Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Renee Jones and James Scott named Power Performances of the Week!
Courtesy/NBC
This past week on Days of our Lives we saw a return of something that soap fans of Salem have longed for, an emotionally driven story with five hankie moments that affects the lives of so many characters. Of course, we are talking about the news that Lexie Carver was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. And what DAYS did next was spare little time in getting the rest of Lexie’s extended family in the loop, which worked beautifully. There were no weeks of wondering who would find out when, and no weeks of hiding the truth from certain characters. It was just all put out there in a few episodes. This in turn leaves viewers to go on the final journey with Lexie, and as we learned, Lexie only has weeks or a few months to live.
Photo Credit: NBC
When word came down that long standing DAYS veteran, Renee Jones (Lexie) made the decision to leave the series after 20 years, it came as a shock to many long time fans and the soap community. And as we have seen before, soaps use an actor’s departure for some gut-wrenching emotional story, or as you are now beginning to see, some hints of what may be the next arcs in the story. And as for Jones, we thought her performances this week as Lexie telling her father, Stefano, and telling her brother, EJ and comforting others around her with the terrible news of her condition were beautifully portrayed. Lexie showed vulnerability, strength, and most of all, we felt it seemed her reactions were very authentic to the situation. (Footnote: as authentic this type of situation could be on a soap!) When Lexie in tears said to Stefano, “Some fights aren’t meant to be won. So except this … OK? OK?” She got us right there! And, we cried along with her.
But then, the most heartbreaking scenes came about when EJ, the magnificent James Scott, tried to process the news of his sister’s death sentence, while trying to comfort her. The scenes in Lexie’s office between the two siblings were stunning. You felt like they were brother and sister. And who could forget the one tear streaming town EJ’s cheek as he held Lexie. It’s a shame it takes an actress to exit a show to get to see these types of scenes, but we will take it. James infused the moments with almost a lost little boy quality as he realizes his beloved sister will not be around much longer. As for Jones, watching her come to grips with Lexie’s reality was also compelling to watch.
And with that and a box of Kleenex later, On-Air On-Soaps names DAYS Renee Jones and James Scott this week’s Power Performances of the Week! Now watch below clips from Tuesday and Wednesday’s episodes which include the scenes we mention between Lexie and EJ and other moments from Lexie with her family and friends. Then weigh in and let us know if you agree with our choice, or not!
I absoulutely agree!! Very well said!! I’m hanging on to every moment!
I agree,this was so sad and written beautifully,It is a tearjerker and will continue to be a tearjerker right up until the death of lexi(Wish she would stay)Guess we will be needing a lot of tissues for this story.I really felt so bad for E j,and that does not happen very often,dool is getting it right with this story.And it is the power performance of the week and maybe weeks to come,cause it is not over yet.
As soon as I heard that Renee Jones was leaving Days and that the show would end up killing her character Lexie off with an inoperable brain tumor (one that Stefano could very well have caused himself when she was held captive in the tunnels under the Dimera mansion), I immediately realized that I was going to need plenty of Kleenex tissues and a wastebasket next to my desk in order to get through this heartbreaking storyline. You can already see how it’s affecting the rest of the cast and you definitely tell that their emotions of losing a beloved cast member and co-worker of 20 years were going to be very raw and very real. I’ve already had to go through some tissues already. Michael, you were right, Renee and James both deserve the honor of Power Performers of the Week and I have no doubt that the entire cast of Days will end up being Power Performers towards the end of Lexie’s life and Renee’s 20 year run (I’m sure that she has already exited the doors of NBC for the last time by now and has returned to Georgia to be with her family). If Days really keeps up with this brilliant storytelling with this storyline, I would highly suggest that the show submit this and the Will coming out storyline for their Emmy reels for Outstanding Drama Series Daytime for the 2013 Emmy season. None of the other shows are going to be able to hold a candle to Days with all of the power packed emotions that they’ve got going on now. I can imagine that it was extremely difficult for the writers to write this gut wrenching exit storyline for Renee.
I wish Renee nothing but the best in her future endeavors. We will all miss her terribly but I’m sure her fellow thespians miss her a lot more than we do.
Michael, I am a new days of our lives fan,Since september,why did stefano put lexi in the tunnels?and how long ago since that happened?I like Lexi and hate to see her go.
I just started watching DOOL. Why did Stefano keep Lexi, his own daughter, hostage under his house?
That’s what I want to know and how long ago did he do this to her?And I just thought of another question,What tunnels?
I am a new Days soap viewer. I remember James Scott on AMC. I don’t remember any powerful storylines with his character on AMC. I can say that he has certainly blossomed as an actor. I enjoying watching EJ in any situation.
Wasnt he zachs son ?forgot the name of the girl he got pregnant his creepy father got rid of her ,he was just a kid when he got her pregnant ,any way didnt he die when this building collapsed ?This all happened on all my children.I hated seeing him leave ,thats when days picked him up.,That was a while ago.
Hi……. I haven’t seen GH in weeks now. TV burning and I don’t get the chase to see it but GH gets the ratings. I feel lousy about it bc I know GH is good right now. I can feel it. Guess U had to make new friends on line here, with Debi and I flying the coup. I am completely overwhelmed with my problems, work and rehearsals. I mentally exhausted when I get in to hear or listen to anyone else’s problems EVEN if its in the form of entertainment.
PS. Don’t forget there is NO space after the word just place your comma, and then skip a space. For example.
got rid of her ,he was just a kid (bt wrote)
get rid of her, (now space) he was just a kid. (1love)
You and Scott, well, my goodness, U guys don’t see eye to eye. Scott is defending his show, and he is within his right. I don’t mind a littel OLTL but U guys do go over board with ” now bring this person on, that person, and sometimes people name up to 10 people to bring from OLTL over to GH. It can get fustrating reading about it. And ‘one’ would say, constantly reading stuff like that, ‘to let the show die folks’, meaning OLTL. Someone wrote that, I forget who, and I’m quoting it. I think Scott is defending everyone to stay in the present with GH and not in the pass with OLTL. I know that U are loyal to both shows and mean no harm, because I’ve been talking to you and feel a sense of knowing you, even though we don’t really know one another, but we chat. U are light hearted and mean no harm, EVEN when you’re fighting back. It’s good to defend your position as long as everyone keeps it cool. U weren’t wrong in your defense, and U and Scott had a healthy debate, unlike some of the others on here. Say a prayer for me.
Best,
1loveabcsoaps
Renee and James have such a great brother-sister chemistry. I’ve enjoyed their relationship over these years immensely. I’m happy for Renee as she transitions into the next chapter of her life and thank her for 20 great years on DAYS, making history alongside James Reynolds.
I agree that the Lexie/EJ scenes have been very moving and well done. Lexie has been giving very poignant performances as she is coming to terms with a grim reality. I have always liked the Lexie/EJ brother/sister interactions. We will certainly miss Lexi (RJ). She has always been a bright star on Days. We wish her all the best. As it is a soap, we can always hope she will come back from the dead if she decides to come out of retirement, and of course if Days is still on. I realize she said she is doing this for personal reasons which is understanable, but you can help but wonder if she is making this decision now because she feels like the ‘days’ are numbered at Days.
Renee Jones is a talented actress who has certainly left her mark on daytime. I wish her all the best in her future endeavors whatever they may be.
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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