Days of our Lives - Monday, December 16, 2024

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brisbydog

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It is a new morning in Salem! Philip, shirtless and greasy, is putting on a shirt. There is a knock at the door, and he invites in whoever it is. It is Kate. She criticizes what he is wearing. Philip tells her about Ned quitting and retaining a new lawyer. Kate looks skeptical when he says he has this in the bag.

Brady comes home with an envelope for Belle. It is her divorce papers. She says it is just a formality, but now he is leaving town she wonders when she will ever see Shawn again?

Shawn comes into the pub and greets Uncle Roman. He tells him he has decided to stay. Roman wonders what changed his mind? Shawn flashes his badge at him.

Justin in the K-Mansion living room doing paperwork. Maggie comes in and notes he will have a busy morning in court. Justin asks her if she would testify on Xander’s behalf? Maggie looks perturbed.

Sarah wakes up Xander with a kiss. She wonders if anything is bothering him? He says he is looking forward to defending his birthright in court. Sarah notes that he was tossing all night. She slept poorly too. It is going to be a big day for them both. Xander worries that the judge will side with Philip, and he will lose everything.

Roman identifies the police badge and is happy Shawn is sticking around. He wonders what this means for Shawn and Belle. Shawn tells him that they have decided to end things. They both still care about each other but their marriage is over. Divorce papers are signed and Belle left town.

But she has not. And Belle is also telling Brady that Shawn has left town. He wonders if she is sticking around? She tells him she took a case. She tells him she will be repping Philip against Xander.

Kate is impressed that Philip has an entire compliment of his exes working for him, first Stephanie, now Belle. Will Chloe be next? Philip says he had 12 hours to get a lawyer and Belle is the best. He needs character witnesses now. He wants Kate to testify. Kate says that is not a good idea.

Maggie is also hedging. Victor’s will stated his intent, isn’t that enough? Justin tells Maggie about Stephanie’s PR campaign painting Philip as a poor little rich boy deprived of his inheritance. And with Xander’s history… he trails off. Maggie points out that this is not a jury trial so why does public opinion matter? (good one, Maggie). Justin says the judge is a member of the community too and reads the paper. He says they need somebody who knew Victor well and could speak to his true intent. Maggie says and that would be me.

Sarah wonders what happened to Xander’s confidence? He says it was all a façade, and now reality is rapidly approaching. Sarah knows how important Titan is to him, but no matter what, he has her and Victoria. Xander says that they are the most important thing to him, and he wants to support them, and now he has given his half of the Spectator to Jack he is worried (uh, Victor left him half his fortune independent of Titan, writers).

Sarah doesn’t understand where his positive attitude went. During his rotten sleepless night, Xander started to realize it could all go south. The judge they drew is not thrilling Justin, and his cunning plan to rid Philip of his lawyer backfired as he has already got a new one with a stellar rep. He knows they will bring up his criminal history. Sarah points out that Philip has an equally bad criminal history, and that Victor knew Xander’s history very well himself when he drew up the will.

Xander points out that Victor did not know that he tried to shoot Philip in his study a few weeks ago. Sarah shrugs off that act of attempted murder as hearsay. It won’t hold up in court, it is Philip’s word against his. Xander says and Sarah’s, as she is testifying too. Sarah said that Philip got the gun out of the safe and goaded Xander into shooting him, which was hardly the actions of a stable CEO or somebody who should be running a multinational corporation. She will believe in Xander for the both of them. Xander loves her so much. She drags him into a kiss.

Xander has been robbed of his shirt and Sarah is down to her bra. He feels better. He does not know what he ever did to deserve her unconditional love and support. Xander supposes he should go and get ready. Sarah suggests that he stay with her a little longer and she can make him feel even better.

Maggie frets. She does not want to be in the middle. Justin says she is head of the family and as Victor’s widow her word will sway the judge. Maggie notes that Victor never discussed these things with her; she had no clue he was going to leave Titan to Xander. Justin asks if he thinks Victor wanted Philip to be in charge? Maggie does not. Victor’s intentions were very clear in the will. Justin asks why she is hesitating? She is a huge Xander defender. Maggie says she cares about Philip too, and at this point she sees it as a legal matter. It’s the Will versus the Letter. She doesn’t want to put her finger on the scale either way.

Brady is not impressed that Belle is representing Philip. She says Xander had everything to do with Philip losing his lawyer, and it is her goal in life to make sure that SOB doesn’t get away with underhanded moves or any other vile things he got away with. She thinks justice could be served if Brady helped her, by testifying against Xander.

Philip thinks Kate could help his case more than anybody. She could testify that the only reason he was left out of the will was because he was mentally ill and getting treatment. Kate asks what if they ask her about the forged letter? What if Vivian surfaces and brags about being a world class forger. Philip says Vivian promised to keep quiet. Kate says that what if Vivian get angsty and angry? Philip thinks Vivian won’t risk losing her cut. Kate warns that he will lose everything if he is wrong.

Back with boring Shawn and dull Roman. They are at the usual table with the upside down cups. Some mumbling about Belle and Shawn’s marriage problems. Shawn says same stuff about growing apart, time, and space. Roman recalls leaving town because he couldn’t bear to see Marlena married to John. He is now happily married to Kate. Things worked out in the end, and he feels they will for Shawn too.

Brady wants to know what Belle wants him to testify about? Belle reminds him that just yesterday he told her Xander attempted to kill him, she thinks being an attempted murderer is not a qualification for running Titan. Brady tells her he can’t do it. Both Xander and Sarah have apologized and he accepted, and Belle needs to understand it wasn’t just about Xander wanting to punish him, he wanted to punish himself.

Brady says he can’t testify against Xander, he works for him, and by the way, Philip framed him for Murder One, so he is not exactly routing for him either. Belle will just have to subpoena him and force him to testify. Brady says she could do that but it would be worthless. All she has is Xander throwing a baseball bat around the office, he never touched Brady, he could have just been practicing his swing. Second, he woke up to Xander hovering over him but Jada arrested him before he was going to do whatever he was going to do (Brady memory loss, Jada arrested Brady, not Xander). In each instance, Xander’s intentions can’t be proved. Belle will have to find another way to win.

Philip assures Kate that Belle will not ask about the letter. Kate wants to know if he told her about it? He did not. Kate wishes she didn’t know; she hates keeping secrets from Roman. Philip whines that he is such a burden to her. Kate wants him to have this, but she points out that Alex claimed he was Victor’s heir with a forged document so it is bound to come up again. And Philip needs to be prepared. Kate tells him she loves him and will cover for him always but not in court, she will not perjure herself.

Maggie hopes Justin understands. He does, she is Switzerland. Xander comes in and assumes that means she won’t take sides. Maggie apologizes; she loves him and is pulling for him but can’t do this. Xander gets it, Philip is Victor’s son too, and he doesn’t really need her to testify. Sarah has helped him realize he has quite a strong case. Sarah strolls in and Maggie notices she is without a cane. Sarah doesn’t need it anymore. Everybody is thrilled. Xander kisses her in front of the Christmas tree.
 
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Kate arrives at the pub. Roman thought she’d be at the hearing. Kate doesn’t think he needs his mom there. He has Belle. Roman is surprised because he just talked to Shawn who thinks Belle left town last night.

Belle is walking through the Square and runs into Shawn. She thought he was going back to Bo. He tells her he took his old job back. He thought she would have left too. She updates him about taking on Philip’s case. Shawn hopes he wins. Belle says since he is staying, could he be a witness for Philip?

Justin, Sarah and Xander arrive in the judges chambers. Sarah wants to get coffee. Xander is already wired enough. Justin departs with Sarah and Philip comes in. Xander is glad to have a moment alone with him. Philip says moment’s up and tries to leave. Xander says he wants to give him one more chance to drop the case, citing stress to Maggie. Philip says that if Xander is so concerned he can drop the case (umm, how would that work? Philip is challenging Xander not the other way around).

When Philip wins he won’t leave Xander on the street, he is sure the bushes around the house need a good pruning. Xander tells him that no matter what Belle or Stephanie spin for him, the will still trumps his letter. Philip points out that he is the only son Victor raised. He wonders how it feels for Xander knowing that Victor knew his whole life he was his son and refused to acknowledge him. Xander calls him a son of a… Philip finishes “son of a Kiriakis”. He says may Victor’s favorite son win.

Xander is gone and Belle is now with Philip. He tells her about Xander’s failed attempt to get him to drop the case. Belle notes that Kate is not there. Philip notices that Brady is also not there. He wonders if Belle herself could testify? She can’t as it is hearsay. Philip says there must be somebody else who knows that Xander threatened Brady’s life, just as Sarah comes in. The judge enters and starts the proceedings.

Maggie is visiting Brady. She was going to a meeting and wants Brady to come along. He says it is a good idea, it has been a rough few days. He is surprised that she is not at the court hearing. She wasn’t comfortable choosing sides. Nor was Brady. He thinks Brady and Philip should just hash it out, brother versus brother.

Belle enters the fake letter into evidence. Justin claims their "experts" have found no evidence of fraud. Belle says the letter shows Victor’s intent to leave Titan to his youngest son, and only did not because he was presumed dead at the time. In reality, Philip was suffering from mental health issues that he is now overcome. She has a letter stating he is all better from his doctor. Xander eye rolls. There is now no reason he can’t assume his role as the leader of Titan as the letter states he should; they can’t penalize her client for his mental health issues, can they?

She calls Shawn Brady to the stand. Xander gives a what-the-hell face to Justin. Shawn is on the stand instantly. He and Philip grew up together, Philip was the golden child, groomed since they were kids to take over the business. Bo, his father, wanted no part of it, his Aunt Isabella had passed away, and Xander was the black sheep of the family. Belle wants to know about Shawn’s relationship with Philip.

Shawn says it is contentious, but he is here to tell the truth. Justin wants to know if Victor ever told Shawn that one should just ignore his will and piece together his intentions based on random letters and other anecdotal evidence? Shawn mutters of course not and is dismissed. Belle is asked if she has anything to submit that shows Xander Kiriakis is unfit to run Titan? Belle declines at this time.

Kate guesses Belle and Shawn will just have to learn to be in the same town. The phone rings. It is Statesville prison. Roman accepts the charges. Kate looks squirrely. As expected, it is off screen Vivian on the phone. Now Kate looks panicky.

Justin is presenting the actual notarized will into evidence. The only document that actually shows his final wishes, naming Xander to be his sole heir. Xander nods sagely. Justin has a letter support from Alex to enter into evidence. Belle protests that Alex should be there in person for her to question. Justin gives the weak excuse that Alex is working on Body and Soul so can’t be here. The judge denies the letter since Alex can’t be bothered to be here. She asks if Justin has any other evidence pertinent to the case? Justin calls Dr. Sarah Kiriakis. Xander and Sarah lock eyes.

Roman is asking Vivan what she wants when Kate seizes the phone. She tells Vivian that Roman is not buying what she is selling and to never call again. She apologizes to Roman. Vivian will not stop harassing her. She pretends she hears a delivery truck and sends Roman away. She gets back on the phone and tells Vivian if she is calling to tell Roman about the forged letter she is making a huge mistake. She knows Vivian hates her, but she cares about Philip and about getting her cut of the money. Kate warns Vivian not to screw over Philip. She is not to say a word about the letter.

Sarah is on the stand. She says that Xander has been deprived of his birthright for most of his life, and Victor’s will, in his own words, was to make amends for this slight. Of course Xander and Victor had rocky relationship at times. Philip blurts out “At times?” and is told to be quiet. Sarah continues that Xander loved and admired his father, and their daughter is named after him. Justin wants to know what direct knowledge Sarah has of Philip’s relationship with Victor.

Sarah notes that Philip was absent for most of his father’s final years but Xander and she became aware that while Philip was acting as CEO of Titan he became involved in a money laundering scheme with Ava Vitali and the mafia after accumulating significant gambling debts. Belle objects and is overruled. Sarah recalls that she and Xander exposed Philip, and Victor was more furious than she had ever seen him, and so disappointed in Philip, he was heartsick. Justin says no further questions.

Belle comes up and asks did her late father in law, also her stepfather, keep Philip on as CEO after they shared this information? Sarah says yes Victor did. Belle confirms that Victor kept Philip on to make amends while Xander quit in a fit of pique, presumably answering the question of which brother was more devoted. Sarah argues that Victor did end of firing Philip which led to his downward spiral. That is rejected as irrelevant.

Maggie is sorry that Brady has been struggling. Brady says he has not had a drink since Sarah’s accident (not true) but thinking he was responsible for her injuries was a wake up call for him. Maggie is very grateful he got Kristen to hand over the serum. Sarah is now walking without a cane! She thinks that things are finally working out for Sarah and Xander, and they can now focus on moving forward.

Belle asks Sarah if she loves her husband? Sarah loves him with all her heart. Belle says so Sarah would do anything for him. Justin objects but Sarah says she wants to answer. She loves Xander but she would not lie for him, her testimony has been truthful. Belle snarks, "so far" and flashes back to yes, earlier in this same episode where Brady tells her about accepting their apologies, and then asks Sarah if she would lie under oath about her husband’s attempt to murder Brady Black? Sarah, Philip, Justin and Xander all react. End of show!
 
Great job, brisbydog!

No Body and Soul, woohoo! Funny reference to Alex filming and unable to be at the hearing. But too bad the letter won't suffice, since it can't be cross examined by Belle.

Lil0 - I was thinking the same thing! That darn forged letter needs to be revealed. Philip CANNOT run Titan!!

So glad that Sarah does not need the cane anymore, outside of a candy cane.

Brady boasts some tan for someone in Illinois in December. :rolleyes:

I can't believe Kate actually admitted that she didn't like keeping a secret from Roman.

Maggie is right about being Switzerland. She is in the middle, even though she favors Xander.

Now that it has come out about Xander's attempt to kill Brady, what will happen next?
 
A wife can't testify against her husband
Belle is not thinking
Hope customer speaks up to court and outs Kreepy Krummy Kate to Roman....he will be soooo not happy with her... I hope he tosses her out on her can
 
Philip was still wet when he was putting his shirt on. Your mom could perjure herself if she testified. I'm hoping the stranger at the bar heard everything Kate said to Vivian. Roman was certainly suspicious of her behavior.

So is Shawn staying in Salem? I hate that he and Belle are getting divorced.

Ya know Belle, if Brady testifies, he can certainly bring up that Philip tried to frame him for murder. I hate this and am afraid that Philip is going to get Titan. I love Xander and Sarah.

Loved no commercials today.
 
There was something said about a delivery, a bell rang during the phone call. I hope it's evidence from Vivian.
 
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brisbydog said:
Shawn flashes his badge at him.
Click to expand...
Will he be an incompetent criminal like his father or a brain-controlled DiMera stooge like his Mom?
brisbydog said:
Victor knew Xander’s history very well himself when he drew up the will.
Click to expand...
This seems like the strongest indicator that Philip should take a hike. Hopefully to a barber and a tailor.
brisbydog said:
he was mentally ill
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I feel like any judge worth their salt would question the "was" part of this. This is a kangaroo court.
brisbydog said:
Second, he woke up to Xander hovering over him but Jada arrested him before he was going to do whatever he was going to do (Brady memory loss, Jada arrested Brady, not Xander).
Click to expand...
My speculation is that the recap portion of this scene might have been written for this duo and John which is why Brady was a "him". A guess only!!
 
The so called will hearing tempted me to throw things at the TV screen. Maggie was right — it was a battle of documents. If there was a will contest between Al Capone and Mother Theresa, the party with the winning document would prevail. Character would have no role in the result. As to who has the better document, Xander is the clear winner. The general rule is that a properly executed will can’t be challenged by a letter. A person wishing to change his/her will should either write a new document or add a properly executed codicil.

As for the validity of the letter, it was amazing that Justin’s “experts” couldn’t find anything wrong with it, Are we to believe that Viv could somehow provided a convincing copy of Victor’s handwriting, written in his style, and inscribed on high-quality paper? More likely, it would be an ungrammatical, obvious fake, written on cheap prison-issued paper.

Finally, there’s good news for Dougie III and the rest of Salem’s criminal classes — the brilliant Rafe has left the police and Shawn, who couldn’t find a pink elephant in a strawberry patch has joined the force. Party hearty, crooks.
 
Thanks, brisbydog.

Shawn and Belle are staying in Salem for awhile. Both actors have new contracts.

Why oh why did that soap opera have to be mentioned today?

Nice to hear Sarah called Dr. Kiriakis.

What was Vivian going to tell Roman? I can't believe he let Kate take his phone.

Brady might be going toa tanning salon to keep his tan.

What a cliffhanger with Belle asking Sarah about Xander trying to kill Brady.
 
Am I the only one who finds Shawn to be a dud? He has no life in him or personality and it has nothing to do with the writing. He’s always been like this.
 
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