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

Y&R Report (Februrary 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,

What a great performance by Ray Wise as Ian Ward!  It was a tour de force.  He should be nominated for a Daytime Emmy for best guest performance on a daytime drama.  I wonder, though, if the showdown at the Newman ranch should have been Ian's last hurrah, his swan song.  That way, he would have gone out with a bang.  It seems, however, that the writers want to keep that storyline going.  Just when we thought Ian was gone for good, he opened his eyes in the ambulance.

Remember that the February ratings sweeps are upon us.  I expect that Ian will launch a surprise attack against the Newman family.  The shows needs a villain to torment the Newman family.

Ray Wise (Ian Ward)

Chance is not the smartest cop.  His  police work leaves much to be desired.  When he found Ian's motel room, why didn't he stay there until Ian returned?  The Genoa City police are incompetent, to say the least.  

There has been quite a plot twist in the Damian King storyline.  The man who met with Nate and Audra is not the real Damian.  He turned out to be an imposter.  He is the real Damian's sidekick. and his name is Holden (Nathan Owns).  I think that the storyline will focus on Holden.  He seemed to take a shine to Audra.  I expect that he will cause trouble for her and Nate Hastings (Sean Dominic).  

In an interview with Soap Opera Digest, Nathan Owns revealed that his character is linked to a Genoa City leading lady.  My guess is that the woman is Lily Winters.  Head writer Josh Griffith has stated that Lily would find true love, but will Holden's attraction to Audra complicate matters?  Of course. another possibility is the Lily is linked to the real Damian, played by Jermaine Rivers.  

Nathan Owen {Holden)

Jermaine Rivers (Damian)

I doubt that Claire and Kyle Abbott are not going to last.  Here's why.  Kyle puts Claire on a pedestal.  He's going to be upset when he learns that she's not perfect.  Claire didn't tell Kyle the whole story about Jordan's death.  She only told him that Jordan poisoned herself.  She conveniently left out the fact that she was the one who put poison in Jordan's tea.  Although Jordan drank the poison voluntarily, Claire still bears some responsibility for her aunt's death.  Victor is determined to break up Kyle and Claire.  He will probably tell Kyle about the poison Claire put in the tea.

Victor's idea of "protecting" his family is controlling them and interfering in their relationships.  He doesn't want a Newman with an Abbott.  Yet, although he's opposed to Kyle and Claire's romance, he doesn't seem to mind if his other granddaughter, Summer, is with Kyle.  Victor is also on a mission to reunite Adam and Chelsea.  Furthermore, he ordered Cole to stay away from his princess, Victoria.  He changed his mind, though, and Cole is currently in his good graces.

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 fan, Carly, in Barrhaven, Ontario.  Here is what she wrote:

Y&R….the actor playing Ian Ward is so good.  I get a real kick out of him.

I am happy that this storyline is over.  I have to say that Sharon gets on my nerves.  Her voice has become so whiny & to think that she & Nick may get back together is so sickening.  

Poor Claire & Kyle.  Jordan was like a cat with 9 lives.  I guess this time they can’t bring her back.

No I don’t see any chemistry between Billy & Sally.  I liked it when she & Nick were an item…a long time ago.

Hi Carly,

I also get a kick out of Ian Ward, but not so fast!  Jordan may be gone for real this time, but Ian Ward is still very much alive. The Newman family is not out of the woods yet, not by a long shot.  The storyline is not over yet either.

I liked it better when Sally and Adam were together.  I think they really suited each other.  Also, the thought of Sharon and Nick together is not sickening to me.  They have a long history together, going back to when they were high school sweethearts.  They also have two children together.  

Having said that, I don't like what the writers have been doing with the Sharon character lately.  I'm not happy with the way she has been presented in the storyline - always the victim, always the damsel in distress.  I also don't like the way she just waltzed into Adam and Chelsea's place out of the blue.  She brought them a present, but it just seemed as if she was being nosy.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Jason Thompson (Billy)

Michael Graziadei (Daniel)

Billy Boy Abbptt is very excited about his new business venture  It is a media company called Abbott Communications.  He is eager for Phyllis and her son, Daniel Romalotti, to join him in this venture.  Phyllis is enthusiastic about joining forces with Billy, so long as he doesn't use the new company to exact revenge on Adam.  Daniel is far more reluctant about joining up with Billy.  He thinks Billy talks a good game, but he doesn't really trust him and he doesn't have much confidence in him.  What should Daniel do, fans?  Should he be a part of Billy's new company.  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Do you think Daniel should join Billy's new company?

Yes. Daniel needs a job. Billy is enthusiastic. He wants to build something of his own.

No. Billy is unreliable. He always messes up and he will bring Daniel down with him.

No. Billy will not be able to resist getting back at Adam and the Newman family.

I don't know.

Other

 

pollcode.com free polls

That's all for now.  Don't forget that he next addition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, February 22, 2025.  Meanwhile, enjoy the February sweeps.

Take care,

Joanne

Keeping up with Erik Estrada

He rode a motorcycle and battled crime.  In the 1970s and early 1980s, Erik Estrada's face was plastered everywhere.  He played Ponch, a California motorcycle cop with a megawatt smile, on the hit TV series CHiPs.

Erik was born Henry Enrique Estrada in East Harlem, New York City on March 16, 1949. in the city's Spanish Harlem neighbourhood.  He is the son of Carmen Moreno, a seamstress, and Renildo Estrada. a small business owner.  Erik is of Puerto Rican heritage.  He attended Louis D. Brandeis High School in Manhattan, and he strongly considered becoming a police officer.  In a 2007 interview with Parade, he was asked if law enforcement had played a bigger part in his life than CHiPs.  He replied, "Well, I was going to be a New York cop before I became an actor.  I couldn't take the test until I was 18, and at 17, I got bit by the acting bug.  I gave myself until I was 30. If I had some success, fine.  If I didn't, I'd come back and fulfill my dream and my mother's dream."

Erik decided to focus on acting after joining his high school drama class.  After graduation, he studied at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in New York City, a private conservatory for the performing arts.

Erik had first appeared on screen in commercials for Fritos.  As a child, he played the Frito Bandito, which became the company's symbol.  Erik's parents split up when he was a toddler, and he lived with his mother, Carmen, his grandfather, his brother Joey, and his sister Carmen.  His father was rarely seen.

When Erik's parents divorced, he moved in with his mother and her new husband, Poncho Dostela.  It was Dostela who inspired Erik to pursue his dream of an acting career.  After completing acting courses, Erik landed his first professional role in the 1970 film The Cross and the Switchblade.  The film is based on a non-fiction book of the same name by David Wilkerson, a Christian evangelist.  in the film, Pat Boone plays Wilkerson, while Erik portrays Nicky Cruz, a member of a teenage street game who is transformed by Wilkerson's ministry;

In 1974, Erik was cast in the hit film Airport '75.  He played the role of an onboard engineer who sacrifices his own life in order to disarm a terrorist who had hijacked a Boeing 747.  He played another heroic role as an engineer in the historical 1976 film Midway.   

Prior to his role on CHiPs, Erik made guest appearances on several TV series, including Hawaii 5-0 (1973), Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law (1973), Emergency! (1974), Kojak (1975), Mannix (1975), The Six Million Dollar Man (1975), Police Woman (1975), Medical Center (1975), Barnaby Jones (1976) and Baretta (1976).

Erik Estrada is best known for his starring role as California Highway Patrol officer Francis (Frank) Llewelyn "Ponch" Poncherello in the hit TV police drama CHiPs.  (CHiPs is an acronym for California Highway Patrol.). The series ran on NBC from 1977 to 1983). Erik's co-star was Larry Wilcox, who played Officer Jon Baker.

CHiPs was highly popular, and the series established Erik as a bona fide television star.  CHiPs decals appeared on lunchboxes. Photos of Erik and Larry appeared on posters and magazines everywhere, as well as other CHiPs paraphernalia.

Although Erik and Larry played police partners on the show. they did not have the smoothest relationship off screen.  Larry was originally intended to be the show's star.  However, he was soon overshadowed by Erik's growing popularity.  Erik was one of the few Latinos in prominent roles during that time, and he was considered a leading heartthrob of that era.  This caused some tensions between the two actors. 

It's interesting to note that the CHiPs police officers never drew their guns.  In his interview with Parade, Erik waxed nostalgic about the '70s era.  He stated the following: "What I see is that we never drew our guns.  We were in a time in America when life was really fantastic.  It was the '70s.  There was disco.  Free love!  The streets weren't as nasty as they are now because they hadn't turned cocaine into crack yet.  AIDS hadn't hit the streets.  It was a great time in America.  Our show was on Sunday night, and it was basically about showing respect for law enforcement and dealing with people on a verbal level.  Not pulling guns and blowing their brains out."

In 1981, Erik missed three episodes of the fifth season of CHiPs, due to a contract dispute over syndication profits.  He was replaced by Caitlyn Jenner, then known as Bruce.  Jenner played Officer Steve McLeish.  The Olympic athlete was already working for NBC Sports as a commentator and was an experienced motorcyclist.  Once Erik reached an agreement with MGM, Jenner's character slowly faded from the show, after a total of seven episodes.

Estrada and Wilcox with Jenner

During CHiPs' run, Erik had a supporting role in the Vietnam-era drama The Line (1980).  He also had the lead role and produced the 1982 TV movie Honeyboy, which received favourable reviews.  In Honeyboy, Erik portrayed Rico "Honeyboy" Ramirez, a Puerto Rican from the south Bronx, who finds fame and fortune as a middleweight boxer.  Morgan Fairchild also starred in the film.

After CHiPs ended its run, Erik's career hit a snag.  He struggled to find work, and he accepted roles in low budget films and TV series.  His luck changed in the early 1990s, when he appeared in a Mexican "telenovela" (soap opera).  Since Eric didn't speak Spanish well, his lines were fed to him over an earphone during production.  When he landed the role of Johnny. a Tijuana trucker, in Does mujeres, um camino (Two Women, One Road), he had to take extensive Berlitz Spanish lessons before he could begin.  One hundred episodes of the TV drama were originally planned.  However, four hundred episodes were eventually produced, and the "telenovela" revived Erik's sagging career.

Does mujeres, um camino was enormously popular in Mexico. and other places in the Spanish-speaking world.  The series helped to win Erik a great number help to win him a new set of fans.

  

In 1994, Erik began co-hosting a syndicated outdoor adventure show titled American Adventurer.  The series aired until 2004.  He also began appearing on talk shoes and hosting events.

In 1998, Erik reunited with former co-star Larry Wilcox for the TNT made-for-TV film CHiPS '99.  The TV movie helped to spark a new interest in the original series.

In 2001, Erik was cast as Eduardo Dominguez on the daytime drama The Bold and the Beautiful.  In the 2000s, he continued to act, mainly in comedies or in Disney films for children.  Erik has also appeared on reality shows such as The Surreal Life, along with rapper Vanilla Ice and former televangelist Tammy Faye Messsner.  In 2007, he was seen on Armed and Famous, in which celebrities work alongside police officers 

Most recently, Erik has guest-starred in episodes of the drama Sangre Negre . . Black k Blood (2022, two episodes), the sitcom Call Me Kat 2023, and the futuristic science fiction series Fallout (2024)

Erik Estrada has been married three times and divorced twice.  On November 25, 1979, he wed Joyce Miller.  The couple divorced in 1980.  They did not have any children.

In 1985, Erik married to Peggy Lynn Rowe, an entertainment executive, songwriter, and producer. They divorced in 1990.  The couple had two sons, Anthony Erik (born 1986), and Brandon Michael-Paul (born October 28,1987).  Brandon Estrada became an accomplished pole vaulter.

Brandon Estrada

On September 20,1997, Erik married for the third time, to film sound technician Nanette Mirkovich.  Nanette is also known as an actress, especially for her role in the 1996 feature film Inside Out.  Nanette was born in raised in California, and she is of Russian and Hispanic descent.  Erik and Nanette have a daughter, Francesca Natalia (born January 5, 2000 in Burbank, California).

Below is a photo of Erik, Nanette and daughter, Francesca.

END NOTES

* Erik supported Republican senator John McCain in the 2008 American presidential election.

* Erik's older brother, Joey Del Valle, passed away on December 19, 2017.  Joey was an NBC staff photographer for some three decades.  Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, he was raised in New York's Spanish Harlem.  Prior to joining  NBC, he worked as a fashion and advertising photographer.  Joey Del Valle died in Los Angeles after a lengthy illness.  He was 72 at the time of his passing.

* Erik is supportive of police office organizations around the world.  Several years ago, he realized a childhood dream by becoming a sworn police officer for the Muncie, Indiana Police Department.  He then moved to Virginia where he served as an I.C.A.C. (Internet Crimes Against Children) investigator for eight years in Bedford County, Virginia.  On July 1, 2016, he became a reserve police officer in St. Anthony, Idaho, where he was filmed patrolling on a police motorcycle.

* Erik wrote his 1997 autobiography with Davin Seay..  It is titled Erik Strada: My Road from to Hollywood.  The paperback edition was published in 1998.  In the memoir, Erik wrote about his Hispanic heritage and other topics.

* Erik received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 29, 2000.

* Erik is active in youth and political movements. He advocates against drug addiction, alcoholism and smoking.

* Erik loves music and has appeared in videos for his favourite artists. In addition to his on-camera performances, he has provided voice work for cartoons such as Maya & Miguel, an animated children's PBS series, JoJo's Circus, a stop-motion animated series and Sealab 2021, an adult animated series.

SOURCES: Biography (www.biograhy.com): "Erik Estrada: As Frank 'Ponch' Poncherello on the police drama 'CHiPs' Erik Estrada became one of the most popular television stars of the late 1970s and early 1980s;" The Hollywood Reporter; "Joey Del Valle, Longtime NBC  Photographer , Dies at 72," by Mike Barnes, January 16. 2017; Mental Floss (www.mentalfloss.com), "14 Things You Might Not Know about CHiPs," by Jake Rossen, September 14, 2017; Parade (parade.com), "Interview with Erik Estrada Estrada, May 30, 2007; Wikipedia, Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

- Joanne

Y&R Report (January 25, 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,

Will wonders never cease?  It appears that Jordan has used up all of her nine lives.  Colleen Zenk, who plays Jordan, has exited the show as her character's story arc has reached its conclusion.  Not-so-sweet Claire actually put some poison in Jordan's tea, which she willingly consumed rather than return to prison.  Of course, the Jordan/Ian Ward storyline has more holes in it than Swiss cheese.  However, Y&R is a soap and we can't expect reality.  But really!  Claire truly believed that Jordan was invincible.  She thought that no prison could hold her diabolical aunt, and that no security force could  stop her. 

Jordan was certainly relentless and psychotic, but she was not Superwoman.  Claire made it seem like her aunt had superhuman powers.    As mentioned before, soap operas often stray far from reality.  This is a perfect example.  Here's one other question I'm not supposed to ask:  Why didn't the authorities know that Jordan was missing from prison?  Ian supposedly swapped another woman in her place.  Surely, the prison would have discovered the switch after all this time.  Why didn't Jordan's photo appear everywhere on the media?  

By the way, what happened to Claire?  She's all over the map.  She suddenly became so bold that she talked about committing cold-blooded murder without batting an eye.  She suddenly became so brazen that she believed she could outwit her cunning aunt.  Her face was as cold as stone when she argued that taking the law into her own hands was the only answer.  Nikki also jumped on the vigilante bandwagon as the only way to stop Jordan.  Victoria was more reluctant, but she eventually fell into line.

It seems obvious that Claire (Haley Erin) was far too overconfident.  She overplayed her hand, and she was ill-prepared for what she planned to do.  She even admitted to Victor that she hadn't thought of what should be done with Jordan's body.  Jordan will continue to haunt Claire and the rest of the Newman family even in death.  When Victoria claimed that they were rid of the wicked woman forever, Victor knew better.  He warned his family that this wasn't over, and there was more to come.  Victor was exactly right. 

Whew!  Sharon has escaped from the clutches of Ian and Jordan, but she was once again a damsel in distress, trapped in a sewer and drugged.  Nick did not physically help her, but he was still her knight in shining armour.  She had an image of him in her mind and he encouraged her to find the strength to carry on.  Still, Sharon is not home free yet.  Before her death, Jordan claimed that Ian killed Heather, but Chance will demand proof.  

By the way, not only is Jordan gone, but Sharon has said a final goodbye to the ghost of Cameron.  They actually parted on good terms.  I wonder what will happen to Cameron's blood-stained shirt now.

Jordan may be gone, but Ian Ward is still lurking in the shadows. In the previews, we saw him pointing a gun at Nick, Victor and Michael Baldwin.  According to online spoilers, Victor will vow to take on Ward at all costs, and Michel Baldwin will agree to a  dangerous assignment.  Why does Michael always have to do Victor's bidding, even if it puts his own life at risk?  He's such a lackey.

Billy Boy Abbott seems to have finally smartened up.  He's in a much better frame of mind.  He's decided to abandon his plan of revenge against Victor Newman, much to the relief of his brother Jack.  He also has spiffy new digs.  Sally Spectra decorated the place for him.  I still don't care much for Sally and Billy together.  I can't see any magic there.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Haley Erin (Claire Newman)

Claire!  Claire!  What have you done?  You are going to be in deep trouble.  Chance has already started asking questions about Jordan's death. Victor lied to protect Claire, Nikki, Victoria and himself.   He didn't tell Chance the whole story. He just said that Jordan poisoned herself.  Of course, he didn't mention Claire's involvement.  

The glory days are over for Claire, at least for now.  She's just been too happy for a soap character.  Everything was going her way.  Once the truth comes out (and it will). she's going to have a lot of explaining to do, and she may even be charged with manslaughter or second degree murder.  I find this change in Claire's character difficult to believe.  What will Kyle think when he learns what she did?  Will there romance survive?"  What do you think fans?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Will Claire and Kyle's romance survive after Jordan's death?

Yes, Kyle will support her and defend her actions.

No, they will break up. They have too much going against them, including Summer.

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 in this space on Saturday, February 8, 2025.

Take care,

Joanne

Get ready to pay more for Netflix service

 

In the early days of this new year, prepare to pay more for a subscription to Netflix.  On January 22, 2025, the streaming giant announced its decision to raise prices.  The increase will affect most plans in the United States, Canada, Portugal and Argentina.  The price hikes comes after the company reported adding a record 19 million new subscribers in the most recent quarter.  That's right!  19 million new subscribers, for a total of 302 million members.  Revenue was 16 per cent higher over the last three months of 2024 compared to a year earlier, surpassing $10 billion in a single quarter for the first time.

Unfortunately, Netflix's good fortune will not be passed on to its subscribers.  They will not be given a break.  Here's why - according to Netflix.  In a letter to its shareholders, the company stated that the latest price increases allow the company to reinvest "to further improve Netflix."  Co-CEO Greg Peters said, "We listen for signals like engagement, retention, acquisition," and other secondary signals.  All to tell us when we've achieved that increase in value.  And when we've done, then we asked them to pay a bit more to keep that virtuous cycle going."

This is Netflix's first price change in the United States since October 2023.  The 2025 subscription prices are as follows:

* The ad-supported tier increases to $7.99 monthly, up from $ 6.99.

* The standard ad-free tier increases to $17.99 monthly, up from $15.49.

* The premium tier increases to $24.99 monthly, up from $22.99.

I understand that Netflix is a business.  However, the company is enjoying enormous profits and unprecedented growth. It should share some of that profit with consumers, not just its shareholders.  Netflix's subscribers have fueled its growth.  It is only fair that they should also share in its good fortune.  Jacking up prices during a time of increased profit does not send a message of good will.  Netflix has acted selfishly. It has blown an opportunity to improve its image by giving its customers a much-needed break.  At the very least, it should have refrained from increasing its prices for the time being.  As Netflix becomes more and more expensive, it risks driving subscribers away.  They will seek more affordable options.

- Joanne       

Y&R Report (January 11, 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,

I hope you had a great holiday, celebrating Christmas, Hannukah and the New Year.  As Genoa City rang in 2025, Sharon was kidnapped by wicked Aunt Jordan, and Tessa was drugged by the diabolical Ian Ward.  Once again, Sharon is the damsel in distress.  Nick will probably rescue her, unless Adam gets there first.  Nick Newman is not the sharpest knife in the drawer.  It's him too long to realize Sharon is in big trouble.  Faith realized immediately that Sharon was in some kind of danger when her mother failed to show up for the New Year's party.  Nick initially tried to play it down.  Now he's really worried and angry.  He rapped on Ian and Jordan's hotel room and confronted Ian, while Jordan hid herself.  How did Nick know where to find Ian?  How did he find the hotel room?  Unless I missed something, there was no explanation.  I guess that's just one of those questions a soap doesn't want you to ask.

Claire is the happiest she's ever been in her entire life.  Her romance with Kyle is blossoming, and she has a new job as Nikki's assistant at Chancellor.  That can only mean one thing on a soap.  Her life is about to take a dramatic turn for the worst.  Her demented great aunt, Jordan, will do everything in her power to ruin Claire's happiness.  Claire doesn't even know that Jordan is out of prison yet.  She'll find that out soon enough.

The two old pros, Colleen Zenk and Ray Wise are quite entertaining as Aunt Jordan and Ian Ward.  The dastardly duo is shaking Genoa City to the core.  Ray Wise (Ian Ward) is hilarious as a phony chaplain with his false piety, his hat and his Bible.

So, we caught our first glimpse of Nate's half-brother, Damian.  Will Damian be attracted to Audra, Lily or both?  There will certainly be a conflict between Nate and Damian if he goes after Audra.  Speaking of Audra, she seems so different these days, kinder and gentler.  Could it be because she's in love with Nate?  She never  had genuine feelings for Tucker or Kyle.

Billy Abbott is not very likeable right now.  He's got such a chip on his shoulder.  Sure, Victor and Nikki and Jill wronged him, but he should just move on.  Lily was wronged too, but she was wise enough to move on.  At this point, it won't do any good for Billy to fight a war against Victor Newman.  It seems to me that Billy Boy is quite insecure.  He feels he has to prove himself.  He's be better offer spending his time on a new project or starting a new company.  Instead, he's angry and miserable.  Also, I don't think he has good chemistry with Sally Spectra.  The two don't really connect.  It seems that they are trying too hard to make sparks fly.  However, the sparks just aren't there.

As for Phyllis, she might need the legal services of Michael Baldwin.  It appears that Ian and Jordan's diabolical plan to frame the fiery redhead for harming or killing Sharon may work for a while.  Phyllis is her own worst enemy.  She can't seem to control what comes out of her mouth.

I do think that a certain character in Genoa City may die as a result of Jordan and Ian's actions.  I have to agree with an online writer who suggested that Cole Howard may be the sacrificial lamb. It makes sense because, as the writer points out, he's expendable.  He's not an essential character and he's expendable.

CAST NEWS

Eric Braeden loses home in Los Angeles wildfires 

On The Young and the Restless, Eric Baeden's Victor Newman character recently rebuilt his original ranch.  The ranch was set on fire by his former daughter-in-law, Sharon.  In real life, Eric's home in Will Rogers Park was destroyed by the raging Los Angeles wildfires.  Recently Eric posted a video of the fires burning near his house.  An orange glow is reflected in his swimming pool.  The caption alongside the video reads "Behind my house!  The worst EVER in LA."  The video showed how close the flames were to Eric's home, too close for comfort.

Eric's castmates and friends, including Lauaralee Bell (Christine "Cricket" Williams and Greg Rikaart (Keven Fisher) and Melissa Ordway (Abby Newman Winters) responded quickly to the situation.  They sent well wishes to Eric and his family.

 The next day, Eric posted an updated video and revealed that he had been forced to evacuate his home in order to remain safe.  Eric is obviously heartbroken.  He'd lived in that home for 45 years, and in the area for 60 years.  His castmate, Joshua Morrow, who plays his son, Nicholas Newman, helped him learn about the fate of his house.  Josh broke through barriers and sent Eric images of the devastation.  The images were tough for Eric to see.

Appearing on CNN, Eric said, "The house can be rebuilt, but everything you've gathered over the years [cannot].

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Just when you thought Cameron (Linden Ashby) was gone for good, he's back . . .along with his blood-stained shirt.  I thought Sharon's delusions had ended.  Jordan must have drugged her.  Fans, what do you think about the return of Cameron?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Are you pleased that Cameron is back? Do you like his character?.

Yes, he's a good actor and I enjoy his scenes with Sharon.

No, he's annoying. I am tired of that bloody shirt.

I liked watching him at first, but now I've had enough of him.

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 the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, January 25, 2025.

Take care,

Joanne

What to expect in Season Four of "Son of a Critch"

Season Four of Son of a Critch debuted on the CBC on Tuesday, January 7th.  Season Four consists of 13 episodes, filmed in St. John's Newfoundland last summer.  The coming-of-age comedy is based on comedian Mark Critch's memoir of his boyhood in St. John's, also called Son of a Critch.  As the series moves into the 1990s, 14-year-old Mark Critch, portrayed masterfully by British actor Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, faces new challenge and family issues.  As a Grade 10 student, Mark finds himself at the bottom rung during his first year of high school.

Mark Critch

Ainsworth

The school Mark attends is Holy Heart of Mary, the same Catholic high school that the real Mark Critch attended in the 1990s.  The scenes were shot during July and August, when classes were not in session.  

Here are some things to watch for in the new season:  Spoiler Alert: If you'd rather not know what happens in Season Four, skip the information below.

* Mark's grandfather, Patrick "Pop" Critch, played by veteran English actor Malcolm McDowell, finally moves into his own  bedroom, after years of sharing a room with Mark.  However, the 80-year-old faces a serious illness.

McDowell

* Mark's mother, Mary Critch, played by Clair Rankin of Prince Edward Island, returns to school.  Mary also has to deal with menopause and a mid-life crisis.

Claire Rankin

* Mark's brother, Mike Critch Jr., played by Colton Gobbo from Sudbury, Ontario, sets out on a radio career, joining a new FM station called Magic 97, putting him in direct competition with his own father, Mike Sr,, played by the real Mark Critch (Yes, Critch plays his own father, Mike Critch Sr., a real-life Newfoundland radio legend),  The senior Critch struggles to feel relevant amid new ownership and possible changes at his radio station.

Colton Gobbo

* Mark's best friend, Richie (Mark Ezekiel Rivera) follows his dream of being a musician and forms forms his first band, Potatobug.

* Mark's red-haired love interest, Fox (Sophia Powers), starts a new job and finds new friends.

Two actors have been added to the cast for Season Four.  Labrador native Shawn Doyle plays Kevin Lewis, a well-know local actor and Holy Heart of Mary drama teacher.  Doyle's screen credits include 24 and Desperate Housewives and The Eleventh Hour.  His Kevin Lewis character becomes Mark's mentor and nurtures his love for acting. He encourages Mark to start a comedy troupe called Cat Fud.  

Shawn Doyle

The real Kevin Lewis

The real-life Mark Critch actually had a mentor and friend named Kevin Lewis.  Lewis, a pillar of Newfoundland theatre, died last February at the age of 81.  Filming Doyle's scenes, many in the Holy Heart stage where Lewis taught, was an emotional experience for Critch.  "It's like stepping into a memory, he told The Telegram, a St. John's newspaper, in July when the scenes were filmed.  It's bittersweet and Shawn is brilliant in the role."

One of my favourite comedians, Newfoundland's own Rick Mercer, has also joined the cast for two episodes this season.  He portrays Bruce Bartlett, a businessman who made his fortune as a car salesman.  Bartlett becomes the new owner of radio station VOCM.  Here's how Mercer explained his role to The Telegram ." "I'm the guy who buys VOCM and I decide to drag it into the modern world.  Of course, Mark's father, Mike, is not really part of the modern world, so he's very concerned what this Bruce Bartlett character might do to the radio station, including changing formats and getting rid of talk."

Rick Mercer

- Joanne