Few names in daytime television carry the weight, menace, and mythic legacy of Stefano DiMera. For decades, the so-called Phoenix loomed over Salem

like an immortal force—feared by enemies, revered by allies, and obsessively entwined with the lives of those he claimed as family. Though Stefano was declared

dead in 2019, Days of Our Lives has never truly allowed its most iconic villain to rest. And now, in a chilling twist that reopens old wounds and fuels new suspicions,

the discovery of human remains in the DiMera crypt appears to confirm the unthinkable: Stefano DiMera is finally, irrevocably gone.

Or is he?

This week on all-new episodes of Days of Our Lives on Peacock, Salem is plunged into a storm of memory, mourning, and mistrust as the bones found in the DiMera crypt are officially identified as Stefano’s. The revelation sends shockwaves through the DiMera family—and through a town that has spent decades living in Stefano’s shadow. What follows is not just a memorial, but a reckoning with the past, one that threatens to reignite long-buried rivalries and resurrect doubts that refuse to stay buried.

The House of DiMera Gathers

With the confirmation that the remains belong to Stefano, the surviving members of the DiMera dynasty are forced to confront a truth they have long avoided. EJ DiMera, Theo Carver, Chad DiMera, Tony DiMera, and Kristen DiMera come together under one roof, united not by affection but by legacy. Each carries their own complicated history with the man who shaped—and often scarred—their lives.

EJ, ever the strategist, views the moment as both an ending and an opportunity. Stefano’s death may close one chapter, but it also leaves a vacuum of power within the DiMera empire. Chad, haunted by his father’s crimes yet bound by blood, struggles to reconcile grief with relief. Tony, who has worn the DiMera name with a mix of pride and restraint, stands as a reminder that not all heirs followed Stefano’s dark path. And Kristen—volatile, unpredictable, and fiercely loyal to her father’s memory—refuses to accept that this is truly the end.

Despite their differences, the DiMeras vow one thing above all else: the family will not fall. Even in death, Stefano’s influence binds them, daring them to rise—or implode.

Marlena Evans Returns to the Past

Perhaps the most unexpected presence at Stefano’s memorial is Dr. Marlena Evans. For years, Stefano’s obsession with Marlena defined one of the most infamous dynamics in soap history. He called her his “Queen of the Night,” while she endured manipulation, imprisonment, and psychological torment at his hands. Yet, in a stunning emotional turn, Marlena arrives not with anger, but with reflection.

Marlena believes that without Stefano’s twisted interference in John Black’s life—without the experiments, the brainwashing, the chaos—she and John might never have crossed paths. Their epic love story, forged in fire, exists in part because of Stefano’s actions. Standing at the memorial, Marlena confronts the unsettling truth that even evil can shape destiny.

Her presence lends the ceremony a haunting emotional depth, reminding everyone that Stefano’s reach extended far beyond the DiMera bloodline.

Is Dr. Rolf Pulling the Strings?

Of course, in Salem, nothing is ever simple—and no death is ever beyond question. Almost immediately, whispers begin to circulate: Is Dr. Wilhelm Rolf behind the discovery of the bones?

Stefano’s most loyal disciple, Rolf has defied science, ethics, and death itself in service of the Phoenix. He has resurrected Stefano before, preserved him, and manipulated reality to keep his master’s legend alive. The sudden appearance of Stefano’s remains raises uncomfortable questions. Are these truly his bones—or an elaborate deception designed to lull his enemies into a false sense of security?

If Rolf is involved, this memorial could be less a farewell and more a misdirection. In Salem, death is rarely permanent—and Stefano DiMera has cheated it more times than anyone can count.

Jealousy Sparks New Conflict

While Salem grapples with ghosts of the past, new tensions ignite in the present. Kate Roberts finds herself unsettled after witnessing a close, intimate moment between Marlena Evans and Roman Brady. Roman, Marlena’s ex-husband and one of her great loves, shares a history with her that Kate cannot ignore.

What begins as discomfort quickly morphs into jealousy. Kate’s reaction hints at unresolved insecurities and the potential for renewed conflict between the trio. With emotions already running high due to Stefano’s memorial, this fragile dynamic could easily explode into something far more damaging.

Familiar Faces Return as Mysteries Deepen

Adding to the intensity of the week, Days of Our Lives welcomes back Vivian Alamain, portrayed by Louise Sorel, for a limited three-episode arc beginning Tuesday, February 3. Vivian’s return immediately raises red flags, particularly as Rafe Hernandez and Eli Grant begin questioning her in connection with the ongoing DiMera kidnappings.

Vivian, known for her manipulative brilliance, spins a convincing story—but whether it’s truth or theater remains to be seen. Meanwhile, Lamon Archey reprises his role as Eli Grant, bringing sharp instincts and fresh perspective to the investigation.

Elsewhere, the mystery of Liam continues to unravel as Rafe squeezes information from him, while an unseen threat stalks Stephanie Johnson, keeping viewers on edge and adding another layer of suspense to an already packed week.

A Week That Changes Everything

As the week builds toward Friday’s memorial, the emotional and narrative stakes soar. Those who loved Stefano—and those who despised him—prepare to gather, each bringing their own memories, grudges, and unresolved emotions. Abe Carver is blindsided by a shocking request from Theo, while Marlena and Roman’s shared moment threatens to fracture Kate’s sense of stability.

The official weekly promo, fittingly titled “From the Ashes,” promises that Stefano’s legacy is far from over. Whether through blood, memory, or manipulation, the Phoenix may yet rise again.

In Salem, the past never stays buried for long. And as Stefano DiMera’s name echoes once more through the halls of power and pain, one question lingers above all others:

Is this truly goodbye—or merely the calm before the next resurrection?