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With all of the controversy going on nowadays about what is the right direction for DAYS and soaps in general, it got me to thinking about how soaps are much different than they were even a few years ago. With the highest ranking soaps not breaking 4.0 recently, it reminds me that once upon a time those same soaps would be cancelled with ratings like that. Top soaps were closer to 20.0, and a few years later, 10.0, and let's face it, viewership is down for all of the soaps. There are many reasons being bandied about for that including that soaps lost lots of viewers during the O.J. Simpson trial, and people never came back; there are more women in the workforce and who has time for soaps?
Whatever the reason, I'm sure all of us have fond memories of a particular time on DAYS that we enjoyed the most. I've been watching DAYS since almost it's very beginning when I'd run home from school(called junior high then, but I believe it's called middle school now) and plop in front of the tv to watch Dr. Tom and Alice talk over what was the latest things happening in their children and grandchildrens lives. One of my favorite storylines was one of their earliest, the triangle with Susan Hunter/David Martin/and Julie Olson, a trio of teenage friends who each had troubled lives at home and whose parents seemed to have neglected them in one way or another. It got even more interesting when the innocent Susan got pregnant by Julie's boyfriend, David, after an unintentional one night encounter between the two, and an understanding Julie, proposed that the couple marry for a brief period of time to give the baby a name. Well needless to say, things didn't happen the way they planned, and former friends became lifetime enemies from this storyline that caused a ripple effect that forever changed the directions of these young peoples lives as well as those around them and provided more storyline fodder for years to come.
Another of my favorite storylines, was Marlena's possession. Yeah, I know it wasn't everybody's cup of tea, but it truly was a great, intricately plotted storyline and one that changed soaps forever, too. One didn't know it at the time, but the seeds for that storyline were planted at least 2 years prior to everyone in Salem becoming aware that "the Devil made her do it". From the time when Marlena chose to stay with the real Roman rather than the man known as John Black, and when John sat on a park bench looking sadly about for another lonely Christmas, and that "homeless vagrant" told John that he wouldn't be lonely next year and things were going to be different for him, little did he know that he was talking to an angel and that he was fortelling that John was really a man of God (even though it was again rewritten years later that he was only pretending to be a priest), this was the beginning of a storyline that had never been done before in soaps (aside from "Dark Shadows", which was a gothic soap not like other shows in the first place). Who knew that a year later it would be Marlena standing in Salem Place burning down the Christmas tree with all of the childrens' presents underneath, her yellow eyes gleaming in satisfaction? It was priceless, and it was a story that everybody remembered, for better or for worse.
What are some of your favorite storylines of all time on DAYS? And why?
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May 1, 2008 8:28 PM
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I have two favorite stories. The first one is Julie and Doug's love story. She was a very young single mother and he was an ex-con who had been in prison with her Uncle Bill. Doug came to town to swindle and continue his nefarious ways, but instead fell madly in love with this much younger and drop dead gorgeous woman. However, Julie was as much of a schemer as Sami ever could be, so was her mother Addie. This caused problems. Then the neglectful mother became the stealer of all things, including the love of Julie's live - Doug, when Addie tricked him into marrying her. As much as I loved Julie and Doug together (and they did find there way back to each other) I hated having Addie as an interloper. However, it gave us Hope, so it ended up to be a good part of the story too. She also apologized to her daughter and became a better woman. It just goes to show you that sometimes what you think you won't like - turns out to be okay in the end.
My other favorite was the redemption of Jack through Jennifer's love. He has been such a jerk - and worse than that. But along came this sweet and wonderful girl who changed him forever. It was long, involved, it didn't run smooth - but I always knew in the end they would be together. The onscreen chemistry of Matt Ashford and Melissa Reeves is remarkable and rivals any other soap couple there ever has been. Jack went from someone I hated to my favorite soap character of all time. He's funny, heart breaking, annoying, sweet and loving all rolled into one.
There have been two stories that drove me from Days for a while. I won't go into those here. But like you I've watched since the beginning. It seems like such a part of my life.
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May 1, 2008 11:54 PM
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Thanks for this post, btw. It really made me think. I've been looking at some of my opinions on the show lately and am coming to the conclusion I need to remember a couple of things. One is - in the past, when I was upset about a story going a certain way, it often was just a method to turn it all around another direction and didn't mean the end of all things. Secondly, a good story is a good story and these are just characters, not the real people.
The show today, Friday, May 2, was phenomenal in my opinion. I just want more shows like this week. Tamara Braun is incredible. Alison Sweeney and James Scott do have chemistry. With Nicole back and Lucas soon to be back - it can only get better IMO. We all need to let it go and enjoy the ride a bit more - again that is just my opinion.
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May 2, 2008 2:08 PM
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Sounds like I need to watch Friday's episode...
Of all time...hmm...got to be Jack and Jennifer (before they were married) and Philip and Chloe. I also liked Isabella and John and I will never forget Marlena's possession.
I am thinking though that this current Dr. Dan storyline will surpass them all in my book. I have never taken to a character so quickly in all my soap viewing days - and I have been watching since the 1st grade. I just adore that man.
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May 2, 2008 8:55 PM
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You know, Cinder, I think you may be right. That was one of the things I was thinking about as I was writing up this subject, sometimes things aren't quite what they may seem when introduced on the show, and that there may be a greater picture behind what is actually going on. I also happened to have loved today's episode, too, it was one of those episodes where I didn't even want to leave the room for a minute, it was that good. I loved the mix of the humor with Kate & Anna, of John ordering Rolfe around making him do the humblest of duties, and the really dark things that went on like the introduction of Vitali and the way they brought him in, the nod to Kate's past and how it's apparently going to play a part in whatever is happening with the Vitalis, and the finding of the disk in the secret vault and all of the things that go with it, it was really great writing. Even the promos for the next episode has helped me pinpoint what it is about the Chelsea/Daniel storyline that I dislike, which I hadn't really been able to do before. What I've realized it's not so much that I don't like them as a couple, I'm cautious about what Daniel may really have in his life that's not being said, and since spoilers have confirmed there is something,(which I won't say for those who don't read spoiler) it's mostly because I don't want to see Chelsea hurt because she is such a sweet person. It could all turn out okay in the long run, I know, but I've been holding back on the side of caution.
BTW, there's a little memory jogging I think is needed about the circumstances of the beginnings of Julie & Doug's relationship. Remember that Julie was actually married at the time that she met Doug, to Scott Banning, the man who had adopted her son, David. And Doug was actually being paid to woo Julie from her husband, by Susan Hunter Martin. As you may recall, Susan & David Martin got married to give the baby a name, Susan refused to divorce him after the baby was born, and the baby was killed in an accident in a swing when David was taking care of him. Susan killed David, and Julie forever hated her for that afterwards. It was determined that Susan was temporarily insane and she didn't go to prison, but things were never the same between her & Julie because Julie was pregnant by David by the time he died, and she gave the baby up for adoption. The Bannings adopted her son, and left town with him. A couple of years later, Scott Banning, then a widower, returned to Salem with his young son and just happened to move into the same apartment building as Susan; Susan fell in love with him and wanted to marry Scott, but once Julie found out who he was, she set out to take back her son and only backed down when he agreed to marry her. Needless to say, Susan was heartbroken and set out to destroy Julie's relationship with her new husband, and that's when she hired the new man in town, Brent Douglas, a.k.a. Doug Williams, who had started out trying to con money out of Susan, who was an heiress. Susan saw through his scheme, but decided that she could use him for her own purpose since he was such a handsome charmer.
Julie & Doug were having an affair that her mother knew about and which Addie originally used as her lever to keep them apart.
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May 2, 2008 9:00 PM
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I remember all that stuff about Julie and Doug and it is that sort of thing I was talking about. The story for me was the best when they finally fell in love. I didn't go into all of the original stuff but glossed over it by saying he was there as a con man. Yes, I remember she was married. But my favorite part of the story is a little later - their love story. If I had dismissed him when he was hired by Susan Martin they would have never been one of my all time favorite soap couples. And they are. Back then I was young and I gave every story a chance to develop. I am trying to be that way again. I personally believe it would be better for the show if everyone watching it was that way.
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May 3, 2008 1:27 AM
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I also loved John and Isabella's story. One of the things that made me stop watching for a while was her death. It was too painful for me to watch for a while after that.
RUMOR WARNING: The Globe is reporting Joe Mascolo, Stefano, has been fired and that he is really upset. I didn't post it on it's own post because we don't have official confirmation. When we get it then I will post it or someone else can.
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May 3, 2008 1:31 AM
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Solaugh, I think you should let yourself relax and enjoy Chelsea and Daniel. I know what you mean about skeletons coming to hurt Chelsea. But the writers are really writing Chelsea and Daniel well. It doesn't seem like the typical stories we have seen on Days in recent years. It is more of standard angsty romance. Very emotional and character driven - all the plot devices (Bo's illness and Chelsea's infertility) all seem to have been created to show the connection between Chelsea and Daniel and to show how much Chelsea has matured. I am praying they won't revert to form and have him be a long lost DiMera or something. LOL So far they have truly surprised me with the way they have handled their story. I feel almost like I am being transported back to the 80s and early 90s.
Love that picture of John and Isabella...such a great story and terribly sad...and she actually managed to stay dead. That rarely happens anymore.
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May 3, 2008 2:23 PM
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Oh yeah, I also really loved the John/Isabella storyline (I even still have the original vhs tape of the episode where Izzy B died in John's arms), that couple absolutely broke my heart, and I was really upset that he was going to end up with Marlena. Hah, talk about giving stories a chance, that was one of the best examples, too, because now, I can't see John without Marlena.
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May 3, 2008 2:28 PM
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I forgot to mention that the picture of John really gets the juices flowing and it makes one understand why so many folks were upset when he was killed off, you just can't do that to a guy who has been such a great hero for so long.
Also the rumors about Mascolo, WOW. But maybe the show has realized how well this new direction they have with John is working out, and even some longtime fans are happy with it; I, for one, didn't think I would like it, but although I do miss the wonderful, sweet guy he was, I find myself enjoying watching his character evolve and am looking forward to a whole new courtship for him and Marlena because even after all of these years, they are still a really cute couple.
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May 3, 2008 2:37 PM
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Slyn, I hear ya,as I said, I think it's been a reluctance to completely trust someone who is a former Kiriakis family friend, experience with Victor's cronies can leave one something to be desired. While I don't see it as something that can transport me back to the 80's or 90's, I am willing to give the guy the benefit of the doubt and hope that the writers don't screw this one up. I think it's time for Chelsea to have a real romance, not just to have a series of misadventures like they've done this past year for her. And I'm just thrilled that someone in the industry saw what we have seen with Rachel Melvin, and nominated her for an Emmy, she is a truly fantastic actress!
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May 3, 2008 2:45 PM
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I was wondering what they were going to do about Stefano. WIth new John in place and Victor back on more regularly, I could see why they might just leave Stefano in a coma and off screen. Not that I dislike Mascalo or anything, but I could see why the decision could be made.
Fave stories for me:
* Cruise of Deception
* Maggie's Alcoholism
* Carrie & Austin (Christie Clark & Patrick Muldoon)
* Hope & Bo's love story
* Mike Horton & Lisa Rameriz
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May 4, 2008 11:04 AM
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You listed some great ones Stud. I really love almost anything Maggie is involved in. When Mickey had amnesia and ended up being Marty Hanson and fell in love with Maggie - I loved it and that story. I've loved her every since.
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May 4, 2008 12:50 PM
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I loved Patrick Muldoon as Austin. But I always wanted Sami to get him. hee hee
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May 4, 2008 2:31 PM
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You guys are bringing back memories of some really great storylines, all of them are ones that I loved. "The Cruise of Deception" was such a wonderful story because it blended all of the characters, young and old, into a good storyline where we all got to see our favorites. The "Mickie & Maggie love story", who could resist the sweet love that came out of the "Marty Hansen"/Mickie Horton meets Maggie storyline, and the "Maggie's Alcoholism" story that gave Suzanne Rogers a chance to really shine again, and to show what a terrific actress she is?
Mike Horton & Lisa Rameriz, who could resist the great Michael T. Weiss, perhaps the best portrayal of the son of Bill & Laura Horton?
Carrie and Austin, the original portrayals were certainly different from what became of the couple in later years. Loved Patrick Muldoon, have always wanted to see him come back; does anybody remember that the apartment building they lived in was originally in such a bad neighborhood that it took a while before Roman gave Carrie permission to move there? For those who weren't around at the time, this is the same apartment building where half of Salem has now lived in at one time or another, and it has been the abode of both the fairly wealthy citizens, as well as the middle class: Sami & Lucas, Kate & Billie, Gina /Hope & Billie; Austin, both before and after he became an executive; I guess it's not the slums anymore, huh?
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May 5, 2008 5:41 PM
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