By Libby
A new storyline
We received some feedback on new storylines for the character of Stephanie in our post, ‘Who Deserves a New Storyline.’ Out of all four of the Salem denizens we evaluated, we got more responses about Stephanie than any other character. Primarily, the feedback was that she did not need to be with Nathan. No one seemed to like her focus on capturing Nathan’s heart at all costs.
In theory, I agree with that assumption wholeheartedly. Call me old school – but Stephanie IS Kayla and Steve’s daughter – a legacy character in my opinion. For one brief minute between being a racecar driver and a simpering hospital PR administrator (was this Carrie Brady’s old job at Salem University Hospital ?) – Stephanie has lost her roots and herself.
To me, Stephanie should be self assured with a strong self image. She should know that she wants to have it all. Not just a man at all costs. What woman on ‘Days’ is really building a really balanced life with style and grace on her own? Huh? The silence is pretty deafening. Stephanie should be sure in her gut that she has a calling … and not one that involves seducing Nathan into bed at each turn in an attempt to get what she wants. She knows that a real life does not show up on her doorstep with a marriage certificate. Kayla raised her well. She needs to return to her roots: focused, independent and empathetic. She has the ability to work with people and persuade people without outrageous flirting and seduction. In my opinion, she needs to return to her roots. Her mother, Kayla, is returning to Salem next month. I hope that Kayla sits down with Steph and has a real straight shooting heart to heart talk with her only daughter!
If you have read any of my posts and comments on the character of Stephanie, they always go back to her focusing on a real career that utilizes her caring and helping strengths. She needs to be multi-dimensional and make use of her family history. I think she is well suited to be Salem’s newest psychologist. She can follow in the footsteps of Laura Horton and Marlena Evans. Now, note I mean she should be a psychologist – a clinical therapist who talks with her patients.
In today’s world, a lot of psychiatrists are pharmacologists. Call me naïve – but passing out pills really doesn’t make great of television. Goodness knows, too many folks in Salem are self medicating in one way or the other. They need a counselor with some wisdom and life experience.
I read a comment from some insightful and very witty ‘Days’ viewer who said – “Are there any women in Salem that are sane right now. Seriously? “ I laughed out loud at reading that line.
So Stephanie – step away from Nathan. Work on your own wonderfulness and ways to contribute to Salem in your own comfortable skin. Away from Nathan or Philip – be their friends – they certainly need that – but do not look at either one of these men as a means to an end. A healthy romantic relationship will blossom only after you are comfortable in your own skin and skills.
Salem always needs a mental health professional. Someone with an open door – but not an open bedroom – a woman of substance and strength like her mother, Kayla. Stephanie could be a caring cousin and much needed friend-confidant to Sami – just as Jennifer has been to Hope over the years. But she cannot do it living the life she leads at the moment.
Would it kill any woman in Salem to build some self respect and be her own person and THEN meet a man and lead a healthy and balanced life without histrionics. ( Ok. It may be a little dull if everyone was well balanced and mentally healthy. But right now – only Maggie holds that title – and I think there is room at the top for a few more.)
Stephanie, kick those men out of your apartment and life right now. Enroll in that Advanced Salem Psychologist tract that should have you an office with a plaque on your door by November. Sit down and really talk to your Mom when she makes it to town – get a life plan, young lady! Salem needs you.
What do you think about seeing some changes? We have all found Stephanie has been much more interesting with her latest conniving and manipulation of Nathan, Philip and Ian, Super-Computer Geek. What we all know is that Stephanie can be exciting and interesting without laying her life and body down to catch a man. It seems to me – in their day – Laura Horton and Marlena Evans both had interesting lives. In my opinion, Sami is not destined to be the next Marlena – but Stephanie could take the mantel of Marlena’s best traits and those of her determined and focused parents.
I say go get ‘em, Stephanie – and that does not mean Nathan or Philip ! Looking to see you in your office active in your psychologist/ therapist office by Christmas. What do my fellow DaysTalk folks think of those plans and storyline for Kayla and Steve’s rockin’ progeny??