The Empire Strikes Back

The villains captured the flag this week in Salem. What will they do next? Will they behave? If not, who is first in their crossfire? Let's talk all the bad guys in this week's Two Scoops.

We're still deep in the fallout of the Abigail murder. Exciting new characters were introduced, a ton of suspects were released from jail, and Cady McLain continued to look like the most post grieving mother we've seen in the history of ever.

J.J. went to confront Lucas in what should have been a grand accusation scene. But this is one of the problems with not having actors on-screen at the same time. I was hard-pressed to think of a time when these two shared any kind of meaningful scene before. That's to say, J.J. confronting Lucas felt flat to me. There was the same disconnect to Cady McLain's Jennifer, though that is no fault of her own.

The counter to this is the Chad/E.J. scenes, where the actors have had enough time to make their scenes count. I felt for both men when they realized that neither was the brother he wanted to be, and both retreated back to petulance -- because that's the DiMera way.

Right now, the deal on the DiMeara boardroom table is for Chad to sign over his shares to E.J. We're unclear if that includes Charlotte and Thomas' shares, too, but it's because of that I'd urge Chad to call E.J.'s bluff. Kristin would leave those kids in the cold. E.J. has more of a heart for his nephews and nieces.

Speaking of Kristin, she's out of prison in what was the plottiest of all plot points in a while. It was the "do over" card of soap moves. Kristin found out about Orpheus' plan and tagged on herself (obviously), Dr. Rolf (makes sense), and Gwen (whaaaaat?).

Gwen's out to make trouble for Sarah and Xander. But I wonder if she's out for bigger purposes. She clearly has info on the night Abigail was murdered. Sarah's in custody, spilling all sorts of tea that makes her look guilty, which pretty much guarantees she didn't do it. However, I wonder if someone with her face did...

J.J, literally said, "God help them when they face me"...to Sarah's face. This, coupled with all the mask talk, makes me wonder if Sarah's mask is still in play here. Gwen could literally kill two birds with one knife if she impersonated Sarah while killing Abigail. Oh, wait. I forgot. Gwen's changed. She's put her devious ways behind her and spends her time making artful pottery for those she loves now. Carry on.

Welcome to Salem, Jada Hunter! Your new boss did you no favors by sending you to bring in Maggie's daughter on your first day on the job. Sheesh. Talk about rookie hazing. That was some dirty pool, Rafe.

Chloe did the soap lord's work by gently nudging some sense into Shawn. I didn't love how she veered a little too much into defending Belle, but Shawn definitely did need to get the softest of reminders that moving Jan into his house before exploring other options may not have been his best idea. But again, I don't want to blame a rape victim...unlike Belle.

Look, Shawn was dumb. But Belle was vindictive. That's much worse. Still, I'm not surprised they reconciled so quickly. They need to be solidly-ish back together a few weeks from now when Belle realizes she's late.

I'm not sure if Paulina's pitch of "Abe for governor" was just to usher in the great prison pardon or if she was actually serious. But no one would make a better governor than Abe. There haven't been too many big-time political figures in soaps in general, so I wouldn't mind seeing Abe, Paulina, and Chanel in the governor's mansion. The only problem is that DAYS would have to officially declare what state Salem is in if Abe becomes governor.

Allie telling Kate never to talk to her is a little rich. Since when does Allie care about what happens to Sami? Same goes for any of Sami's family who wasn't really concerned about her while she was missing. Sorry, all of this indignation at Kate (aside from Roman) seems self-righteous, mainly because they're all missing the point. No one brought up that Lucas had no plan to bring Sami back. He was keeping her there until she forgot about E.J. That's some Stefano DiMera-level machination. Sami's mother being possessed by the devil wasn't even enough for Lucas to consider bringing her back. I don't know...Lucas really messed up this time.

Will headed back to Hollywood, and Sonny is staying back to oversee Titan and support Chad. I love the Chad/Sonny friendship. If Chad does find himself out at DiMera, he may have an in with a competitor who has a grudge against his former employer.

HOT Thank you! Xander admitted Abigail wasn't at fault, and a hero at that! This whole narrative of how Abigail was responsible for Kristin drugging, kidnapping, and holding Sarah hostage was silly. I'm glad to have Xander on the right side again!

NOT: I'm over the Allie/Johnny/Channel triangle. It hasn't gone anywhere in weeks and is becoming unfair to the good characters involved. I think Chanel was onto something when she thought about breaking up with both of them. While I root for Johnny and Chanel, that's because I haven't seen Johnny with anyone but Chanel. It may be time to #FreeJohnny, #FreeChanel, and #TeachAllieSomeManners. Really, punching her brother in the stomach was irritating.

LINE OF THE WEEK: Shawn (about Sami's announcement that Belle was sleeping with E.J.: "She Paul Revere-ed it all the way to my doorstep."

RANDOM THOUGHTS

Again, I have to ask, how does Clyde not remember what Leo looked like? Literally, start describing any pattern on a shirt Leo wore, and eight out of ten people would say, "Oh! That's Leo Stark." Nancy would be 17 out of those eight people!

Why did Rafe call Chad to tell him he was bringing in someone for questioning? Furthermore, why did Rafe act so indignant that Chad not fly off the DiMera handle this time when that's exactly why Rafe called Chad last time?

That slow-motion shot of the villains leaving prison was downright delightful. Kristen in her red dress was a decadent touch. If you're going to go for ridiculous, might as well go all out!

There's a very specific form of white trash wealth. It's quite different from the standard suit-and-tie wealth. Clyde had this his last stint on the show. He had tons of money to spend on the clothes he liked, food he wanted, and people he wanted bought off. So, it makes me wonder if the show will lean into Clyde's massively different lifestyle this time around on the show.

I love that Tripp calls to check on Allie!

I'm super glad Brady and Theresa are on good terms! Furthermore, I'm thrilled Rachel is getting to spend time with her half-brother. Now, if only Holly and Parker could do the same thing. Either way, I can't wait for Tater Tot to come visit Salem sometime.

I adored Belle and Brady's talk! They need to spend more time together. As two who frequently find comfort in the wrong arms, it wouldn't hurt for them to confide in each other a bit more -- you know -- a safer space!

That's if for this week! Tony will be back next week to help all the new Salemites settle in. Good thing he has a background in real estate because there are a ton of people who need a place to stay! Laurisa

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