Salem was once again plunged into chaos whenDays of Our LivesThe week of January 19-23, 2026, unfolds with heightened tensions. Brady Black (Eric Martsolf) faces a pivotal decision, Dimitri von Leuschner DiMera (Peter Porte) confronts a sophisticated plot from Gwen Rizczech (Emily O’Brien) and her scheming allies, while the DiMera, Black, and Horton families are all drawn into a whirlwind of power, emotion, and revenge.

Brady Black and Ultimatum: A Heavyweight

Brady could no longer bear the thought of Xander Cook (Paul Telfer) firing him from Basic Black. His conversations with Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall) reveal his inner turmoil and pain over power and family legacy. He weighs whether to stay with Bayview, find a new job, or spend time with Rachel Black (Alice Halsey). Brady’s decision not only directly impacts those around him but also throws Salem’s emotional and power relationships into disarray.

Dimitri Framed – The Power Struggle

Dimitri unexpectedly kisses Leo Stark (Greg Rikaart), disrupting the newly married Javi Hernandez (Al Calderon). This act triggers a series of emotional and power struggles. Meanwhile, Gwen Rizczech devises an elaborate plot to frame Dimitri, aiming to seize control of the family’s assets and gain an advantage within the DiMera clan. Kristen DiMera (Stacy Haiduk) becomes a strategic ally, but her loyalty is questionable: will Kristen seize the opportunity to bring Dimitri down, or will the conspiracy betray her?

The DiMera Family and the Conspiracies in the Shadows

Chanel Dupree (Raven Bowens) confides in Theo Carver (Tyler Joseph Andrews) about Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman) and her dangerous pregnancy, while also inquiring about his intentions to return to the CEO position. Gwen and Kristen constantly exchange information, preparing steps to bring down Dimitri. Meanwhile, EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel) returns from Italy and faces the consequences of Gwen’s sabotage, opening a new spiral of power, revenge, and family secrets.

Drama and Romance – The Chaotic World of Salem

Brady and Tate (Leo Howard) plot for Basic Black, Rachel and Sophia (Rachel Boyd) conspire to escape and steal money, while Holly Jonas (Ashley Puzemis) and Arianna Hernandez Horton (Marissa Reyes) find themselves caught in the ironic messes of college life. Each character faces a risky choice, where emotions, power, and survival intertwine, creating a tense mental battle and a constant rhythm that makes Salem a hotbed of drama.

Audience Reaction

Fans Days of Our Lives the situation is now fiercely divided: one side is worried about Dimitri and Leo amidst the elaborate schemes; the other vehemently opposes Gwen and Kristen’s actions; and Brady has become the center of debate as his decision threatens to overthrow the entire power structure in Salem. Theories, predictions, and online arguments have made this week one of the most controversial of the year.

Consequences and Risks

The dismissal of key figures like Johnny, Chanel, Tate, and Holly in 2026 also casts doubt on the fate of the DiMera and Black families. Each plot, each confrontation, could lead to the complete collapse of relationships, power, and trust within Salem. Power, love, revenge, and family secrets are all building up, creating a tense picture where any mistake could shatter everything.

Will Dimitri escape Gwen and Kristen’s plot, or will Brady unleash his ultimatum, plunging Salem into complete chaos?