Days of our Lives commentary: DAYS rising

This won’t be one of my traditional “DAYS opinion columns.” Okay. It will in the sense that I will be wordy, and I will ramble and gush about all things DAYS. That will stay true to my prior work, but I have some explaining to do as to how I ended up crashing on my former boss’s cyber couch…

When my former place of work landed in new hands, I wanted to leave immediately. There was several heartbreaking behind-the-scenes happenings that crushed me professionally and privately that stemmed from the acquisition. Deciding to stay was a difficult decision, but Laurisa and I both agreed to keep things consistent for the time being. We both love what we do and feel blessed that readers have stuck with us for the better part of two decades.

In fact, there’s not a verbal equivalent that’s big enough to express my gratitude for your readership. You help make my dreams come true on a weekly basis. “Thank you!” seems too small for all the love I have felt over the years from readers, but I will land on a humble, sincere, “Thank you,” nonetheless.

Over the short time under new ownership, the decision to leave became clear. I loved what I did and who was reading it, but writing under their moniker felt off. And I’m not just talking about the click-bait, non-soap related content, or pop-up ads, but they didn’t help. It simply became a bad fit. I began to feel depressed and even my love for DAYS was affected by staying there. At that point, I knew it was time to move on.

Hello, goodbye, hello again

Of course, I wanted to explain my departure there and say an official “goodbye and thank you” via a final column at the site I had previously worked at for 17-plus years. In recent weeks and in negative interactions with the new employees, I knew saying what I’d love to say would be edited. So, here I am. Crashing on my former boss’s cyber couch, and hoping you’ve found me again and will give these new accommodations a try.

Though, as I got thinking, I realized that I don’t have to say goodbye. It’s like when DAYS moved from NBC to Peacock. It’s the same feeling of home, just at a different address. So, sorry. My content will be like what I’ve always done. Whomp, whomp.

All of that said, I’m extremely excited to continue gushing about DAYS with all of you. And there is a lot to gush about. For starters, “Happy Anniversary, DAYS!” 59 and still fabulous. Oh, and renewed for another year. Not too shabby. Not too shabby at all.

Also “not too shabby,” the show will soon celebrate 15,000 episodes! That’s staggering. Thank you to everyone at Team DAYS for giving us something so special to celebrate together.

I love the energy as we’re heading into “Season 60.” From nearly every interview I’ve seen and snippets I’ve read on social media, the cast and crew seem pumped by all the changes to the show. I hope (and sense) that the behind-the-scenes healing has taken place and that everyone at Team DAYS is left with a happier, healthier work environment. I certainly can appreciate a time of healing and looking forward to brighter days.

That Days of our Lives sneak peek trailer!

The “Sneak Peek” trailer looks phenomenal! It gave me “old school” DAYS vibes. Seeing so many familiar faces we haven’t properly caught up with in a while has me more excited than I’ve been in years. Eli, Lani, and the twins! Emily O’Brien is back (but as who!?)! The big guns — Alison Sweeney and Kristian Alfonso!!! There’re not enough exclamation points to express my excitement over those two.

Martha Madison and Brandon Beemer are back, too! Brandon is amazing, and I’m so happy Martha’s bringing Belle home to Salem. I have such a strong admiration and respect for Martha’s work. And judging from the scenes in the “Sneak Peek” trailer as well as her “Day of DAYS” interview with Michael Fairman, it’s going to be spectacular.

I adore that Marie Horton is returning! I’m the youngest of five, so I’ve always felt a special kindship to Marie. While I was too young to remember most of her heyday, it was updating her character profile years ago that really reengaged me to the character. Also, from DAYS to Knots Landing and everything in between, Maree Cheatham is marvelous.

I also adore the fact that Casey Moss is still in Salem as J.J., and I look forward to watching him work with the captivating Cherie Jimenez. I’m also captivated that the show is revisiting Philip and Stephanie, a match that really worked for both characters back in the day. And I’m ready to pop the cork to some bubbly to celebrate Rafe and Jada’s engagement. There is just so much to look forward to in that trailer. I really can’t wait!

Bonus points, it looks like we’ll get more of the brilliance between Billy Flynn and AnnaLynne McCord!

Of course, there was somberness to the trailer, as well. We knew Doug’s death was coming, and now we know that John’s will be, too. The returns for Doug’s storyline have been announced for ages, and while it’s bittersweet, I’m ready to welcome them home to mourn and celebrate together.

As for John’s final storyline, well, my heart is still heavy over Drake’s passing. The stories shared by his colleagues continue to warm my soul. He was such an incredible person and an inspiration. I sense that now everyone he touched has a little more encouragement to “swing for the fences” in honor of Drake.

The storyline itself is still shrouded in mystery, which is befitting for a character who came to Salem as enigmatic “Pawn.” We can see that it involves John’s family, Steve, Andrew, and (Hello!) Shane Donovan, and that’s intriguing enough to get me excited. I would love it if Dick van Dyke has a cameo at some point, too.

There’s a glimpse of Deidre Hall with Christie Clark, Martha Madison, and Chandler Massey in the trailer, and it gave me chills. Fun fact, each time Christie returns as Carrie, I spontaneously cry. Happy tears, of course, but she pops onto screen, and the waterworks start, but I digress. I’m not sure if this is part of John’s storyline, but that lineup is “Must- See Streaming.”

In addition to the delicious drama, the trailer also builds suspense for secrets and bombshells blowing up. Johnny learning about his conception seems to be the biggest, and we get the one, the only, the legend herself Alison Sweeney back for this storyline it seems. I. Can. Not. Wait.

While “Johnny learns about E.J.” feels reminiscent of Holly learning about Eric killing Daniel, as in, “How hasn’t this happened already!?” I’m still ready to go with this storyline. Alison is in the house, and Carson Boatman gets to play with some meaty material. Getting Johnny back on track after recent events seems like a perfect path to follow.

I am all in on the “60 seasons of mystery!” Julie meets a mysterious new face…hmmm!? Who is holding Ava captive and shocking Kristen!? Will Bonnie really be killed off (and if so, can Adrienne finally return!?). And wowsa, “Who Shot E.J.!?” While I absolutely hope that the fantastical Mr. Feuerriegel isn’t going anywhere, this looks intense. I feel a coma coming on for Eej, which is much preferred than another “back from the dead” storyline.

All of that. More. AND Fancy Face promises the return of Bo Brady!? As I’ve said for years — and I’ll say it again — “Yes, please!”

All in all, there is just so much joy to look forward to with you, my DAYS-loving family and friends. Joy that is much needed now. Joy that I almost feared would fade away, but a good friend (hint: It was Laurisa!) reminded me it’s here. Always. And beginning this new adventure with her, Dan, and our dear readers is, well, joyous.

Parting thoughts

So, friends and fellow fans, that’s it for November 11. We’ll return to more a familiar format soon, but thank you for bearing with me today in this transition column. We still have several weeks of Sweeps-worthy fun to celebrate, and we’re nearing the end-of-the-year awards! With that, Laurisa will be here next week.

As always, thank you again for reading and joining us at our new cyber home, and “That’s a fact.”

Tony