Ep 197. Mon, July 18, 2022

Will Horton returns to Salem after being presumed dead, shockingly reuniting with his loved ones on this heartfelt episode of "Days of Our Lives," Season 57, Episode 197, titled "Mon, July 18, 2022."

The episode starts with an emotional scene at the Horton Town Square, where family and friends gather to mourn the loss of Will Horton, who was tragically killed in a car accident while on a business trip. The atmosphere is heavy with grief as friends and family share their favorite memories of Will, remembering him as a loving son, brother, and friend.

Meanwhile, at Salem University Hospital, Dr. Marlena Evans, Will's mother, is overcome with sadness as she tries to cope with the loss of her son. Marlena, portrayed by the talented Deidre Hall, delivers a heart-wrenching performance, portraying the depths of a mother's grief with raw emotion and vulnerability.

As the sun begins to set on this sorrowful day, a mysterious figure appears at the entrance of the town square. It is a disoriented man, who seems to be in shock and unable to comprehend his surroundings. The man is none other than Will Horton, miraculously alive and confused about his return.

As the crowd gasps in astonishment, Will slowly starts to regain his memory. Flashbacks of the car accident flood his mind, and he realizes that he survived against all odds. A mix of relief and joy washes over him, as he realizes the incredible opportunity he has been given to reunite with his loved ones.

The episode follows Will's reintroduction to his family and friends, capturing the range of emotions they experience upon seeing him alive and well. From shock and disbelief to overwhelming happiness, the reactions are as varied as the relationships Will had with each person.

His close-knit family, including his father Lucas Horton and grandmother Kate Roberts, are overjoyed to have him back. They embrace Will, unable to contain their tears of joy and relief. The tender scenes allow the viewers to witness the depth of the family's love and the impact of Will's return on their lives.

Equally affected by Will's return are his friends. Sonny Kiriakis, Will's estranged husband, is stunned to see him alive and struggles to process the emotions that come rushing back. Sonny, portrayed by Freddie Smith, delivers a powerful performance as he navigates the complicated emotions of love, loss, and reconnection.

Throughout the episode, Will's storyline is interwoven with other ongoing plots in Salem. Viewers get updates on the relationships and conflicts within the town, providing a well-rounded glimpse into the lives of the various characters that make up the fabric of "Days of Our Lives."

Despite some lingering questions about the circumstances surrounding Will's disappearance and eventual return, the focus of this episode remains on the emotional impact of his miraculous return. The characters confront their feelings of grief, guilt, and hope, making for a deeply moving and bittersweet hour of television.

As the episode concludes, the residents of Salem come together in celebration of Will's return. They gather for a heartfelt reunion, sharing stories, laughter, and tears. The significance of family and the resilience of the human spirit are themes that resonate throughout this emotional episode.

"Mon, July 18, 2022," is a pivotal episode of "Days of Our Lives" that explores the themes of loss, love, and second chances. It showcases the talented ensemble cast as they deliver powerful performances that tug at the heartstrings of the viewers. Will Horton's return promises to have a lasting impact on the beloved characters of Salem and leaves the audience eagerly anticipating future episodes of this long-running daytime drama.