Y&R Report (May 8, 2021): 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,

Faith Newman is experiencing another medical crisis. Doctors discovered that she needed a kidney  transplant.  Unfortunately, they also found that she has a rare blood type.  Surprise! Surprise! Her Uncle Adam, the black sheep of the family, turned out to be the only relative whose blood type matched hers.  Now she is about to have surgery.  She spoke to Adam beforehand and she seemed to reconcile with him,  He assured her that he regretted any pain he had caused her.  Yet, I can't help but wonder what Faith's reaction will be when Sharon and Adam hook up, as I am almost certain they will. 

So, Nikki and Sharon are getting along much better now.  We now know that Nikki prefers Sharon to Phyllis.  She told Sharon that she would much rather have her son Nick with Sharon than that wild and crazy hotel owner.  That says a lot about how much Nikki despises Phyllis.  Nikki was strongly opposed her son's marriage to Sharon, whom she considered to be a gold digger.  It's hard to forget the sour expression on her face at their wedding.  I guess she doesn't think anyone is good enough for her darling Nicholas.

Nikki and Sharon's, friendliness might not last because according to an online spoiler, Nikki will catch Sharon off guard.  The probably means that Sharon will accidently reveal her true feelings about Adam to her former mother-in-law.  It is so obvious that she would rather be with Adam and that she can't stay away from him.  The expression on her face when Adam said he would be leaving town once Faith's surgery said it all.  She looked very disappointed.  However, I don't expect that Adam will be going anywhere.  Victor has issued an ultimatum to Chelsea (Melissa Claire Egan) and she is scared out of her wits that he will take her son Connor away from her.  She appears ready to confess, but will she?  Is the jig up for the con woman?  Well, Melissa Claire Egan is having a baby in August and  she will be going on maternity leave soon.  That means that Chelsea will either be heading to prison or she will somehow escape and become a fugitive for a while.

It's ridiculous that Rey is investigating an attempted murder on himself.  It would never be allowed.  He is far too emotionally involved.  He is so biased against Adam that he can hardly wait to put the handcuffs on his adversary.  I know it's a soap, but don't insult our intelligence.  Furthermore, is Rey the only detective in the Genoa City Police Department?  How did he get assigned to the case, and where is Paul Williams (Doug Davidson)?  Why couldn't the writers give Paul a role in this storyline?  By the way, Doug has a real advocate in Eric Braeden (Victor Newman).  Eric has joined the legions of fans demanding that his fellow Emmy-winner be returned to centre stage.  Yesterday, Braeden tweeted, "I've been in Dougie Davidson's corner for years."  He added, "I think it is utterly wrong that he hasn't been involved in storylines.  He is one of the all-time favorites on our soap and should bloody well be an important part of it."  Davidson then replied, "Thank you, my friend.  You are so incredibly kind."

We know that Victor almost always gets his way.  He has been giving his total support for Adam.  So, I expect better days ahead the black sheep.

As for Nick Newman, he was involved in the best scene he's had for a long time when he had to persuade Adam to give himself up in order to donate a kidney to Faith.  It was fascinating to see Nick in a situation where he was forced to work together with his despised brother for the common cause of saving Faith's life.  Those scenes with Nick and Adam in Kansas were quite poignant as they faced a tornado and a collapsing roof together.  Kudos to Joshua Morrow (Nick) and Mark Grossman (Adam) for their performance in those scenes.

Could there be a romance in the offing between Dr. Nate and Lola?  The doc and the chef have been pretty chummy lately.  Lols tried to play matchmaker and smooth things over between Nate and Elena, but it didn't work.  Nate seems to be finished with Elena.  Elena can't stop dreaming of Devon, so I don't blame Nate for not wanting to be second choice.  However, if Lola and Nate become a couple, there will be complications since Elena is Lola's roommate.  Elena may feel that Lola is disloyal as  a friend, that she has betrayed her.

Well fans, there doesn't seem to be much COVID social distancing for couples on Y&R anymore.  Until now, only the real-life couples like Bryton James (Devon Hamilton) and Brytny Sarpy (Elena Dawson) and Sharon Case (Sharon Rosales) and Mark Grossman (Adam Newman).were seen kissing and hugging

A QUESTION WE'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO ASK, BUT I'LL ASK IT ANYWAY

How could Kyle not have known until recently that Tara had had a baby?  He couldn't have been that much out of the loop.  At the very least, Theo, as an internet influencer, would have found out three years ago, when Harrison was born.  Wouldn't Theo have mentioned it to Kyle then?  

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

'

Summer Newman, also know as "Snowflake" and heartbreaker Kyle Abbott, are planning a wedding.  They have survived Kyle's past philandering with Tara Locke, but can they survive the fact that he and Tara share a son?  Will they make it to the altar this time?  Fans, do you want them to stay together.  Respond to the poll below and let me know how you feel about "Skyle."

Do you think Kyle and Summer should stay together?

Yes, they were made for each other. They are both spoiled brats.

Yes, they have great chemistry and they are very romantic.

No, they aren't strong enough to last. Kyle's son with Tara will eventually break them up.

No, I don't like them together.

Other

Please Specify:

Created with Poll Creator

NOTE TO READERS

If you have any comments on Y&R, please email them to me with "Viewer Forum" in the subject line. I will be happy to publish your comments and reply to them  You do not have to use your real name.  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 nest edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, May 22, 2021.  Enjoy the May sweeps.  I'm looking forward to watching Kyle and Summer's engagement party.

Take care.

Joanne

A Look Back at The Jetsons: How accurate was its vision of the future?

"It’s easy for some people to dismiss “The Jetsons” as just a TV show, and a lowly cartoon at that. But this little show—for better and for worse—has had a profound impact on the way that Americans think and talk about the future."

- Matt Novk

Smithsonian.com, September 19, 2012

Those old Hanna-Barbera cartoons of the 1960s are quite enjoyable, even in today's world of computer-generated animation.  A case in point is The Jetsons, about a futuristic space age family.  The Jetsons was the flip side of The Flinstones, another Hanna-Barbera-produced animated series that took place in the "modern stone age."  Who can forget the catchy ditty that was The Jetsons' opening theme?  Remember . . .

"Meet George Jetson, his boy Elroy,, daughter Judy, Jane his wife . . ."

The Jetsons originally ran in prime time for just one season on ABC, from September 23, 1962 to March 17, 1963.  It lasted 24 episodes before it was cancelled.  After cancellation, its syndicated reruns were shown as part of the Saturday morning cartoon lineup.  The show gained a whole new audience on Saturday mornings and proved to be quite popular.  Fresh episodes were produced in 1985 and 1987, increasing the number of episodes to 75.

The Jetsons is set in an ultramodern world circa 2062 (one hundred years from its original broadcast date of 1962).  The Jetsons resided in the Skypad Apartments in Orbit city.  The family consisted of George Jetson, his wife, Jane, and their two children, Judy and Elroy.  They had a robot maid named Rosey, who handled menial household chores.  They also had a dog named Astro, who was George Jetson's beloved pet and Elroy's loyal companion.  Astro even had a catchphrase.  It was "Ruh-Roh, Reorge!" (Translation: "Uh-Oh, George!). 

Astro

George Jetson, originally voiced by actor George O'Hanlon, (1912-1989), was employed by Spacely's Sprokets Inc., owned by Cosmos Spacely (voiced by Mel Blanc in the TV series).  George commuted to work in an atomic-powered bubble.  His job title was "digital index operator."  He only worked about three hours a day for three days a week.  He literally pushed buttons on and off. Yet, in a 1980s episode, George complains about his heavy work load.

George Jetson

Cosmos G. Spacely, originally voiced by Mel Blanc (1908-1989), who provided the voice of Bugs Bunny.  Mr. Spacely was a stereotypically harsh boss, always screaming at George at the top of his lungs, complaining about George's work performance.  He often fired George in a fit of wrath, but always hired him back.  Spacely was a short, quick-tempered man with thinning hair and a toothbrush moustache.

Mr. Spacely

Jane Jetson, voiced by actress Penny Singleton (1908-2003) in the TV series, was George's wife.  Jane was a homemaker.  She shopped at Mooning Dales and she was interested in fashion and new gadgetry.  Jane was a member of the Galaxy Women Historical Society and was a fan of Leonardo de Venus and Picasso Pia.  Although she had a robot maid and automated apartment appliances, she sometimes tired from pushing buttons and needed to take a vacation.  Jane was not afraid to stand up to George's boss, Mr. Spacely, when he irritated George.

Jane Jetson

Judy Jetson, voiced by Janet Waldo (1920-2016), in the TV series, was a typical futuristic teenage girl with futuristic tastes in clothes.  She enjoyed chatting on the phone and shopping.  She had a digital diary named Didi, which can be loosely compared to Facebook, although it was a private diary..  Judy attended Orbit High School.  She had platinum blonde hair, which she wore in a ponytail on top of her head. 

Judy Jetson

Elroy Jetson, voiced by Daws Butler (1916-1988) in the TV series, was an intelligent boy, very skilled 

in space sciences.  The youngest of the Jetsons, Elroy was a student at Little Dipper School.

Elroy Jetson

What is so intriguing about The Jetsons, especially the original 24 episodes,  is that the show provides a view of the latter half of the 21st century from an early 1960s perspective.  It is worth taking a look at the  gadgets and technology that The Jetsons envisioned for the future.  Much of it has actually come to pass.  In fact, The Jetsons was amazingly accurate in its predictions.  For example, George's work computer was called RUDI (Referential Universal Digital Indexer) in the 1980s episodes.  We now have Yahoo and Google.  We also have Siri and Alexa to answer our questions immediately.  

George was able to see and speak with his boss, Mr. Spacely, and his family from his computer screen.  In 2021, less than 60 years since The Jetsons premiered, we commonly view others and chat with them via Skype and Zoom video calls.  In his home, George kept up with the news on his computer screen, an unfamiliar concept in the 1960s.

Jane and Elroy having a video call with George

The Jetsons also envisioned Smart Watches or Iwatches.

In just over 40 years, we will reach 2062, the futuristic year of The Jetsons.  Our current world is not as space-oriented as the world of The Jetsons.  We do not wear space suits or travel in flying cars and spaceships every day.  We do not commonly fly around with jet packs.  The Jetsons featured moving walkways, which are common in today's airports, but not as widespread as in the world of  The Jetsons.  Our households do not commonly have domestic robot maids such as Rosey.  However, they certainly exist and may become more popular, especially in Japan.   By 2062, they may actually be commonplace.

Rosey, the robot maid, was voiced by Jean Vander Pyl (1919-1999), who also provided the voice of Wilma Flintstone.  The Jetsons' housekeeper wore a frilly apron and she often used a separate vacuum cleaner.  

Rosey, the robot maid

The Jetsons featured drones and holographs.  In the classic introduction to the show, the Jetson children are dropped off at school via flying pods.  Although we don't yet see drones delivering people to preferred locations, they are being used increasingly for transporting packages and taking aerial photographs.  The Jetson family also had a holographic Christmas tree to ring in the festive season, although not exactly the hologram versions of entertainers seen at the Billboard Music Awards.

To me, the 24 original 1962-63 episodes are far more significant than any Jestsons shows made in the 1980s or later.  The Jetsons certainly reflects more of an early 1960s social view than a 21st century one.  Jane Jetson did not work outside the home and there were no Blacks or Asians on the original series.  However, where technology is concerned, the series was very prescient.  Its view of the feature was quite remarkable from the vantage point of the early 1960s

END NOTES

* The Jetsons was the first show broadcast in colour by the ABC network.  However, the original ABC show was cancelled because of the "lack of colour."  In 1962 fewer than 3 per cent of American homes had colour televion.  Since they viewed The Jetsons in black and white, they missed out on the vibrant colours of the show.  

* The Jetsons has a Canadian connection.  George Jetson's boss, Mr. Spacely, founded Spacely Sprockets in Newfoundland in 1937 "where it prospered until massive surface pollution necessitated a move to elevated platforms in space."  Spacely Sprokets Inc.was relocated to Orbit City and Cogwell Cogs became its main business rival.  

* The catchy theme song from The Jetsons was written by American composer Hoyt Curtin (1922-2000).  Curtin composed TV commercials in the 1950s and he first met William Hanna and Joseph Barbera when he worked on a beer commercial they were producing for MGM.  Curtin became the primary musical director for the animation studio.  Over the years, he wrote the music to the most well known Hanna-Barbera series including Yogi Bear, The Flintstones, Huckleberry Hound, Quick-Draw McGraw, Top Cat , Scooby Doo and The Smurfs.  An August 28, 1986 story in the Los Angeles Times states: "The quirky, jazzy "Jetsons" theme has suddenly emerged as a pop hit . . . On a given day, the 1962 tune might play between Twisted Sister and Genesis on any one of several rock 'm' roll radio stations in Los Angeles.  George and the family have an animated video on MTV.  And "The Jetsons" theme, re-recorded in stereo, recently reached No. 9 on Billboard magazines retail sales charts."

Hoyt Curtin

* Morey Amsterdam and Pat Carroll both filed $12,000 lawsuits against Hanna-Barbera in 1963 for breach of contract.  They contended that they had signed for the roles of George and Jane Jetson respectively.  

* The original 24 1960s episodes of The Jetsons contained a laugh track, which was common practice at the time (The Flintstones also had a laugh track).  The 1980s version of The Jetsons did not have one.

* Hanna-Barbera produced a full length film based on the animated TV show.  It was called Jetsons: The Movie and was released in 1990.  Both George O'Hanlon and Mel Blanc died in 1989, during production of the film.  Jetsons: The Movie was distributed by Universal Pictures and did not receive positive reviews for its animation or its story.  It was the last official Jetsons production until 2017's The Jetsons & WWE: Robo Wrestlemania, a colaberation between Warner Brothers and WWE Studios.  This direct-to-video animated film had none of the original voice cast, as they had all passed away.

SOURCES: Smithsonian Magazine, "50 Years of the Jetsons: Why The Show Still Matters," by Matt Novak, September 19, 2012; TechCrunch (techcrunch.com), "It's 2012 Already: So Where Are All The Jetsons Flying Cars," by John Orlin, January 1, 2012; Entrepreneur, "8 Far-Out 'Jetsons' Contraptions That Actually Exist Today," by Nina Zipkin; April 17, 2015; Los Angeles Times "'Jetsons' Revival Brings Limelight to Composer," by David Wharton; August 28, 1986; Wikipedia

- Joanne

Poll: The best guest host on Jeopardy! . . . so far

Regular readers of TV Banter will know I am a huge fan of Jeopardy!  Since Alex Trebek's, passing, six people have filled in as guest hosts. The list includes:

Ken Jennings - Jeopardy! champ, (holds the record for the longest winning streak on  the show), author, television host

Mike Richards - game show producer and host, executive producer of Jeopardy!

Mike Richards

Katie Couric - television journalist and TV host

Dr. Mehmet Oz - cardiothoracic surgeon, television personality and author

 Aaron Rodgers - star quarterback for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League

Anderson Cooper.- journalist and CNN host

Anderson Cooper

POLL:  Jeopardy! fans, who has been the best guest host of Jeopardy! so far?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Who has been the best guest host of Jeopardy! so far?

Ken Jennings

Mike Richards

Katie Couric

Dr. Mehmet Oz

Aaron Rodgers

Anderson Cooper

Create your own poll vote

FUTURE JEOPARDY! GUEST HOSTS

Sony Pictures has announced some other personalities who will serve as Jeopardy! guest hosts will be.

LeVar Burton - actor, director, educator

George Sephanopoulos and Robin Roberts of Good Morning America,

David Faber- financial journalist and market news analyst for CNBC

Bill Whitaker - television journalist and CBS news correspondent on 60 Minutes

Bill Whitaker

Buzzy Cohen - music recording industry executive, former Jeopardy! champion

Mayim Bialak, - actress (Blossom, The Big Bang Theory), neuroscientist, author

Mayim Bialak, 

Savannah Guthrie - broadcast journalist, co-anchor of NBC news morning show Today

Dr. Sanjay Gupta - neurosurgeon, CNN medical reporter

Joe Buck - sportscaster, author and TV host, best known for his lengthy career with Fox Sport

Joe Buck

It's fun watching the guest hosts, but sooner or later, a permanent host will be announced.  Until then, I will keep you posted.


- Joanne

Y&R Report (April 24, 2021): 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, Victor Newman is showing his ruthless streak again.  Ashland Locke had a heart attack right in front of Victor's eyes.  Victor, however, would not call 911 until Locke signed the contract giving him and Adam control of Locke's media company.

However, it is obvious that the contract Locke signed would never hold up in a court of law.  It was definitely signed under duress, while the man was suffering a medical crisis.  Locke could easily prove that and Victor wouldn't have a leg to stand on.  He would not be awarded the company under those circumstances.  - but wait - I've though of something else.  There is a possibility that Ashland might not survive.  What if he doesn't survive?  Where would that leave Tara and Harrison.  As Harrison's biological father, wouldn't Kyle want to step up?  I am doubtful that this will happen., though.  Although he character of Ashland is not indispensable to the show, but Richard Burgi, who plays the business mogul, is such a good actor that Y&R probably wants to keep him for a while longer.

In one way, Ashand's death does make sense.  The widow Tara would pose a serious threat to Kyle and Summer.  However, Ashland makes a great rival for Victor Newman.  I get the impression that Eric Braeden really enjoys playing the dark side of his character.  He seems to take delight when his Victor taunts his enemies, especially his current nemesis "Billy Boy" Abbott.  Yet Billy is not as powerful and imposing as Ashland Locke.  I truly hope Ashland survives and stays around for a while.  He is a much more formidable foe than Billy.

Here's my problem with the "new" Faith Newman, Reylynn Caster.  I find her quite different than Alyvia Alyn Lind.  Alyvia is not only over four years younger and not aa tall, but she played Faith as  more sensitive and vulnerable.  Relynn Caster resembles Sharon, but she seems more like Faith's older sister than Faith herself.  That was very evident in the scene in which Relynn as Faith confronted Jordan.  It was hard to believe that Jordan ever bullied Faith.  It seemed that Jordan was afraid of Faith.  It was difficult to fathom that this "new" Faith was ever intimidated by Jordan.  This Faith is much tougher.  She can handle herself and she didn't need Moses to help her deal with someone at school who was harassing her.  

According to the previews for next week and an online spoiler, Faith will face  a medical crisis.  In the previews, we hear that the teen has fainted.  With her marriage crumbling, Sharon doesn't need another crisis, but she's certainly going to get one.

What is going on with Chance?  He has contacted Abby but there seems to be something dark in the offing.  The music and the atmosphere surrounding Chance seems bleak and forbidding.  Wil return or will he be killed in the line of duty?  Is Abby destined to be a widow and be forced to bring up her baby without Chance?  In a previous edition of Y&R Report, I mentioned that Y&R was sending out a casting call for a 30-something adventurous male.  That certainly fits the description of Chance.  However, according to an internet spoiler, Princess Victoria Newman is going to cause a stir in Genoa City when she starts spending a lot of time with a new business colleague.  Could that be the 30-something male who will be joining the cast?

CAST NEWS

Mishael Morgan (Amanda Sinclair) replaced temporarily due to eye surgery - but not for long

Mishael Morgan

Karla Mosley

Mishael Morgan, who portrays legal eagle Amanda Sinclair on Y&R, was replaced temporarily while recovering from emergency eye surgery for a detached retina.  Mishael's replacement, Karla Mosley (ex-Maya Avant on The Bold and the Beautiful and ex-Christina Moore on Guiding Light), will be seen on screen next week.  On April 15, Mishael tweeted, "I am so grateful this beautiful and talented woman stepped in for me on such short notice and allowed me to heal.  I can't wait to be back, but it comforts me to know that Amanda is in such great hands."

Karla's stint on   Y&R was very brief.  Mishael is already back filming new episodes.  She wrote on Instagram, "First day back and it's like riding a bike!"

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Jordi Vilasuso (Rey Rosales)

Should he stay or should he go?  Should Detective Rey Rosales still try to salvage his marriage to Sharon or should he cut his losses and tell her that he is absolutely finished with Adam's interference in their marriage?  Rey seemed to have had enough, but now he's wavering again.  What do you think, fans?  Should Rey leave Sharon?  Reply to the poll below and let me know.

Should Rey leave Sharon?

Yes. How much more can he take? He'll always play second fiddle to Adam.

No. Rey and Sharon are still newlyweds. They should try to repair their relationship.

Maybe, as long as Adam is completely out of the picture.

I don't know.

Other

Please Specify:

Create your own Polls

NOTE TO READERS

If you have any comments on Y&R, please email them to me with "Viewer Forum" in the subject line. I will be happy to publish your comments and reply to them  You do not have to use your real name.  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 next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, May 8, 2021.  The May sweeps will soon be upon us, so there should be much excitement in Genoa City.

Take care and stay safe.

- Joanne

Keeping up with John Davidson

 

"They don't come any nicer than John Davidson.  The dark-haired, Pittsburgh-born singer/TV personality . . .  is highly defined and sometimes cursed by his clean-cut, fresh-faced, apple-cheeked handsomeness."

- Internet Movie Data Base (IMDb) biography, by Gary Brumburgh

John Davidson certainly fit the definition of handsome, with his engaging smile, his dimples, his perfectly-coiffed hair and his baritone voice.  John was even voted "best looking" in his high school yearbook.  Yet he has built his career on far more than just a handsome face.  He has always been a consummate entertainer and he has taken on some difficult dramatic roles.

From the late 1960s to the early 1990a, John was a fixture on American television.  He was ubiquitous  

as an actor, singer, game show personality and host.  He showed up everywhere on North American TV screens,  A frequent guest on the original Hollywood Squares with Peter Marshall, John also hosted variety shows and made guest appearances on a number of popular comedies and dramas.

John Hamilton Davidson was born on December 13, 1941, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. the son of two ordained Baptist ministers. John's father, Rev. Dr. James Allie Davidson was minister at Knoxville Baptist Church in Pittsburgh from 1934 until 1940.  Dr. Davidson met his wife, Elizabeth Peck of Pittsburgh, when they were at the Newton Seminary in Boston.  They married in 1933.  In addition to John, they had three other sons: David Beck (born 1937), Porter (born 1938) and William Lee (born 1950).  Porter passed away in 1967.

Although John was born in Pittsburgh, he lived in Brocton, Massachusetts from age two to age 14.  The Davidson family eventually moved to White Plains, New York, where John's father served at the First Baptist Church of White Plains for 17 years.  In 1959, John graduated from White Plains High School.  He then earned a B.A in theatre arts from Denison University, a private liberal arts college in Granville, Ohio.  He majored in theatre arts because he thought it would help him become a minister like his parents.  However, John soon decided that preaching was not for him.  He realized that he enjoyed theatre but did not wish to get involved with organized religion.  He preferred to sing about love, not preach it.  So, he did some summer stock and went to New York City to launch a career in show business.  In 1964, he made his Broadway debut in a production of Foxy, starring Burt Lahr. 

In a 2011 interview with Greg Palmer, John explained how he first became involved the entertainment business.  "With my theatre arts college degree in hand, I headed for Broadway after doing three seasons of summer stock.  Bob Banner, the TV producer found me in a Broadway show and molded my career.  He advised that I be a pitchfork rather than a spear.  He helped me develop myself into a multifaced performer.  That has been my survival."

Bob Banner, who co-produced The Carol Burnett Show from 1967 to 1972, cast John Davidson.in his television debut in The Fantasticks.  John played Matt in the 1964 Hallmark of Fame TV version of that musical.  During the 1960s, the busy entertainer hosted his own daytime talk show, many beauty pageants and the Kraft Summer Music Hall, a 1966 comedy music variety show  which featured regulars Flip Wilson, George Carlin and Richard Pryor.  In 1967, he  appeared in an episode of the first season of The Carol Burnett Show.  

John as host of Kraft Summer Music Hall in 1966

During the early1970s, John guest-starred in several popular television shows.  Most notably, he appeared in episodes of The Interns (1971), The F.B.I. (1972), Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law (1972) and Here's Lucy (1973).  In the Here's Lucy episode, "Lucy and the Professor" (Season 5, Episode 19, Air Date: January 29, 1973), John portrayed Professor John Kleindorf.  In the episode. Lucy's daughter Kim, played by her real life-daughter Lucie Arnaz, dates the young professor.  Lucy, however, mistakenly believes that the professor is an old man and makes a date with him herself to prove that he is a two-timer.   

John and Lucie Arnaz on Here's Lucy

From 1973 to 1974. John co-starred with Sally Field in the short-lived fantasy sitcom The Girl with Something Extra.  The series aired on NBC for one season (22 episodes).  It was about the misadventures of a newly married couple named John and Sally Burton.  John Burton, portrayed by Davidson, discovered that his wife, played by Sally Field, had the power to read people's mind, also known as ESP..  

Although The Girl with Something Extra, aired right after the popular Sanford and Son, it never caught on with viewers.  It was cancelled after its first season due to low ratings.

Below is a publicity photo of John Davidson and Sally Field for The Girl with Something Extra.

John Davidson proved that he could take on challenging dramatic roles.  He received favorable reviews for his performance in a 1974 episode of The Streets of San Francisco entitled "Mask of Death" (Season 3, Episode 4, Air Date: October 3, 1974).  He played professional female impersonator Ken Scott, who suffered from mental illness.

In the late 1970s, John served as one of four guest hosts, along with Joey Bishop, McLean Stevenson and Joan Rivers, on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.  In fact, he filled in for Johnny over 80 times.   

From 1980 to 1984, John Davidson was one of the three hosts of the realty show That's Incredible!.  The other hosts were Fran Tarkenton and Cathy Lee Crosby.  That's Incredible! was similar to Ripley's Believe it or Not.  It featured people performing stunts or displaying rare talents, as well as scientific or technological innovations. There were also reenactments of reportedly paranormal happenings.  At the end of an especially amazing segment of the show, the host would utter the catchphrase "That's incredible!"

Below is a photo from Left to Right:  Fran Tarkenton, Cathy Lee Crosby and John Davidson as hosts of That's Incredible! 

In the 1980s, John guest-starred in episodes of Fantasy Island, Hotel (1983) (1984), The Love Boat (1985) and Spenser For Hire (1986).  In the Spenser For Hire episode, "At the River's Edge' (Season 1, Episode 20, Air Date: March 25, 1986), he portrayed a crusading preacher, Rev. Bobby Freemont.  Freemont is linked to the murder of a 19-year-old girl who was murdered by an ex-convict.

In 1985, John hosted Time Machine, a game show on NBC, in  which contestants competed to answer trivia questions on popular culture and recent history.    From 1986 to 1989, John hosted an updated version of The Hollywood Squares called The New Hollywood Squares  

John Davidson has been married twice.  On December 29, 1968, he wed singer-actress Jackie Miller.  Jackie was an original member of The New Christy Minstrels and she was once part of a  female folk duo called Jackie and Gayle.  Her partner, Gale Caldwell, was also a former member of The New Christy Minstrels.  Jackie is known for her role as Toby Carr in the 1965 film Wild on the Beach.  Her credits also include a an appearance in a 1964 episode of the George Burns TV comedy Wendy and Me.  She and Gayle performed on The Red Skelton Hour in 1965 and 1966.

John with Jackie Miller

John and Jackie had two children, a son called John Davidson, Jr. and a daughter, Jennifer Davidson.  Jennifer became a professional figure skater and John Davidson, Jr. became an entrepreneur.  He is also speaks to other entrepreneurs about his program which his website describes as "getting back the freedom, confidence and earning power lost by all the financial trapping of success."

John Davidson, Jr.

John and Jackie divorced in 1982 and John married second wife Rhonda Rivera on December 10, 1983.  John first met Rhonda while doing his 1969 daytime talk show, The John Davidson Show.  Rhonda was a member of Blush, his back-up trio of women. The two have been married for 38 years and they have a have a daughter, Ashleigh Davidson.  

Rhonda

As John Davidson approaches his 80th birthday in December, he still takes delight in his music and he is still a troubadour. Music has always been his passion and he plays the guitar and the banjo. He has never had a No. 1 single and he says he enjoys performing in front on an audience rather than working in a recording studio.

John sings in English, French and Spanish.  He and Rhonda wanted to experience what it would be like living outside the United States.  So, when John turned 60, the couple moved to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where they lived for six years.  While in Mexico, John studied Spanish and learned several Spanish love songs.  

John and Rhonda returned to the United States and currently reside in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.  In a 2020 article in New Hampshire magazine, John wrote the following about how much he enjoyed living in the Granite State: "Pine trees everywhere.  Snow: I'd rather be cold than hot and sticky in Florida.  Cold makes me want to jump up and down.  I love jumping up and down.  Beautiful homes at amazing prices.  And even more, my feeling that in New Hampshire there is a sense of individualism, self-reliance and, yes, healthy skepticism.  Being a progressive, I of course, came here in search of other progressive liberals, but I've also encountered open-minded conservatives who have been an inspiration."

John Davidson still has a head of thick hair, although it is silvery white now.  He continues to do what he enjoys most - performing,  In 2016, John was asked to provide some advice "for young musicians struggling to get their music heard in these tough times.  He replied, "I'm still trying to figure it all out myself.  But I know that nothing beats performing again and again anywhere, for anyone, street corners, friends, family.  Sing at the drop of a hat, even if you have to drop the hat."

Does John have any plans to retire?  "I don't think I'll ever retire," he told the Palm Beach Post in 2013.  "I can't think of anything I'd rather be doing.  I love performing.  I love the act of singing, the act of breathing correctly.  It's a physical workout.  Singing feels good in my head, and I love being a story-teller."

John the troubadour

END NOTES

* On the night of May 28, 1977, John Davidson was was the headline performer at the Beverly Hills Supper Club in Southgate, Kentucky. A fire broke out and raged through the club.  165 people lost their lives.  Fortunately, John was not physically injured.

* John and Ashleigh Davidson appeared in a 2005 musical production of Shenandoah at the Surflight Theatre in Beach Haven, New Jersey.  Father and daughter also appeared in a 2007 production of the musical farce A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, also at the Surfllight.

* John is known for his roles in Disney movies such as The Happiest Millionaire (1967), starring Fred MacMurray and The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band (1968), starring Buddy Ebsen, Walter Brennan and Lesley Ann Warren.

* John's father, Rev. Dr. James A. Davidson died of cancer in Los Angles in 1984.  He was 75 years old at the time of his passing.  It's interesting to note that Dr. Davidson officiated at the weddings of many celebrities, including his son John's and those of Kenny Rogers and Dick Clark.  

* On January 19, 1969, John appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show along with Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, Liza Minnelli, The Lennon Sisters, Scoey Mitchell, Shelley Berman, Wayne & Shuster and Victor the Bear.  

* John and his wife, Rhonda, designed a series of card games called Borderline USA, to help children learn geography.

SOURCES: John Davidson's Official Website (www.johndavidson.com); New Hampshire Magazine, "Acting Your Age: John Davidson, January 16, 2020;  John Davidson interview with Greg Palmer, Jan 4, 2011; The Palm Beach Post, "The Scene Maker:John Davidson," by Janis Fontaine, March 3, 2013, T. Max's Music Site, John Davidson interview by A.J. Wachrwl, November 1, 2016; Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Obituary for Rev. Dr. James Allie Davidson, April 3, 1984; Wikipedia; Internet Movie Database (IMDb)- 

- Joanne

Y&R Report (April 10, 2021): 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 didn't take Ashland Locke very long to ascertain he truth about Kyle Abbott's dalliance with his wife Tara.  First of all, how did Locke figure it out so fast?  At that rate, it won't take him much longer to suspect that Kyle is his son Harrison's biological father.  Secondly, why would Locke show his cards so soon in the game?  Why would he let Kyle know that he's on to him?  I guess he's playing head games with Kyle.  Kyle himself thinks that Ashland is toying with him.

Ashland Locke is after something and I think I know what it is.  I think he's after control of Jabot and he'll have to bring down Jack and Kyle in order to achieve his goal.   When he discovers the truth about Harrison's paternity, he will be more determined than even to oust Kyle and Jack.  It will become extremely personal.

The whole Adam/Sharon/Chelsea/Rey storyline is rather convoluted.  It is not very credible, even for a soap.  It's a real head scratcher.  I'm  still trying to figure how Chelsea managed to pull it off, even with the support of Chloe, especially since Chloe was unaware of Chelsea's plan.  How did that poison get into Rey's shaving cream?  I had to laugh when Chelsea told Chloe that she didn't use enough poison to actually kill Rey.  Really!

So, Jack is disillusioned with Sally Spectra right now, and with good reason, but at least Sally came clean about her shady past.  She told Jack everything about her sordid life in Los Angeles - the kidnapping, faking a terminal illness etc.  Jack's own son, Kyle, has not been so forthright.  He has conveniently neglected to tell his father about Harrison.  Jack doesn't know that he's a grandfather yet,

Lauren is a smart boss and a good businesswoman.  I liked the way she put her foot down with both Sally and Summer.  She was quite firm, but fair, with the two of them.  She told them to get their act together and did not take sides.  Will Sally and Snowflake be able to settle their differences?  Somehow, I don't think so.

We got our first glimpse of 16-year-old Moses Winters.  He seems like a very personable young man, although quite nosey.  He is especially interested in the love lives of Devon and Dr. Nate.  He is very curious about whom they are dating.  Naturally, Moses is smitten with Faith.  Will they call it puppy love?

VIEWER FORUM

Your feedback is very important to me and is much appreciated. 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

Here is an email that I received from longtime Y&R viewer Carly in Barrhaven, Ontario. 

Adam has been nicely set up by Chelsea.  I hope she gets caught.  Alyvia Alyn Lind, the young girl who plays Faith, is leaving the show and being replaced.  I figured the Good Samaritan who rescued Faith was Adam.  Things should heat up with Ashland Locke. That's for sure.  Instead of getting rid of Chance, they should have gotten rid of Kyle (Michael Mealor).  He's a terrible actor and I fast forward a lot of scenes with him and Summer.

Adam is no angel but I also hope Chelsea will get caught soon.  She's become far too smug and she's always been a con woman.  She's been unfair to her friend Chloe and I'm tired of seeing her in those velour tracksuits.  

Yes, it was pretty obvious that Adam was the one who rescued Faith.  It was an interesting development because it makes Adam more complex than ever.  He has many sides to him.  The fact that he saved Faith has drawn Sharon closer to him.  It has become a source of harsh conflict between Sharon and Rey.  Rey hit the roof when he discovered that Sharon knows where Adam is hiding out and that she has not revealed his whereabouts to the police.  He isn't too pleased that his wife has been protecting a fugitive.

I don't think Michael Mealor is a great actor either.  However, he is believable as an entitled rich kid.  Unfortunately, we don't get to choose who leaves the show.  Sometimes the actors themselves decide to move on, as in the case of Alyvia Alyn Lind (Faith).  

CAST NEWS

Alyvia Alyn Lind (Faith Newman) has left Y&R

Alyvia Alyn Lind

It had to happen sooner or later, didn't it?  Alyvia Alyn Lind, the talented young actress who portrays Faith Newman, was not going to stay on Y&R forever.  Unfortunately for Y&R fans, it happened sooner rather than later  It also happened when Alyvia's character was right smack in the middle of a major storyline,  Sheesh!  This is the second time in recent months that an actor has left while front and centre in the plot.  Donny Boaz, who played Chance, recently left the show in an abrupt manner.  So, this is a double whammy for Y&R fans.

Alyvia Alyn Lind is such a good actress that it is no surprise that she was scooped so quickly.  She's departed Y&R for a regular role on Chucky, Syfy's horror series.  She's been replaced by Reylynn Caster, whose first appearance on CBS will be on Monday, April 12th.  I viewed Reylynn's debut as Faith yesterday on Global TV.  She's got a bit more of an edge to her than Alyvia.  She's taller and not as sweet.  Time will tell what she does with her role.  

I certainly understand that Alyvia Alyn Lind wanted to move on.  However, here's what disturbs me.  One of the things I liked about the Faith character was that we viewers were able to watch Alyn Alyn Lind grow up on screen.  She aged naturally.  She didn't suddenly become five or six years older after attending boarding school.  Alyvia Alyn Lind is thirteen years old.  She will turn fourteen in July.  Reylynn Caster is 18 years old and that makes a big difference.  No matter how hard she tries, Reylynn cannot play the role the same way.  I only wish that Alyvia Alyn Lind's replacement was someone her own age.  

I don't blame Reylynn Caster and I wish her well in her new role.  She was offered a big part on the Y&R and nobody would expect her to turn it down.  She deserves every chance to prove herself.  However, I really would have enjoyed seeing how Alyvia would have handled her storyline with Moses.  Alas, it is not to be.

Reylynn Caster

Reylynn Caster was born in Wichita, Kansas on March 3, 2003.  She also plays the role of Lola Wright on the Netflix Original/WWE production The Big Show Show. She had a recurring role as Brie Witherspoon on ABC's American Housewife and she starred as Nori on Me, Myself and I, an ABC siticom.

Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea) expecting baby this summer

Melissa Claire Egan, who plays Chelsea Lawson, shared some good news on Instagram.  She is pregnant.  She and her husband, Matt Katrosar, are expecting a baby boy in August.  Melissa has had two miscarriages, so the news was very heartwarming.  She wrote: "As happy as we are, the journey to get here has been filed with lots of tears, stress, sadness, hopelessness, and 2 miscarriages.  To anyone going through this fertility process or any kind of fertility issues, I feel you, I see you, you're not alone."

How will Melissa's pregnancy affect her Y&R's storyline?  What will it mean for her character, Chelsea? Since Melissa will be on maternity leave, Chelsea, won't be seen on screen for a while.  She will probably be charged with the attempted murder of Rey or she will run away to escape the law.  So, Chelsea will likely find herself behind bars or on the lam.

Chance may be coming back, but not Donny Boaz

According to Soap Central, Y&R is in the hunt for a new leading man, some one who fits the description of Chance Chancellor, a dashing adventurer in his mid-30s.  Could Chance be returning to Genoa City?  He hasn't been seen since February, when the character was written out of the storyline and DonnyBoaz  left the show.

Nothing is confirmed, but there is a strong possibility that we could see a new actor in the role of Chance, just in time to celebrate Mariah's pregnancy.

The CBS network will air the 48th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards as part of a new two-year deal with the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. (NATAS).  This year's show is scheduled to air primetime on CBS on Friday, June 25, 2021.  It will be streamed live on Paramount+ at the same time.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Jacob Aaron Gaines (Moses Winters)

Moses Winters (Jacob Aaron Gaines) has arrived in town.  What do you think of the aspiring doctor so far, fans?  Are you impressed?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

What is your impression of Moses Winters?

I like Moses. He's friendly and he has a goal in life. He wants to be a doctor.

I'm not too impressed with Moses. He is too nosey.

I'm not sure yet. I need to see more of him.

I don't know.

Other

Please Specify:

Created with PollMaker

That's all for now.  Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, April 24, 2021.

Take care and stay safe,

Joanne