Days of our Lives Recap October 9: Kristen Finds A Very Much Alive Sophia

On the Friday, October 9, 2026, episode of Days of our Lives, Joy moved in, Johnny spilled another secret, and Belle asked Chad for help to take down EJ.

Family Ties

Chad took a moment to decide whether to go after EJ | Image: Peacock

At the hospital, Belle was relieved to see Chad in the waiting room. Belle confirmed that Rachel’s surgery had gone well. Belle told Chad that Jada had questioned EJ at the police station, but that she had been forced to let EJ leave because there was no evidence other than Johnny’s statement. Belle said that although the FBI was working on forensic analysis, she wanted to find another way to approach EJ.

Belle told Chad about Leo’s arrest for possession of counterfeit handbags, and Chad confirmed Leo had been working on a story. Belle told Chad that Gabi had cleared Leo, and the charges had been dropped. Belle asked Chad to help Leo with his investigation, so that even if EJ was not sent to prison for his crimes, his business reputation would be ruined. Chad was silent for a few moments.

“You’re asking me to take down my own brother,” Chad said. Belle reminded Chad that EJ’s actions had almost killed Holly and hurt others. Chad admitted that he had seen his family hurt people over the years, and he had kept quiet out of loyalty to the family. “Not anymore,” Chad said. Chad cautioned Belle not to get too hopeful about Leo’s investigation. Belle noted that she had hope this time because EJ was rattled by all his setbacks. As Belle listed them, she almost let slip about Dominic’s parentage. Belle caught herself, and she pivoted to say that Dominic was on his way to Salem. Chad and Belle agreed that they were anxious to learn the truth about Dominic.

Aftermath

Johnny told Steve about why EJ had chased Kristen out of town | Image: Peacock

Stephanie met up with Johnny at DiMera Enterprises. EJ called Johnny, but he rejected the call and continued with his meeting. Johnny asked Stephanie for advice on how the company could publicly accept responsibility for its illegal actions and still remain in business.

Stephanie confirmed that her NDA covered their conversation. With a nod, Johnny told Stephanie about the Coriseal cover-up. Stephanie warned Johnny that the PR campaign would be an uphill battle, but she believed that she could help Johnny. Stephanie told Johnny that she respected his decision to report EJ and help Sarah.

“Is this why Theo quit?” Stephanie asked. Johnny said yes. Johnny explained that he needed to do right by everyone affected by the company’s malfeasance. After Stephanie listed all the likely economic costs to the investigation, she noted that the company might not survive the monetary and legal fallout. Johnny insisted that he needed to move forward. Steve interrupted, and he asked Johnny if he could answer some questions for him. Stephanie promised to draw up a plan, and she left.

Steve told Johnny that he had done the right thing turning in EJ. Steve warned Johnny that EJ would go after him, but Johnny disagreed. Steve argued that EJ would punish anyone that betrayed him, even if that person was his son. “Your father is dangerous in ways that you can’t predict,” Steve said. Johnny countered that his main concern was to stop EJ from hurting other people.

Steve told Johnny he was eager to work out a plan to go after EJ, but that he needed something else from Johnny first. Steve told Johnny about Rachel’s ruptured appendix, and Brady’s inability to locate Kristen. Steve explained that Kristen had left town because she had been threatened by EJ, and he asked Johnny if he knew why.

Johnny said although he did not know how to find Kristen, he did know that EJ had planned to kidnap and send Kristen to a DiMera private island. Curious, Steve asked why EJ was so intent on punishing Kristen. Johnny admitted that EJ’s theory was that Kristen had sent Sophia to kill Johnny. Johnny explained that Kristen had blamed EJ for Rachel’s mental breakdown, and she had wanted to repay him as a parent. Steve was surprised that Kristen had gone to such an extreme. Johnny stressed that there was no proof to support EJ’s theory about Kristen. “It’s too bad we can’t ask Sophia,” Steve said.

In Paducah, Kentucky, Kristen stared at an online photo in a news story of a woman in the background of a diner. The woman looked like Sophia. Kristen approached the diner from the news article, and she peered through the window at Sophia. Kristen snuck in and sat at a table in Sophia’s area to confront her.

Homeward Bound

Kayla was growing weary of Joy | Image: Peacock

Alex talked to Kelsey as he worked to prepare the apartment and guest room for Joy’s needs. When Alex found one of Stephanie’s earrings, he smiled at the memory of their most recent night together. Alex told Kelsey that she would get to spend more time with Joy, and that it would be a good thing for everyone.

At the hospital, Joy told Kayla that she was excited to go home to her daughter and Alex. Kayla pointedly said that Alex was a good man and husband, and that Stephanie understood that the living situation was temporary. “I hope you understand that as well,” Kayla added. Joy agreed. Kayla told Joy that she and Steve were available if Alex was too busy to help Joy. With a smile, Joy said she was confident that Alex would be there whenever she needed him. Alex arrived with Kelsey to pick up Joy.

Kayla noted that Joy would have rehab with her in-home health care aid in addition to strength training with Tate as part of Joy’s recovery plan. Kayla reiterated that she and Steve were available to help with Kelsey, and she walked out. Joy scoffed at Kayla’s implication that Kelsey and Joy were a burden to Alex. Alex noted that Kelsey could never be a burden to him, and that the best thing for his daughter was for them to stay in his apartment.

When Alex, Joy, and Kelsey got back to Alex’s apartment, Joy thanked Alex for being a great dad. Alex told Joy that she was welcome there until she could find her own place. While Alex went down to the car to get Joy’s stuff, Joy stretched her legs out, and daydreamed about marrying Alex.

In the hallway, Alex called Stephanie to tell her that he loved her and missed her. “I love you and miss you too,” Stephanie said as she approached from around the corner. Alex and Stephanie kissed. Alex confirmed that Joy had moved in.

After Alex left for the car, Stephanie heard Kelsey crying inside the apartment. Inside Alex’s apartment, Joy struggled to get her wheelchair turned around. Concerned, Stephanie knocked on the door and asked Joy if everything was okay. Frustrated, Joy got up to attend to Kelsey. When there was no answer, Stephanie opened the door to Alex’s apartment.

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