The June 12 episode of Days of Our Lives was a touching tribute to legacy, grief, and enduring love as characters across Salem honored the memory of John Black while navigating their own losses. The wake at the Brady Pub served as the emotional heart of the episode, bringing together Marlena, Steve, Kayla, Bo, Roman, Shane, and others who shared memories, flashbacks, and heartfelt words about John’s journey—from his origins as The Pawn to his deep bond with Marlena and his unwavering loyalty to family and friends. Steve’s toast labeled John the finest man he had ever known, and Marlena’s quiet reflections underscored the weight of a love story that had conquered decades of trials. Their shared memories of battling villains like Stefano and Orpheus, and the lighter moments like Steve and John’s yearly ritual of listing their enemies, gave the audience a poignant and nostalgic farewell.
At the same time, over at the Horton house, grief was layered with personal memory as Jennifer chose not to attend the wake, opting instead to stay home and honor John and Doug in her own way. Julie’s return brought comfort as she reminded Jennifer of the blessings that still remain. When Hope arrived, the three women came together in a moment of shared strength and sorrow. Later, Hope and Julie’s conversation wove together the past and the present—reminiscing about old adventures in Paris and the Cruise of Deception, and finding peace in how far their families have come. Flashbacks of Jack and Jennifer added warmth and depth, while the mystery of Doug’s necklace hinted that unresolved storylines are still stirring beneath the surface.
Elsewhere, Jack’s quiet scene at Abigail’s grave stood as one of the episode’s most heartfelt moments, with his gesture of placing flowers and asking her to welcome John into heaven beautifully tying personal loss to the collective grief. Meanwhile, Roman and Marlena’s private moment at the pub showed the evolution of forgiveness and friendship, as Roman admitted the past no longer held power over his heart.
As the evening closed, Marlena’s silent farewell under the night sky outside the Brady Pub stood as a moving conclusion. With tears in her eyes, she recalled her miraculous return from the dead and whispered a goodbye to John, alone in the moonlight, encapsulating the depth of her love and the finality of loss. The episode delivered a deeply emotional, reflective pause in the fast-moving world of Salem, giving space to memory, gratitude, and the hope that comes with second chances.