EJ shows up at Belle’s with a bouquet of flowers for her birthday. She’s not happy. Before she can close the door on his face, EJ convinces

her to let him in — literally, not metaphorically. He wanted to bring good cheer since it’s her first birthday since John’s death… and have her prosecute Sophia Choi.

 

 

EJ starts yelling about what she did to Johnny, but Belle says the teen has mental health issues. She then lays out how EJ is the reason Johnny, Tate, Sophia and Chanel’s lives are all in chaos. She’ll deal with Sophia as she sees fit. “Thank you very much for the flowers. They’re beautiful. Goodbye.”

 

 

EJ starts yelling about what she did to Johnny, but Belle says the teen has mental health issues. She then lays out how EJ is the reason Johnny, Tate, Sophia and Chanel’s lives are all in chaos. She’ll deal with Sophia as she sees fit. “Thank you very much for the flowers. They’re beautiful. Goodbye.”

 

 

Xander tries calling his brother again from the office, demanding to know where he is. Then Theo shows up at Xander’s door. Until the merger’s undone, they all still work together and he just wants to help.

 

 

Xander’s not impressed until Theo insists he wants their families to be civil going forward. That just shocks the Titan CEO. “A decent person is in charge of DiMera enterprises…” Yeah, we’ll see how long that lasts.

Xander pays extra attention when Theo says Gabi was upset he was named CEO, which is right when she and Philip sweep into the office. Gabi diffuses Xander’s suspicions — She was just surprised and disappointed Tony didn’t give her a heads up, then yanks Theo away.

Xander, naturally, wants to know why she was with Philip. They’re attracted to each other and “seeing where things go,” Philip shrugs — by hopping into bed, but he leaves that part out.

Then Xander turns things back to him and his terror that he might end up coming clean to Sarah about beating Philip — who, in turn, tells him to keep his trap shut! Anyway, Xander goes to meet Sarah for lunch.

Can Gabi and Theo Work Together?
Gabi pulls Theo away for a secret conversation… In front of the Pub? She tells him to keep mum about Tony betraying her, and Theo figures out she planted the bug in Xander’s office. She wants to pursue something with Philip and this… won’t help.

She apologizes again for doubting he was qualified, and Theo, being the decent person he is, accepts it and promises to keep her secret. (But she is crazy if she thinks getting involved with Philip after what she did is a good idea!)

Will Abe Forgive Paulina?
Paulina and Abe meet for a meal in the square, but he’s still salty over her advice to Theo. He insists that she betrayed his trust, though Paulina scoffs at the idea and just calls this a difference of opinion. Theo wanted this job and just came to her for permission.

More: Is this Stefano’s true secret origin?

Abe counters that Theo was vulnerable after Claire — and he’s not sure his son can handle the CEO pressure. Er, Abe, is this being protective or ableism? Worse, the DiMeras are a family “that eats its own!” Well, that’s graphic.

Paulina stands up for Theo some more, only for Abe to growl that his problem isn’t Theo. It’s her. She gave his son advice “that I never would.” Paulina tries defusing his anger, saying she did what she thought was right, but Abe snaps that she’s wrong and leaves.

OK, But Really, What’s Wrong With Marlena?
Marlena fills Sarah in on her exam of Sophia — she’s had a complete psychological break and needs inpatient therapy. Meaning being committed to Bayview. (So is that it for Sophia?) Marlena will make the arrangements, then shrugs off Sarah’s concern about her own health issues after Belle told the doc what happened. Marlena just says these are all symptoms of grief, then leaves.

When Marlena gets home, she presents Belle with some fresh flowers, then notices EJ’s bouquet. When Sophia comes up, Marlena just tells her daughter that it may be some time before Sophia can give any answers.

As they enjoy some ice cream, Marlena casually brings up Belle talking to Sarah about her. Belle gets worked up as she tells her mom she needs to be OK and stick around for a very long time. Marlena promises she’s not going anywhere (that’s never a good omen), so how about ditching work and watching a Jason Bourne movie again.

See what they did there? John was modeled off of Jason Bourne! From the novels, not the movies/show.

In the Show’s Final Moments
Sarah goes to Xander’s and asks him to move back to the house — in a guest room. Well, she’s about to regret that big time. Gabi heads back to Philip after working things out with Theo, so they make dinner plans and start making out in the office again.