Days of our Lives Recap September 23: Stefano’s Master Plan Rattles EJ

In today’s Days of our Lives recap for Wednesday, September 23, 2026, EJ followed in his father’s footsteps with sinister schemes, Theo swore off all things DiMera, Julie served as a sounding board for Maggie, and Belle uncovered an unsettling link.

Horton Homecoming

At the Horton house, Maggie joined Julie for a friendly chat. Julie was elated after Maggie told her that Philip had managed to save Titan. But Maggie admitted she wasn’t so happy about the method to Philip’s madness, piquing Julie’s curiosity. Maggie filled Julie in on Philip’s outrageous night of gambling, which had paid off against all odds. She confided her fears that Philip would use his lucky streak as an excuse to fall back into gambling.

Julie acknowledged and sympathized with Maggie’s worries, especially after hearing the sordid tale of how Ava Vitali had once ordered a hit on Philip because of his gambling debt...and how Brady had literally been caught in the crossfire. Maggie knew that as an addict, Philip could always justify his slips in his mind, just as she had done with alcohol. Julie believed if Maggie stayed on at Titan, she could help Philip stay on the right course. Maggie could only hope her friend was right.

The women’s talk soon turned to happier topics, as Maggie and Julie discussed making doughnuts for Chanel’s baby shower. Maggie hinted that Julie canceling her date with Foster for the activity had been unnecessary, but Julie brushed it aside. She expressed regret that Maggie had lost her home with Victor; Julie did see a silver lining, though. Maggie staying at the house gave Julie the opportunity to reconnect with her oldest and most cherished friend. Maggie affirmed the sentiment with a hug.

Carver Conscience

In Horton Town Square, Theo met with Abe and told his dad about quitting DiMera Enterprises. Theo reminded Abe that he’d had reservations about trusting Johnny, and those concerns had been proven right. After Theo expressed his regret about letting his mom down, Abe reassured his son that Lexie would be proud of him. Theo had tried to turn DiMera around, but he had ultimately kept his integrity intact, which was what mattered most. Theo apologized to Abe for not heeding his advice about taking the job, but he did want his dad’s viewpoint on another matter.

Abe listened while Theo updated him on Gabi’s tempting job offer. Theo weighed the pros and the cons. Gabi Chic was a thriving company, and Theo thought he could do good work there. On the other hand, he and Gabi had a “complicated” history, marred by Gabi accusing him of betraying her.

Abe reminded Theo that most of Salem had a “complicated” relationship with Gabi. If Theo truly believed Gabi Chic was the right fit for him, then he should take the chance.

DiMera Double-Cross

At DiMera Enterprises, EJ arrived at Johnny’s office in a rage that he hadn’t been informed earlier about the allegations against the company. Johnny not-so-politely reminded his father that he’d been left holding the bag with George O’Halloran. As EJ began echoing George’s arguments for keeping quiet and for deflecting blame onto someone else, Johnny suspected EJ and the pharmaceutical head had been colluding once again behind his back.

A frustrated Johnny showed EJ the letter of resignation Theo had written. Theo was just as disgusted with Johnny as Johnny was with himself. EJ considered it a potential positive that Theo was no longer in the picture, which led Johnny to sarcastically retort that Theo’s integrity was getting in the way of family business. As Johnny’s lamentations continued, EJ gave him a speech about the family mantra of doing whatever’s necessary.

EJ urged Johnny to stop denying his DiMera side. Johnny insisted the deception couldn’t and wouldn’t continue. He would handle the problem the right way. EJ got a text from George asking for a meeting, so he left his resistant son with a word of caution: don’t do anything rash before EJ returned to finish the conversation.

Later, Johnny shared a light reunion with little sister Sydney outside the pub. Sydney fondly recalled how Johnny had always been a “sucker” and a push-over who would do anything she wanted, and the comment gave Johnny pause. He put on a smile nevertheless and accompanied his sister to Horton Town Square. Theo spotted Johnny and promptly left.

Johnny and Sydney got caught up, and Sydney looked forward to meeting her newest niece and nephew. They talked briefly about Allie and their nephew Henry. When Johnny asked how long Sydney planned to stay in Salem, she confessed she was seriously thinking about extending her visit. She had missed everyone, and Johnny had always waxed poetic about living in the town. Johnny surprised his sister when he compelled her to go back to Italy, as he would “jump” at the chance to leave Salem behind if he could.

Meanwhile, at the DiMera mansion, EJ confronted George at the mansion and laid into his underling about George’s ineptitude in properly disposing of the Coriseal. George pledged to his boss that EJ could count on him. In fact, Rita and he had already gotten the ball rolling on setting up Sarah to look like a disgruntled employee who had only made accusations against DiMera Pharma in order to save her own skin. By the time the lawsuit was over, Sarah’s credibility would be in ruins, and DiMera would be in the clear. EJ let George know that if the plan fell apart, George would be the one taking the fall.

Following O’Halloran’s departure, EJ poured himself a drink and reflected on what he had learned about Dominic Marino. He seemed to come to a startling realization, then turned to Stefano’s portrait and exclaimed, “Father, what have you done?”

Dominic’s Dominos

Before her reunion with Johnny, Sydney reunited with her grandma Marlena in the pub. She regaled Marlena and Belle with her dating embarrassment exploits. Marlena conveyed how nice it was to see her granddaughter, and she only wished Sami could visit as well. Sydney defended her mom’s busy schedule and the difficulty Sami sometimes had with coming home and dealing with fraught relationships, like with her dad EJ. Belle thanked her niece for being diplomatic, but Belle knew she was counted among those challenging relationships.

Sydney admitted her mom had some colorful thoughts about Belle and EJ’s relationship. Belle stressed both had moved on, and she regretted she didn’t have a better relationship with her sister. Marlena supported Belle and said she had tried with Sami. Belle stepped away for a call, and when she returned, her revelation promptly turned the topic of conversation to Sami’s fiancé, Dante Vitali. Belle had just been informed that Dominic Marino had attended a European boarding school…and his roommate had been none other than Dante.

Marlena and Belle were caught off guard by the development and asked Sydney what she thought about Dante. Sydney acknowledged that Dante had never mentioned a connection to the billionaire, but she didn’t see it as a big deal. She defended Dante as someone who had treated her mom – and Sydney herself – exceptionally well. He had even secured Sydney her current job. Sydney argued that Dante’s mob ties didn’t make him “the devil,” which earned a bit of a side-eye from Marlena.

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Once Sydney left, Belle and Marlena concurred that Dante’s association with Dominic – and his current relationship with Sami – was likely no mere coincidence.

Is Sami headed for another heartbreak? What disturbing conclusion did EJ reach? And how will Johnny, Theo, and Maggie’s career decisions pan out? Sound off in the comments.

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