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This week, on Days of Our Lives, Aiden Jennings (Daniel Cosgrove) returned! After escaping imprisonment in a DiMera cell, following months of strategic and arduous planning, Aiden made a shocking re-entry into Salem, and especially back into Hope Brady’s (Kristian Alfonso) life.
Although Aiden began the retelling of his saga of captivity to Hope, with an awkward lie regarding the date of his capture, Aiden pleads with Hope to believe he never intended to do her any harm. Aiden further expresses his ongoing, unending love for the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.
While Hope begins to believe Aiden may truly be all he claims to be, she is clearly not convinced enough to accept him yet. Nor does Hope trust Aiden’s current intentions toward her as he admitted his initial responsibility upon arriving in Salem was to do Stefano DiMera’s (Joseph Mascolo) bidding — the assignment… to seduce Hope thereby distracting her from thoughts of her absent husband, Bo (Peter Reckel).
There are many loopholes to this story, especially for those who recall how, and when, Aiden arrived on the scene, coupled with his first encounters with Hope.
Adding to Hope’s complicated life, Bo Brady, at death’s door, approached Rafe Hernandez (Galen Gering), aware of Rafe’s infatuation with Hope, requesting he care for her after Bo dies. Although Rafe tried to deny his true feelings, Bo dismissed Rafe’s protestations in the interest of Bo’s short time remaining, needing the reassurance Hope would be supported by someone who cared deeply for her.
Hope and Rafe’s growing connection has developed into romance and, recently, both verbalized their admissions of love to one another. However, with Aiden’s return, Hope is clearly overwhelmed and her emotions are brought to the brink.
As much as I have tried, I can not find my way to “siding” with #teamHaiden or #teamRope. I still think after decades of the ongoing, and powerful, love between Hope and Bo, as well as the turmoil following the night faux-Aiden attacked Hope following their wedding, and was killed in the act, Hope needs to become her own, strong woman again, before committing to any other man.
In addition, too many questions about Aiden’s past are left up in the air for me to feel comfortable with a Hope/Aiden reunion at this time. A Hope/Rafe romance progressing despite Aiden’s return seems doomed without further knowledge of Aiden’s true past.
Please share your thoughts and remember to stay respectful of each other! Feel free to add new comments, or reply to others commenting. Let’s talk! I would love to hear your views and theories concerning what we know and what we have seen… so far!!!
I’ve actually thought about this a lot. I think the only solution that really makes sense is for Hope and Rafe, not that I dislike Aiden, I did like her and Aiden together. The reason it won’t work is because of the rape situation with Chase & Ciara. The complication that creates is more than the simple personality or jealousy that happens with siblings from different parents. I feel that any future Haiden relationship is doomed. Of course, the writers just may go there because there would certainly be storyline for lots and lots of drama with the kids. Only time will tell!
After reflecting on your reasoning, I can see that will most definitely have a huge influence going forward… or should have a huge influence. I hope the writers take this issue into account, which could actually make for an even more dramatic storyline if Hope does want to reunite with Aiden but won’t because of Chase.
The writers made a big mistake when they demonized Aiden, killed him off and had Bo hand off Hope to Rafe like a piece of meat. Then the awful story of Chase raping Ciara. Now they are in damage control and trying to fix things. Hope and Rafe have no chemistry IMO and it looks like the actors are not into it. Haiden always had chemistry and can be fixed with proper writing. They rewrote Aiden’s history to write him off. I am team Haiden!
I do hope there’s a way to re-write all the convoluted history that we’ve seen in Aiden’s backstory. It certainly keeps my head spinning. Let’s hope those writers can work out all the strange turns that have been inserted and give a clearer view. Prior to Bo’s return I was definitely #teamHaiden.
I do like that Aiden has a character development now, because under TomSell, there wasn’t much there. Now it is clear he worked for the Dimeras to ruin whatever was left of Bo/Hope, covered Meredith’s death up, thought about killing Hope for her money and yes he contines to lie – I don’t want that for Hope since she’s my favorite on the show! The Hope I know would never put up with that type of garbage and the fact the writers would even remotely push it would make Hope a complete idiot and out of character. Plus that rape between Chase and Ciara still makes my flesh crawl. I can’t see even Ciara wanting to remotely be a Cheeleader for Hope getting back with Aiden with the possibility of Chase getting off on rape charges. Just no thanks to Aiden and Hope. And no I am not against Rafe and Hope I just need the writers to write them better. Like give Rafe more of backbone in this storyline.
I think you have a lot of good points. Past writing of Aiden, and then significant changes have caused confusion and disjointed story going forward. So much is involved now!
I would also like to see the return of Rafe to the strong character I think we’re losing.
I’m just so happy that Aiden is back! And I love him and hope together! They just have this amazing chemistry that leaves us wanting more❤️For KA&DC it just comes naturally and that’s why I love them together it’s not forced! Rafe and hope should STAY FRIENDS! I want #Haiden together! I think it’s best! And as for the chase thing Kayla married Steve who is the brother of the man that raped her so….. What chase did has nothing to do with Aiden! In my opinion.
I’m hoping without too much more changing of the past, we can see Aiden redeemed. In addition, I would love to see both Rafe & Aiden back up and let Hope grow again.
I am looking forward to seeing how Aiden helps Chase. You’re right about Steve, Kayla, & Jack. Interesting point.
It’s kind of different though I think when it comes to the difference between Steve Kayla and Jack and Hope Aiden Ciara and Chase. Kayla really didn’t have to be around Jack much after he raped her, and Steve was on board with her. With Chase and Ciara there would be a conflict between the two parents and be traumatizing to Ciara to have to be around chase, just as Kayla hated being near Jack right after her rape. That being said, I think the writers really screwed up what Haiden was originally, and forced Rope way too fast… Will be interesting to see how they fix it
I hope the writers are brave enough to take on the huge hurdle of Chase raping Ciara. This will be a tough mountain to climb and I hope the writers can find a way to deal with this, especially if the actually want to reunite Aiden with Hope. I still want Hope to be independent for a while.
I agree, we need the old hope back who was able to be an independent woman and be strong without a man to take care of her 24/7! They should leave her be single for awhile before rushing into anything with Aiden especially since she needs to figure out what’s going on with Rafe as well.
I agree with you assessment, I can’t buy either one but especially Aiden. Aiden although not the Aiden that tried to kill her, he still plotted her murder. He is a liar and he was going along with the plot to kill her. If I am forced to pick a side, then I pick Rafe but my heart will always below to Bo.
I miss Bo too and wish neither relationship would be rushed. I admit, if I was to have to choose, I find myself waffling back and forth like a ping pong ball!
I liked Aiden with Hope but then Higley arrived and starting rewriting his character so she could have her dream paring of Rafe and Hope. It’s common knowledge that Higley loves the Hernandez’ and although I’ve always liked Rafe, I don’t think Galen (as an actor) and Rafe (as a character) are strong enough to carry the show. I agree that Hope just should be single for a while. It irks me that the characters always have to paired up. An option for Will would have been for him, after Sonny left, to divorce Sonny and become a strong single gay father. Also back to Aiden, it’s appalling what Griffith and Higley did to Chase.
I agree about several of your points, the most significant being that Hope does NOT need to be paired up. I would love to see her as a strong woman — which she was before the Aiden writing change started. I hope we see Hope’s strength again soon!
I love Haiden. My favorite couple on the show. I so want then back together. It’s a soap, any obstacle can be overcome. Rafe and Hope together are just awful. There’s zero chemistry. Hope is weak and made to be totally dependent around him. Put him with someone else and have Hope realize she still loves Aiden.
I hope the writers can find a way out of all the confusing backstory issues added to Aiden’s story!
In the final analysis, the heart wants what it wants. Hope’s heart is drawn to Aiden & I believe he will prove his love for Hope again& they will reunite. Aiden has never lied about loving Hope. He is a flawed character but his heart is in the right place. I believe that Hope’s love transformed him into a better person. This is a classic love story. Very similar to Doug and Julie. Hope does need
time to think this through as well. As for Rafe, I think that Rafe is a sweet friend
but that is it. I see no longing by Hope for Rafe. He says sweet things but he doesn’t bring out heart-racing passion in Hope. I think the flawed characters such as Aiden are the ones that can really draw you in. Daniel is an absolutely fantastic actor and brings out Kristian’s best.
While I’m not sure how this will all play out, I hope there is a plausible way to redeem Aiden after the backstory that has been added, incorporating a major DiMera association.
Daniel Cosgrove is an outstanding actor and I’m thrilled to see him back on DOOL! I watched him on two previous soaps and am glad to see him on the small screen again.
I have never trusted the character of Aiden and I don’t believe a word he says! I hope that the end result will be rope after time! This is coming from a long die hard Bo and Hope fan!.
That says a lot about how you feel–I’m a long-time #Bope fan too. I’m certainly curious as to how this will all play out.
This is going to be a hard-sell overall for those who both supported and didn’t support Aiden.
I agree with most of what Pinky wrote, and with Robert Dorsett. When Aiden first showed up there was real potential. But the show blew their chance. The changes is writing teams destroyed what could have been an it couple for the next 5 – 10 yrs. Now the show is in damage control mode. Unlike Pinky I don’t think there’s anyway for this train wreck to be salvaged. I like both Galen and Rafe, but I just don’t see any chemistry there. As Robert says, the best option for now is to let Hope be a single mom helping her daughter heal from the rape.
I certainly hope there is a way to give Aiden back a life as he had it before the huge DiMera involvement–I’m just not sure. I’ve never been completely sure about #Rope and am still on the fence. I’ll definitely be watching closely!
As a Haiden (mostly Aiden) fan, I was furious how the new writers rewrote history and killed him off. Since Aiden supposedly was working for Stefano since day one, little Chase, Ciara and Father Matt and Father Louie must have all been in on the big conspiracy. Haiden met because of the kids and were forced to work together. We saw Aiden struggling with being attracted to Hope etc. But, we were expected to just forget all that for a contrived story to fit Bo’s short return and eventual Rope set up.
Dena trying to manipulate viewers by having Bo “give” Hope to Rafe was supposed to clear the way for Rope. It worked to a certain extent as I do see a few “that’s what Bo wanted”. However, it was too soon, poorly written with a murder and cover up and there is just no chemistry between them. KA is phoning it in with GG. This week she has actually seemed engaged in her scenes with DC.
I have no idea how all this will play out but to say Hope can never be with Aiden for whatever reason etc. This is a soap opera. Aiden may have been blackmailed into plotting her murder but Hope actually killed an old man in a wheelchair, covered it up with her police partner and framed someone else. I’d say they are on a level playing field.
Re-writing history (especially recent history), as you point out, has definitely incorporated some big hurdles since the youngsters and priests were the people who brought Aiden & Hope together! LOL
I do feel it’s going to take quite a bit to find a way to both redeem Aiden, and get all the fans on board as so many are disgruntled by the altered story.
Thank for these great reminders!
I liked Adien when he was on the first time. But not some much now. How can Hope go back to Adien when his son raped her daughter. No mother would do that. I also do not like Hope with Rafe. Hope has moved from man to man to man in the last six months. Time fir her to be a mother to Cieria. I do not like this Hope. I think it is because she is being written so out of chartacter. Also because Hope and Rafe are on 4/5 days a week. Way to much. Hardly ever see other couples. Scenes are being cut to show them. I think it is time to back burner Rafe and Hope for a while. I have nothing against Kristian Alfonso and Galen Gerring. But enough of them.
I think we both feel that Hope needs to focus on herself and Ciara before she moves onto including a man in her life. While it’s healthy to enjoy a romance, getting too involved right now just seems wrong.
I liked Aiden very much and hope the writers at DOOL can redeem him.
I love aiden,and haiden they have that beautiful amazing chemistry.as for rope they have 0 chemistry.and Daniel Cosgrove is such a phenomenal amazing actor.I want them to take things slow but want haiden to reunite. And aiden can’t be blamed for what chase did.it wouldn’t be right if hope blamed him for that.I believe they will get thru this.I’m a true haiden dan
I think Aiden & Hope had great chemistry and hope there is some way for them to at least have a friendship again. This storyline lends itself to Hope taking a step back and finding herself again. I hope we can see Aiden redeemed soon!
I like the Aiden character and the actor. I hope that he moves away from Hope to rebuild his life in Salem and concentrate on helping his son. There are a lot of questions to be answered about Aiden and I am sure we don’t know the whole truth yet.
I think Hope should take a little break from men for awhile. She really needs to put her house in order before inviting someone to share it with her. She should concentrate on helping Ciara and Jennifer. We haven’t seen her visit Maggie since her “accident”.
I can’t reconcile myself to Hope killing Stefano and hiding his body with Rafe’s help. I am holding both characters at arm’s length now.
All in all, it is pretty soapy.
I agree, Daisy! I would love to see Aiden given a storyline independent (at least somewhat) of Hope. DC is an amazing actor and doesn’t need to be in a couple to be exciting.
I would love to see Hope work on her own life before adding an intense romance. There is still so much unresolved about Ciara, and I like the idea of her supporting Jennifer too. You’re right — Hope also needs to lend support to Maggie and they haven’t had a scene together in a while.
It seems everyone is focusing on Chase raping Ciara as the main obstacle between Hope and Aiden, when it’s just one obstacle. Are we forgetting Aiden actually planned to murder Hope, the woman he claims to love beyond doubt. He changed her life insurance so that he would benefit financially from her death, and she still doesn’t know about this deceitful act. How can he be trusted? Having Sami overlook the awful things EJ did to her is what ruined that pairing for me. Regardless of how much Aiden loves Hope, he was going to kill her. I don’t care if he did change his mind at the last minute. He thought about it and that’s more than enough for me to never support Hope and Aiden as a couple.
I completely understand where you’re coming from and have continued to wonder how the writers will find a way to Aiden’s redemption. I think this is going to be a longer, rather than speedy, journey. There is a lot to overcome, including the “new why” Aiden came to town, as well as the fact that the reality of Aiden’s true actions are still known by the audience. I hope this becomes an exciting, and well-written, storyline.
First I am bope so I would have liked to see Hope with no man for at least a year or so and with everything that happend be focused on Ciara And Jennifer etc and Rafe being a good friend.
Due to bad writing Aiden is a no go. If they would have wanted this to work they should not have made Aiden “evil”. They could have let Bo crash the wedding explain what happend Hope chooses Bo, Aiden would leave and then Bo would have died Aiden would come back but that maybe would have been boring. But now…
There are 4 big reasons why the character Hope would never can take Aiden back.
1. He work(ed) for/with the dimeras
2. With Aidens own story he was hired to seduce her to keep her mind from Bo. So if Aiden would not have been there theoretical she may would have searched for Bo and found him sooner (I know that in that time Bo would not come back and they would have written something else) so Aiden is a reason that has kept her from the love of her life. She could never forgive him for that.
3. Ciara’s rape by Chase. If there was any chance Hope could forgive Aiden for the first 2 points the love for her daughter should prevent her to be with the father of the rapist (bad writing if they wanted haiden) who wants his son out because he thinks he wasn’t himself.
4 Aiden lies about the time of kidnapping if that comes out. How could Hope forgive him for even thinking about killing her and change her insurance thing etc.
So due to bad writing Aiden could never be redeemed.
So with this choice it’s rope
I do believe all your points are very strong. I’m with you in thinking Hope should have spent a great deal more time after Bo died before becoming involved with anyone else. I keep hoping there’s some way to redeem Aiden, but it will be extremely challenging and I’m not sure whether the writers could bring it off.
I’m still wishing to see Hope become a stronger, independent person as she used to be. The continually calling Rafe for help is getting a bit annoying & seems out of character. (IMO)
Thank you so much for contributing!