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.
NOTICE FROM JOANNE
Hi fans,
Since there are no new episodes in the midst of this pandemic, there is not as much to write about. Therefore, my Y&R Reports will probably be much shorter. However, I will provide you with any news available concerning COVID-19's effects on The Young and the Restless and any updates on what is happening with the show and its cast members.
It has certainly been fun watching the old episodes. We've seen a young Cricket, a young Drucilla, a young Cassie and a young Devon with hair. We've seen the elegant, upscale Colonnade Room. We've seen Mamie and Lorie Brooks and the original "Jack Abbott," Terry Lester. Terry passed away in 2003 of a heart attack. He was only 53 at the time of his death. He left the show on bad terms in 1989, complaining about his lack of screen time. He even singled out Lauralee Bell,(Christine "Cricket" Blair), the daughter of the show's creators, Bill and Lee Phillip Bell. After Terry's departure, Peter Bergman took over the role of Jack Abbott.
 |
| Terry Lester |
We've also seen episodes featuring the late Beau Kazer, who played Mrs. Chancellor's son, Brock Reynolds. Toronto-born Beau had such a booming, baritone voice, especially when he called Katherine "Duchess." Beau Kazer died on December 30, 2014 in Thousand Oaks, California at the age of 63.
 |
| Beau Kazer |
I've enjoyed seeing the current Y&R actors at home, especially Eric Braeden. He's so feisty, although his voice isn't as strong as it used to be. Since I watch Y&R on Global TV, I've already viewed the first episode of the next theme week. I was very pleased that Melody Scott Thomas introduced the the first episode. She looked beautiful as she as sat on a piano bench. As you know, Melody's character, Nikki, often plays the piano. It's evident that Melody herself must be an accomplished pianist. She has tweeted that she was a music/piano major and she enjoys talking music.
I know there will come a time when I will be itching to see new episodes. I really enjoyed the "Katherine the Great:" week, which featured some memorable moments in the life of the wealthy Genoa City matriarch. We saw two weddings from the past - the wedding of Billy and Chloe and the wedding of Katherine and Murphy. I've also enjoyed the Nikki and Victor week. For over four decades, they have been daytime television's premier couple, exuding elegance and flare. Their epic romance has continually enchanted viewers through the years. It was a treat to watch their 2002 wedding.
It looks as if it's going to be a while yet before we can watch new episodes of Y&R. Neighbours, an Australian soap, has already resumed production, with the virus outbreak seemingly under control Down Under. However, the filming of Neighbours is being strictly monitored, meaning no love scenes involving kissing or physical contact. Camera tricks are being used to make physically-distanced actors appear closer than they really are. Government guidelines regarding social distancing are being enforced by health officials, with cast and crew split into group in different areas of the set. Extras are not being used and crew members will appear in the background instead. There is no pressure on cast and crew to return if they don't feel comfortable and special measures have been taken to accommodate older employees. The situation doesn't seem ideal to me, but North American soaps may follow suit if COVID-19 fears continues for a long time to come.
This week, Y&R'S theme will be epic rivalries featuring Jill and Katherine (1998), Victor and his foes (1993), Nikki and Sharon (2012), Victor and Jack and Brad (1999), Victor and Jack, (1999), Lily and Hilary,(2014). There's nothing there from the 1970s or 1980s. It seems as if Y&R is reluctant to open the vault and air some older episodes.
Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL
What do you think of the Australian soap Neighbours' plan for resuming production of new episodes? Fans, do you think that Y&R should do the same thing? Respond to the poll below and let me know.
Do you think Y&R should resume production of new episodes using social distancing?
Created with Poll Maker
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. Take care and stay safe during this pandimic. Please note that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, May 23, 2020.
- Joanne
No comments:
Post a Comment