Salem is about to get messy. Like, really messy. If you thought the holiday drama was over, you haven't been paying attention to the brewing storm between Chad DiMera and the Deveraux family. It's rare to see Jack and Jennifer this aggressive, but here we are.
Days of our lives spoilers for this week hint that the battle for Thomas and Charlotte is shifting from "uncomfortable" to "full-blown legal warfare." Honestly, it’s heartbreaking. Seeing Thomas internalize all this adult conflict is the kind of heavy-hitting soap opera writing that keeps us glued to Peacock every morning.
The Heartbreaking Cost of the Custody Battle
Let's talk about Thomas. Most kids his age are worried about school or sports. Instead, this kid is carrying the weight of his entire family's dysfunction. On Wednesday, January 21, things take a dark turn. Thomas finally opens up to Jeremy, and it's a gut-punch.
He basically thinks everything is his fault. "I just feel like everyone’s mad at everyone else," he admits. It’s a classic case of a child feeling responsible for a mess created by the adults who are supposed to protect him. Jack and Jennifer might think they’re "saving" him from Chad’s lifestyle or his connection to Cat, but the psychological toll is mounting.
The mediation starts on Wednesday too. The mediator isn't messing around. They’re putting Chad on the spot right away, asking how he proposes to resolve this. But how do you compromise on your own children? You can't just split them like a piece of property. Jennifer is standing her ground, convinced she’s doing the right thing for Abigail’s memory. It’s tense. It’s ugly. And it’s only getting started.
👉 See also: The Entire History of You: What Most People Get Wrong About the Grain
A Christening and a Goodbye
Monday kicks off with a bit of a celebration, though in Salem, celebrations usually come with a side of chaos. Johnny and Chanel are preparing for baby Trey’s christening. It should be a beautiful moment for the couple—especially after everything they've been through lately. But keep an eye on the guest list.
Leo and Javi are at a breaking point. Javi is ready to pack his bags and leave town, and honestly, can you blame him? The whole Dimitri situation has been a nightmare for their marriage. Leo, ever the dramatic, isn't ready to let go. He intercepts Javi on Monday, pleading for him to stay.
"I have no intention of saying goodbye," Leo retorts when Javi mentions catching a plane. It’s bittersweet. You’ve got a baby being welcomed into the church on one side and a marriage imploding on the other. Classic Days.
Chaos in the Lab and the Pub
While the families are fighting, the investigations are getting weird. Rafe and Cat have been digging into some shady business, and it looks like it’s leading straight to the lab.
✨ Don't miss: Shamea Morton and the Real Housewives of Atlanta: What Really Happened to Her Peach
- Monday, January 19: Gabi and Rafe corner Ari. They need answers, and they think she’s holding out on them.
- Tuesday, January 20: Sarah gives Marlena a health update. It’s not all sunshine and roses.
- Thursday, January 22: JJ and Theo reconnect. These two have a lot of history to sift through.
Gwen is also on a warpath. She’s not just angry; she’s "pouring a drink on your head" angry. She confronts Dimitri on Tuesday, and let’s just say he doesn't walk away dry. Gwen has always been a wildcard, but when she’s cornered, she’s dangerous.
Shopping and Shadowing
By Thursday, we shift to some lighter (but still suspicious) territory. Stephanie and Jada are out "wedding shopping." On the surface, it’s cute. In reality, Steve is busy shadowing Alex. The "Patch" man doesn't trust Alex as far as he can throw him, and he’s determined to find out what he’s hiding.
Friday brings a "sudden development" that shakes Stephanie and Alex to the core. Is it a secret from the past? Or a new threat entirely? Whatever it is, Jada is quick to update Steve, which means the private eye is going to be even more involved in his daughter's love life than she’d like.
What This Means for Salem's Future
This week is a turning point for several major arcs. The custody battle is going to leave lasting scars on Thomas, regardless of who "wins." It’s also forcing Jack and Jennifer to look in the mirror and realize they might be becoming the villains in their own story.
🔗 Read more: Who is Really in the Enola Holmes 2 Cast? A Look at the Faces Behind the Mystery
Meanwhile, the Leo/Javi/Dimitri triangle is finally reaching its endgame. With Javi's departure looming, Leo is going to have to decide who he really is—the reformed husband or the schemer who can't resist a DiMera.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Watch the Wednesday Episode: If you only catch one day, make it the 21st. The Thomas/Jeremy scenes are being touted as some of the best performances of the season.
- Keep an eye on Cat: Her ISA mission is getting more dangerous. Her interaction with Felicity on Wednesday might hold the key to what EJ is really up to.
- Follow the Money: Brady and Kristen are still clashing over the missing funds and Rachel's behavior. This isn't just a domestic dispute; it's a legal minefield.
Expect the unexpected as we head into the end of January. Between the wedding shopping and the courtroom drama, Salem is never quiet for long. Stay tuned to Peacock to see how the fallout from Trey's christening ripples through the rest of the year.
Next Steps for Readers:
To stay ahead of the curve, keep a close eye on the casting news for April. We already know a new Chad and Ari are on the horizon, which means the current storylines are laying the groundwork for some massive shifts in the spring. Pay attention to how the characters interact with the "current" faces, as those relationships will likely be redefined once the recasts arrive.