Lani Price

Lani Price is a fictional character from Days of Our Lives, an American soap opera on the NBC network, portrayed by Sal Stowers. The character made her first appearance on September 25, 2015, and was introduced as a rookie police cadet at the Salem police department and she is later revealed to be the long-lost daughter of Mayor Abe Carver (James Reynolds). Lani struggles to find a place on the canvas and is quickly written out in the summer of 2016 when Stowers, along with several other cast members, are released.

Lani Price
Days of Our Lives character
Portrayed bySal Stowers
Duration2015–present
First appearanceSeptember 25, 2015
Created byJosh Griffith and Dena Higley
Introduced byAlbert Alarr, Ken Corday and Greg Meng
ClassificationPresent; regular
Profile
Occupation
ResidenceSalem, Illinois

Lani, now a detective, is reintroduced in December 2016 when she returns to checkup on Abe who has been shot. Lani's return breaks up JJ Deveraux's (Casey Moss) with Gabi Hernandez (Camila Banus) as it is revealed she is the woman JJ cheated with. Lani and JJ become partners at the Salem PD, and soon start dating. Meanwhile, Lani clashes with senior detective and Gabi's new boyfriend Eli Grant (Lamon Archey). The fiercely independent Lani finds herself in trouble when she is dosed with drugs after refusing to wait for backup during an investigation. She keeps her struggles with withdrawal to herself, but she thaws toward Eli when he supports her through this ordeal. Lani's relationship with JJ crumbles when he shoots her unarmed teenage brother Theo Carver (Kyler Pettis). Lani's hopes of a reunion are crushed when she finds JJ in bed with Gabi and she turns to Eli for comfort. While the affair results in the stillbirth of their son, and Eli and Lani ultimately find love through their grief.

While the writing for Lani was not always well received, Stowers received praise for her portrayal of Lani during her grief over her son. Lani's romance with Eli also becomes quite popular among viewers and critics alike and the two make history in 2020 as the first African-American couple in Days of Our Lives history to marry on-screen.

Storylines

Lani came to Salem in 2015 and took a special interest in Mayor Abe Carver.[1][2] The ambitious Lani befriended fellow officer Rafe Hernandez (Galen Gering) when he had her consult on two high profile homicide cases on her first day.[3][4] Lani asked Rafe on a date but he insisted they ketp things strictly professional. However, Rafe and Lani attended Salem's Bicentennial together so they didn't have to go alone.[5][6] At the party, Abe confronted Lani about the pictures of him he had found on her laptop and Lani revealed she is Abe's daughter with Tamara Price (Marilyn McCoo). While Abe welcomed Lani with open arms, he hesitated to tell his autistic teenage son Theo for fear of his reaction. However, Lani helped Theo call for help when his friend Joey Johnson (James Lastovic) collapsed.[7] Lani bonded with Theo over baseball but when Abe told him they were brother and sister, Theo didn't take it well.[8] With the help of JJ Deveraux, Lani arrested serial killer Ben Weston (Robert Scott Wilson) and she was then promoted to detective.[9][10]

In 2016, Theo confided in Lani that he was being cyber bullied and she encouraged him to confide in Abe. Lani gave up on a potential romance with Rafe when she realized he was in love with Hope Brady (Kristian Alfonso). Lani soon took an interest in Hope's son Shawn-Douglas Brady (Brandon Beemer) and they started dating.[11] Lani told Shawn that she was falling for him and confided in him about a bad breakup. Their plans to consummate the relationship are interrupted when they bust up a local drug ring operating out of the motel room next door. Shawn and Lani's romance fizzled when Shawn reunited with his estranged wife Belle Black (Martha Madison) and she returned to Miami soon after.[12] Lani returned in December 2016 to visit Abe who was recovering from a gunshot wound. Lani ran into JJ and it was revealed that they had a drunken fling in Florida. It ultimately broke up his romance with Gabi Hernandez.[13]

With the two working so closely together, Lani and JJ begin dating in 2017.[14] Fearing JJ will let the budding romance interfere in their work, Lani cut JJ out of her attempt to infiltrate a local drug ring. Lani is dosed with a designer drug called "halo" and left for dead. Fellow cop Eli Grant supported Lani through her withdrawals and covered for her with Abe and JJ.[15] In May 2017, Lani and several officers including JJ and Eli went to Greece to arrest Deimos Kiriakis (Vincent Irizarry). On their way back, the group were stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash. As Lani worried that JJ wasn't as invested in the relationship as she was, Eli offered his support and they bond.[16] JJ organized a surprise birthday party for Lani in November 2017 and they profess their love for each other soon after. Their evening was interrupted when they get called to the scene of a break-in. JJ shoots the perp believing the person had a gun. Lani was devastated when she and JJ realized that Theo is the "perp" and he was unarmed. With Theo in emergency surgery, Lani was torn between JJ and Abe who vowed never to forgive JJ.[17] Lani was further upset when JJ suddenly broke up with her as he couldn't forgive himself if Theo didn't survive.[18] Lani was distraught when she found JJ in bed with Eli's girlfriend Gabi on Christmas Eve and she slept with Eli.[19] Lani was horrified to learn that Gabi was comforting JJ after his attempted suicide. She and Eli then agree to keep quiet about their tryst.[20]

In January 2018, Lani learns she is pregnant.[21] Though she initially doesn't know who the father was, once Kayla Brady (Mary Beth Evans) told her how far along she was, Lani knew the baby could only be Eli's. She planned to terminate the pregnancy but JJ overheard her making the appointment and assumed the baby was his. With JJ feeling hopeful about the future again, Lani rethought her decision to terminate the pregnancy.[22] Once JJ shared the news with their families, Lani abandoned her abortion plans and decided to keep quiet for fear of disappointing JJ and everyone else who was excited about the baby.[23] Eli's mother Valerie Grant (Vanessa Williams) confronted Lani about her lies and forced her to tell Eli the truth. While Eli wasn't thrilled, he wanted to step up. However, Lani convinced Eli to let her raise the baby with JJ as they were engaged to be married.[24] When Gabi was framed for André DiMera's (Thaao Penghlis) murder, Lani caught her trying to destroy evidence. Gabi asked her not to report it in exchange keeping quiet about Lani and Eli's affair. However at Gabi's trial, her lawyer Justin Kiriakis (Wally Kurth) forced Lani to admit to the affair under oath. Lani is then forced to tell JJ that Eli was her baby's father and JJ dumped her.[25] In addition to Abe's support, Eli offered to support Lani more as she prepared for the baby, but Lani is adamant that he should not be involved.[26] Despite her rejection, Eli took Lani to the hospital when she experienced cramping caused by Placenta praevia.[27] In June 2018, Lani experienced cramping again and JJ rushed her to the hospital where she goes into premature labor. She wanted to stall her labor but Kayla and JJ inform her that it could be dangerous and Lani is rushed into emergency surgery.[28] Lani was destroyed when she woke up from her surgery and Eli tells her their son did not survive.[29] Eli and Lani named their son David Abraham, after their fathers.[30] When Lani delivered Eli a copy of their son's death certificate, Eli kissed her and Lani furiously rejected him. Lani finally admitted her feelings for Eli when his friend Sheila (T-Boz) deliberately makes her jealous and they start dating.[31]

In 2019, Lani became attached to baby David Ridgeway when Rafe takes him in. When Rafe got shot on the job, she went so far as to spend the night with Rafe to assist with David.[32] When Lani rejected the notion that she's using David to fill the void left by their son, Eli broke up with her. She then kissed Rafe and he helps her realize she was in denial.[33] Lani then reconciled with Eli and they became engaged on July 4, 2019.[34] However, when Julie suffered a heart attack, the couple postponed the wedding until she recovered though Julie encouraged them to move forward.[35] Lani tried to apprehend escaped fugitive Vivian Alamain (Robin Strasser) and Vivian pulled a gun on her. Lani shoots at her but her son Stefan DiMera (Brandon Barash) jumped in the way of the bullet and Vivian escaped. Though Lani got him to the hospital, Stefan was declared braindead leaving Gabi, his wife, devastated.[36] Meanwhile Julie was in desperate need of a heart transplant and Gabi refused to donate his heart to save her. At the last minute, Gabi went to Lani and agreed to save Julie on one condition.[37] Lani made it clear that she never intended to hurt Stefan, and even attended Stefan's funeral with Eli to show her support and gratitude to Gabi for saving Julie. But the history between them didn't reassure Gabi and instead, she demanded that Lani to dump Eli at the altar.[38] Gabi revealed that she rigged Julie's pacemaker to explode and orders Lani to dump Eli or watch him grieve his grandmother.[39] Lani ultimately caved, and left Eli at the altar. He tried to convince her to go through with the wedding but Lani claimd she didn't love him and runs away.[40] A year later, Lani was set to take her final vows as a nun when she confided in Kristen DiMera (Stacy Haiduk) about how Gabi forced her to leave Eli. Though Kristen urged her to fight for Eli, Lani wasn't sure it was safe.[41] Lani saw Eli again when he tracked Kristen to the convent in Europe and he revealed that he and Gabi are together.[42]

In the New Year, Lani made her way back to Salem and enlist JJ's help to bring down Gabi.[43] Her plan was complicated by the news of Eli and Gabi's impending nuptials.[44] Lani crashed the wedding and exposed Gabi. A spiteful Gabi goes through with her plan not knowing that Lani, with JJ's help, have already disabled Gabi's control over Julie's pacemaker. Though Lani explained everything to Eli, and they kiss, but he wasn't ready to reconcile.[45] However, they reunited very soon after. In May 2020, Lani helped Kristen escape the police station when she was arrested for stabbing Victor Kiriakis (John Aniston). A furious Eli begrudgingly kept quiet.[46] Soon, they become engaged and while they look for a wedding venue, Lani realized she was pregnant. Though Eli was happy, Lani was fearful of losing another baby. However, they agreed to move forward with the pregnancy.[47] On the morning of her wedding, Lani got a visit from a fugitive Kristen[48] who helps Lani dress for the wedding before she skipped town again. The ceremony was first interrupted when Tamara collapsed but she insisted they go forward anyway. To make matters worse, Gabi interrupted the ceremony, for nothing more than to spite the couple. Once Gabi is gone, Vivian (Louise Sorel) crashed the wedding threatening to shoot Lani to avenge Stefan. Rafe arrived in time to arrest Vivian and revealed that Stefan may be alive. Though Lani was afraid the day iwas ruined, with support from Eli and their loved ones, Lani happily married Eli.[49] A month later, the newly weds learned they're having twins. Later, Lani was furious when Eli went behind her back and arrested Kristen using information she shared in confidence.[50] Lani and Kristen's boyfriend Brady Black (Eric Martsolf) are shocked when Kristen suddenly turned herself in and made a full confession after Lani's near successful appeal to district attorney Melinda Trask (Tina Huang) to drop the charges.[51] Later Lani was suspicious when Eli and Abe claimed they were secretly planning her baby shower. She recorded them with her phone and realized they are keeping a bigger secret from her that involved Brady. Lani confronted Brady who reluctantly admitted that Eli forced Kristen to confess after he recorded her confession. An irate Lani confronted Eli and kicked him out of their home.[52] She gives birth to the twins a boy and girl in late January.

Development

Casting and creation
Veteran soap actor James Reynolds (left) and singer/actress Marilyn McCoo (right) portray Lani's father Abe Carver and mother Tamara Price, respectively.

The series released a casting call for the contract role in September 2014. The character was due to start filming in late 2014 and expected to air by Spring 2015.[53] On June 30, 2015, it was announced that America's Next Top Model winner turned actress Sal Stowers, known to daytime audiences for her portrayal of Cassandra Foster on the short lived online reboot of All My Children had joined the cast in a contract role.[54] The actress expressed her excitement on social media: "So beyond excited and honored to announce that I have joined the Emmy-winning cast of Days Of Our Lives!"[55] On September 2, 2015, Stowers confirmed through Twitter that she would debut in the role of Lani on September 25.[56]

Stowers auditioned opposite Galen Gering and beat out 8 other actresses for the coveted role.[57] In 2019, she recalled "When I got the audition for Lani and read the breakdown of her, I loved everything about who she was." Stowers further explained that she immediately "connected" with Lani and "felt very confident in who I was as a woman at that time and that I could [play] that."[58] The actress described the process in an interview with Soap Opera Digest. "It was 6 a.m. and there was this huge adrenaline rush right before the test." Casting director Marnie Saitta instructed Stowers to do push-ups to help calm her nerves. Stowers booked the role the same day. She was still a bit nervous but then the actress told herself "There was a reason why I got the job."[57] "I'm so passionate about Lani" Stowers declared when she returned in 2016.[59] Stowers began filming in April 2015.[60] The actress filmed three episodes her first day on set. The casting reunited Stowers with her former All My Children costar Robert Scott Wilson. To celebrate her new gig, Stowers planned a brunch to coincide with her first airshow.[57]

In preparation for the role, Stowers binged several "cop shows" including the CBS procedural Blue Bloods as well as Jennifer Lopez's crime drama Shades of Blue, which also aired on NBC. "I just sat in my apartment and just watched cop shows. I needed to study their body language and mannerisms, how they were speaking, how they were out in the field, how they were dressing."[58] The actress also created a backstory for the character which delved into Lani's history with her mother.[29]

Personality and style

The original casting notice described the character as "smart and drop-dead gorgeous" African-American woman between the ages of 25 and 30 who was a "confident, dedicated professional" with a "sensitive side."[53] A 2016 casting call after Stowers' release described the character as an "edgy" and "intelligent female" and "independent woman." Because of her profession "her tough exterior can sometimes make her hard to read. She is sexy and knows how to have fun and craves a little danger to keep things interesting."[12] In 2015 Tony from Soapcentral.com described Lani as a "plucky rookie cop."[61] In 2017 Soaps In Depth described Lani as the "straightest arrow in the Salem PD's quiver.[62]

Sal Stowers said "Lani is very smart." She is also "very driven and really good at her job." Stowers described Lani as having "a power in her."[57] Lani is "very determined. When she finds out what she wants, she goes after it and won't let anything stop her."[63] Lani is also said to be "cautious" and "methodical in her work, but with a wit and a wild streak … She has no problem grabbing a perp and throwing him up against the wall and slapping cuffs on him." The actress continued, "She's a good cop and takes her job very seriously."[58] When Stowers was invited back to play Lani in 2016, she actively decided to change the way she portrayed Lani. "I wanted to approach her differently and bring a boldness to Lani, showing her as strong." In addition, the writers wanted to explore the character's personality more. Lani is more of a risk taker when she comes back.[59] According Stowers, Lani has grown so much and "has more of an opinion now." The actress later explained that "[Lani] always tries to be Superwoman." Stowers further stated that "Lani owns her power and is committed to her job."[64] "Her job makes her very happy" she stated.[62] Lani is someone who "loves love" and she wants it just as much as she wants a career."[15] The actress loved "how Lani stands up for herself. […] She never backs down."[65]

For the first six months, Stowers dressed in a traditional police uniform as Lani was still a rookie. "At first it was exciting because I was a cop" Stowers said. However, Stowers did want the character to change her attire and she gets that chance when Lani is promoted to detective. "Now Lani has the freedom to wear whatever she likes. I love styling her." When it comes to Lani's wardrobe, Stowers said "I wanted to make sure Lani came off as a powerful detective. I think I got a lot of her style of her style from Rachel McAdams character in True Detective. It was effortless — jeans, leather jacket, combat boots. It was the same thing with J-Lo on her show."[58] Lani "mostly wears her detective gear and occasionally a dress."[62]

Backstory

Lani is born on November 10, 1987[66] in Miami, Florida, to Tamara Price,[67] and her husband who would helps raise Lani. While Lani wonders who her biological father is, Tamara doesn't offer much information.[7] Lani was an avid soccer player as a kid and even made the all-star team when she was 12 years old.[68] Lani comes to idolize Abe in high school when she learned of his decorated career in law enforcement. By 2015, Lani has been working as a beat patrol officer for two years.[2] Growing up without Abe was the "most influential" experience in Lani's life. In a 2017 interview, Stowers explained that "going into law-enforcement was her way of making up for that." Lani felt her career path could provide some sort of connection to Abe.[62]

Introduction (2015)

When Lani was introduced in 2015, she "came with a goal," according to Stowers.[63] The actress later explained, "She wants to be the best and prove herself, with her father being the [former] mayor."[58] Lani is determined to ingratiate herself into the Salem Police department and "she's putting everything into her work."[63] At the time, Lani is still settling into her new home "so we are seeing Lani on her best behavior" Stowers admitted. She is also trying to build a relationship with her father Abe whom her mother kept "hidden from Lani her whole life."[69] In 2019, the actress reflected on the character's introduction. "When Lani first came to Salem and was a rookie, I felt like she was doing a lot of work at the station and on the phone. I was given so much cop jargon and it didn't flow right. I would try to rush it and it didn't sound right so we'd have to do it over." The first time Lani had to arrest someone, Stowers admitted she wasn't aggressive enough and producer Albert Alarr had to give her a pep talk.[58] In the beginning, Stowers said "there was a mystery to Lani." As the mayor's daughter, "Lani kind of walked on eggshells."[59]

With her arrival in Salem "she finally got the family she always wanted," in the Carvers. Not only does Abe accept Lani "fully" but she also bonds with Theo "after he opened up to her about being bullied." The character "has proven to be a good detective, a good daughter and a good sister." Lani initially takes an interest in Rafe Hernandez as more than a friend and co-worker.[11] Stowers was under the impression that Lani was introduced as a potential love interest for Rafe. "That's kind of where they were going and then it switched."[60] And Rafe tells Lani "that they should only have a professional relationship and not more than that."[11] Later, Lani set her sights on Shawn-Douglas Brady. Michael Goldberg described Lani as "obsessed." But the story was dropped when Stowers left.[12]

In March 2016, Daytime Confidential reported that Stowers was one of several cast members released when the soap once again replaced the writing team.[70] Stowers had actually filmed her departure scenes in December 2015, only a few months after her onscreen debut.[60] However, the series kept quiet about her impending departure. When the news finally broke, Stowers took to Twitter to thank fans for their love and support.[71] Of Lani's unexpected departure in June 2016, Stowers said "I just went with what was happening."[59] Ryan White-Nobles noted that Lani "hasn’t done much of anything since her debut last fall."[72] Stowers later said of her first stint: "It was just mostly detective work, so there wasn't any substance to Lani yet. And then I left."[60]

Reintroduction (2016)

Lani's return was not officially announced by the network until the week before her first re-appearance on December 19.[73] Stowers was hesitant when she was suddenly contacted about returning to the role of Lani. "I was excited but at first, I didn't believe it" she explained. Stowers expected Lani to come back at some point because of her family. The return was kept secret so it was just as much a surprise to her co-stars as the actress herself.[59] But Stowers was excited because she missed working with everyone.[64]

Stowers made a conscious choice to "put her stamp" on Lani. "It was definitely a big switch from when I first got on the show until I came back" she told Soap Opera Digest.[60] The break helped her develop as an actress and as a person. "When I walk onto the set now I'm very confident in what I've created with Lani." She continued, "I've definitely grown, not only as an artist, but also as a human… Giving Lani a voice, I also gave myself a voice. That's not easy to do, especially [with] a new job. Stowers was grateful that Lani was much more integrated into the canvas upon her return. "Everyone respects her. She's making great friendships. I think in the beginning […], that wasn't there."[74] This time around, Lani's relationships with Abe and Theo are also showcased more. Stowers said "And I think it’s important for Lani to have a life established. To show her family, to show she’s not just a detective, she’s not just [a] girlfriend that there’s more to her and I like that they wrote that in."[75] "I love playing Abe's daughter and being apart of his family" Stowers said.[59] She also "loved" working opposite the veteran James Reynolds. She said "we just naturally have a father/daughter connection with each other which makes it very easy for us to work together."[65]

The purpose of Lani's return is actually to visit Abe who is recovering from a gunshot wound. However, she comes back to town with "secret."[73] The secret turns out to be that Lani has a connection to JJ Deveraux.[76] Michael Goldberg reported that the character's would "cross paths" in a "major story."[12] When JJ is in Florida in 2016, he meets up with Lani and they have a drunken fling, which JJ doesn't remember. However, he remembers enough to tell his then girlfriend Gabi Hernandez that he cheated on her which ultimately leads to their split.

Relationship with JJ Deveraux (2017–2018)

After Lani's return, the writers develop a romance between her and JJ. Akbi Khan of Soap Cities said the off-screen tryst "set the stage for these two to become the Salem pair to watch." In 2017, executive producer Ken Corday said that "Sparks will fly between these two" now that they're working together.[14] Khan said "Stowers’ mature, grounded energy provides a perfect compliment for Moss’ more boyish vibe." Stowers liked the pairing "because they're fun" she stated to Soaps In Depth. "They have this very playful chemistry but they also really get each other."[15] Stowers later said "Lani's very happy when she's around JJ." She also described JJ as Lani's "guilty pleasure." JJ and Lani are "so fun together, and they just love being spontaneous with each other."[62] Stowers said it was easy work with Casey Moss and credited her costar with making her feel comfortable.[74]

The first major obstacle is Lani feels the rookie JJ will let their relationship interfere with their work so she tries to cut him out of things.[15] However, this backfires on Lani at times. In 2017, Lani goes undercover as a prostitute "dressed in fishnet stockings and a bustier bra" to investigate a drug ring.[62] Lani is abducted by one of the dealers, drugged and left for dead. She experiences withdrawal and at the same time questions the future of her relationship with JJ. "She wonders if this is what he really wants or if it's just something to get him by." Stowers relished in the opportunity to show her acting chops as Lani suffered from withdrawals after ingesting halo. "I spent a lot of time researching what addicts go through during withdrawal — I didn't know there was fear, loneliness, and hot and cold sensations, feeling like your skin is on fire." Stowers admitted that she had to go a "dark place" but she was up for the challenge.[15] It "was scary" for Stowers who described herself as a "very positive, happy person." Lani is adamant about keeping JJ out of her struggles because "she had something to prove to herself" and JJ. "She wanted to show JJ that she could hold it together."[64]

In November 2017, an umbrella storyline unfolded with JJ, and the police department, at the center. The story affects everyone, including Lani as JJ's partner, both professionally and in life.[77] When JJ shoots an unarmed Theo, "Lani is devastated" Stowers declared. "The man she is in love with has shot her brother, who she loves so much. She sees both of them suffering and it's heartbreaking."[17] Stowers described Lani's internal struggle to TV Source Magazine. "It’s a push-pull, Theo is her little brother, that’s her life and of course there’s JJ, who she loves so much."[75] The story proved to be very emotional for Stowers, both due to real-life implications as well as her relationship Kyler Pettis. "I have such a close bond with Kyler. Whenever I work with him, he brings out so much emotion in me." She continued "It really broke me down." The actress had to let herself "be vulnerable with these three important men in Lani's life." Because Lani has a "distinct" relationship with each of them, her heart is "pulled in so many different directions."[78] Stowers credited the plot with helping her prove to the producers that she could "carry even deeper story."[60]

The next morning, Lani regrets it "instantly" Stowers insisted. Lani is "distraught" and in the moment, Eli "basically was her savior" Stowers said. "She wanted to feel loved and she wanted someone to comfort her and Eli was there." When Lani learns of JJ's attempted suicide, "she knows she made a mistake and has to live with that." Lani reunites with JJ after Theo wakes up from a coma and she hopes they can put everything behind them and "just live their lives."[20] When JJ finds out Lani is pregnant, he proposes marriage assuming the baby is his. Stowers described the proposal as "very sweet." Lani "has this fairytale in her head that if they get married and have a baby, maybe it can all work out." However, things get awkward as Eli and Gabi are present for the moment as well. "Lani’s so conflicted because while JJ’s proposing to her, she sees Eli and Gabi standing there. Lani knows she’s making the wrong decision saying yes, but it’s what she wants."[79] They ultimately split for good, ending their engagement, when Lani's lies is exposed. Her attempt to salvage her romance with JJ "all blows up in her face in the worst way possible." Though she lied, Lani's intentions were to protect JJ and "save what they have together."[25] Stowers later said "[Lani] still wants to be with JJ and she still loves him, but she has to let it go. She can't really do too much there because she knows that she messed up really bad."[26] After the story, Stowers returned to regular status.[80]

Pregnancy and stillbirth (2018)

Lani's attempt to move on is futile because she is pregnant.[21] In 2019, Stowers admitted she was "completely shocked" when she learned that Lani was pregnant.[81] According to the actress, Lani is "in denial" over the news. "She is super shocked and scared and also not sure how to feel because she doesn't know who the father is."[22] But, because of the timing, "she knows it can only be Eli's baby." Carlivati described it as a "huge dilemma for Lani" in 2018.[21] While she "initially" tries to do the "right thing" and tell Eli the truth, she's to lose JJ. At the time, Lani "also doesn't want to have a kid in general." When Eli reaffirms their decision to forget about the one-night-stand, Lani decides to terminate the pregnancy. But when JJ learns Lani is pregnant, she realizes the news brings a "little bit of light" to JJ's life and he is thinking of his future again, and with her.[22] JJ's reaction to the news is justification for Lani. "She truly believes that she is holding JJ together and that if he finds out the truth, he’s going to spiral down. She’s afraid he might try to kill himself, like he [was going to do before]."[79] Making decisions with JJ in mind, Lani starts to reconsider termination. And once news spreads to their families, "She knows she can't terminate it now. […] Now she's in a deeper hole because she's lying to her family."[23] However, Eli's mother Valerie uncovers the baby's true paternity and confronts Lani. Valerie is "basically threatening her" Stowers explained in Soap Opera Digest. With Valerie forcing her hand, Lani comes clean with Eli about the pregnancy. But she convinces him to let her raise the baby with JJ.[24] When Lani is forced to admit to her tryst with Eli at Gabi's murder trial, Stowers expressed excitement about the scenes. "The truth really does get to come out, but it's devastating."[25]

Next, Lani sets out to pick up the pieces of her life. "At this point, Lani has no one to talk to and for the first time, Lani talks to the baby." Lani apologizes to her baby because she's "messed everything up." Stowers described it as "such a sweet moment because she's settling into the truth of it all." Lani then confides in Abe. "She just needs comfort and she's not afraid to tell her dad." Abe offers his support and lets Lani vent. According to the actress, "that is really big for her because everyone else is already disappointed in her." Though "heartbroken" and "embarrassed," Lani knows she "has to get herself together for the sake of the baby." And while he offers his support, Lani doesn't want Eli involved. "She doesn't want to seem like they're just a happy family who planned to have a baby because that's not what it is."[26] Fortunately, Eli is there when Lani experiences painful cramping and rushes her to the hospital where she is diagnosed with Placenta praevia. Though Lani is assured that she can still deliver a healthy baby, as long she takes it easy, Lani is "crushed by what the diagnosis could mean for her baby."[27]

The Storyteller
I cried so much and it was real heartbreak. It was real, the devastation and confusion of it all. And then I found out that they were bringing in a little doll that looked so real and it was so sad because you can tell that it’s supposed to be a deceased infant, and that was even more heartbreaking.

Sal Stowers, Soap Opera Digest (2018)[82]

In June 2018, Lani goes into premature labor and on the advice of JJ, she undergoes emergency surgery in an effort to save her life and the baby's. However, while Lani is in surgery on June 18, doctors deliver the news to Eli that their son did not survive. While Lani is in surgery and unconscious during recovery, as everyone else receives the news, Lani fantasized about giving birth to a healthy baby. Stowers confided in TV Insider's Michael Maloney that she was "completely shocked" as she was under the impression that Lani would go full-term.[29] In the middle of production for the birth scenes, producer Albert Alarr told Stowers that Lani would lose the baby. "I actually found out the Friday before the Monday we were going to start filming the end of it." At the time, Lani was about six months along and Stowers was "already to the point of where I was accepting that Lani was going to be a mom." Meanwhile, Lani was "really happy after everything she'd been through and then this happens." To prepare for the scenes, Stowers who was not a parent said "I did research about women losing their babies to placenta [praevia] and watched a ton of videos because I didn't really know where to go or how to grieve that."[82] Shortly after the filming of the baby's death, Stowers lost her grandmother nearly a week later and then had to go back to film Lani's reaction scenes. "So even though I didn't know how to grieve before I was filming the losing the baby episodes, a week later, I definitely knew because I lost a really important woman in my life. I had a deeper level of grief because I had just experienced that, so I brought that to the story."[83] Stowers reportedly signed a new deal in the summer of 2018.[84] Though Lani was not featured heavily in story after the baby's death, her determination to see Lani through her grief weighed heavily on Stowers decision to sign a new contract with the series. "I knew there was unfinished business with Lani."[60]

Relationship with Eli Grant (2018–present)

Lani's most significant relationship is with Eli Grant. In 2017, Lani bonds with Eli Grant when he supports her through withdrawals. While there is a connection between the two, Stowers felt it would be a bit "awkward" due to Abe's relationship with Eli's mom Valerie Grant.[15] Eli and Lani initially clash but she admires how good he is at his job.[64] Stowers was excited to work with Archey again, as they had worked together in their modeling days. "We're super-comfortable around each other because we've known each other for so long."[74] Coryon Gray said Eli and Lani's early interactions "show their personalities" and further "build" Lani as a character.[16]

Even after their affair is exposed which destroys their respective relationships and despite Lani carrying Eli's child, she still wants nothing to do with him. "At the moment, she feels like Eli is the person who messed up her life."[26] Lani and Eli do eventually bond over their mutual grief for David Abraham.[30] According to Gray, Lani and Eli "rushed into something, it didn't work out and now they're trying to work through it." David's stillbirth made for "interesting and unique drama – more than a regular birth bringing characters together." It's a "slow-burn" romance Archey said in October 2018.[85] It takes interference from Sheila for Lani to finally be honest about her feelings.[31] Like Lamon Archey, Stowers was excited to work opposite Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins of the girl group TLC, who plays Sheila. "She's pretty awesome to work with. And she's fun. […] I love working with her."[86] In comparison to Lani's previous relationship, Eli and Lani "get each other on a different level" because of their common experiences. The relationship allowed Stowers to further develop Lani because "so much more of who [Lani] is is coming out." According to the actress, Archey's humor brings out the "fun" and "lighthearted" side of the relationship.[81]

In spring of 2019, Lani develops an "instant attachment" to baby David Ridgeway.[87] Lani goes so far as to spend the night with Rafe to help him care for David. While everyone around Lani, including Eli, is "concerned," for her, it is "strictly" about caring for David.[32] Stowers later said Lani "was definitely putting Eli on the back burner."[34] Her actions "drive a wedge between Eli and Lani, so she starts to pull closer toward Rafe and the baby and further away from Eli."[88] According to Stowers, "it definitely puts her and Eli in a weird spot" as Eli feels Lani is "projecting the loss of their David onto this baby David."[89] While Lani knows it's true, she isn't ready to face it.[34] When she kisses Rafe after Eli breaks up with her, Lani thinks she can have a life with David and Rafe. "They've already been playing house and acting like a family." And Lani "really starts to believe that David is her son. She is basically being a mother to him." But Rafe knows "Lani is in denial" and urges her to reconcile with Eli knowing how much she loves him. "Rafe is the one who completely opens Lani's eyes about entire the situation." Lani must then say goodbye to David. "It's devastating for her. She has fallen in love with that child. But she knows it's the right thing to do," both for herself and her relationship with Eli.[33] "They reconcile, grow from this, and become stronger" Stowers said.[34]

Stowers on Lani and Gabi
In Gabi's eyes, Lani has destroyed Gabi's life. In the beginning, Eli and Gabi were dating, so she feels that Lani took Eli away from her, she feels that Lani took JJ away from her, and now it's Stefan. I feel she has a lot of anger and hatred toward Lani. And now with shooting Stefan, everything just caught on fire.

Sal Stowers, Soap Opera Digest (2019)[38]

Lani and Eli are set to marry when Julie suffers a heart attack. Julie encourages them to get married. However, when Lani is on duty an even "bigger incident" sends Lani "into crisis and threatens to possibly upend this wedding."[35] That event proves to be when Lani inadvertently shoots Stefan leaving him brain dead.[36] In the aftermath of Stefan's death, Lani is "questioning who she is a cop, and if she made the right decision. She was trying to protect herself" but "ended up shooting an innocent man, and that keeps playing in her head, as well. […] She is a cop, she was doing her job, she did absolutely nothing wrong, but when you do shoot someone, you can't help but feel sympathy." On top of the existing "tension" between them, Lani is riddled with guilt. "Lani is very genuine and she's very sincere and she wants to show Gabi just how sorry she is." She even attends Stefan's funeral "trying to find some peace with Gabi." Lani is shocked when Gabi "wants her to dump Eli at the altar." Though Lani initially thinks she's is joking, "she realizes Gabi is dead serious. […] She's taking Lani down, basically."[38] Having rigged Julie's pacemaker, Gabi issues Lani an "ultimatum," either she leaves Eli or Julie dies. Carlivati said "We're building to this romantic wedding and Lani has this hanging over her head."[39] On the morning of the wedding, Lani is "very conflicted" Stowers stated. "Eli is the love of Lani's life; she wants to protect him. She doesn't want to put him through this. She knows that this is going to destroy him."[90] The storyline also saw Marilyn McCoo reprise her role as Lani's mother, Tamara, for the first time since 1987. Stowers relished in working opposite McCoo. "I was so excited. And it gives Lani more depth." Lani's interaction with Tamara "show the audience a little bit more of who she is."[91] Stowers told Soap Opera Digest about the difficulty in playing Lani and Eli's break-up and having to adjust to work without Archey as her screen partner. But she was still "really proud" of the work they did together.[92]

In her absence, Lani joins a convent. For Lani, "Eli is the only man for her, so therefore if she can't be with Eli, she feels that turning herself over to the Lord is the only place where she can be forgiven." As Lani is ready to take her final vows, Kristen DiMera "is there to help." The two women have many things to bond over. "They're both brokenhearted and they're both grieving their deceased children." Kristen urges Lani to take her life back but "Lani is still afraid that Gabi can kill Julie."[41] An unexpected reunion with Eli prompts Lani's return to Salem to "neutralize" Gabi. She secretly pulls JJ into her plan knowing "if Gabi got wind of her confiding in anybody, that could be the end of Julie."[43] However, Lani is racing against time as she learns Eli is about to marry Gabi. While Lani successfully exposes Gabi upending the wedding, any progress she makes with Eli is stalled as he needs "time to process" the news. Lani assures Eli that "she loves him and whenever he's ready, she'll be there."[45] Stephanie Sloane, editor of Soap Opera Digest, described the confrontation as the "ultimate 'turnabout is fair play' moment' considering how Gabi had previously destroyed" Lani and Eli's first wedding.[93]

Despite their happy reunion, Lani causes tension when she helps Kristen escape police custody. She intends "to keep Eli out of that to protect him from that" but he finds out and is forced to look the other way.[46] As Lani is set to marry Eli, she realizes she is pregnant again. Though it is happy news, Lani is "less thrilled." She is filled with "trepidation" because she can't bare the thought of losing another child. But it's "something they tackle together and come to a decision about whether or not to continue this pregnancy."[47] Despite several mishaps and uninvited guests, the pair become the first African-American couple to marry on-screen in the show's history.[49] However, the newly weds are at odds due to Eli turning Kristen in. After Kristen confesses, Lani grows suspicious of her husband and father's sudden closeness. "They're close but they're not that close, so when she sees them being overly close with each other, she kind of knows there's something there." When she plants her phone to record their conversation which leads her to Brady. "Lani is just in complete shock" when Brady informs her of Eli's actions. Not only did Eli to her, but according to Stowers, Lani can't get over that "he did all of this to her best friend, the woman who is the reason why Eli and Lani are even together. She is the reason Lani mustered up the strength to leave the convent, to come back to Salem to fight for Eli, […], and Eli basically just threw that away." Lani confronts Eli, but he doesn't back down. "They both believe they're doing what's right for each other and for the situation, and they cannot see eye to eye."[52]

Reception

Casting and introduction

The casting news was well received by critics. Michael Fairman said of the casting "More big news out of Salem!"[94] Kambra Clifford said "The door at NBC's Days of our Lives is revolving faster than it ever has these days with a slew of actors headed to the canvas and a few rumored to soon be out."[95] Jenn Bishop of TV Source Magazine said "Days has been enticing viewers with some exciting new additions" one of which is Stowers. Bishop admitted "With all the casting comings and goings, it can be a little hard to keep track."[96] "Abe FINALLY has a storyline" Donald Thompson of Canyon News said of the Lani's arrival.[97] Tony S. (Soapcentral.com) was also excited that Abe had a storyline and said "I'm on board with Lani. I'm on board with Lani. Sal Stowers has quickly won me over with her exuberant take on the role."[61] In 2018, Coryon Gray admitted it odd when Lani "was welcomed into the fold as a legitimate family member" with much effort by writers to legitimatize her backstory.[98] According to Ruby's Hub, the character won viewers over rather quickly. "It’s only been a few months since Sal Stowers joined the show as a contract role, and has already won the fans hearts."[11] While Tony S. enjoyed the character for her "sass," [99] only a few months later, he said "I miss her 'Girl power' days," feeling as if the writing had gone downhill for the character as she'd become too focused on romance.[100]

News of Stowers 2016 release garnered diverse opinions. Michael Fairman TV said Stowers "was let-go from the series rather suddenly."[101] Despite Lani being in the middle of a storyline, Goldberg felt "the actress was let go from the show before the story could go anywhere."[12] "Firing the actress proves once again that while discussions of diversity are of growing importance in primetime and film, daytime is completely regressing in this area" Jamey Giddens said.[102] Ryan White-Nobles from TV Source Magazine said the lack of development for the character left him unable to feel anything for Lani. However, he continued, "I will say it’s disappointing that once again; an actress of color remains an afterthought in a genre that once placed a value on showcasing diversity."[72] The character given the "Most Regressed Award" on Soapcentral.com's year-end list in 2016. The website said "Lani leaving was a good thing at the time."[103]

Critics were hopeful the character's return would lead to better writing. Michael Goldberg from Serial Scoop said "here is hoping that Lani works better as a character this time around then she did last time."[12]

Pregnancy, stillbirth and grief

Thompson who described it as a "bombshell" said "I always love how right after someone has a one-night stand in the soap arena they learn like 1-2 weeks later they are pregnant. It’s like the notion of being surprised is not even possible for the viewers."[104] Jack Ori felt Lani's shock over the pregnancy made her look "irresponsible" and "stupid" because she never considered the possibility, though she and Eli didn't use protection. Ori accused the writers of going for "cheap drama" by having Lani lie to an excited JJ about her baby's paternity.[105] Coryon Gray said the story exposed just how "thin of a character" Lani was. While Gray recognized Stowers as a capable actress, "she’s had scraps to work with. And it shows. Lani has made bad decisions time and time again but the viewers are left wondering why each time!"[98] Gray later admitted that Lani's poor decisions made her hard to root for. However, he appreciated that Lani did not have malicious intent when she lied.[106]

The decision for the baby to be stillborn garnered mixed reactions. TV Insider's Michael Maloney described it "shocking twist."[29] Maloney further stated that it "will go down as one of the saddest moments in DAYS’ history."[107] TV Fanatic's roundtable unanimously admitted that while the loss of the baby was sad, they did not care for the character.[108] Jack Ori admitted "mixed feelings" about the "heartbreaking" scenes, it felt like an attempt to garner sympathy Lani's potential reunion with JJ. However, he insisted it wasn't enough to make Lani or reunion with JJ "rootable." In addition, Ori said the lack of interaction between Eli and Lani "detracted from the power" of the scenes.[109] While he did see it as a way to end a plot that was a "little lackluster," Tony from Soapcentral.com agreed with Campbell's sentiment that the stillbirth was unnecessary.[110]

Josh Baldwin awarded Stowers with the "Performer of the Week" on the Daytime Confidential podcast.[111] Michael Maloney called the performance "riveting" and agreed that Stowers should definitely be in contention for a Daytime Emmy Award for Supporting Actress in 2019.[107] Tony from Soapcentral.com said "Hands down, the saddest part of this storyline was brought on by the actors' powerful performances. Sal Stowers especially tore my heart up with her gut-wrenching take on the sheer heartbreak of what Lani was going through."[110] In 2019, Jack Ori "enjoyed Lani's realization that her life with Rafe and another baby called David impossible. "Not a Lani fan, but that was some great work by Sal Stowers."[112] He gave the actress "major props" for her portrayal "Lani's pain and guilt were raw and real as it hit her that she'd been throwing her life away for the fantasy."[113]

Like critics, viewers were "really affected" by the plot. According to Stowers, fans on social media were "really sad, and they're mad."[29] Paige Turner of The Daily Banner said "the fanbase is not pleased" as David died before his life even began. It also didn't help that the deceased infant was depicted onscreen.[114] One viewer was just relieved that Lani wasn't killed off. "Although the loss of Eli and Lani's baby boy was tragic, it does give DAYS a way to reunite two couples who should be together, Lani and JJ, and Eli and Gabi."[115]

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