Soap operas are known for their larger-than-life storylines, and Days of Our Lives has never shied away from throwing a little magic and mystery into the mix. From secret love potions to mind-bending hypnosis plots, the show has delivered some of the most unforgettable moments involving mystical elements.
These storylines not only kept fans glued to their screens but also provided some of the most surprising and dramatic twists in Salem’s history. Let’s take a look at the 5 best storylines involving love potions and hypnosis that left fans in awe.
1. Stefano DiMera’s Hypnosis of Marlena Evans
It’s no secret that Stefano DiMera, one of Days of Our Lives’ most notorious villains, had an obsession with control and manipulation. But one of his most chilling moves was when he used hypnosis to take control of Marlena Evans. This wasn’t just about gaining power over her actions—Stefano’s control was psychological, as Marlena had no memory of what she was being forced to do.
Under hypnosis, Marlena became Stefano’s puppet, carrying out his schemes without any awareness of her actions. The storyline kept viewers on edge as Marlena, normally a strong and independent character, was reduced to a pawn in Stefano’s twisted game.
Character Impact
This storyline marked a turning point in Marlena’s character development. Even after she broke free from Stefano’s control, the emotional toll on her relationships, especially with John Black, was immense. She had to come to terms with the fact that she was manipulated into doing terrible things and had no control over her own actions.
Why It Stood Out
The psychological tension between Stefano and Marlena has always been a highlight of the show, but hypnosis added a deeper layer of suspense. It showed that even the strongest characters could be vulnerable to Stefano’s evil tactics.
Fan Reactions
“Marlena being hypnotized by Stefano was such a wild ride. I kept yelling at the screen, hoping she’d snap out of it! #DaysOfOurLives,” one fan tweeted, showing just how emotionally invested viewers were in the storyline.
Did You Know?
Stefano’s use of hypnosis wasn’t a one-time plot device. It became a recurring theme in his attempts to control other characters, making him one of the most dangerous and manipulative villains in Days history.
Trivia
The writers of Days took inspiration from classic films like The Manchurian Candidate, where hypnosis and mind control played central roles. This helped create the dark, suspenseful atmosphere that kept fans hooked.
2. The Love Potion That Took Over Salem
If you think magic doesn’t have a place in soap operas, think again! In one unforgettable storyline, a mysterious love potion found its way into the hands of various characters in Salem, leading to absolute chaos. This wasn’t your average potion—it caused characters to fall madly in love with people they never would have been attracted to under normal circumstances.
As the potion spread through Salem, romantic mix-ups and misunderstandings ensued. Characters who had long been rivals suddenly couldn’t stay away from each other, while true love was thrown into question. The love potion storyline provided fans with plenty of comedic relief, but it also led to some surprising emotional moments as characters struggled to figure out what was real and what was simply potion-induced infatuation.
Character Impact
For many of the characters affected by the potion, the storyline forced them to reflect on their real feelings. While the potion created fake love connections, it also brought out hidden emotions and insecurities. Some couples found themselves questioning their true feelings for each other, while others used the experience as a wake-up call to address their real romantic issues.
Why It Stood Out
The love potion storyline gave fans a break from the heavy drama and allowed for some hilarious, lighthearted moments. Seeing characters act completely out of character made the show more unpredictable and added a fun twist to the usual love stories.
Fan Reactions
“I couldn’t stop laughing when everyone started falling in love with the wrong person. That love potion was the best thing that ever happened to Salem! #DaysOfOurLives,” one fan tweeted, perfectly capturing the fun and chaos that this storyline brought to the show.
Did You Know?
The idea of using a love potion to create chaos in Salem was inspired by classic literature and Shakespearean comedies, where magic often causes romantic confusion.
Trivia
The love potion storyline was a nod to A Midsummer Night’s Dream, where a magical flower causes characters to fall in love with the wrong people. The Days writers loved the idea of bringing a little whimsical magic to the show, even if only temporarily.
3. Kristen DiMera’s Hypnosis Plot Against Brady
Kristen DiMera is no stranger to schemes and manipulation, but her use of hypnosis to control Brady Black took things to a whole new level. In this storyline, Kristen hypnotized Brady in an attempt to erase his memories of their rocky past and make him fall in love with her again. For Kristen, it was the ultimate power move—she wasn’t just trying to win Brady’s heart; she was trying to erase his free will.
As Brady struggled to figure out why he felt so conflicted, viewers watched in suspense, wondering when or if he would break free from Kristen’s hypnotic hold. The storyline was a rollercoaster of emotions, as Kristen’s desperation to keep Brady close led her to darker and more dangerous methods.
Character Impact
This storyline showcased Kristen’s descent into obsession. Her willingness to use hypnosis on someone she claimed to love revealed just how far she was willing to go to get what she wanted. For Brady, the aftermath of the hypnosis left lasting damage on his relationships, as he had to rebuild trust with those around him.
Why It Stood Out
Kristen’s use of hypnosis added a psychological twist to the typical love story. It wasn’t just about romance—it was about control and manipulation, making this one of the darker and more complex storylines involving hypnosis.
Fan Reactions
“Kristen hypnotizing Brady was so twisted but SO good. I honestly couldn’t believe she’d go that far! #DaysOfOurLives,” one fan wrote on social media, summing up the shock and fascination many viewers felt.
Did You Know?
Hypnosis has been a recurring theme in Kristen’s schemes, as she’s used it more than once to manipulate her relationships. It’s part of what makes her one of the most unpredictable characters in Salem.
Trivia
The actress who plays Kristen, Stacy Haiduk, worked closely with the writers and directors to make the hypnosis scenes as intense and believable as possible, often practicing the scenes for hours to get the mind control elements just right.
4. The Potion That Made Eric Fall for Nicole
Nicole Walker and Eric Brady’s love story has had its fair share of ups and downs, but one of the most unforgettable twists came when a love potion caused Eric to fall head over heels for Nicole. At first, Nicole was thrilled—after all, she had been in love with Eric for years. But as time went on, it became clear that Eric’s feelings weren’t real—they were the result of the love potion.
This storyline tugged at fans’ hearts as Nicole faced a difficult choice. Should she enjoy the romance, even though it wasn’t real, or do the right thing and let Eric go? The emotional conflict added depth to Nicole’s character and gave fans a story that was both magical and heartbreaking.
Character Impact
Nicole’s internal struggle made this storyline particularly impactful. While she longed for Eric’s love, she also wanted it to be genuine. This storyline forced Nicole to reflect on her self-worth and whether she was willing to settle for a love that wasn’t real.
Why It Stood Out
The love potion may have been magical, but the emotional consequences were very real. Nicole’s journey through this storyline showed her growth as a character, making it one of the more heartfelt love potion plots on the show.
Fan Reactions
“Watching Nicole struggle with Eric’s fake love was heartbreaking. She deserves the real thing. #DaysOfOurLives,” a fan tweeted, reflecting the emotional response many viewers had to the storyline.
Did You Know?
This wasn’t the first time Days used a love potion in a storyline, but it was one of the few times that the emotional stakes were so high, making it a standout moment for Nicole and Eric’s relationship.
5. Vivian’s Hypnosis of Carly Manning
Vivian Alamain has never been one to play fair, and her hypnosis of Carly Manning proved just how far she would go to get what she wanted. In this storyline, Vivian used hypnosis to erase Carly’s memories of her love for Bo Brady, hoping to keep them apart for good.
The hypnosis left Carly confused and emotionally distant from Bo, creating tension and heartbreak as Bo struggled to understand why Carly had suddenly changed. Meanwhile, Vivian reveled in her success, only for her plan to eventually unravel, as all good soap opera schemes do.
Character Impact
Carly’s loss of memory had a devastating effect on her relationship with Bo. It highlighted how vulnerable even the strongest characters could be to external manipulation, and it left Carly questioning everything once the truth came out.
Why It Stood Out
The emotional stakes were incredibly high in this storyline, as Carly and Bo’s relationship had been a central love story on the show. Watching Carly lose herself due to Vivian’s hypnosis made for one of the most heart-wrenching plot twists in Days history.
Fan Reactions
“Vivian using hypnosis to break up Carly and Bo was so evil, but also SO good! I was glued to the screen. #DaysOfOurLives,” one fan tweeted, capturing the mix of love and hate that Vivian’s villainous actions brought to viewers.
Did You Know?
The hypnosis storyline wasn’t just about keeping Carly and Bo apart—it was also a reflection of Vivian’s obsession with power and control, making it one of her most defining moments on the show.
Conclusion: Love Potions and Hypnosis in Salem
Whether it’s love potions or hypnosis, Days of Our Lives has always found creative ways to add a little magic and mystery to its stories. These five storylines stand out as some of the best uses of these mystical elements, keeping fans entertained and on the edge of their seats. From laughter to heartbreak, the magic of Salem never fails to deliver.