Days of Our Lives: Gwen and Leo’s Desperate Alliance to Eliminate Dimitri
A complex web of betrayal and heartbreak in Salem may force former allies Gwen Rizczech and Leo Stark to join forces against a common enemy: Dimitri von Leuschner DiMera.
Gwen Rizczech’s (Emily O’Brien) scheme to punish Leo Stark (Greg Rikaart) by resurrecting Dimitri von Leuschner DiMera (Peter Porte) has spectacularly backfired, leaving her in a precarious position. Now, both Gwen and Leo find themselves wanting to be rid of the troublesome Dimitri, potentially forging an unlikely alliance to achieve their goals.
The Seeds of Discord: A Failed Sabotage
Trouble began brewing for Leo Stark (Greg Rikaart) and Javi Hernandez (Al Calderon) when Gwen brought Dimitri back to Salem, hoping he would disrupt their New Year’s Eve wedding. According to sources, Gwen was visibly anxious during the ceremony, constantly checking her phone, anticipating Dimitri’s arrival. However, Dimitri’s late appearance meant he missed the opportunity to intervene before Javi and Leo became husbands.
A Marriage Undone and a Heartbroken Farewell
The situation quickly deteriorated when Javi insisted Leo “sort things out” with Dimitri. This led to Javi’s refusal to file their marriage license, effectively nullifying their union. Adding to the turmoil, Javi’s father requires open-heart surgery, forcing him to leave Salem for Texas.
The departure left Leo “absolutely brokenhearted,” as he bid farewell to Javi after a tearful exchange of wedding bands. While Leo vowed to hold onto the ring until Javi’s return, he admitted to harboring lingering feelings for Dimitri, acknowledging a “chemistry” – though he characterized it as primarily “lust.”
Gwen’s Revenge and Financial Ruin
Meanwhile, Gwen is facing her own crisis. Dimitri has cut off her access to funds and credit cards, and she was publicly humiliated by Julie Williams at a local bookstore. In a dramatic display of frustration, Gwen confronted Dimitri, stealing his French fries and dumping his lunch on him.
Dimitri remains convinced Gwen orchestrated his kidnapping, a claim she vehemently denies, despite evidence suggesting otherwise. The situation is further complicated by her prior collaboration with EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel), who aided in the kidnapping in exchange for funding a secret lab beneath Salem University Hospital.
Rock Bottom and a Potential Reunion
Gwen’s plan to leverage Dimitri has devolved into a “colossal disaster,” with Dimitri threatening divorce and reclaiming his assets. He even envisions a future with Leo, a prospect that seems unlikely. As Gwen reaches a financial and emotional low point, and Leo grapples with Javi’s absence, a desperate solution may be within reach.
One source noted that Leo previously asked Gwen to re-kidnap Dimitri in exchange for her silence regarding the secret lab. While Gwen initially refused, her current predicament may make her reconsider. Despite their past betrayals – including Leo’s affair with Gwen’s husband and Gwen forging a breakup letter – both are now at a point where they might be willing to set aside their differences.
The Rolf Factor: A Dark Possibility
Speculation is mounting that Gwen might seek assistance from Dr. Wilhelm Rolf (Richard Wharton), the DiMera family’s resident scientist. Rolf, already aware of Gwen’s funding for the secret lab, could be persuaded to remove Dimitri from the equation.
A particularly “soapy” scenario involves Rolf kidnapping Dimitri under the guise of returning him to a secure location, only to deliver him as a test subject to the secret lab. This would allow Gwen and Leo to believe Dimitri is safely out of the picture while secretly subjecting him to experimentation.
February Sweeps and a Looming Resolution
With February sweeps approaching, storylines are expected to accelerate. Dimitri’s fate could be revealed during this period, and Peter Porte’s future with Days of Our Lives remains uncertain. However, the prevailing sentiment is that Dimitri’s time in Salem is limited.
Ultimately, the shared desire to be rid of Dimitri may compel Gwen and Leo to overcome their animosity and work together. As one observer put it, they may need to “bury the hatchet—and they can bury it right in Dimitri’s back.” It is highly probable that this desperate alliance will not only resolve the Dimitri situation but also lead to a rekindling of their friendship.
