The Bold and the Beautiful recap (Aug. 28): What’s wrong with Eric?

If you’ve been wondering what’s had Eric so on edge on The Bold and the Beautiful, the soap answered the question today. He’d been relaxing at his home, sketching what is sure to turn into a masterpiece when he exclaimed due to pain in his hand. He did so twice before giving up on what he’d been working on and then his grandson, RJ, walked through the door.

RJ dropped by the Forrester Mansion to pick up his charger. He’d misplaced it somewhere around the residence. Eric didn’t know where it was, but this gave him the opportunity to open up about what is going on with him. He has arthritis in his hands which is making it difficult for him to sketch. Eric has an impeccable line just waiting to be brought to life on paper and then in fabric but he can’t get it out of his head because of the pain he’s been experiencing.

He also shared with RJ that he’s been clashing with Ridge because, it is his belief, that his son is trying to put him out to pasture by telling him that he should concentrate on retirement and playing pickleball and golf. Eric wants to leave another mark on the world with his vision and he’s determined to do this which is why he asked RJ to help him. His grandson is the only who knows about his condition. RJ didn’t answer him so we wait with baited breath.

What happened on The Bold and the Beautiful today?

Meanwhile, back at Forrester Creations, Ridge was talking with Steffy about Eric’s recent mood. He let her know that he’s become agitated now with people using his office even Steffy. Ridge isn’t sure what’s going on, but he does think they’ll be able to work it out in the long run. What he’s most concerned about is Thomas. He asked her if she knew where her brother stands with Hope, but Steffy didn’t know.

Clearly, for the sake of her own marriage, Steffy is rooting for a reconciliation between Hope and Liam, but she’s unaware of where Thomas comes in. This is worrisome to Ridge because his son had been in a good place and he doesn’t want him to backslide. They all know how Thomas was when he was obsessed with Hope, and no one wants him to be in that place again.

So far there isn’t any indication that Thomas is obsessing, even if he is making ill-advised decisions. On today’s episode, he paid Liam a visit at Spencer Publications in a wild attempt to get him to go back to Hope. Yep, Thomas, a man who wants Hope himself, tried to get Liam to give her another chance because she quote, “deserves it.”

Liam was galled by Thomas’ appearance, but he remained calm as he explained to Thomas that he’s the last person who should be talking to him about getting back together with his wife. Even if Thomas didn’t have the specter of his decision to keep Beth’s true identity from Lope hanging over him, seeing him kiss Hope didn’t win him any favors with Liam.

Thomas reminded his rival that Hope has forgiven so much in their marriage. Liam even had a paternity scare with Steffy and Hope didn’t leave him. But Liam still didn’t budge. He acknowledged that he loves Hope and that she loves him, but that he wasn’t going to fix their marriage like she wanted. Liam told him that Hope was aware that Thomas was a deal breaker between them. She knew she’d never be forgiven if she crossed the line, and she did it anyway.

When Thomas called Liam a fool for his choice and tried to talk about how they both care about Hope, he got rightfully dismissed. Though his parting shot was that one day Liam would come to regret letting Hope go. Considering Liam believes leaving Steffy was his biggest mistake that comment may not age well.

After leaving Liam’s office, Thomas went to Forrester Creations. He gazed at Hope from the doorway as she worked until she noticed he was standing there. The spark that’s been between them for sometime was alive and well as he told her that he paid Liam a visit in the hopes that he’d take her back. He ended up telling her that he was given the same rebuff that Liam couldn’t forgive what happened between them and then Thomas proceeded to give Hope a romantic speech about wanting to be with her.

Thomas was livened by the kiss they shared in Rome. He wants to create for her and make love to her, he really does see a future for them and he wants her to give him a chance. They kissed and, while Hope didn’t put distance between her and Thomas, she did look unsure after it happened. But, it should be noted that earlier in the episode she let slip to Brooke that she still has feelings for Thomas and then tried to cover it by saying she meant in past tense.

The two had been discussing how Liam can’t forgive her which is why he won’t at least try to keep their family intact for Beth’s sake. Brooke was surprised and thought Hope was frustrated because of Liam but she admitted to being frustrated with herself and her choices. She can see that if Liam can’t forgive her for a kiss then he certainly wouldn’t be able to move past her being intimate with Thomas.

He doesn’t know. Thomas didn’t tell him and he won’t because he believes that that’s his and Hope’s moment that Liam shouldn’t be a part of but with how often it’s being brought up, it’s hard to believe more people besides Ridge and Brooke won’t know at some point.

Speaking of Brooke, she shared with Steffy and Ridge that she’s concerned about Hope because she’s vulnerable right now. Obviously, if Hope does pursue a romance with Thomas, Brooke is going to think it’s all his fault instead of recognizing her daughter means it when she says that she has feelings for him. She told her not to go back to Thomas but Brooke may not get what she wants. Until next time, Bold fans. Stay beautiful!

New episodes of The Bold and the Beautiful stream on Paramount+.