As someone who watched “Days of Our Lives” during the era of Reneé Jones’ portrayal of Lexie Carver, I have very mixed feelings about the character’s resurrection and upcoming return.

In Salem, a tombstone is basically a “do not disturb” sign that expires at a showrunner’s whim; death holds no weight. No matter who the character is, the soap could find a way to bring the character back if they wanted to, and it’s a daytime drama staple in general.

With Lexie Carver’s character, it’s frustrating that after 14 years, the showrunners at DOOL have decided that it’s time for her to come back to Salem. Her heartbreaking death had and continues to have a lasting impact on those who knew her, and they still mention her fondly.

During the week of Mar. 9, viewers got to see Lexie Carver wake up from her comatose state with Nikki Crawford now portraying her. Crawford previously starred in the 2024 “Cruel Intentions” series and guest starred on “Tracker” in 2025 and “NCIS: Los Angeles” and “9-1-1” in 2022.

Despite wishing that the long-running soap wouldn’t handle death in such a fickle way, I am open to giving Crawford a chance to make the character her own and seeing where she can take this fan-favorite role. I will always attempt to give a recast the benefit of the doubt and give them time to adjust to the canvas before I make a final decision about my stance. 

It’s also incredibly significant and reassuring that Crawford did an extensive amount of research on the character before stepping on set.

It is not always easy for some viewers to watch a new actor step into a role of a well-established and beloved character, and I’m sure that there is even more pressure on Crawford considering how popular Lexie Carver has always been. It is true that Jones created a wonderful legacy and left a lasting impression on the cast over the many years she portrayed this character, but I am intrigued to see what Crawford brings to the DOOL table.

What does this mean for the other characters on canvas? Well, I believe the key players in this storyline will have some extremely meaty material in preparation for this return. Particularly, I’ve really enjoyed seeing Paulina Price-Carver (Jackée Harry) in the forefront of this story.

Although the current struggles viewers are witnessing Price-Carver go through are nothing new in a “return from the dead” storyline, I think she’s playing the inner turmoil very well and in a compelling way.

The audience can see that she really wants her husband, Abe Carver (James Reynolds), to be happy. She is secure in the relationship and life that they have built together, but she also knows the impact that Lexie Carver had on his life.

Price-Carver knows she shouldn’t keep this secret from her husband and his son with Lexie Carver, Theo Carver (Tyler Joseph Andrews), but she selfishly doesn’t want things to inevitably change between them. The conversations that have taken place recently between Abe Carver and Theo Carver appear to be very truthful to the emotions they both felt when Lexie Carver “died” all those years ago.

Overall, I am remaining neutral about the storyline for now. Crawford confirmed in Sep. 2025 via Instagram that she had wrapped up her filming on the soap, which makes me wonder what the ultimate goal is for Lexie Carver’s return.

“These last five months have brought me so much joy. Working with some amazing people and being blessed to work on juicy material,” Crawford said. “I can’t wait until you all see this!”

If this is a temporary ratings grab, it could end up being a mediocre use of a great character. However, if it’s the catalyst for a total Carver family shake-up and long-term implications for the other citizens of Salem? That is something I can get behind. I’m vexed, but I’m definitely watching, anticipating the outcome. I also look forward to observing Crawford’s performance and the way she takes this role to new heights.

“Days of Our Lives” is available to stream daily on Peacock.