In an episode entirely devoted to Bo and Hope (sprinkled in with some newly-created ‘black and white’ flashbacks of a young Tom and Alice Horton), Days of our Lives served up a long-awaited happy ending for one of the great soap super couples of all-time, while leaving the door open for return appearances down the line. While the on-screen returns of Peter Reckell (Bo) and Kristian Alfonso (Hope) were short and over only several episodes, the takeaway for ‘Bope’ fans is: Bo is now out of his coma and on the mend. He has his memories and mind in tact, and can now spend the rest of his life with his “Fancy Face” as they sail off to new adventures wherever it takes them.
The episode also served as the counterpoint to how their love story ended a few years back, when after Bo was awakened from a cryogenic state (thanks to the evil Megan Hathaway DiMera) and his memory was scrambled, making him do things more like a “Kiriakis,” he was almost reunited with Hope. However, he was shot and landed in a coma, thanks to his son, Shawn (Brandon Beemer). Fast-forward to 2025 and Wednesday’s, June 18th episode, it was simple and aimed as a love letter to longtime fans of the couple who wanted to see them together, happy and reunited.
In the story, Bo surprises Hope at the Horton house with an impromptu renewal of their wedding vows. As they flashback to their wedding and what they said to each other in the past, they say it to each other now in the present. In one of the more touching moments, Bo has a wedding ring for Hope, and when she opens it, she is reduced to tears realizing it was her mother Addie’s wedding ring. Bo reveals he had help preparing this from their son, Shawn.
Then, in another surprise, Bo shows Hope a photo of the the “Fancy Face” and says he took it back from Shawn, who is not using it at present, since he is so busy working in Salem. Bo shares that he thought it would be a great opportunity for them to sail around the world, and to have a new adventure together. Sadly, Bo admits that the one thing John’s death and his near death have taught him is to live each day to its fullest, without regret. Now, he wants to make new memories with Hope since they missed out on almost 12 years together. Hope is touched, and is excited about the prospect to be with Bo and sail around the world with him.
The story of Bo and Hope is juxtaposed by the returns of Zach Chyz and Sydney Kathrann Smith as a young Tom and Alice and their love for each other. In a touching moment, Bo has a suggestion for Hope … what if they follow in Doug and Julie’s footsteps and settle in the Horton family home some day, which Hope loves. In the final scene, Bo and Hope are now sitting in front of the plaque dedicated to Tom and Alice Horton at Horton Town Square. They reflect on how goodbyes never get easier. Cue the Bo and Hope love story montage. As viewers see memorable moments over the years from their adventures, romance, struggles, almost divorces, and the death of their beloved son, Zack.
Back in the present, Bo and Hope shared that they’ve had amazing memories together and so many more to come. “So long, Salem,” Bo says as they get up to leave. However, Hope adds, “Until next time. While it is always difficult to see iconic stars Peter Reckell and Kristian Alfonso exit DAYS, it should also be noted that through their scenes, on-screen chemistry and the flashbacks, that Bo and Hope are truly timeless – a couple brought to life by two actors over decades that always has the ability to make us smile or make us cry. As Carol Burnett would sing, “I’m so glad we had this time together.” Let’s keep the faith that maybe another return will be made down the line, but at least, we leave their story for now knowing Bo and Hope are well, in love as ever, and enjoying life together.
