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
‘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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