Friday September 23 was a big day in the soap world, as the last episode of All My Children aired, and Days of Our Lives aired the first episode that was fully written by the new head writing team of Marlene McPherson and Darrell Ray Thomas. Here are my thoughts on the revamp after watching one full week of episodes.
All the characters that left prior to the revamp left on various planes. Vivian, Quinn and Taylor went on Ivan’s private jet to India. Carly and her son Nicholas flew to Europe, and Dario got a new job in South America leaving behind a disappointed Melanie. Only two departing characters stayed long enough to go to the party, which was part of the reboot (Chloe and Kinsey), but more about them later.
Friday the 23rd’s episode showed some classic clips as Bo, Hope, Doug, Julie, Jennifer and Maggie talked about Alice and Tom. They also showed some older material with Bo and Hope. Since the party was in honor of Tom and Alice, having this episode helped to introduce these important though deceased characters to any newer audience members. MacDonald Carey (Tom) and Frances Reid (Alice) died in 1994 and 2010 respectively IIRC. It is not a controversial statement to say that Tom and Alice are widely loved by long-term viewers and are still missed.
The party in honor of Tom and Alice Horton was in the new and updated town square. They donated the money to make it possible. Years earlier the square was the place to be, but it fell in disrepair. What is odd was the one arch part of the set reminded me of scenes in a park set on a tape from about 25 years ago. Yes I have videotapes that are that old in my collection, wish I had ones even older, but I digress.
There was a dedication of the town square and a plaque was posted with Tom and Alice. There were twinkling lights and trees decked in blue lights. The party had surprises along with guests. EJ brought Patti Stanger (the millionaire matchmaker woman) as his date. Though she wasn’t the special guest even if people took pictures with her.
Hope invited some of their extended family and friends to the party. There were no Hortons by blood or adoption in attendance, who came for a visit, as Julie while not on screen all the time lives in Salem with her husband Doug. First Carrie (Christie Clark) and Austin (Patrick Muldoon) appeared. This was the first time since 1995 that Patrick Muldoon was playing Austin. Carrie’s father Roman and Bo are half-siblings so she is a member of their family though not a Horton. Later in the party John (Drake Hogestyn) and Marlena (Deidre Hall) appeared. John and Marlena’s daughter Belle is married to Bo and Hope’s oldest Shawn so again they are family. They share a grandchild hello guys. Unless I missed it, I hope they mention their shared family.
Another not so happy reunion took place when Jack (Matthew Ashford) was pushed into the cake. His wife Jennifer, who divorced him while he was missing, was not pleased. This party was for Jennifer’s grandparents, and she was having a wonderful time with her new boyfriend Daniel until Jack appeared. While Jack’s initial appearance was silly, it became serious quite quickly. He was shocked over the divorce and wanted to explain to Jennifer what happened. She wouldn’t listen, and neither would their daughter Abigail who felt completely abandoned by him. Chad provided a great comfort to Abby. The one person who seemed happy to see Jack was his sister Adrienne. These scenes between Jack and Adrienne were the first time in over 20 years that Matt Ashford and Judi Evans acted together on Days. It felt like little time passed, which was a great thing. What we didn’t see was Jack’s reasons for leaving his family, but whatever it was Adrienne felt that things could be fixed. Hopefully the secret whatever it is won’t be kept from the audience for too long.
Chloe and Kinsey went to the party briefly. Chloe came to say goodbye to Brady and thank him for the job opportunity. Kinsey decided to go to Chicago with Chloe so she would have someone in town other than baby Parker that she liked and knew. Chloe also said goodbye and thanks to her best friend Nicole, and Justin and Adrienne. She also wished her former husband Daniel well in his new relationship with Jennifer.
EJ was able to spend a few moments with his children Sydney and Johnny. They have changed the little girls who play Sydney again. EJ also announced that he is running against his brother-in-law Abe for mayor. Everyone was shocked, but Lexie was livid that her brother would do that without informing them of his intentions.
Other things that happened at the party will influence future story. Victor proposed to Maggie in front of everyone. We haven’t seen her accept yet. John was arrested for stealing money among other charges. Since Austin is a forensic accountant and Carrie a defense attorney perhaps they will be on opposite sides of this case. While John and Marlena shared the good news, that he can walk again, it looks like their life isn’t so grand after all. Kate is going to open Countess Wilhelmina in the revitalized section of town and look for a new spokesperson.
The first week with the new writers was interesting, and felt more like Days of old. Hopefully this will continue and we’ll get cast interaction along with stories about families and friends, who live in Salem.
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