Salem is heating up with big drama, romance, secrets, and shocking twists… including a stunning shooting. Here’s a look at what’s ahead on Days of our Lives this summer and beyond, courtesy of the soap’s summer sizzle preview.
Key Takeaways
- The DiMera family is headed for a power struggle as EJ, Lexie, Johnny, and Chad clash over Stefano’s legacy.
- Multiple Salem romances face major tests, including Sarah and Xander, EJ and Cat, and Philip and Gabi.
- A shocking shooting, a growing drug crisis, and several life-threatening medical emergencies rock Salem this summer.
- Chanel and Lexie face frightening health battles while their loved ones fear the worst.
- Johnny finds himself caught in a dangerous mystery that could expose long-buried secrets.
- Stephanie’s involvement in a shooting raises questions that could change several lives forever.
DiMera Dynasty
Stefano is dead and buried, but his legacy lives on. “Father built an empire, and I must carry his vision forward,” declares EJ (Dan Feuerriegel).
Others in the family have different ideas. “The DiMera name and the company could be something better,” announces Lexie (Nikki Crawford). Johnny (Carson Boatman) concurs. “We have an opportunity to leave a different legacy for our kids than the one that was left for us,” he notes.
Kiriakis Conundrum
Problems escalate in the house of Kiriakis. “If EJ found out we used DiMera money to make the loan payments, we’ll lose everything,” Philip (John-Paul Lavoisier) tells Xander (Paul Telfer) and Alex (Robert Scott Wilson). But Kate (Lauren Koslow) has a plan: “We have to stand together as one, if we don’t, we go down.”
About Johnny
Meanwhile, Johnny declares, “I don’t want to be involved in any of this.” But he ends up in the middle of something cryptic when he secretly searches a room.
Theo (Tyler Joseph Andrews) appears to be onto him. “So tell me, what other heinous things have you been covering up?” he asks
Romantic Twists
Marlena (Deidre Hall) questions Cat (AnnaLynne McCord) about where things stand between her and EJ. “The connection between you and EJ is that personal or professional?” she asks.
Eli (Lamon Archey) surprises Lani (Sal Stowers) with a little afternoon delight, and Chad (Conner Floyd) makes a move on Belle (Martha Madison). “I was just hoping I could give you a proper kiss now,” he says with a smile.
Brady (Eric Martsolf) and Sarah (Linsey Godfrey) exchange “I love yous”, but Xander doesn’t believe his wife has moved on. “I can see it in her eyes,” he tells Marlena during a therapy session. However, Marlena cautions, “You might be deluding yourself that Sarah wants to get back with you.”
And things remain at a stalemate between Philip and Gabi (Cherie Jimenez). “Money not only can’t buy you love, but it also can’t fix what you broke,” Philip barks at his ex.
Crises and Confrontations
Rachel (Lorelei Olivia Mote) worries that the Bayview Sanitarium won’t be able to heal her “like they couldn’t heal Sophia.” And Steve (Stephen Nichols) delivers bad news to Johnny. “If the tainted drugs are still out there, this could be a public health crisis,” he warns.
Sarah (Linsey Godfrey) appears to have made an enemy of EJ. “I just hope that we stop him in time,” she tells Xander. “You do not want to be in EJ’s cross hairs,” cautions Xander.
Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) is already there. “You tried to murder my son,” EJ rages at her.
Later, Chad faces off with Cat about EJ’s machinations. “You knew about all this, and you did nothing,” he scolds her. “There are reasons that I haven’t told you everything,” retorts Cat.
Ready, Aim, Fire
Someone is shot… by Stephanie (Abigail Klein). “You pulled a loaded gun on an innocent person and fired,” Jada (Elia Cantu) recounts to her friend.
Alex arrives at the hospital and asks Joy (AlexAnn Hopkins), “Where’s Kelsey?” “Alex,” cries out Joy before falling into his arms.
Losing It
Tate’s (Leo Howard) concern for Holly (Ashley Puzemis) grows when he discovers meds in her possession. “Those pills aren’t mine,” swears Holly. Tate wants to discuss things, but Holly refuses. When Sarah enters the room, Holly shouts at her, “Get out.”
Dire Diagnoses
Chanel (Raven) ends up at the hospital, where her condition takes a turn for the worse. “She’s bleeding,” Johnny tells Kayla (Mary Beth Evans). “I’m scared,” cries out Chanel.
An ailing Lexie (Nikki Crawford) is in a bed in another room where Theo and Abe (James Reynolds) are sitting vigil. When EJ enters, Abe shouts, “You get the hell out of here.”
Stefano’s Bidding
Yet, EJ makes no apologies. “Everything I do – every decision, every sacrifice, I do for this family,” he roars.
Meanwhile, Chad tells Belle, “Whoever my father’s using to drop these bread crumbs is still out there,” as someone places a key on a chessboard. “It’s better if we do not spread the word.”
