In upcoming episodes of Days of Our Lives, Rachel Black appears poised to recover her suppressed memories of shooting her uncle EJ DiMera, potentially leading to a nervous breakdown. The storyline builds on Kristen's confession to protect her daughter, keeping the truth hidden from Brady and others. This revelation could unravel family dynamics and send Rachel to Bayview for treatment.
Plot Background
Rachel Black, played by Alice Halsey, shot her uncle EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel) with a gun left behind by her cousin Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman). To shield Rachel, her mother Kristen DiMera (Stacy Haiduk) confessed to the crime, resulting in her imprisonment. EJ recalled the truth during hypnosis sessions with Dr. Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall), who along with EJ, agreed to keep the secret from Brady Black (Eric Martsolf), Rachel's father.
Rachel testified against Johnny in court, believing he was the shooter, which caused her significant guilt. Brady, unaware of the facts, has distanced himself and Rachel from Kristen, viewing her as responsible for the shooting and the ensuing family turmoil.
Recent Triggers and Developments
At the Tom Horton Free Clinic Gala, Rachel overheard EJ and Will Horton (Chandler Massey) discussing how Lucas Horton (Bryan Dattilo) once took the blame for a similar shooting involving his son. This conversation sparked a reaction in Rachel, hinting at her memories resurfacing. Additionally, EJ reprimanded Rachel for manipulating her cousin Thomas DiMera (Christopher Cary), noting that Thomas is 'good' unlike them.
Rachel's manipulative behavior continues, including lying to Thomas about Cat Greene (AnnaLynne McCord) pretending to be his late mother Abigail Deveraux and goading him into causing chaos at the Horton Town Square Scare, which accidentally injured Alex Kiriakis (Robert Scott Wilson). She is also under scrutiny from her teacher Jeremy Horton (Trevor Donovan).
Upcoming events include Kristen's kidnapping from Statesville prison, which may confuse and distress Rachel, potentially mistaking it for an escape. Triggers like loud noises or Marlena's health scare at the gala could fully unlock Rachel's memories. Despite therapy, Rachel shows little remorse, raising doubts about its effectiveness.
Potential Outcomes
Marlena and Brady are likely to protect Rachel, but her spiral could lead to commitment in Bayview's youth wing, similar to Sophia Choi (Rachel Boyd). Leakers suggest emotional scenes during sweeps, with Jeremy possibly intervening if Rachel has a breakdown at school. This arc precedes Alice Halsey's potential exit as Rachel.