
Courtesy/NBC
Days of our Lives’ soap darling, Melissa Reeves (Jennifer Horton) is smack dab in the middle of a fictional scenario that many of us wish we should be so lucky to have … having two men head over heels in love with you at the same time! And while Jennifer is having a very tough time making a final decision over which man she should choose and ultimately be with, she has also found herself drawn into the battle lines for the Salem mayoral race due to her new job working for the Carver campaign.
On-Air On-Soaps had the opportunity to catch up with Melissa to get her thoughts on her characters latest plight, her concerns over how Jennifer is now being perceived by the viewing audience, and getting the chance to work alongside two of daytime’s best leading men, Shawn Christian (Daniel) and Matthew Ashford (Jack). And, what is up with on-screen daughter Abigail’s (played by Kate Mansi) growing obsession with Jenn’s friend, Austin Reed? Missy fills us in below!
What do you think about where things are at right now between Jennifer, Jack, and Daniel?
MELISSA: I like that there is so much story to play and I think that is fun. I think if we get comfortable and everything gets easy then there is no story. I like that it is going back and forth and back and forth.
So what is going on in Jennifer’s head? Is she really torn? Or do you think she has an inkling of who she really wants to be with?
MELISSA: I think she has an inkling of what she wants, but she is still torn! (Laughs) I think she is both!
Since Jack is dealing with his own post traumatic stress disorder situation, do you think she feels that she wants to be there for him because of that?
MELISSA: Yeah, because she does care about him and this was her husband and they have children together, and because of their past and their history. She does want to help him.

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But what that really means to me is…. she wants to help him but really be somewhere else! (Laughs)
MELISSA: She is really trying to figure that out! (Laughs)
Do you think we are anywhere near Jennifer making her decision? Or do you think this is going to continually play out?
MELISSA: You know what? I have no idea, but I was so glad that we went into this story of Abe’s mayoral campaign. I think that is what Jennifer has been focused on and it has helped keep her mind off everything. She is doing Abe’s publicity, but they do end up getting in a bit of trouble. She and Abe do something they shouldn’t be doing and it’s fun because you go, “Gosh, we could never really do this in real life!” It’s fun to pretend on TV!
Abigail seems to have a hankering for Austin, and I am wondering what Jennifer would think about this, if she were to find out?
MELISSA: Jennifer doesn’t know yet, but Jennifer would be devastated that Abigail is looking for a father figure first of all. And, Jennifer would be mad at Austin too, if he engaged in that. But Abigail ends up doing something, and let’s just say, eventually, it will turn out to be a tough day for Jennifer and Abby.
Do you think because Jack has not been there for his daughter that is why Abigail is drawn to this older man?
MELISSA: Yes, definitely. She is going to blame it on that anyway, with the justification of, “Well, I didn’t have my dad around.”
Do you think Jennifer would rather see Abigail with Chad though? Chad is a DiMera!

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MELISSA: That is hard one, but Jennifer would probably want to see Abigail with neither one of them. But then again, Chad hasn’t done anything to make her feel that way.
What else do you want to see Jennifer get herself into? I like that she is now being somewhat shady!
MELISSA: I know! She is trying to justify it by going, “We can’t let EJ be the mayor of Salem.” And so Abe and Jennifer decide that they need to do this to prevent him from being mayor and in the process they lose their heads a little bit.
Your husband, Scott Reeves is currently playing Steven Webber on GH! Do the two of you watch each others work on your respective soaps?
MELISSA: No. Isn’t that horrible? We never watch each other. We must just be so old that we are jaded. We do talk a little about what is going on each of our soaps, but not a ton.
Well, Scott must know you are torn between two different men on DAYS?
MELISSA: Oh, yeah, yeah, of course! He knows basic stuff, but we don’t talk about it. I know it sounds crazy!
There has been such a huge change in daytime in 2011, with the devastating losses of AMC and OLTL to the network soap lineup, and then for the two series to not wind up online as had been hoped. Being a veteran of soaps, how do you feel about the current climate for the genre? Fans are heartbroken of all the recent developments. Do you feel this is it the tail end of the soaps as we know it?
MELISSA: I hope we are not at the tail end of the soaps. I always think every network should have one. I feel like, of course, I wish it were the old days were their were fifteen of us, I really do. I think there is such a place for the soaps, but you know, it all comes down to money and obviously its cheaper to put on a talk show or reality show. Then, if people are going to watch them, then we will all be gone! We are sort of stuck.

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Can you tell me a couple of words that would describe working with Shawn Christian?
MELISSA: Shawn is extremely professional and a very natural and spontaneous actor. And I never know what he is going to give me line wise or if he is going to give me something funny. We rehearse our lines and then whatever happens once we get on set is nothing that we planned, and that is kind of fun. Shawn keeps you on your toes! He is great and he works hard.
Then, how is working with Matt Ashford again? Is it like you fell right back into it almost seamlessly, because he has been your on-screen partner for decades?
MELISSA: We totally fall back into that place. There is just that rhythm from when you are working with someone for so long. It’s easy. Both Matt and Shawn make me want to be better at my job. Both guys are very seasoned actors. They have both worked years and very hard to get where they are. And with Matt, just like with Shawn, you are never quite sure what you are going to get, but I like that when I am performing a scene with them. They are not so super rehearsed that you go out there and know exactly what you are going to do! It’s nice not knowing.
So what would you say Jennifer’s New Years resolution should be?
MELISSA: I suppose to make up her mind! (Laughs) But that sounds so harsh, because in that situation how does someone not end up getting hurt.
If I was the men, I don’t know if I would go along with this whole set-up, or Jennifer dating both guys and seeing how she feels!
MELISSA: Actually, Daniel was the one who came up with this and then he decides and says to her, “I don’t think you really can pick. I don’t really think you can make a choice. So, I will make one for you and I will walk away.”
Wouldn’t it be interesting that when all is said and done, she vacillated so much and waited to long to make a decision that she loses both guys?
MELISSA: I think she kind of does! It’s good then she doesn’t have to choose, but then everyone is gone. And so it ends up three people being hurt from miscommunication and lack of decision.

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What should we look forward to the most in upcoming story for Jennifer?
MELISSA: I know we are in the middle of the whole mayoral campaign and I have not worked too much with Matt or Shawn. And then I heard they scrapped some things and are re-writing some things. So, I don’t know what to say at this point. Sometimes I say to myself, “OK writers. Do you just hate the character of Jennifer?” (Laughs) I am finding it’s hard for my character to be liked!
That is the thing that is worrisome because it becomes hard to like Jennifer, and she has always been the most beloved. They need to be really careful how they write this.
MELISSA: And you know what? Fans have to be careful that they don’t take it out on the person/actor. And you want to say, “People. I don’t write it. It’s my job to just go in and do what they write. So don’t attack me!” Honestly, it kind of make you want to run and hide in a hole. But when I see that some people can’t separate real-life from a fictitious character on a show, it kind of makes me not want to read anything anymore.
I love Jack and Jennifer, but this story has been a huge disappointment. There was so much potential for angst for them, but it had to be all about two men vying for Jennifer again. So sick of that. I hope she loses them both and has to work her tail off to get Jack back. That, I would want to watch.
i want daniel to reunite with chloe and for jack and jennifer reunion
I still love Missy Reeves and the character of Jennifer Horton. I am so glad that she came back and stuck around. Of all the characters that came back for Alice’s funeral she was the one that I wanted to stay and was glad that she did! I know that I am in the minority here, but I really want Jennifer and Daniel to end up together. Granted there was some chemistry between Daniel and Kayla the other day, but I really enjoy Jen and Dan as a couple. I know a lot of people see no chemistry and are… Read more »
But honestly, what is special about Dan/Jen that you can’t find in just about any soap couple—two attractive people who like to praise each other? You saw a possibility with Kayla and seem kind of okay with that. (I am not—don’t let him destroy another super couple, please! But they could try him with Billie.) Jack and Jennifer are in another league with all of their complicated past and their beautiful, slowly built love story. Also, Jack and Jennifer fans, unlike Dannifer fans, have been on this train for a long time and are less likely to be swayed against… Read more »
Why does their “specialness” need to be justified? People like what they like for their own personal reasons. I’m actually with you PGP. I once loved Jack and Jen, but I’m just not feeling it with them this time. When I heard MA was coming back, I was LONGING for them to put J&J back together. But since his return, there just isn’t that click with them that there used to be. I feel her more with Daniel, and find her feelings for him at this time much more believable. MR was talking about the spontaneity of Dannifer, and I… Read more »
MR seems like she just wants to do “fun” scenes with a “hot” actor and she bases her acting choices on that. Sorry, that may be great for her, but it is beyond boring for a lot of viewers. Shallow, drama-free insta-pairings like Dannifer are what have been driving DOOL into the ground for a while now.
Jules, my point is that it would be very easy to create something just like Dannifer with Dan and another character. Dannifer were tossed together and very little was done to build them. So toss another cute forty-something his way, let them go biking and spend their time calling each other wonderful, and there you go. That’s not the case with Jack and Jennifer, so I think it would be foolish on the part of TPTB to throw away Jack and Jennifer for something so ordinary. I don’t think the story line has done much to allow for the Jack… Read more »
I find it funny that you would say their “specialness” doesn’t need to be justified, and then proceed to “justify” why you like them! This is a discussion, what we prefer and why we prefer them is going to be justified, and others will ask us to justify them to understand why we feel that way. That said, all the reasons you gav e are purely based on writing. The actors still have as much chemistry(MA and MR) as they always have, but Jenn is being written as if she’s obligated to give Jack a chance, and is more into… Read more »
also, she said MA has spontaneity too. Not just SC. There is still spontaneity with JnJ.
Ugonna Wosu, *I* have no problem saying why I am liking Dannifer. I just didn’t feel based on what PGP said she (or he?) needed to justify themself, and yet the very opening sentence to the reply was challenging it. It was their opinion, and their entitled to have it without being asked to defend it. Heaven forbid someone have an unpopular opinion! Goodness, if I didn’t already feel turned off by Jack and Jen….. Also, I “cannot ever say the actors have lost their click”. Um, yes I DO say! It’s lost. Can they find it again? That remains… Read more »
I do disagree that we haven’t seen the spark at all. I think in the earlier scenes I mentioned, it was there. However, particularly these past couple of weeks, the writing, and I’m sorry to say MR’s acting choices, have leaned toward Daniel. I have been very disappointed with the way this story has been going and with the direction of MR’s acting. I truly hope that changes, and that we get to see MR playing opposite MA the way she has in the past, because I have no investment in a quickie couple like Dannifer, and I know how… Read more »
“A”, I think that’s entirely fair of you to say. If MR and MA can reclaim their magic, we’d be in for a fabulous show. Right now however, the only twinkle in her eye is for Dr. Dan. It is what it is, but I’m definitely ok with it. They have an adorable quality to them I just love. For the record, I had no problem with your reply either, other than your first line which I thought was really putting someone’s prerogative on the spot. I’ve been all around the web (SOC, NBC.com, SON, soapzone, and now here etc)… Read more »
I appreciate the response, Jules. If you were given the impression that you aren’t allowed to say anything negative about JnJ, I apologize. Sadly, there’s negative to say right now. I mentioned in my first post that I’m very disappointed in the direction this story has taken (the dating both guys thing=awful), and I’ve seen many better, less overplayed (Jack has to prove himself yet again while Jennifer tosses yet another guy in his face) ideas from fans. However, I do stand by my original statement, as I can’t see what sets Dannifer apart from Basic Soap Couple: whereas, Jack… Read more »
I want Jack to move on with his life if Jennifer cannot accept his flaws or anything and continue to be Miss Saint then she can have Perfect Daniel and Perfect wedding put both them in the backburner. Jennifer maybe Horton and all but it does not make her popular heroine with Daniel she cannot hold story on her own without having a man in her story. Jack is way more interesting and popular with/without Jennifer and it would be nice change if the writers let Jack have story without Jennifer involved and have him bond over Abby and interact… Read more »
The writers have done a huge injustice with the characters of Jennifer, Jack and Daniel. There are no rooting characters in this triangle. Right now, I just want both of these characters FAR away from Jennifer. This is such a shame too. All are good actors being put in a situation of trying to make subpar writing work. Something needs to happen with the Days writing and quick.
Thank you for the interview. It really was very good.
I think it’s very condescending of Melissa to accuse fans of not knowing the difference between reality and fiction. The audience is allowed to criticize a story, a character, and even the acting choices of the person portraying the scenes. If Melissa can’t take the criticism, I’m sorry for her. However, that doesn’t justify her dismissive comments towards the audience.
hey if fans can be critical why not the actor ? fair is fair..
I have always loved Jenn & continue to. But Jack has become unbearable. He is just a moron, always acting like he thinks he’s being cute or funny – and he’s neither. I wish they’d send him back overseas. Jenn & Daniel are such a nice couple & fun to watch. I really hope the writers see their chemistry together & reunite them. Put Jack with Billie [which is not to say that I’m happy that Lisa Rinna is coming back. Wish it was Julie Pinson.]. But annoying people belong together.
Jack has not been funny at all since his return.
I think even as he’s suffering, he’s managed a few quirky lines, and I love that about Jack. I prefer a character who isn’t Basic Soap Guy, which is what Daniel is. Pretty actors are easy to come by; looks don’t sell Daniel to me. Give me interesting, complicated Jack any day.
Missy opinions are hers, and I respect her too much to say anything negative about her, but I completely disagree with her about the triangle. I hate the triangle, and I want Jack and Jennifer together eventually. There is so much story left in Jack and Jennifer, and I want to see it play out on screen.
I always used to love Jack and Jennifer but the way they have been writing Jennifer, she doesn’t deserve Jack. I don’t like Daniel at all – first making him Maggie’s son and now making him Jennifer’s lover. Hope that they start writing Jennifer the way that she used to be – a good wife and mother and very interesting character.
I agree that Missy should not be attacked for what she is doing however, there is no triangle here. What I don’t get is the crush on Dan because he only lasted in a marriage for what a year? Jack and Jennifer have a history of over 20 years of being together. Couples in reality are not perfect and they always need to work on some things to get through their commitment. In reality it seems like the Dan fans don’t see how to approach long term committments because for them it’s about having a shallows crush on Dan and… Read more »
I wish the writers would hurry and get a better story going for Jack and Jennifer. Jack needs to give Jennifer some space. The best part of their love story is her chasing after him and him not believing he was good enough for her. Jennifer made Jack a better man. I watched some old video of them today. WOW! The new writers need to try to capture that magic again!
If Jennifer sleeps with Daniel again then I want Jack to move on away from her because she is unfaithful witch and she deserves to that loser Daniel. I want Jack to have interactions with real adults and more airtime without Jennifer. I want see Jack bond his daughter and get well make-over because he looks too old to have relationship with any women he needs get back to the suits again and also back to the Specatator. We need the real Jack Deveraux back with edge and charm again. Jennifer and Daniel do not nothing for me I wish… Read more »
Been a Jack & Jen fan since they started and I loved Daniel when he was with both Kate & Chloe . This triangle is just awful for all parties involved. Maybe the problem is they made Dan act so cold & unfeeling to a suicidal Chloe & he just threw Parker out like garbage. The writers have failed to address Dan’s issues with his supposed true love/ soulmate Chloe which makes his relationship with Jen seem like just another one of his short term flings That will end when things get tough . The writers have really not shown… Read more »
The actor brings their own views into what the writers write. MR is playing it very pointedly as Jennifer wants to be with Daniel. I used to love Jennifer, but she comes across as shallow, finicky, and childlike. I would be happy for her and Daniel to get married and go far far away.
However, I do love Jack and am looking forward to his ptsd story and hopefully, meeting someone else with a little character. I’m not disappointed in the story. I think Jack’s story could be far more interesting than a J&J reunion.
I am really mad right now that Matthew Ashford/Jack character is going to a waste of pimping the two losers in this show Jennifer and new boytoy now he is backburner again that is not fair. I really want see Jack move away from Jennifer and Daniel storyline let them be in backburner and let Jack be on his own and deal with Abby’s issues with Austin and also investigate the John’s case as well as his PTSD and I want Jennifer out of Jack storyline too. I feel that Jack and Jennifer should end because Jennifer is ruin in… Read more »
I think it´s beyond crazy the show decided to write yet another Jennifer centered triangle as one of their reset stories. Was this supposed to attract the J/J fans back? Because they are beyond sick of Jennifer centered triangles. It´s the ONLY story J/J ever had since their first wedding almost 20 years ago. After Peter, Colin, Patrick, Brandon, Frankie all failed, is there anyone surprised this story quickly ended as another huge failure? As for Jennifer/Daniel, it would be absolutely unfair if couple who never had to fight anything, had no obstacles and no real love story destroyed one… Read more »
I found this interview to be one of the more honest interviews that Melissa Reeves has given lately. In my opinion it seems to be a response from the growing backlash agains a once beloved character for a generic cookie cutter bland soap couple that could be found on any of the remaining soaps. Jack and Jennifer had a unique chemistry and storyline that still resonates today. I find it telling that she herself wonders if the writers hate this character since she returned last November, all i see is a bitter woman who has badmouthed her husband to all… Read more »
I really think that Jack needs get away from Jennifer and concentrate on himself now and get better then bond with Abby and get his life back together and if Jennifer chooses Daniel over Jack or still pining over Daniel then Jack deserves better than her I am sick of her whining and acting like immature teenager she needs grow up and Daniel makes her pathetic that is for sure. I really want someone to put Jennifer in her princess act in place stop playing games. I want Jennifer get what she deserves soon.
I wish they would get rid of Jennifer I find her to be rather boring. she needs to go and take Daniel and Melanie with her. Jack deserves better.
One word after today show I really want Jack to move and I hope some women will catch his eye too. Jennifer thinks that Jack will be waiting for her I hope he does not I hope he has fling of his own he deserves it. Jennifer can have perfect life with Daniel and he can string her along while having sex with another women behind her back get a taste of her own medicine. Jennifer needs get heartbroken by Daniel and suffer this time the she treated Jack she should get same treatment and fall of her pedestal. I… Read more »
I saw the preview for Monday I am so happy that Jack finally dumps Jennifer I hope he sticks with it I wish he did sooner after the Colin mess he should left her hanging and make her pay for her mistakes. I hope Jack hooks up with someone new he is my favorite character I think Jack can have life without Jennfier and take care of the kids too.and Jennifer can have her perfect marriage with Daniel and suffer the pain that she caused Jack.
I would like to see Jack interact with Sami, no need to be romantic..or of course it could be too..lol, back in the day they had great chemistry with funny banter..Jack was one of the only friends Sami had in Salem..now there is no interactions at all between them, such a waste..
Jack is not Horton he is marry to one. Jack is Deveraux/Johnson. Jennifer is Horton-Deveraux but she does not deserve his last name anymore since she divorce him and abandon him. The only Deverauxs are Abby and Jack jr they are Deveraux/Johnson nothing like their mother.
That is not fair why is it that Jennifer gets all different love interest and Jack does not get anything but kick in teeth. I am sick of these writers cheating us with Jennifer and her losers all the time. For once I would like see Jennifer suffer with Daniel while Jack gets new love interest for change and let her be one to feel guilty for moving quickly and everything. I have no respect for Jennifer at all I am sick of her sleeping around with each men that comes along she is boring and pathetic she not even… Read more »
I just want Jack get his darkside back and edge and tell that hypocrite where she can go because I do not want Jack kissing her ass anymore she is not popular anymore I do not care if she is Horton or not she needs to admit her mistakes and fall off her pedestal. Jennifer needs to suffer badly she deserves Daniel in bad way and let Jack be happy with someone he enjoy good time with without being judge.
I do not want Jack to take Jennifer back right away he has make her suffer with Dr loser and let him have his fun with Billie or Nicole just flirtation or new women he met at his therapy session and I hope Abby supports him on it too and interact with other characters not be just about Jennifer and loser boyfriend Daniel. Jennifer wants Jack back she has to win him back this time on her own I do not want her to go back to Jack as default she has truly love him or else let go of… Read more »
I think most of things going down with Abby is Jennifer’s fault not Jacks. Jennifer is worst role model for Abby I think Abby needs to stay with Jack and send Jennifer to mental hospital to get treatment for herself maybe Daniel will come visit her have sex with her in between. I really want see Jack move on maybe with Billie or Nicole I really sick of Daniel getting all the women on this show he and Jennifer deserve each other both pathetic losers in my book they are not popular either. Jack is most popular leading male not… Read more »
I really want Jack to tell Jennifer off this time and also to tell her to go and be with Daniel because she deserves to be heartbroken by Daniel I want Jack free from her she is boring and pathetic I cannot stand her anymore I think Jack deserve better maybe him and Billie can hook up for awhile maybe flirt or have love affair because Jennifer is not right mind and also she shallow and bland she lost her spunk as well. I would love for Jack to really tell Jennifer it is over between them and he is… Read more »