Days Of Our Lives
Susan Banks Returns To DAYS! What Were Your First Impressions?
Courtesy/NBC
Let’s not be, “MEAN, MEAN, MEAN!” On yesterday’s episode of NBC’s Days of our Lives, finally Daytime Emmy winner Eileen Davidson reprised her role of Susan Banks, the mother of EJ DiMera (James Scott), and the woman who Stefano (Joe Mascolo) and Kristen used to be a Kristen-lookalike to trap John into marriage!
Now in September2014, Susan shows up on EJ’s doorstep, and he just doesn’t know what to make of her return to Salem or what to do with her around! Especially, when she kind of lets him know she is not to keen on Sami (Alison Sweeney)! Susan says she feels that something bad is going to happen to her son and came to warn him and bring him back to England with her and Edmund! After EJ tells her that he is not leaving Sami behind, Susan says she can come with them.
But what is the ominous feeling that Susan has? Could this help facilitate the final exit of EJ as played by James Scott? And let’s not forget: on today’s episode Susan will come face to face with her arch nemesis Kristen! Raise your hands, if you can’t wait to see Eileen Davidson play against herself on-screen!
So, what did you think of the 2014 rendition of Susan Banks? Share your thoughts below and watch a video review of yesterday’s DAYS after the jump featuring Susan’s entrance!
A tad bit too GH style campiness but still somewhat fun to watch and does add much needed humor to the show…yes, i believe Susans Banks return is related to the departure of E.J. and Sami…it should be fun to watch Eileen confront herself as Susan and Kristen…maybe theyll switch places and Kristen leaves town as Susan and Susan as Kristen is given a drug not to remember who she really is and eventually gets in trouble for something the real Kristen has done…just a thought!…P.S.,…I smell emmy nomination next year!!!
You can never have too much camp on a soap. That’s what I tune in for!
I agree with you about your comment re: General Hospital. I am growing very tired of General Hospital these days-which is sad, because I have watched since the early ’80’s. I do love Susan Banks. I think she will be enjoyable in this short story arc. I absolutely love Eileen Davidson-so talented! I was thrilled that she won an Emmy this past year-most deserved! I wish that she would stay longer on DOOL!
Emmy Nod for sure next year and I DO believe Kristen and Susan will have a major face off soon, that is a given!! Like you said Jimh, campy but fun to watch!!
It was a better memory than to see Susan again. Actually, it was sophomoric and really bad for all involved. Awful. Send her back to London immediately.
Hi Ruby…we must have seen a different Days because Eileen as Susan was incredibly entertaining. IMO. It is called comedic relief which was so desperately needed after all the dramatic goings-on ad nauseam.
Davidson plays three different women on two different shows…that’s a lot of masks to interchange. She assumes three different personalities without missing a beat, and she keeps it all aligned…what a chameleon…WOW !!!!
CeeCee: You are right about Eileen! The three characters that she portrays are very different. Ashley is a heroine. Kristen is multi-dimensional-emotional, vulnerable, broken, with evil all rolled up into one. Susan has a child-like innocence who loves her son with her whole heart and admires her friend “Dr. Marlena Evans.” I watched the episode three times. I could not stop laughing! I just love Eileen!
Totally agree with you Ruby…..it was so painful to watch I just had to fast forward past all the scenes with Susan
Love Susan banks. Kiddos to Eileen Davidson
I had to keep rewinding Susan’s scenes because I thought she was hilarious! I love Susan’s awkward demeanor and mannerisms. Honestly, I just love Eileen Davidson!
I’m a fairly new watcher, but even I recognized her as the same actress who plays Kristen – the Billy Bob teeth and the 8 Dollar dark wig and dime store glasses didn’t get past me – cute, sort of funny – I guess. The show does need some humor that’s for sure. Plus, it’s almost in time for Halloween.
I thought they should have made her age a little. It was too lame to bring her back exactly like she was before. Give her a little gray hair or something.
They could have found a better wig for her, one that wasn’t so obviously fake– but aside from that it was nice to finally see EJ with his mother—not sure what all this danger stuff is that she is speaking about but we will have to assume this is the way EJ will be taken off canvas. Looking forward to dual roles scenes today.
Hey, Mary. I suppose one can call it a mother’s intuition. Susan senses, or more aptly, smells danger for her son. You are correct, IMO , that her appearance is to escort EJ out of Salem.
I also believe that the danger will come directly from Clyde, the Hyde.
Eileen Davidson can do no wrong imo. This woman is on 3 different network shows, playing 18,000 different characters!!! She is wonderful!!
Hilarious
Why in the world do they use Eileen Davidson in this role?? “Susan” looks so much like Kristen that it’s distracting and embarrassing. Is it supposed to be funny?
Hi Betsy, Several years ago, Susan was hired by Stefano because she looks like Kristen. Susan’s job was to give birth to EJ so Kristen could fake her pregnancy by John and pass Susan’s child off as the son of Kristen and John. Susan studied Kristen’s walk and talk and had special Kristen teeth and had her hair dyed.
Susan fell for John and posed as Kristen whom she locked in a secret room where Marlena was held prisoner by Kristen. Susan was found out at the Kristen (really Susan) wedding where her teeth flew through the air!
It is supposed to be funny and sometimes serious and almost always seriously funny!!!
If you wanted to, you can google Susan Banks or any other character and learn so much more than I can tell you.
I hope you become a fan of DAYS if you aren’t already!!!
Thank you, 4ever. I did as you suggested to Betsy on Monday. I have been watching for 6 years, so I am not too familiar with Susan either; except for what my Mom and Gran re-tell me. Davidson is such a great actress and her portrayal of herself as Susan is hilariously to die for. That voice….those squinty eyes and facial expressions….Those teeth…haha !!
All in all I give them credit for taking something that had become totally boring EJ and Sami and bring wonderful humor back into the situation….Days has totally forgot about humor for way to long! Susan was a perfect way to give some of it back, and still keep the important stories happening with her premonition of Evil in the house.
It’s funny-I find EJ and Sami boring, too-I’ve never been a fan of the pairing. I always liked EJ and Nicole (I find Eric and Nicole very boring). I think that Daniel and Kristen have some spark, too…
I was pleasantly surprised that the current Days writers, who write the show in such a boring and un-dramatic way, were able to capture the essence of Susan Banks and the Reilly era. I was impressed! Hats off the dialogue writer for these episodes, not to mention Eileen Davidson for delivering a terrific performance. She deserves another Emmy because these episodes showed how she can play someone so completely different from Kristen.
I loved seeing the Marlena/Susan friendship again. Deidre Hall was radiant in those scenes, and I love how she and Eileen have such different chemistry when playing friends! Alison Sweeney played Sami in a natural way that usually only comes across in scenes with Lucas. And James Scott was also good at EJ. He’s a little embarrassed by his mother (aren’t we all at some point?), but deep down he loves her dearly. The Kristen/Susan faceoff was exciting and I was surprised Days had the budget to do a split-screen and show them in the same shot! And they had Susan and Kristen change positions in a scene! Wow! The writers also remembered all the great character things about Susan, like “mean, mean, mean”, “Kris-TAN”, “vampires, pork rinds, and her crush on John! I love that Susan carries a photo of her wedding to John in her purse at all times! I am on such a “Susan high” right now. Days did a great job with this, and I am very surprised to be giving Tomsell kudos considering they’ve made such a mess of this show.
I was laughing so hard watching this episode-“evil, evil, evil,” “mean, mean, mean,” “Kris-tan,” and then whenever she pulled out the garlic, I think I howled! Loved when Kristen called Stefano and he called her a “piece of lint.” I just love Susan’s mannerisms. She cracks me up! Way to go, Eileen!
So glad to see Susan again. Although it felt like something was missing in the portrayal. I don’t know what. Guess I’d have to see some old Susan scenes to know. Maybe it’s because it’s just been a while.
I was thinking that her return might be to help ease EJami out of Salem.
Eileen Davidson can sure play that role!
HA-LARIOUS!
I have been waiting for the day that Eileen would play Susan opposite her grown up baby boy EJ. James looked like he was biting anything in his mouth just to keep himself from laughing.
I love that DAYS sticks to good old fashion, down to earth drama, but intersperses these moments that bring the levity. The weed donuts were one, a while back their 4th of July Oscar movie episode was another. It’s not farcical, just some special, bright moments.
These scenes were great. I was thoroughly entertained. I’m glad DAYS took advantage of having Susan while Eileen (and James!) were still on and available!
That “good old fashion, down to earth drama” drove this viewer away. I grew up on high drama and melodrama like Carly Buried Alive, Marlena’s Possession, Gina/Hope, etc. Days in its current incarnation is broken and boring. It no longer appeals to me.
It stings seeing Days as an imitation of a CBS soap instead of embracing its identity as a Gothic, supercouple soap.
I can see why you might say that. I can’t disagree that it’s a vastly different show than it was under James Reilly. But I would argue DAYS is no where near as, pardon me, stuffy as YR or repetitive with one storyline as B&B. It still maintains the DAYS quality, without being as theatrical and exaggerated as it used to be. It’s a matter of taste, but I’m very happy with the balance of mostly smart drama and romance, peppered with some light moments when we don’t expect it.
I’m not sure how the cast and Eileen herself were able to keep a straight face! I was laughing so hard when Susan went to University Hospital (and her interaction with the Maxine).
Jules, it’s great that you’re happy with the current Days, but I have been driven away from my formerly-favorite soap and it hurts. It makes me very unhappy to see the mess it’s become.
alistaircrane: I feel that way with General Hospital. It’s unfortunate, but I think that it has lost its core and balance. Days, I think-is back on track. What characters, parts, or storylines are you unhappy with? I like most of the characters and storylines. I don’t care much for Theresa, and I think that the storyline involving Eve is a waste of Kassie DePaiva’s talents. But, I do love Kristen; I think Nicole is hilarious, love Kate’s fashion, like Hope and Jennifer’s friendship, and I love Victor’s one-liners.
Can never get enough Susan – great to see her back. Too bad Vivian and Ivan are gone – those 3 were always hilarious together!
I don’t watch Days regularly anymore but I do greatly appreciate moments like these!
Eileen is just great! yeah its a crazy character but Eileen nailed it regardless….
Brilliant work by Davidson, per usual. She always gives 100% as her kooky alter egos. Humor (which is not the same as camp, look it up) and daytime soaps go way, way back, long before Kristen DiMera appeared. Characters and scenes played for laughs give the show balance.
DISGUSTING~! Why portray her as such a dolt with a BIG problem – did not fit the show
I dissagree Eileen Davidson played such a great character, the Susan thing is just Hilarious why wouldnt everyone not like Susan!!!
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?
Next week, expected surprises and schemes on Days of our Lives. In official spoilers for episodes streaming on Peacock from October 5-9, it looks like Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) has hunted down a very much alive Sophia Choi (Rachel Boyd), while Marlena (Deidre Hall) admits a deeply concerning confession to her daughter Belle (Martha Madison), and more.
As previously reported, Tajh Bellow (ex-TJ Ashford, General Hospital) is stepping in for one day for Tyler Joseph Andrews in the role of Theo Carver and will share scenes with Gabi (Cherie Jimenez), where Theo finally agrees to go along with Gabi’s plan, after she offered him a job.
Meanwhile, Gabi may have her hands full with Philip (John-Paul Lavoisier) whose big win in Monte Carlo may have sparked his gambling addiction … all over again, but Philip reveals her has a plan.
Photo: Corday Productions
Sydney (Sydney Malekeh) is in for a shock when Dante (Franco LoPresti) arrives in Salem. Why is he in Salem? Is he part of the unraveling of the Dominic Marino mystery, since we know he seemed like he was talking to the man in Monte Carlo?
Will Marlena ever figure out what Rita (Maggie Carney) is hiding about the mystery of Dominic, and if Marlena is truly his birth mother or did something more suspicious go on and how deeply involved is Rita in this whole story?
EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) finally demands answers of his own from Rita after overhearing on today’s Cliffhanger Friday her conversation with Marlena. Will Rita cop to anything?
Then as noted, while everyone thinks Sophia took her own life, after Kristen “murdered” her, Kristen is infuriated to find she is somehow alive working as waitress in a diner in Kentucky. Will Kristen try to kill Sophia yet again?
Take a look at some of the additional spoilers for next week’s action on DAYS below.
Monday, October 5
Joy worries about her future.
Alex surprises Stephanie.
Chanel supports Johnny through a difficult decision.
Tuesday, October 6
Rachel gives Brady cause for concern.
Roman surprises Kate.
Wednesday, October 7
Leo’s good day takes an unexpected turn.
Brady is forced to make a difficult call.
Thursday, October 8
Paulina refuses to give up on Lani.
Chanel asks Johnny for a promise.
Friday, October 9
Stephanie and Alex steal a private moment.
Steve gets troubling news from Johnny.
So, what do you think will happen when Kristen finds that the woman she thought she murdered and framed (making it looking like a suicide) is alive and well and working in a diner far away from Salem? Was Rita more involved with Stefano DiMera than we even know? Who is the birth mother of Dominic? Is it really Marlena or did someone else carrying her child? And what of Dante? Why is he back in Salem? To get at Philip, or something else? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
After an earlier post on Thursday, October 1 about General Hospital alumni Tajh Bellow’s (ex-TJ Ashford) upcoming project from Issa Rae’s HOOPAE Digital, comes word that Bellow is temporarily stepping into the role of Days of our Lives Theo Carver to fill in for Tyler Joseph Andrews on the Peacock streaming soap opera.
According to TV Insider, Bellow will be making a one-day appearance next week on the October 6 episode of DAYS as Andrews was unable to make the tape date that was shot 10 months ago on a day last December. Andrews (pictured below) took over the role of Theo in September of 2025.
In Bellow’s upcoming episode as Theo, he will share scenes with Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez). A DAYS spokesperson tells the outlet that Bellow “stepped seamlessly into the role, and the cast and crew were grateful for his professionalism and commitment, albeit for only one episode.”
Photo: JPI
TAJH WILL BE SEEN IN MULTIPLE PROJECTS IN OCTOBER
As General Hospital fans know, Tajh played the role of TJ Ashford from 2018 to his last appearance in December of 2024. Along the way, he received two Daytime Emmy nominations for his performances as TJ, the last being in 2025 in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
In addition, bellow along with Y&R alum Loren Lott will be seen starting on October 14 in the new Love Island spoof series, The Compatibility Experiment. The show will drop exclusively on TikTok and the PineDrama platform.
The Compatibility Experiment gives a satirical look at reality dating shows, think Love Island! The story centers around Kelvin (Bellow) and Camila (Lott), whose relationship is put to the test when they join a reality show to try to win a the million dollar prize.
So, what do you think of Tajh stepping in for Tyler Joseph Andrews as Theo on DAYS? Perhaps, the soap opera liked his work that he might be considered for another role in the future bringing Bellow back to the soaps? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
Four cast members are officially on contract at Days of our Lives, according to the soap opera’s closing credits on Peacock and longtime Days expert and historian Jason 47.
Lauren Koslow (Kate), Sydney Malakeh (Sydney), Sal Stowers (Lani) and Jacob Martinez (Javi) are the names that appear in the closing credits in the contracted cast members section. Days of our Lives fans also note that the series tapes ten months in advance of streaming episodes.
As Days of our Lives fans know, Lauren Koslow has played Kate Roberts since 1996, and recently filled-in for Jess Walton in the role of Jill Abbott on The Young and the Restless when Walton was unable to travel from Oregon to Los Angeles during the specific tape dates. But now, Koslow has been re-upped to contract status as of the September 8 episode.
Photo: JPI
SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED
Sydney Malakeh is the newest member of the contract players when she debuted on contract status on the September 10th episode. Days fans first met Sami (Alison Sweeney) and EJ’s (Dan Feuerriegel) daughter in scenes in Monte Carlo around a gambling table.
As for Sal Stowers, the actress had been on contract from 2015-2022, then on recurring status with the soap, and would make appearances and limited runs since 2023. Soap fans first saw Sal as Cassandra Foster on Prospect Park’s revival of All My Children in 2013. Sal’s first new contracted episode was noted to be September 16.
Jacob Martinez, debuted on June 30 of this year as the successor to Al Calderon in the role of Javi Hernandez, and has now been bumped up to series regular as of the September 10 episode.
Photo: JPI
CREDITS
According to the referenced posting from Days of our Lives expert and historian Jason 47, he shared, “It took me four weeks to realize, but the same week that Sydney Malakeh (Sydney) debuted (9/7-9/11), “Days” also put Lauren Koslow (Kate), Jacob Richard Martinez (Javi) and Sal Stowers (Lani) on contract.”
Jason47 added, “This confirms the “errors” of Lani being listed in the credits the week of 9/7 but not appearing, and Kate and Javi appearing in the credits the week of 9/14 but not appearing. It also now makes sense why Javi and Sydney are being listed before Rafe and Philip in the credits.”
He also shared, “For the record, Lauren Koslow’s first date back on contract was 9/8, Jacob Richard Martinez was upped to contract on 9/10, Sydney Malakeh debuted on contract 9/10 and Sal Stowers’ first date back on contract was 9/16. The records will be fixed on the website in the coming days.”
So, glad to hear Lauren, Sydney, Sal and Jacob appear to be on contract with Days of our Lives (as of these episode airings)? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children ‘Knew?
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?
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