The Young and the Restless: Victor’s Ridiculous Ultimatum to Cane Is His Most Desperate Move Yet

On The Young and the Restless, Victor Newman’s latest confrontation with Cane Ashby has reached a level of absurdity that leaves viewers wondering if the Mustache has finally lost it.

What Happened On The Young and the Restless

The Young and the Restless: Phyllis tells Victor not to mess up her desk | Image: CBS

During the February 4th episode, Victor (Eric Braeden) didn't just walk into his old office to demand his desk back; he delivered a threat so extreme it defies the logic of even the most wild soap opera tropes. While Phyllis (Michelle Stafford) and Cane (Billy Flynn) were busy debating whether to rename the company Ashby-Summers, Victor interrupted their planning session to drop an ultimatum (cue the spooky music). The idea is simple and terrifying: Victor told Cane that if he doesn’t sign Newman Enterprises back over immediately, he will never see Lily or his children again.

Has Victor gone too far for victory? | Image: User Created

That's not a business decision; it’s a felony. And unless Victor owns the entire justice system, that's a no win situation. I mean kidanpping is already happening on the other side of town, what's another kidnapping scenario right? Drawing plot lines out of a hat, and everyone wrote 'kidnapping' on their piece of paper?

Victor is an old man who seems to have forgotten that he operates in Genoa City, not a lawless wasteland. For a show that has seen its fair share of absurd and often unbelievable plots, watching Victor resort to what is essentially a kidnapping threat feels like a new low in terms of story and character desperation.

Why Throwing It Back At Victor Is the Best Move

The Young and the Restless: Cane played by Billy Flynn | Image: CBS

Instead of being afraid, Cane should tell Victor Newman to kick rocks and head straight to the police station. It is time for the authorities to get involved and put an end to this cycle of intimidation. If the legal system worked the way it should,and believe me I wish that it did! Victor wouldn't be sitting in a comfy lounger at the ranch; he would be on trial, broke, and potentially homeless.

The Young and the Restless: Adam and Chelsea are not ok with this | Image: CBS

This idea that he can still leverage the safety of family members to regain a conglomerate he lost in a "play stupid games and win stupid prizes" kind of story is a narrative stretch that has worn thin. The news of this threat won't stay silent for long. How could it? No one can stop talking about it. Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott) is already suspicious, having realized that Lily (Christel Khalil) and the twins aren't answering her calls. She and Chelsea (Melissa Claire Egan) have already confronted Victor about his evasiveness, and when the full truth of his scheme comes to light, the resulting arguement will be massive. Nikki’s patience for Victor’s "ends justify the means" philosophy has reached a breaking point I'm sure and this could be the step too far. I mean, what wife would go along with this, surely there is a line that even Nikki wouldn't cross?

The Young and the Restless: Nikki played by Melody Thomas Scott | Image: CBS

As for the rest of the Newman family, how can they continue to stand behind Victor after he uses his own grandchildren as pawns in a business dispute? If they do, then the entire family needs to get some church. There is no loyalty that rests deep enough to excuse this kind of behavior. For now, Victor believes he has the upper hand, but his most "ridiculous" move yet might be the one that finally strips him of his power for good. More than anything, I want to see Victor taken down and humbled, but more than that, I want to see him face some proper consequences. Good thing dreams are free though right?

Watch full episodes of The Young and the Restless weekdays on CBS or stream on Paramount.