Theo’s Good News Sends Abe Running Straight Back to EJ, and Sophia Pushes Rachel to Help Destroy Holly

Theo bursts in with great news: His neurologist cleared him to return to normal activities! Including work. He’s taking back over for Johnny, but after the kidnapping, even Paulina is worried about him getting in too deep with the DiMeras. Abe just glowers and leaves.

Theo bemoans jumping right from the good news to the bad, but Paulina says Abe’s shaken by the news about Stephanie — which Theo hadn’t heard yet. So she catches him all up.

Is Johnny Really Done at DiMera?

Johnny finally gets home, having missed every one of Chanel’s messages. She jumps right into: “Your cousin, Stephanie? She’s been kidnapped.” That’s our Salem! Chanel’s been spiraling, but Johnny cheers her up with news that Theo’s ready to get back to work.

Chanel is thrilled and he should be wrapped up in a week or so. She, in turn, tells him about the checkup and plays the baby’s heartbeat for him. That just brings out a boatload of love and devotion, so it sure is gonna be rough when Johnny gets stuck in the CEO chair… Either way, Stephanie’s completely forgotten.

What Is EJ’s Plan for Theo?

EJ yells at someone on the phone to find Stephanie. He’s very concerned about her the cops going through his hospital. Susan’s not happy with the outburst, but she is happy that her boy is (supposedly) showing some empathy. Plus, her Halloween vision of Stephanie was right! It just took a few months.

Abe shows up once she’s gone and dangles keeping Johnny as DiMera CEO in front of EJ. He wants Theo out, so the two dads are on the same page. EJ has a plan, but warns Abe that it’s best if he knows as little as possible. But EJ promises that Theo won’t be physically or emotionally harmed, and Abe “will be very satisfied with the result.” So… Lexie?

Will Tate Forgive Holly?

Rachel’s playing checkers with a distracted Tate, but he’s really bad at it. She wins just before Holly comes knocking, looking to apologize, so Tate sends Rachel off to bed. Holly tells Tate that Stephanie’s kidnapping had her thinking about taking people for granted and segues right into an apology.

Tate’s just a big understanding golden retriever and promises she’s screwed nothing up. (So the next freakout is coming any time now…) But first, Tate has to check on Rachel.

Can Rachel Get Away from Sophia?

Sophia digs into her mom’s latest gift bag, which has mints, lotion and Holly’s skin supplements. Amy even sends along a loving note, saying she included extra treats, but Sophia’s fixated on revenge.

She calls Rachel over and over until the kid finally picks up. Her hand’s shaking and everything about Sophia screams “manic!” Rachel tries “breaking up” gently, saying she can’t talk to her, so Sophia switches tactics. First she teases she could tell Brady that Rachel stole from him, then pulls back and plays the “Woe is me!” card.

She just wants Rachel to get a bottle of vitamins to Holly since she was so sweet! But do it secretly so Holly doesn’t know they’re from Sophia. Rachel knows how shady this is, then Tate interrupts them to check on her and she has to hide the phone quick.

In the Show’s Final Moments

After Tate’s visit, Rachel makes sure he’s occupied. He is — with Holly! But then she gets back to her room and tells Sophia they’re making out and that… goes poorly.

Abe gets home and apologizes for his behavior. He feels much better now… Back at the mansion, EJ’s fiddling with the ring when Susan returns and tells him she knows what that is. “You need to tread very carefully, Elvis.” He is not The Phoenix.

After some more pains, Chanel assures Johnny she’s fine and heads to bed. Or rather, she’s about to, until she sees Johnny hasn’t sent his dad’s gift back. Get rid of it. Now. Johnny, though, can’t let it go, and instead opens it once she’s gone. It’s a… silver mug? With his name engraved. He tosses the box and puts the gift in his briefcase.