Days of our Lives Recap October 16: Brady Catches Kristen With Rachel

On the Friday, October 16, 2026, episode of Days of our Lives, Kristen snuck into the hospital, Xander gave up, Johnny promised to save Sarah, and Jada welcomed Lani back as a detective.

Visitors

Kristen made an emotional plea to Sophia to reach out to her mother | Image: Peacock

While Brady waited in Rachel’s hospital room for her to return from tests, Marlena walked in. Brady confirmed that Rachel was still fighting the infection, and that she was depressed that her mother was not there with her. Brady said he had texted the number that Kristen had given him but he regretted it.

Brady told Marlena about Kristen’s efforts to use Sophia to murder Johnny. Marlena was shocked by the revelation, but she agreed that it was a plausible reason why Kristen had been afraid of EJ. Brady argued that he did not know if he should let Kristen near Rachel. Marlena said she understood Brady’s hesitancy. Marlena argued that although she opposed separating a mother from her child, she believed that Kristen’s actions warranted it. Brady agreed.

After Kristen attempted to retrieve some of her fortune to pay Sophia and was thwarted, she and Sophia retreated to a motel in Salem. Kristen promised Sophia that she would get her the money, but it would take time. Sophia was eager to leave town, but Kristen refused to leave without seeing Rachel. Empathetic, Kristen encouraged Sophia to reach out to her own mother.

Sophia shot down the idea because she feared she would be arrested. Suspicious, Sophia asked Kristen why she cared. Kristen said she felt for Amy as a mother who would never be able to see her daughter again. Sophia argued that Amy only saw her as a disappointment. Kristen countered that Amy was likely tortured by her daughter’s suicide. “Please give this poor woman some peace,” Kristen pleaded.

Sophia admitted that although she wished her mother knew that she was doing well with medication and therapy, she could not risk contact. As Kristen prepared to visit Rachel, Sophia told Kristen that she regretted that she had taken advantage of Rachel. When Sophia said she wanted to apologize, Kristen warned Sophia never to talk to Rachel again.

Amends

Johnny promised Sarah that he would save her reputation | Image: Peacock

At the hospital, Xander told Sarah about how Rachel’s illness reminded him of when Victoria had been sick, and how they had sat by their daughter’s side. After a moment, Sarah shook off the memory and asked Xander why he was there. Xander explained that he had an appointment with Marlena. Sarah told Xander that she was proud of him for continuing his therapy to better himself.

Johnny arrived at the hospital and told Sarah and Xander that he had given a statement that the allegations in the FDA complaint were accurate. With a nod, Sarah countered that although Johnny was cooperating, EJ and George were not. Johnny said he had a plan to help save Sarah’s career. Johnny explained that he would end the lawsuit and speak to Destiny’s family about a settlement. Xander argued that Johnny’s plan would not help Sarah’s reputation. Johnny agreed that he would also work to clear Sarah’s name.

After Xander left to meet Marlena, Sarah mentioned the book that Johnny had left open on her desk. Johnny noted that both he and EJ had wanted to help save Holly’s life. Sarah stressed that Johnny was a good man, and she asked if he would face charges for his actions. Johnny shrugged.

After Johnny left to meet Jada, Brady told Sarah what he had learned about Kristen. Brady asked Sarah to talk to hospital security in an effort to keep Kristen away from Rachel. When Brady returned to Rachel’s room, a disguised Kristen was already sitting with their daughter. Brady told Kristen that it had been a mistake to text her, because he had learned about how Kristen had directed Sophia to attack Johnny.

Brady ordered Kristen to leave before Rachel woke up. Kristen refused to go. Sarah walked in and Kristen pleaded with Sarah as a mother not to call security. Rachel stirred awake and called out to her mother.

Letting Go

Xander decided to let go of Sarah | Image: Peacock

After Xander updated Marlena in her office about how the family had saved Titan and the mansion, he admitted he was happy that Sarah and Victoria would be moving back in. Xander admitted that although he loved to spend time with his family, he was worried it would give him false hope. Xander confessed that he had realized that he needed Sarah to acknowledge that she had hurt him too. Xander said that he and Sarah kept having moments together, but that he did not believe that was enough for them to rebuild a relationship.

Marlena encouraged Xander to find a new way to love Sarah as a partner instead of a lover. Xander told Marlena that Sarah had told him that she was proud of him for continuing with his therapy. With a nod, Xander said he understood that Sarah had been telling him that the therapy was solely for Xander, and not as a means to reconcile with her romantically. Xander agreed to take Marlena’s advice and redirect his love toward Sarah as a platonic partner. Xander admitted that it was time to accept that he would never get back together with Sarah.

Welcome Back

Jada welcomed Lani back on the police force | Image: Peacock

At the police station, Jada informed Lani that she was welcome back on the force since she had been pardoned by the governor. Lani admitted she was concerned that the community would not welcome the news. Jada and Shawn disagreed. Jada asked Shawn to partner with Lani. Lani accepted the job.

After Lani headed to human resources, Shawn started to tell Jada about his past romantic relationship with Lani. Before he could, forensics called to confirm that the evidence supported the claims in the lawsuit against Sarah. Shawn said he believed that Sarah had not changed the test results, and Jada agreed. Jada countered that the only evidence in the case pointed to Sarah as the guilty party.

As Jada and Shawn looked at the forensics report, Shawn noted that the records change had originated from a computer outside both the hospital and DiMera servers. When Johnny arrived at the station, Jada and Shawn told Johnny about the change to Destiny’s medical records. Johnny pointed to George O’Halloran. Johnny explained that George had hired a fixer to dispose of the tainted drugs, and they had buried them on the island. Johnny argued that George would not have outsourced any more efforts to cover his tracks after what had happened with the fixer.

When Lani returned from HR, Lani asked Shawn if he wanted to talk about their past. Shawn and Lani agreed that they had both moved on and did not need to discuss it. After Johnny left the station, he picked up Trey from daycare. Sophia watched from afar in the square as Johnny talked to Trey about his Halloween costume.

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