Why Days of Our Lives Dominated The Daytime Emmys

Days of Our Lives (DOOL) found itself in a power position, dominating at the 2018 Daytime Emmy Awards.

Aside from garnering two acting victories, the NBC soap also took home trophies for Outstanding Drama Series, Writing and Directing. Plus, Bill and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Doug and Julie) were honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Such an abundance of riches hasn’t happened in years. What made this ceremony different and illed with kudos for Salem? Mainly, one thing: the show’s direction under head writer Ron Carlivati.

History 101
The scribe dug into DAYS history to produce poignant plots. Lamon Archey was introduced as Eli, the secret lovechild of Valerie (Vanessa Williams) and the late David.

The twist provided meaty story for Seaforth Hayes, whose Julie vacillated between the joy of connecting with her newfound grandson and anger towards Valerie for keeping him from her and David for decades.

A 1990s pairing that was dead and buried, Eric and Nicole, was resurrected to write off actress Arianne Zucker. Just as Nicole was planning a future with Brady (Eric Martsolf), Eric (Greg Vaughan) confessed he still loved her.

However, the revelation, followed by a night of passion, ended abruptly when Brady forced Nicole to break up with his stepbrother or threatened to reveal she murdered Deimos. Vaughan’s raw depiction of the confused, heartbroken Eric earned him the Outstanding Supporting Actor award.

Abe, Front and Center
In another wise move one of the show’s top talents, the long-underused James Reynolds (Abe), was finally featured in a front burner storyline and rose to the occasion.

His portrayal of a father’s devastation and anger at the thought of losing his son Theo, after he was shot by cop and family friend JJ (Casey Moss) was riveting. Reynolds easily nabbed the Outstanding Lead Actor trophy courtesy of his powerhouse performance.

Dream Weaver
When it comes to spinning stories, Carlivati is a dream weaver. He intertwines characters, relationships and situations masterfully, delivering maximum plot punch.

Will’s (Chandler Massey) return from the dead was exquisitely scripted, and Sami (Alison Sweeney) and Susan’s (Eileen Davidson) inclusion in the story upped the ante. In the process, two thriving relationships, Rafe and Hope and Paul and Sonny, were both upended.

Meanwhile, JJ’s decision to commit suicide delivered Gabi (Camila Banus) as his savior, which led to Lani (Sal Stowers) and Eli’s one-night stand and a surprise pregnancy.

And Abigail (Marci Miller) and Chad (Billy Flynn) overcame Dario’s (Jordi Vilasuso) manipulation and Ben (Robert Scott Wilson) crashing their wedding, finally recommitting to one another.

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