Simmering grudges, high-stakes international gambles, and escalating custody battles are about to rock Salem and beyond. During the week of September 7-11, Days of Our Lives promises a packed slate of explosive drama, complete with a long-awaited character return and fresh career moves.
From European escapades to lingering family hostilities, several fan favorites find themselves walking a dangerous emotional tightrope.
EJ Gatecrashes Italy as Sydney DiMera Makes Her Debut
As Chad DiMera (Conner Floyd) and Belle Black (Martha Madison) venture off to Italy to untangle the baffling chessboard mystery, they might not stay alone for long. EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel) could crash the trip, becoming an unexpected third wheel in his quest to gather information on the situation himself.
An Italian excursion also creates the perfect opportunity for EJ to reconnect with the daughter he shares with Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney). Internet rumblings suggest that actress Sydney Malakeh might make her DOOL debut on September 9 as a recast for Sydney DiMera.
While Sydney currently resides in Italy with Sami, fans are speculating that the young DiMera could decide to pack her bags and move back to Salem with EJ, creating a dynamic storyline reset for the character.
High-Stakes Charades in Monte Carlo and Italy Romances
Meanwhile, the European drama does not stop with the DiMera family. Philip Kiriakis (John-Paul Lavoisier) and Gabi Hernandez (Cherie Jimenez) are poised to finally arrive in Monte Carlo.
The pair is pushing forward with their engagement charade to secure entry into a pivotal, high-stakes poker game that could alter the trajectory of the Kiriakis family forever. Back in Italy, the ongoing journey could unlock hidden secrets for Chad and Belle, bringing the two even closer together as they face shared threats.
Joy Hires Melinda Trask as Alex’s Custody Nightmare Escalates
Back in Salem, custody tension turns fierce between Alex Kiriakis (Robert Scott Wilson) and Joy Wesley (AlexAnn Hopkins). Although Alex remains determined to find a peaceful resolution, Joy takes a drastic step by reaching out to formidable attorney Melinda Trask (Tina Huang).
Joy appears to be on the verge of making another aggressive legal play against the father of her child. To make matters worse, Alex recently permitted Steve Johnson (Stephen Nichols) and Kayla Johnson (Mary Beth Evans) to babysit little Kelsey Kiriakis (Lena and Mira Chase).
Word of Alex outsourcing childcare to the Johnsons is expected to sit terribly with Joy, potentially giving her more fuel to burn him in court.
Lani Saves Holly and Eyes a Fresh Career Path
In another part of town, Holly Jonas (Ashley Puzemis) remains deeply shaken after being held at knifepoint in a frightening mugging incident. Fortunately, Lani Price-Grant (Sal Stowers) jumped into action, taking down the assailant and proving her combat instincts are as sharp as ever.
With her twins starting kindergarten, Lani has been actively considering ways to fill her days. While her past felony conviction legally prevents her from rejoining the Salem Police Department, her heroic rescue of Holly highlights skills that could be put to good use.
Lani could potentially pivot toward private security work or partner up with Tate Black (Leo Howard) to teach self-defense classes. With Tate’s business growing rapidly, he could certainly use an experienced partner to help manage the workload.
Mason’s Mystery Hostility Toward Holly
Despite surviving the street attack, Holly continues to be baffled by the hostiles vibes she receives from Mason Whitfield (Brandon Butler). Mason makes no attempt to hide his obvious problem with her, leaving Holly desperate to figure out what triggered his bad attitude.
Speculation is mounting over the root of Mason’s coldness. The hostility could be connected to Sophia Choi’s (Rachel Boyd) tragic demise, or it might trace back to Dr. Daniel Jonas (Shawn Christian), given the recent mentions of Holly’s late father.
It seems entirely possible that Mason holds a deep-seated grudge regarding how Dr. Jonas treated a member of his family years ago. If so, the simple fact that Holly carries the Jonas surname could be triggering resentment over a past situation that was completely out of her control. Ultimately, Holly may reach her breaking point, confront Mason directly, and demand to know why he harbors such intense animosity toward her.
Will Joy’s aggressive legal maneuver with Melinda cost Alex his rights to Kelsey, and what dark truth will Holly uncover when she finally confronts Mason?
