Although she was only on Days of our Lives for 10 months, Marissa Reyes made a definite mark as the sassy, spirited, and defiant teenage Ari Horton. Her connection with her onscreen family members and her new love interest, Hank Northrop, who portrays Liam, was strong yet relaxed. However, since stepping in as Reyes’ replacement, Vico Escorcia has successfully captured Ari’s essence and, in turn, filled the void left by her predecessor.
Key Takeaways
- Vico Escorcia has successfully stepped into the role of Ari Horton on DAYS.
- The actress has developed strong chemistry with both Cherie Jimenez’s Gabi and Hank Northrop’s Liam.
- Escorcia has balanced Ari’s rebellious side with emotional vulnerability and charm.
All Things Ari
From day one, Escorcia has brought energy and mischievousness to Ari. She’s portrayed her with a blend of willfulness and light. She can be stubborn and obstinate one moment and cool and carefree the next.
Escorcia has blended both sides of Ari smoothly, making her one of the show’s most likable and relatable teens. And while she may have initially lacked some of the friskiness that Reyes brought to the role, she’s been incorporating that playfulness into the character more of late.
She’s Got the Look
Physically, Escorcia fits the bill as the newest member of the Hernandez clan. She bears a striking resemblance to her TV mom, Cherie Jimenez, who plays Gabi, and really looks like she could be her daughter.
Of course, there’s pretty much no resemblance to her TV dad, Chandler Massey’s Will, but that’s just how genes and DNA work. And since Massey’s rarely on the canvas, it’s not really a concern.
Mother Versus Daughter
Escorcia has really excelled in her face-to-face confrontations with Jimenez. Their mother-daughter spats have been incredibly real and on point as the pair struggles to redefine boundaries now that Ari’s a grown young woman.
Escorcia has vividly portrayed Ari’s quest for independence and insistence to be heard, fighting against her mother’s fears and determination that her daughter not make the same mistakes she did.
About Liam
Taking over just as the Ari-Liam romance began has been a lucky break for the daytime newcomer. Escorcia won’t be faced with having to recreate a dynamic set by Reyes and Hank Northrop, who plays Liam. Instead, the pair can establish their own.
Fortunately, the two actors connected from the get-go. There was a genuine spark between them, and, hopefully, that’s the first step in that elusive thing called chemistry. Together, they’ll get the chance to take the couple wherever they’re destined to go.
The Verdict
Escorcia has slowly and steadily worked hard to make Ari her own, and she’s definitely on target to achieve that goal. The daytime newbie gets an A- for her efforts so far.
