The Young and the Restless viewers know that Victor Newman is a powerful businessman. He’s always wanted to see his family working for the company he built. For his performance, Soap Hub Performer of the Week honors for Y&R is presented to Victor’s portrayer, Eric Braeden.
Eric Braeden: Y&R Performer of the Week
This week, Victor made some major changes, and not everybody in the Newman family was pleased. He and Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott) had several discussions, and he treated her with love but kept his cards close to his vest. Braeden did a wonderful job ensuring that nobody knew exactly what Victor had planned.
During Thursday’s episode, Braeden shined during Adam’s (Mark Grossman) daydream when Victor egged Adam on through winks and sly looks. He said so much without even saying a word. He was playful and fun during the unexpected (and unreal) moments.
Once Victor finally played his cards, revealing that he planned to have Nikki take the reigns at Newman Media, he handled Adam’s predictable outburst with firmness. Braeden made it clear that Victor wouldn’t take any blame for the situation. He was also firm with Sharon when she admitted she was going to fight to get Kirsten Inc. back from him.
However, the most poignant moments of Braeden’s performance this week came as Victor sat alone at the ranch. He said nothing while looking tearfully at Adam’s picture. It almost seemed as if The Great Victor Newman was defeated.
In the next scenes, Victor sits near his punching bag looking down, but then he gets up, declares that nothing ever defeated him, and begins punching away his feelings. It was hard not to feel the parallels between Braeden acting as Victor and the actor also recently overcoming cancer. It was a powerful and triumphant moment for Victor, Braeden, and viewers.
Bravo, Eric Braeden, on a week of excellent performances. We can’t wait to see what happens next.
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