Baby mama drama

Are Shawn and Belle playing right into Jan's hands? Does Paulina need to take her own amazing advice? And are we about to meet baby Bo? Let's discuss it all in this week's Two Scoops.

Someone needs to check on Chanel. Between Theo, Xander, Johnny, Allie, and then Tripp, I'm worried she can't be unattached for more than 17, maybe 18, seconds. Though I guess I am glad she brought Tripp home because if not, we wouldn't have gotten the absolute gift that is Manhattan Paulina: Dropper of Truth.

I adored how she told Tripp and Chanel they were not going into Chanel's room. She spoke for us all when she told them how crazy of an idea that was at this very moment. Then, she smacked bottles of water on the table for both of them and called a cab for Tripp.

I want Manhattan Paulina to follow me around and shut down any bad decisions I'm about to make. She's the angel on the shoulder...with a cocktail.

Equal shades of awesome this week? Come on down and claim your crown, Julie Williams! For weeks, I've watched Lani and Paulina -- two very level-headed, smart women -- inexplicably let T.R. worm his was into their lives. Paulina protested a bit at the beginning, but it's been a whole lot of smarm and charm from dirty Ray since then.

But Julie was having none of that. She wrote the book on passive aggressiveness and read Ray, chapter and verse, from the time he walked into the room. She can spot a rat a mile away (sometimes like kinds can smell their own). She doesn't know he's still using drugs, and she doesn't even need that. She was fabulous in doing something we've wanted someone to do for weeks. Shoo this man away from the Price/Grant clan.

Speaking of people we need to have a real chat with, my dear Belle is trying my patience. Shawn was raped, yet Belle's still the victim. Belle accepted the call from prison, yet Shawn's the villain for talking. I can't believe she went to E.J. and told him that what Shawn did was the same as what Sami did. Oh, sweet soap lords, while I do have sympathy for the nuances of Sami's situation, Lucas didn't rape Sami. Jan raped Shawn.

And now, Jan has a condition that makes her pregnancy high-risk. Right. A "condition." Because a woman in her 40s who spent chunks of her life in multiple comas would otherwise have a normal, healthy pregnancy.

Of course, Shawn wants to take care of the baby -- something no one should fault him for. Even E.J. took Shawn's side on the motivation here. Belle's face when E.J. said that was delightful.

However, Shawn isn't winning any IQ contests here. Belle is right about one thing. Shawn doesn't see how many steps ahead of him Jan is. And he should have called Belle before moving Jan in.

If he had done that...I don't know...maybe the two of them would have realized that they have Jan right where they want her. Jan is supposed to be on bed rest. So, chain this gal to the bed (perhaps in a cage, just for poetic justice) and make her watch how happy you two are. This is soap payback 101, Shelle. Come on!

Are we sure Belle is Marlena's kid? Heck, even the good Doc Evans took advantage of Stefano's weakened condition to inject him with paralyzing drugs. If Jan isn't the Stefano to Belle and Shawn, I don't know who is.

Finally, in a truly wonderful scene, Kate listened to Abe's romance drama. I loved how the show remembered Kate and Paulina bonded over similar pasts -- both abuse survivors. And I really appreciated how Kate was a genuine friend to Abe. She is looking out for him. She wants him to be happy. She understands he's a proud man, but she also knows he's a kind and forgiving one. As much as I love the drama, it was nice to have a scene where there isn't a hidden agenda.

Eric performed his one-man show, No, Really. I Don't Still Love Nicole. Not At All. Nope., for both Marlena and Belle this week. Marlena did not leave a great review. You know she's onto you when Mar asks, "And how did that make you feel?"

Strengthening the bond between E.J. and Susan is truly one of the best things the show has done for either character. Dan Feuerriegel and Stacy Haiduk have a charming chemistry together. I love how Susan exclaimed, "My grandbaby's soul is worth it!" and E.J. genuinely thanked her for saving Johnny's life. Though I don't mind Jake and Ava, I was thrilled to see Jake involved in a different storyline this week. I like his friendship with Ben and thought he was great looking to connect the dots on Johnny being possessed.

You know that one friend who can't take a hint when you're trying to leave or get off the phone? No matter how many times you start a sentence with, "Well, I should get..." they blow right past this social cue and jump into a new conversation. This is where I am with the devil nonsense. Though I have some hope we're near the end. A very pregnant woman is headed to a cabin in the woods. That can only mean it's baby time!

HOT We got some truly fantastic real-world news about a soap legend. John Aniston will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's Daytime Emmys. After nearly four decades with DAYS, he still commands the screen when he's on. No one else can touch his one-liners or power stances. Helmed by a lessor actor, Victor could be cartoonish -- veering into grumpy cat territory. Instead, Victor's still the highlight of any episode he's in. We should celebrate John Aniston loud and often!

NOT: It was a toss-up this week. What do you all think?

A) Why in the world would Beth open that door?

B) It's been six episodes since Gwen's murder admission. Six. Tick tock, people!

C) Who lied to Nicole and told her that dress didn't resemble wallpaper?

LINE OF THE WEEK: Eric (about Nicole): "When she walked through that door, my heart skipped a beat."

Oh, Rafe. You in trouble, fella.

What's the recipe for Tripp's hangover cure? Asking for a friend.

Ciara looked radiant in that emerald green. And the chunky heels actually made sense!

Just how old are the phones in Salem? Don't they look tiny in everyone's hands?

If Kate fit a double shot of gin in that glass, there was room for exactly one ounce of tonic. Lady makes a strong drink.

Valeria DiMera sounds like a kingdom in Westros.

Susan's attire is starting to resemble my own work-from-home wardrobe.

Wait, there's a head of DiMera security? Seems like they have numerous reasons for termination. (see: Crypt, DiMera.)

If Shelle couldn't have come up with a cage, my second idea is to have Jan live with Julie. Talk about a woman who doesn't suffer fools. If not Jules, Shawn could have played the big card -- call Victor and get Jan her own safe house. You know Vic has connections.

Seeing Evan always makes me wonder if Rafe visits David.

Did anyone call Claire and tell her she's going to be a big sister? This isn't the type of news you want to read on social media.

I do feel bad for the executive admins at DiMera Enterprises. They have a new boss every few months and have a whole new list of alliances/enemies to learn.

Ciara said, "Love you" to Rafe. It's nice the show remembers their connection. I hope they realize his little FBI jacket buddy is having a hard time right now, too.

"That's impossible -- X is dead!" should be outlawed as an excuse in Salem.

Thaao's Andre is always great.

That's it for this week, DAYS fans. Tony's been boiling water and stocking the Horton cabin (that we all know has no cell service and is only accessible by ferry) with towels and blankets. Cin might name their kiddo Beauregard Anthony Weston yet!

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