The fallout from a dangerous gunshot is sending shockwaves through Salem, leaving Stephanie Johnson facing severe consequences while caught in an emotional vice. As she struggles to navigate Alex Kiriakis’ new reality, an unexpected sounding board steps forward: Chad DiMera. Chad is set to offer Stephanie advice on how to handle her complicated situation with Alex, but whether his guidance will defend Alex or tear him down remains a burning question for daytime fans.
Chad DiMera Understands Alex’s Protective Instincts
Chad knows better than anyone what it means to be a grieving, protective father trying to safeguard his children. Years ago, Chad suffered the tragic loss of his wife, and when he later dated Stephanie, she moved in with him and formed a deep, loving bond with his kids. Stephanie was incredible with his children, and they grew to adore her before her life was upended when she was kidnapped a second time by Owen Kent.
Because of their shared history, Chad understands that Stephanie would never intentionally set out to harm a child. However, the reality of her recent actions cannot be ignored: Stephanie fired a gun at Joy Wesley inside their apartment.
Stephanie might be forced to face the harsh consequences of that shooting, even as Chad considers whether to offer her comfort. It seems possible that Chad could reassure Stephanie that she can eventually win Joy over once she gets her life back on track. At the same time, Chad understands a father’s fierce drive to protect his daughter, leaving viewers wondering if he might actually defend Alex and validate his feelings toward Joy.
A Complicated History of Mistrust
On the flip side, Chad’s personal history with Alex is anything but warm. Chad has never trusted Alex and has never particularly liked him, especially given that both men were in love with Stephanie at the same time.
Chad is well aware of Alex’s long history as a player. Now, Alex is giving in to the demands of another woman despite being married to Stephanie. Chad has never truly believed that Alex deserved a woman like Stephanie in the first place.
Given those lingering bad feelings, Chad could easily bring up all of Alex’s past misdeeds, pointing out how big of a mistake Stephanie made by trusting him in the first place. However, Chad genuinely cares for Stephanie and likely does not want to cause her additional pain by harping on Alex’s flaws. Will Chad choose to trash his rival, or could he surprisingly give Alex the benefit of the doubt by explaining that this entire crisis boils down to a father protecting his daughter?
Chad Has Been on Both Sides of the Fence
Ultimately, Chad finds himself uniquely qualified to offer perspective because he has been on both sides of this emotional fence. Stephanie is not mentally ill, but her raw trauma from her past kidnapping left her completely unprepared to handle a firearm safely. Possessing a gun in her fragile state was a massive mistake, and firing it at Joy in their shared apartment was a dangerous misstep.
Everyone in town recognizes that Stephanie made an awful error, but as a parent, Chad knows exactly how far he would go to protect his own offspring. It appears entirely possible that Chad could be the one person honest enough to tell Stephanie just how badly she messed up.
If Chad sides with a parent’s protective instincts, he might see Joy’s perspective and explain to Stephanie that Alex’s reaction is completely justified. If Chad delivers that harsh reality check, Stephanie could end up feeling even worse about her standing with Alex.
Will Chad’s advice push Stephanie to fight for her marriage, or will his perspective convince her that Alex’s priorities have permanently shifted away from her?
