On Days of Our Lives, Dr. Wilhelm Rolf announces a breakthrough serum that revives dead lab rats, sparking speculation about human trials. The development involves Gwen Rizczech and EJ DiMera, who face financial pressures and personal motives. Possible candidates include Shawn Douglas-Brady, Peter Blake, and a mystery figure believed to be Lexie Carver.
Dr. Wilhelm Rolf, played by Richard Wharton, recently informed Gwen Rizczech (Emily O’Brien) and EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel) of his serum's success in reviving lab rats using a combination with Versix. The rodents are now squeaking and alive, though not performing feats like tap dancing. This advancement comes amid Gwen's frustration over slow progress and her financial desperation, as Dimitri von Leuschner DiMera (Peter Porte) has cut funding, leaving her broke and demanding returns on her investment in the lab. Rolf, annoyed by her nagging, urged her to listen to the proof of his work. Past resurrections in Salem by Rolf often involved side effects, but this perfected mixture could yield millions by cheating death, appealing to Rolf's interest in defying medical and ethical boundaries. EJ's focus centers on a mystery person in a human-sized cryogenic tube in the lab's secret section, whom he addresses lovingly and deems too important for initial trials. Spoilers indicate Shawn Douglas-Brady (Brandon Beemer) will be shot in the line of duty during a winter storyline involving a kidnapping by Owen Kent (Wes Ramsey) and a park showdown, potentially fatally. This recent death could make him a test subject, benefiting EJ's ties to Belle Black (Martha Madison). Another candidate is Peter Blake (Jason Brooks), recently injected by Rolf, causing cardiac arrest; he remains on life support or in storage as a disposable option, especially after kidnapping EJ's family. Clues suggest the tube holds Lexie Carver (Renée Jones), who died in 2012 from a brain tumor similar to Bo Brady's. EJ's mentions of apology after Theo Carver's (Cameron Johnson) injury, along with references by Abe Carver (James Reynolds) and a promo line from Rolf—“I hope you’re ready, my dear”—point to a woman. Rafe Hernandez (Galen Gering) will glimpse the tube and react with shock, while EJ plans to reveal Lexie to Paulina Price (Jackée Harry), saying, “There’s something I’m finally ready to show you,” potentially driving a wedge between Abe and Paulina as revenge. These events align with February sweeps, promising up to three resurrections.
