Soap Wire's Performers of the Week: Beth Maitland and Alison Sweeney

When it comes to highlighting a quote on quote “Performer of the Week,” people often assume it can only be one standout. But in my view, there’s always room for two, especially when both deliver performances that are nothing short of chef's kiss. This marks the second time I’ve chosen two actors to share the spotlight, and both are more than deserving of the title.

First, I have to give it up for Emmy winner Beth Maitland. While The Young and the Restless doesn’t always provide Beth with the screen time she deserves, whenever she is given meaningful material, she absolutely shines. Beth has portrayed Traci Abbott, the role that earned her a Daytime Emmy back in the ’80s, making her the youngest winner at that time. She remains a beloved character, actress and overall presence on the show to this day. Fans cannot get enough of her.

These past two weeks have been and emotional rollercoaster for Traci, who discovered the man she had fallen in love with wasn’t who he claimed to be. In a classic daytime television twist, his twin brother Martin had been impersonating Alan, the man Traci thought she knew and loved, who had actually died. Beth gives award winning acting while displaying a layered emotional Traci as she processed grief, betrayal, confusion, and fear. The scenes with her brother Jack, were a particular standout as they navigated how to confront the truth and ensure Traci’s safety. And when the confrontation with Martin came to a head, seeing Beth alongside Eileen Davidson (Ashley) was a reminder of just how these two are together as on-screen sisters are the true definition of daytime drama.

Beth’s solo moments, where Traci cycled through sorrow, disbelief, and quiet strength, were some of the most moving I’ve seen on The Young and the Restless. It’s sad to know that both Beth and Eileen will soon be exiting Y&R, because it feels like there’s still so much story left to tell. Beth consistently elevates every scene she’s in. Her ability to tap into deep emotional wells is a testament to the same talent that won her an Emmy decades ago. Here’s hoping we’ll see more of her range explored in future projects. Beth, thank you for another brilliant performance.

My second Performer of the Week is none other than Alison Sweeney, who has portrayed the memorable Sami Brady on Days of Our Lives since the 1990s. Sami is a complex character, a vixen with heart, both deeply flawed and overwhelmingly compelling. She’s someone fans often find themselves justifying. Alison portrays her with a perfect balance.

This week, we saw Sami go toe to toe with her sister Belle, who had fallen for Sami’s ex-husband, EJ DiMera, who also happens to be one of her rapists. Sami has been sexually assaulted multiple times, and this week she had to revisit her assault in a conversation with her son, Johnny, who is the son of EJ DiMera. As fans know, his conception was a product of his fathers assault on his mother. The scenes were painful and deeply affecting.

Alison brought out every layer of Sami’s trauma, strength, and self-awareness. Watching Sami open up to Johnny, trying to help him understand her her journey, was one of the most powerful moments of the week in daytime. It reminded us that Sami isn’t just a victim, she’s a survivor, a mother, a fighter, and a woman still trying to grow, she is all the things.

Alison Sweeney delivered an unforgettable performance. Her portrayal left me completely locked into Sami’s journey and wishing she would return fulltime. Kudos to Alison for reminding us just how powerful daytime storytelling can be when it’s in the hands of someone who knows their character inside and out.