Days Recap: Days of our Lives Recap, August 31: Maggie Returns During Her Family’s Darkest Hour

In today’s Days of our Lives recap for August 31, Leo got new hope, Cat turned the tables, EJ played deal-maker, and Philip’s plan hit a snag.

Heartbreaker and Heartstopper

Javi couldn't handle Leo's close proximity | Image: Peacock

At the Brady Pub, Leo and Javi ran into each other on their respective breakfast runs. Leo awkwardly joked about the menu options and about them having the same schedule, until Javi informed Leo that he’d be taking night shifts going forward. Disappointed, Leo tried to keep things light and suggested they take a coffee break together now and then. Javi didn’t think that’d be a good idea, but Leo chided that he wasn’t looking for anything serious. He just wanted to spend time with someone that he liked and who made him laugh.

Javi seemed tempted but ultimately stuttered that he couldn’t and made a quick exit. Gabi arrived soon thereafter. When Leo approached with flattery, she immediately called him out on his attempts to butter her up for intel about Javi and Gus. Gabi stressed that she liked Gus because he was “good and honest.” After she hinted that Gus had broken up with Javi because of Leo, he pried her for more information. Gabi eventually admitted that Gus hadn’t taken Javi’s over-the-top concern for Leo in stride and had confronted Javi about still having unresolved, deep feelings for Leo.

The news confused Leo, since Javi had made such a habit of avoiding him. A frustrated Gabi urged Leo to consider that Javi’s reactions were probably because Gus was right. Leo realized that Javi was likely afraid of getting his heart broken again, and he asked Gabi why she had told him. Because she only wanted her cousin to be happy, Gabi affirmed.

Agents of Chaos and Calm

Cat had unwelcome news to go with Rafe's morning coffee | Image: Peacock

At the Hernandez home, Rafe and Cat convened once again at their unofficial meeting spot. Things quickly got dicey after Cat confessed what she had remembered at her last hypnosis session: namely, that she’d told a comatose EJ about her ISA status. Although Cat didn’t think EJ would remember, Rafe fretted that he would. After all, EJ had already recalled prior interactions Cat had with him during that time. Cat agreed the circumstances were not ideal, but she wanted to follow through since she still had EJ’s trust; she had an idea about how to spin the situation to their advantage.

Later, Javi arrived home after Cat had departed, still reeling over his encounter with Leo. Javi updated Rafe about his move to night shifts so he could avoid run-ins with Gus. Although Gus wouldn’t be returning to Texas, Javi knew Gus and he were over. He confided in Rafe that he still did have feelings for Leo. Worse yet, Leo wanted to be friends.

Javi believed he needed time. Rafe reminded him that when Leo had wanted the same from Javi, then Javi had moved on. Rafe cautioned his cousin about the same fate befalling Javi.

Haggles and Half-Truths

EJ and Gwen went another round | Image: Peacock

At the DiMera mansion, Gwen arrived full of fire against EJ for failing to tell her about the disaster their miracle drug had become. The rivals argued back and forth, with Gwen eventually declaring that Dimitri had kidnapped her before EJ could launch his own nefarious plot. When EJ needled Gwen about her fear of him, she claimed she’d only rejected a plea deal from the cops because of her distrust of law enforcement. EJ switched tactics and reminded Gwen they both had mountains of dirt on each other, so their best bet was to stick together.

EJ then made his pitch to Gwen: he wouldn’t stand in the way of her efforts to acquire the hospital if she cut him in on profits. They’d reverse roles, and he’d become the “silent partner.” Gwen scoffed at first, but when EJ spoke of the billions they stood to make from the original Versavix drug, her wheels appeared to be turning. The wheeling and dealing was interrupted by Cat’s arrival, though.

Gwen made an angry exit and went to the pub, where she saw Gabi and Leo and promptly launched into a rant against EJ. Although intrigued by the drama, Leo had to take his leave for an appointment with Marlena. After he was gone, Gabi updated Gwen on her suspicions that EJ could be behind the counterfeit handbag scheme. Gwen regretted she wasn’t in a position to pry EJ for information, but she did know someone who could help.

Back at the mansion, Cat announced that EJ’s warm greeting might turn cold once she’d told him something important. EJ braced himself, and Cat revealed that Clyde had targeted her family because he’d discovered she’d been tracking his criminal enterprise for the ISA. As EJ silently absorbed the information, Cat clarified that she’d only been an analyst and not a field agent. Once the accident had occurred, she’d cut ties.

EJ asked why Cat had decided to tell him now. She replied that as her connection with EJ was getting stronger, she believed it could be something real and meaningful. But Cat had witnessed how secrets could ruin relationships, and she didn’t want any secrets between them. That being said, she understood if EJ wanted to end their personal and professional relationship because of her disclosure.

EJ responded by drawing Cat into a deep and passionate kiss. When she embraced him, however, his expression darkened.

Therapeutic Touch

Xander talked personal and professional upheaval with Marlena | Image: Peacock

In Marlena’s office, Xander arrived for his appointment. He began the session by opening up about his reaction to the news that Sarah and Brady would be moving in together. He’d managed to keep himself together by following some of Marlena’s techniques. Marlena commended Xander on his progress. He admitted his family had enough turmoil without adding “Hurricane Xander” to the mix.

Xander felt guilt and shame because Maggie was coming home to a mess that was partially his fault. Marlena believed many people shouldered their share of the blame, including her. She conceded that she hadn’t expected EJ to react so extremely after she had encouraged Xander to tell the truth about the plagiarism lawsuit. Xander seethed with anger at EJ and vowed EJ would pay. The comment concerned Marlena, but Xander assured her he would not be resorting to violence.

Instead, Xander had another way to take down EJ. He told Marlena his suspicions about EJ’s role in Holly’s illness and in the whole Coriseal drama. With more reluctance, he also informed Marlena that Johnny likely knew about EJ’s misdeeds and had helped his father cover them up. Marlena was taken aback but determined to help resolve the situation.

Later, Marlena met with her other frequent flyer patient, Leo. He was brimming with excitement after learning that Javi still had feelings for him. Leo rambled about needing to “break through” to Javi. Marlena advised him to calm down and to “let nature take its course.”

Not-So-Fond Farewell

Philip had a proposal for Gabi | Image: Peacock

At the Kiriakis mansion, Gabi took stock of the empty room and packed boxes. Philp came in to talk Monte Carlo and the one thing he still had to do before they left. With that, he got down on bended knee and pulled out a ring. Gabi became flustered and hopeful…until Philip made it clear the ring was part of their cover as an engaged couple. She hid her disappointment as Philip slid the ring on her finger. He’d borrowed it from Maggie and hoped to return it before she found out –

Cue Maggie’s entrance. Melanie was staying with Melissa, so Maggie had returned home to “say goodbye” to her home. Gabi discreetly yanked the ring off and out of sight as Philip welcomed Maggie back and commiserated with her. She excused herself to give stepmother and stepson privacy. Philp lamented to Maggie about losing the mansion. He couldn’t accept it and hinted at a plan.

Maggie caught Philip off guard by almost immediately guessing that Philp had gotten himself involved in gambling again. She compelled him to forego whatever plan he had and reminded Philip of the terrible repercussions his previous gambling debts had caused. Maggie stressed they had each other, and that was really what mattered most. Victor would not want his son putting himself in harm’s way again because Victor wanted Philip’s happiness. Philip appeared moved by Maggie’s words and said Victor would always be his driving force; he hugged Maggie, seemingly acquiescing to her request.

Later, Xander came home and shared a somber reunion with Maggie. She didn’t want Xander to blame himself and gave him a similar pep talk as the one she’d just given Philip. Xander had learned the identity of the mansion’s buyer: a reclusive billionaire named Dominic Marino. He didn’t have much hope that the man would agree to delay the deal, but anyone was better than EJ. Maggie assured Xander he didn’t have to worry about Philip’s mystery plan because she’d talked her stepson out of it.

Meanwhile, Philip made his way to the Brady Pub for another meet-up with Gabi. She’d been prepping for their trip to Monte Carlo. But Philip’s disclosure that Maggie had confronted him about the gambling made Gabi wonder if Philip had changed his mind. After a beat, Philip declared the poker game was still a go. He’d only made Maggie think otherwise.

Do Philip and Gabi have a date with disaster? Who is Dominic Marino? And in EJ and Cat’s dalliance, who’s playing who? Sound off in the comments.