Ever since Eric headed to Africa for missionary work, last September, Nicole has been in limbo on Days of our Lives; a peripheral character supporting new mom, Allie, and troubled pal, Ava.
It’s been a lackluster seven months for actress Arianne Zucker, who had been a driving force in front burner storylines over the years. And, frankly, she deserves better. That’s why Days of our Lives needs to resolve the missing Eric situation – pronto – and stop wasting Nicole.
Although Greg Vaughan chose not to renew his DAYS contract, explaining that he felt like “a glorified extra in everybody else’s storyline” as Eric, he didn’t slam the door shut on the NBC soap. He swore he still loved the show and was open to returning at some point.
Well, that time is now. At the very least, Nicole needs a visit from her missing husband. At the very best, he sticks around for several months, so the show’s writers can tell a new story for the twosome. If Vaughan is determined to exit after that, a proper ending could be scripted for Eric and Nicole.
If Vaughan isn’t ready for a return engagement of any kind, perhaps it’s time something happened to the character. Eric could be kidnapped, mysteriously disappear, or have an accident and be presumed dead. Certainly, that would create great angst and story for Nicole, as she mourns the loss of her longtime soulmate. But, above all, it would give Eric and Nicole closure, so Nicole could ultimately move on.
A third option would be recasting Eric, and having another actor return to Salem and Nicole. Cameron Mathison, who was just scooped up by General Hospital for a new role, would have been a viable choice. Another option would be Daytime Emmy winner Billy Miller (ex-Drew, GH; ex-Billy, The Young and the Restless). A consummate pro, Miller would give Eric a nice edge and likely have great chemistry with Zucker’s Nicole.
How do you want the show to fix their Ericole problem? Take our poll below and share your thoughts in the comments section below. Days of our Lives (DOOL) airs weekdays on NBC. Check your local listings for airtimes.
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