In the December 5 episode of Days of Our Lives, Jennifer may have spent the morning packing court clothes and judgment, but the second Chad failed to materialize at the courthouse, you could practically see the gears turning behind that earnest Horton expression. Suddenly, she had the one thing she’s never had in this custody fight: momentum. And she didn’t waste a second shifting from “concerned family member” to “we’re leaving town tonight.” For someone claiming this is all about Thomas’ best interests, she didn’t seem rattled at all by Chad’s disappearance.
Key Takeaways
- Chad’s disappearance is the best thing that could’ve happened to Jennifer’s custody case.
- Jennifer’s urgency feels a little more opportunistic than motherly.
- Cat’s suspicions about EJ hit critical mass — complete with chemical assistance.
- Gabi gets her company back and keeps her enemies close.
- The DiMera crypt remains the most productive location in Salem.
Jennifer Sees an Opening — and Takes It
Jennifer (Melissa Reeves) has been trying to win custody of Thomas (Cary Christopher) and Charlotte (Autumn Gendron) in the court of public opinion, Jack’s (Matthew Ashford) pep talks, and sheer Horton stubbornness. But today she finally got the missing puzzle piece: Chad was actually missing. Not late. Not avoiding her. Gone. And she pounced on it with a speed that would make even Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney) proud.
Her little detour for courtroom clothes suddenly turned into “pack a bag, Thomas.” Jack didn’t blink, which tells you everything — that this wasn’t a parental panic, it was a strategy. Thomas barely had time to process that his dad didn’t show up before Jennifer was scheduling a multi-state relocation in her head.
And yes, she agreed to the continuance. Very gracious. Very reasonable. But the second they walked through their front door, she was ready to vanish faster than a DiMera with a secret.
MORE: Are you Team Jennifer or Team Chad?
Meanwhile, Cat Goes Full Salem Noir
Across town, Cat (AnnaLynne McCord) was doing her own brand of investigative work — which is to say, she’s suspicious, fed up, and not above pharmaceutical solutions. Her run-in with Jennifer in the square didn’t help; being condescended to by a Horton rarely does. So she caught her breath, pulled herself together, and pushed harder.
By the time she got home, she was fully convinced EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) was mixed up in something, and proof could come later. Using her ISA training, she did what she thought was right: Drug EJ so that he passed out. Where that goes remains to be seen.
And somewhere under the DiMera mansion, Chad (Billy Flynn) filled in Tony (Thaao Penghlis) and Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) about how he was missing court, which would be a disaster. Meanwhile, Jennifer plotted her exit, and EJ saw stars. Salem, as always, rewards the bold — and today, that was Jennifer and Cat.
