The Young and the Restless Recap for Monday, December 30, 2024: Ian and Jordan put their sinister plan into action

At the Newman ranch, Victor commented that it had been quite a year. Nikki marveled at how lucky they were after all the turmoil they’d faced. She cited welcoming Claire into the family, Victoria and Cole rediscovering their love, and Connor being on the road to recovery. Victor reminded her not to forget about them. “How could I ever,” she cooed, and they kissed. Victor considered Nick’s continued involvement in Sharon’s ongoing saga to be the only cloud hovering above their family, and he proclaimed that his New Year’s resolution was to resolve the problem.

At the cottage, Mariah announced that she’d soon be off to Society to ring in the new year with Tessa. Faith requested that Mariah wish Tessa a happy 2025 for her, since Faith wasn’t feeling up for celebrating. Sharon protested that she didn’t want her children missing out on anything because of her, and she decided they should all go to Society together. Sharon declared that she was ready to face the world again, and she wanted to be with her girls to put a terrible year behind them and look forward to a better one.

Later, Nick arrived and told Mariah that he had good news for Sharon. Mariah reported that her mom was getting dressed because they were all going to Society at Sharon’s suggestion. Nick was happy Sharon wanted to go out, but he questioned whether it was the best night. He worried that the real killer knew Sharon was the only person who could identify them, and he was still working on getting Sharon personal protection. Mariah reasoned that she, Faith, and Tessa would also be there, and Sharon would be safe in a restaurant full of people.

Nick decided to join the ladies after he checked on his parents, and he asked how Sharon seemed. Faith entered the room and happily stated that her mother felt like herself again after she’d stopped taking the tainted medication. Sharon descended the stairs in a fancy dress, and Nick said she looked beautiful. Sharon invited him to join them, and he mentioned that he’d just agreed to stop by after he saw his mom and dad. Nick informed her that he’d spoken with Michael, and the police had officially reopened the investigation.

Sharon was stunned that the police and D.A. had believed her enough to want to revisit the case. Nick was confident that Chance had never thought she was the killer, but Faith argued that the police hadn’t considered anyone else. Sharon pointed out that she’d confessed because she’d thought she’d killed Heather, and she accepted that they still needed proof someone else had been in the apartment that night. Nick pledged to get it, but he thought that night was about celebrating.

Sharon thanked her family for having faith in her, and Faith credited Nick for fighting the hardest. Mariah prepared to head out. Sharon opted to take her own car, expecting to call it a night before her daughters did. Faith wanted to go with Nick to wish her grandparents a happy New Year’s Eve first. After Mariah rushed out, Sharon shuddered to think the real killer was still out there. Nick mentioned that the police had put a team on Daniel and Lucy for their protection, and he was working on the same thing for Sharon. He added that they didn’t know the killer’s motive, and he needed to know everyone was safe – especially her.

At the Abbott mansion, Diane straightened Jack’s tie and called it perfect, and he adoringly responded that she was perfect herself. Traci bemoaned that Alan was stuck in a blizzard and wouldn’t be able to get a flight out to spend their first New Year’s together. Jack and Diane suggested Traci join them, but Traci hesitated to be a third wheel. Jack reported that Harrison had a cold, so Kyle and his son were hunkered down upstairs, playing video games. Jack lectured that being alone wasn’t the way to ring in the new year, and he was adamant that they do it as a family with laughter and Champagne. Traci and Jack hugged.

At the jazz club, Michael and Lauren warmly welcomed Christine, who lamented that Danny was snowbound in Canada until the next morning. Christine explained that she’d only been able to make it there because she’d stopped by to see Nina in Los Angeles. Michael asked if Nina was still angry at Chance for being back on the police force, and the threesome laughed about how some things never changed. Christine prepared to step aside to mingle, assuming that the Baldwins wanted to be alone. Lauren figured that she and Michael saw one another all the time, and Christine considered them the best company she could imagine if she couldn’t spend the holiday with the love of her life. Christine scowled when Phyllis, Daniel, and Summer walked in.

The Abbotts joined the Baldwins, and Traci and Christine commiserated about their partners being snowed in. Jack inquired about Lauren’s family, and she shared that Chloe and Kevin were at Disney World with their kids, while Fen and Trey were traveling abroad on business. Jack reported that Ashley was back in Paris, and Christine sympathized that it wasn’t easy to get family together during the holidays. Lauren recognized that their kids had their own lives, so she and Michael were back to where it all started. Michael joked that it was a good thing they still liked one another. “Most of the time,” Lauren ribbed.

Christine saw Phyllis glaring at them and quipped that if Phyllis’ eyes were a weapon, they’d all be dead. Christine wondered if Phyllis was still mad that Michael had taken Sharon’s case, and Michael muttered that it was an understatement. Michael acknowledged that Phyllis had “been through hell,” but he believed Sharon was innocent, and Phyllis didn’t want to hear that things were more complicated than she thought. Michael recalled that he and Lauren had renewed their wedding vows the year before, and he was determined to make the evening festive. Michael and Lauren kissed.

Daniel objected to just standing there, and he offered to get some drinks. Summer agreed, but Phyllis continued to silently glower at Michael. Daniel complained that his mother had been staring for ten minutes, and Phyllis griped that she was having a difficult time understanding how Michael could celebrate when he was supporting the murderer who’d framed Daniel. Phyllis snarled that there was “a special place in hell” for someone like Michael. Summer proposed that they just ignore the Baldwins and have fun. Phyllis promised that she wouldn’t say another word about her former friends for the rest of the night, but she continued to look over at them.

Later, Jack, Traci, and Diane greeted Daniel and Summer. Jack said they were all thinking of Daniel, and Traci asked how Daniel was doing. Daniel replied that he was taking one day at a time, and some days were easier than others. Jack offered to talk anytime, and Diane inquired about Phyllis. Summer indicated that her mom was there somewhere, and she asked if Harrison was feeling better. Diane bragged that her grandson had been beating his father at video games, and Jack called Harrison the happiest sick kid in town.

Daniel imagined the boy had the same bug Lucy had, adding that she’d gone to bed early. Summer figured it was the only reason Daniel had agreed to join them. Daniel conceded that on most days, he wanted to crawl under a rock and hibernate, but life went on whether they wanted it to or not. Jack was glad Daniel was there, and he guessed that Heather wouldn’t have wanted Daniel to approach the new year looking backward. Diane considered that true for all of them.

Meanwhile, Christine was shocked to hear that Sharon had recovered her memories under hypnosis, but Michael divulged that Sharon still hadn’t been able to identify the real killer. Christine played devil’s advocate by pointing out Sharon could have made the whole thing up. Michael reported that the police were reopening the investigation, so they should be able to prove Sharon’s innocence. Phyllis overheard and surmised the case had been reopened because of the snake oil he was peddling. Phyllis vowed to keep her promise to her kids to bite her tongue that night, but she intended to sit back and watch the “so-called new investigation” blow up in their faces. Phyllis asked “Cricket” if Danny had finally gotten wise and dumped her. Lauren dryly wondered when the tongue-biting would start.

Christine shared that Danny was snowbound in Canada. Phyllis speculated that he was hunkered down in a hotel room with a random groupie. Christine retorted that Phyllis would know more about that than she did. Michael attempted to intervene. “What, traitor?” Phyllis snapped. Lauren begged Phyllis to just enjoy the party, and Summer announced that the drinks had arrived. Phyllis wished she’d ordered two.

Christine told Daniel she was sorry his father couldn’t be there as Phyllis and Summer stepped away. Phyllis crossed over to the Abbotts and pointedly wished Jack and Traci a happy New Year, deliberately snubbing Diane before walking away. Traci chortled and considered the exchange to be as awkward as usual. Unfazed, Diane said she was used to it. Traci hoped it was the end of the drama, since they’d had enough for one year.

Phyllis, Daniel, and Summer chugged their drinks. Summer pushed to find out how Daniel was really doing. He recalled having fun on New Year’s Eve with Hather, but he found it hard not to think about her case when he was under police protection. Phyllis huffed that it wouldn’t be necessary if the police hadn’t given Sharon a free pass, but she recognized that she’d agreed not to talk about it. Phyllis grabbed her children’s hands and swore it would be a better year. Daniel grumbled that it had to be, but he also appreciated the good vibes and pledged to try to make them last.

Someone put their hands over Christine’s eyes from behind. “Happy New Year, gorgeous,” Danny said, and she squealed that he’d made it. They kissed and hugged as Phyllis jealously looked on. Christine stepped aside when Daniel crossed the room to embrace his father. Daniel thanked Danny for taking care of Lucy. Danny said his granddaughter had been a big help, although she’d been a little bossy. They laughed.

Daniel admitted that every time he thought he had a chance of moving on, something complicated things and made them worse. Daniel promised to fill in Danny later. Jack and Traci welcomed Danny home, and Danny observed that she looked happy. Danny assumed things had been progressing with her and Alan, and he professed that no one deserved happiness more. Danny wished that he’d been able to have his pilot swoop in to pick Alan up, but he’d barely been able to get there himself.

Summer cautioned Phyllis against starting anything. Phyllis swore she wouldn’t embarrass either of them, and she headed upstairs. Summer realized it was almost midnight, and Daniel wondered if their mom would be back. Summer thought seeing Danny and Christine together had been the clincher for Phyllis, and Daniel figured that they couldn’t force their mother to celebrate.

Daniel asked if Summer was expecting a surprise guest, but she revealed that Chance was pulling a graveyard shift. She reported that things weren’t back on track in the relationship, but they’d made some progress. Daniel warned that she’d have to settle for a midnight kiss from her brother. She was glad they had one another, and they hugged.

At Society, Tessa assured Abby that the kitchen was a well-oiled machine, and Abby called hiring Tessa one of the best decisions she’d ever made. Tessa jokingly warned that she might ask for a raise, and she noted that it had been a big year for Abby. Abby gushed that she’d never been happier in her life, but she was sure Tessa and Mariah knew all about the joys of marriage. Abby admired the way her friends had been handling the situation with Sharon. Tessa shared that they finally had some hope, and she wanted 2025 to be joyous, happy, and blissfully uneventful. Ian hovered outside, watching through the window.

Later, Devon declared it his and Abby’s first official New Year’s Eve as a married couple. She apologized for having to work, but he considered it an excuse to look at her until he got his New Year’s kiss at midnight. Abby preferred not to wait that long, and she planted one on him. She prepared to check on things in the kitchen, and he volunteered to go with her to test out the truffle fries.

Tessa answered a call from Mariah and was thrilled to hear that Sharon and Faith would be tagging along. Tessa exclaimed that it was a big step for Sharon, and Mariah anticipated that the next year might actually be a good one for all of them. Ian entered the restaurant and heard Tessa say she’d see Mariah in half an hour. Tessa sipped from a water bottle as Ian approached and asked if she remembered him.

At Crimson Lights, Esther inquired whether Claire had plans for New Year’s Eve. Claire intended to have a quiet celebration at the ranch with her family since it was her first year as a Newman. Claire said she was amazed when she thought about how it had all started, and she felt lucky to have a new family, a new job and a new everything. Jordan lurked on the patio and eavesdropped as Claire enthused that she couldn’t wait to see what happened in 2025.

Esther wished Claire a happy New Year and disclosed her own plans to party with a gentleman friend. Claire left, and Jordan received a text message from Ian, who told her it was time for action at Society in half an hour, ending the note with, “Praise be.” Jordan smirked and headed out.

Claire stopped by the ranch and told Nikki and Victor that Cole had whisked Victoria away for a romantic celebration for two. Nikki was sure Victoria needed a change of scenery after being cooped up for the holidays. Victor invited Claire to have some Champagne. Claire called him a man of many surprises, noting he’d first welcomed her dad into the family and later offered Cole a job. Claire reported that Cole was considering the offer.

Nikki voiced surprise that Claire didn’t have other plans that night. Claire revealed that Kyle was at home to take care of a sick Harrison, and she wanted to be at the ranch to spend her first New Year’s Eve as a Newman with her family. Victor toasted to the Newmans near and far. “May this year be the best of all!” he proclaimed.

A short time later, Nick and Faith arrived at the ranch to wish Victor and Nikki a happy New Year. Nikki mentioned that Claire was checking on her new horse at the stables. Faith apologized for not being around much, but Nikki noted that her granddaughter had been dealing with a lot. Faith insisted that she was doing much better, and she shared that she and Nick would be heading to Society because Sharon had decided she wanted to celebrate in public after her ordeal. Nick explained that there had been new developments that could be a game-changer.

Nick recounted that Sharon had gone through hypnosis and relived the night of Heather’s death, and it had been clear Heather had still been alive, and someone else had been in the room. Nick continued that the police were figuring out what had happened, and the investigation had been reopened. Claire returned and exchanged hugs with Nick and Faith.

Meanwhile, Ian hoped to make a reservation for two for dinner at Society, but Tessa informed him they were completely booked. She offered to put his name down if they had a cancellation, and she stepped away to check on something. Ian slipped something into her water bottle.

Tessa returned and prepared to add “Warren’s” name to the waiting list. Ian informed her that he’d already jotted his number down on her notepad. She joked that she should hire him, and she promised to call if there was a cancellation. He stepped outside, and she sipped from her water bottle.

Abby looked forward to a very special new year with her new husband and new life. Devon admitted that he thought New Year’s Eve was a lot of hype because every day with her was the beginning of forever. Between kisses, she teased him for being cheesy because he was in love. Tessa interrupted and asked Abby to watch the door because she was feeling lightheaded. Tessa chalked it up to not eating much that day, and she headed off to get a snack.

A short time later, Tessa returned, and Devon noticed she still looked shaky. Tessa complained that she couldn’t clear her head, and Abby prompted her to go to the office and lie down while she called Tessa a cab. Tessa opted to go outside to get some air, and she exited the restaurant. A waiting Ian pretended to follow up with his reservation inquiry and caught her in his arms as she struggled to breathe. He assured her that he had her.

The citizens of Genoa City counted down to midnight as Sharon exited her car, smiling excitedly. Jordan clapped a chloroformed rag over Sharon’s face until Sharon passed out.

Meanwhile, Ian held an inhaler to Tessa’s mouth as Mariah passed by. Mariah gasped when she recognized Tessa and asked what had happened. Mariah expression turned from concern to horror when she realized that Ian was the man tending to Tessa.

Watch full episodes of The Young and the Restless on CBS or stream on Paramount Plus.