I knew EJ’s claim to be a changed man wasn’t real.
He’s always been shady, and many of his actions are unforgivable.
His behavior during Johnny’s trial has been especially atrocious, but then he learned who really shot him, and everything changed. Well played, Days of Our Lives.
EJ Has Gone From Love-To-Hate To Purely Annoying Lately
There have been times when EJ has been a fun character despite his selfishness and violent nature.
My favorite is years ago when EJ, then played by James Scott, learned about “Mr. Greetings,” and demanded that Gabi and Sami stop using that silly nickname — only to discover that the man’s real name was Percy Ruggles.
His dry reaction was priceless.
Lately, though, Days of Our Lives has tried to turn him into a tragic figure who is doing what he thinks is best for his son only for it to blow up in his face.
That hasn’t been working for me.
I didn’t feel sorry for EJ when he lost Johnny by offering a fake video of Chanel at the silliest trial of the year.
Nor did I care that he was heartbroken by Belle’s rejection after he used their relationship for an attempted Hail Mary at the trial.
EJ and Belle’s relationship gives me a headache.
One of the worst parts is that it’s a redux of Sami running around insisting that EJ had changed when he hadn’t, so all their latest breakup inspired was relief that it was over and fear that Belle won’t have the will to resist giving EJ yet another chance.
It looked like it might be going that way after all was said and done.
Belle walked away from EJ in court, but not until they’d had a civil conversation that could easily have turned into kisses.
Let’s not go there, please. This relationship needs to stay ended, and EJ needs to face the consequences of his ridiculous actions.
That said, EJ’s scenes with Kristen after the big, unsurprising reveal that Rachel shot him made me see him in a completely different light.
EJ Was Surprisingly Gentle And Understanding When It Came To Rachel
Only minutes before remembering that Rachel shot him, EJ accused her of becoming a mini-Kristen, so it was shocking that he was so understanding after realizing what she’d done.
Rachel shot EJ seemingly by accident. She was threatening him with the gun when it went off, and her shocked reaction suggested that she didn’t plan to actually hurt him.
EJ, surprisingly, bears no ill will toward her and understands that it was an accident.
He even took responsibility for making Kristen’s mother disappear, which led to this whole debacle in the first place.
He was as soft-spoken with Rachel during the shooting as he was during Johnny’s trial, and even though he was determined not to let Johnny pay for what Rachel had done, he was more empathetic with Kristen than I expected.
EJ Made The Latest Scheme Seem Like An Actual Moral Dilemma
It’s incredible that this man, who will blackmail, frame, attack, and even rape with impunity, seems to have such a soft spot for his niece.
The ruthless EJ, who would do anything to get Johnny off, took a back seat for a moment to the family man who wanted to protect everybody.
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EJ made what should have been an obvious decision into a moral dilemma where he was trying to balance Rachel’s well-being with Johnny’s.
EJ: I’m sorry, but I cannot sacrifice my son for your daughter.
The smartest thing to do would be for Kristen to hire a lawyer for Rachel and consult with a psychiatrist other than Marlena so that Rachel could be informed of her guilt without breaking her and her legal rights could be protected.
But this is Salem, where logic is outlawed.
So EJ had two choices: cover up Rachel’s involvement and let the chips fall where they may with Johnny’s trial, or come forward and risk Rachel being dragged off in cuffs for a violent act she doesn’t even remember committing.
Throughout the trial, EJ has gotten on my last nerve because he’s chosen ruthlessness over empathy every time.
In his mind, anything goes in the name of securing Johnny’s freedom.
He sacrificed his relationship with Johnny for a trick that was entirely unnecessary.
EJ had already pointed the finger at every witness for the prosecution, a move which should have screamed desperation, but which was designed to convince the jury there was reasonable doubt despite Johnny’s admission that he pointed a gun at EJ that night.
But when he learned the truth, he didn’t want to be ruthless. He wanted to protect Johnny, but didn’t feel happy about hurting Rachel in the process.
EJ’s Softer Approach Makes Him A Better Villain
I’m not saying this makes me a fan of EJ.
He still raped Sami and did other horrible things over the years, and he’s been obnoxious the last few months.
But these scenes do make him a more well-rounded villain.
I prefer villains that I can love to hate.
In addition to having strong motivations, they need to have a relatable aspect of themselves.
I loved the original Orpheus story because Orpheus’ dedication to his late wife’s memory and belief that he was avenging her were compelling, as was his obsession with Greek mythology.
Stefano was pure evil, but he loved his family.
And now EJ FINALLY has displayed something other than ruthlessness and selfish behavior.
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