Outstanding performer for the week of Aug. 27

JACK DEVERAUX "CAME OUT OF THE CLOSET" THIS week on Days of Our Lives to squelch Greta's growing romantic interest. The hilarious results should mark a coming-out party for Matthew Ashford as an elite actor, thanks to his impeccable comedic timing, delivery, and animated facial expressions.
After blurting out, "I'm gay," without a forethought, Jack waited anxiously for Greta's reaction, as Ashford painted a look of sheer bewilderment on his face. When Greta readily swallowed his story, Jack's whole demeanor shifted. Ashford's face said it all as his jaw dropped and his eyes bugged out.
Greta admitted that the "signs" -- his love of shopping and decorating -- were there all along, inciting an indignant Jack to shift into defensive mode. Ashford conveyed Jack's exasperation and outrage by rambling as he justified Jack's artistic sensibilities, exuding nervous energy and emoting full-speed.
With every mention of the word gay, Jack became increasingly uncomfortable. Ashford subtly squirmed in his chair and wiped his sweaty brow. When Greta vowed to support him when he came out to everyone in Salem, Jack was absolutely paralyzed. Ashford sat perfectly still, with a deer-caught-in-headlights stare. When Jack could finally speak, he declared that there would be no coming out; Greta was the first and last person to know.
Flattered that Jack had confided in her, Greta announced that she might cry. "I may join you," Jack retorted without missing a beat (Ashford's delivery was pure deadpan). But Greta insisted that Jack not be sad. In fact, he should be proud for bravely revealing the "truth." Matthew Ashford should be just as proud of his spectacular performance.
- Janet Di Lauro

Outstanding performer for the week of Sept. 24

DAYS OF OUR LIVES’ JENNIFER HAD TO BE THE bad guy when she turned down Jack’s surprise proposal, but her portrayer, Melissa Reeves, was charming as she conveyed Jennifer’s conflicting emotions. Part of her wanted to scold Jack, the other part wanted to kiss him.
Jack went all out for Jennifer’s birthday, and while she enjoyed the evening, she knew her ex was up to something. “You are being so serious, you have been all night, and you’re making me a wreck,” she cautiously remarked. She was right. Jack dropped to one knee and popped the question.
Reeves’ subtle reactions – she lowered her head and grew very quiet – proved Jennifer still cared for Jack and didn’t want to hurt him, but she couldn’t shake the underlying feeling that he would revert to his old ways. The pained look on Reeves’ face said it all: Jennifer just couldn’t take that chance again.
Jennifer tried to let down Jack as gently as possible, but he angrily stormed off. She finally dropped her guard with Alice and Hope, questioning her decision and allowing herself a good cry.
Jennifer later toughened up for a frank talk with daughter Abigail. Reeves is a natural at these mother/daughter scenes, and she lights up opposite the very mature Megan Corletto (Abigail). Abigail is often the “adult” in the family, and Reeves’ thoughtful reactions – a bright smile or a head tilt – reveal that Jennifer learns as much about life and love from her daughter as her daughter does from her.
Afterward, Jennifer clutched her blanket and wondered aloud if she should have said yes to Jack. Scratch that. Jennifer got an eyeful when a drunken Jack arrived home with Greta and “kissed” her. Reeves’ eyes popped open, her jaw dropped, and she stomped around the house before lighting into him.
Fortunately, while Jennifer’s mouth said “no”, her actions say “maybe”, which is hopeful news for the legions of Jack and Jennifer fans.
- Tonya Lensch