Villains Take Center Stage Once More

At the heart of this week’s casting shake-ups are two characters synonymous with manipulation and chaos: Vivian Alamain and Dimitri Von Leuschner. Their returns signal trouble

on multiple fronts, reminding viewers that in Salem, evil rarely stays buried for long. Louise Sorel continues her short but potent arc as Vivian Alamain, one of Days of Our Lives’ most enduring

and deliciously diabolical villains. Appearing in three episodes, Vivian finds herself under increasing scrutiny as her latest schemes begin to unravel. By Tuesday, February 3,

she’s firmly in the hot seat, forced to face pointed questions and the mounting suspicion surrounding her actions.

Vivian’s presence alone raises the stakes. Known for her icy composure and ruthless intelligence, she brings a sense of unpredictability to every scene. Even when cornered, Vivian never truly appears defeated—only calculating her next move. Her return reinforces the idea that Salem’s darkest threats often wear the most composed smiles.

Matching her menace is the reemergence of Dimitri Von Leuschner, portrayed once again by Peter Porte. Dimitri’s return is anything but subtle. On Tuesday, February 3, he shares charged scenes with Leo Stark, daring him to cross lines he’s only flirted with before. The dynamic between Dimitri and Leo is laced with temptation, manipulation, and emotional danger, making their interactions some of the week’s most compelling.

Dimitri’s presence isn’t just about personal games—it’s about power. His reappearance reminds viewers that unresolved vendettas still simmer beneath Salem’s surface, waiting for the right spark to ignite.

A Hero Resurfaces as the Past Informs the Present

While villains dominate much of the week’s tension, Days of Our Lives balances the scales by bringing back a familiar hero. Lamon Archey resurfaces as Eli Grant, the former Salem cop whose moral clarity and determination once made him a stabilizing force in a chaotic town.

Eli’s return is anything but ceremonial. On Tuesday, February 3, he teams up with Rafe Hernandez to question Vivian Alamain, immediately tying his presence to the show’s central mystery. By Wednesday, February 4, Eli uncovers new information that could prove pivotal to the investigation, reinforcing his role as a truth-seeker in a world built on deception.

Eli’s involvement also serves a larger narrative purpose. His return reconnects current storylines to unresolved threads from the past, reminding viewers that Salem’s history is never truly closed. Every choice leaves a mark, and every return reopens old wounds.

The DiMeras Gather, and History Weighs Heavy

As Salem grapples with present-day threats, the DiMera family turns inward to honor its past. Thaao Penghlis and Leann Hunley return as Tony and Anna DiMera on Friday, February 6, as they join the family in paying respects to the late Stefano DiMera.

Their presence adds emotional gravity to an already significant moment. Stefano’s death marks the end of an era, and Tony and Anna’s return underscores just how deeply his legacy runs. This isn’t merely a farewell—it’s a reckoning. For the DiMeras, remembering Stefano means confronting the darkness he embodied and deciding what kind of future they intend to build in his shadow.

These scenes promise a blend of nostalgia and quiet intensity, offering longtime viewers a reminder of just how much history this family carries—and how impossible it is to escape.

Susan Banks Brings Chaos and Clarity

Stacy Haiduk makes another memorable appearance as Susan Banks on Tuesday, February 3, injecting her trademark eccentricity into an already volatile week. Susan’s unpredictable nature often masks surprising insight, and her return hints that she may see truths others overlook.

Whether offering comic relief or unsettling intuition, Susan’s presence tends to disrupt the status quo. In a week dominated by villains and investigations, her reappearance adds an emotional wildcard—one that could complicate plans or expose secrets without even trying.

Liam Selejko Gains Momentum

One of the most notable ongoing developments belongs to Liam Selejko, portrayed by Hank Northrop. Liam continues to gain narrative traction as his connections to key players deepen. On Monday, February 2, he shares tense scenes with Rafe Hernandez, and by Wednesday, February 4, he’s face-to-face with Abe Carver.

These interactions place Liam squarely within Salem’s power structure, suggesting his role in the unfolding drama is far from incidental. As investigations widen and alliances shift, Liam’s growing presence hints at secrets yet to be fully revealed.

Offscreen, Northrop has spoken about how working on Days of Our Lives serves as a masterclass in acting—a sentiment that shows in Liam’s layered portrayal. With every appearance, the character feels more integral to Salem’s future conflicts.

The Next Generation Steps Forward

The week also shines a light on Salem’s younger residents. Alice Halsey returns as the incorrigible Rachel Black on Thursday, February 5, interacting with Sophia, Tate, and Brady Black. Rachel’s scenes promise emotional complexity as her behavior continues to raise concerns—and questions—about her well-being.

Adding to that storyline is Kim Hawthorne’s return as Dr. Gregory, Rachel’s doctor. Appearing on Thursday, February 5, Dr. Gregory shares scenes with Sophia and Holly, reinforcing the seriousness of Rachel’s situation. These moments ground the larger-than-life drama in emotional realism, reminding viewers that Salem’s conflicts often leave their deepest scars on the youngest hearts.

A Week That Redefines the Board

This week’s comings and goings on Days of Our Lives do more than please longtime fans—they actively reshape the show’s narrative landscape. With villains tightening their grip, heroes stepping back into the fray, and legacy families confronting their past, Salem feels poised on the edge of transformation.

As February unfolds, one thing is clear: no return is accidental, no reunion without consequence. In Salem, every familiar face brings unfinished business—and the fallout is only just beginning.