Salem has always been a town where secrets lurk just beneath the surface, but today’s episode of Days of Our Lives proved that even the familiar streets can become stranger than ever when darkness falls.

Airing on September 26, 2025, this installment delivered a chilling mix of mystery, passion, and corporate warfare that left fans breathless and eagerly awaiting the next chapter.

The heartbeat of Salem pulsed beneath the eerie blanket of a mysterious blackout, and the absence of light allowed the characters’ hidden fears and desires to rise to the forefront.

From suspicious shadows trailing beloved heroines to rekindled romances glowing like candlelight in the dark, Friday’s episode reminded viewers why this soap continues to thrive after decades on the air.

Salem Plunged Into Darkness

The episode opened with Salem consumed by an unsettling power outage, transforming the usually bustling town into an apocalyptic maze of silence and flickering shadows. Streetlamps were dead, shops abandoned, and whispers of fear moved through the air like the autumn wind. In Days of Our Lives, nothing is ever just a coincidence—this blackout was more than a technical hiccup. It became a living character, amplifying tension and setting the stage for explosive revelations.

Stephanie Johnson was at the epicenter of this chilling scene. Known for her resilience and sharp instincts, she navigated the town square alone, her heels echoing like a ticking clock in the unnerving silence. The square, typically a vibrant hub of activity, had transformed into a labyrinth where every shadow seemed to harbor a threat. With only the glow of her phone to guide her, Stephanie sensed that she was not alone.

And she was right.

A hidden figure lurked nearby, clutching a bouquet of roses so tightly that blood from the thorns streaked their fingers. The roses, their crimson petals stark against the monochrome darkness, felt like a silent message—was it love, regret, or revenge? Before Stephanie could confront the mystery, Alex Kiriakis arrived like a beacon of reassurance. His flashlight pierced the darkness, and his trademark charm steadied her nerves, but even as they walked away together, the presence in the shadows remained.

The camera pulled back to reveal the figure discarding the roses in frustration. A haunting silhouette lingered, hinting at a familiar face from Salem’s past—possibly Jeremy Horton, back with unfinished business. This moment established the tone of the episode: in Salem, secrets never stay buried for long.

Sarah and Xander: Love Rekindled in the Dark

While danger prowled the streets, romance flickered to life in more intimate corners of town. Sarah Horton and Xander Kiriakis faced the fragility of their relationship with rare vulnerability. Their living room, lit only by the warm flicker of candles, became both battleground and sanctuary as Sarah pleaded with Xander to consider couples therapy.

Her argument was simple yet heartfelt: they had been through too much to let their love crumble, and their daughter, Victoria, deserved the stability of two parents who fought for their bond.

Xander, ever the stubborn rogue with a guarded heart, balked at the idea of therapy. His pride and distrust of outsiders clashed with Sarah’s insistence, but beneath the gruff exterior, his love for his family began to soften his stance. After a tense pause, Xander relented with a tender promise: “For you and Victoria, I’ll give it a shot.”

What followed was one of the most heartwarming sequences in recent Days of Our Lives history. To celebrate, Sarah suggested making s’mores—a lighthearted return to innocence that contrasted beautifully with the tension outside. Marshmallows melted, chocolate smeared, and laughter echoed, as the couple rediscovered their joy.

But it didn’t end with sweets. Their laughter gave way to smoldering passion, and as candlelight danced across the room, Sarah and Xander rekindled their romance with fiery intensity. It was more than intimacy—it was renewal. Their whispered promises of “no regrets” reminded fans why this couple continues to be a fan-favorite pairing.

Corporate Deception at Titan

Romance, however, wasn’t the only spark ignited in Salem. Across town, the Titan-DiMera offices became the backdrop for a high-stakes chess match in the corporate world. With the blackout plunging the office into ominous red emergency lighting, Gabi Hernandez found herself cornered by Brady Black and Philip Kiriakis.

The trio was supposed to be addressing a technical glitch, but suspicion quickly turned inward. Brady, sharp-eyed and intuitive, noted that the issue went far beyond the blackout. The coding on a critical device appeared tampered with—and Philip, always eager to stir trouble, hinted that Gabi’s involvement seemed a little too convenient.

Though she kept her composure, viewers could see the cracks forming. Gabi deflected with charm and confidence, brushing off their doubts with smooth words, but the truth was far darker: she had indeed manipulated the device as part of her corporate scheming. A subtle hesitation when Philip pressed her on a specific code betrayed her nerves, and Brady caught the slip.

The office became a battlefield of wit and deceit. Every line of dialogue was a move on the chessboard, with Gabi struggling to maintain control while Brady and Philip’s suspicions grew stronger. The camera lingered ominously on the bugged device, its blinking red light silently exposing Gabi’s secret. Fans are now left questioning whether her cunning will be enough to keep her deception hidden—or if her empire is on the verge of crumbling.

Salem’s Tapestry of Secrets and Desire

Friday’s episode was nothing short of a masterclass in soap opera storytelling. The blackout was not just a backdrop but a symbol—a reminder that Salem’s residents are always balancing between light and darkness, truth and lies, love and betrayal.

• Stephanie’s eerie encounter set the stage for a looming mystery. Who followed her? What did the roses mean? And is Jeremy Horton truly back with unfinished business?
• Sarah and Xander’s heartfelt journey showed fans that love can survive even the deepest wounds when two people choose to fight for it. Their s’mores-fueled evening will surely go down as one of the season’s most endearing scenes.
• Meanwhile, Gabi’s web of deceit at Titan highlighted the ever-present theme of ambition versus integrity in Salem. With Brady and Philip circling closer, her carefully constructed plans may soon collapse.

What’s Next for Salem?

As the blackout continues, the questions multiply. Who will be unmasked in the shadows? Will Sarah and Xander’s decision to pursue therapy strengthen their bond—or reopen old scars? And can Gabi keep her dangerous secrets from unraveling before her rivals seize the upper hand?

One truth remains constant: in Salem, nothing is ever as it seems, and the darkest nights often reveal the brightest sparks of drama.

Fans of Days of Our Lives will not want to miss what comes next. If tonight’s episode was any indication, Salem is bracing for heartbreak, shocking revelations, and perhaps the return of ghosts from the past.

So, grab your popcorn and stay tuned—because in Days of Our Lives, every shadow hides a story, and every kiss hides a consequence.