DiMeras, Dilemmas, Dimitri...and Rolf: Days of our Lives Two Scoops For the Week of January 5th

It was all about the DiMeras again as Days of our Lives rang in 2026. It started with a wedding that ended with another DiMera return, which resulted in a dilemma, all because of Dimitri. So, let's take those two scoops and dig into the Salem week that was.

Well, THAT was a letdown

Javi was ready to call the whole thing off in a hot minute | Image: JPI

We were so shocked and disappointed by Javi's reaction to seeing Leo's ex that we had to write about it twice — here and here. Within three minutes of Leo very calmly explaining to Dimitri that he was married to Javi now and there could be no future between them, Javi said, yeah, I don't believe you and we can't be together until you take a few days to figure things out.

So, Leo took a few days. He talked to Marlena. He got some pretty good advice that spoke to Salem's history. He proclaimed his undying love for Javi. And Javi? Yeah, no, not good enough. Seriously, Javi? We're beginning to run out of sympathy here.

In fact, we have rarely seen someone give up so soon and throw themselves a pity party. If the man you love has not wavered and is looking you in the eyes and telling you that he loves you and only you, then maybe he is telling you the truth.

About Dimitri...

Dimitri has more chemistry with Gwen than he does with Leo | Image: JPI

Okay, so he looks pretty good with new, wavy, tousled hair, but otherwise, we still don't like the guy. He is still Megan Hathaway's son (we know, DiMera), and he is still a criminal and still one of the bad guy DiMeras. Like his mother, he can clearly be obsessive and doesn't seem to care who he hurts.

And he is not going to give up on Leo easily while still sparring with Gwen. It's a fine, soapy mess. But it doesn't work because A-Leo and Dimitri did not exactly have a deep and charming love story, and B-Javi is acting ridiculous, precisely because Leo and Dimitri did not exactly have a deep and charming love story.

Frankly, there is more chemistry between Dimitri and Gwen than there is between Dimitri and Leo, so maybe play with that a little bit more. It's more interesting than watching Javi cry because he is too afraid to fight for his own happiness.

So, who has the real dilemma here? Dimitri, who might want to know when to give up? Javi, who has already given up? Or, Leo, who has made his choice clear?

Those other Days of our Lives DiMeras

Kristen is ready to plot again | Image: JPI

Kristen had a dilemma nobody ever wants this week when she had to decide whether to pull the plug on her own brother, who is also her own biological brother and the only one of her siblings with whom she grew up. Stacy Haiduk has turned Kristen into a sympathetic force to be reckoned with. She is still Kristen. She can plot with the best of them, but she can also feel compassion and sometimes try to do the right thing.

And she thought the right thing was to pull the plug on Peter and allow him to die with dignity. But he didn't die. Instead, he told his sister to go to hell, and THEN he died. But come on, of course, he didn't die. We are sure he didn't die. Rolf did his thing, and Peter is probably in the hospital basement in some weird tube awaiting his rebirth, along with another DiMera slated for resurrection. (DiMeras are always slated for resurrection. What a way to live...and die.)

Now, for the Kristen we have always known. She can go from sad and distraught to conniving and vindictive in a heartbeat, so let's go, Kristen. Get that revenge on EJ just because it will be fun. Plus, Rafe needs help because he is Rafe and always needs a woman to solve his problems, as well as the mysteries. We will never understand how this man is a detective cause he never, ever solves the case.

The other case...

And the Patch is Black Patch? Um, does Steve have any real clients or does he just allow Kayla to be the successful doctor breadwinner in their home? Is Black Patch an actual, functioning detective agency or does Steve keep it going for some weird tax purposes? We are pretty sure he is not being paid to be a third wheel in his daughter's love life by living with her and her fiancé and following them around from 10 feet behind at all times.

The whole thing is just silly at this point and we need it to end. How many more people can stalk Stephanie before it becomes old? That would be NO more people, because it was old the first time in 2023 when Bobby-Everett followed her around.

And Alex? We are just not quite sure what to make of him. We guess he's a good guy, but he often comes off as a controlling jerk. Steve and Alex, newsflash. Women can take care of themselves. Please and thank you.

Let's get serious

Chanel has her own decision to make | Image: JPI

What are Chanel and Johnny going to do? They both have very compelling arguments regarding her high-risk pregnancy, but Chanel has the most compelling argument of all. This is her body, and she will decide what to do with it. At the moment, Chanel is determined to move ahead with her pregnancy, even if it puts her life at risk.

We get why that terrifies Johnny, but this is not his decision to make. Perhaps he and Chanel should just listen to what a specialist has to say and go from there. And maybe Chanel shouldn't be so angry at Johnny and respect his concerns. We are interested in seeing how this plays out, but in the end, any decision made has to be Chanel's. Hopefully, this soap understands that.

So, no, Days of our Lives did not begin the year on many happy notes, but at least we have new storyline layers ready to launch, and that's why we watch soaps — to see what mess happens next.

Catch all-new episodes of Days of our Lives weekdays on Peacock.