Kudos, Days Of Our Lives, THIS is How You Write a Connected Story
Kristen, Brady, Sarah, Xander and Gabi for the win!
We’re not sure how big Days of our Lives’ Salem is, but sometimes stories take place in what feels like a vacuum, with even close family members not knowing what is happening. But the whole point of soaps is that everyone is up in everyone else’s business, and the more connected characters in a story, the better. That is happening now as DAYS sets up what appears to be a burgeoning quintangle. And we are here for it!
The Beginning
Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) is certifiable, and she is nuts about Brady (Eric Martsolf). She may not have him at the moment, but she is obsessed with making sure no one else can have him, either.
Kristen usually manipulates Rachel (Alice Halsey) into flinging food at the latest woman in her dad’s life, or pulling wacky pranks like, you know, almost getting Ava (Tamara Braun) killed. Except that these days, the woman Brady seems to be gravitating toward is Sarah (Linsey Godfrey). And Rachel already likes Sarah.
The Middle
Brady and Sarah aren’t exactly a couple yet. So far, they’re only friends. Close friends. Plus, Sarah is still technically married to Xander (Paul Telfer), even though they are legally separated. She isn’t ready for anything yet. But when she is, and if he is… well, then…
The End
Sarah may move on from Xander, but it is obvious that she is still in love with him. And he is still in love with her. Plus, they have a child together. Except they can’t seem to make the whole marriage thing work. So both may move on.
Sarah with Brady, and Xander with… Gabi (Cherie Jimenez)? Sure, she is working with Tony (Thaao Penghlis) to dig up enough dirt to take Titan away from Xander and Philip (John-Paul Lavoisier). Xander won’t like that. After all, his and Sarah’s latest breakup was because she lied to him (and he lied to her about beating up Philip). But, then again, Xander knows what it’s like to make bad decisions… for even worse reasons. He may even like that about Gabi.
Moral
So now we have five people with five complicated motivations and emotions. That’s how you build a well-connected story with lots of people to root for—and against!
