I don't think the storyline is a flop. Sure, the content is deplorable and I hate it with a passion. But they have several layers going on with the fallout, from Kristen/Marlena to Kristen/Brady, to Eric/Marlena, to Eric/Nicole, to Marlena/Victor, to Victor/Brady and Victor/Maggie. And I feel like I'm forgetting a few...and I'm deliberately not mentioning EJ/Sami. Even though something like this should be a good eye-opener for Sami about where she ranks in EJ's life...below Dimera blood and/or name (as Kristen isn't blood-related to him). I say 'should be', but we all know it won't be. :(
But I HATE that Brady and Eric were brawling in the church. I hate that Brady reacts to Eric with violence. But I liked the symbolism of Eric ripping off his vestments and then throwing them at Marlena's feet. Very powerful.
I hate Kristen's spin of it. I was eating lunch while watching and lost my appetite in mid-meal because of her saying that she was trying to protect Eric out of love or whatever rot she said.