Jeopady! Update

 
The Jeopardy! Masters tournament begins this week

Okay fellow Jeopardy! fans.  Are you ready for the Jeopardy! Masters tournament?  The second season of the Masters will begin on May 1, 2024, and it will last for three weeks, with nine episodes in total.  There will be six competitors.in the tournament.

The first matchup will feature Mattea Roach, Matt Amodio and Victoria Groce.  I will be cheering for Mattea because Mattea is a Canadian, originally from Nova Scotia.  

Mattea now lives in my hometown, Toronto, Ontario and is a writer and podcast host.  Matt Amodio resides in New York City and is a quantitative researcher.  Victoria Groce, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a writer and television personality.  She is the winner of the first-ever Jeopardy! Invitational Tournament.  

Last year, professional sports gambler James Holzhauer won the Masters tournament.  He took home $500,000 and the Alex Trebek trophy.  Mattea Roach finished second, winning $250,000.  Matt Amodeo ended up in third place with $150,000.  As a result of making the finals in last year's tournament, those three automatically qualify. for the tournament.  

James Holzhauer will defend his Masters title.  Another contestant will be psychologist Yogesh Raut, of Vancouver, Washington.  He is the winner of the 2024 Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions.  The sixth and final competitor, as chosen by the producers, is Amy Schneider, a writer and native of Dayton, Ohio. She holds the second-longest win streak in the show's history, after host Ken Jennings.

THE SIX CONTESTANTS

Mattea Roach

Matt Amodeio

Victoria Groce

James Holzhauer

Yogesh Raut

Amy Schneider

- Joanne

Y&R Report (April 20, 2024): 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, 

Y&R head writer Josh Griffith has a terrible habit.  He doesn't always show viewers a complete scene.  We only get to see the follow-up to the scene.  For example, we saw Jordan shackled in a hospital room.  Yet we are supposed to believe that she escaped security.  We are supposed to believe that she somehow entered the Abbott home and kidnapped Harrison and Claire without being heard or causing a commotion.  We don't know exactly how she pulled it off because we did not see the complete scene.  This is really annoying.

On a positive note, I really enjoyed Nikki and Victor's 40th anniversary party.  Eric Braeden and Melody Thomas Scott are superb.  They are soap's premier duo.  I truly hope they have many more successful years on the show.

Summer is getting on my nerves.  I don't blame her for being upset over Harrison's abduction, but she is flying off the handle and she is determined to think the worst of Claire, without concrete evidence.  It is obvious that Claire will be vindicated of any wrongdoing.  Summer will have to eat crow and apologize.  I have little doubt that Claire will become Harrison's nanny.  It's just a matter of time.           

Jack and Victor, longtime rivals, are working together to bring Harrison home safely and to put an end to Jordan's reign of terror.  I don't think that this partnership will last.  In fact, I think it will end as soon as the crisis is resolved.  Diane is not pleased about all the time Jack is devoting to helping Nikki overcome her alcoholism.  Victor is not happy about Nikki spending time with Jack.  I doubt that this unlikely alliance will remain intact.

Just as we thought Danny and Cricket were going to go off happily on Danny's tour together, Cricket declared that as an attorney, she had an obligation to help a client who needed her.  Danny was disappointed, bus said he understood.  But wait!  If you think it's over for Danny and Cricket, think again.  In an Instagram post, Lauralee Bell, who plays The Queen Bug, as Phyllis referred to her, has hinted that there's more to come in May in the storyline.             

2024 Daytime Emmys Nominations

The nominations for the 2024 Daytime Emmys have been announced.  The 51st Daytime Emmys will be held on June 7, 2024 in Los Angeles.  The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful led the way, each with 12 nominations.  Y&Rw as represented in the following categories:

* Outstanding Daytime Drama Series; Outstanding Writing Team; Outstanding Directing Team; Outstanding Casting; Outstanding Art Direction/Set Decoration/Scenic Design; Outstanding Hairstyling and Makeup

* Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series - Actor: Eric Braeden (Victor Newman)

* Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series - Actress: Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers)

* Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Daytime Drama Series - Actor: Bryton James (Devon Winters)

* Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Daytime Drama Series - Actress: Allison Lanier (Summer Newman; Courtney Hope (Sally Spectra)

* Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Linden Ashby (Cameron Kirston).  It's interesting to note that Linden Ashby is up against 98-year-old Dick Van Dyke.,who appeared on Days of Our Lives.

CAST NEWS

Where is Brytni Sarpy (Dr. Elena Dawson)?

As I've mentioned before, Dr. Elena Dawson (Brytni Sarpy)  has been missing from our screens for a while now.  I've tried to get to the bottom of her disappearance. I've been curious about what happened to her as she hasn't even appeared in hospital scenes lately.  Where is the good doctor?  She's been absent for months.  She helped saved Chance's life when he was shot, and that's about the the last we've seen of her.  

Elena has non been involved in a storyline since she dumped Nate for cheating on her with Victoria.  She seems unlucky at love.  She could use a new romance.  How is that going to happen, though, if we never see her?  According to a March 13th article on the website SheKnows (www.sheknows.com), Brytni "recently" posted a photo of herself on Instagram showing off a new hair style and hair colour. (That is not surprising as the actress frequently changes her hairstyle and colour). She received compliments from quite a few people telling her how much she's been missed and asking when she's going to return.  

SheKnows did some investigating and found that "according to show sources, Elena, is, as happens to characters from time to time, just on the backburner for now." It found no word when she might show up again, but hoped that "we don't have to wait until the next time someone is shot!"  It's usually not a good sign when characters are put "on the backburner."  Most of the time, they stay there, or return years later with another actor playing the part.  That's what happened to Noah and other Y&R characters.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Kellen Enriquez

Redding Munsell

How do you like the new Harrison?  Redding Munsell took over the role of Harrison Abbott from Kellen Enriquez, just as Harrison's storyline began heating up.  Some may ask why the switch was made at such a crucial time in the storyline.  I think that's exactly why the switch was made.  It appears that the Y&R producers and writers did not have much confidence in Kellen to take on a bigger role during Harrison's kidnapping.  What do you think, fans?  Which Harrison do you prefer?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Do you prefer the first Harrison (Kellen Enriquez) or the current Harrison (Redding Munsell)?

I prefer the first Harrison. He was very sweet.

I prefer the second Harrison. He is a much better actor.

They don't seem much different to me.

I don't know.

Other

 

pollcode.com free polls

NOTE TO READERS

I really need 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.  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 

Happy Passover to my readers of the Jewish faith. 

 That's all for now.  Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday,  May 4, 20024.

Take care,

Joanne

Dick Van Dyke, 98, has been nominated for a Daytime Emmy

 98-year-old Dick Van Dyke has been nominated for a Daytime Emmy (He was born on December 13, 1925 in West Plains, Missouri).  As a longtime Van Dyke fan, I am delighted with the news. Dick is a master of physical comedy and a talented actor.  He is truly a living treasure.  The Dick Van Dyke Show, which ran from 1961 to 1966, is a classic, and one of my favourite sitcoms.  From 1971 to 1974.  Dick and Hope Lange co-starred in The New Dick Van Dyke Show   Dick also starred in another hit series, Diagnosis Murder, from 1993 to 2001.

At 98, Dick becomes the oldest person to earn an Emmy nomination.  He was nominated for his performance on the soap opera Days of our Lives, where her portrayed an elderly man with amnesia.  Of his role on the daytime drama, Dick said last year that he has played old men before, "but comedy old men." He added, "This is the first time I ever just played my 97-year-old self."

Congratulations, Dick, on your Daytime Emmy Nomination.  You still have a lot of life in you yet.  You have proven that 90 can be be the new 70.

- Joanne

EDITOR'S UPDATE;  On June 7, 2024, Dick Van Dyke won a Daytime Emmy for his performance on Days of our Lives.  He received the Emmy in the for best guest performer on a daytime drama series,  At 98, he became the oldest actor to win a Daytime Emmy.

TV BANTER QUIZ #31

 Are you ready for the latest TV Banter television quiz?  Get ready and good luck!  There are ten questions.

TV BANTER QUIZ #31

GENERAL TV QUIZ

1.  On Leave it to Beaver, what was the name of Beaver's friend, the fireman?

A.  Ralph

B.  Gus

C. Clyde

D.  Fred

E,  George

2.  In an episode of The Andy Griffith Show, Aunt Bee, portrayed by Frances Bavier, becomes part owner of a restaurant.  What kind of restaurant was it?

Frances Bavier

A. Italian restaurant

B.  French restaurant

C.  Malt shop

D.  Chinese restaurant

E.  Nightclub

3.  On Happy Days, what was Potsie Weber's real name?

Anson Williams as Potsie 1974

A,  Clark

B.  James

C.  Warren

D.  Simon

E.  Edgar

4.  On the Dick Van Dyke Show, how was Mel Cooley, played by Richard Deacon, related to television star Alan Brady, played by Carl Reiner?

A.  Mel Cooley and Alan Brady were first cousins.

B.  They were brothers.

C.  They were brothers-in-law.

D.  They were half-brothers.

E.   They were step brothers.

5.  On The Dick Van Dyke Show, what was the nickname of Buddy Sorrell's wife?

A.  Bunny

B.  Candy

C.  Tootsie

D.  Honey

E.  Pickles

6,  On Seinfeld, what was Elaine Benes' occupation from Season 2 to Season 5.

A.  Flight attendant

B.  Copy Editor

C,  Pharmacist

D.  Receptionist

E.  Librarian

7.  On Welcome Back, Kotter, what was the name of teacher Gabe Kotter's wife?

A.  Julie

B.  Judy

C.  Janet

D.  Jessica

E.  Jean

8.  On Welcome Back Kotter, what was the name Gabe Kotter's alma mater, the school where he return to teach?

A.  James Buchanan High

B.  Walt Whitman High

C.  Jefferson High

D.  Millard Filmore High

E.  Woodrow Wilson High

9.  On I Love Lucy, what was the name of the harpist, the only female member of Rick Ricardo's (Desi Arnaz) orchestra?  (This is the bonus question.  Give yourself an extra point if you answer it correctly.)

A.  Jane

B;  Dorothy

C.  Betty

D.  Nancy

E.  Jenny

10.  On Family Ties, where did the Keaton family live?

A.  New York City

B.  Chicago, Illinois

C.  Madison, Wisconsin

D.  San Francisco, California

E.  Columbus, Ohio

ANSWERS

1.  B

Gus the Fireman

Beaver Cleaver's friend and confidant was a fireman named Gus.  American character actor Burt Mustin played Gus.  Beaver (Jerry Mathers) would visit Gus when at the fire station whenever he had a problem and needed advice.

2.  D

In a 1967 episode of The Andy Griffith Show entitled "Aunt Bee's Restaurant" (Season 7, Episode 21, Air Date: February 6 , 1967), Aunt Bee enters the business world as the part owner of a Chinese restaurant.

3.  C

Potisie Weber's real name was Warren.Weber.

4.  C

Richard Deacon as Mel Cooley

On The Dick Van Dyke Show, Mel Cooley was the brother-in-law of Alan Brady.  Mel, the producer of the fictional Alan Brady Show, was married to Alan Brady's sister.  Mel was always at the receiving end of comedy writer Buddy Sorrell's (Morey Amsterdam) jokes and insults, mostly about his baldness.

5.  E

Buddy (M. Amsterdam) with B. Perry as Pickles

Buddy with Joan Shawlee as Pickles

On The Dick Van Dyke Show. Buddy's wife, Fiona Conway Sorrell, was nicknamed "Pickles."  Barbara Perry (1921 - 2019) originated the role of  Pickles in two first-season episodes entitled "Sally is a Girl" (1961) and "Where You Been, Fassbinder?"(1962).  

Joan Shawlee played Pickles in three 1963 episodes - "My Husband is a Check Grabber," "The Sam Pomerantz Scandals" and "Divorce."

6.  B

From Seasons 2 to 5, Elaine Benes, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, worked as a copy editor at Pendant Publishing.  She lost her job in Season 5 when the company went bankrupt.  A merger that may have  saved the company was thwarted due to Elaine's habit of chewing speech-impairing Juicyfruit candies.

7.  A

Marcia Stassman as Julie Kotter

Marchia Strassman played Gabe Kotter's (Gabe Kaplan) long-suffering wife, Julie Kotter, on the sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter.  Marcia died of breast cancer in 2014.  She was 66 at the time of her passing.

8.  A

Gabe Kaplan as Gabe Kotter

On Welcome Back, Kotter, Gabe Kotter taught at James Buchanan High School in Brooklyn, New York.

9.  D

On I Love Lucy, the name of the harpist in Ricky Ricardo's orchestra was Nancy.  The Ricky Ricardo Orchestra was made up mostly of members of Desi Arnaz's orchestra.  The real name of the woman who played Nancy was Maryce R. Pickering.  She was a talented harpist who passed away in 1977.at the age of 61.

10.  E

On Family Ties, the Keaton family lived in Columbus, Ohio.  

- Joanne

Y&R Report (April 6, 2024): 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, 

Don't you think the Jordan storyline is getting ridiculous?  Is that woman a premier escape artist, another Harry Houdini?  There's no way that she could have gotten away from tight hospital security and the police.  She is a murderer and an arsonist.  Genoa City police would never  have allowed her to escape.  Jordan's latest stunt is to disguise herself as a man.  When will this end?  I don't expect reality on a soap, but the writers should not insult the intelligence of viewers.  

I'm looking forward to the 40th anniversary party to mark the first of Victor and Nikki's many weddings.  It should be quite an event, and very entertaining.  Obviously, Jordan is going to disrupt the festivities.  Her reign of terror should end there.  The Newman anniversary party should be the wicked woman's last stand.

After his disaster of a marriage with Ashley Abbott, Tucker McCall thinks he ready to enter into matrimony again, this time with Audra Charles.  Tucker is not good husband material, and Audra is not exactly eager to marry him.   At least she had the presence of mind not to immediately accept his proposal.  Frankly, I don't understand what she sees in that guy,  She'd be better off with Nate.  Nate doesn't have that great a record in the romance department either.  He really hurt Elena, who is nowhere to be seen these days, not even in hospital scenes.  However, he would still be far better for Audra than Tucker.  

I wonder if the writers are thinking about Lily Winters hooking up with Nick Newman, especially since Nick has broken up with Sally and Lily with Daniel. They had a long scene together.  If this happens more often, it will be a sign of things to come.  However, I still feel that Nick and Sharon will eventually find their way back to each other.  Speaking of Sharon, she hasn't had much screen time lately, and she doesn't really have a storyline.  After her dream episode, it seemed as if she was ready to be front and centre.  We seldom see her now.  If we do, all she does is speak with people about their problems.

The writers don't seem to know what to do with Phyllis ether.  They have her pulling childish pranks such as pulling fire alarms.  By the way, shouldn't she have been arrested for public mischief.  She got away scot-free.

CAST NEWS

Christel Khalil reveals name of her baby

Christel Khalil

Christel Khalil (Lily Winters) has been very private about disclosing information about her new baby son  with longtime partner Sam Restagno.  However, in a March 19th Instagram video, she finally revealed the child's name.  In the video, she showed the baby's nursery, decorated in blue.  She wrote "Nursery reveal!  So in love with the peaceful vibes for our baby Remy thanks to @babyletto."

 

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Michael Graziadei

Vail Bloom (Heather Stevens)

Lily has fired both Daniel and Heather.  She is hurt by Daniel's betrayal and doesn't want to be reminded of it every day at work.  Is she being fair, though?  Is her personal life interfering with the business of Chancellor-Winters?  Is it clouding her judgement?  On the other hand, does Lily have a point when she contends that the presence of Daniel and Heather is too distracting for her to do her job properly?  

Since Heather is a lawyer, she should be able to find another legal position.  It won't be as easy for Daniel.  That gaming platform, MegaSphere, is his baby.  He designed it.  He has the most knowledge of it, and he is the ideal person to run it.  The best solution would be to keep Daniel, but let Heather go.  What do you think, fans?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Did Daniel and Heather deserved to be fired by Lily?

Yes, the two would distract Lily, and she would not be able to do her job properly.

No. Their dismissal was very unfair. Lily let her personal feelings to interfere with business.

Only Heather should have been fired.

I don't know.

Other

 

pollcode.com free polls

NOTE TO READERS

I really need 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.  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 20, 2024.

Take care,

Joanne