Salem is heading straight into chaos as Days of Our Lives launches its first full week of February sweeps, and the stakes could not be higher. From shocking kidnappings

to long-buried DiMera secrets resurfacing, the week of February 2–6 promises explosive drama, emotional fallout, and power plays that will reshape multiple families.

At the center of it all: EJ DiMera stepping up to unify his fractured clan, and Stephanie Johnson walking unknowingly into a terrifying trap.

As the fallout from January’s events continues to ripple through Salem, alliances will be tested, loyalties questioned, and long-simmering dangers will finally erupt into the open.

A Dangerous Discovery Rocks Abe

The tension begins building even before sweeps officially kick off. Abe Carver receives devastating news when Rafe Hernandez presents evidence that sends shockwaves through him. A mugshot reveals that Liam — the troubled young man Abe had been tutoring and trying to help — may have been directly involved in the kidnapping of Theo and other DiMera family members.

The revelation cuts Abe to the core. Already grappling with guilt and self-doubt, he is forced to confront the possibility that his good intentions may have unintentionally placed Theo in danger. The ISA’s discovery of a money trail connecting Liam to Peter Blake only deepens the horror. What initially seemed like a misguided youth in need of guidance now looks like a pawn in a much larger and darker scheme.

As investigators close in, the emotional toll on Abe grows heavier. His fear that he failed Theo — and may never forgive himself — becomes a haunting undercurrent to the week ahead.

A Stalker Listens From the Shadows

While some Salem residents celebrate personal milestones, danger is quietly closing in elsewhere. Steve Johnson, Jada Hunter, Alex Kiriakis, and Stephanie Johnson gather at the apartment to strategize how to finally expose Stephanie’s stalker. What they don’t realize is that their every word is being monitored.

A hidden bug — believed to be planted by EJ — allows the stalker, Owen Kent, to stay one step ahead. As the group discusses creating a situation where Stephanie could be left alone to lure the culprit out, Owen listens intently, already planning his next move.

This chilling advantage sets the stage for disaster.

Stephanie’s kidnapping is no longer a question of “if,” but “when.” Thanks to the bugged frame, the stalker knows every plan, every contingency, and every moment of vulnerability. As the walls close in, Salem braces for a crime that will leave lasting scars.

EJ DiMera Takes Control

As danger escalates, EJ DiMera emerges as a commanding force. With the DiMera family shaken by kidnappings, buried secrets, and unresolved grief, EJ makes it clear that unity is no longer optional — it’s essential for survival.

The family prepares to host a proper burial and memorial for Stefano DiMera, a moment meant to bring closure and reaffirm the dynasty’s strength. Yet even this event raises unsettling questions. If Dr. Rolf insists Stefano’s remains were placed in the mausoleum, how did they end up buried beneath concrete?

Despite the mystery, EJ makes a powerful symbolic move by placing Stefano’s ring on his finger, declaring that the DiMeras will not fall. Tony DiMera returns for the memorial, Theo is released from the hospital and attends, and the family attempts to present a united front — even as cracks continue to show beneath the surface.

EJ’s actions signal a clear message: he is ready to lead, defend, and, if necessary, strike back.

Stephanie’s Worst Fear Becomes Reality

As February sweeps begin in earnest, Stephanie’s storyline takes a dark and terrifying turn. With Owen fully aware of every plan to protect her, she is abducted — a moment that sends shockwaves through Salem.

In the aftermath, Alex lashes out, attacking Jeremy under the belief that he is responsible. But questions quickly arise: is Jeremy truly the kidnapper, or merely a convenient distraction? Is Owen working alone, or has he manipulated events so expertly that the wrong man is being blamed?

The uncertainty fuels panic, rage, and desperation as loved ones scramble to find Stephanie before it’s too late.

Arrests, Deals, and Guilt

The investigation soon tightens around Liam, who is likely arrested and pressured into cooperating. Facing serious charges, Liam may agree to a plea deal in exchange for helping Rafe uncover the true mastermind behind the kidnappings — potentially someone pulling strings from Alamainia.

For Abe, this development is devastating. Learning that he helped bring Liam back into Theo’s life only to discover Liam’s involvement in the crime may haunt him forever. His grief, guilt, and self-reproach promise to be among the most emotionally raw moments of the week.

Explosive Family and Romantic Turmoil

Elsewhere in Salem, personal relationships are spiraling just as dangerously.

Kristen DiMera and Belle prepare Rachel for a meeting with the judge, where the truth about EJ’s shooting may finally come out. The consequences could be severe, potentially sending Rachel to Bayview for years. With her troubled history already well-documented, the threat of losing her child looms heavily over Kristen and Brady — raising speculation about a possible rapid aging recast down the line.

Gwen, meanwhile, grows increasingly aggressive. Desperate to regain control, she turns to Vivian Alamain, reigniting one of Salem’s most dangerous alliances. Vivian’s hatred for the DiMeras runs deep, and her involvement could spell disaster for Dmitri, especially as Gwen seeks to block his divorce or remove him from Salem entirely.

Romantic tensions continue to complicate matters. Brady receives a moment of honesty from Sarah, possibly learning that Kristen pressured her to stay away for Rachel’s sake — a cruel irony given Brady’s earlier insistence that Kristen stop manipulating his love life. Xander is warned by Marlena about his choices, even as sparks reignite between him and Gwen, sending them straight into each other’s arms.

Sweeps Momentum Builds

As if that weren’t enough, Leo struggles to move past Dmitri while trying to reclaim a future with Javi, Holly rushes into joining a Salem youth sorority with troubling consequences, and Sophia quietly plots revenge against those she believes have wronged her.

By week’s end, the sense of inevitability is overwhelming. Stephanie’s kidnapping sets off a chain reaction of violence, regret, and revelation. EJ’s rise solidifies the DiMera power structure even as new threats emerge. Old sins resurface, and no one escapes unscathed.

With February sweeps officially underway, Days of Our Lives is pulling no punches. Salem is on the brink, and the fallout from these events will echo for months to come. One thing is certain: after this week, nothing — and no one — will ever be the same again.