Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Drake Hogestyn Acts His Heart Out As John Keeps Vigil By Marlena’s Bedside; Belle Learns Shocking Intel
On a dramatic Friday cliffhanger episode of Days of our Lives, several bombshells were in store for the characters of Salem.
Marlena (Deidre Hall), who is now on a ventilator following surgery and in critical condition, has her family struggling to hold it together and trying to will her to return to them, and it is not a good day for the man she loves, John Black (Drake Hogestyn). He is dealing with the double-whammy of having the love of his life unable to breathe on her own, and the news that his son, Paul (Christopher Sean) crashed through a window saving Sami (Alison Sweeney) and trying to capture Kristen DiMera (Stacy Haiduk). Paul was taken to surgery too, and John is just overcome with grief.
In several heartbreaking scenes, John is gut-punched sitting vigil at Marlena’s bedside. He tells the unconscious Marlena, that Paul was taken into surgery too, but he knows he is going to make it, and breaks down. John begs Marlena to come back to him and open her eyes. Eric (Greg Vaughan) comes in to lend support, but at first gets his head bitten off by John, who is beyond worried for his bride, and his son.
Photo Credit: NBC
Brady (Eric Martsolf) and Belle (Martha Madison) are in Paul’s hospital room talking about what a beautiful day this was supposed to be with the long-awaited marriage of John and Marlena, and how it all went south, and how their dad is going through so much anguish right now. As Brady exits, Belle stays in Paul’s room and goes through some insurance paperwork. She is for the shock of her life when she finds a DNR – ‘do not resuscitate’ order that Marlena must have filed as her wishes if something were to happen to her.
At the hospital, Will (Chandler Massey) is met by Lucas (Bryan Dattiilo) and Chloe (Nadia Bjorlin). When alone with his dad, Will reveals he has regained his memory and remembers loving his father. Lucas is overcome and says to him that he does not care if he is the new Will, or the old Will, he’s his Will. It was a touching moment nicely played by Bryan Dattilo and Chandler Massey. Later, when Will tells Lucas he remembers loving Sonny, he asks his dad for advice on how to handle things with Paul when he gets out of surgery. Having gone through something similar with Adrienne and Justin where he ended up the odd man out, Lucas tells Will it’s better that Paul knows.
Maggie (Suzanne Rogers) has also come to the hospital and tells Lucas that Bonnie Lockhart (Judi Evans) is back in town and at the Salem PD. He decides to go see her. Once face-to-face with the woman who derailed him back to his addiction to booze, Bonnie informs him that he is the father of her child!
Courtesy/NBC
Will is now at Paul’s hospital bedside. When he wakes up, Will thanks him for all his heroic actions and for saving his mom. He then breaks the news to Paul that he has regained his memory. You can see Paul is not necessarily happy about the news and knows it could be the end of the line for their relationship. Will admits he remembers loving Sonny. Paul asks what it means for them.
Finally, an emotional Belle sits by Marlena’s bedside in tears. Eric comes in and says that the specialists will do everything they can do keep their mom alive. Belle says they can’t do that and hands Eric that DNR document.
This episode featured a heartbreaking performance by Drake Hogesytn, who has given his all throughout the recent episodes, and showed why so many fans have loved the character of John Black for so many years, and his enduring love for Marlena. Kudos also to Martha Madison, Greg Vaughan, and the aforementioned Bryan Dattilo and Chandler Massey for their work in key scenes.
So, what did you think about the story bombshells on Friday’s episode? What did you think of the performances? What do you think will happen next? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Drake is doing a great job. I have been a fan since he started on DOOL in 1986.
Bonnie pregnant. Did the rabbit die laughing??? Her oldest son Patrick is well over 40 which would make Bonnie generously 60. Soaps are altogether too hung up on pregnancy and “Who’s the daddy” stories. When you know who the two potential fathers are…all you have to do is look at the child and see who it resembles. It doesnt take endless rounds of DNA tests. These stories just make the characters look stupid and they are not enteraining either. Maybe 45 years ago when it was a new type of storyline….but it has definitrly ceased being a viable plot device. And any Joe Blow csn just waltz in and have the know how to change the results? They are not written in pencil and you just erase one potential dad’s name and write the other one in. I can go along with the soaps on an awrul lot, but it would be nice to be surprised once in a while too!
I didn’t know Bonnie had a son, especially one that’s around 40. I only really got to see Bonnie when she was on last year. I just recently found out that she’s Mimi’s mother. I guess she always has been on the show?
Yes, blake. Bonnie’s not new.
Well, in real life the actress is 54. And yes, she could still get pregnant (the oldest woman who gave birth with no help is 59 I believe) although, of course, it’d be rather a miracle rather than the norm; most in that age use in vitro fertilization. What I liked about this was the humor attached to it. I’m not caught up so maybe it’s already been established that it’s not really hers but there were obviously jokes about whether that baby could really be hers due to the implausibility. Even the name, “Baby Bonnie” just cracks me up. And, since, unfortunately “Lucas” is leaving the show I guess this is the way he’s goin’ out.
Drake is doing a great job with the material, and I’m glad that Belle is involved with this storyline. I would say that it’s to see John and Marlena’s family actually being a family, but I can’t when this arc lacks proper build up, a Kristen who actually acts like Kristen, and Eileen Davidson. Also, I hate that Lucas has a child with his rapist and that this comes so soon after Abby believes she is pregnant with her rapist’s child. I don’t believe Ron has demonstrated that he can write sexual assault and its aftermath in a sensitive, complex, or fresh manner, so I really have less-than-zero interest in seeing what happens next.
It is messed up that this is the second rapist story Ron has done in a year. And sexist that the characters aren’t looking at it like Lucas was raped. Warped!
John is pitiful. You would think the entire show is about his pain. Nevermind that Marlena and Paul are in critical condition, as John stumbles around, muttering, crying, playing the poor John act. Get some balls, man! They don’t need a slobbering, snotty, John when they regain consciousness. He is over acting and it is to the point of being silly. Certainly unbelievable!!! I am not planning to watch it next week as I am so sick of his tantrums and throes of emotion. My God, man, get some balls. Even women aren’t that weepy!
You MUST be joking!? You actually think that a man with the woman he loves on a ventilator with a small chance of survival AND a son who is lying in the same hospital paralyzed s “muttering, crying, playing the poor John act?” How should a normal human being with the capacity to love amd feel fear, grief, shock behave?
His reactions are “silly?” Perhaps. To a robot structured for logic and not emotion. Your comment makes zero sense.
thats not his fault he has to play the part written by the writer or get fired its the way the ball rolls or lose the job thats silly
I have such an antipathy for “John”, I cannot find any kind of emotion within me–It is what it is…..he draws nothing from me….neither does “Marlena”.
I am aware of the fact my comment is not well-received, but the Marlena-damsel-in-distress is soooo passe’ ( decades of it), it bores and annoys me to no end.
Now, these writers are putting this character in “the-matron-in-distress” mode. It is the age-old ploy of making her relevant. That’s all it is!!
Just as the matronly Bonnie having a baby out of nowhere. When will this stop? It is so ridiculous, not only age-wise, but that the baby factor is still alive and well??????
I hope Lucas has the sense to get a DNA ( paternity) test. So much nonsense—-whimsical, really……only in an alternate world; which soaps are, of course. But, change it up, people!!.
Lucas getting a DNA test will be pointless. I see Bonnie getting Sheila to change the test results. Cause, ya know, anyone can get into hospital computers with no problem. Hell, Gabi found a way to change Abby’s results that were in an envelope within a short amount of time lol.
You’re right, blake, as usual. It is an age-old ‘method’ on soaps. No DNA test is ever full-proof.
Soaps are one of the, if not THE, last remaining genres where fifty percent or more doesn’t make sense. That’s half the fun of it. The whole Marlena/Hattie is hilarious to me. It’s just so silly but it’s fun. Some of the story lines (like Mike on GH) are heartbreakingly real…and then we have these crazy stories that are so out there…I’ll miss them when they’re gone. And I really feel they’re all going to be gone all too soon. With each new talk show or expanded Good Morning America/Good Aftenoon, blah, blah, with Kelly Clarkson and now Tamara Hall; I think they’re testing to see how much of an audience they draw. If it’s profitable our soaps are done.
Enjoy while we can…
The hardest storyline for me to accept right now is Abby gabby and chad. Getting
A little weary of this triangle whether it’s for revenge or love. Then a Ben Weston
“Cured”. We saw what happened when he was off his meds- I sure wouldn’t want
To be in bed with someone who forgot to take his meds the night before, lol
The only thing that would work for me is Ben trying to kill ciera and Tripp’s saving
The day. In my defense I come from a generation that believes in happy endings.
Gikda
Drake Hogestyn deserves the Best Leading Actor at next year’s Daytime Emmy Awards.
Days Of Our Lives
Sydney Malekeh Joins the Cast of ‘Days of Our Lives’ in Mystery Role: Who Do You Think She’s Playing?
There’s a new gal coming to Salem, or is she new and a recast? That’s what inquiring minds from Days of Our Lives fans have been trying to figure out since the Peacock soap opera dropped an Instagram video heralding actress‘ Sydney Malekeh’s arrival in Salem.
The soap did confirm that viewers will first see Malekeh on the September 9 episode. In the video, Malekeh is seen going set to set from her dressing room and in to the halls of Days of Our Lives studios.
What we do know id that Sydney has been acting professionally for 6 years and had appeared on Grey’s Anatomy, Apple TV’s Shrinking and the HBO Max’s The Sex Lives of College Girls.
Plenty of Malekeh’s DAYS castmates jumped into the comment thread with positive emojis symbols or written excitement including: Paul Telfer (Xander), Linsey Godfrey (Sarah), Sal Stowers (Lani), Conner Floyd (Chad), Eric Martsolf (Brady) and Christie Clark (Carrie) and more now that fans will finally see her on-air. Since Days of Our Lives tapes 10-11 months in advance, Sydney would have started taping the show sometime back in 2025.
DAYS fans think perhaps because the actress’ name is Sydney that she might be playing the grown-up daughter of Sami and EJ. That character hasn’t bee on the canvas since 2021.
So, who do you think Sydney Malekeh might be playing on Days of Our Lives? Drop your casting director thoughts via the comment section below.
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Days Of Our Lives
Peacock Hikes Subscription Rates for Fourth Time in Four Years; ‘Days of Our Lives’ Fans Sound Off
While recently the streaming service Peacock reported turning a profit for its first time since its infancy, now comes word that the company is raising their prices for all customers, and in some cases it stared today on August 18.
The news of the subscription rate increases marks the fourth time the NBCUniversal streaming platform has done so in four years. So, on August 18, Peacock is increasing the prices for new or returning subscribers and customers, while current subscribers will see the rate increase on or after September 17 depending on their billing cycle when they initially signed up.
Here is the new pricing to follow along: Peacock Premium (which includes ads) will be $12.99/month, up two dollars from $10.99; Peacock Premium Plus will be $19.99/month, up three dollars increase from $16.99; and the Peacock Select tier (which includes current and past seasons of NBC and Bravo shows but excludes movies, live sports and Peacock originals) will increase a dollar from $7.99 to $8.99/month.
Photo: JPI
SUBSCRIBERS CONTINUE TO PAY MORE ACROSS THE STREAMER LANDSCAPE
It was back in June that the streamer reported that aid subscribers were up to 48 million adding a 2 million net gain during Q2 in of 2026. The subscription price hikes are rampant now in the entertainment streaming industry where over the last two years for example, Netflix, HBO Max, Apple TV, Paramount+ have all raised their fees to consumers.
Peacock’s tier-levels feature not only Days of Our Lives, but reality hits such as The Traitors and Love Island USA, Bravo series, and a vault of Saturday Night Live, Law & Order, The Real Housewives franchise, and Below Deck episodes as well. Pecock Premium and Premium Plus subscribers have access to sports and live events, as well.
DAYS OF OUR LIVES SUBSCRIBERS HAD A FEW CHOICE WORDS FOR PEACOCK
As Days of Our Lives fans know, the soap opera moved from NBC to the streamer back in September of 2022 after 57 years on broadcast television. When the news hit X on the price increase, DAYS fans had a lot to say about it. Here are just a few of the comments below:
“I can’t believe Peacock and can’t come to a deal with Cordya to air old episodes of #Days. That alone would bring a ton of subscribers,” to If Peacock actually cared about #Days of Our Lives, gave the show the budget it needs for better sets, cameras, background actors and enough time to tell proper stories, I wouldn’t mind paying more. If the money actually showed on screen, the higher price would be worth it,” to “I will continue to pay for a Peacock subscription as long as #Days is on it, but did we know there was another price increase coming?” and more.
So, what do you think of the new price hike increase to watch Days of Our Lives and your other favorite shows and events on Peacock? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Veronica & Julian’ Feature Starring ‘Days of Our Lives’ Alums Nadia Bjorlin and Kyler Pettis Releases Key Art and More (Exclusive)
In the upcoming indie feature Veronica & Julian from director Otoja Abit, two former Days of Our Lives stars, Nadia Bjorlin (ex-Chloe Lane) and Kyler Pettis (ex-Theo Carver), headline the drama feature in this story of a May-December romance that faces challenges along the way.
Veronica & Julian centers on a confident and successful marketing executive (Bjorlin) who winds up falling for a younger aspiring architect (Pettis). From there, a journey of desire and self-discovery is set against the backdrop of present-day New York City.
The cast also includes: Blake Jenner (ex-Glee), Erin Cummings, Chrystee Pharris (ex-Simone Russell, Passions and Queens of Drama), Robert Lee Leng, Mark Famiglietti and Jennafer Newberry.
Photo:
LIVE CHAT WITH NADIA AND KYLER PLANNED
Now, Michael Fairman TV can share exclusively: the key poster art below, and that current plans that call for Veronica & Julian to be released and made available late this holiday season.
In addition, Nadia and Kyler will join us for a very special livestream conversation on the Michael Fairman Channel (Monday, Aug 24 – 3PM ET/Noon PT) to chat about their roles in the film, their time on Days of Our Lives, life post-soap opera, and much more. Fans can join the live chat and pose their questions to the actors as well.
Courtesy/Bright Leicht Content LLC
THE THEMES BEHIND VERONICA & JULIAN
Director Otoja Abit shared this statement on the feature film, “Veronica & Julian is about the right people who have a chance meeting at the wrong time. It’s a look at two people who don’t grow apart—they just grow up. This film is an authentic exploration of an imminent ending and how two people deeply in love got there. It aims to be quiet while telling a relatable story about modern-day relationships.”
Abit continued, “As a society, mainstream romantic films are often delivered through fantastical aspirations. I created this film believing that viewers who have experienced a breakup can relate to Veronica and Julian, depending on their perspective. They’re a couple navigating some of the most familiar obstacles in love: miscommunication, timing and pride.”
He concluded, “It’s a story about endings told through the small moments we often don’t recognize until they’re gone. With the support of the Panavision New Filmmaker Program, I approached the story with a deeper sense of visual control while maintaining the naturalism that defines each character.”
Photo: Bright Leicht Content LLC
NADIA AND KYLER GOT THEIR FIRST BIG BREAK IN SOAPS
As Days of Our Lives fans know, Bjorlin is best known for her long-running role as Chloe Lane. Nadia played the part from 1999-2023 with various runs in Salem. She is also known for her role as Lara in the Venice the Series since 2009. Nadia’s other TV and film credits include: A Murder Between Friends, NCIS, Two Broke Girls and more.
Pettis played Theo Carver on Days of Our Lives from 2015-2018 and earned himself a Daytime Emmy for his work in the now defunct Outstanding Younger Actor in a Daytime Drama Series back in 2019. His other TV credits include roles on: The Rookie, All American: Homecoming and Ray Donovan.
Veronica and Julian is written, produced and directed by Abit and produced through his Willful Productions alongside Kory Apton and Ian Phillips. Executive producers include: Nick Leicht, Gregory Sinche, Shelly Sinche, Torsten Sippel, Tim Freydberg, Ryan Schulke and Matthew Conlin.
So, intrigued to see Nadia and Kyler as a romantic couple in the film Veronica & Julian? Miss them on Days of Our Lives? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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