News - Soap Buzz

225 October 15th, 2010 OLTL hits #4 in Ratings with great gains – DAYS falls to the bottom!

Kristen Alderson

Photo Credit: JPI Studios

Great news for ABC’s One Life to Live! The soap hit it’s highest ratings in a very long time placing number #4 for the week of October 4 -8, 2010. OLTL had a gain of 256,000 viewers. With the twisted tale of Eli, Hannah, and the perils of Starr and Tea, the show has been on fire of late, and we hear the next few weeks are only going to get creepier and even more riveting!

On the downside, Days of our Lives which had at one time this past year been heralded as the comeback kid is now at the bottom of the soap ratings with a loss of another 70,000 viewers for the ratings week. It also tied it’s lowest rating in total households set a few weeks ago in September.

Check out the complete list from Soap Opera Network after the jump!

Total Viewers
1. Y&R 4,974,000 (+39,000/+29,000)
2. B&B 3,120,000 (-37,000/-138,000)
3. GH 2,571,000 (+125,000/+61,000)
4. OLTL 2,559,000 (+256,000/+157,000)
5. AMC 2,431,000 (+102,000/-42,000)
6. DAYS 2,338,000 (-70,000/-677,000)

Tags: 2010, Days of our Lives, One Life To Live, Ratings Week Oct 4- Oct 8, Soap Opera Network

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Judy says:

October 15, 2010 at 10:03 pm

I’m sure Days could move back up to the top if we get Ejami. There not listening!

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Tanila replied October 16th, 2010 at 8:44 am
Days needs to be cancelled. Ejami and Safe are eating up this show. The A story is not working and Sami is on too damn much. Kill her please and let EJ and Rafe be free of that whiny witch.

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sally replied October 16th, 2010 at 12:20 pm
This week Ej/Sami/Rafe was not the A story, actually it was the story who was the less shown. lol

Angela replied October 18th, 2010 at 6:56 am
What has ruined Days is all the ejami we had to watch during the summer and viewers have wanted to come back! The ratings started to fail when the writers tried to go with ejaim this summer! The writers had a good love story with Rafe and Sami and ruined that in the summer! Days lost alot of viewers when they had to endure ejami!! Having to watch ej being the victim really makes me sick! Sami and Rafe were on 1 day last week and that is the highest day for Days ratings that week! Until Ej is taken off the screen and the story stops revolving around ej and what ej wants then i will not watch! Ej is a ruthless maniac not a victim! Sami shot ej when she snapped because of her kids! Ej has tormented Sami sine the day he came to the show! I’ve watched days for for 24 years and stopped watching when they brought Ej Dimera on then the writers were smart bringing Galen Gering(Rafe) on so I had been watching since 10/31/08 but now although I’m a total Safe =Sami and Rafe fan I refuse to watch because this show has turned into the Ej show!!

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Walters replied October 18th, 2010 at 8:45 am
The highest ratings recently were during the summer of EJami, and that’s even with many EJamis tuning out after Ken Corday opened his mouth and proclaimed Safe would be back together by Labor Day. So Safe is back together, EJ was in a coma with no dialogue while Safe sexed it up for THREE weeks and the ratings have gone steadily down the toilet since Labor Day, sorry to say.

Your couple is together, they live together, they are engaged, they are raising Sami’s children with other men, they are plotting together, they are saying I love you and having sex every day. Safe is together in every sense of the word. EJamis can tell you why they aren’t watching. Tell us again, why aren’t you?

anon replied October 20th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
THEY’RE listening, all right, to the fans who are not obsessed, watching episodes over and over to “see” what isn’t THERE. They made such a huge mistake trying Ejambo AGAIN because some people send food, gifts, money; and bitch and go on and on about how many! ejamos THERE are, when, in fact, THERE are only about 100 of them who are dedicated, and only about 20 who must have nothing else to do but post on a hundred message boards over and over, spam polls, and “campaign”. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

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Walters replied October 20th, 2010 at 7:27 pm
Hear that sound, anon? That’s the ratings swirling down the toilet as TPTB listen to you and keep Safe on our screens for the foreseeable future. The ratings have plummeted since the Safe reunion down from a yearly high during the summer when EJami were “together”. I predict 1.6 ratings by November sweeps. Enjoy your show while it heaves its last Safe-filled breaths.

rachel replied October 22nd, 2010 at 5:34 am
lol this is good poor women chek factes befor you speek you make fool of yourself!i feel sorry for poor women like you thet dont realize this is tv there is doctor for things like oo by the wey who is the crazy ejami or you poor thing! pretend to love a couple thet you dont you need help
shannon says:

October 16, 2010 at 2:46 am

Bring Grayson McCouch to the show, and watch the ratings go up………………..

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Kim replied October 16th, 2010 at 3:54 pm
It can’t hurt! And there is a casting call for someone named {Paul who’s 35-45 years old. He’d fit perfectly!!!!

And then hopefully they wouldn’t gutt and ruin the character as they’ve done to the males we have onscreen currently on Days. (Rafe, EJ, Bo, etc. usually elicit a WTH response from me when they’re on right now.)

And the writing for Sami — don’t even get me started. Nothing about her is fun to watch anymore. I am so anti-her character as well as anyone around her, and she is a reason I used to love the show. She’s a goofup but she always could reason it and you kinda had to believe her. That ended completely in early September. So the actors themselves are the only thing keeping me tuning in — not the characters but the hope that someday I’ll recognize the characters I love again! Please, writers, we really want fun, romance and adventure to return to our soap. Days used to be one of the best in that regard if not THE best. What happened?

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leslyn says:

October 16, 2010 at 4:34 am

finally! everyone is waking up and smelling what oltl has been cooking for a while now. lol i use to watch all 3 abc soaps but gave up on amc when chuck pratt was writer and can’t get back into it. when i do catch amc it kinda feel like a repeat cause the same people are always doing the same thing. i am still with gh cause come on it is gh and well i love gh there better be really good story with alkazar i mean the balken .

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Karen says:

October 16, 2010 at 4:46 am

Throwing Ejami together this summer pretty much killed the show and left a bad taste for many viewers. You can’t put a rapist and his victim together and expect people to enjoy watching that. I hope they can recover but EJ back to manuplating the sitution again is going to continue to hurt the show.

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Judy replied October 16th, 2010 at 10:21 am
The Safe reunion is what killed the show. They are not suited together, no matter how much they try to make Sami a heroine she is still a spoiled brat who does what she wants. Rafe is not for her. EJ and Sami have a long and intense history together. I think because one or two of the Days staff or higher ups are Safe fans they are willing to flush the show down the toilet.

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rachel replied October 16th, 2010 at 11:53 am
killed lol days was killd for thet rating now to put your lading man in a coma over a month and to give i em sorry not so good actor to be there all the time not smart move at all!

i will remind you ejami do not kill the show becuse the same ga thet watch ejami watched gh luke and laura they had haters to but still in the moment the show start to write a good love story for them 30 milion watched a rapist and his victim get marryed so stop blame ejami i em sick of thet!

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lucie replied October 16th, 2010 at 12:09 pm
Please Sami is with Rafe and they are on almost every days having sex and professing loving each other, raising Ej’s kids ah..and Sami/Ej on the other hand are quite enemies but the ratings are because of Ejami ?! Seriously ? Keep telling yourself that it that makes you feel better ! lol
It doesn’t change the fact that the ratings are awful and Sami is with one guy : Rafe so you don’t have to be Einstein to understand that this pairing doesn’t work Big Time.

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Heather replied October 16th, 2010 at 12:10 pm
When Ej and Sami were together this summer the ratings were better girl.

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cinnamon replied October 18th, 2010 at 1:51 pm
yea right. When Ej and Sami were together is when the ratings started dropping.
Now they have to get the ratings up only way that will happen is to either get rid of Ej or Get Ej out of Sami’s orbit for good!!!!!!!!!

Camille replied October 16th, 2010 at 12:18 pm
So Ej being a schemer hurt the show ?! It is new..it is the core of the character like Sami is also a schemer. Sami being an helpless damsell in distress who waits for a “hero” (well no comment..) Rafe to save her really HURT the show…actually it destroys Sami as a character and that lot’s of people don’t want to watch that.

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Walters replied October 16th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
Sami is no longer EJ’s victim. He is HER victim! She shot him in the head and THAT’S what people don’t want to see. They don’t want to see Sami loving the dark romantic lead on this show and almost marrying him one minute, then trying to kill him and boinking some other dude the very next minute. The majority of viewers want EJAMI. When KC declared that Safe would be reunited by Labor Day, that’s when people stopped tuning out and the ratings have sucked every since.

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Carol replied October 16th, 2010 at 3:23 pm
Funny you are blaming EJ and Sami. I didn’t see EJami “together” this summer…yes they lived together and shared a few kisses, but Sami was in love with the Rafester the whole time. Many EJami fans didn’t even tune in because Sami’s love for Rafe was so nauseating.

If anyone is hurting the show it’s the writers. Where the heck is the romance? If they think Safe is romantic…think again! They are uncomfortable to watch and always having sex at the most inappropriate time! I love Bricole, but once again, sex while poor Viv is laying in the Sarcophagus. The most romantic couple on Days, Bope, were torn apart…Bo sleeps with Carly two days later and Barly is shoved in our faces. Sad when the best love story they got goin’ is Stefano/Kate and Victor/Maggie!

I’m having a hard time tuning in these days. I loathe my favorite character on the show because she shot my other favorite character in the head and is now sexing it up with, my least favorite character…Ex Agent Hernandez. I’ve been a viewer for over 30 years, I would be so sad if Days was cancelled. So I will continue to tune in and fastforward the undesirables.

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Jamie replied October 19th, 2010 at 9:03 am
Carol, you said everything that I’ve been feeling about Days!

Ugh, Rafe is BORING. Sami and Rafe are DULL. We like Sami but the writers are doing that thing they do – writing her completely out of character – and what they are writing lately turns people off of her.

We need pain-in-the-butt Sami back. Pair her with EJ or bring back Lucas, her soul mate. He’s as big of a pain as she is when he’s in full-on manipulator mode.

April replied October 16th, 2010 at 6:16 pm
EJami didn’t ruin the show and Sami hasn’t been EJ’s victim for a long time. They have both done awful things to each other. If anyone is ruining the show it’s Safe. They are boring and dull. I’d rather watch paint dry than what Safe. Rafe is just Lucas with a different name. If anyone is to blame for the mess that is Days it’s TPTB. The actors just do they’re job. Sleazy sex and lame plotlines don’t implore me to watch.

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darnell replied October 18th, 2010 at 6:28 am
Ha that’s a joke – the ratings were up over the summer – what’s killing the show is what they’ve done to Sami and for forcing Safe down the viewers’ throats….this is not what daytime television was meant to be…..and as for your argument about the rapist and his victim..old news! Tell that to GH when they had Luke and Laura together! Besides, that’s been put to rest by Days and the actors involved in that storyline .

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anon replied October 18th, 2010 at 8:19 am
Ejamo does NOT have a “huge” following; they just have a loud, demanding, threatening following. TWICE, the ejamo pairing did NOT work, and to have Elvo STILL hung up on that bleached-out bimbo is ridiculous. Is AS writing this show? Because that’s what one would think, what with men falling at her feet all the time. It is AWFUL, all this Sami sami sami crap. I HATE her!

Make A Zucker the star and not this idiot bad actress. Az is the best they’ve got now. A thousand times better than AS ever dreamed of being.

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Carol replied October 18th, 2010 at 10:50 am
Sounds like you’re the loud, demanding, threatening one. yikes.

Alison Sweeney is a wonderful actress! She can’t help it if she’s given sh!t to work with.

Cookala replied October 18th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
No wonder your signature is “anon”. This is the most tasteless post I’ve read out of the bunch and has absolutely nothing to do with the original topic of falling ratings.

Gilly replied October 18th, 2010 at 8:44 pm
How can you blame Ejami being on in the summer for the drop in ratings when 70,000 viewers were lost last week?

As a fan of Ejami, I didn’t even consider them being “together” this summer. I just watched the Summer of Fickle Sami. That coupled with the stupid sydnapping black cloud and Corday saying that Safe was coming, I didn’t want to invest my time in watching anymore.

I would like to watch to support the show because I don’t want it canceled, but it is just so slooooooooooowww. I can tune in two weeks apart and still pick up on the same conversations. It reminds me of Passions (more ways than one if you catch my drift) with how you could watch one day a month and get the jest of the whole show and pick up right where you left off.

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Deborah replied October 19th, 2010 at 8:06 am
What’s really sad is that people still keep harp on the fact that EJ raped Sami back in 2006. Does anyone, anyone remember that Sami drugged Austin back in the 90s and raped him? Austin got passed it and forgave Sami. Sami got passed the rape by forgiving EJ and coming to terms with the fact that she did the same thing to Austin.

If she can forgive EJ, why can’t the audience? Good grief, she is the character and has tried, for the sake of her children, to move on. Which is why she and EJ made love in May 2008.

Moving on from that, we need to come to terms with the fact that Sami and Rafe are not the rootable couple. Mr. Corday told the audience that they were going to be back together after Labor Day and you’d think the rating would go up from there, but they have just sunk, so we need to be honest and realize that the chemistry is not there. Sami and EJ have done some terrible things both to others and each other, however, when they come together as friends/parents, the dynamic is there and is undeniable.

Not asking the SAFE or LUMI fans to root for the EJami couple, just be honest and realize that the chemistry is there for EJ and Sami.

The storylines show no romance, no friendships, no fun…just revenge and secrets and that doesn’t make for good ratings. The ratings are going to keep tanking if some good old-fashioned romance (not just sex) isn’t brought back to the storylines. The demographics dictate that is what the audience wants. The powers that be need to just make it happen. The viewership is what makes or breaks the show and we definitely don’t want to lose DAYS because of being stubborn and wanting our own way….writers are you listening!!!

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Jamie replied October 19th, 2010 at 9:06 am
Well-said! I hope the writers pay attention.

I honestly don’t know why they are having such a hard time pulling this show together. It’s not freaking rocket science. I’ve been watching since 1981 and I could puke better storylines for them – FOR FREE. Read the message boards, writers – read the FB Fan page for DOOL. You’ll get all the ideas you need.
Cindy says:

October 16, 2010 at 7:55 am

Mr. Corday and Mr. Tomlin need to realize that viewers do not want to be angry and disappointed constantly. Build up a story and then pay it off. We get no payoffs and stories are mired in mediocrity for weeks then take off at warp speed on the way to a big fizzle.

Every story is overlaid with a secret landmine that is just waiting to explode(sometimes for an endless amount of time) and nasty hookups have replaced real romance. Outdated concepts of one- dimensional evil characters who are clearly not wholly evil and shiny heroes who are clearly not heroic fall flat and the audience is not fooled or entertained. The characters on a soap represent real human beings who are neither wholly good or evil but rather a mix of the two. Only children think the world is so neat and simple. Children are not the desired demographic I don’t believe.

Look outside the box that is not working and see that the current formula is the wrong one. Good stories that have a beginning, middle and payoff at the end always work.

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Kim replied October 16th, 2010 at 3:47 pm
Totally agree with this post as far as what needs to be addressed.

On a personal note, though, putting James Scott in a coma for 3 weeks was the wrong move. And then waking him up and things going back to pretty much the same as it was before seems to be such a waste of our time. I don’t want to be frustrated and discouraged. The only “pairing” i like to see on the screen right now are the young kids who play Johnny and Sydney with James Scott. How sad is that? None of the other couples have writing that are interesting. The acting talent on the show is awesome, but the writing of the storylines isn’t. IMO

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April replied October 16th, 2010 at 6:13 pm
Excellent post Cindy. I know I don’t want to watch random couples hook up and have sex. I need romance and build up with a pay-off. Interesting and exciting stories that don’t take forever and a day to resolve keep me interested. Days has ratings gold with EJami and they won’t take a real chance and put them together. EJami fans get scraps. I want the whole feast. It angers me that Days has such wonderful actors and actresses and they aren’t given a chance to really shine with great material. The same stale, overplayed storylines bore the audience and insult are intelligence. It’s sad, I have watched Days for over 30 years and this is what it’s been reduced too.

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Jamie replied October 19th, 2010 at 9:08 am
Yes, we never see a payoff anymore! What is the deal with that? My mom and aunt have watched DOOL since it started, but they’ve pretty much given up on it and switched to GH because plotlines take forever to resolve and you never get a romantic payoff with the couples anymore.
deb says:

October 16, 2010 at 8:23 am

Funny how now that OLTL has balance the ratings have gone up! Lets hope this is a trend and a good trend. Glad to see the VETS back and in a story. Please Frons wake up and smell the roses.

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Joie says:

October 16, 2010 at 9:52 am

What has been done to Days is nothing short of a crime. For that matter, the same could be said of what has been done to Sami. Shooting an unconscious EJ in the head only to go back to sex up her boy toy was so disgusting that I can’t recall anything done by a full-fledged soap villain coming close. Higley is a horrific writer who should have been fired months ago.

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Gail S replied October 16th, 2010 at 11:54 am
Totally agree, I have not had the stomach to watch, and when I do as soon as Sami, Rafe, Roman or Caroline come on, I ether hit the mute button or switch the channel which means I usually miss Melanie, Brady and EJ. so frustrating, I end up turning it off angry.

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Reese replied October 16th, 2010 at 12:15 pm
If only they could have give to Ej and Sami a real love story but NO they chose the predictable and boring way by pairing Sami with a dudley do right guy and the ratings are now worse and worse. Dool you made your own bed, by the way the other stories are not better. Ah and this week Ej/Sami/Rafe was not the A story, actually it was a break from this storyline..ironic isn’t it..which proves that the other stories doesn’t work either.

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Jamie replied October 19th, 2010 at 9:09 am
Dena Higley is the worst soap writer in history and she’s writing this show into the ground. Corday, HIRE SOME TALENT.
Sue says:

October 16, 2010 at 10:17 am

Safe is back together and the ratings have not improved. What now, Ken? Which fan base do you ‘listen’ to though. Safe’s were saying this summer Ejami was on the ratings were low. Now Safe’s on and Ejami’s are saying that’s why the ratings are low.

I’m not a Safe or Ejami fan, don’t care who they pair her up with, but I can see that they played both sides this summer. They had Sami kissing EJ, accepting proposal, then bumping into Rafe and being thunderstruck or Rafe kisses her and she kisses back – in the same episode!

I watch for other things. I’m enjoying dark Brady vs. trapped Vivian, and now Nicole’s back with him-it’s hot. I’m enjoying Maggie and Victor’s slowly progressing attachment. It could develop into a romantic comedy with Phil & Mel moving back into the mansion to bug Victor. Plus Maggie & Victor giving each other advice or working together to help Brady or the other young people in their lives works perfectly.

I hope the ratings turn around enough the pay the bills and the show to continue. Come on Days.

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Ceridwyn2 says:

October 16, 2010 at 10:32 am

I’ve watched both Days & OLTL in the past year since GL went off the air. Days was shining for a while, but the writing has tanked. One bright spot is Victor/Maggie. The Chloe/Carly/Daniel/Phillip/Melanie crap has gone on WAY too long as has EJ/Sami/Rafe.

Loving OLTL – on fire! Todd & daughters, Tea, Blair, Inez/Clint/Viki/Echo/Dorian stuff is going to be hitting its stride. Great stuff.

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Kim replied October 16th, 2010 at 3:50 pm
Been checking out OLTL the last few weeks and I have to say I’m close to getting pulled back into it. Trying not to be, but the variety of the characters shown and the twist of Tea being alive is excellent! I saw a few scenes this past week and will most likely be checking in to all of it this week as the Y&R reruns are over. I was checking into those as an option to Days when I lose complete patience with it. I’m still hanging on though to it — barely. I’ll stick around till Nov sweeps but there’d better be some type of payoff in some way. I won’t be around for the same old s/l stuff through Feb sweeps though. Nov will be my personal limit.

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marilyn says:

October 16, 2010 at 11:52 am

The stories on DAYS just go on too long. EJAMI has been in each others orbit for over 4 years with no payoff. Make EJAMI a romantic couple and give Philip a true story that doesn’t revolve around a teenage girl. Move most of the stories at an even keel. WHy hasn’t Chad been on more and the revelation that he is a Dimera has almost lost its significance with how long we have known, but Stefano and EJ do not. Rafe is a bore, he will never bring excitement to someone like Sami, he waters her down. EJ and Sami say more with their eyes than Rafe can say with words. Bo & Hope have been on hiatus because of a storyline that made Hope act out of character. The show has ruined couples that we once thought were only made for each other. How many men has Sami said they are her one true love? After awhile it just doesn’t matter. Bring back romance and couples that are committed to one another. Days has wasted over 4 years with EJAMI. EJAMI as a viable couple has enough angst that they don’t need interlopers. They have the Bradys, Stefano and Kate. EJAMI could be the supercouple of old with a tinge of gray to make them more exciting.

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Kim replied October 16th, 2010 at 3:57 pm
Please either make them a couple or break them up for good and pair them up with others without revenge plots. It’s not worked so change the plan.

When I resumed watching a while before Alice’s funeral (but not long after the actress passed away), I thought Ej was the bad guy & Rafe was the hero. Rafe was never anywhere near Sami, and EJ was the sweetest guy and I couldn’t believe it! Then they announce that it would be over by Labor Day (with still a few months away) so you knew it was fake and a waste of time. The actors did a decent job but then you knew it was just baloney because of the way they wrote Sami. I could be behind Sami and Rafe if it was written well, but now that character is gutted big time. Anything good he stood for is being destroyed currently so what is left? If another shoe is to drop to make all of the stuff of the last 6-8 weeks worth it, please speed it up and reveal it so we can get through it and get on with having something enjoyable to watch again. Please.

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Lena says:

October 16, 2010 at 12:28 pm

Starting in early May, I believe, the soap mags were full of stories about EJami’s summer story, NBC was promoting EJami’s summer heat, soap editors who had never had a good thing to say about EJami were suddenly acknowledging in print the chemistry of the couple. Then, first week of June, Ken Corday, after all the EJami promotion, says he believes the viewers truly want Sami with Rafe and that’s what they’ll get after Labor Day.

Now, explain to me why anybody who liked the way the EJami story was shaping up would then have a desire to watch over the summer? The answer is, they didn’t, and ratings started going down. Then late in the summer, Mr. Corday says that Days has a plan, and we iknow that story line were accelerated so that what was supposed to take place in November sweeps was aired in Aug/Sept. Somebody had the incredibly stupid idea to have Sami shoot a drunk EJ, go back and have nasty desperate sex with her BF, who became her new fiance the day after the shooting. Somebody had the incredibly stupid idea to have Sami show absolutely no remorse or self-awareness about the ramifications of what she did. That same somebody decided that it would make a good story for Sami to let her son become an accessory after the fact, ignore all her other children, and get her FBI fiance to cover for her.

Somebody at Days apparently assumed that viewers would love this story. Well, guess what? They don’t! Not only that, Corday’s “strong heroine”, his leading lady, has become unrootable and her pairing with Rafe has fallen completely flat….and this is with people who are not pro-EJami! You have a recycled “buried alive” story, and another “who’s the daddy”. People who have watched for decades have left because there’s not one uplifting story on the show.

Somebody at Days has made some really bad decisions.

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Carol replied October 16th, 2010 at 4:04 pm
I love this post and agree 100%! It’s frustrating that they are completely clueless!

I love Days…they need to stop effing with it.

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April replied October 16th, 2010 at 6:18 pm
I agree 100% with this post.

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J DiSandro replied October 18th, 2010 at 7:03 am
I completely agree with everything that this post stands for!!!! I tried to enjoy the supposed Ejami love this summer, but it was all one big joke. Once the disgusting reunion happened I just could not stomach another minute of it. James is why I watch and I continue to pray for a REAL Ejami lovestory.

Vanessa replied October 16th, 2010 at 9:32 pm
I absolutely love this post!!! Sometimes it is hard to wrap my head around how completely inept tptb are. I am a lifelong viewer of Days. I miss the 80′s supercouples like Bo&Hope (were my fave and now I can’t stand the sight of Bo – thanks for that), Roman&Marlena, Steve&Kayla, Shane&Kimberly, Jack&Jennifer. Not since the 80′s has love and romance been so exciting and must-see. That is, until EJ Dimera showed up.

From the very beginning, I was amazed at the chemistry between AS/JS and saw the potential for this couple to become the first true supercouple since the 80′s glory days. I have never been so drawn to a soap couple – I am riveted every time Sami and EJ are onscreen together. Take a page from Shakespeare – a Brady and a Dimera coupling has endless possibilities and appeal. Especially this Brady and Dimera – the two characters are so alike it is if they were written for one another.

I have been waiting, patiently, for over 4 years for this couple to be given a chance. The endless Lumi pimping and now Safe pimping is pathetic. Why work so hard to push couples that don’t work when you have such a goldmine in your hands? Do they actually believe that viewers enjoy being strung along, continually built up and let down?

Most of the other s/l’s are equally as disappointing. Again, I refer to the destruction of Bo and Hope. The nighttime Hope s/l was a disgrace. They completely made this strong female character look weak and pathetic having a mental breakdown because of Bo and Carly. In no way am I trying to diminish the seriousness of breakdowns or what causes them. It was just so OOC.

Then there are the vets. Ratings picked up when Tony&Anna (love them too) and Steve&Kayla returned to the scene. I realize Days has had tremendous financial problems, but when you axe characters that people love and keep those that are really inconsequential (and there are several), it is no wonder that people are tuning out. Although I’m happy to see Kayla again, I wish Steve were there as well. I am very excited about Jennifer’s return, but what of Jack? Days needs to return to what works – love and relationships – not seedy sex/affairs and outlandish stories. JMO.

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Linda says:

October 16, 2010 at 12:40 pm

It’s the stories. They’re repetitive, boring, never ending, nonsensical. Characters constantly flip flop. The cast, with a few exceptions, are good. It’s the writing that sucks. James Scott is the only reason I watch. If he goes, so do I.

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nicole replied October 17th, 2010 at 11:12 am
Exactly.

the stories are never ending & NOT well written at all. there is never a pay off for ANY fan, no matter who you love or ship. they take 3 weeks to get thru ONE DAY on the show, which is unnecessary. characters have the same conversation over and over – and the same FLASHBACK over and over – dude, it happened yesterday, we dont need 12 flashbacks to show us. thanks.

James Scott is THE ONLY THING TO WATCH ON DAYS – and what did they do? shot him in the head, and put him in a coma for 3 weeks, while Sami banged snore. What happened after that? the sucky ratings fell LOWER. then they take him off life support & he lives – but he’s not shown for the rest of the week! (which got 1.6′s every day for the rest of that week by the way) he wakes up and there’s a 1.9 – coincidence? i think not. i get that the tagging of snore in EJ’s blood was intentional, but that’s NOT the best way to get my viewership, just sayin…

no couple is happy, no super couples, no romance (like KC keeps promising) they’re not utilizing their actual talent. Where the hell is BO? Why is Philip playing house w/ a child? We made a drinking game w/ the word sarcophagus. Why is Sami acting completely soulless? Why is ralf constantly shoved in my face – i dont want him there, he’s not that good of an actor, why is he in my face? What the hell does stephanie think she’s doing? and why? the story is inconsistent & there is no continuity in the writing, which gave pause for this really to be someone’s dream – but i doubt it… we all know Dena doesnt give an eff about history – but guess what Dena – VIEWERS who’ve watched the show for 40 years DO.

i want my show back.

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Heather says:

October 16, 2010 at 12:48 pm

From this Nielsen Family – WE want EJAMI…

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Kim replied October 16th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
You’re a Nielsen family!!!! Awesome — at last your viewing counts!

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Jen says:

October 16, 2010 at 12:50 pm

If the writer’s brought EJami back all would be well. They were never given a fair shot. I can’t understand why the writer’s/TPTB would think that putting Sami with a snooze worthy character like Rafe would be anything but boring. It just amazes me!

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kdmoma says:

October 16, 2010 at 1:27 pm

It is not surprising to me that Days has fallen to the bottom. Any loyal viewer knows that Days is in a terrible mess right now. There is no real romance on the show and the tone is entirely too dark without any light. I happen to be an EJami fan, but regardless of the fact that I am very disappointed in the way EJami has been written, the overall show is what is the most disturbing. Storylines are either too long or too rushed. The same dialogue is heard over and over again. No one seems happy and rather than be a pleasant or exciting diversion from life’s everyday issues, Days adds to the stress by being so poorly written. I do want to say I think Days has an exceptionally talented cast with special mention to James Scott who is my entire reason for watching presently. He manages to take whatever is given to him and make it emotionally satisfying. He gives 110% to his character and I applaud him for that. There are many other talented actors and actresses on the show all of whom are being wasted with the material they have been given.

It is my opinion that the producers of the show with special emphasis on Ken Corday have misread what the audience wants in a soap opera. Due to the way Days is taped I am fearful they may not be able to change things enough to make a real difference. It would be criminal to let a show that has been on the air for as long as Days and with such a talented cast be cancelled due to meddling from the executive producer. And I have no doubt that there was interference on the part of the EP which has brought the show to the state it is in today.

It is my fervant hope that tptb wake up, smell the roses, give the audience what they want, romance, intrigue, excitment, love in the afternoon (oops that’s another network), most of all for me I would love to see EJ and Samantha have an honest chance to be together. I think they are being wasted and could be the next super couple for Days. In fact for them to have the following they do when they have never been allowed to be a “real” couple is amazing. Just imagine what it could be like if they were allowed to be together. While one couple is not going to turn the show around completely, to me this would be a good place to begin.

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Leslie replied October 16th, 2010 at 5:44 pm
Actually, I think the tone of the show turned dark without making a point. The shooting scenes were shocking and violent for no apparent reason. The Safe sex scenes were revolting because they were figurativiely bathed in EJ’s blood. The character portrayed by a very popular lead actor was in a coma for nearly a month, and a popular lead actress’ character is no longer likeable on any level. Is it a surprise fans are tuning out?

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Jamie replied October 19th, 2010 at 9:28 am
No, it’s not.

the head writer blows.

Shaunna replied October 17th, 2010 at 6:26 am
Excellent post! Let’s hope people that can make a difference read these posts and get a clue. No, the audience isnt stupid, what they have done with the show has taken the heart out of it. It is all about shock factor and gimmicks. Guess what, viewers dont want gimmicks, they want romance, adventure, with a bit of humor. KC may boast of the budget cuts and how well the show has honed down the costs of the show, but he is ignorant to the fact that those same budget cuts are killing the show. It looks cheap now. Instead of spending 7 figures on HD cameras they should have hired a new head writer and built new sets. It was sad seeing the 45th Anniversary event turn into such a debacle. It fit how well KC seems to treat his show though.

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Kate says:

October 16, 2010 at 2:41 pm

First off – fired Dena Higley. She’s reduced almost every female character on that show to psychotics, sluts or alcoholics. She’s thrown so many well-loved characters under the bus just to meet her ridiculous plot-points. Every storyline’s based around “love” triangles of some sort – and very weak, uninteresting ones at that. And all those flashbacks working as filler – how many times do we really need to see Chloe having sex with Phillip? Or Sami firing that gun?

Storylines are being dropped or left by the wayside for so long that we’re forgetting they exist. What happened to Chad? Did he drop off the face of the earth? Is there any real reason it’s taking Kate so long to tell Stefano that Chad is his son? Just tell him already so we can move onto something else.

Sami. Right now she’s on the frontlines and she’s been so despicable it’s just been unbearable to watch her. Shooting a guy point-blank in the head before ditching the gun and heading home to have sex with her idiotic boyfriend? That’s a little too much – even for Sami Brady. And the dialogue between Sami and Rafe has been so nauseating you’d think it was written by a fifteen-year-old Twilight fanfiction author. Why am I supposed to be rooting for these two again? I SUPPOSED to be rooting for these two? Who knows. They need to get that girl out of that ridiculous triangle and back with EJ. The only time Sami seems to be her normal self is when she’s with him. The amazing chemistry between the two actors shouldn’t be wasted – that kind of thing doesn’t happen between many soap couples and now’s the time to take advantage of this.

Stop wasting talent. Crystal Chappell is hovering in the background of a crummy Danloe storyline. It’s wonderful seeing Renee Jones again, but I can’t help but worry that as soon as the shooting storyline is resolved, they’re going to relegate her to being just a piece of set furniture again.

The show needs to stop relying on recording devices and cellphones. Do any of these Salemites not know how to set their cells to vibrate? When the cellphones are doing more work than the actors (and the writers), there’s a problem. And why are these people unable to learn that the pier is where secrets go to die?

Ken Corday needs to be gagged. Why does he insist on giving away the endings to these storylines weeks in advance (not that we can’t see the endings coming from a mile away anymore)? I still can’t believe he declared Dena Higley the best writer he’s ever worked with. He honestly needs to start owning up to his mistakes.

Fix the lighting. It’s brutal. Really. They shouldn’t even have begun thinking about going the way of HD when the lighting and the sets are so terrible. Money that would have best been spent elsewhere, for sure.

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Violet Smith replied October 16th, 2010 at 4:45 pm
Gaylen Gering. AWFUL. Just awful.

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Shaunna replied October 17th, 2010 at 6:29 am
It is painful to watch his scenes. If his character turns out as creepy as he comes across I will eat my words.

Hilda replied October 16th, 2010 at 5:38 pm
I think the show needs to change some basic things:
-Stop putting every character and couple in a triangle or geometric shape. There should some characters who are with the ones they are meant to be with without interlopers.
-Stop dragging out critical reveals and convoluting the stories beforehand for so long that no one is left caring about the reveal when it happens (hint hint, Chloe’s baby’s paternity)
-Stop convoluting stories and couples so much that fans are unsure who the root for couple is because you’re trying to split up fans. It makes a large part of the audience pissed off no matter what happens, And they don’t keep on tuning in, they just tune out because they’re tired of being played. (EJami fans are tuning out now in droves…it’s all tease, no pay off. No one is satisfied this way…they need to be written in a more obvious root-for way to keep fans tuning in!)
-Write characters with hearts and personalities and motivations. We need to believe in them, not find them hollow plot points. Respect their history, and give them conflicts that make sense. Sami’s current lack of conscience is horrible to watch and makes no sense, as is Rafe’s abetting of her behavoiur. Please give her her heart back!

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Celeste replied October 17th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
I agree 100%!

Jamie replied October 19th, 2010 at 9:34 am
Agree completely. Higley is the best writer he’s ever worked with? She’s written the show to the bottom of the ratings. Yep, she’s GREAT. (eye roll)

Higley’s poor writing and weak storylines are what has put the show in the toilet. That and Ken Corday’s ego, apparently. Wish the guy would show some class and step up to the plate instead of pimping his book. Newsflash, buddy: nobody’s going to be interested in that book if the show goes off the air.

It’s kind of like KC thinks that cancellation is inevitable, so he’s just rearranging chairs on the Titanic instead of actually trying to save the show. Own it, man! This thing could easily be saved, but not with the current writing. It SUCKS.

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briggs says:

October 16, 2010 at 4:32 pm

I’m sad but not surprised by the bad ratings for Days. Listen to what the majority of your viewers want and give it to them. Viewers are a show’s lifeline, the sole reason for its existence, so keep the viewers satisfied and stay alive. It’s that simple.

I can only speak for myself as one viewer. I am not happy because I have been waiting with no satisfaction. I have been waiting for EJ and Sami to rise to supercouple status, I have been waiting for smart, well-written stories for all the characters, my beloved EJami included, I have been waiting for Days to return to drama and romance the way it could and should be done.

Days is so lucky. The show has a good number of outstanding, truly brilliant actors who can bring it, and their talent is being wasted on recycled, dull, and sometimes disgusting stories and by disgusting, yes, I am talking about Sami shooting EJ in the head just hours after saying their wedding vows and then going off to have sex with her ex and getting engaged to him the very next day. Utterly revolting. Period.

The writers at Days should read fanfics and get some ideas. Fanfics are way better than the show right now…

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Shaunna replied October 17th, 2010 at 6:33 am
Fanfics are so much more imaginative than the show, it is true. Why a bunch of amateur writers can develop a story better than DOOL is mind boggling.

Why TPTB think it is great to give everyone crumbs, but never really give any couple happiness is beyond me. They stir pots and fan wars, even find unnecessary ways to insult the viewers. As an Ejami fan I can list numerous ways TPTB have directly mocked and insulted Ejami’s … not smart for trying to keep the largest fan base hanging on.

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Angel says:

October 16, 2010 at 4:58 pm

The lack of romance for any couple is disturbing. Danloe is going to blow up once news of Chloe’s affair comes out, Phelanie are doomed once Mel realizes her husband knocked up her step-mama, everyone knows Nathan is going to dump Stephanie’s whiny butt once he finds out Mel is free, safe are revolting with their constant romps in the hay as they plot the death of the father of Sami’s children, etc.

Nobody on this show seems to have a real job other than the doctors and Mel. When’s the last time Days showed us Phil and Brady actually working at Titan? Does Kate still work at Hearth & Home? Why can’t EJ conduct DiMera business in an office setting instead of a table in the middle of the DiMera living room?

Also, why does a day in Salem have to last a week or more in real time? I get that it must save quite a bit of money on wardrobe, but regardless of how poor Days is at the moment, nobody likes to watch a TV show that looks cheap, and Days looks very cheap. If we had decent storylines and dialogue for the actors, I could look beyond the production values. But if I can’t even get storylines I’m into, at least give me nice looking locations and pretty clothes for me to look at. You can’t give the audience neither.

Lastly. GIVE EJAMI A CHANCE!!! I enjoyed this summer that we got with them but like I pointed out in the first paragraph, I knew it was doomed to failure because of EJ’s big secret. Now I was still willing to tune in but I bet there were a ton of Ejami fans who couldn’t be bothered because they knew it wouldn’t be legit and EJ’s plan would blow up in his face eventually. EJ fans are tired of him being screwed over and painted as the villain time after time. The man has the looks, talent, and charisma to be the lead romantic male on this show. Let him shine with Ali Sweeney for crying out loud, what have they got to lose at this point?

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Cory replied October 16th, 2010 at 8:07 pm
Bravo Angel!!!!
DOOL has to make some major changes and soon!!!!
GO GO GO EJAMI!!!!

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DeeDee replied October 17th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
I couldn’t agree more Angel !!!!!!!

I support everything you said!

I also wanted to add, that there are so many talented actors/actresses on this show, that are going to absolute waste – with this pathetic writing!!!

As a fan for over 20 years. I have lost all my passion and desire for this show since Dena Higley began writing for it!

Now, James Scott is THE ONLY REASON, I continue to watch the show in Australia (which is a year behind) and continue to watch the US shows on You Tube! I’ve got to the stage in the last few months, where if EJ is not on in the episode- I do not bother to watch it!!!!

I hope TPTB can turn this mess around and bring back the ROMANCE!!!!!

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cinnamon replied October 18th, 2010 at 2:07 pm
I have to say every since they put Ej back in to Sami’s orbit and tried to make the GA watch them again.The ratings starting going down. There was proof.I also beleave if you go back and look at the ratings when Ej and Nicole were together and Sami and Rafe were together living there own seperate lives The ratings were way up there. Ej,Nicole and Sydney were a real Dimera Family.Nicole has always excepted everything of Ej’s life.Sami has never wanted to be with a criminal.
The writers need to go back to when there was real romance and love on days not all this stupid drama and endless depressing storylines.There is no Romance and true love anymore.
Galen and Alison Sweeney were the only reason I came back to watching Days after Sami went into witness protection.Which took her completely out of Ej’s orbit. When they put Sami back on Ej’s orbit and back at the dimera mansion I stopped watching over the summer except for when Galen was on screen.Then I would watch that day.
The writers need to get back to the core of what days was made on.
Real Love,Family,Trust,Romance and a little angst.
Not all this crap that is on the screen now. Sami deserves her happiness after all these years with the man she truely loves and that is Rafe.

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JSFan replied October 19th, 2010 at 3:47 pm
If the ratings were up then because (I) was tuning in waiting for EJ and Sami to find out that Sydney’s was theirs and thought that that they were going to try to be a family. Once I saw that they were going to let Sami and her new bf have access to and raise Sydney. I (like many others) tuned out. Sami is a criminal. Her crime spree is bigger than EJs. If you don’t like certain pairings, fine, but don’t make things up and change history because of it.
Sheree says:

October 16, 2010 at 5:08 pm

Hi, Days of Our Lives is my ultimate soap!! I have watched it since I was only a teen and it has always held a special place in my heart. I returned to watching this show because of Ej and his sizzling energi with the strong willed spunky Sami Brady! They had me at their very first “Hello”! I haved watched and followed them ever since and I am totally under their spell. The good, bad and everything inbetween I have been right there supporting and loving these two, hoping one day they can be together as Day’s biggest super powerful grey couple!! Fact is there is no other couple like Ejami anywhere on TV!! Days is just plain crazy to not capitalize on the magic of Ejami!! They have all the qualities that draw in viewers like bees to honey!! Romance, love, desire, passion, family history, humour, and yes that sizzling chemistry!! They are so wonderful to watch, for viewers the intimacy is so REAL that we feel like we are invading on their privacy!! How can Days not see what we see?? NBC asked us if Sami and Ej are Soul Mates? 76% Answered YES, they are perfect for each other!! So when KC threatens to destroy best thing he has, and alienate legions of fans who have watched this couple for 4 yrs it beyond ludicrous. Seeing Sami shoot a suicidal EJ point blank in the head, then leaving him cold in his blood going off to bonk that diamond dozen looser who can’t act (my opinion sorry) and ever since she has taken her children for granted. She smugly rubs her weapon (kids) in Ej’s face despite what she did to him. Oh yes the rubber band snabbed all right, but not in half. KC snapped off 75% off his viewership from 2/9!! He crushed our Ejami hearts, and still showing the flashbacks continues to hurt us over and over. He thinks this is fun, and we like to see Sami shooting the father of her children?? Is this what grown women with children want to watch?? Does he and the writers think this is entertainment?? Come on, since then the ratings have been going down the toilet quite literally. Viewers are GROSSED OUT and REPULSED they have tunned out!! There is no romance on this show, it is all full of lies, secrets and constant push and pull of storylines, dropped storylines. Changing characters so much we don’t even recognize them anymore!! All reasons for crappy ratings. Oh and their one big reunion they were relying on SAFE has been a total fizzer. They are the worst coupling on the damn show!! I have never been so bored out of my mind watching that dribble, especially when Ej was in his deep slumber. Now Ej is awake and I am enjoying his passion and energi, his cheeky sarcasam gives me the so much need laughter I needed for so many weeks. Thank goodness for James Scott, he makes this storyline endurable. Every week that passes with this boring coupling, they cannot even have one convo without talking about EJ..What does that tell ya?? That they simply have nothing or anything in common to talk about. Crikey, Sami and Ej can talk about anything even the most mundane stuff like writing her cv, playing the blocks with the kids, talking about Tahmatos and tomatos!!lol I rest my case, Ejami can talk thru anything big or small they talk it thru this is what couples do!! Ejami’s intimacy is so raw and believeable it is amazing to watch and us viewers FEEL IT!! Why keep flogging a dead horse meaning SAFE when we have said over and over this is not the couple we WANT!! Every week ratings getting worse and worse because they are alienating GA by keeping Ejami apart like this and constantly pushing on to us what we don’t enjoy watching. I am not sold on cheap sleazy sex scenes, I am a grown woman who wants more depth and passion. It is impossible to try and create something that simply is not there, Safe have no chemistry, it’s like watching two strangers getting it on in a porn scene!! You can’t force ROMANCE if it¨’s not THERE. EJami do not even need to speak, to have a convo their Ejami stares are like bolts of lightening piercing right through each other. Last hospital scene, with the smug stooges classic Ejami were having their own private moment without the stooges even noticing. Ejami stare downs are AWESOME!! Oh and the ratings have NEVER been this bad all year until September!! Hmm which characters are in the frontline since September??? Fact is that Ejami had the highest viewership in the summer with thier “Ejami start to make love” scene it pulled in almost 3 million viewers that day, the highest viewership this entire year!! What does that tell ya?? Ejamis only lovescene 2007, has more than 1.5million hits on youtube!! More than anything GA want Ejami to be together happy in love raising their beautiful children and wreaking havoc on the rest of the doo gooders in Salem. I can’t say it enough, please fix this storyline before my favorite show is cancelled for good. GA want Ejami, we don’t want another WAR OF ROSES, Sami shooting Ej was giving a clean slate so come on already, bring back sexy and romance back with EJAMI!! I have been around lots of boards, etc and many would love a fresh exciting secret love affair for Ejami!! This would draw in viewers like bees to the sweetest tasting nectar!! My idea is start them in a game of strip poker, something naughty and fun. We want the fun times of Ejami back, all this doom and gloom is just depressing us. We watch this show to escape from our boring mundane lives!! Watching SAFE is like waiting for kettle to boil!! Save Sami from this boring character, we want the passionate fun loving spunky confident woman she is with Ej. She thinks being with a GOOD guy like Rafe is going to make her a BETTER person! Huh, so far she has got her son, Rafe and Kate accesories to her crime, she is manipulating everyone, she has shown no remorse or feeling for anyone or anything except herself. She has hardly spent a moment with those kids since she took them away from the only home they have ever known. She continues to torment Ej with the only weapon she has his reason to live (his kids). Please for this shows sake, fix this story quick smart no more Ejami angst. Sami is still angry and hurt, I get that. However, being with Rafe is not making her a better person in fact she is now a sociopath an empty shell of the Sami I know and love. Loving her children should make her a better person, she should not need to use a man to be a better person. Being true to who she is will make her better because she won’t feel unworthy all the time. When she was with Ej, she could be herself, rude, spoilt, selfish, manipulative and reckless but this did not make her a BAD person. She was Sami Anti-Brady full of spunk and passion. We had her briefly over this summer, before that not since 2008!! Ej loves all of Sami she never needs to be the perfect good girl, she is his soul mate in everyway his true best friend and the love of his life. She knows it, and it is time for her to be honest with herself and accept she will never be Carrie or Bell. She is flawed and grey but with Ej and her children’s love she could be truly happy. I want an Ejami wedding, a proper one!! Days do the right thing here, and capitalize on Ejami’s greatness in a positive light stop using them negatively. We only watched them fight cos the sexual tension was ELECTRIC but it’s not fun to watch anymore because we don’t have any assurance that this is still an Ejami Story!! You are leaving us dangling here with no hope, this is offensive and viewers are getting tired of being strung along. If we knew this was still an Ejami story it would be ok, we would watch it faithfully and wither out this storm, cos knowing there is an Ejami rainbow on the horizon would heal our wounded hearts. This darkness is killing the shows viewership. Shed some light and assure us this is still Ejami’s lovestory!! Start this holiday cheer with Ejami giving us a romantic fresh exciting love affair, with no one else knowing except US!! We won’t kiss and tell!!lol

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Paula says:

October 16, 2010 at 5:20 pm

The problem is the writing short and simple… . In a recent interview, Ken Corday’s intimated that pitting one fan base against the other was their ultimate goal… His interview told me that Days’ primary objective is to manipulate and agitate the audience, all UNDER THE GUISE of story-telling.

The comments to this blog is evidence that KC and company have, indeed, achieved their primary goal… Those who like Safe blame Ejami; and Ejamis defend their couple by pointing out that for a long time EJ has been the interloper for Safe… Indeed one might argue that the plummet in the ratings has accompanied Safe’s reunion and EJ being in a coma… It is also interesting to note that the relationship between Adam and Sharon on Young and the Restless appears to be that show’s attempt to tell an Ejamiesque story… They are Y&R’s EJ and Sami… It’s too bad Days didn’t take advantage of soap opera gold when it had it…

Ultimately, however, I don’t think it is fair to blame either couple, when the real problem is the underlying premises held by those who are producing the show AND the inept writing. I have no doubt that if the writing matched that of some of the other soaps, Days would have no ratings problems, regardless of which couple it went with… The actors on Days are unparalleled in all of Soaps; and given the writing that OLTL and GH have been getting, Days would shine..

Right now, I am watching Days only because of James Scott and the remarkable character he has created… IMO, James is the best actor in daytime; and EJ, its most intriguing character.. JMO

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Sheree replied October 16th, 2010 at 6:15 pm
I agree, James Scott is an amazing actor and what he brings to Days as Ej DiMera is so brilliant and compelling. JS puts in over 110% into his character as Ej. He has a way to allow viewers to experience right alongside Ej his heartache, struggle to be his own person, his unconditional love for his best friend Samantha. Oh and most importantly Ej loving his children with all of his heartt!! JS really deserved that Emmy nominee last year. Thank you James/EJ for giving me a reason to watch this show right now. I have not laughed so hard when Ej told Roman does he need a nap!! Thx James for giving me the humour I needed so much. I hate to complain but there is a certain actor that has done absolutely nothing but use his one and only mono expression and hands out loads of cup of teas and conducts his interrogations at the beach!! Hmm viewers know when actors put in 100% effort, this guy is like watching cardboard and he is dragging down my favourite leading female character.

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kdmoma replied October 19th, 2010 at 6:22 am
You have said exactly how I feel beautifully. Right now James is the only reason to watch Days, but I’m hopeful that tptb will read some of these posts and wake up and smell the coffee. I don’t know why I’m hopeful but its better than being down. It does make me feel good to know so many others feel the same way I do about not only Days but also EJami and James in particular.

Good post.

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Bobbi says:

October 16, 2010 at 5:24 pm

Storylines dragging out so long and some fans never getting a payoff is the reason for the awful ratings imo.

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Jackie says:

October 16, 2010 at 5:52 pm

The ratings for Days will continue to hit rock bottom until they dish up some real Romance with a capital R for the couples that the audience is rooting for, which would be EJ and Sami, Bo and Hope, and Melanie and Nathan.

Specifically, what was done to EJami over the summer and fall was a complete travesty. And the lead female character Sami has been written into a disgusting corner, shooting a defenseless, unconscious man (whom she claimed to love on some level) in the head at pointblank range, still with no remorse or regret on the screen yet. She is completely unrootable at this point. No wonder viewers are turning the show off.

If Days is truly interested in pulling out of this hole, they need to set Sami on the path toward redemption IMMEDIATELY and have her finally embrace her love for EJ, get Bo/Hope back together asap, and finally bring the most rootable young couple (Melanie/Nathan) together too.

It’s not that hard.

I’m tired of wasting my time watching couples with no rooting value whatsoever.

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JSFan says:

October 16, 2010 at 6:00 pm

Give us some real stories. Consistency. Some payoff. They have good stories, there is just no consistency. Characters motivations change on a daily basis. It’s confusing and not worth watching. I notice other soaps are using the same stories. Actors are not as good as Days’ actors, yet the storytelling is better. I watch everyday prior to EJ and Sami finding out Sydney was theirs in anticipation to them finally being together as a real couple and family. I was looking forward to Sami finally showing EJ how much she loved him and how great it was that their baby was alive and instead they have Sami and Rafe trying to immediately take Sydney away. Phillip is a great character and Jay is a great actor, yet they refuse to give him a great story, instead GG/Rafe is front and center. Who is this character? I don’t want to see him all the time. Brady Black DiMera is fnally getting some more screen time. Where are Bo and Hope? I only watch about once a week now and primarily for James Scott. So sad.

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trista says:

October 16, 2010 at 6:28 pm

Days is in last spot because they put ejami on the back burner and are forcing the akward coupling of rafe and sami, there is no chemistry there and sami is forcing it and its pissing me off! I have to admit i stopped watching because of that, when ejami comes back together ill watch but i have no desire to see rafe and sami suck face, ick, not hot at all, i fast forward it the first time , ugh! Love EJ and hope he puts sami in jail from spoilers ive read!

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pugsnbugs replied October 16th, 2010 at 9:05 pm
I’m responding to this post because I can not post a new comment for some reason.

What’s wrong with Days?
1. the vision – Since others have discussed the errors Ken Corday has made with this show, I will suggest that there can be only two explainyions for his mistakes: either he knows nothing about what makes a good soap, thus he is destroying the show through his ignorance, or he has more to gain by seeing the soap fail than seeing it thrive.

If he were interested in it thriving, he would do these things:
1.Hire a new writing team. The story is the vehicle which drives any show, and the show wouldn’t be in the kind of trouble it is in if it had a story line that attracted viewers, rather than alienating and angering the fans it currently has who are dropping like flies, recognizing that to watch the show is to waste time. It’s really that simple, folks. And make sure that the new writers don’t do triangles and do understand female psyche.

2. Recognize that a soap must have romance, lots of good honest romance. Having the lead female shoot the father of two of her children in cold blood while he is passed out and then rush home to have sex with her current BF while her ex-fiance lies dying is clearly not romance. Nor is it heartwarning to see Sami continue to abdicate the care of her children to her grandmother so that she can continue to have more sex with her BF.

3. Consider and use the actors’ strengths when planning the story line. Crystal Chappell is an incredible actress who’s completely wasted being a background character. She’s a powerful actress. Use her talents! James Scott is another one. He shows over and over that he can flesh out the weakest story brilliantly. Just think what he could do with a great storyline! And how about the incredible chemistry between James Scott and Ali Sweeney. Why not use this gift from the soap opera gods instead of overlooking it completely. At the same time, don’t think that a wooden actor can carry the show.

4. Stop playing fanbases against it other. It’s not working.

5. Be true to the characters’ histories. Do not destroy characters for the sake of a story. Sami comes to mind here, Ali Sweeney is talented, but whether she will be able to shake the filth of Sami’s character is anyone’s guess.

6. Reread the all of the entries posted in this column. Use them to formulate the changes that need to be made.

I hope, Michael, that you forward this column and responses to Mr. Corday and Mr. Tomlin. You will be doing them a big favor. Who knows? You might even help them save their show.

5.

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glenda replied October 17th, 2010 at 12:54 pm
I would like to 2nd everything pugsnbugs said………..Days has for the most part an excellent cast of actors,but they alone cannot carry the show………They need talented writers that can write compelling ,interesting stories that the viewers can get invested in…………These writers drop the ball on every sl……………KC ruined our Summer by opening his mouth and destroying our enjoyment of what could have been a very romantic reunion between two of our favorite characters,and on top of that they destroyed Samis character,for what? Rafe??????he doesn’t have the talent to be a leading man,he comes up looking like an idiot next to EJ.,until TPTB at Days are replaced with people that actually care what the viewers want,we will see this show slowly sinking into a distant memory…….JMO
Lisa Greenway says:

October 16, 2010 at 6:40 pm

How rich the ratings are EJamis fault..really>Cause ratings were better in summer!!!Till KC told the Ejamis we did not matter..what happened..safe got it all..where were ALL of those who wanted it???Hmm..WHY Is DH still the writer of this show?? Thats the real issue here.If anyone of us,fumbled so badly,we would be fired!!She nearly destroyed OLTL!!!Ken Corday..sorry,but you have no clue what the key demos want..but it sure is not whats on my screen!I want EJAMI..in love..making love,,living their life,,possibly dealing with Andre!I And Stefano!want back TANNA!!I want back Jennifer and Jack and their kids!I want the Hernandez family REMOVED from,my show!!I would LOVE to see Carrie and Austin back/I want Phillip OUT of this story,with Melanie!!NOW.Interact Kate/Vivian/Stefano/Victor..I like Brady..but this coffin biz is dull…I am not a fan of Nicole,because I was Forcefed her,all last year.I am a Bope fan..but I SEE that Barly have a great chemistry,,plus they share a great history!!DO something with it.It irks me to see others WHINE.When the Ejamis have been waiting almost 5 years with NO payoff..really,,u have the nerve to whine!!?? This is the bottom line I Iwant is good stories,with couples who HAVE REAL chemistry..I want the stories to interact,,I want consistent writing..we found out Chad was a Dimera what,two months ago>>Its nuts!We need a fresh young writer who can write romance,adventure and danger and suspense..not one convoluted plot after another!

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Loretta says:

October 16, 2010 at 7:15 pm

Days is my family’s soap. I got started watching it when I still lived at home. Later, I discovered other soaps…I’ve watched every one of the six now on the air at some point and a lot that soap fans have lost in recent years. Lately, I’ve been clinging to the show by a thread, and right now it is getting pretty thin. I’ve hated that EJ and Sami aren’t together, and some of the storylines now forced on viewers are dark and very hard to enjoy. I’ve accused this show of being “mean spirited” because it lacks the kind of warmth that makes me want to tune in. There is no rootable romance. Right now, my loyalty is to some of the actors who are extremely good, and I don’t want to see Days leave the air. I know the show is capable of doing better.

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Shaunna says:

October 16, 2010 at 7:19 pm

What has killed the show is PLOT BASED writing instead of character and proper storyline paced writing. Why does the viewer want to tune in when characters they have loved and watched for years act different from day to day. Endless triangles and stretching out storylines without payoff for anyone is the sad state of Days. What happy couple are we seeing? Anyone? Nobody wants to watch Sami shoot an unconscious man in the head, the very man she almost married hours before. Only to rush back to sex it up, caring little for how her children were managing being ripped from their home…. I could go on and on. Remember romance, adventure, FUN? I dont think Days does either. I am hanging on to see James Scott, he is the only reason I watch anymore. Ken, if you read this, listen… people do have a tipping point, and sadly I think that point has already passed. Give away the storyline in interviews months in advance and what happens, people tune out. They dont like being angry watching Days, they have enough of that in real life.

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ME says:

October 16, 2010 at 7:36 pm

The biggest thing killing this show is KC. Announcing the boringness of Safe reunion to start, then it was clear as day during the recent webcast that things were not going to change on DOOL. It was insulting to hear TPTB talk about how DOOL is about family and romance when we the viewers have not been seeing any of that for some time. And saying that he enjoyed having fans split and that that was the secret to success all made it clear how out of touch he is. And his praising of DH, that alone dropped my viewing time greatly (I still have to watch JS). Until they get their head out of the clouds, listen to the fans, and make some changes in the writing department there is no way the ratings will improve.

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Cory says:

October 16, 2010 at 8:32 pm

DOOL needs to get back to what works for them. Stop changing the characters already!!!! And when you bring in new characters, give them some history. Especially if they aren’t part of the Brady, Horton or DiMera families!!!!
Stop dragging the story lines on forever. Move the Salem days a bit more quickly please!!!!! And for pete’s sake, please stop re-using story lines. Come up with some new stuffs already!!!! They need to write some happiness in the show soon before they loose there whole audience.
I’ve watched DOOL for 33+ years and I never thought in a million years that I would say these words. Sami is on my “official hate this character” list right now. I soooooo hope that these PAID writers can get me to change my mind soon. I hate the fact that I’m hating Sami right now!!!
I keep fast forwarding my PVR show daily hoping beyond hope that some changes will be happening only to see it not happening. Only stopping the fast forward motion to watch James Scott, who has been a jewel to DOOL imo.
So I’ll just keep praying to the soap opera gods each and every night that my favorite soap stays on the air with what TPTB are putting on my tv screen Monday thru Friday. Because the is my biggest fear. Loosing a piece of my family for over 33 years.
And on a personal level, I want to see if Jeff Zucker’s comment that Ken Corday said at the DOOL 45th anniversary special, comes true. That DOOL be on the tv screens for another 45 years!!!!
I’m an Ejami fan but, firstly I’m a DOOL fan. And I want to see it on the tv screen for another 45 years. But keep up this type of story, all story lines being boring. I’m afraid I won’t see it on my tv screen in two years. Which pisses me off and makes me extremely sad.

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cheryl says:

October 16, 2010 at 8:35 pm

From the comments on here and other boards I think Corday was wrong the fanbase for Safe is not 50% of the audience or the ratings would be higher. I would say more like 20-25%. I know about 50% of the Ejami fanbase is leaving and the ratings will keeping dropping if they insist on Sami being with Agent DULL as Dishwater in the future! Also bring back Real Romance not this Fake Couple crap they keep showing us. How many times can a couple repeat I Love You So Much, before the GA starts to believe it? A Million and One if it’s Sami and Rafe and even then I’ll NEVER believe they Truly Do Love Each Other Like EJ Loves HIS Samantha. Safe have no history and talks mostly about EJ. That doesn’t make them in Love that makes them all about EJAMI. And Dena needs to stop the Plot Point writing and write about the characters again.

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Walters replied October 17th, 2010 at 3:13 pm
Well said, Cheryl. Ken Corday said viewers wanted Safe and he delivered, with more I Love You’s and sex than ANY OTHER couple has gotten on this show for a very, very long time. Now where are all these viewers? Where is this massive Safe fanbase tuning in to watch their couple moving in together, eating tamales, reunited and ready to fight the big bad DiMeras as Team Safe? *crickets*

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ME says:

October 16, 2010 at 9:03 pm

Oh and I forgot about the promises of romance and accelerated SL that KC is not delivering. FYI KC Vivian in a tomb until Nov. is not accelerated it’s insane, Danloe is still dragging while all of Salem knows but Daniel, and prolonging the union of Ejami, your golden couple, at a time like this is ridiculous and this is still continuation of the never ending Sydnapping SL. For the love of this show get new writers!

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Bettyrj says:

October 16, 2010 at 9:49 pm

What is the problem with Days and why is it in last place? The useless writers who continue to write the garbage that we are being fed right now. I am an EJami fan and proud of it. I have been watching Days for 44 years and fell in love with EJami from the first moment EJ appeared wrapped in a towel, living in the apartment across the hall from Sami. Their trials and tribulations, fights and almost love affairs have me coming back and wanting more from my favorite couple. I feel that EJ and Sami have more chemistry in their little fingers than Safe have in their whole bodies! The way EJ and Sami look at each other is electrifying! When I watch them, I find myself in Salem hovering over their space and feeling the electricity and magnetism coming from them. My gosh, how can KC and the people in charge at Days deny them their right to be together. As I said, I have been watching Days for 44 years and have never seen a couple with as much chemistry and IT as James Scott and Alison Sweeney have. Their slightest touch, glance, smile make me breathless and wanting more. I watch daily, waiting for EJ to be on and hoping that I see Sami with him and not Rafe. We have Safe being pushed at us like we are non entities and don’t know what is good and right. Where are these writers coming up with such drivel as an upstanding FBI agent resigning to protect the woman he loves from being prosecuted for shooting a passed out drunk man in the head. Let alone the father of two of her children who she was about to marry only hours before the shooting. And what woman would take her children away from the man she shot, leave the children who she supposedly was going to protect from the man she shot at her grandmother’s house, go to her ex lover’s apt. “to talk” then have a continuous night of sex, take a little break to shoot her children’s father, then return for more sex. To top it off, get engaged that same night! My oh my, how much imagination and creativity went into that. The whole Dr. Dan, Chloe, Phillip, Melanie baby paternity story is so boring it isn’t funny. Not saying that the actors aren’t good, because they are; it’s just the story. It doesn’t need to drag on and on. Brady and Viv are entertaining but that’s dragging, too! That’s a funny s/l but we need to get Madam out of the sarcophagus. I’m glad Eric Martsolf is finally getting some good material to show us what he can do. I hope they don’t screw up with Nicole – Arianne Zucker is a phenomenal actor. I think Stefano, Kate, Victor and Maggie are being nicely written and they are delivering. Bo, Hope and Carly are being wasted with their non stories. My gosh, they are the veterans and have been super couples and have had nothing lately. The young people; Chad, Will, Gabi are doing well with what they’re given. The twins that play Johnny are awesome and adorable as is the little girl who plays Allie and of course Ciara and Theo are adorable as well. In my humble opinion, the driving force at this time is solving the shooting of EJ mystery and I hope that the writers of Days give us EJ and Sami fans something to hope for. The people who take our break in the afternoon want to be entertained with love, romance, comedy, mystery and a little intrigue, not shooting a defenseless man in the head and leaving him for dead while bleeding to death. If that end is not met, more fans will tune out and Days will be lost.

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Polly says:

October 16, 2010 at 10:52 pm

Mr. Fairman, do you get a chance to talk to Days producers or staff about what people are telling you concerning their favorite soaps? Do you read what people take the time to write on your site? I am blown away by the passion and incredible concern that everyone posting here has for Days. So many issues come up over and over again. It is scary to think that the show is in danger of being cancelled when, as many have said, the cast is so incredibly talented. I am a huge fan of James Scott and I think that he and Alison Sweeney have chemistry oozing out of every scene they have together. It is a crying shame that it is not being capitalized on. The shock and “ugh” writing is appalling! The producers and the writers did so much back slapping at the 45th anniversary show that you’d think that they were first in the ratings…
I only hope that someone higher up can read all these exceptional comments and pass them on quickly to TPTB. They need an intervention immediately.

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Shaunna replied October 17th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Yes, an intervention is what is needed! Let’s hope the new owners of NBC recognize this and turn the ship around before it is too late.

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JamesScott4eva says:

October 17, 2010 at 1:44 am

Hello, Im from Sydney, Australia and I have been watching Days of Our Lives since I was about 10 years of age with my wonderful sister. I love all the characters and ever since James Scott came to the show, it has made it 100% excellent. I love the chemistry between him and Sami. They combust on screen and their chemistry is like no other couple on any other soap AT ALL. James Scott is the BEST ACTOR on daytime TV. He deserved that emmy 100% and all his performances are captivating. I tuned out when I read that SAFE would be reunited by September and have not been able to watch since. I watched the EJAMI wedding and the shooting but I was horrified at what they have made Sami do. Shooting the man you were supposed to marry less than 24hrs and then going to be with your extremely boring boyfriend was not a good move. I have been wanting EJAMI since I saw them on in May 2006 and they have never been given a real chance at all. EJ loves Sami- ” the good, the bad and everything in between”. He loves Sami so much. I cant watch this Sami. Sami used to be such a fun character, stopping at nothing till she got what she wanted. Now I cannot watch her. James Scott and Alison Sweeney have chemistry that no one can compare to. It should be used as Days will dominate all the other soaps. I am an EJAMI 110% and will never give up on them. Days has James Scott, an excellent actor that I bet all other soaps would die to have and they should have him with Sami as a couple and a family to their beautiful children. I hope DAYS stays on the air for many many years to come because its a great show and I cant wait to see Missy Reeves again. Beautiful Woman and great actress.
Please Please writers give us EJAMI just once as a REAL couple. The ratings would fly through the roof.
Also Michael Fairman is AWESOME!!!!

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AnnDee says:

October 17, 2010 at 2:48 am

Mr Corday YOU were wrong! Shame on you for being so arrogant and disrespectful to your audience. I just hope it is not too late to change what YOU,DH and GT have done.
You are blessed with an amazing and gifted cast…James,Joe,Ali,Suzanne,John,Lauren, Ari all come to mind. I will be saddened but not surprised if and when this show gets cancelled.
Your audience is intelligent and articulate, yet you treat them like idiots. I cannot believe you think what you are dishing out is entertainment.
FIX THIS or get people in that can!

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Dluvs says:

October 17, 2010 at 5:28 am

I hope that TPTB understand that if they truly paired EJami together, with Sami understanding that she has loved EJ all along, the ratings would be better. I know of many people who are not satisfied with the show right now and that is why they are losing viewers. Give the audience a true supercouple and Days will increase it’s viewership.

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ElvisD replied October 17th, 2010 at 10:42 am
At this point, the only way to do that is to have it so Sami was being drugged this whole time. Her lack of visible remorse through this story has been the biggest problem. She has to show genuine remorse for shooting EJ. And act sickened with herself.

They have a lot of work to do if they want to save this story and save their one bright light – EJami pairing.

Then they have to get to work fixing the rest of the show because it all stinks pretty bad.

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OLTLGHFAN says:

October 17, 2010 at 5:29 am

ONE LIFE TO LIVE HAS BEEN ON FIRE, KEEP IT UP OLTL!!

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Brian replied October 18th, 2010 at 5:14 am
Nice to finally see a comment about OLTO!! Wasn’t this article mainly about OLTL?
All the comments are about DOOL, Anyway, A BIg Congratulations to OLTL.

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jhtx says:

October 17, 2010 at 9:44 am

I have to agree with those who’ve said that Ken Corday and his stupid comments are greatly to blame with what’s wrong with this soap. Firstly, back in June he states that “most people want Safe and that’s what they’re going to get”. Well guess what Kenny, “most people” didn’t want Safe and you spoiling the storyline just caused viewers to tune out.

Secondly, he gave away the ending of the story and even if you weren’t rooting for a particular couple, knowing the ending takes the interest out and people tune out.

Third, he or tptb leaked the shooting scenes early, in what I suppose was an attempt to garner interest in the ending of one storyline-beginning of another. Guess what??? FAIL. Making Sami so heartless and having Safe have sex intermingeled with scenes of EJ lying bloodied, dying on the bed was disgusting. NO ONE wanted to see that and in doing that killed Safe’s viability IMO.

Couple Ken Corday’s assinine statements with the terrible story writing and awful pacing and dreadful sets and lighting you’ve got a show that should be dead last. No surprise to me.

There were two other comments that Ken made that I think continue to turn off viewers, he stated that he loves dividing the fans down the middle and saying that Dena Higley was one of the best writers, etc showed me that Ken has no clue how to run a successful soap opera. He’s managed to ride his parents coattails all these years and managed to have writers and directors that kept the show going up to this point. I think his luck has run out.

Viewers don’t want to be divided down the middle. Fanbase wars are not the answer. Putting a couple together, all the while, systematically tearing them apart isn’t “brilliant” storytelling. Tptb put Ejami “together” this summer, all the while having the huge secret hanging over their head and Sami dreaming of and kissing on Rafe is not giving Ejami a chance. Putting Safe together then having Sami do something so unfeeling and jump back in bed to boink (and that’s all it was) was disgusting, then having Rafe compromise everything he stands for to protect this woman is not “true love” to me nor or they a rootable couple.

I think Days days are numbered. I don’t think they can fix this mess. For one thing, they film too far ahead, and another thing is Ken Corday has proven he has no idea what his viewers really want. So I see no way out of the mess they’ve created. I forsee continuing base dwelling ratings and eventual cancellation by NBC/Comcast.

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ElvisD replied October 17th, 2010 at 10:39 am
Most people are incapable of murder. While some people “snap” and let their rage get the best of them, what they did makes them so sick and they feel so guilty afterward.

Not Sami. Afterward, she apparently got turned on by committing murder and boinked her boyfriend all night. Utterly sickening. They turned one of their most popular characters into a cold-blooded, cold-hearted slut who gets turned on by putting bullets in people’s heads.

They are probably sitting back scratching their heads wondering why ratings are bad. That’s how clueless and out of touch the are. Because no one in their right mind with talent and connection to their audience could EVER think THIS story would play well on the screen. Good writers make mistakes now and then but NEVER this bad.

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Sally says:

October 17, 2010 at 10:00 am

I’m still trying to watch “Days,” mostly out of loyalty since I started watching the show with my grandmother as a child, but I find myself putting it off until the weekend, and then fast forwarding though most of the episodes.

A major component in soaps is the romantic fantasy. Lately on “Days,” couples I’m told to invest in, like Melanie and Nathan, and Hope and Bo, aren’t together; and couples I’m told are doomed, like Danloe, or Mel and Phil, are together. I love Victor and Maggie, but they can’t carry the entire romantic aspect of the show. The writing is like a long, dark tunnel with no pay-off light at the end. Dana Higley should be fired, and Ken Corday should immediately fitted for a muzzle. Philip and Lexie are wasted, Chloe and Stefanie are over-used, and basically three quarters of the show is the opposite of what I want to watch.

The “A” story line they’ve relied on for over two years now, has been one disappointment after another. I was really excited for the Sydney/Grace Baby Switch storyline to be revealed, but they ruined it by having Rafe, a totally uninspired character, who came out of nowhere, discover the switch and reveal the truth. Who is this Rafe guy? Not that I really care about him one iota, but who the heck is he to walk into the middle of an established show, with established core families and get in the middle of everything? It should have been EJ who uncovered Nicole’s deceptions and put Sydney back into Sami’s arms. Ok, I let that huge slap in the face slide, and looked forward to Sami finally admitting her love for EJ, and EJami making a family for their children, while being scheming, steamy-hot and totally captivating together. Did that happen? Nope, sorry! EJ is a kidnapper, who has become totally cold-hearted and unrecognizable. Don’t get me wrong, I think James Scott was amazing in the kidnapping storyline, and EJ’s pain was so palpable, it flowed right off the screen and got me caught up in the story despite my disappointment that there wasn’t an EJami reunion. So, I stuck out Sydney’s kidnapping too, mostly because of the talents of James Scott and Leann Hunley, and the joy of watching them share screen time together. They were truly amazing!

I was really excited the day EJ realized he still loved Sami, and I read there would be an Ejami summer. Smack! I got blindsided again by Ken Corday, who announced to me that it was all a farce, and would be over after Labor Day. Again, due to loyalty to the show, I stuck it out, and what did I get for my loyalty? The same loser, who had stolen the spotlight during the Baby Switch reveal, swept in and revealed the truth again. It should have been Sami who discovered the truth about Sydney’s kidnapping. It’s totally unbelievable, Sami knowing EJ as she does, she didn’t figure it out herself. (Don’t even get me started on Sami. Most of what I have to say about her recent behavior isnt’ fit to be published.) Now, both my reveals have been ruined. The baby switch EJ should have discovered, and the Sydnap Sami should have discovered, totally flattened. No payoff at all. Instead Sami loses her most redeeming quality, her warm-heartedness, and EJ and I both get a bullet in the head for our trouble, me figuratively, and EJ literally, but they both hurt equally the same. Both of us get left for dead; EJ by the woman he loves, and me by the show I love. At this point, I’m hoping this is all a nightmare, and somebody wakes me up soon.

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ElvisD says:

October 17, 2010 at 10:00 am

Re: Days ratings – RIP

That’s all she wrote. Very deserved poor ratings. The show is utter garbage.

Re: OLTL’s increase – YES!!!

There are a lot of great things about OLTL and they deserve to stick around.

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JB replied October 17th, 2010 at 11:02 am
There are so many reasons why this show is in the cellar of ratings
1. snail moving s/ls
2. no originality, come on coul you stop with the wash, rinse and repeats
3. plot point writing instead of character based writing. There is no point in rooting for a character or being emotionally invested if at any point in time they will do something that is completely out of character. For example, the Sami Brady I knew and love would have found Sydney’s kidnapper herself instead of waiting Agent Hernandez to figure it all out. She would have figured out it was EJ and maybe tricked him into a confession. Come on guys
4. Lame use of an amazing cast. CC comes to mind especially. She is one amazing actress but why is she getting a lame storyline???
5. No romance, no fun, no adventure, only dark and depressing s/ls. I don’t want a show that is more depressing than my life, soaps are supposed to be an escape, not a debbie downer.
6. No supercouples at all. None of them are together. Who am I supposed to root for here when I see none of them in love and the interlopers are having their day in the sun?
7. Black and white view of characters. This is 2010. There is no such thing as a pure villian and a pure hero anymore. I’m tired of the show forcing me to believe that Rafe is a pure good guy when he has done a laundry list of terrible things. But when EJ does the same thing, he should be burned at the stake. Come on. And for that matter, the writing is way too simple. The “good guy” shouldn’t always win the girl, especially when said good guy isn’t really good, and the villian isn’t all bad. These characters have human elements of regrets, remorse, fear. So let the outcome be realistic too at least.
8. Triangular writing- not necessary. Only lazy people do it. I could come up with a million differnt s/ls right now instead of the lame triangular writing that I see on my screen.
9.Finally, give ejami a chance. I hope KC understands that even though ejami hasn’t been together, the have legions of fans. We see the sparks, the chemistry, the history, the potential. And yet almost 5 years later, we got 2 kids, a bullet in the head and wasted opportunities. I loved this summer. I mean loved it!! Right up until KC opened his big mouth and ruined it all for me. I could barely watch after that. Imagine the possibilities if they were together, I mean together with no secrets. They don’t need an interloper, the Bradys and the Dimeras are just enough for that.
Moments like these make me wonder sometimes if they are trying to kill this show. The flaws are so obvious it’s mind boggling. *sigh* Thanks for this opp to let me speak my mind Michael. I hope someone at NBC reads these responses.

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Tara says:

October 17, 2010 at 10:39 am

Will Binks be getting sl anytime soon?

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Gail says:

October 17, 2010 at 11:46 am

I have read through so many of these comments and it’s obvious that most of them were written by ejami fans who are disgruntled because their couple is not together, and SAFE is. They seem to think that if ejami are together then the ratings will go up because this is what the fans/GA want. Honestly, do you all really believe that? Bringing back ejami is not going to raise the ratings of DAYS . In fact, the ratings were higher before they were together this spring. The ratings started to plummet when Sami moved into the mansion, and they continued to fall all summer. What helped them not be as low as they are now was the Alice Memorial and the return of all the vets people wanted to see. DAYS lost a lot of fans this summer and now it’s a matter of trying to get them back. They aren’t going to go rushing back to DAYS just b/c one couple is together. It’s going to take a lot more than that.

What’s bringing the ratings down is the fact that people don’t want to see the manipulation and blackmail stories over and over and over again. They don’t want to see all dark and sadness on the show everyday. The fans want fun and laughter and happy times. Drama is important, sure, but so is romance and lightness. What happened to the fun times on DAYS? the parties, the picnics, the dances, etc? What happened to the romance? We don’t really see any of this. Even when there is a wedding, like Chloe and Daniel, it was all veiled in secrets, manipulations and lies- no real happiness.

And truly, how is SAFE really together? Sure they profess their love for each other and make love and are living together, but it is all still surrounded by darkness and the constant manipulation and revenge themes with EJ. They aren’t being allowed to be a couple in love with fun times like couples used to have. And it’s not just them, it’s all the couples on DAYS. None of them are happy. In fact, I don’t know of any character that is happy.

DAYS needs to improve their writing to be successful. Stop dragging out the storylines for so long. Who wants to see Vivian in that tomb for months? Who wants the Chloe story to drag out for another few months? Quit wasting the talent of Ari Zucker on being Brady’s foil. She hasn’t had a good storyline since she returned to the show. Get CC out of this BOPE mess and get them back together as the supercouple they are. Put JS with a woman who will love him for him, not Sami who has always thought of him as seconds when she can’t be with the man she wants to be with. Quit dumbing down his character– he is good as a villain, he sucks as a romantic lead, so stop trying to make him one. Get the Sami shooting EJ story over with and resolve it and move her character on. Give GG a backstory and a good story of his own, in conjunction with Sami.

I am a SAFE fan, but I am by no means naive enough to think that just putting SAFE together would be the cure-all for DAYS. How could they possibly bring up ratings in less than 6 weeks that had been in the toilet for 6 months? No one couple will be enough on its own to pull the show out of the dumps it’s in. Fix the writing and bring on some new, creative storylines that are character driven, not plot driven. Finish storylines and move them along. If you are going to bring on a new character, stick with them for awhile, and stop changing them so often.

I have been a DAYS watcher and fan for over 30 years and I sure don’t want to see the show cancelled. I think the show has the chance to be the show it once was, but time is running out to fix things. I am hoping the writers and tptb can work together to make DAYS a success once again.

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Judy replied October 17th, 2010 at 2:45 pm
No, the ratings plummeted when a certain somebody told everyone there would be a safe reunion! I don’t think many people wanted to see that!

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Walters replied October 17th, 2010 at 3:04 pm
Gail, you need to go a little further back in history to see when the ratings were the highest, and then began a downward trend (which has continued on to now with small blips here and there). Since you like Safe, I do not think you’ll like what you find.

And honestly, Gail, yes. Yes! The majority of us do believe that if EJami were given the supercouple storyline that they deserve, then things would get start to get better. The EJami fanbase is huge. Sorry, but there’s no denying it. NBC knows it and Sony knows it. You can see evidence of that all over the place. Ken Corday, however, by pissing off (or pissing on) a huge fanbase has caused a lot of damage.

I do strongly agree with you that the bottom line is the writing and character development, and that time is running out for our show. I hope they do fix things quickly.

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Gail replied October 17th, 2010 at 5:11 pm
I was in no way implying that the ratings were at their highest when SAFE was a couple, pre- March, 2010. I guess I didn’t clarify what I meant. What I was saying was in February of 2010, before the move into the mansion, etc., the ratings were doing better than they had been. In fact, I believe they had gone up to a 2.0 and SON had even commented on their rise. No, not as good as they had been at one time, but better than they had been in the recent past. After this point, they began to decline and it was far before KC ever said that SAFE would be together.

I am not saying that Ejami doesn’t have a large fan base. They do, but SAFE also does and NBC and SONY know that, too. And that is part of the problem. They are trying to satisfy both fanbases and really, not pleasing either. I think KC made that pretty clear when he talked about stretching the rubber band.

They need to stop the triangles and move on with a couple.
Criss says:

October 17, 2010 at 11:53 am

The massage is loud and clear that majority of viewers are not happy with any storylines or couples playing right now. DOOL you have gold in EJAMI why are you wasting time and viewers on a couple that a lot of people don’t care about or are watching (ratings are a great proof of that). I am sure you have heard of the word boring said many times when describing Safe, and they truly are boring in every sense of the word no chemistry, no passion, just very, very dull and viewers don’t want dull from their soaps. Viewers have stopped caring or watching when that couple is on so please bring back excitement, bring back romance, and you will bring back the viewers. Give us what we want and that is EJAMI you will not go wrong, for once listen to the viewers we are telling you loud and clear EJAMI is the winner here don’t waste any more time on something that is not working and taking the show that we all love so much down with it . GO for GOLD GO for EJAMI!!!!!!

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Jen says:

October 17, 2010 at 1:28 pm

The reason why Days is in last place is due to the current storyline where Sami jumps back into Rafe’s bed and not only that shoots EJ in cold blood & leaves him to die which would of been EJami’s wedding night. Thanks to Mr. Corday for letting the fans know that Safe was going to be back together after labor day helped lots.The viewers want to see real passion, chemistry, romance, & EJami had it all. EJ loves Sami for who she is & didn’t want to change her. They were a team when they were parenting & even as a couple they are. However once again Mr. Corday assumed that’s not what the viewers wanted & paired Safe back together.. But once again the ratings have backfired in his face since this new storyline started. The viewers don’t want to see Sami being treated like a child by Rafe or her acting like a teenage fool. EJami is what viewers want to see. This whole thing with EJami could of been saved if only Sami didn’t do things stupidly. This entire past 2 years stems from the day Lucas came back from prison & found EJami in bed together. Sami is the root of it if only she would of given into her feelings that faithful night in May 2008 when EJami finally got together & conceived Sydney. Then there would not of been EJole or Safe together. Sami needs to grow up & realize that EJ is her perfect mate in every aspect of life. The day EJ woke up from his coma & EJami were united in the hospital after being shot in the head the ratings for those days the numbers went up. EJami is what people want to see on their screens… Ejami needs to be given a chance. Sony has featured them in their mosaic for the 45th Anniversary next to the other golden super couples of Days.. That says plenty to the fans where EJami are considered. Maybe Mr. Corday should stop listening to those 12 fans that want Safe together. We saw what happened when EJami weren’t paried together the ratings tanked. James Scott & Alison Sweeney are 2 amazing actors that shine when paired together. There characters have a bond that doesn’t look like they are acting on the screen. EJami should of got the love story a super couple deserves they have had enough drama & hurt in their lives because of each other.. If given that chance EJami can show what a gray couple should look like .. they can raise their kids, be together in love, married, & scheming together… I hope Mr. Corday & company come to their scenes soon enough before Days gets canceled due to the numbers since the end of August to present time. EJami never got these numbers & just proves what the viewers want.. We also think that these storylines need a little help from ghost writers because what is being done now is cutting it. I think if they do get extra help & listen to the real fans Days could go on for another 45 years. Viewers want EJami back together with no more schemes, forced love, manipulation, triangles, or interlopers.. this has gone on enough & its time to finally reunite & give Ejami a love story that tells all.. raising their family!

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Luvr says:

October 17, 2010 at 1:34 pm

The fact that Days is doing so horribly comes down to one simple fact. The writing is HORRENDOUS. After weeks of trying to give the show a chance, that maybe somewhere in all of this Bull, there may be something even remotely interesting or entertaining. But there is nothing there. I wish I could be enthusiastic about the show. Rush home to watch what happens next. But frankly, I don’t know who half the characters are because I can no longer recognize them. It’s still my favourite actors acting out the scenes, but I can’t wrap my mind around who they have become. What important components of who they are that were completely ignored to further a downright lack lustre plot. I’m sick of the love triangles, squares, pentagons etc. with no payoff. Couples who should be together are barely in each other’s orbit. And there’s no indication to give the viewers hope that they will eventually make their way back to each other. WHERE’S THE ROMANCE!?! I watch soaps to escape. The writing is unbelievably lazy. Where’s the heart in all of this? All the writers go for is shock and awe, that eventually fails miserably, because we fail to see the intent, the emotion, the feelings behind their big reveals etc. I’m so disappointed in this show. I feel like Ken Corday and the writing team or oblivious to what viewers really want to see. They fail to recognize that people want to be glued to their sets. They want to get lost in the storylines and find an escape. But they just are not delivering. I’m turned off, right now there’s nothing drawing me to the show. I’ve stopped caring what happens and began shopping around for another soap. I might tune in again momentarily every week or so, to see if anything has progressed, if any change has come about, and I am always let down. They need to do something soon, because their viewers are dropping like flies over the crap storylines. And once lost, its hard to regain those viewers.

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Woolybear replied October 17th, 2010 at 3:07 pm
I completely agree with this whole post. I’ve always DVRed DOOL and watched as soon as I got home, but lately I find the show sitting in my queue collecting proverbial dust. I had been fast forwarding through parts I didn’t like: Rafe, Nighttime Hope,and the Stephanie/Nathan mess but since Sami shot EJ with no remorse I just can’t make myself sit through an episode. I watched as vet after vet was let go without a send off. I watched when Tony was killed in a nonsensical way. I watched when EJ was dumbed down during the babyswitch s/l. I even watched while Bo and Hope were ripped apart for no apparent reason and she tried to set him on fire, but Sami shooting a defenseless EJ was it for me. I finally got it: no character/couple is sacred or consistent. My last reason for watching (my hope for a Sami/EJ romance) was dashed. Do I think one couple can make or break a show? No, but every root for couple being apart (Bo/Hope, EJ/Sami, Mel/Nathan, and now maybe even Kate/Stefano) can.

Putting aside couples; Days is also sinking because of poor, plot point, lazy writing. Great acting (and Days is fortunate to have more than a few superb actors/actresses) can only take a story so far. Gone are the days where hair models could get by because of the snappy, thoughtful, wriitng. Stunt casting and “shocking” twists are only muddying the waters- making characters I thought I knew more and more of an enigma to me. Why is Bo still with Carly and not fighting for Hope? Why is smart, sassy, Sami willing to accept knowing nothing about Rafe’s past and why shoot EJ now when she couldn’t kill him back in 2007 when she really hated him? Why won’t Kate just tell Stefano about Chad?? If the writers don’t take the time to invest in the characters and STAY CONSISTENT then why should I care about the “great” twists or the “explosive” reveals?

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Shaunna replied October 17th, 2010 at 7:32 pm
Great points! I agree 100% They think the audience is stupid (at least the way they treat their viewers seems to point to that) and will completely ignore history and character consistency to sell whatever poorly written plot they desire. They notice ratings are sinking and try more stunts. Its not working…wise up Days, your audience has.
Karen H. says:

October 17, 2010 at 1:45 pm

Ugh! Sami and her men are killing Days! Whatever they did in 2009, they need to do it again. I’m so sick of Sami and EJ/Rafe! Sick of SAMI.

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D says:

October 17, 2010 at 2:09 pm

There’s a lot of reasons why Days is suffering. The no.1 reason being couples that the audience actually want are not together (EJami, Bope/Bo & Carly, Mel & Nathan, Philip& Chloe just to name a few) and the couples and characters that no one cares for get all the screen time. Also there is very little to no romance on the show. And contrary to the writers beliefs, a couple sporadically having sex isn’t romantic. Another factor is that these storylines move at a snails pace with no end in sight. We go through triangle, after triangle with no real resolution. Viewers get angry and turn off the show. What’s the point of watching if you are never going to get a pay off? The show needs a better writing team who can actually write a decent story and dialogue or else risk cancellation. In this economy they do not have the luxury of angering their viewers and pandering to minority fanbases that hold no clout (and people know who I am talking about).

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Gail replied October 17th, 2010 at 5:22 pm
Saying that the couples that the” audience actually wants are not together”, is an opinion, it’s not a fact, unless you can poll everyone who watches the show regularly and get their opinions, and none of us can do this. To say “the couples that no one cares for get all the screen time” is a pretty bold statement– again just an opinion, not a fact.

I would hope that KC had his publicity people do some leg work on what the audience really wants before he changed course with the story line. I doubt he is “pandering to a minority fanbase”.

The problems with DAYS goes far beyond which couples are together and which characters are front and center. It has to do with the way the storylines are written. They are dull and never ending. Romantic triangles are OK, occasionally, but not all the time and with every couple.

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D replied October 17th, 2010 at 7:18 pm
Actually I do know for a fact certain couples are more popular than others and they are currently not together on screen.

KC doesn’t bother to listen to what the fans really want otherwise we would have seen major directional changes by now. In any interview he has done, he still talks about how there are more twists to come and not to worry the ratings will go up. He lives in a fantasy land.

I also believe I did mention in my post that the storylines are never ending as are the love triangles. There’s no character development. Everything is written as a plot point and the emotional beats of this storyline we have seen in particular have been left out. You are entitled to your opinions as am I. If you don’t like it, then that’s your problem.

Lisa replied October 19th, 2010 at 2:36 am
Gail, I completely agree with your assessment. The problems go deeper than what couples are being shown. The writing is failing to grab and retain the viewers- plain and simple. We like different pairings, but have the same ideals and understanding in terms of what is happening with the show. I wish more people would take a moment and look at what has happened to the show overall- it’s heartbreaking. Playing the blame game on specific characters and couples is the fuel that feeds the terrible writing we have been getting. I think everyone, regardless of what they want in terms of pairings, need to band together and demand the basic elements that the show needs. If there is no show, there won’t be any couples to argue about- unless everyone will be satisfied arguing which couple killed the show long after it is gone.

Izzy replied October 18th, 2010 at 9:23 pm
I’m a little confused by your original post “D”. Last time I looked Bo and Carly were together. And I strongly disagree that the majority of the Days audience wants them together. I know of so many Bo and Hope fans who are no longer watching the show anymore and it’s going to take some Pulitzer Prize winning writing to get them back.

What’s killing the show is that it’s a shadow of it’s former self. Everything is triangles, quadrangles and other geometric shapes and the show in a endless series of bed-hopping and meaningless sex. You can’t get invested in any one pairing, because they’re usually torn apart or broken up within a few months. There is no real heartfelt love, romance, sense of family, genuine friendship or edge-of-your-seat adventure like there used to be and characters are introduced or returned without any real character development or back story — so why should we care two hoots about them. Characters are too grey. Heroes should be heroes and villains should be villains and turning the show’s two leading female characters into attempted murderers was an EPIC FAIL!! Stories drag on and on for way too long without any real movement or reveal or resolution and the imbalance in airtime is ridiculous. Some stories and characters are on day after day after day, while others are only on once or twice a week or fortnight. Give me the days when each episode would have three keys stories running and over the course of the week all characters airtime was roughly even. Viewers are sick and tired of the not getting any pay-off and can’t be bothered investing their precious time any more. I think they’ve simply given up. I remember Dena said a while back that they like to leave viewers a little bit annoyed at the end of each episode. Well the terrible ratings provie that viewers are more than a little bit annoyed. They’ve simply had enough!!! They’re tuning out and not coming back.

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semaj says:

October 17, 2010 at 3:30 pm

the only reason to watch dool is the daniel and chloe pairing because they have that supercouple chemistry and dool writers need to reunite bo and hope the real supercouple of dool

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Debra says:

October 17, 2010 at 3:55 pm

DOOL is currently at the bottom of the ratings heap because the scripts this year have driven them there. Many, many great stories could have been told with Peter, Kristian, Ali, James, Ari, Jay, Nadia, Molly, Nathan, Lauren and Crystal, but the ones that are airing are depressing and repetitve at best, and at worst, they’re downright vile.

Sami turning into a skanky cheater and remorseless killer is one of the lowlights in Salem history. James being boxed in as a villain who, according to Corday, will never be more than just a foil to the *good guys* is an inexplicable waste of talent, not to mention the chemistry between James and Ali. Jay is a solid actor with a substantial history playing what should be a pivotal Salemite, but Phillip is just background character in a WTD story that’s devoid of romance and dramatic tension. Molly was a welcome addition to the cast three years ago, and I could have liked Melanie with Phillip or Nathan. But her marriage to Phillip was rushed and nonsensical, and the character is unfortunately far from the enterprising schemer who first arrived in town. A decade prior, Chloe was my favorite on the Salem teen scene, now I don’t recognize the the centered girl who took on Salem High and won. Adding another offspring to Stefano’s brood might not have been original, but Chad as a DiMera could have been a shot of java for the show about a year ago – now it’s ANCIENT hat. Bo, Hope and Carly could have been a triangle for the soap history books. But DOOL started out by making a Hope a shrew & Carly a homewrecker, moved onto to having Bo discuss with Carly how wonderful life could have been if they had never parted in a public restaurant, and ended with Hope setting Bo on fire. 0_o So much damage, so little time.

To whomever said they would like the to be woken from the nightmare that has been Salem 2010, I SO agree! Days of Our Lives used to be a romantic, suspenseful, fun show – full of characters most viewers knew inside out, and for whom many felt affection. Let’s get back to that ASAP!!!

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Lisa replied October 19th, 2010 at 2:45 am
This post basically sums it up for me. You wrote it so well and succinctly. I won’t bother repeating it again in my own post because I have more respect for the readers of this blog than the writers at Days have for the viewers.

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Linda replied October 19th, 2010 at 5:05 pm
Wonderful post. The show has many talented actors whose skills are being wasted in lame stories or to prop other less compelling characters/couples.

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karine says:

October 17, 2010 at 4:20 pm

doesnt surprise me that dool is at the last place
that soap seems to go on the road of cancellation if they dont make some change soon .Most of caracter are unrootable due to the writing .the storyline are worse than ever I keep watching waiting for an improvement and nothing …all they do is triangle and quadriangles not even well written

1.Ejami/Rafe : big Miss for me they should have put Ejami together or let Sami alone for awhile deal with the aftermath of the sydnapping revelation .. Kc said that sami will be more mature and independant well that’s not happening on screen …Sami is just throw for Rafe who is a miss caracter (not interesting)Safe reunion (puke)
2.Dan/chloe/philip etc the story should resolve between them 3 and not about how melanie will react..they should put melanie and nathan together
3.Bope/Carbo Kc kill the suspense saying that bope will reunite ..i think the writer didnt know that carbo was so popular when they start the triangle
4.Chad being a dimera was a interesting storyline Stephano Kate EJ Lexie even Victor could have been involved wish they have done that storyline in september instead of the shooting/pukefest reunion
5. what happened to Anna ?

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annie says:

October 17, 2010 at 5:05 pm

Corday was an is an idiot, he gave away the s/l and contrary to what he thinks most of us do not want Safe. Everyone is being written poorly. The writers really do not know how to write good stories. This all must be someone’s dream cause it is all a nightmare to watch and so many have just stopped. EJami would have been their goldmine, two actors with off the wall chemistry but instead Tomlin wants to make his fried GG look good and sorry – only a major miracle and continuous acting lessons might help and that’s even stretching it. James is the best actor they have gotten in years and I was a faithful viewer from the very first show. It truly saddens me to see how far down they have brought this show. It is too disgusting to even watch anymore.. I just cannot bear to watch Rafe or Safe but do watch the vets. Thank God for the ff button.

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LouBlue replied October 17th, 2010 at 8:18 pm
Replying to this because I can’t leave a comment any other way it seems but I whole heartedly agree.

As all these posts keep pointing out, the reason that Days is bottom of the heap and will continue to languish there IS THE WRITING. More than that though it is the whole mission statement of Days nowadays. They don’t seem to believe in super couples and don’t write for them. So what that means is that they don’t believe in the concept of true love – that there is that one special someone out there for everyone. Personally in this particular genera I think that is a fatal flaw. Not everyone has to be a super couple on Days but you have to have a few and the rest support that. Days only has bed hoppers which encourage you not to invest in them because they won’t last.

I read an interview about Ken Corday crowing proudly over the fact that he’d split Safe/EJami fans down the middle and saying that was what he’d wanted. This pretty much confirmed for me the man doesn’t have a clue at all about how to keep his parents show on air and was very disheartening. Gary Tomlin came to the show saying he wanted people to be shouting at their TV sets at the end of each episode and those two toxic POV’s have been married together in the mother of all perfect storms of disaster for Days.

It is a ridiculously pointless endeavor to want two equal fan bases rooting for a pairing with a popular character like Sami. Whatever the writers do they will be pissing off half their audience – explain to me how that is a good thing for a soap that is struggling to hang onto the audience they have already? The super couple concept worked for Days (particularly as they had the good fortune of having actors with real chemistry – Bope/Payla/Jarlena etc) back in the day because they got ALL of their audience on side and rooting for their eventual coming together. You don’t have to be a mathematics genius to work out that is a good thing.

Instead they employ this ridiculous withholding ploy with their viewers which grates on their audiences last nerve. They string EJami/Bope fans along because they know there is a large fan base wanting both their pairings. But instead of ever making it worth people’s while to support those pairings they just always keep it out of reach expecting people to come back every day and grasp for the brass ring. Well people are getting sick of it and as these writers of Higley and crew have yet to write any kind of reveal/pay off on the show that was worth the interminable wait and character destructions to get there… well, people are realising there is no point to hanging around and turning out in droves.

The stories have no heart because they have the characters telling their ridiculous, forced, shock value only plots instead of having the plot tell the characters stories. All you get now when you watch Days is plot point writing. A character doesn’t have to remain true to their core or history if a plot point needs to be jammed down people’s throat. You’ll only get people watching these ridiculous s/l’s that soaps are famous for if we care about the characters and invest in them. And how do the writers make us do that? By being true to their history, giving us the emotional beats when they are needed and making us see their hearts so that we can understand their actions.

You simply can’t skimp on that. It’s no good having a change of heart about where the story is going and rewritng history to suit because people aren’t going to buy it. At the moment the GA is meant to be believe that Sami is terrified of EJ and that is why she shot him. But then we have to watch her go over to the man she’s so frightened of house in the middle of the night, alone to confront him. She leaves her kids alone with an elderly lady whilst she gets it on with her boyfriend even though she is meant to be so scared that EJ will take them. Sami stands there and taunts EJ in his hospital bed and threatens to take the kids again. The writers are giving Sami a pass for shooting EJ because she was ‘so afraid’ and we’re just meant to accept that even though we’re not seeing it on screen??? If you wanted to make Sami’s shooting of EJ valid then match it up with what we are seeing on screen. Have Sami being woken in the middle of the night to find one of EJ’s goons trying to snatch the kids or being shot at by them. It’s just insulting our intelligence to try and sell one thing and then not support it with another. The only sense I can make of this is that there is some kind of big trick up the sleeve coming on the behalf of the writing – a gotcha thing – but honestly I can’t think of anything they could do now that would make up for treating their audience so disrespectfully.

The stories drag endlessly, have no heart and are about characters the writers are determined we shouldn’t care about. They actually punish us for caring about characters. After over 2 years with this writing team it is clear what to expect with these writers – repetition, rehashed s/l’s, pacing that would make a snail blush, dark, mean spirited s/l’s about characters that they have made you cease to care about. For romance we get people screwing other people up against an elevator door and shouting out another woman’s name and we get not one of that particular delight but we have it in tandem! We have people getting it on beside a woman being buried alive, rough angry sex that borders on rape, sex scenes interlaced with a man with his brains being blown out.

What kind of people do these writers think they are writing for???

To hear them all patting each other on the back at the 45th Anniversary event you’d think they were simply made of awesome and the fans were just lapping it up. I don’t know if that was all a brave face kind of thing or if they really are that deluded. Their mindsets of withholding, slow pacing and shock value tactics and stunt casting is wearing thin. Fans are done. There are a lot more options out there then to turn up day after day hoping for some relief from the day to day grind, to find some love, romance and humour and be greeted with the dark, dismal mess that is Days now. I can no longer watch because I loved so many of the characters on that show and if I keep watching with these writers at the helm I can no longer love these characters.

These guys simply don’t get what it takes to make a soap people want to watch and seeing as DH and GT both come from canceled soaps it’s no huge surprise that they are also driving Days into the ground with their ideas of what makes a soap and KC is egging them on, seeming to have total faith in their ideas and the direction they are taking the show. Talk about Nero fiddling while Rome burns. It’s such a shame because there are some fantastic actors on the show which I’d like to continue to watch in stories it is worth my while engaging with. That is not Days right now. Like I said, Days punishes its viewers and fans for watching it by disappointing them at every turn and not committing to the stories or couples. No pairing is going to save the show because the writing isn’t there to support it so until that is fixed, Days is doomed unfortunately.

I don’t know what it will take for them to start being real about what isn’t working on the show.

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zarine replied October 18th, 2010 at 5:56 am
Rock on Lou for an amazing post as to why this show has become a sinking ship.

Woolybear replied October 18th, 2010 at 6:23 am
Michael, can you please put this post in an envelope, tie it with a big fat bow and mail it to TPTB at Days? Someone over there needs a serious wake up call and I don’t see how it could be said any better!

Carol replied October 18th, 2010 at 8:17 am
Incredible post!!!! This needs to be sent out to every Tom, Dick and Harry involved with Days! BRAVO LouBlue…you nailed it!

diggy replied October 18th, 2010 at 10:50 am
Amazing job, LouBlue! You hit on absolutely every point! I agree with Woolybear – stick a stamp on it and send it over to TPTB! The sooner, the better!

JB replied October 18th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
Lou, that was amazing. I pray that if the higher ups, by the grace of God, come across this article that they at least read this post.

Shaunna replied October 18th, 2010 at 4:11 pm
Amazing post filled with so many good points! I hope someone that has the power to change things will read this and take an honest look at himself and the state of the show, a show I have loved for 16 years now.

DeeDee replied October 18th, 2010 at 9:09 pm
Absolutely perfect post Lou. This is why #DAYS is going down the toilet so fast, I don’t know whether anyone can catch it from cancellation.

Thanks Lou for posting exactly what I have been thinking and saying for over two years now!

Linda replied October 19th, 2010 at 5:13 pm
Lou I bow down to you!
Sparty says:

October 17, 2010 at 6:04 pm

The writing, or lack thereof is killing DOOL. It’s difficult to invest in characters when you don’t even recognize them anymore. The viewers can’t predict from day to day what our fav characters will do because there is no consistency in their motives and actions. They are the victim of plot point drivel at its finest, and they are being butchered beyond recognition day in and day out. We need new writers. These current writers have no idea how to write a compelling story.

I wish the producers would get it through their thick, stubborn skulls that this ‘shock and awe’ or I should more aptly say ‘shock and ugh’ production of this show is NOT working. People are not hanging around, pissed off, excitedly tuning in the next day to get that next bit of the story. Tomlin thought this was the formula to success. Judging by the ratings, he has severely misread his audience. So fix it before it’s too late. How about just writing good old fashioned, character-driven storylines. No trickery, or gimmicks needed. Also, give the audience a PAYOFF!!!!! You can only dangle the carrot for so long before the viewers will just walk away and find something else. There are too many options for entertainment these days. You can’t gamble and continually abuse your audience day in and day out and expect their continued loyalty. Not when there are 200+ other channels out there to find other shows on, not to mention DVR’s of other pre-recorded shows. Give the viewers what they want and stop manipulating them. We are not stupid.

Ken Corday would be best to keep his mouth shut. I don’t know where on earth it is a good idea to give away the ending of the book when readers are only in chapter 2, but there he did it, and he is reaping the results of that. The EJami fanbase is tired of no payoff. We are tired of this show continually wasting the phenomenal chemistry that exists on screen between Ali Sweeney and James Scott. We are fed up with them refusing to write for the bad boy and girl with good hearts, who should be totally and 100% in love and committed to each other and their children, while wreaking havoc on the other fine people of Salem. There is so much potential there, and yet, they are still determined to write against it all. How’s that working for ya? Yeah, not so well. I don’t even recognize this version of Sami right now. She truly is unrootable to me. Her actions say one thing, but the dialogue and writers expect me to believe another. It’s not working. Let her be the bad girl she has been, and the one that so many of us fell in love with way back when. That is what works for Sami Gene Brady. Let her embrace her bad boy, the one who truly accepts her for who she is, not who he wants her to be

The actors on this show are the saving grace. There are so many that are so dedicated, and talented, and give their all to try and make something out of nothing day in and day out. It is appreciated, and we love them for it. Have some writers that will support that, and match that talent. The current writing staff doesn’t even come close to cutting it. If it weren’t for the amazing talents of some of the current actors, I’d already be long gone. That makes me sad and angry as a loyal Days watcher for 20 years now. Fix it, before it’s too late.

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briggs replied October 17th, 2010 at 7:26 pm
Agree 100%, Sparty, especially with your third paragraph. Case in point: The story that was told between EJ and Sami by James Scott and Ali Sweeney during what was essentially a 10-second stare-off when Sami, Rafe and Roman confronted EJ in the hospital was phenomenal. And they weren’t even saying a word to each other! All the while Roman and Rafe, who were the ones actually talking, withered in the background. It could have been just two people glaring at each other, but James and Ali made it mean so much more for EJ and Sami.

James and Ali’s “give it your all” acting abilities and the natural chemistry they bring to EJ and Sami doesn’t come along every day. Every time they’re in a scene together, good grief!, what they have as an acting team is so palpable. I am a biased EJami, of course, but I know I’m not alone when I say I believe James and Ali are a fantastic team. They are so special to us individually and as EJami and their talent gives Dena and her group of writers a great opportunity to write the amazingly complicated love story for the supercouple that EJ and Sami could be. And James and Ali have the ability to pull it off and then some.

Wake up Powers That Be! Please, please, we are begging you, wake up and fix this.

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zarine replied October 17th, 2010 at 7:27 pm
Awesome post! So true!

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Cookala replied October 18th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
BRAVO!!! Well said, Sparty!

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure it out. KC needs to stop taking advice from his wife and actually watch the show himself. In fact, do the “writers” even watch this drivel they expect US to watch?

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zarine says:

October 17, 2010 at 7:24 pm

Unfortunately since Ken, Gary and Dena are obviously blind to the chemistry that Ali S & James S possess when with one another on this show I am not surpised in the least that the ratings are going(in the words of Johnny Cash’s song)down down down like a ring of fire. They could be a great super couple. I haven’t really watched since Sami shot EJ. I will absolutely not tune in to watch the scenes with Sami and rafe, I would rather watch paint dry, that has more excitement then those two. Sorry Days but you lost me.

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JamesScott4eva replied October 17th, 2010 at 10:25 pm
I agree 100% with this post. I also havent watched the show since the show and I cant watch Sami show absolutely no remorse for her shooting EJ.

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JamesScott4eva replied October 17th, 2010 at 10:26 pm
Sorry havent watched since the shooting
Shaunna says:

October 17, 2010 at 7:40 pm

I only hope someone with influence to take control of the reigns and save DOOL reads these posts… the audience is much smarter than the powers that be gives credit. Thank you for all of the wonderful responses, and even though I am a solid Ejami fan, I think the posts made a point of saying the show as a whole needs drastic changes. No more boasting of how fast and cheap you can produce a show, it only reveals the bottom line is what really concerns them, not a quality product.

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Annie says:

October 18, 2010 at 5:13 am

I like many here have not watched more than 5 episodes since Sami shot EJ and then went home to have sex with Rafe…it was DISGUSTING and I wont support that! I did watch a few episodes when EJ was coming out of the coma and a few episodes that included EJ and Sami … but that’s it! I cant stand SAFE and think Rafe/Sami pairing is killing the show or putting people to sleep! I never thought I’d miss LUMI but in comparison to SAFE, it was much more entertaining to watch EJAMI vs LUMI then SAFE…HORRIBLE WRITERS! Bring back good old fashioned romance not this crap!

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Ruth says:

October 18, 2010 at 6:07 am

Thanks for the post Michael! This is a topic that is near and dear to the soap opera fan’s heart: survival of their favorite soap.

As much as I could care about the current s/ls on Days now (you could take a long nap and not really miss anything of significance), I definitely do NOT want Days to be cancelled. There are bits and pieces that I enjoy including EJami, the interaction between the Dimeras (Stefano, Lexie, EJ). Victor and Vivian’s quips.

They always say that the soap opera genre itself is in dire straits. I can understand how Days has or is teetering that line. There was an article in the Christian Science Monitor entitled “Soap Operas All Washed-Up” which talks about the very thing your topic addresses her:
http://www.csmonitor.com/The-Culture/TV/2010/1013/Soap-operas-All-washed-up

With Days cutting their budget, I can’t believe it’s down to $150,000 to produce the show. There’s a lot of pressure for them to really make the stories robust. Bring back the romance (with Bope, EJami), adventure and mystery. Bring back John and Marlena. Enough of the recycled material. Otherwise, viewers just stayed tuned out.

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darnell says:

October 18, 2010 at 6:25 am

What’s killing the show is throwing Sami and Rafe back together. Days continues to ignore the amazing chemistry between James Scott and Alison Sweeney. The scene where EJ is laying bleeding to death in bed – thanks to Sami – while she is having sex with Rafe was the most disgusting thing I’ve ever seen on a soap! Corday always says his show is about romance and family – well the Ejami scenes from June 30, 2010 and the day they played poker, etc – is what the viewers want. I hope the show can fix Sami’s character because right now she has hit rock bottom – I hope that Days can turn this around and bring the magic back. Also, the brady story of burying vivian is stupid and the chloe pregnancy secret is draining the show – everything in Salem is an utter mess right now – there is absolutely no romance, no mystery, just boring crap day after day – except for the phenomenal performances of James Scott, Ali Sweeney, Peter Reckell and Eric M.

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Dorothy says:

October 18, 2010 at 8:00 am

I just can’t watch the snoozefest called Safe. No matter what s/l they throw at them…they are uninteresting and have no chemistry whatsoever. I have always been an Ejami fan…they had it from the very start and they just have to be in the same room together and you can feel the chemistry between them that comes so naturally. Their eyes speak in volumes to each other. They said we would have Ejami over the summer, but we weren’t stupid…at every turn Sami was hanging on Rafe. It was never meant to be for the Ejamis. We have always got the crumbs from tptb but we would like the whole loaf or nothing. Ejami was the only thing that was exciting on the show when they had their moments…they were HOT. It won’t be much longer before I stop watching too. I can’t watch Days anymore…there is no happiness, no romance, no happy couples and everything is soooo predictable. KC can shove safe. Sorry…that’s how I feel about them. I feel nothing.

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Iakovos says:

October 18, 2010 at 8:22 am

I think we ATWT fans are more likely to move from Oakdale to Llanview, than from Oakdale to Salem becuase the shows are more similar. Not to take away from OLTL’s team, but some audience sway is surely a factor. I, for one, will not give my ATWT hour to THE TALK. DAYS just never worked for me because of some of its outlandish storylines. They never seem rooted in reality. I do hope OLTL will grow stronger. It needs some focus and pruning (too many characters of late) and some more conviction (was that Kish storyline really that off-putting?), but the cast is winning and offers some wonderful older actors to watch. I have been brushing up on history and I could do without much more of the split personalities and dubious parentages. Let’s push for more realistic socialstores and we will have a solid program for years to come.

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C rael says:

October 18, 2010 at 8:56 am

I have been a days fan for over 20 years and have never been so frustrated over a story line… I can’t agree more with what most of these comments are saying… I ff most everything except when Ejami are on; what do you expect me to do; you fed filet mignon in Ejami and then try to force bologna down my throat with Safe and other boring stories…What happened to the days I used to love; the one I could’nt wait to get home and watch; the one that made me feel like supercouple love was possible;that’s what this woman wants to get caught up in mystery and romance… Come on days give me another 20 years of what used to be and what still can be a great escape from rl… Please don’t let this loyal viewer down… I have invested to much of my life in a soap that just can’t go down like this…Go EJAMI!!!!!

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HAS says:

October 18, 2010 at 9:17 am

Viewers are sick of the EJ and Sami. It is STILL and EJ and Sami story with Rafe tagging along in it, once again. They keep tying these two together, and it’s obnoxious.

Viv is entertaining, clearly.

The Chloe pregnancy story is just as annoying.

Are we sure this show isn’t deliberately targeting a Degrassi Jr High audience? It sure feels that way.

Raise the maturity of the stories, and they may save the show.

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meetoo replied October 18th, 2010 at 10:44 am
It’s clear that the writers KNOW Safe would have NO story without EJ in the mix.

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Michael Jenkins replied October 18th, 2010 at 2:50 pm
Viewers want good stories, blaming one couple for the show is not going to help anyone.

I can say the same thing about Safe- people are sick of them, but some love them.

same with Ejami.

the whole show needs better stories, it does not matter who Sami is swapping spit with if the show sucks.

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luvdayssafe replied October 19th, 2010 at 7:11 am
The problem with Days ratings is thw sls are falling into the same patterns ie the shooting of EJ which is the same suckfest with EJami. They need to move them away from each other because the sl is the same and don’t get me started on how ridiculous that he is “just fine” and is ready to take control like in the Sydnapping of getting revenge boring. They need to keep SAFE together and allow Sami some happiness as well as some others as they still are dragging sls ie Vivian in the coffin. There is no adventure or happy couples without threat from outside forces too much doom and gloom and the same repetitive sls. Enough of that and Sami bouncing from man to man. I hope they keep here with Rafe because they are good together but the focus of that sl is all about EJ which is boring.. surely there are other things they could do with these characters than keep them in the same holding pattern. I am a SAFE fan but there needs to be better sls instead of the same sls with just a little minor change that ultamitely goes no where.

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the only man 4 Sami is... GONE! says:

October 18, 2010 at 10:22 am

In all fairness Days started losing viewers in March. We were at #2 but then the audience realized the writers were going to rehash the stupid EJ/Sami/Rafe triangle. Its boring and unoriginal. And don’t give me that crap that Ejami are ratings gold because they brought ratings down last time when they had sex in May of 2008. Some people just don’t want to watch that. And this Summer they most definetly sucked. And this KC announcement didn’t do anything to make people tune out. If anything people tuned back in to watch Sami shoot EJ in the head but he lived and he’s back to being in her story manipulating her. Oh yay! I really want to watch that, NOT! Viewers know its going to draw out for another 6 months so what’s the point of watching. I say move EJ out of Sami’s orbit. Bring back vets and romance and maybe people will want to tune in again.

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Amanda replied October 18th, 2010 at 10:57 am
I don’t necessarily agree with your none EJAMI stance…BUT I think that you make a great point about bringing vets and romance back, this is what people want to see.

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Judy replied October 18th, 2010 at 12:11 pm
I have to disagree with you. How could you possibly blame the ratings on EJ and Sami’s one time love making. The ratings went down when EJ and Nichole got together after Sami went to WP and met up with Barney Fife. The general audience wants romance not sloppy sex!

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Walters replied October 18th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
I don’t know about you, but always amazes me that there are Safe fans who are former Lumi fans because Rafe was clearly a replacement for Lucas in the good scheming boy vs. bad but vulnerable-hearted boy battle over Sami’s heart. Where’s the loyalty? I like when people such as yourself speak out with unabashed Lucas love.

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cinnamon replied October 18th, 2010 at 2:52 pm
I totally agree. Viewers tuned in when Sami shot Ej and when he survived they were not happy. Leaving Ej alive means he can lie,manipulate,torument Sami even longer.
Give Sami her happiness. Get Ej out of her orbit put him back with Nicole where he belongs or with someone knew. Have Johnny really be Lucas’s and Sydney be Nicole and Ej or even Chads kid. Since Chad is a dimera.
They need to quit dragging storylines out.
Leave SAFE be happy and go on some kind of venture like they did in the old days with soap couples. Budget cuts I understand but they still can do some kind of ventures. Bring back more Vets instead of hiring new people. Bring back John and Marlena. Bring back the evilness that Stefeno use to have.
Bring back Steve and Kayla. Bring back Lucas with a new love interest. Bring back the best couple stories like they did in the past.
Bring back the better story lines not all this dark and depressing stuff that is always going on. Sami’s life has been a living hell since the Day Ej Dimera came to Salem.He was brought there to make her life misserble he has done that for 4 years now.End it already. Let Sami have the life she has always wanted. She was a life with Rafe the man she truly loves. Let her have it once and for all.
The ratings have gone down hill for many reasons.Mainly on what they have done to all the characters and the dragging out of storylines. I don’t like what they did to Hopes character. Her behind bars when a true criminal like Ej dimera walks the streets with his drug business or the attempt of murder of Phillip and the kidnapping of Stephanie that is just not right.What they did to Bo’s character really sucks. What they did to Sami’s character over the summer was totally ridiculous.They have totally destroyed ever person’s real character.I am hoping that them bringing Jen back will bring back some of the real characters to the show. When they let Sami grow up and get on with her life the ratings were high. She is a mother of 4 kids. But I am actually hoping she is a mother of 3 now. Sydney really belongs with Nicole. In 2009 before Ej was brought back into Sami’s orbit the ratings were high.Exspecially when he was with Nicole.
Put Ej back in Nicoles orbit and away from Sami. Putting Sami and Ej on screen together was pure torture.Ej is pure Evil plain and simple.Leave Ej be a true Dimera.
Him trying to be a good person just don’t work.Ej will never be a good person.Ej has always been evil and always will be. Relationships are not based on Rape,Lies and Manipulation.That is all Ej and Sami’s realationship has ever been based on.That is not love that is obsession.
You don’t need to have a kid with a person to be in love and have a true realationship. The ejami’s think just because Ej and Sami have kids together they need to be a couple.Sami has 2 kids with Ej so they should be together but I think the Ejami’s are forgetting that Sami has 2 kids with Lucas to and there not together.
You don’t need to have kids with the man that you love to be a family. That is one of the reason I love SAFE.Rafe loves Sami for who she is and loves her kids no matter who the father is because they are a part of her. Rafe has been very patient and understanding and still loved Sami no matter how many bad decisions she has made over the summer allowing Ej to lie and manipulate her again. Ej don’t truely love Sami he is obsessed with her. When she was happy he couldn’t stand it. So he decided to lie and manipulate her again.
The show is really missing real romance Story lines. I believe in angst but this is getting past that. The writers are always pinning everyone against each other. These triangle need to quit. I mean I am glad that they gave Chloe her happiness and I hope it last. Now it is Sami’s turn to be able to get married to the man she truely loves her soul mate Rafe and let the marriage last.

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Walters replied October 18th, 2010 at 4:40 pm
As soon as you throw out the word Rape, the point you are making becomes null and void. The writers “fixed” the story and Sami got over it and even called herself out for doing the same thing to Austin (her words, not mine). After May of 2008, Rape is no longer a logical argument against EJami. TPTB made sure it couldn’t be used that way, so the more you bring it up, the more silly you look and the less compelling your argument is.

diggy replied October 18th, 2010 at 7:38 pm
So the solution is to pair Sami off with a dull character with absolutely no charisma or even a backstory on the show, then remove the pair of them from the orbit of the only thing the two characters have in common or ever talk about? Without EJ, Rafe and Sami have absolutely nothing to do. Their meeting, their – ahem – “courtship” and subsequent “romantic” reunion all revolved around EJ. Hell, even their sex life revolves around him these days.

Yes – that would be much more interesting. Then we can just watch Sami and Rafe continue to dump the children off on various relatives throughout Salem to have sex and omelettes in bed. That would make for fantastic television. “Will Grandma Caroline be be willing to cut her time at the Saturday Salem Swap Meet short to babysit Sydney? Will will spend yet another lonely, dateless Friday night watching the twins? Will Rafe shake things up by adding some aged cheddar to his omelettes?”

Walters replied October 19th, 2010 at 6:51 am
I’m not the one saying the rape is a dead subject, the writers and TPTB made it a dead subject when they wrote Sami forgiving EJ. You might not get past it, but the show has. Maybe you need to stop watching the show since you don’t agree with the writing and story direction. A lot of other people have.

Judy replied October 19th, 2010 at 8:25 am
How is it that EJ and Sami both were involved with rape and EJ gave Sami a conscious choice were Sami raped an unconscious victim and it was ok? double standard don’t you think? Furthermore, it’s a soap opera not real!
Give it a rest! Please!

Sheree replied October 18th, 2010 at 5:22 pm
Um I think you might need to check your numbers again on your stats for this summer..Ejami’s start to make love had the highest viewership for this year…almost 3 million viewers in one day!! What does that tell ya..Oh and the 2008 Ejami lovescene has over 1.5million hits on youtube and at least 20 different vidclips of the same episode!! hmm

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cinnamon replied October 18th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
Sorry but the rape is still a issue since there is living proof of the rape.So that will never be the end of it.As long as Johnny remains Ej’s child that was from the rape then how you you say that the rape is a dead subject. Sorry won’t stand behind a couple that is based on lies and manipulations. Maybe on youtube you have that many viewers for when Sami slept with Ej because Lucas was in prison. I mean have have a vendetta to have Sami and Ej be married. That isn’t love that is obsession on the dimera’s part. Only reason Sami married Ej was because of the stupid vendetta so no one in her family would get hurt anymore. But that never stopped.
There was no time in the summer when Sami almost slept with Ej sorry to tell you that. I mean you Ejami’s can like a man that lies,manipulates and rapes a woman to be with a woman that is your choice. I am for one against that kind of stuff. Sami doesn’t want to be with Ej even when living at the mansion all she thought about was Rafe.That was why she turned Ej down twice when he proposed.
So you can say some people have got passed the fact that Ej rapped Sami but sorry I am one that will never get over it.I will always voice my option about a rapist and a victim as a couple. I never like it on GH when it was Luke and Laura. Just like I don’t like it on Days where it is Sami and Ej.
Sorry if you don’t like my opion that is your problem. I am for one am against woman being victimized by a man.With lies,manipuations, and every horrible stuff that has happen.

jhtx replied October 18th, 2010 at 9:39 pm
Sorry, but the viewers didn’t tune in to watch Sami shoot EJ, and they aren’t tuning in now……that’s the problem.

JSFan replied October 19th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
Cinnamon, sorry, it’s not that you can’t voice your opinion and be against assault and violence. It’s just that you seem to be okay with rape and abuse by any other character except EJ (which some still view as an evil ultimatum). You seem to care for Sami so you are ok with Sami raping Austin and still scheming against her own sister to try to have him marry her? Everyone on the show has raped, murdered, manipulated, lied, schemed, Sami most of all. Again Sami has always lied, manipulated (not telling Lucas that Will was his, driving Lucas to drink because of her lies about him abusing Will). The list of every characters’s lies, murders, attempted murders, affairs are endless and is what most soaps are about, so I don’t get your conviction.
Crystal says:

October 18, 2010 at 10:55 am

I think Days needs some real romance. The Rafe and Sami scenes shoved down my throat for the last couple of months are not cutting it. I fast forward through them because I despise that couple so much. I don’t understand why EJ and Sami haven’t been given a real romantic story…they have the chemistry and fanbase already established, but have been made into a mockery, even over the summer. James Scott is the only reason I can give for still watching, I honestly don’t think I would bother to tune in if he wasn’t on. In fact, I don’t bother on the days he’s not on.

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Amanda says:

October 18, 2010 at 10:56 am

People are oblivious to the real problems of the show if they are going to blame the ratings on EJAMI. The pairing of Rafe and Sami is a down right boring sl with no chemistry what so ever. However, the problems for the show lie beyond the couples. First there is absolutely no love stories and passion present in the entire show. I remember back when John and Marlena, Jack and Jennifer, or even Maggie and Micky laid the foundation for super couple love; they allowed people to escape to a place of unconditional, believable love. Another problem is that the shows sl are non-realistic and they drag on forever. Why watch a show that is completely unrelatable and that you can take a couple month hiatus and when you tune back in have missed absolutely nothing. The last major problem in my opinion that DOOL has is that none of the long standing characters are still true to who they once were…who is this new cold hearted Sami that is obsessed with “being good”, why does Phillip never do anything but shop for houses and keep the affair a secret- isn’t he still Victors son , and why in the world would they ever mess up Bo and Hope. Either way this show needs major help in more way than one!!!!!!

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Sherri says:

October 18, 2010 at 11:44 am

I’ve watched Days for 25+ years and what drew me in was the romance…Bo/Hope…Roman/Marlena….Jack/Jennifer….there were obstacles but there was romance….now it’s just seems like characters just having sex no real connection or chemistry (those pairings have been squashed for the moment)….Carly is in town for a split second and immediately she and Bo are jumping into bed together….Sami/Rafe (a totally new character with no Salem history that we know of)…Daniel/Chloe….these were all hookups no real plot or substance…..Where has the romance gone????? Maybe we need new writers or old ones who can build on the history in Salem’s once glorious supercouples!!!1

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Cookala says:

October 18, 2010 at 12:15 pm

DAYS is suffering because they’ve thrown their leading couple and leading lady under the bus. No one (whether they’re a fan of EJAMI or not) wanted to see Sami shoot the man she loves (yes, she does love EJ) in cold blood without any sign of remorse. There has to be an upcoming explanation for the bizarre behavior of everyone in Salem (including Brady). I just hope their idea of a “brilliant twist” doesn’t come too late to salvage the show. The writing is weak and repetitive and the flashbacks are a waste of valuable time. Something has to give and soon or more and more people will walk away from the show over the holidays and not bother to come back.

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KateN says:

October 18, 2010 at 12:32 pm

Obviously the ratings are dropping because the SL’s suck right now!!!! I love DAYS it is and always will be my favorite soap, but come on… Vivian in a Sarcofagus, Chloe’s never ending Baby daddy issues and Carly running around driving everyone crazy! The only person who is even intersting is Arianna and she’s going to be killed off soon. Sorry but no-one cares about Sami and Rafe. The writers were setting up for a very good love story for EJAMI and once again missed the boat on that one. There is no real romance on the show right now and the drama is definity lacking.

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pinky.ring says:

October 18, 2010 at 12:52 pm

Well, well, well. I guess I am not the only one who stopped watching. I have been a fan of DOOL since Bo and Hope first got together, and have been a devoted fan since. Over the years I have lost my share of favourites, especially Jack and Jenn. Never have I been so disappointed as having EJAMI pulled away from me this spring when things looked so promising for them! AT LAST!! I thought. All my waiting has finally paid off. Too bad Ken CORDAY, of all people, had to ruin it for me and countless others.

I don’t get it. He did it because that’s what the fans want? Well, where are they?

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Rob says:

October 18, 2010 at 1:52 pm

Looks to me like you have the Zimmer effect coupled with the void left by As The World Turns….

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Michael Jenkins says:

October 18, 2010 at 2:40 pm

I am not surprised about days, the show generally sucks. Storylines drag way to long, they need to speed it up.

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Vivi says:

October 18, 2010 at 4:20 pm

There are so many issues going on with this show, but at the end of the day what it is really about is that everything on the show is just so repetitive! The storylines, the dialog, everything. The so-called “A” storyline with EJ/Sami/Rafe is completely played out. What the show needs is a new, fresh approach. I say keep Sami with Rafe and pair EJ up with someone new. And as a former ejami fan, I seriously mean that. Then get Viv out of that coffin and just tell Chloe’s secret already!

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Ruthie says:

October 18, 2010 at 7:56 pm

How about some romance? Intrigue? Let’s see EJAMI together with some interesting s/l. They do romantic comedy very well. I think the “rafe hernandez” walks on water experiment has proven to be a complete failure, let’s move on and write him off the show before there is no longer a show to discuss.

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JamesScott4eva replied October 19th, 2010 at 12:19 am
100% agreed. EJAMI have such a massive fanbase and need to be given a shot at a romance. SAFE fans have had their couple for a long time and we EJAMI’s have never had them. They are also writing Rafe with no morals at all. He was all about bringing EJ down about the sydnapping but now that Sami has shot EJ, Rafe is vowing to protect her and keep her secret. I hope the writing improves and we get EJAMi because the ratings will go up. I only tune in when there are EJAMI scenes and avoid SAFE scenes that are so boring and dry and all about being in bed. EJ loves his kids so much. After “mighty” Rafe revealed the truth at the wedding, Sami left the mansion, dropped the kids at Caroline’s and went with rafe. I hope this can change and hope that maybe there is a “brilliant” twist to all this and maybe Sami didnt shoot EJ. Rafe cant be THAT perfect.

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Oceanlvr replied October 19th, 2010 at 4:59 am
i’d rather sleep on nails then have to watch EJAMI….yuck they are aweful togther and the s/l doesn’t work one i o ta. Thank you KC for seeing what the general audience wants and that is the fun and adventure of back in the 80′s. Can you please put Bo and Hope back together soon also. SAFE is sweet and i’m craving for more.

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JamesScott4eva replied October 19th, 2010 at 2:21 pm
I agree Bo and Hope should be back together but SAFE have zero chemistry.

cinnamon replied October 19th, 2010 at 7:34 pm
I agree put Bo and Hope back together. SAFE needs to be on a adventure together away from Ej. Ej needs a new someone new in his life. Put Ej back with Nicole she is just like Ej. As for Sami rapping Austin. I never stood by that.I never stood by Sami and Austin as a couple. Like I said before. No Victim and Rapist should be a couple. That included Sami and Austin. I didn’t stand by it when it was Luke and Laura on GH either. I am a previous Rape Victim. So you can say what you want. Ej did rape sami by gun point.There was no real choice giving to her.Either let Lucas die or be rapped.They need to bring back thr romance to days that has been missing since they got rid of alot of vets. All this doom and gloom crap is getting old.That is why no one wants to watch Days anymore. I hated that fact they had Sami shoot Ej. I think it should of been someone else. Ej is a true Dimera. He is pure Evil and always has been. He was brought to Salem to make Sami’s life a living hell. He has totally suceeded on that. He rapped her then a child came from that rape. Which the writers should of never done. SAFE has tons of Chemistry. They just need better story then what is being written for them right now. Ej had tons of Chemistry with Nicole. They were the next Stefeno and Kate. Nicole loved Ej for who he was no matter what he had done. Like have Stephanie kidnapped and put in a morge drawer, having phillip shot, and the list goes on from the time he came to salem. When John came to Salem he didn’t really have any times to anyone in Salem either but as time went by there was times to families in Salem. Sami has done some bad things to her family and she does regret them that is why they had those scenes with her and Carrie forgiving each other. The Ratings are just one couples fault and it isn’t going to take just one couple to bring up the ratings.It is going to take some better storylines.
Bringing Carly back and then Vivian was just stupid. Put Carly with the new doctor now that would be a interesting storyline. Let this who the daddy crappy storylines a rest. Give Sydney back to her real parents Ej and Nicole. Let Sami go get some help to deal with everything she has been put threw over and over. Let Ej find out Sydney isn’t really his and Sami’s kid but his and Nicoles kid. Get Hope out of prison already. I mean if the dimera’s never have to go to prison for there crimes then why should Hope Brady go to prison for something that was even under her control. I say bring Bryan Datillo back but bring him back as Sami’s best friend with a new love interest that is just for him. Make Johnny Lucas and Sami’s when then there wouldn’t be any ties to Ej at all. That is what needs to be done. Bring back more of the vets and romance
the only man 4 Sami is... GONE! says:

October 18, 2010 at 8:34 pm

In response to Walter…What is there to be ashamed of? Lucas is a great character, important and popular enough to bring him back for the 45th anniversary event and get the spotlight with Sami, as Lumi was the focus. Just because GT is friends with GG BD has no room on the show. I don’t see Rafe as a replacement, GT just prefers this character and he couldn’t do the things he wanted with Lucas in picture. I stopped watching because I always said if BD is let go and the writers focus on EJ in Sami’s life in any shape or form I’m out! That’s exactly what I did and I’m sure that’s what many others did too. I started watching GH, which others did as well and GH is kicking Days butt. TPTB deserve the low ratings for going down that road again. I could have quit watching when Lumi broke up, but I didn’t. I didn’t even mind Safe for awhile because I always thought Lucas and Sami would find their way back to one another, because unlike EJ and Sami they truely loved each other. I hate the fact that EJ just keeps manipulating Sami and using the children to accomplish that. First he was Rewarded with Johnny for his crime and used that poor baby and Lucas’ incarceration to pull Sami into his bed. If he was never made Johnny’s dad Sami would have never given him the time of day. Then he used Sydney by kidnapping her and faking her death to have Sami helpless and needy. Then he used his fake hero status to manipulate her obligation to get along with her children’s father yet again. He got shot in the head because he deserved it and so much more and Sami had enough of him using the fact he fathered two of her kids to make her feel like a stupid fool. Him waking up yet to torture her yet again is not what I want to watch. Even if the writers tried to give a real romance I still wouldn’t watch because that pairing sickens me.

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Trisha replied October 19th, 2010 at 4:41 am
I totally agree with you. All my LUMI buddies are now watching GH. I keep up with DAYS to see if they ever do bring back BD, which I feel they will, but I don’t watch like I once did. I watched when Sami shot Ej and would have stuck arouond if they had let him die as they should have, but they didn’t so I gave it up again. TPTB need to listen to the fans. Fans do not want Ejami, we can tolerate Safe but LUMI is where the heart of the show lies.

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Walters replied October 19th, 2010 at 7:15 am
Who said you should be ashamed? I said I like hearing from people who are loyal to Lucas. Were you confused by the word unabashed? It means NOT ashamed.

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pandabear says:

October 18, 2010 at 11:36 pm

Last weeks ratings had nothing to do with Safe or EJAMI, anybody who does any research would figure that out. If neither coupling is on most of the week, they certianly couldn’t have been the problem. Anybody that says otherwise is just a hater, who loves listening to their own comments.

Days has two big problems and I see no light at the end of the tunnel to ever change that, they crap on women and victimze the villians. Just FYI, to whom it may concern, do not expect that to change no matter who they put with who and expect the show to be canceled.

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Judy replied October 19th, 2010 at 8:36 am
Where did you do your research?

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Trish says:

October 19, 2010 at 1:16 am

DOOL is in a major slump and the reason is very simple-the viewer does not like what is on screen.

The people who are accountable for this and must accept responsibilty are the showrunners and that includes; Ken Corday, Gary Tomlin, Dena Higley and Chris Whitesell and it appears to me that the farce of the 45th celebration of DOOL highlighted what exactly is wrong with the show. Ken Corday refuses to accept responsiblity and he has to-simple as that. Ken Corday praised the abovenamed staff and others and yet that is what is exactly what is wrong with the show.

The show is not delivering on anything, timing, storytelling, character development, the wrong pairings, minor characters being on screen for too long and have no actual s/l that the viewer does not want to see. Plot points that have no rhyme nor reason case in point is Hope she goes psycho because of sleeping pills but instead of her ex husband Bo, being supportive of her, he is in bed with another woman while Hope is in jail. No one wants to see a much loved character of Hope go to prison. Another example of the sheer bad writing is EJ and Sami. Sami shoots EJ supposedly in the head and instead of her portraying any remorse she is in bed with another man even though she has blood on her hands and even now she is still not showing any guilt nor accepting responsibility for her actions. The average viewer does not want to tune into such a violent show nor do we want to see female leads behaving like callous, heartless perpetrators.

Rehashed s/ls of yesteryear may have been entertaining then but not now it is a different world ie Vivian in the sarcophagus done to death over 15 years ago during that time the dialogue was sharper and held our interest.

The pairings are wrong plain and simple and I do not care which fan base you are from because they are not working now ratings do not lie. Not one supercouple is together and there should be. They have problems but they are still together. If you are not going to reunite Bope yet then you must reunite Ejami. Ejami and Bope are the supercouples DOOL’s internal research indicate this and therefore one pairing needs to be seen together. No one wants to see Safe aka Bonnie and Clyde they are painstakingly dull and are considered to be one of the worst pairings in DOOL history again there research is telling them this yet for some unbeknownst reason they are on screen, evidently no one cares about them if they did they’d be tuning in. The GA do not like the pairings, no one wants to see a thirty year old man Phillip with teenager Melanie it is not only ridiculous but childish and that is why the GA have not warmed to them either.

The female viewer cannot relate to the women on the show. They cannot identifty with them nor are they appealing to the average viewer.

There is not one sweet love story being told and there should be to balance out all of the dark and angsty stuff. If Ejami are going to be at each other’s throats again (also tedious) then we need to see Melanie and Nathan and their love blossom.

The Brady’s have become so ridiculously one dimensional that imo they have had their experation date give them something else to do other than them sprouting their holier than thou attitude. No one is buying it and no one cares. The only family who are being written well are the DiMera’s and they have moved away from becoming cariactures but more multi-dimensional. EJ, Stefano and Lexie are probably are only tolerable characters on screen. Thank heavens for the DiMeras

On another note what was the point of the shooting aside from having some ridiculous event for no apparent reason for example we didn’t see anything come from it was merely an event talk aobut poor writing at the very least we should have seen Stefano realize that Chad was his that should have been revealed. Another huge miss that is inexcusable fot the writers.

It is very simple poor lazy writing and a team that refuses to accept responsiblity. Well this team has been here for two years what reason can they have for such bad writing.
It is time they started listening to the GA and respond accordingly otherwise it is time to move on for the writers and maybe for the viewers. There is no excuse for bad ratings nor bad writing, not anymore. It is time to give the GA what they want payoffs and stop playing fan bases, eventually someone always has to lose although sadly, it appears as if this time it may just be the average general audience viewer. The show is meant to be entertained and seriously who here is being entertained not many as the ratings continue to plummet. Sad as DOOL in it’s heyday was once an American Icon but now it is being remembered for something alot less.

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Shaunna replied October 20th, 2010 at 9:16 am
Amazing post! I agree 100%!

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Krissy replied October 22nd, 2010 at 11:08 am
Gosh, I would like to see this research that you seem to be aware of that states that SAFE is one of the worst couples in history. Somehow, I don’t think that the polls on FL count as real research.

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Trish replied October 27th, 2010 at 9:58 am
Evidently, you have not read the entire post or completely misunderstood what I stated as I said “internal research” which means DOOL numbers which includes not just Neilson ratings but DOOL polling and their focus groups. This research is the true indicator.

Obviously, you mentioned FL apparently you must be a Safe fan and cannot accept what is blatantly true that the ratings are plummetting for several factors including that they are not the desired pairing. So much so that NBC have cleared the decks and the viewership can expect a major overhaul pertaining to DOOL. I am neither an Ejami fan nor a Safe fan but I do know what is happening behind the scenes and statistics do not lie.

Krissy replied October 27th, 2010 at 11:20 am
I mentioned FL b/c I used to like Ejami, but switched camps when GG joined Days. I do like SAFE, but I don’t think any couple makes or breaks a show. That’s just people trying to ship their couple and using anything they can to do so. And some people are just too obsessed with it and need to get a life. I enjoy Days and it’s fun to post from time to time, but it’s ridiculous to throw temper tantrums and try to bully others into getting what they want. I think the majority of the posts here prove that point.
Chelsea says:

October 19, 2010 at 3:25 am

KC ruined the storyline between Sami and EJ when he announced that Sami and Rafe was getting together around Labor Day. Then Sami shot EJ in the head when he was passed out drunk and preceded to go have sex with her lame, loser boyfriend. Watching those scenes of soft porn sex with Sami and Rafe then switching scenes to show Ej bleeding to death were and disgusting. Then there is the never ending Chloe cheating on Daniel storyline, enough. I am so over that storyline. There is NO ROMANCE on this show, just soft porn sex scenes between Sami and Rafe,,,, NO THANKS, I’ll pass. Maybe I’ll go check out OLTL instead.

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JamesScott4eva replied October 19th, 2010 at 2:25 pm
100% agreed. Great post and exactly how I feel. Ive tuned out and now Im watching Bold and the Beautiful instead. Another great show that is viewed here in Sydney and I will not go back and watch DAYS until the writing improves and Sami is taken down for her shooting EJ and Rafe magically disappears.

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SAFErocks says:

October 19, 2010 at 3:34 am

I don’t believe what is said on here will matter to anyone who can make a difference to the show either way. Due to inconsistent storylines and rehashing stories time and time again have caused the decline that started right before the summer. Fans will only hang on so long…even the boards at NBC are not fired up the way they use to be. Bring back what DAYS use to be; romance, family and the Dimeras and Kiriakis’ torturing Salem. Go SAFE!!

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Flowers says:

October 19, 2010 at 4:53 am

I’m a neutral fan who doesn’s care who Sami ends up with but belong to a few ‘ejami’ designed website, the biggest one also. They push to vote for ejami, they tell posters where to post if something new comes up such as this interview on your site. It is like a cult and many of the posters are completely delusional they even spam most polls. It’s realy crazy and because of that they may look like the marjority of the general audience but they are far from it. I’d rather see Sami by herself for awhile she’s too dependant on men. And if anything i think EJ should be with Nicole.

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Walters replied October 19th, 2010 at 7:21 am
You don’t sound neutral to me. A so-called neutral person who doesn’t care who Sami ends up with admits to belonging to more than one EJami web site because…? Maybe you need an intervention since you are hanging out with a “cult”. LOL.

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Judy replied October 19th, 2010 at 8:54 am
Flowers,
Can you prove to us you belong to an Ejami designed website? Or are you a Safe fan bashing the Ejami fan base? Making this up to dilute our posts? Every post on this blog has to have a ligament email address. Were supposed to be talking about the ratings, not bashing other fan bases and where did you research to find out Ejami’s aren’t the majority?

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Laverite replied October 19th, 2010 at 9:15 am
Flowers, your unbiased opinion sounds biased. LOL

No one tells me what to do. I decided to become an EJami all my own BTW. TPTB weren’t pushing them when I became a fan, which was when EJ turned evil in early 2007. I didn’t even know there were other EJami fans. I thought I was the only one until I started reading Days’ message boards.

In any case, arguing about EJami and Safe doesn’t do anything constructive here except let TPTB off the hook for putting out a bad product. The problem with Days is that the writing stinks. Nothing happens. No characters grow, they regress.

Playing the blame game ignores the bigger problem — soaps are repetitive and giving viewers nothing to tune in for. I hope OLTL does start a turn around, even though I’m not a viewer of that show. It kind of gives hope that other shows can do the same.

Flowers, if you don’t like EJami, perhaps you should rethink hanging around a web site dedicated to the couple.

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JamesScott4eva replied October 19th, 2010 at 2:28 pm
Agreed. I became an EJAMI in May 2006 when James Scott came to Days. I read the EJAMI boards all the time and they are the sweetest people that just want their couple together. They never bash SAFE but mainly talk about how much they want EJAMI together.

Sheree replied October 22nd, 2010 at 1:56 pm
I don’t know what fansites you have been visiting. However, I am a proud Ejami fan and the site I visit is full of love and support for this show and the actors. they contribute to good causes and there is stringent rules about bashing, and pressuring people to vote,etc. it is a fun site with lots of creativity and i am so so happy to be a member there.

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Pam says:

October 19, 2010 at 5:12 am

I’m a forever Days fan but I agree that some of the storylines go on and on with no progress for weeks. We can only take so much of the ‘one night stand’ and ‘let’s all shoot him now’ flashbacks. I’m anxious for the Hope prison story to move along with added touches of Bope romance, for Jennifer’s scenes to begin airing and for the end of the ejami mess. If Jr needs a storyline at all, let’s see him with someone new or back with Nicole and give us our fun and loving SAFE. They don’t need any more angst–give them some adventure and continued romance. They are what keep me glued to the screen!

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PT says:

October 19, 2010 at 6:49 am

The problem that I see with Days is that Corday is still living in the 20th century we are now in the 21st century so he needs to evolve in his thinking. We have a new type of Hero EJ is thy name he is the guy that every woman dream of. The viewership has changed we are education working women and we don’t want a producer telling us who we should support. I’m smart enough to decide that EJami is the couple for me they exude romance, chemistry, sexiness, mutual respect for their short comings. They share two beautiful kids furthermore EJ loves the other two that are not his. What Corday don’t want to realize is that if he actually gives EJami a real try at coupledom they will succeed but in his quest to make us believe and see that EJ is a villain and don’t deserve to be happy he keeps failing. Whether Corday wants to admit it or not EJ is the one the GA is sympathizing with he is the victim that the mother of his two kids put a bullet in his head while he was defenseless. In addition the man that has not allowed Sami to be an independent mother of four think for herself is now covering up her crime that is not romantic or a couple to root for. A sorry teaching young woman that it’s ok to be with a man that verbally abuses them is not a great message. Feeding into a few ppl’s crazy rants because they refuse to move on from events that happened four years ago or glossing over the fact that Sami & Rafe are the original kidnappers in this matter is also selling untruth in this story.

Not focusing and writing a beautiful love story for EJami is not the only issue that Days has, focusing on a character that has been on the show for two years that has yet to bring in more viewers is also Corday & Days’s issue.

In addition the show as a whole is too dark too many psycho women running around town, no one is happy on the show. All the rootable couples are apart (Ejami, Bope, Mate) they are all lying not accepting their true feelings. NO one cares about Danloe’s baby daddy s/l that has been going on to many for years it seems. We are tired of the Nicole show Ari is a good actress but we don’t want to see her in every storyline.

What are these writers getting paid for? It seems that they are unable to write intelligent with great foundation stories everything is plot point to get to reveals that always fail. NO one wanted to see Samantha Brady that is not a Saint shoot EJ when she is the one that started this whole mess by keeping his child from. We don’t want to see Sami & EJ battle over the kids again been there done that its old, time for something new. Bringing back old characters will not help the show either if the writing is still horrible.

Thank you for the opportunity to express my views,
PT

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Kiren replied October 19th, 2010 at 8:57 pm
I agree.

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Sheree replied October 22nd, 2010 at 1:45 pm
I could not agree more..You said it perfectly.

I think another thing to add is that we are in the 21st century and there is no such thing as villians and heriones anymore the in thing is to be grey, so a little dark but aspiring to do good and still have good hearts. Like True Blood’s Eric Northman he is supposed to be the villian but look how loyal he is to Pam, and how he protects Sookie. Despite the fact that Days has been going on for 45 years, it needs to change with the times too. I like Ej being the dark hero or anti-hero so much more compelling and interesting. I like Ej grey and same for Sami too. This gives them more flexibility to slip between the two sides and make them more interesting and compelling to watch. The only thing that never gets boring or old fashioned is ROMANCE and to have this there needs to be decent couples without having secrets, lies, and interlopers. Please save this show by bringing us some new fresh original storylines, like a sexy secret love affair for Ejami, or maybe put them both in jail sharing the same cell, both being jail birds spending hours and hours together driving the other innmates crazy with their domestic tiffs and very very intense sexual tension. I can imagine one of the innmates giving them some councilling a bit like Mr and Mrs Smith!! Now that’s what I call original. Why repeat the same crap over and over. Using Nicole in every storyline is so not cool, give her own story I suggest with Rafe or Daniel, I can see potential with both. Bring Phillip a new sexy confident woman. I really like the idea of Chad and Mel together, he reminds me of a young Ej and her bubbly personlity would really make them entertaining to watch.

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LUMI says:

October 19, 2010 at 7:52 am

well I dont care what any one says,Bring THE HORTON FAMILY BACK and the fans will come back,Bryan Dattilo/Lucas Horton should be the dad that has his kids,not EJ or Rafe.
they dont care about the HISTORY or the characters, they have tarnish everyone on this soap.I want the Horton family back and to stay.

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Brian says:

October 19, 2010 at 11:07 am

Wow!! Have you ever seen this many comments for one article? You certainly have cause quite a stir Michael! Love your website, and i do check it daily!

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Caitie says:

October 19, 2010 at 11:16 am

The writing is the failure here.

KC is clueless to what the audience wants – he said the audience wanted Safe but since Safe has been reunited and since they have majorly pimped Rafe the ratings have NOT gone up infact they have gone DOWN. The mere fact that the writers are pimping the good guy tells me they have to force the audience to like Rafe. You shouldn’t have to pimp the good guy! Sami shooting EJ storyline is a total BUST. Infact the ratings have started down hill when EJ was discovered the Sydnapper. And as far as the summer of EJami, it was anything BUT the summer of Ejami since Sami was still pinning for Rafe and EJ had that huge lie over his head. Ejami and EJ have been thrown under the bus and the GA isn’t liking it!

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Carole says:

October 19, 2010 at 11:25 am

Well Well Well …. Ejami and EJ does it again!

Michael please take not that EJ, EJAMI and James brings out the most comments.

So I can tell you what isn’t wrong with the show and that – is James Scott/EJ DiMera because of the BUZZ this actor/character creates and that’s what is needed BUZZ be it good or bad!

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HAS says:

October 19, 2010 at 1:11 pm

JS has his moments where he does very well, but sometimes he’s just terrible! Like today. All that body/arm gesturing was just too much, extremely distracting. He needs to spend that time watching his work and critiquing himself. That’s how an actor improves.

Today was embarassing for him.

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Dottie replied October 19th, 2010 at 5:13 pm
That’s and just not a very nice, dear. What’s happened to the manners of you young people? Just because you’re anonymous in a place like this is no excuse to be rude. James Scott is a very popular actor, who if I’m remembering correctly (something you can’t be sure of at my age. Ha ha) was nominated for an Emmy.

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HAS replied October 22nd, 2010 at 12:20 am
Actors put themselves out there. if the can’t take he heat, they shoudn’t be doing it. JS should heed that advice if he wants to do more than soaps.

Ringo replied October 19th, 2010 at 7:13 pm
JS is an emmy nominated actor. Obviously, those that know about such things think he’s pretty damn good.

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Sheree replied October 22nd, 2010 at 1:27 pm
Are you watching the same show?? James Scott is a brilliant actor, he does not even need to utter a word, his intense eyes just make me melt into oblivion. He is was I like to call sex on legs…oh and someone said that Ejami is sex on sticks so so true. James Scott was nominated for his stellar acting performance last year. This is nothing to sneeze at. You know what, James Scott does not even watch his own scenes. He just puts his all in every scene and does not need to gloat over how great he is like someone else not mentioning names or anything but this idiot thinks he is james bond!! Nope James Scott is down to earth, well rounded honest modest guy. Oh and I just have to add he has won Adonis championship 4 years in a row..Hmm so he is the hottest guy too, oh what a catch intelligent, tall, dark, handsome and modest!! Go James Scott!!

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Tom says:

October 19, 2010 at 6:15 pm

Wonder if the bump is from ATWT viewers since they now have no competition among soap fans in that time slot. Personally, having been a long time viewer of that show I’m not yet ready to turn to another soap at that time but others may be.

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annie says:

October 19, 2010 at 8:11 pm

James is a very talented actor and so acknowledged by his peers to earn a best actor nomination which is so much better than being a lead actor on a soap for over 8 yrs and getting on an improved actor’s list. Waving arms might be distracting for some but watching an actor mumble, grunt and never show an emotion is distracting, makes you wonder how bored he is with his job or if he is dead. this column was to discuss the ratings so I digress answering a ridiculous comment. If Corday has that ace up his sleeve, now would be a good time to play it. The show needs good writers, most of the cast is xlnt.

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CJ says:

October 19, 2010 at 8:15 pm

Days has lost me as a regular viewer. There is nothing interesting happening on this show. It is so boring. I can’t get into Safe or Danloe or Carbo. They all bore me to tears. I watch soaps to be entertained and if Days doesn’t do something fast it will lose even more viewers. I was a fan of Ejami but the writers destroyed this couple when they made EJ the sydnapper and Sami a cold hearted witch who shoots her children’s father in the head. I think a break from Safe and Danloe would be nice. I would love to see some new characters come to Salem. Out with Sami and Rafe, Chloe and Daniel. Bring in a new actress to play opposite James Scott and I might tune in again.

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Dorothy Anne says:

October 19, 2010 at 8:39 pm

I’m 61 years young (as you can tell by my mastery of this newfangled Internet – ha ha). I was watching the very first day “Days of Our Lives” aired. I’ve enjoyed the show for many years, but I agree with others, that those in charge have simply lost their way. Maybe they’re too detached from the public and have a bit of Ivory Tower-itis. They’re out of step with what the viewers want, and unable to admit they’ve made mistakes. Not learning from your mistakes and correcting them, leads to disaster at some point. A thorough house cleaning of producers and writers might be necessary at this point to cure what ails the show.

I’m surprised to read a primary concern for fans is Samantha’s love life. I don’t place any more importance on Sami’s love life than the other story myself. In fact my favorite stories are Victor and Maggie, and Brady and Nicole with Vivian locked up in poetic justice. But since some of the posts above are compelling, and everyone is so interested in Sami and her men, I’ll share my thoughts on Sami as well. I must say that fellow she’s with now is a bit of an overbearing bore and I don’t care for him. He’s a nice looking young man, but he’s my least favorite of all the suitors Sami’s had over the years. Maybe I don’t care for him because he and Sami are so poorly suited for each other, because I don’t enjoy watching Sami right now either. The divide and conquer method it appears the executives and writers are using on Sami’s fans, is very nasty business. I find it odd that the EJ and Sami fans are criticized in an above post for being organized. Organizing and banning together just makes good sense to me, particularly when Sami’s fans are being so poorly treated right now by having to watch Sami behave so horribly. Sami shooting a man she says she loves, was about to marry, and is the father of her preschool children, then jumping into bed with another man is disturbing. It made me physically ill to watch it. I also find her disregard for the welfare of her children upsetting. She’s doing a lot of damage to William, and I hate to see that. I also didn’t like her moving in with another man, and telling Johnny she planned to marry that man so soon after he saw her about to marry his father. Johnny also caught his parents in quite an intimate moment, which didn’t bother me too much as they were still fully clothed, but for Johnny to witness his parents like that, and then to see his mother sharing a bed with someone else is not right. It must be very confusing for Johnny, but Sami doesn’t care about how Johnny feels at all. I hate to see everyone around Sami condoning, and encouraging her behavior as justified, because there is no justification for what she’s doing to her children.

I love that they’re giving romances to some of the older folks on the show, and I’m quite enjoying Maggie and Victor. At times, I find Stefano and Kate interesting to watch as well. They seem well suited for each other.

The first step to solving a problem, is to admit you have a problem, and “Days of Our Lives” certainly has a problem or it wouldn’t be doing so abysmally in the ratings. Those in charge are unwilling to admit they have a problem. They’d have to admit they were wrong, and aren’t able to do that. Their denial and pride is hurting the show. The problem is with the writing, because the actors are quite talented. The actors are doing a wonderful job of making the most of the dialogue and stories they’re given. And I mean all the actors. I’m not singling any one out for ridicule because that is wrong, but some that shine particularly brightly are Arianne Zucker, James Scott, Lauren Koslow, Kristian Alfonso, John Aniston, Suzanne Rogers, and Joe Moscolo. They also have a couple of talented young people in Molly Burnett and Casey Deidrick. The characters have become inconsistent in their behavior, and I don’t like seeing their history rewritten for the sake of their current story. I have a very long, and good memory and I feel insulted when the show can’t bother to remember a characters history, when I can. The jumping from bed to bed, and the jumping right into bed for that matter is distasteful to me, and I’m happy to see posts by some younger viewers above that find it distasteful too.

I see quite a few requests above for certain couples: Melanie and Nathan, Bo and Hope, and EJ and Sami. I’d add to those Brady and Nicole, and Philip and Chloe. I happen to agree those couples would be a good way to go at this point, because those pairs of actors have something special when they’re on screen together. It’s a crying shame to waste a natural spark between two actors. I remember when the show used to grab onto that sort of thing and run with it. Like Doug and Julie, John and Marlena, Jack and Jennifer, Bo and Hope, Tony and Anna. I’m not sure why the executives and writers are choosing to withhold what people want, and aren’t using the natural connections between certain actors. The audience sees this spark or connection between two actors and wants to see more of that. It’s a poor way to treat your loyal fans, to keep them wanting something, and dangling it like a carrot for years. Eventually, people give up, and that’s whats happening now. I’m not enjoying most of the couples we have now. I’m also not enjoying some of the stories they are giving us either. I don’t care for this EJ shooting story, as I’ve said. I also don’t care for Chloe and her drama with her baby’s father because it’s gone on too long. I am enjoying Hope again. I like that she has something to do in prison, to help the other prisoners. She’s a stand up gal, and is doing her penance by helping others even though her crimes where committed while under the influence of a drug. But I don’t understand why Bo is still with his mistress. Carly is a lovely girl, but she should find an unattached man, and I think I’d really enjoy her then because Crystal is very talented and graceful. I’m old-fashioned I guess, and those in charge probably think my age disqualifies me as a valuable viewer, but I buy products I see advertised on TV too, a lot of them actually since I have foster children. I think what they should do is take these actors I’ve mentioned above, who have this natural spark together, and let them build a family together. Something romantic to be envied by those of us watching. Some of these couples already have children together. Like, Bo and Hope, and EJ and Sami. Why are they not making a family for their children? I know EJ and Hope are far from perfect and have made mistakes, but thats nothing that can’t be fixed and healed by love and forgiveness now that they’ve shown remorse. I’m hoping to find love and forgiveness for Sami and Bo, who currently don’t show remorse. It’s not a good thing to show Sami and Bo being so selfish. Not only are the executives throwing away the natural chemistry between the actors, they are throwing away the opportunity to show us strong family units with parents and their children. I mean their real children, not step children. I don’t care how much Rafe or Carley love the kids, they are not their children, and it’s far less compelling to watch them interact with other peoples children. I love seeing Lexie and Abe with Theo as well. Extended family is also important. My favorite time of year is the Horton Christmas tree decorating, and the reading of the Christmas story at the hospital. I really enjoyed it the year that Steve Johnson read the story to the kids. They allowed his character to be a bit of a rogue, or bad boy, and have his lady love and their children to fix the hurt and damage caused by his childhood. The power of love to heal and redeem is a compelling story. I think it’s a shame they brought Kayla to town without Steve. I know couples must have drama and problems in their lives, but it seems everybody’s biggest problem on the show is they have a terrible secret hanging over their heads tainting everything they say and do. The other problem is they put three people in a relationship when there should only be two. There are other dramatic things that can happen to couples other than adding a third party to their relationship. I remember when Kayla was deaf, and she and Steve learned sign language, and it was beautiful to watch them together as they healed the hurt inside each other. There used to be certain soap staples ranging from amnesia to murder mysteries. Yes it got repetitive, but it was better than what we have on the show now. The couples sometimes were separated by these problems and sometimes they drew closer together. I enjoyed that much more than these stories with people hurting those they love, and carrying around that secret which I know dooms them. I’ve also seen enough of the three people in a relationship drama. I’m quite fed up to the eyeballs with that. I liked the big stories that encompassed a large section of the cast, like Cruise of Deception and Santo and Colleen. Those were both wonderful stories.

My I’ve gotten long winded. I apologize, but it’s nice to be able to share my thoughts on the show, and I appreciate you giving me the opportunity.

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Woolybear replied October 20th, 2010 at 3:41 pm
This is a wonderful, well thought out post!! I loved the line: ” I think what they should do is take these actors I’ve mentioned above, who have this natural spark together, and let them build a family together. Something romantic to be envied by those of us watching”. That’s exactly what makes soap operas so romantic- the idea of fated, unbreakable, love. Plots should create angst for these couples, not ruin them.

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Lisa replied October 20th, 2010 at 6:40 pm
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post. I’m 27 and have been watching Days since 1999. I completely agree with everything you said. I’m not a wife or mother yet, but I have a desire to see happy families too. Some of these current story lines make that seem impossible and are very depressing. The show has become consistently distasteful to me too and I am definitely no prude.

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Sheree replied October 22nd, 2010 at 1:05 pm
I really appreciate your views…It is nice to hear a refreshing insight into what you think of the show at present and how it has changed over the years. I agree that Day’s tradition is about family and the beautiful families they have are Bopes and Ejamily. They should be keeping them closer together, so that there will be more dynamics within these storylines. Imagine all the crazy stuff they could come up with Ejami were together raising their children despite the bradys and dimeras influences. Imagine the dynamics of Will and Chad, Kate and Sami, Ej and Will etc..There is just so so much more potential for storylines when they keep families united. I agree having other characters looking after other’s children is not good to see, we want families being together like when Sean D passed away and they had the wake..Everyone was there and the ratings were extremely high over 3.4mil that day. There was no secrets, no lies, no triangles or paternity tests it was as simple as family coming together over a passing of a loved one. Bring back the family values to this show, better that bring back the happier days. Stop trying to break up every decent couple you have. People are enjoying Bricole so pls don’t stuff that up too. I hope and pray every day that they will finally get it right and capitalize on the magic Ejami brings to this show. Jamison are so great together on screen. I have never seen such chemistry. I don’t like actor bashing but I am sorry but GG is an awful actor and he is really handicapping this show with too much cartoon acting. He even made Bo/Peter look dull in their scene where as James and Peter were amazing onscreen together both wonderful actors and I hope that they get a chance to have more scenes together. Some people have saying how cool it wld be if they could become friends!! I know crazy, but they do have amazing dynamics and they are in similiar situations right now with Hope and Sami. This would be something original and a nice fresh change to all this hating on characters..So make Ej and Bo reluctant buddies, maybe to try and solve the shooting or Ari’s death etc. It would be choice!!

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Kiren says:

October 19, 2010 at 8:56 pm

Maybe if they got rid of Rafe and Finally gave EJami a chance to be happy w/o interlopers who just can’t measure up in any way, and had more interesting stories that weren’t surrounded around interlopers in general for each couple, they would have more viewers.

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Cindy says:

October 19, 2010 at 9:21 pm

no offense, but that was not the week of Hannah taking Starr. Actually, the highest ratings were on the day that Cole and Hannah kissed. I don’t like this contrived Hannah kidnapping Starr stuff. It is ridiculous. She told some lies and Cole was falling for her. She was not a some crazy lunatic. Since BB is leaving, the writers had to destroy Hannah. I am so sick of Starr the victim

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Shaunna says:

October 20, 2010 at 9:25 am

Another thing that struck me about Ken’s “vision” for Days is his black and white, villian or hero thinking. Has he seen tv lately? Grey is in! Look at True Blook, Sons of Anarchy, Dexter, Desperate Housewives, Leverage, House, Vampire Diaries, Supernatural, Fringe…the list goes on and on. Characters have depth and arent one-note anymore. The bad guys do bad things, but are loved and likeable because the audience is let in on motives and they have a good heart under it all. Viewers understand that nobody is all good or all bad. We dont tune in to watch Ozzie and Harriet anymore, we want to see characters that have more depth than that. EJ is a prime example of a loved and hated character. You cant deny, that love him or like him, people cannot stop talking about him and Ejami. Look at the overwhelming replies to this article.

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JamesScott4eva says:

October 22, 2010 at 12:02 am

EJAMI and James Scott always get the most responses ever. What upsets me also is that vets from the show were killed off to bring in this Rafe character and its just hurt the show. Days used to be the best and now its just sunk like a ship. I wish Thaao Penghlis (tony dimera) would come back. He was one of my favourite. The only watchable story on Days is the Hope storyline.

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Krissy says:

October 22, 2010 at 11:22 am

Personally, I think it’s sad for viewers to stomp around and have a temper tantrum when they don’t get a couple they want. And the same 20 posters posting over and over again about it is just juvenile.

Days has a great cast, but horrible writing. That is what needs to change. Stories that are fresh. The stories are drawn out way too long. Loved Sami and Rafe when they met in WP. Loved the writing for them then. Am really enjoying Victor and Maggie now, too. The babyswich worked for awhile, but it turned into a train wreck after that. Give CC a real storyline. She’s an A actress working in a D storyline and not even as a main character in her story. CC is a lead actress. Bring back Michael Sabatino as Lawrence Alamain for real. That could be so good and involve many characters. The show needs fresh writing, plain and simple.

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Sheree says:

October 22, 2010 at 1:17 pm

Just got to say that James Scott is phenomenal. Days was crazy to put one of their leading males in a coma for almost a month!! Look what it did to the ratings!! They left GG/Rafe known as penguin in the limelight and pitiful safe…Such bad bad choices..Thx to Ej who is now up and about with all the sex appeal and charisma that was sorely needed in this show. I would love to see more scenes with James and Peter they have some great dynamics. Please write some original storylines and stop repeating dialogue over and over, we are not in pre-school we are grown ups that do not need to be patronized by kindygarten dialogue and the way over the top reviewing of the flashbacks. It is killing our intelligence. We want clever dialogue, original storylines and please please bring back the ROMANCE..Oh and yes write a proper lovestory for EJami capitalize on their magic. Days just does not appreciate what gold they have with Jamison/Ejami. I do not know any other tv program that has such a wonderfully connected couple like Ejami. They are one of a kind and they deserve a honest chance to be a proper couple.

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Sheree says:

October 22, 2010 at 2:01 pm

I just had an awesome idea of how they can create some originality…Wouldn’t it be so so cool if they wrote Ejami together with their children but make it like the program “modern family” imagine them all living at the dimansion, all the crazy dynamics of the characters interacting would be so so full of potential with humour, romance, riviarly and love. They can either click or clash but this is what would make it so entertaining. This is exactly what they need to do, write Ejami together in a proper loving relationship and write some cool storylines that are modern and clever. I can already think of dozen different ways they could go with this.

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