Salem is preparing to say farewell, but in true Days of Our Lives fashion, that goodbye might come with a twist no one expected. As emotional previews roll out for the week of May 26th through May 30th, John Black, a central figure in the show’s decades-long legacy, faces the gravest challenge of his life. But what starts as a heartbreaking tribute to a legendary character might take an unexpected turn as Days introduces a powerful, emotionally charged storyline that could change everything.

The week begins on a somber note. Salem University Hospital becomes the setting for what appears to be John Black’s final moments. Longtime fans brace themselves as the man who’s survived everything from mind control and amnesia to deadly enemies now lies unconscious, barely clinging to life. His beloved partner, Marlena Evans, is not simply by his side—she is in his hospital bed, refusing to let go, arms wrapped around him in a wordless plea for him to stay. It’s a moment so raw and powerful it instantly conveys the weight of their shared history.

Friends and family begin to gather as news of John’s critical condition spreads. The atmosphere becomes more like a wake than a standard soap scene. Abe Carver walks into John’s room and speaks the quiet but poignant words: “We’re family, John.” A phrase that resonates deeply in Salem, where family has always meant more than bloodlines.

Elsewhere in the hospital, Kayla Brady is seen grieving beside her husband Steve “Patch” Johnson, both devastated by the impending loss of their closest friend. These four characters once took on the world together, and now, it seems that era is ending.

One by one, familiar faces return to say their goodbyes. Paul Narita gently touches his father’s hand. Brady Black stands in silent anguish, tears threatening to fall. Will Horton arrives, visibly shaken, followed by Carrie Brady, who immediately embraces Marlena in shared heartbreak. Eric Brady, a man of faith, returns to offer one final conversation with the man who helped shape his life. Belle Black sits by her father’s side, her emotions barely concealed.

Then, comes a line that shifts the tone of the preview. Marlena, in a quiet conversation with Kayla, says: “Family is what’s in your heart… what gives you life… what makes life worth living.” It’s a reminder of what Days of Our Lives has always stood for. Beneath the drama and chaos, it has always been about love, connection, and the unbreakable bonds of chosen family.

But just when it feels like this will be the final chapter, a spark of hope is lit.

Flashbacks reveal that the tragedy in the hospital stems from an earlier heroic act. In a gripping scene that aired just before this week’s emotional hospital episodes, a catastrophic explosion at a laboratory set the stage for John’s injuries. As chaos erupted in the smoke-filled lab, John threw himself into danger to protect others. Dr. Russell, the lead researcher on the experimental drug Versix—a compound believed to be Bo Brady’s last hope—was nearly killed when a mysterious assailant attacked. But John intervened, putting himself in harm’s way.

As fire consumed the lab, and after a struggle with the attacker, John was found by firefighters—alive but barely. Covered in burns and unresponsive, he had only one thought in his final moments of strength. Clutched in his hand was a vial—the last sample of Versix. With lab alarms blaring and the world closing in, he forced the vial into Russell’s hand and whispered, “Go save Bo.”

Even in near death, John Black remained a hero.

Back in the hospital, Hope Brady and her son Shawn rush in with the vial, pleading for doctors to begin treatment. As Bo lies motionless, Hope sits beside him, clutching his hand while her children gather around. They begin to pray, hoping the miracle John fought so hard to deliver will bring Bo back.

And here’s where the Days of Our Lives magic takes hold. In a show where miracles happen, and love has been known to bring people back from the brink, fans begin to hope that John’s story isn’t over. The tears continue to fall, but there’s a shift. Maybe, just maybe, this isn’t goodbye.

In the closing scenes of the preview, as Marlena lays beside John and whispers “Don’t leave us now,” we’re no longer sure what the outcome will be. Is this the end of John Black—or the beginning of a new chapter shaped by love, legacy, and sacrifice?

Drake Hogestyn, the actor behind the beloved character, delivers a performance so layered with sincerity and strength that it feels less like acting and more like saying goodbye to an old friend. Whether or not John survives, the impact of his actions, his loyalty, and his unshakeable courage will echo through Salem forever.

This week’s episodes aren’t just for long-time viewers—they’re for anyone who believes in the power of legacy. And while fans may prepare for tears, they may also be preparing for something greater: a breakthrough that gives us back not just a hero, but hope.

Stay tuned. Because in Salem, even at the edge of goodbye, miracles can still happen.