Tuesday’s episode of Days of Our Lives takes a dark and emotional turn, pushing several characters to the edge of their emotional breaking points. At the heart of the drama is Xander, whose unresolved feelings and simmering rage ignite into a shocking act of violence that could change the course of multiple lives.

Kate’s Desperation and the Waiting Game

The episode opens with Kate at the hospital, anxiously waiting for Philip to wake up. Dr. Kayla Johnson tries to temper her expectations, cautioning that Philip likely won’t regain consciousness tonight but could within a few days. Kate, however, is desperate—she needs Philip to wake up to confirm Xander’s guilt and ensure that he’s locked up for good.

Kayla departs, leaving Kate to have a heart-to-heart with her unconscious son before heading off to recover a lost manuscript. Kate later confides in Alex Kiriakis about the missing document. He’s burning the midnight oil when Stephanie drops by with dinner and a thoughtful gift—a framed photo. However, Alex is visibly stressed, overwhelmed by Philip’s condition, Xander’s looming presence, and attending John’s memorial service earlier.

Despite the chaos, Alex promises to make things right with Stephanie. Their reconciliation heats up until Kate catches them in the act. She informs Alex about the lost manuscript. Alex’s initial panic gives way to problem-solving mode, and he assures Kate that he’ll help find it. Kate, however, flatly refuses to return to work for Xander, citing his near-fatal attack on Philip. Alex suggests a compromise—if Xander is found guilty and ousted, maybe she’ll reconsider. Kate hesitantly agrees.

Sarah’s Inner Conflict and Xander’s Manipulation

Meanwhile, Maggie and Sarah talk over tea about John’s death and how he died a hero. The conversation turns to Xander, Sarah’s guilt over trusting him again, and her shaken confidence in herself. She loves Xander, but his actions—especially what happened to Philip—are unforgivable. She even considers leaving Salem with baby Victoria to escape him. Maggie warns that fleeing might backfire since Xander still has parental rights, and a custody battle during a prison sentence could jeopardize Victoria’s future.

Sarah agrees she can’t run anymore and instead must face Xander head-on. She calls him, setting the stage for a major confrontation. Meanwhile, Xander, who’s in the town square admiring a dress he bought for Victoria, has a run-in with EJ. EJ smugly gloats about Xander’s legal troubles and the board vote. Xander, uninterested, walks away in disgust.

Later, Kayla runs into Xander and berates him for his inability to control his anger, saying this could be the end for him. Still reeling, Xander gets Sarah’s call about discussing visitation rights. He heads to the mansion, bitter but pretending to cooperate. Sarah, however, lays down strict rules: supervised visits only, no unannounced drop-ins, and only when it suits Victoria’s schedule. Xander agrees quickly but lashes out, blaming Sarah for what happened to Philip. He accuses her of enabling the situation by letting him get close to Philip.

Belle, Jada, and the Aftermath of Tragedy

At the police station, Belle arrives to help Jada and is determined to see both EJ’s and Philip’s attackers behind bars. She firmly believes they have a solid case against Xander. Meanwhile, Shawn shows up to apologize to Jada for his earlier deception. Jada, still emotional from John’s funeral, praises John for dying a hero and cuts Shawn off before he can explain too much about the meth lab break-in.

A Manuscript Resurfaces

Back at the hospital, Kayla finds the missing manuscript on the nurse’s station. Before she can celebrate, Stephanie arrives wanting to talk about Steve and his decision to close Black Patch. Kayla reassures her daughter that all they can do is support Steve’s choice. Stephanie then plans to throw a celebration dinner at the Beastro, and Kayla, now alone, discovers the manuscript belongs to Stephanie.

EJ later visits Kayla to discuss his new role and the financial boon of the Versix drug that saved Bo. Though Kayla is skeptical about EJ’s motivations, she prays his intentions are sincere. She agrees to review the hospital budget he’s adjusted—but when he leaves, she opens the manuscript instead.

Emotional Crossroads for Belle and EJ

Belle spots EJ later in the square and pretends to be on the phone. EJ catches her bluff and confronts her gently, saying he’ll respect her space if she truly doesn’t want to see him. Belle confesses that she’s just overwhelmed and doesn’t want to disappoint her father. EJ says he loves her and walks away just as Shawn arrives. The two talk about potentially visiting Claire and Theo together in Johannesburg.

The Breaking Point: Xander’s Shocking Attack

Sarah, alone and emotionally distraught, tells Maggie how much she hates Xander—and hates that she still loves him. Maggie offers support, but Sarah is at her wit’s end.

Meanwhile, the episode takes its most chilling turn. Xander, consumed by a toxic blend of rejection, blame, and desperation, sneaks into Philip’s hospital room under the guise of a visit. He fluffs Philip’s pillow, whispering eerily that everything will be over soon. The implication is clear: Xander intends to silence Philip permanently.

As Kate makes one last call to Roman from the hospital, determined to protect her son and retrieve the manuscript, the episode fades out on a heart-pounding cliffhanger—Xander standing over a defenseless Philip, ready to deliver one final, brutal blow.

What’s Next?

Tomorrow’s episode promises explosive consequences. Will Philip survive Xander’s attack? Can Sarah finally break free from Xander’s grip? And what will happen when EJ’s dark past begins to catch up with him? One thing is certain—Salem will never be the same.

Stay tuned. This week, Days of Our Lives doesn’t just bring drama—it brings shockwaves. 💥🏥😱