Days of our Lives Recap, May 7, 2025: The Kiriakis vs. DiMera war takes a new turn

On Days of our Lives today, May 7, 2025, EJ and Xander make competing plans for the hospital, Philip continues his apology tour, Shawn and Steve strategize, and Alex stuns Stephanie.

What happened on Days of our Lives

At the DiMera mansion, EJ left a phone message for Johnny, imploring his son to remember that he loved him. When he rifled through his mail, EJ discovered a piece of mail he thought to be from Johnny. EJ’s hopes were dashed after he realized it was presumably from Stefan instead. EJ was soon distracted from his woes by a visitor: Dr. Jeffrey Russell.

The doctor updated EJ on Kayla’s refusal to give him the rights to his own drug. EJ reassured Jeffrey that everything was proceeding according to plan. EJ had anticipated Kayla refusing Dr. Russell’s request, as he would have done the same. When Jeffrey reiterated his research would be lost, EJ smiled and said the hospital was about to find itself a new bankroller: him.

EJ informed the skeptical doctor that he would buy the hospital, and then the research would be under their control. EJ had the money to enact his long-term plan, and the shooting had just derailed the timeline. Once Jeffrey’s drug was approved, EJ reasoned, they would both be credited with saving the hospital and saving millions of lives. The tidy profit would be a bonus. As EJ poured himself a celebratory drink, Jeffrey received a call from Kayla.

Earlier, in Kayla’s hospital office, Steve comforted Kayla after she read over Bo’s latest test results. Kayla stressed the urgency of Steve stealing the drug ASAP. She was willing to risk her career if it meant saving her brother. Steve objected, but Kayla argued Steve could abscond with one dose and it would minimize the risk to her and to the doctor's work. Steve brought up a hitch he'd discovered: Dr. Russell’s lab schedule was chaotic, and he could catch Steve red-handed.

As Steve and Kayla pondered a solution, Sarah entered the office. She had wanted to give her sympathies about Bo. Steve excused himself and left the women to talk. Sarah admitted she had another motive for visiting: she had planned a weekend getaway with Xander, but she had to attend a research conference on behalf of the hospital.

Kayla understood, and she saw an opportunity when Sarah asked if another staff member could take her place. Kayla suggested someone with more lab experience should go to the conference anyway, and she would find that someone. Kayla sent a grateful Sarah on her way and immediately picked up the phone.

Later, Kayla invited Dr. Russell into the office. She had a good-faith opportunity for him. The doctor was a good choice for an upcoming research conference, and he could use the time away as a needed break. Jeffrey declined the offer, forcing Kayla to use her persuasive skills on him. Before the doctor could give a definitive answer, EJ hobbled into the office.

Jeffrey made his exit after Kayla let him know she wasn’t taking no for an answer. EJ’s arrival didn’t improve Kayla’s mood, and she harshly asked him what he wanted. EJ suggested he wanted to do more for the hospital. Kayla assumed he meant another donation, but EJ corrected, “I'm not interested in performing financial triage on the hospital. I want to be its savior.”

EJ took a seat and explained the coma had given him a new perspective. He wanted to do good, and purchasing the hospital would help him achieve that goal. To EJ’s shock, Kayla flatly rejected his pitch. She didn’t trust EJ’s motives, and she would be recommending that the board not entertain his offer. EJ’s demeanor darkened as he rose and declared Kayla would “come crawling back” soon, and he might not be so generous next time.

At the Brady Pub, Belle greeted Shawn and gave her sympathies about Bo. The exes talked about Bo’s special bond with their daughter Claire, and Belle assured Shawn that Bo wouldn’t give up. Shawn pledged he wouldn’t either. Belle and he commiserated over their dads. Bo and John had always considered each other family, just like Shawn and Belle always would.

Later, Steve met with Shawn and updated the cop on his talk with Kayla. Shawn wanted to implement the break-in plan that night. Steve confessed there was a “complication.” He told Shawn that finding a time to go into the lab would be challenging, but Kayla was working on it. Shawn hoped Kayla had news soon because his dad was running out of time.

In Horton Town Square, Philip spotted Stephanie and tried to talk with her about Bo. The cordial exchange grew tense when Stephanie challenged Philip on if his “victory” with Titan had been worth it. Philip explained that Xander couldn’t kick him out of Titan because it would compromise the DiMera takeover, but Stephanie wasn’t having it. “You get to keep the treasure you plundered,” she spat. Stephanie reiterated that she wasn’t making Philip’s transgressions public for Sarah’s sake only.

As Stephanie began to walk away, Philip stopped her and said with sincerity, “I’m sorry.” He apologized for deceiving Stephanie, for compromising her career, and for pressuring her to lie for him afterward. Stephanie seemed to soften and asked Philip why he had resorted to illegal means to fight for his inheritance.

Philip claimed he’d felt like a soldier on a mission again. The mission had been to complete Victor’s unfinished business. Philip opened up about how he’d shamed himself before Victor had died, and he’d never gotten the chance to redeem himself in Victor’s eyes. He regretted that he had hurt people he loved in order to achieve his goal. Stephanie hadn’t heard Philip sound so human in quite a while, and she wouldn’t close the door on resuming their friendship one day; Philip and she parted ways amicably.

Later, Philip encountered another ex: Belle. He wanted to extend an apology to her, too. Belle was surprised to learn that Philip would be staying on at Titan. Philip admitted he was acting true to form as Victor’s son. The person he felt most guilty about hurting was Xander, because he had genuinely begun to view Xander as a brother.

Belle attributed some of Philip’s guilt about Xander to his concern for his other brother, Bo. She promised Philip that she wouldn’t disclose his secret but warned him that he should watch his back, because he’d made many enemies.

At the Kiriakis mansion, a pleased Alex brought a file on DiMera Pharmaceuticals to Xander. The file contained a potential “game-changer” and “gold mine.” Alex filled Xander in on DiMera’s attempts to create a “miracle cure” for sepsis. The condition was particularly relevant because Xander’s brother Bo was currently battling sepsis. Xander was intrigued by the prospect of saving lives while making a boatload of money.

Alex said there was only one catch: someone else could beat them to the punch. He told Xander about a potential breakthrough with the drug at the hospital, but Xander was confident they could emerge victorious. Xander commended Alex on his discovery before sending his cousin home. Alex swore he wouldn’t let Xander down again.

Later, at Alex’s place, Alex surprised Stephanie with a romantic set-up. He wanted to enjoy a night in with her, even if it meant watching a sappy movie. Stephanie opted for something “sexier.” Her eyes widened when Alex responded, “Like the romance novel you're writing?”

After Alex confessed he’d found Stephanie's manuscript One Stormy Night and had read the first chapter, Stephanie was mortified. Alex complimented Stephanie’s writing skill, and he was especially intrigued by the risqué fantasies promised in the book. As he pulled Stephanie onto the bed with him, he suggested they make some of those fantasies a reality.

Back at the Kiriakis mansion, Sarah happily greeted Xander. He began asking her questions about sepsis, under the guise of curiosity about Bo’s condition. Xander acknowledged his questions related to work as well, which gave Sarah the opening to relay her work-related news. She excitedly told Xander about the weekend getaway she’d planned.

Xander was hesitant, but Sarah argued they both needed a break from work stresses. She switched tactics and whispered suggestively in Xander’s ear about the private part of the getaway. His big smile seemed to confirm he was convinced. After Sarah returned from putting Victoria to bed, the couple engaged in some light banter. Sarah reaffirmed she needed time away, so Xander gladly acquiesced and distracted her with a sneak preview of the romance in store.

Later, Xander made a call to Alex. After going over Alex's notes, Xander had realized they’d never catch up to the hospital’s research advances. He had another idea to secure them a win, though. Xander wanted to buy University Hospital.

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