They have arrived! After much discussion in recent interviews and features, the writers of DAYS OF OUR LIVES are finally beginning to write the epic love story of “Magtor” (ie, Maggie + Victor), the coupling that long-term viewers like myself have wanted for the past 25 years! Okay, most lifelong DAYS fans could hardly imagine Maggie Horton with anyone except Mickey. And it would be hard to swallow Victor in a mature, rational, and healthy relationship with anyone. But this is why I argue that the pairing of Maggie and Victor makes perfect sense.
What they have going for them:
-They both have a mutual commitment to family. Maggie may not have her daughters around, but she is fiercely committed to her “surrogate” daughter Melanie, and back in the day was a loving protective mother to Melissa, Sara, and Janice. Victor too does everything in his power to love and look after his sons Bo and Philip, as well as his “surrogate” son Daniel. They may differ on the means to accomplish protecting their loved ones, but their end goals are the same.
-They have both lost significant loves. Maggie knows what it is to love and lose her husband Mickey. Many would argue that Caroline is Victor’s true and only love. However, it seems that ship has sailed given that they blew their chance to get together while stranded in Melaswen back in 2004, and have barely spoken two words to each other since Shawn’s death in 2008. Both have experienced love, loss, and are ready to try again with a blank slate.
-The have strong ties in Salem. For 25 years we have seen these two in the same scenes at various weddings, funerals, court trials, restaurants. They have always run in the same circles, but have rarely spoken directly to each other. Now they are finally starting to take notice of one another, which speaks volumes about the potential of finding love and affection unexpectedly later in our own lives.
What they’re up against:
-Their internal differences. Those same traits that balance them out can be qualities that tear them apart. Victor’s moral ambiguity and Maggie’s clear sense of right-and-wrong could potentially become dividers.
-Family disapproval. Like most viewers, Maggie’s loved ones will have a very hard time with her dating a man who has been known to commit various crimes in his time, including drug dealing. And then there’s that pesky issue of how Victor tried to have Melissa killed in the summer of 1985 when he mistakenly thought she had incriminating evidence against him and his drug cartel.
-Vivian Alamain. You think the woman who buried Carly alive and stole Kate’s embryo is going to stand for Maggie getting in the way of her marrying Victor? Hardly! But what Vivian doesn’t realize is that Maggie is much tougher, stubborn, and resilient than any of her former foes. She may appear genteel, but Maggie has never backed down from an argument or fight with anyone.
Regardless of how this plays out, this coupling is a guaranteed success. You pair two beloved characters, with decades of history, who are complete opposites in some ways, yet have several mutual goals in common, and there you have it. I think “Magtor” may be on their way to becoming Salem’s newest and most compelling supercouple of the 21st century. What do you think?
Damon L. Jacobs is a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist seeing individuals and couples in New York City at Mental Health Counseling & Marriage And Family Therapy Of New York. He is also the author of "Absolutely Should-less: The Secret to Living the Stress-Free Life You Deserve.
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