Days Recap: Days of our Lives Recap, May 27: Amy vows to send Holly to prison

In today’s Days of our Lives recap for May 27, 2026, former friends and family mourned Sophia, Julie offered words of wisdom, Marlena hypnotized EJ, and Theo defended himself.

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Marlena stood her ground with EJ | Image: Peacock

In her office, Marlena explained to EJ that she had been late for their appointment because of Sophia’s memorial service. EJ tried to restrain himself from making a nasty remark about the girl due to his promise to Johnny. Before the session began, EJ presented Marlena with a gift: the chess set Stefano had bequeathed her. EJ insisted his father had wanted her to have it, but Marlena still wanted nothing to do with the “gift.”

As EJ settled in his chair, Marlena asked for details on what EJ wanted to remember. EJ recalled how Marlena had helped him remember his shooting, and he believed she could do the same regarding his time as a comatose patient in Italy. He’d had a curious connection with Cat, and he wondered if perhaps that connection could explain his distance from Sami following the coma. Marlena set firm ground rules that both of her daughters were off-limits for discussion during the session, and EJ agreed. Marlena also cautioned EJ that his memories of that time – as with most comatose patients – might be unrecoverable.

Marlena began hypnotizing EJ, and he almost immediately recalled hearing Cat’s voice reading to him. He was sure there was more to it. but he grew agitated because he couldn’t see anything. Marlena brought him out of the hypnosis as his agitated state continued. She told a frustrated EJ that since his brain hadn’t been actively processing memories during his coma, any more information he hoped to glean was likely gone. Cat, however, might be another story…

After EJ left, Marlena closed up the office with a last lingering glance at the mysterious chess set.

Meanwhile, in Horton Town Square, Cat did her best to comfort Aaron, who was still coping with Sophia’s death. Later, EJ encountered Cat and filled her in on his failed session with Marlena. He asked if she would be willing to explore the memories under hypnosis. With a strained smile, Cat said she’d help.

When BFFs go bad

Julie played stand-in grandma and lent Holly a listening ear | Image: Peacock

In Horton Town Square, Tate and Holly processed the memorial service for Sophia. Holly noted that Mrs. Choi had been “glaring” at her the whole time, so she didn’t think it was a good idea to attend the reception at the pub. After Tate departed, a visibly distracted Holly drew Julie’s attention, and the older woman joined her at the table. Holly lamented how no one seemed to understand that she was a victim, too, and not the bad guy. Julie indicated she could understand, better than anyone.

Julie opened up about her best friend during her younger days, Susan. The girls had been inseparable, until they had both fallen for the same man, David. Susan had married David, which had broken Julie’s heart. But a terrible lie about a supposedly dead baby had eventually broken the couple up. Julie had resumed her relationship with David, but by that time Susan had descended into madness, as she had shot and killed David.

Julie stressed she wasn’t trying to make Holly feel worse about the tragedy. Holly was grateful that she had someone who could empathize with her. Julie also affirmed that Sophia’s actions had been her own, so Holly should move on and focus on doing good. When Tate returned, Julie left for the bookstore. Tate attempted to further reassure Holly and offered to take her home.

Julie saw Ari, who asked if Liam was working. Ari received quite the shock when Julie informed her Liam would be leaving town.

The stages of grief

Days of our Lives' Aaron reminisced about Sophia | Image: Peacock

At the Brady Pub, mourners had gathered for the reception of Sophia’s memorial service. The Chois thanked Gabi for attending the service and for relaying a touching story about a gift Sophia had made one Mother’s Day. Aaron and Cat arrived, and Aaron reluctantly approached the grieving parents. He let them know he would have been there for Sophia if he had known the truth about the baby from the start. Amy assured Aaron that Sophia had truly believed Tate was Trey’s father and hadn’t willfully deceived him.

Amy softened and was visibly affected after Aaron shared a story about a picture Sophia had gifted him when they were kids. He promised to locate the drawing for Mrs. Choi and admitted he’d had a crush on Sophia since the day he’d met her. He wished he could have told her that he loved her. Amy gave Aaron a hug.

Amy remained trapped in her anger stag \Image: Peacock

Tate also made an appearance and gave his condolences to Mr. and Mrs. Choi. Amy expressed her appreciation for the kind note Tate had left at the bridge memorial. Tate acknowledged he had grown close with Sophia during the pregnancy and was regretful for everything that had happened since. The cordial conversation quickly turned tense, though, when Amy asked why Holly wasn’t there.

Tate defended Holly and indicated his girlfriend hadn’t wanted to make things more difficult for the Chois. When Tate referenced Holly struggling, too, Amy simmered with anger. Tate excused himself but overheard Amy railing against Holly to Mr. Choi. Amy started sobbing on her husband’s shoulder, so Tate awkwardly left to pick up Holly.

Elsewhere in the pub, Gabi apologized to Ari for giving her a hard time about Liam. She wanted Ari to understand that the thought of anything bad ever happening to Ari had driven her. Ari accepted her mom’s semi-apology and allowed Gabi to comfort her about Sophia. Later, outside the pub, Gabi confided to Ari that Philip had broken up with her. Ari was sorry to hear it and asked what had happened.

Gabi directed her aim in the wrong direction | Image: Peacock

Gabi again stayed vague on details, but she ultimately laid the blame for the demise of her relationship on Theo. Before Ari could press further, she saw Aaron rushing out of the pub and went after him. Ari tracked Aaron to the Square and urged him to talk to her. Aaron confessed that a part of him blamed himself for Sophia’s fate. If he hadn’t signed over his rights to Trey, then perhaps Sophia wouldn’t have felt desperate enough to take such extreme actions.

Sophia had been robbed of her entire life. Ari agreed it was all unfair, but she compelled Aaron not to feel guilty. Sophia's friends should hold onto the memories of the good times they’d shared with her and to the great person she had been during those times. Ari suggested Aaron and she get together later and play video games. Aaron seemed grateful for the distraction.

Back at the pub, the Chois had a moment to themselves. Amy gazed at Sophia’s photo, unable to comprehend that she might never see her daughter again. She wanted to ensure no other parent had to endure the loss of their child because of bullying. With that, Amy declared her intention to seek charges against Holly for manslaughter…just as a stunned Holly and Tate walked through the door.

The hits keep coming for Theo

Theo didn't agree with Paulina's decision | Image: Peacock

At Abe and Paulina’s place, Theo came in to find Paulina preparing to see herself out. Theo had heard from his dad about Paulina’s “selfless” decision, but Paulina set Theo straight. Her decision was actually selfish because she was protecting herself from more heartbreak. Theo tried to persuade Paulina to stay, but his pleas were in vain. Although she would always have a place in her heart for Abe and for Theo, Paulina had to leave.

Theo felt horribly, but Paulina emphatically told her stepson to feel nothing but joy at having his mom back. Theo thanked Paulina for always being there for his dad and for him and for being the best stepmother. Paulina and he both concurred that they wanted to stay in each other’s lives.

Later, Theo got an unexpected visitor in the form of Gabi. Theo greeted her, but Gabi immediately grew hostile and said Theo had gotten exactly what he had wanted. Gabi scoffed at Theo’s confusion and told him about the breakup. She knew Theo had told Philip. Oh, and she knew about Theo’s feelings for her because she’d read his journal.

Theo tried to process the sudden onslaught and expressed shock and hurt that Gabi had invaded his privacy. Gabi shut down Theo’s attempts to turn it around on her and accused him of acting like a true DiMera. Theo’s feelings solidified into anger and resignation. If Gabi believed he had ratted her out, he couldn’t stop her. He calmly told her to leave and shut the door in her face.

Following the fraught confrontation, Theo grabbed his journal and read over what he’d written about Gabi. He tore the pages out and crumpled them. Meanwhile, Gabi continued her anger tour when she ran into EJ, who told her the DiMera CEO offer was off the table. Gabi was fine with that, as she wanted nothing more to do with the “viper pit of a family” known as the DiMeras.

Coming up on Days of our Lives

On tomorrow’s DAYS, EJ’s in for another tongue-lashing when he finally reunites with the sister he resurrected…and Lexie wants answers! Lovelorn and love-torn Abe is about to admit an uncomfortable truth to Theo.

In other Salem love triangle news, Javi has another chance encounter with Leo just as he’s picking up the new man in his life, Gus. And despite their devastating news, Johnny and Chanel still find reason to hope.

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