On the December 8 episode of The Bold and the Beautiful, Eric Forrester somberly bid goodbye to his long-spanning fashion career. Ridge’s emotional plea left him with no choice but to retire.
Key Takeaways
- Eric received a surprise retirement party, despite not having asked for one.
- Ridge didn’t back down.
- Donna defended her husband on his behalf.
- Eric had no choice but to step down.
Donna Stands By Her Man
At the office, Eric (John McCook) is disappointed about the surprise retirement party. He never told anyone that he was planning to retire. Rather, he wanted to get back to designing.
Eric called out Ridge (Thorsten Kaye) for forcing him out of the company. Ridge told his father that he’s earned it throughout his career. But Eric said he shouldn’t be put out to pasture like an old dog.
Donna (Jennifer Gareis) supported her husband’s wishes. She argued that Ridge and Brooke (Katherine Kelly Lang) shouldn’t have sprung this retirement on him. Donna wondered if her sister even listened to her at all during their last conversation.
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Ridge insisted that retirement is the best solution. Brooke said she didn’t want Eric to get stressed out anymore. Donna argued that Eric still wants to design, but Ridge said that Eric had handed the company over to him and asked him to run it.
Eric Gives Up His Career
Unfortunately, Eric’s back was against the wall. His son begged him to take time off and travel with his wife. Donna admitted that it sounded like a wonderful idea, since she had been itching to have some alone time with him.
However, Eric only wanted to take a week off and return to work. Ridge argued that he should retire and enjoy his life. His emotional plea made Eric reconsider his future since he’s concerned about his father’s health.
He agreed and said that he would follow his son’s wishes. The two exchanged “I love yous” during the tense scene. Eric recovered his trusted stapler from his desk and walked out with his wife.
The End of Eric’s Reign
Back at the showroom, Eric told Donna he was disappointed about being pushed out. He had amazing designs that would be seen on the red carpets. Donna said he should show them to Ridge and Brooke.
But Eric wanted to keep them a secret. He packed up his designs and told Donna not to mention them again. He begrudgingly went along with his son’s wishes.
Eric didn’t understand why Ridge no longer wanted to work with him. He’s still sharp and inspired. This is something that he couldn’t turn off overnight.
The Lights Go Out in LA
The patriarch suddenly felt lost and purposeless. Eric walked onto the runway as Donna apologized. He told her not to pity him, as everyone else has been lately.
Then, Eric apologized to her for what he said. He then told Donna that he needed a minute. She went to wait for him in the car, as he said goodbye to his career.
Eric sat down and looked around. The Forrester Creations neon sign glowed behind him. Then, he sadly shut off the lights to the showroom upon making his grand exit.
