Bold and the Beautiful recap (Nov. 2): The fashion show begins!

We were presented with a double dose of shocking revelations on today’s episode of The Bold and the Beautiful. First, Hope for the Future is apparently in danger of getting cut. With all the hubbub surrounding the preview, you’d think someone would have mentioned that Hope’s line had been considered dead in the water by the fashion industry but that news came today from multiple characters.

Adding to the tension was Liam’s initial decision not to attend the preview. Hope has been working toward this event for some time. It’s clearly monumental, so to watch him drag his feet about coming was something else. I’m going to be honest, Bold fans, I was yelling at the TV like he was my husband wronging me in the middle of one of the most important moments of my career. I was heated.

Though, I will admit that once Liam started making some valid points about why he didn’t want to have to sit there and watch his rival be applauded despite everything he’s done, I understood where Liam was coming from more. I still disagreed, but Scott Clifton’s line delivery had me sympathizing with Liam who is being shunted to the side right now in Hope’s life.

Here’s what happened in today’s episode!

Bold and the Beautiful recap (Nov. 2)

Forrester Creations showroom was abuzz with reporters, buyers, models, and designers as everyone anxiously awaited the start of Hope for the Future’s preview.

Among the cast were Big Brother season 24 contestants, Montel Taylor and Joseph Abdin, who are playing two of the top fashion reporters in the industry. Season 24’s history making winner, Taylor Hale, was also a part of the action as a model getting ready to strut down the catwalk in the collection’s finest.

Nobody, however, was more anxious than Hope who was pacing in the CEO’s office and running through her speech. Brooke was with her and trying to ease her worries, but a lot is riding on the preview. While working the showroom, Steffy mentioned that Hope for the Future needs this event to go well. Reporters and buyers alike couldn’t stop mentioning that they thought the line was at its end.

Steffy and Katie schmoozed accordingly, enticing their guests with sound bites and promising greatness from the new collection thanks to Hope and Thomas’ efforts. The line has taken a new direction and it’s one that should usher in a new era of success for the brand if it’s a hit.

When Liam arrived at the office, Hope fell into his arms with relief, but The Bold and the Beautiful‘s classic over the shoulder shots showed that they both have a lot on their minds. For Hope, it’s obviously the preview, but the reason for Liam’s moodiness came as a surprise.

Apparently, he didn’t intend to stay to watch the show. He’s distaste, and frankly disgust, for Thomas is so strong that he was willing to skip his wife’s big moment in order to avoid having to watch her celebrate with her lead designer. At first, his justification for this decision seemed petty and childish especially because the two had discussed the fashion show the previous day and he didn’t mentioned that he wouldn’t be coming.

But then Liam began to paint the scene that he’d be subjected to. Hope would be on stage thanking everyone, calling for Thomas to join her, and they’d hold hands in a triumphant moment all about their success together. Liam would have to sit there and swallow his disdain as Thomas is showered in praise not only by all in attendance but also Hope herself.

And it wouldn’t stop there. Thomas would ask her to stay afterward so they can celebrate. He’d extol their achievement and the fact that they’d done this as a unit, him and her. It would be something Liam couldn’t share in, a feat that belongs only to a man he despises and his wife. From that perspective, it’s understandable why Liam reached the decision he made even if it was still the wrong choice.

Liam can see Thomas and Hope’s relationship growing. He refuses to acknowledge it’s doing so because Hope is allowing it and encouraging Thomas’ closeness, but he can see it nonetheless. He accused Thomas of trying to be a surrogate husband to her, and he’s not far off the mark. Thomas, at this point, is Hope’s work husband. But he’s only in her pocket so much because she’s the one seeking out his support and time both professionally and personally.

It’s even effecting Douglas who has essentially dropped Liam like a hot potato in his quest to get his parents together. He briefly popped into the office looking for his mom and bypassed Liam like he wasn’t even standing there so he could go hug Hope and talk to her about all she and his dad have done to make this day possible.

You could see the heartbreak on Liam’s face. He’s being shut out and cast off whether Hope will admit it or not. The sad part is, she’s nowhere near Thomas’ level of feelings when it comes to their relationship, so her husband is feeling like an afterthought for a bond that she’s yet to even define outside of co-parenting and partnership on her line.

But it’s obvious that Thomas means more to Hope than he should given their past. As someone who’s a Thope fan, I’ve seen snatches of their connection throughout the years. It’s the slowest of slow burns, but it’s there and Liam caught a glimpse of it today unexpectedly.

After accepting that Liam wouldn’t come support her no matter how much she asked, Hope went to the showroom to give a rousing speech to everyone a part of the preview. Seeing her nerves, Thomas assured her that this would be a perfect moment for the line and that she has nothing to worry about. His confidence in their success has been a balm for Hope, helping her to settle and focus on the event.

The fashion show began after Hope, to the pride of her mother, her aunt, and Steffy, introduced Hope for the Future’s bold new direction and Taylor Hale took to the catwalk to usher in this new age for the line.

Backstage, Hope thanked Thomas for everything he’s done to make this preview happen. She told him that she couldn’t have done it without him, and he told her that this achievement belongs to them both. It’s his belief that together they can do anything and Hope agreed. The two hugged with big smiles on their faces, unaware that Liam was watching from the wings.

He’d decided to come after all but upon seeing them talking, smiling, and then embracing, he left with an ugly sneer. Jealousy, anger, bitterness, and disgust warred on Liam’s face. It shook me. That’s not a look we see often from him, it’s so rare, but it was in full display today.

It has me wondering what to expect from part 2 of the fashion show since Hope didn’t know Liam made an appearance and he’s now full of rage. Until next time, Bold fans. Stay beautiful!

Stay tuned to Hidden Remote for more The Bold and the Beautiful news and coverage! New episodes of the soap air Mondays-Fridays on CBS. Evening viewing is available on Paramount+.