Soap Mysteries

So, Days, what are they thinking?

I know that we’re talking about an ever-changing set of behind-the-scenes players other than that Corday guy, but I’ve decided that figuring out what Days casting and story strategy is may well be impossible.

Let’s look at what we know irrefutably:  Days got renewed for a relatively short period of time with a much reduced budget.  

As viewers, I think that no matter how much we may like certain characters, we understand that means changes and cuts we may not like, but can ultimately accept.  Those cuts were most noticeable with Days letting, over a period, 7 veteran actors/characters go.  John and Marlena, who I am on record as believing were played out anyway, Steve and Kayla who never really got the return story they (and we) deserved, Tony and Anna who were in a similar boat to Steve and Kayla but got a more respectful exit than the other four put together, and, earlier, Adrienne, who was never really used.

Okay, we don’t like it necessarily, but we get it.

At the other end of the spectrum, they finally, finally, developed their 30-something set, introducing some new and recast characters and moving it to a group as opposed to just a trio. But they then had the previously strong early-20s set decimated thanks, mainly, to the call of prime time.  Sure, Nick was sent off by choice, but Blake Berris was already booking prime time gigs when that happened, and Rachel Melvin and Darin Brooks have followed.

So Days casts a new “Horton”, and then, in stark contrast to their behaviour over the last six-odd months, goes on a veteran casting spree.

First, Crystal Chappell as Carly Manning.  Which I, for the most part, totally get.  She’s one of the best actresses in daytime and currently part of the most buzz-worthy couple in daytime on a soap that’s already cancelled.  Go for it.

Now, Wally Kurth as Justin Kiriakis.  I love Wally.  I wish he was still being used extensively as Ned Ashton on GH for any number of reasons.  But despite the resurgence of the Kiriakis family, isn’t the return of Justin now just the MOST FRUSTRATING THING EVER?

See all those comments above about Adrienne and Steve and Kayla, aka Justin’s family?  Not to mention all of those comments when Adrienne was last around about where the hell Justin and their four boys were given that Kurth was already dumped to recurring status over at GH by then?

When Adrienne last appeared is was established that she and Justin were still married, so now are we just going to have the reverse, with Justin present and Adrienne and the boys absent?  Will he take over management of the Cheatin’ Heart?  Or will they pull Judi Evans back from selling cemetery plots?

Either way, though, what’s the point now when Adrienne’s family, aside from Stephanie, is gone with and without explanation?  And do we really think they can write for Adrienne now when they couldn’t before?  Will Justin be back to do anything other than spar with Phillip and Bo about an inheritance Justin himself gave up 20-odd years ago?

To summarise, I’m pleased Wally Kurth is back, but I have no idea what the powers that be are actually thinking, if anything.

And I do really, really hope they surprise me enough to get me watching again.  Because although they seem to be making the right casting moves in terms of the actors, unless they’re going to deliver me story I’m interested in they’re not going to get me back.

Comments

[tanya]

reminder - carly was originally brought on back when via justin/adreinne...they may do the same thing again.

[Tripp]

Yes, my "ditterness" (Days bitterness) continues as Steve and Kayla were shipped out of Salem and Adrienne is gone too, so they bring back Justin now? Grrrr. I'm sure it will be enjoyable to see him again but it's tough to accept him back when I preferred Steve and Kayla.

And I still miss Nick. And still dittered he's sitting in jail while Chex got their happy ending.