Today’s Young and the Restless recap airs in the USA on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, and airs one day ahead in Canada. We post our Y&R recaps every weekday!
Last Episode
On the last episode of Y&R, Ashley dismissed Audra’s warnings and asked Tucker out for a drink, while Chance got in Billy’s face as Amanda demanded answers.
Memorial Hospital
Michael comes to visit Claire.
Claire says she will do whatever it takes to get out of the hospital. She’s ready to take Victor up on his offer.
Michael didn’t think he’d hear from her so soon, but he’s already got the ball rolling.
Claire says she only just made the decision, and Victor said it would be her decision to make; was that a lie?
Newman Ranch
Victoria tells her father that he keeps going behind her back to influence Claire; it’s not right!
Victor says he’s doing everything to keep their family safe… Why can’t she see that?
Nikki walks into the room. She says she was napping when she heard raised voices, but they quieted right down when she came into the room. She asks what’s going on.
Victoria says Victor is being impossible.
Victor says Victoria is being obstinate.
Audra’s GCAC Suite / The Abbott Mansion
Tucker is on the phone with Ashley while Audra sits beside him. He’s surprised that Ashley just asked to meet him for drinks.
Ashley tells Tucker she’d love to get together for a glass of wine or a bourbon. She asks if he’d like to meet in the Athletic Club lounge.
Tucker says he’s in the middle of something.
Ashley figures that Audra must be there.
Tucker says damn right she’s there.
Audra asks who he’s talking to… They have work they need to do.
Tucker says, “What do you want, Ashley?”
Audra jumps up from the couch and grabs the phone from Tucker. She tells Ashley she told her to back off… What does she think she’s doing??
Ashley says it’s not a big deal… She’s simply inviting an old friend out for drinks.
Audra tells her not to be coy; it doesn’t suit her.
Ashley thinks she’s gotten under Audra’s skin because she’s “back in the game again.”
Audra says Ashley is the only one playing games, and she’s not upset about her pathetic attempts to win back Tucker… She’s embarrassed for her.
Ashley says Audra should know that Ashley is the only woman Tucker has ever loved… This is just another chapter in their book!
Audra says she had a front-row seat to Ashley’s last go-round. She’s seen the dance, and it always ends the same way… Tucker gets his heart broken. Audra says she’s always been there for Tucker; he knows who cares for him and will always be by his side. She says nobody wants to play with Ashley… And Tucker definitely doesn’t.
Ashley asks if she told Tucker about threatening Ashley before… Is she threatening her again?
Audra says Tucker knows about that, which is why she knows how unwelcome Ashley’s attempts are. Tucker warned her about provoking Ashley… He’s as sick about this as Audra is!
Ashley says she feels another warning coming on.
Audra tells her it’s more of a clarification. She tells her to have some dignity and leave her and Tucker alone.
Memorial Hospital
Claire tells Michael she thought it was her decision to make.
Michael shrugs. He says it is her decision to make; he’s just doing his job. He says working for Victor leaves no room for failure, so he likes to get things done ahead of time.
Claire says it sounds like Victor assumed he’d get his way.
Michael says the law is complicated in her case, so when he heard that she might request to be released, he had to put things in motion so everything goes smoothly if the time comes.
Claire asks what happens if she doesn’t agree to it.
Michael says nothing will happen if she disagrees. He won’t pull the trigger on the operation. He says it’s a win-win.
Claire says Michael’s good at his job. She says he’s smooth, but she’s not sure she believes him. She thinks he’s covering for Victor.
Michael asks whether it would change her mind about moving forward.
Claire says it’s time to be who her family needs her to be, and that means that she needs to help catch Jordan in any way she can.
Michael says it’s a green light, then. Go time!
Claire agrees. Full speed ahead!
Newman Ranch
Nikki sits down and asks Victor if he was talking to Victoria about his plans for Claire.
Victoria doesn’t give her father time to answer. She says Victor not only pressured Claire to help trap Jordan, but he’s ordered Michael Baldwin to have her released early. She says Victor went behind her and Cole’s back to discuss it with Claire because he knew they wouldn’t agree with it.
Nikki asks Victor if that’s true.
Victor says he’s doing the best for their family.
Victoria says she, Cole, and Nikki had made it clear that they didn’t want Claire to be put at risk.
Victor says Claire won’t be at risk, and it’ll give them a chance to remove Jordan as a threat to them all.
Victoria says Victor’s ignoring the damage that could be done to Claire; she’s finally beginning to believe they love and care about her. When Victor called himself her grandfather, it made Claire feel accepted and included… She’s starting to feel like she’s a Newman.
Victor says Claire is a Newman, so she’s willing to help.
Victoria asks Nikki to back her on this and make Victor see reason. She says she and Cole lost out on years of being able to protect their daughter, and they’re trying to make up for it now.
Nikki says Victoria and Cole are fierce protectors. She says she was hard on Claire initially, but she’s since come to see her strength and grace. She says that the gains that Claire has made can’t be lost.
Victoria tells her dad that her mom can see reason… Why can’t he?
Nikki says those reasons are why she’s starting to think Victor’s plan makes sense.
Victoria can’t believe Nikki is taking Victor’s side.
Nikki says she’s been trying on her own to trap Jordan and provoke her out of hiding the next time she calls to taunt her. Jordan thrives on tormenting her, so who knows if she’ll reveal herself even if Nikki challenges her.
Victor says that’s why Claire is their best bet to lure “that woman” out of hiding.
Nikki agrees… Jordan won’t be able to resist making a move if Claire is free and living under the Newman’s roof.
Victor says that’s when they’ll catch her.
Nikki says Jordan made it clear she’s coming for them, and they won’t be safe until she’s dealt with.
Victoria can’t believe they want to put her daughter in that psycho’s crosshairs. Do they want a repeat of what almost happened at the cabin?
Victor vows that no harm will come to Claire. End of discussion! He gets up and leaves the room.
Victoria asks her mom how she can put Claire at risk in order to protect the family.
Nikki says Victor promised Claire’s safety, and Claire is willing to do it.
Victoria throws up her hands in exasperation. She says she’ll play the same Newman card her dad played on Claire… She’ll tell Claire that if she goes along with Victor’s plan, she’ll turn her back on her! Maybe the threat of losing everything she’s gained will put an end to this insanity!
Memorial Hospital
Claire asks Michael what she can do to help… Does she need to talk to her doctors?
Michael says to sit back and let him work his magic. He says the reports from her doctors are exemplary, and they’ll go a long way to help him convince a judge she’s no longer a threat to herself or her family.
Claire says she figures the Newman name must pull some weight as well.
Michael laughs and says having the Newman family on her side can be helpful.
Claire asks if Michael thinks the judge will allow Claire to be released to the family.
Michael says he’s very convincing, but he warns her that part of his argument will include restrictions on what she can do since she’ll be under the Newman’s roof and in their protective custody.
Claire says she hasn’t really thought about what it’d be like to get out of the hospital and start living as a Newman.
Michael says she’ll be well provided for. The Newmans are extremely loyal.
Claire says she was concerned more about their safety. She says her aunt is devious.
Michael says Victor and the court will insist on heightened security, and Claire will have to check in regularly and continue her therapy on an outpatient basis.
Claire nods. She says her therapy has helped her a lot, and she doesn’t want to lose all the progress she’s made.
Michael asks if she’s bothered by any of those restrictions.
Claire shakes her head. She’s not. She asks what the odds are that a judge will agree to her release.
Michael says he doesn’t like to think in terms of odds; that implies luck, and he likes to bank on skill. And, as they’ve already established, she has the best lawyer possible.
Claire grins and says she admires his modesty.
Michael says humility doesn’t win cases. Brilliance and ego help a lot, though!
Claire says she’ll sit and wait.
Michael tells her to prepare herself. She could start her new life as a Newman as early as breakfast tomorrow!
The Abbott Mansion / Audra’s GCAC Suite
Ashley sits on the front porch bench, talking on the phone with Audra. and says Audra must think Ashley is a threat… That’s why she grabbed the phone when she heard it was her!
Audra says she took the phone because she was tired of Ashley wasting their time.
Ashley thinks Audra is terrified that Tucker will agree to meet her, or even worse, she’ll hear it in his voice that he’s not over Ashley.
Audra says Tucker wants nothing to do with her.
Ashley says she should let Tucker say that to her face.
Audra says it’s not going to happen; Ashley lost any power she had over him and doesn’t get to call the shots anymore. She tells her to “have a nice life” and disconnects the call.
Ashley holds her hands to her temples. She hears her own voice in her head. “That didn’t work out the way you wanted, did it? It’s time to let go. Move on. It’s a mistake. Stop clinging. Nothing good will come of it.” She stands up and gives her head a shake. She says, “Just give it time… He’ll come around! He can’t resist me!”
In Audra’s suite, Tucker asks Audra if she’ll fill him in on her talk with Ashley.
Audra says there’s nothing to report; he heard everything she said.
Tucker asks what Ashley said.
Audra says Ashley is desperate and wouldn’t take no for an answer. She laughs and says Ashley wants Tucker to tell her to her face that he’s moving on.
Tucker nods. He thinks that might be a good idea.
Audra says he’d be playing right into Ashley’s hand if he gives her what he wants. Why does she need to hear it from him in yet another face-to-face meeting… Like she hasn’t put Tucker through enough! She says Tucker is letting Ashley win if he sees her again.
Tucker says she won’t win if he tells her in no uncertain terms that it’s over.
Audra says the best thing to do is to ignore her.
Tucker laughs and says Audra didn’t ignore her. He needs to be the one to shut her down.
Audra says it’s a trap. She’s obviously got a trick up her sleeve and wants to pay him back for making her look so foolish after the Paris incident. She’s going to want to have the upper hand again.
Tucker says Ashley can’t win him back. He thinks it’s best to be clear with her about it.
Audra says Tucker’s already made up his mind. She tells him to have a drink with her.
Tucker says he will, on one condition… Audra comes with him.
Audra says she’s had enough of his ex. No way.
Tucker says Audra’s been by his side all this time, and Ashley needs to see that. He asks if Audra will do it for him.
Audra reluctantly agrees. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you!”
Tucker pulls out his phone and messages Ashley. “Where are you?”
At the Abbott Mansion, Ashley’s phone pings with Tucker’s message. She grins.
Memorial Hospital
Cole comes to visit Claire.
Claire says she’s glad he came by… She wanted to talk to him about Victor’s latest plan.
Cole says that’s why he’s there. He wants to know how she’s doing with all the scheming about how to deal with Jordan… He knows she’s probably feeling pressure to help.
Claire says she feels responsibility.
Cole says nobody is blaming her for Jordan’s actions.
Claire says she still blames herself for them.
Cole tells her not to let her remorse and guilt influence her decision.
Claire says she’s working through it. She promises Cole that she’s considered it from all sides.
Cole says he supports her decision as long as she’s going into it with her eyes open.
Claire thanks him; his faith in her decisions means a lot.
Cole smiles and says he has faith in her.
Claire says that’s good because she’s agreed to go along with Victor’s plans. She says Michael just left and told her she could be released as early as tomorrow morning.
Cole’s surprised.
Claire thinks Cole must be angry.
Coel says he’s not angry; he’s worried, but he supports her decision, even if it’s not what he hoped for. He says Victoria is opposed to it, too… Neither one of them likes the risks involved.
Claire says she hates to make them worry, but she needs to do this. They all need to be safe from Jordan.
Cole says Claire needs to be protected as well, and not just from Jordan. He asks if she’s ready to face the outside world again.
Newman Ranch
Nikki is incredulous that Victoria would threaten to turn her back on Claire.
Victoria says it might be the only way to make them see how serious she is.
Nikki says Victoria would never follow through with it.
Victoria says, “Watch me.”
Nikki says Victoria has been given too great of a gift by getting her daughter back… She can’t cut her off now!
Victoria knows… She can’t stand the thought of losing her again.
Nikki says she understands but begs Victoria to trust her father on this.
Victoria says there must be another way… If only Victor cared enough to find it! Claire’s been through enough, and Victoria is tired of them both ignoring her feelings about it! She runs out of the house.
Nikki runs over to the bar tray but is frustrated when she realizes there’s no booze.
Victor comes into the room and asks what happened.
Nikki says Victoria stormed out.
Victor figures Nikki couldn’t “talk any sense” into her.
Nikki says Victoria is furious with them both.
Victor thanks her for backing him up.
Nikki says she hates to see the terror in Victoria’s eyes for her daughter.
Victor says he’s sorry for that, but there’s a saying… No pain, no gain.
Nikki asks what happens if Michael can get Claire released.
Victor says Claire will stay with them at the ranch, where she’ll be safe. Victoria can put aside her anger at them and join her daughter.
Nikki thinks Victoria might be too stubborn for that, but she sees Victor’s point… Victoria will want to ensure that Claire feels safe and part of the family.
Victor says they’ll make a big splash in the press about a long-lost daughter who’s come back to join her family again. They’ll show a picture of Claire, Victoria, and Cole.
Nikki is shocked. What?! She says it seems risky to draw attention to everyone who lives there.
Victor says they’ll stage the photo as if it was taken in Victoria’s house… That will be the trap!
Memorial Hospital
Claire tells Cole that it’d be silly to pretend she’s not nervous… Jordan is dangerous, but Michael promised that Victor would have plenty of security for her and everyone. She says it wouldn’t be her first choice for how she was to be released.
Cole asks why Claire isn’t waiting.
Claire says her family needs this, and she owes them for what they’ve done for her since. They could have just locked her up and never looked back!
Cole smiles and says they couldn’t have done that.
Claire says she’s starting to understand that. She says she’s missed out on a lot of love in her life, but now she can be part of it by doing this.
Cole says she’ll have their love whether she does it or not. He doesn’t want her to lose the momentum she’s had with her treatments.
Claire says her therapy isn’t stopping; she’s going to be doing it as an outpatient. She looks around and says she won’t miss the room… Or the food.
Cole jokes with her that he thought she loved the pudding.
Claire says she’ll miss the pudding… And seeing the kids in the children’s ward.
Cole says there’s no reason why she couldn’t keep that up. She can visit the children after her therapy sessions.
Claire says she’d love that. It’s the highlight of her day right now.
Cole says he’s unsure how Victoria wants to handle it, but Claire also has siblings to meet.
Claire says she thought about that, and the thought of meeting them scares her. She says she can’t imagine what it’d be like for them to find out they have an older sister.
Cole says everyone will have time to get used to the idea.
Claire says she had nobody but Jordan for so long… Now, she has siblings, holidays, and Sunday dinners.
Cole says she shouldn’t be surprised if she gets roped into doing some babysitting.
Claire says she’d love that. They’ll watch movies and eat popcorn! Spending time with the kids at the hospital has been the best therapy.
Cole says she’s really good at it.
Claire says the kids are so innocent and see the world in a positive way… It’s a big reason why she’s ready to go out into the world again.
The GCAC Dining Room
Tucker and Audra walk down the stairs and enter the dining room.
Ashley is sitting at a table. She tells Tucker that Audra must have demanded Tucker drag her along with him; she must not trust him and Ashley to be alone together.
Tucker says he asked Audra to come.
Ashley figures Tucker is appeasing his “jealous girlfriend.” She tells Audra to pull up a chair.
Audra says she has no interest in joining her. She only agreed to come because Tucker wants to make it clear that they’re together.
Ashley raises an eyebrow. Does he?
Audra says Tucker thought it was best that Ashley heard it from both of them so she’d get the message and stop wasting their time with her pathetic attempts to win him back.
Ashley says she’s not trying to win him back.
Audra says Ashley’s actions are saying it loud and clear.
Ashley says it’s a misinterpretation.
Audra tells Tucker that this conversation is pointless and to tell Ashley it’s over; their relationship no longer has a chance!
Ashley tells Tucker to tell her it’s over and to tell her that they don’t have a second chance.
Tucker says he thinks it’d be their third, fourth, or fifth chance… He’s lost track.
Ashley tells Audra that Tucker’s sidestepping their request. He can’t actually say it.
Tucker interrupts and says she didn’t let him finish. The fact that they’ve screwed things up too many times to count should have told him something. He and Ashley don’t work; they never have, and they never will. He’s just been too dumb to realize it until now.
Ashley asks if that’s how he really feels.
Audra says Ashley says she doesn’t want Tucker back, but it’s clear that’s the only thing she can think about.
Ashley says Audra’s right. They should drop the charade; they all know how this will go. She knows that Tucker loves Ashley, and she loves him too. She’s the woman he wanted her to be when they were in Paris on their honeymoon. Together, they can take Glissade and turn it into the powerhouse that they both planned on it being. She wants what they had back.
Ashley continues. She knows it’s her fault and she caused their marriage to blow up. She made it fall apart, but she can fix it. She tells Audra to just walk away; she’s not going to win this fight. She walks up to Tucker and tells him that he knows what she’s saying is the truth. They can have everything they ever dreamed of. She knows he can’t resist that.
Ashley kisses Tucker, but he pulls back. Ashley looks him in the eye and walks out.
Audra says, “Wow. Classy.”
Tucker wipes his mouth with his shirt.
Newman Ranch
Nikki tells Victor he’s right… Jordan won’t be able to resist if she sees Claire with Victoria and Cole as a family.
Victor says she’ll make a move, and they’ll be ready for it.
Nikki asks how they will talk Victoria into a staged photo shoot.
Victor says Nikki can convince her.
Michael comes into the house. He says he just met with Claire, and she’s all in!
Victor says he knew she would be.
Michael says Claire is a bit nervous to be out in the world and vulnerable to Jordan.
Victor asks if he has assured Claire of their security.
Michael says he did. He says Claire is upset that Victor intended to get her released even if she didn’t give the okay for it.
Nikki asks why Claire would think that.
Victor says it’s the truth. He wonders how she knew.
Michael says Claire guessed when he mentioned he’d already laid some of the groundwork. He tried to smooth it over, but Claire is very savvy.
Victor nods. She’s a Newman!
Memorial Hospital
Victoria shows up at the hospital to visit with Claire. She tells Cole and Claire that she was just at her parents’ house, and they need to put an end to Victor’s craziness.
Claire says she told Michael to go ahead with her release.
Victoria says Claire has to give her a chance to change her mind.
Cole says he’s discussed it with Claire already, and she’s got her mind made up.
Claire nods. There’s nothing Victoria could do to change her mind.
Victoria asks if Claire even knows the details of Victor’s plan. She asks how he intends to use her to get the message to Jordan… And what is the message, anyhow? What happens after that?
Claire says she doesn’t know the specifics, but when Jordan finds out Claire has been released, she’ll come out of hiding.
Victoria says it sounds simple and obvious, but she’s afraid there’s more to it and that Victor’s keeping them all in the dark for another reason.
Cole asks what the reason would be.
Victoria thinks there’s a bigger risk involved than Victor has told them.
Claire says Victor might be keeping Victoria in the dark because she’s fighting him on it.
Victoria says she knows her father better than Claire does.
Claire says she believes it, but for whatever reason, she trusts Victor on this, even though she’s sure he was going to go ahead with his plan to get her released whether she agreed or not.
Victoria says that’s exactly what Victor does. He makes rules they all have to live by, even if they don’t know what they are.
Claire says there’s a lot to learn about her grandfather, but she knows he loves his family. She’s known that since she saw him risk his life for them all at the lake house. He won’t put his family in danger!
Victoria says he wouldn’t do it on purpose, but even Victor Newman can’t control everything.
Claire says she knows Victoria is scared for her, but she really wants to do it, and she could do it with or without Victoria.
Victoria asks if Claire would go against her wishes.
Claire says it means that much to her, but she’d like Victoria’s blessing. She says they’ve made so much progress and she doesn’t want to presume, but she feels like someday she could be a real part of Victoria’s family.
Victoria says she already is.
Cole says she’s a full part of their family. It’s what they’ve been hoping for and working on all along.
Claire says she needs to make up to her family for everything that she helped Jordan put them through. She asks Victoria to give her a chance. She calls her “Mom” and asks her for support.
Newman Ranch
Victor asks Michael what’s next.
Michael explains that he’s sent a motion to the judge with letters from Victor and Claire’s doctors.
Nikki asks how long it’ll take.
Michael says he’s hoping for the judge to rule on his request tomorrow morning.
Victor says once Claire is out, Michael needs to alert the press. They need to move quickly on this!
Michael asks if Victor has Victoria and Cole’s approval for the photo shoot. They were pretty opposed to the early-release plan.
Victor doesn’t say anything.
Nikki says they’re still opposed to it.
Michael asks Victor how that’s going to work.
Victor says it will work… Don’t worry.
Memorial Hospital
Victoria tells Claire she knows how important it is to her and wants to give her what she wants, especially when she calls her “Mom.”
Claire asks if it’s okay to call her that.
Victoria tells her to never stop calling her that… It’s who she is! She says “mom” comes with a lot of responsibility, like telling their kids “no” when they want something that’s not good for them.
Claire asks if Victoria is saying no.
Victoria says she’s not. She’s terrified that she’s not doing everything that she can to protect her daughter.
Claire says she understands, but she’s an adult. Is she doing this with or without Victoria?
Victoria asks what Cole thinks.
Cole says he feels they should trust their daughter’s instincts. She’s got a lot of her mother in her, and they can’t stop her once she’s set her mind to something.
Victoria sighs and says she’ll back Claire up on this… But she’s going to lay some serious ground rules with Claire’s grandfather, and they’re non-negotiable.
Audra’s GCAC Suite
Audra and Tucker walk into the room. Audra rants about Ashley’s “performance” and hopes Tucker didn’t fall for it.
Tucker says it was quite the display.
Audra says they did what Tucker wanted, and Ashley only doubled down. She says she’s done with her, and they need to get away from Ashley’s toxicity immediately. No more waiting; they need to go to Paris tonight!
Tucker smiles.
The Abbott Mansion
Ashley walks into the house, throws her coat on the sofa, and pours herself a drink.
She hears her own voice in her head. “I don’t like where this is headed.”
Ashley says, “Shut up. Stop it. Shut up.”
The voice won’t stop. It tells her to wake up.
Ashley looks around, afraid. She begins to cry.
Missed an episode? Check out our Young and the Restless recap archives!
Check out our latest Y&R Comings and Goings!
Make sure to comment about this episode and recap below!
Have you joined our Facebook group “Official Y&R Early Recaps, Spoilers, and News!” yet? Enjoy chatting with other like-minded Y&R fans in our group, which is dedicated to recaps, spoilers, rumors, gossip, and comings and goings.
You can also follow us on Twitter or Threads to make sure you never miss any updates!