Days of Our Lives Recap | Ari’s Back, Philip’s Busted, and Salem Is Buzzing - Tuesday, May 20, 2025 [SPOILERS]

On Tuesday's Days of Our Lives, Arianna finally comes home, Philip’s beating becomes the talk of the town, and Julie isn’t holding back on anyone. From Belle playing hero to Paulina calling out EJ’s nonsense, here’s your DOOL recap.

Arianna comes home | DOOL, Peacock

Chaos in the Kitchen and a Surprise at the Door

Gabi's morning kicks off like a one-woman HR disaster. She’s on Javi’s case faster than you can say “hostile work environment,” demanding updates and throwing shade like it’s her job. Just when Javi's about to bolt, JJ drops in with questions—not about EJ this time, but about Philip’s mysterious beatdown. Gabi claims things at Titan were tense, but she blames Xander and calls it a “workplace dispute,” like that makes a hospital visit sound normal.

Javi plays clueless and exits stage left just in time for a dramatic entrance. Arianna’s home! Gabi screeches like she just won the lottery, but the joy quickly turns to drama when Ari reveals no one showed up to get her from the airport. Gabi blames Javi, Javi says he’s over it, and boom—he’s fired. Except he quits. Because, of course.

Belle Throws on a Cape for Shawn

Meanwhile, Belle’s out fetching soup for Tate and stumbles into Doug having a minor breakdown at the pub. He’s short-staffed thanks to Roman and Kate hovering over Philip’s hospital bed. Belle’s stunned. Shawn joins her, clearly spiraling over his parents and feeling like a failure on all fronts. She tries to talk him off the emotional ledge and gives him a pep talk about not giving up—because if anyone knows how to handle a Salem crisis, it’s Belle Brady.

Julie Tells Doug Exactly Where to Go

Doug doesn’t get a minute of peace. Julie storms into the pub, refuses to eat where he’s working, and makes it clear she’d rather choke on Bistro bisque than see him behind that counter. Doug tries to be noble and says he’s saving money to return her necklace and then skip town. Julie's like, “Don’t bother. Just leave.” Cold as ever.

Shawn and Belle try to step in but Julie isn’t here for that. She snaps, prays for their fathers, and swishes out like the queen she is.

Chad Gets the Scoop, EJ Gets Put in His Place

Over at The Spectator, Chad runs into Leo, who is in full caffeine-fueled chaos mode trying to decide if Philip’s beating or the hospital drama should be front-page news. Chad’s shocked, but when Leo drops Xander’s name, Chad’s wheels start turning. He bolts off, leaving Leo to juggle the newsroom solo—because who needs staff when you have gossip?

Then there’s Paulina, who struts into DiMera mansion ready to throw hands. EJ wants her to talk Chanel into softening Johnny up. Paulina laughs in his face and reminds him she hasn’t forgotten how he tried to boot her from the mayor’s office. “This reformed EJ act? Not buying it.” She even drops the bomb that Abe’s voting for Xander’s bid just to twist the knife.

But EJ insists he’s all about family now. He’s heartbroken Johnny hates him, wants to make it right, and swears he’d die for his son. Paulina leaves unimpressed. Chad swings by next, demanding to know if EJ had anything to do with Philip’s injuries. EJ says no—and for once, Chad believes him. Miracles do happen in Salem.

Julie Rants, Javi Reveals the Truth

Back at the Horton house, JJ tells Julie about his exhausting day—and oh yeah, Ari’s back. Julie lights up at the mention of her great-granddaughter, then quickly returns to dragging Gabi for filth. She makes JJ promise he’s done with her, and when he says yes, she’s overjoyed.

Later, Javi vents to Leo about getting fired—well, quitting—but that’s not even the headline. He finally opens up about what happened in Corpus Christi. Turns out, he came out to a guy at work, who blabbed and basically made his life hell. His captain was homophobic and tormented him until he quit. Javi’s still hurting, feeling like he failed himself. But Leo assures him there’s no shame in protecting his peace. We love a supportive boyfriend moment.

Birthday Vibes and Nervous Energy

Gabi’s ready to grovel when Javi comes back. She asks Ari how she wants to celebrate her birthday, and the teen keeps it chill—dinner and quality time. Gabi is just happy her daughter is home and wraps her in another hug.

Meanwhile, at the DiMera mansion, Chad and EJ share a surprisingly brotherly moment. EJ wants to know if Chad and Cat went on that date yet. Not yet, but Chad lets it slip they’re going skydiving. EJ encourages him, joking that they’re “taking the plunge.” Back at the Horton house, Julie finds the skydiving brochure and nearly chokes on it. JJ and Julie are both disgusted. JJ even jokes he’s rooting for a parachute malfunction.

Belle’s Soup Run Ends in Hope

Before the credits roll, Belle finally delivers Tate’s soup and checks in with Shawn. He thanks her for tracking down Kevin’s old roommate, and Belle hugs him tight, telling him to hold onto hope. Because if there’s one thing Salem teaches us—besides the fact that secrets never stay buried—it’s that there’s always hope.

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