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,
So, Sharon and her longtime nemesis, Phyllis, have been kidnapped by a mysterious assailant. The two enemies have been locked in a room from which they have been unable to escape. In order to win their freedom, they must join forces and solve a series of puzzles. Although some viewers have been enjoying this storyline, I am not so keen on it.
I realize that many fans are curious about the identity of the kidnapper. They also wonder if Sharon Newman (Sharon Case) and Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford) will survive and become friends. I have little doubt that both women will survive, unless they are being written out of the show. I can't see that happening, though. As for the identity of the kidnapper, it has to be someone who knows a great deal about Sharon and Phyllis This might be an attempt to make them reconcile their difference and forgive each other. However, I can't think of any character on the show who would go to such lengths.
Could Ian Ward be behind the kidnapping? This is where the plot becomes really confusing. First of all,, what has happened to Ian Ward.? We haven't seen him since he opened his eyes in the ambulance. It's been far too long. He is thought to have been cremated at the morgue. If he escaped from the morgue, wouldn't there be a search for him? I'm sure that the writers will come up with some ridiculous explanation. Here's another question I just have to ask. Phyllis and Sharon noticed that the alarm clock had been removed. That means someone entered the room. Why wasn't one of them awakened?
I have grown tired of Phyllis and Sharon squabbling in that room. I find it quite repetitive and slow-moving. It just seems to be going on and on, with no end in sight. After investing so much time with this storyline, I fear that the outcome will be unsatisfying of or completely absurd,
However, Michelle Stafford ,has nothing but praise for the storyline. In an Instagram post, Michelle wrote the following: "This was "one of the most unique, challenging and funnest experiences I've ever had on Y&R. I've had so many great experiences with so many great actors and storylines on this show for sure. This one is up there at the top!" Michelle's co-star, Sharon Case (Sharon Newman), agreed wholeheartedly. "Yess!!!! For me too!!! It was all of that!!" she commented on Michelle's post.
Two relationships that have no chance of survival are Claire and Kyle and Audra and Nate. It is obvious that Summer and Victor will put an end to that romance. Audra and Nate's relationship will also hit the skids due to Holden. Audra is not being completely honest with Nate. Her past will come back to haunt her, no matter how hard she tries to cover her tracks.
Why hasn't the Newman office been shown for a long time? We never see Nick and Victoria at work these days. There supposed to be the co-CEOs of a multinational corporation. Who is running things? Also, Victoria (Amelia Heinle) has not had much screentime lately. She's clearly out of the spotlight. Furthermore, Cole has not been around for a long while. So much airtime has been devoted to the Sharon/Phyllis storyline.
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.
I received an email from longtime Y&R viewer, CC in Etobicoke. Here is CC's email.
Hi Joanne,
I definitely have some thoughts on Y & R though many may not appreciate them.
The show has resorted to being the #1 Soap in the category of Most Boring!
I am not a fan of plot recycling, rehashing, old grudges, only to return sometime later for another chance to get revenge.
There is Sharon...in love with Nick all over again!
Older and wiser, and even older looking.
Sharon Case is not aging well despite all her cosmetic surgery efforts.
I have never trusted the character of Claire.
She is such a convoluted persona who may someday become central to the departure of key longstanding characters, if she lasts long enough.
The powers that be have diminished Victoria's character.
She is left with a wimpy housemate and kids we never see.
Her father may never let her take the reins of the company again.
And then there is Nikki's new look, and another turn of wife being unsupportive of her husband, Evil Victor.
Is that the door opening for another temporary separation of the King and Queen of Genoa City?
You must be wondering why I continue watching?
What are your thoughts about how things are going?
Hi CC
It's always good to hear from you. You are clearly not pleased with Y&R right now, In some ways, I have to agree with you. I don't like the current storyline with Sharon and Phyllis locked in a room. It's very weird and unsettling. Haven't we had enough of Sharon being kidnapped and in distress? She just escaped from one kidnapping, only to be the victim of another. Why can't the writers give it a rest for a while? People watch Y&R for harmless escapism. However, the Sharon//Phyllis storyline is irritating and disturbing for much of the time.
The show does tend to rehash old grudges. Victor and Jack have been feuding for years. They were getting along better until that night that Jack took extraordinary measures to save Nikki. I think the writers decided to reignite the feud in order to create conflict. They probably felt that viewers would lose interest if Jack and Victor became friends.
I don't have any problem with Sharon being in love with Nick Newman again. After all, they were married for ten years and had two children together. There is still a bond between them. As for Sharon's appearance, you have to remember that female actors are under a great deal of pressure to look young. Male actors do not receive the same amount of pressure. I do agree that too much cosmetic surgery is not desirable, as it leads to a plastic look.
Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL
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Michelle Stafford |
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Sharon Case |
Fans, what do you think about the Sharon/Phyllis storyline? Do you like it., or do you find it ridiculous and distasteful? Respond to the poll below and let me know.
That's all for now. Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, March 22, 2025.
Take care,
- Joanne