TV BANTER . . . with Joanne Madden

Saturday, May 20, 2023

Y&R Report (May 20, 2023): The Latest on The Young and the Restless

Hey Y&R fans, every second Saturday TV Banter discusses the latest happenings and provides commentary on your favourite daytime drama. Note to U.S. readers - SPOILER ALERT: Here in Canada, I watch the show on Global TV, which is one episode ahead of CBS. I will inevitably refer to incidents you haven't seen yet. Read at your own risk. If you are the curious type, though, you may prefer to discover some things in advance.

Hi fans,

Well, it won't be long before everyone in Genoa City knows that Phyllis is still alive. The news is spreading fast. Michael traced her to a motel room, but Jack and Kyle didn't get there in time to find her there. Phyllis had already vacated the place. However, Jack was able to find some strands of red hair.

Everyone believes that Daniel saw Phyllis. However, only Summer and Daniel know the whole truth. They know that Phyllis appeared to Summer, not Daniel. They know that Phillis killed Jeremy Stark in self-defence. Summer is going to get caught up in her own web of lies and deception. She should have listened to Daniel when he cautioned her about her secrecy.

My my, isn't Diane rather smug now that she knows Phyllis is alive. She even taunted Ashley by waving a bridal magazine and talking about Ashley being maid of honour at her wedding to Jack. This is the real Diane. Phyllis may have many faults, but Diane is not the angel Jack and Kyle think she is. Her goal remains the same. From day one, she has wanted to marry Jack and become lady of the Abbott manor. She has behaved herself only to impress Jack and Kyle and to gain their sympathy.

It seems that someone from Sharon's past sent her champagne and is stalking her.. I've been watching Y&R for a long time and I can only think of two characters from way back. Sharon was once involved with Diego, the older brother of Raul (Raul was a Hispanic guy who chummed around with Brittany and Billy and J.T. in their younger days). I very much doubt that it's Diego. The second possibility seems much more likely. It could be Cameron Kirsten, a wicked businessman who tormented and abused Sharon years ago (the character appeared from November 2003 to August 2004). Cameron was went to prison, but may have returned to seek revenge.

Now here's some really interesting trivia. Cameron was played by actor Linden Ashby, who just happens to be the real-life husband of Susan Walters (Diane Jenkins).

Linden Ashby

I've never thought Chance is much of a cop. He has really bungled the investigation into Phyllis' "death." He doesn't seem to get much respect either. Genoa City residents seem to talk back to him all the time. That's why I was amused to read in an online spoiler that he's going to be fired by District Attorney Christine "Cricketmeister" Williams.

I don't know what to make of the mysterious Tucker McCall. He seems sincere about his feelings for Ashley, but can he really be trusted? Does he have a hidden agenda? Ashley has definitely fallen for him again, but she still doesn't fully trust him, at least not enough to take his proposal of marriage seriously.

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 the following email with some comments from longtime Y&R viewer Carly in Barrhaven, Ontario:

I am enjoying Y&R right now but find the characters being stupid as well. Nate and Victoria, the witch, actually deserve each other.

I totally disagree with you and the show about Adam and Sally. I love Sally and Nick together. But she probably will end up with Daddy Adam. Nick has a lot more to offer than Adam. I love Joshua Morrow. He has the greatest smile. He's my choice.

Yes Carly, many of the characters, especially Jack and Summer, are behaving stupidly. As for Victoria, I think she's selfish, entitled and ambitious. However I don't consider her to be a "witch." She does have a conscience, otherwise she wouldn't have been so upset when her brother Nick told her how broken-hearted Elena was when he spoke to her.

I also like Joshua Morrow and he certainly does have a great smile. Yet, I think that Adam (Mark Grossman) is better suited to Sally.Spectra (Courtney Hope). I find Nicholas Newman rather sanctimonious and judgmental. He should look at what he's done in his own life before becoming so angry with others. I think that Nick will eventually reunite with Sharon, but probably not for a while. Nick and Sharen can't be completely happy or there would be no storyline.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Now that Diane Jenkins and Jack Abbott know that Phyllis is still alive, they are quite self-confident. They think that Diane will be fully exonerated and everything will be peaches and cream, especially Diane. She and Jack insist that they will be married. What do you think, fans? Will Jack and Diane ever tie the knot? Respond to the poll below and let me know.

THE DAYTIME EMMYS

Note that the 50th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards is being postponed due to the Hollywood writers strike. The show was set for June 16th in Los Angeles. It will take place when the strike is resolved.

That's all for now. Please remember that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, June 3, 2023.

Take care,

Joanne

Thursday, May 18, 2023

Update on Jeopardy! Masters Tournament

The Jeopardy! Masters Tournament is heating up and I'm enjoying it immensely. It's been a treat to watch the show's six highest-ranked champions competing against each other, but I have to declare my bias. I am cheering for the Canadian contestant, Mattea Roach. Mattea, who is only 24 years old, hails from Halifax, Nova Scotia, but now lives in Toronto. She won 23 consecutive games last year, the fifth-longest streak in Jeopardy! history.

Mattea has secured a spot in the next round of the tournament, which begins on Monday. However, she has her work cut out for her. She has some formidable opponents, especially James Holzhauer, who is the frontrunner. James seems to be coasting along. It's going to be quite an upset if someone defeats him.

Mattea Roach

Here are the total winnings of Mattea and the other five contestants.

James Holzhauer – Total winnings of $2,964,216.
Amy Schneider – Total winnings of $1,634,800.
Matt Amodio – Total winnings of $1,529,601.
Mattea Roach – Total winnings of $572,983.
Andrew He – Total winnings of $259,365.
Sam Buttrey – Total winnings of $150,000.

James Holzhauer

James Holzhauer is a professional gambler. James, 38, is the third-highest-earning game show contestant in American TV history. He is best known for his 32-game winning streak on Jeopardy! from April to June 2019.

James is a self-proclaimed game show villain It's his persona and he seems to relish his bad guy role. Since he's such an outstanding player, it's easy for him to appear arrogant and self-absorbed. I'm not sure how much is the real James and how much is an act. I suspect much of it is an act, although he appears supremely confident. He's still undefeated in the tournament.

In Final Jeopardy!, James has been writing messages rather than responses because he has been so far ahead in the games. He has written messages to Ken Jennings and he even quoted a line uttered by Brad Pitt as Achilles in the film Troy. After killing a fearsome warrior, Achilles asks, "Is there no one else?'" James certainly knows what eventually happened to Achilles', due to his weak spot - his heel.

It would be a tremendous upset if James Holzhauer lost this tournament, but I'm not expecting that to happen. James is good for ratings because so many viewers want to see him lose. It's very unlikely, but not impossible. Matt and Andrew and Matteavand the others are strong players.

Yesterday, Sam and Amy were eliminated from the tournament. Amy had a lot of second-place finishes, but she failed to accumulate enough points to advance to the next round. As for Sam Buttrey, he's a classy guy, well-liked and a good contestant.

The remaining four- James, Andrew, Matt and Mattea, will compete next week for all the marbles. I'd like to see James go up against Ken Jennings because he is probably the only one who can defeat him in a tournament. It won't happen, though, because Ken has hosting duties.

- Joanne

Saturday, May 6, 2023

Y&R Report: (May 6, 2023): The Latest on The Young and the Restless

Hi fans,

Summer Newman is between a rock and a hard place, but she has been behaving foolishly and childishly. Phyllis, of course, has put her daughter in a terrible position. It's unfair that Summer is paying the price for her mother's recklessness and poor judgement. Phyllis should have gone to the police immediately and explained that she killed Jeremy Stark in self-defense because he was attacking her. Of course, that would have been too easy. There would not have been as much drama and conflict.

Phyllis is incredibly selfish. and her daughter is in deep trouble. Summer is now an accessory to framing Diane for a murder she didn't commit. In addition, Summer's marriage to Kyle is unlikely to survive this. She has shut Kyle out and treated him terribly. Daniel was right to reprimand her for her behaviour.

Victor "Moneybags" Newman thinks that his wealth and influence can buy him anything. He also believes that Newman babies have special royal blood. They are tougher and superior to other children. He wants control of his grandchild and he has made Sally Spectra an offer he hopes she can't refuse. He offered to fully finance a business for her anywhere in the world.

Victor would love to see Sally leave town. He wants the redhead out of Nick's life and out of Adam's life. It doesn't matter to Victor that he would be separating a mother and child from each other. However, Sally is not going let that happen.

We saw in the previews that Adam is going to ask Sally to work with him at the company daddy Victor bought for from Tucker McCall. I think that she will accept his offer.

Meanwhile, Victoria and Nate have been busted. Elena went to Los Angeles and gave Nate a piece of her mind. She exposed him as a liar and a cheat. Nate tried to defend himself, but he really didn't have much of a defence. It's over for those those two. Will Elena turn her attention to Devon again? Abby won't be too happy about that. As for Nate and Victoria, I don't think their relationship will survive their fling in L.A.

Foolish Jack Abbott is going overboard in his undying devotion to Diane Jenkins. I've never seen him behave this way with any other woman in his life, not even Phyllis. What has Diane done to earn such devotion. Yes, Diane has been falsely accused of killing Phyllis, but that doesn't mean she's an angel. Her involvement with Jeremy Stark sparked all the trouble in the first place.

Poor Connor Newman. He is told by his parents, Adam Newman and Chelsea Lawson, that his Uncle Nick's girlfriend, Sally, is going to have a baby girl. Connor assumes that Nick is the father and that the baby will be his cousin. Adam informs a surprised Connor that the baby will actually be his sister and that he, not Nick, is the father of the child. Can you blame Connor for being confused by the adults around him?

I miss Kristoff St. John as Neil Winters. It's hard to believe over four years have passed since his death on February 3, 2019. His passing was premature and extremely sad. I am pleased that Y&R is honouring Kristoff by having a jazz lounge named after his Neil character.

CAST NEWS

Thad Luckinbill (J.T Hellstrom) is back

As expected, Thad Luckinbill has returned to his Y&R role as J.T. Hellstrom - but only for a brief time. Still, he will have an impact on the Victoria/Nate storyline.

Audra Chares (Zuleyka Silver) has finished with Noah and Tucker. She has cast them aside and has now has now set her sights on Nate Hastings. Audra is very wily. Now that Nate's girlfriend, Elena, knows that Nate is cheating on her, their relationship is unlikely to survive. That's why Audra made sure that Elena knew that Nate went to Los Angeles with Princess Victoria. With Elena out of the picture, Audra only has to get Victoria out of the way, and the field will be clear for her to pursue Nate. She hopes that Victoria will be distracted if J.T. shows up in Genoa City.

Chene Lawson returning as Devon's mother, Yolanda "Harmony" Hamilton

Chene Lawson first appeared as Devon's biological mother, Yolanda Hamilton, back in 2005. She was last seen in the role in 2006. From 2011 to 2012, Emmy-award winner Debbi Morgan took over the role and Yolanda changed her name to "Harmony." It is Chene, however, who is set to return to Y&R.

The return of Yolanda (aka "Harmony') may affect the relationship between Ashley Abbott and Tucker McCall. Tucker Harmony just happens to be Devon's biological parents, and Tucker played around with Harmony when he was married to Ashley. Will Ashley be jealous of her? Will Tucker still have feelings for her? Ashley certainly reacted to Harmony's appearance at the tribute to Neil. She didn't seem to happy about it.

THE DAYTIME EMMYS: Y&R NOMINEES

The 50th Daytime Emmy Awards will take place on June 16th in Los Angeles. The ceremony will be broadcast on CBS.at 9 p.m. It will also stream on Paramount+.

Sharon Case (Sharon Newman Rosales), Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers) and Mellissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Lawson) have all been nominated for a Daytime Emmy in the category of Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress.

Peter Bergman (Jack Abbott),and Jason Thompson (Billy Abbott) have been nominated in the category of Lead Performance in a Daytime Series" Actor.

Robert Newman (Ashland Locke) has been nominated for best Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series,

The Young and the Restless was nominated for Outstanding Daytime Series,Outstanding Writing Team for a Daytime Drama Series, and Outstanding Directing Team for a Daytime Drama Serries/

General Hospital received 19 nominations, the most for a daytime drama. The Bold and the Beautiful received 14, Y&R received 13, and Days of Our Lives received 11..

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Relationships don't last long on soaps, and couples change partners like musical chairs. Fans, which Y&R couple do most wish would not stay together. Respond to the poll below and let me know.

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 in this space on Saturday, May 20, 2023.

Take care,

Joanne

Thursday, April 27, 2023

Tucker Carlson vs. Walter Cronkite

Carlson

Cronkite 1983

Where have you gone Walter Cronkite? A nation turns its lonely eyes to you. (with apologies to Paul Simon and Art Garfinkel). In this digital age, Americans could sure use a man like Walter Cronkite again. Instead, U.S. politics are defined by false online information and polarizing TV cable networks, Far right Conservatives watch Fox News, which really isn't a news network, although it calls itself one. Meanwhile, those of a more moderate conservative or liberal bent prefer CNN. Progressives, of course choose MSNBC. There was a time when Americans of all political stripes watched Walter Cronkite.

Cronkite anchored the CBS Evening News for 19 years, from 1962 to 1981. He was known as the most trusted man in America, with good reason. Cronkite earned that moniker. He was a true journalist, a man of integrity. He died on July 17, 2009 at the age of 92. Sadly, news reporters such as Cronkite are few and far between. They seem to come from another era, before the advent of Fox News and Tucker Carlson, when the political landscape of America was less polarized. It's sad to think that TV audiences who once listened to broadcasters such as Cronkite are now listening to the propagandists on a far right cable network.

The sudden firing of Tucker Carlson from his popular and highly influential show on Fox has sent shockwaves throughout the media. It's a hot topic, but I'm loathe to place Carlson's name in the same sentence as the legendary Walter Cronkite's. Carlson entertains his TV audience by spewing out racist lies, white supremacist rubbish, anti-immigrant rants and false conspiracy theories. His viewers eagerly lap it up. He tells them what they want to hear and he appeals to their deepest prejudices, their fears and their ignorance. He has also served as a propaganda vehicle for Vladimir Putin's war on Ukraine.

Cronkite was certainly not an entertainer. He was a highly experienced newsman. Unlike Carlson, he delivered the news as honestly and as factually as possible, and he had outstanding journalistic credentials He began his broadcasting career as a radio announcer in Oklahoma City. In 1936, he met his future wife, Betsy Maxwell, while working as a sports announcer for a Kansa City Missouri radio station. In 1937, he became a member of the United Press International in Kansas City.

After receiving a job offer from Edward R. Murrow of CBS News, he joined the Murrow Boys team of war correspondents, becoming head of the Moscow Bureau. When UP offered Cronkite a higher salary, he accepted their offer, driving a wedge between him and Murrow.

During World War II, Walter Cronkite was one of the most prominent American reporters. As a war correspondent, he covered conflicts in Europe and North Africa. After the war, he covered the Nuremberg Trials. From 1946 to 1948, he was the United Press's lead reporter in Moscow.

In 1950, Cronkite joined the expanding television division of CBS News, where he began working at the network's affiliate in Washington, D.C. From 1953 to 1957, he hosted a CBS program called You Are There, which reenacted historical events with modern news reporting.

On April 16, 1962, Walter Cronkite replaced Douglas Edwards as anchor of the CBS nightly news show. He covered the presidencies of John F, Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. On November 22, 1963, when Cronkite reported on the assassination of John Kennedy,, he removed his glasses and wiped the teardrops from his eyes. Those were not crocodile tears. The man was sincere. He had empathy for the slain president and he mourned for his nation.

In February of 1968, Cronkite and his executive producer, Ernest Leiser, travelled to Vietnam to cover the aftermath of the Tet Offensive (In January of 1968, during the Lunar New Year (or "Tet" holiday), North Vietnamese and communist Viet Cong forces attacked several targets in South Vietnam. American and South Vietnamese forces suffered heavy losses.

On February 27, 1968, Cronkite closed his broadcast with an editorial report on the situation in Vietnam. He stated the following: "To say that we are mixed in a stalemate, seems the only realistic, yet unsatisfactory conclusion. On the off chance that military and political analysts are right, in the next few months we must test the enemy's intentions, in case this is indeed the last big gasp before negotiations. But it is increasingly clear to this reporter that the only way out then will be to negotiate, not as victors, but as an honourable people who lived up to their pledge to defend democracy, and did the best they could."

Following Cronkite's report on the war in Vietnam, then-President Lyndon B. Johnson is reported by some to have said, "If I've lost Cronkite, I've lost Middle America." Although the journalistic accuracy of that quote has been questioned. there is little doubt that Cronkite's voice resonated with Middle America.

Below is a 1968 photo of Walter Cronkite reporting on location during the Vietnam War.

Cronkite made a clear distinction between hard news and opinion. One of hie trademarks was to end his CBS newscast with the phrase ". . .And that's the way it is," followed by the date. However, the venerable broadcaster omitted this phrase on evenings when he finished with an opinion or commentary. He scrupulously adhered to the standards of objective journalism.

Walter Cronkite and Tucker Carlson are not only from different eras, but they are cut from different cloths. Cronkite was a true newsman, while Carlson is an entertainer. Cronkite tried his best to tell the truth, while Tucker Carlson misleads for the sake of ratings and money. He praises Donald Trump on air, but writes in an email that he hates Trump passionately. Cronkite was sincere, while Carlson is a fraud. Americans were far better off when they received their news from the reliable Walter Cronkite.

- Joanne

Saturday, April 22, 2023

Y&R Report (April 22, 2023): The Latest on The Young and the Restless

Hi fans,

Well, it's been quite a traumatic time for one Phyllis Summers of Genoa City. The redhead witnessed her own memorial service and she apparently killed Jeremy Stark in self-defence, after he tried to attack her with a pair of scissors. I have to say that her appearance in a dark wig at the memorial was somewhat campy. At times, I wanted to laugh. At times, I wanted to scream, "Doesn't anyone recognize her?"

Allison Lanier, who plays Summer Newman Abbott, Phyllis' daughter, is really good at pouting. During this troubled time with her mother, Phyllis, Summer face has been in an almost perpetual pout. Hunter King, the actor who used to play play Summer was known as "Snowflake." When Allison Lanier took over the role, she was much sweeter and she smiled a lot. Ever since her despair over Diane and Phyllis, her smile has become a pout.

I understand that Summer believes that her mother is dead and that she is grieving. I also understand that she feels guilty about the way she treated Phyllis and that she needs answers. However, she has become extremely self-righteous, making herself judge and jury. I am no fan of Diane, but was it really necessary for Summer to visit her in prison and reprimand her. Also, she's really making things difficult for Kyle and harming her marriage.

The previews showed that Summer is going to discover that her mother is still alive. Expect Phyllis to beg Summer not to reveal her secret. Summer will probably agree for now, in order to protect Phyllis. They will likely let Diane stew in prison, which will incur the wrath of Jack and Kyle. Kyle will never forgive Summer for that.

Christine (also known as Cricket) admitted that it's over between her and hubby Paul Williams. This is not surprising at all because Doug Davidson, who portrayed Paul for forty years will not be appearing on Y&R anytime soon. With good reason, he's royally upset at the way the show treated him after he devoted so much of his life to it. If he's not part of the 50th anniversary celebrations, it's very unlikely he'll ever be be back. Meanwhile, the writers can't continue to make excuses and explanations for his absence. They don't want to kill his character off either. So, as Cricket revealed, he's retired and in Portugal with daughter Heather.

So, with Paul out of the picture, is the door opened for a re-coupling of Cricket and her first husband, celebrated rock star, Danny Romanlott? It appears that Lauralee Bell, who plays Cricket, has come back to the show on a regular basis. That would explain way she has returned to her position as District Attorney. However, it is doubtful that Michael Damian (Danny) is back for the long term. I think he's only around for the 50th anniversary of Y&R. His picture doesn't appear in the 50th anniversary opening credits, whereas Lauralee Bell's does.

By the way, Michael Damian sat at the piano and sang "There'll Never Be Another You " at the memorial for Phyllis. Longtime fans might have recognized the song because Michael originally wrote it and performed it on Y&R back in the early 1990s, when Danny and Cricket were a couple.

Nate Hastings and Princess Victoria Newman are playing with fire and they are going to get burned. Oh sure, Nate is trying to cool things down, for Elena's sake, but his resolve won't last very long. Victoria won't stop tempting him and he will eventually give in. That's why J.T. Hellstrom is coming back to Genoa City. Victoria will still fear J.T. and Nate won't be able to resist his need to protect her.

I can't see Nate's relationship with Elena surviving his dalliance with Victoria. I think he's run out of chances with her. Nick and Audra already know what's going on and Elena has some strong suspicions. Watch out, Nate! Victoria has no intention of ending her pursuit of you.

Poor Michael Baldwin! He's been caught in a terrible dilemma. He feels obliged to defend Diane, even though Phyllis was good friends with him and Lauren. He is also risking the wrath of Lauren, who despises Diane. The looming court battle between Michael and Cricket should be very interesting. Will Phyllis attend Diane's trial in disguise? Just wondering . . .

Noah and Allie finally made an appearance. They only have recurring contracts now, and they don't have much of a storyline. Unless things change, I don't think we'll be seeing much of them. They are happy together and there is no conflict.

CAST NEWS

Eric Braeden battling bladder cancer

Some sad and disturbing news for Y&R fans. In a recent Facebook live, Eric Braeden (Victor Newman) revealed that he has been diagnosed with bladder cancer. The actor, who has recently recovered from knee surgery, is now facing another, more serious, heath issue. Eric, who has portrayed Victor for 43 years, has undergone treatment. He is a tough man and we fans wish him the best.

Nikki's admirer returns. Expect him to stir up some trouble

Are you wondering about that scene between Nikki Newman and some guy from her past named Milton (played by Mo Rocca. Apparently, Milton's been idolizing Nikki for years. He's her accountant and back in 2014, when she was angry with Victor, Milton asked her to elope with him. He's had no success in winning Nikki over, even when she was estranged from Victor. I guess he's going to stir up trouble, but I don't see the point of bringing him back again. There must be a reason, other than romance, because he's an unlikely rival for Victor. One thing for sure, Milton's going to stir up trouble. We'll find out what kind of trouble soon enough. It may be business-related.

DAYTIME EMMYS

The 50th Annual Daytime Emmys ceremony will be broadcast live from Los Angeles on FRIDAY, JUNE 16TH, 2023. It will be aired rom 9 pm to 11 pm Eastern time on the CBS television network (delayed Pacific time). It will also be streamed live and on demand on Paramount+. So, Y&R fans, mark June 16th on your calendars. I will update you on the nominees later.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Since Phyllis is alive and she will reveal herself to Summer, will Diane is going to face trial for murder? What do you think, fans? Respond to poll below and let me know.

NOTE TO READERS

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, May 6, 2023.

Take care,

Joanne

Thursday, April 13, 2023

Keeping up with James Brolin

James Brolin is best known for his television roles as Dr. Steven Kiley on Marcus Welby, M.D. from 1969 to 1976, Peter McDermott on Hotel from 1983 to 1988 and John Short on Life in Pieces from 2015 to 2019. He's also the father of actor Josh Brolin, and oh yes, he's the husband of the legendary Barbra Streisand.

James Brolin was born Craig Kenneth Bruderlin in Westwood Village, Los Angeles, California on July 18, 1940. He is the eldest of the four children (two brothers and two sisters) of Helen Sue (née Mansur) (1915-2014), a housewife, and Henry Hurst Bruderlin (1911-2002), a building contractor. As a teenage moviegoer, he idolized actor James Dean, and he shot 8 mm film.

Jim attended Santa Monica City College and he studied drama at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). In 1960, he signed a contract with 20th Century Fox in 1960 and began appearing as a contract player in Sandra Dee movies.

In 1961, Jim had a role in an episode of the TV series Bus Stop, a one-hour drama about the bus travellers who pass through a small town eatery. That role led to several guest roles on television: Margie (1962), Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (1965), Twelve O'Clock High (1965), The Patty Duke Show (1965) and The Virginian (1969). Jim also appeared in three episodes of the Adam West Batman series - two episodes in 1966 and one in 1967 - "The Cat and the Fiddle" (Season 2, Episode 4), "The Catwoman Goeth," Season 2, Episode 34 and "Ring Around the Riddler" (Season 3, Episode 2).

Then came the TV role for which James Brolin is best known. For seven seasons (1969 to1976), Jim portrayed Dr. Steven Kiley, the much younger assistant of Dr. Welby (Robert Young) in all 170 episodes of the popular TV medical drama Marcus Welby, M.D. The generation gap between the two doctors was largely evident., right from the opening credits of the show. Dr. Welby, a widower, drove his sedan into work, while Dr. Kiley rode into work on his motorcycle, a Triumph Bonnewille. Kiley was a bachelor until the show's final season, when he married publicity relations director Janet Blake, played by Pamela Hensley.

James Brolin and Robert Young

Brolin as Dr. Kiley on his motorcycle

Yet, despite the generation gap between Dr. Welby and Dr. Kiley, there was a reversal of the usual roles. The older Welby treated his patients in a more unorthodox manner, while Kiley used more straight-laced methods. Welby and Kiley were supported by their loyal nurse and friend, Consuelo Lopez (Elena Verdugo).

James Brolin in 1974

In the mid-1970's medical dramas became less popular. Ratings for ABC's Marcus Welby, M.D. and CBS;s Medical Center started to drop. Both shows were cancelled and went off the air in 1976. By the mid-1970s, however, James Brolin had established himself as a leading man in feature films such as Gable and Lombard (1976), The Car (1977), Capricorn One (1978, in which his co-star was Elliott Gould, Barbra Streisand's ex-husband)), The Amityville Horror (1979), Night of the Juggler (1980) and High Risk (1981).

In 1982, James Brolin came very close to becoming the first American ever to portray James Bond. Roger Moore had stated that he was not going to do any more Bond movies, so other actors were being considered for the role. Following his performances in Westworld (1973) and The Amityville Horror, (1979), Jim was cast as 007 in Octopussy, the 13th installment of the Bond film series, which as set to be released in 1983. He actually flew to the U.K., talked about dealing with his non-British accent, and worked out with the stuntmen. However, about a week after his return home, he received a message that Roger Moore had decided to star in Octopussy after all. Of his missed opportunity to play Bond, Jim would later remark, "I'm a fatalist, in a way. I just went, "Okay, all right! But I look back and I think it could have been a great gig."

Jim returned to television in 1983 on Aaron Spilling's primetime soap opera, Hotel. Hotel was based on the 1965 Arthur Hailey novel of the same name, and Jim played hotel manager Peter McDermott. The series aired for five seasons, until 1988, on the ABC network. It had the good fortune to have the timeslot following Dynasty.

Hotel chronicled the comings and goings of guests at the elegant, fictitious St Gregory Hotel in San Francisco. It featured actors such as Anne Baxter, Connie Sellecca and Shari Belafonte, daughter of Harry, who created the music for the show. (Hollywood legend Bette Davis appeared in the pilot for the series, but opted not to continue).

Below is a photo of the cast of Hotel with James Brolin and Connie Sellecca in front.

James Brolin portrayed the Governor of Florida, Robert Ritchie, in two 2002 episodes of The West Wing. Ritchie, a Republican, was the political opponent of President Jeb Bartlet (Martin Sheen).

James Brolin on The West Wing

Brolin also played Ronald Reagan in The Reagans, a 2003 TV film that covered the lives of Ronald and Nancy Reagan from 1948 until Reagan's last day as the American president, with Judy Davis as the former First Lady. In 2004, Jim was nominated for a primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie for his performance in The Reagans.

Below is a photo of James Brolin as Ronald Reagan in The Reagans.

From 2015 to 2019, Jim starred as John Short in all 79 episodes of Life in Pieces, along with Dianne Wiest, Colin Hanks, Betsy Brandt and Thomas Sadoski. Life in Pieces was a family comedy, with separate stories told from the point of view of various family members.

In recent years, Jim has narrated a Netflix adaptation of a comic book series called Sweet Tooth, co-produced by Robert Downey, Jr. He has directed some Hallmark movies and some television episodes.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to his career momentum. "It's too bad we had to rip up and throw away 2020," he told Parade.com in 2021, "because I was on a roll, and people were excited to work with this 80-year old fart. I'm just hoping we can step it back up."

James Brolin has been married three times and hi has three children. In 1966, he wed aspiring actress and Texas-born wildlife activist Jane Cameron Agee. Jim and Jane met while she was working in the 20th Century Fox casting department.. They had two sons, Josh (born February 12, 1968) and Jess Brolin (born February 7, 1972), before divorcing in 1984.

In 1986, Jim married actress Jan Smithers, who played Bailey Quarters on the CBS comedy WKRP in Cincinnati (1978 to 1982). They had a daughter, Molly Elizabeth (born 1987). In 1985, Jan filed for divorce from Brolin.

Jim first met singer/actress Barbra Streisand at a blind date dinner party in 1996. Streisand was 54 at the time, and Brolin was 56. They were married on July 1, 1998 in a much-anticipated backyard wedding at Barbra's home in Malibu, California. Their families blended and Jim became stepfather to Jason Gould, Barbra's only child (from her first marriage to actor Elliott Gould). Barbra is stepmother to Jim's three children.

Brolin and Streisand

In a 2021 interview with Paratde.com, Jim was asked what he learned from his two failed marriages that made him get it right the third time? He replied, "Oh, how to run like hell. My parents didn't teach me anything; my sweet mother thought everything was always so perfect, so I was not a good attitude negotiator. The best part of being married later in life is you get great wisdom - you don't have your learner's permit anymore."

During the height of the COVID pandemic, Jim was able to spend some quality time with Barbra at their sprawling estate in Malibu, California. The two passed the time exercising and swimming in their backyard pool. Then they sat around reading.

In 2021, Jim appeared on The Talk and he discussed the couple's 23rd wedding anniversary He said that the pandemic had brought them closer together. "We've literally fallen in love over this period of time, just being stuck together very day and making it work," he stated. "Neither one of us [have] ever gone out the door and we are good at talking things out and 23 years in better than ever."

END NOTES

* On August 27, 1998, James Brolin received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

* James Brolin answers to the name "Jim." In his 2021 interview with Parade.com, he stated that "I've always been 'James Brolin' because when you're starring in a movie, it looks good in print. But it's been 'Jim' since I was in junior high school. If I'm walking away and somebody say 'James,' I rarely turn around."

* Jim's first wife, Jane Agee Brolin died in a car accident on February 13, 1995, one day after their son Josh's 27th birthday. Of Jane's death, Jim remarked, "I think it she was avoiding a deer. I was surprised, and oh, I was affected. I was really ripped up."

* James Brolin is a lifelong Democrat. He supported John Kerry in the 2004 presidential election. In 2008, he campaigned for candidate Hillary Clinton.

* In 1970, Jim won a primetime Emmy for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role for his portrayal of Dr. Steven Kiley on Marcus Welby, M.D.

* Brolin was a pro race car driver and he has a pilot's licence. He is also an equestrian, dog trainer and home designer.

SOURCES: Parade (Parade.com), "James Brolin Opens up on Life With Barbra Streisand, Advice from Clint Eastwood and Almost Becoming James Bond," by Mara Reinstein, February 5, 2021; UCR (ultimateclassicrock,com), "When Roger Moor Robbed James Brolin of the Chance to Be Bond," by Martin Kielty, June 7, 2002; ET Canada.com, "James Brolin Says He And Barbra Streisand Have 'Fallen in Love,' All Over Again During COVID Quarantine," by Brent Furdyk, June 12, 2021; Wikipedia; Internet Movie Database (IMDB)

- Joanne

Saturday, April 8, 2023

Y&R Report (April 8, 2023): The Latest on The Young and The Restless

Hey Y&R fans, every second Saturday TV Banter discusses the latest happenings and provides commentary on your favourite daytime drama. Note to U.S. readers - SPOILER ALERT: Here in Canada, I watch the show on Global TV which is one episode ahead of CBS. I will inevitably refer to incidents you haven't seen yet. Read at your own risk. If you are the curious type, though, you may prefer to discover some things in advance.

Hi fans,

Well, the Genoa City bicentennial masquerade ball has certainly been eventful and exciting. I enjoyed seeing some of the former stars of the show. However, some characters were notably absent. Where were Kevin and Gloria, for example? Why didn't Mariah and Tessa make an appearance? They are supposedly in Portland. Noah and Allie weren't there either, but their absence was finally explained. They are on a trip.

I enjoyed watching Leanna Love and her antics. She brought humour and fun to the proceedings, some welcome comic relief after all the Phyllis and Diane tension, Jeremy Stark lurking around and Phyllis's dramatic collapse. I don't know why everyone gave Stark so much attention and tolerated him for so long. He was not invited and he should have been escorted out by security.

Of course, Phyllis is not dead. That's really no surprise.. Of course, Diane is going to be charged with the murder of Phyllis. Phyllis can only play dead for so long, though. Sooner or later, she will have to reveal that she is alive. She doesn't seem very eager to leave Geona City. In the previews, we have seen that Phyllis will get away from the clutches of Jeremy Stark. I think the fiery redhead will probably watch her own funeral from a hiding place or in disguise. (Note: After I wrote this, I saw a picture of Phyllis in a dark-haired wig and glasses on Soap Central. Therefore, I am almost certain that she will wear a disguise to her own funeral. Maybe, like Jimmy Stewart in It's a Wonderful Life, she'll realize how much she means to so many people, in spite of her recklessness. However, her friends and family may not be too pleased with her when the learn she faked her own death).

Is Thad Luckinbill about to make another appearance as J.T. Hellstrom on Y&R? It certainly seems that way, although there hasn't been any official announcement yet. It is the 50th anniversary of the show, so it wouldn't be surprising if he showed up. There has to be a reason why the conniving Audra Charles keeps mentioning him to Dr. Elena Dawson (Britni Sarpy). Audra has been trying to persuade Elena that J.T. would make a great case study for her podcast. Knowing Audra, she has an ulterior motive. Luring J.T. back to town would distract Victoria away from Nate.

If you remember, J.T. turned bad and attacked Victoria. We learned that a brain tumour was the cause of his change in personality. So, he had medical treatment and has also served some prison time for what he did to Victoria. J.T. was once the love of Victoria's life. They married and have a son together named Reed Hellstrom, but Reed hasn't been mentioned on the show for a long time. Although Victoria is well aware that he suffered from a brain tumour, she won't easily forget how J.T. abused her.

If Thad Luckinbill does return, it would probably be for a limited time. However, his presence would serve a purpose. J,T.'s return would disturb Victoria greatly. Nate, of course, would try to protect her, drawing them closer and causing Audra's plan to backfire.

Thad Luckinbill married castemate Amelia Heinle (Victoria Newman) in 2007. They had two children, a son named Thaddeus Rowe (born 2007) and a daughter, Georgia March (born 2009). On March 1, 2017, Thad filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. However, as of 2019 (according to Wikipedia), he and Amelia were not officially divorced. According to a trndstreet.com. article by Robertson Andrew (August 5, 2022), "the divorce has not be reported as final." Amelia went on Instagram to wish Thad a happy birthday, calling him a " really wonderful man.." "As of 2022," however,. "Thad and Amelia have not gotten back together." Fans, you can be sure that I will continue to update you.

Just an observation . . . Have you noticed how much Tucker McCall (Trevor St. John) drinks? He's rarely seen without an alcoholic beverage in his hand. He immediately pours a drink for Ashley and Audra when he sees them.

It has been obvious that the writers have been trying to set up Sharon and Chance as couple. That's why it was no surprise when Chance asked her out to dinner. Those two as a couple don't excite me at all. I guess it's just that I am not a fan of Chance. Half the time I have to strain to understand what he's saying because he mumbles. As an actor, he should have clearer speech and diction. As for Sharon, I have always preferred her with Nick. By the way, what has happened to Sharon's home on the Newman ranch? I really miss seeing. That place has so much history on the show. Why don't we see it anymore? It's as if Sharon lives at the coffee house. She's always there.

CAST NEWS

Shemar Moore to Return as Malcolm in May for Y&R's 50th Anniversary

Shemar Moor

Shemar Moore portrayed Malcolm Winters on Y&R from 1994 to 2005. Since then, the actor has enjoyed a highly successful career on CBS primetime television. From 2005 to 2016, he played Derek Morgan on Criminal Minds, and since 2017, he has had the lead role on S.W.A.T. as Sergeant Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson. However, Shemar has never forgotten his roots as Malcolm Winters on the Young and the Restless. The fan favourite will visit Genoa City on Monday, May 8 (CBS) and Friday, May 5 (Global). He will return to town to touch base with his biological daughter, Lily (Christel Khalil) and his nephews, Devon (Bryton James) and Nate (Sean Dominic).

This isn't the first time that Shemar has made and appearance in an episode of Y&R since leaving the show. In 2019, he returned for special tribute episodes after the death of his Y&R castmate, Kristoff St John, who played his brother, Neil Winters.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Thad Luckinbill

Do think it's a good idea for Thad Luckinbill to return as J.T., or have you already seen enough of him? Fans, would you like to see him come back? Respond to my poll below and let me know.

NOTE TO READERS

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, April 22, 2023. A Happy Easter (April 9th) and a Happy Passover (April 5th to April 13th) to all who celebrate!

Take care,

Joanne

TV BANTER . . . with Joanne Madden

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