The Young and the Restless spoilers tease that the great Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) will follow through on his semi-retirement plans. Adam’s (formerly played by Justin Hartley) recent death created serious soul-searching that will result in Newman Enterprises being run by other family members in 2017. Which heir takes the reigns should prove to be interesting as well.
One bite of caviar will have to do for this feature, as it won’t focus on the next head of Newman, but instead on its founder. In terms of this fishy egg; new head writer Sally Sussman and her team will write Victor in a different direction as soon as possible.
Instant detractors might digitally scream that Victor has stepped back before and that such a move would represent retread territory. But Eric Braeden is set to turn 76 in April, so he shouldn’t be expected keep full-time hours forever. Thus this type of change would be permanent, therefore making it new(er).
The Young and the Restless spoilers note sharply written scenes showed Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott) recognizing her husband’s honest consideration of retirement and her subsequent consoling of him reminded fans of Niktor’s softer side. This greatest of all Y&R super couple has certainly fought many breakup and divorce battles.
Yet seeing tenderness between this pair not only fits the current Christmas season, it also offered a glimpse of a ‘Victor and Nikki against the world, instead of each other’ storyline that the bulk of the audience would likely embrace.
Braeden has been criticized by some for certain aspects of his acting style through the years, but if an actor is given repetitive arcs to work within there’s only so much range any human being can display. It’s worth Sussman’s risk to allow Victor to pursue patriarchal figure status, while relinquishing his all-powerful villain costume. Let him genuinely mellow and obtain some form of redemption for a litany of sins committed in past years.
A complete severing of all ties with Newman Enterprises would go against character type and likely be seen as unrealistic. However, having Victor become a part-time executive who turns day-to-day decisions over to one of his children would make sense. Considering the age and experience levels of his three surviving (known) children, all three could handle the task.
Vickie (Amelia Heinle) could easily take over, or share the role with Abby (Melissa Ordway). Nick (Joshua Morrow) hasn’t shown interest, but that could change if his dad wasn’t looming in the building. With whatever Victor decides, he has earned and deserves to spend the golden years of his life with his wife, children and grandchildren. Corporate battles and personal wars aren’t worth it at this point in time.
With Victor’s move to semi-retirement are we seeing TPTB at Y&R gently and gradually prepare the show for the inevitable Eric Braeden retirement? CDL is a leading source for everything linked to The Young and the Restless. Check back regularly for Y&R spoilers and news! Come and join in the LIVE discussion on our Facebook Page!
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