Y&R: Nikki Falls Off The Wagon
■ Reed is back in Genoa City and he’s upset to learn that his father has been murdered. “Reed is completely blindsided by the news of J.T.’S death,” says Executive Producer/ Head Writer Mal Young. “Reed truly believed that his father was in hiding and would one day resurface or that J.T. would find a way to contact Reed. He has no reason to believe that anyone would want J.T. dead.”
Victoria tries to convince her son that even though his grandfather is the prime suspect in the murder investigation, Victor would never resort to this kind of violence. However, Reed counters that maybe his mom is in denial about Victor. “Reed is aware of the bad blood between Victor and J.T., so this information, as well as the police’s investigation, is coloring Reed’s opinion,” Young points out. “His return to town has made a bad situation worse for Victoria. She’s consumed with guilt over lying to Reed about J.T., and Reed’s presence is a constant reminder that her son has lost his father.”
Nikki appears and backs up Victoria’s claim that Victor isn’t responsible for J.T.’S death, but Reed is dubious. After he takes off, Victoria and Nikki realize that Rey’s determination to prove Victor killed J.T. will only make things worse for Reed. Nikki vows to change Rey’s mind about Victor’s guilt — and she knows just how to do it. “The secrets and lies are spinning out of control,” Young notes. “Victoria did her part in keeping Tessa in line, so she is more than happy to have Nikki take the driver’s seat and manage this situation. Nikki comes up with what she thinks is the perfect plan to throw Rey off Victor’s scent.”
Nikki then meets with Mia on the pretense of needing makeup advice. As the ladies chat, Nikki laments that she and Mrs. Rosales could be very good friends if only Rey wasn’t out to get the Newman family. When Mia leaves the room, a stressed-out Nikki spies a bottle of booze. Nikki quickly pours some into her coffee. “Nikki’s drinking will put her on a very dangerous path headed straight for disaster,” Young teases. “Nikki’s drinking has gotten her into trouble in the past, but this time it will take a miracle to save her!”
“It will take a miracle to save her!”