TV BANTER : January 2015

Saturday, January 31, 2015

Y&R Report (January 31, 2015) The Latest on The Young and the Restless

As we approach the month of February, many Genoa City residents find themselves in dire circumstances. Nikki Newman is wallowing deeper into an alcoholic abyss. As for Victor, why hasn't he been able to figure out that his spouse is on the sauce again? He's usually sharper than that. Even Clueless Paul Williams knows that Nikki is drinking again. I guess Victor's been too busy "protecting his family" by being a bully and breaking the law.

Speaking of the Clueless One, that was some entrance he and his wife, The Cricketmeister, made to arrest Phyllis. First of all, isn't there a conflict of interest with Paul being the police chief and Christine being the District Attorney? Isn't the lovely Cricket pursuing a vendetta against Phyllis? That is not what a DA is supposed to do.

Dr. Stitch'em Up is starting to realize what Victor is like. He's only just had a taste of Victor's venom. The other men in Princess Victoria's life have experienced more of it, especially Billy. Victor never wanted his daughter to marry an Abbott, the brother of his arch-enemy, Jack. Do you remember how The Big Man used to refer to Victoria's first husband, Ryan, as "a punk?" Well, he calls Billy "a punk and a playboy." Victor only liked J.T. when J.T. was working at Newman Enterprises and he could control him. Once J.T. rebelled against Victor's controlling ways, he was no longer in The Black Knight's good books.

At times, Victor's wicked method of doing business repulses Victoria and she sometimes tries to stand up to Daddy. When it comes to the crunch, however, she will always remain loyal to him, even at the expense of her relationships with men.

The writers will drag it out a bit longer, but Neil will eventually get his sight back and he will discover the truth about Hilary and Devon. I'm not certain how he'll react, but it won't be how Hilary has imagined it. Lily's reaction is going to be even more interesting. She is going to feel really betrayed by both Hilary and her beloved Aussie hubby, Candy Cane.

Not that I expect reality from soaps, but the Adam storyline defies credulity. The viewer has to overlook the fact that Adam Newman has a different voice than the deceased Gabriel Bigham. Nick, who supposedly went to boarding school with Gabe, hasn't noticed that Gabe's voice sounds like Adam's voice? Sure, Adam's been transformed into a Gabe-lookalike by extensive cosmetic surgery. However, his voice hasn't been changed. Even if one can get past that, there are too many other coincidences. Nick just happened to know Gabriel from the past. Adam/Gabriel was somehow able to purchase the penthouse apartment across from Chelsea's place. It was conveniently on the market.

Having said all that, I'm still enjoying the storyline and I think it's inevitable that Chelsea and Adam/Gabriel are going to connect. Then, where will that leave Billy Boy? He'll probably try to reunite with Victoria, except that Stitch (he looks more like a Stitch than a Ben) is in the way.

I don't know about you, but I miss Esther. Have you noticed that since the death of Mrs. Chancellor, Esther's appearances have been minimal. I'd like to see more of her. Kate Linder, the actress who portrays Esther, deserves more screen time! Her presence on the show is waning. Even the Chancellor mansion is seldom shown anymore. Why not? Jill still lives there.

If you agree with me about Kate Linder, write to CBS and let them know. The powers that be do listen to the fans, if only because ratings are important to them. Remember that we heading into the February sweeps.

VIEWER FORUM

Here are some comments I received from CC from Etobicoke,

Lots of "switch your partner" dancing will be gong on with Chelsea, Billy, Gabriel, Sage, Victoria, Ben, Nick and Sharon but the reunion of Nick and Sharon is a turn off for me.

My feelings about Kelly vs. Phyllis flip from day to day.
The writers have me very confused.
Right now I can only conclude that they are both crazy! Poor Jack! He needs a clean break from both of them.

Yes, CC, there certainly is a tangled web of romance on the show right now. However, my feelings about Nick and Sharon are much different than yours. I think they belong together, even though Nick is behaving like a jerk right now. They have history and chemistry. However. like Nikki and Victor, they will continue to break up and reunite. If they were completely happy, there would be no conflict and no storyline. Nick and Sage will probably get together but it won't last. Eventually Nick will gravitate toward Sharon again.

The Kelly versus Phyllis situation is confusing, but I still think that Kelly is the one who is really unbalanced. Phyllis is likely to break up with Jack, at least temporarily. That is the reason for her behaviour. As for Kelly, I think she poisoned herself. She didn't use enough of the antifreeze to kill herself, but just enough so that she could set Phyllis up. There are a few things about Kelly;s past that we don't know yet. Stitch has alluded to the fact that she had a breakdown when her son died. She may even have driven the car that hit Delia, not Adam.

Fifi from Collingwood has weighed in with a prediction.

Here is my prediction. Kelly will succeed at driving Jack and Phyllis apart and Phyllis will end up with Joe Clark. Rationale: 1. This would drive her sister Avery crazy. 2. Did you notice the scene a couple of weeks ago when Phyllis walked into Crimson Lights as Joe Clark was leaving and Phyllis asked Avery who that guy was and Avery said "my ex" and Phyllis said "you let that hunk go!"

Yes, Fifi. I can see that happening. I don't think Avery and Dylan are going to get married any time soon because Joe is driving a wedge between them. Dylan's anger and his temper are not helping matters either. Joe may pay attention to Phyllis to see if Avery becomes jealous. I don't think Phyllis would reject Joe's advances.

Regular Y&R viewer, Helen from Scarborough, Ontario, can't stand the way Nick Newman refers to Adam/Gabriel Bingham as "Bingo."

CAST NEWS

Not surprisingly, Kyle Abbott is headed back to Genoa City and is he ever going to shake up Supergirl Summer's marriage! You can already see cracks in her union with Austin. The return of Kyle will not help matters, and you can be sure he hasn't gotten over Supergirl. I don't think the spoiled heiress and the Video Man have any chance of staying together. Summer will be divorced by the time she turns 20.

Kyle's return will also cause complications for his father, the hapless Jack Abbott. Jack certainly doesn't need any more shakeups in his life, especially now that he's in the middle of a war between Phyllis and Kelly.

The new Kyle will be portrayed by Australian actor Lachlan Buchanan. Buchanan is best known for his role Down Under in the soap Home and Away. Although he is from Queensland, Australia, he will have to assume an American accent for the part of Kyle.

I must say, Y&R really has a penchant for Aussie actors. The 24-year old- Lachlan will be the third Australian on the show, following Daniel Goddard (Cane Ashby) and Tristan Rogers

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Sean Carrigan, the actor who plays Dr. Stitch, has filed for divorce from Suzanne Quast, his wife of seven years, Frankly, I'm not surprised. At the Y&R March of Dimes charity tea, which I attended just before Christmas, a fan questioned the Y&R stars about their personal lives. Each of them mentioned their marital status, except Sean. He appeared so uncomfortable that Bryton James, the actor who portrays Devon Hamilton, chimed in and declared, "It's complicated!"

Carrigan made the following statement to Soap Opera Digest: "My wife and I jointly filed for divorce at Santa Monica courthouse today. It's amicable and we're citing irreconcilable differences. It's been really sad for us but we both agree it's the right thing at this time."

BEST LINE

The best line goes to Billy Boy Abbott. When Victor arrived at little Katie's christening, Billy solemnly declared, "It's Dr. Evil!"

Y&R REPORT READER'S POLL

Aly Lind

McKenna Grace

Which Faith Newman do you prefer?

As far as I know, the role of Faith currently belongs to Aly Lind. Aly originated the role and was replaced by McKenna Grace. Then McKenna left and Aly returned. Recently Aly had a part in a film and McKenna filled in. It seems as if the two little girls are quite busy and very much in demand.

I think McKenna plays Faith with more of an edge. She is more bratty in the role, while Aly is sweeter. I can see McKenna's version of Faith growing up to be a spoiled heiress like her Aunt Abby.

That's all for now. Get ready for the February sweeps and Valentine's Day. Don't forget to check out the next edition of Y&R Report on Saturday, Feburary 14, 2015. just in time for Valentine's Day in Geona City.

- Joanne

Thursday, January 22, 2015

June Lockhart: Looking back at her career as she approaches her 90th birthday

I'm not really affected whether or not the phone rings asking me to do a job. When you're working, you're very professional and you do the work. You know your lines and you hit your marks and your collar's clean. There is a wonderful world out there besides what you do on screen.

- June Lockhart

June Lockhart should know about professionalism. After all, her show business career has spanned more than eight decades. June, who will turn 90 years old this year, has the perfect pedigree,for an actress. She was born on June 25, 1925 in New York City, the daughter of Eugene "Gene" Lockhart, a Canadian-born actor, singer and playwright, and Kathleen Lockhart (nee Arthur), an English-born stage actress and musician. Gene, a native of London, Ontario, passed away on March 31, 1957 at the age of 65. Kathleen died in in 1978 at the age of 83. June, the couple's only child, displayed her talent at an early age. When she was eight years old, she made her professional debut in a Metropolitan Opera production of Peter Ibbetson. She played Mimsey in the dream sequence.

Meanwhile, Gene Lockhart gained prominence on Broadway in 1933 after appearing as Uncle Sid in Eugene O'Neill's Ah, Wildesness!, alongside his wife, Kathleen. In the mid-1930s, however, the Lockharts left New York and headed westward to California where Gene enjoyed a successful career as a Hollywood character actor.

Young June made her screen debut in the 1938 film version of A Christmas Carol starring British character Reginald Owen. Her parents, Gene and Kathleen, portrayed the Cratchits, while 13-year-old June portrayed one of their children, Belinda Cratchit.

June (far (left) with her parents in A Christmas Carol

Gene Lockhart in the 1939 film Bridal Suite

June Lockhart's parents made sure that their daughter performed in quality films. A list of her early movies includes appearances in All This, and Heaven Too (1940), Sergeant York (1941), The White Cliffs of Dover (1944) and Meet Me in St. Louis (1944). Before graduating from high school, June had already worked alongside such Hollywood legends as Gary Cooper (Sergeant York), Bette Davis (All This, and Heaven Too, and Ingrid Bergman (Adam Had Four Sons).

June made her Broadway debut in 1947 in the comedy For Love or Money opposite British-born actor John Loder. She took New York by storm, winning a Tony Award in 1948 in the category of "Outstanding Performance by a Newcomer" (a category that no longer exists) for her role as the ingenue.

In the early 1950s, June began establishing a career on television with dramatic roles on The Prudential Family Playhouse (1951), and Pulitzer Prize Playhouse (1951) and as Dolly Madison in the TV movie Mistress of the White House (1952). From 1954 to 1956, she appeared three times on the legal series Justice. By the late 1950s, she was guest starring in a string of popular TV Westerns such as Wagon Train (1958) (1960), Cimarron City (1958), Gunsmoke (1958), Have Gun - Will Travel (1957) (1958) and Rawhide (1959).

From 1958 until 1964, June portrayed Ruth Martin on the classic TV show Lassie. She joined the cast as a replacement for Cloris Leachman who had originally played the role of Ruth, a devoted farm wife and the adoptive mother of an orphaned boy named Timmy. Leachman had been unhappy and producer Jack Wrather replaced her as soon as the show's fourth season drew to a close. In his online memoir, "Recollections," Jon Provost, who portrayed Timmy Martin, wrote: "Cloris did not feel particularly challenged by the role. Basically, when she realized that all she'd be doing was baking cookies, she wanted out."

June Lockhart took over the part of Ruth Martin at the beginning of Lassie's fifth season and remained with the show for six years. In 1959, she earned an Emmy nomination for her performance in the role. June's first appearance on the show was in an episode called "The Storm" (Season 5, Episode 1, Air Date: September 7, 1958). She played Ruth Martin in 207 episodes of Lassie, until the beginning of the show's 11th season in 1964. (Prior to the 1964-1965 season, the series was completely revamped with the Martin family moving to Australia without Lassie. The loyal collie began working with the U.S. Forest Service workers instead, and the show the show continued until 1974). Below are photos of June with Lassie.

In the 1950s, June was a panelist on a TV game show called Who Said That?, along with some renowned White House correspondents, including broadcaster H.V. Kaltenborn. She held them in such high esteem that she requested permission to travel with them Her request was approved by President Dwight D. Eisenhower's press secretary.

In 1964, June guest-starred in an episode of Perry Mason entitled "The Case of the Scandalous Sculptor" (Season 8, Episode 3, Air Date: October 8, 1964). She played the role of Mona Stanton Harvey, a wealthy woman whose husband tries to obtain $10,000 to pay a blackmailer. He devises his own blackmail scheme involving a model. When the model is murdered, however, Mona is charged.

That same year, June also appeared in episodes of such popular TV shows as Bewitched, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea and The Man from Uncle. In the Bewitched episode, entitled "Little Pitchers Have Big Fears" (Season 1, Episode 6, Air Date: October 22, 1964), she played Mrs. Burns, the widowed mother of a young boy who wants to try out for the baseball team despite the fears of his overprotective mom.

From 1965 to 1968, June co-starred in the popular science fiction television series Lost in Space. She played the role of Dr. Maureen Robinson, a biochemist, and the wife of Dr. John Robinson (Guy Williams), Professor Robinson is an astrophysicist specializing in applied planetary geology and he is the commander of the spaceship Jupiter 2. The Jupiter 2 is part of a historic American mission to colonize deep space, which includes the couple's three children, Judy (Marta Kristen), Penny (Angela Carttwright) and Will (Billy Mumy) and Major Don West (Mark Goddard). There is a stowaway too, the cowardly enemy agent, Dr. Zachary Smith (Jonathan Harris). Oh yes, The Robot is also aboard, he of the famous catchphrase "Danger, Will Robinson! Danger!

The Jupiter 2 goes off course and the Space Family Robinson, becomes . . . well, lost in space. However, the space travellers experience weekly adventures on various planets as they try to find their way to their destination. The show displayed an interesting array of special effects, especially once it began filming in colour. It's interesting to note that only the first season was shot in black and white.

June as Dr. Maureen Robinson in Lost in Space

When Lost in Space ended its run, June joined the cast of Petticoat Junction. From 1968 until 1970, she played the role of Dr. Janet Craig on the hit CBS sitcom. Dr. Janet arrived in the tiny rural town of Hooterville and rented a room at the Shady Rest Hotel, which had been run by Joe Carson (Edgar Buchanan) since the departure of his niece, Kate Bradley (Kate had been played by Bea Benaderet, who died in 1968). By 1970, the popularity of the rural-based sitcoms on CBS was waning and Petticoat Junction was cancelled.

June as Dr. Janet Craig on Petticoat Junction

In 1974, June guest starred on Marcus Welby, M.D. and Adam-12. In 1975, she played the role of Mrs. Bowman in an episode of Police Story. In 1976, she made an appearance on Happy Days in an episode called "Two Angry Men" (Season 3, Episode 20, Air Date: February 3, 1976), playing Judge MacBride (Howard Cunningham ends up in a small claims court after Fonzi's pigeon coup crashes down into his apartment).

June as a judge on Happy Days in 1976

In 1981, June played Diane Westmore Pauley in an episode of the detective series Magnum, P.I., starring Tom Selleck - "Lest We Forget" (Season 1, Episode 10, Air Date: February 12, 1981). Anne Lockhart, June's real-life daughter, portrayed her mother's character at the time of the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. In addition, Miguel Ferrer, Jose Ferrer's son, played his father's character, Judge Robert Caine, at a younger age.

From 1976 to 1983, June appeared three times on Quincy, M.E., a drama starring Jack Klugman as a coroner who investigates suspicious deaths. She played Mrs. Clara Rhodes in "A Star is Dead" (Season 1, Episode 3, Air Date: November 28, 1976), Dr. Blair in "Physician, Heal Thyself" (Season 4, Episode 18, Air Date: February 22, 1979) and Mrs. Hanover in "Quincy's Wedding - Part 2" (Season 8, Episode 18, Air Date: February 23, 1983).

In 1982, June made guest appearances on two prime time soaps, Falcon Crest and Knots Landing. She played Mara Wingate in a Falcon Crest episode entitled "Dark Journey" (Season 1, Episode 9, Air Date: January 29, 1982) and Hilda Grant in a Knots Landing episode called "Encounter" (Season 4. Episode 3, Air Date: October 14, 1982).

In 1985, June played a character named Beryl Hayward in an episode of Murder, She Wrote, the long-running Angela Lansbury murder mystery series. She appeared in an episode entitled "School for Scandal" (Season 2, Episode 4, Air Date: October 25, 1985). Polly Bergen, Roddy McDowell and John Vernon also appeared in the same episode. What a stellar cast!

In 1986, June portrayed Dr, Sylvia Heywood in yet another prime time soap, The Colbys, a spin-off of Dynasty featuring Charlton Heston and Katharine Ross in starring roles. June appeared in two successive episodes of the series: "The Turning Point" (Season 1, Episode 10, Air Date: January 16, 1986) and "Thursday's Child" (Season 1, Episode 11, Air Date: January 30, 1986).

In 1991, the sitcom Full House kicked off its fifth season with June guest starring in two consecutive episodes as Miss Without, Michelle Tanner's (Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen) kindergarten teacher. The first episode, is entitled "Double Trouble" (Season 5, Episode 1, Air Date: September 17. 1991). The second episode, in which Michelle schemes to match up her father, Danny Tanner (Bob Saget), with Miss Without, is called "Matchmaker Michelle" (Season 5, Episode 2, Air Date: September 24, 1991).

In the first photo below, June poses for a publicity shot with Bob Saget and Ashley Olsen. The second photo is a scene from the episode "Matchmaker Michelle."

In 1995, June appeared in an episode of Rosanne entitled "December Bride" (Season 8, Episode 11, Air Date: December 12, 1995). She played the mother of a gay man named Leon. In the episode, Roseanne holds a same-sex wedding for Leon. From 1997 to 1998, June had a recurring role as Celia Martin on Beverly Hills, 90210. She appeared in four episodes of the series.

In the 21st century, June Lockhart has continued to be active. In 2002, she appeared in two successive episodes of The Drew Carey Show as Misty Kiniski, the mother Louis Kinski (Ryan Stiles). In 2004, she played Betty Deline in an episode of Las Vegas entitled "You Can't Take it With You." (Season 1, Episode 17, Air Date: March 1, 2004). She also portrayed Agnes in a 2006 episode of Grey's Anatomy entitled "Break on Through" (Season 2, Episode 15, Air Date: January 29, 2006). That same year, she guest starred as Muriel Bartleby on Cold Case ("Beatutiful Little Fool," Season 3, Episode 19, Air Date: April 9, 2006). In February of 2013, she began filming for a video game with 3-D graphics called Tesla Effect: A Tex Murphy Adventure.

June Lockhart has been twice married and twice divorced. On January 17, 1951, she wed Dr. John F. Maloney and they had two daughters. Their first daughter, Anne Kathleen Mahoney, was born on September 6, 1953. Anne became an actress and her professional name is Anne Lockhart. A second daughter, June Elizabeth "Lizabeth" was born on November 21, 1955. Lizabeth has also goes by the name "Lockhart."

Anne Lockhart

June and Dr. Maloney divorced in 1959, Later that same year, the actress married John C. Lindsay, a prominent architect. She and Lindsay divorced circa 1970. Below is a photo of June and John with June's two daughters. The family is about to board the inaugural flight of Western Airlines "Champagne Flights."

END NOTES

June Lockhart

* June has always had a keen interest in aviation and the space industry. She has spent a great deal of time with astronauts and NASA officials and has witnessed space shuttle launches. In an April, 2004 interview with Bob Edwards on National Public Radio (NPR), June described herself as an avid watcher of C-SPAN and a NASA groupie. She said that astronauts have told her that Lost in Space inspired them. "I did Lassie for six years and I never had anybody come up to me and say, 'It made me want to be a farmer," she quipped.

* In 1984, June began appearing intermittently in the role of Maria Ramirez on the popular daytime soap General Hospital.

* In an interview with KAOS2000 magazine at the the Comic Con International in San Diego in July, 2000, June was asked if she had a favourite role. She replied, "Each for their own reasons. I certainly enjoyed Lassie. I'd be with it yet if they hadn't changed the format. I loved Lost in Space. It was like going out in the sand. being in kindergarten, and playing space. Petticoat Junction was wonderful. It was a privilege to work with those great character actors and I did that the last years it was on, as you know . . ."

- Joanne

Saturday, January 17, 2015

Y&R Report (January 17, 2015): The Latest on the Young and the Restless

Beau Kazer

Watch out Supergirl Summer. Mariah planted a kiss on your hubby Austin's lips and I'm sure that's not the end of it. Although Kevin seems to be falling for the volatile Mariah, I don't think that will prevent her from pursuing Austin. When Kyle returns to Genoa City, as expected. Austin will not be a happy camper. He will be jealous and resentful of Kyle's relationship with Supergirl and vulnerable to Mariah's advances.

Well, well, well! Spoiled heiress Abby Newman plans to have lots of fun with her mother Ashley's love potion perfume. As I mentioned in the last edition of Y&R Report, I think Abby will go after Dr. Stitch. Regular reader, Fifi from Collingwood, Ontario, pointed out to me that Abby kissed Detective Mark Harding at midnight on New Year's Eve and walked away. That's very true, but I think that the outspoken Ms. Newman will test the love motion on more than one man. The former Naked Heiress is on the loose and she is bound to stir things up. As for Detective Harding, he's not my cup of tea. I just can't warm up to his character. At least he's single, though.

Could this be the end of the long-time romance between Victor and Nikk? Now that Nikki is aware of Victor's nefarious deeds, will she ever forgive him again? We shall see. At the moment she is alienated from him and disgusted with his behaviour. Although she has tried hard to resist, Victor has driven her to drink again. Nikki can't help but be tempted when bottles of liquor and glasses are readily available right in front of her eyes at the Newman ranch. Only on a soap would an alcoholic have liquor in prominent display at home.

Nikki will become increasingly dependent on Clueless Paul Williams who is always prepared to go to the ends of the earth to help her. This will not sit well, of course, with their respective spouses. Victor will be angry that Nikki has confided in the feckless police chief about her drinking, rather than her own husband. Paul's pregnant wife, the lovely Cricketmeister, will not be too pleased either.

Princess Victoria Newman is with Dr. Stitch now, but she still hasn't gotten over Billy Boy Abbott. Although she tried to cover up her feelings, she was very sad and wistful when she learned that Billy had removed his wedding ring tattoo. I think the two will eventually reconnect, much to the dismay of Daddy Victor. Billy is becoming increasingly irritated with Chelsea;s closeness to Gabriel/Adam and Victoria is not going to be pleased when she finds out about Stitch'em up and Ashley Abbott.

By the way,what an acting performance by little Connor when he called Gabriel/Adam his daddy! That kid has talent, doesn't he?

VIEWER FORUM

Regular contributor, CC from Etobicoke, Ontario, has some comments.

Melody Thomas Scott is looking better since her recent illness.
Things seem to be in a lull at the moment but we can feel the explosion coming.
It is beyond me how Victor rationalizes his good in doing all the evil things he does.
How he and Nikki can even dream that their marriage and relationship is a good one is beyond me.

Do you think Dylan and Avery will make it to the altar?

Hilary is on the edge as Devon's game heats up.
Neil is in lala land about his marriage. It won't be long now.

I can do without the Michael/Lauren/cancer storyline.

Phyllis and Kelly will be going at it with hair pulling etc. soon. Poor Jack!

I guess things will come to a head during the Feb. sweeps which will be here soon.

Yes, CC, it is good to see Melody Thomas Scott looking healthier since her recent illness. I think that Nikki loves Victor in spite of his ruthlessness and his despicable behaviour. She is aware of his wickedness, but she also sees another side of her husband. The question is whether she has reached the saturation point with him. Will her ability to forgive The Big Man have limits, or is this just another breakup in their long history of makeups and breakups?

No, i do not think that Dylan and Avery will make it to the altar any time soon. It is becoming increasingly clear that Avery is still attracted to her ex, Joe Clark. She is trying very hard to suppress her feelings for Joe, but since Y&R is a soap, I do not think she will succeed. Dylan has a terrible temper and he suffers from post-traumatic syndrome due to his wartime experiences in Afghanistan. He is bound to do something that will cause Avery to turn to her smooth-talking ex.

I do not think that the Hilary and Devon affair will end happily for anyone. Neil is about to regain his sight and he is getting closer and closer to the truth. I can't wait to see what happens when he finally unmasks the duplicitous duo. The fallout is not going to be pretty. Neil will be devastated, but I really hope he doesn't hit the bottle again (although he may join Nikki as they fall off the proverbial wagon together). Lily will also display a strong reaction. To put it bluntly, she'll blow a gasket.

I too can do without the Michael/Lauren cancer storyline. Many people watch the show as a distraction or as pure escapism. Some viewers are dealing with cancer in their own lives and they don't want to be reminded of it when they watch television.

Yes, CC, Phyllis and Kelly are really at odds, but a new wrinkle in the plot is that Kelly is slowing revealing herself to be a very unbalanced individual. For a while, Jack will fall prey to Kelly's scheming and trickery, leaving Phyllis very frustrated. Jack has often proven to be an easy mark and will be duped by Kelly without much difficulty. It's "Blondie" versus "Red" in the battle for Jack's heart, and "Blondie" is already succeeding with her plan to turn Jack against Phyllis.

The February sweeps should be exciting, CC. I think the show has improved recently.

Here is an email I received from Fifi in Collingwood, Ontario.

I enjoyed seeing the flashback of Camryn Grimes as Cassie years ago. She has been an excellent actress all along and is doing a terrific job as Mariah. I loved when she called Summer "Snowflake."

I enjoyed the flashbacks too, Fifi, and I also think Camryn Grimes is a good actress. She's a prefect foil for Supergirl Summer. Her "snowflake line" was great and I had planned to used it as a "best line." Summer was not too thrilled when Mariah turned up at The Underground restaurant and interrupted her romantic rendezvous with Austin. Supergirl demanded to know why Mariah was there when she wasn't even scheduled to work. Mariah's response was priceless. "Can I see your I.D., Snowflake?" she asked, since Summer isn't even of legal drinking age.

CAST NEWS

Fans of Tristan Rogers (Colin Atkinson) will be pleased to know that the Australian actor will remain on Y&R for another year. He was scheduled to return to work on January 6th after a trip Down Under. He says his storyline will heat up.

BEST LINES

I enjoyed Jill's descriptions of Joe Clark. They were quite apt. She referred to the sleazy real estate developer as "tall, dark and oily." She also called him "a snake in an Armani suit."

That's all for now. Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear on Saturday, January 31, 2015, just before the February sweeps.

- Joanne

Monday, January 12, 2015

You Wanted to Know . . . about Chuck Woolery and his family

I recently received an email from a reader who is interested in American game show host Chuck Woolery and his family. The reader asked for some background on Woolery and his family. TV Banter is always happy to oblige reasonable requests from readers.

"Chuck ranks up there with the all-time masters of game-show hosting, the Tom Kennedys and Bill Cullens."

- David Schwartz, coauthor of The Encyclopedia of Game Shows.

"A guy called my smarmy once. I had to call him up and ask him what it meant."

- Chuck Woolery
Philadelphia Inquirer, posted online June 15, 2003
From an article by David Hiltbrand

Charles Herbert "Chuck Woolery" Chuck Woolery was born on March 16 1941 in Ashland, Kentuky. His father. Dan, who died in 1969, was the owner of a fountain-supplies company and his mother, Katherine, was a homemaker. The family also included Chuck's older sister, Sue, who is described as a nursing assistant in an October 28, 1991 People magazine article by Tim Allis.

Chuck Woolery aspired to a career in the music industry, but enlisted in the United States Navy instead. After completing two years of military service, the young man returned to his home state of Kentucky and attended Morehead State University where he studied economics and sociology, In the early 1960s, he worked as a sales representative for Pillsbury and as a consultant for Wasserstrom Wine in Columbus, Ohio.

Music was still in his blood, however, and he headed for Nashville, Tennessee where, in 1967, along with Elkin "Bubba" Fowler, he formed a psychedelic pop duo called The Avant-Garde. Backed by different session musicians, Woolery and Fowler released three singles for Columbia Records: "Yellow Beads," "Naturally Stoned" and "Fly With Me." In mid-1968, their recording of "Naturally Stoned," reached Number 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. The group disbanded after "Fly With Me:" and never released a full album. Elkin "Bubba" Fowler went on to a career as a folksinger and played bass for Leonard Cohen.

Meanwhile, Chuck Woolery struggled in his attempts to establish himself as a country singer in Nashville. His fortunes did not change until he move to Los Angeles at the urging of comedian Jonathan Winters. Winters, who had been impressed with one of Woolery's solo recordings, offered him a spot on The Tonight Show . . . with Johnny Carson, which finally took place in 1974.

In the 1970s, Chuck Woolery dabbled in acting. In 1973 he appeared in an episode of Love American Style, portraying Mr. Thompson in a segment called "Love and the Crazy Comrades" (Season 5, Episode 6, Air Date: October 19, 1973). He played the role of a tennis pro in the 1978 television move A Guide for the Married Woman, starring Cybill Shepherd. He also appeared in two big screen movies as pilot Rogers in the 1974 film Sonic Boom and as a detective in the 1975 film The Treasure of Jamaica Reef (also known as Evil in the Deep).

In March of 1974, while co-starring as Mr. Dingle on New Zoo Revue, a children's television show, Chuck Woolery appeared on the TV game show Tattletales with his then-wife, Jo Ann Pflug. In the summer of 1974, he was was featured as a vocalist on a short-lived revival of Your Hit Parade. His big break, however, came when he caught the eye of television host and media mogul, Merv Griffin, due to his performance on the The Tonight Show.

When Woolery sang "Delta Dawn" on Griffin's talk show, it seemed as if his career as a vocalist had finally taken flight. Griffin, however, was interested in Woolery as the host of a new game show he was developing called Shopper's Bazaar. Although Shopper's Bazaar never got off the ground, it was given a makeover and a new title, Wheel of Fortune. On January 6, 1975, Wheel of Fortune debuted on NBC with Chuck Woolery as host and Susan Stafford as his assistant (a role later performed by Vanna White).

Chuck Woolery and Susan Stafford

The word puzzle game soon became one of daytime television's greatest hits. It was so successful that Woolery asked for salary parity with Richard Dawson, the host of Family Feud. When NBC offered to pay Woolery the extra salary, Merv Griffin became so upset that he threatened to move Wheel of Fortune to CBS. No compromise could be reached and Griffin decided to fire Woolery. His last show was televised on Christmas Day, 1981.

Chuck Woolery went on to host several other game shows, most notably Love Connection from 1983 to 1994. Love Connection was a variant of The Dating Game in which singles attempted to find a compatible match or "connection." Love Connection was one of the biggest game show hits of its era and it boosted Woolery's career. While hosting the show, he began using his trademark phrase, "two and two," meaning that the program would return after a commercial break of two minutes and two seconds, the regular length of of a break back then.

Woolery also hosted such game shows as The Big Spin (1985), Scrabble (1984-1990), The Dating Game (1997-1999), Greed (1999-2000) and Lingo (2002-2007). In 1991, he had his own daytime talk show, The Chuck Woolery Show, which only lasted a few months. It was broadcast at 9 o'clock in the morning and faced stiff competition from Live With Regis and Kathie Lee.

The father of six children, Chuck Woolery has been married four times and divorced thrice. In 1961, at the age of 20, he wed a woman named Margaret Hayes. The couple raised three children: adopted son Cary, who is now about 56 or 57 years old; daughter Katherine (known as Kitty), who is now about 48 or 49 years old, and another son, Chad,, who is deceased. In January of 1986, 19-year-old Chad was killed in a motorcycle accident in Brentwood, California when his vehicle crashed into a median. He died instantly.

Woolery told People magazine that his son "liked to sing and play the guitar. He wanted to be an actor. He loved girls and all sports. He loved me and I loved him. When Chad died, I was crushed. Something died with me that could never be replaced." On the day he picked out his son's casket, the grieving father went to work hosting Scrabble in order to keep his mind off the tragedy.

Chuck Woolery's second wife was actress Jo Ann Pflug, with whom he shares a daughter, Melissa. Pflug, who is now 74 years old, is best known for her role as Samantha "Big Jack" Jack in the hit 1980s TV series The Fall Guy, starring Lee Majors. She and Woolery married in 1972. They announced their plans to divorce in early 1982. In May of 1982, Pflug told The Pittsburgh Press that "Chuck and I are happier being divorced friends than married enemies." Melissa, who was six when her parents' marriage ended, is now about 38 or 39 years old.

Jo Ann Pflug

Chuck Woolery's third wife was Teri Nelson, the stepdaughter of the late actor/producer/director David Nelson, son of famed television stars Ozzie and Harriet. Woolery and Teri Nelson were married from 1985 until 2004. They had two sons, Michael (who is now about 25 years old) and Sean (who is now about 21 years old).

On July 17, 2006, Woolery wed his current wife, hair stylist Kim Barnes, a native of Michigan. The marriage took place at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was a private ceremony for family and friends.

END NOTES

* Chuck Woolery was raised a Presbyterian and is now a born-again Christian.

* Woolery is politically active in support of right-wing conservative causes. He is a staunch Republican and a gun rights activist. In a 2012 interview with journalist B. Christopher Agee, founder of The Informed Conservative, Woolery described himself as a "constitutional conservative libertarian" and he declared that he thinks "Conservatives are right, and Liberals are wrong."

* Woolery has been an avid fisherman since childhood when he accompanied his father, Dan, an outdoor enthusiast, on fishing trips.

- Joanne

Saturday, January 3, 2015

Y&R Report (January 3, 2015): The Latest on the Young and the Restless

Hey Y&R fans, every second Saturday TV Banter discusses the latest happenings and provides commentary on your favourite daytime drama. Note to U.S. readers - SPOILER ALERT: Here in Canada, I watch the show on Global TV which is one episode ahead of CBS. I will inevitably refer to incidents you haven't seen yet. Read at your own risk. If you are the curious type, though, you may prefer to discover some things in advance.

Well, the residents of Genoa City have celebrated Christmas and they have ushered in the New Year. An ice storm from the north caused a Yuletide blackout in GC, but there was a Christmas miracle. The only place that did not experience a power outage was Crimson Lights, Dylan's coffee house. Does that mean that Dylan is on the side of the angels and that Joe Clark is the bad guy for trying to redevelop the warehouse district.

Avery is very wishy-washy and fickle. For a woman who is supposed to be blissfully happy with Dylan, she was quite upset to see her ex, Joe Clark, with Ashley Abbott as his New Year's date. Jealousy was written all over her face. Although she tried to cover up, she couldn't hide it. I see big trouble ahead for the crusading defence lawyer and her fiancé. I doubt that they'll even make it to the altar.

Two other couples are headed for trouble: NIkki and Victor and Paul and the Cricketmeister. Nikki will be far from pleased when she discovers that hubby Victor has been up to his old tricks. She'll be quite upset that The Big Man is using his influence with the mayor to help push Joe Clark's plan to demolish her son Dylan's business. Nikki is sober for now, but I think Victor's shenanigans will drive her back to the bottle. I also think she's also going to turn to Paul for help and Cricket won't like that. She may even lose the baby she's having with Clueless Paul.

Victor Newman is up to his moustache in dirt (although it's not much of a moustache anymore). The Black Knight, as we all know, has been spying on Ashley's lab, trying to uncover the secret of A.A.'s new fragrance. Victor realizes that Ashley has discovered that her lab assistant, Tobias. is a spy

At the moment, the Great Victor Newman has the advantage. Nevertheless, I hope he is thwarted. It's about time for him to lose. Is there no end to the man's treachery?

What a coincidence! Ashley just happened to be acquainted with Joe Clark in New York. She dated him and then just disappeared. Of all the towns in all the wold, the real estate developer showed up Genoa City City, Ashley's hometown. Oh yes, "Candy" Cane Ashby just happened to know Joe Clark from business dealing.

Speaking of Joe Clark and Ashley, how do you like them together, fans? Should Joe stick with Ashley or should he continue to pursue his ex, Avery? What about Ashley? Do you prefer her with Stitch or Joe?

It's about time Noah Newman had an interesting storyline and there have been hints that it is going to happen soon. It seems his girlfriend, Courtney, is growing impatient with him. The way she looked at her ringless finger spoke volumes. The hard-edged policewoman obviously wants a commitment.from Noah, but there would be no conflict if he were prepared to marry her. Therefore, I expect some serious problems and complications in their relationship. One or both may become involved in romantic triangles

It's starting to look as if Kelly is mentally unbalanced. I think Phyllis is right about Kelly causing her car to run out of gas on the way to the New Year's Eve party. As I mentioned in my last Y&R Report, viewer Rosie from Richmond Hill, Ontario thinks Kelly was the one who ran down Delia.

As expected, Neil is regaining his sight. It won't be much longer before he finally clues into Hilary's infidelity and Devon's betrayal. It's difficult to believe that Neil would be so oblivious to what has been going on before his sightless eyes. As for Lily, it's even harder to believe that she would not have figured it out.

Hilary is gambling that will eventually be with Devon. However, she may be the big loser in the "quadrangle" that involves her and Neil and Devon and Gwen. Neil is going to dump her when he finds out what she's done and Devon may end up with Gwen.

The whole story about Adam having plastic surgery to look like Gabriel Bingham is too unrealistic, even for a soap. Now there is a new twist in the convoluted plot. Contanse Bingham (Sally Kellerman), the real Gabriel's grandmother, has died. Not only that, but Sage has revealed that she is Gabriel's widow and that she is entitled to half of Constance's estate.

It's obvious that Kyle is going to return to Genoa City soon. The signs are there. He phoned on New Year's Eve and spoke with Supergirl Summer. The Supergirl and Austin are headed for choppy waters. Austin will not be a happy camper when Kyle returns.

I predict that Abby Newman will go after Dr. Stitch'em up. Here's why. Abby does not have a man in her life right now. Her second-rate romance with Tyler has come to a merciful end.. She's restless and on the prowl. Now that her mother, Ashley, appears to have something going with Joe Clark, Abby will feel free to pursue Stitch 'em up. She won't be concerned about Princess Victoria either. After all, she much prefers her Uncle Billy with Aunt/Sister Vicky. The spoiled Newman heiress is clearly after someone. She has taken some of Ashley's "love potion" from the Jabot lab. My guess is that she is planning to test it on Dr. Romeo Rayburn . . . Oops . . . his last name is actually Russell. Will he be able to resist. I highly doubt it.

CAST NEWS

Ravi Kapoor, an English actor of Indian heritage, debuts as Dr. Jain on January 8, 2015 (CBS) and January 7, 2015 (Global TV in Canada). Dr. Jain will be helping Michael Baldwin with his battle against prostate cancer.\

Ravi Kapoor

BEST LINE

Do you remember this exchange between Victor Newman and Tobias, the spy Victor has planted as assistant in Ashley Abbot's lab at Jabot?

VICTOR NEWMAN: Just pretend to be an idiot.

TOBIAS: I can do that.

VICTOR NEWMAN: Oh, I'm sure you can.

Y&R READER'S POLL

Whom should Nick Newman be with?

- Joanne

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