Y&R Report (January 11, 2025): 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,

I hope you had a great holiday, celebrating Christmas, Hannukah and the New Year.  As Genoa City rang in 2025, Sharon was kidnapped by wicked Aunt Jordan, and Tessa was drugged by the diabolical Ian Ward.  Once again, Sharon is the damsel in distress.  Nick will probably rescue her, unless Adam gets there first.  Nick Newman is not the sharpest knife in the drawer.  It's him too long to realize Sharon is in big trouble.  Faith realized immediately that Sharon was in some kind of danger when her mother failed to show up for the New Year's party.  Nick initially tried to play it down.  Now he's really worried and angry.  He rapped on Ian and Jordan's hotel room and confronted Ian, while Jordan hid herself.  How did Nick know where to find Ian?  How did he find the hotel room?  Unless I missed something, there was no explanation.  I guess that's just one of those questions a soap doesn't want you to ask.

Claire is the happiest she's ever been in her entire life.  Her romance with Kyle is blossoming, and she has a new job as Nikki's assistant at Chancellor.  That can only mean one thing on a soap.  Her life is about to take a dramatic turn for the worst.  Her demented great aunt, Jordan, will do everything in her power to ruin Claire's happiness.  Claire doesn't even know that Jordan is out of prison yet.  She'll find that out soon enough.

The two old pros, Colleen Zenk and Ray Wise are quite entertaining as Aunt Jordan and Ian Ward.  The dastardly duo is shaking Genoa City to the core.  Ray Wise (Ian Ward) is hilarious as a phony chaplain with his false piety, his hat and his Bible.

So, we caught our first glimpse of Nate's half-brother, Damian.  Will Damian be attracted to Audra, Lily or both?  There will certainly be a conflict between Nate and Damian if he goes after Audra.  Speaking of Audra, she seems so different these days, kinder and gentler.  Could it be because she's in love with Nate?  She never  had genuine feelings for Tucker or Kyle.

Billy Abbott is not very likeable right now.  He's got such a chip on his shoulder.  Sure, Victor and Nikki and Jill wronged him, but he should just move on.  Lily was wronged too, but she was wise enough to move on.  At this point, it won't do any good for Billy to fight a war against Victor Newman.  It seems to me that Billy Boy is quite insecure.  He feels he has to prove himself.  He's be better offer spending his time on a new project or starting a new company.  Instead, he's angry and miserable.  Also, I don't think he has good chemistry with Sally Spectra.  The two don't really connect.  It seems that they are trying too hard to make sparks fly.  However, the sparks just aren't there.

As for Phyllis, she might need the legal services of Michael Baldwin.  It appears that Ian and Jordan's diabolical plan to frame the fiery redhead for harming or killing Sharon may work for a while.  Phyllis is her own worst enemy.  She can't seem to control what comes out of her mouth.

I do think that a certain character in Genoa City may die as a result of Jordan and Ian's actions.  I have to agree with an online writer who suggested that Cole Howard may be the sacrificial lamb. It makes sense because, as the writer points out, he's expendable.  He's not an essential character and he's expendable.

CAST NEWS

Eric Braeden loses home in Los Angeles wildfires 

On The Young and the Restless, Eric Baeden's Victor Newman character recently rebuilt his original ranch.  The ranch was set on fire by his former daughter-in-law, Sharon.  In real life, Eric's home in Will Rogers Park was destroyed by the raging Los Angeles wildfires.  Recently Eric posted a video of the fires burning near his house.  An orange glow is reflected in his swimming pool.  The caption alongside the video reads "Behind my house!  The worst EVER in LA."  The video showed how close the flames were to Eric's home, too close for comfort.

Eric's castmates and friends, including Lauaralee Bell (Christine "Cricket" Williams and Greg Rikaart (Keven Fisher) and Melissa Ordway (Abby Newman Winters) responded quickly to the situation.  They sent well wishes to Eric and his family.

 The next day, Eric posted an updated video and revealed that he had been forced to evacuate his home in order to remain safe.  Eric is obviously heartbroken.  He'd lived in that home for 45 years, and in the area for 60 years.  His castmate, Joshua Morrow, who plays his son, Nicholas Newman, helped him learn about the fate of his house.  Josh broke through barriers and sent Eric images of the devastation.  The images were tough for Eric to see.

Appearing on CNN, Eric said, "The house can be rebuilt, but everything you've gathered over the years [cannot].

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Just when you thought Cameron (Linden Ashby) was gone for good, he's back . . .along with his blood-stained shirt.  I thought Sharon's delusions had ended.  Jordan must have drugged her.  Fans, what do you think about the return of Cameron?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Are you pleased that Cameron is back? Do you like his character?.

Yes, he's a good actor and I enjoy his scenes with Sharon.

No, he's annoying. I am tired of that bloody shirt.

I liked watching him at first, but now I've had enough of him.

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.  Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, January 25, 2025.

Take care,

Joanne

What to expect in Season Four of "Son of a Critch"

Season Four of Son of a Critch debuted on the CBC on Tuesday, January 7th.  Season Four consists of 13 episodes, filmed in St. John's Newfoundland last summer.  The coming-of-age comedy is based on comedian Mark Critch's memoir of his boyhood in St. John's, also called Son of a Critch.  As the series moves into the 1990s, 14-year-old Mark Critch, portrayed masterfully by British actor Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, faces new challenge and family issues.  As a Grade 10 student, Mark finds himself at the bottom rung during his first year of high school.

Mark Critch

Ainsworth

The school Mark attends is Holy Heart of Mary, the same Catholic high school that the real Mark Critch attended in the 1990s.  The scenes were shot during July and August, when classes were not in session.  

Here are some things to watch for in the new season:  Spoiler Alert: If you'd rather not know what happens in Season Four, skip the information below.

* Mark's grandfather, Patrick "Pop" Critch, played by veteran English actor Malcolm McDowell, finally moves into his own  bedroom, after years of sharing a room with Mark.  However, the 80-year-old faces a serious illness.

McDowell

* Mark's mother, Mary Critch, played by Clair Rankin of Prince Edward Island, returns to school.  Mary also has to deal with menopause and a mid-life crisis.

Claire Rankin

* Mark's brother, Mike Critch Jr., played by Colton Gobbo from Sudbury, Ontario, sets out on a radio career, joining a new FM station called Magic 97, putting him in direct competition with his own father, Mike Sr,, played by the real Mark Critch (Yes, Critch plays his own father, Mike Critch Sr., a real-life Newfoundland radio legend),  The senior Critch struggles to feel relevant amid new ownership and possible changes at his radio station.

Colton Gobbo

* Mark's best friend, Richie (Mark Ezekiel Rivera) follows his dream of being a musician and forms forms his first band, Potatobug.

* Mark's red-haired love interest, Fox (Sophia Powers), starts a new job and finds new friends.

Two actors have been added to the cast for Season Four.  Labrador native Shawn Doyle plays Kevin Lewis, a well-know local actor and Holy Heart of Mary drama teacher.  Doyle's screen credits include 24 and Desperate Housewives and The Eleventh Hour.  His Kevin Lewis character becomes Mark's mentor and nurtures his love for acting. He encourages Mark to start a comedy troupe called Cat Fud.  

Shawn Doyle

The real Kevin Lewis

The real-life Mark Critch actually had a mentor and friend named Kevin Lewis.  Lewis, a pillar of Newfoundland theatre, died last February at the age of 81.  Filming Doyle's scenes, many in the Holy Heart stage where Lewis taught, was an emotional experience for Critch.  "It's like stepping into a memory, he told The Telegram, a St. John's newspaper, in July when the scenes were filmed.  It's bittersweet and Shawn is brilliant in the role."

One of my favourite comedians, Newfoundland's own Rick Mercer, has also joined the cast for two episodes this season.  He portrays Bruce Bartlett, a businessman who made his fortune as a car salesman.  Bartlett becomes the new owner of radio station VOCM.  Here's how Mercer explained his role to The Telegram ." "I'm the guy who buys VOCM and I decide to drag it into the modern world.  Of course, Mark's father, Mike, is not really part of the modern world, so he's very concerned what this Bruce Bartlett character might do to the radio station, including changing formats and getting rid of talk."

Rick Mercer

- Joanne

Twilight Zone Christmas Classic

I am a huge fan of Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone  One of my favourite episodes of the show is a 1960 Christmas episode called "The Night of the Meek." (Season 2, Episode 11, Air Date: December 23, 1960).  It stars Art Carney as Henry Corwin, an alcoholic department store Santa Claus who is dismissed from his seasonal job on Christmas Eve.  He arrives late at the store, and he is obviously intoxicated.  When customers complain, the manager fires Henry.

The derelict Santa explains that he drinks because he lives in a rooming house with the poor, for whom he is not able to perform his role as Santa Claus/  He states that if he had one wish fulfilled on Christmas Eve, he would "like to see the meek inherit the earth."

Still dressed in his Santa suit, Henry Corwin stumbles into an alley.  He hears the sound of sleigh bells.  A cat knocks over a burlap bag full of empty cans.  However, when Corwin trips over the mysterious bag, he discovers that it is filled with gift-wrapped packages.  An overjoyed Corwin hands out presents to children passing by and to homeless men attending a Christmas Eve service at a mission house.  He fulfills his wish of helping the less fortunate.

Art Carney passed away in 2003 at the age of 85.  He was a fine actor, and an Academy Award winner, but he is best remembered for his role as sewer worker Ed Norton in the 1950s sitcom The Honeymooners. Carney was a great foil for Jackie Gleason's Ralph Kramden, a Brooklyn bus driver. They worked well together and Art reprised his Ed Norton character for the Honeymooners segments of Jackie's 1960s variety show.  

Carney as Ed Norton

END NOTES

* Art Carney won an Oscar for his Best Actor for his 1974 performance in the film Harry and Tonto.  He played Harry Coombes, an elderly widower who decides to travel cross country with his pet cat, Tonto.  Carney's Academy Award win was impressive when one considers that the other nominees that year were actors of great acclaim, such as Albert Finney, Dustin Hoffman, Jack Nicholson and Al Pacino.  The award was presented to Art at the 47th Academy Awards on April 8, 1975.

Carney also won a Golden Globe for his performance in Harry and Tonto, and he was the recipient of six Primetime Emmy Awards.

* It is interesting to note that Art himself struggled with alcoholism.  He was actually battling alcohol abuse when he played Ed Norton, as well as when he portrayed a drunken Santa on The Twilight Zone. His addiction apparently ran in the family.  He tried psychotherapy and Alcoholics Anonymous, but finally found success with Antabuse, a medication used to treat alcohol use disorders by causing unpleasant side effects and sensitivity to alcohol.  Due to Antabuse, Carney quit drinking during the filming of Harry and Tonto. 

* Carney provided the narrator's voice for The Leprechauns' Christmas Gold, a 1981 Christmas t   elevision special.  The special was originally aired on the ABC network on December 23, 1981.

* Carney played Santa Claus in the The Night They Saved Christmas, a 1984 made-for-television movie.

- Joanne

Malcolm in the Middle Revival

 

"'Malcolm in the Middle" is a landmark sitcom that captured the essence of family life with humor, heart and reliability.  It hilarious and heartfelt portrayal of a lovably chaotic family resonated with audiences of all ages, and we're so excited to welcome the original cast back to bring the magic to life again."

- Ayo Davis

President, Disney Branded Television  

There is some great news for fans of Malcolm in the Middle.  The series, which ran for seven seasons on Fox TV (2000-2006) is getting a four-episode revival on the Disney+ streaming service.  The series creator, Linwood Boomer, will write all four new episodes.  Returning to their original roles will be Frankie Muniz as Malcolm, and Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek as Hal and Lois, Malcolm's parents.

In the very first episode of the original series, Malcolm is  revealed to have a genius IQ, and is placed in a class for gifted students. Malcom is the third child in a hilariously dysfunctional family of four (later five) sons.  A fifth son, Jamie, played by James and Lukas Rodriguez, was added to the cast in season four.  Hard-working Lois, is a disciplinarian and keeps a watchful eye on her sons.

It seems that Malcom and his family were never given a last name.  It's some kind of inside joke.  In one episode, when Malcolm was called on stage, the microphone screeched and his last name was covered up.  However, the man who introduced Malcom clearly mouthed "Nolastname."  On Bryan Cranston's official website, Cranston states that the crew regularly joked among themselves that their last name is really "Nolastname."

The earliest episodes of  Malcom in the Middle focus on Malcolm's problems dealing with the pressures of being an intellectual and the challenges presented by his quirky family.  His delinquent eldest brother, Francis (Christopher Kennedy Masterson) is sent away to military school.  Malcolm remains at home with his two other brothers, Reese (Justin Berfield) and Dewey (Eric Per Sullivan).  In the absence of Francis, Malcom becomes the middle child.  Hence, the title of the series.

Christopher Kennedy Masterson and Justin Berfield, who played Malcolm's siblings in the original series, are likely to return, although it was not official at the time of this writing.  However, Eric Per Sullivan, who played younger brother Dewey, is not expected to return.  He retired from acting years ago and hasn't returned for any reunions.

The revival of the series will focus on the 40th wedding anniversary of Malcolm's parents.  Here is the official synopsis:

Malcolm (Muniz) and his daughter are drawn into the family’s chaos when Hal (Cranston) and Lois (Kaczmarek) demand his presence for their 40th wedding anniversary party.

SOURCES: Forbes, "Malcom The Middle Reboot Coming To Disney+," by Marc Berman, December 13, 2024; Yahoo Entertainment News, "Malcom in the Middle Revival with Original Cast Coming to Disney+," by Eric Diaz, December 13,  2024; Wikipedia; Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

- Joanne

Y&R Report (December 14, 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,

First, a note to readers: I am going to take a short Christmas break.  I will be back in the New Year.  My Y&R column will return to this space on Saturday, January 11, 2024.

Right now, Claire is on top of the world, but, her happiness won't last.  Happiness never does on a soap.  In Claire's case, she's in for a rude awakening.  She's over the moon about her relationship with Kyle Abbott, and she is excited about her new job working with Nikki in the corporate world/  Alas, there are dark clouds on the horizon for Claire.   She will soon be hit from all sides.  Summer and Grandpa Victor will interfere with her romance with Kyle.  Summer clearly doesn't like Claire and Kyle together.  Neither does Victor.  Victor has to control everything and he can't tolerate her association with an Abbott.  He will never accept them as a couple, and he will do everything in his power to ruin their relationship  Whether Claire likes it or not, Victor demands absolute loyalty and obedience.  He is relentless.  He won't stop until he gets his way.

Claire will have to face another nightmare.  She will be devastated when she discovers that Aunt Jordan is once again on the loose.  Jordan isn't too pleased about her involvement with Kyle either.

It was quite amusing when Victor told Jack that he was ready to admit defeat.  Jack Abbott didn't believe that for a second.  He knows Victor too well to believe that.  He knows that Victor never surrenders and he never admits defeat.  That's why Jack gave son Kyle a little lesson on how Victor operates. 

Now that Adam has been rejected by both Sally and Chelsea, where will he turn next?  I think he'll try to become involved with Sharon again, much to Nick's disapproval.  I think this will happen because it will create conflict. 

Lily has decided to join her brother Devon and her cousin Nate at Winters.  At least, she'll be out of Victor's orbit.  I think Nate's brother, Damian, will be attracted to Lily, but there may be a triangle involving Audra Charles.  Speaking of Audra, she has been showing another side of herself recently.  She has always been so selfish and cynical and ambitious, but her luck hasn't been all that great lately.  True, she stole Glissade from Tuck McCall.  It's hard to have much sympathy for Tucker, and Audra's professional and personal involvement with him was regrettable.  It's surprising that she was also so naive as to make a deal with Victor Newman.  She obviously didn't know enough about him, although Nate warned her to beware of him.  Not surprisingly Victor forced her to share a co-CEO role with Kyle Abbott, only to have the The Great Newman fire her in favour of Kyle.

Audra hasn't had much luck with men, or maybe it's more accurate to say she has chosen the wrong men with whom to become involved.  She may be better matched with Nate Hastings.  They seem to have good chemistry and she appears genuinely happy with him.  She even became emotional while having dinner with Nate's family to celebrate Lilly's rejoining Winters.  She later opened up to Nate about her unhappy family life.  Her father was and alcoholic and her mother was cold and distant.  It seems inevitable that Nate's newly found brother, Damian, will complicate matters for Audra and Nate.  Unlike the Newmans and the Abbotts, Audra does not have a family company to fall back on.  She is currently unemployed, like fellow Genoa City residents Phyllis Summers and Billy Abbott.   

No wonder Phyllis doesn't have many friends.  I understand her desire to protect her children, but she goes way overboard.  Michael and Lauren are two of the few friends she has in this world, and she went ballistic on them.  She let her hatred for Sharon cloud her judgement.  She didn't want to disclose the truth to Michael about her memory of the car crash.  She didn't want to admit the possibility that Sharon wasn't the one who crashed into her.      

Finally we have an explanation on how Jordan met Ian.  On yesterday's show on Global TV, there were flashbacks showing how the dastardly duo became acquainted in prison.  We still don't know how they escaped, but an explanation about that may be forthcoming. One thing Jordan and Ian have in common is that they both hate the Newman family.  Billy and Phyllis are also hatching a plan to bring down Victor.  The Big Man will be under attack from his many enemies.

  CAST NEWS

Nathan Owens set to play Damian on Y&R

Nathan Owens

Nathan Owens has joined the cast of The Young and the Restless.  Although it has not been officially confirmed, the actor, who played Cameron Lewis on Days of Our Lives from 2012 to 2013, is expected to play the mysterious long-lost half brother of Nate Hastings (Sean Dominic).  Owens, a California native, and former model, will make his first appearance on Y&R on Wednesday, January 8th (CBS) (Tuesday, January 7, 2025 on Global TV).

Nathan Owens has appeared in the OWN film A Season to Remember.  His credits also include such television series as Devious Maids, Batwoman and 9-1:1 Lone Star.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Couples don't stay together very long on soaps.  There are plenty of break-ups and make-ups.  It's a merry-go-round.   So fans, who is your current favourite couple on Y&R?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Who is your favourite Y&R couple?

Jack and Diane

Abby and Devon

Kyle and Claire

Nikki and Victor

Audra and Nate

Billy and Sally

Lauren and Michael

Traci and Alan

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.

I wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.  All the best in the New Year.  I will be back in with more Y&R news and discussion on January 11, 2025.

Happy Hanukkah

Happy New Year

Take care,

Joanne

Y&R Report (Saturday, November 30, 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, 

Well, the November Sweeps have drawn to a close on Y&R, but the show is just gearing up for the holiday season.  We will see what Christmas and the New Year have in store for the Newman, Abbott and Winters families.  

Could Y&R be setting the stage for a "Who Shot Victor Newman" extravaganza.  Signs are pointing in that direction.  Victor certainly has a lot of enemies, and there are several potential suspects.  Many citizens of Genoa City would love to see him get his comeuppance.  Billy has already asked Phyllis to help him bring Vitor down.  No doubt Billy Boy would be a prime suspect.  Then there's Jack and Diane and Kyle.  Now that Kyle has reconciled with his parents, the trio will unite against Victor.  Meanwhile, Lily and Audra have their own grievances against The Moustache.  He threw Lily under the bus in favour of Nikki.  He used Audra and fired her.  So, all those characters would also love to bring The Big Man down.  Victor also has two other formidable enemies lurking out there - Aunt Jordan and Ian Ward.  

Speaking of the evil duo, the writers have still not given us a credible explanation as to how Jordan escaped from a maximum security prison.  She thanked Ian for helping to free her, but how did he do it?  Why did he do it?  What is his connection to Jordan?  I guess we are not suppose to ask such questions of a soap.  

The two villains are targeting Sharon right now.  They are probably responsible for Heather's death and Phyllis' car crash.  Sharon wishes to plead guilty.  She will receive a harsh sentence, but she will obviously be exonerated when the real culprits, Jordan and Ian, are exposed.

What should we keep our eye on in the near future.  Here's what Y&R head writer Josh Griffith told Soap Opera Digest when asked about which duos are the ones to watch: "I think we're definitely going to need to keep our eye on Claire and Kyle.  I think that's a Romeo and Juliet story just waiting to happen because we've got two warring families [in their background].  And I think the audience is going to be intrigued by a Billy/Sally/Phyllis triangle.  And I think that Lily is going to find true love."

Here's what I have to say in reply to Mr. Griffith.  Kyle and Claire have some serious hurdles to overcome.  I think Summer will really interfere with their romance.  She has just broken up with Chance after the terrible way he handled Heather's murder investigation.  It's interesting that Chance has no regrets over the way he handled the case.  He should have many regrets.  

Summer is getting along better with Kyle now.  She's never really trusted Claire and she doesn't want to see Claire with her ex.  She looks quite upset whenever she sees Kyle and Claire together.  In fact, she will probably try and win Kyle back.  I'm not sure if Summer still has romantic feelings for Kyle, or if she just wants to prevent Claire from becoming even closer to Harrison, and replacing her as Harrison's mother figure.  Also, Victor does not want Claire involved romantically with Kyle.  He will also interfere.  

So far, I am not impressed with the pairing of Billy and Sally.  It just seems contrived, a second-rate rebound relationship. I don't see the chemistry there.  Sally had much more chemistry with Adam, who was quite upset to see her cozying up to Billy.  I think it was a combination of jealousy and the fact that he despises Billy Boy.

Will Lily find true love with Damian, Nate's long lost half-brother?  I expect Damian to shake things up, but I don't think he'll be a really bad person.  There are enough evil characters on Y&R right now.  Damian is coning to Genoa City for a reason and I'm sure that there will be conflict between him and Nate.  I can't see Nate being pleased about his cousin Lily with Damian.  Another possibility is that Damian will fall for Audra and cause friction between Nate and Audrea.  Nate could end up being really jealous and angry with his brother.  

Turning back to Lily, is it possible that she could strike up a romance with Chance, now that he and Summer seem to have split permanently?  She really is due for some good luck after all the disappoints she's had lately.  Daniel dumped her for Heather.  Victor and Nikki Newman deceived her into thinking she would return to Chancellor company, when all along they intended for Nikki to run it.  Lily was so upset about losing Chancellor that she almost didn't go to Devon and Abby's marriage ceremony..  Nevertheless, she did end up attending the wedding, only to hear Jill explain that she had sold the company to Victor, and would not reinstate Lily.  

Okay, fans.  Here's what Griffith promised for the near future of Y&R.  He said, "It's going to be an exciting winter.  I think that from now until the end of 2024, fans can look forward to a roller coaster of suspense, romance, family explosions and twist and turns like they haven't seen."  I only hope the show lives up to that promise.

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. 

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca

I received an email from longtime Y&R fan, Carly in Barhaven, Ontario.  Here is what she wrote:

Y&R is not as enjoyable as it used to be.  The storylines are ridiculous.  As if a convicted criminal could escape from jail again.

I  am sick of the storyline about Jack/Diane/Kyle.  Hope it comes to some kind of conclusion soon.

Billy and Sally,  I saw that coming.  I don't care one way or the other.

Traci and the doctor.  I'm thinking the evil twin.

Looks like Summer is jealous over the Claire/Kyle relationship.  Is her romance with Chance over???  Phyllis will be out for revenge.  Stay tuned.

Well Carly, I guess you have to suspend reality when you watch a soap.  I actually think the show has improved since Ed Scott (Melody Thomas Scott's real-life husband) returned as senior producer.  For one thing, the recent Halloween and Thanksgiving episodes were enjoyable.  I am also pleased that the original Newman ranch has been restored.

I have also been tired of the constant bickering between Kyle and his parents.  Thankfully, they see to have mended fences.

I also saw a Billy and Sally coming.  However, as I  mentioned, I don't really like them together.  The chemistry isn't right.  It just seems so contrived, just a reaction to Adam and Chelsea.  

Traci seems so happy with the Dr. Alan.  Could it be his evil twin, Martin..  It's certainly a possibly.  Everything is going so smoothly for them.  Ashley hasn't even seem upset that Traci and Alan have connected.  She seems more upset that Jack and Diane are still together.  So, yes, there could be a twist in that storyline.  However, if Traci  is really with the evil twin, you'd think she would have sensed something is off. with him.

I think Summer's romance with Chance is over, at least for the time being.  She is definitely going to be an obstacle to Claire and Kyle's relationship.  It seems that nothing can go smoothly soap characters.  Otherwise there wouldn't be any conflict.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Christopher Cousins (Alan)

Could Dr. Alan Laurent's evil twin, Martin, be posing as the good doctor?  Is poor Traci in for a tremendous disappointment?  Are both Traci and Ashley n danger?  Is Traci's wonderful romance just an illusion?  Is Martin just pretending to be in love with her.  If so, what happened to the real Alan?  Is he dead?  What do you think, fans?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Do you think that Alan's evil twin, is posing as the doctor?

Yes, That would really be a twist, and Traci and Ashley would be in danger.

No. Wouldn't there be some clue? Wouldn't Traci notice that something was off.

It's a possibility.

I don't know.

Other

 

pollcode.com free polls

That's all for now.  Don't forget that he next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday December 14, 2024.

Take care,

Joanne

The BBC has a treat for British viewers on its Christmas schedule

Calling all Britons!  Get ready for a delightful Yuletide treat. The BBC has announced that it will be screening the iconic fantasy series The Box of Delights as part of its Christmas schedule.  The Box of Delights is based on the 1935 children's book by English writer and poet John Masefield.  It is returning 40 years after its original showing on BBC One between November 21st and December 24th, 1984. .  Using a then-innovative combination of action and animation, The Box of Delights was very expensive to make.  At the time, it had the biggest budget for a children's series. the BBC had ever produced.

The Box of Delights is a classic tale of good versus evil involving schoolboy Kay Harker, in which the youngster has to protect a magical box from an evil wizard.  Devin Stanfield plays Kay Harker, while Patrick Troughton portrays Cole Hawlings, the keeper of the box.  In the winter of 1934, Kay has a chance encounter with Hawlings, a bearded Punch-and-Judy puppeteer, while riding a train home from boarding school to celebrate Christmas.  The old man entrusts Kay with a magic box and gives him a cryptic warning.  He tells the boy, "The wolves are running." and Kay's odyssey begins.  In the course of his journey, Kay meets several characters drawn English folklore, history and pagan mythology, including King Arthur, Father Christmas, unicorns, Herne the Hunter, Roman soldiers and medieval monks.

Below is a photo of Devin Stanfield and Patrick Troughton in The Box of Delights.

The Box of Delights is a fan favourite and has earned several awards, including three BAFTAs.  In addition to the seasonal repeat, all six episodes of the mini-series are being released on Blu-Ray, accompanied by a documentary film entitled Time and Tide - Making the Box of Delights.

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* Devin Stanfield was born on February 20, 1971 in Eastbourne, Esast Sussex, England, UK.  He was 13 years old when he starred in The Box of Delights (1984) and Chocky (1984).  Stanfield had a short-lived career as a child star.  Now 53 years old, he still works in the entertainment industry, although behind the camera as a production manager and technical director.  Devin is the grandson of British actor/writer Leslie Sands (1921-2001).  He looks back with pride at the BBC classic.

Devin Stanfield

* English actor Patrick Troughton, who played Cole Hawlings in The Box of Delights, passed away on March 28, 1987.  He was 67 at the time of his passing.  Troughton is also known for his role as the second Doctor Who in the long-running British science fiction TV series of the same name.  He played the doctor from 1966 to 1969, reprising the role from 1972-1973, and in 1983 and 1985.

Patrick Troughton

* The Box of Delights will air on BBC Four on Saturday, December 7, 2024.  Director Renny Rye will introduce the first episode.

- Joanne