Days Recap: Days of our Lives Recap, June 3: Tragedy brings Xander and Sarah closer together

In today’s Days of our Lives recap for June 3, 2026, Xander was there for Sarah, Gwen had a big ask of Leo, Lexie gave Theo shocking advice, and EJ had a very bad, no-good day.

Dead Man’s Switch on Days of our Lives

Gwen and Leo put their heads together | Image: Peacock

In his hotel room, Leo got a visit from his new neighbor, Gwen, who let herself inside. After snarking about Leo’s “big story” on his laptop (eagle hatchlings), Gwen informed her former bestie she had a much bigger story for him. There was only one catch: Gwen had to be “dead” first. Leo showed some concern and asked Gwen if she was in danger. She had it under control, for now…but since EJ was involved, things could always change.

Gwen confirmed Leo’s long-held suspicion that she had been in cahoots with the dastardly DiMera all along, but EJ had done his usual and double-crossed her. While she was ready to make a move against her former ally, Gwen wanted an insurance policy. She had sent a letter detailing all of EJ’s misdeeds and criminal activities to her lawyer, with the instruction that if anything bad should befall her, the letter would be sent to Leo. “A dead man’s switch,” Leo mused. After going into a bit of a rambling explanation about how inventors had ensured their devices would not fall into nefarious hands following their deaths, Leo openly pondered why Gwen had chosen him — the guy for whom she’d declared her undying hate — to be her “dead man’s switch.”

Gwen confessed that while a part of her still hated Leo, a part still oved him, too. He was, after all, her oldest friend and the only person on Earth with whom she’d share her last martini. More importantly, he was the one person she could count on to follow through and fight for the truth to be revealed. Leo got a little verklempt at Gwen’s speech and affirmed that after all the loss he’d experienced recently, he was determined not to lose Gwen as well. Gwen pledged she had no intention of dying anytime soon.

Later, in Horton Town Square, Leo ran into Javi and JJ, who had been shadowing Javi in anticipation of rejoining the fire department as a paramedic. Leo and JJ had a cordial greeting due to their shared connections about Chad and The Spectator. JJ expressed hope he would join Gus as the fire department’s newest hire. At the news that Javi’s boyfriend might be staying in Salem, Leo said “I hope it works out for you to Javi” and walked away, leaving Javi to contemplate his ex’s words.

The DiMera depths of hell

The fate of EJ's world rested on rats | Image: Peacock

In the tunnels of the DiMera mansion, EJ answered Dr. Rolf’s summons. The scientist had concerning news for EJ, but stressed that the development might not be so bad. As EJ impatiently urged him to get to the point, Rolf revealed that one of the lab rats injected with the same drug used on Lexie had died. Rolf quickly added that the rat very well could have died from old age, but he was performing follow-up tests to identify the cause. EJ asked if the drug itself could have caused the death.

Rolf didn’t believe the drug was to blame. He reminded EJ that he’d been closely following Lexie’s recovery, and all of her vital signs had been impeccable; plus, every other rat so far had survived and thrived. EJ demanded Rolf keep him in the loop about any more developments and made his way back to the main part of the mansion.

When he emerged from the wall panel, EJ was met by a smirking Paulina waiting for him. She made a crack about EJ coming up from the “depths of hell” before gleefully informing him that one positive had come from EJ’s illicit activities: he had been sanctioned by the medical board and was ever-so-close to losing ownership of the hospital. EJ scoffed and reminded Paulina that no one else could save the failing hospital. Paulina countered that the hospital already had another interested buyer…his “old friend” Gwen. EJ quietly seethed as Paulina strutted out.

EJ's mood got no better when the “old friend” herself dropped by next. As EJ confronted her about the hospital, Gwen let him know that he had stabbed her in the back, so she was simply returning the favor. And before EJ got any ideas about ridding himself of the problem, he should also know that in the event of Gwen’s untimely demise or disappearance, all the skeletons in EJ’s “very overcrowded” closet would come tumbling out; she’d seen to it.

The sands through Lexie’s hourglass

Days of our Lives' Lexie adjusted to her new normal | Image: Peacock

At Abe’s place, Lexie complimented Theo on the meal he’d just made for the family. She got to talking about all the news she’d missed: the births, the marriages, the deaths of Doug and John, and the most shocking development of all — the Cubs had finally won the World Series. When Lexie mentioned Theo’s appointment as CEO of DiMera Enterprises, though, Abe and Theo tensed. Lexie stunned them both by declaring how proud she was of Theo. He had broken ground as a Black and autistic CEO of a major international corporation.

Theo composed himself and told his mom he’d stepped down from the position because he’d believed that was what she would want. Lexie argued that she’d only had reservations because of what damage the DiMera name could bring. But with a good man like Theo leading the way, the family name could be transformed into a force for good. She urged Theo to reclaim the title, but Abe intervened with his objections. As his parents made their respective points, Theo asked them to stop arguing, or having a “spirited debate,” as Lexie claimed.

Theo didn’t intend to go after the CEO position again because Johnny was in charge. Lexie suggested Tony didn’t think Johnny was up to the task. The family decided to table the business talk and play a game. In a bit of possible metaphoric foreshadowing, Lexie turned over an hourglass to begin the game and to mark its imminent end.

Later, after Theo retired to his bedroom, Lexie told Abe it would be premature for them to share a bed, especially one he’d shared with Paulina. She would sleep on the couch. After Abe went to bed, Lexie sorted through the family photos strewn on the table. She froze when she came across a picture that had seemed to distract Abe earlier: a photograph of Abe and Paulina on their wedding day.

Sarah’s game of “I should have…”

Sarah and Xander sprang into action to save a life | Image: Peacock

In Horton Town Square, Sarah’s patient, Destiny, collapsed on the ground. Xander rushed over and helped Sarah tend to the woman. A passing Javi and JJ spotted the emergency and joined in the efforts to revive Destiny.

Later, at the hospital, Sarah somberly approached Javi, JJ, and Xander, who were assembled in the waiting room. Destiny hadn’t made it. JJ expressed his regret and said he thought Sarah should know he had encountered Destiny a few times during his policing days. She had been a chronic drug user, and her addiction likely contributed to her death. Sarah indicated Destiny hadn't shown signs of coming off a drug high.

JJ urged Sarah not to blame herself, but after the paramedics departed, Sarah immediately began listing off the things she should have done to Xander. He echoed JJ’s advice and affirmed that watching Sarah in action had only increased his respect for the noble work she did and the lives she saved every day. Sarah lamented that she couldn’t save Destiny, and she didn’t even have answers about what had happened to the girl. Xander compelled Sarah to let him take her home, since they’d both witnessed a traumatic moment. Sarah eventually acquiesced.

Later, at the Kiriakis mansion, Xander cheered Sarah up with some quality Victoria time. The little girl wanted to build a castle with her mom and dad. Just then, Xander got a text from Gwen asking him to come over and celebrate her “big news.” Xander texted back he was busy and rejoined Sarah and Victoria. The trio laughed as they started work on Victoria’s castle.

Coming up on Days of our Lives

During tomorrow’s DAYS, Sarah finds herself torn between past and present love. Things are going much more smoothly on the romance front for Roman and Kate, at least for now.

Will Julie and Foster’s first date end in disaster or exciting new possibilities for love later in life? Meanwhile, Marlena mourns the love of her life as the Black family marks a very important milestone. And Ari’s love prospects continue to crumble as she faces an inquisition from Gabi and Rafe.

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