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Days of Our Lives Full Episode Recap | Who Shot EJ? - Thursday, April 3, 2025 [SPOILERS]

If you thought Salem couldn’t get messier, think again. In Thursday's Days of Our Lives full episode recap, EJ gets a bullet with his name on it, Ava grabs her one-way ticket to Hong Kong (and possibly the title of Most Likely to Shoot a DiMera), and Johnny proves he's inherited both his father’s drama and questionable timing. 

Who shot EJ? | DOOL, Peacock

EJ Toasts to His Enemies and Winds Up Bleeding on the Floor

Oh, EJ. If there were a Salem Award for Most Likely to Get Shot While Toasting Alone, you’d be polishing your trophy right now. Our favorite DiMera villain kicked things off by monologuing to himself like he was auditioning for a one-man show. With a glass in hand and delusion in full swing, he raised a toast to the painting of Stefano and muttered about everyone in town hating his guts. Honestly? Not an exaggeration.

From Kristen and Chanel to Rafe and Gabi, it seems everyone wants a piece of EJ—and not in a flirty way. Even Johnny, his own son, has turned against him courtesy of the ever-blunt Kate and Roman. EJ’s convinced that just about the entire population of Salem has motive to end him, and he’s not wrong.

Gun Control? Never Heard of It in Salem

Meanwhile, across town at the pub, Roman disappears into the back, and Johnny—clearly not suspicious at all—slips behind the bar to unlock the gun box. Because in Salem, liquor isn’t the only thing you can grab off the shelf.

Kate, ever the concerned mother and part-time gunslinger, pulls a weapon from her purse like it’s lip gloss. Her reasoning? Rex was in a hit-and-run, and if EJ was involved, “he will regret it.” Kate, darling, this isn’t a verbal warning. This is full-blown vigilante mama bear mode.

Oh, and let’s not forget Ava. Our shady queen is lurking outside the DiMera mansion, pulling Melinda’s gun out of her bag like she’s heading to a Wild West duel. If there’s one thing Salem women don’t leave home without, it’s a loaded pistol and a grudge.

Bang Bang: EJ DiMera Takes a Bullet to the Chest

EJ is still talking to himself, crowing about how he’s one step ahead. Cute. He raises his drink, smirks “I win,” and then—plot twist—gasps “What are you doing?” before getting shot in the chest. Glass shatters, blood spills, and down goes the DiMera kingpin.

EJ takes a bullet to the chest | DOOL

Chad, who conveniently pops in after the chaos, finds EJ bleeding out on the floor. He immediately calls 911 and does what all good brothers do: loosens EJ’s tie and tries to keep him conscious. Considering these two have the warm, brotherly chemistry of a frozen steak, it’s a big moment.

The Salem Gossip Mill Kicks into Overdrive

Back at the police station, JJ is doing the Lord’s work trying to keep tabs on Gabi—who is MIA, because of course she is—when he gets word of the shooting. His face drops faster than a DiMera stock price during a scandal.

Meanwhile, over at the hospital, Kayla is mid-fundraiser banter with Kat (who’s totally not trying to hook up with Chad, she swears), when she gets beeped for a gunshot wound incoming. Chad arrives soon after, blood on his hands—literally—and tells her his brother was shot. The drama level? A solid ten out of ten.

Kat’s lurking like she’s about to offer thoughts and prayers, but Chad's too stunned to care. JJ shows up for a statement, but as Chad so perfectly puts it, “If you want a list of my brother’s enemies, we’re going to be here all night.” Truer words have never been spoken in Salem.

Ava Exits Stage Left (With One Last Trash Can Drop)

Just when you think this day couldn’t get any more dramatic, Ava announces she’s peacing out of Salem—for good. She claims she’s off to Hong Kong and finally done with all this madness. 

Before skipping town, she has one last shady stare-down with Kate and a suspiciously heartfelt goodbye with Roman. But the real kicker? She ditches her gun in a public trash can like it’s yesterday’s leftovers. Ava, you’re a mob princess, not an amateur. At least bury it under some banana peels or something.

Roman wishes her well, proving once again that he’s the only adult in this town. Kate, however, is not done with her EJ obsession and immediately circles back to whether or not he targeted Rex. She’s ready to go full Liam Neeson, and honestly? We support that energy.

Johnny’s Whereabouts: A Big Ol’ Question Mark

Over on the Chanel-Paulina front, Johnny’s MIA and Chanel’s in full panic mode. Paulina’s trying to play therapist while Chanel vents about how much Johnny’s been struggling—especially after losing the adoption. Blame it on EJ? Don’t mind if she does.

Paulina nods along and reveals she too has fantasized about Salem without certain toxic men (ahem, Lani’s father). Chanel admits she actually said that out loud to EJ, which, given what happens next, might not age well.

Johnny finally rolls in looking guilty, dazed, and clearly hiding something. His phone’s been off, and when Chanel asks where he’s been, he mutters something about walking in the park. Sweetie, you’re not fooling anyone. Not your girlfriend, not your mother-in-law, and definitely not the audience.

Then his phone rings. It’s Chad. Surprise! EJ’s been shot, and it’s not looking good. Johnny barely reacts, then coldly tells the room, “He got what he deserves.” Chanel looks like she’s just seen a ghost. Paulina looks like she’s already plotting her next move. Salem, you never disappoint.

CSI: Salem – Clues, Cameras and Gun Drama

Back at the DiMera mansion, JJ shows up to examine the crime scene. The place is crawling with cops, and the CSI team points out that Commissioner Hunter is nowhere to be found. Great. Another missing person.

JJ eyes the statue Rafe once bugged (seriously, everyone should check their home decor at this point), while Ava, already halfway out of town, casually tosses the gun and hightails it out.

Meanwhile, Roman notices the gun that Johnny “borrowed” earlier is magically back in the box. No one’s talking, but everyone’s eyebrows are raised.

The Final Act: Who Shot EJ?

In true Days fashion, the episode ends with just enough chaos to keep fans screaming at their TVs. Johnny breaks the news to Chanel and Paulina: EJ was shot. Chanel’s halfway out the door ready to support her man when Johnny flatly states he doesn’t care what happens to his father. Well then.

Over at the hospital, Chad is still waiting for updates and finally gets eyes on Kayla. “How is he?” he asks. Good question, Chad. The better one? Who pulled the trigger. Because in this town, everyone had a motive—and a weapon.

Follow us at Soap Opera Reviews for daily spoilers and recaps. We live for the drama!

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