Salem was brimming with tension, ambition, and secrets in the May 7, 2025 episode of Days of Our Lives, as the beloved soap delivered yet another whirlwind of emotional stakes and power plays. The episode explored deepening rivalries, personal reckonings, and shifting allegiances, with each scene drawing us closer to dramatic fallout.

EJ DiMera’s Ruthless Rise to Power

At the center of today’s episode stood EJ DiMera, a man never content with the status quo. The calculating heir to the DiMera legacy made a bold and strategic move by inviting Dr. Russell—the medical genius behind the experimental sepsis drug that Kayla Brady has been desperately pursuing—to the DiMera mansion. What initially appeared to be a civil meeting soon revealed EJ’s true agenda: the hospital.

Dr. Russell’s reintroduction into the Salem fold could not have come at a more pivotal time. EJ’s thinly veiled interest in “investing” in Salem University Hospital raised immediate red flags. His proposal to fund the struggling institution may have been cloaked in benevolence, but longtime fans of EJ know better—this is a man who doesn’t make a move unless it serves his own ambitions.

There’s speculation EJ’s motivations go beyond business. With the hospital on shaky financial ground and Kayla Brady stretched to her limits, EJ senses a prime opportunity. If he can leverage the hospital’s vulnerability to oust Kayla and install himself or an ally in power, he wouldn’t just expand his empire—he’d dominate both the DiMera family and the city’s healthcare sector.

EJ’s disdain for Kayla has been simmering for years, and today’s episode suggested he may finally have the tools to cut her out completely. Whether his intentions are rooted in family vengeance or pure corporate greed, one thing is clear: Salem is bracing for a major shakeup.

Kayla Brady: Torn Between Duty and Desperation

While EJ plots in the shadows, Kayla Brady continues her emotional and professional descent. As chief of staff, Kayla faces a barrage of obstacles. Most pressing among them is the desperate race to secure Dr. Russell’s sepsis medication for Bo Brady—a mission that weighs heavily on her already burdened shoulders.

Bo’s deteriorating health casts a long shadow over Kayla’s every decision. Her unwavering commitment to family is driving her to make impossible choices, but her fight to save Bo is beginning to compromise her ability to maintain the hospital’s stability. Salem University Hospital, once a beacon of hope, now teeters on the brink of collapse, both financially and structurally.

In today’s episode, Kayla’s exhaustion was palpable. Torn between personal grief and professional responsibility, she embodies a woman nearing the edge. The threat of EJ’s takeover only intensifies her anxiety, especially as she realizes she may not have the allies—or the time—needed to keep her post.

Should EJ succeed in his hostile bid, Kayla’s legacy as a healer and leader could be extinguished in a single, strategic stroke. The stakes for her have never been higher, and viewers are left wondering: How long can Kayla hold the line before it all comes crashing down?

Xander’s Curiosity Sparks New Intrigue

Meanwhile, across town, Xander Kiriakis finds himself intrigued by a different kind of mystery—one involving Alex and, indirectly, Stephanie. In a scene that dripped with quiet tension and unspoken motives, Alex reveals something to Xander that seems to relate to Stephanie’s novel. It’s unclear whether it’s a business proposition, a personal confession, or a combination of the two, but the gears in Xander’s mind begin turning the moment the information is shared.

Stephanie, who has increasingly become a dynamic force in the Kiriakis family drama, may be hiding more than just her literary ambitions. The novel, potentially laced with thinly veiled truths, could expose secrets the family has long kept buried. Xander, ever the opportunist, senses this and appears ready to dive headfirst into the mess—either to protect someone, exploit the situation, or simply satisfy his own curiosity.

Xander’s knack for inserting himself into chaos is well-documented, but this storyline hints at something deeper. Is he simply looking to gain the upper hand with Alex? Or does he see in Stephanie’s work a path to redemption—or destruction? His motives remain murky, but one thing is certain: his involvement will spark ripple effects across multiple storylines.

The Bigger Picture: Salem’s Power Chessboard

This episode was not just about isolated character arcs—it was a carefully woven tapestry of ambition, loss, and evolving loyalties. EJ’s corporate coup attempt, Kayla’s desperate balancing act, and Xander’s probing all point to a larger war being waged in Salem—a war for control, identity, and legacy.

As the DiMera, Brady, and Kiriakis families circle one another like predators in the dark, the tension mounts. Each move they make not only impacts their own fates but alters the dynamics of Salem itself. The hospital is no longer just a place of healing—it’s a battleground. And Kayla, despite her noble intentions, may find herself outgunned.

Meanwhile, Xander’s sudden interest in Stephanie’s world hints at upcoming revelations that could expose long-held secrets or ignite new feuds. Could Stephanie’s novel become a lightning rod for conflict? And what role will Alex play—ally, adversary, or unwitting pawn?

Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?

The May 7th episode of Days of Our Lives has set the stage for seismic shifts in Salem. EJ DiMera’s hunger for dominance threatens to bulldoze anyone in his way, particularly Kayla. Her fight to save Bo and the hospital is noble but may prove too steep a mountain to climb alone. Meanwhile, Xander’s subtle infiltration into Alex and Stephanie’s world teases new alliances—or betrayals—yet to come.

In the days ahead, viewers can expect escalating tension as these characters collide. Will Kayla find support before she’s pushed out? Will EJ succeed in his silent takeover? And what buried truths will Xander uncover?

One thing is certain: Salem will never be the same again.

Stay tuned to SoapScene Insider for the latest updates, exclusive spoilers, and in-depth recaps of Days of Our Lives. The drama is only just beginning.