Interview with Waleed Zuaiter

TV Interview!

 

Waleed Zuaiter of "High Value Target: The Hunt for Saddam," on TNT. Photo from his Instagram.

Interview with Waleed Zuaiter of “High Value Target: The Hunt for Saddam” on TNT by Suzanne 9/29/26

This is such a good miniseries. If you haven’t watched it yet, it’s just 8 episodes of outstanding drama. The writing and directing team ably combines military action scenes with political and personal drama. Joel Kinnaman brings his chameleonic acting to the role of John Nixon, a CIA operative who is able to finagle his way to Iraq and find Saddam Hussein because he’s also a historian who thinks he knows everything about the dictator. He’s a bit obsessed with him, in fact.  The miniseries is based on Nixon’s book, “Debriefing the President: The Interrogation of Saddam Hussein.”  Last week we had a nice chat with Waleed Zuaiter, who co-starred with Kinnaman, playing Saddam Hussein. His transformation is no less amazing that Kinnaman’s. He shares his unique perspective about Hussein and Iraq.  Please enjoy the video and the series!

You can watch the series on TNT, On Demand, or on streaming. New episodes of the political thriller premiere on subsequent Sunday and Monday evenings at 9pm ET/PT, culminating with the finale on Sunday, October 4 on TNT.

 

"High Value Target: The Hunt for Saddam" on TNT (key art)MORE INFO: Official Site Trailer 

WALEED ZUAITER, WHO STARS AS SADDAM HUSSEIN IN TNT’S 

“HIGH VALUE TARGET: THE HUNT FOR SADDAM”

 Inspired by the memoir “Debriefing the President” by CIA analyst John Nixon.

Critics are praising Zuaiter’s portrayal of Hussain, calling his performance “outstanding,” “ferociously engaging,” and the “shining light” of the series, with one critic noting, “he has such gravitas in this role that you are instantly hooked to the screen as you watch the manipulation and psychological games unfold.”

Zuaiter is a Palestinian-American actor and producer whose credits include The Girlfriend, London Has Waleed Zuaiter of "High Value Target: The Hunt for Saddam" on TNT (photo from TNT PR)Fallen and The Men Who Stare at Goats. He was a producer on Omar, which won the Special Jury Prize in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival and then scored an Oscar nom for Best Foreign Language Film. See here for his casting announcement for HIGH VALUE TARGET: THE HUNT FOR SADDAM. 

ABOUT THE SERIES:

Inspired by the memoir “Debriefing the President” by CIA analyst John Nixon, the eight-episode political thriller premiered September 13 with new episodes on Sunday and Monday evenings at 9pm ET/PT, culminating with the finale on Sunday, October 4 on TNT.

For the first time, HIGH VALUE TARGET: THE HUNT FOR SADDAM brings to television screens the story of John Nixon (Joel Kinnaman), A scene from "High Value Target: The Hunt for Saddam" on TNT (photo from TNT PR)the first CIA officer to interrogate Saddam Hussein (Waleed Zuaiter) following his capture in December 2003. Set against the backdrop of one of the most consequential military operations in recent history, the pulse-pounding series explores the high-stakes exchanges between Nixon and Hussein. As Nixon seeks answers from the former Iraqi leader in his search for weapons of mass destruction, he is forced to confront the far-reaching consequences of the U.S. invasion of Iraq and the ramifications that would reverberate around the world for decades to come.

Kinnaman leads an ensemble cast that includes Zuaiter (The Girlfriend), Lena Góra (The Eastern Gate), Rebecca Night (Fanny Hill), Tom Berenger (Platoon, Hatfields & McCoys), Paul Ryan (Brexit), Christopher McDonald (Hacks), Dar Salim (The Covenant), Matt Barr (Blood & Treasure), Ewan Miller (The Gray House), and Talia Balsam (Mad Men).

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

Back to the Primetime Articles and Interviews Page

BTG Transcript Wednesday, October 1, 2026

Beyond The Gates Transcript

 

BTG logo

Transcript provided by Suzanne and Thane

THIS STILL NEEDS SOME EDITING!

Chelsea: You need to run some more tests on my father.

Madison: Why? What’s wrong?

Chelsea: I think Hayley’s poison caused some brain damage.

Madison: Well, I’ve already run several cognitive exams, and Bill’s mental function appears to be fine.

Chelsea: Babe, I know how brilliant you are, and you are a neurology superstar, but you must have missed something.

Madison: Okay. Why? Why are you saying this?

Chelsea: Brain damage is the only explanation I can come up with for Dad pushing to get the charges against Hayley dropped.

Madison: He what? No, that sounds crazy.

Chelsea: I know. Maybe his condition got worse. Point is, I need you to test him ASAP.

Madison: He’s already been discharged.

Chelsea: You let my sick and probably mentally impaired dad leave the hospital?


Bill: Yeah. Feels good to be back where I belong.

Dani: I thought you were insane to come straight to the office after leaving the hospital. But it’s good to see you back in your happy place, sir.

Bill: What is—? Must have missed out on a lot when I was in the hospital. That’s a lot of discovery documents. What case is this for? Hayley?

Dani: For the case of the murderous mistress. I had Caroline pack up some of her personal items. Your choice if you want to send them to her or burn them.


Martin: Kendra.

Kendra: Hi. Shonda brought me up to speed before her plane took off.

Martin: We appreciate your flexibility. Thank you for stepping in. We really want to stay on top of this. What do you got for us?

Kendra: New intel from Shonda’s source in the Coleman campaign. They know that Smitty was questioned by the police about Lia’s death.

Martin: And did you confirm it?

Kendra: We did what we could to try to persuade them. The questioning was purely routine, but… I don’t know if they bought it.

Smitty: This is exactly what I was afraid of.

Martin: You did nothing wrong, Smitty.

Kendra: That may be. But we need to come up with a strategy that convinces the public of that. And the election is in one month.

Smitty: At least they won’t have a lot of time to make an impact.

Kendra: I’ve seen last-minute smear attacks work.

Martin: But the truth is on our side.

Kendra: Unfortunately, part of that truth is that Smitty visited a key figure in a notorious crime syndicate the day before she was found dead in her prison cell.

Smitty: I am kicking myself for that, believe me.

Kendra: Even more than self-flagellation, Shonda believes that we need an on-the-record statement from the police department that Lia obtained the drugs that she took from a source inside the prison. That would shut down any insinuation that Smitty had anything to do with her dying by suicide.

Martin: Sounds good to me.

Smitty: No, there is no way the police would be willing to make a statement like that.


Jacob: Any progress in the Lia Whitmore investigation?

Chief Hawthorne: Building the case against Hayley Hamilton has taken up all of my time. But it seems like all that work will go to waste, because Bill’s not cooperating and he’s saying he doesn’t want to press charges against her.

Jacob: Yeah. How’s your wife feel about that?

Chief Hawthorne: Naomi is angry and confused, and I don’t blame her. If she didn’t know that it would result in assault charges, she’d probably throw water in Hayley’s face like Chelsea did.

Jacob: Yeah.

Chief Hawthorne: Naomi’s mad enough to double down. She’d probably pull Hayley’s weave out from the roots.

Jacob: It’s frustrating.

Chief Hawthorne: Yeah, it is. Bill left the hospital so he can come down here and witness Hayley get arrested. And then I watched him walk out while Hayley was begging and pleading for him to stay and help.

Jacob: So what happened between then and now?

Chief Hawthorne: Chief Hawthorne.

Jacob: Yeah.

Chief Hawthorne: All right, I appreciate the heads-up. It’s official. The prosecutor has decided not to pursue the case against Hayley Hamilton.


Hayley: I have been one of the best customers at your sorry-ass little hair salon. What do you mean you have to limit your client list? Which one of those damn Duprees threatened you, huh? Hang on. I have a call coming in.

Tomas: Seems like just the other day you were going all-out to apologize to me. Guess now it’s my turn.

Hayley: This isn’t a joke, Kat.

Kat: I know. And I’m sorry. I had a good talk with a friend about all the arguments we’ve been having, and I’ve realized we have some issues with our communication.

Tomas: No kidding.

Kat: Well, you’re not making this apology any easier.

Tomas: I’m still waiting for the apology part.

Kat: I already said— No relationship should be this difficult.

Tomas: What do you mean by that?

Hayley: Mm, Tomas. I just want to let you know that there are no hard feelings for you refusing to be my lawyer. Everything ended up working out for the best. All the charges against me have just been dropped.


Caroline: Hey. I’m surprised to see you working here, Naomi.

Naomi: You’re always welcome at the firm.

Caroline: Oh. Well, I know, Caroline. Thank you, but it just doesn’t feel right right now. Plus I’m addicted to this mocha latte. But, please, sit. Look, if you have safety concerns, I’ve spoken with security and made sure that our criminal paralegal will be barred from the premises.

Naomi: I’ve never liked or trusted Hayley, but… didn’t think she was a stone-cold killer.

Caroline: Really? And here I thought you were Hayley’s only friend. I mean, you were her maid of honor, after all.

Naomi: Well, maybe I should have become an actress instead of Bill’s executive assistant.

Caroline: You were pretending to be Hayley’s BFF? Why?

Naomi: Look, I’ve always operated on the premise that if Bill Hamilton disliked someone, I want to destroy them. And if he likes someone, I love them to pieces.

Caroline: Wow, that is some next-level loyalty right there.

Naomi: Oh, my willingness to go the extra mile is why your father gave me a Mercedes.

Caroline: I prefer to think it’s because he genuinely respects you.

Naomi: I really hope so. Ah, Bill can be a bastard at times, but he’s my favorite bastard. God, it pissed me off when the judge granted Hayley bail. But I comfort myself with the fact that, soon enough, that psychopathic swindler will be locked up for years.

Caroline: Mm. Unfortunately, Dad is pulling all the strings so that doesn’t happen.

Naomi: You’re joking.

Caroline: I wish. But you might be the one person who can knock some sense into him.


Jacob: The evidence against Hayley is irrefutable. She actually had the vial of poison on her person when I brought her in to the station. And it’s the same poison that was found in Bill’s bloodstream.

Chief Hawthorne: Yeah. And we know how much pull Hamilton has with the state’s attorney. This reeks of him calling in a boatload of favors.

Jacob: Yeah, maybe. But what could have happened to change Bill’s mind and make him back off like this?

Chief Hawthorne: If I had to speculate, I’d guess that Hayley, during the course of their marriage, got some real good dirt on Bill, and now she’s using it as leverage.

Jacob: I hate when leverage and favors matter more than justice.

Chief Hawthorne: Okay, well, you take that hate and you focus it back on your investigation into the Impaler and his possible involvement in Lia’s death.

Jacob: I’m still waiting on the test results to come back. And when they do, we’ll finally know for sure whether whatever was found in the pouch found in Lia’s cell actually ended her life. And hopefully help us figure out how she got her hands on it in the first place.


Smitty: Police have evidence that they think might indicate that I had something to do with Lia’s death, which I did not.

Martin: That goes without saying, Smitty.

Kendra: If this evidence were to become public knowledge… Martin, this could torpedo your campaign.

Smitty: This keeps getting worse and worse.

Martin: Hey, everyone, let’s not panic. Fortunately, Kendra, my cousin’s husband is the detective on this case, and Jacob is great at his job. We just have to trust that the police will figure out what’s going on and this whole thing can disappear. We just have to be patient.

Kendra: In my experience, patience is a very bad strategy.


Bill: I would love to burn everything. That would set off all the smoke detectors in the building.

Dani: So, no Hayley inferno.

Bill: I mean, not unless you want to explain it to the fire department.

Dani: I guess you could be right. You know, after the janitors get rid of all this stuff, I’m gonna tell Caroline to have Hayley’s office fumigated. I want everything about that woman to be eradicated from my life.

Bill: Good. Because I also called the cleaning service at your house. Had them pack up Hayley’s trash and send it off to storage.

Dani: Mm. Yeah, smart.

Bill: I mean, that way I still have a full access. I mean, who knows what other kind of blackmail material she’s got tucked away.

Dani: You know, I just… I hate that Hayley was able to pull one over on me. I mean, I’ve always prided myself on being the smartest guy in the room.

Bill: You still are.

Dani: Yeah. Eh. Just… sticks in my craw. You know? That, of all people, that lying, little… scheming con artist was able to play me.

Bill: Because she found the one thing that could make you back down.

Dani: Something that would hurt my family.


Chelsea: Sorry we were interrupted. If you were hoping I’d calm down in the meantime, it didn’t work.

Madison: Chelsea, I had to check on a patient. I’m sorry. I’m making everything about me, I guess.

Chelsea: I know you’re upset. It’s okay. I just don’t get how you could discharge him so quickly after everything that’s happened.

Madison: Oh, babe, there were no longer any traces of the poison in his system and no medical reason to keep him here any longer.

Chelsea: But him dropping the charges against his lethal side piece proves that he is not 100%.

Madison: Well, even perfectly healthy people make lousy decisions sometimes. I— I won’t pretend to understand why Bill wouldn’t want to punish Hayley for what she’s done, but you stressing out about it is not gonna change anything. You need to calm down.

Chelsea: That’s easier said than done.

Madison: Okay. What if you focus on the positive instead? Okay? Bill is fully recovered and Hayley’s out of his life for good.

Chelsea: What if she tries to come after him again? What if she tries to do something violent and there’s nothing he can do to protect himself?

Madison: Are you… are you worried about Hayley or about Allison?


Jacob: Pops, I already interviewed Smitty about that pouch.

Chief Hawthorne: And what did he say?

Jacob: Naomi hustled him out before he was able to say much of anything.

Chief Hawthorne: Sounds like your wife was concerned that her client may say something incriminating.

Jacob: More like just being a good lawyer. You know attorneys always tell their clients not to say too much to police.

Chief Hawthorne: Well, maybe they needed time to concoct a cover story. That video was damning.

Jacob: But the video had no audio. And we both know videos can be misleading when taken out of context. Would you even have any questions about the accuracy or context if Smitty weren’t family?

Chief Hawthorne: My job is to consider all possibilities, even the ones that seem unlikely. My old man taught me that.

Jacob: Don’t go throwing my words back in my face.

Chief Hawthorne: And don’t let your fear of causing trouble with your wife’s family stop you from going all in on this case.


Tomas: I was at the police station when you were arrested. I know how solid the evidence is against you. Why would they drop the charges?

Hayley: Hmm. I guess my public defender turned out to be a better lawyer than you.

Kat: More like the state’s attorney fell down on the job. I’m gonna tell Martin he needs to make replacing everyone in that office a part of his campaign platform. I have had enough of evil bitches getting away with attempted murder. First Leslie, and now you.

Hayley: Mm. You seem to have left your Aunt Dani—the woman who attempted to shoot me at my wedding—off your little list.

Kat: I guess you’re just fine with the justice system having compassion and understanding when a Dupree is involved. By the way, Tomas, you won’t be seeing me around that office anymore.

Tomas: Yeah, I should hope not. Bill will probably get a restraining order keeping you off the premises.

Hayley: Okay. He can do whatever he wants. I am thrilled I won’t have to waste any more time pushing through those dreary legal papers.

Kat: Well, good luck with your power struggle with shining star Naomi. You’re gonna need it.


Bill: While it’s true I couldn’t let my children’s grandfather go down for covering up the deaths of a couple racists, I can’t let you paint me as some noble guy. You know, if Hayley had gone public with those recordings, I would have been charged right along with Martin and Vernon for conspiracy.

Dani: No. I was just looking out for number one, the way I always do.

Bill: Two things can be true at the same time. Say what you want, Bill Hamilton, but you contain multitudes. And yes, while you can be a selfish, hurtful bastard, you can also be pretty great when you want to be.

Dani: Well, great at being conned, in this case. I know it’s killing you that Hayley’s walking away not only scot-free, but with a big chunk of your cash.

Bill: Mm.

Dani: You know who’s gonna be crazy?

Bill: Hmm?

Dani: My family. They’re not gonna understand why Hayley’s getting some get-out-of-jail-free card, especially not Kat and Chelsea. They don’t even know what happened with Martin and Daddy on that dirt road.

Bill: Can’t even be honest with them.

Dani: Hmm. I’ll tell them that the publicity from Hayley’s trial would have ruined my reputation as a lawyer. I mean, nobody’s gonna want to hire an attorney who was duped by his wife.

Bill: You wouldn’t be the first, but… guess that’s gonna have to work as a cover story.

Dani: Yeah.

Bill: Well, I hope you keep having my back the way you have been doing.

Dani: Goes without saying.

Bill: Just don’t get carried away. You worried that this is going to rekindle some… residual wifey loyalty feelings inside of me?

Dani: No, I’m more worried about your current marriage. If you keep holding my hand like this—metaphorically, of course—Andre might not like it.

Bill: Andre understands that I’m just helping a friend. You know, as much as I might hate to say this, Andre’s a smart man. He knows that what we have is a hell of a lot different than your friendships with Vanessa and Pamela.

Dani: I love all of my friends in very different ways. And right now, my love for Vanessa means that I will be checking up on her later to see how she’s holding up after this carjacking.

Bill: Mm. Yeah, well, I’m sure Andre would prefer that you were holding Vanessa’s hands instead of reassuring me.

Dani: You might be surprised. My incredible husband doesn’t have a bit of pettiness in him.

Bill: What? Saint Andre? Say it ain’t so.

Dani: Well, Saint Andre is probably happy that you’re needing a pal after you were outwitted and outsmarted by Hayley.

Bill: Who says the game is over?


Chelsea: I am not projecting my anxieties about Allison onto my dad.

Madison: But the things you’re saying are—

Chelsea: —are about Hayley. A woman who worked and schemed to destroy my parents’ marriage, and then tried to kill my dad to get her hands on his money. I mean, how twisted is that?

Madison: No argument there. Hayley should absolutely pay for what she’s done.

Chelsea: She targeted my father, Madison. She turned the biggest, strongest man I’ve ever known into a victim. My dad has always done everything he possibly could to protect me. I just want to do the same for him.

Madison: Bill knows how you feel about him. The last thing he’d want is you tearing yourself apart like this.

Chelsea: If any of my thoughts about Allison creep into this, it’s only because now I understand how scared and powerless my mom and dad must have felt when I was kidnapped.

Madison: We all did, honey.

Chelsea: Yeah, but it’s different between a child and their parents. I wouldn’t expect you to understand. You’re not really close with yours.

Madison: I think I could still understand the emotion.

Chelsea: Babe, I didn’t mean—

Madison: You were just trying to explain the difference, and you’re not wrong. I don’t have that kind of relationship with my own parents.

Chelsea: I hope you know that my family is your family now. And they couldn’t possibly love you as much as I do, but they come close.

Madison: Well, your love is really all I need. But I won’t say no to being a part of the whole warm, wonderful family. The Dupree devotion is legendary. Now, I think you should let me get back to work. And please, please try to stop obsessing about Hayley.

Chelsea: I will do my best. But I can’t make any promises.


Naomi: I can’t fathom why Bill doesn’t want Hayley to go to prison for what she did to him. But I know he always has a reason for everything that he does.

Naomi: And as his right hand, you are in a great place to get him to see reason. Get him to change his mind where Hayley is concerned.

Caroline: You are way overestimating the power I have over your father. Sure, he may listen to me sometimes, but that doesn’t mean he’ll take my advice. You know that man does what he wants to do when he wants to do it. But if you ask me, the person who has the most sway with him is Dani. Maybe you should discuss this with your mother.

Naomi: Excuse me one second. Hi, hon.

Jacob: The toxicology results from that pouch associated with Leah’s death came back.

Naomi: Okay, and you’re telling me this because—

Jacob: I have more questions for Smitty, and he’s gonna need to have his lawyer present.


Martin: My constituents know me and my family. More than that, they trust us. And if Smitty’s visit to the police station does become public knowledge, I’ll tell everyone how proud I am of my husband’s work to expose a crime ring operating in our district.

Campaign aide: Only that same work wasn’t putting your own career at risk.

Martin: Whatever happens, we will weather it together. And if they vote me out, as my grandfather would say, there’s much more to life than serving in Congress.

Campaign aide: Don’t say one more word about the possibility of you losing this election. Shonda would kill me if she knew I let you put that thought in the universe. You’ve forced us to build campaign bricks with straw here.

Martin: Shonda has put together the best team in the business.

Campaign aide: I will try to live up to that when I remind the Coleman campaign manager that we’ve been running squeaky clean here, and that we haven’t brought up any of the old rumors that he plagiarized his college thesis. But we are willing to fight fire with fire if necessary.

Martin: Fire away.

Campaign aide: Thank you.


Smitty: I really hope we didn’t make a mistake downplaying how serious this is.

Martin: Look, I know how afraid you are of the impaler trying to frame you, but we haven’t heard anything from the police ever since Jacob called you down to the station. So maybe they’ve confirmed what you told me was true, that the video of you and Max was a fake.

Smitty: No such luck.

Martin: Okay, let’s go. Let’s get a move on it.

Smitty: We— we’re not going anywhere.

Martin: No, I am not letting you talk me out of this again. No more. We’re doing this together.

Smitty: Martin. This is my problem. Please let me handle it.


Smitty: You don’t need to be here.

Martin: I disagree. And it’s not because I don’t trust you or Naomi, but if I wasn’t here, I would just drive myself crazy with worry.

Naomi: Okay. As long as you remember, I’m counsel here.

Martin: Understood.

Jacob: Thanks for coming, Naomi. Smitty, you can pull up a chair.

Naomi: I’d like to confirm that this interview is voluntary and my client is free to leave whenever he pleases.

Jacob: It is, and he is. Okay. Martin, is there a reason why you’re here?

Martin: Well, since this is an informal conversation, I figured it’d be fine if I were present as Smitty’s husband.

Jacob: It’s just a little out of the ordinary.

Martin: I say the whole thing is out of the ordinary.

Jacob: We like to keep conversations like these low-key, involving as few people as possible.

Martin: Since my opponent in the congressional race is aware of Smitty’s last visit, sounds like your efforts to keep things low-key leave things to be desired.

Jacob: I’ll instruct everybody at the station to keep quiet about this.

Naomi: Okay, let’s get down to it, shall we? What did you want to speak to my client about?

Jacob: Like I said over the phone, the toxicology reports came back on the pouch that was found in Leah’s cell, the same pouch that Max handed Smitty in the security camera footage.

Smitty: But he didn’t—

Naomi: Smitty, please. I’m saving my objections for court and to save time. Don’t take that as an admission of anything.

Jacob: Understood.

Naomi: What did the lab report say?

Jacob: There were trace amounts of powder residue matching the pills that killed Leah.

Naomi: That doesn’t prove anything. Leah had to stash the pills somewhere.

Jacob: What I want to know is how the pouch came into Leah’s possession. That’s why I asked Smitty to come down today.


Kat: Bill is going to explode when he finds out Hayley isn’t being charged.

Tomas: I don’t know about that. As much as I hate to admit it, Hayley had a semi-good point about Aunt Dani. The only reason she wasn’t charged for shooting up the country club was because my family pulled some strings. I bet that’s what happened here too.

Kat: Why would Bill let the woman who tried to kill him off the hook?

Tomas: That man may be a brilliant litigator, negotiator, and advocate, but when it comes to his personal life, he’s a damn fool. He was married to a supermodel that loved him, and he cheated on her left, right, and center before Hayley even came into the picture.

Kat: With the case being dropped, Bill will probably be the boss from hell now, taking out his frustrations on his staff.

Tomas: Well, if Bill has the bad sense to treat you with disrespect, I say you need to pick up and leave. He deserves to lose you.

Kat: He might not care to keep me around at all.

Tomas: I hope you know Hayley was just messing with your head when she said you’d lose out to Naomi. I love my cousin, but my money’s on you when it comes to being Bill’s second in command.

Kat: I am taking every word out of Hayley’s mouth with several grains of salt, don’t worry. And thanks.

Tomas: For what?

Kat: Believing I deserve to be Bill’s second. I’ve always felt that way, Tomas. I believe in you.

Tomas: That’s good to hear. Maybe I need to say it more often.

Kat: Huh.

Tomas: What?

Kat: You and me, we seem to be communicating now.

Tomas: I guess we are. It’s nice.

Kat: And we owe it to Hayley. Maybe all we needed to fix our relationship dynamic was a common enemy.


Dani: The most, please, with the most expensive champagne he’s got.

Bill: Better keep an eye on your drink. You wouldn’t want anyone to drug it.

Dani: What do you mean this isn’t over? I thought Hayley was out of your life forever.

Bill: Well, being back in my domain, I’ve been reminded I’m still the fixer. Hayley may have won this battle and a cool million bucks and that damn house in St. Barts, but she has by no means won the war.

Dani: What are you gonna do?

Bill: I’m gonna keep working on my divorce papers, which will seem generous until Hayley steps on a clause or wherefore she overlooked.

Dani: Damn straight.

Bill: I’m gonna make this little con artist think that she’s getting everything she ever wanted.


Hayley: I don’t know what you’ve heard, but the charges against me were dropped with Bill’s full support, so there’s no need to be so prickly, dear.

Caroline: Bill doesn’t always know what’s good for him.

Hayley: On that, we can agree. For the record, I really did like you. I considered you a friend.

Caroline: Any reason I should believe that now? I mean, your wedding vows sounded really sincere, but apparently the only promise you intended to keep was till death do us part.

Hayley: Now that’s a good one. I always loved your sense of humor.

Caroline: I suppose I should be flattered.

Hayley: You should. I mean, it’s not often that I compliment people I meet. Look, Caroline, the two of us can still be friends, you know. I’m gonna have a lot of free time with plenty of money. Leslie Thomas is trying to be my new bestie, which is obviously not gonna happen, but I would really like someone to hang out with. Come on, Caroline. Bill wouldn’t have to know. It would be fun.

Caroline: I’d rather have a flock of vultures peck my eyes out.

Hayley: Okay.

Caroline: The truth is, Bestie, I was putting on an act as well. I’ve always despised you.


Chelsea: Have you heard the news about Hayley?

Kat: Right from the poisoner’s mouth. She just rubbed it in our faces that the state’s attorney dropped the charges against her.

Chelsea: It’s already official? Kat, I came here hoping you could help me stop this travesty.

Tomas: This has all the signs of a cousin conversation, so I’ll leave you girls to it.

Kat: Thanks for understanding. Feels really good being on the same page again. I look forward to more of this improved communication later.

Tomas: So do I.

Kat: So if you didn’t know the charges were dropped, then how—

Chelsea: My dad told me yesterday he wasn’t going to cooperate with the prosecution.

Kat: Huh. I figured he was behind this. I just don’t get why he wants Hayley back out on the street, free to try to kill him again.

Chelsea: My instincts are telling me that it wasn’t that Bill wanted to let Hayley go, it’s that he had to do it.


Naomi: Smitty has no idea how that pouch came into Leah’s possession.

Jacob: I’d like to hear that from him. Smitty?

Smitty: I have no idea.

Jacob: I saw the video of Max handing you the pouch, and I know you went to visit Leah a day before she died.

Martin: Oh, come on, Jacob. You know Smitty’s no criminal.

Jacob: Martin, if you interfere, this conversation will turn into a private interrogation instead of a friendly chat out here in the open, and I’ll have to ask you to leave.

Naomi: He’s got a point, Martin. Please.

Jacob: Smitty, listen. I understand that you went to Leah to get her to open up and share some information with you. Now, if she asked you for a favor in return—

Smitty: But she didn’t.

Jacob: All I’m saying is, I’ll understand if she did. Prisoners ask people on the outside to bring them things all the time. Now, I’m not implying that you knew she was planning her death or that you knew what was inside the pouch. No one is accusing you of anything. But please, just level with me here. Did you hand Leah the pouch?

Smitty: No.

Naomi: There’s no proof that the pouch in this photo is the same pouch that was found in Leah’s cell.

Jacob: Come on, Naomi, that’s a distinctive shade of purple.

Naomi: Looks mass-produced to me. There could be thousands of them.

Jacob: That would be one hell of a coincidence, especially considering the timetable. Max hands Smitty a pouch. A day later, Smitty goes to visit Leah, and a day after that, an identical pouch turns up in the cell of a dead woman?

Smitty: Because it’s not a coincidence.

Naomi: Smitty, please.

Smitty: That video is fake.

Naomi: Smitty, do not say another word.

Smitty: The only way the police are going to actually be able to figure out what happened is if I tell them what I know.

Jacob: I’ve watched a lot of AI videos, and this one looks authentic.

Smitty: Maybe because it’s not totally a fake.

Naomi: Smitty?

Smitty: That video has been altered. The last time I saw Max was months before the date on the video timestamp, before he went into witness protection. And he never handed me a pouch.

Jacob: Why would someone alter a security video?

Smitty: Because the impaler wants me to take the fall for Leah’s death. Please, Jacob. You have to believe me.


Hayley: It’s not a big thing, Caroline, but I don’t buy for a second that you’ve been playing me all along. I mean, if you were that good at it, you wouldn’t be a career secretary.

Caroline: Well, my bank account is fat. My car is a Mercedes I didn’t have to pay for. My work hours are reasonable, and I sleep like a baby at night because my conscience is clear. I’m exactly where I want to be, and Bill always does right by me, so I’m loyal to him.

Hayley: Hmm. Good. Suit yourself. There’s no more hangouts. And not to worry, I’ll get along just fine without you.

Caroline: The state may have decided not to make you pay for what you did to Bill, but who knows? Maybe I’ll decide to take matters into my own hands. You should watch your back.


Chelsea: Do you think Hayley is blackmailing my dad? That’s the only thing that makes any sense. From what Tomas said, Bill was ready to lock Hayley up and throw away the key, and now he just pulls a 180. What could she have on him that is so bad it outweighs attempted murder?

Kat: With Bill Hamilton, anything is possible. I know you love your dad, but he’s hardly Mr. Morality. I wouldn’t be surprised if at some point he did something that would totally wreck his reputation.

Chelsea: Well, if that’s the case, Hayley might not stop at getting the charges dropped. If she has that kind of leverage on my dad, she could bleed him dry. Maybe if we figure out what she’s got on him, we can stop her.

Kat: Just try keeping me out of this. I’ll gladly help you figure out what Hayley’s holding over Bill’s head.


Dani: A generous divorce settlement is a different approach to payback, but you know me. I lean toward color-coordinated weaponry.

Bill: It’ll lull Hayley into a false sense of complacency.

Dani: And then?

Bill: And then, when the time is right, I will turn the tables on her. She’ll never see it coming.

Dani: Whenever that happens, promise me a front row seat, okay?

Bill: You know that goes without saying. Hey, listen, Dani, you’ve been my ride or die lately, so I at least owe you that much.

Dani: Just don’t take the “or die” too literally, okay?

Back to the BTG Transcripts Page

Back to the Main Daytime Transcripts Page

Back to the Beyond The Gates Main Page

 

BTG cast animated GIF

 

BTG Short Recap Friday, October 2, 2026

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

 

BTG logo

Recap by Suzanne

The blackmail conspiracy ripples through the community during a Banneker homecoming tailgate party, where the truth about Bill’s shocking legal concession refuses to stay buried. Though Vernon tries to keep a lid on the situation, Chelsea leaks the news of her father dropping the attempted murder charges, causing the revelation to rapidly spread among the gathered friends and family. The awkwardness at the gathering multiplies as Nicole and Ted must navigate a tense environment after both showing up with their new significant others. Meanwhile, a frustrated Andre corners Dani, aggressively demanding answers about her secret interactions and continued proximity to Bill.

Behind closed doors, the true gravity of the threat becomes clear as Bill directly confesses to Elon that Hayley possesses highly damaging recordings regarding the family’s past cover-up. Knowing the walls are closing in, Elon immediately declares an emergency as the family panics over how the volatile Joey will react once he learns the secret. Unbeknownst to them, a protective Joey is already occupied with staging a fierce counter-offensive. Convinced that Heather orchestrated a dangerous carjacking scheme against Vanessa, Joey puts Heather on the spot, issuing a chilling warning to protect the woman he loves. The episode reaches a cliffhanger when a desperate Bill finally sits down with Joey, explicitly breaking the news that the family has a massive problem.

 

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

Back to the Main Beyond The Gates Page

BTG cast animated GIF

BTG Short Recap Thursday, October 1, 2026

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

 

BTG logo

Recap by Suzanne

The fallout from a near-fatal poisoning takes center stage as Bill returns to his office after being discharged from the hospital. Escorted by Dani, he learns that she has already cleared Hayley’s belongings out of both the firm and his home. Bill confesses his frustration over being outmaneuvered, admitting he only agreed to drop the attempted murder charges against Hayley to keep her from exposing the truth about how he, Vernon, and Ted covered up Martin’s accidental killing of a hate crime perpetrator. Meanwhile, Caroline drops a massive bombshell on both Naomi and Hayley, further complicating the web of leverage engulfing the family.

Away from the corporate tension, legal walls continue to close in elsewhere as Jacob aggressively grills Smitty once again regarding the dark details surrounding Lia’s death. Amidst the rising community suspicion, a fractured relationship finds a path toward healing. While attempting to navigate a deeply strained conversation about their communication issues, Kat and Tomas are interrupted by Hayley, who smugly boasts about her public defender securing her freedom. Ironically, discussing the dangerous threat Hayley poses to the family business helps Kat and Tomas put aside their differences and officially reconcile.

 

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

Back to the Main Beyond The Gates Page

BTG cast animated GIF

B&B Short Recap Friday, October 2, 2026

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

B&B logo

Recap by Suzanne

The surrogate scheme spirals into a dangerous web of deception as Carter and Steffy arrive at the office, where she desperately makes one final plea to simply tell the truth about how the baby was conceived. Fearing the truth will shatter their respective relationships, Carter overrides her doubts and forces her hand. When Daphne questions where he has been, Carter does the unthinkable and drops a massive bombshell, telling a stunned Daphne that Steffy was already inseminated and is pregnant with their baby.

Across town, the war against the establishment takes a major step forward as Hope and Katie lay all their cards on the table during a high-stakes pitch. Recognizing his deep frustration over being continuously sidelined and demoted to an assistant designer, they offer Zende an official escape route by asking him to jump ship and head up the design department at the rival house. Meanwhile, the complex dynamics among the younger crowd intensify as Will firmly stands up to his mother, issuing a strict defense of Dylan against the high-pressure demands being forced upon her.

 

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

Back to the Main Bold and Beautiful Page

B&B cast animated GIF

B&B Short Recap Thursday, October 1, 2026

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

B&B logo

Recap written by Suzanne

The baby dilemma reaches a boiling point at the cliff house, where Carter aggressively pressures a panicked Steffy to go along with a highly risky charade. Insisting they are running out of time, Carter demands that Steffy claim she is carrying his baby as a surrogate for him and Daphne, a massive sacrifice he insists they must make right now. Steffy fiercely lashes out at his impatience, deeply terrified that this reckless timeline will alienate her husband, Finn, and completely destroy her marriage when the truth inevitably blows up. Meanwhile, unaware of the storm brewing at the cliff house, Daphne happily beams alongside Ridge and Brooke as she updates them on her supposed surrogacy plans.

At the estate, the brewing fashion war intensifies as Katie fiercely motivates Hope to weaponize their history against their rivals. Recalling how Brooke disowned her in the past, Katie declares that their impending corporate success will taste even sweeter by lighting a powder keg under the family. Part of this corporate scheme involves Dylan successfully cajoling an increasingly frustrated Zende, who is growing weary of being demoted to an assistant designer and signals he may be ready to jump ship to the opposing camp. However, the high-stakes game catches the attention of Will, who desperately tries to perform damage control by warning a reckless Dylan that she is merely being used as a dangerous pawn in Katie’s ruthless war.

 

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

Back to the Main Bold and Beautiful Page

B&B cast animated GIF

Days Short Recap Friday, October 2, 2026

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

 

Days of Our Lives logo

Recap written by Suzanne

The legal tension shifts to corporate exposure as Johnny DiMera takes the brave step to meet with Rafe, fully confessing that EJ was entirely aware of the tainted batch of Coriseal and deliberately tried to cover it up. Knowing his own freedom is on the line, Johnny stands firm in his choice to expose the truth, leaving a cornered EJ to desperately panic to Rita about how quickly the walls are closing in. At the same time, EJ’s troubles multiply when he inadvertently overhears a heavily guarded secret that Marlena has been trying to bury. Marlena, meanwhile, directly confronts Rita, demanding to know the truth about who has been pulling the strings to guide Belle right to Dominic.

Away from the high-stakes conspiracies, Salem manages a rare moment of levity during a surprise baby shower thrown by Paulina for Chanel. The event takes a hilariously chaotic turn when a silly mix-up leaves all the guests laughing, giving the expectant mother a brief break from the brewing family storms. However, the peaceful moment remains fleeting as Sydney commits a highly critical and costly error that threatens to completely upend her own elaborate plans.

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

 

Days of Our Lives cast animated GIF

 

Days Short Recap Thursday, October 1, 2026

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

 

Days of Our Lives logo

Recap written by Suzanne

Salem is hit with major legal and corporate chaos as Melinda Trask takes to national television to publicly accuse Sarah Horton of medical malpractice, alleging her negligence led to a wrongful death. While Sarah reels from this public humiliation, Brady Black offers his support to a distressed Marlena Evans. Marlena is struggling deeply with the mind-bending discovery that she is listed as Dominic Marino’s mother on a birth certificate, leading to dark suspicions that Stefano DiMera or Orpheus may be orchestrating a sinister plot against her family. Meanwhile, Steve Johnson and Belle Black team up to investigate the validity of the mystery surrounding the document.

The corporate warfare escalates dramatically when Philip Kiriakis and Xander Cook completely derail EJ DiMera’s plans. Just as EJ thinks he has the upper hand, Philip and Xander surprise him by presenting a check that fully pays off the Titan loan, effectively saving the family business and handing EJ a massive defeat. Amidst the corporate takedowns, Philip also confesses his risky underworld alliances to Maggie. Elsewhere, Joy Wesley plays a high-stakes, dangerous game as she targets hospital drugs to secure muscle relaxers, desperate to keep Alex Kiriakis trapped in her intricate web of manipulation.

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

 

Days of Our Lives cast animated GIF

 

GH Transcript Monday, September 21, 2026

General Hospital Transcript

 

GH logo

Transcript provided by Suzanne

THIS STILL NEEDS SOME EDITING!

Willow: Agent Baines, please. This is Congresswoman Tait, regarding an urgent matter. Tell him I expect to see him in my office by the end of the day. He knows exactly what this is about.  Thanks for coming.

Valentin: It’s not every day a sitting member of Congress wants my presence.

Willow: I know you’re dating Carly, and she would happily load me into an unmarked WSB van before she would help me with them. But I am hoping that you will feel differently, especially because this involves my mother.

Valentin: In what way?

Willow: In the Agent Baines way. You warned my mom about him, and it turns out you were right.

Valentin: If your goal is to free your mother from the WSB, I don’t think that phone call is the best way to do it.

Willow: I don’t know. I think my attitude is entirely justified. My mother is innocent.

Valentin: I don’t think the WSB feels that way.

Willow: She was framed.

Valentin: And who would do that? Drew, perhaps?


Carly: I get that the WSB needs to search the Crimson offices, but you’ve shut down the entire floor. That is very disruptive to my guests and other tenants in this building, so I need to know when you guys are gonna be out of here.

Baines: I can’t say. They’re investigating the disappearance of one of their own, and while I understand your frustration, I thought you’d be more good-natured about it, since you’re the one who pointed me toward Nina Reeves as the most likely suspect in Jack Brennan’s disappearance.


Danny: So Tracy’s pretty mad, huh?

Cody: Uh, I don’t think mad really covers it, bud. She caught you trying to steal a car. Again. What were you thinking? You still gotta pay for what you did to Chase’s truck and that speedboat. So, per Tracy’s instructions, you got a whole bunch more chores on top of what you already had, starting with sweeping out the stalls.

Danny: I promise, Cody, I’ll do every single chore on that list and whatever else you can think of. But first, I gotta borrow your truck.

Cody: [Chuckles]


Scout: Charlotte? Why are you in my dad’s car?

Charlotte: You need to leave right now.

Scout: Yeah, no. What are you doing?

Charlotte: Okay, Scout, you don’t understand, okay? I’m doing this for you, okay? So you need to leave before you ruin everything.

Rocco: It’s not gonna work, Charlotte. Get out of the car.


Isaiah: Britt. Hey. You in there?

Britt: Yeah, I’m here. I’m fine. I just needed a minute.

Isaiah: Looks like you need a little more than that.  Why don’t you get out of here?

Britt: What for? There’s nowhere I want to go. And nobody waiting for me anyway.


Anna: Good to see you. Thanks for coming.

Jason: Of course.

Anna: Can I ask how Britt is?

Jason: I mean, she’s a little shaken up, but she’ll be okay.

Anna: Did you talk about what happened that night?

Jason: We did. It did not go well.

Anna: What do you mean?

Jason: Britt asked me to back her story with the PCPD. And I said no.

Anna: Oh, Jason, you shouldn’t have done that.


Charlotte: What are you guys doing here?

Scout: According to Danny, we’re saving your butt.

Rocco: Even he thinks whatever you were about to do is a bad idea.

Charlotte: Wait. Danny sent you to stop me?

Rocco: That’s what his text said.

Scout: Okay, so I’m going to ask you again. Why were you hiding in my dad’s car?

Charlotte: Look, okay, it was the only way to get your dad to back off Danny so you guys can see each other.

Scout: When it comes to Danny, my dad won’t even listen to me. Why do you think he’d listen to you?

Charlotte: Scout, do you mind if I talk to Rocco for a second?

Scout: Uh, yeah, kinda.

Charlotte: You have to get her away from here.

Rocco: Neither of us are leaving until you tell me what you’re doing.

Charlotte: When Drew gets in his car, I’m gonna surprise him and throw my arms around him and make it look like we’re making out.

Scout: You’re gonna make out with–? What are you talking about? That’s crazy.

Charlotte: I know, but I’m not actually gonna do anything, okay? It just has to look like it on the video. After that, I’m gonna tell him I’m gonna post it on social media, where he’ll be labeled a sexual predator and get canceled immediately. It’s a perfect plan.

Rocco: That’s insane.

Charlotte: My God, you sound just like Danny. But trust me, I know this is gonna work, okay? You just have to get her out of here.


Cody: [Chuckles] Are you really trying to sneak off after what just happened? You know you’re not doing yourself any favors, bud.

Danny: I know, but this is really important. Someone needs my help before they do something really stupid.

Cody: You do get that Tracy’s my boss, right? And she put me personally responsible for you this afternoon.

Danny: Yeah, but—

Cody: Okay, all right, look. Nothing’s going to happen until I know what’s going on, all right? So if it’s a real emergency, I’ll go with you, or we’re calling 911. So what’s going on? What kind of trouble is your friend in?

[Cellphone dings]

Cody: Everything okay?

Danny: Yeah, I-I think so.  Um, um…So you said something about, uh,  sweeping out the stall?


Carly: Speaking of which, was it really necessary to drag the editor-in-chief of Crimson out of the Metro Court Gardens in handcuffs? I mean, it was all over social media, and I don’t want my hotel associated with criminal activity.

Baines: For somebody who wants nothing to do with the WSB, you certainly are immersed in it. Your daughter, Chief Brennan, even Valentin Cassadine. I mean, whether you like it or not, it seems like you’re going to be dealing with the WSB, whether you want to or not. But I’ll try to make this current run-in as painless as possible.

[Telephone rings]

[Door closes]

Carly: Yeah. What? What do you mean someone’s messing around in the parking lot?


Anna: I could’ve killed Britt. And she has every right to go to the PCPD. Please.

Jason: I totally understand it is her right. But I don’t– I don’t want to be a part of it. Because you’ll get locked up. As far as I’m concerned, you don’t need to be locked up. You’re committed to getting help. So what’s the point of getting the cops involved in the first place?

Anna: Well, I don’t know. I’m sure Britt would feel safer. You know? She has to be terrified of me after what happened.

Jason: Yeah, but you didn’t hurt her.

Anna: Not physically, no. But staring down the barrel of a gun is traumatic. I can’t imagine that she’s just gonna shake that off. It’s gonna leave scars on her psyche.

Jason: Yeah, possibly. But Britt has been through worse. And she’s tough.

Anna: Yeah. Do you think she did reach out to the PCPD?

Jason: I don’t know.

Anna: I think she’s gonna feel a lot more secure soon. I–I don’t think I’m going to be in Port Charles for that much longer.

Jason: You’re leaving?

Anna: I mean, not of my own choice. But I have a feeling that the WSB will show up any minute, haul me off to one of their facilities.


Willow: Do you think Drew has a motive to frame my mother?

Valentin: Well, I think considering you and Nina were injecting Drew and keeping him in a locked-in state, I’m going to say yes.

Willow: Did my mother tell you that?

Valentin: You don’t have to confirm or deny it. But if it’s true, Drew has a hell of a motive to pin Jack’s disappearance on Nina. He could pay you both back in one fell swoop.

Willow: Unfortunately, it’s not a big leap. Unlike the idea of my mother hurting Jack Brennan. There’s just no way.

Valentin: I agree. I’m inclined to believe that Jack cut his losses and left town on his own. I find it harder to believe that he would leave Nina holding the bag. I think that’s more likely the work of a certain ex-Congressman.

Willow: Look, all I care about is getting my mother out of Steinmauer. You’re the WSB expert. If you say the best way to free her is to implicate Drew, I will call them right now and say that he framed her.


Scout: You said something about a video. What video?

Charlotte: My phone’s set up and focused on Drew’s windshield. You can see everything. After this, Scout won’t have to be a prisoner in her own home anymore, okay? So can you just help me and make Scout leave?

Rocco: We’re leaving.

Scout: Wait, whose phone is that?

Charlotte: Rocco, give that back right now!

Rocco: We’re all leaving.

Charlotte: Look, Danny and I thought about this, okay? This is the only way.

Scout: The only way to what? Just tell me what the big secret is already.

Charlotte: Rocco, you better give my phone back right now before I take it from you.

Carly: Hey!  Why am I getting reports that the three of you are causing a scene in my hotel?


Britt: This whole situation with Sidwell is much worse than people know. And I’m still dealing with the repercussions.

Isaiah: How so?

Britt: Well, for once, I was the victim. Not everyone sees it that way. But the– the longer I sit with it, I wonder… maybe I wasn’t.

Isaiah: Sorry. What are we talking about here?

Britt: I knew someone was being held against their will. And I waited too long to do something about it.


Jason: Josslyn took your advice and reported me to the WSB.

Anna: Yeah. I mean, I wouldn’t want her to cover for you. No, I–I wouldn’t, Jason, because lying to the Bureau when I was an agent was the exact thing that ruined my life. I don’t want that for her.

Jason: Yeah, I don’t– Neither of us do.

Anna: You know, I was just hoping that maybe I could stay here, work with Dr. Nichols and avoid being locked up again, because that’s really just going to exacerbate my PTSD.

Jason: I mean, that makes sense.

Anna: But I don’t really think that’s a viable possibility… given my actions that night. They were both dangerous… and deranged. You know, if you hadn’t found us when you did… I could have killed Britt.

Jason: I don’t think that’s true.

Anna: [Scoffs] I wish I was as certain as you about that. Anyway, be that as it may, the reason I asked you here is… because if… Well, when the Bureau comes to take me away, that’s really going to shatter Emma. And she’s going to blame Josslyn. And Josslyn will blame herself. And so what I really need is for them both to see that I brought this on myself. And, you know, the way you would have to do that is if you could really make them understand, especially Emma… exactly what I did to Britt.


Cody: Ahem. Danny, is something going on with Scout?

Danny: What–what makes you think that?

Cody: Well, you look super stressed, and that usually means you’re thinking and worrying about her. Also, Molly might have told me that things between Drew and Alexis aren’t great. Actually, what she said is Drew’s being a jerk.

Danny: It’s like he doesn’t know any other way to be.

Cody: But you said that somebody was in trouble?

Danny: Charlotte. I told her how much I hate not seeing Scout, and she’s determined to help.

Cody: Sounds like a good friend.

Danny: Yeah, she’s the best. You know, she’s always got my back, and I’m repaying her by dragging her into this mess with Drew. Seems like my problems with Drew just keep spreading and making everything worse for everyone else in my life.


Carly: The valet told me that you guys were messing in someone’s car. Are you guys just gonna look at each other, or is someone gonna tell me what’s going on?

Scout: Rocco and I came to pick up Charlotte, and we found her in my dad’s car.

Carly: What were you doing in Drew’s car?

Charlotte: I just wanted to drive it. I was gonna, you know, take it off the road, get it all muddy, and then bring it back for you to find. You know, like a–like a prank.

Scout: That? That was your big secret plan?

Charlotte: It was stupid, and I’m sorry. But luckily Scout and Rocco came here just in time to stop me, and the car’s fine, so we should just get out of here.

Carly: No, no, wait a minute. You’re not going anywhere. You have no idea how big a problem this could have been, do you? If Drew’s car would have gone missing from this hotel, I would have had to report it to the PCPD. Do you know what would have happened to you then?

Charlotte: No.

Carly: You would have been hit with a grand theft auto charge.

Charlotte: For a stupid prank?

Carly: Yeah. And Drew would have pressed charges, taken you to court, and jumped at the chance to make me look bad. And given the situation, that would be very easy to do.

Rocco: She wasn’t gonna steal his car. She was using it to set up Drew. She was trying to film a video of them kissing to use as blackmail.


Valentin: Tempting, though I’m sure it is, to throw Drew under the proverbial bus, simply offering an alternative suspect to the WSB will not be enough to secure her release.

Willow: Okay, so what do I do? Do I call them out? Make a big public stink about a private citizen being disappeared by an overreaching WSB?

Valentin: No, don’t do that. You don’t want to be at odds with the WSB. And I know Agent Baines well enough to know he doesn’t deal well with threats.

Willow: So how do I approach him?

Valentin: With an open hand. You be his ally, not his adversary. I think the only way you’re gonna help your mother now is to help the WSB.


Isaiah: I heard a little about what happened on Spoon Island. Sounds to me like you were in an extreme situation.

Britt: It started at extreme.

Isaiah: I know from my work in some of the most complicated places in Africa that when you’re in an out-of-control situation, your own behavior can suddenly become out of control, too. Then you find yourself doing things you never imagined. Things that can be… hard to live with.

Britt: Yeah. How’d you get through it?

Isaiah: I just did the best that I could.

Britt: Me, too. But in my case, it just wasn’t good enough.


Anna: I told Emma what happened. But even as I was speaking to her, I could see her rationalizing things, downplaying everything, because she didn’t want to think that I was capable of doing such a thing. You know. But you were there. You saw how bad it was. So when the time comes, I would need you to tell Emma and Josslyn the truth, please, if you could.

Jason: Of course. I’ll answer any questions they have. Honestly.

Anna: Thank you.

Jason: Okay, so, but if the WSB does come for you, you don’t have to go quietly. I can get you out of town. I’ll take you myself.

Anna: Oh, well, thanks. Valentin made the same offer. But Danny needs you. You can’t leave.

Jason: It’ll be two to three days max. I’ll get you someplace safe. You can recover. You get stronger.

Anna: Thanks. I appreciate the offer. But I don’t think running and hiding is the solution. You know? I think… I think I really do have to face up to the consequences of what I did.

[Doorbell rings]


Valentin: The WSB will be more inclined to do something for you if you were to do something for them. And right now they have Nina because they protect their own. And they want to find Jack Brennan. If you were to offer them something that they find valuable to the agency as a whole, well, maybe the mystery of the disappearance of Jack Brennan could find its way to the backseat.

Willow: But the WSB already knows that I’m working on expanding their funding through the appropriations committee.

Valentin: Extra funding is always nice.

Willow: What I mean is that I’m obviously an agency ally, yet they still took my mother. So what else is there to do? I could offer Agent Baines a bribe.

Valentin: He can’t be bought. Any attempt at coercion will blow up in your face. It’s time you step up your game and become indispensable to the WSB.


Charlotte: The way Rocco explained it made the plan seem way worse than it actually was.

Carly: I don’t know, it sounded pretty accurate to me.  But if you have an innocent version, I’d love to hear it. Otherwise, I’m gonna go with my gut, and it’s telling me that you, a teenager, were about to throw yourself at a grown man.

Charlotte: So I could force Drew into letting Danny see Scout. Okay, people have sympathy for him right now because of the stroke, but even he couldn’t survive them thinking that he made out with a teenager.

Carly: Charlotte, what would you have done if Drew opened the car door instead of Scout and Rocco?

Charlotte: My phone was set up and recording. And, you know, once he got in, I was gonna jump up and throw my arms around him, and then it would look like we were making out from the angle of my phone, even though we actually weren’t.

Carly: You think that Drew would let you do this to him?

Charlotte: No. He’d get angry and push me away and then take off. And then once he left, I’d come back, get my phone, find the most convincing part of the video, and then I’d send it to him and tell him that I would post it unless he ends the restraining order.

Carly: And what if Drew called your bluff? What if he actually kissed you? Were you prepared for that?

Charlotte: But he wouldn’t.

Carly: You can’t know that. Charlotte, I get why you came up with this plan. Hell, it’s something I would have done it back in the day. But if you would have put it into action, that would have been a huge mistake.


Scout: Oh, are you gonna be late for dinner with your parents?

Rocco: No, I still have time.

Scout: What’s wrong?

Rocco: Danny’s blowing up my phone asking about Charlotte.

Scout: I can’t believe he didn’t show up at the Metro Court himself.

Rocco: I guess that’s Danny’s deal. He makes a mess but doesn’t clean it up.


Cody: Well, everybody’s drinking less water than usual, but the grass they’re eating is pretty hydrating, so keeping the water at 68 degrees, just the way they like it.

Danny: Hmm.

[Cellphone dings and buzzes]

Cody: Go. Check it.  Everything okay?

Danny: Yeah. Um… Rocco’s not giving me any details, so he’s probably mad at me… again.

Cody: Yeah. I noticed you guys don’t seem to hang out anymore.

Danny: There was a time when Rocco and I had each other’s backs, but a lot has changed. He’s very hung up on playing it safe. Scout’s my sister. It’s wrong that Drew is keeping us apart, so I gotta find a way to make him back off.

Cody: Okay. Now see that– see that– That’s your problem right there.


Britt: I knew someone was being held on Spoon Island. But, you know, I had– I had my own stuff going on. Most of the time, I was just trying to survive.

Isaiah: Yeah, being in survival mode can make it difficult to help other people.

Britt: I really wanted to get them out. I just didn’t know how. But I knew for sure that if I got caught, we’d both be killed. Then, before I could come up with a plan, they were moved somewhere else, out of my reach.

Isaiah: Sounds like an awful situation for both of you. I’m sorry.

Britt: Me too. Terrible things happened to this person because I didn’t act fast enough. I did care. I was really trying to figure out what to do. No one believes me.

Isaiah: That’s their problem.

Britt: Is it?

Isaiah: Yeah. It doesn’t matter what anyone believes. You know you were doing your best and searching for a way to help. So hold on to that, and everyone else be damned.


Baines: Anna Devane.

Anna: Agent Baines. WSB. Yeah. I’ve been expecting you. Please, come in. My friend was just leaving.

Baines: Actually, I’d like Mr. Morgan to stay. I understand you were involved in the incident with Dr. Britt Westbourne. I was informed by Agent Jacks that you made an attempt on Dr. Westbourne’s life. Is that correct?

Anna: Yeah, it is.

Jason: But Anna suffered emotional trauma. She was held prisoner, and the WSB did nothing to help her.

Anna: And just so you know, I’ve taken a leave of absence from the PCPD, and I’m under the care of a psychiatrist. But I understand if that doesn’t satisfy the Bureau.

Baines: Well, standard policy doesn’t quite apply, given the breadth and scope of classified knowledge to which you’ve been exposed over the years.

Anna: Well, I’m fully prepared to hand myself over to you, Agent Baines. Face the consequences of my actions.


Rocco: That whole thing with Charlotte has been a lot for you.

Scout: It was a lot for me. I can’t believe she was going to do that to my dad. I mean, she was going to ruin his reputation in the worst way possible. And then she turned around to say she was doing it for me?

Rocco: You don’t believe her?

Scout: No. No. She and Danny just hate my dad. Like everyone else.

Rocco: I don’t hate your dad. And I know you love him. I think he thinks he’s just acting in your best interest.

Scout: Well, why can’t Danny see that? He did text me to stop Charlotte.

Rocco: Because he didn’t like this particular plan. But I could totally see him blackmailing your dad if he could.

Scout: Even if that’s true, he’d be doing it so that he can see me. I’m so sick of everyone, including Danny, just using me as an excuse to go after my dad. The last thing I want is for my dad to get hurt because of me.


Danny: How am I the problem in this situation? I’m standing up to Drew because he’s a bully who keeps Scout locked in her room so she can’t see her family.

Cody: Literally?

Danny: Well, no, but my mom would want me to help her. But Drew’s got all of the power, so there’s nothing I can do.

Cody: Not exactly. You can actually take away Drew’s power by doing nothing.

Danny: I don’t get it.

Cody: All right, fighting against Drew puts you in the wrong. But if you just follow the rules, he can’t come at you with anything.

Danny: Where’s that gonna get me? He still won’t let me see Scout.

Cody: Yeah, I know, but it makes Drew the bad guy. Well, all you gotta do is just stay out of trouble, mind your own business, and people like Tracy and Alexis will go to bat for you and help you see your sister. The key is you can’t force it. You gotta just be cool, play the long game. Nice and calm, slow and steady, no sudden movements.

Danny: So, treat Drew like a horse?

Cody: More like a donkey. Remember, Drew’s an ass.


Carly: I made huge mistakes when I was young.

Charlotte: You did?

Carly: Yeah, all the time. I did things that I couldn’t take back. I ruined people’s lives. And I did it by using my sexuality to get what I wanted. And I didn’t care at all about the consequences for myself or for anyone else. And I’m telling you, you don’t want to do that. It sends the wrong message about who you are and what you want. And more importantly, how you expect others to treat you.

Charlotte: I didn’t think about that when I was coming up with the plan.

Carly: No. You’re so lucky that you had Scout and Rocco stop you today. I didn’t have anyone to pull me back. And I almost destroyed myself.

Charlotte: I promise I won’t try and trap Drew again.

Carly: Good. Glad to hear that.

Charlotte: Okay, I know I’m in trouble. Can I ask you a favor?

Carly: You can ask.

Charlotte: Can you please not tell my dad?


Willow: Baines is an extremely effective agent.

Valentin: Did you two work together?

Willow: Yeah. From opposing sides.

Carly: Excuse me. Hi.

Valentin: Hi.

Carly: Um, can you come to my office? Your daughter’s here.

Valentin: Something I should know?

Carly: She’s safe.

Valentin: I’ll be right there.

Willow: I gotta go. Thank you, Valentin. You’ve been helpful.

Valentin: My pleasure. Oh, something you should know. First piece of advice is free. Next one’s gonna cost you.


Britt: I get why people think I’m selfish. Because I am selfish. Probably because I’ve always had to take care of myself. But that doesn’t mean I won’t put myself on the line. I’ve done it before. And I’ll do it again. Thanks for believing in me. Too bad Jason doesn’t.


Anna: Will I be taken to Steinmauer?

Baines: No. Well, you’re a special case. You weren’t an active agent at the time of the incident. And I’ve vetted Dr. Nichols. I believe Dr. Nichols is fit to oversee your care.

Anna: To oversee my care. What? Here, in Port Charles?

Baines: As long as you agree to the WSB reviewing all of Dr. Nichols’ notes and you sign this NDA stipulating that you won’t publicly disclose anything that happened to you in the last year.

Jason: Okay, so let me get this clear. If Anna stays quiet about a rogue WSB agent who is developing a very dangerous cold fusion device, she gets to stay here and get help here.

Anna: I’ll sign. Yeah, there you go. Thank you.

Baines: I wish you good health, Miss Devane. And Mr. Morgan, WSB is glad that you are enjoying your freedom now that you’re back in Port Charles. Should we need you again, we trust that you’ll be available.

Anna: Wow. Oh. I get to stay here in Port Charles.

Jason: That’s great.

Anna: Oh, yeah. I’m surprised the WSB finally did the right thing, but I’m not gonna question it.

Jason: I’m not gonna question it either.

Anna: Yeah. This is all because Britt didn’t press charges, you know? God, would you thank her for me? I mean, I’d like to do it myself, but I don’t think she wants to hear from me.

Jason: She doesn’t want to hear from me either. We’re not together anymore.

Anna: Because of what I did?


Scout: You know, my dad is convinced that everyone is out to get him. But you know what? They kind of are.

Rocco: You think?

Scout: Yeah. Tracy, my grandma, Aunt Molly, they all say that they’re fighting with him for my own good. But it doesn’t feel good to me.

Rocco: Because you’re stuck in the middle, and that always sucks.

Scout: Totally does. And then all the fighting gets my dad overprotective. And then I end up lying to him about something I should never have to. Like hanging out with people. And it’s not like we’re hurting anybody.

Rocco: Because everyone around us is an insane drama machine. We have to keep it a secret.

Scout: At least we can talk with each other. Can you imagine having to watch all this craziness around us and having to keep it all in?

Rocco: No, I don’t want to. I’d be so overwhelmed without you.

Scout: Me too.


Cody: All right, well, now you got me all invested in what’s going on. Any news?

Danny: Nothing from Charlotte and nothing from Rocco. But at least I should be glad he texted me to tell me Charlotte was okay.

Cody: Yeah. Look, if Rocco came through for you today, maybe things between you two aren’t as bad as you thought.

Danny: Maybe. But they are different. I mean, he’s been through a lot, but since he’s been back, it’s like we’re on completely different wavelengths. We barely talk, and we used to tell each other everything.

Cody: I’ve been there.

Danny: We grew up in the same house, like brothers. Now every time I’m around him, it feels like we’re strangers, and it kills me.

Cody: Sorry, man. That’s the worst.

Danny: Yeah, I miss him. It’d be a lot worse if I didn’t have Charlotte. She’s my best friend.


Valentin: Charlotte? Everything all right?

Charlotte: Yep, totally fine.

Valentin: Well, that’s obviously not true. You want to try that again?

Charlotte: Dad, can we just go home, please?

Valentin: Yeah, all right. Come on, let’s go.

Carly: Charlotte broke into Drew’s car.


Jason: Britt said that she was working on getting you out of Wyndemere, but Sidwell and [unclear] moved you, and she didn’t know where. And that’s what she claims, anyway.

Anna: That’s what she claims? You don’t believe her?

Jason: Man. As much as I want to, I don’t. And I realized that meant that we can’t be together. Because part of loving someone is believing them, no matter what the circumstances. I can’t give Britt that.

Anna: I see.

Jason: We didn’t break up because of you, Anna. We broke up because of me.


Britt: What you really walked in on today was me feeling sorry for myself because my boyfriend and I broke up over this whole situation. He doesn’t believe I was trying to find a way to help.

Isaiah: I’m sorry to hear that.

Britt: Yeah, me too. I’ve always been terrible at relationships, so this isn’t a new feeling. But this one is rough. The whole point of being in a relationship is that you got someone who believes in you no matter what, against all odds.

Isaiah: If this person can’t take you at your word, Britt, then that’s on them. You’re better off without them.

Britt: Thanks. Doesn’t feel that way right now. But I’ll get there. Eventually.


Willow: Agent Baines, thank you for coming on such short notice.

Baines: Your message was insistent.

Willow: Well, I am sorry about that. But I’m sure you can understand why. I didn’t even get to say goodbye to my mother, let alone consult with her lawyer before she was whisked out of the country to a Supermax prison in Switzerland.

Baines: I imagine you have questions.

Willow: Just one. What does the WSB need from me to ensure that my mother is returned to Port Charles immediately?


On the next “General Hospital” —

Back to the GH Transcripts Page

Back to the Main Daytime Transcripts Page

 

GH cast animated GIF

 

GH Short Recap Friday, September 11, 2026

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

 

GH logo

Recap written by Eva

Ned asks Chase to save his marriage for Phoebe’s sake but Chase doesn’t think he can trust Brook Lynn anymore.

Brook Lynn asks Trina for forgiveness but Trina tells Brook Lynn that she can never forgive her.

Jordan goes to tell Curtis that Brook Lynn was the other person involved in their car accident.

Agent Baines suspects Carly and Valentin may have had something to do with Jack’s disappearance but they tell him that he should talk to Nina since she and Jack were romantically involved.

Jason and Britt argue because he doesn’t want to go report Anna to the police because she needs help not prison. Jason tells Britt that she knew thst Ross Cullum was holding Anna captive and did not nothing to help her.

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

 

GH cast animated GIF

GH Short Recap Thursday, September 10, 2026

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

 

GH logo

Recap written by Eva

Anna appoints Dante temporary commissioner and Anna starts her outpatient therapy.

Emma, Lucas, and Felicia try to persuade Britt not to press charges against Anna but Britt tells them Anna must pay for trying to kill her.

Brook Lynn talks to Justine with Alexis present and Justine says she will probably have to pay a $250 fine. Brook Lynn goes to apologize to Trina for her actions.

Josslynn doesn’t know if she should report what Anna did to the WSB.

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

 

GH cast animated GIF

GH Short Recap Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

 

GH logo

Recap written by Eva

Trina tells Isiah and Portia that Brook Lynn was the other driver involved in Curtis and Jordan’s accident. Chase goes to Willow’s house and tells her Brook Lynn was the other person involved in Curtis and Jordan’s accident . Chase also tells Willow that he knew Brook Lynn framed her weeks ago and he didn’t tell her because no charges were brought against her.

Anna shoots the gun at Britt and Jason steps in front of Britt and makes sure Anna points the gun at the ground. Jason tells Britt to leave and later Anna tells Jason thdt she has been seeing a manifestation of Peter since Paris and he told her to kill Britt. Britt tells Josslynn Anna is crazy and the WSB should arrest her for trying to kill her. Josslynn wants to hear Jsson”s side of whet happened before she arrests Anna.

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

 

GH cast animated GIF

GH Short Recap Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

 

GH logo

Recap written by Eva

Scout lies to Drew and tells him that she was with Danny because she doesn’t want him to know she was with Rocco when they kissed.

Brook Lynn finally tells Jordan and Trina as well ad the rest of the Quartermaine family that she was the other person in and Jordan had been hurt or she would have helped them. Chase is upset because Brook Lynn lied to him all this time about the accident. Chase is also upset Brook Lynn framed Willow for the accident. Chase leaves the house because he can’t stand to look at Brook Lynn.

Gio tells everyone that he doesn’t want to be a part of this family anymore because their lies hurt people and then they close ranks to protect each other.

Jason and Britt try to persuade Anna not to kill Britt but Anna is convinced that the only way to get rid of Faison is to kill his last remaining child. Anna continues to see ghost Peter who tells Anna to kill Britt.

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

 

GH cast animated GIF

GH Short Recap Friday, September 4, 2026

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

 

GH logo

Recap written by Eva

Rocco and Scout decide to skip the Quatermaine party and go to the lake to talk and swim. The swim ends in a kiss between Rocco and Scout. Drew discovers Scout is missing and tracks her phone to Sonny’s house. Drew arrives at Sonny’s house and asks Sonny if Scout is there.

Ava goes to the hospital to have herself checked out since she has a tick on her. Dr Gannon takes out the tick which he tells Ava is a lobe star tick. Dr Gannon tells Ava that if the tick wasn’t on her for more then twenty four hours she should be okay with just an antibiotic. Dr Gannon tells Ava he has to report the location where the tick latched on to her to the CDC.

Chase finally gets Lucy to tell him the truth and amend her statement about Willow that she made to the police.
Chase tells Brook Lynn that he wants to talk to her about Jordan and Curtis’s accident.

Brook Lynn tells Chase she will tell him everything after the party.

Trina comes into the Quartermaine living room and asks Brook if she was the other person involved in Curttis and Jordan’s accident.

Jason sees Anna at the shooting range practicing.

Anna calls Britt and tells her to meet her at Mount Emerson.

Jason arrives at the hospital and Tristan tells him that Britt got a call and went to Mount Emerson to do something for her mother. Jason calls Sonny to ask him if he still owns land in Mount Emerson. Sonny tells Jason he does own land there but Anna is going to buy a parcel of land from him. Britt asks Anna why they had to meet in such a qremote place. Anna points a gun at Britt and says “so no one can hear you scream.”

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

 

GH cast animated GIF

GH Short Recap Thursday, September 3, 2026

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

 

GH logo

Recap written by Eva

Josslynn’s superior Agent Banks tells her to concentrate on her assignment and he will find Jack Brenan. Agent Banks thinks Jack decided to disappear because he had been sidelined by the WSB.

Valentin, Carly, and Jason think Jack chose to disappear or he was taken by someone.

Jason punishes Danny for taking Chase’s truck by not letting him drive anything with an engine for six months.

Charlotte and Danny figure out someone must have taken Jack’s body out of the pool since Carly would have called the police by now.

Chase and Joe decide to compare notes on Curtis and Jordan’s accident.

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

 

GH cast animated GIF

GH Short Recap Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

 

GH logo

Recap written by Eva

Chase finds out Danny took his car and he apologizes for taking the car and getting a ding in it. Chase wonders if he took Brook Lynn’s BMW but Danny tells Chase he never took Brook Lynn’s car or scraped the side of it.

Jason and Carly tell Josslynn that someone searched Brennan’s room so Josslynn reports a possible D71 involving chief Brennan.

Valentin tells Anna that he is sure that Ross Cullum and Cassius tortured her and they are both dead so that should be a comfort to her. Anna sets a trap for Britt and calls Britt to tell her she has information about Cassius and will text her where they can meet to talk.

Drew and Ava bury Brennan on the federally protected sanctuary land near the Quartermaine mausoleum. Outback finds where Jack’s body is buried but Brook Lynn is puzzled because the dog won’t come with her back to the house.

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

 

GH cast animated GIF

GH Short Recap Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

 

GH logo

Recap written by Eva

Gio and Trina are a big hit when they play at the Cat’s Eye Lounge in Rochester.

Charlotte and Danny find Jack’s dead body in athe Metro Court pool . Charlotte and Danny decide to leave Jack in the pool and forget they found him there because they don’t want to get in trouble. Charlotte and Danny leave as fast as their legs and Jason’s truck can carry them. Danny is so nervous about finding the body that he dings Jason’s truck.

Ava and Drew are the next people to find the body and they work together to get Jack out of the pool. Ava and Drew put Jack into a laundry cart and cover him with towels and push the laundry cart into the service elevator. Drew tells Ava he knows the perfect place to dump the body.

Charlotte tells Danny that her bracelet is missing and the audience sees that Charlotte’s bracelet is on Jack’s body.

Carly calls Jason to fix the Metro Court security cameras that aren’t working. Jason tells Carly that the cameras were deliberately turned off. Jason and Carly think that someone is looking for Jack. Jason and Carly head to Jack’s room. Carly and Jason find the room a mess and wonder who was searching Jack’s room and what they were hoping to find. Carly and Jason are unaware that Drew and Ava were the ones who searched Jack’s room because they were looking for the evidence Jack had that Drew used money from the Esplanade project to fund his political campaign.

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

 

GH cast animated GIF

Days Update Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Days of Our Lives Update

 

Days of Our Lives logo

Update written by Joseph

Philip and Xander excitedly go to see Maggie at the Horton house. Maggie questions why they are grinning from ear to ear. Xander says they have the best news that they just had to come share in person. Philip then announces that Titan is saved.

Holly confronts Mason in the town square. Mason tries to say he’s busy but Holly says he’s going to have to tolerate her. Holly then shows Mason the “are you having fun” text message and asks if he sent it.

At the Black Patch office, Brady tells Steve about Sarah filing the FDA complaint against EJ. Brady explains how they think EJ is already retaliating since Sarah was sued out of nowhere by Destiny’s parents with a wrongful death suit and says the whole thing reeks of EJ. Brady bets EJ got a hold of Destiny’s parents and maybe even bribed them to be complicit in this. Brady feels this is EJ’s way of warning Sarah to get off the Coriseal investigation, but says there’s no chance in Hell that she will.

At the hospital, Sarah tells Kayla that EJ must have been behind this. Kayla says they don’t know that but Sarah feels it’s obvious since the wrongful death suit was filed right after her complaint. Kayla talks about planning to fight it and if EJ is behind it, he will have nothing to hold against her. Rita arrives and says they are just who she was looking for.

Maggie questions how it’s possible that Titan is saved. Philip responds that they have the money needed to pay off the loan, so EJ cannot foreclose on them. Maggie can’t believe it. Philip just wishes they could’ve stopped the sale of the house but it was too late. Maggie then questions how he got the money. Philip admits that he won it, which Maggie questions further and demands an answer as to how he won the money. Philip thinks she knows the answer and asks her not to be upset. Maggie argues that he told her he was not going to gamble again. Philip doesn’t think he told her that. Maggie complains that he certainly led her to believe it. Philip apologizes for that.

Mason asks Holly why the hell he would text someone he hardly even knows. Holly asks why he hates someone he hardly knows. Mason insists he didn’t send the text. Holly asks who did then. Mason questions how he should know and suggests it could be a wrong number. Holly remarks that it could be someone stalking her which has happened before. Mason questions her thinking he’s stalking her, so Holly asks if he is.

Steve tells Brady that if EJ is bribing people to harass Sarah, that means he’s desperate and they are onto something. Brady says he’d love nothing more than to take EJ down, but he hates that Sarah is being dragged in to this. Steve says they both know the lawsuit is bogus and Kayla has Sarah’s back, so they need to focus on nailing EJ for the Coriseal contamination and prove that he’s responsible for what happened to Holly and Destiny. Steve adds that once they do that, Sarah won’t have anything to worry about.

Kayla asks Rita what they can do for her. Rita assumes they’ve been notified about the pending legal action concerning Destiny’s death which Kayla confirms. Rita informs them that the hospital is launching an independent investigation. Kayla assures they will cooperate and insists the findings will see the hospital was not at fault and everything was done by the book. Rita responds that EJ agrees the hospital is not at fault, but that Sarah is another matter..

Mason tells Holly that he wants nothing to do with her, so he questions why he would stalk her. Holly suggests to scare her or punish her. Holly says that Ari told her that he thinks she’s responsible for the death of someone he cares about. Mason then confirms that he was talking about Sophia Choi.

Philip knows Maggie thinks that him gambling was him falling off the wagon, but swears that it was a one off and the only way to win enough. Philip explains that the poker game went really well but didn’t quite cut it, so he had to put some money down on 18 red at the roulette table and that’s why Titan is saved. Xander encourages Maggie to give Philip a break as he only did it because they were so desperate and out of time and options. Maggie asks if Xander knew about this. Xander says only after the fact and suggests they just rejoice that Philip saved the company. Maggie complains that Philip risked relapsing in to an addiction that nearly destroyed him and the family. Maggie brings up how many times she told herself it was one sip before she fell off the wagon. Philip insists that he has no desire to gamble anymore. Maggie tells him that’s enough as he made her believe he was listening to her and respecting her when she warned him not to go down that road again. Philip argues that he always listens to her because she is the wisest person he knows. Maggie says she virtually begged him not to do anything stupid, but he ran off to Monte Carlo and did just the same thing. Philip knows he didn’t heed her advice, but it’s not because he didn’t hear it or think she was right. Philip admits he did consider taking her advice, but he was conflicted and had to make a choice between taking a risk that could rescue their family from a miserable fate, or he could be more selfish and not take a chance on succumbing to his addiction again. Maggie questions him saying what he did was selfless. Philip guesses that he is. Maggie calls that self delusion to spin something self destructive in to something virtuous. Maggie argues that as a fellow addict, she was appealing to him, thinking he had turned his life around, but he was probably wishing she’d shut up. Maggie declares that Philip defied her and that’s classic addict behavior, so she wants nothing to do with this money.

Brady tells Steve that he feels like he’s fighting a two part war with DiMera by going after EJ to protect Sarah while also going after the mysterious billionaire taking his grandfather’s home. Steve mentions that Paul still hasn’t learned anything more about Dominic Marino. Brady notes that Belle did speak to Marlena, who pointed out that the word Marino means “of the sea” and so does DiMera. Steve bets that’s not a coincidence. Brady wonders what the connection could be and if Dominic could really be another DiMera. Steve suggests maybe someone just wants them to think he is.

Kayla tells Rita that it’s ridiculous and questions what gives EJ the right to weigh in on proper protocol for treating a patient unless he went to medical school during his prolonged absence from the hospital. Kayla argues that Destiny’s case was already reviewed by the board and they determined that Sarah gave her the best possible care. Rita argues that Destiny dropping dead indicates to her and EJ that Sarah failed her and that Destiny would still be alive if she gave her the proper care. Sarah tells Rita that she is wrong and that she obviously came here at the behest of a spoiled, vindictive son of a bitch. Sarah adds that Rita is just as morally bankrupt as EJ is. Sarah shouts that Rita is just as oblivious to what’s going on at the hospital and how dedicated every doctor is to healing every patient. Sarah tells Rita to take her accusations and shove it because she will not sit here and be slandered.

Steve and Brady talk about how just when they think they are done with Stefano’s games, another one pops up. Steve adds that the DiMera family seems to be at as much of a loss as they are when it comes to who Dominic Marino is. Brady says Chad certainly has no idea and that he said Tony doesn’t either. Brady adds that nobody has any idea what’s behind the chess set that Stefano left for John and Marlena. Steve says there are two paths they can go down, either assume Dominic Marino is an impostor with his own twisted reasons for stringing Marlena and Belle along or they assume Dominic is a DiMera or somehow connected with Stefano. Steve questions how the hell no one in the family has ever heard of him.

Sarah demands an answer as to if Rita understands her. Rita responds that Sarah is causing a scene and not helping the situation. Kayla isn’t sure what Rita and EJ are trying to accomplish here. Kayla repeats that Destiny’s care was exactly what it should’ve been. Rita questions Destiny being sent home without medication or referrals. Rita adds that they are launching an investigation and suggests Sarah was distracted that night by her divorce or Xander being involved with an ex lover. Sarah insists she was not distracted and followed standard protocol. Rita remarks that they will see what the experts say.

Holly questions Mason about Sophia being a friend of his. Mason says not exactly. Holly asks what that means. Mason says he doesn’t owe her an explanation. Holly argues that he does if he’s going to blame her for Sophia’s death. Holly says what happened to Sophia was tragic and she knows her mom is telling everyone that it was her fault, but declares that Mason needs to hear it from her because she knows he didn’t get the full story.

Xander argues that Maggie can’t be serious as they are saving Titan and beating EJ at his own game even if she doesn’t approve of how Philip did it. Maggie complains that she’s appalled and saddened and Victor would be too. Xander says maybe so, but there’s no way Victor would turn down the money. Philip agrees that Victor may have been mad at first, but if that money kept Titan out of DiMera’s hands, he wouldn’t have cared if they robbed a bank for it. Philip states that as much as they all love Victor, he was no saint. Xander tells Maggie that she doesn’t really have a say in this matter as he and Philip have controlling interest in Titan and they have decided to use the money to pay off the loan and reclaim Titan. Maggie tells them to knock themselves out, but they will be doing it without her. Xander questions what that means. Maggie declares that she’s stepping away from Titan. Philip pleads with her not to do this. Philip appreciates that she worries and cares about him but he doesn’t have a gambling problem. Philip says his Vitali mob days are over and in the past. Maggie argues that Philip deceived her by telling her he wasn’t going to gamble, but he flew off to Monte Carlo to play in a high stakes game. Maggie questions how she can work for someone she can’t trust. Philip argues that he only did it for one game and it wasn’t just for the hell of it, it was for the love of their family and love for her. Philip asks what he can do to re-assure her that he will not gamble again and offers to go to meetings, insisting he gambled this one time to save the company. Philip adds that in spite of defying her, he has enormous respect for her and thinks the world of her. Xander says they don’t want to do this without Maggie and that Titan needs her guidance as he asks her to reconsider.

Holly asks Mason to let her tell him her side of the story, so he agrees to listen. Holly informs Mason that she and Sophia were best friends since they were little until high school when they fell for the same guy. Holly says she didn’t know it at the time that Sophia was crushing on Tate when they got together and then when they broke up the first time, Sophia hooked up with him and got pregnant. Holly says that’s when she got really cruel and talks about Sophia taking half-naked photos of her to send to her professor while she was too drunk to notice. Holly says what was even more hateful is that she tried to amends with her but Sophia switched her skin supplements with anti psych meds. Mason stops her and says he’s heard all of that from Sophia. Holly questions him still thinking she’s to blame for Sophia’s death. Mason responds that Sophia suffered a lot, talking about her mother being controlling and giving birth to her baby all alone, then having to give him up which he thinks is what sent her over the edge. Holly says he’s probably right, but continues to question him thinking she’s to blame for Sophia’s death. Mason states that he thinks she played a big part in it.

Rita warns Sarah that she may want to take a leave until the investigation in to Destiny’s death concludes. Kayla responds that Sarah will do no such thing. Rita remarks that she may not have a choice and says she’ll be in touch as she walks away. Sarah complains to Kayla that Rita is just as evil and corrupt as EJ is. Kayla encourages that Sarah did great and says she was so proud of how she handled Rita. Sarah says she’s outraged by the accusations but questions what if Rita was right that she could’ve done more for Destiny. Kayla insists she did everything she possibly could with the information she had and now they are pretty certain she died of arsenic poisoning. Sarah complains that they can’t prove it and that Rita is insinuating that their investigation will find whatever EJ wants it to find to take her down.

Brady tells Steve that it wouldn’t be the first time a long lost DiMera crawled out of the woodwork. Steve talks about Stefano not knowing about Chad and Lexie, but when he found them, he brought them in to the fold as nothing was more important to him than family. They question the Dominic Marino connection. Steve has no doubt Stefano’s endgame was to lead them to Dominic and questions if Dominic will show up on their doorstep or if they are going to show up on his. Brady says that Dominic has the advantage of knowing where they are. Brady asks Steve if Roman gave him any insight. Steve says that Roman’s never heard the name either, but he did say that Marlena has been having disturbing memories. Steve tells Brady about the Celtic knot and how Marlena started having a memory of that symbol on a blanket during her time on Stefano’s island.

Sarah tells Kayla that she knew EJ would figure out that she was the doctor that filed a complaint about DiMera Pharmaceuticals and that he would want to fight back, but she was not prepared for this. Kayla says leave it to EJ to exploit a young woman’s death like this. Sarah worries that she could lose her license. Kayla encourages that the truth is on her side. Sarah feels that’s never stopped EJ. Sarah worries that Xander was right that it was a mistake to go on the offense against EJ. Kayla tells her not to think that way and praises her as a doctor. Kayla vows that she will not let them lose her.

Xander urges Maggie that they’ve been given a second chance to make Titan the company it used to be and that they are unstoppable. Philip declares that the three of them working together to rebuild the company is what Victor would’ve wanted. Maggie then gives in and agrees to stay because Titan is important to the thousands of employees who depend on them. Philip thanks her and hugs her, assuring she won’t regret this. Philip exclaims that they are back in business. Maggie says she should tell the rest of the family. Xander asks her to keep it to just family for now as they want to let EJ keep thinking they are defaulting on the loan. Philip declares they are going to snatch victory from EJ at the best possible moment. Maggie admits she thinks that’s an excellent idea because of what EJ has put them through.

Mason tells Holly that Sophia had mental health issues and reveals that after getting out of Bayview, she would call the mental health hotline he works at and they would talk regularly. Mason adds that she would talk about how much it hurt when Holly lied to her and betrayed her. Mason says that Sophia was fragile when she ended up in Bayview and Holly knew that, but still posted nasty things about her online and ganged up on her with a bunch of others. Holly says that isn’t true as she hardly said anything and what she did say was the truth. Mason argues that Holly isn’t taking responsibility. Mason explains that he was talking to Sophia right afterwards and he thought he got through to her and thought she would keep fighting, but now she’s gone and they all have to live with that. Mason then gets up and walks away. Mason walks past the Brady Pub and stops, looking down at the dog tags on his necklace. Mason says that he failed them and he failed Sophia.

Maggie goes to the town square and finds Holly, asking what’s going on. Holly responds that somebody blames her for something awful that happened and she tried to explain her side of the story, but they didn’t want to hear it so it made her sad. Maggie asks if she wants to talk about it, but Holly decides that she doesn’t want to think about it and asks how Maggie is doing. Maggie admits saying goodbye to the Kiriakis Mansion won’t be easy since it’s where she and Victor built their life together. Maggie informs Holly that she does have some good news but they have to keep it in the family as she reveals the mansion was sold, but Titan was saved, so they won’t be losing Victor’s company or his legacy after all. Holly calls that amazing and asks what happened. Maggie responds that Philip took a chance and raised the money to pay off the entire loan.

Philip sits alone in the park and pulls out a poker chip from his jacket pocket which he holds onto.

Brady recalls Marlena being stuck on Stefano’s island and says he is now convinced this is all connected and there has to be a reason behind Dominic Marino. Steve says maybe they can’t find Dominic, but they can still find who was leaving clues for Belle and Chad. They talk about how it has to be someone who was close to Stefano. Brady says Dr. Rolf comes to mind but he’s been missing. Steve says Dr. Rolf was more the mad scientist while leaving bread crumbs for Stefano’s victims is not his style. Brady agrees and wonders who it could be. Steve responds that one name comes to mind, who has been doing Stefano’s bidding long before doing EJ’s.

Kayla confronts Rita at the hospital and warns that she will not stand back while she targets anyone on her staff for personal reasons on behalf of EJ. Rita asks what reason EJ would have to target Sarah. Kayla responds that EJ thinks Sarah filed the anonymous complaint with the FDA, but anyone could have filed that including herself, because Sarah isn’t the only one who knows what EJ is done. Kayla declares that she will make sure no intimidation tactics will make what EJ has done go away.

Xander finds Sarah in the town square and excitedly tells her that he was going to call her but it’s so much better to tell her the news in person. Xander informs her that Titan is saved as they have the money to pay off EJ’s loan. Sarah calls that wonderful. Xander says they don’t want it out there just yet but he couldn’t wait to tell her as he wanted to share it with her most of all. Sarah says she’s glad and happy for him. Xander says he’s happy for them as it’s part of Victoria’s legacy too. Xander excitedly declares that they won as he hugs Sarah and says so much for EJ getting the best of them, as Sarah remains looking worried.

Back to the Main Days of Our Lives Page

 

Back to the Main Daytime Updates Page

Days of Our Lives cast animated GIF

Y&R Short Recap Thursday, October 1, 2026

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

 

Y&R logo

 

Recap written by Eva

Lily tells Nate that her oncologist found a pelvic lympnode and she is afraid her cancer may have returned. Nate tells Lily to try not to worry until she gets the tests results.

Cane makes a deal with Phyllis to sell her the Athletic Club and the building across from Newman Tower. Adam and Sharon try to persuade Nick to call the police and let them find the drug dealer that sold Marie the drugs that led to her most recent over dose but he insists he must do this his own way.

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

 

Y&R cast animation

Y&R Short Recap Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

 

Y&R logo

 

Recap written by Eva

Victoria and Kyle decide to change their names when they text message each other to avoid anyone finding out about their affair if their family members accidently pick up their phones . The new names they decide to use are Boris and Natasha.

Adam Victor Nikki and Victoria are all at the ranch to support Nick when Adam tells Nick that his best Newman Media reporters found out that Marie overdosed at the same motel where he overdosed with her. The reporter also told Adam that Marie didn’t have any family other then her husband. Nick tells his family that he needs to handle this himself. Nick goes outside and tells himself that Gio the dealer thet sold Marie the drugs is a dead man.

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

 

Y&R cast animation

Y&R Short Recap Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

 

Y&R logo

 

Recap written by Eva

Nick tells Jack he will be coming to him for advice about his sobriety.

Phyllis asks Cane to sell her the Athletic Club and the building across the street from Newman Tower because she wants to put Arabesque there. Cane tells Phyllis he with think about it but he worries that she wants to carry out his original plan to take over Genoa City.

Diane and Nikki are ready to do battle with Jabot and Vibrante but Diane promises Jack she will keep things peaceful.

Phyllis promises Daniel she will try to reconnect with the people who love her.

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

 

Y&R cast animation

Y&R Short Recap Friday, September 25, 2026

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

 

Y&R logo

 

Recap written by Eva

Nick talks to Sharon about the great day he had at work.

Kyle and Victoria decide to change the location of their secret meetings after almost being caught by Matt and Phyllis at the Riverbend Motel. Matt and Phyllis say goodbye for now and Matt promises to return to Phyllis once he gets Patty under control and puts Patty some place where she can’t harm anyone.

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

 

Y&R cast animation

Y&R Short Recap Thursday, September 24, 2026

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

 

Y&R logo

 

Recap written by Eva

Traci perauades Billy to invite Jill to the wedding. Billy calls Jill on the phone and she promises not to argue with him on his wedding day.

Victoria and Kyle meet at the Riverbank Motel. Kyle promises Victoria that the next time they meet he will have a surprise for her.

Matt tells Phyllis that he is leaving town with Patty because Phyllis’ family will never accept him as her boyfriend .

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

 

Y&R cast animation

Y&R Short Recap Wednesday, September 23 2026

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

 

Y&R logo

 

Recap written by Eva

Billy tells Cane that he doesn’t intend to invite Jill to his wedding because it will be a happy day for him and, if Jill is there, he will only be sad. Cane tells Billy he will regret not having Jill at his wedding.

Adam agrees to ask Billy and Sally if he can go to the wedding with Chelsea if he promises to be on his best behavior.

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

 

Y&R cast animation

Y&R Short Recap Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

 

Y&R logo

 

Recap written by Eva

Nate and Stephanie have a dinner date at the Athletic Club and practice how they are going to tell Holden about their new relationship.

Claire gets a reminder on her phone about Jordan’s birthday. Victoria postpones her plans with Kyle to go out with Claire to cheer her up.

Matt drinks at a bar and thinks about Phyllis. Matt calls Phyllis later and tells Phyllis he needs to see her.

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

 

Y&R cast animation