Days of Our Lives Recap - Friday, August 1, 2025 | EJ Gets Cryptic and Marlena Bonds With Rachel, Plus Sami’s Return

Friday on Days of Our Lives: EJ’s got some mysterious scheme brewing, Marlena’s dropping truth bombs with a side of therapy, and Chad and Cat are getting far too cozy in a busted elevator. Just when things were settling into their usual chaos, word drops that Sami is making her grand return.

EJ | DAYS, Peacock

Marlena Sets the Record Straight With Rachel

Marlena’s book was about to get a whole lot juicier when Brady came home with Rachel after their movie night. Marlena quickly sent Dad packing so she could get some one-on-one time with her granddaughter. Rachel, wasting no time, came right out with it. Why did Marlena want her dad out of the picture?

But Marlena had bigger fish to fry. Namely, Johnny’s trial. She gently nudged Rachel to tell the truth and nothing but. That’s when Rachel let it slip: Uncle EJ kinda-sorta hinted that she should fudge the facts. Marlena kept it cool but made it clear that honesty is the only job Rachel has. As for remembering anything else from the night of the shooting? Rachel’s memory was conveniently foggy. Classic Salem amnesia.

EJ Drops Hints and Gets a Surprise From Sami

Meanwhile, EJ was working the phones, checking in on Sydney and being his usual smug self until Gwen showed up, poking fun at Susan’s latest supernatural upgrade. Then Sarah called, livid that the hospital elevator is still busted. EJ, naturally, tried to wiggle out of responsibility. Sarah wasn’t having it. She gave him a reality check and hung up.

Next came Rita, who delivered the hospital’s financials with a side of sass. She teased him about shutting down the ICU next, but EJ wasn’t fazed. Instead, he wanted to talk about Stefano. Rita shut him down hard. Stefano’s dead. Full stop. Still, EJ admitted it stung that he never got to say goodbye.

But don’t get too sentimental. EJ’s got "grand plans" that need every spare penny. When Rita hinted that he might be squeezing the budget a little too tight, EJ smirked and promised it would all make sense soon. Then his phone rang again, and guess what? Sydney had some news about Samantha. Moments later, Marlena’s phone rang too… and boom. Sami’s coming home. Tomorrow.

Cat and Chad’s Awkward Elevator Hangout

Over at the hospital, Chad and Cat were not having a good day. The elevator stopped cold, no lights, no signal, no escape. Chad was freaking out like a man who just realized he left his phone at the bar, but Cat stayed cool. This was just another day in Salem.

They tried a round of Never Have I Ever, which turned into confession hour. Cat once gave a kid a concussion, Chad faked a brain tumor. Romantic, right? As they settled in for what could be a long night, Cat pulled out snacks like she was born for emergencies. Chad offered his jacket and watched her drift off with a smile that said maybe being trapped isn’t the worst thing.

Sarah and Brady Commiserate While Gwen Pokes the Bear

Downstairs, Xander got tired of waiting for the elevator and offered to carry Victoria down for Sarah. She declined, determined to do it herself. Moments later, she was panting in the square when Brady showed up with a mocktail and a listening ear.

The two bonded over failed relationships, complicated co-parenting, and how not to let heartbreak ruin everything. Sarah’s still hurting — next week would’ve been her first wedding anniversary with Xander. Ouch.

Meanwhile, Gwen spotted Xander having a solo dinner and decided to ruin it. She plopped herself down and rehashed old times, but Xander wasn’t interested in memory lane. She tried pushing his buttons, he walked out. Gwen’s still got it, but not in the way she thinks.

Last Moments of the Episode

EJ lit up at whatever juicy gossip Sydney shared about Sami. Marlena promised Rachel she’d protect everyone she loves, then nearly dropped the phone when she found out her daughter’s flying in tomorrow.

Cat dozed off in the elevator with Chad acting like her personal heater. Out in the square, Sarah and Brady said their goodbyes with a heartfelt hug — just in time for Xander and Gwen to walk by and catch the tail end. Awkward timing, perfect drama. Just another Friday in Salem.

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