Falling into place; Days of our Lives Two Scoops for October 21, 2024

Eric managed to pull off something crazy on soaps. He managed to trigger two people’s memories—Sarah and Brady both remembered that Fiona was behind the wheel. Don’t look now, Mar, but your boy is coming for your job! And those memories returning gave us a masterclass of scenes that was worth every second that we’ve put into this storyline.

Brady is one of Salem’s most lovable dolts. I chuckled when he pondered out loud, “How could I be so wrong about you?” Oh, Bradster. Have you seen your track record when it comes to the ladies? But he recovered a bit when he genuinely thanked Marlena and Eric for always being in his corner. The whole thing without Drake on-screen was felt here. But then again, his soap family coming together to ride-or-die for one of their own was a perfect tribute.

And then we had Xander, Sarah, and Fiona. The low-key scariest thing about Fiona is that both times she’s intentionally tried to kill Sarah, Fiona has been sober. That solidifies how desperate she is, sure. But it also signifies how lethal she can be, too. It would be a lot easier to forgive her drunk mistake if she didn’t try to do worse sober. So, when Sarah confronted her, I couldn’t help but root for Sarah.

And then when Xander saved Sarah, I was in. Get her, Xander! Darn Serena Scott Thomas’ fantastic performance for sucking me in more than a few times. I’m with Xander on the very mix of shock, hurt, deception, and fear. I’m not sure where Fiona goes from here. She’s part of the right family for reformed baddies who earn favor with the masses. But, oh lord, she’s got a mountain to climb. And Maggie hasn’t even gotten her piece yet…

Speaking of relatives who will stand up for their kin, Steve never thought things smelled exactly right around Dr. Greene. So, that brilliant, patched genius set up a trap that caught the rat. I loved Steve tricking Dr. Greene into running another DNA test to confirm Abigail was Thomas’ mother—only to confirm that Kayla was Steve’s mother. Gotcha, Mark!

Of course, Steve took that info to Kayla, who confirmed the test one more time. Then, Steve still managed to get that proof, pack a bag, and make it to Paris just in time to save the day. Once Mark wakes up, he’ll have a lot of explaining to do. As will the new/old/probably void because of fraud Mrs. Abigail DiMera.

There was a point—right before Mark got there—where I was hoping that “Abigail” would tell the truth. If anyone would sympathize with another person over the lethalness of Clyde Weston, it’s Chad. “Abigail” may still have some wiggle room here, but she needs to come clean fast.

Finally, on to Body and Soul. At least this week, the drama was off-screen, and they weren’t trying to make a massive deal out of who is getting written off the show.

I do love that the show zagged and didn’t put Alex and Chanel together. Furthermore, Alex and Stephanie have always had a nice connection. They're older and wiser this time around—or at least pretending to be. Part of me wishes that Alex would realize that he needs to take one more step and proactively go after Stephanie to show her he’s changed, but maybe we’ll get there. For now, this “very good friends” is interesting.

However, our poor Johnny is assuming the worst and getting himself some serious heartbreak to go along with it. It became very clear last week that Johnny needs a friend. He’s talking to Stefano’s portrait when it sure would be nice if he could be talking to an actual person who could give him the advice to just talk to Chanel before it’s too late. And what if that person was his actual cousin Stephanie?!? Just putting that out there.

I don’t love the “I’m planning a surprise party for you” bit—especially since going to Alex to help plan it is downright silly. Johnny is headed for a lot of miscommunication angst here.

Loose Ends

Welcome back, J.J.! I hope Casey Moss is sticking around for a little while because this seems like a strange use of J.J. if it’s short term. They did have him mention that he’s a cop, and with the Salem PD still down one Shawn Brady, it wouldn’t be the worst thing for J.J. to come back to Salem.

I get it, “Abigail.” Chad is utterly charming. We’d all have a hard time not swooning, too.

Now that Holly outright dumped Tate, I can’t really blame Sophia for moving in on him. And she’s saying the right things. Whether or not she actually means it or is just saying it to get on Tate’s good side remains to be seen. But I’m not disliking her at all right now.

This week brought us some unlikely pairs that were delightful! I really appreciated Chad telling Holly about the importance of repairing the relationship with your mom. He did it in a non-condescending way that hit home with Holly. Yay for Chad and Holly!

Then, I really, really liked Ava and Sophia! They have a similar strong woman vibe that can veer off into vixen territory. But I still prefer that to damsel. So, good on you, Sophia and Ava!

Extra Scoops

HOT:

Paul Telfer, ladies and gentlemen. What a tour de force. He infused Xander with such vulnerability and loss. For once, the tragedy that’s befallen him is absolutely not his fault. He can’t rely on the normal go-to’s—shame and guilt. Instead, he feels weak and heartbroken. It’s a different path for Xander, and Paul played that to perfection.

NOT:

I’m not sure what the point was of Leo convincing Marlena to play Hattie’s death scene. I’m not sure why she wouldn’t have said yes to Abe. That scene felt like another just for the sake of propping Leo.

LINE OF THE WEEK:

E.J. “Have oodles of fun, you two.”

First of all, hearing E.J. say the word “oodles” was hilarious. Second, putting these two criminals* in a basement together to duke out this scene was deliciously evil.

*Brady is not a criminal in this instance, but this scene was so great to set up that I’ll allow it!

RANDOM THOUGHTS

Steve should call twice and text. That’s the urgent message.

I thought that “Abigail” was raiding Kristen’s closet while at the mansion. After seeing that black cut-out number, I’m sure of it.

That was nice of Kate to reschedule the scenes to make sure Chanel was healed. It’s almost like more women in charge of production would be a good thing.

I know he’s turning dark, but I thought it was a nice touch that adult Johnny still calls Stefano “Nonno.”

Of course, Alex wears a black silk robe.

I love how excited/supportive Jada was of Stephanie.

Congrats, Johnny! I think that was your first thrown/broken glass tantrum—a right of soap passage!