Doug and Julie. Bo and Hope. John and Marlena.

If you're a DAYS fan then you know who these couples are. Each duo has transcended the genre. For those inside the world of suds, these couples have earned the moniker ‘super couple’ for the often-insurmountable obstacles they have faced on their journey toward love.

Who has set the standard?

GH’s Luke and Laura, of course. Yet in the decades since their inception, this soap staple has grown tired and stale.

According to Wikipedia, a super couple is "a romantic pairing on a program that becomes extremely popular with fans, captivates the audience's attention, exceeds the network's expectations and transcends the normal pairings on the show. Often, the super couple will become a de facto symbol for the show itself."

What makes a super couple super?

Usually, a super couple storyline will involve the initial courtship of the couple, with the couple facing seemingly insurmountable challenges via plot devices such as differing socio-economic backgrounds, family opposition, simple misunderstandings, marriages to other people, children with other people, etc. In the end, though, the two characters that make up the super couple will usually reunite and marry.

DAYS writers have lost the edge and have made numerous failed attempts at manufacturing super couples in the hopes of pumping up their anemic ratings. Fans will often glom onto any couple regardless of their story potential for no other reason than that the actors happen to have chemistry together. In the end, the single-minded and narrow-minded effort to find the next super couple has eroded the genre, making it predictable and boring.

I propose that serious changes need to be made beginning with Grandpa Shawn/Caroline/Victor. Grandpa Shawn is a shady character and not deserving of Caroline’s affections. Victor, on the other hand, is truly in love with her and Caroline is the only one who is capable of keeping him grounded. Victor would protect her with his life. Can you imagine that show’s energy is Victor tried to get out of hand only to have Caroline tactfully reel him back in to reality? What to do with Grandpa Shawn? Well, I think his sordid past needs to catch up with him.

Another couple, which I believe will happen, is Sami and E.J. They have chemistry that she and Lucas lack. This duo would be another showstopper. Sami is energetic and unstoppable and E.J., despite being a DiMera, is gentle and enamored with her antics. Lucas is just plain immature.

Speaking of immature, trying to model Shawn D. after his pop is not working. It’s time this character find his way and grow up. Belle and Philip belong together. Their on-screen time sizzles with an unspoken passion. Unleash it!
Finally, Tony and Anna need to be reunited – after they have overcome emotional obstacles related to Anna’s past with Roman. Perhaps even Roman and Anna should be coupled for the time being.

The super couple is certainly a unique daytime invention, and can, when done correctly, provide hours if not years of intrigue and entertainment to fans. I believe DAYS writers need to step out of their comfort zone, look at who really does have chemistry and let it go. Only then, will the excitement return.