Credit: Jill Johnson/JPI (4)

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The week started off a bit rough as we got an entire episode dedicated to Body and Soul. But genuine drama and powerful performances pulled Days of Our Lives out of the slump, as the fallout of both Gabi and Fiona’s actions ripple outward. 

Mommie, Dearest

OK, so that answers the question of whether Fiona would actually resort to murder if she got desperate enough!

Somebody or someone has got to stop her — I’m guessing without realizing it. “Oh, darling, I was just fluffing Sarah’s pillow!” — but that doesn’t mean she won’t try again. Either way, I can’t help but wonder how long Fiona will be sticking around. There’s no way this can end with anything other than her going to jail and Serena Scott Thomas leaving. Which is a shame, because while I figured this wouldn’t be long term, she’s such a fantastic addition. Just watch Fiona’s face in the background during scenes as she subtly reacts to news of Brady and subtly tries to tamp down her reactions before snapping.

More: Get ready for a new Brady

But she hit Sarah, paralyzed her, framed Brady and now, seems willing to commit murder. No one who does that lasts. And next week, Sarah’s hitting the hypnosis with Marlena to remember more, so Fiona’s either going to try again and get caught or Sarah’s on the cusp of blowing her lies up. Either way, that’s the end of Xander’s mom, who I so wanted to like. Granted, I kind of still do, thanks, in no small part to the performances, but she’s been character assassinated too much at this point.

Then again, tying this into her alcoholism (though I’d argue her most egregious acts are all being committed while sober), there’s still a chance to bring her back down the line redeemed somewhat. They just need to send her off to rehab and get her actual help.

In the Dark

Is it just me, or does anyone else like Holly more now that she’s living with her family? Her guilt over Sarah could be a transformative moment that keeps her from heading down her mom’s troublemaking path. And that’s a surprise, since when she was first aged into a teen, the show seemed determined to make her a mini Nicole.

More: Days of Our Lives isn’t letting Nicole go yet

I’m still dumbfounded that Holly never knew what happened to her dad. Kids and teens are curious. She never once tried just Googling her dad’s death? Everyone in her life knows but it was never mentioned before? The drama with Eric and Tate should be good, but come on.

Gone too Far

Wow, I’m enjoying the Gabi/Stefan/EJ stuff more than I thought I would. For a little while there, Gabi and Stefan were borderline insufferable as all they did was scheme in the most horrendous ways to get money and power. But while I still don’t quite get why Gabi is being this destructive with EJ of all people, I loved all their stuff this week.

Stefan and Gabi’s faceoff as he realized she’d slept with his brother was visibly painful for both of them, and clearly filled them with doubt and regret. They’re stubborn people who lash out at those who hurt them and they may have taken it too far to come back — even if they want to. Brandon Barash and Cherie Jimenez were just great this week.

With that said, Gabi’s anger at Stefan doing what she wanted and being so hurt he doesn’t want to fight for them anymore seemed a bit misplaced. Um, look in the mirror, Gabi. Oh, and EJ’s faces and reactions to their fighting are still a blast. Now let’s see if “EJabi” has as much promise as they seem…

On the Case

OK, “Abigail” and Mark are siblings. Why are they doing this? She’s feeling more and more remorseful after everyone she talks to and he’s looking after two kids and most definitely doesn’t need to be thrown in jail. What is going on? There’s been a lot of talk of losing their parents to a car accident, so I’ve seen folks pondering if they’re looking to get revenge for that.

It looks like it may be up to Steve to figure it out. He’s definitely suspicious, between the DNA comment and Stephanie’s revelation that Abigail lied about talking to Kayla. (Speaking of which, Kayla’s shrugging that lie off seemed a bit too nonchalant.) But throw in John’s kidnapping — which everyone seems to have forgotten about — being tied to this somehow, I don’t see how Steven can’t start digging.

Stray Thoughts…

• Maggie’s life is getting all the callbacks in this Fiona story. The time Orpheus framed her for a drunk driving hit and run. The time she was in a wheelchair. I’m kind of impressed how it’s being woven into her life.

• That little hesitation when Fiona almost reached for the whiskey instead of the water at the mansion was a fantastic detail.
• They remembered John has a dad again! He talked to his dad about his family problems! That’s actually sweet.
• Seeing Sarah interact with Holly and be the reassuring adult was kind of nice. I feel like she and Xander are always such a mess, it’s tough to remember they’re grownups.
• Oooh, EJ’s jab at Eric: “Do you think about poor Holly’s deceased father when you’re lying in bed with her mother?” The DiMera boys have been getting some great lines lately.
• Oh yeah, Chanel and Alex are totally hooking up. There’s nowhere else for that story to go.