Days of Our Lives Full Episode Recap - Tuesday, March 4, 2025

 Marlena’s Heartache, Chad’s Risky Move & Salem’s Power Struggles Take Center Stage

Welcome back, ‘Days of Our Lives’ fans! If you thought today’s episode of DOOL was going to be all sunshine and rainbows, think again. From Marlena clutching John's photo like it holds the secret to his whereabouts to Xander and Philip plotting corporate domination (because of course they are), this episode delivered drama with a capital D. And let’s not forget about Joy, who may or may not have gotten more than just heartbreak from her time with Alex. Buckle up—it’s time for your full episode recap of ‘Days of Our Lives’ for Tuesday, March 4, 2025!

Marlena’s Private Breakdown & Cat’s Close Call

Marlena | Peacock

Marlena is doing what Marlena does best—talking to a framed photo of John like it might respond if she just stares hard enough. She’s barely finished reminiscing when Cat waltzes in, announcing she suddenly has a free hour. Marlena, however, has other plans: prying into Cat’s feelings for Chad.

Cat insists she’s totally, 100% over Chad (sure, Jan). But Marlena isn’t buying it. Before she can drag the truth out of her, a call interrupts. It’s Shane, dropping a bombshell—John is missing. Again.

Cat, suddenly invested, demands details. Marlena spills that John’s ISA missions usually end in dramatic rescues or miraculous returns, but this time? Even his handler is in the dark. The possibilities? He’s either gone rogue (unlikely) or something very bad has happened. Marlena keeps it together—barely—but the look in her eyes screams this is not fine.

Chad & Leo’s Shady Deal at The Spectator

Over at The Spectator, Chad is already in a mood when Leo bursts in, waiving a juicy exposé on the DiMera family. Now, any other day, Chad would toss it in the trash. But today? Oh, today Chad is feeling petty.

To Leo’s surprise, Chad doesn’t just approve the article—he demands it be front-page news. But there’s a catch: every single detail must be fact-checked. Why? Because EJ is a lawyer with a thirst for revenge, and Chad does not have time for a lawsuit. Oh, and Rachel? Completely off-limits.

Leo, delighted by this unexpected green light, practically skips out of the office. Meanwhile, Chad looks like a man who knows he’s about to burn some serious bridges.

Awkward Encounters & Unfinished Business at Brady Pub

Alex runs into Joy at Brady Pub, and if secondhand embarrassment could kill, we’d all be dead.

Their chat starts stiff, with Alex doing his best “I was a jackass” routine. Joy plays it cool, brushing off their “fling” (because what else can she do?). But the real tea? She’s barely eaten since getting booted from Body & Soul. Alex picks up on it but leaves before pressing further.

The second he’s gone, Joy makes a beeline for the bathroom. And if that isn’t a flashing neon sign for something’s wrong, I don’t know what is.

Secrets & Lies at University Hospital

Stephanie and Sarah have a little chat about the hospital’s finances—which, in true Salem fashion, are hanging by a thread. But this quickly turns into a gossip session about Philip, Xander, and Victor’s infamous forged letter.

Stephanie is fuming that Philip dragged her into his mess. Sarah? She’s convinced that keeping Xander in the dark is a public service. Her logic? If Xander and Philip have to work together, maybe they won’t kill each other. (Girl, please.)

After some intense whispering, they do the most Salem thing ever: shake hands on a mutually beneficial lie.

Meanwhile, Joy arrives at the hospital and confesses to Sarah that she might be pregnant. She’s late, she’s sick, and there’s only one suspect—Alex. Sarah, ever the pro, whisks her away for a pregnancy test, reminding Joy that whatever happens, she’s in control of her own life.

Xander & Philip’s Corporate Shenanigans at the Kiriakis Mansion

At the Kiriakis mansion, Philip and Xander are busy playing their favorite game: Who Can Out-Scheme Who? Today’s topic? Taking over DiMera Enterprises.

Xander’s got questions—like why Victor made him heir in the first place. But before he can spiral, Mr. Shin arrives, sipping his tea and already suspicious.

Philip and Xander lay it all out: the DiMeras are drowning in scandals, and Titan is the life raft. The catch? Mr. Shin gets a very cushy position in the new regime.

After some dramatic pausing (and possibly a sip of very expensive tea), Mr. Shin is IN. He’s off to pitch it to his associates, leaving Philip and Xander congratulating themselves like two kids who just pulled off the ultimate prank.

Xander, ever the optimist, wants to celebrate. Philip, ever the buzzkill, heads to the office instead. And considering how these things usually go? Xander should enjoy his little victory while it lasts.

Closing Moments: More Drama Incoming

Cat & Chad – Cat drops by The Spectator to break the news about John. Chad looks concerned, but also—what’s he gonna do? Hire Leo to write a think piece?

Marlena’s Walk Down Memory Lane – Flashback time! She relives that iconic dock scene where she and John reunited through the fog (cue the violins). Back in the present, she clutches his photo and whispers, “Our love always brings us back together.” Let’s hope she’s right.

Alex’s Big Decision – He shows up at the Kiriakis mansion with a wild idea: returning to Titan.

Philip & Joy – Philip runs into Joy and, in classic Philip fashion, offers her a cookie. (Is this an apology? A bribe? A weird attempt at small talk?) Joy, ever the opportunist, asks for a job instead.

Sarah & the Pregnancy Test – Sarah is about to get Joy’s results when Stephanie accidentally overhears everything. And judging by her expression? Someone’s about to have a very dramatic reaction.

Final Thoughts

Well, Salem is officially in chaos mode. Between Marlena’s heartbreak, Chad’s questionable journalism choices, and the ever-messy Kiriakis power plays, today’s Days of Our Lives full episode recap proves that no one in this town knows how to have a simple, drama-free day.

What’s next? Will Joy’s test come back positive? Will Xander’s Titan dreams crash and burn? And most importantly—where the heck is John?! Stay tuned, because this ride is just getting started.