Salem has never been short of schemers, but Hank Northrop’s appearance this week startled both the audience and the residents.

He appeared quietly: black suit, tall figure, ambiguous smile.

Stephanie Johnson was the first to see him – and just by looking at him, viewers saw the past rising.

There was something between the two – not just an old acquaintance, but perhaps a secret never told.

Rumors have it that Hank was a partner in the DiMera – Kiriakis project, disappeared after last year’s explosion. Now he’s back, carrying files and the chilling words: “I’m back to clean up.”

Soon after his appearance, strange events began to occur: DiMera data was hacked, the Kiriakis warehouse was set on fire, and Sarah received an anonymous envelope with the words: “The person you trust – not that person.”

Fans believe Hank is the “new mastermind” – the one who will turn Salem upside down with just a few smiles. He appears as a savior, but every line leads to chaos.

If EJ is the king, Sarah is the warrior, then Hank is the Joker. And in soap operas, the Joker always has the last laugh.