Days Recap: Days of our Lives Recap October 5: Johnny Drops the Hammer on EJ

In today’s Days of our Lives recap for Monday, October 5, 2026, Joy further spins her web of deceit, Kate has a deceptive suggestion for Maggie, and the Salem PD has new hope that the latest DiMera deception will result in a seismic downfall.

Another Date Night Derailment

Stephanie and Alex en"joy"ed the calm before the storm | Image: Peacock

At the hospital, Kate paid a visit to Joy, who hurriedly hid her muscle relaxant pills. Joy revealed her release from the hospital was imminent, but she surprised Kate with her downtrodden reaction to the news. Joy told Kate about her problems with finding a place to stay for rehab that would allow her to stay with Kelsey as well. She hinted that she had an idea but was hesitant to ask for the favor. Kate encouraged Joy to take the chance.

Meanwhile, outside Stephanie and Alex’s apartment, Stephanie was puzzled when she heard the sounds of a crying baby, this time coming from Jada’s apartment. Jada stepped outside briefly and explained that Shawn and she were taking on Kelsey babysitting duties for the night. Moreover, the couple had decided to make the babysitting a weekly occurrence. Alex came outside from his apartment as well, all smiles, and asked Stephanie if she would like a date night with her hubby. After profusely thanking Jada, Stephanie gladly accepted the invitation.

Once inside their apartment, Stephanie settled with contentment on the couch and gushed about how much she had missed all the little things, including the couch pillows. When Alex suggested they get reacquainted with their bedroom, Stephanie held off because she missed something else, too: their “heart-to-hearts.” Husband and wife filled each other in on various developments that had occurred since they’d seen each other last, including the salvation of Titan courtesy of Philip and the likely-untrue allegations made against Sarah. The latter topic gave Stephanie the opening to bemoan the challenges of doing PR for DiMera and especially of dealing with EJ. The talk soon turned to the more pressing problem at hand – namely, Alex and Stephanie’s forced separation.

Alex acknowledged the challenges but reiterated his determination to make the situation work, even if it meant rallying their friends and family to help with Kelsey more. But just as the couple started to see hope on the horizon, Alex got a call…from Joy. He listened as Joy detailed her housing problem, and as Joy shot down his every suggestion. Finally, Joy made her request for a “big favor”: could she stay with Alex until she found another place?

Stephanie ascertained the nature of the request from Alex’s end of the conversation and let out a giant eye roll. But as Alex hesitated and shot a glance at his wife, Stephanie gave a permissive nod. Alex conceded to the request but made it clear Joy’s stay would only be temporary. Joy needed alone time with their daughter, and Alex needed the same with his wife. Joy agreed to the conditions.

After Alex ended the call, he apologized to Stephanie and thanked her. Stephanie acknowledged they would have to “play nice,” for Kelsey’s sake. Alex pledged he wouldn’t be a “doormat” for Joy. Meanwhile, back at the hospital, Joy talked to a photo of Kelsey and claimed she was doing what was best for her girl. Although Alex thought the move would be temporary, he was wrong. Neither Kelsey – nor Joy – would be moving out of the apartment.

A House is Not a Home

Maggie chose to see her cup as half-full | Image: Peacock

At the Brady Pub, Kate joined Maggie at a table. The women commiserated about their mutual worries that Philip would succumb to his gambling addiction once again. Kate reassured Maggie about Philip going to Gamblers’ Anonymous meetings. She wished Philip’s streak of luck could have happened in time to save the mansion. Maggie admitted it was hard losing her home, but she tried to hold onto the fact that the family was all still together.

Maggie then pulled out a paper that she had to sign before the sale of the mansion would be final. She explained the document gave her the opportunity to disclose any issues that might be of concern to the buyer, such as mold or vermin. Maggie didn’t anticipate providing any information because the mansion had no such issues. “Are you sure about that?” Kate mused.

Call of (Babysitting) Duty

Shawn and Jada watched Kelsey | Image: Peacock

At the Bistro, Belle and Chad chatted about their puzzling puzzle hunt over dinner. Belle expressed worry that Marlena was keeping something from her because her mom had seemed more distressed lately. She had to cut the dinner short when she received a call from the police station informing her Johnny was on-scene and wanted to make a statement.

Outside, in Horton Town Square, Jada and Shawn took baby Kelsey for a stroll. As Jada amused the little girl with funny faces, Shawn talked up the joys and the challenges of parenthood. Jada, too, ended up having to leave when she got a message from the station about evidence on EJ. She apologetically left Kelsey with Shawn, who assured her he had it covered.

Later, Shawn ran into Chad during his stroll with Kelsey. The men discussed how they’d both been left by their dates because of EJ. Chad also congratulated Shawn on the saving of the Kiriakis family business. He was relieved that EJ had been bested and hadn’t gotten away with harming more people. Shawn commended Chad on being such a good man and so different from his brother.

Shawn also expressed his relief and happiness that Chad and Belle had found something meaningful with each other. Chad returned the sentiment and congratulated Shawn on his growing relationship with Jada. When Belle and Jada later returned, the couples had a friendly exchange and went on their respective ways.

Sins of the Father

Johnny cleared his conscience and officially turned in his DiMera card | Image: Peacock

Before resuming their happier activities, however, Belle and Jada had more pressing matters at hand at the police station. They convened and briefly updated each other on Johnny’s planned confession about something involving EJ. Although Belle believed Johnny hadn’t been directly involved in the matter, she couldn’t be certain that charges wouldn’t be filed against him. She lamented the prospect of having to prosecute her nephew again.

Meanwhile, in the interrogation room, Chanel had a moment to talk with Johnny alone. He confessed that while he hadn’t committed a crime himself, he had helped EJ cover up serious wrongdoing. He hoped that he could get a plea or even an immunity deal by coming forward. Chanel was worried but ultimately supportive of her husband. When Belle and Jada arrived in the room, Chanel departed so Johnny could give his statement.

Johnny sat down with his lawyer, and the interrogation began. In his statement, he detailed the Coriseal contamination and EJ and George O’Halloran’s subsequent attempts to cover it up. During the course of the meeting, Belle admitted to Johnny that she couldn’t guarantee no criminal charges for him. Johnny still wanted to proceed, against his lawyer’s advice. The disagreement compelled the lawyer to quit the case, and Johnny stood alone.

Belle and Jada both cautioned Johnny about the need to gather evidence. The women also advised Johnny of the repercussions – and the likely strong retaliation – that would come with Johnny going against his father. Johnny was willing to testify no matter what the outcome because it was the right thing to do. After he finished giving his statement, Johnny met back up with Chanel outside.

Johnny still hoped for the best since he had come clean. Chanel told him that when they got home, he would come clean with her about everything. Meanwhile, Belle and Jada agreed that even with Johnny’s testimony, the case was far from a slam dunk. They had to get clear and convincing proof of EJ’s crimes.

Has the relationship between Johnny and EJ been destroyed for good? Will EJ’s sins be visited upon his son in the form of a prison sentence? And will Alex walk straight into Joy’s latest trap? Sound off in the comments.