Days of Our Lives Weekly Recap: Dominic Marino Arrives as the DiMera Family Faces New Secrets

Secrets, suspicions, family revelations, and a DiMera surprise shake up Salem.

November sweeps are officially underway in Salem, and Days of Our Lives delivered a week filled with complicated relationships, questionable decisions, family secrets, and the arrival of someone whose presence could change everything. From Stephanie's determination to expose Joy to Johnny and Sydney's growing suspicions about EJ, there was plenty to keep the drama moving. Meanwhile, Sarah and Xander cautiously considered another chance at happiness, Kristen found herself playing an unexpected role in Sophia's life, and Dominic Marino finally stepped out of the shadows.

The week also gave us some meaningful character moments, particularly involving Marlena, who continues to process the possibility of having another son. There were several storylines competing for attention, but the DiMera mystery and Dominic's arrival provided the strongest momentum heading into the next week.

Dominic Arrives, Stephanie Confronts Joy, and Marlena Opens Up

The week began with Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall) opening to her daughter, Belle Black (Martha Madison), about the possibility of Dominic Marino being another child of Stefano DiMera. Marlena made it clear that she was angry with Stefano for the secrets and deception surrounding Dominic's birth, but she wasn't ashamed of the circumstances. More importantly, she didn't want Dominic to feel ashamed of who he was. Marlena wants answers, and understandably, she wants the opportunity to know the son she never knew she had.

Belle also had an unsettling encounter when a masked stranger appeared at the door while she and Marlena were handing out Halloween candy. The stranger stared directly at Belle before walking away. That mysterious visitor was Dominic Marino (Kyle Pryor), who later met with Rita Lesley (Maggie Carney) at the Salem Inn. Dominic's quiet but deliberate entrance was an effective way to introduce a character who clearly has his own agenda. His decision to make eye contact with Belle was particularly intriguing. Was he already aware of who she was, and was there a reason he chose her first?

Meanwhile, Stephanie Johnson (Abigail Klein) continued to struggle with her suspicions about Joy Wesley (AlexAnn Hopkins). Stephanie admitted to Philip Kiriakis (John-Paul Lavoisier) that she had initially felt guilty for questioning Joy's paralysis, but she wasn't convinced that Joy had been completely honest about her condition. The muscle relaxants Joy had been prescribed only strengthened Stephanie's suspicions.

Stephanie eventually confronted Joy in the town square while Joy and Alex Kiriakis (Robert Scott Wilson) were visiting the Day of the Dead ofrenda and remembering Adrienne. Stephanie accused Joy of faking her condition to spend time with Alex. Joy became emotional and insisted that the medication had been prescribed after her nerve conduction test. Alex defended Joy and was understandably upset with Stephanie for making such a public accusation. However, Stephanie wasn't ready to back down.

I understand Stephanie's frustration, particularly considering everything that has happened with Alex, Joy, and their complicated custody situation. However, she needs to be careful about how she approaches this situation. Accusing Joy without concrete evidence could do more damage to Stephanie's marriage than she realizes. Alex is already in a difficult position, and he doesn't need his wife making decisions that could potentially undermine their future.

Elsewhere, EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel) and Cat Greene (AnnaLynne McCord) were enjoying some romantic time together when Sydney DiMera (Sydney Malakeh) interrupted them. Sydney had discovered something that raised questions, while EJ continued insisting that he was innocent of the allegations surrounding him. After Sydney left, EJ wanted to take his evening with Cat to another level, but Cat suddenly remembered that she needed to get home to Felicity.

Cat's hesitation was noticeable, especially considering that she is supposed to be working undercover and gathering information on EJ. Steve Johnson (Stephen Nichols) would later question whether Cat was becoming too emotionally involved with her target. Steve has every reason to be concerned. Cat may believe she can separate her personal feelings from her assignment, but that becomes increasingly difficult when romance enters the picture.

Philip also found himself being tempted when Sydney invited him to join a poker game. Although Philip initially hesitated, he eventually agreed. Unfortunately, his plans became complicated when Gabi Hernandez (Cherie Jimenez) arrived, forcing him to come up with an excuse. There are already enough secrets and questionable decisions surrounding Philip, and keeping things from Gabi is not going to make their relationship any easier.

Johnny and Sydney Investigate EJ as Leo and Javi Reconnect

Tuesday brought an important development in the growing DiMera investigation. Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman) received an unexpected envelope containing shipping documents. After examining the paperwork, he contacted his sister, Sydney, to help him make sense of the information. The documents contained discrepancies involving shipping weights, suggesting that illegal merchandise could be moving through DiMera operations.

Johnny and Sydney began connecting the dots, and their suspicions quickly turned toward their father, EJ. Johnny also admitted that his relationship with EJ had reached a breaking point. After being disowned, Johnny was ready to walk away from the family business and expose whatever wrongdoing he could find.

This is an interesting direction for Johnny because he is finally beginning to recognize that protecting his father isn't necessarily the same thing as protecting his family. Sydney's involvement makes the investigation even more compelling. The two siblings may have very different personalities, but they share a common interest in discovering the truth. If EJ is responsible for the illegal activity, he could find himself facing opposition from his own children.

Meanwhile, Stephanie's accusations against Joy began falling apart. Alex examined Joy's medication bottle and discovered that it was not a refill. He then asked Steve to investigate the prescription history. Steve confirmed that Joy had received only one prescription, which had been filled after her nerve conduction test. That information gave Alex another reason to question Stephanie's accusations.

Steve advised his daughter to let the situation go before she caused further damage to her marriage. I think Steve was right to intervene. Stephanie needs to understand that suspicion alone isn't enough to establish that Joy has been lying. If she wants Alex to believe her, she needs actual evidence rather than repeatedly confronting Joy.

Cat also continued to struggle with the assignment involving EJ. She visited Steve and requested permission to travel to San Cristobal to examine Dominic's original birth certificate. Steve questioned whether she was leaving Salem because she wanted to avoid EJ's romantic advances. Cat insisted she had everything under control, but Steve wasn't entirely convinced.

I appreciate Steve's concern because Cat's situation is becoming increasingly complicated. She is supposed to be investigating EJ, yet she continues to become more comfortable in his company. Her trip to San Cristobal could provide important information, but it also raises questions about what she will discover about Dominic and the DiMera family.

On a happier note, Leo Stark (Greg Rikaart) and Javi Hernandez (Jacob Martinez) celebrated their reunion. The two spent Halloween together, and Javi made it clear that he wanted to give their relationship another chance. Leo was concerned about how Gus would react to the news, but Javi's affection was unmistakable. Their reunion was a welcome change of pace from all the deception surrounding Salem's other couples.

Philip also continued keeping secrets from Gabi. Although he had agreed to attend Sydney's poker game, Gabi's unexpected arrival forced him to change his plans. Instead, he spent the evening with her and reassured her that he had missed her. Philip may have avoided revealing his plans this time, but secrets have a way of catching up with people in Salem. 

Kristen Helps Sophia, Holly Sees Something Nobody Believes

Kristen DiMera (Stacy Haiduk) showed a surprisingly sympathetic side when she spoke with Sophia Choi (Rachel Boyd). Sophia admitted that she had come to terms with giving up Trey and recognized that he was better off in a loving home with Chanel Dupree (Raven Bowens) and Johnny. Kristen encouraged Sophia and acknowledged that giving her child a better life was an act of love.

Kristen also gave Sophia the money she had promised her, along with encouragement to leave Salem and start over. It was an interesting conversation because Kristen knows what it means to make questionable decisions involving children and family. Although Kristen has hardly been a model of good behavior, she seemed genuinely understanding of Sophia's situation.

However, Sophia's departure didn't go quite as planned. After receiving the money, she encountered Chanel and Trey in the town square while disguised. The interaction was particularly interesting because Chanel had no idea that the young woman she was speaking with was Sophia.

Chanel also had an unexpected encounter with Aaron, who was hesitant about holding Trey. Chanel reminded him that he would always be part of the family. Aaron expressed happiness that Trey was being raised in a loving home and hoped Sophia would eventually accept the situation.

Holly Jonas (Ashley Puzemis), meanwhile, was becoming increasingly convinced that Sophia was still alive. After hearing a suspicious voice on the helpline, Holly discussed her concerns with Arianna Horton (Marissa Reyes) and Aaron. Their suggestion of a séance didn't produce any answers, but Holly wasn't ready to abandon her suspicions.

Later, Holly saw Sophia in the town square. She was convinced that she had recognized her, but Tate Black (Leo Howard) didn't believe her. Holly then approached Mason Whitfield (Brandon Butler), who was more receptive to her concerns. Together, they began considering how they might establish whether Sophia was really alive.

I am glad Holly didn't simply accept everyone's dismissal of her concerns. She has every reason to question what happened to Sophia, especially after hearing that suspicious voice. Kristen may believe she has solved the Sophia problem by giving her money to leave town, but she has underestimated Holly's determination.

The Sarah Horton (Linsey Godfrey), Xander Kiriakis (Paul Telfer), and Brady Black (Eric Martsolf) triangle also continued to develop. Sarah informed Xander that Brady had ended their relationship, although she admitted that she had been happy with Brady. Xander, meanwhile, was still struggling with his feelings and wanted to make certain that Sarah genuinely wanted to rebuild their relationship.

Xander spoke privately with Marlena and explained that he had come to realize how conditional Sarah's love for him had sometimes felt. He wanted a relationship built on commitment rather than another reconciliation followed by another painful separation. Marlena encouraged him to consider whether both of them were willing to do the work necessary to make things different.

When Sarah and Xander finally discussed their future, Xander made it clear that he wanted them together eventually but didn't want to rush into anything. He wanted their next reconciliation to be permanent. Sarah agreed that they needed to take the necessary steps, including therapy, before making that commitment.

Brady also confronted Sarah about her feelings. He told her that he wished she had been more honest about still loving Xander. Although Sarah explained that she had been happy with him, Brady recognized that her heart was elsewhere. He was understandably hurt, especially after everything they had been through.

I actually appreciate that Xander and Sarah aren't immediately jumping back into a relationship. They have a daughter and a complicated history, and getting back together simply because they still love each other isn't enough. Xander needs to continue working on himself, and Sarah needs to be honest about what she wants. Brady also deserves the opportunity to move forward without being caught in the middle of their unresolved feelings.

Leo Walks Into Danger, Holly Finds an Ally, and Sarah Gets Good News

Thursday brought another major development in the investigation surrounding the DiMera family. Chad DiMera (Conner Floyd) and Theo Carver (Tyler Joseph Andrews) agreed to help Johnny uncover the truth about the suspicious shipping operations. Theo had been unaware of the illegal activity taking place within the family business, and he was understandably troubled by what Johnny had discovered.

Chad and Theo recognized that Johnny needed help, and they agreed to work together to expose the wrongdoing. This was an important development because it showed that Johnny wasn't going to be fighting this battle alone. It also demonstrated that even members of the DiMera family who have benefited from the business are beginning to question what is happening behind closed doors.

Leo was also getting closer to uncovering the counterfeit operation. After overhearing Chad and Theo discussing the investigation, Leo approached Gwen Rizczech (Emily O'Brien) to ask what she knew about EJ's shipping arrangements. Gwen revealed that EJ had previously used a warehouse on Pier 4, disguised as Becky's Bait Shop, to hide his activities.

Leo promised Gwen that he wouldn't investigate the location himself. Naturally, he did exactly the opposite!

Leo went to the warehouse and discovered a briefcase filled with cash. Before he could investigate further, someone locked him inside a shipping container. This was a particularly troubling development because Leo had finally found something that could connect the counterfeit operation to EJ's illegal activities. Unfortunately, he may have put himself in serious danger by investigating without telling anyone where he was going.

Leo's determination is understandable, but he needs to be more careful. He is a journalist, not a police officer, and he shouldn't be putting himself in situations where he could become the next victim of whoever is protecting this operation. I especially worry about Javi, who has only just reunited with him and could soon find himself dealing with another frightening situation.

Holly also made progress in her efforts to establish whether Sophia was alive. She confided in Mason about seeing Sophia in the town square. Mason was more willing than Tate to listen to her concerns, especially because he remembered the suspicious voice on the helpline. Holly needs someone who will take her seriously, and Mason may turn out to be a valuable ally.

Meanwhile, Sarah received some much-needed good news. Her professional reputation had been damaged by the accusations surrounding George O'Halloran's death and the allegations involving the alteration of medical records. A patient even requested another doctor after recognizing Sarah's name.

However, Lani Price (Sal Stowers) arrived with important information from George's laptop. The evidence showed that George had altered the records, rather than Sarah. This could finally help clear Sarah's name and put an end to the allegations against her.

Sarah was understandably relieved. She had been dealing with enough emotional turmoil involving Brady and Xander without also having to worry about losing her career. It was nice to see her receive a break after everything she has endured.

Xander, however, was still struggling with his recovery. He had a romantic dream about Sarah and realized that having her care for him professionally was making it difficult to maintain the emotional distance he needed. He told Sarah that he would prefer to have another nurse handle his recovery.

Sarah was hurt by the decision, but I can understand Xander's reasoning. He needs to work through his feelings without allowing their complicated relationship to interfere with his recovery.

Lani also had an important conversation with Xander. She warned him that he needed to get a lawyer, particularly because of the circumstances surrounding George's death and his own legal history. Lani knows firsthand how quickly a situation can spiral out of control, and she wasn't interested in seeing Xander make the same mistakes.

Her warning was particularly significant because Xander may believe that the worst is behind him now that he has survived his medical crisis. Unfortunately, there could still be serious consequences waiting for him. 

Kristen's Disguise, Lexie's Memorial, and Dominic's Shocking Introduction

Friday delivered the week's biggest moment when Dominic Marino (Kyle Pryor) finally revealed himself to Salem.

Before that happened, however, Kristen made a secret visit to Lexie Carver's memorial service. Kristen was determined to pay her respects to her sister, but she didn't want anyone to recognize her. Her solution was to disguise herself as Susan Banks (Stacy Haiduk).

Kristen's scenes at the memorial were among the week's most emotional. Once she was alone with Lexie's urn, she removed her disguise and spoke directly to her sister. She thanked Lexie for warning her about EJ's plans to send her away, explaining that without that warning she might not have been around when Rachel needed her.

Kristen also expressed how much she would miss Lexie. It was a rare opportunity to see Kristen without her usual defenses, and Stacy Haiduk did a lovely job conveying the character's grief. There is something particularly sad about Kristen having to disguise herself just to mourn her sister. Her relationship with Lexie was complicated, but the love between them was genuine. Kristen's visit reminded viewers that underneath all her manipulations and schemes, she is still a woman who has lost someone important to her.

Her disguise nearly caused trouble when she made the sign of the cross, something Roman Brady (Josh Taylor) recognized as a possible giveaway. Kristen managed to recover and leave before anyone could expose her. The situation became even more complicated when the real Susan arrived afterward.

EJ was also present at the memorial, and he initially believed that the woman he encountered was his mother. Kristen managed to fool him, although the arrival of the real Susan could create questions about what happened. Meanwhile, Sydney continued pressing EJ about the suspicious shipping documents. She wasn't satisfied with his explanations, and her questions made it increasingly clear that she was beginning to suspect her father was involved in something illegal.

EJ has spent considerable time trying to control the narrative surrounding his business dealings, but his own children are now investigating him. Johnny has already reached the point where he is willing to walk away from the DiMera family business, and Sydney appears prepared to help him uncover the truth.

Then came the moment the show had been being built all week. Dominic Marino walked into the Brady Pub and approached EJ. After introducing himself, Dominic made his intentions unmistakably clear by referring to EJ as his brother.

The revelation was a terrific cliffhanger. Dominic has been lurking around Salem, meeting privately with Rita, and making mysterious appearances without revealing his true intentions. Now he has finally introduced himself to EJ, and he appears to believe they share a father.

The connection to Stefano DiMera raises enormous questions. What does Dominic know about his birth? What does he want from EJ? And how will Marlena react when she finally comes face-to-face with the son she never knew she had?

Kyle Pryor made a memorable entrance as Dominic. His character has an intriguing presence, and I am looking forward to learning more about his background. The fact that he chose to introduce himself at Lexie's memorial makes the timing even more interesting. He certainly knows how to make an entrance!

The week ended with two major DiMera developments happening almost simultaneously: Kristen successfully paid tribute to Lexie while hiding her identity, and Dominic arrived to announce that he considers EJ his brother. Salem's complicated family tree just became even more complicated. 

My Thoughts on the Week

Overall, I thought this was a very entertaining week of Days of Our Lives. The writers did a good job moving several storylines forward while giving viewers a major reveal to carry into the following week.

The strongest material belonged to the DiMera family. Johnny and Sydney investigating their father, Cat struggling to maintain her professional distance from EJ, Kristen sneaking into Lexie's memorial, and Dominic's arrival all contributed to a larger story that feels as though it is building toward something significant.

I particularly enjoyed Johnny and Sydney working together. Johnny has reached a point where he can no longer excuse EJ's behavior, and Sydney's involvement gives the investigation another interesting dimension. EJ has always been skilled at manipulating situations to his advantage, but it becomes much harder when his own children begin questioning him.

Kristen's scenes at Lexie's memorial were another highlight. It was refreshing to see her express genuine grief rather than immediately turning everything into another scheme. Her love for her family has always been one of the more interesting aspects of her character, and this week reminded us of that.

I am also intrigued by Dominic. His introduction has been carefully handled, and the writers have given viewers enough information to become curious without revealing everything immediately. His connection to Stefano could have enormous implications for Marlena, EJ, and the entire DiMera family.

The Stephanie, Alex, and Joy storyline is another one I am watching closely. Stephanie's suspicions may eventually prove justified, but she needs to approach the situation more intelligently. Alex is trying to protect his family and constantly putting him in the position of choosing between his wife and Joy isn't going to help their marriage.

I also enjoyed seeing Leo and Javi reunited. Greg Rikaart and Jacob Martinez have a nice chemistry, and their relationship provides some much-needed warmth amid all the deception. However, Leo's latest investigation could put that happiness in jeopardy. While I enjoyed it, I did not LOVE IT!  I am holding my judgment for a few months. 

As for Sarah, Brady, and Xander, I appreciate the slower approach. Sarah and Xander have unfinished business, but Brady deserves better than being someone's second choice. I hope the writers allow all three characters to develop rather than rushing into another round of romantic complications.

Holly's determination to find out what happened to Sophia is another storyline worth following. Kristen may think she has handled the situation, but Holly's discovery could unravel everything. I am glad Mason is willing to listen to her rather than dismissing her concerns.

My biggest question heading into next week is what Dominic Marino really wants. Is he genuinely interested in establishing a relationship with his newfound family, or does he have another agenda connected to Stefano? And what happens when Marlena finally meets him?

I would give this week's episodes an 8.5 out of 10. There was a nice balance of family drama, romance, mystery, and suspense. Some storylines moved more slowly than others, but the major developments kept things interesting.

The performances from Deidre Hall, Stacy Haiduk, Greg Rikaart, and the rest of the ensemble helped make the week enjoyable. Most importantly, the writers gave us a Friday cliffhanger that leaves plenty of questions unanswered.

Dominic has arrived, Johnny and Sydney are closing in on EJ, Kristen is hiding secrets of her own, and Leo may be in serious trouble. To be honest DAYS started the first week of November 2026 better than the other soaps!!  Old School Sweeps!