The Bold and the Beautiful recap (Jan. 12): Taylor’s devastated by Sheila’s release

News of Sheila’s release began to travel in Jan. 12’s episode of The Bold and the Beautiful. Katie and Brooke, who’d been having a small sisterly check-in while they worked at Forrester, received the shocking revelation from Carter. This, of course, means it won’t be long before the entire family learns what happened at the hearing and why.

No one, however, is going to be more devastated than Taylor. She’s the one who was used as a means of keeping Sheila out of jail. Steffy and Finn were only put in the position that they were because of the crime she committed years ago. Though, to be fair, it does look like Bill had contingency plans. Remember, he also threatened to disclose that Li falsified Finn’s death record and treated him on his own. If that information got out she’d not only lose her medical license but could possibly serve jail time for fraud.

Not to mention, there seems to be an implication that there was, in fact, an eye witness who did see what happened in the alleyway but they won’t be coming forward. Sure, Sheila could have meant Steffy when she said that, but I feel like she would have simply said her daughter-in-law’s name if that were the case. And Bill had the judge in his pocket. This scheme to ensure Sheila walked away a free woman was layered, intelligent, and potentially airtight.

So, Taylor trying to sacrifice after the fact isn’t going to do anything more than hurt herself and her family, but she still insisted she turn herself in.

Here’s the full recap of events.

The Bold and the Beautiful recap (Jan. 12)

Taylor’s heart broke when she learned from Steffy that she had to drop the charges against Sheila. She couldn’t believe it had come to that and was having trouble wrapping her mind around the fact that it was Bill who helped her. She was mildly weirded out by the idea that he’d gotten himself romantically entangled with the infamous woman, but quickly moved away from that piece of the puzzle because it’s the least jarring part of this whole situation.

Like Steffy, she spoke on how Bill gave his word that he wouldn’t say anything, but that’s neither here nor there now. As the conversation went on, Taylor’s guilt started to overcome her. Distraught and seeing only one way to fix this, she stated she was going to turn herself in. Both Steffy and Finn were vehemently against that idea, but Taylor tried to insist.

She doesn’t want her daughter to be concerned about her well-being when she needs to concentrate on ensuring the safety of her children. Sinn, however, kept saying that Taylor’s a good person and shouldn’t be put behind bars. I believe the stronger argument is that it wouldn’t make a difference.

Sinn can’t just drop the charges against Sheila and then pick them back up days or weeks later. Sheila’s been processed out and there’s no new evidence in the case. They’d have to prove they were blackmailed and coerced into dropping charges which they can’t do because every interaction they had with Bill was verbal and would turn into a he said/she said case. Their only hope, at this time, would be the potential eye witness testimony that was silenced and/or a possible recording of their conversations in Judge McMullen’s chambers where Bill threatened them.

Also, he could always deny that Taylor was the one who shot him since the case is old and he could frame her as a mother doing what she thinks is best for her daughter by martyring herself. Bill truly did spin this situation into his favor with a meticulous plan. I’m really not sure how the Forresters can turn this around, it’s not impossible, but for now Sheila’s out of jail and she’s overjoyed.

She and Bill continued spending time together at his mansion in the episode. The nefarious couple basked in what Bill had achieved as Sheila thanked him once more. As she keeps saying, she’s given her life to him. For his part, he’s assured her that he’ll keep her from going back behind bars. They even had a nice talk about letting go of the idea she’s had of being able to be in Finn and Hayes’ lives.

Surprisingly, that conversation wasn’t prompted by Bill. It was all Sheila. She spoke on how much she loves them both and Steffy, and how she’s always wanted a family, so that dream is hard to let go of. Bill’s response was that he couldn’t promise she’d be able to have a relationship with them, but he’d protect her. It was a sweet moment, the two look good together. Though I’m quite sure Bill’s family won’t feel the same.

It won’t be long before Katie comes knocking on his door. She only got to enjoy her sisterly conversation with Brooke for a short while before Carter delivered the news about Sheila’s release. The two women had been updating each other on what’s been going on in their lives. Brooke shared that Ridge is traveling which is something he needs to do right now as he does some soul searching, and that she and Taylor have been getting along.

I do have to say that Brooke’s belief that Ridge was the only thing keeping the two from being friends still rings as disingenuous. Especially, in the context of what she listed as her and Taylor’s common traits. They’re both career and family oriented. That’s where the list ends. Bland right? I’m sorry but those two things aren’t strong enough to sustain a friendship.

In any case, it was nice seeing Brooke make Katie laugh and smile about her budding romance with Carter. Katie said they’re taking things slow, but she was enjoying Brooke’s description of her handsome, accomplished, “luscious,” beau. Then said man walked in and dropped a bomb on them.

The episode ended before we got more than the two’s shocked reaction, so I’m sure we all can’t wait to see their full responses. Until next time, Bold fans. Stay beautiful!

For a look at what to expect next on The Bold and the Beautiful, click here for this week’s spoilers. New episodes are available to stream on Paramount+.