TV BANTER

Saturday, February 19, 2022

Y&R Report (February 19, 2022): 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,

Here are the latest happenings in Genoa City. Billy Boy Abbott has insomnia. What's that all about? Chelsea is falling for Rey and baby Dominic needed to have a bone marrow transplant. Of course, Daddy Devon was the perfect match for the transplant and Chance has finally agreed to get professional help.

Phyllis (Michelle Stafford) is back from Milan and she looks happier and more refreshed than she has in a long time (Maybe Michelle was just burnt out and she needed a break from the show, or maybe her portrayal of a burnt-out Phyllis was very convincing). She seems to have her old mojo back. I'm pleased that she is staying in Genoa City, but why is she still resisting a romantic involvement with Jack? I have a hard time believing she's afraid of them hurting each other again. That doesn't sound like Phyllis. When has she ever been so timid? She's an all-in alpha type.

Jack has been receiving mysterious text messages from someone telling him to go to Los Angeles. It appears that the message may be from his son Kermo, by his late Vietnamese wife, Luan. Here's some background to refresh your memory. Keemo was portrayed by Philip Moon from 1994 to 1996. The character was written out of the show back in 1996 when Keemo left town. So, Jack has rarely mentioned his son all these years and Keemo hasn't been seen on screen for about 26 years. Are they really going to bring him back? I wonder. It's all very mysterious and some people even think Patty Williams may the author of those text messages. However, Jack himself is hiding something. According to the online spoilers on Soap Central, "Jack confesses." I wonder if he has some romantic surprise for Phyllis, Could that be what he's up to?

What's with Chance? Why was he so reluctant to seek professional help for his post-traumatic stress syndrome and why is he so reluctant to open up to Abby. She had to practically beg him to confide in her. She and others had to push him to get help for his mental issues. He finally agreed to do so, as if he were forced into it. At least he only asked Dr. Sharon for a referral. It would have been ridiculous if he had asked her to treat him. At any rate, considering he way Chance has been behaving, he must be hiding more than mental stress.

Something is definitely brewing between Chelsea and Rey - at least where Chelsea is concerned. I don't think Chelsea would have any qualms about moving in on Rey. Rey on the other hand, seems more morally upright and decent. It's difficult to imagine him cheating on Sharon. However, Chelsea may dupe him. After all. her mother raised her to be a con woman. No matter how things play out with Rey and Chelsea, I can see Sharon and Nick back together eventually. It may take a while, but I think it will happen. Sharon and Nick are far more comfortable with each other than Sharon and Rey. That's why Rey throws some pretty dirty looks whenever he notices the closeness between his wife and her former husband. He is also jealous of the family ties between them and their children, Noah and Faith. When Sharon faces problems with Rey concerning her relationship with Nick (it's just a matter of time), she can't cry on Adam's shoulder any longer because he's too involved with Sally Spectra.

What is Victor up to? He's obviously trying to bring Ashland Locke down, in order to protect his Princess Victoria. He also wants control of all things Newman. That is a certainty. He can't stand the fact that the company he built is now called Newman/Locke. He wants to remove the name Locke. He much prefers its former name - Newman Enterprises.

I enjoyed the scene when Victor walked in on Sally and Adam just as they were about to kiss. Victor obviously knows that the two are having a romance. He definitely doesn't like Sally and he's not pleased that Adam has chosen her to be COO of Newman Media. Yet, he approved her choice as COO. Victor never does anything without a reason. For the time being, it suits his purposes to have Sally right where she is. The Big Man is definitely up to something. Adam and Sally should beware. and they should be discreet unless they are ready to go public, as Sally hopes will happen.

I also wonder why Ashand is so intent on hiring Dr. Nate to work for Newman/Locke. According to the spoilers, Victor is going to enlist Nate to "discredit Ashland." That's going to put the good doctor in a very tight spot and will test his loyalties.

I have to say that I enjoyed Traci's scene with Jack when he teased her about having a romance with her publisher in New York. Her response was very saucy and funny.

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

Longtime Y&R viewer, CC in Etobicoke, Ontario, sent me the following email with her thoughts on Chance:

Hi Joanne,

Thanks for sharing my comments about Chance in your column last week.

Relieved to hear that we are on similar wave lengths about this character.

These days it appears to me that the writers take the storyline in whichever direction they feel will appeal most to viewers and character fans so it looks like this can become something deep or something relatively simple.

They often seem to start it going in one direction and then shift gears as if something indicated to them that it wasn't going to be popular with viewers.

While it is too soon to judge the suitability of the actor now playing Ashland, how do you feel about the reason behind Richard Burgi's departure from the show?

I do not find any of the present major storylines particularly well done. Each of them seem to have a major flaw that interferes with their credibility and appeal.

For example, Noah has apparently returned to G.C. to escape the aftermath of rejection by a female in London. Or was it because he has been pining for Tessa all these months? Either way, it is pointing at some personality weakness. His actions toward Mariah and Tessa as in the portrait gift, often have both a loving aspect and a sly, sinister, revengeful side.

Something tells me he may be deeply disturbed in a similar way to how his mother Sharon was at one time.

Just as with Sharon, he may go over the edge at some point which will get him the attention he needs from all those worried about him, Nick, Sharon, Tessa, etc.

Perhaps the powers that be may be looking for ways to pare down the number of characters who are not key players in G. C.

Taking the storyline in that direction could provide a route to the demise of Noah.

And it may take Mariah and Tessa with it.

Food for thought.

Thanks for your comments, CC. Yes, it does seem that Y&R's writers have been shifting gears too often. Part of the reason could be that the roles of Chance and Ashland Locke have been taken over by other actors. The departure of Donny Boaz, just before Chance's wedding to Abby, caused them to change course, as did the sudden departures of the actors who played Kyle and Summer. Still, the writing is rather uneven at times and it has been changing direction too frequently.

It's true that Richard Burgi's replacement as Ashland hasn't been on the show very long, Yet, I still have an opinion about him. I feely admit that I am biased, but I doubt that there is another actor more suited to the role of Ashland Locke than Richard Burgi. The new Ashand is soap veteran Robert Newman (Gee, that's a familiar last name!). He spent many years on Guiding Light. He's a very capable and experienced actor. He looks the part of a wealthy business mogul and he has a great speaking voice, Still, he's not Richard Burgi. He has much more of an edge than his predecessor. Burgi showed us a likeable side to Ashland Locke. Robert Newman's portrayal of Ashland seems more nasty and cunning. We could believe that Burgi's Ashland really loved Victoria. It doesn't feel that way with Robert Newman, There simply isn't the same chemistry between Ashland and Victoria as there was when Richard Burgi portrayed Ashland.

I'm obviously disappointed about Burgi's dismissal from Y&R. Unfortunately, he broke Y&R's COVID protocol and quarantined for five days rather than the required ten days. It was an incredibly careless mistake, no doubt about it. I am sure that he regrets it greatly. The rules are there to protect the actors and the crew on the Y&R set. Richard Burgi broke the rules and he paid the price. Sadly, Y&R fans are the biggest losers. If it weren't for COVID, he'd still be on the show.

An intriguing question is whether the rules would be enforced for someone like Eric Braedein or Melody Thomas Scott. After all, no one should be treated differently. Still, would Y&R dare dismiss icons of that stature, who have been on the show for decades? It's hard to say. Just remember how terribly Doug Davidson (Paul Williams) was treated.

As for Noah, he is definitely going to do something really foolish. He's about ready to explode. He just can't leave Tessa and Mariah alone. Why did he bring them a portrait of themselves? Why did he torment himself that way? He's being very weird. It's interesting that we know very little about what actually happened to him in London. What we do know is very sketchy. Noah hasn't said much except that he was rejected by his girlfriend. There may be more to that story.

Here are some thoughts from Y&R viewer Carly in Barrhaven, Ontario.

Y&R…Absolutely not a fan of the new Chance. I find him to be too wishy-washy.

Devon is getting on my nerves so much. That storyline can end anytime and Devon needs to get a life and have a baby with Amanda…lol

The new Ashland was on yesterday’s episode. Although I prefer looking at Richard Burgi, I think the new actor will work out fine. Good point about if Eric Braeden had not followed proper COVID protocol. We know he would still have his job & rightfully so. I love the Moustache.

As for Michelle Stafford, they need to do something more with her role instead of hanging on to Jack’s every word. I guess they need some more fresh faces. If she does leave, I wouldn’t blame her. And Jack has become a real downer.

I'm not a fan of the new Chance either Carly. He's a real downer. I'm also not happy with what they've done to Devon Hamilton's character. I know it's for storyline purposes, but Daddy Devon is getting on my nerves too. He's become very self-righteous and judgmental. I do give him credit, however, for encouraging Chance to seek professional help.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Robert Newman

Robert Newman has played the role of Ashland Locke for a very short time. He's had to fill the shoes of the very popular Richard Burgi. That hasn't been an easy task for the longtime soap actor. What do you think of his performance so far? Respond to the poll below and let me know.

That's all for now. Please remember that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, March 5, 2020.

- Joanne

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Mark Stewart of Mannix and singer-songwriter Stew

Mark Stewart as Toby Fair on Mannix

Stew, the singer-songwriter

I've wanted to post this blog piece for quite a while now. I believe I know what happened to Mark Stewart, the actor who played Toby Fair on Mannix, a crime-detective show starring Mike Connors. Mannix ran from 1967 to 1975 on CBS. Mark appeared in 12 episodes of the series from 1968 to 1975. He portrayed d the young son of Mannix's widowed assistant, Peggy Fair, played by the late Gail Fisher (1935-2000). In addition to his role on Mannix, Mark Stewart only appeared on one other television series, a 1970 episode of Bracken's World.

For almost two years, I've been hesitant about revealing what seems to have happened to Mark Stewat of Mannix, and for a valid reason. I hesitated because I was concerned about the privacy of the person involved. It seemed that for some reason, he didn't want this information made public knowledge. I can't fathom why anyone would want to hide a past which includes being a child actor on a popular TV series.

Here's some background. On March 18, 2020, I wrote a piece about whatever happened to Mark Stewart, the little boy on Mannix. I reached a dead end. In the course of my research, I noticed that that there was no information about him as an adult. It was as if he had disappeared from the face of the earth. According to IMDb, Mark had no TV or film credits after Mannix. He seemed to have ended his acting career when Mannix went off the air in 1975.

My blog piece sparked a great deal of interest and many comments and questions.. Some readers were really curious about what had become of Mark Stewart. I received a couple of emails informing me that he had become a popular musical artist. As recently as February 4, 2022, I received the following comment on my March 18, 2020 article: "I believe he (Mark Stewart) became a singer and songwriter and was pretty successful. He won Tony Awards." I did not post this comment on my blog piece for obvious reasons.

Here is a link to my March 18, 2020 piece on Mark Stewart of Mannix.

http://www.tvbanter.net/2019/07/you-wanted-to-know-what-happened-to.html

In Stew's Wikipedia entry, he is listed as a Tony Award winner and nominee for Passing Strange, a semi-autobiographical rock musical for which he wrote the book, lyrics and music (with Heidi Rodewald).

It doesn't take long to link the child actor Mark Stewart with the singer known as "Stew." Although the two have separate Wikipedia entries, they appeared to be the same person. Why, then, are there two separate Wikipedia entries?

The entry on Stew, the musician, reads as follows. "Mark Stewart (born August 16, 1961 known by his stage name Stew, is an American singer-songwriter from Los Angeles, California, United States." That would make Stew about seven or eight years old when he began appearing on Mannix in 1968, which corresponds to the age of the Toby Fair character on Mannix. By calling himself "Stew," Mark distinguished himself from an English musician, of the same name (The British Mark Stewart was born in 1960 and was a founding member of The Pop Group). In the early 1990s, Stew, the American musician, founded a four-piece band called The Negro Problem. He later embarked on a solo career.

I attempted to contact Stew. I sent messages to him on Twitter and on his Facebook page. I left my email address and requested that he get in touch with me. I really wanted to ask him to confirm that he had a role on Mannix as a child actor. I also wanted to find out if he strongly objected to my revealing his past on the popular TV series. Unfortunately I did not receive a response. If I am wrong that Stew was a child star on Mannix, I sincerely apologize to him.

Here is a 1970 photo of Mark Stewart with his TV mother, Gail Fisher, during their Mannix days.

- Joanne

Saturday, February 5, 2022

Y&R Report (February 5, 2022): The Latest on The Young and the Restless

Hi fans,

It appears that Ashland Locke is a fake and a fraud. He really is the Loch Ness Monster. His miracle cure in Peru is phony. It appears as if he never had cancer in the first place. Princess Victoria has been taken for a ride. Her knight in shining armour is more of a villain. It won't be long before Her Royal Highness falls off her high horse. )Well, we all know what goes up must come down and Victoria has been on quite a power trip lately. She's been so full of herself that it's about time for her to eat a bit of humble pie.

I'm glad that Adam decided to stay at Newman Media. Victoria really believed he would leave. She purposely behave obnoxiously toward him so he would find her impossible to have as a boss. Adam, however, threw a wrench into her plans. Now she finds herself having to deal with him and she doesn't like it one little bit. Meanwhile, things are really heating up between Adam and Sally Spectra. I can't see them keeping it platonic much longer. I think Adam will ultimately regret getting involved with Sally.

It's great to see Michael Baldwin and Lauren involved in the storyline again. Christian LeBlanc is such a fine actor. It's a shame that he and Tracey Bregman, who plays Lauren, have been used so sparingly during the last few years.

As viewers know, Michael is working for Victor Newman again, much to the concern of Lauren. Victor promised that he wouldn't disturb Michael at all hours of the night. So far, he hasn't done that, but he has asked Michael to go Peru to investigate the Ashland's cancer treatment clinic. Of course, Michael agreed to go, albeit reluctantly because of Lauren. Michael had already discovered that Ashland Locke is the owner of a shell company financing the treatment clinic in Peru, which aroused Victor's suspicions. Anyway, not many people can say no to Victor Newman, maybe Nikki and Victoria at times, and certainly not Michael Baldwin.

Noah Newman is going to explode. He's trying his best to deny his feelings for Tessa. He's trying to accept his situation graciously. However, he won't be able to contain himself much longer. I'm not surprised that an online spoiler for next week says that "Noah crosses the line." I wonder what he's going to do.

What's going on with Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman)? First of all, I've had difficulty accepting this sad, lonely Jack act. Where's the old Smilin' Jack? He's become a shadow of his old self, wallowing in self-pity. What have the writers done to his character? Jack has always been so forthright and dapper and debonair. Aside from his business activities, all he does now is sit around and feel sorry for himself. Jack has lost his mojo and he needs to get it back. A handsome, intelligent man such as Jack Abbott would be able to attract lots of women. Because Jack is a man of means, some would be gold diggers. That goes with the territory. However, many women in Genoa City would sincerely like Jack. Jack doesn't need to sit alone in that big, empty Abbott house. He doesn't need to be a member of the lonely hearts club. So, why is he?

Jack's situation would be more understandable if he were just disappointed that he can't find a woman who compares with Phyllis. If he's still carrying a torch for the fiery redhead, why doesn't he act on it? The coast is clear. Phyllis has broken up with Nick Newman. She is a free agent. She is available and nothing is standing in his way. All he has to do is say the word. Yet, he keeps wimping out. When Phyllis told him she was considering a job offer in Milan, Italy, why didn't he tell her that he hoped she would stay in Genoa City, that he would like to try again with her? That's exactly what Phyllis wanted him to do, but he didn't do it. Hey writers, bring back Smilin' Jack Abbott back to us!

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

Longtime Y&R viewer, CC in Etobicoke, Ontario, sent me the following email with her thoughts on Chance:

Hi Joanne

Chance has some kind of big secret from his mission. He is either trying to recall the details, or he knows exactly what is troubling him and is doing everything he can to avoid confronting it.

Perhaps he knows it will cause too much unhappiness for others if it is revealed. Maybe it has to do with his actions during the mission. He once alluded to the fact that he could have done more to help his men. If this is the case, he is weighed down with guilt.

On the other hand, at some point when he was reminiscing to himself he reflected on having info about his unit that pointed to them being the enemy.

Along with these possibilities his angst must also include something to do with another romantic interest. His relationship with the older woman in Spain who helped him seems to be a familiar one. Didn't he indicate that they knew each other well from other assignments in which he was involved? There could be something from the past that keeps him wanting to go back.

Whether it is guilt that he doesn't deserve the life he has with Abby and Dominic, or something even more complex, it is making it impossible for him to bond with Dominic. Plus, I know he seems to be trying but I am not feeling his love for Abby.

He seems to be carrying out what what is expected but not because he is feeling it in his heart. He is just going through the motions.

Coupled with the recent announcement that Conner Floyd (the new Chance) has landed a movie gig I am expecting Chance to go AWOL for awhile.

CC from Etobicoke

Well CC, you have certainly provided Y&R fans with quite a large portion of food for thought. You have come up with an interesting analysis of Phillip Robert Chancellor IV, better known as Chance. I also believe there is something more that is disturbing Chance and preventing him from bonding with Dominic. I have to admit that I haven't been able to warm up to Conner Floyd, the actor who plays Chance. It could be that he's playing such an unsympathetic role and that his character is such a downer. I realize that Chance underwent a traumatic experience in Spain, but I still don't understand why he doesn't get psychiatric help for all the guilt he's shouldering. There is something that is not genuine about Chance's behaviour, something disingenuous. He's hasn't completely levelled with Abby and he hasn't been as honest with her as he should be. I am also not feeling his love for Abby and it seems to me that he is just going through the motions. Maybe that's why he's feeling so guilty. When he saw how difficult is was for Abby when Devon took Dominic for the night, he tried to be super sweet to her. It seemed to me that he was being so sweet in order to appease his own guilt, not out of genuine concern for Abby.

CAST NEWS

Courtney Hope (Sally Spectra) and Chad Duell have split

Just weeks after their gothic-themed wedding, Courtney Hope (Sally Spectra) has broken up with fellow soap star Chad Duell of General Hospital. According to Duell, the split was "not what people think" and the breakup was "just mutual. He called Courtney an "amazing person in so many ways" and he claimed that there would be no divorce involved because they weren't legally married. They hadn't signed any papers.

CASTING NOTE

Robert Newman, formerly Josh Lewis on Guiding Light, assumes the role of Ashland Locke on Wednesday, February 9 on CBS and Tuesday, February 8 on Global TV. He takes over the role just as the walls are beginning to close in on Ashland.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Fans, I'd like to know what your favourite Y&R storyline is right now. Respond to the poll below and let me know.<

NOTE TO READERS

If you are interested in buying a ticket for the Y&R OpportuiTea for March of Dimes, click on the link below for more details. It will take place online on Sunday, February 27, 2022. Kate Linder (Esther Valentine), Christian LeBlanc (Michael Baldwin), Bryton James (Devon Harmilton), Brytni Sharpi (Elena Dawson), Mariah Copeland (Camryn Grimes) and Cait Fairbanks (Tessa Porter) will take part in the event. Here is the link:

Home - OpportuniTea Online - 2022 (akaraisin.com)

That's all for now. Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R report will appear in this space on Saturday, February 19, 2022.

Take care,

Joanne

Sunday, January 30, 2022

You wanted to know about . . . Barry Greenberg and Scott Bernstein of Happy Days

A reader asked me to find out what happened to Barry Greenberg and Scott Bernstein, who played minor roles on Happy Days. The reader is celebrating a milestone birthday today. So, I have granted him his birthday wish. Happy Birthday, M.C.!

NOTE: The Happy Days characters played by Greenberg and Bernstein disappeared from the show without explanation just like Richie Cunningham's older brother, Chuck.

Barry Greenberg

Barry Greenberg is not only a former actor. He is a retired Certified Public Accountant and attorney, based in Los Angeles (He has been fond of saying that he is "Stuck in the "A's"). Barry prepared taxes and dealt with various taxing authorities such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRA), The Franchise Tax Board and The California Board of Equalization. As a bankruptcy attorney, he helped consumer and small business debtors file for bankruptcy protection.

Barry M. Greenberg was born in Los Angeles, California on May 2, 1956. He is known for his portrayal of Moose in three 1974 episodes of Happy Days during the show's first season. The episodes are "Guess Who's Coming to Visit" (Season 1, Episode 4, Air Date: Feb. 5, 1974), "Hardware Jungle" (Season 1, Episode 5, Air Date February 12, 1974) and "Because She's There" (Season 1, Episode 11, Air Date: April 2, 1974).

Prior to his stint on Happy Days, Barry appeared as Alfred in the 1974 TV movie version of Miracle on 34th Street, starring Family Affair's Sebastian Cabot as Kris Kringle. The cast also included Jane Alexander, David Hartman, Roddy McDowall, Jim Backus, David Doyle and Tom Bosley, who played patriarch Howard Cunningham on Happy Days.

In addition to his role as Moose on Happy Days, Barry appeared in the 1976 horror film Dogs, along with David McCallum, Linda Gray and George Wyner. The film is about a pack of dogs that go on a killing spree.

Barry also appeared in the soap opera parody Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, which ran from 1976 to 1977 and starred Loise Lasser. I found a photo online of Barry with Louise, Marian Mercer, Robert Snivel, Nedra Volz and Robert Snively from Mary Hartman. The photo was taken circa 1976. Due to copyright reasons, I can't display the photo on this website. However, you can easily find it if you google the information that I have provided. It is part of the Granger Historical Picture Archive. I have also tried to find the name of the character Barry played on Mary Hartman, but for some strange reason, Barry's name does not appear on IMDb in the list of actors who appeared on the series.

Below is a photograph of Barry M. Greenberg in more recent years.

Scott Bernstein

On Happy Days, Scott Bernstein played Melvin Belvin, a nerdy classmate of Joanie Cunningham and Chachi Arcola. Melvin was the socially inept brother of Eugene Belvin, played by Denis Mandel. He and Eugene often tagged along with Joanie and Chachi's group of friends.

Scott Mitchell Bernstein was born on September 19, 1956. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature. He was trained in comedic acting in New Jersey, New York and Los Angeles, studying under some of the best comedic tutors, including Harvey Lembeck (1923-1982), an American actor best known for his role as Corporal Rocco Barbella on The Phil Silvers Show (also know as Sgt. Bilko) in the late 1950s), He has performed in more than 100 shows on stage and he has been involved in directing and co-writing comedic theatre productions in Las Vegas.

Scott joined the cast of Happy Days.in 1981. He appeared as Melvin Belvin in seven episodes of the series from 1981 until 1983. The episodes are "Fonzie the Substitute" (Season 9, Episode 7, Air Date: November 17, 1981), A Touch of Classical" (Season 9, Episode 16, Air Date: February 2, 1982), "Letting Go" (Season 10, Episode 2, Air Date: October 12, 1982), "Empty Nest" (Season 10, Episode 3, Air Date: October 19, 1982), "Such a Nice Girl (Season 10, Episode 8, Air Date: November 30, 1982), "I Drink, Therefore I Am" (Season 10, Episode 13, Air Date: January 11, 1983).

Happy Days aired for 11 seasons, from 1974 to 1984. All but one of Scott's appearances on Happy Days occurred during the show's tenth season, in 1981 and 1982). In the episode "Such a Nice Girl," Howard Cunningham's shy niece, K,C, Cunningham, played by Crystal Bernard, agrees to go on a date with Melvin Belvin. Melvin takes her to a costume party and catastrophe ensues.

After leaving Happy Days, Scott became a professional acting coach for The PLUS Workshops, which he founded. The PLUS Workshops consist of several types of acting workshops, including group workshops, comedy workshops, drama workshops, private coaching and others. There is also additional work as a director or comedy writer and voice-overs for comedy voices and animation.

END NOTES:

* When Scott Bernstein auditioned for Happy Days, he thought he was auditioning for Laverne and Shirley, which happened to be one of his favourite shows. He wasn't aware that he had auditioned for Happy Days until the audition was over.

* Scott was born with a visual impairment. He has hereditary retinitis pigentosa or RP. This results in "tunnel vision" and gradual loss of eyesight. His condition was a major challenge for him during the time he was on Happy Days. He had limited visual fields, no significant peripheral (side) vision and he had great difficulty adjusting his eyes to the stage lights. He was also nearsighted, which suited his nerdy character well. Scott managed to continue his work on Happy Days without anyone knowing that he was close to being legally blind. If that had been known, he may not have been given the role back then.

SOURCES: Law Offices of Barry M. Greenberg, February 16, 2010; sitcoms online.com "Scott Bernstein: biography;" Wikipedia; Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

- Joanne

Thursday, January 27, 2022

Jeopardy! update

;

Amy's run is over

Well, Jeopardy! fans, Amy Schneider's remarkable 40-game win streak came to an end, but not before she became the second-longest consecutive winner in the history of the popular game show. The only contestant with more victories is Ken Jennings with 74 wins. Amy appeared to be taking aim at Ken's record until she was defeated yesterday by Rhone Talsma, a librarian from Chicago, Illinois.

During her run, Amy amassed total winnings of $1,800, placing her in fourth place earnings-wise alongside behind Natt Amodeo, James Holzhauer and, of course, Ken Jeennings. However, we haven't seen the last of the engineering manager who lives in Oakland, California. She will appear on Jeopardy!'s Tournament of Champions.

Amy Schneider

Get ready for the Jeopardy! National College Championship

The all-new Jeopardy! National College Championship will air in primetime on ABC from February 8 to February 22, 2022. It will be hosted by Mayim Bialik and it will feature 36 students from 15 colleges across the United States. The contestants are 18 year old or older. They are full-time undergraduates with no previous bachelor's degree. The championship rounds will reportedly be shown in hour-long segments instead of the usual half-hour.

Mayim Bialik

Jeopardy! poll

Ken Jennings

Ken Jennings has been hosting Jeopardy! for a while now and Mayim Bialik is getting ready to host the show's next tournament, a national college championship. Provided Ken Jennings wants the job, do you think he should be named the permanent host, with Mayim Bialik presiding over the tournaments. Respond to the poll below and let me know.

- Joanne

Saturday, January 22, 2022

Y&R Report (Saturday, January 22, 2022): The Latest on The Young and the Restless

Hi fans,

My oh my, but Princess Victoria Newman is full of herself these days. She is deliriously power hungry and she makes no bones about it. I couldn't believe it when she told Nikki that it bothered her that there was a company out there with her name on it that wasn't part of her empire. She actually said that! She thinks she has taken Victor's place as supreme ruler of the Newman Empire. I guess she's risen in rank from a princess to an empress. I think it's about time that someone knocked Empress Victoria off her pedestal. Others have noticed how arrogant and power-crazy she has become. That' why they've told how much she is her father's daughter. It's true that of all of Victor's children, Victoria's personality is the most like his.

Victor was motivated by the fact that he was abandoned by his parents and left in an orphanage. He scratched and clawed his way to business success. Victoria seems to have another motivation. She is out to prove that she has not merely benefitted from nepotism. She wants to be recognized as a talented businesswoman in her own right. She is determined to prove that she has earned the right to be CEO of Newman Locke, formerly Newman Enterprises. She wants to show the world that she's worked hard and that she deserves to be CEO because of her own talent and hard work and not just because she is Victor Newman's daughter.

I have to wonder if Victoria is attracted to Ashland's ambitions more than the man himself. Right now, she seems to be dreaming of the two of them become Genoa City's resident power couple, a younger version o Victor and Nikki. It would serve Victoria right if she never got her hands on Newman Media.

The Abby-Chance-Devon baby storyline seems to be dragging. It's been moving along at a snail's pace. Why doesn't Chance just get psychiatric help, and please, not from Dr. Sharon? (What kind of a "professional therapist" is Sharon anyway? She only has a university degree in psychology, her only "patient" has been Adam and she runs a coffee shop all day).

Chance obviously needs psychiatric help. He's been back home in Genoa City for weeks. So, why hasn't he sought professional help? He could have undergone a lot of treatment by now. Couldn't he and Abby have made some agreement that would have allowed Devon to spend more time with Dominic only until Chance finishes his treatment and his emotional state improves? That would be too logical, I suppose, and we can't expect logic from a soap, can we? There'd be no drama and soaps are called "daytime dramas" for a reason.

Having said all that, I really don't think there's any compromising with Devon. He refers to Dominic as his son. He also wants to add" Winters" to the baby's list of names. The truth is that Devon is using Chance's emotional state as an excuse to get what he wants. What he wants is to be daddy to Dominic permanently. Now that Abby and Chance have given in to Devon's wishes, Devon feels like he has succeeded in attaining his goal. Meanwhile, Abby is crestfallen. She feels that her son is slipping away from her. I don't blame her. She has been caught in the middle of her husband and Devon.

Victor Newman will always be a control freak. He has announced his intention to play a greater role in Newman Media and has hired Michael Baldwin to assist him. Michael wants to spend more time with Lauren once he resigns from his position as Genoa City's district attorney. He has been Victor's lackey in the past and he knows how demanding Victor can be. Therefore, he's made it clear to Victor that he doesn't wanted to be disturbed at all hours of the night. Victor has assured Michael that he will not do so, and Michael is banking on Victor keeping his word. Lauren is more skeptical. She thinks Victor will return to his old ways and dominate Michael's time. I tend to agree with Lauren. Victor will be paying Michael handsomely and there will be instances when Michael will be summoned to the Big Boss's side. Victor will just use the excuse that it's an emergency. He'll say that he can't do without Michael's help and that he needs him as soon as possible.

It seems as if there is a lack of storyline for Faith and Moses right now. They aren't onscreen very often. At one time, Faith was front and centre, but not anymore. Maybe the writers are cooking up a storyline for her, but the spotlight is on other storylines right now. Nothing much is happening with Dr. Nate and Elena either. Why don't they get Amanda's sister, Imani, to stir things up?

Rey and Chelsea get along quite well and Chelsea is just devious enough to make it seem that they are more than friends, if it suits her purpose. Rey seems disenchanted at the moment. He feels left out the family dynamic between Nick and Sharon and their children.

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 recently spoke to longtime Y&R viewer, Fifi in Collingwood, Ontario. Fifi pointed out that Chance left the Chancellor home with the front door unlocked. and baby Dominic in his bassinet. Abby was upstairs. Anyone could have waltzed right in and harmed or kidnapped the child. Either Chance is very neglectful or people in Geona City don't lock their front doors. Maybe it's just an easer way for actors to leave and enter a scene.

CAST NEWS

Richard Burgi out as Ashland Locke

In a stunning development, Richard Burgi has been removed from his role as wealthy media mogul Ashland Locke. Fans were left shaking their heads after learning that the popular actor was leaving Y&R. It seemed strange because Burgi's Ashland character had just received some good news that his cancer treatment was working. Why would Burgi be leaving if Ashland seemed likely to survive? Then we learned that he was not leaving the show by choice. He was let go because he had "inadvertently" violated Y&R's COVID policy. Around Christmas, tested positive for the virus. He followed the five-day quarantine recommended the the CDC (Center for Disease Control) but id not adhere to the 10-day set by Y&R.

I am very disappointed that this happened. It really is a shame and very disappointing for legions of Y&R fans.

Robert Newman, who played Josh Lewis for years on Guiding Light, has the unenviable task of filming Richard Burgi's shows. It will take some time for Burgi's disappointed fans to warm up to his replacement. Note that Robert Newman will make his first appearance in the role of Ashland Locke in February.

Camryn Grimes (Mariah Copeland) is engaged

Here's some more proof that the years have really flown by. Our once little Cassie is all grown up and engaged to be married. Congratulations to Camryn Grimes who will wed her boyfriend, Brock Powell. Camryn announced her engagement on Instagram, revealing that she had become engaged on January 2022. She also posted a photo showing off her diamond engagement ring.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Mark Grossman (Adam)

Adam Newman (Mark Grossman) claims to have changed. He says he's left the vindictive Adam behind and that he's a new man. I don't doubt that Adam is trying to reform. So far, he's managed to keep a distance from Sally, although he's obviously attracted to her. Sally, of course, is the last woman Adam should become involved with if he truly wants to be a better person. She will do everything in her power to lower his resistance.

Adam faces some difficult challenges right now and he's not happy. His father, Victor, is trying take control of Newman Media. Victoria and Ashland are determined to bring him down because they want Newman Media. He also has to deal with the feud between Chelsea and Sally over him. That may be too much foo much pressure for him to overcome. Fans, do you think that Adam Newman can overcome all these obstacles or will he revert to the old Adam. Respond to the poll below and let me know.

That's all for now. Please remember that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, February 5, 2022.

Take care,

- Joanne

The Fall Out Over the Cancellation of Kim's Convenience

It's both annoying and disappointing when a s TV show is cancelled abruptly, without much notice to fans. There have been two examples of this on the CBC - Anne with an E and Kim's Convenience, with Kim's Convenience being the most recent example.

After five years, a television series can become stale. It often loses its lustre and the time come for the cast to move on. Such was not the case for Kim's Convenience. It could have continued for at least one more season. There could have been a series finale to tie up all the loose ends. Instead, the series ended abruptly, leaving fans disappointed and frustrated. A sixth season had been planned, but the show was unexpectedly cancelled, leaving its viewers high and dry. The last episode of the fifth season was more of a season finale than a series finale. It left so many unsettled issues. Many fans, including myself, were left unsatisfied.

So, why was Kim's Convenience cancelled? Apparently the show's two co-creators decided to move on and pursue other opportunities. The producers of the series posted the following statement on Twitter.

"To our amazing fans: Authenticity of storytelling is at the center of the success of Kim's Convenience. At the end of production on Season 5, our two co-creators confirmed they were moving on to other projects. Given their departure from the series, we have come to the difficult conclusion that we cannot deliver another season of the same heart and quality that has made the show so special."

Kim's Convenience was a series about a Korean-Canadian family who operated a convenience store in Toronto.. The cast was terrific with Paul Sun-Hyung Lee as Mr. Kim, the patriarch of the family (known as "Appa" to his children; Jean Yoon as Mrs. Kim, the matriarch of the family, known as "Umma" to her children; Simu Liu as their somewhat estranged son, Jung, and Andrea Bang as their daughter, Janet.

Some members of the cast have become busy with other ventures. Simu Liu, who stated. "I feel we deserve better," when the shown was cancelled, has found success elsewhere. He was chosen to play Shang-Chiang, Marvel superhero and first Asian lead. He also hosted Saturday Night Live on NBC. Simu Liu has stated that he has no intention of appearing in any spinoff of Kim's Convenience However, two other members of the cast have their own CBC shows now.

Nicole Power, who played Shannon Ross in Kim's Convenience, stars in a spinoff called Strays.. In Kim's Convenience, her character, Shannon, managed the car rental agency where Jung and his friend Kimchee (Andrew Phung) worked. Power's new sitcom follows Shannon in her new job as executive director of an animal shelter in Hamilton, Ontario. I must say, it's kind of interesting to see Hamilton as a setting for a TV comedy. I've watched two episodes of the show and, unfortunately, I haven't found it to be particularly funny. For one thing, Nicole Power is not supported by the wonderful cast of Kim's Convenience. I may watch some more episodes to see if it grows on me.

Andrew Phung, who played Kimchee, also has his own CBC sitcom called Run the Burbs, which is not a spinoff of Kim's Convenience. In Run the Burbs, Phung plays a suburban stay-at-home dad with an entrepreneur wife and two children. I've watched the first episode about his family's attempts to hold a block party in their neighbourhood. I think it has potential. It certainly reflects Canada's growing diversity in the suburbs.

CBC has produced some good quality shows such as Heartland, Schitt's Creek, Anne with an E, Murdoch Mysteries, Little Mosque on the Prairie and, of course, Kim's Convenience. Imagine what it could do with more support - financial and otherwise.

- Joanne

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