Really, Days of Our Lives? THAT’S How You Write Off ‘Patch’?

We’ve known for months that Stephen Nichols’ time on Days of Our Lives was coming to an end (for now) this summer.

But when it finally happened, all we could do was shake our heads in wonder. There was no send-off. No drama. Not even a story that made sense. Not even a final scene fans would know was a final scene unless they read soap websites religiously.

It was just Steve there to comfort John (Drake Hogestyn) as he waited for news on Marlena (Deidre Hall) and wondered what Kayla was hiding from him.

With his story still very much strong after just receiving that DiMera Bionic Eye, Steve’s last scenes aired.

Yes, those were his last scenes on Friday and this week we learn the bionic eye was actually recording government secrets for some unknown foreign enemy (Russia, perhaps, they seem to be good at getting American government secrets) and Steve is then arrested for espionage.

If you’re left scratching your heads on this one, so are we. And we’re sure, so will Kayla. Then, Kayla (Mary Beth Evans( will blame herself for getting Steve that eye to begin with. But without Steve there, is the story even compelling?

We get that episodes were already written when contract negotiations were going on, but did that mean the show had to give this longtime beloved actor such a ridiculous (yes, we’re saying it, this is ridiculous) send-off? And not even a real send-off; just a conversation.

With so much going right on DAYS at the moment (and there is SO much, Kristen/Susan, Marlena’s shooting, Sami back, that wild ride of a wedding, Will’s memories, Ben and Ciara… we could go on), why did the show have to go so wrong for a character and actor we’ve loved for decades?

Days of our Lives (DOOL) airs weekdays on NBC. Check your local listings for airtimes.