Days Of Our Lives
Does DAYS Will and Sonny's Youth, Locale & Domestic Stability Make Them The Most Important Couple On Soaps?
Courtesy/NBC
Days of our Lives Will (Guy Wilson) and Sonny (Freddie Smith) are now young-marrieds, seemingly financially sound, living in small town USA ( not a gay mecca such as Manhattan or Los Angeles, or San Francisco) with a solid sex life, and they basically are raising together Will’s bio-daughter Arianna.
Sans the latest storyline where Nick Fallon (Blake Berris) has just been murdered and the two young men being murder suspects , in a new Op-Ed column for Advocate.com, writer Jeremy Helligar explores why WilSon just might be the most important couple in soaps right now!
Helligar writes after comparing WilSon to other couples on DAYS: “If you’re asking the obvious question facing any solid couple – How do they do it? – consider another: How did a show with such strong religious and moral overtones, one with a priest as a romantic lead, one in which a main character was once possessed by Satan himself, one with a leading lady (Melissa Reeves, who plays Will’s aunt Jennifer Devereaux) who faced major backlash two years ago for supporting Chick-fil-A on Twitter, become arguably TV’s greatest champion of gay romance? …. What elevates Will and Sonny to groundbreaking status is their youth, their location (Smalltown, U.S.A., far from the coastal gay meccas of New York, Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco), and that their domestic stability (and sex life!) is so front-and-center on Days, which devoted three episodes in April to a gay wedding.”
Later in the piece Helligar illustrates WilSon and the current primetime dramas that have gay characters: “Young gays in modern dramas, though less overtly stereotypical than the ones in sitcoms (even Lafayette on True Blood has a significant masculine streak), tend to be more romantically challenged and often even more screwed up than the straight people around them. Over on Revenge, in the space of a half-season, we saw Patrick Osbourne, Virginia Grayson’s gay, long-lost son, murder two men, including his biological father. He and Mickey Milkovich on Shameless would make an excellent match if Patrick were to return from his apprenticeship in Italy and move to Chicago.
Two states down, on Nashville, gay country singer Will Lexington, whose shame over his sexuality made him suicidal, has married his beard, a fellow rising country star that he can’t get it up for in bed. Then there are the guys on Looking: They cruise in the park, cavort with gigolos, have threesomes and cheat on their boyfriends. They make Will and Sonny, who still only have eyes for each other, look like choir boys, the monogamous romantic equivalent, some might say, of “passing for straight.” Perhaps they’d take it further and criticize their union for being too closely modeled on traditional straight relationships. That’s an argument for another op-ed, but it doesn’t make “WilSon” any less of a valid representation of another gay reality, one that might be more inviting to young people who are struggling with coming out than anything we’ve seen on Looking.”
So, do you think Will and Sonny are illustrating that they are the most stable couple in soapdom? Would you like to see them knocked down a peg and not be so saintly? Even if one of the guys did murder Nick Fallon would it really tarnish their good guy images? Weigh-in below!
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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Gay or straight…sooner or later they will break up…without some angst in their life they will stagnate and become boring unless you can write them and make like Tom and Alice, Chris and Nancy or Mike and Nancy who did have some minor marriage difficulties but their marriages last many many years and never bored me…can Will and Sonny last as long…maybe but i doubt it…mho!!!
The three i mention just happen to be my favorite long lasting couples: Days Mickey and Maggie are my favorite Days couple together as well even if they did remarry(didnt Tom and Alice remarry)…Doug and Julie were daytimes best supercouple(even if they remarried as well)…imb!!!(in my book)…Sonny and Will would have to last just as long but they are very interesting…why cant other couples on all the soaps be written that way…?
I’m happy that the show has made Will and Sonny a stable couple.However eventually they will have to give Will and Sonny some problems to deal with as a couple and individuals.I’m not saying to break Will and Sonny up anytime soon but they need to be treated like any other couple.Plus the show could give them some real life issues to deal with.For example Will and Sonny could try to get a bigger place to live and run into bigotry.Plus with Gabi going Will and Sonny could run into problems raising Arianna Grace on their own.
I think they are a great couple and I root for them but I dont think they are the most important couple on daytime . Days is in solid standing on nbc and signed thru the very least for the next 3 years . ABC is the scary villain in the room that would love to drop the dominoes for soap operas. I think the most important couple on daytime is the soon to be epic love story of Carlos and Sabrina . It has so many twists and turns and finally put a latino couple front and center
I think the best thing that DAYS can do for gays and straights everywhere is to give Will and Sonny messed up lives like anybody else! Don’t treat them differently because they’re gay. Treat them like all soap couples. DON’T PLAY BY THE RULES OF LGBT! Play by soap rules! DAYS is a soap opera, not a soapbox!!!
You said it best, LOL..I agree with you 100%..If Will and Sonny stay together it will spell BORINGVILLE..All couples need challenges and slings/arrows thrown their ways to make them exciting.
I love will and sonny whatever they choose to do days is just a joy to watch for this story and for all the stories I just love days!!!!!!!!!
Will has sworn to never be like his mom, and if he stays the course that means Sonny is the one who will stray. I hope they do it with taste. 😉
I love Sonny and Will. This has been one of the best and most important storylines that Days has ever done. I was so glad and thrilled that they did a gay storyline. With that said, I want Sonny and Will to stay together but to keep drama going they will have to face challenges that couples face on soaps, but I want them to keep working it out as a couple .
There is absolutely nothing realistic about Will and Sonny. They are not indicative or representative of the gay community in any way. They are written as a straight couple. When people talk about “gay stereotypes” there is really no such thing. It is not wrong or a lie to depict a flamboyant effininate gay person on television because there are a lot of them out there. I know many gay people and none of them act like Will and Sonny. It is very hard to do an apt portrayal of the gay lifestyle on daytime t.v. though. It’s a little easier on cable. But it’s a soap opera and we don’t watch for reality. We watch for fantasy and escapism. Will and Sonny are the fairy tale romance that the gay community wants to see and to that end they succeed in what they are doing. If it helps DAYS ratings I say keep the fairy tale going strong!! Even though I fast forward through all of the Wilson scenes, I feel that Days is the one show that keeps romance alive with their other couples like Eric/Nicole, JJ/Paige, Jennifer/Daniel, even Sami and EJ if you can call that a romance. I wish the other soaps would remember that romance is what soaps were about when they were HUGE in the ratings. They weren’t about nearly incestuous intermingling like Bold and Beautiful. They weren’t about violence and villains running rampant like General Hospital.
Have to agree with Johnny on this one – they are not depicted in a realistic
manner. I take into account that it’s a soap, but they are at times a little sickeningly sweet. I realize that it’s important to show them in a positive light
and that they are role models in a way, but the writers, if they want to add some degree of realism, need to show one of them maybe catching the eye of a mysterious stranger in town or doing something not so Saintly. The fact that practically “the whole town” was in favor of their marriage is also, unfortunately, not terribly representative of Society’s overview in general, albeit it would be nice if that were true.
I completely agree.Maybe the show could introduce one of Sonny’s exes.I’m not saying to break up Will and Sonny but maybe through his ex we learn something about Sonny’s past that we didn’t know before and it doesn’t put Sonny in the best light either.Will has done things in his past he regrets.So the same could be said about Sonny.I also have no issue with the show keeping Will and Sonny a happy couple but they still have to give them problems and let them deal with them together.
So Noah and Luke weren’t young?
Kyle and Fish didn’t live in Smalltown, USA?
Bianca didn’t get married (even if that storyline was horribly handled)?
The fact that none of the other daytime soaps that paved the way for all the “groundbreaking” Days is apparently doing were mentioned is a bit ridiculous.
Agreed. It’s like calling Lucas-Brad-Felix the first gay triangle on soaps. Um, no. Kyle-Fish-Nick on OLTL. I guess soap fans have short memories.
I couldn’t agree more with this article. Although I do agree that Will and Sonny are not an accurate representation of the majority of gay couple’s or gay people in general’s lifestyle, their situation is one to aspire to. I’m 31 and have been with my same sex male partner for 10 years, we are now married and live a perfectly ‘normal’ life, we have straight friends and gay friends and most of our gay friends live quite different lifestyles to ours but my husband and I chose to live the way we live, I suppose you might call it ‘traditional’ married life and Wilson show others that they can too, not that I criticise the way others live their lives, each to their own, but it does annoy me that some people think that monogamy doesn’t exist in the gay world.
I find this daytime couple to be nauseating. I have not grown to like nu-Will. I’m not sure why, I just don’t care for the recast. I fast forward through most of their scenes. I feel the same way about Brady and Theresa. I can’t stand Theresa; and it’s not that I love to hate her; I just hate the character. No redeeming qualities whatsoever. Daniel and Jennifer are very boring. Daniel needs a really hot, sexy woman, not Jennifer. I really can’t wait to see Eileen Davidson as Kristen Dimera to return. I absolutely adore Kristen. I also love the character of Kate Roberts. The actress is incredibly beautiful and talented. I love her raw honesty.
I agree regarding Theresa, the writers are making her too “one dimensional” and not allowing any layers to be hinted at. What made her this way? She admits to being a bitch but we don’t know why. A flashback of a tormented childhood might give us some insight on why she’s so determined to be rotten to the core. I do notice on the show (and soaps in general) that people are either complete Saints (Jennifer) or completely bitchy and manipulative (Theresa) and few characters are a little of both.
As a gay man, I like the portrayal of WilSon as just a normal couple-not stereotypically flamboyant like so many other shows depict gay/bisexual men. Not that there is anything wrong with that, or that flamboyant gay/bi men don’t exist (they do), but I like also seeing manly gay/bi men, or just ‘normal’ gay/bi men, like me, who aren’t really overly flamboyant or overly masculine. I do like their marriage and them raising the child. However, the show does need to add some drama/spice into their relationship. As far as the positives go, they are being treated like any straight soap couple. The same needs to happen for the negatives. Not necessarily infidelity or anything that serious that splits them up, but some shocking secret about Sonny’s past being revealed, an interloper who wants to steal away Will (or Sonny) but has no reciprocated feelings, much like Chloe last year trying to get with Daniel. I know that next week, Will finds out Sonny knew about Gabi hiring Andrew, and that is sure to bring in some drama. Maybe have a relative of Sonny’s or Will’s disapprove of their sexual orientation.
Well as we now know there is trouble in the relationship since Will’s article came out. The fact that Sonny was able to help Will get his foot in the door for becoming a published author didn’t sit we with Will. I just hope he remembers all Sonny did for him and in fact, it was Will’s writing that got him the job, Sonny just held open a door for Will to go through. I want this couple to last. yes they will have problems but they will need to work through them like any other couple. They are an amazing couple and so sweet to watch. Will is a bit young acting at times. He is tempermental but cools when shown that he wasn’t right in what he assumed. Sonny can’t and isn’t always right but that is what makes them both so lovable…imo. So I say “Keep going guys. Remember what brought you together and let’s keep it together!”