When it comes to The Young and the Restless, and really all US soaps, there isn’t a more iconic couple than Victor (Eric Braeden) and Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott). The duo has stood the test of time for decades. Sure, they have broken up and married other people more times than we care to count, but in the end, they always seem to find their way back to each other. After their last reconciliation, they’ve proved to be the model relationship in Genoa City.
However, the Newman marriage may soon find itself facing an emergency if the foreshadowing in The Young and the Restless is any indication.
Ever since Victor decided to take back over the reigns of Newman Enterprises, Victoria (Amelia Heinle) has been putting forth this idea that Victor is not up for the challenges of being the company’s CEO. Despite him having built the business from the ground up and his previous experience in the role, the Newman heiress has told her mom and Nick (Joshua Morrow) that the stress of the job is too much for The Mustache. She pointed to his recent decisions as proof that his judgment is not as sharp as it once was.
While Nick was quick to call into question the true motives behind his sister’s concerns, Nikki vowed to keep an eye on her husband given his previous health challenges (at the very least, we recall him having a heart attack a long time ago, but that was prior to his heart transplant from Colleen). Mrs. Victor Newman even attempted to get her husband to take a vacation prior to him settling back into the executive position at Newman, but he declined, ready to jump back into work.
Fast forward to a conversation between the married couple that takes place in the episode airing on October 3. As the two are again discussing his return to Newman, Nikki states:
"You and I should not be taking on any unnecessary stress. You know this. My MS and the health issues you have battled. I am determined to take care of you, just like you have taken care of me all these years."
Combined with the prior worries expressed by Victoria, we think Nikki’s words may sadly point to a medical crisis for the Newman clan. While we could see a scenario in which Nikki’s MS flares up, given the stress that could come with her new job at Newman Media, we tend to think Victor may soon be the one in danger.
Perhaps he finds himself again the victim of a heart attack, or something worse this go-around. His being incapacitated momentarily would send shockwaves through Genoa City, and send his family into chaos.
It wouldn’t be hard to imagine Nikki lashing out at Adam (Mark Grossman), blaming him for the constant opposition he poses to his father. In the same vein, she could even direct some of that anger to Victoria, as the latter has been a thorn in Victor’s side as of late and may be plotting against him.
Victor being temporarily out of commission could also cause a power vacuum at Newman Enterprises. Both Adam and Victoria would undoubtedly attempt to take over the company. However, with Nikki assumedly being the one to call all the shots in such an emergency, we wouldn’t be surprised if she decides she wants to focus on Victor’s recovery and bring someone she trusts to run Newman Enterprises as interim CEO. We’re talking about Nick.
Nick may have left to work with Sharon (Sharon Case) at Kirsten Incorporated, but under dire circumstances, we think he’d return to the family business. Not for nothing, Victor has wanted his oldest son to return.
We’ll be paying close attention to see if all this rings true, or if Young and the Restless writers have something else in mind.
New episodes of The Young and the Restless air weekdays on CBS. Episodes become available to stream on Paramount Plus.
