A napping Marlena wakes from a dream about learning Rachel shot EJ. She heads to the living room and asks Belle to go easy on Kristen’s sentencing today. Belle assures her that’s the plan. Their family has suffered enough, but what kind of mother puts their daughter through what Kristen has Rachel? When Marlena puts a stop to Belle’s rant, Belle wonders if Marlena suspected Kristen was the culprit. Marlena plays along.
Johnny Rejects His Father
Johnny returns home from a successful meeting at Salem U. Chanel supports his decision to take the teaching position and coldly passes an arriving EJ on her way to the bakery. EJ informs Johnny that the jury was going to find him not guilty, thanks to his ruthless defense. Johnny had no problem with EJ creating reasonable doubt, but he did have a problem with him blindsiding Aunt Belle and destroying his wife in open court. Johnny will always love him, but he can’t have him in his life. He asks that he stay away from the sentencing hearing.
Xander Passes the Test
At home, a stunned, yet pleased Gabi overhears on her listening device as Xander and Philip discuss the forged letter. In their office, Philip gets his own shock when Xander (who holds the bugged pen) proposes he formally make him co-CEO. Therefore, Victor’s wishes would be mute should the truth get out, and Philip would have the same claim to the company as Xander does. It’s Xander’s turn to be speechless when Philip quits instead.
Philip helps himself to a handful of candy from a dish on Xander’s desk, as he explains that they are unable to co-exist. He stuffs his face with jelly beans (?) until he starts to choke. Xander gives him the Heimlich, and a clump of candy launches out of Philip’s mouth, much to Xander’s disgust (and ours, quite frankly). Philip wonders why he saved him. While letting him die crossed Xander’s mind, it’s time they start acting like brothers. Philip agrees, especially since Xander passed his test. Xander fumes over Philip faking his choking attack to see how he’d react, but he’s willing to start fresh if Philip is.
Adoption Is Still on the Table
Chanel runs into Brady in the Square and admits she’s still sad she and Johnny didn’t get to adopt Tate and Sophia’s baby. Adoption is still something she’d like to pursue, but “I guess we’ll see.” After Brady leaves, Chanel reads an article about the baby left at the firehouse. Since the waiting period is over for the birth parents to reclaim their child, the baby is officially up for adoption.
EJ visits Marlena at the townhouse to ensure she stays quiet about Rachel shooting him. Even though it kills her not to tell Brady, Marlena promises. As they share regret about Kristen, EJ reveals the jury would have found Johnny not guilty. Marlena knew he should have waited for the jury, but EJ insists he couldn’t risk it. Kristen doesn’t know, EJ says, “And you’re not going to tell her.”
Kristen Learns Her Fate
Johnny joins Belle and a despondent Kristen in the Judge’s chambers. Despite being directly impacted by Kristen’s actions, Johnny states he is in favor of a lighter prison term. The judge reads a statement from EJ, who implores the court to hand down a lesser sentence. Brady enters and asks the court to do what’s best for his and Kristen’s daughter: to give Kristen the maximum sentence allowable by law.
Kristen bolts up to declare the whole reason she confessed was for Rachel. However, she lies that she did it to teach her to take responsibility for your actions. She expresses remorse and apologizes to Johnny. The judge sentences her to six years in Statesville. So, not the maximum (10 years) that Brady wanted, but not the leniency (3 years) Belle recommended.
“What the Hell Is That?”
Despite reflecting on Xander’s kindness and sleeping with Philip, Gabi hightails it to Tony to play him the recording. Tony deduces this will invalidate the takeover, bringing DiMera back to the family. Tony suggests they wait to drop the bomb to ensure it inflicts maximum damage. Gabi reluctantly agrees to wait, but reminds him she held up her end of their bargain. It’s his turn to hold up his, which is making her CEO of DiMera. Tony says he’ll be in touch and cackles at the chessboard as Gabi leaves.
As Xander and Philip hash out the details of their new partnership, Xander finds the bugged pen doesn’t work. He twists it open, and the bug falls out. “What the hell is that?!”
Next on Days of Our Lives, Jack and Gwen reunite, and Tate catches Sophia in another lie. Get more Friday soaps spoilers in our gallery below!
