Days Of Our Lives
OLTL's Bree Williamson & DAYS Peter Reckell named "Power Performances of the Week"!
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Picking up where we left off from last week’s choice for The Power Performance of the Week, (those honors were given to OLTL’s Melissa Archer and Michael Easton), we were on “Bree Williamson Watch” to check out this past Monday’s episode when Jessica, who is already rocked to the core upon her wedding ceremony being busted up, and then finding out her sister Natalie slept with her fiancée, Brody, would finally learn the rest of the secret Natalie has been hiding.
When Jessica learns that Natalie had Brody’s baby, not John’s, that would be the final straw that would break the camels back, sort of speak. In an amazing tour de force performance by one of daytime’s most celebrated young actress, Bree Williamson played the betrayal, frustration, shock and disbelief, and horror that her sister ruined what Jess had finally hoped would be a picture perfect life. After all, poor Jess has suffered through several bouts of DID, losing her last husband, Nash, and a baby. So now Jess, who has already found out that her night with Robert Ford (when she was out of her mind as a teenager thanks to her creepy dad, Mitch Laurence) produced her little bundle of joy, she then learns that her sister had the current love of her life, Brody’s baby! What ensued was a fantastic performance by Williamson, in particular in the showdown scenes with Archer. Who did not love it when she called her sister “a whore” or when she yanked the necklace from around Natalie’s neck and said, “You’re not my sister!” Then watching her become unhinged from there! And of course, we all knew who was about to pop out…Tess! As broken-hearted Jessica breaks into Foxy Roxy’s, who should be looking at her in the mirror but her psycho-alter. It was riveting drama. The drama also picked right back up on Tuesday’s episode when Jess and Tess had a confrontation of who will take over Jessica’s mind and deal with the miserable situation the girl finds herself in. For these reasons and more we happily name One Life to Live’s Bree Williamson one of this week’s choices for the Power Performance of the Week.
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Over in Salem, in a much more subtle and beautiful played performance, Days of our Lives, Peter Reckell showed viewers why he is one of the greatest all-time leading men of soap opera. In just a small amount of scenes, Reckell as Bo Brady showed the pain, heartache, grief, and deep love of a man who realizes how much he has missed his “Fancy Face”, Hope, played by Kristian Alfonso. Now, whether you are a Bope fan or a Carbo fan we are sure you can appreciate the sensitive portrayal of a couple trying to get past what drove them apart in the first place; the death of their young son, Zack. Reckell delivered without so much as uttering many words or long speeches! I dare you to not need to reach for the hankies as Hope talks about Zack and the dissolution of their marriage as a grief-stricken Bo listens on. Yes, the moments were fleeting, but hey, Oscars have been won for a performance of 8 minutes or less! For these reasons we are also happy to name Days of our Lives, Peter Reckell as our other choice for this week’s Power Performance of the Week. Watch the video clips of Bree Williamson’s Power Performance below and then check out Reckell’s!
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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Peter is the BEST!!!
I think Peter deserved power performance of the week for the Bo & Carly break up scenes. Bo crying over losing one woman he loves to be with another woman he loves…powerful. JMO
I totally agree with you. Peter thoroughly deserved Power Performance of the Week for Monday’s scenes. He was truly phenomenal. The emotion was so raw, so real and so natural. I teared up every time I watched them. So beautiful. So touching. Peter always gives 110% to his scenes but rarely gets the accolades he deserves.
I agree with your choice of Brees’ performance as the power one. She is an outstanding actress and these scenes quantified that. Wow!! That says it all..WOW!!..
I’m so glad to see Peter get the recognition he deserves. He has been giving us some very emotional scenes these last couple of weeks. Peter is awesome!
I agree, Peter is amazing, always is and imo never gets the true recognition he deserves for HIS work alone as an actor. Very emotional powerful performances from him the past few weeks. Peter takes you on a journey with Bo, and when Bo cries I cry.. and its heartfelt from him. Truly a remarkable actor!!!
Yes, thank you for recognizing Peter Reckells performance this week. When Hope brought up their dead son Zack, you could see the flood of emotion come over him. He struggled to keep it together. You could tell he felt that heartache, and he made me feel that heartache too! Made me tear up, and I don’t do that often.
That’s what it’s all about, making us feel something. Phenomenal job Peter!
I was wowed by Peter Reckell’s performance. Glad you were too. Little dialogue, lots of feeling. Another great performance from him. So nice to see him getting the appreciation he deserves.
It has been interesting to follow Peter Reckell’s promotion of this most recent storyline for Bope insofar as he repeatedly indicated that it was a Hope SL in which he was supporting. Interesting because as usual, this IMO undervalued actor stole the show. Not going to lie, this Carbo fan was blown away by the combined delivery of Crystal Chappell and Peter in both (err Wha?) Carbo ‘breakup’ moments but Peter’s emotional connection to the loss of Zack was something to behold. Not only one of Salem’s best but certainly arguably their most consistent. It is the main reason why this fan will continue to advocate for the show to invest in a Bo, Carly and Hope triangle. Peter Reckell. This show has written Bope into a box for years. There is much opportunity available to them with CC/Crystal back in the mix. Most particularly for Mr Reckell. This fan believes he absolutely deserves it.
Peter has had some wonderful performances of late (and is so often overlooked). The break up scenes with Crystal Chappell were really great, Peter was so wonderfully emotional and vulnerable. And then the scenes with Kristian Alfonso, as soon as Hope brought up Zach you could see the change in Peter. He really went to that place…it was heartbreaking. This man deserves so much more recognition, he is a fantastic actor.
Peter has and always brings his A+ game as Bo Brady. He has this wonderful energy that glows in every scene he is in…he has the power to elevate not only himself as an actor but those that are lucky to share scenes with him. This scene along with the Carly breaking up with him ones are very raw powerful emotions… as a viewer you cant help but be moved and fall in love with this bad boy with a heart of gold.
Peter Reckell’s performance was phenomenal – rarely do I get choked up (in a good way)watching Days anymore but this one got me big time! So glad I was not alone in appreciating Peter’s work.
Great choice going with Peter’s performance! He needs the material to showcase his talent because it is always there waiting to be utilized and he never disappoints. Glad to see they wrote him this opportunity and that you recognized his skill.
Thank you, Michael, for recognizing Peter for his performance for the week of February 19. Peter is, by far, one of the most under-appreciated actors on daytime television. His performances are raw and subtle … his talent endless.
Peter has always been great, has always been sexy and handsome but with age he gets better and better. I have always been frustrated about how underrated Peter’s talent has been by the mssm (mainstream soap press). Thank you for acknowledging the talent of the best leading man ever on daytime. Sure wish tptb at DAYS would acknowledge the talent and popularity of Peter and write a story centered on Bo.
The Peter Reckell and Kristian Alfonso scenes was great! They brought a few tears.
Peter always manages to deliver when given good material.
I have not watched very much Bree, but I’ll admit that these were likely among her better performances.
My question is, in ‘power performances,’ does ‘big, dramatic’ or ‘over the top’ trump ‘subtle yet powerful? Subtle, in my opinion, is better than big 99% of the time, because most actors tend to take it too far.
For example, before Florencia Lozano even says a word to Ted King at her door, her face and eyes already tell the story. Have you seen it? Her face is hurt little girl, the damaged woman she is, compassion, and anger with herself. These few seconds, in my opinion, are far better than most actors’ body of best work. Also, in going for ‘big,’ Téa’s ashes scene last year, in the hands of a less skilled actor, pretty much anyone, would have been over the top, but Florencia struck just the right chord.
I am not trying to take away from what was a strong performance by Bree Williamson, in the least, and I haven’t watched Days since it was revealed that Roman was John Black, so I really cannot speak to Peter Reckell’s performance at all.
I agree. Bree gets a nomination for the Emmy every year. She is very good at what she does, but is far from the OLTL A-list. Erika Slezak, Robin Strasser, Hillary B Smith, Susan Haskell, Kim Zimmer, and the often overlooked FLorencia Lozano. This was her year. I expected an Emmy. I am floored that she didn’t get a prenomination. What is going on over there?
It’s so great to see Peter Reckell is recognized for his amazing work. He deserves that so much as he’s so talented.
He’s the best and I agree with a statement above – when Peter cries, I cry. he always delivers. His performance is always true and believable and he can do both comedy and drama effortlessly.