Days of Our Lives Weekly Recap 5-26

Marlena continues to stand vigil at John’s bedside, encouraging him. He flatlines but is revived. Steve tells Paul and Belle just how much of a hero John is. Later, Marlena heads to the chapel to pray and reflects on everything she and John have overcome. Belle joins her, and they talk about John’s medical proxy and his determination to fight until the end.

Maggie and Xander have it out—she makes it clear she’s always been in his corner, but not this time. She’s disgusted by his

actions toward Phillip, knows Victor would never have stood for it, and vows to protect her daughter and granddaughter. (Maggie was not playing—she was extra feisty!)

Brady and Sarah talk about John’s condition. Sarah keeps quiet about Xander’s motive. Soon after, Xander walks in. Alone, he and Sarah have words. Brady and Paul reflect on their father. Paul wishes he had more time with John but shares that he and Andrew plan to marry in Salem.

Meanwhile, Maggie realizes Victor’s portrait is missing. We see Xander cutting it up and tossing it in the trash.

At the Salem Inn, Javi and Leo discuss Javi’s future—possibly returning to work as a paramedic despite his trauma.

Gabi is frantic over a missing Ari, who’s actually with Doug enjoying breakfast at the hotel. Gabi and JJ spot Ari in the Square. Gabi scolds her, and Ari apologizes. Gabi also apologizes to Javi, who’s still hurt but tells her they’ll be okay. JJ gets a call and informs them about John’s condition—Ari is visibly affected.

Doug visits Leo and asks for help locating the Horton diamond necklace to return to Julie. Leo agrees. Later, Javi returns home and announces he’ll apply to the Salem Fire Department.

Tate and Johnny learn about John’s condition. In the Square, Johnny and Chanel run into an emotional Tate and offer support.

Sophia seeks legal advice from Melinda about adoption. Although she’s 18, Melinda suggests she try to calm her mother’s objections. When Amy arrives, she throws shade at Melinda—until Melinda shares the story of her sister Haley. Amy is moved, and both she and Sophia thank Melinda. After Amy leaves, Tate arrives and refuses Melinda’s help due to her role in the Sloan/Jude ordeal. Melinda tells Sophia to reach out if she changes her mind.

Belle questions Alex, who eventually admits he saw Xander acting cagey leaving the Salem Inn. At the hospital, Kate visits Phillip while Abe and Paulina wait for updates on John. They wonder about Xander’s motive, and while Kate knows the truth, she dodges Abe’s questions.

Johnny and Roman talk about family. Roman reassures Johnny he’s worthy of his name. Johnny notices a locked box is missing. Roman claims he moved it after recovering it—and then directly asks if Johnny shot EJ. Johnny denies it and leaves.

EJ tells Kristen about John’s condition. She has a moment, and EJ hilariously tries to console her. They talk about her past with John—and then about his son (tangled web, indeed). Kristen breaks the news to Rachel, who is upset. She confides that she saw Johnny and EJ arguing and that EJ had a gun. Since EJ took away her grandmother, Rachel feels he got what he deserved. Kristen gently reminds her that EJ is still family. They agree to keep it a secret. Rachel later complains of stomach pain, and Kristen takes her to the hospital.

Carrie visits John, and her scene with Marlena is one of the week’s most emotional. They reflect on how John raised her even after learning he wasn’t her biological father. Marlena tells her biology doesn’t matter—she is their daughter. Carrie sits with John, then reconnects with Abe, who also shares time alone with John.

Belle tries to talk to Johnny about EJ, but it goes poorly. Later, Johnny sees EJ fall in the Square—he almost helps, but decides not to. Roman later tells Kate he isn’t sure he believes Johnny’s denial about shooting EJ.

Kayla updates Brady on John, Bo, and the hospital vote. Kristen tells Brady she and Rachel are headed to the hospital too.

In Jada’s office, she contemplates texting Shawn and finally does. Belle walks in, and Jada voices concern for Shawn. Belle shares only enough to avoid incriminating Jada. They discuss Phillip’s assault and the growing evidence against Xander, though the EJ shooting remains unsolved. Both suspect Ava.

Chad helps EJ after his fall, and they prepare for the hospital board vote. EJ insists he needs his brother’s vote after losing the company, and Chad agrees to support him. Xander leaves a message for Sarah, then calls Melinda to represent him before walking out. Maggie and Julie lament having to choose between EJ and Xander—neither are ideal. Kayla assures them the vote will be anonymous. When Xander arrives, things get heated. Kayla and Julie stand by Maggie as Xander confronts her. EJ delivers a smug “IF” when Xander claims he’ll own the hospital.

Brady and Kristen talk about keeping Rachel’s knowledge of EJ’s shooting quiet to protect custody. Rachel mentions how nice Sarah is and remembers her birthday—a nod to the time Sarah tried to keep her after her real daughter died. (Great history callback!) Brady lashes out at EJ over John’s condition and past issues. The votes are tallied: EJ wins control of the hospital. Just as the announcement is made, Jada arrives to arrest Xander for assault.

Paul and Marlena keep vigil at John’s bedside and reflect on their bond.

Brady still resents voting for EJ but couldn’t bring himself to support Xander after what he did to Phillip. Kristen and Rachel arrive. Rachel gives her grandfather a card. They run into Johnny, and Rachel tenses—Brady notices. Rachel, Kristen, and Eric soon cross paths.

Will catches up with Belle. He says Sami and Sydney are on their way and confirms Ari’s in town. Will visits John and finds Paul and Marlena there. Eric shows Jude’s photos while Johnny walks away. Will later comforts Johnny, who confides about feeling like an outsider. Will reassures him that he’s always there if he needs to talk.

Brady shares a heartfelt moment with his father, praising him and reminiscing about his late mother, Isabella.

Paul confirms the Salem wedding to his brothers. Kristen confronts EJ—if he wants her silence about Johnny, she wants her mother back and a promise never to return to Salem. Everyone must stay quiet.

Finally, there’s hope—John is making progress. Marlena reflects on happier times.