Y&R Report (September 16, 2016): 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.

Ah!  Young forbidden love!  Reed and Mattie feel like Romeo and Juliet.  Mattie finds Reed irresistible.  As someone pointed out, "that smile, that hair, that guitar."  She thinks she's hit the jackpot because he's showing an interest in her.  The studious, bespectacled, inexperienced Mattie has never felt like this before.  Reed has opened up a new world for her.

Sugar Cane Ashby, of course, is handling the situation with his usual composure.  Cane has forbidden them to see each other and he has burst into Victoria's home to prevent them from being together.  He's just dangling the forbidden fruit in front of them.  Of course, after his escapade with Juliet, Mattie thinks that her father is the ultimate hypocrite.  She questioned why Cane was being so "judgy."  (Judgy?  Has Mattie coined a new word to replace "judgmental.")

Mattie is disillusioned with her father and the rebellious side of her nature has come to the surface.  She has skipped class and lied to her parents, which has only reinforced Cane's conviction that Reed is a bad influence on her.  I'm not sure where this is all going to end, but I'm fairly certain that Mattie is going to have her achy breaky little heart broken.

Juliet, meanwhile, is playing her cards very smartly where Cane is concerned.  She's just waiting for Lily and others to reject him.  He will feel isolated and she will be only one to accept him with open arms. She will offer to help him pick up the pieces of his shattered life.  Cane, with his usual good judgement, will fall into her trap.  One has to wonder why she thinks Sugar Cane is such a prize, though.  Maybe she can help him with his whispering problem.  She has such a distinctive, husky voice.

Jordan is using the same strategy as Juliet.  He is also playing the waiting game with Lily.  He's waiting patiently until she's finally had enough of Cane and has given up on their marriage.  He won't have to wait much longer, that's for sure.

Why doesn't anyone in Genoa City talk about Summer anymore?  Has the Snowflake melted? Has Nick forgotten about his "Supergirl?"  Is Phyllis so wrapped up in her battle over Billy that he has forgotten her only daughter?  What about Victor?  He doesn't even mention his granddaughter anymore.  Yes, I realize that Summer is off on some trip around the world and that Hunter King, the actress who plays Summer, is no longer a regular cast member. (Hunter now appears as Clementine Hughes on the CBS prime time sitcom Life in Pieces).  Still, someone in the Newman family should keep us up to date on Summer's activities.  If she doesn't fit into the storyline, which I think is the case, why not write her out and say she moved away from Genoa City permanently.

Who is spying on Jack and Nikki at the Abbott cabin?  The obvious answer would be Victor. However, according to Soap Digest interview with Y&R head writer Mal Young, "there is someone in their lives - for once not Victor - who strongly disapproves and will go to great lengths to sabotage their relationship." Could it be Dina?  She does not want her son with Nikki and she has the money and the power to try and destroy their relationship.  No, it is not Dina.  According to an online spoiler, the culprit is Graham.  He has hired a photographer to take pictures of Jack and Nikki at the cabin and he will send the photos to Victor. However, he will let Victor think the sender is Dina.  Very interesting!  I knew Victor had to be involved somehow.  He's involved in almost every scheme, isn't he?

Victor always finds a way to gain control over his family.  As much as Nick tries to distance himself from Victor, his efforts to be his own man are constantly derailed.  In order to help Noah, he had to use Victor's influence to obtain a liquor licence for the new Underground restaurant in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  No wonder Nick is frustrated.  He may be wealthy, but it isn't easy being Victor Newman's son.

So, we are learning more about Mr. Graham Bloodworth, especially since Ashley snooped around Graham's suite, at Dina's behest.  Her searched yielded some results.  She learned that Graham's mother is living in an assisted living facility in Florida and that he is paying for her upkeep (with Dina's money?). Somehow, Graham's mother might be his connection to Dina and the reason why he has such a hold on her.  Graham lied to Ashley, though, when told her that both his parents were dead.  

As for Ashley, I wasn't surprised that Graham found her in his room.  I expected that to happen.  It was fun to hear Eileen Davidson put on a Southern accent when she phoned the assisted living facility in Florida.  She's a better detective than Paul Williams.

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

Fi Fi from Collingwood, Ontario would like to know who is taking care of Victoria's children, Johnny and Katie, while Victoria is gallivanting around outside of work and Billy is living with Phyllis.  She also commented on Tessa being a member of the Genoa City Athletic Club.  She wants to know who Tessa can afford it, since she has been struggling financially.

Well Fifi, one assumes that Johnny and Katie have a nanny.  Johnny is started kindergarten this year and Billy and Victoria were involved in the child's first day at school.  As for Tessa, she isn't wealthy enough to afford the high cost of a membership at the ritzy Genoa City Athletic Club.  It wasn't long ago that Tessa was living in her car.  Yes, she has a recording contract now, but she is not a big star and she is not rich.

By the way, Fifi, almost everybody in town seems to be using the GC Athletic Club gym lately. It's the busiest place in town.

Helen from Scarborough, Ontario says that Alice Johnson (Tamara Clatterbuck)  is a good reason for the mute button.  Helen does not like the sound of Alice's voice and finds it "irritating" and "nasal."  

I agree, Helen, that Alice doesn't have the most pleasing voice.  However, there are much worse, and Alice's voice doesn't bother me much,  certainly not as much as it bothers you.

Regular commentator, CC from Etobicoke, Ontario, sent me the following comments:

As far as Y&R is concerned . . . Phyllis is going over the edge about this Billy/Victoria thing.  And rightly so, as Billy and Victoria will always be smitten with each other, just like Victor and Nikki.  

Who is buying up all the Brash & Sassy products?  Billy, Victoria or someone else?   Will Sharon soon be joining the GCPD?   Or perhaps she and Scott will start a PI company.

Yes, CC, Phyllis is definitely going over the edge over Billy and Victoria.  That's why her relationship with Billy Boy is doomed.  As long as they have children together and as long as they have Brash & Sassy, they will always have a bond.  If Phyllis can not accept that Princess Victoria will always be a part of Billy's life, then she and Billy will never last.

Who is buying up all the Brassy & Sassy products?  You mention Billy and Victoria and they are the obvious suspects.  However, it wouldn't surprise me if daddy Victor is helping out his precious princess so that her business survives.  Furthermore, if Brass & Sassy products fly off the shelves, it's at the expense of Jabot and Victor's archenemy, Jack Abbott.  Thus, "The Moustache" kills two birds with one stones.  He helps his daughter and socks it to Jack.

As for your tongue-in-cheek suggestion that Sharon should join the Genoa City Police Department, it's not so far off the mark.  Sharon is a much better detective than GC Police Chief Paul Williams, a former private investigator.  So is Scott Grainger.  They have already discovered a great deal about Alice and the sex trafficking ring.  What has Paul discovered?  Zip.  Zero.  Nada.  No wonder the good citizens of Genoa City do not have confidence in him.

CAST NEWS

Darnell Kirkwood (Jordan Wilde) got married

 

On The Young and the Restless, Darnell Kirkwood plays Brass & Sassy photographer Jordan Wilde  Although Y&R's Jordan is a single man-about town, Darnell is a happy newlywed.  On Saturday, September 2, 2017, Darnell married Danielle Premone in a beautiful beachside ceremony.

Darnell, a 32-year-old model and actor, was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri  He played basketball on a scholarship for Otero Junior College in Colorado and Lynn University in Florida.  In 2007, after graduating Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, he moved to Europe.  There he played professional basketball and began modelling.

In 2009, an injury ended Darnell's basketball career and he returned to the United States.  He settled in Los Angeles three years ago and signed with talent agencies for acting and modelling.  He was cast in minor roles in major network shows such as CBS's Scorpion.  Last December, his agent advised him of a casting call for Y&R and he won the biggest role of his career to date.

Michael Muhney is returning to TV but not as Adam Newman

The good news for fans of Michael Muhney is that they will be able to see the actor on television again.  The bad news is that it won't be as Adam Newman on The Young and the Restless.  Michael revealed on Twitter that he has a part in an upcoming ABC drama entitled The Good Doctor, which is currently filming in Vancouver, Canada.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Was Dina right when she warned Phyllis that Billy would betray her, just as he betrayed his brother Jack?

Yes. Absolutely. Billy's first allegiance is to Billy

No, Billy is loyal to Phyllis but her actions may force him to chose Victoria instead of her.

Maybe

I don't know.

Other

Please Specify:

survey maker

That's all for now.  Please remember that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, September 30, 2017.  

- Joanne

Y&R Report (September 2, 2017): 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.

Faith Newman is just ten years old but seems more mature than many of the adults in Genoa City.  She certainly displays better judgement than most of them. It's no wonder the girl feels frustrated and confused.  After all, she returned from summer camp only to find her family in total disarray.  Her grandfather, Victor, and her father, Nick, are in the midst of a vicious feud.  Grandpa Victor has disowned his son and kicked him off the ranch.  Meanwhile, Nick and girlfriend Chelsea have decided to play house and Faith still doesn't know about her mother Sharon's latest boyfriend, Scott.  It's a wonder the child is as well-adjusted as she is!

However, Faith may have inherited one of Victor's most prominent traits.  According to an online spoiler, Faith will display some of her grandfather's scheming nature.  That doesn't surprise me because I still don't think she's happy about her living arrangements with Nick and Chelsea.  I think she just pretended to be mollified by the new furniture and decor for her room.  It's hard to believe that she was won over that easily.  She'd still much rather be at the ranch.

As much as Victor Newman is a bully and a tyrant, he certainly has a beautiful relationship with his granddaughter.  He and Faith just hit it off and enjoy each other's company.  I wonder what will happens when Faith grows older and discovers what he is' really like. Will she be disillusioned?  Will she resent him when he inevitably tries to control her?

In real life, Eric Braeden, who portrays Victor, has three granddaughters.  Perhaps that's why Eric is able to portray the grandfatherly side of Victor so convincingly.  The fact that Victor relates to his younger grandchildren so well adds dimension to his character and makes him much more interesting..  He's not just a villain. He's more complex than that.  There are many sides to "The Moustache" and that's why he is endlessly fascinating to viewers of Y&R.

I've read Eric Braeden's autobiography, I'll Be Damned, and I highly recommend it.  In his book, Eric complains that he doesn't like the way people just walk in out of Victor's office.  He wonders why billionaire Victor no longer has a receptionist or an assistant to screen his visitors.

"It's a constant source of irritation to me, for example, that Victor Newman's office seems to have become the Newman Enterprises break room.  People endlessly stroll in and out, sometimes to confront Victor about something, sometimes to just hang out and talk among themselves whether Victor's there or not."

That's so true, isn't it?  It didn't used to be like that. I remember that years ago Victor had a receptionist named Connie, although she was almost never seen.

Paul Williams is a good guy, but he is a terrible police chief.  He chastised Sharon for taking it upon herself  to help Crystal, but Sharon pointed out that it wouldn't have been necessary if Paul had been doing his job.  Paul, of course, defended himself.  He claimed that the police were actively investigating the case and that patience was needed if they were to bring down the sex trafficking ring.

Paul's problem is that nobody in Genoa City has much confidence in his ability to solve cases.  He rarely catches the bad guys.  If he were a real police chief, he would have been fired long ago.

HAIR AND FASHION:  Princess Victoria Newman should not wear her hwiair in a bun.  It makes her look matronly.  Is Ravi making a fashion statement with his T-shirts and dressy jackets?  Is that the new casual/formal look?


CAST NEWS

Beth Maitland back as Traci Abbott

There's great news for fans of Beth Maitland (Traci Abbott).  Beth is returning for another stint on Y&R.  According to Soaps in Depth, she has already been taping episodes and is scheduled to begin appearing on screen on Monday, October 9th on CBS and Friday, October 6 on Global TV in Canada.

Beth first joined the cast of The Young and the Restless in 1982.  She left in 1999 but has appeared on a recurring basis since 2001.  Her last appearance on the show occurred  in April of 2017 when she dined with Ashley and Ravi in New York and later attended an Abbot family dinner in Genoa City.

As a fan of Beth, I am pleased that she is returning, if only temporarily.  As of this writing, it is not yet clear how long her latest stint on the show will last.  We don't know if there are any plans for Traci to leave New York and return to Genoa City, but It would be great if she stayed on full-time. The Abbot family (especially Jack) could really use a dose her wisdom and compassion right now.  

She's such a refreshing change from all the selfish, scheming characters on Y&R.  It will be interesting to see how she interacts with Dina and Graham and how she deals with Jack's feud with Billy.


Blast from the past: Alice Johnson returns

Surprise!  Tamara Clatterbuck is back as Alice Johnson.  Longtime viewers will remember her from the late 1990s and early 2000s.  Her return is quite a pleasant turn of events and I like the way it has been woven into Nick and Sharon's current storyline.  The return of Alice is something that head writer Sally Sussman, with her focus on the history of the show, must have cooked up.  It's a great idea.  (That's why I'm so disappointed that Sussman will be leaving the show).
.  
I'm really looking forward to Alice's reaction to Mariah.  Remember that Alice does not know about Cassie's twin.  She will be spooked when she runs into Mariah.  Maybe Mariah will pretend to be Cassie in order to freak Alice out and distract her.

I have to say that Sharon is much more perceptive and more observant than Nick.  She quickly figured out Alice's connection to the sex trafficking ring.  She noticed immediately that Alice looked more prosperous than before and that she was driving a more expensive car, the same car that appeared in the photo she had taken at the police station of a blonde woman driving away with two prostitutes and the man who had bailed them out.  She showed Nick the photo, but he just seemed stunned to have seen Alice again and muttered that it must all be a coincidence when Sharon told him of her suspicions.

When Sharon told Scott of her suspicions concerning Alice, his reaction was quite different.  He thought Sharon's instincts might be correct.  Using the credit card that Alice had left behind at The Underground, Scott obtained Alice's address.  He learned that Alice was living in the Genoa City area, although she told Sharon that she was just passing through town.  The two immediately decided to go to Alice's house on the pretext of returning her credit card.  They discovered that she was living in a fairly affluent area. Wow!  What a detective team!  To be fair to Nick, though, Scott is an investigative journalist. Clueless Paul Williams doesn't get off the hook so easily.  He's a former private detective.


Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Of the female characters on Y&R, who dresses the most attractively?

Phyllis Abbott

Ashley Abbott

Victoria Newman

Abby Newman

Hilary Curtis

Nikki Newman

Sharon McAvoy

Lily Ashby

Mariah Copeland

Lauren Fenmore

Chelsea Newman

Tessa Porter

Gloria Bardwell

Other

Please Specify:

Survey Maker

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.  

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, September 16, 2017.


- Joanne

Maureen McCormick: From Marcia Brady to Reality Star

"For most of my life people have expected me to be perfect. That's because I played the role of Marcia Brady—a pretty girl from a flawless family—from 1969 to 1974. She was perky, well-balanced and above all, always happy. It was an image I portrayed on screen from the age of 12 until I turned 17, but one I'd battle to overcome the rest of my life."

- Maureen McCormick
From "A Very Brady Confession," Newsweek Magazine, November 10, 2008 issue


Maureen!  Maureen!  Maureen!  What has she been up since The Brady Bunch went off the air all those years ago?  Well, for one thing, it took a long time for her to come to terms with the many expectations associated with playing Marcia Brady.  It wasn't easy, especially since she also had to battle drug addiction, depression and eating disorders.

Y&R Report (August 19, 2017): 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.

So, Nick Newman has been kicked off his daddy's ranch, although it would have been much better if Victor had given him some notice; but that's not Victor's style.  It's about time Nick left anyway.  He admitted so himself.  It's the best thing for him and he should have done it long ago.  It's the only way he'll be able to break free of "Moneybags."  After all, it doesn't take a genius to figure out that as long as Victor pays the piper, he'll call the tune.  This is Nick's chance to start a new life and be truly independent.  However, his future will not be with Chelsea.  Although the two of them think that they will live together in bliss, it isn't going to happen.  They have been keeping huge secrets from each other.

The Dina/Graham story is intriguing, but I think the writers need to give us a few answers to the mystery soon.  If they keep us in suspense too long, we will lose interest.  Unfortunately, it sometimes appears as if they don't know the answers themselves, that they are just writing this as they go along.  One day Dina seems as if she is developing dementia.  Another day she admits to being depressed.  

It's quite amusing to see Dina working at Jabot and to see her lock horns with Gloria.  It should be duly noted that Gloria is reporting to Graham about how Dina is doing at Jabot.  In other words, she's Graham's spy.

Dina made s mathematical miscalculation in her first project for Jabot.  That sounds like another sign that she may be suffering from the onset of dementia.  However, I also wonder if Graham has been tampering with her medication.  Who knows?  Do the writers even know yet?

At least we've finally learned what's wrong with Princess Victoria.  She's been having momentary blackouts, distorted hearing and fuzziness ever since Abby threw a drink at her and she fell.  She claimed that the doctor told her she had a minor concussion and she confessed to Neil Winters that she's "not at the top of her game."  Now her doctor has told her she's still having lingering symptoms from her concussion.  The symptoms may last a while and she should avoid stress.  With all the problems she's having, I don't know how she's going to accomplish that.  Well, at least she didn't sign a deal with that sleazebag businessman, Benjamin Hochman.  Still, her life is quite a mess right now.

Speaking of messy lives, can things get any worse for Sugar Cane Ashby?  He's unemployed, down in the dumps, Lily has kicked him out and his children are disillusioned with him.  His father-in-law, Neil Winter, had some advice for him, though.  He reminded Cane of an old saying: "We make our own luck."

Many viewers are pleased that Cane is paying for his transgressions. Nevertheless, Daniel Goddard, the Australian actor who portrays Cane, defends his beleaguered character.  Goddard made the following comment about Cane to TV Insider.  "He's almost an anomaly in this genre. Cane is not a bed-hopper like Billy or Nick. He's a man of integrity who truly loves his wife and children. He sets the standard for family values. But he made a very stupid mistake and his world collapsed - and then he's made it worse by lying to keep his loved ones from being hurt and to stop his company from being ruined."  Okay, Daniel, you've made some valid points, but I still wouldn't let Cane off the hook that easily.  After all, he ended up damaging his own company out of pure spite.  He was determined to get revenge on Billy.  He was also willing to share Brass & Sassy's secrets with Jack Abbott and Benjamin Hochman.  That's corporate espionage.  To his credit, though, he sold his beloved sports car and paid the twins' tuition.

As for Lily, after kicking Cane out of their home, it didn't take her very long to lock lips with Jordan.

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

Here are some comments from Carly in Barrhaven, Ontario:

Glad to have a break from Chloe and Kevin.  Absolutely detest Nikki and Jack together again. Come on writers!!!!!!  Getting used to Sharon and Scott.  I was so glad to see Cane get what he deserves.  Wonder where that's going???   Interested in the Dina and Graham storyline.  Still wonder what he's up to.

Well, your break from Kevin and Chloe won't be too long, Carly, because Greg Rikaart (Kevin) is returning to the show.  As for Nikki and Jack, I think she has better chemistry with Victor.  Too bad he's so controlling, scheming, dastardly and ruthless, although Jack's behaviour hasn't been much better lately.  Don't get too used to Sharon and Scott together because it's doubtful they'll remain a couple for the long term.  As I've mentioned before, I think Scot will end up with Abby and Sharon will reunite with Nick Newman.  Yes, Cane deserved to suffer the consequences tor his actions and his poor judgment, but I think he's paid enough now.  The Dina and Graham storyline is definitely intriguing.  I Just hope that when we finally discover the truth about them, it will be surprising and just as intriguing.


Helen in Scarborough, Ontario has also weighed in with some comments and observations:

Christian, is he raising himself?  

Sharon shaved Scott's beard, but she should have reached for the scissors too to chop his locks.  

I predict that Abby is going to be kidnapped and will be missing for a while.  She is having a baby in real life.and they will have to write her off.

Why is Cane in such terrible financial trouble?  He was a very wealthy executive.  He was even rich enough to bid against billionaire Devon for a fancy sports car at a fundraising benefit.  

Benjaman Hochman is a wealthy corporate raider.  Why would he bother helping Jack get inside information on Brass & Sassy?  He's going to stab Jack in the back anyway.  He may even find himself falling for Victoria.


It seems, Helen, that Christian has been primarily raised by his nanny.  He's a little too young to bring to The Underground.

As for Scott, he does look better, but his hair needs to be styled much more attractively.  Another one who really needs to trim his mop is Reed.  How does he see with all that hair in his eyes?  At least Reed can argue that he's trying to cultivate a rock star image.

Helen, I have to agree with your prediction about Abby being kidnapped.  I'm sure her daddy Victor will be asked to pay a ransom for her safe release.  Scott will help to free her and they will fall in love.

As for Benjaman Hochman, he can be charming, but I wouldn't trust him at all.  He didn't get a chance to stab Jack in the back because Victoria refused to accept a loan from him when she discovered he was planning to hire Cane to provide him with inside information about Brass & Sassy. Given the chance, however, Hochman would have backstabbed Jack.  He's an opportunist and is eager to take advantage of anything that will advance his agenda.. He was certainly quick to claim responsibility for the flowers that he didn't send to Victoria.


Here is an opinion from regular Y&R viewer CC in Etobicoke, Ontario:

I know it's just a soap, but I'm wondering why there is so much hoopla about bailing out Brass & Sassy. Victoria and her siblings have gazillions of dollars from their law suit against Victor.  Nikki is well-heeled, thanks to Victor, and so on.  It sorts of tinges the whole storyline with a lack of credibility.

Well said, CC.  I couldn't agree more.  We all know soaps can't be completely realistic.  At the same time, however, they can only stretch the truth so far or they will loose credibility.  The Brass & Sassy storyline has some very entertaining aspects to it.  Unfortunately, in some aspects, such as the one you have mentioned, the storyline is not believable.

CAST NEWS

Seinfeld's Newman to appear on two Y&R episodes

Another Newman, is set to make a guest appearance on The Young and the Restless - only this time he's not a member of the prominent Genoa City family.  Seinfeld fans will be pleased to know that Wayne Knight, who portrayed postal worker Newman on the hit comedy, is heading to Genoa City.
Knight has been cast in  the role of Irv West, a music promoter, who will come to town on Wednesday, September 20th and Thursday September 21st on CBS (Tuedsay September 19th and Wednesday, September 20th (Global TV, Canada.  According to Yahoo!, he will check out GC's music scene and meet Tessa Porter (Cait Fairbanks), Noah Newman (Robert Anderson) and Devon Hamilton (Bryton James). He will also cross paths with other characters such as Mariah, Scott and Sharon.


Melissa Ordway's baby is a girl

About two moths ago, Melissa Ordway (Abby Newman) and her husband, Justin Gaston (ex-Ben Weston, Days of Our Lives), revealed that they are expecting their second child.  Now the couple has announced on Instagram that their baby is girl, a little sister for their daughter Olivia.  Their new bundle of joy is due in January.


Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Which of these Y&R relationships is most likely to last the longest?

Nick and Chelsea

Sharon and Scott

Phyllis and Billy

Ashley and Ravi

Reed and Mattie

Nikki and Jack

online poll creator

That's all for now.  Please remember that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday. September 2, 2017.  Hope you enjoy the rest of August.

- Joanne

Fall Television Preview 2017: Young Sheldon and 9JKL

                             TV PREVIEW

There is still some summertime left and I'm going to make the most of it.  However, it's time to take preview some of the new shows on American television this fall.  Here us an outline of two CBS comedies that have caught my attention.  The will be premiering in September and October.

YOUNG SHELDON

Young Sheldon will debut on CBS on September 25th.  The series is a prequel to The Big Bang Theory.  It is set in 1989 and stars Iain Armitage as child genius Sheldon Cooper.  Nine-year-old Sheldon has a "one in a generation mind capable of advanced mathematics and science."  He lives with his family in East Texas, where he attends high school after having skipped four grades.

Jim Parsons, who portrays the adult Sheldon on The Big Bang Theory, narrates the series and also stars as its executive producer.

Jim Parsons

Zoe Perry portrays Mary Cooper, Sheldon's mother, who prepares her son to face bullies by reminding them that his dad, George Cooper (played by Lance Barber), is the football coach and his elder brother, George Cooper Jr., (played by Montana Jordan) is on the team interesting to note that It is interesting to note that Zoe Perry is the real-life daughter of Laurie Metcalf, who plays an older Mary Cooper on The Big Bang Theory.

Raegan Revord portrays Sheldon's twin sister, Missy Cooper.  Missy, unlike her twin, does not have an exceptional mind.   Rounding out the cast is Annie Potts as Contance, Sheldon's grandmother, who is called "Meemaw."


9JKL 

9JKL is a CBS comedy created and executive produced by Dana Klein and Mark Feuerstein.  It will premiere on Monday, October 2, 2017 and is loosely based on the experiences of the couple, who are married in real life.  The show was inspired by a period in Feuerstein's life when he lived in apartment 9K in the building he grew up in.  The 46-year-old New York-born actor is best known for his role as Dr. Henry "Hank" Lawson in the USA Network's series Royal Pains.  He also co-starred as Jacob Anton in the reboot of Fox's Prison Break.  He has been married to Dana Klein since 2005 and they have three children.

He portrays Josh Roberts, is a newly divorced actor who moves home to New York after 12 years in Los Angeles.  He tries to get his life together while living in an apartment sandwiched between members of his immediate family.  His parents resided in apartment 9J and his brother, sister-in-law and their newborn baby lived in 9L.  Feuerstein's character tries to set boundaries with his meddling, but well-meaning kin.

Mark Feuerstein  Phot Attribution: Lan Bui

The cast of 9JKL is impressive.  Elliott Gould plays Josh's father, Harry Roberts, an attorney who is eager to assist Josh in landing his next starring role, with the help of his Hollywood "connections." (Mark Feuerstein is the son of lawyer Harvey Feuerstein).  Linda Lavin portrays Josh's doting mother, Judy Roberts.  David Walton is Andrew Roberts, Josh's brotherr, a successful surgeon. Andrew's wife, Eve Roberts, a Harvard-educated pediatrician, is played by Liza Lapira.  Matt Murray is Nick, the doorman, whom Judy bribes to notify her whenever Josh comes up on the elevator/  She wants to greet her son in the hallway. Rounding out the cast is Albert Tsai, who plays 12-year-old Ian, a neighbour from apartment 5A, who spends a lot of time in the lobby.  Tsai is best known for his role as Bert Harrison on the ABC series Trophy Wife and as Dave Park on the ABC series Dr. Ken.

Albert Tsai

- Joanne

Internet TV Digest #4

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This is the fourth of an occasional feature on TV Banter called Internet TV Digest.. Internet TV Digest contains recent news, information and discussion about online television.


INTERNET TV DIGEST

Coen brothers' first TV series to appear on Netflix

Coen brothers

The Oscar-winning Coen brothers are now streamers.  On August 9th, Netflix announced that Joel and Ethan Coen are developing a Western anthology called The Ballad of Buster Scuggs.  It will consist of six separate stories set in the American West and will star Tim Blake Nelson as Buster.

The Coen siblings are the writers, directors and executive producers of the project, which is expected to begin in 2018.  The brothers join other filmmakers, such as Woody Allen, who have made a transition to television. Allen'a series, Crisis in Six Scenes, debuted on Amazon in September of 2016.  It is a comedy set in turbulent times during the 1960s.



Robert Redford and Jane Fonda movie to premier on Netflix

Robert Redford and Jane Fonda have reunited for their first film in 38 years.  They star in a romance entitled Our Souls of Night.  The film premiers on Nexflix and in select theatres on September 29th. It is based on a novel by American author Kent Haruf and was adapted for the screen by writers Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber.

In Our Souls of Night, Redford and Fonda play neighbours whose spouses have died.  The last time these two Hollywood legends appeared together on screen was in 1979's Electric Horseman.  Their first pairing was in the 1966 Marlon Brando thriller Chase, more than 50 years ago.  Our Souls of Night marks the fourth time that the duo have been cast in the same film.



Disney to start new streaming services

On August 8th, Disney announced that it will pull all of its movies from Nexis.  It intends to start its own streaming services.  The company will launch an ESPN video streaming service in early 2018, which will include content from the Major League Baseball, the National Hockey League and the National Soccer League.  Plans are also underway to stream the Disney brand directly to subscribers in 2019.



Netflix raises subscription prices in Canada


Viewing your favourite show on Netflix Canada has just become more expensive.  The giant streaming company has just increased the subscription price for its basic plan by one dollar to $8.99 a month.  The increase will apply to all future subscribers.  Existing subscribers will be notified  by email that their fees will be increased. Netflix's standard plan, which allows the viewer to watch programming on two screens at a time,  will also cost a dollar more - $10.99 monthly.  The price of a premium plan, which features up to four simultaneous streams and ultra high-definition 4K content, has been upped by two dollars to $13.99 per month.

In a statement, the company said, "From time to time, Netflix plans and pricing are adjusted as we add more exclusive TV shows and movies, introduce more product features and improve the overall Netflix experience, to help members to find something great to watch even faster."


- Joanne

Y&R Report (August 5, 2017): 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.

Well, Jack Abbott has certainly thrown Cane under the bus.  He changed his mind about giving the beleaguered Aussie a job at Jabot because Princess Victoria Newman reminded him that Nikki wouldn't be very pleased with him if he ruined Brass & Sassy, her daughter's business.

Sugar Cane has now reached rock bottom.  The man with the whispery voice (If Victor is "Mr. Mumbles," then Cane is "Mr. Whispers.") has arrived at his lowest point ever. Lily has had enough of his deceit and has kicked him out the door and the twins have lost respect for him.  Lily would have forgiven his drunken escapade with Juliet, but the other lies were just too much to bear.  Cane finds himself unemployed and friendless, although Juliet may still want him, even though he allowed her to take all the blame for the hockey video fiasco.

Hilary has many faults.  She is definitely no paragon of virtue.  She has been selfish and devious, but at least she isn't sanctimonious.  She admits her faults and doesn't pretend to be perfect.  What you see is what you get with Hilary.  That's a lot more than I can say for many other residents of Genoa City.  I really enjoyed her speech to Jordan.  She was refreshingly candid about herself and their relationship. She told him that If he wants to rescue some damsel in distress, he should look elsewhere.  She made it clear that if that's what he's looking for in a woman, she isn't the right one for him. Jordan was somewhat dumbfounded at her straightforwardness.  He didn't quite know how to react. It's obvious, though, that  his heart is with Lily.

By the way, my intention is not to heap fulsome praise on Hilary.  She has hurt a lot of people and she is extremely self-centred.  It is only to commend her for being honest about herself and honest with Jordan.

There are quite a few scumbags hanging around Genoa City these days: The list includes Jesse, the cameraman who blackmailed Cane, followed by Zack, whose dating app is a front for a sex trafficking ring and then sleazy businessman Benjamin Hochman (Ben Hermes). Speaking of Hochman, did he drug Princess Victoria during their business meeting/"date."  Did he put something in her wine?  The Princess has been really off lately, especially since she fell at Nikki's piano concert.  She's been suffering from headaches and fogginess.  She says that her doctor told her that she experienced a minor concussion.  However, I think there is more to Victoria's behaviour with Hochman than meets the eye.  She was definitely not herself that night.  Nosy, gossipy Hilary found out and couldn't wait to spread the word about the Newman heiress and Hochman.

It was Phyllis who engineered the "date" between Victoria and the bearded venture capitalist.  She wants Billy all to herself and doesn't want to share him with Brass & Sassy and Victoria, but even she was surprised at how well her scheme seemed to work.  Not so fast, Phyllis!  Your plan may have backfired on you.  If Victoria is really ill or if Hochman took advantage of her, then Billy Boy will give her his complete support.  He will spend more time with her than ever.

Who is the mysterious Crystal, the young woman whom Sharon wants to help escape from the sex ring? It's possible that she's Tessa's sister.  On a date with Noah, Tessa mentioned to him that she has a younger sister.  Scott is going to uncover the truth about the sex trafficking and win Abby's heart.  That will please Victor, since he seems to want them to be together.  There's one thing that bothers me about Scott, though.  I know Victor paid the ransom when he was held hostage in the Middle East.  I can understand why he feels grateful to Victor.  Yet, why does he feel he needs to bow down to "Mr. Moneybags" and do his bidding at every opportunity.  Sadly, he has become Victor's lackey.

Poor Noah!  He just can't get a break.  He has the worst luck in love and in his business career.  He has no idea that his current girlfriend, Tessa Porter, actually prefers Mariah. Nor does he have any inkling that his dear old grandpa, Victor, has sabotaged his plan to open other a chain of Underground restaurants in college towns..  That is Noah's dream, his passion and "The Big Man" is destroying it.

Victor Newman's dirty hands are involved in almost everything. Not only has he hurt his own grandson by curtailing Noah's effort to expand The Underground into a franchise.  He has also cut off the Newman account at The Genoa City Athletic Club.  Nick and the others are going to have to pay for their own fancy drinks.  It's about time they started doing that anyway, if they really want to loosen Victor's control over them.  It would help if they started carrying some cash on them.  As long as Victor pays the piper, he will call the tune.

There's also no way Victor will allow Jack and Nikki to be together.  He must have been the one who sent someone to spy on them at the Abbott cabin while they were enjoying their cozy little interlude in the outdoors.  I had to smile when Nikki said they needed to talk about "the elephant in the room" and Jack replied, "Does the elephant have a moustache?"

Victor is going to win, as usual.  Jack has been warned that he is playing with fire.  He knows he is being reckless, but continues his relationship with Nikki.  Just like his nemesis, Victor, Jack is a real schemer.  He is determined to wreak vengeance on Billy Boy and destroy Brass & Sassy.  Nikki won't be too thrilled when she discovers he is out to ruin her daughter's company.  Victor will probably make sure she finds out.



CAST NEWS

Surprise!  Greg Rikaart is coming back

Just when you thought Kevin (Greg Rikaart) had left Genoa City, at least for a while, there has been an unexpected turn of events.  The Emmy-winning actor is already set to return to the show and his fans will be delighted.

When we last saw Kevin, he and Chloe and daughter Bella had left Genoa City to begin a new life in Portland, Oregon, with Victor Newman's blessing.  Although Chloe faked her own death Victor and Dr. Harris know that she is alive.  There is no word yet of the circumstances in which Kevin will return.  There is also no indication that Elizabeth Hendrickson (Chloe) will also be returning.  That probably means that Chloe will either be killed off, jailed or sent to a psychiatric hospital.  She may also run away and disappear in order to protect Kevin.  That would leave Kevin free to return to Genoa City with Bella.

Is Dina really depressed, as she admitted to Ashley.  Perhaps, but there is much more to the story than that.  You can be sure that Graham is not just helping her deal with depression.



Y&R NEWS

Bombshell! Sally Sussman and Kay Alden   leaving Y&R

Sally Sussman

According to a report from Daytime Confidential, Sally Sussman head writer for The Young and the Restless, and story consultant Kay Alden, are both exiting.  Their departure is really surprising since they only returned to the show last year.  They have a great knowledge of Y&R's history and their storylines focus on characters and relationships.

Daytime Confidential states that they are "choosing to retire" from the demands of soap opera writing.  Sussman has been successful as a documentary filmmaker and apparently wants to concentrate on filmmaking, a source informed Daytime Confidential.  Her documentary Midnight Return was released earlier this year and was well-received.

Still, there will be much speculation about their abrupt departure.  We are left to wonder if they were pushed out or not.    Mal Young, Y&R's executive producer, will add to his responsibilities by assuming the role of head writer, at least temporarily.




Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

A reader sent me the above photos of a scene from the 1990 Sylvester Stallone movie Assassins.  She believes that the little girl in the scene is Camryn Grimes (Cassie/Mariah).  Camryn would have been five years old at the time.  She may have been an extra because she is not credited with being in the film.  What do you think?  Is that child in the photos Camryn Grimes?  By the way, if anyone can absolutely confirm that the girl is Camryn, the information would be much appreciated.  I have tried, but to no avail.

Is the girl in the photos Camryn Grimes?

Yes, I definitely think so.

No, the girl is not Camryn.

She certainly looks like Camryn, but I'm not completely sure.

I don't know.

Other

Please Specify:

online poll

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.  

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, August 19, 2017.


- Joanne