Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem Chapter 2’: What Did You Think of The Premiere Episode?
The highly-anticipated Peacock limited-series, Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem Chapter 2 dropped its first episode on Monday, and with it came reunions, blasts from the pasts, a heavenly favorite, a major mystery, plus a spark of a new romance.
If you have not watched the episode yet, do not read any further as there are story spoilers.
Let’s break it down for you … after the opening scene set one year earlier, we see Harris Michaels (Steve Burton) shoot two men in a boat after diving in the deep waters below for what he was looking for. Seems a woman named “Brady” may have shown up first and might have what Michaels is looking for.
Photo: JPI
Now in Montreal, Ciara (Victoria Konefal) and Ben (Rob Scott Wilson) and baby Bo, reunite with Hope (Kristian Alfonso). Once together, Ciara grills her mother as to where she has been for the past two years. In emotional scenes, Hope really never gives her daughter the full truth. Once alone, we see she has a secret ISA file.
Courtesy/Peacock
Meanwhile, Bo (Peter Reckell) is in heaven watching the live feed of his beloved Fancy Face, and their daughter. Bo keeps getting interrupted by another key resident in heaven named Angela (Loretta Devine), who takes away his live feed privileges because of how back in Salem, Bo brought Tripp (Lucas Adams) back to life. Once alone, and not about to give up seeing his family from up above, Bo says if he can hotwire a motorcycle, he can fix the live feed! He later sees that Hope has gotten herself in trouble with the ISA file and wonders what she is up to.
Photo: JPI
John (Drake Hogestyn) is having quite the time in San Francisco at his son, Paul’s (Christopher Sean) Pride party. With a bunch of men dancing around him, John is pulling out the dance moves and grooves and is the life of the party! We have to say, watching Drake Hogestyn in these scenes will go down as one of the most memorable moments from the series.
After the party is over, and John and Paul are cleaning up, there is a knock at the door. It appears to be a cop, but it’s actually Harris Michaels in disguise, who tasers John. Then, after a fight breaks out, Paul wakes up from being knocked out and realizes Harris took John.
Photo: Peacock
Harris isn’t done yet! He next appears in Seattle where Steve (Stephen Nichols) and Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) are visiting Stephanie (Abigail Klein), Tripp, and Joey (Tanner Stine). When the pizza delivery man arrives, it’s Michaels in disguise, and when Steve opens his pizza box it lights on fire. When we return to the scene, Steve has been kidnapped and Stephanie is badly injured and then hospitalized.
Next, a man appears at Paul’s apartment door. It’s none other than Shane Donovan’s son, Andrew (Colton Little), who is also an ISA agent. From the looks of it, Paul and Andrew just may hit it off!
Photo: JPI
Then, we see that Steve and John are being held captive together and who should be holding them hostage? None other than the believed-to-be-dead, Megan Hathaway (Miranda Wilson) – the daughter of their arch-nemesis, the late Stefano DiMera.
In the final cliffhanger, Hope is with Ciara and Ben. There is knock on her door. When Hope opens it, Harris Michaels is there. He hands some flowers to Hope and serves up a kiss. As he does, Bo in heaven is losing it watching the woman he loves being kissed by some guy.
So, what did you think about the first episode of Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem Chapter Two? Let us know in the comment section below.
Ah… I guess now the secret is out, that Meagan Hathaway managed to escape from Hell.
Those damned DiMeras always manage to get out. I think they’re giving Cerberus some drugged steaks again..
Bo better be careful breaking the rules up in Heaven. They don’t take that very well up there, how do you think I ended up down here??
Definitely not as good as season 1.
We better get more clarity on Hope’s real reason for staying away for the past two years!
I don’t remember Megan Hathaway at all so I don’t know what is going on in that storyline.
How can this character show up all over the world at the same time? Or are these events not happening at the exact same time?
Some of it was good, some of it was bad, lots of confusion!
This was from the early 80s so my aging Devil memory might be a little fuzzy on the details but anyway….
Megan Hathaway grew up in Salem, and was Bo Brady’s girlfriend in high school. She wasn’t raised as a DiMera and (like most of Stefano’s other kids) found out much later who her real parents were.
Meanwhile Megan never really got “over” Bo, so of course she wanted Hope out of the picture, permanently. She arranged for a little hot tub accident where Hope would be electrocuted, but somehow the plan went wrong and Megan ended up frying herself instead. Until now, she hadn’t been heard from since, and this is her first escape from Hell, unlike some of her relatives, who make a habit out of it.
Now here’s the curious part…. back when Megan was originally around, there was a storyline where Stefano was obsessed with finding these three prisms, that would supposedly cure him of a brain tumor if used together. I don’t think all the prisms were ever in the same location, though Stefano managed to cheat death at least 666 times before his final exit.
I haven’t actually seen these Beyond Salem episodes yet, but all the clues seem to point to a revision of the prism story. For obvious reasons, Stefano ain’t going to be involved. But there’s another guy in the story who died of a brain tumor, and that would be Bo.
If Dr. Rolf somehow shows up in this story, you can bet your soul as to what the agenda is…..
Well Satan, God is my main man, and He created you. Remember that once you occupied one of the loftiest positions in God’s Kingdom. And if the Bible is true, and I believe it is, you will again. We have all fallen, and will be restored!
Just wanted to say that I read most of your posts. Generally agree, sometimes agree, sometimes really agree, sometimes vehemently disagree but I love the depth and complexity and soap knowledge in your posts.
I was going to type a similar post to clear up some of the Megan Hathaway confusion … when I was too young to be watching soaps! Lol.
Then your post just sort of encapsulated what I was going to say, and in a very eloquent and knowledgeable way.
I have written 6 books. I am an author. One of my books is called “From Hollywood to New York: My Life in Soaps”. I would love if you would buy it in Amazon. You can enter the title of the book in the Search Bar and it should pop up.
And, keep being a soap fan! We keep the genre alive!!! Keep posting as you do because there is a lot of truth in your posts.
I also have another matter, soap related, I would like to discuss with you.
JJ
Would love to read it, if it exists, but it surely can’t be found at Amazon.
Exactly Richard. I guess the devil powered that van Steve Burton was driving. He went from one city to the next with a whole other fake delivery outfit within one scene and it was jarring. With an exploding pizza no less. Not here for improbable nonsense.
Well… San Francisco to Seattle is actually a fairly short flight… but then he was back to Montreal soon after that, and that was presumably after dropping John & Steve off in Caracas…. now that’s where the real time discrepancy is. Maybe he’s got access to a Starfleet teleportation device somehow??
No Devil powered vans though, that much I can promise you!
Chapter 2 was the best!! I hope that continue with Bo and Hope!!
Poor production quality – cheap looking sets (is Heaven really furnished at World Market?) and questionable wardrobe (there’s so much better fitting/looking pride outfits than the hoodie they gave Paul).
Megan “died” before John (then Roman) and Steve were ever on DAYS so neither should know who she is. I’m all for digging into the past for current and future stories but it has to make some sense.
John & Steve have immersed themselves in all things DiMera over the decades, so I’m sure they are aware of all of Stefano’s kids, whether they ever actually met them or not. And in John’s case, he might just have some residuals of Roman’s memory floating around in his brain, so maybe he does “remember” her, in that capacity.
It was silly. The fight scene was awkward. Bo watching Earth on a heavenly TV with crumbled pillars all around him was utter nonsense. It should be called Beyond Salem: The Harmony edition. Straight out of Passions. Just no.
Not impressed.
Whatever plot twists ensue, just remember: Steve Burton’s character killed 2 people in the first scene of the first episode. So his character is no hero. And as someone else said recently, he’s playing the same type of character in Beyond Salem as he did in GH. The “stunt” casting isn’t worth the effort.
James75
I’ve been playing catchup and just saw the scene with Hope and Burton’s character and he’s asking her for help, claiming Megan has done something to make him the way he is.
Hello Violet. Very good point.
Haven’t watched yet. Looks campy.
Momo
It is, it is!
I absolutely love what you have done bringing bsck our favorites. I would so love this to be continued indefinitely. This was a genuine move. Kudos to you all. I’ve watched Days of Our Lives since I was 15 years old. My second man and I would watch it together. I’m now 68 years old and still watching. Keep up the good work.
I just hate that I can’t watch!! Not everyone has wifi or internet available so it seems so very unfair!!
Daphne M Jennings
I get it through my Cable provider on Peacock.
Boy, love how Steve and Kayla are helping Shawn cope with the new baby while at the same time are being kidnapped “Beyond” by Jason/Harris. Small world, for sure!
I absolutely love it, I can’t wait for the next chapter, A BIG FAN
Hope, being kissed by “some guy”and so thouroughly was as if it was done for someone’s benifit,, but who? She didn’t really try hiding it from Ciara but it was still kind of crazy.
It’s terrible
Days of Our Lives Beyond Salem -Chapter 2 must be given outstanding appreciation and recognition for their Pride Party scene with father and son characters John Black & Paul. The committment and respect for diversity diversity in storytelling is Days strength making the stories universally interesting, compelling and progressive. The entire cast is brilliant. Special mention must go to Loretta Devine as Angel Angela, Victoria Grace (Wendy Shin- Remington Hoffman as brother Li- Colton Little as Andrew & Christopher Sean as Paul.
Congratulations to all in work well done.
I’ve never watched DOOL, so after all the hype I thought I would give Beyond Salem #2 a try last night. All it took was Steve Burton to shot two men in the opening to make my decision. I will not be watching it in the future.
rose
I didn’t know you didn’t watch Days but what an awful way to get started.
This guy that Steve plays will probably not be in it in the future and he blamed his murderous ways on this woman I call his handler. He said at the end he wants to be a better person. Why don’t you just try watching the regular daily show when it starts?
Violet…Maybe I will give Salem another try. But years of stories and characters leave me a lot to catch-up on. The three I do watch already drive me crazy so I will see if I want to add Salem and it’s angels and devils. :)))
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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