Post by Steve on Apr 1, 2008 10:10:53 GMT -5
For many months following Jay's return to Days, Philip was more or less on the sidelines. Outside of providing the requisite nemesis to Shawn and Belle, Philip didn't exist on the canvas - no professional life, no personal life, no love life - no life, period. His actions, his very existence on camera, revolved around his search for Belle and Claire. (Despite the lack of a genuine storyline, Jay, being Jay, made those moments. His chemistry and work with Martha, and the White twins - Ava and Olivia - were truly memorable - the highlights of an otherwise totally unsatisfying plot.)
During those first few months, Philip was often hostile and volatile - without seeming provocation. (This, we know, was due to Days' buildup to a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder story - then cutting it short, not delivering. Jay was phenomenal - but the writers never followed through, just as they suddenly ditched Philip's quest to find and care for his son, Tyler.)
Those Days were filled with uneven, unsatisfying writing. Given so little to do, given virtually one layer to work within (i.e., hostile), Jay's performances were always exceptional - bringing so much more to a role than he was ever given to work with.
Of late, the writing of Philip has improved dramatically. No longer simply there to provide 'that obstacle for another couple', he's finally 'getting a life' - he's being fleshed out. And, in the process, Jay is getting the kind of layered story his talent and presence always deserved.
Instead of having scenes with only a handful of actors, Jay's now working with the entire cast - a sign that Philip's beefed up presence as a major force on Days is underway. Now, Philip runs a division of Titan, he's butting heads with John in a shipping war, he's flirting with/keeping his eyes on the gorgeous Chloe (to figure out what she's hiding), he's developing a business relationship with Tony - and flirting with Tony's striking intern, Morgan.
The amazing thing with Jay is, he has incredible presence with so many of his leading ladies. He had it, in abundance, and still has it, with Nadia. (Those tent scenes in Greenland sizzled.) It was there, no doubt, with Martha - making their many scenes stand out in an otherwise lackluster story. He had a very different kind of chemistry with Olivia and Ava - those two adorable little girls who obviously loved working with Jay as much as he obviously loved working with them. Jay's interaction with on screen mom Lauren Koslow is always a pleasure to behold, as was his playful sibling give and take with Julie Pinson. Jay continues to exude that certain something with new cast members. I love Jay's flirtatious chemistry with Kristen Renton - I'm looking forward to seeing what direction that story takes.
While Jay hasn't been on screen much of late, the show is obviously setting the foundation for Philip Kiriakis: it's stepping him up, from supporting presence to major front and center force in Salem. It's long overdue, and it's about time, finally providing Jay with the layered material he should have been getting since day one of his return. (His work, of late, has been phenomenal, showing so many sides to Philip - ruthless, aggressive, caring, weary, protective, playful, teasing, regretful . . .) I look forward to seeing the NEW Philip unfold, and, most especially, to watching Jay do what he does best - bringing a character to vivid, real life.
Steve
During those first few months, Philip was often hostile and volatile - without seeming provocation. (This, we know, was due to Days' buildup to a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder story - then cutting it short, not delivering. Jay was phenomenal - but the writers never followed through, just as they suddenly ditched Philip's quest to find and care for his son, Tyler.)
Those Days were filled with uneven, unsatisfying writing. Given so little to do, given virtually one layer to work within (i.e., hostile), Jay's performances were always exceptional - bringing so much more to a role than he was ever given to work with.
Of late, the writing of Philip has improved dramatically. No longer simply there to provide 'that obstacle for another couple', he's finally 'getting a life' - he's being fleshed out. And, in the process, Jay is getting the kind of layered story his talent and presence always deserved.
Instead of having scenes with only a handful of actors, Jay's now working with the entire cast - a sign that Philip's beefed up presence as a major force on Days is underway. Now, Philip runs a division of Titan, he's butting heads with John in a shipping war, he's flirting with/keeping his eyes on the gorgeous Chloe (to figure out what she's hiding), he's developing a business relationship with Tony - and flirting with Tony's striking intern, Morgan.
The amazing thing with Jay is, he has incredible presence with so many of his leading ladies. He had it, in abundance, and still has it, with Nadia. (Those tent scenes in Greenland sizzled.) It was there, no doubt, with Martha - making their many scenes stand out in an otherwise lackluster story. He had a very different kind of chemistry with Olivia and Ava - those two adorable little girls who obviously loved working with Jay as much as he obviously loved working with them. Jay's interaction with on screen mom Lauren Koslow is always a pleasure to behold, as was his playful sibling give and take with Julie Pinson. Jay continues to exude that certain something with new cast members. I love Jay's flirtatious chemistry with Kristen Renton - I'm looking forward to seeing what direction that story takes.
While Jay hasn't been on screen much of late, the show is obviously setting the foundation for Philip Kiriakis: it's stepping him up, from supporting presence to major front and center force in Salem. It's long overdue, and it's about time, finally providing Jay with the layered material he should have been getting since day one of his return. (His work, of late, has been phenomenal, showing so many sides to Philip - ruthless, aggressive, caring, weary, protective, playful, teasing, regretful . . .) I look forward to seeing the NEW Philip unfold, and, most especially, to watching Jay do what he does best - bringing a character to vivid, real life.
Steve
