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It’s good to have Days’ ‘real’ Philip back
I am so glad they brought back Jay Kenneth Johnson to play Philip on Days of Our Lives.
I know he returned to the Salem canvas a little while ago, so it’s not like I’m writing about breaking news here, but every time I see him on screen it reminds me more and more how much he was missed.
Jay is Philip to me. When he left and they replaced him with Kyle Brandt, I really lost all interest in the character. I never bought his love story with Belle because the chemistry was severely lacking. It was no wonder she was pining for Shawn the whole time.
Kyle never brought fire and intensity to his portrayal of Philip. In fact, it was extremely hard for me to believe he was the son of Kate Roberts and Victor Kiriakis. With that gene pool, he should be both a lover and a fighter. But with Kyle in the role, the character failed on both counts. Philip might as well have been a cardboard cutout.
Then re-enter Jay.
As soon as he stepped back into Philip’s shoes, I was paying attention again.
His fight for Claire and Belle has brought the character’s passion and tenacity and nastiness and heart to the forefront.
And Jay has been more than capable of showing those layers.
Now, when I see Belle torn between Shawn and Philip, it makes more sense to me. Philip is no longer a door mat with puppy-dog eyes. He’s more like a wolf, going after what he wants and making no apologies for it. Grrrowwl.
Now, when I think about a newly returning Chloe, played by the striking Nadia Bjorlin, I can see a potential rekindling of her relationship with Philip. After all, Nadia and Jay had smokin’ chemistry. Remember that scene in the barn? Yowza.
Now, when I think about Kate and Victor, I can realistically envision Philip as their son, the embodiment of these two formidable, passionate individuals merged into one.
Yeah, Jay Kenneth Johnson is a keeper.
Welcome back, Philip. I missed you.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: Days of Our Lives
Comments
By Suzanne
November 30, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this
Those dimples and ice blue eyes are scrumptious! He IS Philip. Let’s hope they renew his contract indefinitely!
By Idetrorce
December 15, 2007 6:09 AM | Link to this
very interesting, but I don’t agree with you Idetrorce