The Softer Side Of Leo: Do Days Of Our Lives Fans Prefer Seeing Him Vulnerable?

Leo just got some major news on Days Of Our Lives! The man he grew up hating — the one he killed- – turned out to be not his father, after all.

Leo’s (Greg Rikaart) biological father — if any DNA test conducted at Salem Hospital can be trusted — is John (Drake Hogestyn)!

Leo was so moved by the development that he embraced a stunned John — literally –almost over Marlena’s (Deidre Hall) dead body. The guy who’s been nothing but horrible for months seemed thrilled and touched to have a non-bastard for a father. He almost looked… human, for a change.

Do fans enjoy seeing this side of Leo? Over 18,000 viewers had this to say:

Becoming Human
Mustache twirling villains are fun…up to a point, 61% of you explain patiently. But the ones that have longevity are the ones who have a soft side, too. They need some rooting factor, and DAYS is pulling out a doozy.

Get those violins ready, fans, because here come all the greatest hits: Leo’s mom was abusive. (This Diana has nothing in common with the original version, save a name.)

Leo’s “dad” was even more abusive — and homophobic — to boot. Poor Leo had a childhood filled with sads, he thought he killed his daddy, and that’s why he’s such a bad boy.

All he needs is love! How about it, Sonny (Freddie Smith)? Will (Chandler Massey)?

Never Change
Lots of people have questionable mothers and horrible childhoods, 38% of you counter. Look at Will — he grew up with Sami (Allison Sweeney)! Look at Ben (Robert Scott Wilson)! So, OK, so he’s a former serial killer, but he’s trying to clean up his act.

Leo’s background isn’t unique, and it doesn’t give him a free pass. He was a bastard to multiple people. And he was rude to Maggie (Suzanne Rogers). No excuses.

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