The triple threat of Susan Flannery, John McCook, and Ronn Moss proved just how magnetic an emotional confrontation can be when a trio of actors are working one for all and all for one.
With Ridge believing that Eric was squeezing him out of their company, it was a situation ripe for overkill: Mother and son abandon husband and father for greener corporate pastures. But all involved resisted the urge to chew the scenery. Sure, there were tears in the eyes, but nary a teardrop actually fell. The emotional turmoil was contained, but the shattering repercussions were felt by all.
McCook made the profoundly saddened Eric a tragic figure without appearing pathetic. Here was a deeply hurt man, but instead of lashing out like a wounded animal, McCook’s Eric struggled on nobly, trying to save whatever face he could, even as he pleaded with Stephanie, his longtime soul mate with whom he created and built a business and a family. It was clear he understood his culpability in this strife – he had shunted Ridge aside – and he tried to take it like a man.
Flannery, an actress often likened to a force of nature, reined in her energy and channelled it inward. Her power was still there, to be sure, but it was tempered. She came across as firm and determined rather than brusque and blustery. She made Stephanie dignified and focused as she reflected on the history of her relationship with Eric and admitted she’d lost respect for him.
Moss stepped up to the plate and knocked one out of the park. Faced with the prospect of being blasted off the screen by the battery of Flannery and McCook, Moss dug in. The determination in his stern tone of voice said Ridge was through acquiescing to his father. He was making his stand – by leaving. Moss didn’t muster any tears, allowing Ridge’s anger to fester rather than unleash a petty shouting tirade.
The final image as the camera’s tunnel vision grew dark – a staggered, lonely Eric slumped against a wall, as if in physical pain – was wrenching and fitting.
This troika’s triple play proved subtlety is best and certainly did justice to and outstanding script. Why should any show be content with one great job when piling up fine performances is thrice as nice?