Salem is no stranger to chaos, but the final week of January 2026 promises to push Days of Our Lives into full-blown, jaw-dropping territory. From shocking revelations

about Stefano DiMera’s remains to the long-awaited return of one of Salem’s most dangerous divas, the week of January 26–30 is shaping up to be a masterclass

in soap opera spectacle. Old vendettas reignite, moral lines blur, and secrets once buried—some literally—threaten to tear Salem apart.

At the center of it all is a revelation that has sent shockwaves through the fandom: the discovery of bones believed to belong to the legendary Stefano DiMera.

Stefano DiMera’s Bones: The End of an Era—or the Start of a New Nightmare?

When Police Commissioner Rafe Hernandez delivers the stunning announcement that the remains recovered are those of Stefano DiMera, the news lands like a bomb in the DiMera mansion. For EJ and Chad, Stefano was never just a father—he was an immortal presence, a looming shadow that defined their lives. Seeing the once-invincible “Phoenix” reduced to a skeleton forces them to confront an unthinkable reality: what if this time, he truly is gone?

Yet this is Salem, and skepticism runs deep. Fans know better than to accept anything at face value—especially when it comes to Stefano DiMera. DNA tests have been wrong before, bodies have been swapped, and death has never been a permanent condition for the DiMera patriarch. With Dr. Wilhelm Rolf back in the picture, the doubts only intensify. Could these bones be a decoy? A carefully planted distraction while something far more sinister is unfolding behind the scenes?

There’s also the delicate issue of legacy. Stefano DiMera is inseparable from the late Joseph Mascolo, whose portrayal defined generations of Days. Any attempt to “resurrect” Stefano—whether through a recast, a scientific twist, or a digital recreation—comes with enormous risk. The writers are walking a tightrope between honoring a beloved character and pushing the story forward. Whether this discovery represents true closure or the calm before another DiMera storm remains to be seen.

Vivian Alamain Returns—and Gwen Is Playing with Fire

If Stefano’s bones represent the ghosts of Salem’s past, Vivian Alamain’s return is proof that some villains never stay buried. Her voice alone sends chills through the screen as she reaches out to Gwen Rizczech, asking a question loaded with venom: “Do you hate the DiMeras as much as I do?”

Vivian’s comeback is nothing short of deliciously dangerous. Her feud with the DiMera family spans decades, rooted in betrayals, power struggles, and long-simmering resentment. Teaming her up with Gwen—who is desperate for leverage and clearly enjoying her newfound flash and confidence—feels like a perfect storm.

But Gwen may be underestimating the woman she’s aligned herself with. Vivian doesn’t form alliances out of loyalty; she uses people as tools. While Gwen believes she’s gaining power, Vivian is almost certainly playing a much longer game. There’s reason to believe her true target isn’t just revenge, but control—particularly over the DiMera bloodline and her son, Dimitri. Gwen may think she’s a partner, but in Vivian’s world, partners are disposable.

Dr. Rolf’s Experiments and EJ DiMera’s Dangerous Ambitions

No week in Salem would be complete without a dose of mad science, and Dr. Rolf delivers in unsettling fashion. His latest experiments—this time involving laboratory mice—hint that his infamous serum may finally be perfected. A serum once intended for EJ DiMera, previously deemed a failure, now appears frighteningly effective.

The question is: why does EJ need it?

Is he hiding a serious illness? Preparing for a physical reckoning with an old enemy? Or is this about something far more chilling—control over life itself? EJ has always been calculating, but this move suggests he’s thinking beyond legacy. If Rolf’s work succeeds, EJ wouldn’t just be following in Stefano’s footsteps; he’d be eclipsing him.

If EJ is indeed funding Rolf’s experiments, the implications are enormous. In a town where power is currency, controlling life and death would make EJ untouchable. The DiMera empire may be entering a new era—one built not on intimidation alone, but on scientific dominance.

Julie Williams on Edge: Grief, Conflict, and Crumbling Grace

While DiMera drama dominates the headlines, quieter yet equally powerful tensions simmer elsewhere in Salem. Julie Williams, a beloved legacy character, finds herself increasingly at odds with those around her. Her recent clashes—particularly with Dr. Marlena Evans—reveal a woman overwhelmed by grief and lashing out.

Marlena’s calm request to simply listen, rather than analyze or share, is met with sharp judgment from Julie, who cruelly throws Marlena’s profession back at her. It’s a moment that stings, exposing how far Julie has drifted from her usually compassionate self. Her cold treatment of Gwen during a boutique incident only adds fuel to the fire.

In stark contrast stands Roman Brady, whose kindness and quiet strength offer a reminder of what empathy looks like in Salem. The writers seem to be steering Julie toward a crossroads—either a humbling reckoning, a health scare, or a devastating fallout that could fracture long-standing relationships.

Kidnappings, Suspects, and a Sinister Mastermind

The mystery surrounding the recent kidnappings deepens as Rafe focuses his investigation on Liam—but many signs point elsewhere. Longtime viewers are eyeing Peter Blake, whose history, motives, and connections make him a far more compelling suspect. Adding to the intrigue is the reemergence of Owen, lurking ominously in the background.

Steve Johnson’s investigation raises eyebrows as well. Known for his sharp instincts, Steve appears unusually careless—unless, of course, it’s all part of a larger strategy. Is he deliberately leaking false information, aware that someone is watching his every move?

The possible involvement of Jeremy Horton adds another layer of legacy drama. As the son of Mike Horton and Robin Jacobs, Jeremy’s presence reconnects Salem to its rich past. Whether he’s being framed or is complicit in Stephanie’s kidnapping remains unclear—but one thing is certain: the truth will be explosive.

A City on the Brink

As January 26–30 approaches, Salem feels like a powder keg ready to explode. Stefano DiMera’s shadow looms large, Vivian Alamain is pulling strings, Dr. Rolf is playing God, and alliances are forming that could change the town forever.

Days of Our Lives is firing on all cylinders—bold, dramatic, and unapologetically rooted in its history. The coming week promises revelations, betrayals, and cliffhangers that will leave fans counting down the minutes to the next episode.

One question lingers above all others: are those bones truly Stefano’s… or is the Phoenix preparing to rise once more?