Y&R Report (March 30, 2019): 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.   

Finally!  The J.T. Hellstrom mystery has come to an end.  The story he told of his  escape from being buried alive was rather convoluted. The women were unaware that they had buried him on top of an old storm pipe.  With each pile of dirt, they added more weight until the pipe caved in and J.T. found himself in a rush of sewer water and dumped into a river.  Somehow he managed to get himself out of the water.  Only on a soap . . .

We also learned that J.T. had had a benign brain tumour.  According to Dr. Nate, the tumour may have contributed to J.T.'s erratic behaviour and his violent actions. He did, however, accept responsibility for his actions.  The police burst into his hospital room, arrested him and took him to the prison infirmary.

It was so good to see the return of Doug Davidson as Paul Williams. Viewers still haven't been given any explanation for Paul's absence, but it may be forthcoming.  The Genoa City police chief just reappeared as if he'd never been away. He showed a toughness and no-nonsense attitude that I've never seen in him before.  He reprimanded Rey and then fired him. He was also upset with Sharon, but did not fire her.  Sharon, however, resigned her position with the Genoa City Police Dept. as a sacrifice to show her support for Rey.

As for Rey, he deserved to be fired.  He may enjoy being a detective, but he doesn't seem to be a good one.  He really bungled the J.T. investigation and he allowed his personal life to interfere with his duties as an officer of the law.  Some may argue that his actions were noble and romantic, that he sacrificed his job and his marriage for Sharon.  However, Rey put a lot of lives at risk, including that of his beloved Sharon.  Nikki, Victoria and Sharon could have all been killed by J.T.  What would happen if  all detectives acted in such a manner?

Arturo had a very bad day.  He confessed to Abby about his dalliance with sister-in-law Mia.  In her rage at him, Abby smashed his prized truck with a hammer, including the windows and headlights.  While Arturo was still reeling from what Abby had done, brother Rey came along and punched him, informing him that he knew about him and Mia.  Arturo tried to win Abby back with roses, but he should have known that wouldn't work.  As Abby put it, all the flowers in the world wouldn't have worked.

Abby isn't the only mad smasher in Genoa City.  Princess Victoria Newman threw a vase and glasses because she was frustrated about her son Reed.  Reed blamed her for not being honest with him about J.T. and then didn't come home.  Victoria seems very confused and her life is really a mess.  That's why she left town, to get away from all the pressure.  According to a Y&R preview and online spoilers, she has gone to Las Vegas and is using a fake name there.  In Vegas, she will meet a musician named Brandon and become a groupie.  Her social media posts will shock Nikki and Billy and they will become very concerned about her.

Candy Cane Ashby just can't get it right and Lily has served him with divorce papers.  Even after suffering the consequences of his shenanigans with Juliet in Japan, Cane kissed Victoria while Lily was in prison.  Will he ever learn?

Eileen Davidson returned as Ashley Abbot for a visit.  I enjoyed seeing her again.  Boy, did she visit create some shock waves.  Kerry (or should I say Dominique) is a piece of work.  She's such a phony.  She rally played Jack.Abbott.  However, Jack is CEO of Jabot again and Phyllis has been turfed out.  I'm glad that Jack is CEO again, although Ashley is just as capable. It's just that she lives in Paris now and Eileen Davidson has left the show.

According to online spoilers, Jack and Phyllis are going to connect again.  I've always liked them together.  I just wonder how it will happen after Jack kicked her our of the CEO chair at Jabot.



CAST NEWS

Kristoff St. John (Neil Winters) honoured with special tribute on Y&R

Good news!  There is going to be a much-deserved special tribute to the late Kristoff St. John, who played Neil Winters on Y&R from 1991 until his passing on February 3, 2009 at the age of 52. According to TMZ, a Los Angeles coroner's report regarding St. John's cause of death revealed that the actor died from heart disease and an accidental alcohol overdose.  He had been agonizing over the suicide of his son and had received treatment.

Many fans, including myself, had been disappointed at the lack of substantial tribute to Kristoff.  It appears that our voices have been heard.  S.W.A.T. star Shemar Moore will reprise his role as Neil's brother Malcolm for two episodes in April   Presumably, the episodes will deal with Neil's fate as it does seem as if another actor will take over the role.  In addition to the the Shemar Moore episodes, former Y&R stars Victoria Rowell (Drucilla) and Mishael Morgan (Hilary) will return for a special tribute episode on April 29th (CBS) and April 26 (Global TV in Canada).  Victoria Rowell and Mishael Morgan will obviously not play their respective roles since Drucilla and Hilary are both dead.  They will reminisce about Kristoff St. John and flashbacks will be shown. Eileen Davidson (Ashley) and Christel Khalil (Lily) are also included in the episode. Tonya Lee Williams, who played Drucilla's sister Olivia, will not participate in the special tribute as she is working on a project, likely in Toronto, where she founded the Reelworld Film Festival, which screens films and offers professional development for Canadian racially diverse and indigenous filmmakers and artists in the media.



Sean Dominic is the new Nate Hastings

Sean Dominic

Sean Dominic will take over the role of Dr. Nate Hastings from Brooks Darnell.  No reason has been given for Darnell's rather abrupt departure.  Dominic. a newcomer to daytime television, will make his first appearance as Dr. Nate on Wednesday, April 10 on CBS (Tuesday April 9 on Global TV).  I think there may be a love triangle in which Devon and Nate will compete for the affections of Elena, who has been recently introduced to the show.  She is Ana's father's niece and has been looking after the ailing singer.

The new head writer, Josh Griffith, is taking the show in a new direction.  So far, Dr. Nate, as played by Brooks Darnell, hasn't had much of a storyline.  Perhaps, Griffith thinks that he is not suited to the direction he wants the character to go.  That may be why he's being replaced by Sean Dominic.

Sean Dominic has portrayed Jabari Johnson on the OWN series Greenleaf.  He has also had roles on Code 13: Unreadable, Situationships, Makeup X Breakup, and According to Him + Her.

'
The role of Adam Newman has been recast

Mark Grossman

Many Y&R fans have been clamouring for the return of Adam Newsman.  Well, they've got their wish.  Victor Newman's troublemaking son is returning to Genoa City, but none of the three actors - Chris Engen, Michael Muhney and Justin Hartley - who previous portrayed Adam will be returning to the role.

Sources have confirmed to SoapCentral that the new Adam will be Mark Grossman.  Grossman was born in Columbia, Marlyland, but later moved west to Phoenix, Arizona and Los Angeles, California.  He became involved in theatre at a young age and has also modelled.  Grossman's credits include his roles as Shane in the TV series Famous in Love, Dan in the TV series Hustle and Lukas in the 2014 TV movie Family Dinner.  He was also in the 2016 feature film Durant's Never Closes along with Tom Sizemore, Dina Meyer and Pam Grier.

It will be fun to see how Y&R's writers explain how Adam survived being trapped in a cabin that Chloe exploded in flames.  They'll find a way, just as they did with J.T.  However, there are still a lot of loose ends.  What about Chelsea, Adam's wife?  She a fugitive on the run with their child, Connor.  Victor Newman certainly hasn't forgotten about his grandson.  Perhaps Melissa Claire Egan will return as Chelsea.

Mark Grossman will be under a great deal of pressure because he has big shoes to fill.  The actors who previously played Adam were fan favourites and wildly popular.  If fans don't think he measures up to their expectations, there will be much disappointment and many complaints.  I wish him luck.



Jason Canela (Arturo Rosales) is leaving Y&R

Jason Canela is leaving his role as Arturo Rosales.  His contract has ended.  Now that Abby has dumped him, he'll probably return to Miami.  What about the rest of the Rosales family?  Rey is blissfully happy with Sharon for the time being.  Mia has been rejected by both Rey and Arturo. She's very much alone, but what about her fake pregnancy.  Rey still believes she's having a baby.  He conveniently hasn't mentioned that to Sharon yet.  How will she react to that?

Lola will stick around because she's involved in the opening of the new restaurant.  Also, she and Kyle are going to be pining over each other.

Y&R actors win five Daytime Emmy nominations

The 46th Daytime Emmy Awards ceremony will take place on May 5, 2019 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California  Five actors from The Young and the Restless have been nominated.  They are as follows:

Peter Bergman (Jack Abbott) for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series,

Bryton James (Devon Hamilton) for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, 

Beth Maitland (Traci Abbott) and Mishael Morgan (Hilary Curtis Hamilton) for Outstanding Suppoting Actress in a Drama Series

Zach Tinker (Fenmore Baldwin) for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series

Y&R has also been nominated for Outstanding Daytime Drama.



Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Did Arturo deserve what Abby did to him?  Let me know what you think by responding to the poll below.

What did you think of Abby smashing Arturo's truck?

Arturo deserved it for two-timing her with Mia.

He acted like a jerk but she didn't have to be so childish.

I think that they are both immature. They need to grow up.

I don't know.

Other

Please Specify:

Make a Quiz in Minutes | Quiz Maker

Readers, I would appreciate your feedback

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

That's all for now.  Please note that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, April 13, 2019.                                                                                                                                               

- Joanne   

Internet TV Digest #11

    

This is the eleventh of an occasional feature on TV Banter called Internet TV Digest.  Internet TV Digest contains recent news, information and discussion about online television.

Internet TV Digest

What's coming to Netflix?

This April, Netflix is full of stories about unicorns, zombies and other creatures.   For unicorn lovers, Brie Larson, of Captain Marvel fame, and Samuel Jackson, star in the film Unicorn Store, a  whimsical comedy about a painter whose dream of adopting a unicorn comes to fruition.  The film marks Larson's directorial debut.and is available to stream on April 5, 2019.  For zombie lovers, there's Netflix's new zombie series, Black Summer.  Black Summer chronicles the adventures of a team of special forces in their quest to rid the world of flesh-eating creatures.  It will be available beginning on April 11th.

British television personality Bear Grylls stars in a choose-your-adventure TV series, consisting of eight interactive episodes.  It is a called You vs. Wild  and will allow viewers to follow Grylls's outdoor adventures around the world.  They will make Grylls' decisions in each episode and see how their choices turn out.  You vs. Wild will be available for streaming on April 10th.  It is the second interactive live project from Netflix after the highly popular Black Mirror: Bandersnatch.

Bear Grylls   PHOTO ATTRIBUTION: 

                                                        www.jamiegrayphotography.co.uk

If you're looking for comedy, Kevin Hart: Irresponsible, a Netflix Original Stand-up Special will be available on April 2nd.  Another Netflix Original Stand-up Special, Ricardo Quevedo: Los amargados somos más will be available on April 3rd.  On April 12th, Netflix will present an original movie, A Land Imagined.  A Land Imagined is the story of a construction worker from China who disappears at a Singapore land reclamation site.  A police detective must put himself inside the mind of the missing migrant in order to solve the mystery.

Academy Award-winning actress Olivia Colman (The Favourite) will take over the role of Queen Elizabeth from Claire Foy when The Crown begins Season 3 of Netflix's royal biopic.  Tobias Menzies will assume the role of the Queen's husband, Prince Philip.  Season 3 of The Crown is expected to be released sometime in 2019, although Netflix has yet to confirm the exact date.  Filming began in July 2018, with the principal filming wrapping up on February 24, 2019.


SOURCES: Geek.com, RadioTimes, The Verge.com


What's coming to Amazon Prime?

April on Amazon Prime brings the second season of The Tick, a superhero comedy based on the comic book character of the same name. It will be available for streaming on April 5th.  Coming on April 19th is the fifth season of Bosch, a crime series based on the Michael Connelly novels about a Los Angeles homicide detective.  In addition, last year's well-received post-apocalyptic horror film, A Quiet Place, will be available beginning on April 2nd.

Source: Digital Trends.com

Comcast will soon launch $5 a month streaming TV service

On March 26, 2019, Comcast will begin a $5 streaming Xfinity Flex TV video service.  However, the new service is restricted to the company's Xfinity subscribers  who live within its coverage area   As of January 2019, Comcast had about 25 million Internet subscribers who are eligible to take advantage of the company's Flex offering.  If they choose to pay $5 monthly, they will be given a leased Internet-connected, 4K HDR-ready box and voice-activated remote control.  This will provide them with access to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO and showtime, as well as thousands of online movies and commercial television shows.  Some live streaming will also be included from ESPN, Pluto, Tubi TV, YouTube and others.  You will also be able to purchase or rent films and television shows and listen to music by means of Pandora, Xite and others.


SOURCE: USA Today


Netlix films will not be shown at the Cannes Film Festival in May

Once again, Netflix films will not be shown at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in May.  In 2018, a new rule was implemented that only permitted films with theatrical distribution in France to compete at Cannes. Variety reported that Ted Sarandos, Netflix's chief content officer, met with Cannes artistic director Thierry Fremaux to discuss the matter.  Although the discussion was reported to be positive, no agreement was reached.  Therefore, Netflix releases will not be shown at this year's festival.  Last year, Netflix was forced to debut the Oscar-winning film Roma at the Venice festival instead of at Cannes.

SOURCE: Independent


- Joanne

Y&R Report (March 16, 2019): 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, well, well!  The judge threw the book at Nikki, Victoria and Sharon - 30 hears for Nikki, ten years for Princess Victoria and three years for Sharon.  Those three received the harshest of sentences, while the fourth member of the unlikely quartet, Phyllis Summers, got off scot-free.  No wonder Phyllis is so unpopular.  She regards her self as the town pariah and she has admitted to  Kerry Johnson that she has few friends.  I wonder why?  (Phyllis seems to get along well with fellow troublemaker Mia.  They seem cut from the same cloth.  Maybe they'll form an unholy alliance, although there only loyalty is to themselves)..

We all know that those long prison sentences for Nikki, Victoria and Sharon can't stand.  Those three characters cannot remain in jail for all those years.  The only way they can all be freed is if J.T. turns up alive and J.T.'s got to be alive!  I am more convinced than ever that he's is still among the living and that he will reveal himself soon.  Thad Luckinbill, who portrays J.T. was spotted at the Y&R studio.  In addition. J.T. would be the most likely to be stalking the Newman family and setting up cameras to spy on them?  J.T. is a surveillance expert.  Remember too that  little Katie Newman Abbot's "imaginary friend" sang J.T.'s song to her.

Actually, tt doesn't seem as if Nikki, Victoria and Sharon are going to serve any prison time at all.  With Rey's assistance, Nick and Billy have hidden the three women at the Abbot cabin.  Nick is convinced that J.T. is alive and he and Billy and Rey want to lure him out of hiding.  Apparently, according to an online spoiler, Victors will come up with a plan to trap J.T.  Of course, Victor will be the hero.  Like the Road Runner, he never loses.  Give Nick Newman credit for being on the right track about J.T. being alive.  He's more astute than Rey.  In all this time, Rey has never come close to figuring that J.T. may still be alive.  Some detective!

Methinks Summer Newman is a little too conceited.  Our favourite Snowflake actually said that she could have any many she wanted, but that she chose Kyle.  What Summer doesn't truly realize is that she's not Kyle's first choice.  She was only able to get him to marry her because he wanted to save Lola's life.  Kyle may be grateful to her for saving Lola, but gratitude is not enough.  Not only that, but sooner or later, Summer will do something underhanded that will really anger Kyle.  Why?  Because she's the Snowflake and she's her mother's daughter.  

As Mariah predicted, Summer's hasty wedding to Kyle Abbot will blow up in her face.  That farce of a marriage is going to end up in disaster for all concerned.  Summer couldn't have made her liver donation with no strings attached.  She's not that selfless.  One thing for certain, the Snowflake will never let Kyle go to Lola.  She'll hold on to him as long as she can, by any means possible.  According the show's previews and some online spoilers, Lola will come out of surgery in better shape than Summer,  So, Kyle will have some a lot of sympathy for her, at least for a while.  I'm sure she'll recover, though, and return to her old tricks.

When is Nate going to get a storyline other than looking after patients in the hospital?  The writers are wasting his talents.  Maybe Josh Griffith, the new head writer will give Nate something more to do.  Speaking of Mr. Giffith, he has a big task ahead.  He'll have to bring closure to some storylines and begin new ones.  The first order of business is to wrap up the J.T. saga and to integrate the return of Paul Williams into that.  He'll also have to deal with the fate of Dina.  Former head writer Mal Young wanted to write an Alzheimer storyline because his mother died of the disease.  I think the only thing left is or Dina to pass away.  Marla Adams, who plays Dina, hasn't had any screen time for weeks.  What about Lily and Candy Cane and the twins?  They have been in the background for a while too.  I guess the next step is for Lily to be released from jail.  Also, what about Neil Winters, now that his portrayer, Kristoff St. John, has died tragically.  Neil is the patriarch of the Winters family and he has been a central character on the show until recently.  Will viewers accept another actor in the role or will it be better to write Neil out by having him leave Genoa City?

According to an online spoiler, Ana has a big secret.  Devon will follow his sister to a rundown hotel and he will be stunned at what she's been hiding.  Hmmmm.  She seems so sweet.

I have to give Lauralee Bell some praise for her performance as Christine "Cricket" Williams in the courtroom scenes.  I must say, the Cricketmeister has really grown as an actress since her Miss Junior Jabot days.



CAST NEWS

Alice Hunter to leave her role as Kerry Johnson

Alice Hunter has only portrayed Jabot chemist Kerry Johnson since last October, but she's already on her way out.  Alice posted the following on Twitter: "To all asking - yes, Kerry is taking an indefinite hiatus.  I LOVE the arc, even if I'm sad to leave.  The cast and crew gave her a goodbye party.

According to online reports, Alice is not bitter about being let go.  She hasn't taken it personally and hopes that Kerry will return in the future.  To be honest, I'm not a fan of the Kerry Johnson character.  She may be a super chemist, but I haven't been able to detect much chemistry between her and Jack Abbott.  I don't think Kerry has been popular with the fans either.  She's stylish and brainy, but doesn't have a warm personality.  She seems untrustworthy, insincere and only out for herself.

Where do her loyalties really lie?  Whom is she secretly working with?  The most obvious guess is Ashley Abbot, especially since Eileen Davidson will be returning for a two-episode visit soon.  She has ties to Ashley from their days in New York.  Kerry could also be working with the police, hoping to trap both Jack and Phyllis in illegal maneuvers.

The manner in which Kerry departs from the show should be very interesting.  I expect that she'll go out with a bang.


Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Sasha Calle (Lola Rosales)

Poor Lola!  She was attacked by Mia, who mistakenly thought she was Abby.  She lost consciousness and required a liver plant.  Now, she's going to discover that Kyle has married Summer.  She doesn't know what hit her.  What do you think she should do with regards to Kyle?  Respond to the poll below and let me know what you think.

What should Lola do about Kyle?

Lola should forget about Kyle, let Summer have him, and find someone else.

She should find out the real reason Kyle married Summer and fight for him.

She should bide her time and wait for the marriage to fall apart.

I don't know.

Other

Please Specify:

Created with Poll Maker

Readers, I would appreciate your feedback

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

That's all for now.  Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, March 30, 2019.  I'm looking forward to the end of March on the show, with the return of Paul and Ashley.  There will be big changes with a new head writer.

- Joanne

What Happened to the Cast of Head of the Class?

Head of the Class aired on the ABC network for five seasons, from 1986 until 1991.  The sitcom starred Howard Hesseman as a teacher of gifted students at the fictional Monroe High School (later Millard Filmore High School) in Manhattan.  Hesseman portrayed Charlie Moore, a struggling New York actor-director, who worked as a substitute teacher while waiting for his big break.  Moore was assigned to "watch over" a class of student prodigies in the Individual Honors Program. (IHP).  His  students were comprised of a variety of ethnic backgrounds and temperaments.  Their academic interests were diverse.

The Complete Directory of Prime Time Network TV Shows 1946-Present describes Head of the Class as "the flip side of Welcome Back, Kotter."  It says that the students were "so brainy that most their former teachers had just read books while they taught themselves."  It points out that the show revolved around overachieving honours students in contrast to Kotter's underachieving "sweathogs."

The creators and executive producers of Head of the Class were Rich Eustis and Michael Elia.  Eustis worked as a substitute teacher in New York City while aspiring to become an actor. So, the Charlie Moore character was obviously based on Eustis' background.


WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CAST OF HEAD OF THE CLASS

HOWARD HESSMAN played the laid-back teacher Charlie Moore.  He taught his students how to deal with the everyday problems of their age group. He schooled them in life's lessons and encouraged them to go beyond their academic comfort zones.  Hessman left the series after Season 4 and was replaced by Billy Connolly.

Howard Hessman was born on February 27, 1940 in Lebanon, Oregon, USA.  Prior to his role on Head of the Class, Hessman was known for his portrayal of disc jockey Dr. Johnny Fever on the popular sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati (1978 to 1982).  He also played Sam Royer on One Day at a Time from 1982 to 1984 and  he reprised his role as DJ Dr. Johnny Fever on The New WKRP in Cincinnati from 1991 to 1993.  Hessman had guest-starring roles in such series as Murder, She Wrote (1985), The Outer Limits (1997), The Practice (1999) and Touched by an Angel (2000).  In 2001, he played Max in three episodes on That '70s Show.  In 2003, he appeared in three episodes of ABC TV's Boston Legal, playing a judge.  His judge character heard court cases while sitting on the judge's bench, in the same way that Charlie Moore taught his class when he sat atop his desk.  In 2007, Howard played Dr. James Broderick in an episode of ER.  In 2011, he had a guest role as Dr. Ellliot D. Aden on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation in an episode entitled "Turn On, Tune In, Drop Dead" (Season 11, Episode 16, Air Date: February 24, 2011).   Most recently, Hessman has appeared in episodes of Mike & Molly (2012), Chicago Med (2016) and Fresh Off the Boat (2017) as well as the TV movie A Christmas in Vermont (2016).  In 2018, he promoted WKRP in Cincinnati and other classic television series on the MeTV network.

Howard Hessman has been married to French-born actress Caroline Ducrocq since 1989.




BILLY CONNOLLY played Billy MacGregor.  He succeeded Howard Hessman as teacher of the gifted student's program.  Connolly, a Scottish stand-up comedian, actor and musician, was born in Glasgow on November 24, 1942.  In the 1960s, Billy left his job as a welder in the Glasgow shipyards to pursue a career as a folk singer.  He sang and played guitar and banjo in a folk rock band called The Humblebums along with singer-songwriter Gerry Rafferty and guitarist Tom Harvey.  He eventually became a solo artist and  then made the transition from comic folk singer to a full-fledged comedian.

Billy is now Sir William Connolly.  In October of 2017, he was knighted at Buckingham Palace by Prince Charles for his contributions to entertainment and charity.  In recent years, Connolly has suffered from health issues.  He has had surgery for prostate cancer and has been treated for Parkinson's disease.  In January of 2019, he revealed that his ailments may force him to retire.

Since 1989, Billy Connolly has been married to his second wife, Pamela Stephenson, a New Zealand-born Australian psychologist, writer and comic. Billy is the father of five children, two from his fist marriage to Iris Prssagh and three from his current marriage to Stephenson.

WILLIAM G. SCHILLING played Dr. Harold Samuels, the school's blustery principal.  Samuels questioned Charlie Moore's teaching methods.

Bill Schilling was born August 30, 1939 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Prior to Head of the Class, Bill Schilling guest-starred in episodes of such TV series as Lou Grant (1981), Family Ties (1982), M*A*S*H (1982), St. Elsewhere (1983), Alice (1983), The Jeffersons (1984), Hunter (1984), Three's a Crowd (1984), Remington Steele (1985) and Valerie (1986).  From 1982 to 1983, he appeared in four episodes of Hill Street Blues.  In three of those episodes, he played a character named Ernie.  From 1984 to 1985, Bill had a recurring role  in five episodes of E/R as Richard the Orderly.  After Head of the Class, he guest-starred in episodes of Who's the Boss? (1992), Homefront (three episodes in 1992 to 1993) and Something Wilder (1994).  He also played the role of George Buelton in the television movie For Their Own Good (1993).

Schilling is now retired from acting.  He played Ben in a 2002 episode of the TV series Still Standing and Detective Carr in a 2000 episode of Pensecola: Wings of Gold. In the 1996 Michael Jordan movie, Space Jam, he played a golfer.  He portrayed Sandford Riggs in the 1993 crime film In the Line of Fire.

JEANNETTA ARNETTE played the angelic Bernadette Meara, the calm and sensible vice principle.  Although there were romantic sparks between Ms. Arnette and Charlie Moore, nothing became of the attraction.  However, Bermadette later became involved in a romantic relationship with Charlie's successor, Billy MacGregor.

Jeannetta Arnette was born on July 29, 1954 in Washington, D.C.  She was raised in North Carolina.  She attended George Washington University in Washington, D.C.  and became involved in local theatre productions.  However, she dropped out of college and moved to Los Angeles to pursue a Hollywood acting career.  She has appeared in many movies, including Ladybugs (1992) and Boys Don't Cry (1999), as well as in a number of guest-starring roles on television.

In 2006, Arnette co-starred in the Tori Spelling sitcom VHI.  She also portrayed an  innocent death row inmate in a 2006 episode of Criminal Minds.  In 2014, she had a recurring role as Anya Sparks in the CBS series Extant, starring Halle Berry.  Most recently, she played Mrs. Kelly in a 2018 episode of Heathers.

DAN FRISCHMAN played Arvid Engen, a thin, bespectacled, socially awkward math whiz.  The Complete Directory of Prime Time Network TV Shows 1946-Present describes Arvid as "the classic nerd with glasses, pocket slide rule, and polyester pants."

Dan Frischman was born on April 23, 1959 in Whippany, New Jersey, USA.  From 1996 until 2000, he portrayed Chris Potter on the Nickelodeon sitcom Kenan & Kel.  He also starred as Kenny in the 2010 TV movie Tramps and Ramblers.

DAN SCHNEIDER played Dennis Blunden, Arvid's best friend.  Dennis was overweight, witty and cynical.  He was a computer whiz who specialized in chemistry and physics.  Dennis was particularly fond of pizza.

Dan Schneider became a producer for the Nickelodeon channel.  He and his Schneider's Bakery team created many of the channel's hit series such as Carly, Drake & Josh, Victorious, Kenan & Kel and Henry Danger.  In March of 2018, Nickelodeon cut ties with Schneider.

In 2002, Dan married food blogger Lisa Lillien.  The couple met at Nickelodeon in the 1990s.  Lisa is the producer of the Hungry Girl website which includes cookbooks, low-calorie recipes, specialty products and television shows.

KHRYSTYNE HAJE played quiet, delicate, poetry-loving Simone Foster.  A relationship developed on the show between Simone and Eric Mardian, played by Brian Robins. Eric, an aspiring writer, had a crush on Simone and they had an off-again on-again romance.   Eric was the most unlikely student in the Individual Honors Program as he wasn't outwardly geeky.  He dressed in leather and rode a motorcyle.  In the last episode of the series, Eric proposes to Simone.

Khrystyne Haje was born on December 21, 1968 in Santa Clara, California.  She began her career as a teenage model.  Her first television role was in the 1985 TV movie Crime of Innocence, starring Andy Griffith and Diane Ladd.  She appeared as Sally in the 1987 TV movie Bates Hotel and she played the teenage Chrissy Seaver in a 1990 episode of Growing Pains entitled "Future Shock" (Season 5, Episode 21, Air Date: February 21, 1990).

After Head of the Class, Khrystyne Haje played Kathy Larson in the family comedy TV movie Stepsister from Planet Weird (2000) and she guest-starred in  a 2002 episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.  She had roles in the 1994 science fiction thriller Cyborg 3: The Recycler and the 2002 action film Redemption.  Since the 1990s, she has worked in more theatre productions and
fewer television productions.

TONY O'DELL played the egotistical Alan Pinkard, an ultra conservative preppy type and supporter of Ronald Reagan. Alan's specialty was political science

Tony O'Dell was born Anthony Dell'Aquila on January 30, 1960 in Pasadena, California.  He made his television debut in a 1978 Halloween episode of CHiPs entitled "Trick or Treat" (Season 2, Episode 6, Air Date: October 21, 1978. in which he had a minor role as a teenager.  Prior to Head of the Class, O'Dell guest-starred in episodes of such series as Eight is Enough (1980), Family (1980) and Simon & Simon (1985).  In 1981, he portrayed Christopher in four episodes of the prime time soap Dynasty.  He also played Jimmy in the 1984 film, The Karate Kid, and its 1986 sequel, The Karate Kid II.

LESLIE BEGA played Maria Borges, a student so driven to perfection that she grounded herself when she received a "B" grade.  She performed in Filmore High's productions of Grease and Little Shop of Horrors.

Leslie Bega was born on April 17, 1967 in Los Angeles, California.  She made her acting debut at the age of six in the Broadway play The Patriots.  She has had had many years of vocal/singing training and has made her mark in Broadway musicals over the years.  In 2001, she performed solo at New York City's Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

Leslie left Head of the Class in 1989 after which she had guest roles on such TV series as Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990), 21 Jump Street (1991) and SeaQuest 2032.  From 1997 to 1998 she starred as Laura Sandoval in C-16 FBI alongside Eric Roberts, Angie Harmon and D.B. Sweeney.  From 2002 to 2003, she appeared as Leah in three episodes of CSI; Crime Scene Investigation.  From 2002 to 2004, she portrayed Tony Soprano's mistress, Valentina La Paz, on The Sopranos.  Most recently, she played Carmen in the 2016 TV movie Bird Dog.  In addition, Leslie established movie career for herself with roles in such films as Lost Highway (1997).Get Shorty 1995), The American President (1995) and Mobsters (1991).

Leslie Bega is also a business entrepreneur who built a career in commercial and residential real estate.  She starred as a real estate broker on two realty shows: Bravo['s Million Dollar Listing and HGTV's Selling L.A.  On Selling L.A. one of Leslie's own properties was on sale.

On Valentine's Day 1992, Leslie married John Fariss, the drummer for the Australian-based band INXS.  The marriage ended in divorce in 1997.         



                           

                                                                                 
TANNIS VALLELY played Janice Lazarotto, the youngest of the students.  Janice was in high school at the age of 11 due to her high intelligence.

Tannis Kathleen Vallely was born in New York City on December 28, 1975.  She is the daughter of actress Myra Turley and producer/screenwriter Bill Vallely.  Prior to her role on Head of the Class, she appeared in episodes of St. Elsewhere (1984) and Punky Brewster (1986).

Tannis left Head of the Class in 1989 and her character, Janice, went to Harvard University.  However, she made two guest appearance on the show in 1990 and she returned for series finale in 1991.  In the last episode, entitled "It Couldn't Last Forever: Part 2"  (Season 5, Episode 22, Air Date: June 25, 1991),

Tannis has been married to Jeremy Kromberg since May 22, 2004.  In 2001, she began working as a casting director's office in Los Angeles.

ROBIN GIVENS played Darlene Merriman, a spoiled rich girl who specialized in speech and debate.  She and Alan Pinkard competed for the highest marks in the class.

Robin Simone Givens was born on November 27, 1964 in New York City. She began her acting career with a 1985 appearance on The Cosby Show.  She followed that with a role in an episode of Diff'rent Strokes (1986).


After Head of the Class ended its run in 1991, Robin appeared in some short-lived series and had a number of guest-starring and  recurring roles.  In 2018, she played Dr. Phillips in 15 episodes of soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful.  Robin currently portrays Mayor Sierra McCoy on the television series Riverdale.

Robin Givens is known for her turbulent marriage to boxer Mike Tyson, whom she wed in 1988 and divorced in 1989.  It was a very unhappy union.  Givens alleged spousal abuse, while Tyson claimed she was only interested in his money.  In 1997, Robin married her tennis instructor Svetozar Marinkovic.  That marriage ended in divorce in 1998.

Givens has two children.  She adopted a son, Michael Givens, as a single mother and gave birth to a another son, William Givens, Jensen, in 1999.  Givens' former boyfriend, Murphy Jensen, is William's father.


END NOTES

* The theme music to Head of the Class is instrumental.  It was composed by Ed Alton. The opening credits featured a variety of New York landmarks as well as Charlie Moore's frustrating commute to work.  He arrives late but is happy to see the students.

* In 1988, the cast of Head of the Class travelled to Moscow to film  "Mission in Moscow," a two-part episode, there.  Class was the first American sitcom to film in the  Soviet Union, although some news programs and specials, such as Candid Camera in 1961, had done so before.

*  After Head of the Class ended its run, Billy Connolly appeared in a short-lived spin-off of the series.  It was titled Billy.

*  For the first three seasons of Head of the Class, there were 10 students.  During the fourth and fifth seasons, there were some cast changes.  As mentioned, Janice Lazarotto  went to Harvard, while Maria Borges went to  Performing Arts High School.  Jawaharlal Chouhury (Jory Hussain aka Joher Coleman), an exchange student from India, moved to California.  Some new students were then added to the cast, including T.J. Jones, played by Rain Pryor from 1988 to 1991.  T.J. was a problem student whose slow learning could be attributed to her attitude rather than lack of intelligence.  She worked her way in the IHP.

* In 1991, the students finally graduated from the school, which had been renamed Millard Filmore High School and was set to be torn down.


SOURCES: The Complete Directory of Prime Time Network TV Shows 1946-Present; Variety (March 26, 2018), "Nickelodeon Splits with Dan Schneider," by Daniel Holloway; IMBd.com; Wikipedia; 


- Joanne

EDITOR'S UPDATE: Howard Hesseman died on January 29, 2022 in Los Angeles California.  He passed away at the age of 81 due to complications from colon surgery, according to his manager.

Y&R Report (March 2, 2019): 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, crazy Mia did some terrible things.  She tried to attack Abby but harmed Lola instead.  It's unfortunate that the writers made Mia commit a violent act.  I considered her to be quite a wild character.  She's certainly off the wall and very insecure, but I don't see her as particularly violent.

Mia lied to Rey about being pregnant so she wouldn't have to go to jail.  Then she duped him when he demanded that she produce a positive pregnancy test.  Mia may not be "Mama Mia" yet, but she will be soon. The papa will not be Rey.  The papa will be Arturo.  Mia will find a way to make it happen.

Christine "Cricket" Williams was certainly in fine form in court.  The Cricketmeister raked Phyllis over the coals.  The born again redhead didn't even know what hit her.  She thought she would just plea bargain with the district attorney, throw Nikki, Victoria and Sharon under the bus and have a fairly easy time on the witness stand.  Boy, was she wrong!  She completely underestimated the Cricktmeister.  Cricket attacked her like a pitbull. She was relentless.  The other two lawyers, Michael Baldwin and Brittany Hodges, were tough on her too.

Phyllis was shell-shocked as she walked off the witness stand. She was so stunned that her daughter, Summer, followed her out of the courtroom to offer her some support.  Phyllis is probably the most unpopular person in Genoa City.  She is headstrong and she fights tooth and nail for her own interests.  Some find that an admirable quality, but Phyllis takes it too extremes.  She comes across as selfish and controlling.  That's why Nick kicked her out of his house.  Speaking of Nick, will he try again to reunite with Sharon?  Is he really finished with Phyllis for good?

Lola needs a liver transplant and, of course, Summer is the match.  When she told Kyle of her concerns about donating part of her liver, Kyle offered to break off with Lola and even marry Summer if she went though with the liver donation.  You can bet Snowflake will take him up on his offer.



CAST NEWS

Yes!  Doug Davidson is back!

The fans have spoken and CBS has listened.  Doug Davidson is back.  Our beloved "Clueless" Paul Williams will be returning to Genoa City.  He has taped an episode that will air on Monday, March 25th (CBS) and Friday, March 22nd (Global TV in Canada) , according to Soap Central.  It not clear whether Doug is on contract again, but Eric Braeden stated on Twitter that Davidson is "back back."

Eric has been very supportive of  Doug and has probably been the most vocal castmate in opposing Doug's firing from the show.  He was also the first to hail Doug's return on social media, when he tweeted, "He's back!!" with a picture of himself and Davidson.

Fans, this proves you have influence on the powers-that-be at CBS.  Ratings matter to them and they do not want to lose viewers and advertising dollars.  So, if you don't like something, don't hesitate to let them know.



Thad Luckinbill (J.T.) spotted at Y&R studio

Thad Luckinbill was recently spotted at the Y&R studio.  He may have been just visiting, but it's much more likely that he was filming scenes.  So. what does that mean with regard to the J.T. storyline?  There are a couple of possibilities.  He could just be appearing in flashbacks.  The other possibility is that J.T. is still alive.  I doubt that Thad Luckinbill is returning to the show, so if J.T. has survived, I expect him to be captured or killed by the police, led by Paul Williams.  Yes, the same Paul Williams (Doug Davidson) whose absence has not yet been explained.  It would be the perfect scenario for the return of Clueless.  I'm curious as to how they'll explain Paul's vanishing act.

Eileen Davidson (Ashley)back for return visit

Great news for fans of Eileen Davidson!  She will be returning to Y&R as Ashley Abbott for a two-day stint on Thursday, March 28th and Friday, March 29th (CBS) and Wednesday, March 27th and Thursday, March 28th on Global TV, just after Doug Davidson's return.  Eileen told Soap Opera Digest that she told new Y&R writer Josh Griffith that she would be open to return appearances and that Griffith took her up on her offer.

Beth Maitland (Traci Abott) is also making a return visit to Genoa City this spring.as Traci.  Y&R hasn't released the air dates yet for Traci's visit, but they should coincide with sister Asheley's return.  We viewers can look forward to a big Abbott extravaganza.  There will be some emotional drama concerning Jabot, the family business, which the Abbott's proudly describe as John Abbott's legacy.  Jack is leading the charge to remove Phyllis as CEO of Jabot and replace her with an Abbott.

Note that Beth Maitland has earned a pre-nomination in the Daytime Emmy's Outstanding Supporting Actress category this year.  I'll be cheering for her.  The final nominations will be announced on March 20th.


Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Jack is leading the charge to remove Phyllis from her position as CEO of Jabot.  He wants the company back in Abbott hands.  What do you think?  Should Phyllis be dethroned?  If so. who should replace her?

Who should be the CEO of Jabot?

Phyllis should remain in the job. She's tough and competent.

Jack

Ashley

Kyle

Abby

Traci

Other

Please Specify:

Created with PollMaker

NOTE TO READERS

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

That's all for now.  Don't forget that the next episode of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, March 16, 2019.  The February sweeps are behind us now, but March is shaping up to be an exciting month on Y&R with the return of Doug Davidson and Eileen Davidson and the first episodes from new head writer Josh Griffith.


- Joanne