Y&R Report (October 13, 2018): 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.

Nick and Sharon's wedding turned into a major fiasco.  When Sharon failed to arrive at the church on time, friends and family were uncertain whether she would even show up at all.  However, she finally arrived and apologized for her tardiness.  It seemed as if the marriage would actually happen.  The bride and groom exchanged their own vows, but then Sharon dropped a huge bomb on the proceedings.  She angrily tore up the paper on which her vows were written and publicly humiliated Nick.  She told him that she couldn't marry him and then revealed that he cheated on her with Phyllis. The bridal party and the guests were aghast.  Billy, who had just proposed to Phyllis, freaked out.  He and Nick almost came to blows in the sanctity of the church.

So, are Nick and Sharon finished for good?  Well, I think they are done for the foreseeable future, but I wouldn't rule out the possibility that they could get back together again sometime down the road.  After all, how many times have Nikki and Victor broken up and gotten back together?  In the meantime, though, it looks as if Sharon will hook up with Rae and Phyllis and Nick will get together again.  Rae has moved into an apartment in the coffee shop and he's going to be seeing a lot of Sharon.

Although Rae is smitten with Sharon, he is trying to be subtle.  That's why he announced that Lola would be cooking dinner for them and he emphasized that it was not a date.  Nevertheless, Lola quickly picked up on Rae's crush on Sharon.  She reminded her big brother that although Sharon is single, he is still married.  At some point, Rae's wife will probably show up in Genoa City.  At any rate, viewers will eventually learn what happened between them.

Billy Boy and Phyllis have broken up on in bitter fashion.  Billy kicked her out of the Abbott house.  Then, without missing a beat, he called up Summer and had a tryst with her. (I must say, it certainly didn't take him much time to hook up with Summer).  Our favourite Snowflake is in for a rude awakening, though.  She actually thinks Billy is her new boyfriend, but I think he'll just cast her aside.  He was angry with Phyllis and he just used Summer as revenge.  Just wait until her mother finds out about it.  Phyllis will blow a gasket.

Summer is unhappy about Kyle's relationship with Lola.  She's obviously jealous that he is paying attention to someone else.  Watch out, Lola, because Snowflake is going to use every trick in the book to undermine your romance with Kyle.  She is her mother's daughter and she will be ruthless, especially when she discovers that Billy is not interested in a future with her.

Lola is no shrinking violet, but there is a sharp contrast between her and Summer.  Snowflake is blond, rich and spoiled.  She feels entitled and has enjoyed all the advantages and privileges of being a Newman.  Lola, on the other hand, is hard-working and unpretentious.  Kyle will have to choose between two different women.

I'm pleased that Jack Abbott is John Abbott's biological son after all.  I would not have wanted him to be related by blood to Victor Newman.  Yet, I fond it difficult to believe that Ashley would be so vengeful and devious.  She has never shown herself to be so cold-hearted.  The writers changed her character and her behavior has not rung true.  Eileen Davidson, who played Ashley so well for so many years, has left the show and her character deserved a better send-off.  Why couldn't the writers have sent Ashley to Paris or London. leaving the door for Eileen to make appearances once in a while?

According to an online spoiler, Lily is going to try and escape from prison.


CAST NEWS
Kelly Kruger is returning as Mackenzie Browning

Yes fans, Mac is coming back.  She hasn't been in Genoa City since June and she should stir things up.  She'll be trying to solve the J.T. mystery and her involvement will make the Victoria, NIkki, Phyllis and Sharon squirm.  She'll certainly provide Rae with a lot of information.


Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Someone has been sending threatening letters to Victoria, Nikki, Sharon and Phyllis, the four women involved in J.T. Hellstrom's death and burial.  Who could it be?  The messages are short and cryptic.  They have shaken up the quartet, as they were intended to do.  However, the women cannot show that they are rattled.  As far as viewers know, nobody knows their secret.  So, it seems that someone suspects them of involvement in J.T.'s disappearance and is trying to get them to let down their guard.  Detective Rae appears to be the most logical suspect.  He's determined to solve the J.T. mystery and has commented that there has been no sign of J.T. since the girl's night party.  However, Rae seems too obvious.  It may be more complicated than that.

The messages have not mentioned J.T.'s name, but most viewers assume they have to do with him.  Why else would the four women involved in his death be targeted?  Still, the writers may be trying to fool us.  Who knows?  What do you think?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Who has been sending threatening letters to Victoria, Nikki, Phyllis and Sharon?

Rae

Victor

Billy

Tessa

I don't know.

Other

Please Specify:

Created with PollMaker

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.  Please remember that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on October 27, 2018.


- Joanne

You wanted to know . . . what happened to Dennis Kort

A

Dennis Kort as he appeared on M*A*S*H

Reader Peter P wanted to know what happened to actor Dennis Kort.  Here is what I discovered.

Dennis Kort is not a major star.  He has only 19 credits on IMDb and he's never had a leading role in a TV series.  His most recent credit is a 1984 film called Angel in which he played a character named Wayne.  Dennis has had no screen acting roles since then and has remained completely out of the spotlight.

During the 1970s, however, Kort made appearances on some of the most popular television shows.  He  is best known for his portrayal of Cpl. Howard Owens in an episode of M*A*S*H entitled "Smilin' Jack" (Season 4, Episode 21, Air Date: February 3, 1976).  The episode revolves around a chopper pilot, Smilin' Jack (Robert Hogan) who wants to be Chopper Pilot of the Year by rescuing the most wounded.  The problem is that Smilin' Jack suffers from diabetes and insists on flying against doctor's orders.  Dennis Kort's character, Corporal Owens is one of the wounded soldiers brought in by Jack.

In addition to his guest-starring role on M*A*S*H, Kort's other TV credits include Fantasy Island (cameo roles as ice cream vendor (1981) and soda jerk (1978), CHiPs (1978), Eight is Enough (1977), CPO Sharkey (1976), Rhoda (1976), Swiss Family Robinson (1975), The Waltons (1975), The Rookies (1975), Sanford and Son (1975).  He also appeared in two television movies: Dominic's Dream (1974) and The Rear Guard (1976).

So, what has happened to Dennis Kort.  He seems to have vanished into obscurity.  It's also very difficult to find any online information about him.  He doesn't even have a Wikipedia page.  Nevertheless, I was able to find an Internet message board with some information.  There is a July 2012 posting on a website called The Waltons Forum in which Dennis Kort is discussed (He appeared in an episode of The Waltons entitled "The Genius." (Season 4, Episode 2, Air Date: September 18, 1975).  In the episode, Kort plays Lyle Thomason, a college student who, although a genius, lacks social skills.  He upsets the devout Baptist family with his views on religion.

Dennis Kort on The Waltons

In 2012, Kort was the subject of a Waltons Forum discussion because he couldn't be located for a September 2012  Waltons reunion event in California.  Someone wrote that it's "like Dennis fell off the planet after 1981."  Another commentator claimed that he had found information stating that Kort was born in 1958.(60 years ago) and that he currently resides in Panama City, Florida.  Actor Rex Sykes, who co-starred with Kort in the 1976 film Massacre at Central High, was quoted as saying that he's been trying to find out for over 30 years where Dennis went.  Sykes mentioned that the last heard from Kort, was in San Pedro. California.

Whatever the reason, Dennis Kort has chosen to disappear from the public eye.  His location seems to be unknown.  It seems he wants it that way.


- Joanne

Y&R Report (September 29, 2018): 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.

We now know that Jack Abbott and Victor Newman are not brothers.  Thank goodness!  I'm glad Albert Miller is not Jack's biological father.  So, who is Jack's biological daddy?  Well, I suspect Jack really is John's biological son.  Perhaps Traci is the product of Dina's affair.

Billy is crashing and burning.  Eileen Davidson (Ashley) has left the show.  That's why I think Jack will resume his place as CEO of Jabot.  Poor Traci, who really any desire to run Jabot, is caught in the middle of all the chaos.  She is being pressured into being interim CEO of Jabot.  What a mess!

Nick and Sharon are entering into marriage and both are keeping huge secrets from each other.  They had a chance to come clean with each other, but they lost their nerve.  I don't usually agree with Summer, but I don't think their marriage has any chance of survival.  The writer's have really messed with Nick's character.  He had some nerve buying a house without Sharon's knowledge.or approval.  That's not partnership.  It's control.

I just can't warm up to Rae Rosales (Jordi Vilasuso) and I probably never will.  I know it's not Jordi Vilasuso's fault, but I resent his character for usurping Paul Williams' role.  I really think Doug Davidson was treated shabbily and I can't stand seeing Rae in Paul's office and effectively taking over his job.  He'll probably replace Paul as Genoa City's police chief.  By the way, I wonder how the writers are going to deal with Paul's departure.

I wish Phyllis would mind her own business.  She has to interfere in everything.  She even crashed the party for Nick and Sharon.  No wonder her Snowflake of a daughter is so resentful.  However, Phyllis wouldn't be Phyllis if she stayed out of other people's affairs.  Someone has to stir things up and she certainly is an expert at that.


CAST NEWS
The latest on Alyvia Alyn Lind (Faith Newman)

Faith Newman (Alyvia Alyn Lind) has not been seen onscreen since early summer.  The 11-year-old, who has been portraying the daughter of Nick and Sharon since 2011, has landed a role in the film Walk. Ride. Rodeo.  She will also be appearing as Lugnut in the Hulu series Future Man.

She is a talented young actress and her career appears to be blossoming.  With her busy schedule, she may not be able to continue her role on Y&R for much longer.  If that happens, there's a good chance that the show will cast an older actress to play Faith.

Faith spent the summer at camp.  Now that school has started and her parents are about to remarry, she can't stay away any longer.


Alice Hunter cast in the role of Jabot employee Kerry Jones

Alice Hunter has been cast in the role of a Jabot employee named Kerry Jones.  Her character has ties to both Newman and Jabot.  Alice is a newcomer to daytime television, but has had roles on Showtime's House of Lies and Comedy Central's Another Period.  Alice is quite adept at accents and she is also a singer.

Alice will make her first appearance as Kerry Jones near the end of October.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

The Young and the Restless has been undergoing some changes lately. Do you like the direction the show is going.  Are you upset that some longtime characters have gone?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Do you like the direction Y&R is going?

Yes. They've brought in some young, intriguing characters.

Yes. The writing is fresh and exciting.

No. I will miss characters such as Ashley and Paul.

No. The writing is terrible.

I don't know.

Other

Please Specify:

Created with PollMaker

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. Please remember that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, October 13, 2018.  To my Canadian readers, have a Happy Thanksgiving!


- Joanne

Everybody Loves Raymond Quiz

TV BANTER QUIZ #30

Everybody Loves Raymond is an American sitcom that ran for nine seasons, from 1996 to 2005.  It featured Ray Romano as Ray Barone, an Italian-American sportswriter, who lives with his family on Long Island.  Ray's meddling parents, Frank and Marie, live across the street from them.

A total of 210 episodes of the series were produced over nine seasons.  Why not test your knowledge of the show by responding to the quiz below.  Good luck!


Everybody Loves Raymond Quiz

1. Where on Long Island does the Barone family live?

A.  Glen Cove, New York

B.  Lynbrook, New York

C.  Oyster Bay, New York

D.  Huntington, New York

E.   Babylon, New York



2.  Raymond's older brother Robert Barone, played by Brad Garrett, is a New York City police officer.  In real life . . .

Brad Garrett as Robert Barone

A.  Ray Romano does not have a brother who is a police officer.

B.  Ray has a younger bother, Robert, who is a New York City police officer.

C.  Ray has an older bother, Richard, born 1956, who is a sergeant with the NYCPD.

D.  Ray's dad, the late Albert Romano, was a New York City police officer.

E.  Ray's older brother, Robert Romano, is a New York City police officer.



3.  What is the name of Raymond's favourite pizza place?

Ray Romano as Raymond Barone

A.  Nemo's Pizza

B.  Pizza Roma

C.  Gino's Pizza

D.  Lombardi's Pizza

E.  Pizza Napoli



4.  What is Ray Barone's wife Debra'a maiden name?


A.  Bondi

B.  Wilson

C.  Williams

D.  Whelan

E.  Wyatt




5.  Who portrayed Warren Whelan, Debra's father?

A.  Robert Vaughn

B.  Robert Wagner

C.  Robert Conrad

D.  Robert Culp

E.  Bob Newhart



6.  How did Ray and Debra meet?

A.  They met on a blind date set up by a friend of Raymond.

B,  They met when Ray delivered a futon to Debra's apartment.

C.  They met at Coney Island. 

D.  They met at a New York Rangers hockey game that Ray was covering as a sportswriter.

E.  They met at a party given by friends of Robert.



7.  Robert Barone and his first wife divorced.  What is the name of his first wife?

A.  Janet

B.  Anne

C.  Stella

D.  Donna

E.  Joanne



8.  What game does Ray like to play, much to Debra's dismay?

A.  poker

B.  bowling

C.  golf

D.  soccer

E.  tennis



9.  Which of the following statements about Frank Barone, Ray and Robert's father, is true?

Peter Boyle as Frank Barone

A.  Frank is a retired bookkeeper.

B.  Frank was a registered real estate agent.

C.  Frank is a veteran of the Korean War (1950-1953).

D.  Frank drove a 1972 Plymouth Valiant for a number of years.

E.  All of the above



10.  Debra and Ray Barone are the parents of three children, a daughter and twin boys.  What are the names of the twins?

A. Michael and Geoffrey

B.  Joe and John

C..  Billy and Nick

D.  Christopher and Jack

E.  Charlie and Lenny



11.  Debra's sister. Jennifer Whelan, is seen in only one episode of the series.  What happens in that episode?

A.  Jennifer is arrested for shoplifting.

B.  Jennifer is attracted to Robert.

C.  She announces her intention to become a nun.

D.  She tuns out to be an alcoholic.

E.  She reveals that she is getting a divorce.



12.  In a 2003 episode, Debra ends up in jail.  Why do police arrest her?

A.  She is charged after taking part in a protest.

B   She is charged with drunk driving.

C.  She is charged with driving a stolen vehicle.

D.  She is charged with assaulting her mother-in;-law, Marie.

E.  She is accused of leaving a restaurant without paying her bill.



13.  Marie Barone, the mother of Ray and Robert, is nosey, bossy and critical of Debra's housekeeping.  She also coddles her two sons.  As a result, she and her daughter-in-law have a difficult relationship.  According to Debra, how does Marie get her way?

Doris Roberts (Marie Barne)

A.  Her family is afraid she will reveal some embarrassing information.

B.  She never stops talking.

C. She is generous with her money.

D.  She makes people feel guilty

E.  She always cooks up some delicious food for family and friends, especially lasagna.

14.  What is the name of the publication for which Raymond Barone works?

A.  Newsday 

B.  Sports Week

C.  New York News

D.  Sports Today

E.  The Long Island Report



15.  Before her marriage to Ray, what work did Debra do?

A.  She worked for a publishing company.

B.  She was a nurse.

C.  She was the manager at Nemo's restaurant

D.  She worked in the human resources department of a

E.  She worked in public relations for the New York Rangers hockey team of the NHL.




ANSWERS


1.  B

The Barone family lives in Lynbrook, Long Island.  Lynbrook is a village in Nassau County, New York.


2,  C

Ray Romano has an older bother, Richard, born 1956, who is a sergeant with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and a younger brother, Robert, an elementary school teacher in New York City.

On Everybody Loves Raymond, Robert is jealous of Ray and feels that he is always in Ray's shadow. Robert displays some quirks too.  For example, he has a habit of touching food to his chin before eating.  He also keeps his left socks in his left drawer and his right socks in his right drawer.

Brad Garrett, who portrayed Robert Barone, really stands out in a crowd.  He is about 203 centimetres (six feet, eight inches) tall.  His voice  is deep and distinctive.  In addition to being an actor, Brad is a stand-up comedian and a professional poker player.


3,  A

Raymond's favourite pizza place is Nemo's.  Nemo was the name of the original owner of the restaurant.  However, Marco Fogagnolo later took over pizzeria and it became known as Marco's Pizza.


4.  D

Patricia Heaton as Debra Barone

Ray's wife Debra, played by Patricia Heaton, is the daughter of Warren and Lois Whelan.  She was raised in Connecticut and her family is well-to-do.

Patricia Heaton appeared in all 210 episodes of Everybody Loves Raymond.  For her role in the show, she won two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.  Patricia has been married to British actor David Hunt since 1990 and they have four sons.  From 2009 until 2018, she starred as Frances "Frankie" Heck in the ABC comedy series The Middle.


5.  D.

The lade Robert Culp (1930-2010), had the recurring role of Debra's father, Warren Whelan.  Katherine Helmond, who played Mona Robinson on Who's the Boss, portrayed Debra's motheer, Lois Whelan. (The above photo shows Culp (far right) as Warren Whelan and Katherine Helmond as his wife, Lois.  Raymond's parents, Frank  and Marie, played by Peter Boyle and Doris Roberts, also appear in the photo.)

Robert Culp is best known for his portrayal of secret agent Kelly Robinson alongside Bill Cosby in the 1960s espionage series I Spy.


6.  B

Ray once had a job delivering futons and he met Debra when he delivered a futon to her apartment.



7.  E

Robert's first wife was Joanne.  After their divorce, he moved back in with his parents.  He later remarried and his second wife is Amy MacDougall, Debra's best friend.


8.  C

Ray likes to play golf.  Debra thinks he plays too often and does not help enough around the house.



9.  E

All of the statements about Frank Barone are true.

Veteran character actor Peter Boyle portrayed Frank Barone.  Boyle passed away on December 12, 2006 at the age of 71.



10.  A

The Sweeten twins

The twins are named Michael and Geoffrey Barone.  Sawyer Sweeten played Geoffrey Barone and his twin brother, Sullivan Sweeten, played Michael.  Their real life sister, Madylin Sweeten, portrayed their older sister, Alexandra "Ally" Barone.  Ally was named after Ray Romano's real life daughter.  Ally Romano made some appearances on Everybody Loves Raymond as Molly.

Tragically, Sawyer Sweeten took his own life on April 23, 2015.  He was just weeks away from his 20th birthday.



11.  C.

Debra's sister Jennifer, played by Ashley Crow, announces her intention to become a nun in an episode entitled "The Sister" (Season 4, Episode 6, Air Date: October 25, 1999).


12.  B

In an episode entitled "The Shower" (Season 7, Episode 21, Air Date: April 28, 2003), Debra is jailed for driving under the influence.  After having too much to drink at a bridal shower for Amy, Debra rests in the car until she feels better,  The police think that she has been drinking and driving.


13.  D.

Debra once advised Amy that Marie's weapon of manipulation was guilt.  She referred to it as Marie's "Guilt Bomb" and explained that her mother-in-law makes people feel guilty when she doesn't get her way.  Doris Roberts, the veteran actress who played Marie, passed away on April 16, 2016.  She died after suffering a stroke.  She was 90 years old.


14.  A

Ray Barone is employed as a sportswriter for a fictional publication called Newsday.


15.  E

Before marrying Ray, Debra worked in public relations for the New York Rangers hockey team.



- Joanne

Y&R Report (September 15, 2018): 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.

This is not the best of times for many Y&R fans.  Frankly, the show's treatment of its longest serving cast member is contemptible.  I'm referring to Doug Davidson, who has portrayed Paul Williams on the show for 40 years.  Doug was unceremoniously dumped.  I won't use the word "let go."  He was cruelly "dumped."  According to the actor, his contract was not renewed in January and he went on recurring status until they had new people in place.

Doug maintains that he received "no information and no communication" from the CBS network.  In addressing his exit from the show, he tweeted, "They are doing away with history."  He also wrote that the plan was to diminish his role and that "they have a new direction."  It's obvious that police detective Rae Rosales, who recently arrived in Genoa City, is replacing the Paul Williams character.

It seems to me that the soap is trying to attract younger viewers, especially millennials.  In doing so, it has done away with a beloved character and integral part of the show's history.  The history of the show matters to many loyal and longtime viewers.  Changes could have been made without throwing Doug Davidson under the bus.  This is a man who has earned five Daytime Emmy nominations with a win in 2003 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.  His contribution to the success of The Young and the Restless should not be treated with such a lack of respect.

I've seen Doug Davidson a few times at Y&R events and he has a great sense of humour.  By all accounts he is a great guy,  I know it's a cutthroat business.  However, Doug Davidson deserves much better after devoting four decades of his life to the show.  I urge fans to email CBS and protest the firing of Doug.

Doug Davidson

Why have the writers turned Nicholas Newman into a younger version of his father?  I liked Nick much better when he marched to the beat of his own drummer.  He's a completely different person now.  He's ego-driven and ruthless.  He's also completely oblivious to Sharon's feelings. She doesn't want to move from her home.  She is very happy with her cottage, even though it is on the Newman ranch.  The new insensitive Nick has no clue how much the place means to her.

It now appears that Jack Abbott's biological father is Albert Miller, father of Victor Newman.  If that turns out to be true, then Victor is Jack's half-brother and Kyle's uncle.  Will it tun out to be true, though, or is it just another dead end?  Jack and Victor as brothers would create a great deal of conflict and intrigue.  For both characters, it would be a nightmare.  So, there is a good chance Albert Miller is the daddy.  Still, hold on to your hats.  There may be more twists and turns in this storyline.  If Albert and Jack do not share the same DNA, then who fathered Jack?  There is the possibility that Jack will turn out to be John Abbott's biological son after all.

There is no doubt that Billy Boy Abbot is being consumed by his gambling addiction.  He is going to crash and fall.  So, who will take over as CEO of Jabot?  If it's Jack or Ashley, the "blood Abbott" clause will have to be revoked, unless Jack actually turns out to be John Abbott's biological son.

Phyllis and Billy are headed for a breakup and Phyllis may go after Nick again.  Sharon and Nick have too many secrets and I don't think they will last.  Also, Sharon is not too thrilled about the way Nick has become so much like his father.  I think she may end up with Rae.  Phyllis, on the other hand, relishes the change in Nick.  She likes his ambition and his aggressiveness.

CAST NEWS

Kristoff St. John (Neil Winters) is engaged

Kristoff St. John, who plays the patriarch of the Winters clan, has announced on Instagram that he is engaged to Russian model Kseniya Mihaleva.

Kristoff took a leave of absence from the show last year due to mental health issues stemming from  suicide of his son, Julian, in 2014.  After receiving psychiatric treatment, he returned to the show.  After all he's been through. it's about time he enjoyed some happiness.


Christel Khalil dating Toronto-based businessman Sam Restagno

Christel and Sam

Christel Khalil (Lily Ashby) recently went off contract and has switched to recurring status.  That means she'll be able to spend a lot more time in Canada, where her boyfriend, businessman Sam Restagno is based.  The couple began dating in July of 2016, according to the Soap Opera News website.


Mal Young says "there is no doubt" Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Newman) will be back

Melissa Claire Egan

In an interview with TV Insider, Y&R's head writer and executive producer, Mal Young, stated that Chelsea Newman (Melissa Claire Egan) will be back in Genoa City at some time in the future.  At present, Chelsea is  a fugitive.  She is on the run with her son Connor, whose father is Adam Newman.

Chelsea's return makes sense.  That storyline is hanging there like a bundle of loose ends.  I wonder what her reaction will be when she sees what has happened during her absence.  She won't be too happy about Nick and Sharon's engagement.  Maybe she'll some to town in time to spoil their wedding.  As for Connor, will they age him about ten years?



Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Sasha Calle has joined the Y&R cast as Lola Rosales, sister of Rae and Arturo.  She is quite interested in Kyle Abbott, who seems to have had enough of the Snowflake.  Suddenly, however, Summer seems to want Kyle back.  Now she has some competition from a woman who cooks up some meann Cuban food.  This should be fun.

Readers, what do you think of Lola?  Are you impressed?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Are you impressed with Lola?

Yes, I like her.

No, she doesn't impress me.

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

I don't know

Other

Please Specify:

Created with Quiz Creator

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.  Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, September 29, 2018.


- Joanne

You wanted to know . . . what happened to Geoffrey Owens of The Cosby Show?

Geoffrey Owens in Cosby Show days

"There's no job that's better than another job.  Every job is worthwhile and valuable."

- Geoffrey Owens
Good Morning America
September 4, 2018


I received a request for information on actor Geoffrey Owens from reader Peter P.

From 1985 until 1992, Geoffrey Owens played the boyfriend and eventual son-in-law of Dr. Cliff Huxtable (Cosby's character) on The Cosby Show.  Geoffrey portrayed Elvin Tibideaux, who married Cliff's daughter, Sondra Huxtable. in 1987.  He then became a regular member of the cast until the show finished its run in 1992.

Geoffrey Louis Owens was born in Brooklyn, New York on March 18, 1961.  He is the son of Major Robert Odell Owens (1936-2013), a prominent Democratic politician, who served in the New York State Senate from 1975 to 1982 and the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993 to 2007.  His mother, Ethel Werfel, a music and literature teacher, was Major Owens' first wife.  The marriage of Geoffrey's parents ended in divorce and his father remarried, this time to Maria A. Cuprill.  Marshall Owens died of congestive heart failure on October 21, 2013 at the age of 77.

Major Owens, Geoffrey's father

Geoffrey Owens has two brothers, Chris Owens and Millard Owens.  He graduated from Yale University in 1983.  In 1995, he married Josette Huber and they have a son.  Now 57, Geoffrey is still a working actor with 41 credits on IMDb.  Meanwhile, he has also been toiling as a cashier at a Trader Joe's grocery store in New Jersey.  A woman recognized him there and posted images of him on social media.  "It made me feel really bad,." the woman told the U.K.'s Daily Mail tabloid about her reaction to spotting the actor packing groceries.  "I was like, 'Wow, all those years of doing the show and you ended up a cashier.'"

The story was immediately picked up in a number of media reports, including one from Fox News.  The woman who posted the photos on social media probably meant well.  She doesn't seem to realize however, that her actions embarrassed and shamed Geoffrey Owens.  She hurt him deeply and she should have minded her own business.

People can be so judgmental and snobby.  No one should be made to feel ashamed for doing an honest day's work for a an honest day's pay.  In response to the Trader Joe's story, Geoffrey appeared on Good Morning America today (September 4th.), wearing his Trader Joe's name tag.  He said he had been  job shamed for working at Trader Joe's and that it hurt.  He revealed that he has been employed at Trader Joe's for 15 months and that the job has provided him with the flexibility to pursue acting gigs.  The bottom line is that the actor had bills to pay Trader Joe's provided him with a mean of making ends meet.

In an interview with CNN, Geoffrey Owens delivered a message to job shamers.  He told them to honour the dignity of work.  He reminded them that since The Cosby Show ended, he hasn't been able to find consistent acting roles.  "People don't realize," he asserted, that [the show] ended 26 years ago.  I have hardly ever had an acting job that lasted more than ten weeks"  "Most of the jobs," he explained, "were theater jobs that pay a lot less than television and film.'  The actor was also hurt financially after reruns of The Cosby Show were taken off the air after Bill Cosby was convicted of sexual assault last spring.

Geoffrey is appreciative of the outpouring of support he has received from other actors and celebrities such as Terry Crews, Blair Underwood and Pamela Adlon. and Everybody Loves Raymond's Patricia Heaton.  They realize that not all actors are filthy rich and that they can't always find consistent work in the entertainment industry.  Patricia Heaton summed it up neatly in her Tweet regarding Geoffrey Owens.  She wrote,, "Again, why is this news?  When I worked on Thirtysomething, I was slso summarizing depositions to pay my rent.  Why are you trying to humiliate this honorable hardworking actor?  Shame on you..  Geoffrey Owens - many great blessings are coming your way!"

Geoffrey Owens

- Joanne

Y&R Report (September 1, 2018): 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.

What is going on with Rae?  We know he is Arturo's brother.  We know he is good handyman.  However, I doubt very much that he is a debt collector.  Judging by his behaviour at Sharon's place and the way he was carrying a gun, I think he's a private investigator.  If that's the case, then who hired him to find the truth about J.T. Hellstrom?  I suspect Mackenzie Browning.  Mackenzie wants answers.  She is motivated to learn what happened to J.T. and I don't think she's just going to let it rest.

We don't know why Rey and baby brother Arturo are on bad terms.  We do know that Rey is married and estranged from his wife (if he is telling the truth).  He seems to get along well with Sharon.  If her relationship with Nick falls apart, she may cry on his shoulder.

What is Tessa hiding?  I'm becoming more and more suspicious of her.  She's always changing her story and making excuses.  I am starting to doubt if she can be trusted.  It doesn't seem as if she's being honest with Mariah or anyone else.  Does she have some kind of connection with the J.T. situation?

Neil could not attend Lily's court sentencing as Sofia (Julia Pace Michell), his ex-wife and the mother of their son, Moses, is ailing in the hospital.  Will Sofia die, leaving Neil to raise their son?  In case you've forgotten, Sofia Dupre was brought to Genoa City by businessman Tucker McCall.  She was McCall's assistant at Tucker McCall Unlimited.  She married and divorced Malcolm Winters and then his brother, Neil.

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

In CAST NEWS, there is an item about Hunter King's (Summer Newman) engagement.  Regular readers of Y&R Report know that longtime viewer CC in Etobicoke is definitely not a fan of Hunter King and her Snowflake character.  Here's an email CC sent me about Hunter's betrothal.

That's quite a scoop, Joanne.  I definitely agree with those who say they hope he takes her away on a very lllllllloooooooonnnnnnnngggggg honeymoon.  

Summer is so evil that an exorcist needs to be contacted.  

Finally some intrigue was established at the end of today's episode, both with the Summer/Billy storyline and the Arturo/Ray/Newman storyline.  
Burning?  Is Nikki wearing a "fall" in her hair?

I must say, CC, your comments on Summer are hilarious.  Yes, some intrigue was finally established in those two storylines, but I still think they could move along a little faster.

I'm not sure whether Nikki is wearing a hair extension.  I guess only her hairdresser knows for sure.  What do you thin, fans?  Any thoughts or observations?

I spoke to regular Y&R viewer, Helen in Scarborough, Ontario.  Helen can't understand Victor's thinking regarding Nick.  Why would Victor believe his son would come running back to Newman Enterprises if Dark Horse failed?  Is he delusional?  If Dark Horse failed, Nick would be more bitter and angry at Victor than ever.


Regular contributor Fifi in Collingwood, Ontario, has asked me to remind readers that Aretha Franklin, the late, great Queen of Soul, was a huge fan of The Young and the Restless.  Here are some quotes from Aretha:

1968 publicity photo of Aretha

"The Young and the Restless, one of my all-time favorite shows to watch.  I watch it in the morning, I watch it when I'm home.  I watch it when I'm in concert.  I watch it when I'm asleep.  I watch it."

Aretha especially liked the character of Victor Newman.  Here' what she said about Victor:

"Victor is one of my favorite characters in The Young and the Restless.  I like the way he makes his approach to a woman.  He's the all-time player."

At the 2005 Daytime Emmy Awards, Aretha co-presented the last award of the evening with Eric Braeden (Victor Newman himself).  The two were introduced as the "Queen of Soul" and the "Kiing of Hearts."

CAST NEWS

Hunter King, 24, is engaged

Snowflake is engaged to her boyfriend of two years, Nico Svoboda.  Nico is a camera operator Y&R's sister soap, The Bold and the Beautiful.

Nico Svoboda

We'll be seeing less of Cristel Khalil (Lily) on Y&R

Cristel Khalil, who plays Lily Winters Ashby, has decided to go off contract and switch to recurring status on Y&R.  That means we'll be seeing a lot less of Lily.  Cristel debuted as Lily back in 2002 as a 14-year-old.  On her Instagram account, she told fans she was changing  to recurring status.  She said she was not leaving the show, but is ready to explore new things.

As Y&R fans know. Lily faces a maximum sentence for vehicular homicide in the car crash that killed Hilary Curtis Hamilton and her unborn baby.  I don't think Lily will get the full 20-year-sentence, but she will most likely have to serve some jail time since Cristel Khalilwill be on recurring status.  There will probably be scenes of Cane and Mattie and Charlie visiting her in prison.

CAST NOTES

* Y&R is expanding its Cuban-American family.  We will soon meet Lola Rosales, the sister of Arturo and Rey.  Sasha Calle has been cast in the role.  I hope Lola doesn't have a bad case of permanent five o'clock shadow, like her two brothers.

* Beth Maitland resumes her role as Traci Abbott on Friday. September 21 (CBS), Thursday, September 20th on Global-TV in Canada.

* On Monday, September 24 (CBS), Friday September 21 (Global-TV), Jess Walton returns as Jill Atkinson.



Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Vilasuso

Arturo's big brother, Rae Rosales (Jordi Vilasuso), remains a man of mystery.  Do you think he's on the right side of the wrong side of the law?  Respond to my poll below.

Do you think Rae is on the right side of the law?

Yes, I think he's a private investigator or a law enforcement agent.

No, I don't trust him. He's hiding too many things.

I don't know.

Other

Please Specify:

Created with PollMaker

That's all for now.  Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, September 15, 2018.

- Joanne