Days of our Lives Recap October 2: Chanel's Baby Shower Went Off the Rails

On the Friday, October 2, 2026, episode of Days of our Lives, the shower got goofy, EJ threw a tantrum, Johnny told the truth, and Marlena demanded answers.

The Truth

Johnny confessed everything to Rafe | Image: Peacock

Johnny met with Rafe at the Hernandez house, where he confirmed that EJ had known that there had been a contaminated batch of Coriseal, and that EJ had attempted to cover it up. Johnny added that he believed that EJ was also behind the lawsuit against Sarah. When Rafe asked why, Johnny told Rafe about George’s plan to redirect suspicion on someone else.

“I am proud of you [for] coming to me,” Rafe said. Johnny admitted that it was the most difficult thing he had ever done. Rafe warned Johnny that he could be implicated in the cover-up. With a nod, Johnny argued that between Destiny’s death, Holly’s illness, and the attempt to ruin Sarah’s career, he could not stand by and do nothing.

Johnny told Rafe that although the drug contamination had happened before his time at DiMera, he had not come forward when he first learned about it. “I can’t live like this anymore,” Johnny said. Johnny noted that EJ and Rafe had raised him, but that he wanted to be more like Rafe. Rafe promised to stand by Johnny. With a shrug, Johnny said if he were sent to prison, he believed it was what he deserved.

Rafe asked Johnny if he was prepared to lose his connection to EJ forever. Johnny argued that he had given EJ multiple chances to do the right thing, and EJ had continued to drag Johnny into his messes. Johnny said he was done with his father. Rafe talked about how he had arrested his own father, and his father had forgiven him. Johnny said he loved EJ, but that he could not let EJ corrupt him.

Loyalty

EJ banged on his desk in frustration | Image: Peacock

At the DiMera mansion, EJ yelled to Rita about how the Kiriakis brothers had thwarted his plan to take over Titan. Sydney was creeping out of the house when she overheard her father complain about Dominic and Titan. “You’ll come out on top. You always do,” Rita said. Sydney thought about her conversation with Johnny about turning EJ in to the police.

As EJ asked Rita if she knew about Dominic’s motivations, Sydney walked into the room. EJ noted the bag in Sydney’s hand, so she admitted that she was on her way to Johnny and Chanel’s baby shower. Sydney noted that the party would likely be all women. EJ thanked Sydney for attempting to spare his feelings, but that he understood why Johnny had not invited him. When EJ asked Sydney if Johnny had talked to her about his recent disagreements with him, Sydney walked out.

EJ confided to Rita that he was disappointed that Johnny did not want to take his directions about running DiMera. Rita agreed that Johnny’s efforts were disappointing. EJ noted that Johnny was a liability while the FDA was investigating. EJ told Rita that Cat had quit, and that Rita was the only person left that he could trust. Rita promised EJ that her loyalty to the DiMera family was complete.

Shower Time

Party goers had a bit too much fun at the shower | Image: Peacock

When Julie arrived at the penthouse to pick up Marlena for Johnny and Chanel’s baby shower, Marlena admitted she had forgotten about it. Marlena said she could not attend. Concerned, Julie asked if Marlena’s recovered memories of Stefano were the problem. Marlena said she did not want to talk about it. With a nod, Julie said she was there for Marlena when she was ready to talk. Julie insisted that Marlena go to the party so that it could cheer her up.

In the square, Lani asked Abe if he was headed to the baby shower, but Abe said he had not received an invitation. Lani assured Abe that he and Theo were welcome, and that Chanel would be disappointed if they did not attend. Abe noted that Theo was too sick to attend. Unsure, Abe asked Lani if Paulina wanted him at the shower. Lani insisted that everyone wanted Abe there.

Paulina arrived at Johnny and Chanel’s place with bags full of food. To throw off suspicion about the surprise baby shower, Paulina lied and said she had cooked meals for the week. Chanel said Johnny was dealing with work, but she did not know when he would return. Chanel told Paulina that Johnny had admitted that he had needed to fix something that EJ had done.

Sydney was the first one to arrive for the shower, and based on Paulina’s non-verbal cues, Sydney told Chanel that she was there to visit Johnny. As Chanel went to close the door, Julie and Marlena arrived with a batch of Alice’s donuts. Suspicious, Chanel whispered to Paulina, “This better not be what I think it is.” Abe and Lani arrived next with flowers and cake. “So this is what I think it is,” Chanel said. Everyone yelled, “Surprise!”

After the party was under way, Chanel admitted to Lani that she was happy that Paulina had ignored her. Chanel smiled as she noted that Abe and Paulina were talking to one another. Across the room, Paulina apologized for not having personally invited Abe to the party. Paulina told Abe she was glad he was there. Abe said he was too. Sydney passed out donuts as Paulina held a toast to Olivia and Chanel.

After playing party games, the partygoers who had eaten donuts appeared to be extra giggly and philosophical. Marlena received a text, and she slipped out. After Marlena left, Lani and Chanel agreed that all the party goers were laughing a bit too much. After a quick check in the kitchen, Chanel confirmed to Lani and Sydney that Sydney had passed out Chanel’s pot donuts instead of the ones Julie had made.

Chanel thanked Paulina for knowing better than she did that Chanel would appreciate a shower. Chanel said she was grateful for the gesture. While Chanel checked on Abe, Lani told Paulina that she had been right about the party. Lani added that she also appreciated that Paulina had reached out to the governor about a pardon despite Lani’s reservations. Paulina said she only wanted what was best for her children. Abe looked over at Paulina and he told Chanel, “I have a feeling that things might be changing.”

Revelations

Marlena demanded the truth from Rita | Image: Peacock

Rita was pacing the DiMera living room when Marlena walked in. Marlena told Rita that she knew that she was the one behind Stefano’s chess mystery. Marlena demanded that Rita tell her if Dominic Marino was her son. Rita appeared shocked by the news. Rita said she had no information and she walked out. EJ returned home and he overheard Marlena yelling about the birth certificate. “Is Dominic Marino my son? And is Stefano his father?” Marlena called out.

Stream episodes of Days of our Lives on the Peacock app.