BEST SHOW I DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Last year, we named DAYS Most Improved Show after Emmy-winning scribe Ron Carlivati came in and overhauled the canvas. In 2018, he kept the momentum going, focusing on vets, weaving guest stars in and out of story with great success, and injecting a lightness to Salem that had been missing in recent years. The year kicked off with a bang, as fan-favorite Louise Sorel reprised the role of Vivian, and brought the New Year’s Eve fireworks as she introduced a new heir to the Dimera empire: Stefan O., played by popular GH alum Tyler Christopher (ex-nikolas). The sibling rivalry between Andre, Chad and Stefan indirectly led to Abigail murdering Andre, and Marci Miller’s masterful turn as she played the complex tale of Abby’s alters. Deidre Hall (Marlena) and Drake Hogestyn (John), who had precious little to do in the recent past, found themselves back in story in the buildup to their long-awaited wedding and its dramatic repercussions. Lamon Archey and Sal Stowers got their meatiest material to date as the secret that Lani was carrying Eli’s (not JJ’S) son was revealed, only to be followed by the heartbreak of baby David’s death. Alison Sweeney (Sami), Arianne Zucker (Nicole) and Jen Lilley (Theresa) were all carefully reintegrated into storyline (EJ’S alive! Nicole’s dead!), and written out just as seamlessly. Camila Banus’s Gabi was transformed into a formidable villainess, and the emergence of a powerful core of younger actors — Lucas Adams (Tripp), Olivia Rose Keegan (Claire), Victoria Konefal (Ciara) and Robert Scott Wilson (Ben) — shows there’s hope for the future of the younger set. On the new character front, devious Leo, played to perfection by Greg Rikaart, was introduced as a believable foil for all things Sonny and Will; Gilles Marini has been a welcome addition as shady legal eagle Ted; and the return of quirky Sarah Horton (talented B&B alum Linsey Godfrey) adds a new dimension to her mom, Maggie’s world, allowing her to function as more than just Victor’s devoted wife. Comedy continued to be an ample part of the show, too, with surprise arcs featuring Hattie and Bonnie. And Tionne Watkins, who returned as ex-con Sheila, breathes life and spontaneity into every scene she’s in. But what DAYS did best was deliver high-impact payoffs, rather than just tread water. From the aforementioned John/marlena nups to Ben and Ciara’s unlikely courtship to Eric learning why Nicole really left town, the show rewarded its fans’ faith and patience, while making the journey just as rewarding as the destination.