Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Drake Hogestyn Acts His Heart Out As John Keeps Vigil By Marlena’s Bedside; Belle Learns Shocking Intel
On a dramatic Friday cliffhanger episode of Days of our Lives, several bombshells were in store for the characters of Salem.
Marlena (Deidre Hall), who is now on a ventilator following surgery and in critical condition, has her family struggling to hold it together and trying to will her to return to them, and it is not a good day for the man she loves, John Black (Drake Hogestyn). He is dealing with the double-whammy of having the love of his life unable to breathe on her own, and the news that his son, Paul (Christopher Sean) crashed through a window saving Sami (Alison Sweeney) and trying to capture Kristen DiMera (Stacy Haiduk). Paul was taken to surgery too, and John is just overcome with grief.
In several heartbreaking scenes, John is gut-punched sitting vigil at Marlena’s bedside. He tells the unconscious Marlena, that Paul was taken into surgery too, but he knows he is going to make it, and breaks down. John begs Marlena to come back to him and open her eyes. Eric (Greg Vaughan) comes in to lend support, but at first gets his head bitten off by John, who is beyond worried for his bride, and his son.
Photo Credit: NBC
Brady (Eric Martsolf) and Belle (Martha Madison) are in Paul’s hospital room talking about what a beautiful day this was supposed to be with the long-awaited marriage of John and Marlena, and how it all went south, and how their dad is going through so much anguish right now. As Brady exits, Belle stays in Paul’s room and goes through some insurance paperwork. She is for the shock of her life when she finds a DNR – ‘do not resuscitate’ order that Marlena must have filed as her wishes if something were to happen to her.
At the hospital, Will (Chandler Massey) is met by Lucas (Bryan Dattiilo) and Chloe (Nadia Bjorlin). When alone with his dad, Will reveals he has regained his memory and remembers loving his father. Lucas is overcome and says to him that he does not care if he is the new Will, or the old Will, he’s his Will. It was a touching moment nicely played by Bryan Dattilo and Chandler Massey. Later, when Will tells Lucas he remembers loving Sonny, he asks his dad for advice on how to handle things with Paul when he gets out of surgery. Having gone through something similar with Adrienne and Justin where he ended up the odd man out, Lucas tells Will it’s better that Paul knows.
Maggie (Suzanne Rogers) has also come to the hospital and tells Lucas that Bonnie Lockhart (Judi Evans) is back in town and at the Salem PD. He decides to go see her. Once face-to-face with the woman who derailed him back to his addiction to booze, Bonnie informs him that he is the father of her child!
Courtesy/NBC
Will is now at Paul’s hospital bedside. When he wakes up, Will thanks him for all his heroic actions and for saving his mom. He then breaks the news to Paul that he has regained his memory. You can see Paul is not necessarily happy about the news and knows it could be the end of the line for their relationship. Will admits he remembers loving Sonny. Paul asks what it means for them.
Finally, an emotional Belle sits by Marlena’s bedside in tears. Eric comes in and says that the specialists will do everything they can do keep their mom alive. Belle says they can’t do that and hands Eric that DNR document.
This episode featured a heartbreaking performance by Drake Hogesytn, who has given his all throughout the recent episodes, and showed why so many fans have loved the character of John Black for so many years, and his enduring love for Marlena. Kudos also to Martha Madison, Greg Vaughan, and the aforementioned Bryan Dattilo and Chandler Massey for their work in key scenes.
So, what did you think about the story bombshells on Friday’s episode? What did you think of the performances? What do you think will happen next? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Drake is doing a great job. I have been a fan since he started on DOOL in 1986.
Bonnie pregnant. Did the rabbit die laughing??? Her oldest son Patrick is well over 40 which would make Bonnie generously 60. Soaps are altogether too hung up on pregnancy and “Who’s the daddy” stories. When you know who the two potential fathers are…all you have to do is look at the child and see who it resembles. It doesnt take endless rounds of DNA tests. These stories just make the characters look stupid and they are not enteraining either. Maybe 45 years ago when it was a new type of storyline….but it has definitrly ceased being a viable plot device. And any Joe Blow csn just waltz in and have the know how to change the results? They are not written in pencil and you just erase one potential dad’s name and write the other one in. I can go along with the soaps on an awrul lot, but it would be nice to be surprised once in a while too!
I didn’t know Bonnie had a son, especially one that’s around 40. I only really got to see Bonnie when she was on last year. I just recently found out that she’s Mimi’s mother. I guess she always has been on the show?
Yes, blake. Bonnie’s not new.
Well, in real life the actress is 54. And yes, she could still get pregnant (the oldest woman who gave birth with no help is 59 I believe) although, of course, it’d be rather a miracle rather than the norm; most in that age use in vitro fertilization. What I liked about this was the humor attached to it. I’m not caught up so maybe it’s already been established that it’s not really hers but there were obviously jokes about whether that baby could really be hers due to the implausibility. Even the name, “Baby Bonnie” just cracks me up. And, since, unfortunately “Lucas” is leaving the show I guess this is the way he’s goin’ out.
Drake is doing a great job with the material, and I’m glad that Belle is involved with this storyline. I would say that it’s to see John and Marlena’s family actually being a family, but I can’t when this arc lacks proper build up, a Kristen who actually acts like Kristen, and Eileen Davidson. Also, I hate that Lucas has a child with his rapist and that this comes so soon after Abby believes she is pregnant with her rapist’s child. I don’t believe Ron has demonstrated that he can write sexual assault and its aftermath in a sensitive, complex, or fresh manner, so I really have less-than-zero interest in seeing what happens next.
It is messed up that this is the second rapist story Ron has done in a year. And sexist that the characters aren’t looking at it like Lucas was raped. Warped!
John is pitiful. You would think the entire show is about his pain. Nevermind that Marlena and Paul are in critical condition, as John stumbles around, muttering, crying, playing the poor John act. Get some balls, man! They don’t need a slobbering, snotty, John when they regain consciousness. He is over acting and it is to the point of being silly. Certainly unbelievable!!! I am not planning to watch it next week as I am so sick of his tantrums and throes of emotion. My God, man, get some balls. Even women aren’t that weepy!
You MUST be joking!? You actually think that a man with the woman he loves on a ventilator with a small chance of survival AND a son who is lying in the same hospital paralyzed s “muttering, crying, playing the poor John act?” How should a normal human being with the capacity to love amd feel fear, grief, shock behave?
His reactions are “silly?” Perhaps. To a robot structured for logic and not emotion. Your comment makes zero sense.
thats not his fault he has to play the part written by the writer or get fired its the way the ball rolls or lose the job thats silly
I have such an antipathy for “John”, I cannot find any kind of emotion within me–It is what it is…..he draws nothing from me….neither does “Marlena”.
I am aware of the fact my comment is not well-received, but the Marlena-damsel-in-distress is soooo passe’ ( decades of it), it bores and annoys me to no end.
Now, these writers are putting this character in “the-matron-in-distress” mode. It is the age-old ploy of making her relevant. That’s all it is!!
Just as the matronly Bonnie having a baby out of nowhere. When will this stop? It is so ridiculous, not only age-wise, but that the baby factor is still alive and well??????
I hope Lucas has the sense to get a DNA ( paternity) test. So much nonsense—-whimsical, really……only in an alternate world; which soaps are, of course. But, change it up, people!!.
Lucas getting a DNA test will be pointless. I see Bonnie getting Sheila to change the test results. Cause, ya know, anyone can get into hospital computers with no problem. Hell, Gabi found a way to change Abby’s results that were in an envelope within a short amount of time lol.
You’re right, blake, as usual. It is an age-old ‘method’ on soaps. No DNA test is ever full-proof.
Soaps are one of the, if not THE, last remaining genres where fifty percent or more doesn’t make sense. That’s half the fun of it. The whole Marlena/Hattie is hilarious to me. It’s just so silly but it’s fun. Some of the story lines (like Mike on GH) are heartbreakingly real…and then we have these crazy stories that are so out there…I’ll miss them when they’re gone. And I really feel they’re all going to be gone all too soon. With each new talk show or expanded Good Morning America/Good Aftenoon, blah, blah, with Kelly Clarkson and now Tamara Hall; I think they’re testing to see how much of an audience they draw. If it’s profitable our soaps are done.
Enjoy while we can…
The hardest storyline for me to accept right now is Abby gabby and chad. Getting
A little weary of this triangle whether it’s for revenge or love. Then a Ben Weston
“Cured”. We saw what happened when he was off his meds- I sure wouldn’t want
To be in bed with someone who forgot to take his meds the night before, lol
The only thing that would work for me is Ben trying to kill ciera and Tripp’s saving
The day. In my defense I come from a generation that believes in happy endings.
Gikda
Drake Hogestyn deserves the Best Leading Actor at next year’s Daytime Emmy Awards.
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?
Next week, expected surprises and schemes on Days of our Lives. In official spoilers for episodes streaming on Peacock from October 5-9, it looks like Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) has hunted down a very much alive Sophia Choi (Rachel Boyd), while Marlena (Deidre Hall) admits a deeply concerning confession to her daughter Belle (Martha Madison), and more.
As previously reported, Tajh Bellow (ex-TJ Ashford, General Hospital) is stepping in for one day for Tyler Joseph Andrews in the role of Theo Carver and will share scenes with Gabi (Cherie Jimenez), where Theo finally agrees to go along with Gabi’s plan, after she offered him a job.
Meanwhile, Gabi may have her hands full with Philip (John-Paul Lavoisier) whose big win in Monte Carlo may have sparked his gambling addiction … all over again, but Philip reveals her has a plan.
Photo: Corday Productions
Sydney (Sydney Malekeh) is in for a shock when Dante (Franco LoPresti) arrives in Salem. Why is he in Salem? Is he part of the unraveling of the Dominic Marino mystery, since we know he seemed like he was talking to the man in Monte Carlo?
Will Marlena ever figure out what Rita (Maggie Carney) is hiding about the mystery of Dominic, and if Marlena is truly his birth mother or did something more suspicious go on and how deeply involved is Rita in this whole story?
EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) finally demands answers of his own from Rita after overhearing on today’s Cliffhanger Friday her conversation with Marlena. Will Rita cop to anything?
Then as noted, while everyone thinks Sophia took her own life, after Kristen “murdered” her, Kristen is infuriated to find she is somehow alive working as waitress in a diner in Kentucky. Will Kristen try to kill Sophia yet again?
Take a look at some of the additional spoilers for next week’s action on DAYS below.
Monday, October 5
Joy worries about her future.
Alex surprises Stephanie.
Chanel supports Johnny through a difficult decision.
Tuesday, October 6
Rachel gives Brady cause for concern.
Roman surprises Kate.
Wednesday, October 7
Leo’s good day takes an unexpected turn.
Brady is forced to make a difficult call.
Thursday, October 8
Paulina refuses to give up on Lani.
Chanel asks Johnny for a promise.
Friday, October 9
Stephanie and Alex steal a private moment.
Steve gets troubling news from Johnny.
So, what do you think will happen when Kristen finds that the woman she thought she murdered and framed (making it looking like a suicide) is alive and well and working in a diner far away from Salem? Was Rita more involved with Stefano DiMera than we even know? Who is the birth mother of Dominic? Is it really Marlena or did someone else carrying her child? And what of Dante? Why is he back in Salem? To get at Philip, or something else? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
After an earlier post on Thursday, October 1 about General Hospital alumni Tajh Bellow’s (ex-TJ Ashford) upcoming project from Issa Rae’s HOOPAE Digital, comes word that Bellow is temporarily stepping into the role of Days of our Lives Theo Carver to fill in for Tyler Joseph Andrews on the Peacock streaming soap opera.
According to TV Insider, Bellow will be making a one-day appearance next week on the October 6 episode of DAYS as Andrews was unable to make the tape date that was shot 10 months ago on a day last December. Andrews (pictured below) took over the role of Theo in September of 2025.
In Bellow’s upcoming episode as Theo, he will share scenes with Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez). A DAYS spokesperson tells the outlet that Bellow “stepped seamlessly into the role, and the cast and crew were grateful for his professionalism and commitment, albeit for only one episode.”
Photo: JPI
TAJH WILL BE SEEN IN MULTIPLE PROJECTS IN OCTOBER
As General Hospital fans know, Tajh played the role of TJ Ashford from 2018 to his last appearance in December of 2024. Along the way, he received two Daytime Emmy nominations for his performances as TJ, the last being in 2025 in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
In addition, bellow along with Y&R alum Loren Lott will be seen starting on October 14 in the new Love Island spoof series, The Compatibility Experiment. The show will drop exclusively on TikTok and the PineDrama platform.
The Compatibility Experiment gives a satirical look at reality dating shows, think Love Island! The story centers around Kelvin (Bellow) and Camila (Lott), whose relationship is put to the test when they join a reality show to try to win a the million dollar prize.
So, what do you think of Tajh stepping in for Tyler Joseph Andrews as Theo on DAYS? Perhaps, the soap opera liked his work that he might be considered for another role in the future bringing Bellow back to the soaps? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
Four cast members are officially on contract at Days of our Lives, according to the soap opera’s closing credits on Peacock and longtime Days expert and historian Jason 47.
Lauren Koslow (Kate), Sydney Malakeh (Sydney), Sal Stowers (Lani) and Jacob Martinez (Javi) are the names that appear in the closing credits in the contracted cast members section. Days of our Lives fans also note that the series tapes ten months in advance of streaming episodes.
As Days of our Lives fans know, Lauren Koslow has played Kate Roberts since 1996, and recently filled-in for Jess Walton in the role of Jill Abbott on The Young and the Restless when Walton was unable to travel from Oregon to Los Angeles during the specific tape dates. But now, Koslow has been re-upped to contract status as of the September 8 episode.
Photo: JPI
SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED
Sydney Malakeh is the newest member of the contract players when she debuted on contract status on the September 10th episode. Days fans first met Sami (Alison Sweeney) and EJ’s (Dan Feuerriegel) daughter in scenes in Monte Carlo around a gambling table.
As for Sal Stowers, the actress had been on contract from 2015-2022, then on recurring status with the soap, and would make appearances and limited runs since 2023. Soap fans first saw Sal as Cassandra Foster on Prospect Park’s revival of All My Children in 2013. Sal’s first new contracted episode was noted to be September 16.
Jacob Martinez, debuted on June 30 of this year as the successor to Al Calderon in the role of Javi Hernandez, and has now been bumped up to series regular as of the September 10 episode.
Photo: JPI
CREDITS
According to the referenced posting from Days of our Lives expert and historian Jason 47, he shared, “It took me four weeks to realize, but the same week that Sydney Malakeh (Sydney) debuted (9/7-9/11), “Days” also put Lauren Koslow (Kate), Jacob Richard Martinez (Javi) and Sal Stowers (Lani) on contract.”
Jason47 added, “This confirms the “errors” of Lani being listed in the credits the week of 9/7 but not appearing, and Kate and Javi appearing in the credits the week of 9/14 but not appearing. It also now makes sense why Javi and Sydney are being listed before Rafe and Philip in the credits.”
He also shared, “For the record, Lauren Koslow’s first date back on contract was 9/8, Jacob Richard Martinez was upped to contract on 9/10, Sydney Malakeh debuted on contract 9/10 and Sal Stowers’ first date back on contract was 9/16. The records will be fixed on the website in the coming days.”
So, glad to hear Lauren, Sydney, Sal and Jacob appear to be on contract with Days of our Lives (as of these episode airings)? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: After Carter Blurts Out That ‘Implantation and Fertilization’ Has Begun to Daphne; Will Steffy Put the Brakes on His Scheme?
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
REPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
Alley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
Judith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: After Carter Blurts Out That ‘Implantation and Fertilization’ Has Begun to Daphne; Will Steffy Put the Brakes on His Scheme?
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ava and Drew Revealed to be Behind Framing Sonny for Sidwell’s Prison Beatdown
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