Days of our Lives Recap, July 24: Johnny's trial begins as Marlena passes out

Here is your Days of our Lives recap for Thursday, July 24, 2025.

What happened on Days of our Lives

Belle worried for her mom | Image: Peacock

Johnny prepared for his trial at home with Chanel by his side for support. As she helped him with his tie, Chanel noted how Johnny had not slept the night before. Johnny admitted he was scared. Chanel told him that it was a natural feeling. "But I promise you, everything will be okay," Chanel said. Sadly, Johnny had his doubts. He worried about the things he said in public after EJ was shot.

Chanel did her best to be encouraging, but Johnny was almost sure he was going to prison for a crime he didn't commit. He mentioned a documentary called "The Innocence Project" about people who were wrongly convicted of crimes they didn't commit. Chanel tried to be confident that EJ, as Johnny's lawyer, was her husband's ace in the hole.

"If my dad would just remember who shot him, all this would go away," Johnny lamented. Chanel agreed, adding, "Mama always says that the truth would come out, but in this case, we have to make it come out." Chanel was also worried that if Johnny were acquitted, she would be the next person to stand trial. Johnny assured her that he wouldn't let that happen.

At The Brady Pub, Abe ended a call with Theo before noticing that Paulina hadn't touched her food. An agitated Paulina said she couldn't eat at a time like this. "I am about to be called to the witness stand...I'm a wreck. Just the thought of sending an innocent man to prison for attempted murder, let alone my baby girl's husband," she lamented. Paulina also admitted she now believed that Johnny was innocent.

Paulina was more worried about what Chanel said on video, which will be used as defense evidence. Abe reminded Paulina that Chanel didn't even recall saying that. Paulina felt that even if she did say that, she knew Chanel didn't shoot EJ. Paulina worried that she would make things worse for Johnny and Chanel, but Abe pointed out that telling the truth was her duty.

Paulina changed the subject and asked how Theo was doing. Abe sighed and told her that Theo and Claire had broken up. Paulina was sad, but then Abe said they had to leave for court. Paulina then asked a blunt question: "From your experience on the police force, what do you think Johnny's chances are?"

"All the evidence against him is circumstantial, but I have seen people convicted on a lot less," Abe said. "But I've also seen cases that I thought were a slam dunk, but the jury voted to acquit." They both hoped for the latter scenario.

Belle and Marlena marveled at the news that Sophia had the baby and then immediately gave the infant to adoptive parents, so that Tate could never meet his alleged daughter. Marlena asked how Tate was coping with the news. Brady told her that Tate was overwhelmed between Ari and Holly's kidnapping and Sophia's birth story.

"That all just happened so fast," Belle remarked. "I feel bad for my son. He wanted to hold his daughter just once," Brady sighed.

Belle said she also felt bad for Johnny, whose trial was beginning that morning. Just then, Rachel walked into the living room and asked Marlena to read her a story, but Brady reminded her they had to get her goggles from the DiMera mansion before camp.

Once alone, Belle noted that she worried about how hard it would be on Rachel when she had to testify at Johnny's trial. Before they could talk much more, EJ arrived for a hypnosis session with Marlena.

When Marlena went to get her notebook, Belle mentioned how EJ seemed optimistic. "You really think hypnosis will work?" she asked. EJ admitted that if it didn't, he and Belle would be going to war in court. Belle warned EJ that they couldn't let anyone know they were dating, or things could go south for Johnny.

They began to make out when Marlena returned and asked Belle to leave so she could get to work with EJ. Belle walked out, so Marlena put EJ under. "You don't want to do this. Why don't you give that to me?" EJ said once he was hypnotized.

Marlena asked who EJ was talking to, but a clearly distressed EJ said he didn't know. "I am looking straight at them, but I can't see who they are. Bloody hell!" Marlena thought it was best to bring EJ out of hypnosis. Once he was no longer under, EJ was upset that he couldn't see the shooter's face.

"Why couldn't I tell who it was? Was it because it was Johnny?" EJ asked. Marlena tried to calm a distraught EJ. "If it wasn't Johnny, why can't I see who it was?" EJ repeated.

Marlena said she didn't know. "Maybe your mind is still protecting you," Marlena suggested. She was even willing to do another hypnosis session.

In Horton Town Square, Belle talked to Claire on the phone and told her that she was sorry about Claire's breakup with Theo. She then ran into Paulina and Abe and discussed the big off-screen Claire and Theo breakup.

They proceeded to the courthouse, where they met up with Johnny and Chanel. Johnny thanked Abe and Paulina for their support.

Belle sat down in the courtroom and quickly left a voicemail for EJ, wondering where he was. She was worried about how hypnosis went. EJ finally arrived and told Belle that he didn't remember anything. "I know you want to get to the bottom of this, but some things can't be rushed," Belle said.

Soon, the judge and spectators entered the courtroom right in time for Marlena to sit down and pass out in Abe's arms.

Gwen walked into the DiMera mansion with a pile of suitcases and wondered where everyone was, including the help. When Brady and Rachel walked in, Gwen greeted them with a smile. Rachel immediately asked what Gwen was doing there. Gwen explained she was moving in. Rachel didn't seem happy, so Brady sent her to get her goggles.

"Kristen's letting Rachel stay with you?" Gwen asked with a hint of surprise in her voice. Brady informed Gwen that Kristen thought it would be best if Rachel stayed with him during Johnny's trial.

"Kristen did say this place is a powder keg ready to explode, which sounds about right to me since Johnny shot his father and now his father's defending him," Gwen remarked.

When Rachel returned, Gwen reminded her that she and Kristen were good friends. "I remember. You beat me at chess. But I'm much better now," Rachel said. Brady noticed the friction between Rachel and Gwen. After Gwen left the room, an angry Rachel asked to leave.

Brady asked why Rachel was so upset, so she told him they were right near where she saw Johnny holding the gun. She was afraid her testimony could send Johnny to jail. "I just hope Aunt Belle finds out who really did it," she cried.