Salem descends into full-scale chaos in the midweek episodes of Days of Our Lives, as Tuesday and Wednesday deliver a potent mix of mystery, betrayal, emotional implosions,

and a shocking family captivity that threatens to tear one of the show’s most notorious clans apart from the inside. With major characters missing, alliances fraying,

and long-simmering resentments exploding at precisely the wrong moment, the drama reaches a fever pitch that promises lasting consequences well beyond the holiday season.

At the center of Tuesday’s upheaval is the alarming disappearance of EJ DiMera, a development that sends shockwaves through Salem’s gossip circuits and power structures alike. Gwen Rizczech and Leo Stark find themselves locked in a tense and increasingly volatile exchange, each driven by fear, ambition, and a shared history that is equal parts toxic and strangely loyal. Gwen is visibly rattled by EJ’s absence, aware that a missing DiMera is never truly gone—only delayed. Her anxiety is layered; on the surface, she fears EJ’s inevitable return and the vengeance that often follows. Beneath that, however, is a more complicated concern: Leo’s reckless hunger for a headline.

Leo, ever the opportunist, immediately recognizes the story potential in EJ’s vanishing act. Where Gwen sees danger, Leo sees notoriety. Her attempts to scare him off only seem to fuel his determination, igniting that familiar glint of ambition in his eyes. Gwen may mock Leo’s lack of self-preservation, but her warnings suggest a reluctant desire to protect him from forces far more dangerous than either of them can control. If Leo continues digging, he may not uncover EJ’s whereabouts—but rather stumble directly into the hands of whoever orchestrated the disappearance in the first place.

Elsewhere, tensions erupt inside the DiMera mansion, where suspicion runs rampant and old grudges resurface with renewed ferocity. Gabi Hernandez finds herself under fire once again, this time clashing with Javi in a confrontation that feels deeply personal. Gabi’s fury suggests more than mere indignation at being accused; it reflects years of being Salem’s default scapegoat. Yet the uncomfortable truth remains: few residents have as many enemies—or as much to gain from a DiMera downfall—as Gabi does. Her explosive defensiveness raises the question of whether she is protesting too much, or simply exhausted from carrying the weight of others’ assumptions.

Amid the chaos, Johnny DiMera emerges as one of the most emotionally affected by his family’s disappearance. Unlike his father, Johnny wears his heart on his sleeve, and news of EJ’s absence sends him spiraling. Chanel’s quiet support offers a rare moment of tenderness, reminding viewers why their connection endures despite constant upheaval. Still, Johnny’s grief is dangerous territory. His emotional nature has often led to impulsive decisions, and with his father missing, it may only be a matter of time before he takes drastic action in the name of family loyalty.

Meanwhile, Rafe Hernandez takes center stage in the investigation, driven by equal parts duty and frustration. His confrontation with Kate Roberts crackles with unresolved tension, as Rafe warns her against inserting herself into a situation that could turn deadly. Kate, however, has never been one to stay on the sidelines, and her insistence on playing detective only deepens Rafe’s concern. His instincts tell him that this case is darker than it appears—and his fears are soon validated.

Rafe’s investigation leads him to a mysterious laboratory near the free clinic recently established by Mike Horton. The facility’s eerie emptiness and the visibly shaken Dr. Mark Green raise immediate red flags. As Rafe announces his presence as an FBI agent, the sense of dread is unmistakable. The lab’s proximity to a community clinic suggests a perfect cover for illicit activity, possibly tied to EJ’s long history of secret experiments and morally questionable science. Whether Dr. Green opens the door or attempts to hide, one thing is clear: this lab may be the key to unraveling the DiMera mystery.

Wednesday’s episode intensifies the drama, shifting from intrigue to emotional devastation. At the Kiriakis mansion, Xander Cook finally confronts Sarah Horton in a scene charged with heartbreak and fury. His jealousy over Brady Black’s presence in his former home is not merely possessive—it is rooted in profound betrayal. Xander has been ostracized, separated from his daughter, and condemned based on accusations rather than proof. Now, the man who accused him is living the life Xander lost, playing family with Sarah and their child.

Xander’s pain is raw and palpable as he voices what many have suspected: Brady is not an innocent bystander. Brady’s timing, his closeness to Sarah, and his willingness to step into Xander’s role suggest an opportunism that cannot be ignored. Sarah’s insistence that Brady is simply being supportive may stem from denial rather than truth, and Xander’s unraveling highlights the emotional cost of being replaced in his own life. The confrontation leaves lasting scars—and raises the possibility that Xander, pushed too far, could make a catastrophic choice.

While emotions explode above ground, the DiMera family’s nightmare reaches a terrifying new level below. Held captive inside their own family crypt, Kristen DiMera and EJ clash violently, their egos and grudges overriding any instinct for self-preservation. Kristen lashes out, physically attacking EJ in a moment that is as shocking as it is disturbingly on-brand. Chad DiMera is forced to intervene, once again playing mediator between siblings whose mutual hatred threatens their survival.

The infighting exposes a dangerous vulnerability. Trapped and divided, the DiMeras are easier to manipulate—and possibly destroy. Kristen’s loss of control suggests that captivity is fracturing her carefully constructed facade, while EJ’s arrogance only fuels the fire. Their captor, whoever it may be, undoubtedly benefits from watching them turn on one another.

The ripple effects of the DiMera crisis are felt deeply by Marlena Evans, who carries the emotional burden of worrying about her family, her patients, and her own fragile health. Belle does her best to support her mother, but the weight of concern—for Johnny, for Brady, for young Rachel—threatens to overwhelm Salem’s emotional anchor. Marlena has weathered countless storms, but the relentless stress may be pushing her toward another health crisis.

Finally, attention turns to Rachel Black, whose distress on Wednesday hints at far more than simple fear. While the adults believe they are shielding her from the truth about Kristen’s disappearance, Rachel’s perceptiveness should not be underestimated. Raised in chaos and manipulation, she may already understand far more than anyone realizes. Her sadness could mask a deeper need for control—and if history is any indication, Rachel’s response to that loss of control could be both calculated and dangerous.

As Salem hurtles toward the end of the week, the stakes could not be higher. Leo’s investigation may place him directly in harm’s way. The mysterious lab threatens to expose a conspiracy with devastating implications. Xander teeters on the edge of a breaking point, and the DiMeras remain trapped by both their captor and their own toxic dynamics. With secrets tightening their grip and loyalties under siege, Days of Our Lives delivers a midweek arc that proves no one in Salem is safe—and the fallout is only just beginning.