Y&R Report (March 26, 2022) : 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.

Hi fans,

In a surprising and rather enticing move Y&R has brought Susan Walters back as Diane Jenkins.  She's calling herself Taylor Jensen and she's buying Keemo's house. "Didn't Diane die?" you may ask.  Yes, that's true, but this seems like another "back from the dead" soap storyline.  If you'll  recall, Diane was shot by Nikki in 2011 (Nikki claimed self-defence).  She wasn't presumed dead and there was no missing body.

So, how could she still be alive?  Well, I'm sure the writers will come up with some silly explanation.  They always do.  Remember how J.T. turned up after being buried alive?  Aside from that, resurrecting Diane offers some intriguing possibilities.  Phyllis certainly won't be thrilled about it because Diane was her arch-enemy.  I'm sure Nikki won't be thrilled. either.  Also, Diane is deeply connected with Jack and with Victor.

Don't forget that Diane is Kyle's mother.  Her return is going to have a profound effect on him.  Kyle will definitely want to see his mother if he learns that she is still somehow alive.

Diane is most likely the one who has been texting Jack, but plenty of questions still need to be answered about Diane's return.  Why did she want to meet Allie and why did she want to purchase Keemo's house?  She obviously knows that Allie is Jack's granddaughter.  What is her game plan?  Does she want to win Jack Abbott back?.  It appears that way.  Otherwise, why would she encourage Allie to get together with her grandfather.  

If Diane Jenkins wants Jack back, I'm sure Phyllis will have a lot to say about that.  I'm also sure that Phyllis will not be pleased if her old nemesis, Diane,, tries to sink her claws into Jack.  Diane is up to no good.  You can bank on that.

The Ashland Locke storyline is getting very interesting.  As expected, Princess Victoria's world has collapsed.  She has been taken for a ride.  The Lockness Monster has betrayed her and he is facing the wrath of a united Newman family.  When united, the Newmans are quite a force to be reckoned with.

It seems as if Victoria is determined to convince her wayward hubby that she doesn't believe her family and that she still loves him and is willing to support him.  She will, of course, be placing herself in extreme danger when Ashland catches on to her scheme, as he most certainly will.

Could the writers be setting up a "whodunit" murder mystery?  If Ashland ends up dead, there would be many suspects.   Otherwise, will he just disappear until the police find him?   A whodunit would be far more interesting.

At the moment, the Abby/Chance/Devon/baby Dominic storyline is the least enjoyable.  It really needs some sprucing up.  It's no wonder that the story is on the backburner.  It's stagnating and the writers don't seem to know where to go with it.  Chance just continues to struggle with the trauma his suffered in Spain.

The merger between Chancellor Industries and Hamilton/Winters is going much too smoothly.  Something is bound to go wrong.  Also, there must be a reason for storyline purposes why Dr. Nate is moving to the same building where Devon lives.

My oh my, but Chelsea and Rey keep running into each other and they are getting mighty friendly.  Sharon is not going to be pleased and my sense is that she will turn to Nick once again.  I have always thought that those two would get back together eventually.  She has been getting along well with Nick and Adam is far too involved with Sally Spectra and the Newman family drama over Ashland Locke to have any time for her.

CAST NEWS

Susan Walters returns as Diane Jenkins

Walters as Diane 

Susan Walters has returned as bad girl Diane Jenkins.  She is a native of Georgia and was born in 1963.  She is a former model who also appeared in TV commercials.  Walters is a soap veteran, having gotten her start playing Lorna Forbes on Loving back in 1983.  She's also had roles on TV shows such as Melrose Place., Dear John and Hotel.

In November of 2001, Susan took over the role of Diane on Y&R, following the departure of Alex Donnelly, the original Diane.  Walters portrayed Diane until 2004 and returned for a few appearances in 2010.  In August of 2010, Maura West began portraying Diane.  West played Diane when the character was supposedly killed.  Diane's body was seen floating down-stream in the park after Nikki had presumably killed her in self-defence.  So, how did Diane cheat death?  According to Soap Central, it might have something to do with the fact that Walters was not playing the role of Diane at the time.  

Michael Mealor is making long-term comeback as Kyle Abbott

Kyle Abbott (Michael Mealor) will be returning to Genoa City - and not just for a short business.  According to Soap Opera Digest, Mealor has signed a new deal with Y&R to return long-term.   HIs return will coincide with the surprising reappearance of his mother, Diane Jenkins, who was supposedly killed in self-defence by Nikki Newman.  Obviously, Kyle will want to reunite with his mother.  

Since Kyle is scheduled to return, can his Snowflake be far behind?  I don't think so,  I expect that Summer, played by a new actress (unless Hunter King also reaches a contract agreement), will soon join him in  GC, along with Harrison.  Their move to Milan did not last long and it looks as if they are not destined to ride off into the sunset.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Kelsey Wang (Allie)

Well fans, what do you think of Allie,(Kelsey Wang) now that you've seen her for a bit.  Are you impressed?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

What is your reaction to Allie (Kelsey Wang)?

I kike her. She's sweet and I think she would be a good match for Noah.

I don't think she's a good actress.

It's still too early to tell. I need to see more of her.

I don't know.

Other

 

pollcode.com free polls

NOTE TO READERS

I need your feedback.  If you have any comments on Y&R or on anything I've written, 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.  I really need your input.  I really need to hear your opinion.  I want to know if you agree or disagree with me. 

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca

That's all for now.  Please remember that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, April 16, 2022.

Take care,

Joanne