At the ranch, Victor and Nikki's conversation is all about reflecting on the past - hindsight being 20/20. If they only knew then what they know NOW. Flashbacks include Hope's worry over producing a blind child. Oh the joy - Victor Newman JR is perfect (as cradled in his proud Daddy's arms). Later, Hope sobs about raising Victor JR on the farm (as she can't adapt to Victor's complicated world). Victor never resented Hope (or her decision to cut him out) - and has 'wonderful' memories of Adam as a child. Flashback to Hope on her deathbed - wondering if she made a mistake. Either way, Adam learning that Victor was his father changed both their lives.

Hope's on her deathbed, telling Adam that Victor is his father. Her dying wish is for them to take care of one another - for me. Those were her last words, Victor mopes to the supportive Nikki. Now we see a grief stricken Adam at Hope's grave site - vulnerable and 'utterly lost'. Then Adam's arrival at NE - not for a family - for a career move (which is why he's changed his name to Adam Wilson). Victor understands (but hopes Adam will one day take the Newman name proudly). Of only he believed Adam then (the he had no interest in being part of the Newman family).

More wistful reflection. Adam saw Nick and Vikki as obstacles - not siblings. Seeing how they grew up, Adam felt cheated. When Victor was presumed dead, Adam showed his true colours (firing Neil and Vikki). Flashback to Victor returning (from Mexico) to deal with it (surprising Adam - as he's busy kissing Heather). He ran 'roughshod' over the company, Victor recalls being so angry at Nick and Vikki - that his will left the keys to the kingdom to Adam. Flashback to Victor lambasting Adam (for his disappointing show of character). Thank God Hope's not alive to see it. Adam's now OUT of Victor's home and business. Now, we move on to Adam forging the diary (and visiting Victor in jail - to 'smugly' accuse him of ruining his life). But soon, it was Adam behind bars (worried about going blind). Victor couldn't turn his back on his 'terrified and helpless' son. But, bringing him home was an unappreciated 'error'.

He fooled everyone, Nikki won't allow Victor to blame himself. Flashback to Victor walking in on Adam and Nick duking it out (in his office). It sure didn't help that the brothers were in love with the same woman. Nikki thinks what Adam did to Ashley, ''sick' - and then all the lies started to unravel. Flashback to Victor offering to forgive Adam (if he tells the truth). Adam insists he's being honest. Now we revisit the kangaroo court (at the cabin) - with Phyllis bringing the final piece of the puzzle (Dr Taylor's confession). Victor mourns the loss of his baby with Ashley (to Nick and Sharon). Only a man with no soul could do something like that. Flashback to Victor in Adam's hospital room - Hope raised him properly. Given what he's done to Ashley and Sharon, perhaps Adam was born evil. As Victor reminisces about the baby he held (to whom he'd have given the world), he gets a call - the Judge is ready to announce her decision.

All gather in court to hear the Judge go over the charges Adam may face in trial. But the DA has many conflicts of interest. Plus, she has issues with every one of his witnesses. Ashley has a history of mental instability - Victor's claims are unsubstantiated - Jack's involvement with the forged diary taint his testimony (as is Nick's by his relationship with Sharon and the inheritance at stake) - Sharon could be a bitter ex wife. Sorry, but there will be no justice for the real victims here (Hightower and his son). As the DA hasn't met the burden of proof, the case against Adam is dismissed.

While Victor and Jack blame the DA's incompetence, HE blames the vengeful witnesses. And as Skye thanks Vance, Victor summons everyone to the ranch. With his aunt, Justin Hightower comes to ask Adam why he killed his Dad. And as Nick thanks Sharon for testifying, Victor (with Nikki) expresses condolences to Justin. Both he and his Aunt are awed by Victor's kindness (and assurance that the boy will be taken care of financially). You are not alone, he concludes.

In the hallway, Adam faces the angry mob. Go ahead, say what you want to, he invites. Inches from Adam's face, Victor gives him a contemptible look - then leaves without a word. One by one, the others follow his lead. But it's Sharon's look of disappointment that hurts Adam the most.

With everyone gathered at the ranch, Victor thanks them all for coming (on this difficult day). But they're asked not to seek vengeance. Instead, ignore Adam - pretend he never existed. Then THEY will win.

Now in their suite, Skye wonders why Adam's in such a crappy mood. Told she wouldn't understand, Skye refuses to 'reconsider' their 'arrangement'. She's going out for champagne - and Adam damn well better drink it. Once alone, Adam flashes back to Kansas. The bright young man heading off to Wall Street by his weepy proud Mom promises never to lose track of his priorities. You're a good man - make me proud, Adam remembers with a guilty look.

Victor continues his speech - Adam WILL pay for his crimes - by the weight of the sins he carries. He'll NEVER be a free man.

Next: You and Faith can move in with me, Nick invites Sharon .... Victor reading papers in the background, Nikki's stunned by what hers say - I can't believe it - Adam's SUING us!? ... Skye's angry at Adam - why can't you just walk away!?

My Thoughts: Did Adam really think that Skye was going to 'reconsider' their 'arrangement'? After paying Vance's hefty retainer? ... Nice to see Hope again (and the redone flashbacks (replacing the original Adam) show they have a good mother/son chemistry). Adam once being vulnerable - and having a Saint for a Mom is hardly enough to redeem the 'evilest evil-doer that ever eviled' - but it does show that Adam was once a nice boy with ambitions and dreams. However, the flashbacks also show that Victor DID try to forge a bond with his son (even going so far as to offer forgiveness - AFTER he tried to gaslight Ashley) ... Just as Victor said, Adam's clearly going to suffer from the weight of carrying his sins ... Still no media present to report on this case (you'd expect to at least hear Nikki snapping out a few 'no comments') ... Unless I missed him, I didn't see Baldwin anywhere in attendance ... I really don't understand how the Judge could decide there wasn't enough evidence to take Adam to trial - the kidnapping seems like an open/shut case (and why wasn't Dr Taylor's deathbed confession entered into evidence? ... Even though Adam won't be going to criminal court - can't they take him to civil court? or even small claims? (where the burden of proof is easier to meet?) Surely Ashley and Sharon would be awarded a nice chunk of the Newman hedge fund - or maybe little Justin can benefit. The kid and his Aunt's grief certainly was eradicated with Victor's offer of financial support. You are not alone? Really? Is Victor gonna take him to ball games n stuff? Will he one day show up at Victor's door - a young man in need of a job?