Salem is descending into darkness, and one of its most beloved characters is at the center of a chilling conspiracy that could rewrite the town’s power dynamics forever. Days of Our Lives spoilers reveal that Theo Carver,

the kind-hearted and resilient son of Abe Carver, has returned to Salem—but something is drastically wrong. The man fans once knew has changed. Theo now appears to be a pawn in a dangerous game,

manipulated by unseen forces, carrying out orders without hesitation, and acting in ways that are shocking to those who know him best.

From accepting a mysterious high-ranking position at Dera Enterprises to pushing for JJ Devo’s removal from the Salem Police Department, every step Theo takes seems meticulously orchestrated. But the pressing question that has fans on edge: is this all Tony DeRa’s doing—or is something far darker at play? Some believe that Theo may not just be under Tony’s influence, but under the sinister control of Andre DeRa, the notorious twin thought long dead. If true, Salem’s darkest secrets are about to resurface, and Theo could be caught in the middle of a deadly game.

Theo Carver’s Troubling Return

Theo’s return to Salem was initially met with optimism. Having faced incredible challenges, including a harrowing childhood, autism diagnosis, and the traumatic shooting incident in 2017, Theo seemed poised to thrive once more. He was offered what appeared to be a dream opportunity: a prestigious role at Dera Enterprises, complete with significant responsibilities and a lucrative package. On the surface, this seemed like a new chapter of success.

Yet, beneath this apparent career triumph lies a disturbing reality. Theo’s mental health has begun to unravel almost immediately upon his return. His post-traumatic stress disorder, a condition he has battled since the shooting that left him gravely injured, has resurfaced with alarming intensity. Scenes involving the Salem power outage and curfew have revealed Theo’s fragility when confronted with triggers, especially those involving JJ Devo—the young officer whose actions nearly ended Theo’s life. Seeing JJ in uniform, badge gleaming and weapon at the ready, sent Theo spiraling into flashbacks, anxiety, and a blackout. The trauma he endured in 2017 was not simply physical; it left deep psychological scars that now threaten to be exploited by malevolent forces.

Tony or Andre? The Man Behind Theo’s Return

Central to this unfolding mystery is the enigmatic figure believed to be Tony DeRa. According to reports, Tony personally orchestrated Theo’s return, offering him this coveted position at Dera Enterprises. Yet, fans are asking why Tony would take such a vested interest in Theo’s career. Historically, Tony has been a cautious operator, rarely involving himself directly with young talent outside his immediate circle.

The timing of Theo’s recruitment is highly suspect. Theo had built a life away from Salem’s chaos, distancing himself from past trauma. But suddenly, a tempting offer appears, luring him back into the very environment that nearly destroyed him. The lack of transparency regarding the specifics of his new role—what projects he’s assigned, why Tony specifically wants him, and what expectations he must fulfill—only fuels speculation that Theo is being manipulated. Could it be that the man calling himself Tony isn’t Tony at all, but his ruthless twin, Andre, resurrected and scheming behind the scenes?

Andre DeRa, thought dead at the hands of Abigail DeRa years ago, has long been a specter haunting Salem’s residents. But the DeRa family has a history of defying death, thanks to the scientific genius of Dr. Ralph, whose resurrection serums have brought multiple characters back from the beyond. If Andre has indeed returned under Tony’s identity, he now has access to the full resources, influence, and reach of Dera Enterprises, positioning Theo as a key piece in a calculated, sinister plan.

The 2017 Shooting: A Nightmare Revisited

To understand Theo’s current vulnerability, fans must revisit the night that changed everything. In 2017, Theo became inadvertently embroiled in a corporate espionage investigation at Dera Enterprises. Kate Roberts enlisted his technical expertise to trace cyber intrusions within the company. What began as a routine task quickly escalated into tragedy.

On that fateful night, Theo’s movements were misinterpreted by JJ Devo, a rookie officer eager to prove himself. A tense confrontation led JJ to fire his weapon, striking Theo and leaving him critically wounded. The physical damage was severe, requiring extensive surgeries and rehabilitation, while the psychological wounds cut even deeper. Theo’s near-death experience, coupled with the betrayal of being shot by someone he trusted, created lasting trauma—a trauma now being manipulated in ways he cannot fully comprehend.

A Calculated Campaign Against JJ

Recent episodes have shown that Theo’s actions against JJ were not spontaneous. Long before the power outage incident, he had begun a campaign to have JJ removed from the police force, filing complaints and raising concerns with high-ranking officials like Jada Hunter. These efforts suggest that someone—possibly Andre masquerading as Tony—is steering Theo, using his past trauma as a tool to orchestrate a strategic attack on JJ.

This manipulation raises moral and psychological questions. Is Theo aware of being used? Is he complicit, or a victim of expert psychological coercion? The answers remain unclear, but the implications for Salem are dire. Theo’s technical skills could be exploited for corporate espionage, hacking, or other illicit operations, giving whoever controls him unprecedented leverage over Dera Enterprises and Salem at large.

PTSD, Racism, and Manipulation: Multiple Layers

Theo’s situation is a stark reminder of the real-world implications of trauma and systemic issues. His PTSD is genuine, a consequence of surviving a life-threatening encounter. Meanwhile, racial dynamics and implicit bias in law enforcement provide another layer of complexity to his interactions with JJ. The story deftly interweaves these societal issues with a high-stakes narrative of corporate intrigue and psychological manipulation.

The blackout incident, in which JJ made assumptions about looting that were unfounded, further complicates the narrative. Was this merely a lapse in judgment, or was Theo’s encounter being orchestrated to exacerbate old wounds and push him further into Andre’s control? The possibilities are chilling.

What Lies Ahead

As this storyline continues to unfold, fans are left with multiple pressing questions. Will Theo recognize that he is being manipulated before it’s too late? Will the real Tony DeRa surface to expose Andre’s deceit? Can JJ and Theo navigate the complex web of trauma, guilt, and manipulation to find a path toward healing? And, most importantly, what will be the fallout when the truth is revealed to Salem’s residents?

Andre’s potential masquerade threatens to impact multiple families and relationships. Anna DeRa, who believes she is married to Tony, would be devastated to discover the truth. Chad DeRa and other family members would have to grapple with the fact that they’ve been manipulated by someone they thought dead. And Salem’s wider community, including the Kuryaki family, could see their corporate and personal alliances shift dramatically if this deception comes to light.

Theo’s story is more than just a tale of revenge or power; it is a deeply human exploration of trauma, manipulation, and resilience. The convergence of PTSD, corporate intrigue, familial deception, and societal issues creates a narrative that is both gripping and profoundly relevant.

In the coming weeks, Salem viewers can expect shocking revelations, moral dilemmas, and intense emotional confrontations as Theo’s storyline reaches its terrifying apex. Whether he remains a puppet in Andre’s game or finds a way to reclaim his autonomy, one thing is certain: Salem will never be the same again.

Days of Our Lives continues to prove why it remains a daytime television powerhouse, blending intricate storytelling, compelling character arcs, and social commentary in a way that captivates audiences year after year. Theo Carver’s descent—or potential redemption—is shaping up to be one of the most riveting arcs of the season, promising suspense, heartbreak, and shocking twists for loyal fans to savor.