Days Update Thursday, August 21, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Tate is at home on the phone with Holly. He tells her to hit him up after she has lunch with Maggie. Tate doesn’t think they should hang out at his place because it would be too tempting and jokes that they don’t want someone walking in on them again. Tate tells Holly he loves her and hangs up as Brady comes home. Brady hugs him and says he feels like he’s barely seen him the last couple of days. Tate explains that he’s been trying to spend as much time with Holly as he can before school starts. Brady assumes he’s excited about it though which Tate says he is. Tate then informs Brady that the adoptive parents won’t let him see his daughter.

Sarah runs in to Sophia at the Brady Pub and says she was hoping they could talk about her and her baby.

Leo stands in front of Adam and the rest of the jury. Leo states that they are at 11 saying not guilty but 1 saying guilty and the jury must be unanimous. Leo complains that they are just one vote away from getting back to their normal lives and that’s Adam. A woman on the jury questions what Adam’s problem is. Adam responds that he’s not the problem and it’s the rest of them who won’t accept the truth that Johnny shot his own father.

Marlena tells Rachel about how the jury must all agree on whether Johnny is guilty or not. Rachel says she’s really worried about Johnny and wishes she could help him. Marlena encourages that she already helped by telling the truth on the stand. Rachel remarks that it would’ve been better if she knew who really shot EJ.

EJ declares that he loves Rachel but he will not let his son go down for something she did, so unless Kristen can come up with a way for Johnny to walk out of court a free man, he will have no other choice but to reveal that Rachel is the one who shot him. Kristen pleads with EJ to be reasonable, asking how she is supposed to keep the jury from convicting Johnny. EJ responds that it’s not his problem and it’s all on her.

Brady tells Tate that he’s sorry as he knows how much he wanted to meet his daughter. Brady adds that if he really wants to pursue it further, there may be some things they can do but Tate says he doesn’t after yesterday when he and Sophia ran in to Arianna with the baby that Rafe is fostering and Sophia got really upset being around another baby. Tate says that all of this has been really hard on him but it’s been way harder on Sophia, so he decided that it’s best if he stops obsessing about meeting his daughter and just let it go.

Sophia sits with Sarah and asks why she wants to talk about her and her baby, worrying that she decided not to keep her secret. Sarah responds that it’s not her secret to tell so if Sophia doesn’t want Tate and her family to know that she left her baby at the fire station, she is ethically bound not to say anything. Sarah tells Sophia that she is very good friends with Brady and she knows Tate is having a really hard time that he hasn’t gotten to meet his child. Sophia wishes she could tell them the truth, so Sarah questions why doesn’t she. Sophia worries that Tate will hate her. Sarah suggests Tate could be grateful and compassionate because he will have known what she went through by giving birth all alone and she will be giving him the closure that he needs.

Rachel states that Marlena looks sad and guesses she’s missing John. Marlena confirms that she is and wishes he was there right now. Rachel says that John always knew how to make things better. Rachel reminds Marlena of them reading 1001 Arabian Nights and they hug.

Kristen tells EJ that there’s nothing anyone can do as the jury is already deliberating. EJ argues that they haven’t come back with a verdict yet so there’s still time. Kristen says it’s not like she can bribe the judge at this point, so the best thing to do is sit back and wait to see what the jury decides. Kristen points out that EJ already tossed blame on everyone with a pulse in Salem, so there’s no way they will convict Johnny. EJ wishes he shared her confidence but he feels Johnny threw the case away when he fired him and decided to represent himself. Kristen says worst case scenario if Johnny gets convicted, he can file an appeal while they figure out what to do about Rachel. EJ refuses to risk letting Johnny rot away in a prison cell. EJ declares that he’s sorry but he’s not willing to take that chance.

Sophia tells Sarah that she’s wrong and that Tate won’t be grateful that she lied to him about when and where their baby was born. Sophia worries that Tate would think she’s a terrible heartless person and so will the rest of his family. Sarah argues that she left her baby in a perfectly safe place which is why the drop off program exists. Sophia argues that she’d still have to worry about her mom forcing her to take the baby back. Sarah reminds her that she is 18 now so she doesn’t get a vote. Sophia argues that she lives with her mom and is dependent on her, so if she doesn’t do what her parents want, she could risk screwing up her future even more. Sarah knows this is incredibly difficult. Sophia states that she wants what’s best for her son, but the fact that she keeps seeing him all over town is like torture. Sophia explains that she saw him with her mom, who said the baby looked just like her brother did when he was born. Sophia hopes that when her baby does get adopted, it’s by someone who lives far away from Salem.

Brady tells Tate that he’s proud of him for considering Sophia’s feelings, but if he wants to fight to see his daughter, he wouldn’t necessarily need to involve Sophia in that. Tate says he’s starting to think that Sophia was right all along that meeting his daughter would’ve made it much more difficult to let go and move on with his life. Tate decides no more fixating on the baby or finding a way to see her because it’s not good for Sophia or him. Brady says he’s so proud of him and calls it a tough situation for him to be in, so he respects that he made a thoughtful and mature decision about it. Tate thanks him and calls it the right decision. Tate says he will message the adoptive parents back to ask for pictures and occasional updates, then he will let them know he will stop pressing them to meet his daughter in person. Tate declares he will just let go and move forward with his life.

Marlena tells Rachel that her hug made her feel better. Rachel brings up that John always gave good hugs and she misses him so much. Marlena calls it a comfort to talk about John and tell stories about him. Marlena thinks it’s really important to talk about memories even if they might make them feel sad or they might be scary. Rachel responds that she doesn’t like to remember sad or scary things because they always make her stomach hurt.

Kristen tells EJ that both of their children’s lives are at risk which is why they shouldn’t rush in to anything. Kristen says they should take time to figure out a plan to save both of them. EJ says not to pretend that they trust each other and bets Kristen is already coming up with ways to run off with Rachel and leave Johnny holding the bag. Kristen says she would never do that. EJ says even if he could trust her, Johnny’s been through enough and he will not leave him carrying the weight of this accusation. Kristen argues that Rachel is just a little girl who happens to be EJ’s niece and a fragile child. Kristen begs EJ to give her time but EJ complains that they don’t have time. EJ warns Kristen to take action before the jury comes back with a verdict which could happen at any moment.

Leo argues that Adam must not be paying attention to see that there is no proof that Johnny shot EJ. Adam goes over Johnny pointing a gun at his father and questions everyone just believing him. Adam remarks that it’s not so unusual for a son to want his father to fall off the perch. Adam says he won’t muffle himself just because everyone else wants to get out of here. Adam calls this doing their civic duty as a citizen of their beloved nation. Leo acknowledges that Adam has a point that they have all been tasked with this enormous responsibility so they can’t rush through the process just because they want to get out of here. Leo states that a man’s life is on the line so they have got to make sure justice is served. Adam declares that the only way to serve justice is to vote to convict Johnny DiMera and send him to prison.

Sarah knows Sophia just wants this all to be over, but she’s concerned with her living with this secret. Sophia assures that she can handle it and now that Tate is accepting it, they can both move on with their futures. Sarah asks Sophia what her plans are for the future. Sophia responds that next is college and she had her heart set on going to the University of Chicago but the pregnancy messed everything up, so she was able to get in to Salem U. Sophia adds that with Tate going there too, it will give them a chance to get closer. Sarah reminds Sophia that she is Holly’s aunt. Sophia admits she forgot they were related. Sarah points out that Tate and Holly are still involved. Sophia remarks that’s for now as they are always on and off, so it won’t be long before they are off again.

Brady states that Tate has had to make more big decisions in a year than most people do in a lifetime. Brady hopes he will now get a fresh start to be young after all he’s been through. Tate says he’s not wanting to go back to being completely without responsibility, so he was thinking about getting a job. Brady asks what kind of job he wants. Tate admits he hasn’t gotten that far. Brady points out he will need something flexible with his college classes. Brady reminds Tate that he liked working at the Brady Pub before. Tate is sure that Roman could use the help now that Doug III is gone. Brady mentions having lunch there with Sarah and invites Tate to come with, so he can talk to Roman about it and fill out an application. Tate accepts and they leave together.

Leo calls for the jury to take a quick break, adding that they need to put in their lunch orders. Leo stops Adam and says they need to have a little chat. Leo reminds him of the conversation they had about personal space. Adam tells Leo that he likes him but he’s not going to let him bully him in to changing his vote. Leo argues that he just wants to be practical about this so they can reach a verdict. Leo asks if he doesn’t want to get back to his wife and kids. Adam argues that they understand he has a job to do and that’s putting a criminal behind bars. Leo argues that isn’t going to happen and all that will happen is they’ll have a hung jury which means they will have all wasted an entire month of their lives. Adam says it won’t come to that because he can convince the rest of them, comparing it to Law & Order. Leo argues that’s a TV show and this is real life. Adam brings up an episode where a cop was killed by his own son and says it’s not so far fetched. Leo gets upset and yells at him to shut up. Leo then apologizes for losing his temper. Adam remarks that he knows showbiz people have short fuses so he won’t take it personally, but he’s not changing his vote and declares he will convince the rest of the jury to see things his way if it’s the last thing he does.

Rachel wonders what’s taking Kristen so long. Marlena thinks she’s still talking to EJ. Rachel is tired of waiting and wants to go downstairs to tell them they’ve talked long enough. Marlena says no and thinks they should stay here. Rachel asks why and questions if something is going on.

Kristen argues that what EJ is asking her is impossible. EJ asks how, saying if they come forward with the truth that Rachel shot him on accident, she’s a child and won’t do hard time. Kristen argues that Rachel has blocked the memory because it’s too traumatic and could scar her for the rest of her life. EJ orders Kristen to figure something else out then. EJ remarks that she’s been scheming her whole life and could put that talent to good use for once. EJ tells her to find a way for both of their children to not have to suffer. Kristen questions how she’s supposed to do that exactly, asking if she’s supposed to find an innocent person to pin the crime on. EJ asks why not since it’s already pinned on an innocent person in Johnny.

Adam speaks to the jury, bringing up how Rachel saw Johnny pointing the gun at EJ and later heard the gunshot. Leo argues that she never saw Johnny shoot the gun and brings up that Marlena is sure that EJ remembered the shooter being a woman. Adam speaks about not believing in hypnosis while another woman on the jury admits that she doesn’t buy in to it either. Adam argues that even if they did, EJ could easily be lying to protect his son while Marlena would go along with it to protect her grandson. Leo gets offended and defends Marlena while Adam insists that Marlena could be part of the conspiracy that ties back to EJ. Adam remarks that EJ probably remembers Johnny shooting him and is covering it up with the whole family in on it. Adam complains about the rich and powerful in Salem thinking they are above the law and declares they can’t let them get away with it.

Kristen asks EJ who she can possibly say shot him. EJ suggests Ava Vitali. Kristen points out that she’s been missing for months. EJ says she won’t be there and won’t have to do any time. Kristen asks if that means he will come forward and claim he remembers Ava shooting him. EJ responds that he won’t risk committing perjury. Kristen questions how it’s any worse than what he’s asking her to do. EJ admits it’s not but calls it her problem not his and that he’s just trying to help her brainstorm out of the kindness of his heart. Kristen asks if she’s supposed to say she was sitting on evidence the whole time that Ava shot him and how she’s supposed to explain to the judge why she hadn’t come forward until now. EJ tells her that she’s clever so he’s sure she’ll think of something.

Sarah thinks Sophia needs a fresh start and maybe that means moving on from Tate. Sophia appreciates her advice but says after everything she’s sacrificed this year, she’s not willing to give up on Tate. Brady and Tate then arrive and greet them. Brady apologizes for keeping Sarah waiting while Sophia asks if Tate is grabbing lunch too. Tate says he’s actually there to apply for a job and goes to do that. Brady mentions to Sophia that the adoptive parents refused to let Tate see his daughter. Sophia says that’s too bad and slips up suggesting that maybe one day they will let Tate meet “him”, which Brady questions. Sophia tries to cover by saying she just misspoke and meant to say let Tate meet her. Sophia then goes to get her takeout order. Brady tells Sarah that was weird. Sarah says that Sophia just has a lot on her mind. Sarah goes to get them some menus. Brady flashes back to when he and Rachel told Sarah about Sophia’s baby being born where Sarah seemed surprised when he told her it was a girl.

Leo reads the votes of the jury and they are now 50/50 with six picking to convict Johnny and six saying not to. Adam remarks that if Leo wants to get back to his boyfriend, he could just change his vote so they could get out. Leo brings up reasonable doubt and talks about hearing from other people throughout the trial. Adam argues that Johnny went out of his way to prove the video was fake because he knows it wasn’t Chanel since it was him. Another member of the jury agrees with him.

Marlena tells Rachel that she thought they could just spend a few more minutes together but Rachel accuses her of hiding something. Marlena questions why she would think that. Rachel asks if she’s in trouble. Marlena says of course not. Rachel brings up EJ being so upset when she broke his glass paper weight and asks if he’s mad at her. Marlena says he’s not, so Rachel questions what the problem is. Marlena claims there’s no problem so Rachel asks to go downstairs. Marlena asks her to give it ten more minutes which Rachel agrees to. Rachel decides she will feed her snake, but claims the snake got out and asks Marlena to get it. When Marlena turns her back, Rachel runs out of her room so Marlena goes after her.

Kristen tells EJ that even if she agreed to frame someone, it can’t be Ava since she hates her because of what happened with Rachel Blake and if she finds out she’s trying to pin the murder on her, she’ll be on the first flight back to expose her lie. EJ admits he sees her point, so she needs to come up with a better idea where both of their kids come out unscathed. Rachel then bursts in and asks if they are keeping a secret from her.

Tate turns in his job application at the Pub as Sophia rejoins him. Sophia points out that it’s his family’s Pub while Tate says he wanted to do things by the book. Sophia wishes him luck and invites him to join her for lunch but Tate says he can’t since he’s going to hang out with Holly. Tate says he’ll see her and exits. Sophia then approaches the counter and also asks for a job application. Brady sits with Sarah and tells her that he can’t stop thinking about Sophia’s slip of the tongue. Brady finds it odd that she would just mistakenly refer to the baby as a boy.

Leo reminds the jury that this is not an episode of Law and Order, so what they decide has real life consequences so they owe it to not end up in a hung jury. Leo suggests approaching the next vote with an open mind. Adam promises to consider everyone’s arguments.

Kristen asks why Rachel would think they were keeping a secret from her. Rachel explains that Marlena was trying to keep her from coming downstairs and she had to trick her to escape. EJ explains that he and Kristen were just talking about how to help Johnny. Rachel asks if he’s mad at her for telling the truth in court. EJ says no and that she did the right thing as he shouldn’t have asked her to lie. Rachel says she really wanted to help Johnny and she hopes he believes her. EJ says that he does. Marlena then comes in with a text from Belle that the jury has reached a verdict.

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Days Short Recap Friday, August 22, 2025

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Kristen saw Brady and Rachel together at the pub. Brady sent Rachel to wash her hands while he talked to Sarah. He wanted to know about the way Sarah reacted when she found out Sophia’s baby was a girl. He told her that she was uncomfortable. Brady wondered if Sarah had something to tell him. Sarah reminded him that she couldn’t violate HIPPA regulations. Brady thought her answer meant she was hiding something. Shawn interrupted Sarah and Brady to let them know that the jury reached a verdict. They already knew the verdict was in. Rachel ran into Shawn’s arms. EJ let Marlena know that Kristen was on her way to the courthouse with a foolproof way of getting Johnny off. He warned her that he would tell the judge the truth about who really shot him if she didn’t show up. Court began, and the judge wanted Leo to read the verdict. Leo stood up and puffed out his chest before he began to talk. EJ interrupted Leo which upset the judge. She reprimanded EJ for his interruption. Kristen burst into the courtroom to interrupt the proceedings. She demanded to be heard. Kristen was there to confess. She said she was the one who shot her brother. Everyone in the court let out big gasps. The judge wanted a recess and demanded that Kristen be taken into custody. Marlena told EJ that she didn’t think Rachel would fare any better with her mother in prison for a crime she didn’t commit. EJ told her that Rachel didn’t remember that, and he didn’t plan on telling her. He went back to the courtroom.

In the judge’s chambers, Kristen tried to convince Belle and the judge that she snapped and grabbed the gun. She demanded that EJ tell her where to find her mother. Kristen said that he reached for the gun, and it went off. She didn’t mean to do it, but she wiped the gun clean and hid it. Kristen didn’t call for help because she was in shock, but now she wants to take responsibility for her actions. The judge wanted Sean to arrest Kristen for attempted murder. As Kristen walked out of the room, she looked at EJ. EJ went to the courtroom where Johnny’s case was dismissed. After the court was adjourned, Johnny and Chanel shared a tender moment. Johnny ignored EJ’s attempts to congratulate him on the dismissal. EJ left to allow Johnny to celebrate his victory. Belle told EJ that she was happy for Johnny. She was sorry it happened that way, and EJ agreed with her. Belle left him alone in the courtroom. Rachel asked Sarah and Brady how long it would take for the verdict would come in. She prayed that Johnny wouldn’t be found guilty. Belle arrived at the pub to tell them the good news about Johnny. Belle pulled Brady aside to let him know that Kristen confessed to shooting EJ. Shawn cuffed Kristen to the chair at the police station. Marlena arrived so Shawn left the room. She told Kristen that she couldn’t confess. Kristen thought it was the only way to keep Rachel and Johnny safe. Marlena promised not to say anything to take care of Rachel. She wasn’t sure if Rachel would remember what she did, but she would be there for her. Kristen knew Brady would hate her for what she did. She had to make the sacrifice. Marlena was impressed with her selflessness.

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Days Short Recap Thursday, August 21, 2025

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Tate told Brady that the adoptive parents wouldn’t let him see the baby. He didn’t want to make a big deal about it because of Sophia. Brady told him that he could find a way to see his daughter without involving Sophia. Tate knew he could do it, but it would make it hard to move on from her. Brady respected his decision. Tate told him that he wanted a job. Brady invited him to go to the pub with him since he was meeting Sarah there. He thought he could talk to Roman about getting his job back at the pub. Sarah ran into Sophia at the pub. She advised her to tell Tate the truth about their baby so he could get the closure he needed. Sophia didn’t want him to hate her. She thought her mother could ruin her life by making her raise the baby. Sophia looked forward to her future at Salem University with Tate. Sarah reminded her that Tate was with Holly. Sophia thought it was only for now. Sarah advised her to make a fresh start and move on from Tate. Sophia didn’t plan on doing that. Brady and Tate arrived at the pub. Sarah stood by Brady’s side and brought up the baby to Sophia. Sophia slipped and called the baby a boy, and Brady heard it. She walked away to check on her food. Brady thought her actions were weird, but Sarah dismissed his concerns. Brady flashed back to Sarah questioning him when he told her that Sophia had a girl. Leo couldn’t believe the jury couldn’t come to an agreement because Adam was the hold out. Adam believed that Johnny was guilty and was determined to convince the other jurors to side with him. Leo called for another vote. The vote turned out to be split.

EJ wanted Kristen to make sure that Johnny was found innocent, or he would turn Rachel into the police. The siblings started arguing. Kristen wanted more to, but EJ said the jury was deliberating so she didn’t have any more time. Kristen couldn’t bribe the judge so she wondered what she was supposed to do. Did he expect her to frame an innocent person? EJ thought it was fine since an innocent person was being accused now. He demanded that she find someone to pin the crime on. EJ suggested that she frame Ava, but she didn’t think that would work. Marlena tried to keep Rachel in her bedroom. She tried to keep her distracted, but Rachel lied about her snake escaping its cage. Rachel slipped out the room and went downstairs. Marlena went after her while she went downstairs. Rachel wanted to know if her mother and uncle were keeping something from her. She wanted to know if EJ was upset with her for testifying at Johnny’s trial. EJ assured her that she didn’t do anything wrong. Marlena got a text from Belle. The jury reached a verdict.

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Days Update Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Gabi goes to see Steve at his Black Patch office and tells him that the freedom of information act he requested as her bosses at Titan-DiMera freaking out, to which Steve replies “good.”

Stephanie types on her laptop until Alex comes home.

Belle runs in to Philip in the town square. Philip says he’s heading to the office while Belle informs him that the case is with the jury now. Philip asks how soon she thinks before they have a verdict. Belle says it could be hours or it could be days. Philip is sure she did great. Belle hopes not too great since her job was to prove that Johnny shot his father, but she’s hoping she fell short and her nephew will be found not guilty.

Marlena brings Rachel to the DiMera Mansion where EJ is pouring a drink in the living room. Marlena asks EJ how it went in court as she heard Johnny fired him. EJ tells her the case is with the jury now. Rachel begins playing with a glass ornament from the table. Marlena tells her to put it down because it’s glass, triggering a flashback for EJ that reveals Rachel holding the gun on him as he questioned what she was doing. Marlena repeats for Rachel to put that down, triggering a further flashback for EJ as Rachel held the gun on him, demanding he tell her where her Grandma Rachel is. Rachel ends up dropping the glass ornament, shattering it, and the sound triggers EJ to remember that it was Rachel who shot him, leaving EJ shocked by the realization. Marlena tells Rachel not to worry as Rachel says she’s really sorry. Marlena tells Rachel to go upstairs and let Kristen know she’s home as she will be so excited to see her. Rachel tells EJ that she’s sorry as she then heads upstairs. Marlena then guesses that EJ remembers, which he confirms. EJ is in shock as he declares that it was his niece Rachel who shot him.

Stephanie tells Alex that she was just figuring out the logistics of a scene she was working on. Stephanie talks about writing a murder mystery being hard. Alex jokes that he personally preferred when she was working on a romance novel as he kisses her but acknowledges that this will test her range. Stephanie says the real test will be when Kate gets it, assuming she ever gets it done. Alex guesses this isn’t the best time to distract her then but Stephanie says she’s always up for a certain type of distraction as they kiss. Alex stops and says he first needs to ask her for a favor.

Gabi questions Steve as to how this good since if the request gets traced back to him and then her, she’s toast. Steve assures that won’t happen and says it’s already handled. Gabi remains nervous that anyone is asking questions. Steve reminds her that she hired him to look in to Titan-DiMera. Steve says he finished the documents and learned a lot. Gabi asks what dirty deeds Xander and Philip did. Steve reveals they did nothing and that everything he read was completely fine. Steve adds that he even had Austin double check it. Gabi guesses they have nothing on them then but Steve says he didn’t say that.

Philip tells Belle that he still can’t believe she had to prosecute her own nephew. Belle remarks that they both know who put her there. Philip admits he heard what EJ did to her. Belle states that EJ revealing their relationship to the entire court in an attempt to force a mistrial was the most embarrassing moment of her career. Philip says he’s really sorry that happened and that she and EJ broke up, but then admits that he’s not.

Kristen joins Rachel in her room and hugs her, asking how her morning with Marlena was. Rachel says it was amazing and she can’t wait to read her new book. Rachel thanks her for getting a snake. Kristen responds that she would do anything for her.

EJ guesses that Marlena knew. Marlena says no, but she suspected it. EJ asks why and when. Marlena says when EJ was under hypnosis, it was his tone when trying to talk down the shooter. EJ says it could’ve been anyone he cared about. Marlena points out that EJ was seated and looking the shooter in the eye, while if it would’ve been an adult, he would’ve been looking up. EJ can’t believe it was a child. Marlena talks about Rachel struggling so much ever since the shooting. Marlena says they knew she was in the house and in the room. Marlena declares that now her worst fears are confirmed.

Philip admits that EJ isn’t the only one who put Belle in a bad position. Belle assures that they are in a good place now as friends. Philip recalls giving her his support even though he knew EJ was bad for her in every way. Philip tells her that he’s there for her if she needs someone to lean on. Belle thanks him as Philip says it’s onward and upwards.

Gabi tells Steve that she’s confused. Steve says that these requests are common and questions why Xander and Philip would be freaking out about like she said. Gabi says they are hiding something and asks what is the next step. Steve says he’s gone through everything but there must be something else about the takeover that has him worried.

Alex tells Stephanie that he hates to ask her this but Xander asked him to figure out who is looking in to the takeover and he’s had zero luck figuring out who this Daniel Lucas guy is. Stephanie flashes back to confronting Steve over it. Alex informs Stephanie that Xander asked him to hire her to do PR as a precaution since someone is digging in to the merger, so Xander is worried that sooner or later, everyone is going to figure out that Philip is not an heir to Titan since Victor’s letter was a forgery. Stephanie points out that secret hasn’t come out yet. Alex calls that a miracle considering how many people know about it. Alex says best case scenario is that Philip’s secret stays buried, but if it doesn’t, Xander wanted Stephanie to have a response ready to go, to get in front of any news that might leak and mitigate any damage to the company. Alex knows it’s a huge ask but asks if she thinks she can help him.

Kristen tells Rachel that they could go have lunch and then get flowers in the garden. Rachel asks if she wanted her to go stay with Brady because she thinks EJ is mad at her. Kristen asks why EJ would be mad at her. Rachel responds that maybe he’s not mad yet, but he will be if Johnny goes to prison.

EJ complains that he knew Marlena didn’t want him to remember who the shooter was and that’s why she stopped their hypnosis sessions to protect Rachel. EJ argues that Rachel is turning out just like her mother as she lied this whole time and was perfectly willing to let Johnny take the fall for this heinous crime. Marlena argues that Rachel didn’t lie, she doesn’t remember it. EJ questions how she knows. Marlena explains her belief that Rachel had a form of amnesia, they were both traumatized, and that her subconscious mind is trying to protect her now. Marlena says they have to be so careful with how this comes out because finding out could damage Rachel far beyond repair.

Belle asks Philip how work is. Philip admits it could be better as he and Xander are still struggling to peacefully co-exist and there’s been concern because someone has been poking around for information on the merger with a fear that they are trying to overturn it. Belle suggests starting with the DiMeras and asks who else it would be. Gabi then approaches and greets them, asking the latest on Johnny’s trial. Belle says they are waiting on a verdict and then gets a call so she steps away to answer. Philip says he should get going but Gabi stops him and says she’d like a word about Titan-DiMera first. Belle answers her call from Steve, who asks if she has some time to talk in person. Belle says she’s free now.

Alex understands why Stephanie would be reluctant since she didn’t have a great time doing PR for Titan in the past which he blames himself for. Stephanie thinks it would be better if she recommends someone, arguing there are plenty of people that Xander could hire. Alex disagrees, pointing out that they need someone they can trust, Stephanie already knows about Philip’s secret, and she’s the best at what she does. Alex adds that if she can’t do it, he understands and will tell Xander they have to figure out something else. Stephanie tells Alex that she’ll do it for him, not for Xander.

Kristen tells Rachel that she’s okay with her staying with Brady just because things have been hectic lately, so they thought it would be good for her to stay with Marlena until things calm down. Rachel asks if that’s the only reason. Kristen says being with her makes Marlena less sad since John died. Rachel asks what if she comes back home and Johnny goes to prison. Kristen assures that Johnny is not going to prison and that EJ is not mad that she had to testify that she saw Johnny on that night as he understands she had to tell the truth. Kristen reminds her that they are going to have lunch and then walk in the garden. Kristen asks if she wants to go out or stay in for lunch. Rachel decides on staying in so Kristen says she’ll head to the kitchen and be back in a minute.

EJ angrily pours another drink as Marlena asks if he remembers everything that happened now. EJ confirms he does and says he knows that it was an accident and Rachel didn’t mean to pull the trigger which relieves Marlena. EJ states that Rachel just wanted him to tell her where her Grandmother was and he only has himself to blame. EJ worries about the damage he has caused as Kristen walks in and asks what’s going on. EJ informs Kristen that he has something to tell her that might be very difficult for her to hear. EJ reveals that he just remembered who shot him, so Kristen asks who. EJ responds that it was Rachel.

Alex thanks Stephanie and says he really appreciates it. Stephanie agrees to do her best to make sure Titan is prepared for anything. Alex thanks her again and says there is something else he wants to tell her. Alex says on the topic of digging up information, there’s something she should know that her dad found out about him. Stephanie asks what he found out.

Belle goes to see Steve in his office. Belle looks at his photo of he and John, noting that it’s the first time she’s been to Black Patch since John passed. Steve recalls the photo being right after the first case they solved. Steve tells her that John spent that money on a bracelet for Marlena as there was nothing more important to John than making his family happy. Steve tells Belle that he knows how hard this has been on them to lose him so suddenly. Steve asks Belle to let him know if there’s anything he can do to make it easier on her. Belle thanks him and suggests just saying a prayer that Johnny is found not guilty. Belle asks what he wanted to talk about. Steve responds that he needs some information and he’s hoping he has her complete confidence.

Philip tells Gabi that he’s not sure what they have to talk about since they don’t even work in the same division anymore. Gabi suggests changing that and invites Philip to talk about it over lunch at the Bistro. Philip brings up Gabi being banned from there after kissing Xander and it turning in to a whole scene. Gabi questions who told him that. Philip tells her that it’s Salem and people talk. Philip guesses that Gabi struck out with Xander, so now she’s trying to butter him up but he’s not falling for her act.

Kristen questions EJ saying that Rachel shot him. EJ says he’s afraid so. Kristen argues that she knew he could go low but questions blaming a child and his own niece. Marlena states that EJ is telling the truth. Kristen questions Marlena going along with it. EJ tells her it’s a fact that it wasn’t Johnny, it was Rachel.

Alex finishes telling Stephanie the story about him stealing a parrot and dropping his toga which Stephanie calls epic. Alex says despite the embarrassing details, it made for a nice bonding moment for he and Steve which was huge because they know Steve is not his biggest fan. Stephanie jokes that she’s going to work that story in to her next book. Alex says that’s what he was afraid of.

Belle tells Steve that she won’t say anything and asks what’s going on. Steve explains that he has a new client that is very interested in the Titan-DiMera takeover. Steve says as he’s gotten deeper in to the case, he’s been hearing rumblings about Philip engaging in some unethical behavior, so he thought since Belle represented him not long ago in the lawsuit against Xander, he wondered if she knew anything about Philip doing anything like that with the family business.

Gabi questions what Philip is talking about. Philip argues that Gabi is trying to make him an ally so that she can take Gabi Chic and run. Gabi complains that the thought never crossed her mind since they’ve made it clear they won’t let her go and she’s accepted that she is stuck. Gabi asks if they can’t just grab a bite and talk shop. Philip questions why now when they’ve been working together for months. Gabi decides since Philip is being so cynical, she’ll be on her way then. Philip stops her and brings up that someone is trying to blow up the Titan-DiMera merger. Philip guesses that it’s Gabi.

Marlena tells Kristen that she saw the look on EJ’s face and the horror in his eyes as EJ explains that the glass breaking triggered his memory of the gunshot. EJ goes over how Rachel was wearing pink pajamas and standing in the same spot on the night of his shooting. EJ recalls Kristen going to shower while Rachel said on the witness stand that she snuck back downstairs and went back up to pretend to be asleep. EJ questions what happened in between, pointing out that they never saw her while Johnny was there. EJ states that what actually happened after Rachel claimed to go back upstairs was that Johnny handed him the gun and ran out the doors while he put the gun down on the table before Rachel came in, picked up the gun and pointed it at him while asking where her Grandmother was, then the gun went off. EJ adds that he knows it was an accident but he remembers it clear as day. Marlena says this explains Rachel’s nightmares and upset stomach. Kristen can’t believe it and starts to cry while EJ declares that he can’t sacrifice his son for her daughter. Marlena calls it a very complicated situation that they need to find a solution for. Marlena decides she will go check on Rachel to give EJ and Kristen some time together. Kristen tells her that Cook was making them lunch so Marlena agrees to take it to Rachel and exits. Kristen begs EJ not to go to the police, crying that Rachel is so fragile and it would break her to find out what she did. EJ says he obviously doesn’t want to turn her in, but his son’s freedom is hanging in the balance, so he questions what other option he has but to tell the truth.

Stephanie puts a bed sheet on like a toga and asks if Alex is up for a toga party. Alex decides lunch can wait and follows her to the bedroom.

Gabi tells Philip that is an unfair accusation and that she would never mess with the merger. Philip says he’s going to run it by Xander. Gabi swears on her daughter’s life that she did not file the information request and she wouldn’t say that if she was lying. Philip responds that he almost thinks she’s for real. Gabi insists that she’s telling the truth and he has to believe her. Philip decides he does for now, so Gabi thanks him. Gabi asks what about a non-business lunch as just two old friends hanging out which Philip agrees to.

Belle tells Steve that she would love to help him but she can’t as she is bound by attorney-client privilege. Steve thanks her for coming by anyways and wishes her luck with the trial. Belle apologizes, knowing he’s disappointed but Steve tells her not to worry about it as Belle then exits. Steve then calls Paul and asks how he and Andrew are doing. Steve says he has a big favor to ask, reminding him of the Xander vs Philip court case where Philip ended up with half of Titan. Steve wonders if the ISA can get ahold of the original court records.

Marlena brings Rachel her lunch and they talk about her snake. Rachel mentions missing her mom and asks if Marlena would be sad if she didn’t live with her anymore. Marlena assures that she would miss her but she’d hope to see her a lot. Rachel says she would visit all the time. Rachel asks if Marlena thinks it’s true that Johnny won’t go to prison. Marlena responds that she doesn’t think Johnny will go to prison and she thinks that’s true now more than ever.

Kristen cries that she can’t lose her daughter and asks EJ what she is supposed to do. Kristen remarks on going on the run always working out. EJ tells her to get ahold of herself so she can think straight but warns that she can’t take too much time. Kristen complains that her daughter’s future is on the line while EJ argues that his son’s future is in the hands of a jury as they speak. EJ declares that he loves Rachel but he will not let his son go down for something she did, so unless Kristen can come up with a way for Johnny to walk out of court a free man, he will have no other choice but to reveal that Rachel is the one who shot him.

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Days Update Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Marlena brings Rachel to Foster’s Bookstore where Foster tries to help Rachel find a book she’s interested in. Rachel says she’s not interested in dinosaurs or chickens, just snakes. Marlena then spots Julie inside and greets her. Julie says she’s been thinking about her so much and assures she’s there if she ever needs her. Julie shows Marlena that she’s reading a book called “How to Deal with the Inevitable” which she says is about how to deal with intolerable situations that you have no control over. Marlena asks which intolerable situation she’s trying to control. Julie responds that it’s Chad’s involvement with Cat Green.

Cat makes Chad breakfast and tea, saying it’s the least she could do. Chad says he liked taking care of her and Felicity. They talk about how they are both feeling better and decide to check their temperatures.

Court resumes as the judge announces that Johnny has dismissed his attorney and chosen to represent himself. Belle calls Chanel back to the stand for cross examination. The judge reminds Chanel that she is still under oath. Belle asks if Chanel can tell them why she threatened EJ on the night he was shot. Chanel responds that she didn’t. Belle asks how she explains the video then. Chanel doesn’t know how to explain it, but insists that she did not say those words to EJ that the video showed. Chanel declares that she never threatened EJ DiMera. Belle asks if she’s insinuating that the video was somehow doctored. Chanel responds that is exactly what happened.

Julie knows Marlena is rather fond of Cat Green and assumes that’s because she was not directly affected by her abominable behavior. Marlena is sure that’s part of it but she also finds her contrition to be genuine. Julie calls it too little, too late after all the hurtful things she did. Julie says she could never trust Cat and she hates that she’s digging her claws in to Abigail’s widower.

Chad and Cat both show a temperature of 98.6 and are back to normal. Chad jokes that he can finally leave the apartment, re-engage with society, and go home.

Marlena knows Julie isn’t happy about Cat and Chad spending time together. Julie is especially disappointed in Chad for allowing Cat to worm her way so deeply in his life. Julie decides that is all she has to say because she knows Marlena likes her. Marlena responds that she does like Cat but she also has enormous respect for Julie’s feelings. Marlena knows it’s hard to forgive someone who has hurt you or someone you love.

Belle recalls Johnny to the stand. The judge reminds him that he is still under oath as well. Belle brings up Johnny recently going to work for Titan-DiMera and asks what kind of work he was in prior to that. Johnny responds that he was a director in film and TV. Belle asks if he would be considered an expert. Johnny says he supposes so. Belle brings up what Chanel said about the video and asks if Johnny agrees with the assertion that the video was doctored. Johnny responds that the video is a deep fake and he can prove it.

Marlena tells Julie that she has two very smart and fierce daughters who have both fallen for men she detests, but there’s nothing she can do to change that, so she sympathizes with her. Julie is sure Marlena handled it better than she has. Julie talks about being loudly critical of Chad, especially of the fact that he hasn’t just shown Cat the door. Julie tells Marlena that Chad told her to knock it off, so she said she would but it’s so hard for her to keep her feelings to herself. Marlena says she understands. Julie knows Chad is a grown man with every right to get on with his life and find love again, she just wishes that Chad wouldn’t find it with her. Marlena brings up that Chad and Cat insist they are just friends. Julie reminds Marlena how easy it is for just friends to turn in to lovers.

Chad tells Cat that he didn’t mean that he can’t wait to go home like it was some awful ordeal being here. Cat understands he didn’t plan on getting stuck taking care of her and Felicity, away from his kids. Chad is sure that his kids are having an awesome time with Julie and points out that Cat took care of him too. Cat says she got him sick while Chad says the company was good and he likes spending time with her. Cat agrees that it was really nice for her too.

Belle tells Johnny that claiming the video is a deep fake is quite the allegation, especially since the police authenticated it. Johnny remarks that it wouldn’t be the first time that someone pulled one over on the police, pointing out that Stefano made a sport out of outsmarting the cops and taught his children how to do the same. The judge instructs Johnny to just answer Belle’s questions. Belle asks why the jury should believe Johnny’s allegations of the video being doctored and why they wouldn’t believe he’s not just trying to protect his wife. Johnny argues that he wouldn’t have to protect Chanel if someone wasn’t trying to frame her. Belle calls for the video to be played and tells Johnny to feel free to comment as he sees fit. Johnny points out when the footage starts to pixelate and then there is some blurring along with a shadow in the wrong direction. Johnny reveals that he sent the video on to one of the leading authorities on AI, who agreed to execute a sworn statement that the video has all the hallmarks of AI. Johnny states that someone went to great lengths and expense to make it look like Chanel wanted EJ dead on the night he was shot, but that was not the case. Belle decides there are no further questions so Johnny is allowed to step down. The judge calls for a short recess before returning for closing arguments.

Julie tells Marlena that she can’t imagine how worried Marlena must be for Johnny at his trial as it’s been one bombshell after another. Marlena calls it harrowing. Julie suggests not talking about court drama or duplicitous young women anymore, but something fun, warm and cozy like the bookstore. Marlena brings up Foster putting it up for sale. Julie admits she considered making a bid it on herself. Marlena questions that being past tense. Julie says she realized that she doesn’t want the responsibility or to reinvent herself at this stage of her life, worrying that she could buy it and run the whole business in to the ground. Marlena calls her one of the most successful entrepreneurs the town has ever known, so she can’t believe Julie would turn away from a challenge.

Cat and Chad have orange juice to give their immune systems one last jolt. They mention their appetites coming back. Chad brings up that he still owes her a dinner. Cat says he doesn’t owe her anything at all but admits last night’s dinner was so nice and it was really nice having his company. Cat adds that Felicity is crazy about him. Chad knows it hasn’t been easy on them being separated from family. Cat reveals that she just found out her mom is being transferred to a facility near Salem and that Aaron is moving back to attend Salem U in the fall which Chad calls amazing.

The bailiff checks on Leo outside of the courtroom. Leo says he’s fine. The bailiff remarks that it’s no surprise his head almost exploded with Adam as his roommate. Leo agrees and complains about him. Leo asks if there’s any way to switch roommates but is told that he can’t, so he asks for earplugs and the room to be stocked with aspirin.

Foster brings Rachel a book that is the first in a new series, calling it even more inspiring than Harry Potter. He tells her that it’s about a girl who finds the key to defeat the Destructor. Rachel asks for how it ends, so he tells her that it turns out the key is stuck in her mind.

Chanel hugs Johnny and says she’s so proud of him as he did an amazing job proving the video was fake. Johnny thanks her but says that was the easy part as he was in his element, talking about film making, but now he has to deliver his closing argument. Chanel encourages that he’s going to nail it. Belle tells EJ that she would say he should be ashamed of himself for what he did to Chanel, but they both know he has no shame.

Cat tells Chad that Julie will be happy that he’s home and away from her. Chad jokes that he will get an earful that he will respectfully ignore. Cat asks if he’s not concerned about what Julie might say to Jennifer. Chad responds that Abigail’s family will just have to get used to what’s happening here. Cat asks what is happening here. Chad guesses he never thought they would get to this point, but he really cares about her. Chad calls her a good friend.

Julie tells Marlena that she’s so kind, encouraging, and supportive of her. Julie says she’s supposed to be supporting Marlena since her loss is so fresh while she’s going on about herself and things that are not important. Marlena says her feelings for Chad are very important. Marlena says Julie has always been a loving, deeply giving, and profound friend to her. Marlena brings up the saying that time heals all wounds but says they both know there is no way to ever heal wounds that are this profound. Julie states that it’s been almost a year since losing Doug but every day she misses him more, not less. Julie cries about being lucky to be with Doug for nearly 50 years. They relate over living through the nightmare of losing Doug and John. Julie is thankful they are still living and here for each other.

Belle begins her closing statement, going over how Johnny found out about EJ raping Sami and then going to confront EJ with Roman’s gun, EJ then being shot and Johnny’s response when he found out being disappointment that EJ survived. Belle tells the jury that those are the facts and now they have to decide if they warrant a conviction for Johnny.

Marlena thanks Foster for helping Rachel find a book. Marlena says she will pay for it but Foster says it’s on the house and tells Rachel to let him know how she likes it. Rachel thanks him. Marlena says they have to get Rachel back to Kristen and tells Julie that she will see her again soon. They embrace and say they are grateful for one another. Marlena then exits with Rachel. Julie turns to Foster and jokes that he’s going out of business because he’s giving books away for free.

The judge calls on Johnny for closing arguments. Johnny stands and tells the jury that he’s not a lawyer, but he knows the district attorney had to prove that he shot his father and there’s no way she could have, because he didn’t. Johnny admits he went to EJ’s home that night and pointed a gun at him, but he didn’t pull the trigger because he couldn’t. Johnny recalls EJ reaching out his hands and asking him to give him the gun, so he did and then he left. Johnny brings up EJ talking about all the possible suspects who could have shot him and says that’s because he’s a hard man to love and an easy one to hate. Johnny remarks that just about everyone in Salem had a reason to want EJ dead that night and he is profoundly sorry that someone else used the gun that he left behind to shoot his father. Johnny declares that all he can do now is tell the jury that it was not him and he hopes that’s enough for them to find him not guilty. The judge announces the case will now go to the jury.

Julie tells Foster that giving the book to Rachel was a very lovely gesture. Julie asks Foster if he’s had any more bids from prospective buyers. Foster says he’s afraid not and he knows he could eventually sell to a bank or a burger joint, but he’s determined to find a buyer who is interested in keeping the store going as it is, but independent book stores are a dying breed. Julie tells Foster that in Salem, dying breeds have a miraculous way of resurrecting themselves and she knows the perfect person to buy the store; herself.

EJ tells Johnny that he hopes he realizes he proved absolutely nothing to the jury and should’ve let him finish what he started. Johnny asks if he means manipulating them in to believing that Chanel is the one who shot him. Chanel and Johnny then exit the court room together. Belle comments to EJ that it looks like Johnny and Chanel find him as despicable as she does. EJ warns Belle not to be so smug since her own mother thinks she could be the one who shot him. EJ asks if Marlena is right that Belle tried to kill him that night.

Chad goes to say goodbye to Felicity while Cat gets a call from Marlena, who is sitting in the town square with Rachel. Marlena asks how she is feeling. Cat says she’s much better and is pretty sure she’ll be coming in to the office in the morning. Marlena says she’s sorry to do this to her but she’s going to take more time off. Cat says that’s okay and she can reschedule her appointments with the other psychiatrist at the hospital. Marlena clarifies that she is taking an extended leave of absence, so Cat will need to look for other work which shocks her.

Leo presents the bailiff with the jury’s lunch order.

Belle asks EJ why she would shoot him. EJ clarifies that he only infers that’s what Marlena thinks as she didn’t actually accuse her. Belle calls that ridiculous and argues that unlike EJ, she has never in her life even considered resorting to violence. Belle adds that she had no reason to want him dead, at least back then.

Julie asks Foster what he thinks. Foster exclaims that he’s ecstatic and he couldn’t be happier than to have the bookstore in Julie’s capable hands. Julie decides she’s ecstatic too and swears to do everything in her power to keep the bookstore the wonderful place that it is. Foster says he has no doubt.

Cat informs Chad that she just lost her job, adding that Marlena said she would put feelers out for any other openings at the hospital but it will be tough since EJ slashed the staffing budget. Chad wishes he could find her something at the Spectator. Cat doesn’t think Jack and Jennifer would sign off on that. They agree that something will turn up. Chad decides he should get home to his kids. Cat offers to send home some of the chicken tortilla soup with him but Chad says he’s good and Julie probably won’t have room in the fridge. Chad then exits.

Marlena brings Rachel to the DiMera Mansion where EJ is pouring a drink in the living room. Marlena asks EJ how it went in court as she heard Johnny fired him. EJ tells her the case is with the jury now. Rachel begins playing with a glass ornament from the table. Marlena tells her to put it down because it’s glass, triggering a flashback for EJ that reveals Rachel holding the gun on him as he questioned what she was doing.

Johnny and Chanel sit together in the town square. Chanel asks how he’s feeling. Johnny responds that he’s mostly relieved but also scared and nervous. Belle approaches and says it’s in the jury’s hands now. Chanel asks how she thinks it will go. Belle hopes Johnny is exonerated and they find out who really shot EJ. Belle adds that EJ just said the craziest thing to her before she left the court room as he said that he thought Marlena suspected her. Johnny questions why Marlena would think Belle shot EJ when they were in love when that happened. Belle says they were involved which is why it doesn’t make any sense, except now she knows for sure that whoever did shoot EJ is someone that EJ and Marlena would want to protect.

Marlena repeats for Rachel to put that down, triggering a further flashback for EJ as Rachel held the gun on him, demanding he tell her where her Grandma Rachel is. Rachel ends up dropping the glass ornament, shattering it, and the sound triggers EJ to remember that it was Rachel who shot him, leaving EJ shocked by the realization.

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Days Update Monday, August 18, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Gabi goes to see Xander at the Titan-DiMera office and asks if has a minute to chat about them as she claims she can’t stop thinking about their kiss.

Steve and Kayla sit together at the Brady Pub. Kayla is on her tablet as Steve remarks that she forgot he was even here. Kayla argues that he was ignoring her too. Steve asks what she has going on. Kayla tells him it’s EJ’s budget and complains that he’s slashing every department. Steve says at least EJ did one good thing in hiring Stephanie. Kayla says that remains to be seen if that’s a good thing or not. Steve is glad that Kayla and Stephanie are looking out for each other because when it comes to EJ, there’s safety in numbers. Kayla thinks Stephanie is happiest when she’s working hard. Kayla adds that she feels Stephanie is in a good place, professionally and personally. Steve says maybe, so Kayla guesses he’s still not convinced that Alex is the one. Steve responds that he’s been meaning to talk to her about this but she’s been so busy. Steve informs her that he talked to Alex about his police record and she’s not going to believe it.

Alex surprises Stephanie with a cupcake and a candle, telling her to make a wish. Stephanie responds that it’s not her birthday but Alex tells her to make a wish anyway so she does. Alex then wishes her a happy book birthday as he presents her with a copy of her novel One Stormy Night.

Belle is at home, looking at the photos of John on the mantle when Marlena comes in and asks what’s wrong. Belle tells her that John would be so upset with what she’s done and now his namesake might go to prison because of it. Marlena hugs Belle.

Johnny sits at home, analyzing the video of Chanel confronting EJ. Chanel comes home and greets him. Johnny talks about needing to prove the video is a deep fake as he knows she never made any of those threats against EJ. Chanel appreciates him trying to prove that but says he needs to stop right now.

EJ is at home on the phone with the court, arguing that Johnny will not drop him as his attorney and he will have a talk with him, but he is informed that the judge already accepted it. EJ hangs up in frustration as Tony walks in and asks what has him so agitated. EJ declares that he’s made an incredible mess of things and his life is in ruins.

Xander tells Gabi they already discussed that their kiss was a one time only, wine induced occurrence. Gabi explains that she meant that she feels terrible about it and it never should’ve happened. Xander says they both made mistakes that night, so the best thing is to just move on like it never happened. Gabi agrees and says from now on, it’s all business. Xander says hopefully not all business and admits he now considers her a friend, so he hoped he could get her advice on a personal matter.

Steve tells Kayla about Alex’s toga falling off causing his indecent exposure charge along with theft of a fraternity mascot, but that was the extent of his police record. Kayla jokes about that making him a hardened criminal. Kayla admits that she’s relieved that’s all it was. Steve admits his record was way worse. Kayla says she still fell in love with him which Steve says he remains thankful for. Kayla says she has to get back to the hospital before EJ auctions everything off. Steve stops her and asks if he can run one thing by her. Kayla asks what he needs. Steve tells her that a case he’s working on is going nowhere fast but maybe she can help.

Stephanie can’t believe her book is real. Alex says it will soon be every bag and “Anastasia Sands” is about to be the hottest novelist in the country. Alex asks if Stephanie is happy. Stephanie calls it beautiful and says as anxious as she was to have it published, she’s so happy it’s here. Alex says she deserves to be celebrated and calls her amazing. Stephanie acknowledges that none of this would’ve happened without Alex as she kisses him.

Marlena tells Belle that John would be proud of her no matter what and he’d also say she’s being too hard on herself. Belle argues that Marlena knew how things would end up with her and EJ but she refused to see it as she thought she’d be different than all the other people he hurt. Belle worries that she went too far in prosecuting Johnny. Marlena encourages that she’s just doing her job. Belle then gets a call and thanks them for letting her know. Marlena asks if everything is alright. Belle reveals that Johnny just fired EJ as his attorney.

EJ informs Tony that Johnny fired him and intends to represent himself. Tony calls that a terrible idea. EJ says he’s adamant and won’t listen to reason. Tony agrees then that EJ has made a mess of things. EJ says he’s just been desperate to save Johnny that he even sacrificed his relationship with Belle to do it. Tony mentions hearing Belle isn’t the only one he threw under the bus. EJ guesses he heard about the video of Chanel threatening his life. Tony says that’s allegedly and brings up Chanel believing the video is fake which EJ acknowledges that Chanel does believe. Tony remembers the video camera being planted and that a memory card mysteriously disappeared before ending up in Belle’s hands. Tony recalls walking in on EJ and Rita having a hush hush conversation about some package that she delivered. Tony then guesses that EJ had the video doctored.

Johnny doesn’t understand why Chanel wouldn’t want him to do everything he can to clear her name when he knows she didn’t make those threats against EJ and she didn’t shoot him. Chanel responds that she doesn’t care about clearing her own name, only his.

Gabi questions Xander wanting parenting advice from her. Xander brings up Gabi’s relationship with Arianna and explains his agreement with Sarah on a nanny for Victoria but admits he’s not exactly comfortable with it and asks what else he can do. Xander mentions installing the nanny cam so he can monitor from his phone and says he’s done a background check on the nanny and her record is impeccable. Gabi remarks that the only red flag she sees in the scenario is him.

Kayla tells Steve that she’d love to help but she’s no expert in detective work. Steve brings up how many times Kayla has helped with cases over the years. Steve asks her to keep it just between them so Kayla asks what it’s all about. Steve reveals he’s investigating some potentially shady dealings at Titan-DiMera. Kayla feels the case is solved with two words: Xander Kiriakis. Steve says it’s not that simple this time and that’s where Kayla comes in. Steve brings up how Stephanie tells Kayla everything and her history with Philip and now Alex. Kayla questions if he’s asking her to betray their daughter’s trust. Steve says not at all and he’s just asking if she’s mentioned in passing anything about their business dealings. Kayla admits there might have been something as she flashes back to a conversation where Stephanie told Kayla that Philip was less than truthful but it was best if she didn’t know the details and it was a side of Philip that made her sick. Steve says it sounds then like Philip is the one who did something wrong. Kayla wonders if it could be relevant to his case. Steve says it might not be, but whatever it is, Stephanie seems caught right in the middle.

Stephanie and Alex kiss as Alex tells her that nothing makes him happier than seeing her happy. Alex says he can’t wait to celebrate with her later tonight. Stephanie asks why wait as she kisses him. Alex assures that he doesn’t want to but he has to get back to the office since Xander has been texting him all morning about the special project he assigned him to which Stephanie asks about. Alex explains that someone made a freedom of information inquiry about the Titan-DiMera merger and it’s got Xander jumpy since the person behind it used an alias. Alex adds that he went to Steve to try and track the person down but Steve says it would be impossible to figure out who is behind the alias. Stephanie asks what the name was. Alex says it was “Daniel Lucas” and asks if it sounds familiar. Stephanie says she was just expecting something more exotic. Alex tells her to keep her evening open because they have some celebrating to do as he then exits. Stephanie then grabs her phone and calls Steve, telling him that she needs him to come over right now.

Marlena asks Belle if Johnny can start over with a new attorney this late in the game. Belle responds that Johnny actually plans to represent himself instead, probably because he wants to tell his story his way. Marlena guesses EJ went too far this time. Belle states that EJ crossed a line as a father and as a lawyer. Belle adds that if Johnny succeeds, he might just win the case.

Johnny shouts that he’s not going to let Chanel take the heat for something she didn’t do. Chanel argues that he didn’t do it either and even if he could prove it, EJ would never allow him to use that the video was fake. Johnny responds that it won’t be a problem because EJ’s not his lawyer anymore, revealing that he fired him last night.

Tony tells EJ not to deny it, pointing out that EJ just said he would do anything to prove Johnny’s innocence. Tony asks if it didn’t occur to him that Chanel would realize the video was fake. EJ argues that Chanel did admit to confronting him that night while Tony argues that she didn’t threaten to kill him and that even Johnny wouldn’t believe his own wife was the shooter. EJ remarks that it only matters what the jury believes. Tony says not if he wants to keep his son in his life.

Xander asks Gabi how he is the red flag. Gabi points out that as CEO, he’s used to having things his way. Xander asks if she’s calling him a control freak. Gabi says she understands having a little girl but he can’t manage her like he does the company. Xander talks about working his whole life to get to this point and now, outside of Victoria, the company means everything to him. Gabi responds that she cares about it too and she has some ideas that can make it better if he’ll hear her out. Gabi reminds him that she was CEO of DiMera Enterprises before. Alex arrives but apologizes as he didn’t realize Xander was in a meeting. Xander tells him it’s fine and tells Gabi they will finish this later, so Gabi exits. Alex apologizes again for barging in. Xander asks what he’s got for him. Alex informs him that whoever is digging for dirt is using an alias so there’s no way for them to find out who it is. Xander takes that as Alex failed.

Steve goes to see Stephanie and asks what’s going on. Stephanie asks Steve to tell her the truth about why he is investigating her boyfriend’s company.

Belle informs Marlena that Chanel is claiming she didn’t say the things in the video EJ showed and that it’s some kind of deep fake. Belle adds that Johnny thinks EJ is behind it. Marlena admits it sounds like something EJ would do. Belle calls it one more wake up call for her. Belle declares that she’s finally thinking clearly and she will never again get involved with someone she doesn’t respect and who doesn’t respect her. Marlena responds that she’s so proud of her and that John would be too as they hug.

Tony tells EJ that it’s never a good thing to have someone choose between you and the love of their life. EJ states that Chanel basically said the same thing. EJ asks Tony how he can get his son to trust him again. Tony suggests admitting what he did was wrong and beg for forgiveness.

Chanel questions Johnny firing EJ as his attorney. Johnny argues that he left him no choice as he did the one thing that he implored him not to do. Chanel argues that the trial is almost over and questions who Johnny is going to hire that will give a better closing statement than EJ. Johnny agrees that there’s probably not a lawyer out there who could do a better job, so he’s going to do it himself.

Marlena goes to the hospital and informs Kayla that she’s taking a leave of absence. Kayla asks if it’s because of EJ buying the hospital. Marlena says no and that she was thinking about it before she lost John. Marlena adds that she will see a few private patients, but she can’t really heal anybody until she heals herself.

Alex tells Xander that this is outside of his area of expertise and adds that he consulted with a private detective but even he couldn’t find anything. Xander calls that unacceptable. Alex asks if there’s something in the findings they need to worry about. Xander says not at all as the takeover was all above board but their leadership is compromised because of Philip’s fraud. Alex asks if they think the DiMeras are the ones doing the digging. Xander says that or someone working for them.

Steve asks Stephanie if this is about him looking in to Alex’s police record. Stephanie is shocked and questions Alex having a police record, asking why he’s investigating her boyfriend. Steve explains that he wanted to make sure anyone dating his daughter is worthy of her love. Stephanie argues that she’s a grown woman. Steve apologizes and says it’s all water under the bridge as he didn’t find anything to worry about but a funny story that Alex will be happy to tell her. Stephanie can’t believe he tried to dig up her boyfriend’s past and she’s pretty sure he’s trying to dig up his company too.

Chanel questions Johnny representing himself, calling it crazy because he’s not a lawyer and argues that he needs to hire somebody. Johnny argues that it would take them too long to get up to speed. Johnny says he understands the mission is to prove the video is fake and make a compelling closing argument, so he’s the best person to do those things. Johnny promises that he’s got this. Chanel prays that he’s right. Johnny hugs her and tells her to trust him that everything is going to be alright. Chanel goes to shower and get dressed. Johnny sits back down and goes back to reviewing the video.

Kayla tells Marlena that selfishly, she will miss seeing her walk down the hall but she’s happy that she’s going to take the time to heal. Marlena talks about being one thing after another since John’s passing with Johnny’s trial, Belle’s relationship with EJ, and then Susan declaring Stefano was still alive. Kayla asks if Marlena thinks Susan’s premonition about Stefano has caused her recent dreams. Marlena says it’s possible and calls it all so unsettling. Kayla has an idea that might help.

Gabi goes to the DiMera Mansion to meet with Tony. Tony wants to hear about her progress at Titan-DiMera before he signs a contract. Tony reminds Gabi that she will become CEO if she brings him the necessary information to undermine the takeover. Gabi says she’s getting close. Tony says she keeps saying that, but he wants to know how close. Gabi thinks back to kissing Xander at the Bistro and tells Tony that she’s very close. Gabi adds that having their agreement in writing will give her the added incentive to get to the finish line.

Xander asks Alex if he knows how lucky they have been to keep Philip’s fraud a secret this long. Xander says the last thing they need is someone digging around in their business, especially if they are skilled enough to spill the truth. Alex says they need to make sure that doesn’t happen. Xander declares that they can’t risk it happening so it’s time to bring in reinforcements.

Stephanie informs Steve that Alex tried to hire him to find out who was using an alias which Steve confirms. Stephanie adds that Alex also told her Steve said he couldn’t help. Stephanie argues that what Steve didn’t tell Alex was that the alias was his. Stephanie reveals that Kayla used to share stories of Steve going undercover with Marcus Hunter years ago, using the name Daniel Lucas. Steve didn’t realize Kayla ever mentioned that name to her. Stephanie asks if Steve is going to tell her why he’s looking in to the Titan-DiMera merger. Steve says he can’t do that because his cases and clients are confidential but he doesn’t think anything he’s looking in to will blow back on Alex. Steve says it might protect Alex and Stephanie. Stephanie argues that if it’s going to affect Alex or his family, she has to warn him but Steve says she cannot do that.

EJ and Belle return to court. Belle informs him that she was just notified that Johnny fired him as his attorney and will be representing himself. EJ confirms he did and that he still needs to talk to him and apologize. Belle says it sounds like Johnny’s made his choice and she believes it’s a good one and that he will win the case. EJ responds that he should since he’s innocent. Belle calls it sad because she believed he would always win and if EJ showed restraint, been honest, and let the facts speak for themselves, maybe he wouldn’t have driven his son away again and driven her away. Belle says the universe has a funny way of sending messages as it’s been screaming for her to stay away from EJ. Belle asks how many people in EJ’s life have given him chance after chance and he’s just let them down every single time. Belle tells EJ to get used to being all by himself. Chanel and Johnny then enter the court room.

Kayla brings up Marlena seeing Dr. Fuller about her dreams and informs her that she put together a list of grief groups that she thought might be helpful. Kayla can’t presume what she needs but she thinks the most important thing is to not feel alone. Marlena asks how she could ever feel alone when there’s so many people around her who love her as they hug.

Xander tells Alex that whoever is digging for information isn’t going to just stop, so they need to get ahead of the story which is why he wants to hire Stephanie. Alex isn’t sure since she just signed on to work for EJ at the hospital. Xander tells Alex that it’s his job to convince Stephanie that it will be a very appealing and exciting opportunity. Alex argues that Stephanie doesn’t let people tell her what to do. Xander warns Alex that he doesn’t want to see what happens if he doesn’t.

Stephanie tells Steve that she doesn’t like keeping secrets from Alex. Steve doesn’t like putting her in the middle but secrets are his business and he has to keep this quiet. Steve questions why Stephanie thinks whatever it is could hurt Alex’s family and asks if there’s something she knows about Titan that she’s not telling him. Stephanie says just like Steve can’t talk about his cases, she can’t tell anything that Alex told her about Titan because she gave him his word. Steve remarks that tells him everything he needs to know.

Tony asks Gabi about the contract. Gabi talks about making some small provisions as she wants use of the DiMera jet, life insurance and to make sure Arianna is well taken care of if something happens to her. Tony agrees as long as she brings him the information he needs to bring Titan to it’s knees, then the DiMera CEO job belongs to her.

Johnny asks for a word with EJ so Belle and Chanel exit the court room. Johnny reminds EJ that he had him removed from the case and so he doesn’t want him in the court room. EJ argues that he has every right to be there as the victim. Johnny says he understands that but he’s asking him to abide by his wishes, which he said he would do with Chanel on the stand before completely undermining her. EJ responds that he was just trying to do what’s best for him in the trial. Johnny questions EJ thinking that destroying his wife in open court was best for him. EJ says if it means protecting him. Johnny tells EJ that it’s not what this is about. Johnny believes EJ was trying to divide them and make him choose. Johnny declares that he chooses Chanel. EJ tries to apologize but Johnny says it’s too late.

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Days Short Recap Wednesday, August 20, 2025

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Gabi went to Steve’s office because her bosses at Titan-DiMera were upset over the Freedom of Information Act he filed. Steve thought it was a good thing because the paperwork checked out.  He said they must have something to hide if they were upset. At the town square, Belle and Philip talked about Johnny’s case. She said she hoped she didn’t do a good enough job and he would be found not guilty. Philip said he heard about what EJ did in court and pretended to be upset about the breakup. Belle knew he wasn’t upset. Philip said he would be there if she needed him. Gabi showed up. Belle left to see Steve. Gabi invited Philip to lunch so they could talk about work. Philip asked if she was the one trying to blow up the Titan-DiMera merger. Gabi said she didn’t have anything to do with it. Philip said he believed her for now and agreed to lunch but they couldn’t talk about business. Belle went to Steve’s office. He asked her if she knew anything about Philip doing something suspicious with the business. She said she couldn’t help him because of attorney/client privilege. After Belle left, Steve called Paul to see if the ISA could get the original court records where Philip got half of Titan.

EJ flashed back to Rachel shooting him. He was shocked. Marlena got Rachel out of the room when she realized EJ remembered what happened. She said she didn’t know that Rachel was the shooter, but she suspected she was. EJ was furious that Rachel let Johnny take the fall for what she did. Marlena said Rachel had dissociative amnesia and didn’t remember shooting him. She said they had to be careful about how it came out or it would cause more damage. EJ said he knew Rachel didn’t mean to shoot him. He said she wanted to know where her grandmother was. EJ blamed himself for what happened. Kristen came in and wondered what was going on. EJ told her Rachel was the one who shot him. Kristen refused to believe it. EJ told her what happened the night he was shot. Marlena said it explained the nightmares and stomachaches. EJ said he wasn’t going to sacrifice his son for her daughter. When Kristen and EJ were alone, she begged him not to tell the police the truth. EJ said he didn’t want to turn Rachel in but his son’s life was on the line. He said he loved Rachel, but he wouldn’t let his son go down for something Rachel did. He said she had to come up with something or he would have no choice but to tell the truth.

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Days Short Recap Tuesday, August 19, 2025

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Marlena ran into Julie while she was reading a book. Julie was reading about dealing with situations that you can’t control. From there, Julie ranted about Chad’s relationship with Cat after what she did. Marlena reminded her that Chad and Cat were just friends. Julie reminded her that Liz sang a song about friends turning into lovers. She wanted to change the subject and talk about something more fun like the bookstore. Marlena heard that it was for sale. Julie considered buying the store, and Marlena suggested that she do it. They moved on to talking about their grief and how hard it was to move on from it. Marlena thanked Foster (from the bookstore) for giving Rachel a book on the house. Julie scolded him for giving away books. She told him that’s why he was going out of business. Julie wondered if anyone was interested in buying the store. He felt like independent books were a dying breed. Julie believed that they could be resurrected and wanted to buy the store. At the courthouse, Johnny fired EJ and wanted to represent himself. Belle called Chanel back to the stand. She wanted to know why she went to the DiMera mansion to threaten EJ while they watched the video. Chanel insisted that she didn’t threaten him and insisted the video was doctored. After she questioned Chanel, Belle called Johnny to the stand. She asked him about his opinion of the footage. He talked about the errors in the video. Johnny believed it was a deep fake and had an AI expert who was willing to agree to it. Belle reminded him that the police authenticated the video. Johnny told her that Stefano discredited the police numerous times and taught his children how to do the same thing. He stared at his father at the back of the courtroom. Johnny rested his case, and the judge called for a recess.

let Johnny know that she was proud of him. Johnny was concerned about delivering a closing argument. Chanel believed that he would do a great job. Belle told EJ that he should be ashamed of himself for what he did to Chanel. They knew he didn’t have any shame. Court was back in session, and Belle started her closing argument. She told the jury about Johnny’s mindset and motive the night EJ was shot. Belle talked about Johnny’s disappointment when he found out EJ survived. Johnny gave his closing argument. He admitted that he went to his father’s place to kill him, but he couldn’t do it. Johnny said that almost everyone in Salem wanted to shoot his father. He was sorry that someone used the gun he brought to shoot him, but he didn’t do it. Johnny wanted the jury to find him not guilty. The judge sent the jury to deliberate the case. EJ let Johnny know that he didn’t prove anything to the jury, and he should have let him finish the trial. Johnny wanted him to screw himself for what he did to Chanel. He walked away from him. Belle told EJ that Johnny and Chanel thought he was as despicable as she did. EJ didn’t want her to be smug about it. He told her that her own mother thought she might have shot him. Belle thought his accusations were ridiculous. At the time, she didn’t have a reason to want him dead. Marlena brought Rachel to the DiMera mansion. EJ made a drink, and Rachel berated him for drinking early. He told her that he was becoming more like her mother all the time. Marlena talked to EJ while Rachel played with a decorative glass ball from the mantle. Marlena told her to put it down because it was glass. EJ flashed back to Rachel pointing the gun at him the night he was shot. He fell into the chair in shock. Belle ran into Johnny and Chanel at the square. She hoped Johnny was exonerated, and they found out who shot EJ. Belle told them that EJ made a crazy comment about her mother thinking that she shot him. She didn’t think it made any sense. Belle realized that whoever shot EJ was someone he and Marlena would protect. EJ remembered telling Rachel to put the gun down and give it to him. She said she wouldn’t do it until he told her where her grandmother was. He told her that he didn’t know where she was, but Rachel didn’t believe him. Rachel dropped the glass she was playing with, and it shattered. EJ recalled that she shot him and dropped his glass. In the flashback, Rachel seemed shocked by what she did. Marlena looked at EJ and he reacted because Rachel remembered what happened too.

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Days Short Recap Monday, August 18, 2025

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Steve told Kayla about Alex’s police record. He asked for her help with his case. Steve asked if Stephanie said anything to her about Philip or Alex’s business dealings. Kayla said the only thing she knew was Stephanie broke up with Philip because she saw a bad side to him. She said that Stephanie saw a side that reminded her of Victor. Stephanie called Steve to come over to her place so she could confront him about investigating Alex. Steve couldn’t answer her but he couldn’t let her warn Alex about a potential threat. While they were talking, Steve realized Stephanie knew more than she was letting on. Gabi and Xander agreed to keep things professional and forget about their kiss. Xander asked her how to know the red flags when picking out a nanny. Gabi told him he was the red flag because he was a control freak. She said he couldn’t raise his daughter the way he ran his company. While she was talking, she said she had an idea of how to make the company better. Before she could answer, Alex showed up. When Gabi left, Alex told Xander that the person looking into them was using an alias so there was no way to find out who it was. Xander said his failure was unacceptable. He said the merger was above board but things were compromised because of Philip’s fraud. Xander said he wanted to hire Stephanie to help them get ahead of the story. Alex didn’t think she would do it. Xander ordered him to make it happen. He said Alex wouldn’t want to see what would happen if he messed up again.

Belle told Marlena how disappointed her father would be that she fell for EJ. She got a call that Johnny fired EJ as his lawyer and told Marlena that Johnny thought EJ was the one who did the deepfake of Chanel on the video. Belle said that was one more reason why she shouldn’t be with EJ. She vowed to never get involved with anyone who doesn’t respect her or she doesn’t respect. Marlena said she was proud of her and that John would be proud of her too. Later, Marlena ran into Kayla and told her she was taking time off. She said she would see a few patients, but she couldn’t help anyone until she helped herself. Kayla said she could give her a list of grief groups that could help her. Chanel told Johnny to stop trying to prove that the video was a deepfake and focus on clearing his name. Johnny said he wasn’t going to let her take the blame for something she didn’t do. While they were talking, Johnny told Chanel that he fired EJ and was going to represent himself. Chanel panicked but Johnny assured her that he knew what he was doing. EJ talked to Tony about Johnny firing him. Tony assumed EJ had the video of Chanel doctored. He advised EJ to admit what he did and asked for forgiveness. Later on, Gabi let Tony know that she was getting closer to finding the information that will help him undermine Titan-DiMera. She wanted him to put their agreement in writing. After they worked out the agreement, Gabi signed it. At the courthouse, EJ told Belle that he let everyone down in his life after he was given several chances. Johnny and Chanel showed up in the courtroom. He yelled at EJ for what he did to Chanel. When EJ tried to defend himself, Johnny said he was forcing him to choose between him and Chanel. Johnny said he chose Chanel.

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Days Nitpicks & Flubs For The Week Of August 11, 2025

Nitpicks & Flubs

 

by Michele & Cheryl

Monday

-Why would Cat kiss Chad when she knew she was sick? She’s disgusting to spread her germs like that.

-What made Xander think that he could hit Brady when he was drunk? He knows that Titan was losing money, and he took a chance hitting Brady.

-Sarah said everyone at the restaurant was staring at her and Brady, but no one was looking at them.

-Belle claimed she didn’t want to be around EJ, but she went to the DiMera mansion to yell at him. She could have called him and told him how she felt about him.

Tuesday

-Sophia chose to talk about what happened with her baby while she was outside. Anyone could have heard her talking about her plan with Melinda.

-Speaking of Sophia’s plan, Amy should have heard what she said when was behind her when she mentioned Tate.

-Marlena was against doing the hypnosis sessions with EJ. She could have recommended another psychiatrist to help him.

Wednesday

-Tate managed not to see Sophia while he and Holly were at the town square. Sophia tried to hide, but she wasn’t hard to spot with the light color on that she was wearing.

-Rafe clearly showed his phone to the camera when he read Cat’s text.

-Rafe let Javi taste his soup, and he put the spoon back in the pot.

-Belle needs manners. She barged into Tate’s room without waiting for him to acknowledge her.

-Did Chad forget that Cat met Gabi? He said he has a friend named Gabi as if she didn’t know her. They met not long after she pretended to be Abby.

Thursday

-Sarah got jealous at the idea of Xander having sex with Gwen. Why does she care if she doesn’t want to be with him?

-Xander didn’t have a mark on his face after Sarah slapped him.

-Sarah had an issue with Gwen because of the things she did to her, but she was okay with talking to Kristen after what she did to her.

Friday

-Leo and Adam were in their hotel room one minute and at the courthouse the next.

-Tate was obsessed with meeting his child. He could have agreed to raise the baby, but he didn’t want to do it.

-Sophia cried without any tears.

 

 

 

The opinions in these articles are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of TVMEG.COM or its other volunteers.

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Days Update Friday, August 15, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Arianna goes home and startles Javi as he was dancing with his headphones in. Javi suggests she have some of Rafe’s chicken tortilla soup. Javi notices Arianna has a brochure from Salem University. Arianna explains that she’s thinking of withdrawing from the University of Arizona and enrolling at Salem U. Javi questions when she made that decision. Arianna says she’s been considering it for some time and adds that she hasn’t talked to Gabi about it yet. They joke about how happy Gabi would be for her to be staying in Salem. Arianna agrees that Gabi will be thrilled but she’s not so sure about Will and Sonny.

Leo is brought to the Salem Inn to be sequestered where he complains to another juror about being unable to cover the trial and locked away from outside gossip. Leo talks about his idea for a podcast on who shot EJ. The other man, Adam, begins talking about his excitement to be staying in an expensive hotel which confuses Leo. He tells Leo about his wife knowing him as the ex-head writer of Body and Soul and being a big fan. Adam excitedly says they don’t need cell phones when they can use the landline in the room. The bailiff returns and informs Leo and Adam that they will be sharing a room. Leo argues that it must be a mistake and pleads against the decision.

Belle goes over her notes in court as Paulina enters and talks about being there as moral support for Chanel. Paulina asks how Belle is doing. Belle says she’s hanging in there but wishes her personal life hadn’t been dragged in to this. Paulina praises Belle’s behavior throughout these proceedings, acknowledging that she never wanted to take this case in the first place. Paulina declares that when this trial is over, they will all be relieved.

Outside the courtroom, Johnny talks to EJ about how much Chanel has been through so he asks EJ to not drag her through the mud. EJ questions leaving evidence of reasonable doubt on the table. Johnny confirms that he is, reminding EJ that he hired him as his lawyer which means he is his boss and he must defer to him. EJ reluctantly agrees to whatever Johnny wants as Chanel comes over and hugs Johnny.

Sophia goes to the Brady Pub and sees Tate. She asks him what’s wrong. Tate informs her that he just received an e-mail from their baby’s adoptive parents.

Arianna informs Javi that Will and Sonny still think she’s going back to Arizona for school since she told them that she was only staying in Salem for the summer. Arianna says she was excited to go back but being in Salem, reconnecting with family and friends has been nice. Javi encourages her not to worry too much and says Will and Sonny will miss her but he’s sure they just want what’s best for her. Arianna doesn’t want them to think she’s leaving because she didn’t love living with them. Arianna comments that Will and Sonny are the best girl dads, just like Javi would’ve been. Javi thanks her for saying that. Arianna hopes she didn’t overstep. Javi says no and that he thinks about her all the time. Arianna guesses Leo doesn’t know. Javi confirms that he doesn’t want him to know because it’s too hard to explain. Arianna says she totally understands and her lips are sealed.

Leo and Adam are brought in to their hotel room. Leo complains about it being a little small while Adam talks about ordering room service. Leo is annoyed as Adam continues talking until there’s a knock on the door to let them know it’s time to go to court. Leo is relieved while Adam says they can continue talking when they get back.

Paulina tells Belle that all communication with the attorney general sounds like they are satisfied with Belle. Belle says she wants to do her job, but worries about being responsible for sending Johnny to prison. Paulina encourages not getting ahead of themselves as it’s impossible to know what a jury is going to do, especially if EJ plays the video of Chanel in court. Belle points out that the police didn’t think that was enough to charge Chanel and it’s not enough for her to charge her either if Johnny gets acquitted. Paulina prays that he does. Paulina understands EJ is throwing everything at Johnny’s defense but still worries that Chanel’s reputation is at stake and they both know how damning the video is.

Chanel asks EJ if everything is okay. EJ says it’s just fine and that Johnny is just channeling his inner DiMera. Chanel is not sure she likes that. Johnny clarifies that he was just asking EJ to play nice with her on the stand which he agreed to do. Chanel tells EJ that she appreciates that and everything he’s done to defend Johnny as Paulina said it looked like the case is swinging in his favor. EJ states that he’s done everything he can to raise doubt and get him acquitted so he just prays that it’s enough.

Javi finishes a call and informs Arianna that one of the paramedics called in sick, so he asks if Arianna can watch Tesoro. Arianna excitedly says she’d love to, especially since it won’t be long before they have to say goodbye to him. Javi says he’s been trying not to think of that. Arianna says the whole situation makes her think of how Sophia had to give up her own baby and how that had to be a million times harder. Arianna and Javi agree that it’s going to suck.

Sophia asks Tate about the e-mail from the baby’s parents. Tate informs her that they said they are sorry but they can’t let him meet the baby as they need time to bond as a family. Sophia says she’s sorry as she knows he really wanted to meet her, but maybe it’s for the best. Tate questions how the hell it’s for the best. Sophia thinks it would just make it harder for him to say goodbye. Tate argues that it’s not for the best and declares he’s not giving up.

Court resumes with Chanel taking the witness stand. EJ asks if she believes Johnny is guilty of the crime he is accused of, that he shot him in cold blood. Chanel says absolutely not and that Johnny is innocent. EJ asks how she is so certain of that. Chanel responds that she loves him and knows he’s telling the truth. EJ asks if those are the only reasons she’s certain. Chanel reiterates that she knows Johnny didn’t shoot EJ. EJ questions her having no doubt at all even though she’s aware of his so called motives of learning his parents complicated history. Chanel remarks that she’s aware that EJ raped Sami and she’s aware of how Johnny felt when he first found out. EJ brings up that it was so devastating that Johnny changed his mind about adopting a child with Chanel, which was an extremely difficult time for her which Chanel admits. EJ asks who Chanel blamed for this terrible misfortune. Chanel admits that she blamed EJ.

Arianna and Javi walk to the Brady Pub with Tesoro. Arianna mentions that she’s going to bring him inside and jokes about Roman and Kate seeing her come in with a stroller. Javi then says goodbye to them and heads to work.

Sophia reminds Tate that when they signed the adoption papers, that’s it and their baby is someone else’s now. Tate doesn’t give a damn and argues that they have to let him see her. Tate declares that he’s going to find the lawyer that Sophia hired to get the adoptive parents to let him meet his daughter. Arianna then enters the Pub with Tesoro.

EJ brings up Chanel coming to his home on the night that he was shot and he was very angry with him which Chanel confirms. EJ then reveals to the jury that a video camera was planted in his home and what they are about to see are the final images it recorded before he was shot.

Arianna greets Sophia and Tate. Arianna mentions babysitting Tesoro and then tells Sophia that she’s very sorry as it’s probably the last thing she needed. Arianna offers to go but Sophia asks her to stay and says she’d like to see Tesoro again. Tate questions what she means again.

EJ plays the video of Chanel arguing with him. Chanel has the video stopped and swears that she didn’t say the things in the video but the judge has the video proceed where Chanel warned EJ that she wouldn’t let him live long enough to hurt Johnny or anyone else she cared about ever again. EJ declares it speaks for itself. Chanel tries to argue but EJ says no further questions. The judge informs Belle that they will begin with her cross examination of Chanel tomorrow.

Tate questions when Sophia saw Tesoro before. Sophia explains that she ran in to Javi in the town square. Tate mentions running in to Leo and even got to hold Tesoro. Arianna jokes that Tesoro gets around and is everyone’s bundle of joy while Sophia tries to hold back her emotions. Tate asks if Sophia is alright. Sophia says she’s sorry and she just can’t as she breaks down crying while Tate hugs her, telling her it’s alright.

Leo and Adam return to their hotel room as Adam continues telling Leo stories. He goes over the video of Chanel but Leo reminds him they aren’t supposed to talk about the trial. He suggests talking about football but Leo is not interested. He offers to play a game of cards but Leo declines. Adam insists on teaching Leo a game and says he’ll call the front desk for a deck of cards. Leo then asks him to cool it and complains of a migrain which worries Adam. Leo then makes up further symptoms and wonders if he’s having a stroke, then convinces Adam to call 911.

EJ goes home to the DiMera Mansion and calls Johnny, leaving a message that he knows he’s upset with him but asks him to call him back as they need to talk.

Johnny is with Chanel and Paulina in the town square. Johnny tells them that EJ just called but he’s not going to even listen to his voicemail. Paulina is sure EJ is going to try to spin things. Johnny says he’s sorry. Chanel says now that she’s seen the video, she knows things didn’t happen that way and that she said some of those things but not all of it. Belle comes over and tells them that she’s so sorry. Johnny then tells Belle that the video was fake. Chanel is relieved that Johnny believes her. Johnny adds that he has reason to believe the video was manipulated using AI and he thinks it was a deep fake. Belle states that Salem PD forensics authenticated it. Johnny argues that film is his business and if he’s right, he’d like to send the video along to someone he knows that’s a leading authority in AI. Johnny argues that as evidence, he has a right to take a closer look. Belle states that EJ would have to file a formal request as Johnny’s attorney. Johnny declares that if he’s right that the video is a deep fake, he thinks EJ might be the one behind it.

Javi and a paramedic arrive at the Salem Inn where Adam tells them about Leo, identifying him as a famous TV writer. Javi quickly realizes what’s going on as Leo starts to say he suddenly feels better and calls it a miracle. Adam worries about the symptoms Leo mentioned. Javi tells the paramedic that he’s got this and asks Adam to leave the room to give them privacy. Adam tells Leo to feel better as he exits. Leo jokingly asks Javi to rescue him and complains about how much Adam was annoying him and wouldn’t stop talking. Javi tells Leo that if he takes him to the hospital, it could get him out of jury duty but Leo says no way after what happened at the trial today, feeling it’s now worth more than a ticket to “game seven of the super bowl”. Leo declares there is no way he’s giving up his seat now. Javi says he’ll just tell Adam that Leo needs some peace and quiet which Leo says would be perfect as they kiss.

Arianna tells Sophia that she’s so sorry as she should not have stayed with the baby. Sophia says it’s okay as she asked her to and tells her she doesn’t have to leave but Arianna says she should get Tesoro home anyways and exits. Sophia apologizes to Tate for getting upset as she really thought she was doing okay and she was healing. Sophia guesses she thought she would be over it by now, but she’s not. Tate apologizes for continuing to bring it up and says he can’t believe he’s been such a jerk about this when Sophia was just trying to do what’s best for the baby. Tate worries that he’s just made things worse. Sophia understands it’s been really hard for him too. Tate says that doesn’t give him the right to cause her more pain. Tate decides he needs to stop obsessing about seeing his daughter and just let it go.

Chanel argues that Johnny’s right as it’s the only thing that makes sense because all of that stuff at the end of the video never happened. Paulina talks about the weird things people do nowadays but she could’ve sworn it was Chanel on the video. Paulina asks if AI is really that good. Belle admits it can be. Chanel wonders how it’s possible that the police supposedly analyzed the video like crazy and thought it was legit. Belle calls that a good question. Paulina suggests that EJ could have a mole in the forensics department and she will look in to that. Belle says anything is possible with EJ but technology is moving so fast that the police department can’t always keep up. Belle adds that something like that would cost a fortune. Paulina wonders who would have that fortune.

Johnny goes to the DiMera Mansion. EJ assumes he got his message but Johnny says he didn’t play it. EJ says he knows Johnny is upset but he did exactly what he asked and just played the video but he never accused Chanel of shooting him. Johnny tells EJ to save his pathetic excuses. Johnny informs EJ that he just came to tell him he’s fired.

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Days Update Thursday, August 14, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Xander goes to the Kiriakis Mansion and asks Sarah if Victoria is ready to go. Sarah responds that the nanny will bring her down in a minute and asks how his session with Marlena went. Xander says it went well and Marlena agreed to take him on as a patient, so he will be able to uphold the terms of their custody agreement. Sarah remarks that she’ll believe it when she sees it. Xander says at least he’s making an effort. Sarah argues that it’s only because she forced him to. Sarah brings up Xander taking a swing at Brady. Xander blames that on Sarah deliberately provoking him by kissing Brady. Sarah complains that it doesn’t give him the right to do that. Xander doesn’t want to relive the events of last night and complains of a splitting headache from the hangover. Xander asks if there’s any coffee around but Sarah instead slaps him.

Kristen and Rachel eat together at the Brady Pub. Kristen tries to get her excited about shopping but Rachel argues that she only let her buy all the stuff because she felt bad that she had to testify in court. Kristen says she had a tough morning and wanted to make it up to her. Rachel remarks that at least it’s over for her, but points out that Kristen still has to testify. Kristen confirms that after lunch, it will be her turn to take the stand.

Johnny goes home to Chanel, who asks him how court was this morning. Johnny admits it was tough and that Rachel taking the stand was hard to watch. Johnny says he does have some good news and informs her that Marlena hypnotized EJ again to try to help him remember the night of the shooting and this time it worked. Chanel excitedly asks if EJ remembers who shot him. Johnny clarifies that he doesn’t, but he remembers that it wasn’t him.

EJ goes home to the DiMera Mansion and thinks back to Marlena telling him they won’t have another hypnosis session. Gwen walks in and pours drinks for them. Gwen guesses from EJ’s demeanor that it didn’t go well in court which EJ confirms. EJ informs her that he did however remember that his son did not shoot him. Gwen calls Johnny the only other DiMera who hasn’t been dismissive or snarky towards her, so she will drink to that. Gwen then asks EJ who did shoot him. EJ responds that he doesn’t know, but he’s quite sure that Marlena does know.

Marlena goes home where Belle asks how her errand was. Marlena admits that she actually just wanted to take a few minutes to talk to EJ in private to thank him for going easy on Rachel on the stand. Belle acknowledges that he was surprisingly restrained. Marlena adds that she also let him know they will not be doing any more hypnosis sessions. Belle questions why not. Marlena doesn’t think his subconscious will be capable of remembering who shot him, so any more sessions would be a waste of time.

Xander remarks that he thought Sarah abhorred violence. Sarah responds that she thought maybe he’d like to know what it’s like to be on the receiving end. Xander suggests she could take some of Marlena’s anger management sessions too. Xander points out that if she’s trying to avenge Brady, he didn’t even hit him. Sarah argues that he tried to and then tells him that the slap wasn’t just for Brady, but for Xander breaking their marriage vows the first chance he got. Xander questions what the hell she’s talking about. Sarah tells him not to play innocent. Sarah shouts that she knows he jumped in to bed with Gwen and tells him to just admit he slept with her.

Gwen questions EJ saying that Marlena knows who shot him. EJ responds that she’s obviously protecting somebody. Gwen asks if this person means more to her than her grandson and questions why she wouldn’t share the information to exonerate Johnny. EJ responds that he’s trying to figure that out.

Chanel questions EJ knowing it wasn’t Johnny if he doesn’t remember who shot him. Johnny explains that under hypnosis, EJ couldn’t identify the shooter but he referred to them as “her” which means it wasn’t him and could’ve been Gabi, Ava, or Kristen. Chanel includes herself but Johnny argues that they already know it wasn’t her. Chanel worries that EJ is putting her on the witness stand today and will use that against her. Johnny says that he is EJ’s client so EJ works for him. Johnny decides he will call EJ now and tell him to strike Chanel from the witness list.

Gwen questions Marlena refusing to have another hypnosis session with EJ which he confirms. Gwen guesses that EJ deduced Marlena is protecting this person as they question why else Marlena would refuse when it would exonerate Johnny. EJ guesses the culprit must be someone that he also cares about. Gwen goes over that the shooter is a woman that he and Marlena both want to protect. Gwen brings up Sami but EJ says it can’t be and that he asked Marlena point blank and she firmly said no. Gwen asks who Marlena thinks shot him if it’s someone they both want to protect. Gwen then asks if EJ is thinking what she’s thinking. EJ confirms he is as Gwen guesses it was Belle who tried to murder him.

Belle questions if Marlena thinks it’s legit that EJ remembers a woman shooting him. Marlena confirms that she does. Belle asks if Marlena has some idea of who EJ’s mind is trying to protect. Belle guesses that Marlena knows who shot EJ.

Xander questions Sarah, who says she heard it straight from Gwen as she couldn’t wait to gloat and throw it in her face. Xander tells her it’s not true. Sarah adds that Gwen said Leo could back up the story and that it wouldn’t be the first time Xander went straight to Gwen’s arms. Xander tells Sarah that it’s not true and swears that he did not sleep with Gwen. Sarah asks if Gwen just made it all up then. Xander says not all of it.

Rachel asks Kristen if she’s nervous about testifying. Kristen admits she may be a little but thinks she’ll be alright because of how brave Rachel was on the stand. Rachel reminds Kristen that all she has to do is tell the truth and jokes that maybe afterwards, her mom will take her to buy clothes too. Rachel adds that she’s so glad EJ finally told Kristen where her mom was because she missed her.

Chanel stops Johnny from calling EJ and says he has to let EJ put her on the stand. Johnny worries that EJ is going to try to make her look guilty. Chanel says that’s been his defense strategy all along and if it helps Johnny’s case, that’s fine by her because she loves him. Johnny tells Chanel that he loves her, so he still wants to talk to EJ to make sure he drives the bus by her and not over her. Chanel decides that’s a good enough compromise. Johnny realizes lunch is about over so he needs to get back to court and he will see there in a couple of hours. Chanel says after she’s done being a witness, she can finally start going with him to court. Johnny tells her that she doesn’t have to do that but Chanel insists on being by her husband’s side every step of the way until this nightmare is over.

Gwen questions EJ as to why Belle would want him dead when they were having a torrid love affair. EJ explains that before he was shot, Belle hated that she had feelings for him and was tormented by their affair, so maybe she thought it was the only way to get him out of her system. Gwen calls it pretty extreme. EJ brings up that Sami once shot him right in the head which Gwen calls barbaric. Gwen questions if he thinks Belle is now following in her footsteps. EJ jokes that they are very competitive with each other. Gwen questions if Belle would actually let her nephew take the fall for a crime she committed. EJ says maybe she’s counting on Johnny being innocent and getting off. Gwen calls that a plausible theory but questions how EJ will prove it.

Belle reminds Marlena that EJ told her that he was waiving doctor-patient confidentiality, so she tells her to just say it if she knows who shot him. Marlena admits she has an idea but she doesn’t have any proof. Belle wants to know who she suspects and says they will find proof together. Marlena brings up Belle being so involved in the case that she thinks it’s best if she doesn’t say anything.

Kristen wonders where Brady is since he’s supposed to be back from his meeting by now. Kristen then gets a text from Brady that he has a flat tire and he’s running late which means Rachel has to come back with her to court. Rachel shouts that she doesn’t want to go.

Paulina meets Chanel in the town square and says she hurried through her meeting because she was not going to let Chanel go face EJ in court by herself.

Johnny joins EJ in court. EJ knows it was a rough morning but says he’s ready to mount a vigorous defense on his behalf and he’s confident they are going to win. Johnny wishes he was that confident. EJ reminds him that he just needs to provide enough reasonable doubt for the jury to acquit him. EJ says they’ve already provided plenty of other suspects and have more coming. Johnny wants to talk to EJ about Chanel first. EJ says they will but first he has to go over Marlena’s testimony since she was a last minute addition and he has to prepared to question her because she could be the key to him winning his case.

Belle and Marlena go to court. Belle says she will come get her when it’s time to testify. Belle stops to apologize for having to attack her credibility on the stand. Marlena knows the pressure she’s under and assures she will be there for her. Belle calls that one of the few things she’s never doubted as she heads in to the court room.

Xander explains to Sarah it was the 4th of July after they just had a huge fight at the Bistro, so he decided to stay and drown his sorrows when Gwen showed up. Xander admits he brought her back to the Salem Inn and they kissed, he went up to her room, but in the end he couldn’t go through with it. Xander says he and Sarah aren’t together but were still legally married and he could never cheat on her. Sarah mocks him being honorable but points out that he did kiss Gwen which means he did cheat. Sarah declares that what makes it truly disgusting is that it was with Gwen, who did truly horrible things to them. Sarah guarantees the only reason Xander didn’t sleep with her was because he knew he was too drunk. Xander thought she would be relieved. Sarah tells him he was wrong. Sarah orders him to just go get Victoria and leave, so Xander exits.

Xander takes Victoria and walks through the town square where he runs in to Gwen. Xander tells Gwen that if he didn’t have Victoria, he would have a few choice words for her for lying to Sarah about what happened between them. Xander questions what is wrong with her.

Kristen leaves the Pub with Rachel as Rachel continues telling her that she can’t go back to court but Kristen says they have no choice. They run in to Sarah, so Rachel asks if she can stay with her.

Chanel tells Paulina that she doesn’t have to go to court with her. Paulina insists since she knows what it’s like to be under fire from EJ and she wants to be there to protect her. Chanel assures that she’s fine with it if it helps Johnny’s case. Paulina declares that she won’t let Chanel be made to look guilty and that she wants Johnny to go free but she’s not going to let Chanel end up behind bars.

EJ interrogates Marlena on the stand about hypnosis. EJ points out to the jury that he is waiving doctor-patient confidentiality and is giving Marlena freedom to discuss his hypnosis. Marlena confirms EJ remembered asking “her” to put down the gun, remembering that the shooter was a woman. EJ points out that Johnny is not a woman, so the only logical conclusion is that he is completely innocent.

Gwen guesses Sarah told Xander. Xander complains that Sarah told him that Gwen said they had sex. Gwen admits she may have exaggerated. Xander argues that she lied and questions why she would do that. Gwen explains that she thought she was helping by thinking that making Sarah jealous would help her remember how much she loves him. Xander argues that she was just trying to cause trouble. Xander tells Gwen to stay the hell away from him and Sarah from now on. Xander warns that if she ever pulls another stunt like that, he will make sure she regrets it.

Kristen tells Sarah about Brady getting a flat tire and she has to get to court which is why they have to go now. Rachel says now she can stay with Sarah. Kristen says they don’t want to impose but Sarah says she’d love to catch up with Rachel. Kristen agrees to let Rachel stay with Sarah and notes that Brady should be back pretty soon.

Chanel tells Paulina that she’s not going to end up in prison. Paulina argues that they know EJ has the video of her threatening him. Chanel says that only proves that she was at the DiMera Mansion and they had a heated exchange. Paulina points out that she threatened his life. Chanel argues that the police don’t seem to think that’s enough so if it helps Johnny’s case, she’s all for it. Paulina worries about her reputation as a business owner. Chanel says she’s aware of the risk, especially now that EJ has remembered the shooter was a woman while under hypnosis. Paulina questions this not coming out before and Chanel just now telling her. Chanel says she just found out herself. Paulina calls that big news that should be enough in the trial. Chanel guesses EJ wants to prove many people could have shot him, so if he wants to point the finger at her, so be it.

Belle asks Marlena if she is aware of any cases where memories from hypnosis proven to be false. Marlena confirms that she is. Belle brings up the defendant being Marlena’s grandson, who she would like to be proven innocent. Belle asks Marlena if the conscious mind can override the subconscious even under hypnosis which Marlena admits. Belle declares that means even under hypnosis, EJ could be lying. EJ takes over and asks if Marlena believes his memory is legitimate and genuine. Marlena confirms that she does, so EJ says no further questions.

Gwen complains that she tried to do something nice for a friend and this is the thanks she gets. Xander argues that what she did was wicked and they aren’t friends. Gwen thought he was just in a bad mood because of he and Sarah separating. Xander asks if she did this because he blew her off at dinner. Gwen tells Xander that she wants him and the rest of the town to leave her alone. Gwen declares that from now on, she will stay the hell away from him and Sarah. Gwen tells Xander to have a nice life and storms off.

Rachel and Sarah have dessert at the Pub. Rachel wishes Victoria was with them and asks where she is now. Sarah responds that she’s with her dad right now. Rachel asks Sarah if she and Xander are getting divorced. Sarah says she’s not sure yet. Rachel feels bad for Victoria because she knows what it’s like when your parents don’t get along. Sarah explains that she and Xander are committed to doing what is best for Victoria, just like Rachel’s parents. Rachel still wishes they all lived together as a family.

Kristen takes the witness stand in court as EJ asks about her being in the DiMera Mansion on the night of his shooting and brings up the conversation they had earlier that night. EJ states that Kristen threatened him. Kristen says she wouldn’t call it a threat but admits she was desperate for him to tell her where her mother was. The judge orders Kristen to answer the questions without adding unnecessary details. EJ brings up Kristen being the first suspect that the police held for questioning because they found a gun in her purse. EJ reminds the jury that Marlena testified he remembered the shooter was a woman. Belle then takes over and brings up the police not pressing charges against Kristen because the bullet didn’t match her gun.

Chanel tells Paulina that they should head over to the courthouse. Paulina knows Chanel will do whatever it takes to help Johnny, but warns her to keep her guard up and not trust EJ. Chanel assures that she doesn’t, but Johnny did say he would make sure EJ doesn’t throw her under the bus so she thinks she will be just fine.

EJ exits the courthouse. Kristen follows him out and tells him that she is happy for him since if it was a woman, it wasn’t Johnny and that has to be a relief. Kristen questions if EJ honestly thinks it was her. EJ responds that he doesn’t know and that he believes Marlena has a suspect in mind but she is being tight lipped about it. Kristen wonders who she would be protecting and says it certainly wouldn’t be her. EJ asks why not since she is Rachel’s mother. Kristen argues that Chanel is Johnny’s wife and Gabi is Arianna’s mother, so the shooter could be anyone. EJ agrees that it could be anyone as Belle comes out from the courtroom.

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Days Opinions For The Week Of August 11, 2025

Opinion Article

 

by Michele & Cheryl

Is anyone else tired of Belle complaining about EJ only to take him back in the end? We are so sick of listening to Belle go on about how she’s done with EJ only to be with him again. She talked to Marlena about her disgust at EJ for trying to get her taken off Johnny’s case. Belle didn’t want to be on the case so why did she get so mad about it? EJ also wanted her on the case so it didn’t make sense that he wanted the judge to take her off it. We are tired of watching her be indecisive when it concerns him. She needed a fall from grace when he proved he wasn’t her Prince Charming. Belle should have thought twice before getting together with Sami’s ex-husband.

Sarah proved that she could be a b*tch when she wants to be. She used Brady and kissed him to make Xander jealous. Sarah had a lot of nerve getting upset that he was with Gwen when she wanted to take Victoria from him. Xander wanted to have a joint custody arrangement, but Sarah wasn’t having it. Fast forward, and she’s jealous when she thought he had sex with Gwen. Sarah slapped Xander because she thought he didn’t hesitate to jump into bed with Gwen. She claimed she was finished with Xander so it shouldn’t matter to her that he was with her. Abuse isn’t okay just because a female hits a man. We are here for drama, but their heated exchanges aren’t exactly must-see-TV. Their exchanges are more like fast forward material.

Most of the week was focused on two stories. One story is Johnny’s trial. The other story is Tate wanting to see his daughter, and Sophia scrambling to keep him from finding out about their baby. We’ll start with Johnny’s trial. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen a trial. That is the type of story that usually holds our interest. We give the writers a thumbs up for making the story an umbrella storyline. A lot of characters are involved in the trial storyline. There are a couple of characters serving on the jury which was a nice touch. EJ and Belle were ruthless during the trial. They got the people on the stand to admit to things that they didn’t want to come out. We enjoyed watching the courtroom scenes. EJ and Belle weren’t afraid to be ruthless towards each other and their witnesses. He showed that he’s a true DiMera. Let’s take it back a step. Under hypnosis, EJ realized that his shooter was a female. He wanted to figure out who the person was that shot to get Johnny off the hook. EJ and Gwen tried to deduce who the shooter was. There are quite a few women who could have shot him. Belle, Kristen, Chanel, and Sami’s names were tossed around. EJ and Gwen felt like Marlena knew who the shooter was and wanted to protect her. Knowing that information, narrowed down the suspect list. Johnny and Chanel were concerned that the new information would make her look more guilty. Chanel was willing to get punished to keep Johnny from going to prison. Johnny wanted to protect her so he went to his father to ask him not to throw Chanel under the bus to get him out of prison. EJ didn’t listen to him. He played the video of her threatening him. Johnny was livid that he did that to his wife when he promised he wouldn’t. He did the only thing he thought he could do in the situation. Johnny fired EJ. EJ was upset that he fired him. We like how the case brought the mystery back in the storyline. It seemed like the writers forgot about the shooting once Johnny and Chanel got back together. We are curious to find out who the person was that shot Johnny and allowed him to go to trial without saying anything. Hopefully the writers will surprise us and not make the shooter be Rita.

As we said, the other storyline that was heavily focused on was Sophia’s storyline. Sophia got Melinda’s help to write a letter to keep Tate away from the baby. Tate became obsessed with reaching out to the adoptive parents. He didn’t want to be a father to the child and now that Sophia’s given birth, he suddenly wanted to see the baby. Tate could have agreed to raise the child and didn’t have to walk away from the baby. It’s obvious that Tate’s suddenly concerned because Sophia had to look like the bad guy in the storyline. Tate didn’t want the baby either, or they could have raised their baby together. It’s a different type of storyline for the show. The baby storyline gives the audience a chance to see the teens in a storyline that would include the adults. We don’t think we could stomach the storyline if it just featured the teens.

Why do the writers insist on trying to shove Cat and Chad down our throats. We never seen such a blatant attempt to make the audience like a character. Cat is very boring, and there aren’t enough rewrites possible to make her interesting. She kissed Chad, and he chose not to tell her about it. It was supposed to be a sexy moment where we see the chemistry between them. It didn’t work because there was nothing sexy about them. They don’t have any chemistry with each other. Their scenes make us want to grab the remote and fast forward their scenes.

 

 

The opinions in these articles are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of TVMEG.COM or its other volunteers.

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Days Best Lines For The Week Of August 11, 2025

Days of Our Lives Best Lines

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Best Lines by Michele and Cheryl

(about Xander)
Sarah: Well, your boxing skills looked sharp. Been training?
Brady: That man’s a menace, and he’s lucky that Gabi got him out of here when she did.

Gwen: Can I ask what that poor little table did to you?
EJ: Oh, I’m sure I’d find that very clever if my hand wasn’t throbbing.

Gwen: You DiMeras, got every medication under the sun in the mausoleum, including some very strange medical bag labeled “property of Dr. Rolf,” which I don’t even want to ask about. But yet I can’t seem to find a single bottle of ibuprofen anywhere.
EJ: Father taught us to embrace the pain. Plus, were usually the ones creating the headaches.

Gwen: You know I’ve gone through a whole bottle of ibuprofen myself ever since coming here to Salem.
EJ: You don’t say.
Gwen: Turns out, being universally hated is really trying on the nerves.

Marlena: You know, I wouldn’t lift a finger to help EJ after what he did to you in court. But, well, if it means helping my grandson, I might need to consider it.
Belle: Well, I mean maybe after you get EJ to remember who shot him, you could hypnotize him into walking into traffic.
Marlena: Darn, I don’t have that kind of power.

Gabi: Good news. They let me back in the door long enough just to pay the bill.
Xander: Huzzah!
Gabi: But they made it very nice and clear that you and I are not welcome at the Bistro anytime soon.
Xander: Oh, no. How will we go on without overcooked beef and overpriced wine?

Leo: I hate thar I can’t talk to you about Johnny’s trial. I thought that jury duty was going to be a total snooze fest. But I have to say, I’m finding it riveting.
Javi: I mean, I’m glad you find it entertaining.
Leo: I was never really into true crime. I always found it to be a little too murder-y. But now I totally get it. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if they ended up making a movie out of this— “The People versus John Roman DiMera.” I wonder who they would get to play me. Maybe that delicious Jonathan Bailey.
Javi: Well, you think he’d be willing to play juror number nine?
Leo: See, that’s the problem. I shouldn’t be juror number nine. Just some anonymous, yet exquisitely moisturized face in the crowd. I should be covering this trial as “The Spectator’s star reporter. I swear, if the bozo they got to cover my beat ends up with a Pulitzer–
Javi: Or worse—what if Jonathan Bailey plays him in the movie?
Leo: You better shut your mouth.

 

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Days Short Recap Friday, August 15, 2025

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Arianna talked to Javi about wanting to go to Salem U instead of Arizona U. She loved her fathers. They are the best fathers in the world. She knew Javi would have been a good father too. Arianna apologized for overstepping. Javi thought it was fine. He admitted that he thought about her all the time. Leo doesn’t know about his secret because it was hard to explain. Arianna promised not to say anything. Tate told Sophia that the adoptive parents his request to see the baby. She knew he wanted to meet her, but she thought it was for the best. Tate didn’t agree with that at all. He refused to give up meeting their baby. Tate wanted to call Sophia’s lawyer so he could meet their daughter. Sophia panicked and tried to talk him out of it. Arianna was pushing Tesoro in his stroller while they were outside Sophia became uncomfortable when she saw the stroller. Arianna was going to leave, but Sophia wanted to see the baby again. Tate wondered what she meant by “again.” Sophia told him that she ran into Javi. Tate told her that he ran into the baby too when he saw Leo. He got a chance to hold the baby. Sophia became overwhelmed and started crying. Tate apologized to Sophia for being a jerk while she was trying to be strong. He promised to stop obsessing over seeing the baby.

Johnny told EJ that he didn’t want him to drag Chanel through the mud when she got on the stand. EJ agreed not to throw her under the bus. Paulina was happy about Belle’s defense, but she was worried that EJ would play the video of Chanel threatening him. Belle assured her that it wasn’t enough to charge her with if Johnny got acquitted. Chanel got on the stand and defended Johnny. EJ decided to become ruthless. He got her to admit that she blamed him for Johnny changing his mind about adopting. EJ played the video of Chanel threatening him. She denied the threat happened, but he cut her off. He didn’t have any more questions for her. The judge told Belle that she would be able to question Chanel the next day. Chanel, Johnny and Paulina were at the town square. Johnny ignored EJ’s call. He apologized to Chanel about what happened in court. She told him that what happened in the video wasn’t true. Belle arrived and saw them together. Johnny told her that the video was probably a deep fake. He wanted to send the video to an authority in AI. If he’s right, EJ might be behind the video. Later Johnny went to the DiMera mansion to let him know that he was fired.

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Days Short Recap Thursday, August 14, 2025

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Xander arrived at the Kiriakis mansion to get Victoria. Sarah confronted him about his therapy sessions with Marlena. He was hungover, and she wasn’t happy about it. Sarah slapped his face when he wanted to get some coffee. She wanted him to know what it was like to get hit. Sarah also slapped him for breaking his marriage vows with Gwen. Xander admitted that he went to Gwen’s room, but he didn’t sleep with her. He said that he would never cheat on her. Sarah reminded him that he cheated when he kissed Gwen, and she did horrible things to her. She yelled at him to get Victoria and leave. Johnny told Chanel that EJ’s hypnosis session indicated that a female shot him. Chanel was scared that EJ would blame her for shooting him during the trial. She was okay with EJ throwing her under the bus if Johnny’s name was cleared. Chanel loved him and would be by his side after she was done testifying. EJ flashed back to asking Marlena if Sami shot him. Gwen interrupted his flashback. She poured them drinks while he caught her up about the trial. He didn’t know who shot him, but he thought Marlena knew who did. They put their heads together and tried to figure out who shot him. EJ and Gwen thought the shooter was someone he and Marlena would protect. While they were talking, Gwen realized that Belle is someone they would protect. She dismissed her theory, but EJ thought Belle had her reasons. Marlena admitted to Belle that she had an idea who shot EJ, but she didn’t have any proof. She didn’t want to say any more since Belle was involved in the case

Johnny tried to talk to his father about Chanel, but EJ was preparing for Marlena’s testimony. Belle apologized to Marlena for attacking her credibility on the stand. Marlena assured her that she’s there for her no matter what. Belle never doubted that she would be there for her. Marlena took the stand and testified that EJ remembered being shot by a woman. The jury reacted to Marlena’s statement. EJ told the jury that Johnny was innocent. Belle cross-examined her mother. She got her mother to admit that EJ could have lied under hypnosis. EJ redirected and asked Marlena if she thought his memory was legitimate. Paulina met with Chanel at Sweet Bits because she wanted to support her in court. Chanel thought she would be fine and understood EJ’s plan. Paulina didn’t understand it. She refused to let EJ put her in jail to protect his son. Chanel was confident that EJ would prove more people had motives to shoot him. She was okay if EJ pointed the finger at her. Chanel told her that Johnny was going to talk to his father about throwing her under the bus so she thought she would be fine. Xander ran into Gwen and yelled at her for lying to Sarah about them sleeping together. Gwen dismissed what she did by saying she was trying to make Sarah jealous. He said that her lie made things worse. Xander warned her that she would regret it if she did anything like that again. Kristen took the stand at court. EJ got Kristen to admit that she threatened him because her what happened to her mother. He wanted her to talk about the cops finding a gun in her place. Belle cross-examined her and got Kristen to testify that the bullet that shot EJ didn’t match her gun. Later Kristen found EJ in the corridor and asked if he thought she shot him. He wasn’t sure if she did, but he believed that Marlena knew who did it. Kristen knew that Marlena wouldn’t keep quiet to protect her. They talked about the different women Marlena would be willing to protect. EJ agreed that it could be anyone and looked at Belle in the hallway.

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Days Update Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Sophia walks through the town square and hides off to the side as Tate and Holly come through after finishing biking together. Tate and Holly joke together about racing while biking and Holly always winning. Holly praises Tate as an amazing boyfriend and kisses him as they walk off together while Sophia sadly watches on.

Chad wakes up on Cat’s couch and says he can’t believe how late he slept. Cat says she and Felicity are feeling much better thanks to him.

Rafe gets Cat’s text that she won’t be able to meet as she is sick. Javi comes home with Tesoro and comments on Rafe cooking chicken tortilla soup. Rafe tells him that it’s for a friend who is under the weather but promises to save him a small bowl. Javi then gets a text from Leo, revealing the jury has been sequestered and he doesn’t know when he will be able to come home.

Marlena and Belle exit the courtroom. Marlena asks how Belle is feeling after resting her case. Belle says she’s okay but EJ still has to present his, so she guesses they should be prepared for more surprises. Belle asks how her second hypnosis session went. Marlena reminds her that she can’t talk about that but EJ comes out from the court and tells her to feel free to talk to anyone about it because he’s waiving doctor-patient confidentiality. Marlena responds that he doesn’t have to do that, but EJ says he does as he reveals she’s been served and hands her a piece of paper. Marlena questions EJ wanting her to testify about what he said under hypnosis. Belle asks if there was a breakthrough and if EJ remembered who shot him. EJ responds that he did not, but he remembered who didn’t.

Cat bets Chad didn’t expect this when he offered to pick up Felicity’s prescription and jokes that they’ve become a sick bed and breakfast. They joke about when they got stuck in the elevator. Chad says at least they were in good company and guess fate brought them together.

Rafe tells Javi that he’s sorry about Leo. Javi jokes about Leo sending him a three page list of things he wants him to pack up and bring to him at the Salem Inn. Arianna comes out from her room and mentions being on her way out to meet with Sophia as she’s been really down lately since giving her baby away. Javi recognizes Sophia’s name and questions her giving her baby away. Arianna says it was right after it was born actually and asks if Javi knows her. Javi looks puzzled and looks down at Tesoro.

Tate goes home with Holly and they talk about how great it is to be together. Tate wishes they didn’t waste time apart while Holly says all that matters is they are together now as they kiss. Holly feels like she should freshen up and asks if she can use the shower. Tate assures that she can in the guest room and mentions that his whole family is at the trial so they have the place to themselves. Tate and Holly go take their showers and rejoin each other afterwards in just their towels. Tate tells Holly how beautiful she looks and how he waited so long for them to be together again, so now he can’t believe she’s really here. Holly says she can hardly believe it either but they can prove it to themselves as they begin kissing. They drop their towels and move on to the bed.

Chad talks to Cat about making cereal. Cat realizes she doesn’t remember when she last ate. Chad points out that she had a few crackers last night. Cat says she doesn’t remember much of last night as she was so delirious, but she does remember asking Chad if she kissed him. Chad flashes back to Cat kissing him, but tells Cat that it was just a crazy dream.

Javi tells Arianna about running in to Sophia with Leo and then seeing her again with her mother, who didn’t seem too thrilled about Tesoro having more than one foster dad but she kept her comments to herself. Arianna then exits. Rafe asks Javi if everything is okay since he’s gazing at Tesoro more intently than usual and asks what’s on his mind.

EJ informs Belle that after Marlena brought him out of hypnosis, he remembered referring to the shooter as “her” which means it couldn’t be Johnny or any other man. Marlena confirms she believes EJ. Belle questions why EJ can’t remember which woman. EJ says according to Marlena, he’s still blocked. Belle asks what Marlena is thinking.

Cat tells Chad that she’s sorry if she sounds like she’s protesting too much by saying her crazy dreams don’t mean anything. Cat feels like Chad has become such a good friend, so she thought that’s what he wanted to hear. Chad asks what if he doesn’t know what he wants to hear. Chad then tells her to forget he said anything and comments on feeling hot which causes Cat to worry that he’s getting sick too.

Javi tells Rafe that it’s probably nothing but Amy was talking about how much Tesoro looks like one of her kids and it made him realize that Tesoro might be Asian. Rafe doesn’t see why that matters. Javi adds that he didn’t know until now that Sophia gave her baby away, so if he didn’t know that she was pregnant when Tesoro was born, he would begin to think Tesoro was Sophia’s.

Arianna meets Sophia in the town square and talks about going shopping for a shoe sale. Arianna wants to go to Sweet Bits Bakery first. Sophia declines, saying she already had breakfast there and claims she’s still trying to lose the pregnancy weight. Arianna encourages that she looks amazing. Sophia says she doesn’t feel great. Arianna encourages her to give it time and she’ll be back to her old self and her old life, just like she wanted. Sophia thanks her but isn’t sure that’s going to happen as it seems like nothing is turning out like she thought it would.

Tate and Holly continue kissing in bed.

Marlena says it’s nothing and she’s just curious why EJ can’t quite remember who the shooter was. She understands it was traumatic and that EJ was wounded, but perhaps the person was somebody he knows well or somebody he was significantly involved with. Belle asks if she thinks EJ is subconsciously protecting someone. Marlena confirms it’s a possibility but questions the subpoena since the testimony of statement given under hypnosis are rarely accepted in the court of law. EJ responds that he’s trying to save his son from a conviction and he will do anything to make sure that happens. Belle complains that she’ll have to try to impeach her own mother’s testimony. Belle declares that no matter what happens, she does hope the new information exonerates Johnny. EJ is quite certain it will if Belle’s cross examination doesn’t ruin it. Belle decides she needs a break and is going to get something to eat. Belle offers Marlena a ride but she says she has an errand to run and will meet her there. Belle then exits while Marlena stops EJ and says she has something she’d like to say to him.

Cat takes Chad’s temperature and sees it’s 100.2. Cat says she’s so sorry that she got him sick. Chad says he’ll just stay at the Salem Inn for a few days but Cat says she won’t have him holed up in a hotel. Chad jokes about being a big fan of the room service. Cat declares that Chad is staying right here and she is going to take care of him, just like he took care of her.

Rafe questions Javi thinking Sophia might be Tesoro’s mom. Javi says that the timeline doesn’t add up but knowing that Sophia had to give up her child makes him feel bad for how she must have felt this morning. Rafe relates to when he had to give up David, but says that’s nothing compared to what Javi had to go through. Javi says that feels like a lifetime ago but admits it never goes away.

Tate and Holly lay in bed after having sex and talk about how much they missed each other. Tate assures he’s not going anywhere as they kiss.

Arianna questions Sophia saying nothing is working out and asks if she’s talking about Tate. Sophia asks how she guessed. Arianna knows Sophia was hoping they would end up together after the baby was born, but she thinks Tate and Holly are officially back together. Arianna explains that when she and Holly were trapped in the warehouse, they were so scared and Tate found them, so he was basically like Holly’s hero. Arianna thinks the experience bonded them even more. Sophia questions Holly and Tate having this life changing experience while she was in Chicago in labor with his baby. Arianna says she can’t imagine what she must have been going through as it must have been terrifying. Sophia states that it was really scary. Sophia states that when she was in Chicago, she didn’t even know Arianna and Holly had been kidnapped and were in danger. Arianna tells her not to worry about that as they are fine now. Arianna points out that Sophia had to give up her baby and she can’t imagine how painful that must have been. Arianna says she thinks about what Sophia must have gone through every time she looks at Tesoro. Arianna talks about Tesoro being in good hands and being loved a lot. Sophia is surprised to learn Javi is Arianna’s cousin. Arianna remembers Javi saying he ran in to her, so she met Tesoro, and calls him the cutest thing.

Chad calls Julie and tells her that he’s going to stay at Cat’s a little while longer. Chad promises to come home when his fever goes down and to call the kids when they get home from camp. Chad thanks Julie for everything she always does for the kids and hangs up. Cat guesses Julie wasn’t too happy about him staying here. Chad says she probably would rather catch his sickness but she wasn’t that mad. Cat is sorry but Chad tells her to stop apologizing as it was his choice to stay. Cat decides she will make up Aaron’s room for him so he can rest better there than on the couch. As Cat goes to the back room, Rafe then knocks on the door.

Belle goes home and finds a package for Tate at the door. She goes to deliver it to him, but ends up walking in on Tate in bed with Holly.

Marlena wanted to thank EJ for how gently he handled cross-examining Rachel. EJ questions if she thought he would attack his own niece. Marlena thinks he would do anything to help Johnny. EJ says that is true, but Johnny already admitted to confronting him with a gun which was all Rachel could attest to. EJ appreciates that despite what Marlena may think of him, she’s willing to be his hypnotherapist and he’s very glad they are slowly getting closer to the truth. EJ asks when they can have another session but Marlena says they can’t.

Chad answers the door to find Rafe left his bowl of soup for Cat with a note that says “Get well soon from James”

Sophia agrees with Arianna that Tesoro is adorable. Arianna suggests they can just hit up the shoe sale if Sophia wants to skip food. Sophia suggests returning a dress she bought since she won’t be going on any dates anytime soon. Arianna argues that with Tate off the market, they will be going to college soon and plenty of parties with hot guys. Arianna convinces Sophia to try on the dress for her later. Arianna points out that Sophia still looks sad. Sophia guesses she’s kind of bummed about college as she’s going to Salem U which is a great school but she always hoped to end up at the University of Chicago but that’s just another thing that didn’t work out. Arianna informs Sophia that she doesn’t want to go back to Arizona for college and she wants to stay here. Arianna reveals that she sent an application to Salem U as well as she thought she would come home for school and she got in. Arianna adds that she still enrolled in Arizona but if she stays here, they could go to school together again. Sophia is excited by the idea as they hug. Arianna suggests they head to Salem U to see if the acceptance is still good, so they happily walk off together.

Tate gets dressed and joins Belle in the living room. Belle says he doesn’t need to explain and hopes he was careful. Tate assures that he was. Belle says she won’t tell Marlena or Brady about this but advises him not to do that here. Tate thanks her for being discreet. Belle is sure he’s humiliated enough without getting the whole family involved. Belle decides she’s going to get some food in the kitchen. Holly then joins Tate, who tells her not to worry as Belle was mostly chill about it. Holly can’t believe she walked in on them like that. Tate says that Belle agreed not to tell anyone but did say they should probably find another location for next time. Holly jokes that as traumatizing as that was, she’s looking forward to next time. Holly kisses Tate and then exits.

Cat and Chad eat Rafe’s chicken tortilla soup. Chad mentions that his friend Gabi makes a soup exactly like this and tells Cat to thank whoever this James guy is. Chad questions how “James” knew she was sick. Cat explains that she had to cancel plans with him and claims that he’s an ex that’s trying to win her back. Cat says they went out a few times recently and were just going to see where it leads. Chad tells her that he hopes it works out.

Rafe returns home to Javi eating his chicken tortilla soup. Javi admits Rafe’s version is a tiny improvement on the original. Javi is sure that Rafe’s sick friend appreciated it even more. Rafe says he didn’t get to see her, so he just left it at her door. Javi questions it being a her so Rafe tells him it’s not like that and she’s just someone he works with. Javi jokingly asks if he cooks soup for all the guys at the FBI too. Tesoro wakes up crying so Rafe goes to check on him while Javi gets a call from Leo, using a payphone. Javi doesn’t think he’ll be able to get everything Leo listed in his text, so he will just bring the essentials. Javi tells Leo that he loves him and misses him already.

EJ questions Marlena saying they can’t have another session. Marlena doesn’t think it will be worthwhile. Marlena says her testimony about what he said under hypnosis before should be enough to create reasonable doubt in the mind of the jury. EJ complains that he still doesn’t know who shot him. EJ questions why he gets the feeling that she doesn’t want him to remember and asks if there’s something she’s afraid is going to come out. EJ then asks if Marlena thinks the shooter was Sami. Marlena responds that she doesn’t think it was Sami and then says she has an errand to run, so she exits the courthouse. EJ wonders to himself if it could’ve been Belle.

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Days Update Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Sophia sits in the town square, on the phone with Melinda. Sophia says she’s sorry that Melinda had to drive all the way to Chicago to set up a P.O. Box but she figured Tate would send the package right away. Sophia asks if Tate included the letter asking to see the baby which Melinda confirms. Sophia worries about what they are going to do since even if Melinda writes back as the parents, telling him no, she doesn’t think Tate will let this go. Sophia’s mother Amy then appears in the town square, surprising her.

Leo and Javi watch Tesoro at home while Leo complains about not being able to talk to Javi about the trial. Leo says he thought being on the jury would be boring but it’s actually been riveting. Leo talks about never being in to true crime, but now he totally gets it and wouldn’t be surprised if they made a movie out of the trial. Leo complains that he shouldn’t just be on the jury and should be covering the trial for the Spectator.

Kristen meets Brady at the Pub and asks where Rachel is. Brady says she’s in the kitchen with Roman. Kristen asks how she is holding up. Brady says she’s nervous about having to testify. Kristen complains that she’s just a child having to do this. Brady says he hates it too but reminds her they can’t appear freaked out to her and have to stay calm about this. Kristen asks how to stay calm when their little girl is about to take the witness stand. Brady tries to encourage that Belle will be gentle with her but Kristen questions that being how she was with Johnny.

Johnny sits in court and thinks back to Belle interrogating him on the stand.

Belle gets ready for court at home and tells Marlena that she wants to be gone before EJ arrives but then EJ shows up at the door.

Javi shows Leo that a letter addressed to “baby boy” was delivered to the fire station with no return address. Javi opens it up and is shocked to learn it’s from Tesoro’s mom.

Sophia asks Amy what she is doing here. Amy says they must have had the same idea for breakfast and questions who she was on the phone with since she heard her say something about Tate not letting go. Sophia claims that she was talking to Arianna about Tate having a hard time not meeting their baby, but Amy questions if Sophia is telling the truth.

Kristen tells Brady that she heard that Belle went at Johnny pretty hard. Brady assures she won’t do that with Rachel. Kristen asks about EJ. Brady says they’ll just have to hope he’s a decent human being for once. Rachel then comes over and hugs Kristen. Rachel asks if this means they have to leave for court. Brady confirms they do soon. Rachel complains that she doesn’t want to go and worries about Johnny going to prison because of her.

Belle says goodbye to EJ and walks out. EJ tells Marlena that he hoped Belle might be more willing to forgive him after having time to cool off. Marlena question why Belle would ever want to forgive him after what he did to her in court. Marlena is thrilled that Belle has finally ended things with EJ for good and admits she’d like to toss him out right now but they both love Johnny and want to see him acquitted, so she’s still willing to perform another hypnosis session.

Leo asks Javi what the letter says. Javi reads the letter that Sophia wrote, telling her baby that she loves him and wanted him to have the best life possible but letting him go was still the hardest thing she ever did. Leo points out that she still didn’t say why she had to give him up and didn’t leave a name.

Sophia asks Amy why she would lie about talking to Arianna. Amy says ever since she got pregnant, she’s been keeping things from her when they used to be so close and she misses that terribly. Sophia says she does too so Amy suggests they work on rebuilding their relationship. Sophia says she would like that, but she’s not a little girl anymore and she’s had to make some very hard adult decisions, so she’s not sure Amy would understand what she’s been through. Amy asks her to give her a chance by talking to her about what’s on her mind.

Brady tells Rachel that a lot of people are going to be testifying at the trial, not just her, so she’s not responsible for whatever happens. Kristen reminds Rachel to just tell the truth about what she saw that night. Rachel worries that will be bad for Johnny as everyone will think he shot EJ. Kristen points out that the jury will hear from a lot of people and there will be a lot of suspects. Rachel asks if Kristen is one of them.

EJ tells Marlena that he wants her to do whatever it takes to get him past his mental block, no matter how hard she has to push. Marlena hopes he’s able to handle whatever the truth may be. EJ says he’s willing to handle anything if it will save his son.

Belle arrives at court where Johnny says he’d like to talk to her. Belle doesn’t think that’s a good idea. Johnny knows she’s the prosecutor but also his aunt, so he wants to say how sorry he is about having to testify that she and EJ were romantically involved. Belle says she doesn’t blame Johnny and that it’s all on EJ. Johnny points out that Belle broke it off with EJ. Johnny says he hates what EJ did but he also knows how much EJ loves her and asks if Belle can ever forgive him.

Marlena hypnotizes EJ and asks if he can see who is pointing the gun at him but he can’t. Marlena asks if he can tell her how he feels about the person. EJ isn’t sure what she means. Marlena asks if it’s a stranger or a friend, but EJ is not sure. EJ then declares that he just wants “her” to put the gun down, revealing the person holding the gun is a woman. Marlena asks what else he can tell her. EJ says he doesn’t know. Marlena urges him to remember, reminding him that his son’s future depends on it. Marlena tells EJ to keep thinking. EJ complains that he’s really trying and he desperately wants to save his son so he angrily asks why he can’t remember.

Sophia tells Amy that she appreciates the offer but she doesn’t really have much to say. Amy wishes she would talk to someone at least like their pastor or a therapist since it’s obvious that this experience is weighing heavily on her. Sophia argues that she’s fine but Amy disagrees, saying she’s irritable and could have post partum depression. Amy wants to take Sophia back to see Sarah but Sophia says absolutely not.

Javi wonders if Tesoro’s mom saw his picture in the paper. Leo hopes she at least knows he’s being well cared for until he finds a permanent home. Leo thinks they make pretty great foster parents and emphasizes that Javi is like a natural born dad. Leo mentions having to get to court while Javi reminds him they planned a date night and asks if he has any idea where he wants to go to dinner. Leo says no but he knows what he wants for dessert as he kisses him.

Belle tells Johnny that it’s sweet of him to go to bat for his dad but he crossed a line. Johnny says he knows but that he did it for him, so he feels terrible that they broke up because of it. Belle says that they broke up because of who EJ is. Belle says when they got involved, she knew exactly who EJ is and she thought she could look past it but she was wrong. Belle declares that there is no getting over what he did. Johnny says he understands and wishes they could just put this whole trial behind them.

Marlena tells EJ that he did great and decides to bring him out of the hypnosis. Marlena asks if he remembers what they talked about. EJ says he couldn’t get past his mental block but he said “her” which means the shooter was a woman and couldn’t have been Johnny. EJ exclaims that this is huge. Marlena asks if it will hold up in court. EJ says ideally he would remember who the shooter actually was, but this revelation could be enough to eliminate Johnny as a suspect. They agree that it will narrow down the field to just women. EJ points out that there were at least four women at the house that night: Ava, Gabi, Chanel, and Kristen.

Brady reminds Rachel that the police already questioned Kristen and they let her go, so they think she’s innocent. Kristen tells Rachel that she was upstairs with her, watching her sleep when the incident took place. Kristen doesn’t want Rachel to spend another minute worrying about this. Kristen promises her that she did not shoot EJ.

Kristen and Brady bring Rachel to court. Kristen wishes she could go in but tells Rachel she’s not allowed. Brady encourages that he will be there. Kristen takes Rachel to get some water. Belle comes out of the court and asks Brady about Rachel. Brady says she’s nervous. Belle promises to go very easy on her. Brady says he’s worried about EJ. Belle says as much as she despises EJ, she doesn’t think he will do anything to upset her, but if he does, they will shut it down right away. Brady thanks her and asks how she’s holding up. Belle admits she’s never hated her job more than she does today.

Amy questions why Sophia is so opposed to seeing Sarah when she said they could come back anytime. Sophia complains that she’s done with doctors appointments, insists that she doesn’t have a fever and tells her to stop worrying about her because she’s fine. Javi walks up with Tesoro and tells Sophia that it’s good to see her again. Javi comments that it looks like Sophia had her baby which she confirms. Amy introduces herself to Javi and then recognizes Tesoro. Javi asks if she knows him. Amy responds that she and Tesoro have a special bond, giving Sophia a look of worry.

Marlena and EJ enter the courtroom as the judge resumes the trial. The judge says she first wants to address the jury and brings up that they learned of the relationship between EJ and Belle. She instructs the jury to disregard that as all of that testimony should not be considered when deciding the final verdict. She rules that going forward, the jury will be sequestered where they will be provided hotel but their phones will be taken and any contact with family will be supervised until a verdict is reached which upsets Leo.

Kristen encourages Rachel that she will do just great and it will be over before she knows it. Rachel is then called in to court. Kristen hugs her and says she loves her as she sends her inside. Rachel takes the stand as Belle, Brady, and Marlena watch on. Rachel swears to tell the truth as the judge encourages that there’s nothing to be afraid of and she just has to honestly answer the questions the lawyers ask her.

Sophia questions what Amy is talking about, arguing that she couldn’t possibly know the baby. Amy reveals that recently spent a long morning together a few weeks ago when she was reporting for jury duty. Javi guesses she met Leo, who thought bringing the baby to court would get him dismissed. Amy asks how Javi knows Leo. Javi reveals he is his boyfriend, so Amy comments that Tesoro has two foster dads then. Javi points out that he actually has three.

Belle asks Rachel about the night EJ was shot. Rachel says she was upstairs sleeping, but she woke up and went downstairs to get a glass of water. Belle asks what Rachel saw and heard when she went downstairs. Rachel responds that she heard two people arguing and when she looked in to the living room, she saw Johnny pointing a gun at EJ. Belle asks what happened next. Rachel says they kept arguing. Belle asks if she remembers what they said. Rachel responds that Johnny said it’s what you deserve while EJ said he doesn’t want to do this and to put down the gun. Rachel says she then went back upstairs. Belle asks if that’s all she remembers. Rachel admits to hearing a gunshot. Belle asks if she saw anyone else there. Rachel confirms she did not and after the gunshot, she got back in bed and pretended to be asleep. Belle asks how much time passed between seeing Johnny with the gun to hearing the gunshot but Rachel says she doesn’t know. Belle says that’s okay and she just has one more question. Belle asks if Rachel thinks that Johnny shot EJ. EJ objects so Belle withdraws the question and tells Rachel that she was very brave today as she takes her seat.

Amy calls it progressive for Tesoro to have three foster dads. Javi calls it amazing that he has a house full of people who adore him. Sophia suggests Amy put in an order so she can have breakfast with her. Amy agrees and tells Javi it was nice meeting him and that it was so good to see Tesoro again. Amy comments on how much Tesoro looks like Sophia’s brother Cooper when he was a newborn. Sophia then takes Amy to get breakfast.

EJ promises Rachel that this won’t take long as he just has a few questions and then she can go home. EJ brings up Rachel saying she saw Johnny pointing a gun at him and asks if she saw him actually fire the gun. Rachel admits she did not, but she heard the gunshot. EJ adds that she doesn’t know how much time had passed between seeing Johnny and hearing the gunshot. EJ asks if there was enough time for Johnny to leave the house and someone else come in to the house to shoot him. Belle objects to that already being asked and answered. EJ clarifies that he’s not asking Rachel to guess how much time passed, but to recall generally how much time it was, so the judge allows it. EJ goes over how Rachel went upstairs, down the hall, and in to her room. EJ questions again if there was enough time between then and hearing the gunshot for Johnny to leave the house and someone else to come shoot him. Rachel says yes. EJ thanks her and declares that’s all he needed to know. The judge asks if Belle cares to redirect but Belle declines.

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Days Update Monday, August 11, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Cat falls asleep on the couch as Chad comes back with a wet rag to put on her head. Chad says she’ll start feeling better as soon as the medicine kicks in. Cat starts talking in her sleep so Chad tells her it’s okay and just a dream. Cat then wakes up and begins kissing Chad. Cat then stops herself and questions what she is doing as she starts apologizing. Chad tells her it’s okay while Cat complains that she’s already hurt him so much and she can’t do it again.

Marlena goes home with Belle. Belle complains that everyone told her this would happen and she doesn’t know how she could be so gullible and not see EJ for who he really is. Marlena says it’s because she’s in love and that could cloud her judgment. Belle says not anymore and declares that after what EJ did to her today, the only thing she feels for him is hate.

EJ goes home and pours a drink as he flashes back to Belle ripping in to him at the courthouse and breaking up with him. EJ angrily slams his hand down as Gwen walks in and asks what the hell is the matter with him.

At the Bistro, Brady stands up and tells Xander to take a step back and take a deep breath. Xander tells him to mind his own business as this is between he and Sarah. Brady says he can smell from here that Xander is tanked and tells him to take a cab home and sleep it off. Gabi tries to get Xander back to their table but Sarah says not before they get a couple things straight. Sarah says that Victoria is already asleep and being looked after by their nanny. Sarah adds that they agreed to a custody schedule which she intends to keep while Xander is in no shape to be around Victoria. Sarah tells Xander that he can spend his free time doing whatever the hell he wants, even if that means making out with someone else. Sarah then declares she can too as she then grabs Brady and kisses him, shocking Xander. Xander calls him a son of a bitch. Gabi tries to say they should go. Brady says he thinks they should go too but Xander says he’s not going anywhere. Xander takes a swing at Brady but Brady blocks it and shoves Xander back. Brady and Sarah sit back down as Gabi and Xander exit. Sarah jokes that Brady’s boxing skills looked sharp. Brady calls Xander a menace and says he’s lucky that Gabi got him out of there. Sarah says she’s so sorry to drag him in to this. Brady says that Xander is the one who should be apologizing. Sarah calls it a mistake to kiss Brady like that and admits she was trying to hurt Xander but that’s a very dangerous game to play. Sarah brings up Xander almost beating Brady with a baseball bat when he thought he ran her over. Brady says they both know what he’s capable of but he was ready for him this time and adds that it’s probably good that he left when he did because he would’ve given him the fight he’s been itching for. Sarah tells Brady that this isn’t his fight and apologizes for putting him in this position. Brady says Sarah was trying to make Xander jealous and succeeded.

Gabi brings Xander out of the Bistro in to the town square. Xander wants to go back and complains that he can’t let Sarah and Brady get away with this. Gabi reminds Xander that he’s the CEO of Titan-DiMera and he’s starting fistfights in restaurants. Xander argues that he didn’t start it. Gabi points out that he tried to sucker punch Brady in front of Sarah and witnesses, then complains that he got them kicked out like losers. Xander apologizes and admits it was totally uncalled for. Gabi warns that he better hope this doesn’t cost him custody of his kid. Xander responds that he would never do anything to hurt Victoria. Gabi remarks that there are all sorts of ways to hurt someone. Xander asks now what. Gabi responds that she’s going back to pay the bill and orders Xander not to move as she heads back inside.

Belle tells Marlena that she’s so glad Sami is not there to say she told her so and laugh in her face. Marlena feels she wouldn’t do that, pointing out that Sami of all people knows what it’s like to be betrayed by EJ. Belle believes that wouldn’t stop her from gloating. Belle says she should’ve learned from Sami’s mistakes. Marlena encourages her not to beat herself up and says what’s done is done. Belle talks about moving forward and apologizes for burdening her with this. Belle says she’s grateful for her support through everything but she shouldn’t be worrying about her problems with everything she’s going through. Marlena responds that Belle moving on from EJ has lifted a burden off her shoulders. Belle wishes she could say the same.

Gwen questions EJ punching the table. EJ responds that he did several stupid things today. Gwen suggests he get an x-ray in case he broke a finger. EJ responds that he doesn’t have time because he’s in the middle of trying to save his son’s life. Gwen offers to get him ibuprofen but EJ says he doesn’t like to take medication. Gwen argues that if he put his pride aside, maybe it wouldn’t hurt as much. EJ responds that there is nothing she can bring him that could dull the pain he’s feeling now.

Cat questions why she did that and tells Chad that he needs to get away. Chad assures that it’s okay while Cat worries about getting him sick. Chad insists his immune system is strong as Cat passes back out. Chad calls Kayla, who agrees to send over antibiotics. Cat wakes up and wants to go check on Felicity but Chad assures that she’s okay and sleeping comfortably. Chad says now they just need to take care of Cat.

Gwen complains to EJ that the DiMeras have every medicine imaginable including a medical bag that says “property of Dr. Rolf”, but she can’t seem to find a single ibuprofen. EJ responds that Stefano taught them to embrace the pain and jokes that they are usually the ones causing it. Gwen says she’s starting to get a headache now and mentions going through a whole bottle of ibuprofen since coming to Salem. Gwen remarks that it turns out being universally hated is really trying on the nerves.

Belle tells Marlena that the thought of facing EJ in court tomorrow makes her sick. Marlena notes that she gets to face him first thing in the morning for another hypnosis session. Belle says if he can finally remember who shot him, that would be the answer to all of their prayers and the end of the case against Johnny.

Sarah worries to Brady that everyone is looking at them now and says she’s so mad at herself. Sarah asks why she should care if Xander wants to kiss Gabi since she’s not interested in saving her marriage. Brady says it’s still hard to see. Sarah says she was more annoyed than jealous. Brady asks if she wants to finish their meal. Sarah admits she’s lost her appetite and asks for a rain check on dinner. Sarah promises not to surprise kiss him next time.

Marlena tells Belle that she wouldn’t lift a finger to help EJ after what he did to her in court, but if it means helping Johnny, she’ll consider it. Belle jokes that maybe afterwards, she could hypnotize EJ in to walking in to traffic. Marlena invites Belle for an evening walk to clear her head but Belle says she’s just going to go over her notes and call it a night. Marlena tells her to rest well and exits. Belle starts to pull out her notes but then follows Marlena out the door anyway.

Gabi leaves the Bistro and tells Xander that they let her in just enough to pay the bill, but let her know that they won’t be allowed back in the Bistro anytime soon which Xander mocks. Gabi and Xander start to walk off together but Brady and Sarah come out of the Bistro. Xander calls out to Sarah. Brady asks what he wants. Xander says he’s terribly sorry as it was completely uncalled for. Gabi calls that very big of him. Xander hopes they can move past this. Brady refuses, saying he’s tried to stay clear of him and ignore his erratic behavior because Victor handed him the company and they are family, but everyone’s tired of the chaos and crap. Brady adds that Sarah doesn’t deserve it. Sarah doesn’t want to hear anything Xander has to say. Gabi suggests they just leave. Xander gives his word that nothing like this will ever happen again. Sarah agrees then decides she needs to speak to him alone. Brady tells Sarah to call if she needs him as he won’t be far and walks away. Xander thanks Gabi for her wise words as she also walks away. Xander tries to apologize to Sarah but she doesn’t give a damn and says she’s so sick of his empty promises and declares she won’t subject her daughter to this dangerous behavior for another second. Xander asks what she is saying. Sarah demands Xander start anger management with Marlena tomorrow or their custody agreement is null and void, otherwise she’ll make sure the next time he sees Victoria is on her wedding day if then.

Gabi catches up to Brady outside the Brady Pub and apologizes. Brady stops her and questions why she kissed Xander, hoping that she isn’t in to him. Gabi says she doesn’t know and maybe it was the wine but she’s sorry for it because it’s all a mess now. Brady states that the only one to blame is Xander. Gabi remarks that it’s a good thing Brady has quick reflexes. Gabi offers to buy Brady dinner since he didn’t get to finish his meal. Brady says he was just getting something to go since Sarah lost her appetite, but Gabi says it’s on her so Brady accepts. Brady says he always felt he should’ve gone with his instinct when Victor gave Titan to Xander, that he should’ve taken Basic Black and run. Gabi relates to feeling that with Gabi Chic. Brady admits he thought things might be better with Philip as co-CEO but feels it’s just gotten worse as they aren’t getting along and it’s more out of control than ever. Gabi says it’s hard to argue after this evening. Brady says it’s none of his business but advises Gabi to steer clear of Xander because he will destroy her life if she lets him.

Xander promises to start his sessions with Marlena tomorrow. Sarah questions if he’s even spoken to Marlena yet. Marlena approaches and reveals he hasn’t. Xander says he was going to call her. Sarah questions him not even calling yet. Marlena asks if she’s interrupting something. Xander explains that Sarah thinks he needs help and he agrees. Marlena offers to buy Xander a cup of coffee so they can talk about his goals. Xander says that’s very kind of her. Marlena suggests the Bistro but Xander reveals he is no longer welcome there. Marlena invites Xander to her office at the hospital then which he accepts. Xander walks away while Sarah thanks Marlena.

Chad calls Julie and says he doesn’t feel sick at all but he’s definitely been exposed to a nasty virus, so Kayla wants him to start antibiotics just in case. Chad says he’ll stay away for 24 hours so he doesn’t get Julie or the kids sick. Chad tells Julie that he’ll talk to her later as they hang up. Chad checks on Cat and sees she’s still burning up.

EJ has a drink in the living room as Belle walks in and asks if he’s having a celebratory drink. EJ responds that he didn’t expect to see her since she said he was dead to her. Belle assures that he is but they need to get a couple of things straight.

Gwen finds Sarah in the town square and comments on her marriage being in a rubbish heap.

Chad gives Cat her antibiotics to take and encourages her to rest, adding that he’s not going anywhere.

Brady and Gabi have dinner in the Brady Pub. Gabi questions what exactly Brady is warning her about when it comes to Xander. Brady calls Xander a walking powder keg. Gabi acknowledges Xander’s anger issues but says he’s pulled himself together enough to run the company. Brady remarks that it hasn’t gone belly up so far. Gabi asks if he really thinks Xander is a threat to bring down the whole empire. Brady responds that if Basic Black wasn’t under Titan-DiMera, he’d have nothing to do with it. Gabi guesses Basic Black still means a lot to him. Brady admits it’s not just a fashion brand to him as his dad started it so it’s part of his legacy. Brady acknowledges the company has had it’s ups and downs over the years and he could’ve shut the doors but he didn’t want to let his dad down, but it feels like that’s exactly what he’s doing.

Belle tells EJ that she didn’t come to listen to more of his excuses. Belle asks if EJ knew about the state attorney general sending someone to court to monitor her. EJ says that’s the first he’s heard of it. Belle explains that they didn’t want her to go easy on her nephew. EJ says he had no idea. Belle reveals that they told her if she showed any favoritism, she could be disbarred. EJ says if he had known, he never would’ve brought their relationship up to the judge. Belle tells him to save it. Belle declares they both know that he’s willing to destroy her career to get exactly what he wants.

Marlena and Xander go to her office where Marlena questions Xander resisting therapy. Xander says he didn’t mean to and has just been so distracted. Xander swears to love his daughter more than anything in the world. Marlena asks if he’s reluctant because he doesn’t want to face his feelings or if he’s nervous about what it might reveal he feels. Xander admits he is scared.

Sarah tells Gwen that she doesn’t have time for this and tries to walk away. Gwen says it’s terrible news about her and Xander as she was sure they would make it this time. Gwen admits she was a bit satisfied to see it blow up in her face. Sarah responds that distancing herself from Xander and all that chaos was the best decision she ever made. Gwen comments on Xander also moving on in a big way. Sarah asks if she means with Gabi but Gwen says she means with her.

Belle tells EJ that using their relationship as just another weapon in his arsenal was totally unforgivable. EJ tries to argue that he didn’t know the kind of pressure she was under but Belle argues that it wouldn’t have made a difference because he is selfish and ruthless. EJ insists that he only brought up their relationship to save his son. Belle knows he loves Johnny and wants to protect him but says there’s always an excuse or justification for his bad behavior. Belle remarks that they both know his love for Johnny is not the whole story and that he just hates to lose because life is just a chess board to him. EJ calls that not true. Belle says she tried so hard not to see it but declares that EJ is just like Stefano, who drops a bomb and blames it on loving his family too much. Belle remarks that Stefano treated John like a pawn and that’s exactly what EJ just did to her today.

Chad checks on Cat and notes that she’s much cooler and will be okay.

Gabi questions Brady thinking he’s letting John down when he’s done a great job at Basic Black. Brady says it’s not just about Basic Black but the bigger picture. Brady says John was always the first one to confront a bully and fight for what’s right. Brady says John was a priest in his former life but he was never one to turn the other cheek when an injustice needed to be corrected. Gabi calls John one of a kind and a hero in every sense of the word. Gabi adds that Brady is a lot like him. Gabi points out that John always told people to swing for the fences and that’s how Brady lives his life as she praises his qualities. Brady worries that he’s made a lot of mistakes over the years. Gabi states that John would tell him he wasn’t perfect either. Brady talks about John saving the world on more than one occasion. Gabi calls it a lot to live up to but says it’s not his job. Brady responds that maybe it should be.

Marlena asks if Xander can tell her what’s scaring him. Xander admits it’s his temper as it’s like it’s own entity that controls him. Xander says he has to find a way otherwise Sarah is going to take Victoria away from him and he can’t lose his little girl.

EJ questions Belle honestly believing he’s as bad as his father. Belle argues that EJ is worse because Stefano never hid who he was while EJ pretends he has a soul. Belle warns EJ that if he does anything else unscrupulous in court, she will file a complaint with the state BAR because he has messed with the wrong woman’s career. EJ stops her and says he just has to say he feels terrible for hurting her because he does love her with his whole heart.

Sarah questions Gwen, pointing out that Xander was with Gabi tonight and they kissed. Gwen says she’s not worried about that because what’s happening now between her and Xander is real, like they picked up right where they left off, like Sarah never even existed.

Chad remains sitting at Cat’s side as she wakes up and says she thinks she feels better. Chad says she was pretty much in and out all night. Cat asks if she kissed Chad, but Chad claims that she didn’t and it must have been a dream.

EJ tells Belle that his life was better with her in it, she inspired him to be a better man and his son forgave him because of her. Belle complains that Sami may have feel for this but that’s where they are different, because she needs a man who is honest and caring. EJ says he wants to be that for her. Belle asks why he threw it all away then. EJ asks if she came here just to berate him again. Belle says she came to warn him and let him know that when the trial is over, she never wants to see him or hear from him ever again. Belle hopes that he can at least manage to win. EJ declares that they both know he has to win for Johnny, but that doesn’t mean he wants to lose her. Belle responds that he already has and walks out of the mansion.

Brady comments to Gabi that his dad is gone and his family and the town needs someone to step up. Brady says maybe that starts with taking a stand at Titan-DiMera. Gabi knows how hard it must be for him to keep his head down and let Xander and Philip run the company, but maybe he’d like to stick it out a little longer. Brady argues that it’s not like anything is going to change. Gabi brings up Sarah forcing Xander in to anger management classes with Marlena. Brady questions believing Marlena can turn Xander in to an upstanding citizen. Gabi says you never know.

Marlena encourages Xander that he hasn’t lost his daughter yet, so there’s still time for him to become the man she needs and deserves. Xander questions why she is doing this. Marlena calls it her job. Xander says she didn’t have to take him on as a patient, especially after what he did to her. Marlena says she’s taking on patients in the past who have done her harm. Xander bets he is her most hopeless case. Marlena says he’s not hopeless. Marlena adds that the treatment is most effective if he’s willing to be vulnerable and open, so she asks if he is. Xander says that he is.

Sarah doesn’t believe that Xander would ever be so desperate to go back to Gwen. Gwen says she doesn’t have to take her word for it as she could ask Leo, since he saw them walking in to the Salem Inn together on the first night she arrived back in town. Gwen calls that such a night to remember and walks off, leaving Sarah disgusted.

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Days Short Recap Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Javi talked to Rafe about Tesoro. He told Rafe that Amy thought Tesoro looked like her son as a baby which made him think that the baby was Asian. Javi said he would have thought Tesoro was Sophia’s baby if she weren’t still pregnant when the baby was born. He said the timing didn’t work. Javi thought it must have been hard for Sophia to see the baby after giving up her child. Rafe told him about how he felt when he gave up David, but knew it wasn’t the same thing as what Javi went through. Javi said it was a long time ago. Sophia told Arianna that things weren’t going the way she thought. Arianna thought she was talking about Tate and told her that he and Holly were back together. She told Sophia that Tate was Holly’s hero when they were abducted. Sophia couldn’t believe all that happened while she was in Chicago having his baby. Arianna told Sophia about Tesoro. Sophia was uncomfortable when she realized Javi was her cousin. Arianna tried to make Sophia feel better about going to college and meeting new people, but Sophia said she was going to Salem U. She told Sophia that she got into Salem U so they would be going to school together again.

At the courthouse, Marlena told Belle that she couldn’t talk about EJ’s hypnosis session. EJ showed up and waived his doctor/patient confidentiality rights and served her with a summons to testify. He told Belle that he remembered telling Marlena that the shooter was a female so it couldn’t have been Johnny. EJ said he couldn’t identify the shooter. Marlena said it was possible that the shooter was someone EJ knew and was possibly protecting someone. When Belle left, Marlena thanked EJ for going easy on Rachel while she was on the stand. EJ was surprised that she thought he would attack Rachel. He said he was determined to find out the truth and asked for another session. Marlena turned him down. She said her testimony should be enough to create reasonable doubt for the jury. EJ said she didn’t want him to remember. He asked if she thought Sami was the shooter. Marlena said she didn’t and walked away. EJ questioned if Belle was the shooter.

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Days Update Friday, August 8, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Chad finds Cat at the hospital and jokes that he thought she’d be avoiding the place after they got stuck in the elevator. Cat mentions having to bring Felicity in because she’s sick.

Brady runs in to Marlena in the town square and says she looks like she’s in a hurry. Marlena says she just put Sami in a cab to go home. Brady asks about Sami not staying for the trial. Marlena explains that Sydney has physical therapy and that Sami wanted to stay but Johnny insisted she go on home. Marlena asks where Brady is off to. Brady says he’s heading to the post office as they got a little gift for Tate and Sophia’s baby which Marlena calls very sweet. Brady adds that Tate included a letter asking to see his daughter. Marlena hopes they allow that as she thinks it’s important for Tate. Brady thinks it will also provide much needed closure to this whole thing.

Gabi pours wine for her and Xander at the Bistro and then orders another bottle. Xander thanks her and talks about it being awhile since he’s let his guard down and been able to enjoy a night. Gabi tells him they aren’t going anywhere as they’ve got another bottle of wine coming and the night is still young.

EJ asks Johnny on the stand if he can tell him what his relationship with the prosecuting attorney is. Johnny is then forced to admit that Belle is EJ’s girlfriend. Belle objects that her relationship with the opposing counsel has nothing to do with the defendant. EJ says no, but it has significant bearing on these proceedings. EJ declares that clearly Belle has a major conflict of interest and should not be allowed to prosecute this case which is why he’s calling for an immediate mistrial. Belle calls this absurd and irrelevant while EJ argues and the judge calls for order in the court, leaving Johnny wondering what EJ has just done. The judge declares court now in recess and orders everyone to return to their holding rooms and not to discuss the case with anyone. Johnny is escorted out while EJ and Belle are ordered to approach the bench.

Cat tells Chad that Felicity woke up with a fever, sore throat, and a rash. Sarah comes over so Cat asks how Felicity is. Sarah says she has definitely felt better but she has strep throat. Cat brings up Felicity having heart disease. Sarah says she’s familiar with her medical history and says that Cat did the right thing by bringing her in. Sarah says to bring her back if her symptoms worsen and goes to call in a prescription. Cat is relieved as Chad tells her that he’s glad she’s going to be okay.

Gabi tells Xander that she’s impressed with him and how he’s been able to handle so much. Xander feels he hasn’t handled it gracefully. Gabi argues that he got results and accomplished the one thing his father never could by bringing DiMera Enterprises to it’s knees. Xander calls it a perfect storm that gave him the opening and he was lucky. Gabi says luck means nothing if he doesn’t have the skill or experience. Gabi points out that Xander has managed to stay in charge of Titan regardless of being accused of attacking Philip and whatever marital problems he’s had with Sarah which she calls remarkable. Gabi remarks that if Victor were alive, he’d be so proud of him. Gabi then apologizes for rambling. Xander says in spite of being told that at various times to boost his battered ego that Victor would be proud of him, he’s never believed it to be true.

Johnny exits court and runs in to Marlena, who thought the trial was still going on and asks if something happened. Johnny reveals that EJ called for a mistrial so the judge kicked them all out. Johnny adds that EJ forced him to admit under oath that he and Belle are in a relationship.

The judge questions EJ’s motion that Belle has a conflict of interest and is unable to prosecute this case because they are romantically involved. She points out that would make EJ conflicted as well and calls it hypocritical of him to raise this objection now when they are well in to the trial and have heard from several witnesses. Belle agrees as the judge questions if EJ is throwing his relationship under the bus in hopes that she may grant him a mistrial. Belle remarks that’s exactly what he’s doing and calls it despicable.

Cat tells Chad that she just has to get the updated prescription and get Felicity home. Cat then gets a text that the pharmacy is backed up and it will take half an hour to get the prescription ready. Chad says he’s sure Felicity is anxious to get home so he offers to pick up the prescription for her and bring it to her house. Cat says she can’t ask him to do that for her. Chad points out that he’d be doing it for Felicity. Chad adds that his daughter Charlotte is prone to strep throat so he knows what it’s like. Cat then agrees since it’s for Felicity and goes to get her.

Gabi questions why Xander would think Victor had such a low opinion of him when he did hand he and Philip the keys to the kingdom, adding that he’s done amazing things at Titan-DiMera. Xander appreciates her cheerleading but says he’s not talking about the company, but his personal life where Victor always considered him a world class screw up who was untrustworthy with no self control. Xander remarks that he went from having a seat at the family table to being the gardener. Gabi admits that was extreme. Xander calls it cruel but says it’s what Victor thought he deserved and maybe he did. Gabi didn’t realize they had so much in common until just now. Xander asks if Rafe put her to work too. Gabi says she knows what it’s like to let your family down. Gabi explains that when she was in prison, all she had was time to herself and her own thoughts. Gabi says she kept hearing her mother’s voice in her head, telling her how disappointed she was in her and her life choices. Gabi says it took awhile to shake, but she did, and if she can, so can Xander. Gabi tells him that his voice of self doubt is not Victor’s but his own. Xander calls that a fair point and agrees he has to stop projecting it all on a dead man because at the end of the day, he’s the one disappointed in himself because his marriage went to Hell due to his own actions. Gabi asks if he cares to share what those actions were and why he and Sarah are no longer together.

Sarah and Brady run in to each other in the town square and joke about neither one being at work. Sarah says she’s just getting off an extremely long shift and asks about Rachel. Brady says she’s good. Sarah asks how Tate is doing with the baby being adopted. Brady says he’s doing the best he can and they sent a gift to the adoptive parents with a letter, hoping they will let Tate visit in Chicago. Sarah asks how Brady is doing with everything. Brady says he’s okay but admits it’s very weird that his first grandchild is out there and he doesn’t know if he will ever meet her. Sarah flashes back to seeing Sophia’s baby was a boy.

Marlena can’t believe EJ would do that in court. Johnny states that he knows EJ cares about Belle, but he was willing to throw it all away to get that mistrial. Marlena asks how the judge responded. Johnny says it didn’t look good. Johnny worries that if it all goes south, he can’t help but feel that it’s all his fault.

The judge is not interested in how Belle characterizes opposing counsel’s tactics but how long the relationship has been going on. Belle admits that their relationship predates the trial. The judge says that would’ve been helpful to know before now. Belle argues that their relationship is the least of the problems since the defendant’s lawyer is his own father and the victim in this case. The judge points out that Belle is the defendant’s aunt but she was made aware of those conflicts before the trial. She adds that EJ waived his right to any objections and tells him to stop the theatrics as she officially denies his motion for a mistrial.

Chad brings the prescription to Cat’s apartment. Cat mentions that Felicity is already asleep but she’s grateful that Chad did this. Cat talks about Felicity as Chad then asks if Cat is feeling okay. Cat mentions barely drinking any water today. Chad feels Cat’s forehead and notes that she’s burning up.

Brady asks Sarah what’s wrong. Sarah says she was just thinking about an issue at work where she has a secret she’s required to keep for a patient but she’s finding it increasingly difficult to keep it. Sarah feels she’s kept Brady long enough. Brady asks where she’s heading. Sarah says she was going home as she was trying to catch Victoria before the nanny put her down but she got held up at work. Brady points out that means she is free for dinner. Brady says they both need to kill some time and invites her to get a bite to eat at the Bistro which Sarah accepts and they walk off together.

Xander tells Gabi that he and Sarah both hurt each other as he did something he deeply regrets and she did something that he can never forgive. Gabi asks what is the point of holding on if the end is inevitable, suggesting it’s time to turn the page and move on. Gabi thinks it could be easier than he might think, provided he has the right distraction. Gabi then grabs Xander and kisses him right as Brady and Sarah walk in to the Bistro, shocked to see them.

Marlena tells Johnny that whatever happened in the court room is not his fault. Johnny points out that he’s the one who told everyone about EJ and Belle. Marlena argues that he was under oath and whatever happens is on EJ, not him. Johnny complains that this whole thing just got so messed up. Marlena says she’s so terribly sorry.

EJ asks the judge to appoint a new prosecutor. The judge accuses him of delaying in order to get a continuance but says not in her court. She declares that Belle stays, period. Belle declares that there will be no further conflict of interest because as of this moment, she and EJ are no longer involved.

Chad brings Cat a glass of water and asks how long she’s been feeling woozy. Cat says maybe since the morning as she took ibuprofen. Chad says she’s been running around taking care of Felicity but hasn’t taken her own temperature. Cat says she can’t afford to get sick. Chad encourages her to rest. Cat promises to do so and take care of herself, then tells Chad he needs to get out before he comes down with something too. Chad jokes that he’s pretty sure he’d already have been exposed. Chad adds that Julie is with the kids and he’s not sure Cat can take care of Felicity and herself so he’s going to stay.

Brady suggests trying somewhere else but Xander sees Sarah. Sarah tells Brady that this is fine and they don’t have to go elsewhere. Sarah states that she and Xander are separated so if this is how things are going to be, she’ll just have to get used to it. Xander tells Gabi that she shouldn’t have kissed him and worries about Sarah seeing them. Gabi points out that they are separated. Xander says they just signed the paperwork and he’s not trying to rub being single in her face. Gabi says to just blame her then since it’s true that she kissed him. Xander can’t imagine what Sarah’s thinking now. Gabi thinks she’s probably jealous and probably thought that he would be pining away for her but instead he’s out with a beautiful woman so it couldn’t have worked out better for him. Xander responds that he didn’t want to hurt Sarah more than he already has, plus they have to consider Victoria. Gabi says she’s been there and co-parenting is never easy. Gabi calls it sweet to see that he has a big heart underneath his bravado, but says there’s nothing wrong with spending time with her and having fun. Gabi remarks that Sarah obviously has no problem hitting the town with Brady, so she questions what the issue is. Xander decides she’s right and says his marriage may be over but his life isn’t as they drink their wine.

Belle repeats that she and EJ are no longer together, so there should be no further conflict of interest. The judge warns that she will be keeping an eye open to ensure Belle’s objectivity. The judge then decides that due to the time, she will be releasing the jury for the day and warns that if either Belle or EJ waste their time like that again, she will hold them both in contempt of court as she then exits. Belle then storms out of the court where Marlena and Johnny are outside. Marlena stops her but Belle says not here. Belle says it’s one thing to be humiliated in public by a person she thought loved her, but declares she won’t let anyone else see her fall apart.

Chad checks Cat’s temperature and sees it’s 103 just like Felicity. Chad asks if she has any medicine and admits he’s worried about her. Cat says it means a lot as Chad goes to get her medicine. Cat then grabs her phone to text Rafe that she won’t be able to make their meeting tomorrow as she is sick.

Brady tells Sarah that they haven’t ordered yet and could always go to the Pub but Sarah says she won’t give Xander the satisfaction of running away. Sarah says this is their new reality so if they are going to co-parent, she just has to accept even if that means watching him stick his tongue down Gabi’s throat. Brady asks what Sarah is in the mood. Sarah wants a giant bottle of wine. Gabi asks Xander about his plans for he and Philip moving forward at Titan-DiMera. Xander remarks that he has big plans for his brother but none of them are legal. Brady encourages Sarah to talk about what’s bothering her but Sarah says she’d literally rather talk about anything else. Sarah holds Brady’s hand and says they’ve been through so much together while Xander keeps an eye on them. Gabi tells Xander that she’s surprised as she thought he and Philip repaired their relationship, like he and Brady did. Xander then gets up from his seat. Gabi tries to stop him but Xander goes over to confront Sarah and declares that if this is how she wants to spend her evenings when she’s supposed to be with Victoria, then he wants his daughter back now.

Johnny goes in to the court room and questions EJ about why he would treat Belle like that. EJ responds that he didn’t have a choice. EJ reminds Johnny that Belle’s one purpose in this trial is to turn the jury against him and that’s exactly what she was doing. EJ declares he will not apologize for trying to stop that. Johnny asks how much trouble EJ got in with the judge. EJ admits he didn’t achieve what he was hoping for and the trial resumes tomorrow with Belle remaining on as prosecutor. Johnny complains that he hates this as he knows how happy EJ has been with Belle. Johnny tells EJ not to let him ruin that. EJ assures that Johnny didn’t ruin anything, he did.

Belle tells Marlena that she was right about EJ and she should’ve listened to her from the beginning. Belle assures that she will never forgive EJ for what he just did to her right as EJ and Johnny come out from the court room.

Cat falls asleep on the couch as Chad comes back with a wet rag to put on her head. Chad says she’ll start feeling better as soon as the medicine kicks in. Cat starts talking in her sleep so Chad tells her it’s okay and just a dream. Cat then wakes up and begins kissing Chad.

Brady stands up and tells Xander to take a step back and take a deep breath. Xander tells him to mind his own business as this is between he and Sarah. Brady says he can smell from here that Xander is tanked and tells him to take a cab home and sleep it off. Gabi tries to get Xander back to their table but Sarah says not before they get a couple things straight. Sarah says that Victoria is already asleep and being looked after by their nanny. Sarah adds that they agreed to a custody schedule which she intends to keep while Xander is in no shape to be around Victoria. Sarah tells Xander that he can spend his free time doing whatever the hell he wants, even if that means making out with someone else. Sarah then declares she can too as she then grabs Brady and kisses him, shocking Xander.

Johnny says he’ll see them tomorrow and exits. Marlena tells EJ that he’s done enough damage for one day but Belle says she does need a word with him, so she tells Marlena she will see her at home. Belle and EJ then head back in to the court room. Belle calls EJ a son of a bitch and question how he could humiliate her in front of strangers, the jury, and her peers. EJ says he never intended to hurt her. Belle argues that he didn’t care if he did because that’s what he does to anyone who gets in the way of what he wants. Belle calls herself a fool for thinking she could do her job and satisfy his needs at the same time, so she won’t. Belle declares that she won’t try to satisfy him ever again in any way as they are done. Belle proclaims that EJ is dead to her as she storms out of the room.

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Days Short Recap Tuesday, August 12, 2025

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Javi told Leo that there was a note at the fire station from Tesoro’s mother. She wanted her son to know that she loved him. Letting him go was the hardest thing she had to do. Javi and Leo talked about giving Tesoro a loving home. Leo thought Javi was a natural at being a father. Javi looked away subtly. Leo didn’t notice the look on Javi’s face. Sophia let Melinda know that Tate was pressuring her about wanting to see the baby. Amy interrupted her conversation to tell Sophia that she wanted to rebuild their relationship. She misses how close they used to be. Sophia liked the idea of them getting close again, but she didn’t know what she went through. Amy wanted her daughter to talk to her, their pastor or a therapist. She also suggested that she see Sarah to talk about her postpartum depression. Sophia didn’t want to see her. She assured her mother that she was okay. Javi arrived at the square with Tesoro. Amy recognized the baby as the one Leo had at the courthouse. She was shocked to find out the baby had two foster dads. Javi told her that he had three fathers. He said that having a house full of people who loved him was all he needed. Amy realized that Tesoro looked like Sophia’s brother. Sophia wanted to rush away from Javi and the baby. Javi’s mouth dropped open. Rachel worried that Johnny would go to prison because of her testimony. Kristen and Brady assured her that other people testified at the trial too. The other people had reasons to shoot EJ. Rachel asked Kristen if she shot him. Kristen reminded her that she watched her sleep that night. Rachel remembered waking up and going downstairs. Kristen assured her that she didn’t do it. Belle tried to leave the townhouse before EJ arrived, but she couldn’t do it. He was there for his hypnosis therapy. She walked past him in a cold way, and Marlena was happy about that. Marlena wanted to throw EJ out, but she wanted to help Johnny. Marlena began the process of getting EJ under hypnosis. EJ remembered telling a female to put her gun down. Marlena brought EJ out from hypnosis. EJ was excited that the person who shot him was a female because it would exonerate Johnny. He felt like it put the focus on the female suspects in his shooting. The suspects are Gabi, Ava, Chanel and Kristen.

Belle arrived at the courthouse. Johnny was there and apologized to Belle for embarrassing her with his testimony about her being with EJ. Belle assured him that she blamed EJ for what happened. Johnny hated what his father did to her, but he knew how much his father loved her. He wanted to know if she could forgive him. Belle didn’t think there was any coming back from what he did. The trial resumed, and the judge wanted the jury to disregard the testimony about the lawyers’ personal lives. Leo objected because there was a lot of social media content about the trial. The judge glared at him so he sat down. He withdrew his objection. The jury had to stay in hotels without access to cellphones. They would be allowed to have supervised contact with their family members until the trial was over. Kristen held Rachel because she was nervous about testifying. Kristen was testifying so she stayed there too. Belle got Rachel to talk about seeing Johnny point the gun at her uncle. She ran upstairs and heard a gunshot. Belle asked Rachel if she thought Johnny shot EJ. She withdrew the question after EJ objected to it. EJ stood up to question Rachel. He wanted to know if there was enough time for Johnny to leave and someone else arrived and shot him. Rachel admitted that someone else could have shot him. EJ was satisfied with her answer so he was finished questioning her. The judge asked Belle if she wanted to redirect, but Belle was finished with her. Rachel watched EJ and Johnny talking and had a puzzling look on her face.

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Days Short Recap Monday, August 11, 2025

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Belle went home to Marlena’s and was glad Sami wasn’t there to gloat about her situation with EJ. Marlena said Sami wouldn’t do that because she knows what it’s like to be betrayed by EJ. Belle wasn’t convinced Sami wouldn’t rub it in. Marlena didn’t want to face EJ during his hypnosis session while Belle didn’t want to face him in court. When Marlena went for a walk, Belle left the townhouse. EJ thought about Belle breaking up with him. Belle showed up at the DiMera mansion to confront EJ about what he did in court. EJ said he did what he did to save Johnny. Belle said she knew he hated to lose even to her. She said she was worse than Stefano because he pretended to have a soul. EJ apologized to her and said he loved her. Belle said she didn’t believe him and never wanted to see or hear him again after the trial was over. When Sarah was finished kissing Brady, Brady blocked Xander from hitting him. Gabi took Xander out of the room. Sarah apologized to Brady. She was uncomfortable with the people watching them and asked for a rain check. At the town square, Gabi yelled at Xander for his behavior and went back to the Bistro to pay the bill. She found out that they weren’t allowed in there again. When Sarah and Brady left, they ran into Xander who apologized to them. They didn’t care about Xander’s apology. Xander said nothing like that would happen again. Sarah agreed with him about that.

Sarah told Xander that she was tired of his empty promises and told him to take anger management classes with Marlena or their custody agreement would be null and void. Marlena showed up while they were talking and wanted Xander in her office. Gwen showed up to rub it in to Sarah that her marriage was over. Sarah said she was moving on. Gwen said Xander was moving with her. Sarah let her know that Xander kissed Gabi. Gwen said what she and Xander had was real. She said they got back together like Sarah never existed. Sarah said she didn’t believe her. Gwen told her to ask Leo since he saw them going to the Salem Inn together. When Gabi and Brady went to the pub, he warned her to stay away from Xander. While they were talking, Gabi got Brady to talk about what it was like working with Xander. Brady said he wanted to keep John’s legacy alive with the company, but he felt like he was letting his father down. He told Gabi that he made mistakes over the years. Gabi said Brady was a good man like John. She said John’s reputation as a hero was a lot to live up to but it wasn’t his job. Brady thought it should be. Gabi told him to stick with Xander since he’s going to anger management sessions. Brady didn’t believe it would help Xander. Xander told Marlena that he was scared of his temper. He wanted her to help him so he wouldn’t lose his daughter. Marlena asked why she would do that after what he did to her. She let him know that she has taken on other patients who did things to her. Marlena told him he needed to be vulnerable and open for it to work. Xander said he was.

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Days Update Thursday, August 7, 2025

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Update written by Joseph

Alex goes to the Titan office and tells Xander that his assistant said he wanted to see him. Xander informs him that it’s been brought to his attention that someone used the freedom of information act to try and overturn their merger, so if they are, they need to be proactive. Alex asks if they know who it was. Xander says that’s what Alex is going to find out.

Gabi goes to see Steve in his Black Patch office to ask for an update on her case. Gabi assumes it was Steve that used the freedom of information act to get the merger filings. Steve guesses it already got back to the office. Gabi confirms that she was with Xander and it already raised flags. Gabi feels there must be a reason that Xander was so jumpy about it. Steve is not sure the answer is in this stack of papers but says he will keep looking. Gabi says she will too.

In the living room of the DiMera Mansion, Tony asks Anna about some wine that appears to be missing. Anna suggests some spirits could have gotten into it after the interesting conversation she had with Susan Banks. Anna informs Tony that Susan claims Stefano is alive.

Chanel and Johnny have lunch in the town square. Chanel knows Johnny is the next witness to take the stand but reminds him that he can still back out as the defendant. Johnny declares that he is innocent and he wants the whole world to know it so that’s why he has to testify.

EJ joins Belle in her room at the Salem Inn. They kiss as Belle talks about orchestrating a secret rendezvous. Belle talks about booking the room to stay clear of Sami. EJ calls it a dream come true and suggests setting ground rules like no discussion of the trial in this room which Belle agrees to. EJ then picks her up and carries her to the bed.

Alex questions Xander wanting him to figure out who is spying on them. Alex says he’s happy to take a look but reminds him that he’s not a detective. Xander calls him his right hand and says he trusts him and counts on him to get to the bottom of this. Alex declares that he won’t let him down then as he exits the office. Xander looks back at a photo on his desk of he, Sarah, and Victoria together until he gets a call from Gabi. Gabi asks what time they should meet for dinner tonight. Xander suggests right now.

Tony questions Anna about Susan thinking Stefano is alive and kicking. Anna asks if it is so far-fetched considering it is Salem, where people have been raised from the dead by multitudes. Tony thinks that’s an exaggeration. Anna remarks that for a whole bunch of DiMeras, death has been temporary so maybe Stefano has come back to life like the others.

Chanel tells Johnny that she’s so proud of him for not taking the easy way out and choosing to testify. Johnny calls it survival and says he’s just trying to help his case. Chanel encourages that EJ will do whatever it takes to defend him. Johnny says that includes making every witness as a possible suspect including Paulina. Johnny acknowledges that Paulina totally had her back and even said on the stand that she believes in his innocence. They talk about the best defense being that EJ is so universally hated that almost everyone in Salem had reason to want him dead..

EJ and Belle continue kissing in bed…

Alex goes to see Steve in his office and thanks him for seeing him on short notice. Steve asks what brings him by. Alex explains that he needs information on someone who likely used an alias in requesting information on Titan-DiMera. Alex informs him that the name they got was “Daniel Lucas” and asks if Steve might be able to help him out with this.

Xander and Gabi meet for dinner at the Bistro. Gabi says she’s glad it worked out despite how busy he is. Xander says he did work through lunch so he figured the company would survive him leaving early. Gabi brings up having to testify at Johnny’s trial and not wanting to go back to the office after that. Xander says it sounds like she had a rough time in court. Gabi calls it a nightmare.

Chanel knows it’s hard on Johnny that his father is so universally hated. Johnny says he would prefer to be proud of his dad and for him to be generous and kind like John was. Johnny adds that the one man that was even more hated than EJ was Stefano, who Susan is insisting is still alive, which would be impossible. Chanel guesses she overestimated Susan’s psychic abilities when she thought she could help them find the real shooter. Johnny acknowledges that Susan was able to tell them who was in the house on the night of EJ’s shooting. Johnny jokes that it’s too bad they can’t put Susan on the stand.

EJ and Belle lay in bed together after having sex, commenting on how much they both needed that. Belle admits she was really worried that the trial would come between them. Belle tells EJ that she loves him. EJ says he loves her too and promises that she has nothing to worry about with the trial. EJ knows she’s doing her best to prosecute the case fairly and he respects that. Belle says that means a lot to her. EJ says they may be on opposite sides in the court room, but his heart is with her everywhere else as they continue kissing.

Johnny tells Chanel that he should get back to court. Chanel wishes him luck. They say they love each other and kiss goodbye as Johnny then exits. Chanel sits back down with her coffee as Paulina approaches and says she looks like she could use some company. Chanel says she would love that and asks how she’s doing. Paulina says she’s fine. Chanel brings up Johnny saying that EJ was pretty hard on her in court today. Paulina repeats that she’s fine and admits she’s had better days but she’ll survive. Chanel hates that she wasn’t able to be there for them. Paulina suggests it’s a blessing in disguise since some things are hard to hear. Chanel asks what she said. Paulina says just the God’s honest truth that she believes Johnny is innocent, but she did have to repeat some of the things that Johnny said in anger after EJ was shot. Chanel says she’s not upset with her, but she’s worried about what the jury will think.

Tony wishes by some miracle that his father was still alive but he knows there’s no chance that could be true. Tony argues that Stefano would never allow Titan to take over DiMera, while they all just stood by and allowed it to be stolen from under them.

Steve tells Alex that he’s sorry but he’s afraid he can’t help find who made the request since there’s not enough information and what they have looks bogus. Steve asks if there’s anything in particular that Xander might not want “Daniel Lucas” to find. Alex says not that he knows of. Steve says if he had that information, he’d have something to go on.

Xander asks Gabi if she wants to share what made her time on the stand so nightmarish. Gabi says he’ll most likely read about it anyway, so she had to admit under oath that she was at the DiMera Mansion with a gun on the night that EJ was shot. Xander says he knows that Gabi would not incriminate herself with him but says he has to ask if Gabi shot EJ. Gabi says no, so Xander asks if she was planning to. Xander adds that if she was, his respect for her would increase. Gabi responds that she pleads the fifth.

Belle and EJ return to court. Johnny then returns and greets them. EJ says he needs a word with his client so Belle heads inside, where she is greeted by the representative from the attorney general’s office. He comments on the district attorney prosecuting her nephew raising red flags. Belle assures that she is committed to serving with integrity, adding that it wasn’t her decision but she’s doing her job to the best of her ability and will continue to do so.

Johnny asks if EJ still thinks this is a good idea. EJ says he wouldn’t let him do it if he didn’t. Johnny worries about if Belle asks about the rape. EJ assures that she won’t and that she will only ask about the case while what happened between he and Sami is irrelevant. Johnny asks what if she asks why he was mad. EJ says he will tell the truth then, that Johnny thought he had gotten in the way of he and Chanel adopting a baby. Johnny worries that he’s going to be under oath and asks if that still counts as the whole truth.

Xander takes Gabi pleading the fifth as a maybe. Gabi admits she doesn’t know what she would’ve done if she came face to face to EJ that night, so she’s just glad she didn’t. Xander says he’s not since she might’ve been a better marksman than the actual shooter. Gabi argues that only homicidal maniacs can wish death on others and questions how EJ is still his business rival since Xander and Philip took his company. Xander says he’s very proud of that but brings up EJ stealing the hospital from him. Xander argues that EJ never would’ve won the bid if he wasn’t falsely arrested. Gabi says she’s sorry that happened as she knows what it’s like to be falsely accused of a crime. Gabi remarks that if Xander hadn’t gotten free, the whole company would’ve imploded. Xander asks if that isn’t what she wants.

Alex explains to Steve that it wasn’t that Xander was worried about anything getting out but being concerned with what this person’s intentions might be. Steve tells him to let him know if he finds anything else out. Steve claims he’s sorry and wishes he could help. Alex doesn’t know what he’s going to tell Xander since he was counting on him. Alex calls Steve the best private investigator he knows and says if he can’t get to the bottom of it, no one can. Alex thanks Steve for being upfront with him. Steve then stops him and says there’s something else he should be upfront about. Steve then presents Alex with his Black Patch file on Alex.

Anna appreciates Tony wanting his birth right but questions if EJ knows he’s planning to take back the family business. Tony says he does but EJ is focusing his energies on running the hospital and is preoccupied with Johnny’s trial. Tony adds that Chad isn’t interested either. Anna acknowledges that Chad is pretty busy with the Spectator. Tony declares it’s all up to him now. Tony states that he has EJ and Chad’s blessings so he hopes to get Anna’s as well.

Paulina tells Chanel not to worry and by the time the trial is over, there will be more than enough suspects and Johnny will be exonerated. Chanel brings up EJ even pointing the finger at Paulina and she’s sorry she had to go through that. Paulina says EJ was mostly making a point. Paulina admits she may have admitted to wanting EJ dead but she’s glad he is defending Johnny as they can agree on one thing; family comes first, now and always.

Johnny takes the witness stand where Belle asks him to describe the nature of his relationship with EJ. Johnny responds that EJ has been a good dad to him and he loves him. Belle asks if he’s always felt that way. Johnny says yes and admits they have bought but he’s always loved him. Belle asks why he was angry with EJ on the night of the shooting. Johnny explains that he and Chanel were recently trying to adopt a baby and EJ didn’t exactly leave a good impression on the biological family, so they backed out. Belle brings up that Roman testified that “Johnny was upset with his father for a host of reasons, some current and some dating back many years”. Belle asks Johnny if there were other reasons that he was upset about, something that may have happened years ago. EJ objects to events from years ago not being relevant. Belle argues that it goes to Johnny’s state of mind immediately before the shooting which the judge agrees with. Belle asks Johnny again if he was angry at his father for any other reason. Johnny admits that he was. Belle asks him to elaborate. Johnny confirms that he found out EJ once insisted that Sami have sex with him or he wouldn’t help her save someone she loved. Belle asks if he means EJ raped Sami which Johnny admits. Belle asks when he learned that. Johnny says it was recently. Belle asks when this event took place. EJ objects to relevance but the judge overrules it. Johnny then admits it was how he was conceived. Belle goes back to the night of the shooting and asks if it’s true that he and EJ argued at the scene of the crime which Johnny confirms. Belle asks if Johnny brought Roman’s gun with him which he also confirms, because he briefly considered using it to kill his father. Belle says no further questions and takes her seat, leaving EJ unhappy.

Steve informs Alex that he has to come clean about something. Steve reveals that when he realized Alex and Stephanie were getting closer, he did some research and this file popped up. Alex admits there was a small instance back in college. Steve argues those are not small charges. Steve says he’s had his brushes with the law but questions grand theft and indecent exposure. Alex knows it looks bad but says he can explain. Steve says he hopes so.

Anna tells Tony that before she can give him her blessing, she wants to know if she should be worried. Anna questions how exactly he plans on taking DiMera back from Xander and Philip. Tony says that’s the easy part and explains that he’s working with a disgruntled employee, who is looking to find dirt on Xander and Philip and hopefully will find a weakness he can exploit. Anna asks if he’s sure he can trust this person. Tony says no, but Anna does, as he reveals that it’s Gabi.

Xander tells Gabi not to play dumb as he saw how she reacted when he got the call earlier and that she was intrigued by the idea of someone trying to take them down. Xander it’s no secret that Gabi wanted Titan-DiMera to fail so she could take back Gabi Chic. Gabi argues that if they go under, so does Gabi Chic, so her success depends on Titan-DiMera as much as his does.

Chanel sees someone walk by in the town square with a baby. Chanel then tells Paulina that Sophia had her baby and admits it was triggering for her to hear about it. Chanel knows she should be counting her blessings and not feeling sorry for herself. Paulina argues that she’s allowed to feel sorry for herself. Paulina knows it has to be hard on her, knowing the baby could’ve been her and Johnny’s. Paulina encourages that the trial will be over soon with a happy outcome so they can focus on their future again and having the family she wants so bad. Chanel knows it will happen and that she will be a mom someday.

Johnny remains on the stand as EJ stands up and just asks Johnny if he shot him. Johnny says no. EJ asks why not since he just testified to bringing a gun to his home. Johnny responds that he couldn’t go through with hurting him or worse because EJ is his dad and he loves him. EJ brings up Belle being Johnny’s aunt and knowing about certain events that transpired between he and Sami. Belle objects but EJ argues that Belle brought up this information on her own personal knowledge. The judge warns that EJ is to ask the witness not hurl accusations at the opposition, so EJ says no further questions. Belle then brings up Paulina testifying that Johnny said EJ got what he deserved, which Johnny admits is true. Belle adds that Chad said that Johnny said he didn’t care if EJ lived or died. Johnny admits he said that but that he did not mean it. Johnny says maybe he thought he did at the time but he was angry and not thinking clearly. Belle decides no further questions while EJ takes back over. EJ asks Johnny if he can tell him what his relationship with the prosecuting attorney is. Johnny is then forced to admit that Belle is EJ’s girlfriend.

Alex tells Steve that he knows the file looks bad but it really was just a fraternity prank that went way too far which Steve question. Alex explains that it was rush week and how one of the competing fraternities had a parrot mascot that they all hated, so they stole it but they got caught hence the grand theft charges as it turned out the parrot was 50 years old and worth about 10 grand. Alex says they had no idea how much it was worth. Steve admits the grand theft charge is not what he’s most concerned about, but the indecent exposure. Alex explains the night that they decided to do it, their frat had a toga party and as he was climbing out the window, his toga ripped off, leaving him caught naked so they decided to make an example out of him. Steve laughs and thanks Alex for easing his mind, apologizing for the interrogation. Alex says it’s okay as he respects Steve looking out for his daughter. Alex doesn’t want Steve to have to worry as he calls Stephanie his favorite person in the world and he knows how lucky he is to be with her. Alex promises to treat Stephanie like a queen.

Xander is glad Gabi recognizes the symbiotic nature of their relationship. Gabi says that’s one way of putting it. Xander asks how she would put it. Gabi suggests not going back to the office tonight and ordering a bottle of wine.

Anna questions Tony having Gabi dig up dirt on the Kiriakis brothers and why she hasn’t heard about it from her. Tony says he made Gabi promise not to tell anyone and he told her that he would tell Anna herself. Anna says it sounds like he has it all figured out but hopes this doesn’t mean he wants to stay in Salem. Tony reveals that he promised Gabi the CEO job since he can pull the strings from anywhere in the world. Tony adds that he knows Anna misses her days of designing clothes which she admits. Anna then realizes she could sell her clothes through Gabi Chic and calls it perfect. Tony says he knew she would be pleased and he always wants to make her happy as they kiss.

Chanel hopes Johnny isn’t making a mistake by taking the stand today. Paulina says Johnny wants to clear his name and they can’t blame him for that, so she just has to trust him. Chanel worries about the longer it goes and says she just wants to know something.

Belle objects that her relationship with the opposing counsel has nothing to do with the defendant. EJ says no, but it has significant bearing on these proceedings. EJ declares that clearly Belle has a major conflict of interest and should not be allowed to prosecute this case which is why he’s calling for an immediate mistrial, shocking Johnny and Belle.

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Days Update Wednesday, August 6, 2025

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Update written by Joseph

Sophia goes to Melinda’s office, looking for her. Sophia then gets a call from Tate, who informs her that Rachel bought a gift for the baby and he did as well, so he asks for the adoptive parents’ address so he can send them to her. Sophia claims she doesn’t have the address so she’ll have to reach out to her lawyer and get back to him. Tate says he can wait and thanks her as they hang up.

Abe and Paulina eat together at the Bistro. Paulina complains that yesterday she was so stressed about Johnny’s trial that she couldn’t eat a thing while today, she can’t stop eating. Abe encourages her to try to relax. Paulina asks how she can when she’s about to testify against her own son in law. Paulina worries that her testimony could end up sending her daughter’s husband to prison.

Leo sits at home, complaining to Rafe about the coverage of Johnny’s trial in the Spectator. Rafe encourages that Leo gets to be an integral cog of the criminal justice system. Leo complains that he’s only getting $30 a day. Gabi walks in and mentions that she’s testifying at Johnny’s trial. Leo complains about not knowing who is next. Leo says nothing about this case is normal, pointing out that both the district attorney and the defense want Johnny acquitted.

Belle walks through the town square and comes across Tate, who offers to help with her bags. Belle informs him that she’s just checking in to the Salem Inn which Tate questions. Belle explains that Sami is in town, so she figures the best way to keep the peace is to avoid her. Tate guesses Sami won’t be happy with her for prosecuting Johnny. Belle says that and for dating her ex.

EJ and Johnny prepare for court at the DiMera Mansion. EJ encourages Johnny to be himself and not overthink it. Johnny says that’s kind of hard to do when his entire future is on the line. EJ says yesterday went well and hopes today will as well. EJ reminds Johnny that he is going to have to be ruthless and he will likely ruffle some feathers. Johnny admits he’s having second thoughts about that. EJ argues that the most important thing is proving Johnny’s innocence and that is exactly what he’s going to do, no matter what it takes.

Gabi questions how Leo even got on the jury with all the articles he wrote about the case. Leo explains that so many people hate the DiMeras that they were having a hard time finding people without ulterior motives while Gabi remarks they were scraping the bottom of the barrel. Leo thought they connected when Arianna was missing and he was compassionate towards her. Gabi admits that and apologizes, saying she’s just nervous about incurring EJ’s wrath on the stand and she’s dreading it.

Paulina tells Abe that she’s just so stressed because she’s feeling guilty since the trial wouldn’t even be happening if she hadn’t pushed for Johnny to be arrested. Abe argues that the only reason Johnny is on trial is because the evidence supported him being charged while Paulina did everything by the book. Paulina worries about Johnny getting wrongly convicted and asks how she will live with herself. Paulina then gets a call from the attorney general’s office and wonders what it’s about.

Johnny asks EJ to take it easy on Paulina in court. EJ says it should all go smoothly if Paulina is truly on Johnny’s side. Johnny argues that Roman was on his side but EJ still raked him over the coals and Chanel would be very upset if he does the same to Paulina. EJ thinks Chanel would be more upset if Johnny went to prison. EJ tells Johnny to keep his eye on the ball and he’ll take care of the rest.

Tate tells Belle that Sami has to realize that she had no choice but to prosecute Johnny and was forced to stay on the case. Belle says those things don’t matter to Sami and with her, you just have to ride it out which will be easier if they are not under the same roof. Belle adds that the last thing Marlena needs is her daughters brawling in the living room. Belle brings up knowing how Tate was upset about not getting to meet his daughter when Sophia went to Chicago. Tate knows Sophia made what she thought was the best decision at the time, but admits he wishes he could’ve seen his kid.

Melinda joins Sophia in her office and asks what’s going on. Sophia reminds Melinda about their lie that she had a baby girl and reveals that Sarah knew she was having a boy because of her ultrasound. Melinda admits she stupidly hadn’t thought of that. Sophia adds that Sarah confronted her about it so she had no choice but to tell her the truth because she threatened to call the authorities if she couldn’t prove her baby was safe. Melinda points out that Sarah can’t say anything because of doctor-patient confidentiality. Sophia remains worried that Sarah knows she lied to Tate. Sophia then declares that she doesn’t think she can keep the secret anymore. Melinda tries to calm Sophia down, reminding her that if she tells the truth now, she might end up in the same situation of having to raise the baby, so it’s better to keep up the lie. Sophia complains that it’s getting harder by the day. Sophia then informs Melinda that Tate just called, asking for the address of the adoptive parents because he wants to send the baby gifts and questions what she is supposed to do. Melinda tells her not to worry as she will handle it.

Belle tells Tate to let her know if there’s anything she can do about the baby situation. Tate assures he’ll be okay as Belle has enough going on with the trial and he can’t imagine how hard it must be for her. Belle acknowledges that a lot of people aren’t happy with her right now but talks about getting through the hard times for the greater good and says this is about giving Johnny a fair trial. Tate agrees that he should also be trying to be selfless and think of the greater good instead of making the baby situation about himself. Tate decides he should be thinking about Sophia, what’s going on with her and how she’s doing. Belle is sure she will appreciate that. Belle says she has to go check in at court. Tate wishes her luck as Belle walks away.

Paulina says she understands and thanks them for letting her know as she hangs up. Paulina informs Abe that the attorney general wanted her to know that he will be watching the case very closely because it’s so high profile and he will be sending someone from his office to oversee things in person. Abe says he’s not surprised. Paulina adds that he was very clear that if Belle doesn’t fulfill her duties as district attorney, she will be disbarred.

Rafe tells Gabi and Leo that none of this is helping, so enough with the trial talk. Leo says he needs to say goodbye to Javi and Tesoro anyway. Leo tells Gabi that he will see her in court and exits. Rafe asks Gabi if she wants him to go with her to court. Gabi admits she could really use his support. Rafe encourages her not to let EJ intimidate her. Rafe tells Gabi that all she has to do is tell the judge what she heard and saw on the night of the shooting. Gabi argues that it’s easy for Rafe to say since he won’t be the one with a target on his back if Johnny gets convicted.

Johnny acknowledges to EJ that keep your eye on the ball is what John would’ve said as he was always talking in baseball metaphors. EJ is sure Johnny misses John more than ever lately. Johnny says it was so great talking with Sami and sharing stores about John with her. Johnny says they had a rocky history but Sami loved John a lot. Johnny adds that they also talked about him and EJ’s relationship. Johnny states that Sami is really glad they worked things out. EJ says not half as glad as he is. Johnny asks if they should get to the courthouse. EJ says they should and jokes with Johnny about more baseball metaphors as they exit together.

Abe and Paulina go to the courthouse. Abe says he’ll be waiting as he heads inside. Johnny and EJ arrive. Paulina wishes Johnny luck and then stops EJ to ask if they can have a word in private. EJ argues that she’s a witness for opposing counsel so it would be inappropriate but Paulina says this would be in her official capacity as Mayor, so EJ tells Johnny that he will catch up with him inside. EJ warns Paulina that being Mayor doesn’t mean she gets a free pass on the stand. Paulina argues that she would never ask for that and says this is about Belle. Paulina warns EJ that if he wants Belle to remain Johnny’s friendly prosecutor, then he needs to back the hell off and no more playing dirty. Paulina says there’s something else but EJ gets informed that the judge would like a word and heads in to court. Belle then arrives, so Paulina stops her to warn her about her call from the attorney general’s office.

Tate runs in to Sophia outside of the Brady Pub and says he’s so glad he ran in to her. Sophia says she hasn’t been able to get the address of the adoptive parents yet. Tate says it’s not that and he just wanted to apologize as he feels he hasn’t been kind or patient with her since she got back from Chicago and made this whole situation about him while not being good about asking how she’s doing. Sophia thanks him but says she’s fine. Tate asks if she’s sure as he can’t imagine how hard it must have been to give the baby up. Tate says if she ever needs someone to talk to, he’s there for her. Sophia says that’s good to know and thanks him. Tate invites her to join him at the Pub for a bite which she accepts.

Johnny’s trial resumes with Paulina on the witness stand. Belle asks Paulina about her interaction with Johnny on the night of the shooting. Paulina talks about her and Chanel being home most of the night and Chanel getting worried about Johnny not being home, knowing he was angry at his father. Belle asks Paulina if Chanel thought Johnny might commit an act of violence. EJ objects to Belle leading the witness. Belle asks Paulina if she and Chanel had a conversation about the reasons for her concerns. Paulina responds that all Chanel said was that Johnny was in a bad place because of his anger towards EJ but she was very relieved when he returned home. Belle asks how she found out about the shooting. Paulina informs her that Chad called with the news. Belle asks what Johnny’s reaction was and if he wanted to rush over to see his father. Paulina admits that Johnny refused to see EJ in the hospital which Belle questions. Paulina adds that Johnny said he didn’t care what happened to him. Belle asks what specifically he said. Paulina admits that Johnny said that his father got what he deserved. Belle asks if Johnny ever mentioned where he was when they were waiting for him to come home. Paulina responds that Johnny said he left the Pub and went for a walk in the park, but later admitted to going to the DiMera Mansion. Belle asks why he went there. Paulina says that Johnny told them he went to confront EJ with a gun. Belle says no further questions and sits down while EJ takes over. EJ asks Paulina if she considered confronting him as well that night. Belle objects, arguing that is irrelevant while EJ argues that he’s attempting to prove that Johnny is not the only one with motive or opportunity to attempt to murder him that night, so the judge allows it. Paulina admits that she did consider confronting EJ. EJ asks if she came to his house that night, attempting to shoot him in cold blood. Paulina argues that he knows damn well she did not. EJ asks if she has any reason to believe that Johnny confronted him and did not shoot him. Paulina responds that’s what Johnny says. EJ asks if Paulina believes Johnny when he says he’s innocent. Paulina declares that she does, with all her heart.

Tate and Sophia eat together at the Pub as Tate starts asking what the adoptive parents are like. Sophia knows this happened really quickly and that it’s not really what they wanted, but they have to live with it. Tate responds that he doesn’t know if he can just live with it which Sophia questions. Tate declares this just isn’t working for him as it’s all he thinks about and it keeps him up at night. Sophia asks what he is saying. Tate states that he really wants to meet the adoptive parents and their daughter.

Gabi takes the witness stand as Belle questions the circumstances that led to her being at the DiMera Mansion. Gabi responds that she wanted to confront EJ about kidnapping Rafe, but when she arrived, she heard EJ and Johnny arguing. Belle asks what they were saying. Gabi responds that she very clearly heard Johnny say “it’s what you deserve” and EJ responded “you don’t want to do this, put the gun down” which causes chatter amongst the jury. Belle asks what happened next. Gabi says she decided it wasn’t the best night to talk to EJ and left. Belle asks if she saw or heard anything else on her way out. Gabi admits that she also saw Ava Vitali leaving. Belle brings up Ava also being a person of interest in shooting EJ. Belle asks if she also saw Johnny leaving. Gabi says she did not so Belle decides no further questions and sits down.

Sophia tells Tate that it’s too late and he can’t meet the adoptive parents or the baby which Tate questions. Sophia reminds him that they gave away their parental rights when they signed the adoption papers. Sophia thinks it would be awkward and it would just make it more painful for Tate because she’s not their child anymore. Tate questions why she’s acting like she doesn’t want him to meet their daughter and asks what she isn’t telling him.

EJ questions Gabi as to why it was several weeks before she went to the police about what she saw that night. Gabi explains that she was worried about how it would look, placing herself at the scene of a crime. EJ asks if she had any other reasons. Gabi admits that she had a gun with her and that it was Rafe’s service weapon. EJ asks if Rafe gave her the gun. Gabi says that she borrowed it. EJ asks why she came forward to admit what she did. Gabi responds that she realized it was Johnny’s voice she heard that night after she couldn’t recognize it at first. EJ asks if it’s possible she misheard. Gabi says that everyone knows Johnny was there. EJ asks if it’s possible that Ava came back around to finish the deed with the gun that Johnny left behind. Gabi states that anything is possible. EJ says that includes the possibility that Gabi shot him in cold blood. Gabi denies that and asks why he would say that or why she would pick up Johnny’s gun when she had her own. EJ suggests she could have been trying to frame Johnny and brings up Gabi’s stints in prison. Gabi shouts that she was innocent which EJ questions. Belle objects to EJ badgering the witness so EJ decides no further questions. The judge calls for a lunch recess and for everyone to return in an hour. Johnny asks EJ how he thinks it went. EJ responds that they took a few hits early, but he thinks they came out on top.

Sophia claims she’s not keeping anything from Tate and she just doesn’t want to mess anything up with the adoption now that it’s finally settled. Tate argues that it doesn’t make sense and questions how he could mess it up if it’s already finalized. Tate complains that he just wants to meet his child. Sophia tells him that this isn’t good for him to fixate on a baby that they didn’t even mean to have. Sophia argues that the baby is with parents that really want to take care of her now. Sophia tells Tate that he has to let this go but Tate says he can’t do that. Tate appreciates her trying to look out for him but declares that he has to meet his baby as it’s the only way he feels like he can move on from this. Tate asks Sophia to send him the address of the parents so he can send a gift and a letter, asking for a chance to meet his baby. Sophia exits the Pub and calls Melinda, who says she set up a PO box for Tate to send the gift to but Sophia informs her that Tate also wants to write a letter, asking to meet the baby. Melinda says it won’t be a problem which Sophia questions. Melinda tells her that they hold all the cards so Tate will write the letter and she will write back as the parents, telling Tate no, and that will be the end of that.

Tate runs in to Leo with Tesoro in the town square. Leo talks about fostering Tesoro and then asks how everything is going with Tate’s baby. Tate responds that she got adopted. Leo asks if they found another couple to replace Johnny and Chanel. Tate says he’s just bummed that he didn’t get a chance to meet them or the baby. Leo remarks that it must be hard not to be able to see your own kid. Tate admits it’s way tougher than he thought it would be. Tesoro wakes up crying, so Leo picks him up and asks Tate if he wants to hold him which he accepts. Tate then holds Tesoro, not knowing he’s holding his own son, while Leo calls Tate a natural at this.

Rafe and Gabi go home. Gabi cries that she hates EJ and complains about him trying to make it look like she shot him. Gabi worries about getting framed for something she did not do. Rafe encourages that EJ was just creating reasonable doubt. Gabi knows Rafe believes Johnny is innocent, but asks what if he did not and what if Johnny did shoot his father.

Outside the court, Paulina apologizes to Johnny. Johnny tells her not to worry as EJ seems to think things went pretty well. Abe adds that his testimony ended on a great note. Johnny thanks them for backing him up and says it means a lot that they believe in his innocence. Paulina just hopes the jury does too.

EJ tells Belle that he owes her an apology as he never intended for this trial to be so hard for both of them. EJ tells Belle that he loves her so much and he never wants her to doubt that. EJ wishes they could get the trial over so they could be together, just for a little while. Belle informs EJ that she’s staying in the Salem Inn while Sami is in town and she doesn’t think there would be a lot of prying there, so it would be just them. Belle tells EJ that she will see him soon and exits the court.

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