Y&R Report (April 19, 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

So, Audra has made her deal with the devil and she's going to have to pay the price.  She is going to lose Nate in the process.  She should know by now that nothing good can come from working with Victor.  Audra is spunky, but she can't control her worst impulses.  There is little doubt that Claire and Kyle will also break up.  Their relationship is doomed.  So, will both Audra and Claire be open to the advances of the flirtatious Holden Novak, played by Nathan Owens.  Holden has made no secret of the fact that he is crazy about Audra, which has annoyed Nate.  Holden also seems to have his eye on Claire.  He has flirted with her.  Holden, Audra and Claire would be quite a triangle.

Claire is either quite naive or extremely idealistic.  She has evidence of Victor's treachery.  Nikki and Victoria have laid it on the line for her.  Victor is never going to accept Kyle as her boyfriend.  Claire can't or won't believe them.  She actually thinks that she can change her grandfather's mind.  Good luck with that, or as Victor would say, "It ain't gonna happen."

It appears as if the Alan/Martin storyline is over, now that Martin has been captured.  Traci (Beth Maitland) and Ashley (Eileen Davidson) have gone to New York to recuperate for all the trauma and stress.  I hope the Abbott sisters don't stay away too long.  I like Christopher Cousins, the actor who played twins Alan and Martin Laurent.  However, since Martin has be arrested for his crimes, Christopher Cousins has probably left the show.

Tessa and Daniel seem to be getting close.  They are starting to appear in scenes together.  Daniel is lonely after losing Heather, the love of his life.  Will his friendship with Tessa deepen ?  What about Mariah?

Where oh where is Ian Ward?  We haven't seen him since he opened his eyes in the ambulance on the way to the morgue.  Do Y&R's writers think we have forgotten about that.  Viewers deserve answers.  It's been far too long.  

A while ago, Y&R head writer Josh Griffith said that Lily Winters would find true love.  It looks like she is going to fall for Damian King, played by Jermaine Rivers.  Damian is Lily's cousin Nate's long lost half brother.  She doesn't fully trust Damian yet, but I think she will eventually fall for him.  There are still questions involving Damian's involvement with the mysterious Aristotle Dumas.  Lily's brother, Devon, is not too pleased about the fact that she has been seen hanging out with Damian.

What is the purpose of Diane's renovations of the Abbott home?  Will it fit into the storyline, or is being done just for the sake of change?  Will it create friction between Jack and Diane if Jack doesn't like 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 longtime Y&R viewer, Carly in Barrhaven, Ontario.  Here is what she wrote.

Y & R, Yes it looks like poor Traci will get her heart broken because I think Alan is Martin.  Tessa looks good as a blonde.  I almost didn’t recognize her.  Billy is a jerk.

Summer is getting on my nerves & poor Claire loves her grandpa & she will break up with Kyle and Audra will definitely play a role in the breakup.

Well Carly, you were right that  Alan was Martin. Poor Traci did get her heart broken, but she seems to have recovered nicely.  She's headed to New York for a while with Ashley.  It could have been worse for Traci.  What if she had married Martin, believing he was Alan?  

So, you think Tessa looks good as a blonde.  My own hair stylist watches Y&R and she also thinks Tessa suits blonde hair.  

Yes, I agree that Billy is a jerk.  It won't be long until he loses Sally and alienates Phyllis.  Sometimes Summer gets on my nerves, too.  However, I don't blame her for breaking up with Chance.  He hasn't been a great boyfriend.  As for Kyle, i don't know why she wants him back.  I guess it's a plot device so that he will break up with Claire.  The bottom line is that Kyle and Claire are toast.  They don't have a chance with Victor, Summer and Audra in the picture.

CAST NEWS

Daniel Goddard is not returning to Y&R

Well fans, we may not know the identity of the mysterious Aristotle Dumas yet, but we do know that it's not Cane Ashby.  Cane will not be returning to Genoa City.  Aussie actor Daniel Goddard has been teasing fans that big news was on the way.  Many Y&R viewers believed that Daniel would be returning to Y&R.  However, that is not the case.  The big news is that Daniel is joining the cast of General Hospital.  He posted a video of himself exiting a building.  Once outside the building, a GH sign was shown behind him.  He place his fingers on his lips to say "Shhh."  Many GH viewers will be thrilled about that, while many Y&R fans will be disappointed.  At least his most devoted fans will be able to watch him on General Hospital.

Kate Linder celebrates 43 years as Esther on Y&R

Over 43 years ago, Kate Linder was cast as Esther Valentine, wealthy Katherine Chancellor's maid on Y&R.  For decades, Kate   worked with the inimitable Jeanne Cooper, who played Mrs. Chancellor.  Jeanne died in 2013 at the age of 84.

Kate's made her first appearance on the show on April 16, 1982.  Her first line was "Dinner is served."  In the original script, she was referred to as "the maid," until Jeanne Cooper called her "Esther."  The name stuck.  She didn't have a last name until years later when a magazine ran a contest about choosing a surname for Esther.  "Diamond" and "Valentine" were among the choices.  William J. Bell, the show's co-creator and head writer.  Bell told Kate to pick the last name she preferred.  Kate chose "Valentine" because she and her late husband, Ron Linder, were married on Valentine's Day.

Kate's character, Esther, has had an adventurous history on the show, especially in storylines involving Mrs. Chancellor.  Most recently. Esther became Sharon Newman's assistant at Crimson Lights coffee shop.  She offers advice to customers while serving lattes and scones.  Esther has taken on a lot of responsibility because Sharon has been involved in all sorts of trauma lately.

I have met Kate at Young and Restless in Toronto at Y&R teas for charity.  I wish her all the best and I congratulate her for celebrating 43 years on the show.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Travis St. John (Tucker McCall)

Now that we know that Cane Ashby is not business tycoon. Aristotle Dumas, then who is Dumas?  Could it be Tucker McCall?  Does that mean that Trevor St. John, who plays Tucker,  is returning to Y&R?  According to Soap Central, at the moment, Tucker is mostly likely to be Dumas.  The website points out that Aristotle Dumas is a fan of the literary classic The Count of Monte Cristo, whose main character was wrongly accused of treason.  Both the Count and Tucker were wrongfully accused.  McCall was accused of harming Ashley, when it was Martin who assaulted her.  Also, Audra has just made a business deal with Victor to help break up Kyle and Claire.  The deal will definitely put her relationship with Nate on thin ice if Nate discovers her duplicity, and you can be sure that he will.  Given the role Tucker has played in Audra's life, the time seems right for him to reappear.  

Yet, it all seems too easy.  There must be more to it, something more surprising.  What do you think, fans?  Is Tucker McCall posing as Aristotle Dumas?  Reply to the poll below and let me know.

Do you think Tucker McCall is Aristotle Dumas?

Yes. Who else could it be? Everything fits.

No. That's too easy. It's got to be someone more surprising..

I don't know.

Other

 

pollcode.com free polls

  

That's all for now.  Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, May 3, 2025.  A Happy Easter and a Happy Passover to all who celebrate.

Take care,

Joanne

Y&R Report (April 5, 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,

Thank goodness the psychological kidnapping scenes have ended, although we still have to see flashbacks.  I'm so glad that Sharon and Phyllis are out of that abandoned clinic.  How many times must Sharon be kidnapped?  I really hope Traci isn't the next one kidnapped.

So who is the mysterious Aristotle Dumas?  Obviously, that's not his real name.  It's definitely a cover for someone else, but whom?  Many fans believe that Aussie Daniel Goddard, who played Cane Ashby, is actually Aristotle Dumas.  In a way, it makes sense, especially because of Cane's connection to Lily.  They were married and they are the parents of twins.  

Victor and Michael speculated that Tucker McCall might be posing as Aristotle Dumas.  That seems too easy.  Also, I think that the identity of Aristotle Dumas will be revealed in a much more dramatic way.

Summer finally admitted that she can't stand seeing Claire and Kyle together.  The mask is off.  She couldn't hide the truth any longer from Chance.  Since Victor is also doing his best to break up the couple, Summer may have a chance to get back together with Kyle.  

Meanwhile, Victor is tempting Audra by offering her a position as head of a department at Newman Enterprises, as long as she helps him in his quest to break up Kyle and Claire.  I don't trust Audra. I think she'll accept Victor's offer.  By the way, an online teaser for next week says that Victor vows to punish Kyle.

Michael Baldwin is an intelligent lawyer.  It's a shame that he demeans himself by being Victor Newman's lackey.  He just obeys his master's commands.  He seems to enjoy working for Victor and following his orders.  I don't blame Lauren for being upset and asking for Nikki's help, but good luck with changing Victor's mind.  Not even Nikki can do that.

Why doesn't Y&R reveal what happened to Ian Ward?  It's been far too long since he was seen opening his eyes on the way to the morgue.  Viewers deserve an update on Ward's fate.  This is absolutely ridiculous.  It's poor writing.

Here's another beef.  Why aren't Nick and Victoria ever seen at work?  When was the last time the office at Newman Enterprises was shown?   

Next week's episodes promise lots of drama and danger for Traci.  Ashley will be returning home and it will be interesting to see how she reacts to the Alan situation.  It will be quite a time for the Abbott family.

CAST NEWS

Melissa Ordway is back 

Back in November 2024, Melissa Ordway (Abby Newman Winters) announced that she had been taken off contract at The Young and the Restless.  She now resides in Tennessee with her husband, Justin Gaston, and their two daughters, Olivia and Sophie.  At the time, she assured fans that Abby was still a part of the Y&R family and would return when needed.  Well, here's the good news for Melissa's fans.  She was back in the studio filming some episodes.  It has not been confirmed when these episodes will air.

Melissa's fans will also be pleased to know that she appears in a guest role on Season 2 of the crime series Blue Ridge.  The first season of the show was broadcast on Cowboy Way Channel in the spring of 2024.  The series has also begun streaming on Amazon Freevee.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

There is plenty of online speculation about Daniel Goddard, ex-Cane Ashby on Y&R.  One reason is that Daniel has been using social media to tease about news that will make fans happy.  Here is what he wrote on Instagram in reply to questions about the big news:  "Hey, so I'm getting a lot of questions and (direct messages) about what was the big news.  And when are we going to hear what the big news was?  All I can say is this.  Just for now..  I got a haircut.  And it's for a reason.  So just soon.  Very soon.  I can't wait to tell you."

Has Daniel spilled the beans?  Is he really returning to Y&R?  Is his character, Cane, posing as the mysterious Aristotle Dumas?  It could  be, but why would Daniel give the secret away so blatantly?  What do you think, fans.  Reply to the poll below and let me know.

Do you think that Cane Ashby is Aristotle Dumas?

Yes, I think all signs point to Cane's return.

No. It's more complicated than that. Why would Daniel Goddard give everything away?

Maybe. I think there is a good chance it's Cane, but I'm far from certain.

I think Tucker McCall is Dumas.

I don't know.

Other

 

pollcode.com free polls

NOTE TO READERS

I really need your feedback.  If you have any comments on Y&R, please email them to me with "Viewer Forum" in the subject line. I will be happy to publish your comments and reply to them  You do not have to use your real name.  I really need your input.  I really need to hear your opinion.  I want to know if you agree or disagree with me. 

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca 

That's all for now.  Please remember that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear on this space on Saturday, April 19, 2025.  

Tale care,

- Joanne

Are sports fans being ripped off by streaming of games?

As a sports fan, I am not pleased by the increasing number of games that are being streamed.  These days, you must subscribe to a particular streaming service in order to watch certain games.  Some people  may argue that only a smattering of games are being streamed right now.  However, I believe this is only the beginning.  Leagues such as Major League Baseball can make a great deal of money by streaming their games.  Meanwhile, the salaries of athletes are going through the roof.  More money will be needed to meet their contract demands.  That is why I believe the number of streamed games will eventually increase.  It's insidious.  Leagues, teams and networks will not be able to resist this cash cow.  They will not be able to resist making lucrative deals with streaming services.

I live in Toronto and I am a Toronto Blue Jays fan.  For the fourth season in a row, select Friday games are being  streamed on Apple TV.  As for the Toronto Maple Leafs, six of their games were blacked out this season.  That's because Sportsnet, CBC, and TSN no longer hold exclusive rights to broadcast all Leaf games in Canada.  Instead, they have teamed up with Amazon to share broadcasting duties.  This new streaming arrangement is similar to the recent U.S. model in which TNT and ESPN split coverage of NHL games.

I do not subscribe to Apple TV, nor do I subscribe to Amazon Prime.  I have no intention of adding further monthly expenses to my finances in order to watch the Blue Jays and the Leafs.  Why should I?  When fans subscribe to streaming services to watch sports, it only encourages the powers-that-be to stream more games.  Their greed has no limits.  They only pay lip service to the fans, but it's those same fans who are always asked to open up their wallet.  Fewer and fewer games will be broadcast on traditional TV and basic cable.  What about the fans who can't afford to pay for three or four streaming services?  Where does that leave them?

The players and owners make millions.  Who advocates for the fans?  They are the lifeblood of professional sports, but who is really on their side?  Game prices keep going up.  Even when we watch games on TV, we are absolutely inundated by ads.  When watching baseball, we even have to see ads on the pitcher's mound.  I realize that sports is a business and I don't begrudge the players being paid well.  I don't begrudge the owners making money.  However, I think the pendulum has swung too far.  Greed is ruining sports.  That's why I will always stand up for ordinary fans.

- Joanne

Y&R Report (March 22,, 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,

Y&R was pre-empted on Thursday and Friday last week on CBS (Wednesday and Thursday on Global) due to coverage of March Madness basketball.  It was a shortened week.  

So, Sharon and Phyllis were finally rescued from that room in the abandoned psychiatric clinic, and not a minute to soon (in more ways than one).  However, there are still many unanswered questions.  Was it Alan or his twin brother, Martin, who kidnapped Sharon and Phyllis?  Was Alan really the bad guy all along?  Has he been deceiving Traci the whole time?  Is she in danger?  

After Alan's romantic proposal  to Traci, the couple appeared to be the picture of happiness.  Then, Alan suddenly rushed out to purchase an engagement ring, and a sinister plot twist was revealed.  Alan was shown sitting in Chancellor Park admiring the engagement ring while a live video appeared on his phone.  It was a video of Sharon and Phyllis in the basement of the abandoned Havenhurst Psychiatric Clinic.

It certainly seemed as if Alan were unhinged all along, although he claimed that his identical twin brother Martin was the real culprit,.  He said that Martin one who traumatized Ashley in Paris.  I couldn't help wondering if Alan had any connection to Phyllis and Sharon.  Then I recalled that Alan had hypnotized Sharon in order to help her remember what happened when Heather died.  Still, why would Alan focus on Phyllis and Sharon?  Has he been conducting some weird psychological experiment with the two women?  

Christopher Cousins (Alan)

Alan's twin brother has been presumed dead, but i wondered if he had really died.  Then I read an online comment, and it made me consider another angle to the storyline.  If Martin isn't  dead, maybe he kidnapped Alan and posed as his brother again.  We know that it was the real Alan who hypnotized Sharon because he had the skills as a psychiatrist.  What if Martin took Alan captive much more recently?  Is the real Alan being held somewhere by Martin.  Is that why he is in such a hurry to marry Traci?

What about Traci?  Fans really have to feel for her.  She finally seemed to find love again, though she is blissfully unaware that a deranged man has been romancing her.  However, maybe the real Alan actually loves Traci, but has been tied up in some closet by his psychopathic brother.  Traci, does seems confused and suspicious about Alan's phone message about a "security breach at clinic."  Alan (or maybe Martin) claimed that he had not checked his phone because he was concerned about hacking.  He quickly grabbed the phone from Traci and the expression on his face changed.  He no longer seemed quite so  benevolent.  

Traci has already told Jack and Diane about the security breach on Alan's phone.  If Traci goes to the police with concerns about Alan's (or maybe Martin's) phone being hacked, she could be in real peril.  I just hope she's not kidnapped.  We've had enough kidnapping on the show lately.

Jack is worried  about the fact that Alan is in such a rush to get married in Paris.  He sees red flags.   His instincts tell him that something is not quite right.  However, he has never seen his sister so happy and he doesn't want to rain on her parade.

Well, well. well!  Holden is quite the flirt.  He tried to charm Claire when she was sitting at the bar at the Genoa City Athletic Club.  That's just what Summer wants.  Meanwhile, Romeo Holden continues to pursue Audra.  Audra is trying to resist for the sake of her relationship with Nate.  However, she seems to be weakening.  

I doubt that Holden's encounter with Claire was just a chance encounter.  Thant's not usually the way things work on a soap.  It seems to me that there will be an involvement between those two.  Claire will eventually become tired of Summer and Victor interfering in her relationship with Kyle.  I also think that Kyle will eventually find out about the poison that Claire put in Jordan's tea.  He won't be too pleased about that.  It will destroy his notion that Claire is so sweet and innocent.

How do you like Tessa as a blonde?  Do you think Daniel is falling for her?  They seem to be meeting up a lot and conversing.  

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Conner Floyd (Chance)

Do you think Chance's policing skills leave much to be desired?  Does he operate by the book too often? For example, he stopped Nick and Billy from smashing down the door of the abandoned psychiatric clinic where Sharon and Phyllis were being held captive.  Chance wanted to wait until the landlord arrived with the key.  Was he right to follow protocol or did he further endanger the lives of Phyllis and Sharon by the delay?  In Chance's defence, the Newman family have hidden information from him, but his methods have been criticized by viewers.  Fans, what do you think?  Do you approve of Chance's policing method?   Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Do you approve of Chance's police methods?

Yes, he is conscientious. He follows the rules and he has patience.

No. He is a terrible cop. He doesn't have a clue. He bungles everything.

I don't know.

Other

 

pollcode.com free polls

NOTE TO READERS

I really need your feedback.  If you have any comments on Y&R, please email them to me with "Viewer Forum" in the subject line. I will be happy to publish your comments and reply to them  You do not have to use your real name.  I really need your input.  I really need to hear your opinion.  I want to know if you agree or disagree with me. 

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca 

That's all for now.

Please don't forget that the next edition of  Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, April 5, 2025,

Take care,

Joanne       

The Rockford Files Quiz

 From 1974 to 1980, James Garner starred in The Rockford Files.  He played Jim Rockford, an easy-going ex-convict who became Los Angeles-based private detective.  Here is a quiz to test your knowledge of the popular NBC series.  Ready, set, go!

1.  Where did Jim Rockford live?

A.  He lived in a high rise apartment.

B,  He lived in a townhouse.

C.  He lived in a trailer on the beach.

D.  He lived in a mansion.

E.  He lived in a cottage.

2.  Why was Jim Rockford sent to prison?

A,  He was convicted of tax evasion.

B.  He was convicted of drunk driving more than once.

C.  He was convicted of embezzling funds from an insurance company.

D.  He was convicted of credit card fraud.

E.  None of the above

3.  What was the name of Jim Rockford's girlfriend?

A.  Beth Davnport

B.  Anne Dupont

C.  Jane Davenport

D/  Jane Dupont

E,  Diane Draper

4.  What was the occupation of Jim Rockford's girlfriend

A.  Teacher

B.  Psychologist

C.  Librarian

D.  Lawyer

E.  Hair stylist

5.  What is the name of the actress who played Rockford's girlfriend.

A,  Susan St. James

B.  Gretchen Corbett

C.  Amanda Corbett

D.  Stephanie Powers

E.  None of the above

6.  Jim Rockford did not have an secretary.  He worked from home, using one the following.

A,  A tape recorder

B.  Rolodex cards

C.  An answering machine

D.  A small filing cabinet

E.  None of the above

7.  Why was the final season of The Rockford Files cut short?

A.  Due to low ratings

B.  Three cast members, including James Garner, suffered from injuries.

C.  Several cast members wanted to move on.

D.  James Garner left the show abruptly.  He was tired of the role and he was battling several ailments.

E.  NBC felt that the show was too costly and did not want  to invest the money to keep it going.  

8.  What kind of car did Jim Rockford drive on The Rockford Files?

A.  Pontiac Firebird

B.  Ford Thunderbird

C.  Pontiac Sunbird

D.  Ford Fiesta

E.  Ford Pinto

9.  What was the name of Jim Rockford's father?

A.  James Rockford Sr.

B.  Tom "Rocky'  Rockford

C.  Bill "Rocky" Rockford

D.  Ralph Rockford

E.  Joseph "Rocky" Rockford

10.  Who was the actor who played Jim Rockford's father, Rocky Rockford?

A.  William Beery Jr.

B.  Noah Beery Jr.

C.  Lloyd Nolan

D.  Nelson Berry

E.    Ken Nolan

11.  Who was Angel Martin on The Rockford Files?

A.  Jim's attorney

B.  A former inmate

C.  Jim's fellow private eye

D.  A police chief

E.  A judge

ANSWERS

!.  C                

Jim Rockford lived in a dilapidated trailer in a parking lot on a Malibu beach.

2.  E

None of the above

Rockford was imprisoned for a crime he did not commit.  He was exonerated when new evidence proved his innocence.

3.  A

Rockford's girlfriend was Beth Davenport.

4.  D.

Beth Davenport was a lawyer.  She would bail Jim out when he ran afoul of the law.

5.  B

Gretchen Corbett played Jim Rockford's girlfriend, Beth Davenport, from 1974 to 1978.

G. Corbett 1975 press photo 

6.  C

Jim Rockford did not fit the stereotype of a private eye.  Instead of a secretary, he had and answering machine.

7.  D         

The sixth and final season of The Rockford Files was cut short because James Garner decided to leave the show.  He was tired of his role and he had health issues.  

8.  A

Jim Rockford drove a Pontiac Firebird.  During the show's pilot and its first season (1974-1975), Jim drove a 1974 Pontiac Firebird.  Every following season of The Rockford Files, he would change to the next model year of the Firebird.  However, in the sixth season (1979-1980), he continued to drive the 1978 Firebird because James Garner did not like the 1979 model's restyled front end.

Rockford's 1977 Pontiac Firebird

9.  E.

Jim Rockford's father was Joseph "Rocky" Rockford.  Rocky was a retired truck driver who Jim on occasion.

10. B

Rocky Rockford was played by character actor Noah Beery Jr., who passed away in 1994.,  Rocky helped his son on occasion.

Berry  Jr.  Rockford Files 1974

11.  B

Evelyn "Angel" Martin, played by Stuart Margolin,  was an ex-con friend of Jim Rockford.  Martin was Jim's former cellmate, and was often in need of Jim due to his involvement with his ex-criminal associates.

Stuart Margolin in Rockford Files episode

- Joanne

Y&R Report (March 8, 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,

So, Sharon and her longtime nemesis, Phyllis, have been kidnapped by a mysterious assailant.  The two enemies have been locked in a room from which they have been unable to escape.  In order to win their freedom, they must join forces and solve a series of puzzles.  Although some viewers have been enjoying this storyline, I am not so keen on it.  

I realize that many fans are curious about the identity of the kidnapper.  They also wonder if Sharon Newman (Sharon Case) and Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford) will survive and become friends.  I have little doubt that both women will survive, unless they are being written out of the show.  I can't see that happening, though.  As for the identity of the kidnapper, it has to be someone who knows a great deal about Sharon and Phyllis   This might be an attempt to make them reconcile their difference and forgive each other.  However, I can't think of any character on the show who would go to such lengths.

Could Ian Ward be behind the kidnapping?  This is where the plot becomes really confusing.  First of all,, what has happened to Ian Ward.?  We haven't seen him since he opened his eyes in the ambulance.  It's been far too long.  He is thought to have been cremated at the morgue.  If he escaped from the morgue, wouldn't there be a search for him?  I'm sure that the writers will come up with some ridiculous explanation.  Here's another question I just have to ask.  Phyllis and Sharon noticed that the alarm clock had been removed.  That means someone entered the room.  Why wasn't one of them awakened?

I have grown tired of Phyllis and Sharon squabbling in that room.  I find it quite repetitive and slow-moving.  It just seems to be going on and on, with no end in sight.  After investing so much time with this storyline, I fear that the outcome will be unsatisfying of or completely absurd,

However, Michelle Stafford ,has nothing but praise for the storyline.  In an Instagram post, Michelle wrote the following: "This was "one of the most unique, challenging and funnest experiences I've ever had on Y&R.  I've had so many great experiences with so many great actors and storylines on this show for sure.   This one is up there at the top!"   Michelle's co-star, Sharon Case (Sharon Newman), agreed wholeheartedly.  "Yess!!!!  For me too!!!  It was all of that!!" she commented on Michelle's post.

Two relationships that have no chance of survival are Claire and Kyle and Audra and Nate.  It is obvious that Summer and Victor will put an end to that romance.  Audra and Nate's relationship will also hit the skids due to Holden.  Audra is not being completely honest with Nate.  Her past will come back to haunt her, no matter how hard she tries to cover her tracks.

 Why hasn't the Newman office been shown for a long time?  We never see Nick and Victoria at work these days.  There supposed to be the co-CEOs of a multinational corporation. Who is running things?  Also, Victoria (Amelia Heinle) has not had much screentime lately.  She's clearly out of the spotlight.  Furthermore, Cole has not been around for a long while.  So much airtime has been devoted to the Sharon/Phyllis storyline. 

VIEWER FORUM

If you have any comments on Y&R, please email them to me with "Viewer Forum" in the subject line. I will be happy to publish your comments and reply to them  You do not have to use your real name. 

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca

I received an email from longtime Y&R viewer, CC in Etobicoke.  Here is CC's email.

Hi Joanne,

I definitely have some thoughts on Y & R though many may not appreciate them.

The show has resorted to being the #1 Soap in the category of Most Boring!

I am not a fan of plot recycling, rehashing, old grudges, only to return sometime later for another chance to get revenge.

There is Sharon...in love with Nick all over again!

Older and wiser, and even older looking.

Sharon Case is not aging well despite all her cosmetic surgery efforts.

I have never trusted the character of Claire.

She is such a convoluted persona who may someday become central to the departure of key longstanding characters, if she lasts long enough.

The powers that be have diminished Victoria's character.

She is left with a wimpy housemate and kids we never see.

Her father may never let her take the reins of the company again.

And then there is Nikki's new look, and another turn of wife being unsupportive of her husband, Evil Victor.

Is that the door opening for another temporary separation of the King and Queen of Genoa City?

You must be wondering why I continue watching? 

What are your thoughts about how things are going?

Hi CC

It's always good to hear from you.  You are clearly not pleased with Y&R right now,   In some ways, I have to agree with you.  I don't like the current storyline with Sharon and Phyllis locked in a room.  It's very weird and unsettling.  Haven't we had enough of Sharon being kidnapped and in distress?  She just escaped from one kidnapping, only to be the victim of another.  Why can't the writers give it a rest for a while?  People watch Y&R for harmless escapism.  However, the Sharon//Phyllis storyline is irritating and disturbing for much of the time.

The show does tend to rehash old grudges.  Victor and Jack have been feuding for years.  They were getting along better until that night that Jack took extraordinary measures to save Nikki.  I think the writers decided to reignite the feud in order to create conflict.  They probably felt that viewers would lose interest if Jack and Victor became friends.

I don't have any problem with Sharon being in love with Nick Newman again.  After all, they were married for ten years and had two children together.  There is still a bond between them.  As for Sharon's appearance, you have to remember that female actors are under a great deal of pressure to look young.  Male actors do not receive the same amount of pressure.  I do agree that too much cosmetic surgery is not desirable, as it leads to a plastic look.          

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Michelle Stafford

Sharon Case

Fans, what do you think about the Sharon/Phyllis storyline?  Do you like it., or do you find it ridiculous and distasteful?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Do you like the Phyllis/Sharon storyline?

Yes. It's intriguing and mysterious. I want to know who is behind the kidnapping.

Absolutely not. It's ridiculous and tiresome. What a waste of time!

I don't know.

Other

 

pollcode.com free polls

That's all for now.  Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, March 22, 2025.

Take care,

- Joanne

Y&R Report (February 22, 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,

Someone is creating havoc in Genoa City.  Both Sharon and Phyllis have been kidnapped and knocked unconscious.  The families of both women have been trying to figure out why the two bitter enemies have disappeared together.  Mariah and Summer have been hurling accusations at each other in defence of their respective mothers.  Of course, nobody realizes that Ian Ward is still alive, and Chance is a clueless cop.  He asked Daniel and Summer to speak with him in person, without telling them that he had no new information at all.  He got their hopes up for no reason.

We know that Ian is still alive because he opened his eyes in the ambulance.  He hasn't been seen since he opened his eyes, but he has to be the culprit.  Who else would have kidnapped Sharon and Phyllis?  Yet, how did he manage to do it?  There must be some crazy explanation.  Maybe Ian has a couple of henchman working for him.  The henchmen could have done the job for him.

So, Billy Boy Abbott really hasn't changed.  He's still out for revenge against the Newman family, especially Adam.  He's still the jerk he's always been.  He's lied to Phyllis and Daniel.  He's lied to Sally.  He's lost all credibility.  

That was quite a Valentine's Day episode.  Three character fell asleep and dreamed - Sharon, Adam and Phyllis.  I doubt that most fans were fooled by the original scenes.  It was obvious that they were too far-fetched.  At the very end of the show, they were finally revealed as dreams.  However, the true feelings of Adam and Phyllis were revealed in the dreams.  I think that Adam is still in love with Sally.  He feels a bond with Chelsea, and they share a son together.  However, I think his heart really belongs to Sally.

As for Phyllis, her dream revealed that she has romantic feelings towards Billy.  She dreamt that she was dancing with Billy on Valentine's Day.  This does not bode well for the relationship between Billy and Sally Spectra.  Sally is not too happy about the bond between her boyfriend and another fiery redhead.  With Phyllis in the picture, I doubt that they will last as a couple.

Sharon's dream was not surprising.  She wants to hook up with Nick Newman again.  But what about Nick?  He's always at Sharon's side, ready to give her his support.  Why hasn't he gotten romantic with her?  What's holding him back?

Speaking of Nick Newman, why is he never at the office?  Doesn't he ever work?  He's co-CEO of Newman Enterprises with his sister, Victoria.  Yet, all he seems to do is hang around his ex-wives, Sharon and Phyllis.

Over the years, Jack Abbott has had various nicknames for his nemesis, Victor Newman.  He's referred to Victor as "The Black Knight,"  "The Moustache," and "Moneybags."  He's added a new one to the list - "Old Grumpy."

Why did Lily use Victor's resources to find information on Damian?  It seems that Victor controls everyone in Genoa City by means of his money and power..  Why would Lily trust Victor after the way he threw her under the bus in order to take over Chancellor and allow Nikki to run the company.  Doesn't she know by now, that Victor Newman never does anything out of the goodness of heart?  When he does someone a favour, he always demands something in return.  He wouldn't have done Lily a favour if there wasn't something in it for him.  As for Lily, she claims to despise King Victor and his controlling ways, yet she didn't hesitate to use his power for her own benefit.  Almost everyone in Genoa City bows down to Victor.  That's why he gets away with everything.  That's why he controls everything.  

For example, why does it mean so much to Claire to have Victor approve of her relationship with Kyle?  Doesn't she realize that Victor will never give the relationship his blessing.  It seems that Claire doesn't fully understand how bad Victor can be. 

Then there's Michael Baldwin.  Michael is rather a sad case.  He's an intelligent lawyer, but he is so desperate for a father figure that he's become slavishly devoted to Victor Newman.  Yet, despite Michael's loyalty, Victor treats him like dirt.  Why does Michael put up with it?  Why does he put his life at risk for a man who shows know respect for him?  He certainly doesn't need Victor's money.

Summer Newman can deny it all she wants, but Daniel is right.  She is jealous of Claire and Kyle.  It isn't just concern about Harrison's welfare.  I don't think she's crazy about Chance anymore, not since he accused Daniel of killing Heather.  Claire is worried about Summer as well.  She is very uncomfortable whenever Summer is around.  It is obvious that she considers Summer a threat to her relationship with Kyle.

CAST NEWS

Hunter King (Ex-Summer Newman) has joined the cast of new CBS sitcom

Hunter King

Hunter King, starred as Summer Newman on Y&R from 2012 to 2016, and again from 2018 to 2022.  She won two Daytime Emmys as Outstanding Younger Actress for her performance on the soap.  Since leaving Genoa City, Hunter has been very busy.  She signed a multi-picture deal with the Hallmark Channel and has starred in a string of Hallmark movies, including Hallmark's biggest movie of 2024 along with Tyler Hynes -   Holiday Touchdown: A Chief's Love Story (inspired by the romance of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce).                

Hunter was recently cast in a a spinoff of the CBS hit series The Neighborhood, along with Justin Long, Kara Royster and Angelique Cabral.  The show has not yet been given the green light, but it seems likely to go ahead.  According to CBS, the new series will take place in Venice Beach   Hunter will play a dark, sardonic" character named Bellamy.

In real life, 31-year old Hunter is engaged to filmmaker Chris Copier.  He proposed to her on the beach last October.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Zuleyka Silver (Audra)

Is Audra being completely honest with Nate Hastings?  She admitted to him that she had some involvement with Holden when she was with Tucker in Los Angeles.  She downplayed her involvement with Holden.  But is there more to the story?  Is Audra hiding something from Nate?  Were she and Holden romantically involved in L.A.?  As Nate mentioned, Holden can't take his eyes off of her.  What do you think, fans?  Were Audra and Holden lovers in Los Angeles?  Is Audra deceiving Nate?   Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Do you think Audra is still hiding something from Nate?

Yes, She's not to be trusted. I don't think she's told Nate everything.

No. Holden just makes her nervous because he's after her.

Even if she isn;t hiding anything else, Audra's connection with Holden will cause trouble with Nate.

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 he next addition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, March 8, 2025. 

Take care,

Joanne