In the December 10 episode of The Young and the Restless, Victor pressed ahead with his plan to take down Jabot, certain he controlled every move on the board. But while he pushed forward, Jack had already made a quiet counterstrike Victor didn’t see coming — and when Nikki overheard the very scheme Victor meant to keep hidden, she became the unexpected wild card that could unravel everything.
Key Takeaways
- Victor prepares to unleash the AI attack he believes will finish Jabot.
- Jack shuts down every point of entry before Victor can strike.
- Nikki overhears the plot and begins to see the fallout before it happens.
What Happened on Y&R
Victor (Eric Braeden, who set the record straight) returned home, certain he’d claim victory. He and Adam (Mark Grossman) finalized the timing: wait until the Abbott Communications launch party, then hit Jabot when the Abbotts were distracted. No hesitation, no second-guessing — Victor believed he controlled the entire board.
Across town, Jack (Peter Bergman) and Kyle (Michael Mealor) were already in countermeasure mode. Diane (Susan Walters) and the IT team identified the threat, planted traps, and helped Jack execute the simplest and most effective response: take Jabot offline completely. No system. No access. No attack vector for Victor’s AI to exploit.
While Victor laid out his plan, the Newmans gathered at the ranch, where he dropped another bombshell — Matt Clark (Roger Howarth) was alive, and Sienna (Tamara Braun) had known him under a different name. The shock rippled through the family, but Victor stayed locked on Jabot… unaware his strike had already failed.
Why It Matters
This episode demonstrated the distinct differences between Victor and Jack. Victor moves with force, assuming dominance will carry him through the finish line. Jack responds with precision, patience, and quiet strategy. He doesn’t need theatrics — he just needs the right move at the right time.
Tonight, that move shut down everything Victor had built toward. And Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott), listening from the stairs, recognized what this kind of obsession looks like. Her unease may become the pressure point Victor never expected.
The Fallout
Victor’s plan collapsing before it even launches changes the trajectory of this war. His timetable evaporates. His confidence takes a blow. His assumptions crumble.
For Jack, this is the first moment of control he’s had in months — and it gives him room to think, regroup, and prepare for whatever Victor tries next. The conflict isn’t ending. However, the advantage has shifted, and both men are aware of it. Additionally, Nikki is a wildcard that could ultimately determine the outcome of the entire thing.
