Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Wally Kurth, Chandler Massey & Freddie Smith Deliver Gut-Wrenching ‘Power Performance of the Week”
This past week on Days of our Lives brought the tears and the drama tenfold, in one of the most riveting, don’t-miss-a-moment, weeks in recent history on any daytime drama series.
While unfortunately the show did not air on NBC during its regularly scheduled timeslots on all coasts (due to the President Donald Trump impeachment hearings) the episodes were available on NBC.com, the NBC app and on the Cozi TV network.
Photo: JPI
And this week we cannot sound-the-trumpets enough for three men; who gave us moments of heartache that will be remembered for some time to come, pulling out all the stops, and showing us why they remain three of the most popular and talented actors in our genre. So many people have been commenting on social media on the authenticity and realness of the performances (yes, it’s within soapy circumstances), but throughout made us feel their pain right along with them.
On DAYS, this was the week they went back in time to finally show the viewers how things ended up the way they currently are in the time jump that happened last November on-air. And in five “OMG” episodes, head writer Ron Carlivati and his team laid out for us how one fateful night, “Mother’s Day” changed the course of lives for so many in Salem.
Chief among them, Will (Chandler Massey) landing in prison for Adrienne’s (Judi Evans) death, when in fact, he was not the responsible party at all. But in these flashback episodes, Will’s relationship with his husband, Sonny (Freddie Smith), his father-in-law, Justin (Wally Kurth) is forever changed because he believed he was the one behind the wheel that caused the crash that ultimately took Adrienne’s life, and took Sonny’s mother from him … and Justin’s wife from him.
In the flashback to the horrible night: at the hospital, Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) has told Justin that Adrienne didn’t make it following the injury sustained to her head in the accident, and now Justin has to tell Sonny. He tearfully tells his son, “We lost her. Your mother’s dead!” As the men console each other and break down in each other’s arms, Will, who is there, and who was trying to tell Sonny his part in the accident, is horrified to learn Adrienne died. Kayla asks Justin and Sonny if they want to say goodbye to Adrienne. Sonny breaks down again at just the thought of it. And at this point, we are sure DAYS fans are reaching for the hankies.
Photo: JPI
While Will’s guilt is too much for him to bear, Justin and Sonny go say goodbye to Adrienne, It is here that it was almost too hard to watch, but we soap viewers can’t turn away. That’s because it was just an unbelievable raw performance from Freddie Smith; as a young man who has to say goodbye to the mother he loves and on Mother’s Day to boot. Then, Justin kisses Adrienne’s forehead, remembers the first time he saw her crying in a flashback, and in tears asks his beloved wife, how is he supposed to go on without her. In addition, Justin recalls proposing to Adrienne with Kayla there beside him trying to comfort him.
Courtesy.NBC
In the hospital waiting area, Will tries to talk to Sonny to tell him that he caused the accident. Will blurts out, “I killed your mother.” Sonny, who is so grief-stricken, cannot believe what Will is saying, but then Sonny learns Will was distracted when he was texting his mother Sami on Mother’s Day while in the car because he was so busy. (Yup, Will forgot to do it earlier in the day) Sonny lets Will have it with: “My mom is dead because you were texting?!” As Sonny’s grief and anger escalates, Justin walks in and learns Will caused Adrienne death and then lowers the boom on Will: “The love of my life is dead…because of you!”
Courtesy/NBC
And if all of this wasn’t enough to have you bawling your eyes out by now, it is punctuated by the ultra-sad moment where a defeated Will has to leave his husband and his father-in-law alone because they don’t want him there. Before he exits, Will turns to them and says, that he wishes it had been him who died in the crash, as tears stream down his face.
What powerful and effective performances by Wally Kurth, Chandler Massey, and Freddie Smith. And so, with all of that said, Michael Fairman TV names this trio the “Power Performance of the Week”.
What did you think of the key scenes in Adrienne’s death and the aftermath featuring Wally, Chandler and Freddie? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
And, for more with Chandler and some behind the scenes content of the car crash, and his thoughts on the storyline, check out his new interview feature posted on the DOOL app Friday night.
While it’s true that most people can watch on the app, it’s a shame that because of the advanced shooting schedule, DAYS cannot preempt episodes. These episodes won’t count towards ratings.
Haven’t read any updates on the contract renegotiations, which are a precursor to getting shooting up and running. As they have episodes through August already shot, the hiatus may go on for a bit.
My station is now showing Days at 12:00 p.m. instead of the usual 1:00 p.m., which is nice. Also on Cozi, but when you have the DVR set up to record DOOL, it doesn’t record DOOL when another show is listed. I had to manually set. I was watching via On Demand, which was nice, except I can’t fast forward through commercials.
Old Vic ain’t going to have a single friend or relative left on your side of Earth’s crust when the truth of all this unholy mess comes out.
Sure, you could understand the instinct to protect Maggie, but at Will’s expense, which by extension means at Sonny’s expense. And Justin’s. And then on top of that, to swap Brady’s living baby for Sarah’s dead one.
If they’re planning to kill Victor off (because John Aniston ain’t up to working anymore) they certainly aren’t leaving any shortage of murder suspects.
Will leaving days
No, Will is not leaving Days.
first and foremost hats off to days love the time jump and if you don’t you aren’t a real fan!everyone was aces this week!the flashbacks with wally and judy were amazing!let’s talk about someone who takes a lot of heat from fans i have never felt anything but positive about freddie smith but know haters have had things to say his performance in these episodes was stellar! gut wrenching and raw as he said goodbye to his mother once again days keep up the momentum you are on point
Last week was descent, but what about all the other weeks Ron has been in charge as head writer? Days is down a half million fans from last season and averaging below 1.9 right now. The fans of Ron love Ciara/Ben, Marlena/John, Jen/Jack, Eric/Nicole, Justin/Kayla and ratings are still dropping. Maybe he needs to shake it up and go against the fans that rave about him and listen to his people that are leaving in droves.
All were good performances, but let’s be honest the writing/editing/production during this time jump has been awful. Justin was OTT considering he just remarried Adrienne not long ago, after being divorced for cheating..we’ve already been set up that he started a relationship with one of Adrienne’s best friends/sister in law within 3 months and at 6 they were declaring love moving into together. So, didn’t fly. All the heavy dialogue repeatedly telling us how much Adrienne and Will loved each other, etc was ridiculous..
All of the performances were wonderful last week, but I really have to give a shout out to Freddie Smith. He put it all out there, and I was a sobbing mess right along with him. Kudos, Freddie. You knocked it out of the park!
Yes he sure did
I thought the three actors were phenomenal. Real tear jerking scenes. Bravo Wally Kurtz, Freddie Smith & Chandler Massey
At the end of the day (no pun intended), NBC/Sony needs to work with Ken Corday and fix these issues with Days of our Lives. The genre, on daytime network, is approaching its expiration. Network t.v. as a whole ratings are declining with all the streaming services, etc. You will not pull in enough younger demographic to off-set the loss of your overall numbers. For me (long time fan) it’s easy to take Days off DVR because the quality just isn’t good anymore. The time jump impacted so, much to include quality production, etc. A new writer not so, much into Sci-Fi and rinse/repeat triangles for angst maybe the way to go. All this week back showed, is that they should have stayed in the present and let the stories play out.
I agree..
The time just has messed this up..I still hope some one will waken up from a bad dream and have it back to normal where no one died
I believe Days made a huge mistake in killing off Adrienne. I used to be a huge Days fan, I was even an extra in the Bo and Hope wedding. I’ve just seen too many good characters get lost in the shuffle of the soap opera so I stopped watching it. The classic characters should remain on the show that is your life blood, but Days does not recognize that apparently, which is why I no longer watch the show. I’m sure Wally Kurth, Freddie Smith and Chandler Macy gave an outstanding performance, no doubt. But I feel that you need to keep your classic characters on the show as well. I think killing off Adrian, a.k.a. Judi Evans was totally wrong.
I shed lots of tears. Bravo!!! The guys knocked it out of the ballpark.
Their performance was outstandind better than some of these high paying actors great job
Such good episodes and acting. It’s a shame they have to be interrupted. Freddie really seemed to be distraught. I can’t believe that Maggie is to blame. And then the ripple effects with Victor and Xander switching the babies–Kristen killing Haley, JJ back on drugs, Brady and Kristen breaking up, etc.
I also feel so bad for Judi that Adrienne died especially with her son dying IRL.
I also enjoyed the flashbacks.
Best performance in the death scenes was Judy Evans.
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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‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
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