Roman confronts Joe Moroni at the Blue Note. He asks Moroni's goon if he shot his daughter? Moroni tells his goon that Roman is just upset because of his daughter is to be executed tonight. Roman tells Moroni that he is going to stop the execution. Roman tells him that they both know Franco worked for him, but Joe says he most certainly did not. When Roman asks Moroni to turn in his hitman, he refuses. Roman offers him a deal, he gives him the name of the hitman and he will give him immunity. Joe tells him that he feels for his situation, but there was no hitman. Roman asks him then who did kill Franco? Joe says he always assumed Sami did. Moroni tells him that he had nothing to do with Franco's murder, and if Roberto says otherwise than he is lying to protect himself.
John and Marlena burst into the Governor's office and John demands that he grant Sami clemency. Marlena begs the governor to reconsider and help her daughter. The governor asks if they have any new evidence, but they say no. The governor tells them that they wasted a trip because he can't help them. Marlena refuses to leave without a stay of execution. The governor says he can't help because of Sami's breakout. Marlena says that she only broke out because the judicial system let her down, and if he does his he will be a hero and will revive the public's faith in the judicial system. The governor thinks it over, but still refuses to help them. John and Marlena return to town and learn that Mickey's appeal has been denied as well. Marlena says there has to be something else they can do. Marlena gets an idea and tells John that she will meet him at the prison later. John watches the news and as people are shouting "Kill Sami Now!," John learns that Sami has five hours to live. Meanwhile, Marlena goes to see Stefano.
Austin is taking Will to see his mom. Austin and Will show up at the prison and Austin thanks Tracey for doing all of this. Austin talks to the reporter and tells everyone how much of a tragedy it will be if Sami dies, because a little bit of them all will die with her. Later, an angry couple whose son was murdered have a nasty confrontation with Shawn and Caroline.
Eric visits Sami and they talk about their twin connection. Sami makes Eric promise to be happy, because she'll still know his feelings no matter where she is. Sami asks him about Nicole, and he tells her about the lies she told him and how he doesn't believe her excuse that she didn't love him as much as he thought she did. Sami tells Eric to fight Lucas and Nicole as hard as he can so he wins. Austin shows up with Will and Sami hugs her little boy. Mickey shows up and tells Sami that the supreme court has turned down her appeal. Shawn and Caroline show up and Sami tells Will how lucky he is to have such a wonderful and loving family. Sami is surprised that Lucas let him bring Will to her. Austin says he doesn't know, Lucas and Nicole went on their honeymoon. This news blows Eric away, but he says he doesn't care, he only cares about Sami right now. Austin tells Sami "me too." Sami makes Austin promise not to stop fighting for Will.
Kate tells Roberto that Roman will take care of his family if he names a hitman, but Roberto thinks it is Sami. Kate tells him that the only way to protect his family is to tell Roman that he shot Franco! Roberto refuses because he thinks Sami knows the truth. Kate tells Roberto that Sami will do anything to keep her off death row. Kate then tells Roberto about how he confronted Franco at the house about skimming money off the Moroni's, so he shot him and framed Sami after she fainted. Still, Roberto refuses to confess because he doesn't want to spend his life in prison, or get the death penalty. Kate asks him what other choices he has? Roberto says he would rather die with honor than live with shame. Kate tells Roberto that she overheard the doctors talking and he is not going to live much longer. Kate tells him that Rosa has called a priest to administer his last rites. Kate tells him that if he goes along with her story, she will protect his family. Still, Roberto thinks maybe he will live and asks to talk to his sister so she knows he isn't dying. Kate leaves to get Rosa for him. Kate calls the Green Mountain Lodge and makes sure that Lucas does not have a TV in his room and receives no newspapers. Rosa goes in to see Roberto, and then leaves and tells Kate that Roberto wants to see her again. Kate tells Roberto that if he doesn't go along with her, Roman won't protect his family because they aren't American citizens. Roberto asks why she wants to save Sami so badly? Kate says that Sami is her family, she is the mother of her grandson. Kate promises Roberto that she will protect his mother and sister forever if he takes the fall. Suddenly, Roman shows up.
Lucas and Nicole arrive at the honeymoon suite at Green Mountain Lodge. Lucas apologizes for kissing her earlier and says he can be patient. Nicole tells Lucas that she has something to tell him that may change his feelings about her. Nicole tells him that earlier she fantasized he was Eric while they were kissing. Lucas says he is hurt, but can forgive her because he loves her so much.
Lucas gives Nicole a present, a necklace that once belonged to the royal family! Lucas tells her how happy he is to have her with him and will never force her into anything. Nicole remembers Kate telling her to make Lucas happy, so she kisses Lucas. Lucas tells her that she doesn't have to do this, but she continues to kiss him. As Lucas kisses her, she thinks about Eric. Lucas and Nicole consummate their marriage, and then Lucas leaves to answer their door. Room service brings them their dinner and he learns from the man that Sami Brady is being executed at midnight!
Marlena shows up at the DiMera mansion and asks Stefano for help saving Sami. Stefano thought it was about John at first. Marlena asks Stefano to talk to the governor and get him to grant Sami a stay of execution. Marlena tells Stefano that he is Sami's last hope. Stefano tells Marlena that he's not sure if even he has that much power, but Marlena is positive that he can do it. Marlena says that she doesn't want to play games with him, he is the last person he wants to ask for help from. Stefano says his heart goes out to her, but Marlena says it was he who took Sami's mother and father from her. She says that she can't recapture that time, but she can make sure she has a future. Marlena yells at Stefano not to think about refusing her, she was the one person who believed he could change for his children's sake. Stefano says that there may be a day when he requires a favor from her, and she says anything. Stefano tells her that he will do what he can.
Outside the prison, Tracey and her friends are still protesting as the news reporter says that Sami has five hours to live. Inside, Sami is visiting with Austin, Will, and the rest of her family. Carrie shows up and apologizes for being late. Sami tells both Austin and Carrie that she wants them to continue fighting for Will as husband and wife. They both promise her that they will do everything they can. Caroline cries as she hugs Sami. She tells her that she knows their prayers will be answered. Shawn asks Sami if she remembers the rhyme she and Eric used to says before they said their prayers? Sami does, it's "Tomorrow will be a joyous day and all our troubles will melt away." Will gives Sami a kiss goodbye and Austin puts him to sleep. As Austin takes him out of the room, Will keeps saying goodbye mommy. Sami then breaks down on Eric's shoulder. Sami says she was trying to believe something would happen to save her, but she knows that won't happen now. Carrie assures Sami that everything will be all right, and they both tell one another that they love the other. Sami tells Carrie that she's so glad she is trying to work things out with Austin. Sami then admits to Carrie that she had a dream about being a family with Austin and it made her happy. Meanwhile, John tells Mickey that the governor won't budge. Mickey says it will take a miracle to save Sami. John and the warden go in to see Sami and the warden tells Sami she can have whatever she wants for her last meal. Sami says she is not hungry, so he leaves. JOhn asks Sami how she got so pretty? Sami laughs and says he used to tell her that when she was eight years old. Suddenly, Eric tells everyone that he heard from his dad and Roberto is ready to talk! Sami is afraid because they have been so close so many times before. Sami then asks John to take care of her mom because she believes Stefano is still after her. Sami makes John promise to protect her mom from Stefano and stop him. He promises her and the two hug. Later a priest shows up to give Sami her last rites. Sami is told that her visiting hours are over and she has to return to her cell. The priest asks the guard to give Sami a little more time, so he does. Sami asks John once again to look after her mom, but he tells her that they both will. Carrie tells Sami that she'll say goodnight, but not goodbye. Sami asks Carrie to look out for Will and Austin. Sami then asks Eric to look after Carrie, and she knows he will be okay without her. Sami wonders where her mom is, and John says he will try to reach her. Carrie returns with news, Roman and a stenographer are in with Franco. Marlena shows up and tells John that she's positive that Sami will be granted a reprieve. John asks how she knows this and she tells him that she went to Stefano for help. John asks her how she could go to him? Marlena says that she had no choice. Meanwhile, Sami has a moment alone with Austin. Sami tells him that she can't say goodbye to him, but Austin has faith that she will be saved. Sami asks him how he can have such hope? Austin tells her it is because he loves her. As they hug, Carrie watches from the sidelines. The guard returns to take Sami back to her cell and drags her off by the arm.
At the hospital, Roman shows up as Kate is making a plea to Roberto to confess. Roman asks her what she is doing? Kate says she is trying to help Sami, but Roman refuses to believe that. Kate assures him that she doesn't want to see Sami die and wants Roberto to name the killer. Roman tells her that there isn't a damn thing Roberto can do to save Sami. Roman says that Roberto has been stringing them along in order to get protection from the Moronis. Roman tells her about Moroni, and Kate asks him how he can believe that mobster? Roman says he believes Moroni, and Kate says that must mean Sami is guilty. Roman says of course he doesn't believe Sami is guilty. Roman decides to question Roberto and Kate hopes he confesses to killing Franco. Roman tells Roberto that Moroni told him that he couldn't be trusted. Roberto is upset that he talked to Moroni about him. ROman tells Roberto not to jerk him around anymore, and Kate tells Roberto to clear his conscious and not let his family live in fear. Kate tries to play on Roberto's fear for his family to convince him to confess. Kate tells him that Roman knows there was no hitman, and the only thing he can do is to confess to killing Franco. Roman, who left the room, returns to get Roberto's statement and he has a stenographer with him. Roman asks Roberto if he has been coerced to give this confession? Roberto says no, and then tells Roman that there was no hitman at the wedding.
At Green Mountain Lodge, Lucas learns from the room service guy that Sami is going to be executed. Lucas says that he can't let this happen. Nicole says she had no idea about this and Lucas says he knows she didn't. Lucas then asks Nicole if the honeymoon was her idea, or did his mom have something to do with it? Nicole says that Kate suggested it, which angers Lucas. He says that his mom knew Sami was scheduled to die. Nicole asks him why his mom wouldn't want him to know about this? Lucas says that it doesn't matter. Nicole tells him that Sami is the mother of his son, and Lucas says he knows that. Nicole tells Lucas that maybe there will be a miracle and she will be cleared. Nicole leaves to get dressed and Lucas says that only one thing can save Sami. Lucas begins to reflect on the night he killed Franco and how he learned that his mom framed Sami. Lucas then has a vision of the future in which Will tells his dad that he learned that he let his mother die and he hates him. Nicole asks Lucas what is wrong? Lucas says they are checking out, there is something he must do.
At the hospital, Roberto says that Sami murdered Franco. Roman is furious and calls him a bastard for stringing him along. Roman panics when he realizes he has nothing left to save Sami. Kate is furious with Roberto and tells him that he is dying and his sister and mother will be alone with no one protecting them. Kate tells him that she will help them if he confesses, but he refuses. Kate leaves the room and finds Roman telling himself that he has let Sami down. Kate puts her hand on his shoulder and he asks her what he's going to do now? He wonders who the real killer is. Later, Roberto's mother shows up to say goodbye to Roberto and the priest shows up to anoint him. Roberto finally realizes that he is going to die. Roman and Abe prepare to leave for the prison, and Kate says she wishes she could help him and hopes he doesn't hold her responsible. Roman tells her that he knows there is good in her and if she could save his daughter he knows she would. Kate asks God to forgive her. She then begins to be eaten away by guilt and asks Roman to wait. With tears in her eyes, Kate tells him that she has something to say. Suddenly, Mike tells Kate and Roman that Roberto wants to talk to them. They rush into Roberto's room and as he is about to save Sami, his heart stops!
Lucas and Nicole are in Lucas' limousine. Lucas tells his driver to floor it. Lucas reaches for a drink, but Nicole tells him no. Lucas starts ranting about how he told her this would happen, but she wouldn't listen. Nicole asks him what he is talking about? Lucas tells her to forget it, but she wants to know what is going on. Lucas and Nicole arrive at the prison, but they can't get close because of the protests. Lucas says he's getting out here and pushes his way through the crowd. Sami now has one hour to live, and the news reporter is telling the audience about how Sami will spend her last hour. The reporter explains how the execution will go down and what each of the three drugs will do to Sami: one calms her, one stops her breathing, and the third stops her heart. As the reporter speaks, Sami watches from a TV set across from her cell. The reverend wants to say a prayer, but Sami says she doesn't want to die, she is innocent.
John is still talking to Marlena about her going to Stefano for help. He says there will be one hell of a price to pay, but Marlena says that she'll do anything to save Sami. Marlena goes to see Sami, who is telling the reverend that it would take a miracle to save her. Marlena tells her that she may have that miracle. Marlena says that she went to Stefano for help and he's going to talk to the governor. Sami apologizes to her mom for everything she did to her, and she's so sorry. Marlena tells her that is the past and is over. Sami tells her mom that when she went away she thought it was her fault and if she was good she would return, but she didn't. Sami says that she began to hate her for leaving, and she was spiteful towards her when she finally came back. Marlena says that she was still a little girl afraid of being abandoned again. Marlena hold Sami and tells her that whatever happens she will always be able to feel her arms around her. Sami asks her mom to give Will a letter that she wrote when he's old enough. She says that she doesn't want Will to have nightmares like she did. Marlena remembers singing Sami a song when she was little, and Sami asks her mom to sing to her now. Marlena holds Sami and sings her own special version of "Rock a bye Baby." Later, Sami, Marlena, and a priest say a final prayer for Sami. The warden then arrives and tells her that it is time and asks Marlena to leave. Marlena and Sami say a final goodbye. Marlena tells Sami to feel her arms around her and loving her. Sami is shackled and lead down the hall to the execution chamber and the guard cries out "dead woman walking!"
Bo shows up at prison to see if there is any news, there isn't. The family is led to the viewing room where they will be able to view the execution. John shows up and tells the family that Marlena has asked Stefano for his help. Later, Eric hears from his dad and he tells the family that Roberto said there was no hitman, Sami killed Franco.
Sami arrives at the execution chamber and is strapped to the gurney and the needle is inserted in her arm. Everyone takes their seats in the viewing room, Marlena is praying that Stefano will come through for them. Sami's gurney is turned around so that she is facing her family. Sami is given a chance to make a final statement. Sami tells her family that she regrets that they have to watch this and she's sorry for that, and she says that she's sorry that she won't be here for them, but she hopes they know and will help her son to know that she was innocent. She tells them all that she used to think that she didn't deserve their love, but now she understands what love really means and she's sorry it took so long. She says she's finally learned how to be a better person, but it's too late. She says that the most important thing she can says is thank you, she thanks them all for believing in her and supporting her. The clocks clicks to midnight and suddenly the warden gets a phone call. Marlena stands up, and Sami looks around. The warden hangs up the phone and tells them to proceed with the execution. The buttons are pushed, and Sami is given her lethal injection. Sami begins to have memories of playing with Eric as a child, and growing up with him and Carrie. She also remembers dancing with her dad, and Carrie and Austin dating. Later she remembers giving birth to Will and watching him grow to a five-year-old. The second drug is administered to Sami, and finally the lethal injection. As her heart monitor slows to a crawl, Lucas bursts in and screams that he killed Franco! As Sami is dying, Lucas screams his bloody head off and pounds on the glass.
It's chaos in the chamber. As the plunger with the lethal injection depresses, Lucas bursts into the viewing room and confesses to killing Franco. At the same time, the phone that is the direct line to the governor starts ringing. The warden answers the phone and informs Sami's family that they are going to stop the execution. Lucas is still ranting how he killed Franco, and an irate Austin is restrained from punching out his half-brother. Roman, Kate and Mike burst in to the viewing room and Roman hears Lucas' confession. Kate is mortified by Lucas' admission. Marlena, Mike, Roman and Austin rush to Sami. They look at the third syringe and see that it is 3/4 empty. Mike begins CPR as the heart monitor shows a flat line.
Outside, the newspeople report that Sami's execution has been stopped. Tracey drops to her knees, relieved. D.A. Carson Palmer is furious that the execution has been stopped. He goes into the viewing room to find out what happened and is shocked to hear that Lucas has confessed. The warden says that Lucas' outburst would not have stopped the execution. It was the call from the governor granting a stay that stopped the procedure. Everyone wonders who got to the governor in time.
Bo and John think Stefano was behind the governor's call, but Kate informs the group that Roberto made a deathbed confession. With this new information, Roman called Abe who called the governor. All eyes turn to Lucas who tries to cover up his confession by saying that he was trying to buy time for Sami.
Meanwhile, as Mike and Marlena work to bring her back to life, Sami "visits" a white light. She can hear her mother's, father's and Austin's voices saying that she is innocent. She starts walking towards the light, but she hears Austin. Austin is pleading with her to come back to them. He says that she has to fight and that Will is worth fighting for. Austin then tells her that he loves her. It is this statement that brings Sami back, and her heart starts beating again. Mike gets her on a gurney and they rush her to the hospital. Austin wants to ride in the ambulance, and Carrie asks if there is room for her. Austin just rolls his eyes and heads to the ambulance, and Mike turns to Carrie and tells her that he loves her.
At his mansion, Stefano and Gina are sharing brandies and watching the news. Stefano reveals to Gina that he never tried to help Marlena. He was concerned that helping Sami would ruin his agreement with Kate, as Sami is a mortal enemy of Kate's. However, he boasts, he's going to allow Marlena to think that he did help save Sami's life. He intends to collect on his debt in due time.
At the viewing room, Nicole sees Eric and asks if he is OK. Eric retorts by asking Nicole how it feels to be married to a murderer.
At the hospital, Sami comes to. Sami thinks that she is still in prison, but Austin kisses her forehead and assures her that her nightmare is all over. He tells her that her dad came through for her. Sami smiles and gazes at Austin, as Mike and Carrie look on.
At the police station, Kate and Lucas are alone. Lucas is confused why Roberto would confess, and Kate tells him that he knew he was dying and Kate pledged to take care of his sister and mother. Roman comes in with Carson and is curious that he has two confessions. He tells Lucas he wants to know whose confession is the truth.
"Hope" is re-watching Bo's interview on the TV when the doorbell rings. It's Bo, who needs to be with Hope tonight. He explains how powerless he felt watching Sami being injected at the prison. He also remembers when Hope was trapped in Ernesto's cage and he couldn't do anything to help her. "Hope" says that she feels for Marlena, and Bo tells her that Marlena sold her soul to the devil (Stefano). Bo states that he doesn't believe it was Stefano who helped Sami on Marlena's behalf. In fact, he's sure he didn't do anything, but told Marlena that he did just so she would owe him. Bo turns back to "Hope" and says that they have both changed and that he was so focused on the fact he lost his family, he didn't take anyone else's feelings into consideration. "Hope" says she too has not thought about how her investigation into her past affected him. Bo takes her into his arms and says their future is going to begin right here and now, and he kisses her passionately.
At the hospital, Austin, Carrie, Mike, Caroline, Shawn, Marlena and John tell Sami the events leading to her stay of execution. Sami learns that Roberto confessed to the murder as did Lucas. She is shocked to hear that Kate was trying to help Roman and wonders why she would do such a thing. Marlena says it doesn't matter, Sami is alive and going to be free. Mike orders everyone out so that they can do some tests on her, but she asks if Austin can stay with her. Mike agrees, as Carrie looks on.
At the station, Kate and Lucas are alone. Kate blasts him for his foolhardy confession...if he had just stayed with Nicole on his honeymoon, everything would be OK. Outside, Palmer asks Roman who he thinks really killed Franco. Roman admits that he always thought Lucas did it. He gets Lucas and orders Kate out of the room. He first questions Lucas who admits that he said what he did so his son would not grow up without a mother. He adds that he was also trying to buy Roman some time by lying. Roman angrily orders Lucas to start being a man and tell the truth. Lucas sticks to his story, but Roman doesn't believe it because Kate is constantly looking in the window, wondering what Lucas is staying.
Kate calls Nicole, who is still at the jail fighting with Eric. Eric is upset that Nicole could stand by Lucas. Kate orders Nicole to come to the station to be with Lucas. As she goes to leave, Eric begs her to tell him the reason she has turned on Sami. Nicole rushes out and says that she is with Lucas to protect Eric and that she still loves him.
Back at the station, Roman wonders aloud to Kate if she promised Roberto anything in exchange for his confession. Kate rolls her eyes and says that Sami is going to be freed, can't he just leave it at that. Carson asks Roman and Kate back in. He says that forensics can substantiate Roberto's story of the shooting. Therefore, the case is closed: Roberto is Franco's killer and Sami's conviction will be overturned and she will get a public exoneration.
Alone, Lucas confesses to Kate that he's going to be plagued by the murder of Franco for the rest of his life but thanks her for helping Sami. As Lucas leaves, he sees Nicole and Eric (who has followed her). Lucas says that he is free and he wants to go home to be with his wife and son.
Roman and Mickey arrive at the hospital and everyone troops back to see Sami. Roman shares the news about the DA's decision to free Sami. As everyone celebrates, a black cloud comes over Sami, who worries that she'll be charged with drugging the guard and breaking out of jail. Mickey pipes up that the guard is not going to press charges and that Carson won't prosecute her because she never should have been in jail. Sami is relieved and everyone leaves to give her some rest. She asks Austin to stay, which he does. Carrie turns to Mike who says it is pretty obvious that Sami still loves Austin. Mike wonders if this was how it was supposed to be: Austin with Sami and Mike with Carrie.
John and Marlena head home to be with their kids. Mickey tells Roman he does not believe that Roman is finished with Lucas and Kate. Roman says that now that Sami is innocent, he can focus on who the real killers are.
