I haven't watched today's episode yet but I'm going to say something. #Days

The thing about Jarlena and their extensive brood is that they feel like a family. The DiMeras all hate each other. The Kiriakises all hate each other. There aren't a lot of Hortons and Bradys left on screen, but when they are together it somehow feels obligatory. #Days

For instance, Hope and Ciara feels forced, but that could just be Ciara's characterization atm. Julie picks and chooses which Hortons she cares about on any given day. Rafe is always judging Gabi. #Days

John and Marlena's group has it's fights/disagreements (Brady and Eric, Sami and everyone) but at the end of the day, those arguments always feel organic. You can feel the underlining love and affection between them. Even when Sami is at her most insane, she's always loved

despite what she may have thought and believed in the past. Brady and Eric always make up because they're brothers and, at the end of the day, they love each other. This family doesn't stick together because of some sense of "blood loyalty" like the DiMeras and Kiriakises.

They're just a family. They're the heart of the show and scenes like the other day with Ericole and Jarlena and today with Marlena, Will, and Ericole are what drive and ground it. #Days

I've always loved the Horton Christmas tree trimming because it was a wonderful glimpse into a family tradition, when there used to a bucket load of Hortons on canvas. And the Brady July 4th bbq for the same reason, when there were a ton of Bradys on. #Days