We’re sure we all remember where we were in 2014 the exact moment we heard Alison Sweeney was leaving Days of Our Lives after 21 years. It was a knife cut through our soap hearts. Our Sami went out with a bang. Her swan performance when EJ died was Emmy worthy and left no doubt (not that there ever was one) we were losing a STAR.
After her last air date in 2014, her absence left a void that was instantly felt. Thankfully, Alison and Sami hadn’t left for good. She has made memorable reappearances. As expected, Alison gave a magnificent performance during Days’ 50th anniversary in the arc of Will’s supposed death.
When we learned Ron Carlivati was in at Days, there was much excitement surrounding just the thought of Ron having an opportunity to write for Sami. We couldn’t wait. And boy was it worth it! It’s almost impossible to pick a favorite, Sami/Susan, Sami/Will, Sami/Rafe, Sami/Anybody. However, if we had to, Sami breaking Ben out to recreate Will’s death by choking Will in the hopes that it would trigger Will’s memories was sooooo delicious and so deliciously Sami! Her return deservedly was hailed as one of the biggest highlights of daytime in 2017.
When it was announced Sami was making another return, our excitement was peaked again. It was correctly assumed it would somehow be linked to the upcoming Jarlena wedding. And there was also the question if Sami would return with a baby from the “Safe Sex” during her prior visit. We could hear the collective sigh of relief when Ron, Sheri Anderson and Ryan Quan resisted that soap trope. So refreshing!!
From the moment Sami literally fell into Jarlena’s wedding, this visit has been just as enjoyable as the last. Sami/Belle always give good sibling rivalry soap, Sami and Hope’s snark over Rafe has been amusing, we got Nicole and Sami again and my goodness those scenes with John when Sami found out she hadn’t shot her momma, Bravo!
Outside of EJ’s death, arguably one of the few recent good storyline’s Sami had while she was on contract, (during Days creative woes) was the Kami Gabi and Nick storyline. Alison always brings it. But we were starved for her to have consistent material worthy of her talent. Finally we are getting it!
No shade Ejami’s because we love ships and are fully aware of their importance. But sometimes an actor can get “lost”in a ship especially if it’s a super couple and we can lose sight of the individual actor’s talents. Haven’t these arcs made you fall in love with Alison/Sami all over again? Hasn’t it been such a treat to see Sami just “be Sami” and have some great material to work with as well? It’s been so much fun to watch Alison having so much fun! These visits are a double edge sword though. When she is on screen it reminds us much we miss her when she’s not.
Alison left Days to spend time with her family and pursue other interests. She has done some directing and has had tremendous success with movies for The Hallmark Channel.
But Days needs her. Salem needs her. We need her.
Offer Alison a year or two contract only, if needed to entice her to sign. Days can work around Hallmark, her family and whatever else they need to. It’s difficult to resist having Sami in every “A” story because she’s a writer’s dream but we can sacrifice for the greater good of having her back on contract.
In our enthusiasm and optimism we’ve gone ahead and laid the ground work for her permanent return;
- During this visit, it’s been said that Allie and Johnny are now teenagers. It writes itself. Allie is her mother’s daughter through and through (without an ounce of Horton in her). Sami has both hands full and then some. We can imagine the scenes with Marlena smirking (and horrified) as Sami is reaping with she’s sown. Johnny is well on his way to being just like his father, EJ, to everyone’s chagrin (including Sami which would be the ultimate paradox.) Sydney is insecure and is jealous of Allie like Sami was with Carrie.
- Sami fights whomever is charge of DiMera for control (depending on what happens with EJ of course)
- Who should Sami be paired with? The EJ storyline is still being played out so it’s too soon to say. Plus, we wouldn’t touch that with a ten foot pole. But we couldn’t wait to find out!
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