Days of Our Lives Recap - Tuesday, August 19, 2025 | Rachel’s Shocking Memory Stuns EJ as Johnny’s Trial Hangs in the Balance

Tuesday on Days of Our Lives: EJ finally remembers it was Rachel who pulled the trigger the night he was shot, Johnny makes his boldest courtroom move yet, and Julie finds herself eyeing a brand-new chapter.

Rachel | DAYS, Peacock

Marlena and Julie Bond Over Loss and Books

At the bookstore, Marlena spots Julie deep in a self-help read about letting go of what you can’t control. Of course, Julie uses this as her moment to rant about Chad letting Cat into his life. Marlena gently points out that Chad and Cat keep saying they’re just friends, but Julie isn’t buying it. After all, how many “just friends” in Salem have wound up rolling around in bed? Exactly.

Julie lightens the mood with a sing-song callback to their dear old friend who once crooned about friends becoming lovers. Marlena encourages her to focus on something positive, like the possibility of buying this very bookstore. Julie loves the idea, and before long she’s dreaming about resurrecting it. Because if Salem knows how to do anything, it’s resurrect the dead… and apparently bookstores too.

Cat and Chad Dance Around the “F” Word

Over at Cat’s, both she and Chad are finally fever-free and ready to rejoin the land of the living. Chad can’t help but admit he actually enjoyed spending time with her, though when he calls her a “good friend,” Cat’s face says everything. Friend? Ouch. That’s not exactly the word she was fishing for.

She does share some good news: her mother’s being moved closer to Salem, and Aaron’s coming back to town to play ball. Chad promises to keep in touch but has to get back to his kids. As they part ways, it’s clear both of them feel that sting of unfinished business.

Johnny Risks It All in Court

At Johnny’s trial, Belle calls Chanel back to the stand to address that doctored video, and Chanel holds her ground. Johnny takes the stand next, flexing his indie filmmaker skills to pick apart the footage. He even calls out the Salem police for being as easily duped as Stefano’s enemies once were. His shade could power Horton Square for weeks.

When Johnny gives his closing argument, he admits he did go to his father’s house intending to shoot him but couldn’t go through with it. He insists almost everyone in town had a motive that night, but he wasn’t the one who pulled the trigger. His honesty is gutsy, but also risky. The jury heads off to deliberate while EJ sneers that Johnny just handed them a guilty verdict.

Meanwhile, Leo continues to make his own courtroom comedy, griping to the bailiff about his roommate situation before gleefully ordering chili cheese fries as jury foreman. Priorities, darling.

EJ and Rachel Relive the Night of the Shooting

Back at the mansion, Marlena drops Rachel off just as EJ is pouring himself a stiff drink. Rachel wastes no time judging him for day drinking, quipping that he’s turning into her mother. Ouch.

While Marlena and EJ talk, Rachel starts tossing around a fragile glass ornament. Marlena warns her to put it down, but the sight triggers EJ’s buried memory. Suddenly he recalls Rachel pointing a gun at him the night he was shot, demanding to know where her grandmother was. He insisted he didn’t know, and then it all went dark.

In the present, Rachel drops the glass ball, shattering it across the floor. At the same time, EJ drops his drink, both staring in stunned silence. Rachel looks just as shaken as EJ, as if she too remembers exactly what happened. Marlena locks eyes with EJ, and he whispers in shock, “Oh my god.”

Well, Salem, the truth is finally bubbling up. EJ knows Rachel pulled the trigger. The only question left is what he’s going to do with that memory now.

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