Salem is never short on surprises, but Thursday’s episode of Days of Our Lives (September 25, 2025) delivered one of the most jaw-dropping, emotionally charged hours we’ve seen in recent months.

From sinister schemes and rekindled romances to explosive confrontations and shocking collapses, this episode had everything that keeps fans glued to their screens. If you missed the drama,

don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with a full breakdown of every twist, betrayal, and passionate embrace that unfolded.

Sophia’s Dark Plot Unfolds in the Dorm Room

The drama began in the dorm room shared by Holly Jonas and Ariana Horton, a space that should represent comfort and youthful innocence. Instead, it became the epicenter of one of Salem’s most disturbing schemes. Sophia Choi, a character whose cunning has been simmering for weeks, finally made her move.

With her trademark sly smile and a glint of malice in her eyes, Sophia entered under the pretense of a friendly visit. But her intentions were far from benign. Her true goal? To sabotage Johnny DiMera and Chanel Dupree’s adoption of little Tori, by using Holly as the pawn in her sinister game.

As Ariana stepped out briefly, Sophia slipped a powerful sedative into Holly’s drink. Within minutes, Holly collapsed into a defenseless slumber. Sophia wasted no time—she dressed Holly in provocative clothing, staged her in scandalous poses, and snapped a series of damning photos. These images were then sent directly to Johnny, along with misleading, suggestive messages that painted Holly as the instigator.

The cruel manipulation was designed to raise questions about Johnny’s fidelity and to destroy Chanel’s trust, creating a scandal big enough to derail their adoption hopes. When the lights across Salem suddenly went out due to a massive blackout, Sophia seized the opportunity to complete her twisted plan and slip away into the shadows. The repercussions of her actions promise to explode in the coming days.

Sarah and Xander’s Passionate Reunion

While Sophia spun her web of deceit, another storyline gave fans the heart-pounding romance they’ve been craving. In the Kiriakis mansion, Sarah Horton and Xander Cook found themselves face-to-face in the darkened halls.

Months of bitterness, betrayals, and heartbreak seemed to melt away in the intimate glow of candlelight. Sarah, vulnerable yet determined, urged Xander to let go of the anger and mistakes of their past. Xander, known for his brooding exterior and questionable choices, finally dropped his defenses. The blackout stripped away all distractions, leaving only their raw emotions.

With hearts racing, Sarah and Xander shared a kiss—deep, passionate, and full of unspoken promises. It wasn’t just a fleeting spark of attraction, but the rekindling of a love that had once burned brightly. Whether this reunion marks the beginning of a true reconciliation or simply a moment of weakness remains to be seen, but for fans of this turbulent couple, the scene was pure magic.

Chad and Cat’s Tender Connection

Elsewhere in Salem, another relationship took a surprising turn. Chad DiMera and Cat Green, who have been circling each other with subtle tension for weeks, finally allowed themselves a moment of vulnerability.

In the quiet of a candlelit room, Chad opened up about his deepest fears and past losses. Cat, with her steady presence and empathetic heart, listened without judgment, giving him a sense of safety he hasn’t felt in years. Their conversation, initially light, turned profound, and the connection between them grew undeniable.

When their hands brushed, sparks flew, leading to a tender embrace that hinted at a blossoming romance. But as every Salem resident knows, love here rarely comes without complications. Their future together may be tested sooner than they realize.

Belle and EJ’s Explosive Elevator Showdown

Not all relationships benefited from the blackout. At DiMera Enterprises, Belle Black and EJ DiMera found themselves trapped in an elevator when the power cut out. What began as an inconvenience quickly escalated into a heated war of words.

Belle wasted no time in confronting EJ, hurling accusations about his past manipulations and betrayals. Her fury was unrelenting, each word cutting deep. EJ, never one to back down, matched her intensity with biting retorts of his own.

The confined space became a battleground, their decades-long history spilling out in raw, emotional volleys. Yet, beneath the bitterness, there were flickers of regret and even an odd sense of mutual understanding. Whether this confrontation will push them further apart or pave the way for an uneasy truce remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Salem hasn’t heard the last of Belle and EJ’s feud.

Marina’s Collapse and the Queen of the Night

Perhaps the most chilling moment of the episode came at the townhouse, where Marina Evans faced a terrifying ordeal. Alone in the dark, she tried to steady herself with the soft glow of candlelight. But suddenly, a wave of dizziness overcame her.

Visions of the enigmatic “Queen of the Night” haunted her mind—fragmented images that have been tormenting her for weeks. Before she could make sense of them, Marina collapsed to the floor, unconscious.

The sight of Salem’s beloved psychiatrist vulnerable and seemingly overtaken by forces she can’t control raises disturbing questions. Is her collapse medical, psychological, or something far more sinister? And what role does the Queen of the Night truly play in her unraveling? Fans are left with a sense of dread, knowing that Marina’s story is only beginning.

A Town Transformed by Darkness

This blackout wasn’t just a background gimmick—it was the catalyst for every major event in the episode. The absence of electricity stripped away Salem’s pretenses and forced its residents to face each other in raw, unfiltered ways.

For Sophia, it created the perfect cover for her malevolent scheme. For Sarah and Xander, it opened the door to forgiveness and passion. For Chad and Cat, it allowed vulnerability to bloom into intimacy. For Belle and EJ, it became a crucible of confrontation. And for Marina, it unleashed forces that could change her life forever.

As the lights flicker back on in Salem, the town will not emerge unchanged. Secrets have been exposed, passions reignited, and dangers revealed. The fallout from September 25th’s episode will echo across storylines in the weeks to come, making this one of the most pivotal hours in recent Days of Our Lives history.

Final Thoughts

Thursday’s episode was a masterclass in soap opera storytelling—blending suspense, romance, betrayal, and mystery in equal measure. Sophia’s devious plot has the potential to devastate multiple lives, while Sarah and Xander’s kiss reminded us why fans still root for them. Chad and Cat offered a glimpse of new love, Belle and EJ reignited old rivalries, and Marina’s collapse added a chilling layer of intrigue.

If Salem thrives on drama, this blackout proved that sometimes it takes total darkness for the brightest sparks—and darkest secrets—to emerge.