Days of Our Lives Recap - Tuesday, July 29, 2025 | Johnny on Trial, EJ Unleashed & Stephanie’s Past Won’t Stay Buried

It’s a courtroom showdown on Tuesday's Days of Our Lives as Johnny’s trial kicks off with fireworks between EJ and Belle. Meanwhile, Stephanie dodges her past until it nearly lands in her lap, and Philip puts two and two together about a certain steamy novel. 

Johnny | DAYS, Peacock

Belle Comes Out Swinging

Johnny’s trial begins and Belle wastes no time setting the tone. Her opening statement is savage, accusing Johnny of not just shooting his father, but plotting it like a full-blown DiMera production. She even throws shade at EJ for defending his own shooter. “He’s a DiMera through and through,” she tells the jury, practically spitting the name like it’s poison. EJ, unbothered and smug as ever, claps back with his own opening remarks, accusing the DA’s office of having a vendetta and insisting the evidence is paper-thin. If you thought courtroom drama was reserved for primetime, think again. This is DAYS at its finest. Plus, we have a new set!

Roman Takes the Stand and the Hits Keep Coming

Chad testifies first, sharing how Johnny was pretty clear about not giving a damn whether EJ lived or died. Ouch. EJ fires back during cross and has Chad confirm that no one actually saw Johnny at the scene. Next up is Jada, who reveals the gun used belonged to Roman. There’s no proof it was ever in Johnny’s hands, but Jada admits she once said she wanted EJ dead. That’s… not ideal, but at least she owns it. Then Roman testifies and it’s a gut-punch. He admits he thought Johnny might have done it and even wiped down the gun before returning it to its hiding spot. Watching Johnny’s face as his own grandfather throws him under the bus? Devastating.

Stephanie’s Novel Life Comes Knocking

Over at the apartment, Stephanie is busy dodging both exes and packages. When a mysterious delivery arrives, she freaks, assuming it’s from a past flame she’d rather forget. Jada suggests opening it like a normal person, but Steph just dumps it in the trash. Later, she finally gives in, only to discover… a tote bag. Turns out trauma isn’t always in a box. She admits to Jada that her novel, One Stormy Night, has a few too many real-life parallels. No wonder she’s been twitchy.

Philip Does His Detective Work

Meanwhile, Philip casually strolls into the pub, raves about One Stormy Night, and demands to know who wrote it. Kate plays coy, but Philip’s no dummy. He recognizes some of the very specific, very personal drama in the story and guesses Stephanie is the author. Bingo. Kate begs him to zip it, but Philip can’t help wondering how many other exes might read the book and recognize themselves. Messy doesn’t even begin to cover it.

Courtroom Sparks and a Smug DiMera Finale

Back at the courthouse, EJ takes his cross of Roman to the next level. He gets Roman to admit he never actually saw Johnny with the gun and suggests Roman himself had every reason to want him dead. Belle nearly leaps across the courtroom as she objects, and EJ, all smiles, smugly withdraws his little accusation. Salem courtrooms really need seat belts because that was a ride.

As the episode ends, Johnny is left questioning who, if anyone, is truly on his side. Stephanie finally opens up about her fears, and EJ? He’s just getting started. If this is only day one of the trial, we’re in for a whole lot more trouble in Salem.

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