Friday’s episode of Days of our Lives delivered a rollercoaster of emotion, heartbreak, and shocking revelations as Salem plunged into unexpected darkness—both literally and figuratively.

What began as a routine day quickly spiraled into a night of secrets, confessions, and unexpected alliances. By the end of the hour, relationships were tested, villains emerged,

and the town’s future looked more uncertain than ever.

Salem Plunges Into Chaos

The episode opened with Salem thrown into turmoil as a massive power outage swept across town. The usually bright, bustling streets were swallowed by an eerie stillness. This wasn’t just a flicker of lights—it was a full-scale blackout that rattled every corner of the community. From the Kiriakis family’s business empire to the bakeries that keep Salem fed, everyone felt the shockwaves.

More than just a logistical nightmare, the outage became the spark for long-buried emotions to surface. In the dark, there were no distractions, no phones buzzing, no easy escapes. Salem’s residents were forced to face one another head-on, and what unfolded was nothing short of explosive.

Sarah and Xander’s Emotional Breakthrough

At the heart of the episode was the ongoing custody battle between Sarah Horton and Xander Cook. For weeks, the two have been locked in a bitter war over their daughter, Victoria. What once was love had curdled into resentment, with every conversation devolving into accusations and blame.

But the darkness worked a strange kind of magic. Trapped together without the constant pull of daily obligations, Sarah and Xander finally opened up. Their defenses fell, replaced by raw honesty. Xander admitted his guilt and past failures, while Sarah acknowledged the deep hurt she still carried—but also the love that had never truly left.

What followed was a rare moment of vulnerability. For the first time in months, they weren’t enemies but parents—and perhaps lovers—trying to find their way back to each other. The two sealed their fragile truce with a kiss that left viewers wondering: is this the beginning of a reunion, or just a fleeting spark destined to fade once the lights return?

Alex Saves the Day in Salem’s Bakery Crisis

While romance flickered in one corner of town, chaos struck Chanel Dupri and Felicity in another. In the middle of preparing fresh bread for their loyal customers, the blackout ruined their ovens, leaving dozens of half-baked loaves and the future of their bakery in jeopardy.

Enter Alex Kiriakis. Just as panic set in, Alex stepped into the bakery and transformed into an unlikely hero. Rather than offering empty sympathy, he rolled up his sleeves and joined the women in salvaging what they could. Carrying croissants, protecting bear claws, and joking about “rescuing every bagel,” Alex turned disaster into laughter.

The trio’s teamwork by candlelight showcased the resilience of Salem’s community spirit. For Chanel, it also hinted at a new dynamic—Alex’s energy and charm may have lit more than just candles that night.

Stephanie’s Dangerous Double Life

The episode took a darker turn as Stephanie Johnson’s secret identity loomed over her every move. By day, she’s a respected Salem local. By night, she’s the anonymous author of the town’s most scandalous romance novels—a revelation that could shatter her reputation if exposed.

Her struggle to maintain this double life reached a breaking point when she was asked to conduct an interview about “her” work. The irony of interviewing herself was not lost on Stephanie, but what truly rattled her was the growing sense she was being watched.

A mysterious stalker has uncovered her secret, shadowing her movements with unsettling precision. Their motives remain unknown, but one thing is clear: Stephanie’s secret is no longer hers alone. What began as a thrilling creative outlet has now put her in genuine danger, leaving viewers to wonder whether she can escape unscathed—or if her alter ego will consume her entirely.

Three Hearts, One Dark Room

Elsewhere in Salem, the blackout trapped Philip Kiriakis, Brady Black, and Gabi Hernandez together in the Titan offices—a powder keg waiting to explode. The trio’s history is complicated at best, toxic at worst.

Unbeknownst to Brady, Philip and Gabi recently shared an intimate moment they’ve kept hidden. But secrets have a way of surfacing under pressure, and every stolen glance between the two carried heavy implication. Brady, ever perceptive, sensed something amiss, even if he couldn’t yet put his finger on it.

The forced confinement magnified tensions, with silences weighted and conversations charged. Viewers were left on edge: how long before Brady learns the truth? And when he does, will forgiveness even be an option?

Sophia’s Descent Into Villainy

If Salem was battling literal darkness, Sophia embodied its metaphorical version. This episode marked her chilling transformation from troubled schemer to full-blown villain.

Earlier in the week, Johnny and Chanel had been overjoyed as they prepared their home for adoption approval, convinced they were on the cusp of welcoming baby T into their lives. Their joy, however, became the fuel for Sophia’s fury.

In a manic confrontation with District Attorney Melinda Trask, Sophia ranted about stopping the adoption at any cost. Her words were unhinged, but her intentions clear: she would not allow Chanel and Johnny happiness. When her rage shifted into eerie calm, her true danger became evident. This wasn’t desperation anymore—it was obsession.

By nightfall, Johnny and Chanel were glowing with hope, arms full of baby supplies. But lurking nearby was Sophia, her eyes fixed on them with unsettling intensity. No threats, no outbursts—just silent, calculating menace. Her chilling presence made it clear: their joy was now her target.

Nostalgia and Secrets Across Salem

Amid the chaos, quieter moments offered grounding reminders of Salem’s enduring legacy. Julie reflected on her grandfather’s vision, hinting at the Horton family’s continued importance in town. The mention of Jeremy’s possible return stirred memories—and tension—for Stephanie, suggesting that Salem’s past is about to collide with its present in unpredictable ways.

Meanwhile, at the hospital, Kayla’s concern for Foster added another layer of humanity, showcasing the compassion that has always defined her character. Even in darkness, the people of Salem look out for one another—though secrets still weave through every corner of town.

Final Thoughts: Salem Forever Changed

Friday’s episode was a masterclass in soap opera storytelling, using the blackout as both literal crisis and powerful metaphor. In the absence of light, truths surfaced that might have stayed hidden. Lovers rediscovered each other, heroes rose from unlikely places, and villains revealed their darkest sides.

When the power returns to Salem, nothing will be the same. Relationships will either emerge stronger or shatter completely. Secrets will either bind people closer or blow them apart. And Sophia’s looming threat ensures that for Chanel, Johnny, and anyone who crosses her, the future holds more peril than peace.