Susan Banks returned on Days of Our Lives determined to rescue EJ from Stefano’s influence, and her solution was to blame the Phoenix ring. She spiritually cleansed it, handed it back, and hoped the problem had been resolved. The trouble is that EJ’s darkest decisions are no longer coming from a piece of jewelry or a dead father’s spirit whispering instructions. They are coming from EJ.
Key Takeaways
- Susan blamed Stefano’s influence and the Phoenix ring instead of facing the fact that EJ keeps choosing his own darkness.
- EJ framed Holly and later ordered Kristen’s kidnapping despite repeated chances to change course.
- EJ’s regret shows he understands the damage he causes, but remorse means little when his choices remain the same.
Susan Keeps Looking for Stefano’s Shadow
Susan (Stacy Haiduk) has spent years warning EJ (Dan Feuerriegel, who is DAYS’ Performer of the Month for July) not to become Stefano (the late Joe Mascolo), which made her latest visit familiar. She sensed evil in the ring, removed it, and performed a cleansing ritual before returning it to him.
That gave everyone a practical object to blame, easier than admitting her son knew exactly what he was doing. EJ had already framed Holly (Ashley Puzemis) by planting pills in her bag, then visited her hospital room and promised to protect her.
Marlena (Deidre Hall) reminded him that he was capable of goodness, while Sarah (Linsey Godfrey), Xander (Paul Telfer), and Brady (Eric Martsolf) started gathering proof against him. None of that required supernatural influence, unless Stefano’s ghost has become interested in pharmaceutical evidence.
Susan insisted she would know if EJ kidnapped Gwen (Emly O’Brien), and she was right about that crime. Dimitri (Peter Porte) took Gwen, but EJ’s innocence there did not erase everything else. Susan keeps searching for an outside force to defeat, while EJ keeps making the next choice himself.
EJ’s Regret Did Not Stop Kristen’s Kidnapping
EJ and Kristen (also Stacy Haiduk) shared an emotional goodbye that gave him several chances to change course. They admitted how far their hatred had gone, spoke about their children, and acknowledged that Stefano would not be proud. EJ even told Kristen that she was the most DiMera of them all, then sent the order to have her taken.
His sadness afterward mattered, but it did not rescue Kristen from the cargo container. Rita (Maggie Carney) noticed that something was wrong, and EJ admitted the decision hurt. Remorse arrived on schedule, but the kidnapping still went ahead.
That is the battle Susan may need to face now. EJ still has good in him, and his regret proves he is not numb to the damage. Yet regret without a different choice only means he fully understands the pain before causing it anyway. Stefano may have shaped him, but EJ is the one keeping the family business open.
MORE Take a look at what’s unraveling next in Salem.
