Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem Chapter 2’: What Did You Think of The Premiere Episode?
The highly-anticipated Peacock limited-series, Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem Chapter 2 dropped its first episode on Monday, and with it came reunions, blasts from the pasts, a heavenly favorite, a major mystery, plus a spark of a new romance.
If you have not watched the episode yet, do not read any further as there are story spoilers.
Let’s break it down for you … after the opening scene set one year earlier, we see Harris Michaels (Steve Burton) shoot two men in a boat after diving in the deep waters below for what he was looking for. Seems a woman named “Brady” may have shown up first and might have what Michaels is looking for.
Photo: JPI
Now in Montreal, Ciara (Victoria Konefal) and Ben (Rob Scott Wilson) and baby Bo, reunite with Hope (Kristian Alfonso). Once together, Ciara grills her mother as to where she has been for the past two years. In emotional scenes, Hope really never gives her daughter the full truth. Once alone, we see she has a secret ISA file.
Courtesy/Peacock
Meanwhile, Bo (Peter Reckell) is in heaven watching the live feed of his beloved Fancy Face, and their daughter. Bo keeps getting interrupted by another key resident in heaven named Angela (Loretta Devine), who takes away his live feed privileges because of how back in Salem, Bo brought Tripp (Lucas Adams) back to life. Once alone, and not about to give up seeing his family from up above, Bo says if he can hotwire a motorcycle, he can fix the live feed! He later sees that Hope has gotten herself in trouble with the ISA file and wonders what she is up to.
Photo: JPI
John (Drake Hogestyn) is having quite the time in San Francisco at his son, Paul’s (Christopher Sean) Pride party. With a bunch of men dancing around him, John is pulling out the dance moves and grooves and is the life of the party! We have to say, watching Drake Hogestyn in these scenes will go down as one of the most memorable moments from the series.
After the party is over, and John and Paul are cleaning up, there is a knock at the door. It appears to be a cop, but it’s actually Harris Michaels in disguise, who tasers John. Then, after a fight breaks out, Paul wakes up from being knocked out and realizes Harris took John.
Photo: Peacock
Harris isn’t done yet! He next appears in Seattle where Steve (Stephen Nichols) and Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) are visiting Stephanie (Abigail Klein), Tripp, and Joey (Tanner Stine). When the pizza delivery man arrives, it’s Michaels in disguise, and when Steve opens his pizza box it lights on fire. When we return to the scene, Steve has been kidnapped and Stephanie is badly injured and then hospitalized.
Next, a man appears at Paul’s apartment door. It’s none other than Shane Donovan’s son, Andrew (Colton Little), who is also an ISA agent. From the looks of it, Paul and Andrew just may hit it off!
Photo: JPI
Then, we see that Steve and John are being held captive together and who should be holding them hostage? None other than the believed-to-be-dead, Megan Hathaway (Miranda Wilson) – the daughter of their arch-nemesis, the late Stefano DiMera.
In the final cliffhanger, Hope is with Ciara and Ben. There is knock on her door. When Hope opens it, Harris Michaels is there. He hands some flowers to Hope and serves up a kiss. As he does, Bo in heaven is losing it watching the woman he loves being kissed by some guy.
So, what did you think about the first episode of Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem Chapter Two? Let us know in the comment section below.
Ah… I guess now the secret is out, that Meagan Hathaway managed to escape from Hell.
Those damned DiMeras always manage to get out. I think they’re giving Cerberus some drugged steaks again..
Bo better be careful breaking the rules up in Heaven. They don’t take that very well up there, how do you think I ended up down here??
Definitely not as good as season 1.
We better get more clarity on Hope’s real reason for staying away for the past two years!
I don’t remember Megan Hathaway at all so I don’t know what is going on in that storyline.
How can this character show up all over the world at the same time? Or are these events not happening at the exact same time?
Some of it was good, some of it was bad, lots of confusion!
This was from the early 80s so my aging Devil memory might be a little fuzzy on the details but anyway….
Megan Hathaway grew up in Salem, and was Bo Brady’s girlfriend in high school. She wasn’t raised as a DiMera and (like most of Stefano’s other kids) found out much later who her real parents were.
Meanwhile Megan never really got “over” Bo, so of course she wanted Hope out of the picture, permanently. She arranged for a little hot tub accident where Hope would be electrocuted, but somehow the plan went wrong and Megan ended up frying herself instead. Until now, she hadn’t been heard from since, and this is her first escape from Hell, unlike some of her relatives, who make a habit out of it.
Now here’s the curious part…. back when Megan was originally around, there was a storyline where Stefano was obsessed with finding these three prisms, that would supposedly cure him of a brain tumor if used together. I don’t think all the prisms were ever in the same location, though Stefano managed to cheat death at least 666 times before his final exit.
I haven’t actually seen these Beyond Salem episodes yet, but all the clues seem to point to a revision of the prism story. For obvious reasons, Stefano ain’t going to be involved. But there’s another guy in the story who died of a brain tumor, and that would be Bo.
If Dr. Rolf somehow shows up in this story, you can bet your soul as to what the agenda is…..
Well Satan, God is my main man, and He created you. Remember that once you occupied one of the loftiest positions in God’s Kingdom. And if the Bible is true, and I believe it is, you will again. We have all fallen, and will be restored!
Just wanted to say that I read most of your posts. Generally agree, sometimes agree, sometimes really agree, sometimes vehemently disagree but I love the depth and complexity and soap knowledge in your posts.
I was going to type a similar post to clear up some of the Megan Hathaway confusion … when I was too young to be watching soaps! Lol.
Then your post just sort of encapsulated what I was going to say, and in a very eloquent and knowledgeable way.
I have written 6 books. I am an author. One of my books is called “From Hollywood to New York: My Life in Soaps”. I would love if you would buy it in Amazon. You can enter the title of the book in the Search Bar and it should pop up.
And, keep being a soap fan! We keep the genre alive!!! Keep posting as you do because there is a lot of truth in your posts.
I also have another matter, soap related, I would like to discuss with you.
JJ
Would love to read it, if it exists, but it surely can’t be found at Amazon.
Exactly Richard. I guess the devil powered that van Steve Burton was driving. He went from one city to the next with a whole other fake delivery outfit within one scene and it was jarring. With an exploding pizza no less. Not here for improbable nonsense.
Well… San Francisco to Seattle is actually a fairly short flight… but then he was back to Montreal soon after that, and that was presumably after dropping John & Steve off in Caracas…. now that’s where the real time discrepancy is. Maybe he’s got access to a Starfleet teleportation device somehow??
No Devil powered vans though, that much I can promise you!
Chapter 2 was the best!! I hope that continue with Bo and Hope!!
Poor production quality – cheap looking sets (is Heaven really furnished at World Market?) and questionable wardrobe (there’s so much better fitting/looking pride outfits than the hoodie they gave Paul).
Megan “died” before John (then Roman) and Steve were ever on DAYS so neither should know who she is. I’m all for digging into the past for current and future stories but it has to make some sense.
John & Steve have immersed themselves in all things DiMera over the decades, so I’m sure they are aware of all of Stefano’s kids, whether they ever actually met them or not. And in John’s case, he might just have some residuals of Roman’s memory floating around in his brain, so maybe he does “remember” her, in that capacity.
It was silly. The fight scene was awkward. Bo watching Earth on a heavenly TV with crumbled pillars all around him was utter nonsense. It should be called Beyond Salem: The Harmony edition. Straight out of Passions. Just no.
Not impressed.
Whatever plot twists ensue, just remember: Steve Burton’s character killed 2 people in the first scene of the first episode. So his character is no hero. And as someone else said recently, he’s playing the same type of character in Beyond Salem as he did in GH. The “stunt” casting isn’t worth the effort.
James75
I’ve been playing catchup and just saw the scene with Hope and Burton’s character and he’s asking her for help, claiming Megan has done something to make him the way he is.
Hello Violet. Very good point.
Haven’t watched yet. Looks campy.
Momo
It is, it is!
I absolutely love what you have done bringing bsck our favorites. I would so love this to be continued indefinitely. This was a genuine move. Kudos to you all. I’ve watched Days of Our Lives since I was 15 years old. My second man and I would watch it together. I’m now 68 years old and still watching. Keep up the good work.
I just hate that I can’t watch!! Not everyone has wifi or internet available so it seems so very unfair!!
Daphne M Jennings
I get it through my Cable provider on Peacock.
Boy, love how Steve and Kayla are helping Shawn cope with the new baby while at the same time are being kidnapped “Beyond” by Jason/Harris. Small world, for sure!
I absolutely love it, I can’t wait for the next chapter, A BIG FAN
Hope, being kissed by “some guy”and so thouroughly was as if it was done for someone’s benifit,, but who? She didn’t really try hiding it from Ciara but it was still kind of crazy.
It’s terrible
Days of Our Lives Beyond Salem -Chapter 2 must be given outstanding appreciation and recognition for their Pride Party scene with father and son characters John Black & Paul. The committment and respect for diversity diversity in storytelling is Days strength making the stories universally interesting, compelling and progressive. The entire cast is brilliant. Special mention must go to Loretta Devine as Angel Angela, Victoria Grace (Wendy Shin- Remington Hoffman as brother Li- Colton Little as Andrew & Christopher Sean as Paul.
Congratulations to all in work well done.
I’ve never watched DOOL, so after all the hype I thought I would give Beyond Salem #2 a try last night. All it took was Steve Burton to shot two men in the opening to make my decision. I will not be watching it in the future.
rose
I didn’t know you didn’t watch Days but what an awful way to get started.
This guy that Steve plays will probably not be in it in the future and he blamed his murderous ways on this woman I call his handler. He said at the end he wants to be a better person. Why don’t you just try watching the regular daily show when it starts?
Violet…Maybe I will give Salem another try. But years of stories and characters leave me a lot to catch-up on. The three I do watch already drive me crazy so I will see if I want to add Salem and it’s angels and devils. :)))
Days Of Our Lives
‘Heated Rivalry’ Star Franco LoPresti Opens Up About ‘Days of our Lives’ Debut as Dante Vitali
Next week on Monday, September 14 will mark the first appearance in Salem of Franco LoPresti in his new Days of our Lives role of Dante Vitali.
Heated Rivalry fans now LoPresti very well from his part as hockey player Cliff Marleau in the series first season. (No word yet if Cliff appears in season 2).
Now in a conversation with TV Insider, DAYS fans will learn that LoPresti is on the soap for a limited run. No timetable was given.
Photo: Corday Productions, Inc
When LoPresti does burst onto the scene come Monday, Dante makes quite the impact as Franco LoPresti explains. It seems that viewers will first see him in scenes in Monte Carlo at a poker table with none other than Gabi Hernandez (Cherie Jimenez) and Philip Kiriakis (John-Paul Lavoisier). However, Dante will come to Salem to talk to the Brady family about his supposed fiancée Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney).
Franco shared, “Dante was born and grew up in Italy and educated at this pretty top-tier English boarding school. He then went on to build his own dynasty in finance, all the while trying to distance himself from the Vitali name (as viewers know Tamara Braun played his cousin Ava Vitali).”
“But at the core of Dante, there’s definitely an old-school quality to him”, continued LoPresti. “He’s super passionate, he’s sincere and incredibly generous, but he’s also someone that you probably shouldn’t underestimate. Loyalty is something that means a lot to him. As Dante enters Salem, I think the audience will get to slowly peel back those layers and discover what’s really driving him. So, I’m excited for Days fans to go on that ride with Dante.”
Photo: Almay
As it turns out, LoPresti taped his episodes of DAYS starting back in November 2025 which happened to be weeks before Heated Rivalry became a smash hit.
Franco recalled, “It’s so funny because I thought my episodes would air in a month (on Days of our Lives). But I found out it was nine to 10 months and I was like, ‘I gotta wait that long?!’ So, I’ve been biting my nails, trying not to think about it, and I think it’s actually kind of helped because now it’s here and it’s all coming at me from all different angles. I’m nervous. I’m excited, and I just can’t wait to see it all come together. It’s one of the best jobs I’ve ever had for sure.”
In his personal life, Franco just had his first child with wife, actress Emily Alatalo, just a weeks ago on August 23rd when they welcomed their daughter, Stella into the world.
So, looking forward to seeing Franco LoPresti’s debut come Monday? What do you think about the fact that it’s being reported as a limited run? Do you think Dante and Sami have a chance on-screen or off-screen to be a happy couple? What do you really think brings Dante to Salem sans Sami? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
In a metaphor for the start of the school year and their upcoming anniversary in November, Days of our Lives revealed its “Class of Season 62,” with a very clever yearbook montage on their social media handles, welcoming new cast members, while paying respect to the veterans and “class”-iying the other characters in Salem.
The official Days of our Lives Instagram account shared on the posting, “The Class of Salem Season 62 has arrived. Familiar faces, new names and plenty of personality. Flip through our yearbook for a peek at this year’s class.”
Let’s take a look at how they broke it all down: The Salem Yearbook starts with saying “another unforgettable season,” with some group pics, and then we dovetail into Salem’s new class which features: Sydney Malakeh (Sydney DiMera), Brandon Butler (Mason Whitfield), Angelica Nero (Victoria Kiriakis), Cole Gersmeyer (Thomas DiMera) and Lorelei Olivia Mote (Rachel Black).
Photo: Days of our Lives
Next up, are the likes of: Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez), John-Paul Lavoisier (Philip Kiriakis), Tyler Joseph Andrews (Theo Carver) and LeeAnn Hopkins (Joy Wesley). Then, in the “Drama Club” section are: Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera) and AnnaLynne Cipriani (Cat Greene).
Following the ‘Recess” section with some group snaps, comes “Homeroom Highlights” with: Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson), Eric Martsolf (Brady Black), Rob Scott Wilson (Alex Kiriakis), Lamon Archey (Eli Grant) and Sal Stowers (Lani Price Grant).
The “Salem Spectator” section features: Conner Floyd (Chad DiMera), Greg Rikaart (Leo Stark), Stowers again, and Ashely Puzemis (Holly Jonas). In the “Afternoon Sweets” section look for: Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis) and Linsey Godfey (Sarah Horton), Emily O’ Brien (Gwen Rizchech), Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera/Susan Banks), Brandon Beemer (Shawn Brady), plus Jackée Harry (Paulina Price).
Towards the end of the yearbook, veteran performers such as: Mary Beth Evans (Kayla Johnson), Stephen Nichols (Steve Johnson), Lauren Koslow (Kate Roberts) and Josh Taylor (Roman Brady) are featured, plus Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans), James Reynolds (Abe Carver) and Matthew Ashford (Jack Deveraux), Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams) and Suzanne Rogers (Maggie Kiraikis) with her on-screen daughter, Linsey Godfrey.
The Salem Yearbook comes to a conclusion noting “Big things happening in Salem” and to tune-in on Peacock, where we also find Jacob Martinez (Javi Hernandez), Maggie Carney (Rita Lesley), and a host of other favorites previewing what’s to come this fall.
So, what do you think of the Days of our Lives Class of Season 62? Looking forward to seeing what happens in Salem? Did you like the yearbook concept for promotional tune-in? Let us know via the comment section below.
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Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of our Lives’ Head Writers Give Fall 2026 Preview: Marlena and Stefano’s Chess Mystery, The Arrivals of Dante and Sydney, Romance Drama for Sarah and Others
As summer comes to a close with Labor Day weekend, the former Days of our Lives co-head writing duo of Paula Cwikly and Jeanne Marie Ford have given their annual fall season preview in episodes taped some 10-11 months ago.
As previously reported this past July, Ryan Quan returned to Days of our Lives and is now co-head writing the show with Ford, while Cwikly is now a consultant. The new co-head writing teams stories will not be seen till late spring/early summer 2027.
So for now, the stories pick up from where we left off with Cwikly and Ford promising via TV Insider, “Fall in Salem is full of twists and turns and secrets and surprises. Dots connect in unexpected ways as seemingly unrelated threads converge.”
Photo: JPI
CHECKMATE?
In one of the top mystery’s, Marlena is still having troubling memories and she will have another one on the Monday, September 7 episode. Meanwhile, her daughter Belle (Martha Madison) has gotten very close to Chad DiMera (Conner Floyd) and as pictured here, the two smooch while in Italy searching for answers to the chess set that Stefano DiMera gifted th the late John Black and Marlena (Deidre Hall) that has some significance.
The head scribes share, “The (chess board) mystery and its fallout are central to the fall stories. Chad and Belle follow the clues to a discovery that changes both of their families, and Salem, forever. Marlena worries that their investigation/the chess set may be a Pandora’s box that has been opened. And she is right…”
Newcomers are also the order of the day for Cwikly and Ford, this fall. We have already seen the debut as Brandon Butler as Mason Whitfield, and next week you can add as previously reported Sydney Malakeh on the Thursday September 1o episode as Sydney DiMera, followed by the the Monday, September 14 arrival of Franco LoPresti as Dante Vitali.
Photo: Corday Productions
Paula and Jeanne Marie expressed on the incoming Dante, “The arrival of a stranger who will set the whole town on its ear. The character has several strong ties to the current canvas and impacts many storylines.” What will Dante be up to? We know Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney) had mentioned in 2025 she got engaged to the man, but that was off-screen.
LOVE THE ONE YOU’RE WITH OR THE ONE YOU WANT?
In the romance department, the triangle between Brady/Sarah/Xander heats up with a very conflicted Sarah (Linsey Godfrey). The head writers reveal, “When Sarah faces attacks personally and professionally, Xander (Paul Telfer) and Brady (Eric Martsolf) work together to help and protect her. Sarah’s new love for Brady is challenged by her lingering love for Xander. Xander risks everything for Sarah.”
In addition look for, “Gabi (Cherie Jimenez) and Philip (John-Paul Lavoiser) to draw closer as he tries to save the family company and home.”
Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) will also be returning at some point this fall and she won’t be alone. Who might she bring with her? And from the looks of the Peacock promo for next week’s DAYS, someone is wearing Stefano’s ring around their finger, but who … and how does it all tie in this fall?
So, what do you think about some of the highlights coming up this fall on Days of our Lives per the series head writers? Does anything float your boat or pique your interest? If so, what? Let us know via the comment section. But first, check out the action next week on DAYS in the promo entitled “Bag of Tricks” below.
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