Welcome back, Days of Our Lives fans! We’ve got a gripping and dramatic episode recap for you today, and trust us—you won’t want to miss a second. As tensions rise and secrets are revealed, alliances crack and arrests shock Salem. Let’s dive right in.

Steve is spearheading a high-stakes rescue mission he’s calling “Operation Save Bo.” Determined to get his brother the treatment he desperately needs, Steve joins forces with Shawn to break into Dr. Russell’s lab and secure the life-saving drug. Steve believes Kayla must be brought into the plan, given her knowledge of the lab and its security. Though hesitant at first, Kayla soon realizes that Bo’s time is running out and quietly gives Steve her tacit approval to “review” the research—just as she mysteriously steps out of her office for a conveniently timed meeting.

Meanwhile, the drama outside the lab is no less explosive. In Horton Town Square, Chad shares a bench—and a warning—with Cat. He strongly advises her to reconsider going on a date with EJ. Although he loves his brother, Chad suspects EJ is being manipulative, as usual. Cat admits she’s puzzled by EJ’s sudden interest, especially since his first act after waking from a coma was bidding on a date with her. Chad pleads with her to delay the date until he can have a heart-to-heart with EJ.

Elsewhere at the Salem Inn, Johnny invites Marina into his room and opens up about the heartbreaking fallout between him and Chanel over the failed adoption. He confesses that Chanel was devastated when he confessed, under Marina’s advice, that he didn’t feel ready for fatherhood. Marina assures him that with time, Chanel may come to understand his position—but Johnny isn’t so sure. He fears that by expressing his honest feelings, he may have destroyed his marriage.

Back at the DiMera mansion, Chanel arrives in a fury and blasts EJ, mistakenly thinking he sabotaged the adoption. Chanel accuses him of stealing Johnny’s sense of worth, saying, “You stole that joy and that light from him, and I’ll never stop hating you for it.” As she storms out, she bumps into Marina and vents her frustrations again. Marina listens empathetically, and Chanel finally admits that the biggest pain came from Johnny hiding his feelings from her. In that moment, she realizes she may have lost not just the opportunity to be a mother—but possibly her husband as well.

Marina returns to find EJ struggling with his emotions as he gazes at a photo of Johnny. When she gently prods, EJ denies believing Johnny would ever harm him, but his hesitation speaks volumes. He begs Marina to pass along a message of love and support to Johnny, knowing his own guilt and distance have taken a toll.

Back at Horton Square, Cat runs into Chanel and quickly picks up on her emotional turmoil. Chanel warns Cat to stay far away from EJ, blaming him entirely for Johnny’s change of heart. Cat offers sympathy and urges Chanel not to give up on love just yet, subtly suggesting she speak to Johnny directly. It’s advice that doesn’t fall on deaf ears.

At the hospital, Cat confides in Marina about her unease over the fundraiser prize—her date with EJ. Marina echoes Chad’s suspicions, warning that EJ often has ulterior motives.

In the midst of these unfolding dramas, Johnny seeks out Shawn, who is dealing with his own guilt over Bo’s condition. Johnny offers his condolences and updates Shawn on the emotional fallout from the failed adoption. In return, Shawn opens up about the joys and fears of fatherhood, striking a chord with Johnny. It’s a heartfelt exchange, and Johnny admits he’s reeling from learning the truth about EJ’s past actions against Sami.

Later, Johnny returns to his hotel room and is surprised by a visit from Chanel. She’s had time to think and now sees how Johnny’s uncertainty about becoming a father was shaped by his own traumatic family history. While she’s not ready to forgive him just yet, Chanel acknowledges the complexity of the situation and tells Johnny that many people are rooting for them. Johnny promises to fight for their marriage, holding onto hope.

Back in Kayla’s office, Dr. Russell drops in and firmly reiterates his refusal to use the experimental drug on Bo. Despite Kayla’s pleas—and her logical argument that success could boost his career—Russell remains unmoved. He changes the subject to leaving the hospital altogether, insisting he won’t allow his research to be misused. The conversation grows tense, and Russell accuses Kayla of retaliating against him out of spite. Their standoff leaves Kayla visibly shaken.

Shortly after, Steve arrives and Kayla fills him in. He requests access to Russell’s research, and Kayla quickly figures out Steve’s true motive. When Steve finally confesses that he intends to retrieve the drug, Kayla doesn’t object. Instead, she gives him an opening—by heading off to a meeting and leaving her office conveniently unguarded. Steve understands the message and prepares for what could be a criminal break-in… all in the name of saving Bo.

But the danger isn’t limited to stolen drugs and broken hearts. With rising tensions, conflicting agendas, and deep-seated betrayals bubbling to the surface, the walls are closing in fast. It’s only a matter of time before someone slips up… and someone gets caught.

And that moment finally arrives. As Steve and Shawn sneak into the lab after hours, their risky plan is interrupted—by flashing lights and the sound of sirens. The police burst in, weapons drawn. After a brief standoff, Steve and Shawn are handcuffed on the spot. The two men are officially under arrest, accused of attempted theft and conspiracy.

The episode ends on a shocking cliffhanger. Who tipped off the authorities? Will Kayla confess her involvement? And what will happen to Bo now that his only hope has been confiscated?

Stay tuned, because in Salem, secrets never stay buried for long—and justice isn’t always what it seems.