For years, RJ has been seen as the golden boy of The Bold and the Beautiful. He’s the moral compass and ultimate gentleman whenever chaos arises. But in one shocking move, that pristine image went up in flames. By crossing a line with Electra during her most vulnerable moment, RJ shattered the persona that everyone came to expect during his big return to Forrester Creations. Is this the start of a new villain, or just a momentary lapse in judgment?
Key Takeaways
- RJ’s transition from protector to opportunist ended his streak as the show’s undisputed nice guy.
- RJ chose to pursue a kiss when Electra was at her lowest, rather than offering support.
- This shift mirrors the manipulative traits of the Forrester men who came before him, such as Thomas.
The Unwanted Kiss That Cost a Reputation
RJ (Brayan Nicoletti) is a career defined by his restraint and good-guy energy. But from the moment that he leaned in to kiss Electra (Laneya Grace), he betrayed the trust that he had established with her. Electra was at her most vulnerable, thinking she had lost the love of her life.
She was clearly struggling with her own insecurities and seeking a safe harbor. Instead of being the gentleman that he made himself out to be, RJ exploited that emotional fragility. By prioritizing his own desires over her emotional well-being in that moment, he immediately set fire to the “Golden Boy” persona his family had placed on him.
The Birth of a New Bad Boy?
Some fans hope this was a momentary lapse in judgment. But there’s the possibility that RJ could be embracing his darker Forrester DNA. Instead of apologizing, RJ doubled down on his approach. He still believed he was better suited for Electra. (What you need to know about Brooke and Ridge’s son).
If Electra pushes back, RJ might claim that he can do no wrong. This could lead to a long-term transformation where he becomes the manipulative force in her life. RJ could end up using his charm as a weapon rather than a tool for kindness. He could end up down a dark path like Thomas (Matthew Atkinson) did with Hope (Annika Noelle).
A New Cycle of Obsession?
The most chilling possibility is that RJ loses his job. He could lose touch with reality. We’ve seen this move before with Thomas’s dark fixation on Hope. If RJ’s “Golden Boy” persona was just a mask, this unwanted kiss could be the trigger that flips the switch from a healthy attraction to a singular focus.
Like Thomas before him, RJ has the charm to justify his actions to himself. He might convince himself that Electra needs him, or that her initial vulnerability was actually an invitation. Meanwhile, Electra will have to set those clear boundaries with him so that RJ understands his “destiny” is his own delusion, not her reality. (Nicoletti teased RJ’s future: “You will be seeing a lot more of him”).
