Sami @ soapcentral.com

This week I learned that claustrophobia can be cured by sex. Thanks, DOOL! It's good to know that you're on top of the latest medical breakthroughs. Chloe and Lucas got it on in an elevator! Chloe's still gorgeous, Lucas still has bad hair, but at least this plotline is mildly interesting.

 

EJ and Nicole on the other hand... They were in the next elevator over, and the difference was astounding. I really, really like those two together.

 

And poor Sami... okay, I can't say "Poor Sami," with a straight face. Hopefully now that both of her men have moved on, she'll get some good revenge, plot something, etc. I want a return to the Sami of yore!

 

What else? Um, Daniel and Chelsea still creep me out. It's not the age difference that bothers me so much as the fact that watching the two of them together is akin to watching grass grow. We were bombarded this week with Bo's disapproval, and OMG, it's so much like how Doug didn't approve of Bo and Hope... Daniel and Chelsea must therefore be just like Bo and Hope! Give me a fricking break. They are not just like Bo and Hope, because Bo and Hope have oodles and oodles of chemistry, and Daniel and Chelsea have none.

 

Speaking of lack of chemistry, there's Morgan and Phillip. *snore*

 

At least Tamara Braun is around to keep things interesting as Ava! I love her so much. John destroyed the disk with his memories this week, but I have a feeling that he'll eventually get them back somehow and go back to being the old John. That's too bad however, I'm quite enjoying this incarnation. Maybe they can take a page from General Hospital's book and pull a Jason Morgan on John? Jason still hasn't gotten back his memories and it's what--twelve, thirteen years later?

It's that time of year, Days fans! So, in light of all the parties that you are probably planning, here is the rundown of the pre-nominees for Days of our Lives, my personal opinion of the material that best represented their work last year, and who has a shot at making it onto the actual Emmy ballot (providing that those Emmy voters quit drinking the ABC Kool-aid)!

Stephen Nichols (Steve Johnson)- While Stephen Nichols conveyed a palpable pain during Benji's death scene, I personally prefer the sarcastically comedic Steve-trying-to-act-like-a-DiMera-bot scenes with Stefano in the DiMera mansion..
Thaao Penghlis (Andre/Tony DiMera)- While I'm kinda confused by inclusion in the "lead actor" category, his best moment had to be the reign of terror, by one Andre DiMera, capped off by the terrifically terrible performance in that clown costume.
Peter Reckell (Bo Brady)- Bo was at his "Bradyest" when he's with his beloved Fancy Face.  I know that there were some great drama here, but like Stephen, I enjoy Peters comedic, playful side.  My favorite Bo Brady scene was when he "fought" with Hope over whether or not Colleen would go meet Santo- coincidentally leaving Mr. Bo Brady to go streaking around the Brady Pub.
James Scott (EJ DiMera)- James has the Mary Poppins syndrome. The guy is "practically perfect in every way". But, my favorite EJ moments are when he lets his Banks heart clash with his Dimera brain, like the scene in the hospital where Sami tells him that he'll walk again and he proclaims, "I'm trying!!!! You see? YOU SEE? But my legs are not moving!" The scene seemed painful at the time, but it was even more painful when we found out that he was faking the whole thing!

Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans) - Marlena didn't really turn the corner for me until John's death. But, the scene where she confronted Stefano with all that "Queen of the Night" stuff? Tell him, Marlena!
Alison Sweeney (Sami Brady-Roberts-Horton-Dimera)- As much as I am enjoying the new Sami (and the lack of Kate vs. Sami scenes), I've never enjoyed her more than when she gave her heartfelt apology to John. I'll never forget her saying, "After all, you're my dad too"
Most likely to appear on the ballot- Since Marlena really didn't start doing it for me until late in the year, I would hope that Alison Sweeney makes it on the final ballot. The rape happened right at the end of 2006, so 2007 is the first year of "mature Sami" dealing with a rape, two weddings, and a pregnancy. If Alison is ever going to be recognized for her work, this is her year. The fact that this actress has never even been nominated is a crime upon daytime.

Bryan Dattilo (Lucas Roberts) - At times, I have a hard time liking Lucas, but I never have a problem liking Bryan. His greatest moment was when he said good bye to Sami (the first time, during the divorce).  Lucas was genuinely hurt and was obviously at a loss for what to do with the constant pain.
Jay Kenneth Johnson (Phillip Kiriakis) - For me, it's the subtleties that JKJ conveys that make Phillip so delicious. In the scene where he grabbed Lauren and demanded that she, "Tell me where my baby is!" he had just the appropriate amount of crazy in his eyes to let us know that Kiriakises don't play by the rules.
Joseph Mascolo (Stefano DiMera) - It's no big secret that Joseph can do intimidation. But, it wasn't until we saw him break down in Santo's ghost's presence that we saw an actual, scared little boy. Turns out that Stefano isn't so tough after all.
Most likely to appear on the ballot: Sadly, I don't think any of these talents will be recognized by the academy. Fortunately, all of the characters on on an upswing. So, here's hoping for next year.

Judi Evans (Bonnie Lockhart/Adrienne Johnson Kiriakis) - Lord help me, but I always thought Bonnie Lockhart was a hoot. But, Adrienne was classy and sophisticated. The scene where she helped Steve escape from the mental hospital gave Judi a chance to showcase her softer side.
Mary Beth Evans (Kayla Johnson) - She had to tackle him to keep him from leaving. But, when she cried out, "I wish you never came back!"  to Steve, I wanted to reach through the TV and give Sweetness a hug.  
Martha Madison (Belle Black Brady) - Martha solidified Belle as a mother. Any scene where she fights for Claire was touching, but none better than the soaked Belle that came back to Tinda Lau after the storm. My heart broke a little when Bell wondered how, "we lost her" with a look of such tragic desperation in her eyes.
Most likely to appear on the ballot- Not only is she deserving, by Martha Madison's inclusion on the ballot would be a big to TPTB that thought it was a good idea to write her off Days. Idiots.



Shelley Hennig (Stephanie Johnson) - The scene where she finally confessed her rape to Cordy brought more than tears to this viewer. It brought an appreciation of a budding young actress.
Rachel Melvin (Chelsea Brady) - For my money, it doesn't get any better than when Chelsea is the spit-fire girl that takes on the world, or in one case, her jerk-half-uncle Phillip. When she teamed up with Nick to proclaim, "They're in Canada, you jerk!" Chelsea began using her spit-fire power for good.
Kristen Renton (Morgan Hollingsworth) - Y'all know I love Morgan! But, my favorite Morgan scene was when she stepped up to testify against Ford in the Dean's office when Cordy (and Stephanie) were both too scared to say anything.
Most likely to appear on the ballot: Not only should Rachel Melvin appear, but her development as a young actress means that she should flat out win. I think that Rachel is Days' best chance at an acting Emmy this season.

Blake Berris (Nick Fallon) - I had to go back to the very first week of the year, by my favorite Blake performance was his "Mrs Robinson" scene with Billie. He played the part of a lost, conflicted 20-something to a "T".
Darin Brooks (Max Brady) - Max has been defined by the women that he dated. However, my favorite Max scene was with the most important woman in his life, Caroline. The line was, "Pop got the last good girl." It reminded us that Max isn't really a player, he just plays one on TV.
Matthew Florida (Ford Decker) - Ford was just a vile character. So, the scenes where Matthew made Ford seemed the most vile were the ones where he was getting ready for the date with the un-named blond rape victim, looking at himself in the mirror, marveling in his own narcissism.... (ughghg!)
Most likely to appear on the ballot: While I like them all, I don't think that either of these guys have put together a great enough Emmy-style performance in this past year.

Just in case you're wondering, each soap can only nominate up to 4 per category. It's supposed to be 3 but if there is a tie, they can nominate 4. Only those actors and/or actresses who are 25 and under are eligible for the "Younger" acting categories. An actor turning 26 in 2007 was eligible for a pre-nomination until their birth date. Basically, the performance had to be in the bag before the performer blew out those b-day candles.




As part of your ever faithful Two Scoops duo, Tony and I are always ready to share our thoughts on our favorite guilty obsession with you.  We hope you'll do the same with us!  We appreciate all the feedback that we can get! 

Cheers!
Laurisa

Happy Valentine's Day '08 everyone!  Or, as I like to call it "Day-Before-Laurisa's-Birthday-Day".  That's right, much to my husband's misfortune, I happened to celebrate my birthday on February 15th.  (I'll wait for all you guys out there to have a collective groan)  So, I have grown to like the holiday (for other reasons than flowers and candy) and thus, I thought it would be fun to mark this moment in time with a breakdown of current Days couples.

  Sami and Lucas-  I'm not Lucas's biggest fan, but I do have to say that no one flatters Sami like Lucas does.  A few weeks ago he told her that if he were to make her a DVD he would say, "Good morning"  "You look beautiful today" and "I love you".  I shed a little tear for Sami.  She may have chased after her fair share of men, but Lucas is her grand prize.  When this couple is good, they are great.  Unfortunately, those moments are too far between. 
Couple grade= C

  Sami and EJ- Of course there is the white hot chemistry between the two actors; the juicy background story between the two characters who have done so much to please their families; and an adorable son.  But, as long as the writers refuse to deal with the rape, these two can't become a legitimate "supercouple" It's a shame too because these two actors are mesmerizing when they are on screen together, even if they are just reading the phone book. 
Couple grade= B

  Marlena and John- Not only are they both alive but, new John's "devil may care attitude" makes me stand up and cheer for this couple.  Not only is John great comic relief, but Marlena is forced to step up and become a strong woman to deal with smarmy John.  Together, they make for great TV even if it isn't the TV we're used to see from these two.
Couple grade= A-

  Belle and Shawn- These two will soon be leaving our fair Salem, but in the mean time, fans who cheered for Shelle have an excuse to party.  The couple finally started their "happily ever after".  If they do have to leave, I'm glad that Brandon Beemer and Martha Madison have done justice to the characters that Kirsten Storms and Jason Cook originated, taking them from eager teens into matured adults. 
Couple grade= B

  Steve and Kayla- Who doesn't love Patch and Sweetness?  You have to appreciate a woman who wouldn't give up on her husband even after he's presumed dead...for over a decade.  The couple's balance between stoicisms and compassion is what makes them great.  My only complaint is that they can get a little boring when they are not presented with a juicy story line.  Unlike Sami and EJ, I couldn't watch these two read a phone book.
Couple Grade= A-

Chelsea and Nick- These two definitely got it right.  Neither of them need to change at all to make them a great couple.  Their problems come into play when Nick tries to act self righteous or Chelsea tries to act like she doesn't need Nick.  All it all, these two are a good young love story.  Time will tell if they can keep it together.
Couple Grade= B+

   Max and Stephanie- It should be noted that I am including them in the list as a couple- a big step for me.  Yes, they are related.  And, viewers do not want to forget that.  But, Darin and Shelley look great and act great together.  At this point, it's going to take a great (and I mean super-above-all-others-love-fest-for-the-ages) story line to get these two into supercouple status- especially when most viewers can list a plethora of other pairs for each party.  Update: I found a picture of them together.
Couple Grade= C-

  Bo and Hope- They were my pick for favorite couple of 2007 and they still remain my favorite couple today.  One of the main reasons is that I like both characters individually.  They can go out, separate from each other, and hold their own story line without having to be around the other all the time.  Isn't that what makes a successful relationship in real life? 
Couple Grade= A+

  Tony and Anna- I adore this couple.  They manage to mingle upper crust sophistication with downright slapstick comedy.  They get left over story lines, side bar lines, and minor roles- yet these two still keep me entertained every time they are on screen.
Couple Grade= A+

  Philip and Chloe (Version 2.0)- I like the second reincarnation much better that the trial run.  Phillip is older and grown into his delicious Kiriakis genes.  Chloe is getting better.  Problem is, she's still married and still kinda boring.  If this couple is going to make if off the ground, Chloe needs to change her marital status and get a little more "punch" in her step.
Couple Grade= C



As part of your ever faithful Two Scoops duo, Tony and I are always ready to share our thoughts on our favorite guilty obsession with you.  We hope you'll do the same with us!  We appreciate all the feedback that we can get! 

Cheers!
Laurisa

Days- The acting done by Martha Madison and Deidre Hall this week has been fantastic. I have never been a huge fan of either and have often found Deidre to be fake sometimes, but this week they have blown me away. Martha I knew could pull off the emotional stuff, but I was suprised that I enjoyed Dee's portrayal. I guess alot of it came from a real place, Dee was saying goodbye to a good friend and it came across on screen as genuine emotion. Im hoping some Emmy nominations come their way.

 

I am so sick of EJ always somewhere where he's not wanted. He knows that Sami does not want him there. He used John's accident to take advantage of Sami. Why in the hell would you want to be married to someone who hates you. I think EJ has confused being in love with someone with being obssesed with someone. For me there are no redeeming qualities for me when it comes to EJ. He may not hit John, but he was going to hurt Belle just so he could force Sami to marry him. What a looser.

 

I wanna be a soap star- I am soooooo happy that Ashlee won. She has been my favorite since day one. She was the first to stand out to me. She is so likable and real. She may have struggled with letting herself go there emotionaly but overall she took direction and she grew in the competition. She knew she was good but she wasnt cocky like Justin. She even gave her competitors a little boost in confidence. I am looking foward to seeing what her role on Days will be.

 

OLTL-  I am loving the budding relationship between Dorian and Langston. I think this will be a great opportunity for the writers to develop Langston character and for Dorian to have something else to do besides chasing after Clint or giving Vicki hell.

 

although i do love that lucas and sami are married, i feel that she belongs with ej. this whole colleen / santo story is coming back around to them. just seeing ej's face when he learned he was not the father of the twins and then seeing him imagine a life with sami makes me want to cry. ej and sami are both born manipulators who complement each other. i feel for lucas but i think he needs to move on with someone else.