♥ Never Ending Story 1991 ♥ Note on soap magazine publication dates and content of articles/interviews regarding multiple soap stars: Many of the monthly or every other month (and sometimes quarterly) magazines back in the 1980's would be on the newsstands a long time before the date on the actual magazine. We've noticed, for instance, that DAYTIME TV magazine did an interview with Drake in late 1986 about his upcoming wedding, which was scheduled for December 1986, yet the interview didn't appear until the July 1987 issue several months later. Therefore, it might be a bit confusing to read about his "upcoming" wedding in an interview dated July 1987 when you happen to know he was married in December 1986. We've tried to date the articles to match the date on the magazine, regardless of when the events talked about took place. Hopefully it will make sense as you go along! We've also edited some of the articles/interviews to just include John's storyline, since this is a Drake/John website. We've left out comments and sections about other actors or storylines unless they're involved with John's storyline. This too should be very apparent and clear when we've done that so it makes sense and you don't have to skim through a long article to find the "John parts." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Roman And Isabella Enough Is Enough (Please Note: We always make a conscious effort to arrange all of the articles on BASEBALL MEMORIES AND MALIBU DREAMS according to the issue date on the magazine, but because this soap opera magazine had a lengthy "shelf" date, this article might seem like it isn't organized right because of the date "appearing" to be out of order, but it IS in order according to the storyline.) You can say one of two things about Roman Brady: he sure doesn't know a good relationship when he has one, or he just doesn't enjoy being happy! He knows that Isabella Toscano is crazy about him, and he knows that he's crazy about her, so what's the problem? It's obvious that he should either marry her, or move in with her, or at least date her! He was crazy to let Victor Kiriakis get in the way of their relationship! There was a time when Roman was willing to admit that he was in love with Isabella, and that time was before he learned that his archenemy Victor Kiriakis was her father. He didn't seem to mind that evil Ernesto Toscano was her father, so what's the difference? Roman has never been able to put Victor behind bars, he hasn't even been trying lately, so why does he let him stand in the way of his own happiness? If Roman had hated Marlena's father, would he have acted as stupid as he's acting now, with Isabella? Probably, because Roman and Isabella have the makings of a relationship that could be every bit as good as the one he had with Marlena, and maybe even better! It's time for Roman to put his past behind him and get on with his future, with Isabella! They're the perfect couple. DAYTIME TV'S GREATEST STORIES, 10/91 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

♥ Exclusive Report How Can They Wed? DAYS Reveals What's Ahead... Ready To Wed But The Doc's Not Dead: You have to feel sorry for DAYS OF OUR LIVES' Roman and Isabella. These two are in the GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORTS under the "Most On-Again/Off-Again Romance." Now finally after all their false starts, Roman and Isabella are planning marriage. They are as happy as clams, but they've yet to discover what you already know: Roman's wife, the beloved Marlena, is coming back to town - definitely the biggest wrench that could be thrown into their plans. In fact, someone in the daytime industry commented about all of the fuss: "You'd think it's the second coming of Christ." "This mysterious woman," DAYS' Headwriter Gene Palumbo is specific to call her (after all he's writing a storyline shrouded in mystery, and he can't mention the 'M' word quite yet), "will be coming more and more to life." For weeks, Roman and Isabella will not have a clue that "this woman" even exists. Says Gene: "Roman has no idea what's going to walk back into his life." While viewers think that the bubble is about to burst in Miami, it isn't until later back in Salem that the proverbial you-know-what hits the fan. And don't expect Victor to be too quick to take credit for his handiwork, Gene explains. "In fact, if he's confronted about it, he will deny it." Two people trying to hold on to their love and one woman trying to hold on to her life; who should the audience feel the most sorry for? "Roman and Isabella are going to be blissfully happy," Gene answers. "They have no idea of the storm ahead. They are completely unaware of what's about to happen." In the meantime, Victor and Isabella are still not speaking to each other. He will appear to be more and more powerful. "Victor Kiriakis is a man of many moods," Gene reminds, "and he can change them at a moment's notice." The only bad news that Isabella really has to deal with is Bo. She is very concerned about Bo's health, but tries to keep the bad news from Roman while he's in Florida. "With Victor's threat looming," Gene details, "she's trying to keep Roman calm." In a nutshell, Gene tells the audience to expect "not only the return of this woman destroying any happiness Roman may have known with Isabella, but her presence literally robs him of his entire life and identity. By the time this story's over, he doesn't even know who he is." These Are The Must-See Dates For The Isabella/Roman/Marlena Triangle: August 12, 1991: Marlena witnesses her worst fear coming true! August 14, 1991: Marlena still believes that all hope is not lost! August 15, 1991: Roman receives a note that intrigues him. Little does he know who left it for him. August 16, 1991: The reunion you've been waiting for finally occurs! August 19, 1991: Things begin to change for Roman and Isabella. August 20, 1991: Still in the dark, Isabella begins to wonder why Roman has become distant! Keep in mind that dates are subject to change due to preemption. Richard Spencer, SOAP OPERA UPDATE, 8/12/91 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

♥ Oh No, The Man I Love Is Somebody Else! (Please Note: The words "Oprah" "Geraldo" and "Donahue" were changed to THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW, THE GERALDO RIVERA SHOW, and THE PHIL DONAHUE SHOW in this paragraph to keep consistency throughout our website. We always refrain from using short-cuts or abbreviations, even though the magazine chose to do this for space constraints.) Although it sounds like tomorrow's hot topic on THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW, THE GERALDO RIVERA SHOW, or THE PHIL DONAHUE SHOW, it's happening right now on DAYS OF OUR LIVES to Isabella Toscano, a woman in love with Roman Brady, who just may actually be an unknowing imposter. It's all been fueled by the returns of Wayne Northrop and Deidre Hall, the "original" Roman and Marlena, which from a logical story standpoint negate actor Drake Hogestyn's part as Roman and make him assume his first identity, John Black. However, John Black or not, this is a man (and an actor), who won fan support for his relationship with Marlena. Does that leave Isabella the odd woman out? How in the world did actress Staci Greason feel when she first heard the news? "I was very excited," Staci shares, without a hint of fear that Marlena might steal Isabella's man. "It will finally give Drake and I something different to play. We've been kind of stuck in this same rut for about seven months now," she says honestly, "so we're ready to do something." Still, is Staci even a little worried? "No, not really. I'm always hoping that they'll continue to keep me on the show. If it runs its course, it runs its course." What a refreshing attitude. "You caught me on a good day," Staci laughs. And while Staci is anticipating the progression of Roman and Isabella's relationship, she knows of a particular step that she doesn't want the couple to make. "I think it would be a complete death if the characters got married. The show is slowly trying to establish a relationship for the characters again. I think it's better if we deal with the John Black issue first and find out who John Black turns out to be and if John Black loves Isabella. That's much more interesting than if we were to get married and have kids." "You can only tag-team wrestle so much," Staci laughs. Of course you can listen to Staci's feelings about the storyline, but you must realize that her opinion is not the least bit objective: "I used to watch the show when I was in college and watched when John Black first came to Salem. In fact," Staci adds, "Roman and Marlena were my favorite couple." As for Isabella's damaged relationship with Victor, Staci doubts it will ever be restored. "I don't think they can be on good terms again. Although, Isabella has changed her mind many times. Hopefully the show will continue to develop stronger female relationships." Does Staci think that the audience really knows who Isabella is and what she wants? "I don't think so," Staci answers, "because I think she's always changing. I like the fun, comedic side to the character. I like that she fights the tragedy. I'd rather have Isabella be an optimist and a survivor than a victim." And finally, when it comes to analyzing the actual appeal of Roman and Isabella, Staci refers to the many letters from DAYS viewers that she's read. "I think the fans are so passionate, mostly because women like Roman, and they feel they can trust him - he's honest and kind, and they just want to see him with someone who makes him happy and isn't out to hurt him. Because I'll tell you," Staci deadpans, "when they had Isabella being mean to Roman for a while, I got a lot of hate mail." Staci candidly concludes: "Actually I think the fans really want to see Roman established as a main character again." Richard Spencer, SOAP OPERA UPDATE, 8/12/91 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Engaging DAYS Ahead A happy engagement becomes a heartbreaking entanglement on DAYS when a face from the past makes an untimely reappearance. Marlena (Deidre Hall), who was presumed dead in a plane crash five years ago, recently returned to her home in Salem. But she's been holding off contacting members of her family because their lives have continued happily without her. This week she becomes even more torn when she sees her husband, Roman (Drake Hogestyn), proposing to his new love, Isabella (Staci Greason), so she goes to the church where she and Roman were married to seek guidance. Although hesitant to accept the minister's advice and see her family, Marlena decides she must let Roman know she's alive before he marries again. After being prevented from talking to Roman at the police station, she is spotted by Brian (Robert Mailhouse) as she goes, but he doesn't realize who she is. Marlena decides it would be better to get Roman alone before she reveals herself to him, so she goes to their home and rings the bell. But Roman is in the shower and doesn't answer. Later he finds a note asking him to meet at a bar, and he assumes it's from Isabella, who's been urging him to spend more time with her. When Isabella tells him otherwise, Roman goes off to investigate, but by the time he gets there Marlena is gone. Roman is intrigued by this mysterious turn of events. He tries but can't forget his preoccupation as he and Isabella enjoy their engagement party. Marlena can't get Roman out of her head, either, and by week's end fate will bring them together in an emotional, joyous reunion. SOAP OPERA WEEKLY, 8/20/91 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

♥ Storyline...Storyline Isabella Moves Out Of Roman's Life On DAYS OF OUR LIVES Roman discovers that Marlena is back in town and alive. Marlena moves back into her old home and begins reacquainting herself with family and friends in Salem. Roman and Bo begin working with Marlena to try and figure out where she's been for the past five years. Isabella, who had moved in with Roman, moves out. Roman is ultimately caught because he is in love with two women. They try to work it out, but the situation is not an easy one. Isabella is still very much a part of Roman's life. Thus it is difficult dealing with the emotional issues all around. The rivals for Roman's love are empathetic toward each other. They realize that there's nobody to blame...intellectually, but emotionally they are all being torn apart. SOAP OPERA UPDATE, 9/9/91 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

♥ DAYS Thriller: Romans Battle Over Marlena... Romans Finally Face Off Over Marlena: A desperate Roman escapes for the third time from the San Cristobal dungeon to save Marlena from the impostor who robbed him of his identity on DAYS OF OUR LIVES. And in a stunning series of action-packed episodes, Roman I, Marlena, and Roman II face a final confrontation on this tiny island. Daring Jail-Break: The action begins with Roman II (Drake Hogestyn) and Marlena's (Deidre Hall) harrowing flight through the eye of a tropical storm to reach the jungle island where Marlena, who was in a coma, was held captive for five years. At the same time, Roman I (Wayne Northrop) has broken out of the dungeon and commandeered a helicopter to fly back to his beloved Marlena. Little does he know that if he just stays where he is, she'll soon be with him. Crash: Marlena's plane manages to safely land on the island, but Roman I's helicopter is caught in the storm, crashes on the very same island and once again Roman I is captured by Luis and Gretchen. Marlena and Roman II are driven to uncover the secrets of the island and just miss running into Roman I several times - at the clinic, in the jungle, and even at the very dungeon where Roman I is being held prisoner. Roman II and Marlena grow closer as she relives the terrifying flashbacks of her days as a prisoner in the clinic. When he actually sees the dungeon, Roman II has flashbacks of himself in the dungeon, even though he doesn't remember being held prisoner there. They cling to each other for comfort, and the sexual tension between them builds to the boiling point. Spotting Roman II and Marlena in the jungle, Roman I becomes even more desperate to find a way to escape and reach them, especially when he remembers Luis' warning that Roman II has been programmed to kill Marlena if it suits his purposes. As Marlena and Roman II head back to the plane to leave the island, Roman I steals Luis' gun and escapes. In a race against time, the real Roman tracks down his wife and his impostor. Convinced that a sudden move will put Marlena's life in jeopardy, Roman I waits, carefully aiming his gun at Roman II, hoping for a clear shot. But Marlena is clinging closely to Roman II and time is running out for Roman I as his captors begin to close in on him. In upcoming weeks, the lovers face even more dangerous and deadly situations as the heart-stopping action continues. For all Roman I, Roman II and Marlena fans, these are must-see episodes. Stay tuned! Mary Ann Cooper, SOAP OPERA MAGAZINE, 10/8/91 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Roman Redux: DAYS' Roman Comes Face-To-Face With Himself A clash of the Romans has been inevitable on DAYS since the two men discovered they have been using the same identity. The real Roman (Wayne Northrop) was so upset with Roman II (Drake Hogestyn) that he even tried to kill him. This week, the showdown continues as each Roman claims the other is an impostor. Since Marlena (Deidre Hall) has married both of them, she insists the three of them work together to find out what's really going on. Hall admits it's an unusual story: "I think it's the missing-in-action story that we're playing out. Now Wayne is the missing-in-action character. (We've already) had a chance to see the way Drake played it (when Roman returned five years ago). I'll be most curious about what the audience wants to see." As the trio heads home to Salem, emotions run high, and it won't be long until they reach the boiling point. SOAP OPERA WEEKLY, 10/15/91 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

♥ Secrets! Who'll Get Caught In The Web Of Deceit? DAYS: Can Isabella Trust The Father Of Her Unborn Child? Ssshhh...Secrets Kept, Secrets Revealed: Just Who Is The Father Of Isabella's Baby? Secret: Isabella (Staci Greason) is pregnant by John Black (Drake Hogestyn), the man she - and the rest of Salem - thought was Roman until the real Roman's (Wayne Northrop) recent return. Who Knows: Marcus (Richard Biggs) and Bo (Peter Reckell) are the only ones who know about IzzyB's predicament, although others - her father, Victor (John Aniston), in particular - suspect. Who Doesn't: John Black (or whoever he is) has no idea he's going to be a father for real. (During his years as Roman he played daddy to twins Eric and Sam.) (OOPS! This is wrong. Her name is "Sami" not "Sam" and they forgot Carrie, who was Roman Brady and Anna Fredericks' daughter.) What Happens This Week: Isabella confronts Victor because she thinks he's turned John into one of his goons. Not sure, and afraid of who John really is, Isabella is afraid to tell him that she's expecting. John and Bo join forces to nail Victor. Possible Consequences: If John Black turns out to be an assassin, all of Salem, especially Isabella and her baby, could be in jeopardy. SOAP OPERA WEEKLY, 11/5/91