DAYS’s Brandon Beemer Says Shawn ‘Cannot Let Bo Die’ (Exclusive)

Receiving the crushing news that his father, Bo, has contracted sepsis and doesn’t have much longer to live sends Shawn into action mode on Days of Our Lives. The Salem cop is determined to save his dad, no matter what he has to do to make it happen — up to and including breaking the law. Brandon Beemer (Shawn) spoke to Soap Opera Digest about what drives his character, Shawn’s redemption and reuniting with his TV parents, Peter Reckell (Bo) and Kristian Alfonso (Hope).

Soap Opera Digest: It was, of course, Shawn who shot Bo when he found his dad pointing a gun at Hope, which ultimately put Bo in a coma. How has hearing about this latest medical setback for Bo stirred up Shawn’s feelings?

Brandon Beemer: It’s pulled up all the old guilty emotions of the reason why Bo’s [been in a long-term care hospital]. It’s also pulled up feelings that there’s got to be a way to save his dad. It’s frustrating. Shawn’s the one responsible at the end of the day for the coma that Bo is in. So this is just a total stab in the heart for him, and he cannot let Bo die. He cannot let this happen. He has to figure something out.

Digest: At first, Shawn is determined to take matters into his own hands to steal Dr. Russell’s potential miracle drug from his lab, but he ends up joining forces with Steve.

Beemer: After he tells his Uncle Steve, “I’m doing it no matter what – on my own, with or without anybody,” Steve says, “No, no, no. We’re going to do this together, we’re going to figure this out together. I’m not going to let you do this by yourself.” [Originally], Steve wants to do it by himself, because he’s afraid that Shawn will lose his job. But Shawn says, ‘Nothing matters more than saving my dad. I’m doing this by myself or with you, Steve.’ Shawn is going to be part of this. He’s not going to back off.

Digest: As a cop, Shawn is putting a lot on the line by breaking into Dr. Russell’s lab and helping himself to the drug. Is he worried about the risk he’s taking?

Beemer: It has to be explored. Shawn and Steve have to take matters into their own hands once they learn about this possibility, once they find out that [this drug] is a possible way of saving Bo’s life. And Shawn is going to be a part of it. Shawn needs to save his dad’s life. His job doesn’t matter to him. His dad’s life matters. Shawn will do anything and everything he can, even if it means losing his job and getting arrested.

Digest: Playing a role in saving Bo’s life would also be vindication for Shawn, since he’s responsible for his father being in the coma. Do you think that’s the impetus behind all this?

Beemer: It would completely redeem him and get rid of all of the guilt that he has had for what he did to his dad, if he can save his life — if he can be part of it. He has to be part of it. That’s what matters most to him, is his dad. He loves his dad.

Digest: Did you enjoy teaming up with Stephen Nichols (Steve) for this storyline?

Beemer: I love working with Stephen Nichols. He’s hardworking. He loves running lines. He’s just a great person to work with. I like the energy he brings [to our scenes]. When I work with him, I really feel like he is my Uncle Steve. Stephen has got a very paternal sort of energy. He’s just a very caring person, and he’s easy to work with. So I feel like he is literally my Uncle Steve.

Digest: Is Shawn’s illicit plot with Steve going to affect his friendship and work relationship with Jada, who’s the police commissioner?

Beemer: It’s definitely going to affect his relationship with Jada, because Shawn’s doing what he shouldn’t be doing. He’s going to be breaking the law. So he has to keep it from Jada. He doesn’t want Jada to know. He doesn’t want anybody to find out. He doesn’t want to jeopardize his family.

Digest: Obviously, viewers know that Peter Reckell and Kristian Alfonso are headed back to the show soon as Bo and Hope. What are your thoughts about your TV parents returning to the fold?

Beemer: It’s the best. I love it. I was so happy when I read that they were coming back to the show. They’re both so much fun to work with. I think I’ve been on the show since 2006, and they both have a very paternal and maternal sort of instinct and energy. It’s like Mom and Dad are coming home.

Digest: What was it like behind the scenes when they showed up for work on their first day and you got to see them again?

Beemer: Oh, Kristian came in and gave me this big hug. Then Peter came in and gave me a big hug. It was like [the] family was back. Kristian and I sat down and caught up on life. We caught up on what’s been going on with both of us. And it was the same with Peter too. It really felt like my family was back. They don’t feel like they’re actors to me. They really feel like Mom and Dad.

Time Flies: Here’s Beemer with Peter Reckell and Kristian Alfonso, who will soon be returning to Salem as Shawn’s parents, Bo and Hope, back when Beemer joined DAYS in 2006.