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Saturday, December 10, 2016

Y&R Report (December 10, 2016): 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.


So, Princess Victoria Newman has sworn off men.  I wonder how long that will last.  Not very long, I'd venture to guess.  I enjoyed the scene where she told Daddy Victor that she couldn't think of one single man in her life who had met with his approval.  Victor had to admit that he couldn't think of one either.


It seems as if Victoria is headed for a Christmas reconciliation with Billy Boy Abbott.  "The Moustache" is not going to be too happy about that.  The thought of his daughter with "that punk," "that playboy," "that gambler," "that degenerate" will drive Victor crazy.  Viewers will be highly entertained.

When will Y&R characters ever learn to stop keeping secrets, particularly from their spouses? Probably never, or there wouldn't be any conflict on the show.  Lauren is the latest example and she should know better.  She hasn't told Michael about Fenmore's financial crisis.  She doesn't want to worry him.  

Ever since Jack discovered that Phyllis was unfaithful to him, he has had more of an edge to him. Now he wants to engineer a hostile takeover of Lauren's struggling business, Fenmores.  That's the kind of ruthless move Victor Newman would make. It's especially cutthroat because Lauren is a friend.  I'm surprised that Ashley seems to be going along with his idea.  Now that Phyllis knows about their plan, I hope she thwarts it.

So, Nick's place was in disarray when daughter Summer came to visit.  The dishes weren't done and Nick seemed overwhelmed by single fatherhood.  He's a wealthy Newman, isn't he?  I'm surprised he hasn't hired a housekeeper or a nanny.  I think the writers are trying to create a reason for Nick to find a mother for Christian.  Chelsea, perhaps?

Some Genoa City residents will be searing for partners soon.  It looks as if Jack and Phyllis are really finished, at least for now.  Their goodbye was bittersweet.  They'll both be looking for new love interests.  Then there's Sharon.  Steve Burton (Dylan) is leaving the show, which means he'll probably leave town or be killed off.  Sharon will probably pursue Nick again, although she'd be better off staying away from anyone with the last name of Newman or Abbott.  If she tries to hook up with Nick, she'll be at odds with Chelsea.  Neil and Stitch are also alone right now, as are Mariah. Summer, Victoria, Abby and Ashley.

Fans, I was disappointed when Michael E. Knight (Dr. Newille) left the show.  I thought Neville's story was left hanging and he was never given an opportunity to have a real romance with Ashley Abbott.  Wouldn't it be great if he returned and Ashely became involved in a love triangle with him and Dr. Stitch!  If you agree with me, write CBS and tell them so.  It might work, especially if new head writer Sally Sussman likes the idea.



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.  
My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca

Here are some comments from regular viewer Fifi from Collingwood, Ontario

Cudos to the writers of Y &R for bringing back the famous Abbott breakfast.  I have always enjoyed seeing the Abbott clan gather at the dining room table to chat and eat delicious pancakes, bacon, eggs etc.  If they could only bring back Mamie!

The actor who plays Billy Abbott is starting to grow on me and I am seeing some chemistry between Amelie Heinle and him.

I do not like the shenanigans at the GC Buzz.  There would be many complaints to Human Resources about the behaviour of Hillary.



Yes, Fifi, I enjoy the Abbott breakfasts too.  I miss Mamie and John Abbott.   Mrs. Martinez, the current Abbott housekeeper, is always mentioned.  However, she's rarely shown on screen.  I think they've only shown her about two times.  Perhaps Y&R is trying to save some money.  Maybe they don't want to bother paying an actor to say a few lines if they can avoid it.


It's already obvious that new head writer, Sally Sussman, is taking Y&R in a new direction.  She has promised to focus on core characters and core relationships.  As far as I'm concerned, that bodes well for the show.  Sally understands the history of the show.  By the way, in an interview with TV Insider, Sussman listed the characters she regards as integral  to the show.  "I see eight stalwarts," she stated, They are the indispensables. In no particular order: Nikki, Victor, Jack, Ashley, Nick, Sharon, Billy and Victoria."

Jason Thompson, the actor who plays Billy is starting to grow on me too.  He doesn't seem as vengeful and angry as before.  

Yes, Hillary has treated Mariah like a servant.  She really got her comeuppance when her own husband, Devon, fired her as the host of GC Buzz.  Not surprisingly, however Hillary went on the warpath against Mariah when Mariah hosted Chelsea's fashion show.



CAST NEWS


Michael Roark (Travis Crawford) is leaving Y&R




Michael Roark is leaving his role as Travis Crawford.  He tweeted that he "made the decision to move onto the next challenge in my career."  He didn't completely close the door on the show.  He wrote that "ya never know if Travis may return to GC someday, maybe a wiser man"  The reason for Michael's departure may be that head writer Sally Sussman is moving the show in a new direction and his character doesn't fit in.


Y&R TEA


On Sunday, December 4th, I attended the March of Dimes Canada's fifth annual Toronto Opportunities High Tea with Kate Linder & Friends at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel.  Kate, who plays Esther, was joined by Christian LeBlanc (Michael Baldwin), Sean Carrigan (Dr, Ben "Stitch" Rayburn, Christel Khalil (Lily Winters Ashby) and Michael Roark (Travis Crawford).  

First of all, I don't have any great scoops.  None of the actors revealed any future happenings on the show.  They tend to be very coy.  Often they don't know what's going to happen in advance. 

Kate Linder really enjoys the scenes in which Esther puts one over on Jill.  She mentioned the recent Thanksgiving episode when Esther annoyed Jill by insisting that she wear a hairnet while serving food to the homeless.

When asked about his marital status, Michael Roark declared that he was "single and looking."  Sean Carrigan said that he was "divorced on the show and divorced in real life."

When asked what he'd be doing if he weren't an actor, Sean replied, "I'd be a professional boxer."  He said he really enjoyed the scenes with Stitch and Victor sparring in the gym.  Sean is a piece of work. He was constantly cracking jokes.

When Christel Khalil was asled what she'd be doing if she werren't acting, she responded that she had no other marketable skills.

There was no sign or hint that Michael Roark had any plans to leave the show.  When I told him that I thoght that Travis and Abby would become a couple, he replied, "A lot of people have said that.  We'll see." 

I asked Kate Linder if she still worked as a flight attendant.  She said that she did.

Christian LeBlanc seemed quite enthusiastic about his upcoming Christmas scenes with the return of Judith Chapman, who plays Michael Baldwin's mother, Gloria.  I found Christian to be very warm and friendly.  He was my favourite.

Here are some photos of yours truly with the Y&R stars at the event.


With Christel Khalil (Lily Winters Ashby) 





With Christian LeBlanc (Michael Baldwin)









With Kate Linder (Esther Valentine)







With Sean Carrigan (Dr. Ben "Stitch" Rayburn)







Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL



Camryn Grimes (Maria Copeland)


Kevin Fisher never seems to put Mariah first.  He chose Natalie over her and Chloe over her. When Kevin's relationship with Chloe collapses, as it surely will, should Mariah be there to help him pick up the pieces?  Should she be there when he needs her or should she move on and find someone who appreciates her more?  Has Mariah been patient enough?  What do you think?




Should Mariah move on and forget a romantic relationship with Kevin?



Yes. She's been playing second fiddle much too long. She should find somone new.
No. Kevin is really going to need her. He will appreciate her more an his feelings for her will grow stronger.
Maybe, but he will have to appreciate her more and be more romantic towards her.
It doesn't really matter to me.
Other
Please Specify:



That's all for now.  Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R report will appear in this space on Saturday, December 24, 2016.



- Joanne

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