The past few months, viewers of The Bold and the Beautiful have faced the possible loss of beloved patriarch Eric Forrester. This week, we thankfully find him coming home to his family and all the joy that follows. Now, imagine if Eric did go into the light and we were left to mourn his passing? The loss of one of the show’s most likeable characters would be huge, and there is no one to fill Eric’s shoes.
Welcome Home, Eric Forrester
As Eric (John McCook) returned home surrounded by Donna (Jennifer Gareis), Ridge (Thorsten Kaye) and Brooke (Katherine Kelly Lang), all seemed right in the B&B world again (relive that here). It’s been hard to watch him confined to the hospital, especially during the holiday season. When Zende (Delon de Metz) showed up and gleefully went to give him a great big bear hug, he showed that boundless affection for Eric many of us feel.
Eric’s warmth and exuberant personality make him a very relatable and likeable presence. The patriarch on many other shows is often commanding and formidable, but not someone you would enjoy spending time with. When Eric was faced with his mortality, he was not concerned with his empire or the wealth he had amassed. His thoughts turned to using his creative gift just one more time and all the special people in his life. Eric is wise enough to know what really matters in life.
Forrester Father and Son
Eric’s health crisis has also brought out the humanity in his son Ridge. Lately, the younger Forrester hasn’t always seemed 100 percent loving towards his dad. Ridge was becoming dismissive towards Eric, ready to push him aside to take control of Forrester Creations. Sure, he let his dad win the design contest, but that was only after he thought Eric was going to die.
We are glad to see that this experience has made Ridge realize how much Eric means to him. To hear Ridge tell his dad that he is his best friend is heartwarming and what we want to see (remember that here). However, it would be hard to imagine Ridge one day taking over the role of patriarch on the show. He comes across as more self-centered and lacks the sensitivity and caring nature that his father exudes. Ridge would be wise to learn everything he can from his father for as long as he is able to.
The Bold and the Beautiful airs weekdays on CBS. For an in-depth look at the show’s history, click here.
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