DOOL’ EJ Might Not Keep Silent About Jude’s Paternity – But Will the Truth Come Out Before Eric Leaves?

All About Character

Thursday was a fun, standout episode for me — and it didn’t rely on big dramatic reveals, so much as character interactions. First off, I thoroughly enjoyed Stefan’s dressing down of EJ. It was nice to, rather than watch him skulk around and smugly plot, just flat out yell in EJ’s face that he had a day to get Gabi out of prison or his “house of cards” would collapse.

There was a fire to him, instead of the beaten dog I feel like he’s been since Gabi went to prison. And then we finally got a glimpse of Gabi! I’ve already seen folks grumbling and all I can say is just stop and give her a chance.

Yes, Camila Banus was in the role for a long time, but actors change on daytime and I’m excited to see what Cherie Jimenez does with the role. From all indications, this time in prison is going to have some lasting effects on Gabi, so this is the perfect time to get reacquainted with the character.

And I loved everything about Xander and Nicole’s talk. So much so, that it makes me sad that we didn’t get to see more of these two before now — despite the fact that Xander owns the paper Nicole works at. Trading barbs about stealing babies before coming to an understanding about each other, their mom issues and their kids was just a wonderful full circle moment. And it was fun!

Plus, did anyone see Brady putting it (almost) all together with Theresa? Anyone? At least someone finally realized that Theresa had her hands on Victor’s suitcase before anyone else!

Bye, Bye Eric?

The show has not let up its drumbeat of teasing exits. Johnny just reassured Chanel that he’s not leaving for California (That was sweet of her to tell him to go, but come one, Chanel, your husband isn’t leaving you after a miscarriage), but now we’re into Eric telling everyone he’s leaving. The only confirmed exit right now, though, has been Steve Burton and Harris. Monday was most definitely, genuinely his last day.

If Eric is exiting, (and spoilers next week make it seem like it’s happening by Friday) I wouldn’t expect it to be for long because there’s no way the paternity reveal would happen without him — or without bringing him back to Salem. Speaking of that reveal… how fast is it going to happen?

I’m trying to glean something from spoilers, but I don’t think Melinda will spill the beans. She may just push EJ into giving her the DA job back, which you’d think would tip Paulina off that something super bizarre is going on between her two DAs. But I guess she’s a bit preoccupied right now…

The thing is, it can’t take too long if Arianne Zucker is exiting in a month. They’ve got to leave time for the fallout to play out onscreen. At least I hope so. Nicole finding the truth out and just leaving town would be a copout. There’s EJ’s betrayal to play out, her and Eric working through their feelings, what’s going to happen to Holly if she’s not in the DiMera mansion anymore. There’s a lot to get through!

Where’s Abigail?

Wait, we got AnnaLynne McCord’s first episode last week for just a few brief moments and the only followup we got this week was Lucas and Chad musing over the footage? Argh, we’re back to pacing frustrations again.

Also, what was the point of Jack’s visit other than overhearing Chad and Julie talk over and over again? Was it just so the returning writers could dump the time capsule on him and wash their hands of it? Or maybe it’s just to kick the can down the road a bit and not have to worry about making excuses. Opening a secret Horton time capsule would be perfect around Doug’s farewell or the show’s 60th anniversary.

Stray Thoughts…

• “And how did that work out?” Nicole demanded of Xander’s baby stealing. “In the long run? Not bad.” Lesson learned, folks!

More: Days alum says goodbye to his onscreen dad

• The look as Eric eyed up Brady and Tate’s fighting while eating his cake was pure comedy gold.
• It’s time for Theresa to ease up on Tate and Holly. She feels more stubborn than protective mom right now, and I can totally get behind Nicole’s angry reaction to her hauling Holly home.
• “Beverett’s” finally back next week, but did we really need a month of him being MIA to wrap up this story?