…That I shall say good night till it be morrow: Days of our Lives Commentary

It felt like many, many flips of the Days of our Lives hourglass since we learned Bill Hayes had passed, and we would have to say goodbye to Doug, too. And while it’s felt like forever, it also feels like yesterday. I thought I’d be ready for these tears, but they hit me hard. Last week was simply rough…and beautiful and funny and sad and joyous and so many other overwhelming feelings. It was everything it should have been as we said goodbye to a legend.

Doug’s passing was handled with so much love and care, and I applaud everyone at Team DAYS for that. From the moment Jack discovered he was gone, to Julie’s crumple onto the famous Horton chair, to Kayla ensuring they had as much time with him as they needed, it felt real. Like we were there feeling that loss alongside Julie and the family.  

Julie waking up the next morning alone in bed was so well done. So poignant. She took us with her on the beginning of her grief journey, and I think we all wanted to be there to give our love and support. Susan Seaforth Hayes just commanded the screen and our hearts.

Of course, Julie’s eulogy to her fallen husband will go down as one of the greatest moments in Days of our Lives history. Susan was phenomenal. The strength she showed was nothing short of inspiring.

Thank you all for your beautiful words, thoughts, and memories. I’m grateful to each and every one of you❤️ #Doug&Julie #DaysOfOurLives ⁦@DaysPeacock⁩ https://t.co/QDVaWf6nik

— Bill & Susan Hayes (@DaysHayes) December 3, 2024

A Days of our Lives homecoming

Largely, DAYS felt like a homecoming last week. That was needed. The hugs. The laughs. The cries. And the simple joy of basking in the presence of loved ones. While we were brought together with familiar (and some new) faces for a farewell to our fair Doug Williams, it felt like it was a celebration of a life well lived rather than a mournful moment. Sad moments, yes. But merely mourning Doug would be a disservice to him — he was full of life and insisted it be lived!

The returns to mourn Doug and support Julie were spectacular. While I could make a wish-list of who else I’d love to see make it (including some characters regularly on canvas like Chad, JJ, Sarah, and such), it was amazing to catch up with faces like Liz Chandler, Steven Olson, and Marie Horton. Lucas, Eli, Ciara, and our Fancy Face, Hope, too!

Of Chad and JJ, I wish they would have been in Salem to be there for Doug’s passing and the funeral. Though, it gave other characters space to shine, and I know that Julie will need those fellas in the house once others head out of Salem. They’ll be her long-haul support system. I kind of love this, too.

To begin with some of those returns, how utterly marvelously mind-blowing for Maree Cheatham to be there!? It’s hard to wrap one’s mind around the fact that she was on episode number one AND episode 15,000 some sixty years later. I wish she’d visit more often or, better yet, stick around, but what a lovely treat it was to see Maree again. She’s always been a favorite of mine.

Marie also got some long overdue closure, unfortunately at Maggie’s expense, or should I say, “exhaustion.” It was like an episode of Maggie In The Middle. She was caught between Marie and Liz’s decades old catfight, and I love that she was not having it for long. Not today, Marie and Liz. Not today. Maggie brokered peace and they disarmed over their love for Doug. As it should be.

What about this “new” Doug Williams?

It should be noted that we have a new “Doug Williams” about Salem. Oh, honeys! It took Hope zero seconds to give that scoundrel an eyebrow raise (also, “Yes!” to the return of that fab Fancy Face move). You just know he’s trouble. But his days might be already numbered…

Hope put Jen on the case in her absence. Yes! I love this.  Jennifer very much is a celebrated investigative reporter. I’m glad the show is remembering that as it’s often overlooked. This is Jen’s best looks. Let’s keep it. Get this gal an honorary Black Patch badge while we’re at it.  

Also, once Bo wakes up, Fancy Face should return and join Black Patch, too.  It won’t be awkward at all. Bo will be back. We can forget her and Rafe happened. We’ve been practicing for years now. It’ll be fine.

While I did love how Lucas related to Doug the feelings of being the “new Horton on the block,” we know he’s bad news. He stole Alice’s diamond necklace. One. I like the story of this. It’s certainly something Addie would have purchased. She liked her bling. Alice? Not as much. She certainly would have seen it as ostentatious. So, I totally believed why Gram would put it away in a time capsule.

Two, I feel like “Doug Williams,” which sidebar — hello, Peyton Meyer and welcome to Days of Our Lives! I loved your work on American Housewife. I could go on gushing and welcoming, but we have work to do…

Doug’s story “checks out” at face value but I’m with all the Salemites that demand proof. Let’s get on that, please. In the meantime, I believe he might be related to the family, but not in the way he’s presenting. Steven Olson mentioned his son, Spencer, and I must wonder – have we already met him and is he going by “Doug Williams!?” A father and son con act, perhaps?

The return of familiar and fancy faces

Also, and more so, hello, Stephen Schnetzer! My first and biggest question is, can we keep him? Pretty please, Team DAYS, can we!?

Needless to say, I loved seeing Stephen reprise his role of Steven Olson. Stephen is one of those actors who just makes me happy and captivates me. From Salem to Bay City and beyond, I adore this guy. And he plays Steven so wonderfully wicked and delightful. He must keep his promise to Julie that we haven’t seen the last of him. We need more Stephen and Steven as soon as possible, again, pretty please, Team DAYS.

Another sidebar, I also feel like if Stephen and Wally Kurth shared a scene their matching energy would cause an overdose of charm and talent. That’s not a complaint. Steven seems like he’s the type of character that would need a lawyer. That’s all I’m saying.

And finally — FINALLY! — Liz Chandler returned to Salem! I’ve been championing this for years. It’s always been on my Days Of Our Lives wish list. In my excitement, I also super bombarded poor Laurisa with texts about Gloria and Liz. She learned many fun facts, whether she wanted to or not, but I digress. I really hope that Marlena and Liz keep their promise to get their families together. That would be wonderful.

Wonderful as well was catching up with our Fancy Face. Seeing Kristian Alfonso took my breath away for a second. It was a much-needed reunion. I felt for Hope getting that call. I live away from the bulk of my family and got a similar one recently. To be alone in a room with that grief is a lot to take in. I’m glad Shawn D showed up for her.

Hope’s later reunion with Shawn and Ciara at Doug’s gravesite was great. It felt like no time had passed since they were in a scene together. Like an instant feeling of home. I hope to see more of them (and Ciara’s kids!).

Oh! We have an update from Ciara. “Baby Bo” is like “Little Boy Bo” now and we have a name for the baby — Addie! I love this. I wonder if she has a middle name like “Caroline,” “Alice,” or Abigail.” Or Claire, even! Spill some more deets, Ciara, you puzzle box opening genius.

Yet another sidebar, I kind of wanted Hope to talk about Zack. I was a sucker for that little guy and can still hear Hope’s screams when she learned he had died. That was such a haunting DAYS moment. Well. Even if they didn’t speak of him, we know he welcomed Doug over the rainbow bridge.

While I could go on praising these episodes, I’ll end on a lighter note. I loved Ciara teasing Julie about JJ’s infamous donuts! That was hilarious. And how it should be. I’m sure with sparkles in his eyes, Doug was looking down on his great granddaughter’s ribbing and laughing that warm, soulful laugh we loved so much. Rest in peace, our fair Mr. Williams.

Days of our Lives Loose Ends

“Shelle” is officially Shawn (period) and Belle (period). They’re a non-smooshed name now, and have decided to do a simple, quickie divorce. I’m torn on this, really.

I certainly feel that “Shelle” has been done dirty by several writing regimes. That they should have been front and center, or at least their generation’s version of Tony and Anna. That is, showing up in Salem for some fabulousness then whirl-wind-ing out of town on some new adventures. The “Last Blaster” in me will always want them together. There’s that.

Still, the “Last Blast” was years ago. So much water (and Philip’s prosthetic leg) has cascaded under the bridge, over it, and in some cases destroyed it. At this point, the bridge is either a new one or a few beams teetering on the brink. It’ll never be the same in either regard. Maybe it’s time for both characters to move on and see where they end up.

At the end of the day, nobody should be in an unhappy relationship. Belle and Shawn seemed to be there for a long while in the times we’ve seen them. Like them, I never doubted the love was there, but two great individuals cannot be great together sometimes.

I also feel that Shawn and Belle are at an age, as Evelyn in Fried Green Tomatoes stated, “I’m too young to be old and too old to be young.” They have a lot of years ahead of them (more if the writers de-SORAS them, of course), and they should live them in pursuit of what makes them happy, not clinging to the past because it was once so magical. All and all, I’m glad it ended on a classy note with love, respect, and a hug.

And who knows!? “Shelle 4.0” could happen someday. It’s Salem and one must never say never.

Love, actually

In the meantime, we can enjoy some ice cream and cookies while watching Love, Actually (in honor of Doug) with Belle and Marlena, and some non-combative chitchat with Shawn and Uncle Philip. No! Really. Shawn D and Philly had a mostly civil conversation, and I’m absolutely here for that. They don’t have to be besties, but I’d love to see a new era of them finding their family footing and even bonding a bit. It’s time to move on.

Three cheers for Stephanie! I was all for her standing up to Xander. She shut down his misogynistic shade with strength and style.   

I’m already tired of Chanel making statements like, “I could forgive Johnny for anything…EXCEPT cheating.” We know. We know. Foreshadowing and all, but it’s getting redundant. I feel bad that Johnny and Chanel are saddled with this dud of a storyline.

That said, I absolutely adored Chanel, Lani, and Paulina having an at-home spa day! That was so much fun, and some much-needed levity to the week. Of course, they dove into deep topics, but the love and support were right there in that safe space. Let’s plan another one of these when Lani comes home for Christmas! She made the promise and we’re holding her to it.

Extra Sand in the Hourglass

HOT

Bless Susan Seaforth Hayes. Just wow. What a performance and what bravery to share her soul with the world like that. Those amazing words were spoken of Doug and Bill. I heard her goal was to honor her late husband. Oh, wonderful woman, you can rest assure you did.

Also, 15,000 and fabulous, DAYS! Congratulations to the entire cast and crew. May the legacy continue all the days of our lives. Cheers!

NOT

Like a million times sooner rather than later, Johnny needs to have a chat with his therapist grandmother, Doc Mar Mar. She knows a little some’n, some’n about cheating, guilt, honesty, forgiveness, and all the other emotions that come along with it.

Jo-Ro turning to EJ and going along with his advice is a sure-fire way for things to end badly. Like, really super badly. Hasn’t Johnny learned anything from watching his father’s failed plans from the front row? In fact, Johnny’s typically the one scolding his dad. So, wise up before it’s, well, really much too late.

LINE(S) OF THE WEEK

“The strength! That eulogy. She hit it out of the park.” Paulina*

“Well. How mature of you both to finally let go of grievances from the eighties.” Maggie to Marie and Liz

“It’s days of our lives in a box!” Julie

* I love that, perhaps, Paulina’s praise of Julie also came with a little nod to Drake Hogestyn, who was famous on set for saying, “Swing for the fences.” Susan did, and, as Mayor Price-Carver stated, “Hit it out of the park.”

RANDOM THOUGHTS…

Hope and Jen calling each other “Cuz” will never grow old. It’s like a beeline tug right at my DAYS-loving heartstrings. More, please.

One of Liz’s two grown sons must be named “Chandler,” right!? I feel like “Todd” might be the name of the other one. That was Liz’s brother, who she sang to as he passed from injuries sustained in a car accident. It was an epic scene.

It was nice to get an update on Noelle Curtis, too! I feel like she’d be an interesting character to see visit Salem. Maybe her boyfriend has ties to the town, too. Hmm.

Jack writing Doug’s obituary was fitting. The parallels between them are certainly not lost. I love when Days of Our Lives nails moments like these.

Well played, Days of Our Lives! I enjoyed that Doug Williams was reading a book about Davy Crockett as “The Ballad Of Davy Crockett” was Bill Hayes’ top Billboard hit in the ‘50s.

Shawn D and Eli helping Julie up to the podium was such a special, classy touch. It hit home. And maybe sent me into another blubbering streak.

Also, when Liz approached Julie before singing and quietly said, “I love you,” and the response, well, I was sent blubbering yet again. Okay. I had to hit pause and collect myself after that one.

It was great when the various characters in different locations toasted Doug!

Lucas and Ciara milling around was rather fun. What an unexpected duo. Of course, Lucas got the “Blame Game” all wrong, but it was fun, nonetheless.

I wonder if Eli and Lani know Frankie Brady. At last we heard, he was a lawyer in D.C. I’d like to think he helped Lani out of prison early and they have dinner at least once a month. Salem connections, and all.

Wow. A “Trish Clayton” namedrop! Last week was so rich with history. I loved it.

I sometimes forget that JJ and Lani had such a deep past.

Of his excitement to meet FBI Eli, Julie asking Steven, “Really? Are you sure!?” was thoroughly amusing.

“Cocanes.” Dead. That was hysterical.

I’m glad the show took a minute to reflect on David Abraham.

Julie talking about Eli is extremely endearing. The love and pride are so palatable. Of course, he feels the same way about her.

I hope JJ gets back to Salem soon to make slime with Little Lotte and play Scrabble with Thomas now that Doug is gone. It won’t be nearly as magical, but JJ brings a calm, sweet touch to things. I’m glad he’s home.

There was something so special about seeing Marie, Jen, Lucas, and Ciara in the Horton living room. A day-one character, a legacy vet, the surprise Horton, and the next gen. In other words, “family.”

Doug and JJ had a holiday set all planned out, and I don’t think I could love that more! I hope that Liz returns, or Claire Bear comes back to help him out. I’d volunteer to duet with him, but I was once told — and I wrote this down to get the quote right – “You have the voice of an angel…if that angel were on fire. Please don’t sing.”

Days of our Lives commentary: DAYS rising

PARTING THOUGHTS

In the spirit of celebrating a great man, as well as mourning one, I must express my sadness over the loss of Wayne Northrop, our original Roman Brady. Wayne brought such a swagger to Roman that it was hard not to just adore the guy. Just ask Marlena. Doc fell for this hero hard. I was young, but I still recall their banter, the time he slept on her floor to protect her, and, more so, Wayne’s general chemistry with the cast. He was a great talent, and he will be greatly missed.

So, friends and fellow fans, that’s it for December 9. Last week was a rough one, but I’m glad we got to spend time with loved ones. We got to celebrate homecomings, too, and next week we get ours here — Laurisa will officially be here! With that, I’m off to start preparing for all of the end of the year award shenanigans. As always, thank you for reading, and “That’s a fact.”