Days of Our Lives (U.S.)

I think Paul had more dialogue in these scenes than in the past few months.

Why did Paul need Gabi and J.J. to chaperone his date? He's a grown man who has had numerous relationships with men, casual and otherwise. I’d think he’d be able to handle himself. That whole thing was a bit strange.

I'm surprised Paul is still around since the show clearly has no intention on writing for him. And what was the point of that scene between Paul and Jacob going to some party since we’ll never see Jacob again and it meant nothing in terms of story? Besides, Paul used to be an MLB baseball player. I'm sure he's been to more than a few 'mind blowing' parties.

Gabi is stunning, I agree with JJ on that. They make a cute couple. But I wonder why the show isn’t writing for them at all. They are barely on and they have no story. Like Paul, I’m wondering why either of them are still around.

I’ve barely watched Days in months, not just because they did away with the gay characters, I just don't like the show. It's dark, depressing and dull. I’d watch if it were good. But it isn’t.

EastEnders (U.K.)

So Paul is in love with Ben? That’s no surprise since Paul has been mooning after Ben for months. The problem is that we haven’t seen those feelings develop on screen. Most of Paul and Ben’s scenes are them before or after sex or when Ben is telling Paul to get lost. We haven’t seen them getting to know each other and we sure as hell haven’t seen the warm, funny guy that Paul described to his grandparents.

That said, I did like that scene where Paul confessed his feelings to Ben and told Ben he needed to decide. I’d like to think that was a turning point in the story, and Ben comes out but it probably won’t be. I imagine the closeted affair will continue intermittently like it has for the past year until Abi finds out in highly dramatic fashion.

With Abi and Ben moving in together, I’m guessing she catches Paul and Ben in bed together. Let’s hope she doesn’t have a gun. Cause she’d take them both out.

Emmerdale (U.K.)

Well, one thing is for sure: Aaron and Robert are definately getting back together. Amid Robert telling Aaron he still loved him and Aaron’s dramatic confession about his father repeatedly raping him as a child the show made it clear Robert and Aaron are ‘destiny’ and a reunion is inevitable. Robert even told the nurse that Aaron was his boyfriend. If that doesn’t convince you, nothing will.

Robert helping Aaron to recover from being sexually abused by his dad is Robert’s redemption story. So forget that Robert killed Katie, tried to kill Chas and Paddy, kidnapped and tied Aaron to a radiator not to mention all the other terrible things he’s done. Wuv is all that matters. Bah.

The show is pandering to the Aaron/Robert fans and using this woeful tale of Aaron’s sexual abuse to do it. Cynical maybe, but that’s how it’s coming across on screen. I mean, Robert and Aaron spend about the same time discussing their broken relationship as they do Aaron confessing his secret. And that obvious attempt at manipulation is kinda taking me out of the story.

But there’s no denying that the acting is terrific. Danny Miller is one of the show’s most talented performers and he did an excellent job at showing Aaron’s pain, anguish and shame over what had happened to him. These are the kind of emotionally raw scenes he excels at.

Ryan Hawley was good as well, mostly in his support of Aaron, but also showing how Robert has grown a bit in being able to fully embrace and admit his feelings for Aaron, even if he can’t handle the ‘g’ word.

But beyond the show using childhood sexual abuse as a turning point in Aaron and Robert’s tumultuous romance, another huge problem I have is with Gordon and his motivation.

Why is Gordon back and why is he so determined to stick around and become part of Aaron’s life? Surely he has to know that the longer he’s around the truth is more likely to come out. So Gordon planting himself in the middle of Aaron's life given the past doesn’t make much sense.

Hit The Floor (U.S.)

Now that was a fun episode. And there were a couple of really good scenes.

I really liked Jude and Lucas’ date where Jude talked about his feelings for Zero and how much he loved him. I enjoyed getting that insight. I imagine Zero feels the same way but he’d never let Jude see that.

The little triangle that’s forming could be delicious, but I hope that Jude actually gives Lucas a chance. They have chemistry. It would be fun to see Jude actually torn between the two guys. But will Zero sleep with Lucas before Jude can just to ruin things between Lucas and Jude? Now I can see that happening.

And I’m loving Zero amassing his own power plays, even if that’s probably why he can never really be with Jude.

In terms of the rest of the show, I thought that scene between Jelena and her mother was terrific with some unusually solid acting. I think Jelena needs to let up on her mother and give her a chance though. She deserves it.

I figured that Pete hadn’t hired that bodyguard. He would have told Sloane. Let’s hope he figures it out before it’s too late and races to the rescue.

Hollyoaks (U.K.)

Well that was like a lead balloon hitting you over the head. Given that talk about John Paul’s father and that he’s never knew him then her pulling that picture of JP out of her desk, she obviously has an attachment to him. The show did say that Ms. St. Claire had some secrets and one of them is obviously that John Paul is her son that she fathered before she was transitioned from a man into a woman.

JP was probably the reason why she came to town in the first place, she wants to get to know her son. We'll just ignore that only a few episodes before she had quit her job and was going to leave town. LOL!

I’m okay with the story and I’ll be interesting to see how JP handles it when the truth comes out. I’m just wondering if it fits what we know about JP’s dad, not that it matters on this show.

For you long time viewers, what are the established deets about JP’s daddy?

But while this story has potential, I am hoping for a new romance for JP soon. Shame that Lockie was written out. I know there is a new gay coming on the show so I assume he's for JP since JP is single. And if that's the case can the new guy be A) not married B) not closeted C) faithful D) doesn't go anywhere near Ste. That’s not too much to ask, is it?

Neighbours (Australia)

Don’t hurry back, Nate!

I know that Meyne Wyatt left the show do to a play and will return, but I wouldn’t miss him if he didn’t. I don’t think Nate is a particularly interesting character and his relationship with Aaron is boring. I would have loved for that last scene between them to be the end of it so Aaron can move on.

I certainly hope Aaron isn’t just going to sit around and do nothing while Nate is gone. Maybe a new man for Aaron and then Nate comes back and there’s a triangle?

As for the story, I wish the show had of done something with Nate’s PTSD all along rather than bring it up for this plot point. I've always felt it could have been a compelling ongoing storyline and one not often seen in soaps.

River City (Scotland)

Ugh. Caitlin won’t be winning any mother of the year awards. She knows Patrick was telling the truth about Drew’s self abuse, but instead of facing it she accuses Patrick of being a sexual predator to his employers so he'll get fired? Bitch.

I do hope this is resolved quickly. Patrick does not deserve that and she’s only going to make Drew’s problems worse. Like Patrick said, she’s part of the problem. For example, with all their money woes, I’ve never heard Caitlin actually consider going to work and getting a job. Instead she hounds her teenage son to bring home the bacon.

Why do I have the feeling that Robbie's business problems are going to lead to him leaving the show? His latest arc is starting to feel like an exit storyline. I wouldn’t be too upset about it as Robbie has never been a favorite of mine. River City has always had gays on the canvas so I'm not concerned about that. And maybe Robbie leaving might lead to more of a focus on Patrick.

Should Kelly-Marie be around paint at this stage in her pregnancy?

Secret Lives (Finland)

How did Elias just happen to show up at the beach where Lari was meeting Kalle? It reminds me of when Elias used to trail Lari all over town like a bad smell. And watching him pout when Kalle showed up for his date with Lari? Whatever.

I’d feel sorry for Elias, he clearly wasn’t happy about Kalle and Lari getting back together, but Elias should have gotten over Lari well over a year ago when Lari told him, more than once, that it was over and he wanted to be with Kalle.

I thought Kalle and Lari might get back together at some point, but I’m surprised it happened so quickly. I can’t wait until Kristiina finds out. She is not going to be happy.

The question is: what’s next? Kalle and Lari are back together and Elias is moving into another storyline. But it can’t be over between Lari and Elias, even if it's time to give them a nice long rest. I don’t think they should reunite, but I just assume they will given how popular the couple is over in Finland, even though they haven’t been together for over 2 years

Loved the shot of Kalle climbing out of bed naked. We even got a butt shot. Not sure why it was necessary, but I appreciated it.

For those who watch the entire show, what’s the deal about Elias’ new job? Why doesn't Elias’ daddy want him working for Aki?

The Fosters (U.S.)

Those boys are getting older. Connor looks like he’s definitely filling out and getting buff. He’s not going to be able to pass for 13 much longer. Though in Connor’s case I don’t think it matters.

Chris Bruno is even hotter than when he played gay teacher Michael Delany back in the ‘90’s on All My Children. Swoon! Time has been very good to him.

I liked that scene where Connor’s dad came by and apologized to Jude. That was really sweet, but it also leads to a gripe I’ve always had with this storyline.

Why aren’t we seeing these scenes with Connor and his dad where Connor is being asked to stay? In fact, I've always wished we got more scenes from Connor’s point of view and how he feels. The story would be so much more meaningful (at least to me) if we did.

However, Connor’s goodbye seemed permanent to me. I think he’ll appear once or twice before he and Jude say goodbye for good. Besides, it looks like they’ve already got a new boyfriend for Jude in the form of Jack.

While I like Connor and Jude, I’m okay with that. I know that’ll upset the fangurls, but you don’t stay with the first guy you kiss, especially when you’re 13.

What’s up with that shady lady working with Callie? Why did she screw Jack over like that? Hmm....

THIS WEEK IN SPOILERS

EastEnders: Paul tells Ben he has decide between he and Abi once and for all. Ben admits to Paul that he loves him too and wants to be with him. Ben just needs time to gather his courage to tell his family and friends, not to mention his crazy girlfriend. But when someone else finds out about Paul and Ben’s relationship, just how long can he keep it secret?

Emmerdale: Gordon confronts Aaron about the rape accusations, insisting that Aaron’s memories are not accurate. Aaron stands his ground, saying that what happened really did occur. Eventually, however, Gordon manages to plant doubts in Robert’s mind -- and Aaron’s as well. But is Aaron right or is Gordon just manipulating everyone around him?

River City: Patrick is stunned when he’s fired from coaching the football team and accused of being sexually inappropriate with Drew.

However, Patrick is so distracted by his sister Kelly-Marie’s medical crisis after she was shoved down the stairs by Alex’s evil mother that he can't be bothered to defend himself.

With Patrick at Kelly-Marie’s bedside, Robbie makes his business to get to the truth and clear Patrick’s name. It doesn’t take Robbie long to find out that Caitlin made the false accusation. This leads to a terrific clash between Robbie and Caitlin which has dire ramifications for Drew.

TEASERS FOR NEXT WEEK

Coronation Street: Sean is the victim of theft.

Emmerdale: News of Aaron’s rape spreads throughout the village.

Hollyoaks: James’ schemes to take his father to court; Tony tries to patch things up with Harry.

Holby City: Dom is desperate to hide a terrible secret.

Neighbours: Aaron gets the blame for the scandal surrounding Sonya’s campaign.

River City: Robbie makes some big decisions about his future.

That’s it for this edition of Langford On Soaps. Please share your comments on the thoughts and opinions expressed in this week's column below. See you next week!