How Jack Will Come Between Nikki and Victor on Y&R

Everyone knows that Nikki and Victor are endgame on The Young and the Restless. Victor wouldn’t have it any other way. But everyone — including Victor — also knows that the only serious challenge he ever faced for Nikki’s undying affection is Jack Abbott. Not only were Nikki and Jack once married, but they are still friends. Nikki still turns to Jack with issues she can’t bring to Victor. And if there are too many of those, is there a chance Jack might come to play a more important role in her life? A role more important than Victor’s?

I’ll Be There For You

Victor (Eric Braeden) tells Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott) what to do. Jack (Peter Bergman) asks Nikki what she would like to do. Victor tells Nikki what he needs from her. Jack asks Nikki what she needs from him. Victor calls Nikki “my baby,” and keeps secrets from her like a child. Jack levels with Nikki, mixing harsh truths with his belief in her. If you had a choice, which man would you pick?

Stronger Together

How many times have Victor and Nikki split up? We’d need a supercomputer to calculate that number. And how many times have they gotten back together? Same computer. The fact that they can never stay away from each other for long — even when they agree to have an open marriage; even when they hate each other — tells you everything you need to know about Nikki’s complete brainwashing. Victor has her under his spell. And he will never, ever let go.

Emotional Affair

Nikki will never physically cheat on Victor. Him challenging the offender to a boxing match will likely kill Victor. But she will still keep telling Jack secrets she knows Victor could never understand. Jack will come between Victor and Nikki in an emotional sense. But Victor won’t understand what that means, so everything will be OK.

The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on CBS. For an in-depth look at the show’s history, click here.