Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: John Does His Final Act of Heroism to Give Bo a Chance at Life; Stephen Nichols & Mary Beth Evans Break Our Hearts
In one of the finest episodes of Days of our Lives in a long time, the series legacy heroes, John Black and Bo Brady, are both at a crossroads.
By the end of the Friday May 23rd cliffhanger, their two lives hang in the balance, and in what had been promised by head writers, Paula Cwikly and Jeanne Marie Ford, and executive producer, Ken Corday, the soap opera would craft an exit befitting the legacy of John and its portrayer the late Drake Hogestyn. The story perfectly intersects the lives of Bo (Peter Reckell) and John and their best friend, Steve, played heartbreakingly by Stephen Nichols.
As it begins, Hope (Kristian Alfonso) is at Bo’s bedside wishing him happy 40th wedding anniversary as this was the date that they got married in 1985, and we flashback to their London wedding ceremony. In the present, Bo has been given his last rites. Ciara (the returning Victoria Konefal) arrives to be with her mother and father, and sits at Bo’s bedside remembering special moments with her dad when she was growing up (which included flashbacks of a young Ciara played by Lauren Bowles).
Courtesy/Peacock
KAYLA INFORMS MARLENA OF JOHN’S NEW MISSION TO SAVE BO
Meanwhile, Marlena (Deidre Hall) visits Kayla’s (Mary Beth Evans) office at the hospital and Kayla learns that John didn’t return home and go directly to see Marlena. He made a pit stop to help Steve in their quest to get the drug to save Bo. Kayla explains the situation to Marlena and how they just need a single dose of the medication and all they went through, and then Kayla says to Marlena that they both know how Bo is like a brother to both men. Next, we get a flashback of Bo telling his sister, that she can always count on him.
In the present, with tears in her eyes, Kayla recalls the countless times that Bo, John and Steve have stepped up and saved them. Kayla worries this time Bo won’t be able to be saved in time and she will lose her brother. Kayla reassures Marlena that John will finish his mission with Steve and be back to her in no time.
Photo: JPI
BO TRAVELS TO SALEM IN HIS MIND
Back in Bo’s hospital room (which is unclear where he is exactly), while Ciara remembers moments in her life with her dad, Bo is transported to Horton Town Square and eventually to the Brady Pub, where he sees Steve and Kayla holding hands and talking, but he is locked out of the pub and can’t get to them – which is the analogy that Bo is trying to get home to those he loved, but he’s still unable to wake up out of his coma as death looms.
Photo: NBC
DISABLING THE SECURITY SYSTEM
Now outside in an alley, Dr. Russell (Michael Dietz) meets John who begins to help Steve and Shawn (Brandon Beemer) to try to trick the security system of the meth lab so they can get inside and look for a vial of Versavix. Suddenly, Hope (Kristian Alfonso) has joined them just in time when they learn that there is a two-part security system. Hope cuts the wires and disables one system and John disables the other. Next, John, Hope and Dr. Russell enter the lab. Hope asked Dr. Russell to come with them to identify and locate the drug.
Photo: JPI
IN THE WAREHOUSE LAB
There is a person in an unresponsive state on the floor which could be Asher. Hope, John and Dr. Russell try to get in and get out but no such luck. Russell spots the Versavix, but Asher jumps up and attacks Dr. Russell from behind. Hope grabs the drugs as Asher gets into a fight with the doctor and suddenly smoke is filling up the lab. As Asher pulls a knife to kill Russell, John saves the day as he get into a fight with Asher, as Hope gets Dr. Russell out. When she tries to go back, the warehouse is now engulfed in flames.
Later, the firefighters arrive and say they found one survivor and wheel out a badly burned John, who has in his hand the vial of Versavix to save Bo! Shawn gives it to Hope to hurry and rescue his dad.
Photo: JPI
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL LIVES ON THE LINE
At University Hospital, Kayla tells Marlena that there was an explosion and John has been seriously injured. Hope and Shawn arrive in Bo’s room and tell Ciara they have secured the drug, Hope tells Bo to fight, and how fitting would it be for him to awake with this being their 40th wedding anniversary? Next, Hope, Ciara and Shawn recite the Lord’s prayer as Bo is being administered the sepsis drug as one last ditch effort to save his life.
Courtesy/Peacock
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL WAITING AREA
In the moment of the episode, Steve tells Dr Russell the man who attacked him is dead and shared that John not only saved Dr Russell’s life but also his life’s work. In a surprise move, Steve hands the doctor all of the vials of the drug. An emotional Steve says, John protected them with his body. Steve tells Dr. Russell that he must continue his life-saving work, especially because John put his life on the line for it. Once alone, Steve breaks down in tears. He is wracked with guilt over John’s condition and the thought of losing his best friend.
Courtesy/Peacock
Marlena is now John’s beside. Steve enters the room and stands by Marlena’s side. Then, in a perfect moment, Steve says that Stefano DiMera may have called himself the Phoenix, but he had nothing on John Black. Then, DAYS flashes back to John’s origin story, his many identities, the moment he looks at himself in the mirror and calls himself “John Black” – all from the decades of scenes featuring Drake Hogestyn.
Back in the present, John whispers, “I love you, Doc.” First, Marlena is overjoyed to hear his voice, but it soon becomes life-altering as John’s heart monitor flatlines. Kayla runs in and says he’s coding. Steve tries to get Marlena out of the room, but she calls out to her husband that she is right here with him.
While everyone was excellent in the episode, nothing was more gut-wrenching than Stephen Nichols performance as Steve breaks down after John saved the day for Bo, as well as Mary Beth Evans remembering what the love of her brother Bo means to her. It looks like in the coming two weeks viewers will be reaching for the hankies more often than not. Stay tuned.
So, what did you think of how John was a hero one last time in order to save Bo and others with a life-saving drug? What was your favorite moment from the episode? Share your thoughts via the comment section.
I didn’t love it. I would’ve preferred a stand alone story for Drake. Something focused on John and his family instead of another couple’s return.
Your reply is the first, and it’s negative. Congratulations.
Loved it all except the meth lab scenes, which seemed rushed with bad direction and editing.
I like how Bo’s return and John’s departure are intertwined, it’s true to character and soap opera.
I’m looking forward to all the returns focusing on John. And hopefully, I see less ship wars. Days is an ensemble. No character and couple should be isolated. Hand over your soap fan card if you think otherwise.
Stop the jealousy.
I agree with much of what you’ve stated. But I’m not understanding the “jealousy.”
And for the record, you started off with a “negative” comment yourself.
Many John and Jarlena fans are upset that Bo has returned and John is departing, that their storylines are intertwined.
My previous post was positive followed by a negative, and is positive overall.
Days did a good job, but it could’ve been better. The heart of the story excelled and will be a must to watch this week.
Most ridiculous part of the episode?
Hope somehow being able to get from Bo’s hospital facility “somewhere in Europe” to a meth lab in Salem within minutes. And then back again, with Shawn along for the ride.
When did Salem get Starfleet transporter beams??
I started watching Days back in 1975 and watched it faithfully until it switched to peacock station. My husband and I are on social security now and we are lucky to be able to afford just the basic cable stations we are offered. It’s really hard for me to hear all the things that are happening to the Horton’s,the Black’s and everyone else and not being able to watch it. They all became my family for an hour each day Monday through Friday,at 12:30 to 1:30 each day. I wish it never moved to peacock at all.
Streaming is cheaper than cable. You don’t need cable to stream, you only need internet service. If you don’t fully understand streaming, reach out to someone who can help you.
True on the low cost of streaming but my internet connection is 100 a month
Alana Larson must have internet service to be able to log on to Michael Fairman’s site.
Or at least a data plan on her smartphone.
If it didn’t move to Peacock, it would’ve been cancelled outright.
I understand fixed incomes aren’t easy, but there’s usually a promo out there to get the commercial version for a reasonable rate. Someone can gift it to you as well for a birthday or Christmas.
I am a longbtome viewer and this was an incredible episode of Days. The actors were extraordinary and the way they intertwined John and Bo’s storyline and making John the ultimate hero one last time was so meaningful and appreciated. This honored the legacy of Johm always being the hero and helping others. All these Days legends uniting to save Bo was brilliant.
I agree 100%. All these negative comments are making me sick
How long are they gonna drag John’s death out
Well they tape about 9 months in advance ; and also changed a couple of the head writers since Drake’s death in real life!! So there were alot of time related delays!! I think they did justice to the character and now comes “tearful” good-bye scenes with close friends and family members!! I’ve stocked up on my Kleenex supply !!!
I really agree with you! Well said! I love Days and think the new writers are doing a great job! It’s good to see the past characters again. I will really miss John as he was one of my favorites. I’m anxious to see what happens in Salem in the future. ❤️
I realize that Days is taped a year in advance, however with the death of Drake l did not feel it was respectful to Drake and his family for it to take so long to honor his memory. I feel one special episode could have been taped and inserted dedicated to his memory instead of a long drawn out storyline.
BS!
That couldn’t work. Say that you rush one episode within a month. Then, do you suddenly go back to having everyone think John is alive for the next 8 months?
I’ve been watching days of our lives since I was in hight school in the 70. I would come home and watch it with my grandmother and mom. Once I got married I got my husband hooked. We got peacock station just to watch Days of Our Lives. My children make fun of us say we talk about the characters like if they were people we know. Lol
Days Of Our Lives
Netflix Canada to Stream Past Episodes of ‘Days of our Lives’ and ‘The Young and the Restless’
Canadian soap opera fans, this October looks to be bringing you classic American television show favorites via Netflix. The streamer has reportedly licensed a large slate of iconic favorites including Days of our Lives and The Young and the Restless.
Beginning the week of October 26 via Netflix Canada (hopefully, soon in other regions too), the streamer will post previously aired catalogue episodes of both iconic series. No word yet from where they may be starting from, although many of the other series in the retro line-up are from the 80s and 90s.
Meanwhile, all-new episodes of Days of our Lives and The Young and the Restless will continue to be available and shown via Corus Entertainment Canada.
This week also marks the beginning of Y&R’s season 54 which officially begins on Thursday, October 8! And come November 11, new material from the head writing team of Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor make their debut. The series debuted on March 26, 1973.
Peacock’s Days of our Lives is entering into their 62 season. The soap was officially renewed back in July of 2025 through its sixty-third season, which runs during the 2027–2028 television and streaming season. DAYS tapes ten months in advance of dropping new daily episodes of the drama in Salem. The series debuted back on November 8, 1965,
Before DAYS and Y&R drop on Netflix Canada, none other than ABC’s Dynasty comes your way with all nine seasons beginning on October 12 along with full seasons of Bewitched, Charlie’s Angels, The Facts of Life, The Love Boat, and The Twilight Zone.
Previously, Netflix Canada added Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman featuring One Life to Live favorite, Joe Lando (ex-Jake Harrison) and Diagnosis Murder, which featured Victoria Rowell (ex-Drucilla, The Young and the Restless).
So, looking forward to finding out what years Canadian fans will get of Days of our Lives and The Young and the Restless when its served up later this month on Netflix Canada? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Breaking News
Robert Kelker-Kelly, ‘General Hospital,’ ‘Days of our Lives’ and ‘Another World’ Star Dies at 62
Robert Kelker-Kelly, who became prominent as a one of the leading men in soap operas back in the late 80s and 90s has died at the age of 62. TMZ first reported the news of Robert’s passing on Saturday, October 3 at his home in St. Peters, Missouri.
According to the St. Peters police report, officers responded to call at around 8:16 pm about an unconscious man who was not breathing, as paramedics and other EMS were en route. Kelker-Kelly had reportedly complained of chest pain shortly before becoming unresponsive and the circumstances appeared consistent with a medical event.
Officers and paramedics administered life-saving measures, but were unsuccessful in reviving Kelker-Kelly. The cause of his death is still unknown and under investigation.
Photo: NBC
Daytime fans first saw Robert back in 1987 when he was cast as Sam Fowler on Another World. He played the role for three year suntil 1990. Two years later, he took over the role of Bo Brady on Days of our Lives replacing Peter Reckell, who at that time decided to leave the show.
As Bo, Kelker-Kelly was major in story playing opposite the likes of: Crystal Chappell as Dr. Carly Manning, Kristian Alfonso as Hope Williams and Lisa Rinna as Billie Reed. When Peter Reckell returned to his signature role in 1995, Kelker-Kelly left the show.
Next, Robert returned to his original stomping grounds at Another World but this time as race car driver, Bobby Reno who was actually Dr. Shane Roberts. His second AW stint lasted from 1996-1998.
Photo: ABC
Eventually, the actor would begin his run as the evil Stavros Cassadine on General Hospital in 2001, then make returns in 2002 and 2003. In 2013, he briefly returned as Stavros as part of the show’s 50th anniversary celebration, and made one last appearance in 2014.
Robert has also became a professional pilot full from 2003 to 2015 and had been married to former Days of our Lives star, Miriam Parrish (ex-Jamie Caldwell) from 1997-2011, but the couple divorced in 2011. Since that time, he has not remarried.
Recently, Robert was back in the news when Lisa Rinna talked about her time working with her former Days of our Lives co-star in her recently released memoir, You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It.
Rinna shared on her then on-screen love interest, “Behind the scenes, we hated each other. Remember when Kathy Hilton said I was the biggest bully in Hollywood? Not true. Not even close! I have legit stories about the real bullies in this town. Robert Kelker-Kelly is one of those bullies.”
The former Billie Reed and reality star even punctuated that with, “He made my life a living hell on the set of DAYS, He was horrible to me, I’d go so far as to say verbally abusive. He was passive-aggressive, manipulative and played weird mind games.”
Besides his role in the soaps, Kelker-Kelly appeared on primetime on Touched by an Angel and Rescue 77 , and played Bo in the Days of our Lives specials Night Sins and Winter Heat in the early 90s.
Michael Fairman TV will provide further updates as they become available on the death of Robert Kelker-Kelly.
Now, share your remembrances and condolences on the loss of Robert Kelker-Kelly via the comment section below and let us know of all his daytime roles, which was your favorite.
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.
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GENERAL HOSPITAL: Did the ABC Soap Opera Just Tee Up a Jason and Serena Pairing?
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‘Another World’s’ Mark Mortimer, Who Played Nick Hudson, Dies at 59 from Cancer
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REPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
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BEYOND THE GATES Preview: Who’s Trying to Silence Hayley?
Robert Kelker-Kelly, ‘General Hospital,’ ‘Days of our Lives’ and ‘Another World’ Star Dies at 62
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