It has been a long time since I have seen the storylines move along as quickly as they have been lately. I must say, I am tickled! I detest monologues that consist of the same lines scene after scene. To me, that is wasted time and money. The actors have the script memorized after the umpteenth time of saying, "There's something I need to tell you." Artistically speaking, there is nothing for them to reach for. It is evident that the writers are trying to make the necessary changes that will resurrect the beloved soap.

Day’s execs took a gamble this week and killed a major character. Personally, I think it was a good move. Marlena needs to grow and being stuck in a relationship that had zero depth was not helping her at all. Some people think that Days fired Drake. I think it was a mutual agreement. Drake had mentioned several times this year regarding his desire to leave the show. It was time to go for him and for his character. The next question being asked: "Is John really dead?" Well, I hope so. Nevertheless, as a lifelong fan, I never say, "never." Days of Our Lives tends to resurrect mysteriously characters on a whim. I have no doubt; there will be talk in the future about resurrecting John Black.

Since the character of Philip has been revised, I have to say that I am enjoying this guy more and more every day! I applaud Jay for his portrayal of Philip. Over the last few weeks, he has displayed a range of emotions only one who is on that roller coaster can identify with. I cannot imagine chasing someone all over the country and not being able to do anything once I have caught up with him or her. I can only speculate on how frustrated and angry I would be if presented a similar situation. I am rooting for Belle and Philip to be reunited.

There once was a time when I was a die-hard Belle and Shawn fan. However, times have changed and I detest watching Shawn treat Belle as if she was no better than an old pair of socks. In fact, I have to say I feel extremely uncomfortable watching their scenes together as they remind me of a time when I was treated the same way.

The good-humored banter between the characters has shown a side of the characters that have rarely seen. The dialogue helps us to identify with our favorite characters. I find myself yelling at the television (I swore I would never do as my mother did and here I am doing just as she did), “You go, girl!” and “Sick ‘em!” Bottom line, Days of Our Lives gets an A for performance and writing this week.