Days of our Lives Recap October 1: Philip and Xander Defeat EJ, Sarah Is Humiliated, Marlena Struggles Over Dominic

TL;DR: In today’s Days of our Lives recap for Thursday, October 1st, 2026, Marlena struggles with the revelation about Dominic, Sarah faces public accusations from Melinda, Philip and Xander pay off EJ’s Titan loan, and Steve and Belle investigate the Dominic Marino mystery.

Days of our Lives Recap October 1

In the square, Philip returned Maggie’s ring to her and confessed the whole story of how he took the ring as part of his gambling stint, and that Gabi had given him the money to play.

Maggie admitted that although she was upset how he got the money, she was grateful he’d saved the company. She was glad to know that he and Gabi reunited, too.

Marlena Leans on Brady

Belle called Brady and told him she heard Marlena crying overnight and wouldn’t come out of her room. When he arrived, Belle got a text from Steve, wanting to meet. Brady offered to stay with Marlena while she was out, and watched the press conference while he waited.

When Marlena emerged from her room, Brady hugged her. They sat, and Marlena told him that all the years she was with Stefano, he never touched her, not once. She wondered if he used some other way to conceive, and another woman carried him.

Brady told her that the hardest part of it was the evil behind it, and the intention to cause her pain. Marlena agreed that if the picture was meant to torment her, it worked. Brady promised they would get a DNA test to find out the truth.

Xander Comforts Sarah

Sarah and Xander watched the press conference together on a tablet at the pub. Melinda accused Sarah of malpractice, costing Destiny her life, then covered up her error by changing test results. She added that Sarah maliciously filed the FDA complaint to divert attention from what she had done.

Sarah cried as Melinda spoke, and slammed down the tablet after she said she’d shamed the name of her grandfather on top of it all. Xander told Sarah that EJ was cruel to feed Melinda and Destiny’s family such lies. 

Sarah sobbed at how the truth didn’t matter because no matter where she went, even Victoria’s preschool, all anyone would see was the person who killed Destiny.

Later, Sarah found her mom in the square and cried on her shoulder. Maggie assured her that everyone who knew believed in her. 

Belle and Steve Compare Notes

Belle saw Steve and said she was worried about her mom. Steve told her the Dominic Marino mystery was getting to her. “That’s what I was afraid of,” Belle sighed.

Steve said knowledge was power, so they needed to learn as much as they could about Dominic. He asked for the music program so he could test it for Dr. Rolf’s and Rita Leslie’s fingerprints.

When Belle came back home, she apologized to Marlena for pursuing the mystery that had her so upset. Marlena insisted she didn’t blame her and said it uncovered things she might need to know, but she wanted to go out for a walk. 

Once alone with Brady, she realized he knew what was going on. Brady said it wasn’t his secret to tell, and she’d have to wait for Marlena to be ready.

Kayla Worries About Steve

At the hospital, Kayla brought Joy her package, not knowing it was muscle relaxants to manipulate her nerve testing. She said she’d return to do the tests.

Steve arrived, and Kayla told him she was concerned about him. Steve admitted there was something weighing on him, but he couldn’t really talk about it. He shared that Bo had uncovered information Marlena needed to keep confidential for now.

Kayla made him promise not to keep secrets that could get him hurt. She said he would be there for Marlena, and she would be there for him. 

Later, Kayla did Joy’s testing, and it showed what they expected: that she had nerve damage. She was concerned when Joy was out of it and couldn’t stay awake, but she told her she’d been up all night worrying about the tests, so she let her sleep.

EJ Pays Melinda To Humiliate Sarah

EJ called Melinda about the press conference; she assured him she was ready. He called Johnny to ask to speak before turning on the TV to watch the presser. He laughed as Melinda blamed Sarah.

When it was over, EJ mused to himself that Sarah played with fire, so she should prepare to be burned. Later, Melinda came for her payment; she asked if there was truth to Sarah’s FDA complaint. He maintained Sarah’s guilt. Melinda insinuated that the only proof she had came from EJ. Behind them, they heard Xander and Philip arrive.

Philip and Xander Pay Off EJ’s Titan Loan

EJ ushered Melinda out the back as he welcomed Xander and Philip into the living room. He noted they still had until midnight to pay their loan, but then Titan was his. EJ poured them a drink to celebrate their father’s legacy and the end of an era — ”and the beginning of an infinitely better one,” he said.

Xander shot back the drink and laughed as he admitted it was good. “But as it turns out, we’re not the ones of something to mourn,” Philip said. “We’re not defaulting, EJ,” Xander announced. Philip pulled out a bank draft and handed it to him. 

EJ asked how it was possible. “I”ll tell you how: you went up against better men, and you lost. Wait, no. You didn’t just lose; you had your ass handed to you,” Philip guffawed.

Xander asked if EJ was going to congratulate them on a job well done. “Get out,” EJ seethed. “Gladly,” Xander said. He finished his drink then told him that just like he didn’t get away with the takeover, he wasn’t going to get away with what he was doing to Sarah. “In fact,” Xander added before leaving, “that’s going to blow up in your face.”

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