Deadly Days: DOOL Timeline

[Brody]

I'm quite interested in hearing about this Salem Serial Killer storyline on DOOL: In terms of storytelling, how did the show map out such a consuming storyline on a daily hour-long soap and stretch it over, what, six months?

It'd be cool to be able to read an overview of the whole plot: from it's pre-emptive setup (how the show geared up for it), to whatever stage it's at now, taking in who was killed when (and why), and the effect of their characters death on the show. Also at which point the killer's identity was revealed, and how it effected the effectivness of the storyline overall. I understand that some of the major characters have been bumped off, which seems two things to me: that there ought to be a sense of seriousness to the proceedings (to honour both the nature of the story & the longevity of the characters); and also that such a heavyness goes somewhat against the "emotional lightness" in Daytime US Soap Opera (at least in comparison with the heaviness of the British soap opera, EastEnders)

[ChrisSumnerMatheson]

I'll try and find an overview for you, but if you are looking for "emotional lightness" in a US daytime soap, DOOL is the one for it, lol.

I'm sure you'd like One Life TO Live or The You and the Restless better, they are much better.

[BretEwing]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> In terms of storytelling, how did the show map out such a consuming storyline on a daily hour-long soap and stretch it over, what, six months?
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Basically, one person was killed (just about) every other week. After they were offed, the family mourned, speculated on who the killer could be, while Celeste had a vision of who the next victim would be...then that person was killed.

I'm over simplifying, but the storyline was (is!) really great. It's reenergized the serial and made it can't-miss-TV! It's close to becoming my all-time favorite DOOL storyline.

-Bret

[Brody]

Ok, so I read Chris' review of the US Soaps, and was wondering how this Days of Our Lives storyline wrapped itself.

Now, call me stupid, and I know that this is an American daytime soap, where anything can happen, and nothing beggars belief (example: first credit on the One Life to Live cast list, is Mary Kay Adams. As Death. 1992. well, obviously), there is just something I wanted to clear up about the Salem Serial Killer plot. Back when this story was in full flow, it was causing a little bit of a roar, because it tastelessly bumped off one of the shows longest standing lifers: Frances Reid's Alice Horton. However, I just happened to stumble across the Days tvtome.com page (don't ask me how. or why), and it credits her as "1965-2004, 2004-".

So in general, how did that plot meander to its conclusion, and then specifically how did they justify having this character, well... not dead.

[ChrisSumnerMatheson]

This plot took a turn for the horrible. It was enjoyable, and then all the victims showed up on an island replica of Salem (their hometown) with the same houses, etc, just on a island. You don't know how they survived their very dead deaths, nor do you know who's keeping them there. And to make matters worse, tthey're dragging it out so long you'll want to vomit. They were supposed to stay on the island until Christmas, but people are getting so fed up, they'll be out before the end of August when both Days and Passions will go on a two week break.

Also, the people in Salem still think their love ones are dead, but now that they know the bodies are missing they don't know what to think.

The headwriter has got a lot of explaining to do, because I'm so close to tuning out of this.

[CarlD]

Christmas ?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Is it going to take them that long to sign the actor to play Stefano ??? He's supposed to do a short stint as a deal with Bold and Beautiful.

This story is interesting to say the least.

A few questions and observations:

Who is replenishing their food ????? You think they'd capture them when doing so.

And they set up the SOS device in Marlena's penthouse because it's higher up and would generate a better signal, but clearly looking out her windows, she is ground level, judging from the trees and bushes.

It's going to be interesting to see how they explain all of this. But it's better than the Jan story of keeping Shawn locked up in a cage for weeks without bathing, grooming, and other things.

[ChrisSumnerMatheson]

I actually love the Shawn and jan storyline. Its so funny. Poor Shawn must smell a hot mess. You'd think they'd build the cage with the bathroom included.

As for the island, Stefano just resigned with B&B and it looks like he won't be returning. http://www.soapchat.net/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

See, DOOL already let Lauren Koslow go as their part of the deal, but after she appeared, they wouldn't let Joe Mascolo go over or something, so if Stefano returns, its going to be as a recast. I hope he does come back so Lexie and Celeste can have a storyline.

[JT]

Actually, Jan chains Shawn to somthing in the shower and let's him take a shower. I'm surprised she doesn't just join him in it!

[ChrisSumnerMatheson]

Well, Jan did let Shawn shower, but only once, and that was over a month ago if I remember correctly. He was so much trouble, that I don't think she'll risk it again, plus he has on the same white peddle pushers/socks combo since his last shower, lol. This storyline is so hilarious, I just wish Heather Lauren Olson was still playing Jan. She was much better at the humourous stuff, and she was such a cartoon they wouldn't have to worry about redeeming her. Now this one is a nut, so they will have a problem.