In the December 22 episode of The Young and the Restless, Billy Abbott makes a quiet but consequential decision that alters his role in the Newman–Abbott war. Instead of escalating his long-running feud with Victor, Billy chooses to step out of it altogether. It’s a move no one anticipates — and one that changes the emotional center of the Abbott family at a moment when everything is under threat.
Key Takeaways
- Billy decides to stop letting Victor dictate his emotions and actions.
- Jack relies on Billy as a stabilizing presence during Jabot’s crisis.
- Billy’s clarity shifts the tone of the Abbott response to Victor’s attack.
MORE: Find out what else happens on Y&R this week.
What Happened on Y&R
At the Abbott mansion, Billy (Jason Thompson) is noticeably different. While the house buzzes with anxiety about Victor’s (Eric Braeden) next move, Billy is calm, reflective, and unexpectedly grounded. He talks openly about how much of his life has been shaped by anger — especially anger tied to Victor — and admits he no longer wants to live that way.
Billy acknowledges that hating Victor has ruled him for years, pulling him into cycles of impulsive behavior and emotional chaos. Now, he’s choosing to let that go. He isn’t pretending Victor isn’t dangerous or that the threat to Jabot isn’t real. He’s simply refusing to let Victor own his inner life anymore.
Jack (Peter Bergman) sees it immediately. Instead of worrying about Billy spinning out, Jack leans on him. Billy becomes the steady presence in the room — someone thinking clearly when emotions are running high.
Why It Matters for the Abbotts
Billy’s choice matters because it alters the family dynamic at the most opportune moment. For years, Billy has been Victor’s favorite pressure point — easy to provoke, easy to distract, easy to use as proof that the Abbotts are unstable. By stepping back emotionally, Billy removes himself from that role.
This doesn’t make Billy passive. It makes him deliberate. His clarity gives Jack room to think strategically, rather than reacting out of fear or rage. It also deprives Victor of something he thrives on: emotional response.
In a war fueled by grudges and escalation, refusing to play is a form of power in itself.
The Fallout
Billy’s decision doesn’t stop Victor’s vendetta, but it reshapes how the Abbotts face it. Instead of adding fuel to the fire, Billy becomes a grounding force — someone focused on outcomes rather than vengeance.
Victor remains dangerous, but Billy’s choice exposes a weakness Victor rarely confronts: loss of control. When anger no longer works, intimidation loses its edge.
For Billy, this moment marks a real turning point. He isn’t trying to prove anything to Victor anymore. He’s choosing who he wants to be — and in doing so, quietly shifting the battlefield.
