Days of Our Lives Recap - Thursday, June 12, 2025 | Marlena Mourns, Bo’s Back & Jennifer Can’t Even

As Salem says a tearful goodbye to John Black, Marlena relives their love story, Bo gets a second chance at life, and Jennifer clings to family while grieving her daughter. It’s a day full of flashbacks, emotional confessions, and more than a few nostalgic surprises. 

A final toast to John Black | DOOL, Peacock

Marlena’s Not Saying Goodbye Anytime Soon

You’d think after all these years of ghosts, possessions, and doppelgängers, Marlena would be used to the drama. But no, she’s over at the Brady Pub breaking hearts and toasting her soulmate, John Black, like it’s the last round of a decades-long love story. Surrounded by Steve, Kayla, Bo, Shane, and Roman, Marlena’s trying to keep it together—but that mask cracks faster than a cheap compact.

Steve kicks things off with a toast so sweet it could give you a cavity: “To John Black, the finest man I ever knew.” Marlena takes it from there, reminiscing about white water rafting, mistaken identities, and of course, the time she thought John was Stefano. Because, you know, classic DOOL plot twists.

And let’s not forget the greatest hits: The Pawn reveal, the possession saga, and chasing Orpheus across continents. Honestly, this group’s shared trauma could fill ten soap operas, and they still wouldn’t be done. Shane’s over here talking about how John’s son Paul is marrying his son Andrew like it’s a Salem royal wedding, while Roman’s trying to keep it together with flashbacks and a sad call to Kate.

In the end, Marlena walks out of that pub solo, eyes to the sky, probably asking the universe why the love of her life had to peace out when she finally got some quiet. But don’t worry—she’s not saying goodbye. Not now, not ever.

Bo Brady in the Flesh and Everyone’s Still Shocked

Meanwhile, Bo’s alive, kicking, and apparently not aging like the rest of us mortals. He strolls into John’s wake like it’s just another Thursday and everyone acts like it’s not the Salem miracle of the century. Roman’s reeling, Kayla’s begging him not to run off again, and Steve’s ready to make him a private eye partner—because why not form a trio with Hope too while we’re at it?

Bo gets sentimental, reminiscing about Miami and John's bandaged face days, and even has the audacity to suggest maybe he and Hope will hit the high seas again. Kayla basically tells him to sit down and take a breath—she just got him back and isn’t ready for another farewell tour.

It’s clear Bo’s return has everyone off-balance, especially Hope. The love of her life walks back in like no time has passed, and she’s caught between grateful sobs and the weight of John’s death. She can barely believe they get another chance. But if anyone knows how to rebuild from the ashes, it’s these two.

Jennifer’s Grief Is Ice Cream-Coated and Bittersweet

Over at the Horton house, it’s a whole different kind of heartbreak. Jennifer’s sitting on the couch in a fog, skipping John’s wake because it’s Abigail’s death anniversary and, honestly, she’s barely keeping it together. Enter Julie, fresh with hugs, tears, and words of wisdom only a Horton matriarch could deliver.

Hope shows up just in time to join the “we’ve lost too much” club, and the three Horton women dive headfirst into comfort food and reminiscing. Ice cream makes an appearance—because when life keeps throwing death at you, you grab a spoon and toast to survival. They even squeeze in a few flashbacks to the Cruise of Deception and those delightfully ridiculous island days that gave Jennifer her one true love.

But just when things start to feel warm and fuzzy, Hope and Jennifer pull a pivot and start whispering about a necklace Doug stole and a possible mystery in the making. Julie walks back in before they can say too much, so clearly that storyline’s getting tabled for another day. But let’s be real—when the Hortons start digging, Salem better brace itself.

One Door Closes, Another Reopens - If You’re Lucky

As the night winds down, Bo makes the rounds with his goodbyes, hugging Marlena, praising Roman’s bar management skills (sure, why not), and heading back to Hope. Steve and Kayla promise Marlena she’ll never be alone, and Roman—ever the straight shooter—tries to give her some peace. But Marlena’s not here for absolution. She’ll carry John in her heart forever, and she knows it.

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