Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled courtroom drama on Days of Our Lives as the trial for Johnny DiMera’s (Carson Boatman) alleged attempted murder of his father, EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel), kicks into high gear! While Roman Brady (Josh Taylor) grapples with testifying against his grandson, a hidden novel, a surprising new client, and a shocking accusation from EJ himself threaten to unravel everything. This intense episode reveals deeper motives, unexpected alliances, and a twist that will leave you questioning who truly pulled the trigger!
Kate’s Secret & Philip’s Discovery: A Novel Betrayal?
The episode begins with Roman confiding in Kate Roberts (Lauren Koslow) about the agonizing prospect of testifying against his grandson, Johnny. Kate offers him support, then surprisingly declares she’s “starting my other job” by grabbing an apron to help out in the pub. Despite Roman’s protests, Kate insists, affirming their bond: “it’s a family business and they’re family — she’s there whatever he needs.” This highlights Kate’s unwavering loyalty and support for Roman during a difficult time.
The focus then shifts to a major revelation concerning Kate and her son, Philip Kiriakis (Jay Kenneth Johnson). Philip arrives to offer his mom company and check on her role at Titan publishing. He reveals he’s read a novel titled One Stormy Night, praising it as a “best seller.” Philip, ever perceptive, suspects the author is using a pseudonym. Kate confirms this, but insists she “can’t tell anyone who they are.” Philip, leveraging his position, firmly retorts, “‘Except, I’m your boss, remember? You have to tell me.'”
Despite Philip’s demand, “Kate won’t budge.” This leads Philip to a stunning deduction. Frustrated, “‘Fine!’ Philip shouts. He’s got a pretty good idea anyway.” He reveals he “recognized some ‘semi-autographical parts of the novel,'” which immediately puts Kate on edge. Kate’s visible discomfort and flustered reaction confirm Philip’s suspicion: “Kate gets flustered, which Philip takes to mean the writer is, indeed, Stephanie.” The revelation that Stephanie Johnson (Abigail Klein) is the secret author is a major plot twist! Kate, now desperate, frantically warns him, “‘Shhhh! You can’t let anyone know that you know!'”
Philip’s concern extends beyond Stephanie’s professional identity. He speculates that Stephanie “’s not just hiding her identity because of her job — if he recognized himself in the book, other exes might, too.” This suggests Stephanie has drawn inspiration from her past relationships, including her complex history with Philip himself. Kate tries to reassure him, confirming “that they took steps to prevent that,” and reiterates her commitment: “she’s there to protect Stephanie.” She even draws a parallel to her own past, recalling “what happened with her book and her affair with Bill Horton while married to Curtis,” highlighting her understanding of the potential scandal. This secret novel could expose painful truths and complicate Stephanie’s relationships, especially if other “exes” recognize themselves within its pages.
Jada’s Advice and Stephanie’s Dismissal: A Mysterious Package
Meanwhile, Stephanie receives a call, leaving a message for EJ, which her roommate Jada Hunter (Elia Cantu) overhears. Jada quickly deduces that her roommate “is working for the hospital owner,” and expresses concern: “Is she sure she wants to do that?” Stephanie admits her reluctance, but explains “she needs a big client.” More importantly, she reveals a deeper motive: “she wants to be a buffer between EJ and her mom,” likely referring to Kayla and the ongoing tension.
“Jada understands, but she still hates the idea,” acknowledging “all EJ’s done to Jada and, well, everyone.” As Jada prepares to leave for court, she makes a curious discovery: “she finds the box Alex found delivered a little while back.” Stephanie immediately reacts with suspicion, speculating “it’s from one of her exes,” and adding, “if it’s from who she thinks, she’d rather pretend it never showed up.” This indicates a past relationship she’d rather forget. Despite Jada’s warning that “she can’t just ignore it,” Stephanie, in a defiant act, “does just that and drops the package in the trash,” setting up a future reveal and possibly a confrontation with this mysterious ex.
The Courthouse Showdown: Opening Statements and Suspicions
The scene shifts to the courthouse, setting the stage for the dramatic trial. Chad DiMera (Billy Flynn) encounters EJ, who observes that his brother is “Belle’s first witness.” EJ offers a manipulative instruction: “He tells Chad to just tell the truth and let him handle the rest,” implying a desire to control the narrative. Chad, however, confidently asserts, “it’ll work out the way it’s supposed to,” perhaps suggesting his own agenda.
Johnny walks by Belle Black (Martha Madison) in the courthouse, initially trying to avoid a conversation. Belle stops him, however, and reassures him, telling him “she loves and believes in him.” Johnny, understanding the nature of her job, acknowledges, “he knows she’s just doing her job and heads in.” EJ then bumps past Belle, offering a curt, “Counselor,” highlighting their adversarial relationship.
Inside the courtroom, Johnny confronts EJ about Grandma Susan Banks’ (Stacy Haiduk) visit, mentioning that “She’s convinced he’s innocent.” EJ, maintaining his facade, replies, “‘Because he is,’… and he has a pretty good idea who shot him.” This statement from EJ immediately points the finger, but Johnny vehemently warns his dad, “to not go anywhere near Chanel during the trial. She didn’t do it.” This fierce defense of Chanel adds another layer of intrigue, suggesting a potential misdirection or a genuine belief in her innocence.
Belle vs. EJ: A Battle of Wits in Court
The trial officially begins with Belle’s opening statement. She addresses the jury, making it “clear she plans on proving that Johnny tried murdering his father. Worse? It was premeditated.” She then strategically brings up the victim (EJ) “representing the accused” (Johnny), using it to argue that “EJ will do anything to protect the DiMera name.” Her closing salvo is a direct attack: “That’s all. ‘He is a DiMera through and through.’ Don’t believe the rosy father/son picture he paints.” Belle’s strategy is to paint Johnny as a cold, calculating individual driven by resentment towards his father, and to expose EJ’s perceived hypocrisy in defending him.
As Belle speaks, “EJ grows more agitated,” but quickly “chuckles it off when he gets up to give his own opening statement.” EJ dismisses Belle’s speech as “quite the speech — also deceiving and misleading.” He then feigns emotion, claiming, “He loves his son and he KNOWS Johnny is innocent. And the DA doesn’t have evidence. It’s circumstantial.” This is a classic defense tactic, trying to cast doubt on the prosecution’s case. EJ then plants seeds of suspicion elsewhere, arguing, “There are plenty of people in Salem who would like him dead.” He also attempts to paint the DA’s office as biased, claiming, “And the DA’s office has always had it out for the DiMeras. Don’t punish Johnny for the sins of his father.” EJ’s performance is designed to appeal to the jury’s emotions and inherent biases, redirecting suspicion away from Johnny.
Testimonies Begin: Chad and Jada on the Stand
The first witness is Chad, who recounts “what happened when he found his brother,” with a flashback illustrating the traumatic night. Belle, during her questioning, focuses on “Johnny’s strained relationship with EJ,” aiming to establish motive. She successfully gets Chad to admit that he tried to mediate between father and son, and that Johnny’s shocking response was, “That he didn’t care whether his father lived or died.” This testimony is incredibly damaging to Johnny’s case, painting him as cold and resentful.
EJ’s cross-examination attempts damage control. He has Chad “recall how the French doors were open to the outside. No sign of the shooter. No sign of Johnny.” This attempts to highlight the lack of direct evidence placing Johnny at the scene with the gun.
Next, Jada takes the stand. She confirms that “Johnny’s grandfather, Roman, brought in the gun used to shoot EJ.” However, EJ’s cross-examination probes for weaknesses, asking “if there were fingerprints or if the gun was found in Johnny’s possession.” Jada answers “No to both,” which is a minor win for the defense. Jada attempts to bring up “Johnny’s motive,” but is “shut down” by the judge. EJ then takes a shocking turn, directly asking Jada “if she had a motive to want him dead.” Jada, surprisingly, “admits. And yes she told someone that she wished him dead.” EJ, seemingly pleased with this admission, “thanks her and sits down, whispering something into Johnny’s ear,” perhaps a note of satisfaction or a hint at his next move. Jada’s admission introduces a new, unexpected suspect.
Roman’s Agonizing Testimony: A Grandfather’s Confession
The most heartbreaking testimony comes from Roman. He takes the stand to discuss “the gun,” flashing back to “Johnny learning about it,” and Roman’s realization “shortly after that it was missing.” Roman then admits that “Johnny had a number of reasons for being angry with his father,” confirming a motive. More damningly, he confesses, “And he heard Johnny say he wanted to hurt his dad.” This is a painful admission from a loving grandfather. Roman then recounts following Johnny, only to “find his gun in a planter at the DiMera mansion.”
In a moment of desperation to protect his grandson, Roman reveals, “He grabbed it to protect his grandson and put the gun back.” But his next confession is truly shocking: “He admits to finding a bullet missing and wiping it down before putting it away.” Belle then prompts him to explain why he did this. Roman’s agonizing answer is a gut punch to Johnny: “‘Because I thought my grandson might be the shooter.'” At this devastating statement, “Johnny’s face falls,” clearly shattered by his own grandfather’s doubt. Roman’s testimony, intended to help, has inadvertently dealt a severe blow to Johnny’s case.
Post-Court Catch-Up and a Bag of Misunderstandings
Outside the courthouse, Chad runs into Stephanie. She asks how he’s doing, and he expresses his distress: “he hates having had to testify against Johnny.” Chad then shifts to Stephanie’s new job, working for the hospital, and offers a dire warning: “warns her that despite loving EJ, people who tie themselves to him don’t end well.” This highlights EJ’s dangerous reputation.
Stephanie, confident in her abilities, “appreciates his concern, but Steph can handle herself.” Chad then asks about her relationship with Alex Kiriakis (Robert Scott Wilson), and Stephanie confirms “it’s good.” Chad observes that “He can tell she’s happy. And when that happens, stuff from the past can’t hurt you,” a seemingly hopeful, but ironic, statement given the impending discovery of her novel and the mysterious package.
In the episode’s final moments, Stephanie returns home and tells Jada she “wins. She’ll face this head on.” She retrieves the package “out of the trash and… it’s a tote bag. She forgot she ordered it.” This mundane reveal is immediately questioned by Jada: “‘Why were you so suspicious of that guy?'” Stephanie explains, “A lot of her novel scenarios were based loosely on real-life events she’d rather keep in the past. So he’s been on her mind a lot.” This confirms the autobiographical nature of her novel and hints at other past relationships that could resurface.
EJ’s Shocking Accusation: The Real Killer Revealed?
Back in the courtroom, EJ continues his cross-examination of Roman, determined to shift the blame. He makes Roman “admit he never saw Johnny take the gun,” emphasizing the lack of direct evidence. He then philosophizes, “And that words are not actions,” attempting to downplay Johnny’s angry statements. EJ then brings up Roman’s tumultuous past with him, asking “about how Roman feels about EJ marrying his daughter, Sami.” Roman curtly notes, “‘More than once,'” and admits, “And he didn’t like that at all.”
Then, EJ delivers the most shocking accusation of the day: “Has he ever wanted EJ dead?” Roman, exasperated, retorts, “‘I didn’t shoot you EJ, if that’s what you’re implying.'” But EJ, with chilling precision, “starts laying into Roman,” pointing out that Roman “had the means, the opportunity and the motive to shoot him.” He drives the point home with the ultimate accusation: “It was his gun that shot him. ‘Maybe you were the one who pulled the trigger.'”
This explosive accusation leaves everyone stunned. An “exasperated Belle yells her objection,” but EJ, “smugly sitting back down,” has successfully planted a seed of doubt, turning the tables completely on Roman. The implication is clear: EJ believes Roman, Johnny’s own grandfather, might be the true shooter, or at least wants the jury to consider it.
The episode concludes with the trial in full swing, leaving viewers desperate for answers: Who really shot EJ? The shocking accusation against Roman, combined with the earlier hints about Jada’s motive and Johnny’s fierce defense of Chanel, throws the investigation wide open. The next Days of Our Lives episode promises further developments, with “Johnny and Chanel focus[ing] on the future” and “Susan [having] a warning for EJ.” The game of “whodunnit” is far from over, as the focus shifts to a new set of suspects and a shocking potential truth.
