JPI

Lucas Roberts: still not getting it.

OK, how EXTREMELY frustrating was it last week to go through all the ups and downs that we've come to expect out of the Sami/Rafe pairing, to see them pull it together, then hit another roadblock, then pull it together again ... only to see him end the week talking about how much he loves this Arianna person! Well good news this week, as the thorny Arianna issue gets a bit untangled. That leaves Rafe and Sami room for some honesty (Sami admits that she has feelings for EJ that will never go away) and some hotness (makin' looooove down by the river).

Meanwhile, Lucas remains clueless about Chloe's infidelities -- and her lingering feelings for Dr. Daniel. But if everybody keeps waving red flags in front of his face, that may not last for long. (What are we saying? This is "Days" -- Lucas may NEVER catch on.) First Kate tells Chloe that she knows about the affair with Daniel and makes NO attempt to veil her seething hatred for her daughter-in-law. It's why we love Kate. And later, Lucas comes upon Chloe talking to Father Matt about keeping secrets in a marriage. Do you hear that sound? It's the gears in Lucas's brain grinding. Put it together, man!

As for Philip, the last couple weeks spent dodging DiMera attempts on his life must have him prioritizing things; namely Stephanie. Because as soon as he's out of the hospital, we arranges a romantic evening at the Kiriakis mansion -- with the help of a debuting Owen the gardener -- where he proposes to Stephanie. Aw!

All this, PLUS: EJ learns that Victor is holding Stefano captive -- and it's seriously all downhill for EJ from there -- and Will runs into an old friend of Mia's, who delivers a damaging revelation from Mia's past.

Do you predict a smooth engagement for Philip and Steph?