Every time a soap opera character falls deep into alcoholism, viewers are taken on an entertaining, emotional ride. But the storyline playing out for Days of our Lives' Lucas Horton (Bryan Dattilo), who's fallen off the wagon and continues to fall deeper and deeper into a spiral of self-destruction, is extra special because it's being told with a slight humorous twist -- which isn't exactly the most politically correct way a battle with alcoholism can be portrayed. However, Dattilo is thrilled to play the storyline with all of its unique quirks included.
"I'm a huge fan of the Dudley Moore movie Arthur. I love funny drunks, because usually when you're drunk you think you're funny but you aren't. So a truly funny drunk is the best. The writing has definitely taken it to a comedic place but this is also the most in-depth I've ever gone," he tells TV Insider. "It's my favorite storyline ever. We're getting to the root of my character's pain in a way we never have before."
That being said, the actor admits he experienced some feelings of hesitation when he first saw this new journey being laid out for his alter ego. After all, as he explains, characters who experience addiction often leave the canvas for one reason or another.
"I was really shocked to see such a great story come my way but also concerned because, when you play a drunk on a soap you can easily end up in prison or rehab -- both of which already happened to Lucas -- and then you're off the map for a while. Way off the map," he points out. "As an actor, you don't want either one of those things to happen. But, as you know, we shoot several months ahead of what you see on air and I can tell you that this story will go in a very surprising, rewarding direction. I'm doing my best to deserve this opportunity."
So does that mean Lucas will eventually recover? Dattilo can't say, but he is certain that he wants his alter ego to kick the nasty habit and get back to normal.
"Listen, I'm having a blast with this but, yeah, he should absolutely get better because the alternative could be death and what kind of showcase would that be?" he says. "That brings me back to Arthur. At first, you think it's extremely entertaining that he's such a hilarious drunk but you also know that, deep down, this guy must be so sad. You want him to get better. You want him to get the girl. You want him to win. I've done my own research at AA meetings. This disease never goes away. You can subdue it and control it but you can never really conquer it. Just like with Lucas, you can lose family and friends and jobs -- you can lose absolutely everything -- but that bottle is always there for you. I like that we've never lost sight of that."
For Dattilo's full interview, check out TV Insider here.
What do you think about Lucas' battle with alcoholism and the way his situation is being written? Are you enjoying the comedic moments of the storyline, or do you find them distasteful? Do you want Lucas to recover? We want to hear from you -- so drop your comments in the Comments section below, tweet about it on Twitter, share it on Facebook, or chat about it on our Message Boards.
