DOOL Famous Plots: Death Row Sami

1999 was a tough year for Sami Brady. She was embroiled in a bitter custody battle with Lucas and struggling to find love and acceptance. When her relationship with Austin took a turn for the worse, she turned to Franco Kelly for comfort and support. Franco took advantage of her vulnerability and saw it as a perfect chance to get his green card. He proposed marriage and she happily accepted. Kate, however, knew about Franco's plans and tried to expose Franco as a con artist. Franco attempted to permanently silence Kate but Lucas fatally shot him before he could kill her. When Sami saw her fiance dead on the floor, she blacked out. Thinking quickly, Kate wiped the fingerprints off the gun and planted it in Sami's hand! When she awoke, Sami didn't remember a thing; she was convicted of murdering Franco and sentenced to death by lethal injection.

From her cell, Sami fought to clear her name and urged Austin to stay with Carrie so that they would get custody of Will. She watched the court case via television and was devastated when Nicole and Lucas were awarded custody of Will. She faked an anxiety attack and was rushed to the hospital where she poisoned a guard, stole his uniform and escaped. She kidnapped Will and fled to Cananda with Austin, the only person who believed in her innocence. Roman managed to convince her to return to Salem to fight for her freedom. Once in custody, however, DA Palmer persuaded the judge to order her immediate execution and the countdown began!

Meanwhile, Roman began questioning Roberto about Franco's murder. Kate prevented him from speaking and give him a coma inducing injection of saline. When he awoke, she desperately attempted to bribe him into taking the fall for Franco's murder.

Back at the prison, Sami was strapped to the deathbed while her friends and family watched in silence. Tears streamed down her face as the lethal drugs were injected into her veins. All of a sudden, Lucas burst through the doors and confessed to killing Franco. At the same time, the governor called to stop the execution. Moreover, Kate announced that Roberto had confessed to the murder before dying! Sami went into cardiac arrest but was revived back at the hospital. The DA dropped all charges against her and Lucas quickly recanted his confession when he discovered that Roberto took the fall for the murder. Roman, however, was determined to uncover the truth and refused to drop the investigation.

Austin picked Sami up from the hospital and they had a heartfelt reunion. As a free woman, Sami thanked Kate for her assistance (shocking!) and she devoted her energy to working things out with Lucas for Will's sake. However, the mystery of Franco's murder was far from over.

DOOL Famous Plots: Marlena Two

Dr. Marlena Evans arrived in Salem in 1976 to treat the recently institutionalized Mickey Horton. Her psychiatric expertise and strong commitment to friends and family made her a welcome addition to the community. Unbeknownst to the people of Salem, however, Marlena had a jealous twin who would come close to ruining her happy life!

Samantha Evans arrived in Salem from Denver, Colorado, in 1977 and was determined to take over her twin sister's life. Samantha began to impersonate Marlena and took the scam far enough to get her commited to the Bayview Sanitarium! With the real Marlena locked away, Samantha literally became Dr. Evans. Fortunately for Marlena, her lover, Don Craig, figured out the switch and had Samantha arrested. After resuming her identity, Marlena eventually found it in her heart to reconcile with her twin sister. A few years later, the Salem Strangler murdered Samantha.

DOOL Famous Plots: A Tale of Two Romans

In 1986, a mysterious man suffering from severe amnesia stumbled into Salem. Dr. Marlena Evans worked with the stranger to slowly recover his memory and was shocked when certain familiar patterns started to emerge. When she discovered that he had undergone extensive plastic surgery, she paid a visit to the surgeon; there she discovered pictures of her missing husband, Roman Brady! She was convinced that she had found Roman and readily welcomed the stranger in to her home, her bed, and her life.

'Roman Brady' resumed his role as parent and husband for the next five years, until the real Roman Brady returned to Salem in 1991! Roman had finally escaped from captivity and determined to reclaim his rightful position in Marlena's life. The mysterious stranger adopted the name John Black and moved out of the house confused and alone. John struggled with his identity  until discovering that he was Forrest, the presumed dead brother of Lawrence Alamain. With his identity established, John reclaimed his inheritance from Vivian and worked to establish himself in Salem.

John, however, was still in love with Marlena and had difficulty moving out of her life. When he announced that he was moving away from Salem, he and Marlena shared one last night of passion. That night they conceived a child (Belle) and John ultimately decided to stay. Roman and John continued to compete for Marlena's love over the next several years. Although they both shared a name and a common role in Marlena's life, she now loves each man separately as Roman and John.

Daily Update for Thursday Mar. 25, 2010

Rafe and EJ both ponder the implications of what Anna has done. In Santo Domingo, Nicole realizes Brady is getting married. She considers leaving, but he sees her and when he does she decides to go full out, hiding the fact that she knew he was about to wed. Arianna is shocked by Nicole's arrival. She worries about marrying Brady now, but he insists he still wishes to do it, much to Nicole's dismay. Meanwhile, EJ learns the damage control Anna has done and does some himself with Rafe and Sami. Sami vows vengeance on Anna. Later, Rafe realizes Nicole is in Santo Domingo - but why?

Justin confronts Hope about tricking Adrienne into coming to Salem. Adrienne realizes that Justin is in love with Hope. Adrienne realizes Hope is trying to make things right for her and Justin because she couldn't with Bo. Adrienne feels somewhat for Hope but warns her she must live with the consequences of her actions. Meanwhile, Vivian has it out with Bo and Carly and ends up giving up on killing her. She returns to Victor and takes him up on his marriage proposal. However, she vows to Victor that she will still emotionally bring Carly down.

NEXT UPDATE FOR: FRIDAY MARCH 26, 2010

DOOL Famous Plots: Princess Gina

The saga began in the summer of 1998 when Hope Brady traveled to Europe to look for answers about her past life as Princess Gina. Her quest brought her to Lugano, Switzerland where she came in contact with Lilli Faversham, a friend from Gina's past. In 1994, the real Princess Gina mysteriously disappeared from a cocktail party that Lilli was hosting. When Lilli saw Hope, she instantly recognized her as the missing Gina and celebrated her safe return. She was anxious to return Hope/Gina back to her original royal state; Lilli hired a tailor to make a wardrobe fit for a princess and a hair stylist to put the signature blonde streaks in Gina's hair. Hope traveled to Budapest aboard the Empress Express where she seemingly recreated Gina's past. Her life in Salem was left behind as she started to exhibit the unmistakable characteristics of Princess Gina - she started playing baccarat, ordering champagne, drinks and charmed every man in her presence. When Stefano confronted Hope about her transformation, Gina snarled back! She was losing control.

Unable to take any risks with Hope/Gina's returning memory, Stefano arranged to have the train derailed. After the accident, Hope returned to Salem and was reacquainted with her normal life. When Greta arrived in town, however, Gina-in-Hope reemerged. She began experiencing vivid memories of her past life and, when Shawn-Douglas was kidnapped, Hope snapped. She confronted Stefano about her son's disappearance and her love/hate relationship with him was exposed. She remembered that Stefano had trained her to be an art thief and that she had stolen priceless works of art from Lilli and replaced them with forgeries. She even recalled being intimate with Stefano! Unbeknownst to her, Stefano had planted a computer chip in her skull a few years earlier. It was only a matter of time before Stefano and Rolf decided to reactivate the chip. Princess Gina was reborn!

After the transformation, Hope/Gina treated Bo like a stranger and withdrew into her own world. Confused by her behavior, Bo began researching Hope's missing years (1990-1994). Hope/Gina resumed painting forgeries for Stefano who ordered her to use them to replace Vivian's originals. At the same time, Hope/Gina rediscovered her attraction for John; the real Princess Gina and John had been art thieves together in the past. Stefano agreed to retransform John into an art thief so that he could work with Hope/Gina to steal the last truly original painting in Europe. Hope/Gina, however, wanted John all for herself!

She lured John into the woods and used the bright light from her compact mirror to initiate his transformation. John returned home and married Marlena but that didn't stop Hope/Gina's determination. She sabotaged John's honeymoon in Hawaii by luring him into the ocean where she kidnapped him and took him to her secret submarine. For two days, the couple made passionate love until Stefano caught them in the act. John was thrown overboard, but not before telling Hope/Gina to travel to Paris to find a "letter." Once on dry land, Hope/Gina left for France.

Meanwhile, the real Princess Gina was alive and wasting away in the turret of the Chateau des Reves. After fifteen years of waiting, the real Gina was longing to reunite with her daughter Greta and her lover, John Black. A decade and a half of confinement, however, had taken its toll on her mental health. Greta and Eric arrived at the Chateau des Reves in search for information about Princess Gina's past. At one point, the real Gina escaped and tried to make contact with Greta but Kurt quickly returned her to the turret. Greta sensed her mother's presence, however, and believed she was still alive. Meanwhile, Bo was coming closer to the truth and Stefano enlisted Hope/Gina's help to drug him. At the same time, Hope/Gina was slipping further from reality and sturggled to maintain her connection to Bo.

With Kurt's help, Gina escaped and returned to Salem to win back John Black's love. When Marlena put an end to that possibility, Gina turned her sights on Bo Brady. Acting as Hope, Gina was successful in seducing Bo and the couple soon exchanged wedding vows. At the reception, however, a scuffle broke out and Gina shot Shawn before John came to the rescue. In the struggle Gina was shot and died before revealing her true identity. At the crematorium, Lilli noticed a scar on the corpse and was able to confirm it was not Hope's body!

The Salemites flew to France to rescue the real Hope and bury Princess Gina. DiMera sabotaged  the flight, however, and the plane crashed into an ocean near a deserted island. John went into mercenary mode and managed to save the Salemites. A boat transported them off the island and the mission continued.

Back in France, Kurt held both Stefano and Hope/Gina captive in the turret! During their weeks in captivity, Stefano and Hope/Gina formed a deep and meaningful bond. Despite their many creative attempts to escape, however, they were trapped. When Hope became violently ill and discovered that she was pregnant, Stefano seized the opportunity to let Kurt into the turret. Stefano and Kurt were both shot in the escape attempt but Stefano rose to fight after seeing a vision of a Phoenix. The turret caught fire just as John and Bo arrived to pull Hope and Stefano out of the flames. Princess Gina's body was finally laid to rest and Kurt was imprisoned.

All the Salemites boarded a plane and returend home and put the incident behind them. Hope was reunited with Shawn and Bo; they moved into a new home and arranged an intimate ceremony where they exchanged vows in front of their friends and family.

DOOL Famous Plots: The Desecrator

Where there is evil, one will find Stefano DiMera lurking close behind. After all, it was his nightly seductions of Marlena that left her open to demonic possession. Stefano placed Marlena into a trance, and night after night would lead her to his secret, underground world. He gained access to her bedroom by purchasing the neighboring apartment and creating a passageway through the closet. He referred to Marlena as "The Queen of the Night" and was well on his way to seducing her when Satan stepped in. 

Strange occurrences began happening in Salem, beginning with the burning of the Tom Horton Memorial Christmas Tree and followed by the torching of the gifts that the Horton Center was collecting for children. "The Desecrator" had arrived! Meanwhile, Father Francis began receiving mysterious items in his mail, including a strange wooden box and three ancient sealed scrolls. Immediately after translating the scrolls, Father Francis felt an evil presence. Kristen discovered him choking on the floor and rushed him to the hospital. Also, a stranger turned up in Salem going by the name of Gabe, and began offering John spiritual advice. 

The Desecrator meant to get rid of John Black. Things began to heat up when Kristen was found naked and handcuffed to the church altar. Pentagrams had been painted on her back. John discovered her there and was able to pick the lock on the handcuffs by using his belt buckle. Tony arrived on the scene, but Stefano, who had been skulking around outside and saw the whole thing, stalled him. When Tony finally entered the church, John and Kristen were no where to be found. The Desecrator became enraged and swore revenge on John. 

In a second attempt, Marlena was transformed into Kristen and went to John's apartment to seduce him. Once again, Tony was the pawn in The Desecrator's plans. A message had been left on his answering machine informing him that he could find his wife at John's loft. In a rage, he burst in to find "Kristen" semi naked and in John's arms. When a fight broke out between the men, "Kristen" made her exit and turned back into Marlena. The real Kristen was having car trouble and was stuck on the road. Gabe appeared out of nowhere and, magically, Kristen's car was working again. Kristen was caught off guard when Tony arrived back home and began yelling at her about the events of the night. He did not believe her story of car trouble; after all, if it wasn't Kristen in John's arms, who was it? 

Poor Marlena! The possession was wreaking havoc on her normal life. Between her double life as The Desecrator and Stefano's nightly visits, she wasn't getting any rest. The exhaustion began to show and her friends were continually worried about her. They constantly urged her to get more rest. But sleep was no sanction for Marlena's troubles. 

Celeste continually begged Stefano to forgo his plans for Marlena; she felt the presence of evil and feared the worst. Ignoring Celeste warnings, he continued to visit Marlena's room. One night while Stefano was caressing her cheek, she awoke, revealing her demon-possessed green eyes before she began choking him. A struggle ensued, but Celeste was able to release Marlena's hold by begging for God's help. Marlena instantly fell into a deep, lifeless sleep, allowing Celeste to pull Stefano out of the room before being discovered by John. Assuming that an assault had taken place, John phoned for an ambulance. Mike performed tests on Marlena's blood, and was shocked to find her anemic. A blood transfusion was necessary to keep her alive. 

Father Francis was receiving visits by a demon in his hospital room and his health continued to teeter. Kristin made constant visits to him where he urged her towards spiritual guidance. Meanwhile, Marlena began to make a remarkable recovery and John took her home to finish recuperating. 

Stefano was now, more than ever, determined to win Marlena over. He made another attempt to enter her room, but The Desecrator had other plans. While John was helping Kristen and Tony to renew their wedding vows, Marlena jammed the doors and set the church on fire. Stefano was on the pier looking for Marlena when he caught the scent of smoke. Following the odor, Stefano and Celeste saw a green-eyed Marlena lurking in the bushes. John and Tony attempted to open the door, but to no avail. Fortunately, Bo, Peter and Lucas arrived on the scene to rescue them. The Desecrator was not pleased. 

John donated a holy statue that had been in his family for years to St. Luke's. He planned on using it to trap The Desecrator and it worked. Hiding in a back room of the church, John jumped The Desecrator and a fight ensued. John managed to remove the cape and was shocked to discover it was Marlena. While his back was turned, she tried to strangle him. Fortunately for John, Mike arrived and was able to knock Marlena out with a syringe from his bag. Later, Abe discovered evidence that linked Marlena to the church fire and he was forced to arrest her. Stefano overheard and made plans to kidnap her. Celeste continued to beg Stefano to back off. 

When the opportunity arose, Stefano removed a sleeping Marlena from her room. He forged a note from Marlena claiming that she had left town. He'd hired four look-a-likes to roam the country and claim to be Marlena Evans. When he returned home, he found Celeste passed out on the floor. She claimed to have been thrown across the room by Marlena. Stefano did not believe her and accused her of being drunk. 

Bo and Billie's wedding took place at St. Luke's and the reception was held in the Penthouse Grill. All of Salem was in attendance - including a stark naked Marlena! Mike and Laura rushed over to find her dazed and unresponsive. They insisted that Marlena be brought to the hospital, much to the displeasure of DA Pat Hamilton, who had just announced to everyone that Marlena was suspected of being The Desecrator. 

Mike had begun to suspect that Marlena may have a tumor, but tests proved negative and he feared he would not be able to help her. Father Francis overhead this and entered her room with a vial of holy water. The Devil in Marlena warned the priest against attacking him, but the Father was able to cast the holy water at him. The Devil screamed and threw him across the room. John and Kristen heard the commotion, but when they entered the room, Marlena appeared to be sleeping peacefully. It wasn't until later that a nurse discovered what appeared to be burn marks on Marlena's hands. Everyone was mystified as to how she got them. The Devil decided he needed some help and called on his old friend, Stefano. 

Stefano was delighted to hear from "Marlena" and promised to help her. The Devil continually made Marlena butter up Stefano by proclaiming that she trusted him and that she counted on him. Stefano had long been enamoured by Marlena and felt that he finally had a chance to have her. Celeste repeatedly tried to convince Stefano to stay out of it and even refused to obey his orders. She swore she'd be damned forever if she helped Stefano help the Devil. 

John was beginning to get suspicious and began investigating the various tenants in Marlena's building. He assumed that the resident in the apartment next to Marlena's was Stefano. He began searching and found the entrance. Tony and Stefano were barely able to make it out of the apartment before John broke through the secret passageway. John discovered proof that it was indeed Stefano's apartment. 

Earlier, Kristen had left a rosary with Marlena and it appeared to be agitating the demon inside of her. Momentarily she was able to fight him off, but in her weakened state, it didn't last long and she went into cardiac arrest. Fortunately, Mike was nearby and was able to help her. Meanwhile, an APB had been issued for Stefano and guards were placed all over the hospital. It was assumed that Stefano had given Marlena drugs that caused her erratic behavior. This did not keep Stefano from disguising himself and entering the hospital. He led the police on a wild goose chase and was able to sneak Marlena out of the hospital. 

Once at the lighthouse hideaway, Stefano left Celeste alone with Marlena. The devil began provoking and threatening Celeste to do his bidding. He informed Celeste of his demonic plans for both John and Stefano. She rushed to her car in an attempt to warn Stefano, but the devil used his evil powers to cause her car to careen off the road. Meanwhile, Stefano returned to the lighthouse and questioned Marlena about Celeste's whereabouts. As he was preparing to take Marlena, John showed up and a fight ensued. The devil kept mentally urging John to kill Stefano, in hopes that he could get him to break his priestly vows. Kristen and Tony arrived and were able to keep John from killing him. Stefano was arrested and Marlena was returned to the hospital 

A battery of tests was run on Marlena and it was discovered she needed another blood transfusion. The hospital was low on her particular blood type and the only matching donor was Stefano. He professed that he had done nothing to hurt Marlena and would give his life to help her. Marlena's inner battle to cast out the demon continued 

Father Francis continued his efforts to make others aware of Marlena's possession, but he was still weak and unable to communicate. He was only able to point out the word "succubus" in a dictionary to a couple of nurses who informed Father Jansen. They all believed that Father Francis was trying to tell them something. Meanwhile, the devil made a phone call to Celeste and coerced her into obtaining some colored contact lenses. Marlena's eyes needed to be covered as they glowed green while she was possessed. Celeste came through and was able to sneak them to the devil after Marlena was returned home. 

The devil continued to try and force John to break his priestly vow of celibacy. It almost worked, too, for it was difficult for John to refrain. John was tricked into joining Marlena at the Horton Cabin on Smith Island. The devil continually sent images to John of his past romantic life with Marlena and even took her body out skinny-dipping in an attempt to lure him. Fortunately, Kristen arrived before John could succumb. She reminded John of Father Francis pointing out the word "succubus," but he insisted the situation was his fault. Kristen attempted to prove once and for all the Marlena was possessed and threw holy water on her. Nothing happened, as the devil had switched the water. John scolded Kristen for taking things too far. Unbeknownst to them, back at University Hospital, Father Francis was making a miraculous recovery. 

Marlena's soul was finally able to resurface and resume control over her body. She jumped into the boat that Kristen had used to reach Smith Island and raced off. The devil sent a ghastly wind in hot pursuit of her. On land, she stumbled to her car, refusing to give in to the devil, but the wind continued to follow her. She managed to make it to a church and began running towards the safety it provided her. She was unprepared for the evil that met her at the door. It was none other than Curtis Reed - straight out of Hell to do the devil's bidding! Marlena was saved when Father Francis threw open the doors of the church and beckoned her to come to him. Once in the church, he instructed Marlena to prey to God for forgiveness while he went to fetch John for help. He urged her to stay inside the church, as she would be safe there. But, Curtis scared her out of the church by threatening Sami and the devil had possession of Marlena once again. Father Francis never made it to John as he was knocked out by debris flying around the street. 

Kristen and John arrived at the church and Marlena fainted into John's arms. They rushed her and Father Francis back to the hospital, but Marlena requested to be returned home. John spent the night at Marlena's apartment where she attempted to seduce him again, but he resisted by going off to pray. Later Kristen and John discovered Marlena's sleeping body thrashing on the bed. Marlena awoke and overheard Mike suggesting she be admitted to the hospital for more tests. She refused and blamed her convulsions on the residual effects of the drugs Stefano gave her. Meanwhile, Kristen paid Stefano a visit in jail and demanded to know if he gave Marlena drugs. He professed his innocence and claimed that Marlena is possessed. 

Three religious scholars arrived in Salem to transcribe the scrolls that Father Francis had received. Their studies found that a terrific evil was about to be unleashed on the town. Kristen attempted to tell John about the prophecy, but he didn't believe her. She confronted Marlena about her belief that she was controlled by evil, but was frightened off by a deadly looking snake, which conveniently disappeared when John arrived. When John again refused Marlena's attempts to have sex, the demon decided to take out his anger by terrorizing John's loved ones. He sent a swarm of bees after Shawn, who was stung so severely he had to be taken to the hospital. Next, the devil transformed Marlena's body into that of a black panther and sent her out to stalk the three scholars. John still refused to believe that Marlena was possessed. 

Kristen confronted Marlena again and they began to fight. One of the contacts was knocked out and Kristen noticed Marlena's glowing eyes. The demon admitted to Kristen that Marlena was possessed but that it was too late to do anything about it. Later, the demon disguised Marlena's voice and phoned John, claiming to be Kristen. John rushed over to Marlena's apartment, where he found Kristen tied up and unconscious on the roof. He finally realized that she was right and they went to confront the demon. Stefano, finally out of jail on bail, arrived at the apartment, followed closely by Father Francis. When they arrived, they were shocked to find Marlena's body levitating above her bed. Father Francis used prayer and holy water to bring her back down. 

John and Father Francis left Marlena in Mike's care and went to request the bishop's permission to perform an exorcism. He required more proof of the possession, so they took him to the apartment. They arrived to find Marlena levitating in the room. The bishop granted his permission for the exorcism and Father Francis warned John that the procedure is very dangerous. It could quite possibly kill Marlena. 

The demon began to use his tricks to prevent the exorcism. He summoned up a strong wind to keep the participants out of the bedroom, taunted Caroline by claiming that Shawn would die, tormented John with images of Isabella in hell and even went so far as to tell Carrie that Austin was seeing another woman. He began to use Tony as his pawn again, and sent him images of Kristen being unfaithful with John. Though he attempted to deny the demon's version of the truth, the images of Kristen and John making love were too much for Tony to bear and he fell under the demon's spell. 

The exorcism continued and the demon appeared to be weakening, but he still had many tricks up his sleeve. He continued to cause Tony to have visions of John and Kristen kissing and urged him to kill John. Celeste managed to prevent Tony from shooting him. Meanwhile, Stefano, determined as ever to help Marlena, snuck into her room disguised as a deliveryman. Stefano untied her from her bindings and, in thanks, she turned into a hideous creature and attacked him. The demon tossed him out of the window and he was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery. 

On what was to be the last day of the exorcism, the demon told Kristen that Tony replaced her birth control pills with phony ones. Tony was still being haunted by images of Kristen and John. He begged Celeste to lock him in the wine cellar before he did anything drastic. Marlena began to go into cardiac arrest during the exorcism and Mike was unable to revive her. A tearful John kissed a lifeless Marlena goodbye before she was taken away in a body bag. He vowed to continue to take down the demon. 

John found it hard to deal with Marlena's death and visited Father Francis for comfort. The Father warned John that demons play tricks and things aren't always what they seem. John decided to visit Marlena's body in the morgue one last time. It is revealed that Marlena is trapped in her body and is too weak to cry out for help. When John gave Marlena a farewell kiss, he noticed some movement and yells for help. She opened her eyes and the demon emerges, grabbing John by the throat. After a vicious battle, John begged the demon to leave Marlena alone and possess his body. The demon jumped at the opportunity. John was possessed for a brief time before he managed to drive the demon from him. He prayed to God for help and demanded that the demon be gone. Her lifeless body fell to the ground and John prayed for her wellbeing. He picked her up and carried her to the church, where all of her friends and family had gathered to honor her memory. They were all relieved and shocked to find out that she was alive. 

Marlena managed to make a remarkable recovery and was ready to be the matron-of-honor at Austin and Carrie's wedding. The memories of the possession started to return to Marlena and she felt uncomfortable about being in St. Luke's. John reassured her that nobody holds her responsible for her actions.

DOOL Famous Plots: The Killing Pool

The Killing Pool was a tragic, yet humorous, "who done it" played out in classic Days style. This story took so many twists and turns, even the most stalwart Days watcher was bound to get confused! This plot began with the evil Stefano DiMera disguising himself as Elvis to woo Susan Banks. Susan closely resembled Stefano's foster daughter, Kristen Blake. Kristen had miscarried her child by John Black, but covered it up. They planned on passing off Susan's daughter as Kristen's with John. When this dastardly plan was blown open, Kristen was left holding the bag. Lonely and delusional, Kristen began plotting ways to regain her "son" and reunite with John.

Susan and her son, Elvis, left Salem behind and moved to England where she met and fell in love with Edmund Crumb. Kristen discovered their whereabouts and took the first steps in her plan: kidnapping Sister Mary Moira. Kristen locked her in a secret room at the Blake House. She phoned Susan and threatened that if she didn't return to Salem with Elvis, she'd never see Sister Mary again. (This was not the first mysterious phone call that Susan received that night.) Susan returned to Salem and met with Kristen at Blake House. Kristen had been drinking and taking Laura Horton's Placedin. Susan insisted that Sister Mary be released and attacked Kristen with a letter opener. Unbeknownst to Susan, Kristen had drugged her soft drink.

Kristen's body was found floating in the pool and, try as they might, John and Marlena were unable to revive her. The letter opener was discovered with Susan's fingerprints, but she denied hurting Kristen. Meanwhile, Laura is questioned about her whereabouts during the funeral and Celeste wakes up to find herself in a snowbank bleeding. Laura admits going to the Blake House and seeing Kristen by the pool while Celeste continues to have visions of terrible things happening.

The viewers were let in on a little secret when Susan removed her glasses and false teeth to reveal... Kristen! She'd been faking it the entire time! The real Susan was alive and well and being held captive but the Turban Man. Kristen revealed herself to Stefano. Meanwhile, the evidence was mounting against Laura. It didn't help matters when she admitted to shooting at Kristen. Celeste was beginning to wonder if Kristen was posing as Susan, but Stefano prevented her from confronting Kristen when he cured her of the jungle fever.

Susan began to have flashbacks while still in captivity. She remembered getting a mysterious phone call and a woman wearing a yellow dress knocking at her door. The woman's name was Penelope and she looked exactly like Kristen. Penelope revealed herself to be Susan's sister. Apparently, their mother was unable to take care of all four children and had given them up for adoption. Together they concocted a plan to return to Salem and confront Kristen.

Celeste finally began to regain her memory from that night and told Stefano the details of what happened at Blake House. She had witnessed Laura's shooting spree and had been nicked by one of the bullets. Kristen was drunk, but unharmed. Celeste further recalled a pair of gloved hands holding Kristen's head under the water. They raced to the courtroom to clear Laura.

Kristen received the shock of her life when Edmund admitted that he had accidently drowned Kristen. Susan continued to have flashbacks. She recalled being on the plane with Penelope and watching her take Placedin with liquor to help calm her nerves over flying. Susan managed to escape from the Sultan and convinced Violet (Edmund's mother) that she was the real Susan. Ultimately, Edmund and Susan were reunited and it was revealed that he'd actually killed Penelope.

Susan forgave Edmund and together they plotted their revenge. Susan disguised her voice as Kristen and phoned Stefano. She led him to believe that she and Elvis had separated from Edmund and were doing just fine. They even went so far as to send him a picture of "Kristen" and Elvis by the beach to keep Stefano off track. Edmund and Susan turned Kristen over to the Turban Man before they returned to England to live happily ever after. Kristen was last seen screaming her head off in the sultan's dungeon after receiving the news that John and Marlena were together.

DOOL Famous Plots: The Secret Room

Kristen Blake was thrilled to discover that she was pregnant with John Black's baby, as it would help her to hold onto him. She and John became engaged. But when Kristen miscarried after an underground explosion she did not tell John. Instead she hired the world's greatest Elvis fan to impersonate her.

Susan Banks looked amazingly similar to Kristen and could easily pass as her by simply wearing contacts and fake teeth. The plan was that Susan would impersonate Kristen at all of her doctor's appointments and during the delivery. After the baby was born, she'd sell her baby to Kristen and leave town.

Ivan Marais and Vivian Alamain discovered the truth, but Kristen blackmailed them into silence and compliance. John prepared an impromptu marriage ceremony in the delivery room before the baby was born. Susan became Mrs. John Black and Kristen was forced to keep her around to breast feed the baby. During this time Susan began to realize she loved her baby and began falling in love with John. Kristen bought Susan's silence by hiring her as the live-in nanny. Unbeknownst to Kristen, Susan  had begun seeking psychiatric guidance from Marlena Evans.

When Marlena and John received the news of Roman Brady's death, they began spending a lot of time together, reminiscing about old times. Each felt strongly for the other, but they kept their feelings in check.

Things seemed to be going well for Kristen on the outside, but surface cracks were beginning to show. The largest being that Susan wanted John for herself. She had begun to run around town dressed as Kristen. Knowing that Susan needed to be dealt with, Kristen had a secret room built and planned on keeping her there until Stefano returned. Things went awry when Marlena discovered a semblance of the truth and went to confront Kristen. Marlena quickly found herself locked in the secret room.

This was no standard secret room, mind you, as it was equipped with live video feed from in and around the house. Marlena found herself forced to watch John and Kristen in intimate settings. John believed that Marlena had been taken by Stefano and he was unwilling to give up looking for her. Kristen tormented Marlena every chance she got, including forcing her to watch her son's birthday party.

Susan discovered Kristen's video monitor and managed to lock her in the cellar with Marlena. They fought like cats and dogs during their days locked up, and each was forced to watch Susan and John get closer. Susan would stop by from time to time and supply them with a wide variety of junk food. This continued on right up to the day "Kristen" and John were to renew their wedding vows.

Stefano returned to Salem and was waiting for the perfect time to remove Marlena and take her away. Kristen and Marlena were in the secret room watching the wedding when a gas leak began. Both women became unconscious. Meanwhile, Susan had had a little too much to drink at the reception. She was unprepared to be confronted by Laura Horton. Laura shook Susan so hard her false teeth flew out of her mouth.

Kristen and Marlena were rescued from the cellar. While Marlena was still unconscious, Kristen managed to convince John that Stefano and Susan had been plotting against them all along. As the wedding was about to continue, Marlena entered the room and stopped the ceremony. She was able to get Susan to confess the truth about the baby's parentage. They day ended with Kristen, Vivian and Ivan being booked on kidnapping charges.

DOOL Famous Plots: Virtual Eden

Austin and Greta formed a meaningful bond during the summer of 1999 - Sami was busy trying to find Franco's killer and Eric was dealing with Nicole. When the Von Amberg family planned to bestow the crown on Greta, thereby giving her the rights to Gina's estate, she asked Austin to accompany her to France. The couple traveled to Paris and was greeted by Charles, an eccentric (and sinister) man from Greta's childhood. When they entered a castle, Greta and Austin suddenly fell through "space" into a Virtual Eden!

In the mystical wonderland, Greta and Austin were presented with a series of challenges to test their virtue. Although the magical landscape resembled paradise, it was filled with serpents, monsters, and an "evil Sami!" For months on end, the duo passed tests of lust, bravery, virtue, and compassion before reaching a magic door back to the castle. In order to leave with the money, however, Austin had to face one more challenge...a gladiator battle to the death! After narrowly escaping with his life, Austin and Greta returned to the castle and made plans for her coronation.

Charles was frustrated by Greta's successful return and planned to assassinate her at her coronation. Meanwhile, the Salemites arrived in Paris to attend the ceremony. Moroni set his sites on killing Victor, Sami and Brandon at the coronation as well. When the ceremony began, Greta as shocked to learn that there was no money to inherit! Thinking fast, Austin encouraged the guests to contribute money to help the orphans. Meanwhile, Sami sneaked into the coronation and was overcome with jealousy when she saw Austin dancing with Greta.

All of a sudden, gunfire ripped throughout the ballroom striking most of the guests. John went into mercenary/doctor mode and began administering aid to the wounded. Angela was fatally injured and fading fast. With her last breath, she begged her father to give Brandon the confession tape (Franco's murder) and he complied. Moroni was riddled with guilt and remorse over his daughter's death took his own life. The survivors grouped together and fought to save the dying guests. Mimi, John, and Greta were all rushed to a French hospital in critical condition; John was placed on life support, Mimi's gunshot wounds proved to be very serious, and Greta was rushed into emergency surgery. A wounded Victor secretly left the ballroom and all the Salemites assumed he was dead!

At the hospital, Austin stood by Greta's side as she fought for her life. Sami was desperate to win back Austin's love and she donated blood to the dying princess. Greta eventually recovered but troubles were far from over; she had to contend with Sami to hold on to the man she loved...Austin.

DOOL Love Stories: Roman (aka John Black) & Marlena

Marlena Evans & Roman Brady (John Black)

August 22, 1986

A mysterious man, still wrapped in the bandages from a recent and extensive plastic surgery, turned up in Salem. He was suffering from amnesia. Dr. Marlena Evans Brady became his friend and, together, they tried to unravel his past. At one time Marlena thought he was Stefano DiMera because of the phoenix tattoo on his shoulder. After seeing before and after photographs from the files of the doctor who performed the man's surgery, Marlena was convinced that this man was really Roman Brady. She believed he had been held captive, tortured, brainwashed and redesigned by Stefano DiMera.

Although this Roman could not remember his past, he was certain that he loved Marlena and accepted his place in her heart and home. The couple "renewed their vows," Roman picked up his police work, and they planned on living happily as husband and wife. Unfortunately, Marlena was abducted by Orpheus - Roman Brady's former ISA partner. Due to Orpheus' desire for revenge, Marlena was presumed dead. Actually, she remained in an induced coma until late 1991. Shortly after Marlena was discovered alive, the real Roman made his way back to Salem. The not-really-Roman became known as John Black and later married Isabella Toscano.

DOOL Love Stories: John & Isabella

John Black & Isabella Toscano

May 19, 1992

While still presumed to be the widowed Roman Brady, John Black had several romantic encounters and many crime adventures. Isabella came to Salem, looking for her sister Marina who had been married to Steve 'Patch' Johnson. After Marina was killed, Isabella was discovered in a sanitarium. It turned out that Isabella had killed her sister in self-defense but had blocked it from her memory.

Roman/John and Isabella soon fell in love. Aside from Marlena, Isabella was the truest love of his life. They planned to wed, but Marlena turned up alive. And so did the real Roman. Once things were sorted out, John and a pregnant Isabella made wedding plans. As it turned out, they had an unexpected guest at the wedding. Their son, Brady Black, was born in an anteroom of the church before the vows were made. The trio was a happy family, but their bliss was short lived. Isabella was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died in John's arms in Italy, on July 27th that same year.

DOOL Love Stories: Jack & Jennifer

Jack Deveraux & Jennifer Horton

July 2, 1991

Jack Deveraux and Jennifer Horton were the epitome of "opposites attract." Jack was always considered a self-centered and egotistical manipulator until he met the sweet and naive Jennifer. She managed to bring out the best in him time and time again. Their relationship began while they were both working for The Spectator and continued through many trials and tribulations, including Jennifer's rape by Lawrence Alamain. Many moons passed before Jennifer was finally able to tear down the walls Jack had built up for himself, but ultimately, love conquered all.

Jennifer decided to take Lawrence to trial for his crime, and Jack stood by her the entire time. After Lawrence confessed and the trial was over, Jack proposed to Jennifer outside the courtroom. Unbeknownst to Jack, his proposal was taped and televised to every local news station, leading to an extended invitation to the entire town of Salem!

In a case of extreme wedding jitters, Jack came down with laryngitis and completely lost his voice. The wedding was set to take place in an arena that would be hosting a Wild West show immediately after. In a case of mistaken identity, Jack was erroneously taken to be Wild Bill Mahoney, a stuntman with a habit for not showing up timely to events. Unable to talk, he was locked up until the show was ready to begin. Just as Jennifer was preparing to call the whole thing off, Jack managed to escape and the wedding took place.

One would think that with everything Jack and Jennifer went through their love would have lasted forever. Alas, it was not meant be. When Jack realized that their child, Abigail, became ill because of his anti-ecological business dealings, he left town and divorced Jennifer. 

Eventually, Jack returned to Salem and he and Jennifer were reunited.

DOOL Love Stories: Doug & Julie

Doug Williams & Julie Olson

The third time turned out to be a charm for this long standing, off again, on again couple. Doug was originally hired to break up Julie's marriage to Scott Banning. However, he quickly found himself falling in love with her. Doug and Julie planned on getting married, but, after a heated argument, Julie's mother, Addie, stepped in and proposed to Doug. He accepted! Doug and Addie's relationship ended tragically, however, when Addie was killed. She was hit by a car, but heroically, managed to save baby Hope's life by pushing her stroller out of the way. This was the beginning of a long and bumpy road.

Julie and Doug could never seem to get their timing right. One would be married and the other wouldn't. This went on for quite some time, until a tragic event finally brought the couple together. On the day Julie was to marry Don Craig, Doug had a car accident that landed him in the hospital. Julie left Don at the altar to be by Doug's side. Doug and Julie finally married and enjoyed a wonderful honeymoon in Europe.

Things did not run smoothly for long. Doug was convinced by Larry Atwood to run an illegal gambling operation at his club which, ultimately, got Doug arrested. Larry used this time to attempt to seduce Julie and, when that didn't work, to rape her. Doug went to confront Larry, but found him lying dead on the floor. Julie was arrested, but eventually released.

When Julie suffered severe facial burns, she fled to Mexico and filed for a divorce. She didn't think Doug would want anything to do with her once he saw her face. When her plastic surgery was complete she returned to Salem to find Doug married to Lee Dumonde. Lee refused to give Doug a divorce and hired a hit man to kill Julie. He was unsuccessful so Lee attempted to fake a suicide. She mixed the wrong medications and suffered a stroke that left her paralyzed. Doug had Lee committed and he and Julie were remarried and honeymooned in Japan.

Years later the couple took an extended world cruise. During the cruise they separated and Doug, alone, returned to Salem. For more than a year he stayed until he decided to take off and look for Julie. She returned and took ownership of "Wings." She soon discovered that Doug was in a hospital in Switzerland and she took off to be with him. It was a sham put on by Doug to win her back. She returned to Salem and Doug followed her. There they reunited and returned to Europe where they were married for the third time.

DOOL Love Stories: Bo & Hope Part 2

Bo Brady & Hope Williams

November 19, 1996

Hope looked beautiful and the church was filled with friends and family who had gathered to see Bo and Hope's love renewed. Unfortunately, Bo's preoccupation with the mysterious Salem newcomer, Franco Kelly, set him off on a mission. Bo was convinced that Franco is a killer, and the man who assaulted at least one Salem woman. So when Bo followed Franco to Horton Island, he really was thinking only of Billie Reed's safety. However, Franco was being paid by a secret boss to keep Bo and Hope apart. On the wedding day, Hope discovered and unclothed Bo and Billie together in bed at the Horton cabin. Mishaps with the boat, radio and the absence of neighbors had stranded Bo on the island. Bo was determined to get back to Salem and tried to swim the river to get back for the wedding, but it was impossible. Afterward, cold, wet and exhausted, he fell asleep. When Hope found him, she called off the wedding because of Bo's continued interest in Billie. Hope felt he was more than just being protective towards Billie. She also felt Bo's fixation on proving Franco a dangerous man was unreasonable.

Daily Update for Wednesday Mar. 24, 2010

Rafe confronts the governor insists it's what his constituents wanted. Later, Rafe interrupts EJ comforting Sami and tells them that Nicole was pardoned. EJ goes to get answers from the governor. Rafe and Sami share a moment, but he ends up telling her he doesn't know how the two of them can go on. He leaves a crushed Sami, and goes to confront Victor about the governor's actions. Back in Salem, Rafe and EJ both realize the one who got the pardon was Anna DiMera.

Nicole is free thanks to Anna and flying to meet Brady, unaware he is about to marry Arianna. Meanwhile, Arianna and Brady revel in their joy over getting married. They speak with Melanie over the phone and she congratulates the. While Arianna leaves to get ready, Nicole shows up looking for Brady and is mistaken for the bride.

Bo gives Victor and ultimatum: Either Vivian backs off of Carly or Bo kills Vivian. Victor sees Bo is serious. Meanwhile, Vivian tortures Carly. Victor calls Vivian home and explains the feud must end. He offers to forge a real relationship with her to do so. Vivian remains of two minds and takes a walk. Bo meets Carly and tells her what he has done for her. They kiss just as Vivian stumbles upon them.

Melanie lies to Nathan about the contents of the letter, saying she wanted closure. They agree to be friends. Melanie resolves to focus on Philip. Meanwhile, Stephanie realizes Nathan doesn't have the whole story, but when he suggests maybe they could try again, she says she has no regrets. Alone, Melanie says a private goodbye to Nathan.

NEXT UPDATE FOR: THURSDAY MARCH 25, 2010

Daily Update for Tuesday Mar. 23, 2010

After drugging the governor the night before, Anna shows him the incriminating photos she took of their "wild night" together. If he doesn't pardon Nicole, she'll release the photos to the media, ending his political career. Meanwhile, Nicole is about to tell Rafe that Anna kidnapped Sydney when she learns she been pardoned. She tells Rafe instead that Kate took Sydney. Rafe says Kate's been cleared, and is twigged about Nicole's sudden pardon. Later, Rafe confronts the governor about it. Nicole, meanwhile, says goodbye to Anna. She learns Brady is in Santo Domingo and plans to surprise him there.

Nathan tell Stephanie he wants to take a break from their relationship due to her not giving him Melanie's letter. Meanwhile, Melanie and Philip move into Maggie's so Melanie can be close to Maggie while she deals with her relapse. After Philip leaves, Maggie asks if Melanie still has feelings for Nathan. Melanie admits she does and hates herself for it, but isn't sure how Nathan feels about her. Maggie says Melanie must be honest with all parties involved. She leaves. Nathan enters, and asks Melanie what she wrote to him in the letter. Nathan admits that when Stephanie brought him the letter, he said he didn't want to talk about Melanie with her. Melanie doesn't have to hear more. She'll tell him exactly what was in the letter. Meanwhile, Stephanie tells Philip he needs to keep an eye of his wife. Nathan is sniffing around her. Philip is confident Nathan will not come between him and Melanie.

Hope tells Justin she's glad Carly is free. Justin thinks Hope can move on, but she gently tells him that doesn't mean with him. She knows he loves her, but she doesn't love him. Justin goes to Victor's, and is surprised to find Adrienne. She tells him Hope called, and said he was in trouble. Justin figures it out and says it isn't true. Hope just wants them together. Both of them blast Hope when she arrives. Hope realizes her plan to get them back together has backfired.

NEXT UPDATE FOR: WEDNESDAY MARCH 24, 2010

DOOL Love Stories: Bo & Billie

Bo Brady & Billie Reed

February 24, 1995

This wedding day was filled with surprises. A falling chandelier was not nearly as shocking as Alice Horton speaking up to bring the ceremony to a halt. She was convinced that recently arrived Gina was really Hope and, therefore, her granddaughter was still legally married to Bo. The priest refused to continue the ceremony until it was clear Bo was not already wed. After Gina filed the proper legal documents declaring Hope legally dead, Bo and Billie married. Their wedding vows:

From Bo:

I, Bo, take you, Billie, to be my wife to have and to hold forever. They say that love is the light that lights the world and that kindness paves the road to happiness. You and I have traveled kind of a long and winding road. On a snowy mountainside we pledged our love and our faith and our fidelity to each other. We felt God's presence that night just like we feel God's presence tonight in this rebuilt church. I promise to love, and to honor, and to cherish you all the rest of the Days of Our Lives.

From Billie:

I, Billie, take you, Bo, to be my husband to have and to hold forever. The road that we traveled has had some darkness and some despair but our faith and our love, and our faith that we were meant to be together lighted our way. I will not only be a wife to you. I will be your friend and soul-mate. I'll share your sadness and your sorrows as well as your happiness. I promise to love, honor, and cherish you for all the Days of Our Lives.

Gina ultimately regained her memory and realized her true identity as Hope. Bo divorced Hope so that he could really marry Billie, but she decided it was best to leave town. She wanted Bo to decide for himself who he loved more. She took a job that kept her traveling through Europe.

DOOL Love Stories: Bo & Hope's First Wedding

Bo Brady & Hope Williams

May 23, 1985

This crime-fighting duo earned a wedding fit for a King and Queen (or at least Prince and Princess) as a reward for capturing an international criminal known as "The Dragon". Lady Joanna even paid the expenses for key family and friends in Salem to fly to the Cotswolds in England for the ceremony. The wedding gown alone cost $25,000. On the wedding day, Bo had his own adventures. He was arrested for stealing a milk wagon but escaped. Still in handcuffs, he then stole a horse and made a mad run to the church. He arrived and the beautiful ceremony went smoothly.

Earlier in the day, Hope wrote a letter to Bo that expressed her love. It read:

Dear Bo,

I'm writing this letter to you on the morning of our wedding. I'm going to put it away in a special place, and one day, years from now, I'll show it to you. Gran gave me the idea. She wrote a letter to grandpa on their wedding day. She wrote all of her feelings, her hopes, and dreams, so that one-day they could look back and remember how their life together began. I want us to do that too.

As I write, I'm looking into the future, to that day when you will finally read this. What will we be like? How will we feel when that finally arrives? I'm leaving for the church in a little while. I'll take your hand and pledge my love to you for all eternity. I'm so excited, so happy! And yes, a little frightened. But mostly I'm filled with incredible emotion that wells up inside me. It overflows and reaches every part of me, giving me such joy, such happiness. It's such a wonderful emotion. I'm not sure what to call it. A little word like "love" doesn't seem to be big enough to describe it. I guess there is no other word, so in the end I'm right back where I started, with no word to truly express the depth of my love, the joy of my emotion, the certainty of my commitment. I just want you to know that on this day, and every day thereafter, I will thank God for you, and I will love you from the bottom of my heart, from the depths of my soul, forever.

Love, Hope

During the next two years, the couple solved crimes together, suffered the miscarriage of their first child, and, less than a year later, was blessed with a son, Shawn-Douglas. After purchasing a boat they named "Fancy Face" after Bo's nickname for Hope, the trio left Salem for a three-year sail. When they returned, another crime adventure did not end well. In late 1990, Hope was presumed dead. She appeared to have been blown up, while suspended in a cage over a vat of acid, by the criminal Ernesto.

After acception Hope's death, Bo became involved with Dr. Carly Manning and then married Billie Reed. However, it turned out that the mysterious Gina, who arrived in Salem and who looked so much like Hope, really was the first Mrs. Bo Brady.

DOOL Love Stories: Carrie Brady & Austin Reed

July 27, 1995

For this couple, it was virtually love at first sight when they met in late 1992. Their romance had a few serious glitches along the way, but their love was unflinching. Their wedding day started out beautifully. The bride was radiant, the groom handsome, and both were glowing. Then Sami, Carrie's half-sister and one of the bridesmaids, became dizzy and swooned. She admitted that she was pregnant - with the grooms baby! No worse scenario could be imagined for Carrie, or Austin, who had no idea of his impending fatherhood until that moment.

DOOL Love Stories: Sami Brady & Austin Reed

1996

Again, Sami interrupted what should have been a wedding between Austin and Carrie. Carrie and Austin had gone to France for a pre-wedding honeymoon. They planned to wed, and Carrie looked radiant in the gown she bought for the occasion. But dark circumstances created another nuptial upheaval. After Sami and Austin's baby, Will, was kidnapped and nearly sold on the black market in France, that country's social services planned to take Will into foster care. The parents were not married and officials felt it was an unstable relationship. The only way Sami and Austin could return to Salem with their little boy was to marry.

Even in a situation that Sami did not orchestrate, she managed to take full advantage. She even bought a wedding dress just like Carrie's gown. While she knew that Austin planned to get an annulment back in the U.S., Sami became Mrs. Austin Reed in Paris, the City of Love. Her dream come true was Carrie's latest nightmare.

DOOL Love Stories: Tony DiMera & Kristen Blake

February 18, 1994

Kristen Blake arrived in Salem as a social worker with a few secrets. She was engaged to Tony DiMera, the only man she had ever loved - to that point in time. Kristen had been raised by Stefano DiMera, but had no idea about his dark side or his long-standing hatred for John Black, with whom she fell in love.

Betrothed at an early age, Kristen truly loved Tony, but the kind of love she felt for John stirred her passion as never before. Kristen and Tony first got to the altar in late 1993. They were about to say their vows when the news of Belle Brady's disappearance reached them. The ceremony was postponed and Kristen joined John in a search for Marlena and Roman's baby daughter.

A few months later, after tension between John and the DiMera's had mounted, Kristen again stood in a church with Tony. Realizing that Kristen's  determination to go through with the vows was tenuous, Stefano let Kristen know that John had fathered Marlena's child Belle. To seal Kristen's devotion to the DiMera family, Stefano orchestrated his own "death" when he provoked John to shoot at his car. Moments after Stefano's apparent death in a fiery explosion, Kristen became Mrs. Tony DiMera.

As might be expected, this marriage had more than its share of problems before fatally-ill Tony killed himself with an elaborate scheme that managed to frame John Black for his murder.

DOOL Love Stories: Roman Brady & Marlena Evans

February 9, 1983

The sophisticated doc and the streetwise cop began their romance when Roman was assigned to protect Marlena from the serial killer known as the Salem Strangler. Shortly after, Roman's estranged wife, Anna, and their daughter, Carrie, returned to town, but that marriage was beyond repair. By the time Roman and Marlena were free to wed, Roman and crime boss Stefano DiMera were sworn enemies.

On their wedding day, Roman was the target of an assassination attempt at both the tuxedo shop and the church, but Roman managed to elude the goons. In spite of the danger, Roman and Marlena had a beautiful and romantic ceremony that included a poem by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe:

That is the true season of love

When we believe that we alone can love

When no one has ever loved so before us

And no one will ever love in the same way after us

The couple wed but postponed the honeymoon. In a ploy to distract Stefano's henchmen, Marlena's ex-husband, Don Craig, volunteered to escort the bride to the wedding night hotel while Roman went undercover to bring down DiMera.

Within the year, there were several dramatic adventures as DiMera and Roman played cat and mouse. Then, shortly after Marlena gave birth to twins Sami and Eric, Stefano shot and apparently killed Roman.

Daily Update for Monday Mar. 22, 2010

Nicole's chances of being released from prison are dashed when Anna fails to get a pardon from the governor. Anna asks Nicole for a little more time, but Nicole thinks she's being strung along. Nicole calls Rafe and asks him to come see her. Meanwhile, Anna has moved on to a new plan and drugs the governor's drink in one last attempt to secure the pardon.

Sami, Rafe, Brady and Arianna's dinner goes south as Rafe is forced to explain why he won't recommend Sami for a job with the FBI. Sami's insecurities are laid bare, and she tells Rafe they need a break. He acquiesces and leaves. Upset, Sami returns home, and EJ's "sympathy" turns to something unexpectedly more genuine as they bond over Sydney.

Arianna tells Gabi she's engaged. Gabi suggests they elope. Daniel and Brady have a similar conversation. Later, Brady and Arianna realize they're on the same page and decide to elope right away.

Will accuses Mia of wanting Chad and breaks up with her. Mia blames Gabi and vows revenge. Later, Will and Rafe cross at the gym and discuss their female woes.

Daniel brings Carly to the police station to tell Bo about Vivian's threats towards her. Daniel wants Bo to take immediate action. Bo calls Vivian to the police station and gives her a warning. She considers it an empty threat and continues plotting Carly's demise with Gus. However, Bo is dead serious. He's going to end this once and for all.

NEXT UPDATE FOR: TUESDAY MARCH 23, 2010

Daily Update for Friday Mar. 19, 2010

Arianna tells Rafe that she and Brady are getting married. Brady goes to Sami's to tell her, but he finds EJ living quite comfortably in her townhouse. After a few words with Brady, EJ offers to take care of the kids while Sami goes out. At the same time, Nicole is hopeful Anna is going to work her charm with the governor. She borrows the guard's phone and makes a call to Brady, but he ends up not saying anything.

At the pub, Sami and Rafe come face-to-face. They're civil as Brady and Arianna break the big news about their engagement. Brady and Arianna wonder and hint if another wedding will happen soon, but Sami and Rafe downplay. Rafe has a lot going on with the FBI and Sami says she's applying for a job. Sami clarifies she's thinking of applying for an administrative position with the FBI, but will need a letter of recommendation - from Rafe. He doesn't think that's a good idea. Meanwhile, Lexie shows up with Theo and calls EJ on his living arrangement and feelings with Sami. Later, Theo tells alarmed EJ he knows his secret. Sydney's been with him this whole time . . .

Daniel confronts Chloe about her lying and not seeing a therapist. Chloe appeals to Daniel, but he doesn't back down, and he advises her to do what's right and seek help. Chloe says she will. Later, an upset Chloe goes to Nicole. Nicole realizes it has to do with Chloe's inability to give Daniel a child, especially since Carly gave him Melanie. Nicole advises Chloe to be Daniel's ally, not his enemy.

Anna is at Victor's working her charms on governor Jim Ford. Victor thinks it's odd, but Jim is happy to see her. She works up the courage to ask for a pardon for Nicole. When Anna mentions Nicole's name, Jim says no way.

Vivian finds Carly and tells her she's toast. The judge may have set her free, but Vivian never will. It looks like she may take her out there, but Vivian prefers to keep Carly guessing. Daniel shows up and warns Vivian to leave Carly alone. Vivian balks and leaves. Daniel and Carly reconcile. He vows to help her deal with Vivian. Later, Vivian calls Victor and tells him she must kill Carly. Is he in or out? Victor says he's in.

NEXT UPDATE FOR: MONDAY MARCH 22, 2010

Daily Update for Thursday Mar. 18, 2010

Nicole wants Anna to get her out of prison. Nicole knows Anna is an old friend of the governor and wants Anna to get her a pardon. She threatens Anna not just with police action, but with the wrath of EJ and Stefano as well. Anna finds out the governor will be at Victor's for a fundraiser and shows up. Victor meets her at the door.

Melanie rejects Carly, but she doesn't completely buy the rejection. She thinks Melanie must care a little if she exonerated her. Melanie maintains it's because Daniel got her to do it. Philip arrives and gets Melanie out of there. Carly goes to the hospital to get reinstated. Carly thanks Daniel for getting Melanie to help her. Daniel says he didn't do it for Carly. He's glad Carly isn't going to prison, but he hates that she kept Melanie a secret from him. He's glad he and Chloe don't have secrets. Later, he overhears Chloe tell Philip she's lying to Daniel about going to therapy over her hysterical pregnancy. Alone, Daniel asks why she's lying to him.

Vivian wants to celebrate Carly going to prison. Upon learning that Victor is hosting a fundraiser for the governor, she invites herself and goes shopping for a new dress. Kate runs into Vivian and gives her the news of Carly's exoneration. Vivian is furious. Kate then lets Carly know Vivian is on the warpath. The two women come face-to-face on the pier.

Philip takes Melanie to their new home - Maggie's. Melanie is touched he moved them there so she would be able to take care of Maggie. Melanie tells Maggie how glad she is to be living with her. Maggie is the only mother she's ever known, and she isn't about to lose her.

NEXT UPDATE FOR: FRIDAY MARCH 19, 2010

Daily Update for Wednesday Mar. 17, 2010

The judge is about to sentence Carly when Melanie arrives. Bo, Carly, Justin and DA Woods are all shocked when Melanie admits the shooting was an accident. The judge dismisses everyone, Carly is moved by her daughter's choice to come to her aid. She goes to hug and thank Melanie, but she's denied. Melanie tells Carly not to touch her - ever.

Anna denies she took Sydney, but can't answer when Nicole asks where she's been while Sydney was gone. She remembers that both Rafe and Sami saw her in Salem. Shaken, Anna asks Nicole what she wants.

Neither Chad nor Mia can forget their kiss. Chad tells Gabi he can't see her as he still has feelings for Mia. Gabi pretends with Chad that she's fine with putting the brakes on their relationship, but alone, breaks down. Meanwhile, pleased Will notes Mia is wearing the St. Christopher medal to denote their exclusivity. Will leaves to see Kate, and Chad confesses to Mia he can't stop thinking about her. He and Mia agree to see one another, but in private. As they're making out, the clasp to the St. Christopher medal breaks. Mia leaves and Gabi sees Chad with it. He leaves it behind and just as Mia realizes she doesn't have her medal, Gabi is telling a hurt Will that she found the medal with Chad.

Kate hatches a plan for Stefano to see Sydney but it all goes south when EJ realizes he's been tricked. He tells Stefano he'll see him in hell before Stefano spends any more time with Sydney.

NEXT UPDATE FOR: THURSDAY MARCH 18, 2010

Daily Update for Tuesday Mar. 16, 2010

Nicole comes to a realization about Sydney's kidnapper. Over the phone, she vaguely questions Anna, who gives away nothing. Nicole pressures Anna to meet with her. Fay arrives and places doubts in Nicole's mind. Anna shows up and claims she didn't understand Nicole's bizarre messages. Nicole has only one response: you stole my baby!

Melanie thinks she can put off thinking about Carly, but she has decided to plead guilty to shooting her own daughter. Vivian learns and is overjoyed; meanwhile, Bo, Hope and Justin all try but fils to change Carly's mind. Melanie bonds with Max and Daniel, and realizes things with Carly are more complicated and urgent than she thought. As Carly's hearing gets underway, Melanie appears at the last second. What will she say?

Stephanie comes somewhat clean with Nathan. Max warns Philip that he better be good to Melanie, or he'll answer to him. Later, Nathan goes to see Melanie, and Philip wonders why. Meanwhile, Stephanie, despite all, remains determined to stay in the game and win Nathan over.

NEXT UPDATE FOR: WEDNESDAY MARCH 17, 2010

Daily Update for Monday Mar. 15, 2010

Rafe bursts into the cottage, but finds the place completely deserted. At the same time, Anna is on a plane waiting to take off for Costa Rica. Sami and EJ bond more over Sydney until Rafe calls them to the cottage. EJ covers with indignation as Rafe questions him and Sami. A nearby caretaker shows up to add to EJ's distress, but Rafe gets nothing from the caretaker. They all leave. Later, Sami gets Rafe to admit he's happy that she and EJ were able to bring Sydney home; however, it has affected their relationship.

EJ returns to the mansion to call Anna. Her flight is finally ready for take off and EJ thinks he's dodged a bullet. In prison, Nicole has gradually started getting more memories about the designer boots and the whispered voice calling Sydney "sweet pea." Nicole recalls living at the DiMera mansion and hearing Anna was whispering to Sydney while wearing the same designer boots. Horrified, Nicole finally remembers Anna was the kidnapper!

Bo rails at Carly for revisiting the idea of pleading guilty. He tells her there's a chance with Hope, who's talking to Melanie now. Hope tells Melanie the facts surrounding Vivian the day of the wedding. Unfortunately, she fails to dissuade a resolute Melanie who wants Carly punished. When Hope tells Bo and Carly, Carly gives up. Bo refuses to let her, and leaves to continue working on it. Carly tells Hope she's letting Bo go. Hope, stricken, says she doesn't need Carly to hand her husband back to her.

Max returns and visits with Caroline. Later, he goes to see Melanie. She is heartbroken to realize he isn't her biological brother any more, but he says he'll always be her bro. He questions what she's going to do to Carly. Does she really want to stick it to her mother like that? Melanie says she'll think about it tomorrow. At the same time, Carly is planning to plead guilty.

NEXT UPDATE FOR: TUESDAY MARCH 16, 2010

Days Of Our Lives: Cast & Characters

• Hope Brady (played by Kristian Alfonso)
  
• Victor Kiriakis (played by John Aniston)
• Chloe Lane (played by Nadia Bjorlin)
• Melanie Layton Kiriakis (played by Molly Burnett)
• Chad Peterson Woods (played by Casey Jon Deidrick)
• Will Horton (played by Chandler Massey)
• Dr. Daniel Jonas (played by Shawn Christian)
• Dr. Carly Manning Alamain (played by Crystal Chappell)
• Lucas Horton (played by Bryan Dattilo)
• Mickey Horton (played by Kevin Dobson) (deceased)
• Brady Black (played by Eric Martsolf)
• Gabi Hernandez (played by Gabriela Rodriguez)
• Rafael "Rafe" Hernandez (played by Galen Gering)
• Stephanie Johnson (played by Shelley Hennig)
• Philip Kiriakis (played by Jay Kenneth Johnson)
• Kate Roberts DiMera (played by Lauren Koslow)
• Arianna Hernandez (played by Lindsay Hartley)
• Vivian Alamain (played by Louise Sorel)
• Nathan Horton (played by Mark Hapka)
• Stefano DiMera (played by Joe Mascolo)
• Caroline Brady (played by Peggy McCay)
• Bo Brady (played by Peter Reckell)
• Alice Horton (played by Frances Reid) (deceased)
• Abe Carver (played by James Reynolds)
• Maggie Horton (played by Suzanne Rogers)
• EJ Wells DiMera (played by James Scott)
• Sami Brady (played by Alison Sweeney)
• Mia McCormick (played by Taylor Spreitler)
• Roman Brady (played by Josh Taylor)
• Nicole Walker DiMera (played by Arianne Zucker)

Daily Update for Friday Mar. 12, 2010

Sami insists Rafe talk to her about how he feels. Rafe admits he's hurt, but the love they have for each other overcomes the problems in their relationship. Sami, however, is sure that her betrayal of trust will come back to haunt them. Rafe gets the address of a dwelling that fits the kidnapper's profile. He tells Sami they will talk later and rushes out. Sami returns home and tells EJ that she damaged her relationship with Rafe by having kept the secret from him. EJ advises her to concern herself with her daughter and nothing else. He "believes" she and Rafe will work out just fine. Meanwhile, Anna can't find her boots, and lies to EJ about missing her plane. When she finally finds them she realizes they don't fit in her suitcase. Later, Rafe enters the cottage. Will he find Anna?

Daniel tells Victor that he is Melanie's father. While he doesn't want Victor badmouthing Carly, he admits he's not her biggest fan either. He's concentrating on his relationship with Melanie, and is having doubts that she'll come to accept him. Victor urges Daniel to stick by his daughter. One of Victor's greatest joys came from his late-in-life discovery of his grown children Isabella and Bo. Daniel is moved.

Vivian taunts Carly. She'll only be satisfied when Carly is behind bars, alone and away from everything she loves. Later, Victor informs Vivian that Daniel is Melanie's father. Vivian says she finally got her revenge. Carly has lost everything. Later, Carly leaves a message for Bo. She's going to plead guilty at the hearing.

Chloe tells Nicole about her hysterical pregnancy, the whole story about Daniel being Melanie's father, and her concern that Daniel's focus will be on Carly. Chloe is proved correct when Daniel later asks about prison, and she realizes he's concerned about Carly being sent there.

EJ offers Arianna a job. Surprised, she promises to think about it. When EJ goes, Brady tortures Arianna in a fun way before finally proposing. This time, she says yes.

NEXT UPDATE FOR : MONDAY MARCH 15 , 2010.