Y&R Report (January 19, 2019): 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.   

Okay fans, who has been scaring Nikki and who has been recording her every move at the ranch with a surveillance camera?  I have considered every character  on the show and I can't think of a single one who would be motivated to do that.  Therefore, I have come to the conclusion that J.T. Hellstrom is probably alive and that he is the one who has been stalking Nikki.  That would explain why J.T,'s body has not been located since it was supposedly removed from its burial place in Chancellor Parker.  Nikki, Victoria, Sharon and Phyllis  could have been mistaken that J.T. was dead. I still remember that he had a heart condition and was taking medication for it. Maybe that has something to do with the women falsely believing him to be dead.  After all, why would the writers include J.T.'s heart condition in the story for no reason?

I realize that Lily and Candy Cane have to face complications and issues.  There can't be an easy path for Princess Victoria and Billy Boy either.  Yet, I just don't see any sense in matching those two up.  I don't think they will never click as a couple or that viewers will ever want them together.  We'll have to see what the new head writer does with this storyline (In December, Daytime Confidential reported that supervising producer Josh Griffith would return as head writer after Mal Young's departure).

What's going on with Kerry Johnson?  What's her game and why was she carrying a syringe in her purse?  Is she planning to drug Jack for some reason?  She is definitely bad news and is up to no good.  A longtime Y&R viewer, Fifi in Collingwood Ontario, has an interesting theory.  She thinks that Kerry may be the daughter of the Abbott family's former maid, Mamie Johnson.

Phyllis and Mia are Class-A troublemakers.  They are out of control and they just can't help themselves.  I find Phyllis more annoying, though, because she interferes with so many lives.  Mia is piece of work, but her misdeeds are mostly confined to her relationships with Rey and Arturo.  Phyllis, on the other hand, is Genoa City's biggest busybody.  She had to ruin Reed's memorial service for his father, J.T..  She let the teen know that his dad had abused his mother.  Maybe Reed needed to know the truth, but that was not the time or place.  Furthermore, who appointed Phyllis to be the one to tell him?

As if Phyllis hadn't caused enough trouble at the memorial, she also managed to drive a wedge between Victoria and Billy, just as they were on the verge of reconciling.  She just had to let Victoria know that Billy had tried to get back together with her first.  This information, of course, made Victoria feel as if she were Billy's second choice.  It also made her turn to Cane.  However, the princess is very confused right now.  She doesn't know what she wants.

Now that Mal Young has departed, I hope Doug Davidson will return as Genoa City Police Chief Paul Williams.  There still has been any explanation as to Paul's whereabouts.  No one has said that he's left town.  His name has not been mentioned for a long time.  That can't continue.  Wouldn't his return be a great surprise for fans?  Maybe he'll even solve the J.T. mystery.  I've nicknamed Paul "Clueless." but another longtime viewer, CC in Etobicoke, Ontario, thinks that Rae is even more clueless than Paul.  She may be right.  Detective Rae Rosales doesn't seem to be getting anywhere in solving the J.T. case.

MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE.  WHERE IS PAUL WILLIAMS? 

MISSING POLICE CHIEF 

Rae and Sharon and Mia and Arturo are playing with fire and they will all get burned.  As much as Rae professes his love for Mia, he still can't get Sharon out of his head.  Arturo claims to love Abby, but he is still very tempted by Mia.  Mia?  Well, she just loves to live la vida loca,



CAST NEWS

Elizabeth Hendrickson (ex-Chloe) is engaged

Elizabeth Hendrickon (ex-Chloe Mitchell on Y&R) is engaged.  Her longtime boyfriend, Rob Meder, apparently proposed on Christmas Day.  Elizabeth, who now plays Margaux on General  Hospital, announced her engagement on social media.  In an Instagram photo, she wore a band on her left hand.  She wrote that she preferred a band "instead of one big bling."



Hunter King is returning to Y&R

The Snowflake is coming back to Genoa City. According to Soap Central, Hunter King is returning to her role as Summer Newman.  As fans know, Summer has been working for Newman Enterprises in Dubai  I guess it was just too hot for the Snowflake there, so she had to come home and cause trouble.  So watch out, Lola!  She is bound to interfere with your relationship with Kyle Abbott.  She may even conspire with Fen to break you and Kyle up, although she probably accomplish that on her own.

The air date of Hunter King's return is not yet available.



Reed Hellstrom (Tristan Liabu) is leaving Genoa City again

Say goodbye to Reed Hellstrom (Tristan Liabu) again.  He's going back to school, but he will probably return again at some point, depending on future storylines.



Eileen Davidson (ex-Ashley Abbott) stars in new movie

Eileen and Vince

Fans of Eileen Davidson are understandably disappointed that she has left her role as Ashley Abbott on Y&R.  Here's some good news, though.  Eileen will appear in a new film that was co-written by her husband, Vince Van Patten.  The film is called Walk in Vegas and it tells the story of a poker named Duke who bets a million dollars that he can walk from Los Angeles to Las Vegas in a seven days.  Vince, who plays Duke, is a poker enthusiast and he claims that he once made such a crazy bet.  By the way, Eileen plays Duke's wife.  She encouraged him to write his story and told him that "I'd better play your wife or else!"


Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Most Y&R characters display poor judgement  That's why they always find themselves in trouble and keep secrets.  Which of the following characters do you think has the worst judgment?  Reply to my poll and let me know.

Which Y&R character has the worst judgement?

Sharon Newman

Cane Ashby

Phyllis Summers

Victoria Newman

Billy Abbott

I don'tknow.

Other

Please Specify:

Created with SurveyMaker

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, February 2, 2019.


- Joanne

Carol Burnett and Dick Van Dyke - We'll never see their like again

"My first love growing up was the movies . . . and later, when I was a teenager, we got our first television set, and then I got a new love.  But what fascinated me was how the stars on the screen could make people laugh, or cry, or maybe both . . . I catch myself daydreaming about being young again and doing it all over, and then I bring myself up short when I realize how incredibly fortunate I was to be there at the right time.  Because what we did then, it couldn't be done today."

- Carol Burnett
Golden Globe Awards
January 6, 2019

Carol Burnett is 85 years old.  She is one classy woman and an extraordinary comedian.  Her career spans seven decades of television.  Last evening she received the inaugural Golden Globes prize for lifetime TV achievement.  Not only was she the first recipient of the award, but it was named in her honour.  Henceforth, it will be known as the Carol Burnett Award.  It will be presented to a person who has made an outstanding contribution to television, on or off the screen.

Carol's acceptance speech was full of gratitude for her good fortune. It was very moving, very gracious and somewhat wistful.  Her variety show, The Carol Burnett Show, first aired on September 11, 1967 (over 51 years ago) and it ended in 1979.  Carol was a pioneer because she was the first woman to host a variety sketch show on American television.  In her speech, Burnett said that her show ran for "11 joy-filled years."  She stressed, however, that it couldn't be done now because the "cost alone would be prohibitive."  Other popular variety shows at the time, she added, "could never see the light of day today because the networks just wouldn't spend the money."  "Sad to say today's audiences might never know what they are missing," she declared.

Times and have changed radically. Variety shows haven't been in vogue for years and network television is in decline due to the Internet and streaming.  There are so many television shows that no one can begin to watch them all, or keep track of them.  Millennials generally prefer to watch what they want, when they want and how they want.  Long gone are the days when families sat around the television together and watched Ed Sullivan and All in the Family.  Many young people regard that as the ancient past.  However, for baby boomers, they evoke fond memories.

Dick Van Dyke was also on hand at the Golden Globes, where he was given a standing ovation.  The 93-year-old as starred in two major television series:  The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961-1966) and Diagnosis Murder (1993-2001).  Dick is a very active nonagenarian.and he has a cameo role in Mary Poppins Returns (He played Bert the Chimney Sweep in the original 1964 Disney film alongside Julie Andrews).

Van Dyke in 2016  PHOTO ATTRIBUTION: Gage Skidmore

Van Dyke is a master of physical comedy.  He is tall, lanky and very versatile.  He can sing, dance and tell jokes.  He's extremely talented.  I recently saw a documentary in which Dick comments about an entertainer who had a great influence on him.  The documentary, entitled The Great Buster, explores the life and achievements of another great physical comedian, - Buster Keaton.  Van Dyke is a great admirer of Keaton's talents as well as those of  other silent film era comedians such as Charlie Chaplin and Laurel and Hardy.  In fact, when Stan Laurel died in 1965, Dick Van Dyke delivered the eulogy at his funeral.

So, here's to Carol and Dick.  Thanks for for all the joy and laughter you have brought  to people.  We'll never see your like again.  However, as Carol pointed out in her Golden Globe speech, we can still watch them on reruns and YouTube.

Below is a photo of Carol Burnett and Dick Van Dyke in 1977, when Dick appeared in 11 episodes of The Carol Burnett Show.

- Joanne

Y&R Report (January 5, 2019): 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 everyone.  I hope you enjoyed your holidays and I trust they were better than those of some of the residents of Genoa City.  We did have a Christmas miracle on Y&R, this year, courtesy of Victor Newman.  All he had to do was exclaim "Merry Christmas, my darling!" and Nikki was able to come out of her coma.  It was the power of "The Moustache."

Candy Cane and Princess Victoria Newman?  Really?  What's that all about?  Those two have terrible judgment and any relationship between them, secret or not, can only end in disaster - but that's the idea.  As I've said before, there has to be conflict on soaps.  That's why very few couples stay together.  According to an online spoiler, the Winters family is going to discover that prison has changed Lily (Christel Khalil).  She not the same person and you can be sure that that will affect her relationship with Cane in a negative way.

Victoria accused the whispering (or should I say wimpy?) Australian  as being "weak and cowardly." which is true. She really doesn't think much of him. Yet, she still kissed him and we all know it won't end there.  The princess told her therapist all about the kiss.  She said she loathed Cane and denied having any attraction to him.  She thought she may have done it to subconsciously sabotage a reconciliation with Billy.  Although Billy has been more mature and responsible lately, Victoria is reluctant to reunite with him.  That's because she can't have a perfect family life with him and the children.  There's no story there.  That's why she told him she wasn't ready when he tried to kiss her.

Jill (Jess Walton) has returned to Genoa City with some news.  She has called it quits with her con man Aussie husband, Colin Atkinson and she wants to meet someone more stable.  Good luck finding such a person in Genoa City, Jill!  At least she had interesting conversations with her stepson, Cane, and her son, Billy Boy Abbott, plus a visit with former stepson Jack Abbott.

When Cane told Jill that he may have more in common with his wayward father than people think, I had to agree.  I also give him credit for being honest about himself.  Cane Ashby may not be as crooked, but he sure messes up.  In some ways, he really is a chip off the old block.  Remember his adventure in Japan with Juliet?  Remember how he let Billy take the blame for altering a video when they were at Brass & Sassy?  (By the way, why does Cane call himself "Ashby," when his father's last name is "Atkinson?" I assume he wants to distance himself from Colin's criminal activities.).

Jill was pleasantly surprised to hear that Billy had broken up with Phyllis and that Phyllis and Nick were together.  She was also pleased that her son looked happy and attributed it to an improvement in his relationship with Victoria.  She is determined to see those two back together.  She will certainly be upset if Cane becomes an obstacle to their reunion.  Cane confessed to Jill that he had kissed someone but, of course, he didn't reveal that the woman was Victoria.  Jill, in her infinite wisdom, advised Cane not tell Lily about his indiscretion.  We all know what happened when he hid his other misdeeds, don't we?

I can''t warm up to Kerry Johnson.  She's going to break Jack Abbott's heart and he'll probably regret getting involved with her.  Kerry has been meeting Jack's ex-wives and she is amazed at how many times he has been married.  She's also met Jill and learned of Jack's past dalliances with her.  Kerry commented that everyone has skeletons in their closets, but the Jabot chemist has some secrets of her own, according to an online spoiler. 

It's not official, but It looks as if Josh Griffith is set to return as Y&R's head writer.  In July 2012, Griffith became the show's sole head writer.  He resigned in August 2013, reportedly due to creative differences with then-executive producer Jill Farren Phelps.  Griffith returned to Y&R in August 2018 as supervising as supervising producer.

Josh Griffith

Kristoff St. John (Neil Winters) has already welcomed Griffith back on social media.  On Twitter, St. John wrote:  "Let's welcome Josh Griffith back to Y&R.  His inspiring leadership, focusing on the core characters, will prevail.   The character assassination of Paul (Doug Davidson) was brutal.  Raise your voice!  Bill Bell Sr. created this legendary show.  It is our duty to protect his legacy."

Kristoff is right on the money with his comments.  Y&R does need to focus on the core characters.and something definitely has to be done to rectify the Doug Davidson situation.  Doug should return to the show or at the very least, some explanation should be given as to what happened to Paul Williams.

Y&R fans are still left in the dark about the fate of the Summer Newman character.  Our dear Snowflake has been sent off to work in Dubai, where she is surely melting in all that hot weather.  It's really no place for her.  Victor should have sent her to Norway or Buffalo or Minnesota or maybe even northern Ontario.  Actually, I was surprised by the move.  I thought she was going to really interfere with Kyle and Lola's romance.  Instead, Fen is the third member of the love triangle.
So, what happened?  Has Hunter King decided to leave the show?  If so, will she be replaced by another actress?  Also, why has there been no clear explanation for Gloria's absence.  Michael Baldwin doesn't even mention his mother or his brother Kevin anymore.

Here's something else the new head writer should clear up:  What happened to Chelsea and Connor?  I was very disappointed in how the writers abruptly ended Chelea's storyline when Melissa Claire Egan decided to leave the show.  Chelsea's return to her con woman ways was not credible.  Y&R viewers did not buy it.


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 regular contributor CC in Etobicoke, Ontario.  Here are her comments.

Hi Joanne

Loved your Xmas wishes for character, especially Lily, Cane and Phyllis (in the last edition of Y&R Report).  

Glad to see Mal Young go except for his strategy of having a daily cliffhanger.

Not sure if they know how to wind up the J.T. storyline.  I guess it depends on whether Thad is open to reprising the role now and again in the flesh, and not in a ghostly way.  Reed clearly has to go.

I will be very surprised if someone other than Victor has Nikki.

Despite the fact that his role has diminished over the last couple of years, it would be interesting to know what the scoop is on Kristoff St. John (Neil Winters).

Spare me from Tessa,  Mia, Lola, Rey, Fen, Ana, Charlie, Cane, Maddie, the return of Lily, SUMMER, Noah and a few more . . .

Happy New Year!


Happy New Year to you too, CC.  I think it was time for Mal to go too.  It will be interesting to see what direction the new head writer will take the show.

Yes, it was pretty much a no-brainer that Victor would come back for Nikki's sake.  He may even know what really happened and is willing to go to prison in order to protect Nikki and Victoria.

I'm not sure if they know how to wind up the J.T. storyline either. However, in its 2019 previews, Soap Central states that the "truth about J.T.'s death is finally revealed - but that might not be the end of the mystery."

I've tried to find out why Kristoff St. John has been absent from the show again (Neil is said to have moved closer to the prison where Lily is being held).  Unfortunately, I have been unable to find an explanation.  He'll probably return when Lily returns.  I haven't heard any reports that he's left Y&R and I don't think he would have made those comments about the new head writer if that were the
case.

I must say, CC, that is a long list of characters that you don't like.  I am not a fan of some characters on the show either, but I accept them because they serve a purpose.  They set the plot in motion.


I received a New Year's greeting from longtime Y&R viewer, Carly in Barrhaven, Ontario.  Carly wrote:

As for Y&R, I hope the new head writer writes Kerry out of the show.  Can't stand her . . . Watch out for Cane and Victoria.

Well, Carly,  it seems that Kerry doesn't seem to be very popular with fans.  If that's the case, the new head writer (presumably Josh Griffith), may write her out.  Perhaps some viewers  have a bias against her because she seems to have replaced fan favourite Eileen Davidson (Ashley Abbott) as Jabot chemist.  If that's the case, she's been asked to fill some pretty big shoes.  As for Cane and Victoria, they are both headed for disaster, as usual.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

To be perfectly honest, 2018 was not the greatest year for The Young and the Restless.  Many fan favourites departed and Doug Davidson was fired.  Fans hope that 2019 will be better.  In the meantime, why not reply to my poll about the worst Y&R happenings?   Let me know what you think.

What was your worst Y&R happening in 2018?

The departure of Eileen Davidson as Ashley Abbott.

The firing of Doug Davidson as Paul Williams.

The head writing of Mal Young.

The departure of Mishael Morgan as Hilary.

The departure of Melissa Claire Egan as Chelsea Lawson.

I don't know.

Other

Please Specify:

Online Surveys in Minutes | Survey Maker

That's all for now!  Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, January 19, 2019.  With a new head writer, there should be a lot to talk about.  Big changes are coming to Y&R.  Let's hope the changes take the show in the right direction.


- Joanne

Y&R Report (December 22, 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.    

It's Christmastime in Genoa City and there are plenty of parties and mistletoe.  Nikki Newman has been drinking again and Fen and Charlie were "Dumb and Dumber."  What is wrong with those two teens?  Where are their brains, their good judgement?  I realize that both boys have not had an easy time of late.  Reed's dad, J.T., is presumed dead and his death is under a murder investigation.  His grandfather, Victor, has been missing and the police consider him a suspect in J.T.'s death.  As for Charlie, his mother is in prison.  His girlfriend, Shauna, left town and dumped him for someone else. Still, that does not excuse them for their reckless choices.  Reed should have known better than to drive with a suspended licence and with someone who had been drinking underage as his passenger (Charlie).  Then, in another great act of stupidity, the gormless duo left the scene of the accident without checking if they had hit an animal or a human being.  They drove off, only to discover that they had knocked over Reed's own grandmother, Nikki.

Nikki is fighting for her life.  She is unconscious, but her mind is having visions of her playing the piano and of Victor in a tuxedo.  We know that a shadowy figure has entered her hospital room.  It has got to be Victor, especially since Eric Braeden is back after a long absence.  I'm sure Nikki will recover in time for Christmas., but where has Victor been?  In the words of Ricky Ricardo on I Love Lucy, he "has a lot of 'splainin' to do."

What's with Rae?  Why is he so wishy-washy.  Why is he stringing Mia along when it's obvious he really wants to be with Sharon.  He comforts Mia and tells her he cares about her.  At the same time, he secretly gives Sharon a Christmas gift.

Rae's marriage will never get back on track unless he distances himself from Sharon, which he doesn't seems unwilling to do.  He's got to decide whether he wants to make his marriage to Mia work or not.  It definitely won't work if he's pining over Sharon.  Detective Rosales, you can't have it both ways.  You've got to make up his mind.  Are you afraid to tell Mia the truth or are you in denial?  That is the behaviour of a cad.

I really enjoyed the scene with Billy and his son Johnny.  Johnny had stage fright about singing "Jingle Bells" at the his school's Christmas pageant.  I loved what Billy told Johnny about Saint Nicholas.  He told him not to confuse Saint Nick with his Uncle Nick, who is no saint.

It looks like Billy Boy and Princess Victoria are getting close again.  Will she give him another chance or has that ship sailed?  Billy has been stepping up with the children lately and he has been very supportive.  Does he deserve another chance or will he slip into his old ways?  I wonder . . .


LLLLL

Mal Young is leaving Y&R

Mal Young has confirmed that he is out as  head writer and executive producer of The Young and the Restless  He said he is spending the holidays in his native England and has stated that "it was a good time to move on."  He is departing Y&R after having been head write since July of 2017.  He made his reputation for his contribution to British soap operas such as EastEnders and Doctors.

Young's departure means there will be big changes at Y&R in the New Year.  The show has been the number one soap for 30 consecutive years, although its ratings have been sagging recently (It is currently averaging 4.2 million viewers compared to 4.7 million viewers last year).  Many viewers have been upset about the departure of veteran fan favourites such as Doug Davidson (Paul Williams) and Eileen Davidson (Ashley Abbott.).

Young implied that it was his choice to leave when he said that he had achieved all that he wanted to do at The Young and the Restless.  He gave himself credit for "improved scripts and production value."  Some of his strorylines have been controversial and he has earned praise for the show's portrayal of Dina as an Alzheimer victim.  There is a British style to his writing, which didn't go over well with some North American viewers.         

Frankly, I don't think Mal chose to leave the show.  I think he was fired due to lower ratings and viewer dissatisfaction over the loss of some of their favourite characters  Something has been rotten in the state of Y&R for a while now.  A shakeup was inevitable because CBS will not tolerate a drop in rating and lower advertising revenue.  There is no word yet as to Mal Young's replacement as head writer.  However, Daytime Confidential reports that Anthony "Tony" Morina will be the show's new executive producer.  Morina is the husband of former Y&R head writer Sally Sussman.


 Christmas Bag of Gifts

The most prominent citizens of Genoa City don't need material gifts for Christmas, especially members of the Abbot, Newman and Winters families.  Since they are extremely affluent, I will offer them some non-material alternatives.

FOR NICHOLAS NEWMAN:  Nick definitely needs anger management therapy.  His temper should be controlled.  He should also be served a nice big piece of humble pie.  He is so arrogant and vain.  He must stand in front of a mirror admiring his dimples.

FOR REED HELLSTROM:  Reed needs a new hairstyle badly.  He spends so much of his time pushing his hair away from his forehead.

FOR LILY WINTERS ASHBY:   Lily just needs a "Get Out of Jail Free" card.

FOR CANE ASHBY:  Voice lessons so he doesn't sound as if he's whispering all the time.

FOR PHYLLIS SUMMERS:  Phyllis needs a personality transplant to make her less bossy, nosy and controlling.  The new Phyllis has got to stop interfering in other people's lives.

FOR VICTORIA NEWMAN:  A dose of reality so that she can see her father, Victor Newman, for what he really is.



CAST NEWS

Noah Newman (Robert Adamson) will be back for Christmas

Robert Adamson

Robert Adamson will back in the role of Noah Newman for a Christmastime visit with his family and his injured grandmother, Nikki.  Noah has been living in London, England.  Mackenzie Browning (Lauren Woodland will also return to Genoa City to help resolve the J.T. Hellstrom mystery.  I hope the new head writer will provide a good ending to the J.T. saga, although I don't know if it has been written already.




Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Zach Tinker

Zach Tinker has taken over the role of Fen Baldwin from Max Ehrich.  According to soaps.com, Max didn't reprise his role as Fen because of a stalker issue.  He felt  unsafe at the time.  So now Zach is the new Fen.  Fen has dropped out of law school and is an aspiring singer.  Fans, now that you've heard him sing, do you like his voice?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Do you think Fen is a good singer?

Yes, I think he has a great voice. I enjoy listening to him.

Not really. His voice is just okay.

No, I think he has a terrible voice.

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.  Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on January 5, 2919.

To those who celebrate, have a very Merry Christmas!  All the best in the New Year!

- Joanne

Y&R Report (December 8 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.    

Fenmore Baldwin is back in town and he has really thrown his parents for a loop.  Michael and Lauren were aghast when Fen informed them that he had quit law school and was planning on launching career in music.  It was not what they wanted to hear, especially Michael.  Michael has a passion for the law and was thrilled that his son seemed to be following in his footsteps, so he is very disappointed.  However, Fen is "young and restless" and he marches to the beat of his own drummer.  As you have noticed, another actor is playing the role of Fen.  Max Ehrich has been replaced by  Zach Tinker and I think Zach has done a good job so far.

What has happened to Hunter King (Summer) and why has she been sent to Dubai?  It's very hot there and the Snowflake might melt ( I couldn't resist that one).  At any rate, I have tried to find out if Hunter King has left the show.  Apparently, Y&R has made no comment on her status.

The J.T. mystery continues.  It's been dragging on and I hope it will be cleared up by the New Year, but I'm not holding my breath.  Mac is about to return to Genoa City and she may provide the key to solving the puzzle.  Yet, there are still so many unanswered questions regarding J.T. Hellstrom.

Who moved J.T.' body?

Who set fire to the Newman stables?

Is Victor being framed for J.T.'s murder?

Who placed the gun and the bloody shirt in the Newman stables.  Why is J.T.'s blood on the shirt and why are Victor's fingerprints the only fingerprints on the gun?

Is J.T. really dead or did he somehow climb out of the grave?

If he somehow escaped from the grave, did Victor murder him?  One thing is for sure, Victor is definitely involved.  He just has to stick his moustache into everything.

Nikki and Victoria and Sharon continue their criminal activity and callous behaviour.  I find it hard to believe that they would be so cruel toward Tessa.  They actually kidnapped her and left her out in the cold in the middle of nowhere.  Sharon was the only one who displayed some qualms about it, although she did nothing to stop it.  All three women are desperately trying to save their own skins and Nikki and the Princess are attempting to protect Victor from being accused of J.T.'s murder.  They don't want to believe that he may have moved J.T.'s body.  It's far easier for them to bully Tessa, who is not exactly the most trustworthy or forthright person.  Tessa's the perfect scapegoat for them because, unlike the Newmans, she's not rich and powerful.

Nick Newman has become the most conceited person in Genoa City.  He thinks he just has to flash his dimples and women will come running.  It's just sickening how Phyllis feeds his overblown ego.  That Rebekkah woman didn't help either.



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 viewer CC in Etobicoke, Ontario.  Here are her comments.

Hi Joanne

I wonder where and why Victor has gone under the radar.

So far, the new Fen is more pleasant to look at and listen to, so not as annoying.  We will see how things go with Lola.  Regardless of the outcome, it will be a real tussle between him and Kyle over her.  Someone could get seriously hurt . . . maybe even killed.  

Don't you think it a little strange that virgin Lola would just grab Kyle for a big smack on the lips.  There might be more to Lola than what we have seen so far.  If her character sticks, we may find out what she is really about.  As far as I am concerned, Y&R can do without her and Ana.

Although it is too son, Devon needs to meet a replacement for Hilary.  I think they may be setting him up for that.  Who knows, they may even bring Mishael Morgan back post-baby to play the part of a new love for him.  Any word on her baby's due date?


Yes CC, Victor has gone under the radar, but he will be back soon and he may be the one behind the J.T. mystery.  He would do almost anything to protect his precious Nikki and his Princess Victoria.

Well, CC, I also like the new Fen, although I find him somewhat arrogant.  I don't think he'll make a play for Lola unless Kyle really messes things up.  It will probably happen because things can't go too perfectly for any couple on a soap.  Although Summer is out of the picture for now, I don't expect smooth sailing for Kyle and Lola.  They will hit some bumps on the road to romance.

Actually, CC, I don't think it was a little strange that Lola gave Kyle a "big smack on the lips."  I think Lola was just sending Kyle the message that he is the one she is interested in, not Fen.  As for Ana, she has just joined the cast.  I would like to give her a chance.  She needs a good storyline, though.

I agree that Devon needs to eventually have a new woman in his life.  However, I doubt he will fall in love with a Hilary look-alike played by Mishael Morgan.

Mishael Morgan (ex-Hilary Curtis Hamilton) gave birth to her second child, a baby girl on
November 8, 2018.  The child is named Naliya.  Mishael and her husband, Navid Ali, also have a three-year-old son, Niam.

Mishael Morgan and family  PHOTO CREDIT: Instagram

I recently chatted with regular contributor Fifi in Collingwood, Ontario.  Fifi had a prediction for me.  She thinks that Fen and Tessa are going to become involved.  It could happen because Tessa also seems to likes men.  Right now, however, she seems to be mending her fractured relationship with Mariah.  Mariah was shocked to find Tessa left alone in the cold.

Fifi also pointed out that Shauna (Camryn Hamm), unlike Paul Williams (Doug Davidson), was given a good send-off.  Doug Davidson a member of the Y&R cast for forty years, whereas Camryn Hamm has been on the show for less than a year.  Eileen Davidson, who, like Doug, had been on the show for a long time, was also given a wonderful send-off.  In her last scene, she was shown drinking champagne in an airplane on her way to Paris.

Much to Y&R's discredit, Doug Davidson has been treated shabbily.  Also, why has there been no explanation for Paul's absence.  At least, I haven't heard one.  The powers that be at Y&R should know that viewers are not impressed when longtime characters disappear without explanation.  Unlike the powers that be, fans have loyalty to their characters.  They will not soon forget how horribly Doug was treated.  I urge viewers to send emails to CBS tn protest.



CAST NEWS

Christel Khalil (Lily Winters Ashby) is returning

Crystel Khalil

There's good news for fans of Christel Khalil (Lily Winters Ashby.).  She will be returning to Y&R in time for the holiday season.  Daniel Goddard, who plays Christel's TV husband Cane, revealed the news on Twitter.  It looks as if Lily will be getting out of jail soon.  The Winters/Ashby family will probably have a big Christmas reunion with Lily at the prison.



Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Michael Mealor

Sasha Calle

Lola (Sasha Calle) and Kyle (Michael Mealor) appear to be in a good place right now, especially since Summer has left town.  Do you think they are suited to each other or would they both be better off with someone else?  Respond to the poll below and let me know your opinion.

Are Lola and Kyle a good match?

Yes. They have good chemistry and she is better for him than Summer.

No. They come from different worlds. it won't work.

No. She would be a better match with Fen.

I don't know.

Other

Please Specify:

Created with PollMaker

NOTE TO TORONTO AREA FANS

I was unable to attend the Y&R tea for the March of Dimes on December 2nd at the Royal York Hotel.  If you were there and have any photos of the event or any information that you would like to share with other Y&R fans, I urge you send me an email.  I would really appreciate your input and I would be happy to publish your photos and information on this website. 


That's all for now.  Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, December 22nd.


- Joanne

Internet Digest #9

    

,

This is the ninth of an occasional feature on TV Banter called Internet TV Digest.  Internet TV Digest contains recent news, information and discussion about online television.

Internet TV Digest

AT&T's WarnerMedia will launch new streaming service in late 2019

There seems to be a glut of new streaming services and WarnerMedia will enter into the fray by the end of next year.  On October 10, 2018, WarnerMedia, the division of AT&T that includes HBO, announced plans for the new service.  It is a potential rival to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney's upcoming new venture, Disney+.  It will build on the strength of HBO.

WarnerMedia's CEO, John Stankey. made the following statement in an internal memo: "Our service will start with HBO and the genre defining programming that viewers crave.  On top of that we will package content from Turner and Warner Bros. with their deep brand connections that tough both diverse interests and mass audiences."

Details of the pricing and the name of WarnerMedia's new service will be announced later.

Source: Brian Stelter, CNN Business

Gamespot's (www.gamespot.com) choice for seven best entertainment streaming services in 2018

Did Netflix stay on top in the streaming game, or did a new challenger emerge to dethrone the champion? 

"Yes, Netflix has absolutely dominated in the category of original content - largely by simply making as many exclusive movies and shows as it can, and hoping some of them turn out great (which they did).  But did you manage to take advantage of Filmstruck while it was around?  If not, you missed out on streaming some of the greatest films ever made, not to mention the exclusive special features that often accompanied them.

Or what if horror is more your flavor?  Sure, Netflix had some great original horror movies and shows this year, but the classics were located elsewhere, on a platform that finally hit its stride stride in 2018.  If you were looking for more recent TV, Hulu was your best best . . ."

- Gamespot staff

Gamepot's choice of the best entertainment streaming services in 2018

1.  Netflix

2.  WWE Network

3.  Hulu

4.  Filmstruck

5.  Shudder

6.  Amazon Prime Video

7.  DC Universe

Disney+ and WarnerMedia will not slow Netflix's momentum says Netflix content boss

Ted Sarados

Netflix's chief content officer, Ted Sarados, has played down looming threats from Dsney+ and WarnerMedia.  He says he doesn't think that his company will lose ground due to the imminent launch of new streaming video services from large media companies.  In a December 3, 2018 speech at UBS's 2918 Global Media and Communications Conference in New York, Sarados stated, "I don't think they'll be to the detriment of Netflix . . . I think there's plenty of room in this business for other players to be successful."  He pointed out that when Netflix ventured into original programming seven years ago, starting with House of Cards, it "was a sure bet that studios and movie companies would likely move in to launch their own direct-to-consumer VOD (video on demand) offerings."

Source: Variety

Netflix has increased subscription rates in Canada

Watching Netflix in Canada costs you more now.  The giant streaming company has hiked its subscription rates in this country.  The increases were announced at the end of November and became effective immediately for new subscribers. Current subscribers were to receive an email notice before their bills increase.  The price for Netflix's standard plan, which enables subscribers to watch content on two screens at a time, has risen by $3.  It is now 13.99 a month.  The basic plan, which does not offer high definition and only allows one stream, has increased a dollar to $9.99 a month.  Premium plan subscribers will be paying $3 more or $16.99 a month to maintain four simultaneous streams and ultra high definition video.

Netflix is facing fierce competition from other streaming video services.  For example, Disney+ will enter the market in 2019 with its own streaming service and CBS All Access is adding to its library of of original shows,  Netflix has defended its subscription increases by saying that the funds will be used to subsidize upcoming TV series and for other improvements to its service.

Sources: The Canadian Press and CTV Ottawa

- Joanne