Big One!

Tyler Christopher has joined the cast. No word yet on character, first airdate, or length of stay. With a star of his caliber, though, I would say it's a pretty safe bet that the role is substantial, and contract. Ron has enjoyed writing for Tyler in the past, and Mr. Christopher has shown that he can more than deliver when given strong material. This could be fun!

First Impressions…

Just finished watching the first episode under the new regime. What jumped out at me right away? The signature Carlivati humor is on front and center display. Definitely one of the major things I was hoping for, and I'm glad to see it so quickly. Next, I noticed that the dialogue seems tighter. So great not to waste words. Lastly, with few exceptions, I've never really enjoyed the acting on Days. It seems to have improved. This could be me imagining, but I feel like everyone stepped up their game. While you should bring your best no matter what, it does help when material is quality. I'll wait a bit to comment on story, as there is quite a mess to be cleaned up. Don't want to judge until Ron and his team really get to sink their teeth in. Though it's early, I like what I see.

Encouraging!

Here's a quote from an interview that Ron did with Soap Opera Digest. Sounds very promising.

"There will be focus on the vets, because I love writing for vets. I came in with a goal at the beginning to not bring in anybody new, to write for the people I had, so you'll see at the outset and for several months that there's some familiar faces returning, but nobody new."

Only a few more days until Days begins its journey out of the darkness.

July 19th!

I can't believe I did this again, I'm so sorry. Don't know why I always forget to post DOOL news. Ron Carlivati has announced that his material will begin airing July 19th. So cool. I'm going to tune in a couple of days before, to see if I notice any immediate difference. Should be fun!

Awesome!

Eileen Davidson is returning this November! No word yet on which of her characters she will be playing, or how long she'll stick around. I love the actress, and know Ron will do well by her. Super excited!

Yes!

So happy to report that when Sami returns to Salem later this year, it will be under the new regime. This has probably been common knowledge for some time, but I just saw confirmation. Can't tell you how excited I am about this. Ron is going to write the shit out of Sami! And, from what Allison said in a recent interview, the return is part of a big umbrella story. Those have always been my favorite kind. Ms. Sweeney also revealed that she was heavily involved in the planning. Given how well she knows her character after playing her for 21 years, this can only be a positive. Thrilled to see how it all shakes out.

Disappointed…

Arianne Zucker is leaving Days Of Our Lives. Rumblings have been around for some time that she is unhappy with the direction Nicole has taken. I don't blame her. Though I haven't been watching, what I hear about her baby switch storyline sounds painful to watch. An actress of her talents deserves better.

I'm very disappointed that we won't be able to see Ron work his magic. I think he would have given Arianne great material, and rehabilitated Nicole. Who knows, maybe after a little break, he can talk her into coming back, even if only for a short stint.

52!

Sorry for being a little late with this, but Days Of Our Lives has officially been renewed for a 52nd season! So awesome! I would imagine this takes pressure off Ron ever so slightly. Hopefully, with this little reprieve, new stories can unfold organically, with proper time to build, and climax. Plus, selfishly, I won't mind investing again, knowing that an end isn't inevitable.

Maybe…?

Vincent Irizarry is leaving Days Of Our Lives. ABC has the rights to All My Children back… Do you need me to spell it out for you? Paging Dr. David Hayward! If something ever comes of the rumored AMC revival, I would love to see the evil Doc causing trouble in Pine Valley again. If not, it would be amazing to have him join the GH staff as the new head of cardiology. Can you imagine the chaos?! He would turn the hospital upside down! Don't even get me started on romantic possibilities! Ava, Nina, Carly, Alexis, ANNA!!! Get your asses on this immediately, ABC! I need a moment to collect myself!

If Anyone Can Do It…

Daytime Confidential is reporting that Ron Carlivati has been tapped to take over head writing duties at Days Of Our Lives. With the show on the brink of cancellation, I can't think of anyone better to turn fortunes around. I absolutely love Ron. His respect of history, and innate understanding of the genre got me hooked on the two dramas at which he previously held this position. No word yet on when his material will make air. With Days insane taping schedule, I would imagine it will be quite a while. I'm going keep an eye peeled for details, and will post them here with thoughts and analysis when they become available. Haven't liked the idea of adding another show to my schedule, but wouldn't miss this for anything! I think the vultures eyeing Days timeslot would be better served circling another meal.

Renewed!

Days fans can officially let out their collective breath. NBC has renewed the series for a 51st season! The show will air through September 2017, with an option for an additional year pickup. This is such good news! I'm relatively new to Salem, and have had trouble getting emotionally invested in the characters, and stories. With this renewal, I may be able to relax a little.

Honestly, wondering whether or not Days would continue isn't my only problem. The show is way too dark. I honestly cannot think of one happy story going on right now. So sick of death! I've never seen a show kill off so many characters in such a short time. Even when soaps focus on serious issues, there's usually a bit of levity to balance the scales. Not so here! In addition to what seems like countless, unceasing murders, there are heart attacks, premonitions of evil, kidnappings, bullying, heart transplants, and a young adult cast who is devoid of acting ability to contend with on a daily basis. WOW! Looking at that list, it's no wonder I'm almost two weeks behind on episodes! Who would watch this garbage voluntarily? Why do I keep coming back?

The answer is a simple one. I love this genre, and will continue to hold out hope that it will live up to its endless potential. With this great news of a new lease on life, I hope this iconic show is looked at through a pair of fresh, creative eyes. Come on, Days! Make the best of the gift you've been given!

OUT!

Kate Mansi is leaving the role of Abigail. While I've never particularly cared for the character, Ms. Mansi is of very capable actress, and should have absolutely no trouble finding work. Truth be told, if I were her, the decision to leave would be easy. Ever since I started watching, Abigail has been nothing but a whiny, oversexed, holier-than-thou, indecisive brat. With the recast, I hope more dimensions are discovered, and there is a point to her being on my screen. Fans of this incarnation need not break out their hankies in any hurry. Kate will continue to air through May.

Big!

Two huge news items for DOOL!  First, Thaao Penghlis, as Tony DiMera, is the latest to return for the 50th.  Good to see so many vets making their way back to Salem.  Hopefully, this is a great sign of things to come for the new regime.  Hope the storytelling is worthy.

More casting. A. Martinez is joining.  The role is new, and will have many connections in town.  I'm not familiar with Mr. Martinez, but have heard people rave about his work on Santa Barbara for years.  Definitely looking forward to seeing him!

Big Returns!

Alison Sweeney is returning to Days Of Our Lives to celebrate its 50th anniversary!  No word on length of stay, but I would expect it to be short.  Sami isn't the only one coming home to partake in the festivities.  Patch and Bo will also be visiting.  Don't have a long history with the show, but know these three returns are huge.  Wishful storytelling time.  When Bo rides into town on his motorcycle, I want him to rescue Hope from the unrelenting bore that is Aiden.  Fingers crossed!

Back!

Brady and Theresa better watch their backs!  Eileen Davidson is returning to Salem as Kristen DiMera in spring 2015!  Will she return with a baby?  Ready to give birth?  I know it'll probably be a long road back, but I hope she and Brady find one another again.  On the flip, I can't wait for her to get got for stealing Theresa's little bun.  I have the utmost faith in Eileen and Kristen to entertain me no matter what!  It's going to be awesome!

Too New For All Of This!

Okay, so I've been watching Days Of Our Lives for about a month, and am totally in love!  Great pace, great storylines, great acting.  Seems I picked a bad time to move to Salem though, as a handful of prominent residents are going on vacation, or leaving town all together.

Let's add it all up.  Sami is bidding farewell to chase promises of stardom in Hollywood after the murder of her husband, EJ.  Her son, Will is saying goodbye for an unknown stretch of time to capitalize on a business opportunity.  Lastly, from what I've heard, Jordan will be moving on soon as well.

For someone just getting the lay of the land, all these exits and impending departures are enough to bring on a severe bout of vertigo.  Even though it's quite a bit to digest, I see myself getting comfortable in the chaos fairly quickly.

Definitely want a ringside seat when John nails Theresa to the wall. Brady is going to lose his shit when he realizes she is responsible for John being in a coma.  Will he run to Kristen for comfort?  I certainly hope so.  No matter how dastardly her deeds, there's something inherently likable about that bucket of crazy shaped like a woman.

Can't wait to see Eve in adult situations.  Truth be told, I would be the first one to cheer if she ever gets the chance to knock the self righteous out of Jennifer.  Speaking of Jennifer and Eve, there respective children, and the drama surrounding them is snore-worthy.  Can someone pretty please push Paige off a  cliff, and free JJ of that soul-sucking albatross?

I'll be there to see how it all shakes down.