Days of our Lives Recap, January 8: Kristen mourned Peter, then offered Rafe a revenge plan

Here is your Days of our Lives recap for Thursday, January 8, 2026, when Kristen made Rafe an offer he didn't want to refuse.

What happened on Days of our Lives

Kayla entered Kristen's hospital room to give her an update on Peter. "I have some difficult news, but I'm so sorry. He's gone," she said. A devastated Kristen was confused, as Peter had been awake and talking to her. Kristen still felt guilty for what she had done to her brother. "In self-defense to save your family," Kayla reminded her. Kayla had also ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

When Kayla was back at the nurses' station, she told Chad what happened. Rafe and Jada soon approached her to take Peter's statement. She informed them that Peter had died. Kayla explained to them exactly what had happened during Peter's last moments, but it didn't leave them too many clues.

Back in Kristen's room, Chad offered his sister comfort. "Despite everything that Peter did to us, I hope he's at peace," Chad said. Kristen said she wished that Peter hadn't woken for a moment, as it made this all much harder to take. "Before he died, he said to me that he would see me in hell. I'm sure he's right," Kristen stated, adding that she had betrayed her brother.

Chad was still angry at Peter, so he told Kristen to stop feeling guilty. "If anybody betrayed this family, it was him," Chad said. Kristen said she had a strange feeling that this wasn't how it was all supposed to end.

Rafe soon stopped in to get some information, so Chad left. Rafe wanted to know what Peter said right before he died. "The conversation was very painful and very personal. And certainly of no use to the authorities, so I would appreciate it if you stop asking me about it and get out of here," Kristen demanded.

Rather than leave, Rafe told Kristen that he had never seen her like this before, so pensive and sad. Kristen changed her demeanor quickly when she told Rafe that she wanted revenge on EJ. "It occurs to me we have that in common," she said. Kristen offered to team up with Rafe to bring down EJ. "It's time for EJ to pay. And we can do that so much faster if we do that together," Kristen smiled. Rafe just told Kristen to stay out of trouble as he stood up to leave. Kristen asked him to think about her offer.

Gabi popped into Theo's hospital room with some contraband snacks, as well as a small stuffed cactus, calling him her favorite ex-boss. Theo cracked a few jokes and admitted to being a little loopy from drugs. Gabi said that loopy Theo was kinda cute. "I'll be sure to tell Philip you said so," Theo said.

Gabi began thinking about how she treated Theo after learning that Tony had made him CEO. Theo noted that Gabi had apologized. "And you accepted my apology. Not a lot of DiMeras would have done that," Gabi noted. She then brought up his experience in the crypt, which unnerved Theo. "I can't believe a man I never met could hate me so much," he said, referring to Peter.

Theo admitted that he knew things would be tough when he took the CEO position, but he never imagined it would put his life in so much danger. Jada then appeared to ask Theo some official questions, so Gabi made herself scarce. Theo told the whole sordid tale of being in the crypt, suspecting Peter was responsible, trying to thwart him, and then getting a conk on his head for his efforts.

Theo asked Jada how they all got out of the crypt, so Jada told him that Kristen had saved them all — except Peter, who was now dead. Theo felt bad for Kristen, but noted that he was a maniac. "The world is probably a better place without him in it," he said.

Theo noted that his mother didn't want her getting mixed up with the DiMeras. "But growing up, they were always good to me," he explained. "Now that I'm older, I'm learning that it really means to be a DiMera." Things then turned more personal, as Jada agreed to a second date with Theo.

Philip and Belle ran into one another at the Brady Pub. She had just come from a New Year's resolution workout and wanted a breakfast of protein-filled egg whites. Philip said that one of his resolutions was to see his friends more, including Belle.

The pair sat down, so Philip could tell Belle about his boring New Year's Eve. Belle had the same kind of night. Both were in bed before the clock even struck midnight.

Belle suggested that they go horseback riding again soon. "I'm down with that. Just have to make sure we haven't sold the horses," Philip said, alluding to the Kiriakis financial issues. Philip changed the subject to Belle's life. She admitted it was hard to start the new year without her dad. Philip also felt it was unreal that he would never see Victor again. They discussed the difficulties of processing grief, but Philip was optimistic that Belle would get through it.

Alex and Stephanie strolled through Horton Town Square, as Steve trailed behind them, thinking he couldn't be seen. When Stephanie spotted Chad, she ran to him and hugged him, relieved he was okay after his crypt ordeal. Chad spotted the engagement ring on Stephanie's finger and congratulated her and Alex on the happy news. He even offered to put the engagement announcement in the paper.

After Chad had walked off, Stephanie confessed that she had hoped Chad would propose when they were together, but she was so glad that he hadn't because her future was with Alex. "I've grown so much since then. Personally, professionally, and you are a huge part of that," Stephanie said.

Stephanie then mentioned her book tour, so Alex broke the news that he had cancelled it for her protection. He was not expecting Stephanie to react the way she did. Stephanie was horrified that Alex would make a decision like that for her. She felt this was business and she was contractually obligated to go on tour to promote her mystery, whose sales were still low.

Alex said that he made the decision as her boss and not her fiancé, so it was fine. After hearing the word "boss," Stephanie was horrified. "You did not just say that to me," she scoffed, before walking away. Alex followed her so that Stephanie could remind him that she was the author keeping the Titan publishing division afloat.

Stephanie felt like she would be letting Titan down if she didn't go on tour. Alex assured her that it was not her job to save his family's company. He also promised not to make professional decisions for her again. The pair kissed as someone with a cellphone camera watched.

Elsewhere in the Square, Gabi and Philip ran into each other and immediately started making out. When they came up for air, Gabi told Philip all about the Dimitri-sized disaster at Javi and Leo's wedding. She prayed that Leo and Javi would work things out.

"Love is unpredictable," she said, to which Philip replied, "Yeah, it is."

Back at the Pub, Belle ran into Chad as she stood up to leave and told him how glad she was that he and the other DiMeras were okay. Chad mentioned how they had matched on a dating app, but apologized for not responding. Chad then asked Belle out the old-fashioned way.

Trending

Chad confessed that he made a dating profile to get over Cat and show Jack and Jennifer that he was moving on. Belle said if they went on a date, it would be a rebound for her, too.

Catch all-new episodes of Days of our Lives weekdays on Peacock.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback

Quick Links

More from SoapCentral