Days of Our Lives spoilers and updates reveal Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall) is worried because she can’t locate  her husband, John Black (Drake Hogestyn).

He  has been for months on an ISA mission-she tells Brady Black (Eric Martsolf) and Belle Black (Martha Madison) about her concerns regarding their father.

Deidre Hall Spoke To Soap Opera Digest About The Beginning Of John’s Exit Storyline

The head of their family seems to have disappeared. Deidre talked to SOD about the start of the emotional exit storyline of John (the late Drake Hogestyn), and Marlena’s quest to find him. Soap Opera Digest: What makes Marlena decide to tell Brady and Belle about their father’s situation?

Deidre Hall: She is unable to contact John and can’t get any details from Shane. She just isn’t getting clear answers, but she somehow realizes that John is missing.

Marlena Becomes More And More Concerned

Marlena is starting to worry about John. Hall believes she understands the nature of John’s serious and private work, which often keeps him out of contact. While she’s used to him being away, her concern is growing.

In the episode on March 5th, Shane attempted to arrange a phone call between Marlena and John but John’s ISA handler couldn’t find him, raising alarms.

She shared this with Brady, who then informed Paul Narita (Christopher Sean)  to keep him updated, as Marlena also met with Belle to discuss the situation.

Marlena Is Hopeful And Gentle When Talking To Brady And Belle

Marlena’s conversations with Brady and Belle are filled with hope; she remains gentle and sees them as a family facing challenges together. As the matriarch, she feels responsible for keeping everyone united and strong, especially for the children.

Marlena told SOD when it comes to filming with Eric Martsolf (Brady) and Martha Madison (Belle), it’s been tough for everyone. They are all dealing with the loss of Drake and what it means for their families and the show.

They don’t often discuss this loss among themselves; instead, they focus on supporting each other and getting through their work together.

Drake Was Still Alive But Very Ill When This Was Filmed

SOD: This was recorded while Drake was alive but very sick. Did you feel mixed emotions while acting in these scenes, hoping he would return to the show but also knowing he might not, and that you had to continue with the story?

Hall: I know that Ken Corday, the executive producer had talked to Drake and that he was welcome to return anytime.

Ken said, “As soon as you’re ready to come back, you’re back.” Everyone who cared for him was prepared for any outcome-telling him “We hope you come back. We would be thrilled to have you return.”

Deidre Talks About Drake At The Set And With The Show Personnel

Deidre told SOD Drake enjoyed his job; he liked being present and appreciated everyone, from the night crew to the commissary staff.

He had strong connections with all of them, they  all hoped he would get better and return; you could see he was losing weight while he was still on air.

The wardrobe team worked hard to help with that, it was a challenging situation. However, we all wanted him there, and he wanted to be there too, so we were united in our efforts to make it happen.

Deidre Was Asked If She Put In Extra Time With Eric And Martha Prior To These Emotional Scenes

SOD: Did you spend extra time with Eric and Martha before working on these scenes, or did you rely on your ability to access your emotions in the moment?

Hall: We didn’t discuss it much, and we didn’t rehearse the scenes extensively-we just made sure we knew the lines so we wouldn’t have to repeat them.

Then we jumped into the scenes; there might have been a hand squeeze-we prefer to communicate without words, using just eye contact and a squeeze.

SOD: I guess it was easy to express emotions since the reality of the situation was so close and ready to surface. Hall: It’s tricky to find the right balance, you don’t want to dive too deep, or you might lose control.

Deidre Speaks To How The Scenes Came Out

SOD: What are your thoughts on how the scenes between Eric and Martha came together? Hall: Overall, I thought everything went well; everyone put in their utmost effort and collaborated effectively.

However, I believe the writers faced a significant challenge in figuring out how to navigate the storyline. They had to  decide how to include his character if he wished to remain involved and how to adjust the narrative if he didn’t return.

It was definitely a difficult situation; the writers had a heavier burden than we did; we merely had to perform, while they had to craft the whole thing.

Marlena And Steve Go On Their Own Mission To Find John

SOD: Marlena decides to investigate, and Steve insists on joining her; what does she hope to achieve? Deidre:  Marlena says, “I’m going to D.C. to find John or figure out what’s happening.”

She seeks a confrontation and wants answers about John’s whereabouts, who last saw him, the details of his mission, and their last contact.

She aims to gather all the information she can from Shane; SOD:  Is Marlena okay with Steve accompanying her on this quest for answers?

Deidre: Yes, she is; he is also in the dark about John’s situation, which worries him-Marlena and Steve are aligned in their goals, supporting each other throughout the process.

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