Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
Related Story
Days of Our Lives Spoilers December 9 - 20
In black and white footage, a young Doug (played by Peyton Meyer) leaves his jail cell. “Look out, world! Or should I say Salem? Because here I come.”
Liz reunites with Maggie in the Square but surmises that a scowling Marie is not so delighted to see her. Liz dismissively assures her she doesn’t hold a grudge over what happened with Neil. That may be, but Marie hasn’t let go of the fact that Liz shot her in a jealous rage. Liz points out she thought she was an intruder. Marie retorts that Liz was the intruder since she was sleeping with her husband in her bed. And when Marie came home, Liz shot her! “Enough!” Maggie shouts.
In the Horton living room, Ciara opens the time capsule to the delight and surprise of Shawn, Jennifer, and Lucas. They go through letters, baby shoes, and other mementos. Julie joins them, fresh off a lovely bonding moment with Steven. After introducing them to her baby brother, Julie is overjoyed to discover the time capsule has been opened. Finding her grandmother’s diamond necklace, she notes Alice never wore it, feeling it was too regal for Salem. Julie always wondered what happened to it. She would love to go through everything, but it’s time to honor her husband and say goodbye. As everyone filters out, Steven hangs back with a lingering look at the necklace box inside the time capsule.
More: Days co-stars remember Wayne Northrop
At the townhouse, Marlena finds Belle crying over Liz’s song, Friends and Lovers. Belle wonders if she should have told Shawn she was coming to the service. Marlena thinks he’ll be happy to see her.
In the Square, Maggie convinces Liz and Marie to let go of grievances from the 80s. They shake hands… for Doug. Marlena and Belle arrive. After Marlena introduces her daughter, she quietly tells Liz it’s nice to see her and Marie getting along. “I wouldn’t go that far,” Liz snarks as Marie glowers.
At the outdoor service, Shawn greets Belle, assuring her it’s okay that she’s there. Julie tearfully thanks everyone for coming. She looks at Doug’s oversized framed photo and takes a deep breath. The priest begins the service and calls upon Shawn to read scripture. Next, Ciara recites one of her Grandpa Doug’s favorite poems by Henry Van Dyke, Gone From My Sight. Sitting between Marlena and Maggie, Julie keeps her tearful gaze trained on Ciara.
More: What Kristian Alfonso will never get over
As Julie gets up for the eulogy, Eli and Shawn each take a hand and lead her to the lectern. She talks of Doug’s life as an orphan, who grew up to be a fighter pilot in the Navy. She chokes up, recalling how much Doug loved flying. He’d dream of it and wake up with such a smile. After the war, he discovered his singing voice, had a daughter, and opened Doug’s Place. “He became the mayor of Salem and the captain of my heart.”
Tears flow among the attendees as Julie lists all of Doug’s favorite things besides chocolate. “His mind and his spirit were unchanging until too many birthdays stole all his strength away.” Why did we love him so much, she wonders. “Because he saw us. He really saw us.” He was always smiling with optimistic expectation. “We became, in his company, as wonderful as we all want to be.”
After Julie finishes, Liz gets up. She says she wouldn’t have had the career she did if it weren’t for Doug. Everyone joins in as she sings Always. Vintage scenes play of Julie and Doug traveling, performing, marrying, and loving each other. When they finish, Julie gazes at Doug’s photo and lovingly smiles. Everyone pays their respects as they filter out until Julie is alone. She grips the frame of Doug’s photo in tears. After a moment, she straightens up, takes a deep breath, and strides forward.
Belle and Marlena return to the townhouse, marveling over the wonderful service. Belle says she wanted to give Shawn space to be with his family. Marlena reminds Belle she’s his family too and that he still loves her. Marlena leaves the room to see if Shane can connect her with John to let him know Doug died. When there’s a knock at the door, Belle opens it to Shawn.
More: Days stars tease amazing twists for ‘Shelle’?
At Abe and Paulina’s, Eli and Lani return to the living room after putting the kids down. Eli notes he did his best to channel Doug while singing to them. They all raise a glass of champagne to the man. At the pub, Roman, Steve, Kayla, and Jack have their own toast, with shots, for Doug.
Marie comes back to the Horton House with Ciara, Lucas, and Jennifer and asks about the time capsule. Ciara opens it to show her the necklace, but it’s missing.
In the Square, Steven sits next to Tom and Alice’s plaque. “Grandma,” he says. “You sly old dog. Who knew the treasure you were holding in that house.” The old him would have been tempted by that diamond necklace. “But I’m a changed man,” he says enigmatically.
At night, Julie sits at Doug’s graveside. Crying, she wonders what she’ll do now. A young man (who looks just like the man from the black-and-white jail scene) appears. Who are you? she asks. “I’m Doug Williams.” (We got you covered if you want to know who is the new Doug Williams.)
Next on Days of Our Lives, Julie gets to know Doug, and Steven meets Leo,
Read the touching remembrances from Bill Hayes’ co-stars in our photo gallery below.
