Well fans, we know that Nikki always returns to Victor. So, it's not surprising that she's doing it again. This time, according to Soap Opera Digest, not only will Nikki go back to the Big Man, but the two will prepare to renew their wedding vows on a special episode airing on Christmas Day, Monday, December 25th. It seems like a charade to convince people that the two have truly reconciled, especially on Nikki's part. The intriguing question is whether Nikki's feelings for Victor will resurface and they will sincerely get back together. Deep down, Nikki loves Victor, in spite of his ruthlessness and controlling ways, She also enjoys being lady of the manor at the Newman ranch. (By the way, Meloday Thomas Scott, who plays Nikki, has lost weight and looks great).
The Abbotts certainly had a miserable Christmas Eve dinner. Jack and Ashley could not let go of their differences over Jabot, even for Christmas, Their behaviour was so petty that even peacemaker Traci left the table in disgust. Jack is Scrooge of the Year for 2017. He couldn't put business on the back burner. He was so miserable and cruel that he informed Ashley that he planned to use the fact that she was not a biological Abbott against her in order to retain his position as CEO. This year, Jack put business ahead of everything else, including Christmas and his family.
Ashley hasn't fared much better than her brother, She is the one who brought the CEO issue to the forefront. As much as she keeps insisting that she did it for the good of the company, she has admitted to guilty feelings. That's because she realizes that she craves the power and influence that goe along with a CEO position. At least she finally came clean with Ravi. She finally admitted to his face that he was just a distraction to her and that she "may have" used him. She tried to soften the blow by telling him that he's handsome and intelligent. Despite being used and unappreciated, Ravi intends to remain at Jabot. Nevertheless, it was unethical for Ashley to have had an intimate relationship with a subordinate and its time for Ravi to move on to a better relationship.
Two of Genoa City's most prominent citizens are now wealthy men of leisure. Nick Newman and Billy Abbott are both gainfully unemployed. What does Billy do all day? Well, for one thing, he kisses Phyllis in elevators. He also sends Phyllis flirty messages while she is speaking to a client or attending a board meeting. That suits Billy Boy fine. I don't he wants to work hard. At heart, he's an irresponsible playboy. He doesn't really want to settle down, either with Phyllis or Victoria.
As for Nicholas Newman, he spends his days venting his wrath against his father. He has a great deal of anger inside of him. He'll probably be working again before Billy. Perhaps he should run Chancellor Park. That would make him happy.
Scott sure was jealous when J.T. became friendly with Abby. Abby accused J.T., a married man, of hitting on her. Abby's reacted quite strongly to J.T. Maybe she was guilty because she's involved with Scott Grainger, who's two-timing Sharon.
J.T. later denied to his ex-wife Victoria that he had been hitting on Abby. Then he revealed to Victoria that he was separated from his current wife, Mackenzie. I was not surprised about that since it opens up new storyline possibilities and allows J.T. to remain in Genoa City. It also creates an opportunity for Mac to come back. Kelly Kruger, one of the four different actresses who have played Mac over the years has told Soaps In Depth that she'd love to portray Mac again.
Princess Victoria was very sympathetic and kind to J.T. She invited him to spend to spend Christmas with her family and told him that no one should have to spend Christmas alone.
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.
Here are some comments from regular contributor CC in Etobicoke, Ontario.
Well the new head writer (Mal Young) is definitely moving things along quickly, like they do on Coronation Street, where he used to be in charge. During the transition from the old format to this new one, they are overlooking some plot elements and moving on without explanation. Ashley's treatment of Ravi is one example. I don't recall her ever musing about what kind of relationship they would have or even that he must surely have known that because of all the differences (age, status, culture, boss/subordinate) they could never be more than friends with benefits.
I never thought the separation between Nikki and Victor was handled realistically and now the re-establishment of their marriage is being handled even more ridiculously.
Hilary is certainly lining up her ducks and will eventually pull the trigger on one or a few of them . . . Cane, Jack, Devon, are a few in the running. We shall see which one presents her with the best options for making it to the top.
The J.T., Billy, Victoria thing is struggling to get off the ground. Amelia Heinle (Victoria) looks much older than Thad Luckinbill (J.T.). It must be awkward working together (Amelia and Thad's real life marriage broke up). If the storyline doesn't fly, I guess Reed and J.T. can just move on together.
Your comments are very thought-provoking, CC. Let's start with head writer Mal Young. First of all, a correction. Mal Young was not in charge of Coronation Street. He was executive producer of another popular British soap - The EastEnders. Yes, he is moving Y&R along at a faster pace. I appreciate that, but sometimes, as you pointed out, there are missing elements or explanations for certain actions. You mentioned Ashley's treatment of Ravi and her sudden decision to admit to him that they had no future together. Mal Young obviously didn't want them together.
Another example of a missing element: Why didn't Kyle support Jack Abbott in the Jabot board's vote on whether to remove Jack as CEO of the company? That came from nowhere. There had never been any indication that Kyle had any grievance against his father. Will we eventually get an explanation?
I love your comments about Hilary. Yes, the flamboyant host of The Hilary Hour is definitely keeping her options open as to whether reunite with Devon or start something up with Jack or Cane. Hilary is pragmatic. She'll do what suits her purposes. To continue with your "lining up ducks" analogy, it would really "ruffle Lily's feathers" if her arch-enemy, Hilary, became involved with Cane.
Now to your remarks about J.T., Billy and Victoria. Amelia Heinle is 44 years old Thad Luckinbill is 42 years old. So, so she is three years older than Thad. I have to say that Thad has aged well. He doesn't look much older than he did when he left the show in 2010, seven years ago.
It certainly must be difficult and heart-wrenching for Thad and Amelia to work together again. Some of the lines they have to say to each other must hit close to home. They met on The Young and the Restless and their characters married on the show. On March 3, 2007, they married in real life. They have two children together (a son named Thaddeus Rowe, born November 2, 2007, and a daughter named Georgia March, born December 17, 2009). Thad also became a stepfather to Amelia's son from her first marriage to actor Michael Weatherly. On March 1, 2017, two days before their 10th wedding anniversary, Thad filed for divorce, citing "irreconcilable differences). I'm not certain whether the divorce is final. It has only been about ten months since Thad filed, but I guess a quickie California divorce can go through that fast.
Actually, CC, I am pleased that Thad Luckinbill has returned to the show. I think his storyline has great potential. It has just begun and needs time to develop. In my opinion, this storyline has great potential and will succeed if the writers handle it well.
Another example of a missing element: Why didn't Kyle support Jack Abbott in the Jabot board's vote on whether to remove Jack as CEO of the company? That came from nowhere. There had never been any indication that Kyle had any grievance against his father. Will we eventually get an explanation?
I love your comments about Hilary. Yes, the flamboyant host of The Hilary Hour is definitely keeping her options open as to whether reunite with Devon or start something up with Jack or Cane. Hilary is pragmatic. She'll do what suits her purposes. To continue with your "lining up ducks" analogy, it would really "ruffle Lily's feathers" if her arch-enemy, Hilary, became involved with Cane.
Now to your remarks about J.T., Billy and Victoria. Amelia Heinle is 44 years old Thad Luckinbill is 42 years old. So, so she is three years older than Thad. I have to say that Thad has aged well. He doesn't look much older than he did when he left the show in 2010, seven years ago.
It certainly must be difficult and heart-wrenching for Thad and Amelia to work together again. Some of the lines they have to say to each other must hit close to home. They met on The Young and the Restless and their characters married on the show. On March 3, 2007, they married in real life. They have two children together (a son named Thaddeus Rowe, born November 2, 2007, and a daughter named Georgia March, born December 17, 2009). Thad also became a stepfather to Amelia's son from her first marriage to actor Michael Weatherly. On March 1, 2017, two days before their 10th wedding anniversary, Thad filed for divorce, citing "irreconcilable differences). I'm not certain whether the divorce is final. It has only been about ten months since Thad filed, but I guess a quickie California divorce can go through that fast.
Actually, CC, I am pleased that Thad Luckinbill has returned to the show. I think his storyline has great potential. It has just begun and needs time to develop. In my opinion, this storyline has great potential and will succeed if the writers handle it well.
CAST NEWS
Melissa Ordway (Abby) gives birth to baby girl
Melissa Ordway (Abby Newman) gave birth to a daughter, Sophie Jolie, on December 9, 2017. Melissa and her hubby, Justin Gason (ex-Ben, Days of our Lives), were expecting their baby to arrive in mid-January. However, the couple received an early Christmas gift.
Sophie Jolie Gaston weighed 5lb,, 5 oz. She is the second child for Melissa and Justin. They adopted a daughter, Olivia, who is almost 2 years old. Olivia will now be a big sister.
It will be interesting to see how the early birth will impact Melissa's character on Y&R. Abby is in the middle of a big storyline and she is involved in a love triangle along with Scott Grainger and Sharon.
Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL
Instead of previews.("Next on The Young and the Restless . . . "), the show now has summaries of past episodes ("Previously on "The Young and the Restless . . . "). I don't feel strongly one way or the other. I lean slightly toward the previews or "teasers" for the next episode. However, the summaries of past episodes probably suit Mal Young's faster-paced writing better. What do you think? Respond to the poll below.and let me know.
Do you prefer previews from the next episode of Y&R or scenes from previous episodes?
That's all for now. I wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, whatever you celebrate. I',m looking forward to watching the Christmas Day episode of The Young and the Restless. The next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, January 6, 2018. We'll see what the New Year will bring to Genoa City.
- Joanne
