Days Recap: Days of our Lives Recap, February 11, 2026: Kristen gives Brady joint custody…with a big catch

In your Days of our Lives recap, for Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Dimitri proclaims his innocence, Leo weighs a new mission, and EJ is on the receiving end of a startling claim.

What happened on Days of our Lives

Marlena and Leo on Days of our Lives | Image: Peacock

At Marlena’s place, Marlena told Belle she was planning to restart her practice soon. On cue, favorite patient Leo arrived on the scene and in a panic. As Belle made a brusque exit, Leo joined Marlena on the couch and filled his therapist in on Dimitri’s arrest. Leo had two major problems with the development: he believed Dimitri was innocent…and he wanted to help his ex. The urge to help was new for Leo because instead of self-pity, he was genuinely more focused on Dimitri’s well-being.

Marlena questioned if Leo’s faith in Dimitri was “misplaced,” but Leo affirmed he knew Dimitri better than anyone and that — in his heart — he didn’t believe Dimitri capable of killing his own family. Leo was certain the arrest had Gwen’s fingerprints all over it. He rambled about the comparison to a situation in Hollywood before Marlena got him back on track. Leo also believed Gwen was responsible for bringing Dimitri back to town and ruining his relationship with Javi. Marlena gently prodded Leo about how Dimitri had upended the relationship.

Leo confessed he couldn’t tell Javi that he was over Dimitri because he still had feelings for his ex. Leo felt even more guilty because helping Dimitri was like another betrayal of Javi. Marlena suggested Leo had really stopped by to ask for her permission to assist Dimitri. She assured him that his desire to aid someone he cared about didn’t make him a bad person. Leo confided he had needed Marlena the friend more than Marlena the therapist during this visit, and he thanked her for being there in both capacities.

Melinda makes Dimitri's case

Melinda and Dimitri talk with Rafe | Image: Peacock

At the police station, an outraged Melinda rushed into the interrogation room and took Rafe to task for questioning Dimitri without his lawyer. Dimitri coolly proclaimed his innocence, but Rafe only smiled and said Dimitri couldn’t prove it. Both Melinda and Dimitri blasted Rafe further for believing anything Vivian said and for not seeing that the woman was setting Dimitri up. Rafe countered that they didn’t need Vivian’s word because they had a mountain of evidence, including Dimitri’s fingerprints all over Vivian’s estate…along with the testimony of Vivian’s nephew and her employees.

Later, Melinda, Dimitri, and Belle met with the judge for Dimitri’s bail hearing. Melinda said that Dimitri wasn’t even the alleged mastermind behind the kidnapping scheme. Plus, all the evidence and witnesses against him were in another country, which weakened Melinda’s ability to challenge the claims. Belle argued that Dimitri’s vast wealth and resources made him a flight risk.

When Melinda contended that Dimitri wouldn’t flee Salem because of his family, the judge side-eyed her and reminded Melinda that Dimitri was accused of trying to murder said family. Neither party was particularly pleased after the judge made her ruling. Dimitri would be released on a million-dollar bail, but he would have to surrender his passport and wear an ankle monitor. Melinda quelled his outburst and promised the judge they were satisfied with the terms. When they got a moment alone, Melinda let her client know that he needed to find clear evidence to back up his claims

Meanwhile, Rafe convened with Belle and expressed his frustration that Dimitri hadn’t budged from his story. As Dimitri was led out, his demeanor decidedly improved when he saw Leo. The exes were able to have a brief moment of privacy. Dimitri pleaded for Leo’s help in proving his innocence.

Kristen and Brady reach a contentious truce

Brady and Kristen sparred over Rachel | Image: Peacock

At the Brady Pub, Kristen happily told Brady about Rachel’s excitement at returning to school. Brady was less upbeat and again railed against Kristen for taking Rachel out of Bayview without his permission. Kristen attempted to lessen Brady’s concerns about the impact on Rachel’s court case by suggesting they enroll Rachel in an intensive outpatient therapy program — with Marlena’s seal of approval. When Kristen implied Marlena would comply because Rachel would hate her otherwise, Brady grew even more enraged.

Kristen reminded him that Rachel was happy, but Brady shot back that Rachel was only happy because she had gotten her way. They were again sending her the wrong message. The exes descended into another argument about Sarah and about Rachel’s mental state. Brady, fed up, announced he would sue for full custody of his daughter. Kristen laid out the ramifications should Brady make such a move: namely, the jeopardy to Rachel’s well-being and to her freedom.

Kristen had a compromise in mind. She offered Brady joint custody. “What’s the catch?” a skeptical Brady asked. Kristen grinned and clarified that Rachel could live with Brady if Kristen moved in with them as well. Brady scoffed.

Kristen insisted she was only thinking of Rachel’s best interests. Their daughter would have stability, and their united front would present well with the judge who ultimately heard Rachel’s case. Brady eventually relented, with his own caveat. Kristen could stay for one month, then she must find her own place. A pleased Kristen agreed to the amendment, even as Brady asserted that nothing would change between them.

Later, Kristen joined Gwen in Horton Town Square and celebrated her improved living accommodations. Meanwhile, Brady paid Marlena a visit. She gave him her support for the new arrangement but also received a warning about Kristen's true intentions. Brady once again pledged that history would not repeat itself with Kristen.

Has the new Phoenix risen?

EJ and Gwen argued on Days of our Lives | Image: Peacock

At the DiMera mansion, Gwen returned to the aftermath of Stefano’s memorial. She asked EJ how the gathering had gone, and EJ – fingering his Phoenix ring – admitted that Stefano’s presence had been strong. Gwen noted EJ had a “strange aura” around him, and EJ blew off the comment by comparing Gwen to his mother.

Gwen hoped to elevate EJ’s mood with the news of Dimitri’s arrest. But while she bragged about her accomplishment, EJ made clear his displeasure with Vivian – the true culprit – escaping accountability. He vowed to make Vivian pay in his own time and his own way, just as his father would have done. Gwen also updated EJ on her chat with Gabi, including Gabi’s claims about Stefan’s abduction by Vivian.

EJ felt validated in his distrust of Vivian after learning she’d kidnapped her own son. Gwen explained that Gabi offered a $50,000 check if Gwen helped her verify Vivian’s guilt. Gwen intended to string Gabi along, but EJ cautioned against it. He knew firsthand the wrath of a scorned Gabi. Gwen only wanted to enjoy her newfound influx of cash, and she assured EJ their plans would continue unobstructed.

Later, after Gwen left, Susan entered the room. But as EJ went to hug his mother, she recoiled and shrieked. Susan knew why she had felt so strongly that Stefano was not gone. “He’s alive in you!” Susan exclaimed. “My poor, sweet baby, his evil is inside of you,” she added with a gasp.

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