September 8th brought another whirlwind of drama to Salem, and if you were hoping EJ DiMera had truly turned over a new leaf, think again.

From the moment he awoke from his coma and promised to be a better man, viewers were skeptical—and rightfully so. EJ’s near-death experience, followed by a shocking trial that unjustly landed

his sister in jail, seemed like it might have shaken him to his core. He vowed to abandon hidden agendas, manipulations, and underhanded schemes—but in true EJ fashion, appearances are deceiving.

The episode kicked off with a reminder of just how tangled EJ’s web has become. Instead of redemption, we’ve seen a string of calculated moves that suggest the DiMera scoundrel is very much alive. He threw Belle under the bus during Johnny’s trial, carefully crafting a narrative to shift suspicion from Johnny to Chanel. It’s classic EJ: charming, cunning, and always three steps ahead. Yet while fans may have expected some softening of his darker edges, what we got was a full-blown return to form—and we’re loving every moment.

The plot thickens as EJ’s true agenda unfolds. Behind the polished smiles and public proclamations of reform, EJ has been secretly collaborating with Gwen. Their partnership? Anything but innocent. For months, the two have been working together to buy and take over Salem University Hospital—a move that promises power, influence, and plenty of chaos. On the surface, their plan includes the noble goal of opening a “deer-free” clinic, but as viewers know all too well, with Gwen involved, nothing is ever that simple.

This episode made it clear: Gwen’s return to Salem isn’t just a coincidence. EJ welcomed her back into the mansion with open arms, a stark contrast to the conflicts that usually surround her entrances. No tension, no drama—at least publicly. Their secretive partnership explains this unprecedented truce and hints at a much larger scheme in the works. And let’s be honest, EJ scheming with Gwen is a combination made in soap opera heaven. Scoundrel EJ is far more compelling than the “nice guy” version anyone hoped he might become.

Of course, not everyone is thrilled with this version of EJ. Belle, whose trust in him has been repeatedly tested, is wary of his intentions. She sees the manipulations and hidden plots, and it’s clear she isn’t ready to buy into the “new leaf” narrative. The tension between them adds yet another layer to an already intricate storyline. Fans can expect fireworks in the coming episodes as Belle confronts EJ, perhaps pushing him into even riskier territory.

Meanwhile, the Johnny-Chanel trial remains a hot topic. EJ’s interference, particularly his doctored video, has complicated matters immensely. What seemed like a straightforward case quickly turned into a minefield of deception and suspicion. As EJ continues to manipulate the narrative, the ripple effects threaten to impact not just the trial but everyone connected to it. Relationships are strained, alliances are tested, and Salem residents are left questioning who they can truly trust.

This episode didn’t just focus on EJ’s scheming, though. The return of Gwen to Salem added an intriguing dynamic. Her motives are never purely altruistic, and pairing her with EJ guarantees that audiences are in for a rollercoaster of scheming, plotting, and dramatic reveals. Fans of the show know that when these two team up, secrets inevitably surface, loyalties are tested, and no one is safe from fallout. The chemistry between them is electric, and their combined manipulations promise to keep Salem on edge for weeks to come.

The writing cleverly balances EJ’s mischief with moments of tension and suspense. While the audience may revel in watching EJ’s cunning, there’s also a sense of dread: what will be the cost of his schemes, and who will pay the price? Belle’s skepticism sets up a confrontation that feels inevitable, while Johnny’s plight continues to hang in the balance. Every decision EJ makes is calculated, and every smile hides a motive, making him one of Salem’s most fascinating—and dangerous—characters.

Let’s not forget the broader implications for Salem University Hospital. The DiMera-Gwen plot isn’t just about personal power; it’s about control over one of Salem’s most important institutions. If they succeed, the hospital—and the people depending on it—could be caught in the crossfire of their ambitions. This storyline combines the personal with the professional, illustrating how EJ’s manipulations extend far beyond his immediate circle. Every character connected to the hospital could soon find themselves entwined in schemes that test morals, ethics, and trust.

So, what does the future hold? With EJ’s charm, strategic mind, and willingness to push boundaries, Salem residents are in for a chaotic ride. Belle’s resistance, Johnny’s vulnerability, and Gwen’s cunning make a perfect storm for drama. Expect betrayals, secret alliances, and shocking twists that will leave fans on the edge of their seats. EJ’s “new leaf” may have been a brief illusion, but the show is richer for it. Scoundrel EJ is not only more interesting but also the catalyst for some of the most captivating storytelling on Days of Our Lives right now.

As always, the question remains: what exactly are EJ and Gwen planning? And how long can they keep their ambitions hidden before the rest of Salem catches on? Fans can speculate, theorize, and argue over the possibilities—but one thing is certain: this duo is about to shake Salem to its core. Meanwhile, Belle’s growing suspicions and the unresolved Johnny trial will only heighten the drama, ensuring that every episode is packed with suspense, intrigue, and emotional intensity.

In short, September 8th’s episode served as a stark reminder that EJ DiMera is not to be underestimated. His charm, intelligence, and ruthlessness make him a force in Salem, and his “new leaf” is nothing more than a tantalizing illusion. With Gwen by his side and Salem University Hospital as their latest chessboard, the DiMera schemer is back to full form, and viewers are here for every twist, turn, and shocking revelation.

That’s your Days of Our Lives Daily YAP Recap for September 8th. If you thought EJ DiMera had changed, think again. The scoundrel is back, the schemes are in motion, and Salem will never be the same. Share your thoughts below—are you team Scoundrel EJ or holding out hope for a genuine change? One thing is certain: life in Salem just got a whole lot more interesting.