On Monday’s Days of Our Lives Salem said goodbye to Doug Williams, but not before the writers crammed in enough surprise returns and family drama to fuel a week’s worth of episodes. While the town mourned a beloved patriarch, “Days” delivered a hefty dose of soap opera staples, mixing heartfelt tributes with the requisite simmering tensions and convenient plot devices.
Liz Chandler’s return provided a much-needed infusion of warmth, as she reunited with Marlena and offered support to a grieving Julie. However, her presence also ignited a predictable spark of conflict with Marie Horton, because what’s a Salem funeral without a little interpersonal friction?
Belle’s arrival, albeit strategically timed to avoid immediate confrontation with Shawn, felt somewhat contrived. Her sudden immersion in DiMera work in Hong Kong, presented as a way to give Shawn space, seemed more like a plot contrivance than a genuine character choice. Let’s be realistic, Belle’s return to Salem during this time of mourning was about as surprising as the sun rising in the east.
The Horton time capsule, stubbornly resistant to all but Ciara’s touch, added a touch of the absurd to the proceedings. This convenient plot device, ripe with the potential for future revelations, felt like a desperate attempt to inject some mystery into an otherwise predictable narrative. While everyone else struggled, Ciara, naturally, popped it open like a child’s piggy bank.
Amidst the drama, Julie’s grief for Doug provided a grounding emotional core. The surprise appearance of her brother, Steven, offered a moment of genuine connection, as he apologized for past transgressions and hinted at a newfound redemption. While the flashback to Doug’s prison days with Bill Horton felt somewhat forced, it at least provided a glimpse into the character’s complicated history. The gathering of Salem’s usual suspects—Steve, Kayla, Paulina, Abe, Jack, and Roman—offered a predictable parade of condolences and reminiscences, hitting all the expected emotional beats.
“Days of Our Lives” airs weekdays on Peacock.
