 25 (8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on CBD, and available to stream live and on demand on the CBS app and Paramount+.
The broadcast will feature talent appearing from the Emmy stage in Los Angeles, individual show studios and homes to accept their awards.
Kathy Lee Gifford, Ken Jeong, Martha Stewart and Robin Roberts will make special appearances and pay tribute to legends Regis Philbin, Alex Trebek and Larry King. The Bold and the Beautiful’s Diamond White (Paris) is scoring and performing the song for the touching “In Memoriam” segment.
Presenters scheduled to appear include:
• Al Roker (“Today Show”)
• Amy Robach, T.J. Holmes & Dr. Jennifer Ashton (“GMA3: What You Need to Know)
• Bryton James and Brytni Sarpi (The Young and the Restless)
• Deidre Hall (Days of Our Lives)
• Donnell Turner and Cynthia Watros (General Hospital)
• Drew Barrymore (The Drew Barrymore Show)
• Giada De Laurentiis (Giada at Home 2.0)
• Gloria Estefan (Red Table Talk: The Estefans)
• Heather Tom (The Bold and the Beautiful)
• Jackée Harry and Robert Scott Wilson (Days of our Lives)
• Jacqueline MacInnes Wood and Tanner Novlan (The Bold and the Beautiful )
• Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest (Live with Kelly & Ryan)
• Kelly Thiebaud (General Hospital)
• Kevin Frazier and Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight)
• Mario Lopez (Access Hollywood)
• Michelle Stafford (The Young and the Restless )
• Nate Burleson (CBS Sports and Extra)
• Rachel Lindsay (Extra)
• Sean Kanan (Studio City)
• Tamron Hall (Tamron Hall)
Photo: CBS
Categories scheduled to be presented during the CBS broadcast include:
• Outstanding Drama Series
• Outstanding Limited Drama Series
• Outstanding Game Show
• Outstanding Legal/Courtroom Program
• Outstanding Morning Show
• Outstanding Informative Talk Show
• Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show
• Outstanding Entertainment News Program
• Outstanding Daytime Special Event
• Outstanding Daytime Non-Fiction
• Outstanding Special Performance by a Lead Actress in a Drama Series
• Outstanding Special Performance by a Lead Actor in a Drama Series
• Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
• Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
• Outstanding Younger Performer in A Drama Series
• Outstanding Guest Performer in A Drama Series
• Outstanding Culinary Host
• Outstanding Game Show Host
• Outstanding Informative Talk Show Host
• Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host
• Outstanding Writing Team for a Drama Series
• Outstanding Directing Team for a Drama Series
So what do you think about the presenters for the 48th annual Daytime Emmy Awards? Comment below.
Breaking News
48th Annual Daytime Emmys Red Carpet: The Stars Return to Glitz and Glamour (PHOTOS)
Now here’s a first in Daytime Emmy history! The red carpet was actually held ahead of its broadcast, all as a part of keeping with a Covid-19 friendly and safe environment to bring back some of the glitz the award show usually brings to its fans.
While last year’s Daytime Emmy ceremonies were all virtual, this year’s brought the nominees and presenters together for a socially-distanced red carpet event to celebrate their nominations and to strike a pose in front of the paparazzi.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Most of all the nominees from your favorite daytime dramas took part including: General Hospital’s Briana Henry, Briana Lane, Carolyn Hennesy, Cynthia Watros, Dominic Zamprogna, Donnell Turner, Finola Hughes, Genie Francis, Jeff Kober, James Patrick Stuart, Katelyn MacMullen, Kim Delaney, Maurice Benard, Max Gail, Nancy Lee Grahn, Sonya Shepherd, Steve Burton, Sydney Mikayla, and Tajh Bellow.
From The Bold and the Beautiful attending were: Jacqueline MacInnes Wood, Darin Brooks, Tanner Novlan, and from The Young and the Restless Bryton James, Brytni Sarpi, Melissa Claire Egan, and Courtney Hope, as well as Days of our Lives’ Cady McClain, Deirdre Hall, Tamara Braun, Robert Scott Wilson, Wally Kurth, Victoria Konefal, George Delhoyo, Cady Mcclain, Victoria Platt, Jackée Harry and Robert Scott Wilson.
Make sure to watch the 48th annual Daytime Emmy Awards this Friday night June 25th on CBS (8 p.m. EST).
Check out the images below from the Red Carpet. Then let us know who do you think wore it best via the comment section below!
Days Of Our Lives
Raven Bowens is the New Chanel on DAYS
48th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards: Presenters, Special Appearances and On-Air Categories
Sean Carrigan Returns to The Young and the Restless
Ted King and Naomi Matsuda Join The Bold and the Beautiful
48th Annual Daytime Emmys Red Carpet: The Stars Return to Glitz and Glamour (PHOTOS)
B&B’s Heather Tom Throws Lead Actress Nominee Luncheon
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Peter’s On Ice, But Is He “Dead” Dead?
B&B’s Jacqueline MacInnes Wood Talks Motherhood, Steffy’s Opioid Addiction and Love Life on ‘Home & Family’
B&B’s Don Diamont Granted Restraining Order Against Alleged Stalker
Soap Veteran Executive Producer Jill Farren Phelps Virtual Interview on Tap
THE BACHELORETTE: Katie Tells The Men To Get Out If They Are There for the Wrong Reasons
48th Annual Daytime Emmys Red Carpet: The Stars Return to Glitz and Glamour (PHOTOS)
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Peter’s On Ice, But Is He “Dead” Dead?
General Hospital’s Sofia Mattsson Reveals Pregnancy
B&B’s Heather Tom Throws Lead Actress Nominee Luncheon
Ted King and Naomi Matsuda Join The Bold and the Beautiful
Soap Veteran Executive Producer Jill Farren Phelps Virtual Interview on Tap
48th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards: Presenters, Special Appearances and On-Air Categories
‘Ryan’s Hope’ Star and Soap Vet, John Gabriel Has Passed Away at 90
Sean Carrigan Returns to The Young and the Restless
B&B’s Don Diamont Granted Restraining Order Against Alleged Stalker
WATCH: All My Children Stars Recall Multi-Generational Impact of the Soap & Zany Plot Twists On E!’s ‘Reunion Road Trip’
DAYS Billy Flynn Opens Up To Maurice Benard About His Battle with Addiction on All-New ‘State of Mind’
Greg Vaughan Makes a Return to DAYS; and a SORAS’d Johnny! Watch the New Summer Preview
WATCH: Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2021 Replay
THE BACHELORETTE: Katie Thurston Meets the Men in New Promo for Summer Season
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Quinn and Carter Agree to Take Their Secret to Their Graves
GENERAL HOSPITAL Touches on Racial Profiling, Social Injustice and Bias In Key Scenes with Portia and Jordan
B&B’s Scott Clifton and Don Diamont Talk on the Plight of Liam & Bill and Their Cover-Up of Vinny’s Death
PREVIEW: Cameron Mathison Guests On Maurice Benard’s ‘State of Mind’
DAYS Stars Try to Stump Contestants on All-New Episode of ‘Soap Opera Know-It-All’ Game Show
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Breaking NewsJune 21, 202148th Annual Daytime Emmys Red Carpet: The Stars Return to Glitz and Glamour (PHOTOS)
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General HospitalJune 17, 2021GENERAL HOSPITAL: Peter’s On Ice, But Is He “Dead” Dead?
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General HospitalJune 14, 2021General Hospital’s Sofia Mattsson Reveals Pregnancy
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General HospitalJune 18, 2021B&B’s Heather Tom Throws Lead Actress Nominee Luncheon
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NewsJune 21, 2021Ted King and Naomi Matsuda Join The Bold and the Beautiful
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Guiding LightJune 15, 2021Soap Veteran Executive Producer Jill Farren Phelps Virtual Interview on Tap
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Breaking NewsJune 23, 202148th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards: Presenters, Special Appearances and On-Air Categories
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Breaking NewsJune 14, 2021‘Ryan’s Hope’ Star and Soap Vet, John Gabriel Has Passed Away at 90