Y&R Report (October 24,2015): 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.

Sharon Newman's therapist, Dr. Anderson, is one creepy lady, isn't she?  What is her game?  Why is she taking advantage of the vulnerable Sharon and her bipolar condition? It's become quite obvious that she's not the compassionate doctor she first appeared to be.  She has a sinister agenda and she is not concerned about Sharon's welfare at all. She's been drugging Sharon and isolating her from her friends and family.  Why?

Well fans, there has been speculation on the website Celeb Dirty Laundry (www.celebritylaundry.com) that Dr. Anderson (Elizabeth Bogush) is really Sandra Allen from Nick Newman's high school days.  It was recently revealed that when Nick was a teenager, he held a party at the Newman ranch at which he challenged Sandra to dive into the swimming pool a balcony.  Sandra, a promising athlete, ended up breaking her neck.  Victor paid Sandra's expenses and covered up the incident.

If Dr. Anderson is Sandra, she certainly has a motive to seek revenge on Nick Newman.  Her diabolical plan most likely involves using Sharon as a means of taking baby Christian away from Nick and Sage. She would have no problem convincing a drug-addled Sharon that Christian is really her child. It's interesting that Patty Williams is poised to be the hero who helps Sharon escape the clutches of the villainous doctor.

My goodness, Marisa is full of secrets!  Not only does she have a husband, but she also has a child somewhere out there too - just another minor detail she conveniently neglected to inform Noah about.  Oh yes, we mustn't forget that Marisa placed her innocent baby daughter in the hands of ruthless drug lord Marco Annicelli.  She actually trusted Annicelli, her former boyfriend, to put the little girl up for adoption and find her a decent home. Even though her feelings for Noah appear to be sincere, she carries a lot of baggage and she consistently displays poor judgement. Although Marisa many not intend to hurt young Noah, she always ends up doing so. That's why hapless Noah will be checking into the Heartbreak Hotel yet again.  It's inevitable because he just can't resist the dark-haired beauty an wants to think the best of her.

Some of the characters on Y&R are really vindictive.  Kevin Fisher, for example, didn't think a sentence of ten years in prison was enough for Adam.  Your'd think Adam had intentionally driven that car over poor Delia.  Who is Kevin to be so harsh with Adam anyway?  Adam has been no angel, but Kevin himself has a history of criminal activity, including robbing banks and being an Internet predator.  You may recall that he also burned down Gina's restaurant in an attempt to kill Colleen Carlton.  That's arson and attempted murder, Kevie.

Another Genoa City resident who wanted Adam severely punished was Phyllis Abbott.  Do I really need to make a list of all of the wild redhead's past misdeeds?  Wasn't she the one who wanted to be forgiven for intentionally running down Christine (aka Cricket) and Paul, although they managed to survive. Enough said!  Those who live in glass houses . . .

There is no way Adam Newman is going to spend ten years in prison anyway.  I am also quite sure that he will survive being run over by a white car as he left the courthouse.  As far as I know, Justin Hartley, the actor who plays Adam, is not leaving the show.  In fact, there has been an unconfirmed report that he has signed a new contract with Y&R.  Also, according to the website Celebrity Laundry, Gabriel Bingham may have been the one who ran down Delia, not Adam.

So, we are left with some intriguing questions:  Who was the mysterious person who intentionally ran over Adam in front of the courthouse? (Victor certainly tried hard to pin it on Billy Boy). Right now, I'm baffled. Anyone?  If Gabriel did indeed run over Delia, was Sage aware of the truth?  I suspect she knew because, like Marisa, Sage has a closet full of secrets.  What I don't understand is why she allowed Adam take the heat if Gabe did it.

VIEWER FORUM

If you have any comments on Y&R,  please email them to me with "Viewer Forum" in the subject line.  I will be happy to publish your comments and reply to them.  You do not have to use your real name.   


From CC in Etobicoke, Ontario

I have always thought that Adam didn't do it, especially because they never really confirmed it was him, nor looked very far beyond who was driving a similar car, Nikki.  

Great idea if they came up with your idea that Gabriel was the hit and runner.  

Do you think Sage knows it was Gabriel?  

The Neil/Hilary/Devon storyline is boring me bigtime, same with who killed Delia.

What do you think is up with Cane?

Evil Victor has his nose in everyone's business.

The idea that Gabe was the hit and run driver is a good one.  Yes, I think Sage knows it was Gabriel.

Yes, I find the Neil/Hilary/Devon storyline somewhat slow moving and boring.  Part of the reason is that there is so much repetition of Neil talking to the comatose Hilary (a body double).  The good news is that Mischael Morgn, who plays Hilary, is back at work after her maternity leave.  Her new scenes will be aired soon and that should put some zest into the storyline.

I don't find Delia's storyline boring.  The truth is finally coming our as to what happened the night Delia was run over.  It has taken two years, but all the pieces of the puzzle are finally coming together.  Adam and Billy are coming to terms with the tragedy.

No, CC, I don't think Cane is guilty, but the Aussie is certainly not helping his cause with his angry, defensive behaviour.  Of course, slimy Joe Clark is lurking in the shadows, trying to make inroads with Lily.

Yes, dastardly Victor certainly has his nose in everyone's business and now he's controlling the lives of his grandchildren.   I wished he's stick to his own concerns, but he wouldn't be Victor Newman if he did that, would he?  Someone has to stir things up or there wouldn't be any storylines.


Regular viewer, Fifi in Collingwood, Ontario has informed me that she really enjoyed the scene in which Victoria Newman had a heart to heart talk with daddy Victor.  She thought the acting was good on the part of Amelia Heinle (Victoria) and Eric Braeden (Victor).  I highly concur with you, Fifi.  I have to say that the writing was good too.  Y&R fans were given a wonderful view into what makes that father and daughter relationship tick.  It was a very tender scene, filled with humour and pathos.

Amelia Heinle also deserves credit for that poignant scene in which Victoria urges Billy (Burgess Jenkins) to forgive himself over Delia's death.  Jenkins' performance in that scene should also be applauded.  He was very good, although I can't help but imagine the same scene with Billy Miller in the role of Billy Boy Abbott.

CAST NEWS

Soap star Jensen Buchanan headed to Genoa City

Soap veteran Jensen Buchanan is on her way to Genoa City.  She will portray a new character on The Young and the Restless, socialite Elise Moxley,  Buchanan, a native of Alabama, has a stellar background in soaps.  She has played Vicky/Marley McKinnon, on Another World, Sarah Gordon on One Life to Live; and Melissa Bedford on General Hospital.  "I was really honored that Young and Restless would come to me and say, 'Do you want to do this part?'" the actress told Soap Opera Digest.  "I wasn't exactly playing hard to get. I was just kind of retired and was sort of finished with that chapter in my life, but then I found myself beginning a new place in my life, and my children are both grown now - which is amazing because I had them on Another World - and found myself saying, 'I have the time, and I definitely have the passion again."

The Emmy-nominated actress will make her first appearance on Y&R on Friday, November 13 on CBS (Thursday, November 12 on Global TV in Canada).  As a member of Genoa City's social set, her character will undoubtedly be involved in the forthcoming Newman ballroom gala which will end in a disastrous explosion.

Kristoff St. John and Victoria Rowell reunite for Yuletide movie

Kristoff St, John and Victoria Rowell, formerly super couple Neil and Drucilla on The Young and the Restless, are working together again.  Their fans will be pleased to know that they are making a holiday movie called A Baby for Christmas.  It is a UPtv film and it's the sequel to Marry Me for Christmas and Marry US for Christmas.

Y&R REPORT READER'S POLL

Cane Ashby (Daniel Goddard) is suspected of taking the ransom money his brother-in-law Devon shelled out to a kidnapper in return for Hilary's freedom.  The indignant Australian swears up and down that he has been set up.  He is upset with wife Lily for what he perceives as her lack of trust in him.  

Is Cane guilty or has he been set up?

He's guilty. He's been acting very strangely and suspiciously.

Of course he's innocent. Joe Clark set him up because he wants Lily.

He's innocent. Neil Winters set him up to distract Devon and the police.

I don't know.

Quizzes

That's all for now.  I would like to remind you that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, November 7, 2015.  Get ready for the November sweeps!

- Joanne

Y&R Report (October 10, 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.

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There is a lot to talk about as the autumn leaves begin to fall in Genoa City.  Everyone in town has been informed that Adam Newman is still alive and that he has been pretending to be "Gabriel Bingham.". As usual, Clueless Paul Williams was the last person to learn the truth.  Now that the cat is finally out of the bag, Adam has become a pariah.  Without a doubt, he is the most despised person in Genoa City.  Yet, I don't think he deserves that kind of treatment.  He is definitely no angel and I'm not condoning his wrongdoings. Still, he's not a killer.  He did not set out to deliberately run over Delia. At first, he was not even aware that his car had hit her.  Yes, Adam definitely should have gone to the police and reported what happened. Yes, he was a coward and he was afraid of the consequences. Being a coward and a liar, however, is not tantamount to being a murderer.  Yet, everyone in Genoa City says he "killed" Delia.  He's been labelled a child killer.  Everyone shuns him.  The only person who would vouch for him in court was his father, the great and powerful Victor Newman."  The only reason Victor posted the $10 million bail for his black sheep son is because it suited his agenda. He didn't do it for Adam's sake.  He never does anything without asking for something in return.  This time he is desperate to to save his company from the computer virus known as "Paragon."  He needs Adam's help to rescue his beloved Newman Enterprises, but Adam may come to regret his deal with the devil.

Adam made the deal because he was desperate too.  He was desperate to see his son Connor one more time before Chelsea leaves town with the child, which of course won't happen.  Adam really does love Chelsea and Connor.  I guess it's not enough to override his "daddy issues."  He just can't get over his sense that Victor abandoned him.  The irony is that Adam would be a much better father to Connor than Victor has been to Adam.

When Adam informed Victor that he had delivered Sage's baby, Victor commented that maybe he has some humanity in him.  Now that's a laugh!  The Black Knight, of all people, talking about humanity. Victor Newman has also condemned Adam for his part in unleashing the Paragon virus.. Who is he to judge his son?  Victor has committed far worse crimes than Adam and he has never owned up to his evil deeds.  For heaven's sake, he brought a dangerous drug lord into Genoa City!.  Nevertheless, he always blames someone else for his transgressions or justifies his actions with the excuse that it was the only w to protect his family and his company.  By the way, if I hear him say he had to protect his family one more time, I'm going to be sick.

Somehow, though, Victor, is nearly universally respected.  Almost everyone tries to please him and few stand up to his bullying.  He's is always called "Mr. Newman" and given the VIP treatment.  Due to his wealth and power, many people just accept that Victor always gets what he wants. The man is constantly honoured too.  His son Nicholas and current wife Sage have named their newborn baby son after him, despite the fact that Nick constantly denies wanting to be part of Victor's world. They have called the child "Christian Andrew Newman," since Christian is Victor's real name.  That should make ol' Moneybags proud!  He'll continue to brag that his namesake is a fighter because he has that precious "Newman blood." running through his veins.  I have to wonder whether "Newman blood" is red like everyone elses's. Is it another colour because it contains super powers?  (Remember that Nick used to refer to Summer as Supergirl).

It is quite obvious that Adam's actions have always been motivated by his desire to win Victor's approval and acceptance.  Adam has always been an outsider, never accepted by his own family, including Nick, Victoria, Nikki, Abby and Dylan.  Victor claims that it was his mother Hope's choice to raise him on her farm in Kansas.  That may be true, but it doesn't make up for Victor's neglect and disapproval of this son.  One could argue the Victor's longtime enemy, Jack Abbott, has been more of a father figure to Adam.

Before the residents of Genoa City cast stones at Adam, they should ask themselves if they've been any better,  Isn't that right Phyllis and Kevin and Billy?  I could make a long list of their foul deeds. As for Billy, he's so consumed with revenge against Adam because he's guilty of this own part in Delia's demise.  He was certainly negligent in leaving Delia unattended in the car while he went to buy ice cream, but that doesn't make him any more responsible for "killing" Delia than Adam is.

What's up with Sharon's therapist, Dr. Andereson?  Her behaviour has been very suspicious.  She has been giving Sharon high dosages of drugs and has encouraged her to remain at the hospital.  She also seems quite interested in Nick and Sage's baby and she peered into the room when they were embracing.

Chloe (Elizabeth Hendrickson) is back is town!  I have to admit that she's never been one of my favourite characters, but her presence is needed for storyline purposes.  She's arrived in disguise and her presence is going to spice things up.  Will she come between Kevin and Mariah?  Who is the father of her baby, Kevin or Billy?  Now that Chloe's mother, Esther, is back on the scene, this is a great time for her to return.  I'm glad she's back, even if it's just on a temporary basis.

CAST NEWS

Is Dr. Stitch (Sean Carrigan) on his way out?

There have been online rumours that Dr. Ben "Stitch" Rayburn is going to be killed off.  In the last edition of Y&R Report, I mentioned that there will be an explosion at a fancy Newman gala (Disaster always strikes at these events).  It will happen during the November sweeps, of course.  According to Internet spoilers, there will be a fatality, maybe more than one.

Apparently, head writer Charles Pratt has teased that four characters will die and that one will be a contract character who loses his life in an attempt to rescue others.  Dr. Stitch is considered a prime candidate to be a victim of the tragedy.  As a doctor, he wold be on the front line trying to save the injured.  Also Stitch's storyline has been in the background for a while now and Sean Carrigan's contract is coming up for renewal soon.  All this sounds like bad news for Dr. Stitch fans.  Will they even get to see him romance Ashley?

Speaking of Ashley (Eileen Davidson), I wish she'd come home from Europe soon.  As far as I'm concerned, Genoa City isn't the same without her.  Actually, Eileen visited Europe herself recently. On September 9th, she posted this photo on Twitter of herself and husband Vince Van Patten whooping it up and sipping on cocktails in Florence, Italy.  Now that explains Eileen's absence.

Mischael Morgan (Hilary Curtis Hamilton) is back at work

Mischael Mrgan with "welcome back flowers"

We'll be seeing Mischael Morgan on screen again soon.  She's returned to work after her maternity leave (She gave birth to a baby boy named Niam on August 9th).  Thoughtful fans welcomed her back with a quilt for her baby, for which she expressed her gratitude on Twitter.  She also received a bouquet of flowers.  During Mischael's absence, Y&R hired a body double to stand in as the kidnapped Hilary.

VIEWER FORUM

If you have any comments on Y&R,  please email them to me with "Viewer Forum" in the subject line. I will be happy to publish your comments and reply to them.  You do not have to use your real name.   

An anonymous reader sent me the following email:                                                                                                                                           

Bring Chloe and Delia back to Genoa City this week.  I want Adam bailed.  I think Sage framed him.  I'd love Sage's baby to be with Sharon.

Well, you've got your wish about Chloe.  It's very interesting to have her back in Genoa City.  As for Delia, she has departed this moral coil and it would be ridiculous to bring her back to life now.  Your other wish has come true too. Victor has paid Adam's bail.

I doubt very much that Sage framed Adam.  Although Adam is far  from perfect and he has caused a great deal of pain, he is not the monster many in Genoa make him out to be.  As for your fifth wish, there's a good chance that it will happen.  Sage's baby will probably be with Sharon for a while.  Patty Cakes Williams is likely to make that happen.

So, two of your five wishes have already come true.  A third is very likely to happen.  However, don't count on Delia coming back to life and don't expect to find out that Sage framed Adam.



Here are some comments from regular contributor Patsy from Sarasota, Florida.

Young and Restless is great now.  Victor will get away with everything!  No more evil twins please.

Yes, Patsy, Victor continues to get away with everything.  It's so annoying.  I agree and I echo your sentiments about evil twins.  Enough already!



Another regular contributor, Fifi from Collingwood, Ontario, sent me the following remarks:

I would like to comment that I don't like the violence on Y&R as of late.  In the past, the regular characters were not always smashing each other.  There was an element of class in that respect. Now Victor stands there as Billy almost kills his son.

Well Fifi, I have to agree with you wholeheartedly.  Almost every citizen in Geona City is prepared to commit murder or take the law into his or her hands.  Vigilante justice seems to be the order of the day.  I think this attitude has become more widespread since Charles Pratt took over as head writer. Your example of Billy and Victor is a case in point.

Y&R REPORT READER'S POLL 

Most people in Genoa City despise Adam Newman and many want him dead or severely punished. Does Adam deserve such contempt?

Does Adam deserve to be the most unpopular person in Genoa City?

Yes, he is a chronic liar and he mowed down an innocent little girl.

Not if he is truly sorry for what he's done.

No, but he should be punished for not reporting that his car had run over Delia.

He's guilty of many things, but he is being judged to harshly. Victor and others have done far worse.

I'm not sure.

Quiz Maker

That's all for now.  I'm looking forward to watching the debut of fan favourite Michael E. Knight on Y&R,  Michael will make his first appearance on the show next week.  He will portray Dr. Simon Neville and will try to help Neil Winters. Knight has a recurring role, but if he's popular with the fans, I'm sure it will be expanded and he will be put under contract. To my Canadian readers:  I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!  Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, October 24, 2015.


- Joanne