Is Ken Jennings' job in jeopardy?

There has been speculation that Ken Jennings is "desperate" to keep his job as host of Jeopardy!  I must stress that this is only hearsay and there is really is no concrete evidence to back it up.  However, the speculation has been fueled by some recent happenings.  This summer, Colin Jost, an American comedian and actor, was named host of Pop Culture Jeopardy! for Amazon Prime Video.  Jost, 42, has been a staff writer for NBC's Saturday Night Live since 2005,  

Suzanne Prete, the president of game shows at Sony Pictures Television, lavished praise on Jost, stating that he is "smart and quick, like our contestants, and we know he'll be able to keep up with them while making this new series his own."  Could Sony be eyeing Colin Jost as a replacement for Ken?

Colin Jost

In a recent report in Closer Weekly, an anonymous source is quoted as telling the tabloid magazine that Ken, 50,  is "desperate to make it work and has no intention of leaving of his own accord."  According to a second source, "Ken's well aware of the noise and tittle-tattle, and privately he would acknowledge these are tough times - especially with Colin Jost coming on to host Pop Culture Jeopardy! and fans calling him awkward, which is hard to take."  According to the source, Ken has hired a comedic coach to brush up on his comedic skills.  

"People on the show know, Ken knows it deep down. He an awkward character and can't make people laugh like his contemporaries, Steve Harvey (Family Feud) and Drew Carey (The Price is Right), and it bothers him.  His delivery and timing have got to be improved if he's to win over audiences."

Ken is actually a fan of comedy.  He has even written a an engaging book about the history of humour.  It is entitled Planet Funny: How Comedy Took Over our Culture.

Jeopardy! fans are notoriously fussy and critical.  They are determined to maintain high standards and fairness.  Since the departure of Mayim Bialik in late 2023, the spotlight has fallen on Ken Jennings as the sole host of the syndicated serries.  Ken has been criticized far more severely than his predecessor, Alex Trebek, who was a hard act to follow.  

Ken Jennings has been recently lambasted by fans for failing to clarify the contestants' wagers and for mistakenly declaring responses correct.  In July, fans were upset because Ken accepted an answer that was not pronounced properly.  He has even been criticized for being "annoying."  

A great deal is demanded of the host of Jeopardy! and Ken is under an enormous amount of pressure.  It's impossible to please everyone.  Some Jeopardy! viewers are concerned that the long-running game show has become to difficult for contestants.  Others contend that the powers-that-be have dumbed down questions.  

The Closer Weekly source said that Ken Jennings won't be made a scapegoat.  Ken is insisting that there's a share of blame here because he doesn't write the lines or pick the questions and contestants.  

SOURCES: Closer Weekly, "Ken Jennings Hires Comedy Coach to Help 'Focus' on HIs Comedic Skills on 'Jeopardy!'" by Samantha Agate, August 30, 2024; Daily Mail, "Jeopardy! Host Ken Jennings, 50, 'has no intention to leave show amid rumors he could be replaced by Colin Jost, 42, by Jacqueline Lindenberg, August 28, 2024; Wikipedia

- Joanne

Season 3 of Industry has been shown in the US, but not yet in the UK

"Industry is set in London with a mostly British cast and British creators, it’s genuinely astounding that *we* get it like a year after they do in the US,’ 

- Posted by user txadel posted on X (formerly Twitter)

British fans of the BBC Two and HBO series Industry are irritated that show's new season is already being shown in the United States, while they don't even know when it will be available in the United Kingdom.  The series is a co-production between the BBC and HBO.  It debuted on November 9, 2020 on HBO in the United States, and on November 10, 2020 on BBC Two in the UK.  It chronicles the fortunes of a group of young graduates as they vie for permanent positions at Pierpoint & Co, a distinguished London investment bank.  

T\he co-creators of the series, Konrad Kay and Mickey Down, both have backgrounds in the cutthroat world of finance.  Therefore, it is not surprising that Industry is cynical and controversial.  It also very popular with many viewers.

The second season of Industry was released in August 2022  The series was renewed for an eight-episode third season, which premiered in the United States on August 11, 2024.  Fans in the UK are disappointed and annoyed that they won't be able to watch the new season for a while.  An air date has not even been confirmed yet.  British viewers were only informed that "Industry season three will be available to stream in the US from 11 August and on the BBC in the UK later in the year."

On HBO, Industry now gets a coveted Sunday night slot, replacing House of the Dragon, which just completed its second season.  Francesca Orsi, head of drama for HBO stated, "We have high hopes tor the show.  She said that if "the world embraces Season 3 in the way that we have, both in its critical praise but also its viewership, there's no question that we want to continue moving forward with it."

For its third season, Industry is presenting a wider vision, which it hopes will attract larger audiences  The show is not restricting itself to events directly involving Pinepoint & Co.  It is moving beyond the financial happenings on the trading floor.  The new season begins with a flashback to hedonistic party on a luxury yacht.  It features a drug-induced hallucination sequences, plus several mysteries and deaths.  The storylines are more complex and there is wider range of tones and filming maneuvers.

For the third season, there is also an important addition to the cast of Industry - English actor Kit Harrington, known for his starring role as Jon Snow on the HBO series Game of Thrones.  Harrington has taken on the role of the aristocratic Henty Muck,  Muck operates Lumi a green-tech company. Pierpoint & Co is handling Lumi's initial public offering (IPO).

Kit Harrington

Entitled "Il Mattino ha L'Oro Bocca" ("Early to Bed, Early to Rise"'), Season 3's premiere episode on HBO received rave revies from fans and critics.  Here is the official synopsis of Industry's new season.

"In season three, as Pierpoint looks to the future and takes a big bet on ethical investing, Yasmin (Kara-Hanani), Robert (Spearing), and Eric (Tao) find themselves front and centre in the splashy IPO of Lumi, a green tech energy company, led by Sir Henry Muck, in a story that runs all the way to the very top of finance, media and government."

Yasmin, played by English actress Marisa Albea, a graduate from a wealthy background, is fluent in several languages.  She is assigned to Foreign Exchange Sales (FX) desk at Pierpoint.

Marisa Albea

British actor Harry Lawtey portrays Robert Spearing, a graduate of  Oxford University.  Robert comes from a working class Welsh family and is assigned to the Currency Processing Solutions (CPS) desk at Pierpoint.

Harry Lawtey

American actor Ken Leung plays Eric Tao, the CPS managing director.

Ken Leung

SOURCES: New York Times, "Industry' Is Back With Boats, Cocaine and Bigger Ambitions," by Esther Zuckerman. August 9, 2024;; Express, "BBC viewers furious as they're unable to stream much loved series: It's a British Show!" by Kelly Smith,, August 19, 2024; Wikipedia,

- Joanne

Son of a Critch will be back for a 4th season

Son of a Critch is one of my favourite shows on Canadian TV.  Based on comedian Mark Critch's 2018 bestselling memoir about his childhood in 1980s Newfoundland, the series explores such themes as friendship, family, bullying and coming-of-age.  According to Deadline, it has been renewed for a fourth season.  Season 4 will focus on the beginning of Mark's high school years on the cusp of the 1990s.  There will be 13 episodes, filmed in St. John's.  It will air in the winter of 2024 on CBC.

Son of a Critch's stellar cast will also be returning. 15-year-old British actor Benjamin Evan Ainsworth stars as the young Mark Critch.  Benjamin plays his role excellently and I am an admirer of his acting ability.  He is known for his performances in The Haunting of Bly Manor and Flora & Unlysess  He also provided the voice of Pinnochio in Disney's live-action remake.  In Son of a Critch, he convincingly portrays young Mark, an adolescent who uses comedy to fit in, make friends, and find his niche in the world.

Ainsworth, a native of Nottingham, East Midlands, England, will turn 16 on September 25, 2024.  He portrays Mark with a General North American accent that could be from Toronto or Los Angeles.  In a 2022, the actor responded to a comment from a Big Issue interviewer that watching him in Son of a Critch and Pinnochio, "I'd never have know you were English. . ."    Ainsworth replied, "It takes a lot of work.  And with Son of a Critch, the Newfoundland accents are so particular.  I go back to normal between scenes.  On set it's so relaxed and everyone's really chilled.  It's nice to just be my normal self.  And then when it's time to roll, step into that character."

In the penultimate episode of the third season of  Son of a Critch, entitled "Cabaret,"Ainworth, as young Mark starts to get his feet wet as a stand-up comedian.  Lacking a voice of  his own, he imitates the distinct Newfoundland accents of those with whom he's most familiar, his family and friends.  

Ainsworth

The real Mark Critch is the star of CBC's long-running sketch comedy show, This Hour has 22 Minutes.  In Son of a Critch, he portrays his own father, Mike, a broadcaster for local radio station VOCM.  Crich co-created this original CBC comedy in which he relives his own awkward adolescence. He serves as actor/producer and writer for the series.

Mark Critch

Rankin

Claire Rankin, who was born and raised in Prince Edward Island, plays Mary Critch, Mark's mother. Rankin is a trained singer and dancer, and she has performed with the Shakespearean Stratford Festival.

McDowell

Veteran English actor Malcolm McDowell, 81, plays Mark's mischievous grandfather, Patrick "Pope" Critch, with whom Mark shares a room.  Director Stanley Kubrick cast McDowell as Alex in his 1971 film A Clockwork Orange.  On television, McDowell appeared as Domford Yates' gentleman hero Richard Chandos in the BBC;s 1978 adaptation of She Fell Among Thieves.

Gobbo

Colton Gobbo, 23, a native of Sudbury, Ontario, plays Mark's long-haired older brother, Mike Critch, Jr.  In 2021, Gobbo was cast in his first major role.  He played Noah, the son of Naomi Watt's character in the thriller film The Desperate Hour.  

Powers

Sophia Powers plays Jennifer Fox, Mark's red-haired bully turned love interest.  Born and raised in North Vancouver, Powers has also appeared in the TV movies Fourth Down and Love (2023) and Unexpected Grace (2023).  The character of "Fox" was written as a female for the TV series.

Rivera

Mark's best friend, Richie Perez, is portrayed by Mark Ezekiel Rivera.  Ritchie is of  Filipino background and seems to be the only student of colour at his school. He is bullied because of his Asian heritage.

Son of a Critch premiered on CBC on January 4, 2022.  In an article in The Canadian Press, just before the show's debut, Mark Critch is quoted as saying, “It’s not a biopic, it’s not a documentary, but the spine of every episode is a true story.” The series, however, can best be described as semi-autobiographical.  There are both difference and similarities between Critch's book and the TV series.

Every chapter of Critch's book focuses on one day of each year of his early life in Newfoundland.  His mother is featured most prominently in the memoir. while the roles of his father and brother are expanded in the television series.  Mark's grandfather, who wasn't mentioned as living with the family in the book, is also given an expanded role in the series.

In Son of a Crich's third season finale, entitled "Forever Young," Mark is given the task of delivering the valedictorian speech at his school's graduation.  It causes him to reflect on how his family and friends have affected his life.  

I'm looking forward to the show's fourth season as Mark begins his high school years.  How will things go with his romance with Fox?  What's in store for the Critch family?  

END NOTE

* Mark Critch's real-life father, Mike, passed away in 2015 at the age of 93.  According hi obituaries Mike Critch was a journalist for VOCM for over 20 years, beginning in the 1960s.  Mark's real-life brother, Mike Jr., also became a radio personality.  On the TV series, Mike Jr. works at VOCM and changes his name to Mike Campbell, in order to avoid confusion with his father.  The real Mike Critch, Jr. actually did change his name to Mike Campbell.  Michael E. Critch was married to his wife, Mary, for 49 years when he passed away.

Mike Critch, Sr.

- Joanne

A Tribute to Bob Newhart

“I had the great pleasure of working with Bob and being his friend. He was as kind and nice as he was funny. He will be missed.” 

- Actor and comedian Carol Burnett on X

“Bob Newhart was as funny as they come. The best stand up, the best situation comedy star, the kindest soul.” 

– Director Judd Apatow on Instagram.

“From his groundbreaking stand-up to his two classic sitcoms he gave us a lifetime of laughter. Truly one-of-a-kind. Thank you Bob Newhart!” 

– Actor Mark Hamill on X

"The only difference between Bob Newhart on stage and Bob Newhart offstage is that there is no stage."

- Actor David Hyde Pierce in an episode of the PBS series American Masters dedicated to Bob Newhart

Actor and comedian Bob Newhart has passed away at the age of 94.  His combination of gentle humour and deadpan delivery is rare today.  He wasn't rude or crude.  He was simply funny, a straight man surrounded by madness.  The soft spoken comedy icon died in Los Angeles on July 18th, 2024.  According to a statement from his publicist Jerry Digby, Bob died after a series of short illnesses.  Digby described Bob's passing as "an end of an era in comedy."

Bob was born George Robert Newhart in Oak Park, Illinois on September 5, 1929.  Bob's mother, Julia Pauline (née Burns ) was a homemaker.  His father, George David Newhart, was part-owner of a plumbing supply business.  Bob went by his second name, "Robert," to avoid confusion with his dad.

After attending Roman Catholic schools in the Chicago area, Bob enrolled at Loyola University in Chicago, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in business management in 1952.  He was then drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served as a U.S-based clerk during the Korean War..  He was discharged in 1954.

Upon completing his military service, Bob worked as an accountant and as an advertising copywriter for Fred A. Niles, a prominent independent film and television producer in Chicago.  Of his time as an accountant, he joked that "in my case, I don't think it's amazing that a bad accountant should become a comedian.  He said that there was a connection between numbers and music and comedy, although he wasn't sure what it was.  He then mentioned some contemporary comedians who had an interest in music.

While working at Fred A. Niles, Bob and a co-worker regaled each other with long telephone calls about absurd circumstances, which they sent to radio stations as audition tapes.  Even after his colleague accepted a a job in New York, Bob continued recording and developing a routine.  Based on those recordings, Warner Brothers Records signed him to a contract in 1959.  

He first came to prominence with s hit recording titled The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart (1960).  The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart was an album of comedic monologues.  It became a bestseller and climbed to number one on the Billboard pop album chart.  Bob's follow-up album, The Button-Down Mind Strikes Again!, was also very well-received.  In fact his two albums were so popular that they held the first and second spots on Billboard simultaneously.

 

Bob Newhart continued to expand his comedic material and he began to perform in nightclubs.  His success as a stand-up comedian opened the doors to starring in  his own television show.  In 1961, he hosted a short-lived NBC variety program called The Bob Newhart Show.  However, it wasn't until over a decade later that he really made his mark on television.  He starred in two highly successful CBS sitcoms - The Bob Newhart Show from 1972 to 1978 and Newhart from 1982 to 1990.  

I especially enjoyed The Bob Newhart Show in which Bob played Chicago psychologist Bob Hartley, who counselled a slew of eccentric patients.  The show had a marvelous cast.  Suzanne Pleshette portrayed Bob's wife, Emily, a school teacher and later assistant principal.  Bill Daley played Howard Borden.  Borden, a commercial airline navigator who later became a co-pilot. lived across the hall from the Hartleys.  He often popped into their apartment to borrow things, partake of a free meal, or have Bob and Emily babysit his son.  Marcia Wallace played Carol Kester, the receptionist in the medical building where Bob worked, while Peter Bonerz played Dr. Jerry Robinson, an eccentric orthodontist.  With the death of Bob Newhart, Bonerz, now 85, became he only surviving member of show's main cast.

Below is a photo of the cast of The Bob Newhart Show, standing (from left): Bill Daley, Marcia Wallace, Peter Bonerz: seated Bob Newhart and Suzanne Pleshette.

In Newhart, Bob portrayed Vermont innkeeper Dick Loudon.  Louden was an author of do-it-yourself and travel books.  He and his wife, Joanna, played by Mary Frann, moved from New York City to a small town in Vermont, where they owned and operated the Stratford Inn.  Tom Poston played the inn's handyman George Utley (It's interesting to note that Poston married Suzanne Pleshette in 2001.  Poston died of respiratory failure on April 30, 2007 at the age of 85.  Pleshette passed away on January 19, 2008 after a battle with lung cancer.  She was 70 years old at the time of her passing).

The cast of Newhart

Bob returned to television in 1992.  He starred in series about a cartoonist called Bob.  The series had an ensemble cast, including Lisa Kudrow of Friends fame.  Despite good critical reviews, the show failed to attract a strong audience.  It was cancelled soon after the start of its second season.

In 1997, Bob appeared alongside Jason Bateman and Judd Hirsh in a sitcom called George & Leo.  The show was cancelled after its first season.

Judd Hirsh and Bob

In 2003, Bob guest-stared in three episodes of the medical drama ER.  The role earned him a Primetime Emmy Award Nomination.  

In 2005, Bob appeared in three episodes of Desperate Housewives as Morty Flickman, the on-again/off again boyfriend of Sophie, Leslie Ann Warren's character.

In 2013, Bob guest-starred in a sixth season episode of The Big Bang Theory.  He played the elderly Professor Proton (Arthur Jeffries), an ex-TV show host who had become a children's party entertainer.  Bob received a Primetime Emmy Award for that role.

In June of 2015, Bob appeared in the series finale of Hot in Cleveland, portraying the father-in-law of Joy Scoggs, played by Jane Leeves, who also played Daphne on Frasier.

On January 12, 1963, Bob married Virginia Lillian "Ginnie" Quinn, the daughter of character actor Bill Quinn.  The couple met in 1962 on a blind date set up by their mutual friend, actor and comedian Buddy Hackett.  Bob and Ginnie had four children together - sons Robert, born in November 1963, and Timothy, born in 1967, and their daughters Jennifer, born in 1971, and Courtney, born in 1977.  They nicknamed one of their daughter "Buddy." in order to fulfill a promise to Hackett.

Bob and Ginnie Newhart

Bob and Ginnie celebrated their 60th anniversary in January of 2013.  To mark the event, Bob posted a series of their favourite photos together on social media.  Sadly, Ginnie passed away just three months later, on April 23, 2023.  She died in Los Angeles after a long illness.  She was 82 years old at the time of her death.

In a 2022 interview with Parade, Bob was asked about the longevity of his marriage,  "The marriage of comedians," he said. "no matter how stormy, seem to last a long time, and I attribute it to laughter.  No matter how intense the argument you're  having, you can find a line, and then you both look at each other and start laughing.  It's over, you know?  I think that sense of humor is very important to the longevity of a marriage."

Rest in peace, Bob Newhart.  Thanks for the laughter.

END NOTES

* In 1962, Bob filmed An Evening with Bob Newhart, which is considered to be the first pay-per-view television special, for Canadian-based Telemeter.

* Bob and Ginnie Newhart were close friends with comedian Don Rickles and his wife, Barbara.  The Newhart and Rickles family vacationed together.  On January 24, 2005, Bob and Don appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.  It was the Monday following Johnny Carson's death, and they reminisced about their many appearances on Carson's show.

* It was Ginnie Newhart who inspired the memorable 1990 finale of Newhart.  It was a clever callback to Bob's previous sitcom, The Bob Newhart Show.  Newhart ended with Bob waking up in Chicago next to his TV wife Suzanne Pleshette from The Bob Newhart Show, revealing that the second series, set in Vermont, was really just a dream.  Ginnie apparently suggested the idea to Bob at a Christmas party that was also attended by Suzanne Pleshette.

* In 2006, Hyperion Books published Bob's first book I Shouldn't Even Be Doing This!: and Other Things That Strike Me as Funny.  The book is principally a memoir, but also contains comic bits.  Many of Bob's classic routines are entwined in the text.

SOURCES:  Chicago Sun Times, "Ginnie Newhart, comedian's wife for six decades, dies at 82," by AP,, April 24, 2023; People, "Inside Bob Newhart and Wife Ginnie's 60-year Love Story," by Liza Esquibias, July 18, 2024, Wikipedia; Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

- Joanne

Presidential debates and TV

President Joe Biden will debate former President Donald Trump tonight.  TV certainly has changed drastically since the autumn of 1960, when Senator John F. Kennedy of Massachusetts and Vice President Richard Nixon squared off in the first televised presidential debates in American history.  There was an excitement, a novelty to those initial televised debates that can never be replicated.  For the first time, millions of Americans could watch from their living rooms as the two candidates went toe to toe.  They noticed how Nixed perspired and how he seemed to have five o'clock shadow.  Meanwhile, Kennedy seemed cool and collected.  His father, Joseph Kennedy, had made sure that JFK was well-prepared for television.

1960 Kennedy-Nixon debate

The 1960 debate were in black and white.  Secondly, they were broadcast on traditional network television. They were fresh and exciting, a novelty.  There were no 24-hour cables stations back then.  In 1960, radio was still a factor, although its influence was waning.  Tens of millions watched the debates on TV, while only 17 million heard them over the radio. 

The four 1960 debates took place in television studios, but there were no live audiences. The first debate took place on September 26, 1960, after both the Republican and Democratic conventions were over. Tonight's debate will be broadcast on CNN, a 24-hour cable news network.  It will take place prior to the conventions of both parties.  As in 1960, there will be no live audience.  

JFK was a youthful 42 years old when he debated Nixon.  Although Nixon was only 47, JFK appeared  more energetic.  The 2024 candidates are much older than Kennedy and Nixon were.  Biden is 81 years of age,  while Trump is 78.  Both grew up watching black and white TV.. Joe Biden is a lawyer turned politician.  He served as a Senator from Delaware from 1973 until 2009.  He was Vice President of the United States, under Barack Obama, from  2009 to 20017.  On January 20, 2021, he became the 46th President of the United States 

Donald Trump had never held public office before he became president.  A real estate mogul, Trump made his mark on TV, as the host a reality show called The Apprentice.  His catchphrase on the show was "Your fired!"  Before entering the political arena, Trump hosted The Apprentice for 14 seasons, from  2004 to 2017,   Trump is creature of television, a manipulator of the media.  It can be argued that without his starring role on The Apprentice, he never would have become president.

Former president Trump's antics and his controversial behaviour have brought him much media attention.  The cable news networks are absolutely saturated with news and opinions about Trump.  Let's be frank.  Trump's rantings and ravings, his impeachments and his criminal trial have been massively covered by the media.  Sure, it's news because he his the presumptive Republican candidate for president.  Let's not forget, however, that the Trump circus has been godsend for the likes of CNN, Fox News and MSNBC.  He has boosted ratings and has helped them fill up space.

We will see what happens when Biden and Trump step on the stage tonight.  It could change the direction of the 2024 presidential race.

- Joanne

Update on Heartland

It seems that Heartland, the longest running scripted drama on Canadian television, has been renewed for an 18th season. Information online indicates that show is in production, filming in the Calgary area.  However, there is no official confirmation that the show has been renewed on the CBC Heartland webpage.  Nor is there any official release date for the first episode of the new season.  Based on previous seasons,, however, the new episodes are likely to be aired at the beginning of October, perhaps Sunday, October 6th.  It is expected that there will be ten new episodes of the series.

Searching the internet for official updates on the status of Heartland is very confusing.  Everything should be clarified on Heartland' CBC webpage.  At the very least, there should be official confirmation that the series is returning.  It appears that the confusion is related to the fact that Heartland is shown on Netflix, and Netflix is behind in episodes.

There have been rumours and speculation online that Graham Wardle, who played Ty Borden, will be returning to the show.  I don't know how the writers would pull that off, since Ty died in Season 14..  It was a shock to Heartland fans, when Graham decided to leave the show and his character was killed off.  It was Graham's choice to depart, so there were few alternatives except to have his character die.  I don't think the fans would have accepted a new actor in the role.

Graham Wardle

Ty was a very popular character and many fans are eager for his return, and not in spectral form or in flashbacks.  Heartland viewers would not be satisfied with the ghost of Ty Borden, but would they accept some unlikely explanation for his return in the flesh?  I'm sure that some would.

 As much as I liked Ty, I am concerned that Graham's return to Heartland would be a mistake.  It may cheapen the show.  Oh, the writers could devise some crazy explanation.  Perhaps Ty had an identical twin that nobody knew about, not even Amy.  Graham could play the twin, but he would be playing Ty's brother, not Ty himself.  Another possibility is that Ty faked his death for some reason.  Would fans really want any of that to happen?  That's the stuff of daytime soaps.

I am a big fan of Heartland.  Its setting in the foothills of  the Rockies is entrancing.  However, as much as I enjoy Heartland, I think the show should end after its 20th season.  The CBC should be make it clear that its 20th season will be its last.   By that time, it will have run its course and there will be time to prepare for a really special final episode in 2026.  Heartline deserves a magnificent grand finale.

- Joanne

EDITOR'S UPDATE:  I spoke with someone at the CBC who confirmed to me that Heartland has been officially renewed for an 18th season for ten episodes.  She said that the CBC's Heartland website has not been recently updated.  The updated information is on the Heartland Facebook page.

Y&R Report (June 15, 2024): The Latest on The Young and the Restless

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

Hi fans, 

This is my last post before I take a summer break.  So, I will leave you with some thoughts until I return in September.

Victor Newman is behaving like a tyrant.  He's never been so ruthless in a long time.  Why are Michael Baldwin and Cole Howard so eager to please him.  These two accomplished men practically grovel at The Big Man's feet.  Whenever he summons them, they rush to the Newman ranch to await their orders from The Boss.  It's disgusting, especially on the part of Michael.  He doesn't need to work for Victor.  He could have many clients if he so desired.   

Victor Newman is on a rampage.  He has always been vindictive, but I have never seen him so thirsty for vengeance.  Jack Abbott is his target and he is determined to destroy Jabot.  Victor has his grimy hands everywhere. 

I was not surprised when it was revealed that Victor is the secret investor in Glissade, the company that Audra is trying to wrestle away from Tucker.  Tucker is certainly no angel, but I do have a twinge of sympathy for him right now, just a twinge.  He sincerely tried to help Ashley in Paris.  Yes, Audra has issues with him.  I can understand that she feels he never made her a priority when it mattered.  Nevertheless, I think Audra is being far too vindictive and selfish.  She's been rubbing salt in his wounds.

Audra made a deal with the devil when she allowed Victor to invest in Glissade.  She'll regret that deal.  However, everything is on hold because Tucker has apparently had some kind of medical emergency in Paris.  He claims that he is having trouble breathing.  Audra doesn't believe him.  She thinks he's faking it.  

Now that Faith's coming back (I hope for the summer), Y&R may lighten up a bit.  How about some barbeques and swimming parties!  How about some 4th of July celebrations!  Johnny Abbott is looking more grown up.  Maybe there will be a romance between him and Daniel and Heather's daughter, Lucy.

CAST NEWS

Special episode to pay tribute to Joshua Morrow (Nick Newman)

Josh Morrow made his first appearance as Nicholas Newman on June 21, 1994, as the son of Nikki and Victor Newman.  Nick returned to Genoa City from boarding school and he had experienced Soap Opera Rapid Aging Syndrome.  With Josh in the role, Nick was no longer a child.  He was suddenly a teenager of high school age.  

Almost 30 years have passed and Joshua Morrow is still portraying Nick Newman on The Young and the Restless.   He is quite aware of his good fortune.  "If you would have told me that when I was a sophomore in high school in Oklahoma jus playing football, 'You will have had a 30-year career on a television show,' I would have thought you were joking," Josh told Soaps in Depth.  "This is an incredible accomplishment and one I never take for granted."

On June 21st (June 20th on Global TV in Canada), Y&R will pay tribute to Josh's 30 years on the show with a special stand-alone episode.  The episode will feature flashbacks and special moments from Nick's complex life.  Soon after Josh joined the cast, his character became romantically involved with classmate Sharon Collins (Sharon Case).  

Nikki was unhappy about her son's involvement with Sharon, whom she considered a gold digger from the wrong side of the tracks.  However, Nick and Sharon married at a young age.  Their marriage lasted about ten years, which is a very long time for a soap couple.  They had their ups and downs, but remained together until their 14-year-old daughter Cassie died in a tragic accident, and Nick turned to Phyllis.  Since then, Nick has been unlucky in love.  None of his relationships has lasted.  Many fans, including myself, would like to see him reunite with Sharon.  It may happen someday, but the problem is that there is a lack of storyline for a happy couple on a daytime drama.

I hope that Ashley's psychologist friend, Dr. Alan Laurent (Christopher Cousins), becomes a regular cast member.  By the way, do you sense some romantic feelings developing between Alan and Traci?  They seem quite comfortable with each other, and Alan asked her out to dinner.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Trebor St. John as Tucker McCall

So, Tucker McCall seems to have had a medical emergency.  Is he faking it, as Audra claims, or is he really ill?  The timing of Tucker's collapse is very suspicious.  He is desperate, and he can be a scoundrel.  I wouldn't put it past him to pretend he's sick. Even though a doctor is checking him over, I can't entirely trust Tucker.  Maybe he's paid someone to pose as a doctor who will declare him to have some kind of illness or maybe even a minor heart attack.  On the other hand, Tucker has been upset and stressed.  If  he really is sick, Audra will have egg on her face.  What do you think, fans?  Is Tucker faking a heart attack in order to stop Audra?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Do you think that Tucker is faking a heart attack?

Yes,. He's a scoundrel and he's desperate.

No. Audra is being too hard on him and he is stressed.

I don't know.

Other.

 

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I enjoyed the Daytime Emmys very much.  General Hospital led the pack with four awards, including Best Daytime Drama Series.  Y&R won two major awards.  Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers) received the Emmy for Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress.  Courtney Hope (Sally Spectra) won for Best Supporting Performance in a Daytime Drama: Actress.  Her castmate Allison Lanier (Summer Newman) was nominated in the same category.  Two Y&R men, Eric Braeden (Victor Newman) and Bryton James (Devon Winters), did not win in their categories.  

98-year-old Dick Van Dyke became the oldest-ever winner of a Daytime Emmy for his guest performance on Days of Our Lives.  Dick quipped that if he had known that he was going to live so long, he would have taken better care of himself.  

The Young and the Restless' Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki Newman) looked radiant as she and her husband Edward Stott (supervising producer of The Bold and the Beautiful) received a lifetime achievement award.  Their daughters were in attendance.

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.  Have a great summer.  I will be back on Saturday, September 21, 2024 with a brand new post.  See in you in September with more Y&R news and comments.  Stay updated with breaking celebrity news, old and current television shows or old television shows news by reading my TV Banter blog.

Take care,

Joanne