Days of our Lives Recap for Wednesday, March 5, 2025: Marlena delivers bad news about John

In the hospital waiting room, Kayla rushed up to Stephanie and apologized for summoning her to the hospital. Kayla noticed her daughter’s contemplative expression and asked what was wrong. After a beat, Stephanie told her that Joy might be pregnant. When Stephanie explained that she’d overheard Sarah order a test for Joy, Kayla chastised Sarah, but Stephanie defended the doctor. Stephanie admitted she was worried that if pregnant, Joy was likely having Alex’s child.

Kayla cautioned Stephanie against jumping to conclusions. Stephanie lamented how Joy had seemed to accept Alex and her together; this new development could present another roadblock. When Stephanie hinted that Kayla could “check” on the test results, Kayla quickly shot down the idea. Stephanie didn’t know what she would tell Alex. Kayla urged her not to say anything.

Stephanie defended possibly telling Alex since she was not bound by any professional code. Kayla retorted that Stephanie’s disclosure would still be highly “unethical” since it would invade Joy’s medical privacy. Moreover, the manner in which Stephanie had found out could bring more unwanted scrutiny on the hospital. Stephanie backed off and apologized for only thinking of Alex and herself. She just felt guilty about keeping a secret from Alex that could change the rest of his life; Kayla reasoned that Joy might tell Alex.

In Horton Town Square, Philip reacted with surprise to Joy’s request for a job at Titan. When he mentioned Chloe, Joy said that she’d already fulfilled “the sister code” by going off on Philip at the New Year’s celebration. Philip was still hesitant and thought Joy should talk it over with Chloe. Joy pledged that if hired, Philip and she would have a “friendly” working relationship. When Philip asked about her corporate experience, Joy made a joke about her character being an heiress on Body and Soul; she then admitted she’d only previously done temp work in the business world.

Joy promptly added that she was a “quick learner,” a fact to which Philip’s mother could attest since Kate had been her prior employer. Philip said he would talk it over with Xander, and Joy prodded him to have the conversation as soon as possible. “Time is of the essence,” she said with a strained smile. Joy claimed she urgently needed to find work since she had gotten her last paycheck. Philip said he was sorry the show hadn’t worked out, but he had thought Joy would relocate with the production.

Joy made a vague reference to “news” that had upended her plans and admitted the show had recast her part. Philip suggested returning to New York, and Joy cracked that her mother would “love” to hear about the mess she'd made of her life. Philip wanted to know what Joy meant, so she gave him the brief versions of her dalliance with Johnny and her involvement and break-up with Alex. Philip placed the blame for the Johnny affair on Johnny, but Joy didn’t think her mother would necessarily hold back in her criticism. Philip and Joy then commiserated over having mothers that were both their “biggest supporter” and their “harshest critics.”

Joy believed that putting roots down in Salem could be a way of proving herself to her mother. Philip said Xander likely wouldn’t stand in the way of Joy working for the company. “Barring any unforeseen circumstances, welcome to Titan,” he declared.

At the Kiriakis mansion, Alex reaffirmed that he wanted to return to work at Titan…unless Xander had a problem with it. Xander wondered why he should be troubled by Alex coming back to the family company. Alex reminded him that Alex had taken the job that rightfully belonged to Xander not that long ago. Alex would understand if Xander couldn’t trust him. Xander let it be known that he put the blame for the previous fiasco on Theresa and Konstantin.

If Alex wanted a place at Titan, Xander would gladly welcome him. The men shook on it. “Let’s hope Philip feels the same way,” Alex said. Alex believed Philip might still hold a grudge against him because of Stephanie. Xander agreed that Philip was not “the most gracious loser,” but since working with his brother, Xander had taken note of Philip’s ability to “bury the hatchet” for the good of the company. Alex observed Xander’s complimentary tone in regards to Philip and expressed surprise.

Xander admitted he had been working well with Philip and was even beginning to “like” his brother. He thought Philip’s seeming transformation signaled a willingness to put aside old grudges. Alex didn’t want to cause problems between Philip and Xander, so he offered to back out of rejoining Titan. Xander insisted it wouldn’t be an issue and hinted at “confidential big plans” for Titan. He could use Alex’s help.

Later, Philip came home and filled Xander in on his run-in with Joy. Xander was fine with hiring Joy at Titan, but he wanted to discuss something else with Philp. Before Xander could proceed, Philip halted the conversation to text Joy with the good news. Once he had Philip’s attention again, Xander updated his brother on Alex’s visit. Philip visibly recoiled at the notion of working with Alex and said “that might be an issue.” Xander stopped him and tried to persuade Philip about the benefits of having another Kiriakis on-hand for their upcoming war with the DiMeras.

Xander also reminded Philip how they had been able to set aside their own “personal” issues. Xander asked Philip if his reluctance was about “the row” with Alex over Stephanie. Philip took responsibility for how things had ended with Stephanie and claimed he was more concerned about Joy and Alex working together.

Philip had gotten the sense that Joy was not completely over their cousin. Xander bluntly suggested that if Joy had a problem working with Alex, she could quit. They needed Alex more than her. Philip reluctantly agreed. Xander texted the news to Alex, while Philip wore a frown.

Alex made his way to Horton Town Square and ran into Joy. He thanked her for being so gracious in forgiving him. He still liked her as a friend and wanted to put the past behind them. Joy concurred, which is why she needed to tell Alex something. First, she disclosed that she was staying in Salem.

Alex felt that since they’d cleared the air, seeing each other around town should be fine. He asked about the other matter Joy had mentioned discussing with him. Joy stammered for a bit before announcing that she’d been hired at Titan. Joy noted Alex’s restrained expression and asked if he had concerns. Alex assured her he didn’t and made his own declaration: he, too, would be working at Titan.

Joy awkwardly offered him congratulations. As the two celebrated their new jobs, Stephanie walked up. Alex mentioned he had “big news.” Stephanie braced herself, and Alex continued that he would be working at Titan again, along with Joy. “That is big news,” Stephanie replied with a big – and fake – smile.

At the Brady Pub, Ava joined Belle at a table, and the DA immediately launched into her plans to prosecute EJ, Kristen, and Kristen’s mom, Rachel Blake. Belle assured Ava that Kristen and EJ would not get away with their crimes this time and wanted to go over Ava’s statement. Ava pushed the papers Belle handed her aside and announced that she could not help Belle make the case. Belle was flabbergasted when Avan stated she would not be pressing charges against Kristen or EJ. Belle vented about the siblings’ culpability, but Ava said she was not doing it for them; she was doing it for Brady.

Belle argued that Brady wanted Kristen brought to justice just as much as Ava and she did. Ava explained that Brady was worried about his daughter Rachel’s involvement in the debacle. Belle firmly stated she had no intention of prosecuting the little girl, but Ava clarified that Brady’s worries rested with Child Protective Services. After Ava brought her up to speed about the threat from CPS, Belle conceded that their involvement “complicates things.” Ava wanted to ensure that Brady didn’t lose his child because of a crime that he had no involvement in.

Belle contended that she had an “obligation” to prosecute the case and ensure “three morally bankrupt criminals” didn’t go free. She believed CPS would see Kristen’s bad influence on Rachel and take the appropriate action. Ava couldn’t be sure that action wouldn’t also include taking Rachel from Brady. As a mother who had been separated from her own child, she was determined that outcome not befall Brady. Ava railed against Kristen and exclaimed that if she ever saw the woman again, “I’ll tear her limb from limb.”

Just then, Kristen strolled up and said with a smile, “Here’s your chance.” After she realized Ava wasn't going to testify, Kristen redirected her ire to Belle. She bantered with the DA about Belle’s supposedly “ironclad” case against her mother. Kristen demanded that since Belle had “zero witnesses,” she should drop the charges. Belle said Kristen’s mother could spend one more night in jail before being granted her “wholly undeserved freedom.”

Kristen needled the DA about suing for “wrongful prosecution.” As she got up to leave, Belle warned Kristen, “This isn’t over.” Kristen smirked and returned her attention to Ava after Belle left. After Ava followed her to the bar, Kristen asked if Ava had something to say to her. “I’ve got nothing to say to you,” Ava said – and then slapped Kristen hard across the face.

In Marlena’s office, Marlena gazed at a picture of John and thought back on her emotional reunion with him on the docks years earlier. Emerging from the flashback, she wondered what she would tell her and John’s kids about his apparent disappearance. Later, Brady stopped by the office to talk with Marlena about the situation with Ava. He paused when he took in Marlena’s distressed state and asked what had happened. Marlena admitted she had some bad news before confessing, “Your dad is missing.”

Brady wanted details, so Marlena told him about Shane’s call and about John losing touch with his “handler.” Shane didn’t have any more information to report. “We don’t know if John’s alive, or –” Marlena couldn’t finish the statement. A tearful Brady rose from his seat and hugged her. Marlena pulled back and apologized for worrying Brady.

Brady assured her he was fine and asked what they could do to track down his dad. Marlena informed him the ISA was currently doing everything they could to locate John. In the meantime, Marlena felt she should tell Belle and Paul about the developments. Brady and she agreed that Marlena would talk to Belle while Brady told Paul.

Before he left to pick up Rachel, Brady urged Marlena to stay positive and vowed they would find John. Marlena put on a brave face, but when Brady departed, she released a shaky exhale. Later, Belle arrived at the office and beamed at her mother. Belle’s enthusiasm waned when Marlena announced that she needed to talk with Belle about her dad.

Meanwhile, at the DiMera mansion Brady called Paul and told him about John. He reassured his brother and ended the call. Kristen then strolled into the mansion with a cold press against her jaw. When Brady asked her what had happened, Kristen hissed that Ava had assaulted her. She mentioned that Ava would not be pressing charges and griped about having the woman arrested for assault as she flounced into another room.

After Brady was alone again, he called Ava and asked if he could do anything for her. Ava made a dark joke about him kidnapping Kristen and leaving her for dead. Brady apologized for everything. “I’m sorry, too,” Ava responded with anger in her voice. She hung up on an overwhelmed Brady.

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