
Deconstructing DOOL: Romance, mystery, and story speculation

Salem Shenanigans from August 17 – 21:
Monday the new “Days” writing began to air. So far we’re seeing less scene jumping and more quality time spent between characters which is already building a connection between them and the audience. Hope’s no longer homeless, we saw a little romance, and the theme of the week is saying the phrase ‘cut to the chase’. Let’s go along with Clyde and Rafe and uh…cut to the chase.
Daytime’s first married gay couple breaks up.
In last week’s Deconstructing DOOL I commented that Sonny needed to dump Will’s lying cheating arse and then five seconds later he did. His story wrapped up just as the new writing regime entered the scene. Most found it out of character for Sonny to hightail it out of town so fast since he’s so level-headed. But with all that has gone on, who could blame him for running away? Though in reality, he could have easily stayed with his parents and think things through, this isn’t reality. In reality, the actor wanted out. At least Sonny will no longer be manipulated, lied to or betrayed by Will’s lies and we won’t have to see that anymore. If this story made me feel anything it’d be for poor Arianna, who already lost one parent to prison and is now losing another. Thanks Will. It was Sonny’s last day in Salem Tuesday. Good luck to Freddie Smith wherever he lands.
The questions surrounding Bo’s return.
Victor’s been spending time at Caroline’s bedside, which marks the start of Bo’s return to Salem, and the reveal that Victor’s looking for a cure for Alzheimer’s. That was very touching. I have a theory that Aiden’s not a good guy as we were led to believe and that John considering returning to the ISA and Bo’s return has something to do with it. That’s just speculation and I’m not sure it holds much water but I’m itching to know what brings Bo back so would love to hear your thoughts. In two days, the new writers have revamped John and Marlena’s pairing. Their scenes were refreshing, tender, and romantic.
Should Hope trust Aiden?
Hope and Julie’s talk about Bo’s disappearing act and her relationship with Aiden with emphasis on how much trust means to her was one of the best feel good moments of the week. It also felt disjointed because it’s two years overdue, but obviously was written because of Bo’s imminent return. It also came out of nowhere that Rafe suddenly realizes he could get reinstated at SPD. I guess the writers are correcting a mistake by having him return to SPD, where he belongs.
Girl needs to heed JJ’s warning.
Paige and JJ’s open discussion was nice and it was obvious that JJ’s right and Paige still has feelings for him but it comes so late in the game that I’m not sure what difference it’ll make. We’ll see. She really is naïve about men. She’s going to get herself into a lot of trouble, teasing someone like Kyle.
Oh the shame!
Clyde’s in good shape. He handed Aiden his ass, kicked Aiden’s weakling ass all around the hotel room and Aiden barely fought back. That was a shame. And interestingly enough, Aiden did a good job in covering it up. I guess he has experience considering he covered up his wife’s death. I can’t help but think about that. If Hope were to investigate the scene, it’s likely she would find out what really went down. I’d like to know what secrets he learned and why exactly he said, “I know who you are,” to Clyde. Briefly I wondered if Clyde was really Andre or someone. Hey, stranger things have happened in soaps!
Eve actually appeared moved by Julie’s speech regarding the Horton Centre. Or was that entire show just a rouse so she could finally put her plan in motion to make Jennifer crazy? I’ve got to hand it to her, she’s good. I just wish they’d write her – and Theresa – with some humanity, especially now that she knows JJ's big secret.
Abigail.
Is this her being noble? It’s going to be a long pregnancy if we have to see her heartsick by her decision to pretend she’s not into Chad.
Best lines of the week:
"Getting old is not for sissies," Victor tells Caroline.
John, "Doc, I am going to make you believe in us again."
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Photo credit: Howard Wise/JPI
- Christine Fix