This week’s standout honor goes to Al Calderon, whose portrayal of Javi Hernandez delivered some of the most gut-wrenching and emotional scenes we’ve seen in recent memory.
Performer of the Week: Al Calderon
In a powerful exchange with Leo (Greg Rikaart), Javi finally unburdened himself of a devastating secret from his past. With raw honesty, he revealed how he once had a daughter, Solana, whom he adored deeply. After his mother set him up with Sylvia, the young couple unexpectedly became parents. Despite the challenges, Javi cherished fatherhood. But tragedy struck when Sylvia mistakenly left their baby girl in the backseat of a car in the Texas heat. By the time Javi received the call, Solana was gone.
The heartbreaking moment shattered both Javi and Sylvia’s lives. Sylvia was arrested, and Javi was consumed by guilt, blaming himself for not driving Solana to daycare that morning. Out of his grief, he chose to become an EMS worker, dedicating his life to saving others in honor of the daughter he lost.
Now, as Javi finds himself bonded with Tesoro, the fear of losing him feels like reliving Solana’s death all over again. In a poignant scene, Javi and Leo looked at photos of his daughter, with Javi apologizing for keeping such a monumental secret. Through tears, he admitted his fear of ever being a father again. Leo, showing compassion and understanding, assured him that none of it was his fault. The two shared an embrace that carried the weight of grief, love, and healing.
Al Calderon’s performance was nothing short of breathtaking, layered, vulnerable, and deeply human. His ability to convey Javi’s pain, guilt, and resilience made every beat of the storyline resonate with viewers.
Bravo to Al Calderon, our Performer of the Week.
