Days of Our Lives Full Episode Recap | Xander Explodes, Sami Leaves Salem with Vivian - Friday, April 18, 2025 [SPOILERS]

In Friday's Days of Our Lives full episode recap, Xander kicks Philip to the curb, Gabi plays defense, and Sami makes a break for it... but not before a surprising seatmate joins her flight.

Xander learns the truth | DOOL, Peacock

JJ and Shawn Attempt Detective Work — and Flop Spectacularly

Nothing screams "small town cops" louder than JJ and Shawn trying to play Sherlock Holmes at the Salem PD. JJ’s buried in Gabi’s file, muttering doom and gloom, when Shawn swings by looking for updates. JJ’s brilliant summary? “Picture your worst nightmare.” Apparently, Gabi didn’t bother to deny shooting EJ, had zero alibi, lied about leaving the house, and pulled excuses so flimsy you could see through them. While they bond over their mutual failure to close a case, Shawn gets a tip alert and scampers off. Good luck with that one, bud.

Gabi Puts Melinda on Retainer — Because What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

Over at Gabi Chic’s shiny new office, Melinda's popping by to scoop up her sad box of fired belongings. Gabi, ever the opportunist, decides this is the perfect time to hire Melinda — you know, since JJ's throwing around attempted murder accusations like confetti. When Melinda asks why the hell JJ thinks Gabi shot EJ, Gabi basically gives the world’s biggest shrug. Classic Gabi.

Gabi hires Melinda | DOOL

Melinda, savvy as ever, points out that yeah, Gabi’s got motive written all over her, but hey, cash is cash. They shake on their little devil’s bargain and bond over mutual hatred for the Kiriakis men. Gabi’s confident they’ll crash and burn in spectacular fashion. Spoiler alert: she's probably not wrong.

But before Melinda sashays out, she throws down a big lawyerly NO: Gabi is not to so much as breathe in JJ’s direction without her around.

Melinda Almost Gets Cuffed — Because Why Should Gabi Have All the Fun?

Melinda, flexing her new legal muscles, struts into the station to set JJ straight: talk to Gabi again without her, and he’ll be eating a lawsuit for breakfast. Unfortunately for her, karma shows up real fast. Shawn strolls in, waves a little baggie with a gun in her face, and asks, "You lose something?"

Turns out, it’s her gun. The same one conveniently tossed after EJ got shot. Melinda’s defense? She loaned it to Ava — who, by the way, recently had her gun rights stripped. Minor detail, right? Melinda tries to bolt, but JJ blocks her with an arrest. Of course, they end up letting her slink away with a stern warning, but the damage is done. Trust Salem’s finest to half-commit to a crime scene.

Sami Bids Salem Goodbye — But First, Drama

Meanwhile, Rafe is awkwardly futzing with his wiretap setup like he's starring in "How Not to Spy 101" when Sami drops in to say her goodbyes. She’s basking in the glory of supposedly leaving town without blowing it up. Rafe, bless him, doesn’t have the heart to immediately correct her.

Rafe says goodbye to Sami | DOOL

Instead, he drops a bombshell: he told Jada about his and Sami’s little tryst. Sami’s reaction? Straight-up horror. She reads him for absolute filth, pointing out that he clearly missed the "keep your mouth shut" memo she’s been living by for years.

But in true Sami fashion, she flips it into a lecture about self-improvement. She suggests Rafe grovel appropriately, maybe even whip up an apology video. He chickens out at first, but eventually caves. After some heartfelt advice, Sami hugs Rafe goodbye — one of the few genuinely sweet moments in this mess.

Vivian Ambushes Philip & It’s Delicious

Philip gets ambushed by Vivian in the town square, who smirks her way through the reveal that she ratted him out to Xander. Mother of the Year energy right there. Philip's meltdown is immediate. He whines about being broke now that the secret’s out, but Vivian, ever the queen of petty, tells him self-respect is the new currency. Good luck paying rent with that, Philip.

Vivian tells Philip everything | DOOL

Later, Vivian runs into Gabi at Small Bar. It’s tense, it’s hostile, and it’s everything we love about Days of Our Lives. Gabi warns her off, but Vivian, who practically invented the art of the casual insult, reminds Gabi that she’s already lost everything that mattered. Vivian struts out without even breaking a sweat, leaving Gabi to stew.

Xander Lights Philip Up Like a Christmas Tree

Now to the moment we’ve all been waiting for: Xander, glorious hothead that he is, storms into the Kiriakis mansion, guzzles a drink, and dramatically announces betrayal. Sarah, poor thing, is already panicking when Philip slinks in like the world's saddest weasel.

Xander wants answers from Philip | DOOL

Vivian’s been busy — she told Xander everything. Philip doesn’t even bother denying it. Yes, he admits, he lied, schemed, and stole half of Xander’s company, but it’s fine because it "gave him a reason to live." Insert world's tiniest violin here.

Xander, who is absolutely not in the mood for therapy hour, demands to know who else was involved. Philip insists it was a two-man circus act — no outsiders. He claims he actually liked working with Xander, even saw him as family. Cute. Xander kicks him to the curb anyway, and Sarah swoops in to hug him once the trash has taken itself out.

Xander wants to know who else was involved with Philip | DOOL

Last-Minute Chaos — Would It Be Days Without It?

As Rafe tries to focus on his wiretap again (good luck), Gabi shows up and derails his life yet again. Somewhere across town, Melinda insists loaning out a gun isn’t a crime — except when it is. JJ informs her they’re watching her like hawks.

Xander, heartbroken but standing tall, assures Sarah he never doubted her loyalty.

And in a final bizarre twist, Sami and Vivian bump into each other while waiting for rideshares. They realize — horror of horrors — they’re on the same flight, sitting next to each other. Vivian is thrilled about this bonding opportunity. Sami? Less so. Let’s just say her enthusiasm could not be more fake if she tried.

Vivian & Sami leave Salem together | DOOL

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