Days Of Our Lives
Huffington Post on DAYS WilSon: "The Presence, Power & Charm Of The Couple Cannot Be Denied!"
Courtesy/NBC
Who says WilSon are not one of soaps power couple these days? For those naysayers, look no further than a fantastic piece today in the Huffington Post from blogger Andrew Benkovic, who is not your avid soap viewer!
In fact, he relates that he never watched DAYS in his life, or more than a minute or two of a soap opera here and there in his life! So how does he know about WilSon played by Chandler Massey (Will) and Freddie Smith (Sonny)? See below!
Huff Post: “However, one day in-between watching random videos, I stumbled upon a clip of Will and Sonny on YouTube. I clicked on it. I didn’t care that they were a gay couple (at the time they were “friends” and weren’t the “Wilson” power couple. Will was going through a few issues). After the clip ended, I wanted to go back and watch the previous clips. Cue the loyal fans who had each clip in order from the very beginning. At the time they were primarily of Will, since Sonny was considered a recurring character and didn’t appear that much.
Watching the clips only took a few hours to go through since the storyline was newer. Since Days will soon be entering into its 48th season (it premiered in November), It would be nearly impossible to catch-up on everything, especially the older storylines. The younger storylines, like Will and Sonny’s help to draw in new and younger viewers. While I find myself confused at times with references and actions of some of the characters (or the fact that there is a random couch in the middle of a square and they drink an excessive amount of coffee), it is this storyline that keeps me grounded and watching.”
Later in the article Benkovic, closes with the following paragraph: “Whether or not the sand runs out on Will and Sonny is up to the writers and others involved. There is word (though not officially confirmed by the actor) that Massey doesn’t plan on returning to Salem after his contract runs out this December. Still, fans can currently enjoy the ups-and-downs of one of (if not the biggest) daytime television power couple. Even if you are not a fan of Days of our Lives or soaps in general, the presence, power, and charm of the couple cannot be denied.”
So soap fans, do you think WilSon are one of soaps power couples these days? Do you think the characters are well-written? Do you love the on-screen chemistry between Chandler and Freddie? What do you think DAYS should do with the couple, if as had been noted, Chandler leaves the series in December? Weigh-in!
The one thing I hope they do NOT do….as I read somewhere a rumor that Camila Banus may also be leaving….is have Will & Gabi exit as a couple with the baby. It would be a huge slap in the face to the Will & Sonny fans as well as to the gay community.
I would rather see Will exit in one of the tried & true soap machinations, a coma or just disappear at the hands of Stefano. This leaves the door open if Chandler should ever want to return or a recast in the future (though Ken Corday has said the role would not be).
Since Days has done such a great job of writing for a gay couple it would be a shame if they also wrote off Sonny. I would rather see him move on after a period of time with someone new (hopefully, in a longer time period then they have had Jennifer jump into Daniel’s arms again).
WilSon? who comes up with these stupid names?!
I AM glad to see that this awesome couple is getting such great recognition. Both actors are awesome and they’re a huge reason why I continue to watch this show.
There were limited choices with this pair…Winny, Sill. I would have gone with Soil.
I would just choose Will & Sonny.
makes me think of that singing group Wilson Phillips…
haha! I hate when magazines and media put two people together in a name. It’s so lame!
Oh, I despise those horrible nicknames people come up with. SOD just had an entire crossword puzzle filled with them. Needless to say, I did a lousy job filling them in..haha.
Amen to that!
Great characters and great actors. I hope they can find a way to keep Chandler.
Oh man, me TOO!!! He’s my favorite on Days!!! Give that kid the world and keep him 🙂
I will be glad when the gay stuff is over and we can get back to normal romance and such.
I’m sorry, but Wilson is a normal couple. More so than any other couple on Days actually.
Troll.
i love the gay storyline on days. j the gay stuff is normal if you dont like it. dont watch days. days made the right decision. in will coming out. days ratings are up.
‘normal’ romance. “?”.
two men kissing…. two men in Love… two men sexual…. two men with the same ideals… two men with the same challenges…. two men doing…. what you know is channeling our own piece of the pie.
Wow! Yikes! Yahoo! shout from the roof tops…
I love my life. on DAYS.
If they write out Sonny when Will leaves that means only a small step was achieved in soaps regarding the gay community. Having the ” gay couple” shouldn’t be the story line, the story line is the romance between two characters who happen to be gay. If Sonny stays and has to to through a broken heart, his mother’s I told you so and then finds love again, I will be relieved. It would mean they are treating Sonny like any straight couple on the show that suffers a similar fate when one half of the couple leaves– then we will know Days has integrated the gay community into the fabric of humanity. If Sonny leaves with Will and there is no longer any characters who are also homosexual then Days has only use homosexuality as a plot point, which is only appearing progressive–which is better than nothing, but not the step forward some were hoping for.
I totally agree. Freddie should be given the chance to shine once CM leaves.
ditto… @both… with.
I hope they don’t squander Freddie Smith’ acting talent.
I’m in a quandry about what is to become.
I agree with you MarySF… that they continue on with Freddie Smith. I posted, perhaps this will enliven Sonny & Brian? course i’d love it if T would come back full time as well.
I’m more championing that DAYS has the cast to cull from… and not look at this as such a big void…. AND IT WILL BE. especially, when you look at it from the standpoint… ie: Marlena – Sammi – Will – Arianna grace… all the history that belong in Salem.
I was remiss in my boistrous “claim” that I can let go of Will… ie: because of the supreme court rulings with Prop. 8 and DOMA… NBC/Sony/Days… deserve all the accolades… in bringing to ALL of us… hey… that’s a headline… major coupe… “one of (if not the biggest) daytime television power couple…”
I will echo how good this has all turned out.
I love this couple.
How awesome that this is on the Huffington Post site? Wilson are bringing wonderful attention to the show as well as accolades from fans and critics alike. They are just another bright spot in a really well written and produced show right now, and I hope the writer gets to experience how fantastic the whole show is. Keep this great stuff coming!! Write it, and they will come!!
right now… i’m looking at it… that Will is working till december… 6 more months… and knowing that DAYS films 4 months in advance… that we’ll have Will on air for close to 10 months to a year left…
so… KUDOS DAYS… GIVE US more GAY story….
an in love couple.
Great to see this great couple getting some outside soap world media attention!
lol…hey, i mentioned that couch in the square first. And for being outdoors, its in better shape than the one in my living room.
if chandler leaves days of our lives. they should recast him with drew garret ex michael corinthos gh. he would make a great will horton.
Inspired choice! Chandler will be tough to replace, but Drew was really strong in his role. While I’m on the fence about a recast (just because I’m still in denial that Chandler would leave 🙁 !!!) I think that could definitely work.
according to the Corday interview… he is saying… right now… currently… that they will not re-cast Will.
for Freddie Smith sake….unless they bring back Brian…..
A gaping hole in the history of family drama will be unfilled. Such a beloved character…regardless of whether he is gay or not… is voided… out… so? I can see how they should recast…
capturing the magic… DANG! how blessed I am that this soap scored a coupe and ratings gold…. to contribute solid story for the whole production.
I have not watched much of Will and Sonny. I only hope that the HW and EP of DOOL are not stupid like CG and JP of ATWT; and write an ending for Will and Sonny like the horrendous endings of Luke and Reid, and Luke and Noah.
As a fan of the late ATWT, I can promise you Wilson are going infinitely better than either of Luke’s romantic partners. Both had tension and build up, with very little work within the relationships themselves. Wilson are in a full fledged relationship, with story, airtime and a portrayal like any other romantic relationship on the show. Try it, and see what you think. Watch clips from 2012 and move forward to present day. You might like what you see :).
My gut has been telling to watch Wilson for a long time but my heart and mind are holding me back. I invested my time faithfully with NUKE and LURE SLs on ATWT like many viewers; only to be slapped in the face with atrocious endings for both. At that time I decided not to watch any more gay SLs because they always end on sad notes. I have not seen a single North American show were gay and lesbian SLs are given equal footage and treatment. Even QAF mucked up the BRITIN ending; however, it was much better than the NUKE and LURE endings. But if DOOL is giving WILSON equal treatment, then that’s wonderful.
I can’t promise Wilson will end “well”, but I can say with pretty much certainty that Chandler Massey’s Will will not be killed off when the actor vacates the role in December (which we won’t see on air until March/April 2014). I don’t know if knowing this information now, if you didn’t already, will make you any more inclined to watch the show or follow the couple or help you decide once and for all that you won’t invest. But I can also (almost) promise that if you watch what they have done with and for this couple, and the character of Will in general (for Will himself probably since the fall of 2011 actually since that’s when problems with his girlfriend Gabi first arose and the wheels started turning in another direction), you won’t be disappointed. I can only hope for all us fans that they continue to take us on this beautiful journey they’ve had us on and that however it ends, they keep the couple’s history in mind and do their goodbye justice.
I understand where you’re coming from though. I don’t usually get attached to too many couples on any show, but your explanation is exactly why I seldom if ever watch primetime dramas anymore because they get cancelled so easily and then you’re left with a crappy ending the show was never meant to have. I can relate to your sentiments in that sense.
On a side note though, if you haven’t already try Six Feet Under. One of the main characters is gay and has a relationship with another man in particular that’s his “it” guy we root for. I mean, their story goes to pretty….uh….interesting places but no more whacked than the other couples/relationships on the show. I never watched QAF but I think I can say this may be what you’re looking for…?
Chandler and Freddie are excellent actors. I am happy for Chandler receiving two Emmys for his work on the show. But I am not a fan of the gay storyline. I never wanted any character on the show to be gay, especially Will Horton.
I don’t enjoy the gay love scenes. I either look away from the tv screen or close my eyes so I don’t see it. It is pretty annoying to have to do that.
I introduced my Mom to Days. She has never watched any soap before. Days is growing on her, but the other day there was a Wilson love scene and Mom said, “This has got to go!”
Chandler will be missed when he leaves Days in December. But his departure may be a gift for those of us who are not fans of gay love scenes. I don’t want Chandler to go. But if it means I don’t have to put up with that gay crap…at least for a while (I am sure NBC will want it back in again), HALLELUJAH!
SEX.
Intimacy.
pull off your blinders.
embrace LOVE.
—————–
I celebrate, stand with, and voice… Homosexuality… which, is normal…. and more than ‘gay crap’.
open your eyes and know you see the same things that we are all created like.
I said “crap”. I meant “crap”. And I will NOT take it back!
Your words are unkind, thoughtless and offensive – you could at least say “that particular storyline doesn’t interest me” and not refer to it as “gay crap” – after all, EVERY storyline isn’t going to appeal to EVERY viewer ~ if you don’t care for it, don’t watch it.
Chandler first of all certainly earned his two Emmys. He is just fantastic and I love his heart. Freddie is good too but needs more exposure to acting to sell some of the scenes which is hard when you are working with Chandler. I wish Will wasn’t leaving but I hope Sonny gets a good storyline with a new acquaintance. Good luck to both of you.
huffington post seems to only report on day soaps if it’s abt gay issues like w/ missy reeves’ opinion on chik fil a. Stupid huffington post has no credibility. It has sections called lgbt voices and African american voices and Latino american voices. But of course it has no section called Asian american voices yet lgbt population is much smaller than Asian american population. Typical bec media never prioritizes Asian american issues. huffington post reports on a fictional days couple but won’t write any article on the blatant racism directed at chris noth bec his wife’s part African american and part Asian american. Yet chris noth is more well known than days actors bec noth was on night soap opera satc. huffington post writes abt a gay couple yet won’t write abt the complete lack of Asian american chars on every day soap opera!
There have been, through the years, a representation of Asian Americans on various soaps, but certainly not in abundance. I can understand your comments and perhaps, as more shows migrate to an On-line presentation, more characters will be introduced featuring varying backgrounds of ethnicity. Soaps have an uncanny way of showing us primarily thin, attractive people – it is rare that a soap character seems to have a weight problem or is hopelessly considered unattractive. So, I don’t think we should really expect the soaps to honestly reflect actual every day life, but I do think that they could expand on showing cultural differences and offer a broader range of ethnic groups.
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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