Y&R Report: The Latest on The Young and the Restless (February 25, 2023)

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,

Jeremy Stark is back and Jack Abbott and Diane Jenkins are in shock.  They never expected to see him again.  They foolishly believed they were in the clear.  How wrong they were!  Now they are getting exactly what they deserve.  Stark is back to haunt them.  Did Jack and Diane really think they could get rid of him so easily?  Diane should be very very afraid because Stark is hellbent on getting revenge on her.  This time I think he will have an ally in his attempt to bring her down.  HIs ally will be Phyllis.  Phyllis is quite desperate right now.  She feels alone, rejected, mistreated and misunderstood.  She has been fired from separate jobs by her own two children.  She has lost Jack to Diane, who has flaunted her relationship to Jack. She's very vulnerable right now and just as eager as Jeremy to bring Diane down.  Although she has refused Jeremy's offer, I think she will change her mind and decide to help him.  

Heather has informed Daniel that she has met someone else, and she and Lucy have returned to Portugal.  The writers decided  against keeping them in Genoa City for a while.  I guess they couldn't fit them into the storyline,  Their appearance closes the book on that chapter in Daniel's past and leaves him free to begin a relationship with Lily, which will happen eventually.

Well, Ashley Abbott seems to have the upper hand right now.  She's very pleased with herself and smug, isn't she?  She seem to  to be enjoying watching Tucker McCall squirm.  But what is Ashley's end game?  I don't think her motive is purely revenge or power.  So, what is she trying to accomplish?  Is she somehow trying to get control of the Abbott home so that Diane and Jack can't live there together?

Nate is going to regret becoming involved with Victoria.  Somebody is on to what's going on with the former doctor Nate and his boss, and it's not Nate's girlfriend, Elena.  It's Audra, the new COO of Neman Media and Noah's ex.  She clued right in.  She noticed the vibes between Nate and Princess Victoria.  When she mentioned it to Nate, he vehemently denied any romantic involvement with Victoria.  However, the look on Audra's face as left the office told the story.  She doesn't believe him.  Audra is an opportunist, it will be interesting to see how she uses her knowledge about Nate and Victoria.

By the way, it appears that Audra has been hired to to be a spy.  Her latest assignment is to find out who bought out Tucker's company before the Newmans had a chance.  I'm sure she'll soon discover that the buyer was Ashley. That should put Victoria on a collision course with Ashely.

The Sally Spectra baby drama continues.  The writers tried to tease us.  However, the father had to be Adam because that creates more conflict.  Actually, I was pleased because I don't like Sally and Nick Newman together.  I think Sally's going to become really fed up with the arguing between the Newman brothers.  Just wait until Victor gets involved, too.  He definitely won't be happy that Sally's the mother of a Newman baby, his grandchild.  Sally doesn't seem ready to be a mother and she may decide to put the baby up for adoption.  It would follow that the child would be adopted by Mariah and Tessa.

There has been a shakeup of Y&R's writing staff.  The shakeup means that head writer and executive producer Josh Griffith will have even more power, influence and responsibility.  So, if you don't like the storylines, you are more likely to blame him.  Here's the situation.  Just as The Young and Restless prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary, it's writing team has gotten smaller.  The entire staff of five breakdown writers has been fired, four of whom are women.  Breakdown writers map out story narrative over multiple episodes.  They are specifically used for daytime dramas because they have so many more episodes than prime time shows.  It is not clear whether the decision to fire the break down writers was made by Sony Pictures Television, which produces Y&R, or by Griffith himself.  Nevertheless, this is not a pleasing development and it does not bode well for the show.

Josh Griffith

CAST NEWS

Y&R celebrates 50th anniversary with return of old favourites

Michael Damian

Patty Weaver

Longtime Y&R viewers will be delighted to see the return of five characters in celebration of the show's 50th anniversary. Michael Damian (Danny Romalotti),who appeared at Christmas and New Year's, will be back again, as will Patty Weaver, who played Danny's big sister, Gina Roma. Gina operated a restaurant in Genoa City where she often entertained customers with her singing. Before starting he 30-year run on Y&R, Patty portrayed Trish Clayton on Days of Our Lives.

Tricia Cast will return as Nina Webster.  Nina is the best friend of Christine "Cricket." (Lauralee Bell).  Nina is also the mother of Philip Chancellor 1V, better known as "Chance."  She will probably be very interested in what's happened to Chance and Abby.  If she discovers the truth about Abby and Devon, she won't be too pleased.  

Trisha Cast

Barbara Crampton will return as gossip queen Leanna Love.  Leanna once wrote a tell-all book about Victor Newman entitled Ruthless.  It will be fun to watch Victor's reaction when he sees Leanna again.  Veronica Redd will reprise her role as Mamie Johnson, the Abbott family's housekeeper. and "surrogate mother."  Veronica is the second actress to play the role of Mamie, and she left the show in 2004.

Barbara Crampton

Veronica Redd

Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Lawson) expecting her second child

Some happy baby news to pass along to Y&R fans.  Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Lawson) is pregnant with her second child.  The actress revealed the news on Twitter by posting a photo of herself and her one-year-old son, Caden in which she shows off her baby bump.  The caption on the photo read, "Looks like we're just destined to have August babies.  So grateful and excited to be adding another cub to our family of Leo baby boys.  Caden's gonna be a big brother."

So, Melissa's pregnancy means that her character, Chelsea, will not be seen on the show while she has a maternity break.  Will Chelsea be written out for a while or will another actress replace her while she is on mat leave?  We will soon find out.  Right now, it looks like Melissa's character, who seems to have overcome a mental health crisis, and Billy Abbott (Jason Thompson) are headed for romance.  

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Y&R characters often make unwise decisions or act foolishly.  It's what creates conflict on the show.  Sometimes, I just want to scratch my head and say, "How can you be so stupid?"  So fans, I would like to know which character on Y&R acts the most foolishly in your opinion.  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Who is the most foolish character on Y&R?

Jack Abbott

Nick Newman

Sally Spectra

Kyle Abbott

Phyllis Summers

Nate Hastings

Abby Newman

Devon Hamilton

Billy Abbott

Victoria Newman

Diane Jenkins

All of the above

I don't know

Other

 

pollcode.com free polls

NOTE TO READERS

I really need your feedback.  If you have any comments on Y&R, please email them to me with "Viewer Forum" in the subject line. I will be happy to publish your comments and reply to them  You do not have to use your real name.  I really need your input.  I really need to hear your opinion.  I want to know if you agree or disagree with me. 

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca

That's all for now/  Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in

this space on Saturday, March 11, 2023.

Take care,

Joanne

Y&R Report (February 11, 2013): 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,

We haven't seen the last of Jeremy Stark.  I'm glad because Diane Jenkins and her love-sick puppy, Jack Abbott, should not get away with what they've done.  They are not above the law.  They committed a crime by stealing Nikki's necklace and setting up Stark up to take the fall.  Jeremy is a low-life criminal, but that doesn't excuse what Diane and Jellyfish Jack did.  They are just as accountable under the law as Stark.

According to a teaser in Soap Opera Digest, Jeremy will get out of prison in the days ahead.  Of course he will seek revenge and there will be more threats and intimidation.  The difference this time is that The Big Man himself, Victor Newman will go head to head with Stark.  Victor is going to be very busy trying to deal with Stark and also gaining control of Tucker McCall's company so that he can bring prodigal son Adam back in the fold.   

Diane has a lot of nerve.  She just waltzed into Jack's office and sat behind his desk with a smug smile, as if she owned Jabot.  She behaved like the cat who caught the canary, the canary being Jack Abbott.  She even had the unmitigated gall to ask Jack for a promotion.  Diane is after Phyllis's former job.  She claims she has the right qualifications and that she wants to become closer to the family.

How many times have we heard Diane say that she returned to Genoa City to reconnect with Kyle, the son she abandoned?  However, her true motive has always been to marry Jack so that she will be the Abbott lady of the manor.  She wants to be the Abbott version of Nikki Newman.  I hope she never gets that ring on her finger.  What a disaster that would be!  Fortunately, I don't think it's ever going to happen because Jack and Diane are doomed.  They think everything is great/  They think they've gotten rid of Jeremy Stark for good.  Have they got a surprise coming for them!

"And they call it Puppy Love . . ."

Diane is unlikely to achieves her goal.  Nikki and Ashley and Phyllis will wipe that Cheshire cat smile off her face.  It's already starting to happen.  When Ashley returned from Paris, she argued with with her foolish brother. over Diane.  Jack threatened to kick her out of the Abbott house, but she protested that it was the family home.  Jack offered to buy her out, but she strongly refused his offer.  

Jack is so blinded by his feelings for Diane that he can't see what a manipulative woman she is.  He puts her ahead of his sister.  Jack and Ash usually get along so well. This is probably the biggest conflict they have ever had.

Wow!  Phyllis must be the only TV character who has been fired from one job by a daughter (Summer) and another job by a son (Daniel).  That could only happen to her.  She never should have sold The Grand Phoenix.  She really enjoyed running the hotel.  She was really suited for the job.

Phyllis is no angel, but I really think her meddling is sincere in a very misguided way.  She really believes she is helping her children.  She doesn't understand that she is way out of bounds.  I am not the biggest fan of Phyllis, but her heart is warmer than Diane's.  Phyllis has done some terrible things in her past, but she doesn't pretend to be something she's not.  Diane is a complete phony.  

It's obvious that Princess Victoria Newman has her sights set on Nate Hastings.  Of course, Dr. Elena thinks everything is going well in her relationship with Nate.  She has no idea yet that Victoria is getting ready to pounce on her boyfriend.  Victoria has already kissed Nate, and the two couldn't even talk about it.  They ignored the elephant in the room.  After the kiss, Nate was super sweet to Elena because he felt guilty.  Meanwhile, Victoria flirts with Nate, drinks wine with him, and feeds his ego.  You don't know it yet, Elena, but you will have plenty to worry about.

Could it be that Mariah and Tessa will adopt Sally's baby?  That would be interesting because the baby will have royal Newman blood, so Victor would have to become involved in some way.   It seems that every time Mariah and Tessa try to adopt a child, they are thwarted.  Something or other stops it from happening.  Meanwhile, Sally  is not ready for motherhood.  Nick sounds supportive now, but he may change his tune if Adam turns out to be the father.

Well, thanks to Phyllis, Heather and Lucy have returned to Genoa City.  Did you know that Heather is the daughter of Paul Williams (Doug Davidson) from his first marriage to April Stevens long ago?  That makes Lucy the granddaughter of Paul, although not biologically.

Lucy is actually the offspring of Daniel Romalotti and a criminal named Daisy, who drugged Daniel and took advantage of him.  It's interesting to note that Daisy is the daughter of Lauren's nemesis, the evil Sheila Carter, and Terrible Tom Fisher, Kevin's father who locked him in a closet.  With those two as parents, it's not surprising that Daisy turned out the way she did.

Daisy became a fugitive and escaped to Canada.  She was captured and jailed.  When she later regained custody of Lucy, Daniel decided to marry her in order to keep the child safe.  Daisy eventually overdosed on pills so that she could be admitted to a psychiatric hospital.  She then disappeared again.  Heather and Danial moved to Savannah, Georgia to raise Lucy together.

It's also interesting to note that Heather was once engaged to Adam Newman.  They ended their relationship on bad terms.  However, I wonder if  if Heather's former relationship will Adam will be a factor now that she has returned.

CAST NEWS

Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea) has a new look

Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Lawson) has a new hairstyle.  She is wearing bangs.  Her character (Chelsea) has a more confident outlook.  She's much brighter and happier.  By the way, I don't believe for one second that her dinner with Billy Abbott was not a date.  Of course it was.  They were just afraid to call it that.  

Chelsea would be taking a risk by getting romantically involved with Billy Boy, given his track record with relationships, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.  Billy seems to have settled down somewhat, but he still can't seemed to find direction in his life.  Who knows?  Maybe they will be good for each other.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Michael Graziadei

Daniel Romalotti (Michael Graziadei) is back and he is front and centre in the storyline.  It seems that his videogame project is much in demand in Genoa City.  His family, Heather and Lucy, have arrived in GC and hie has just fired his meddling mother, Phyllis.  Fans, are you pleased that he is back and that he is playing such a prominent role in the storyline right now?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Are you pleased that Daniel Romalotti (Michael Graziadei) has returned and has such a big part on Y&R?

Yes, I like him and I find his storyline interesting, especially now that Heather and Lucy are back.

No, I don't think he is an exciting character. He just sits around the coffeehouse all day.

Yes, his past connection to Lily and the fact that he's the son of Phyllis make him interesting.

I don't know.

Other

 

pollcode.com free polls

NOTE TO READERS

I really need your feedback.  If you have any comments on Y&R, please email them to me with "Viewer Forum" in the subject line. I will be happy to publish your comments and reply to them  You do not have to use your real name.  I really need your input.  I really need to hear your opinion.  I want to know if you agree or disagree with me. 

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca

That's all for now. We are into the February Sweeps and Valentine's Day is coming up.  I'm also looking forward to Y&R's 50th anniversary celebrations in March.  Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, February 25, 2023. 

Take care,

Joanne

TV Banter Quiz #30

GENERAL TV QUIZ

Are you ready for the latest TV Banter television quiz?  Get ready and good luck!  There are ten questions.

1.  In which city did Eight is Enough take place?

A.  Los Angeles, California

B.  Boston, Massachusetts

C.  Cleveland, Ohio

D.  Sacramento, California

E.  Seattle, Washington

2.  On The Beverly Hillbillies, Jane Hathaway, secretary to Milburn Drysdale, the Clampett family's banker, had a hobby.  What was Miss Hathaway's hobby?

A. playing Cribbage

B.  bird watching

C. stamp collecting

D.  coin collecting

E.  playing badminton

3.  Tom Selleck is best known for his starring roles in Magnum, PI (1980-1988) and Blue Bloods    (2010 -).  Earlier in his career, Tom played the role of Jed Andrews on a daytime soap opera.  What is the name of that soap?

Tom Selleck

A.  The Young and the Restless

B.  All My Children

C.  Days of our Lives

D.  As the World Turns

E.  General Hospital

4.  On Friends, what was the name of Ross's capuchin monkey?

A.  Marty

B.  Morgan

C.  Mitch

D.  Marcel

E.  Marv

5.  On Marcus Welby, M.D., what vehicle did Dr. Steven Kiley (James Brolin) drive to work?

A.  Chevy Corvette

B.  Volkswagen Bug

C.  Motorcycle

D.  Bicycle

E.   Ford Mustang

6.  On Frasier, what breed of dog was Eddie?

A.  Boston Terrier

B.  Basenji

C.   Rat Terrier

D.  Mutt

E.  Jack Russell Terrier

7.  On Seinfeld, what was the first name of George's father?

A.  Frank Costanza

B.  Joe Costanza

C,  Tony Costanza

D.  Al Costanza

E.  George Costanza Sr.

8.  On Family Ties, Michael J. Fox portrayed a young, conservative Republican.  What did the "P." in the name of Alex P. Keaton's stand for?

Michael J. Fox as Alex P. Keaton

A.  Peter

B.  Percival

C.  Peace

D.  Prescott

E. Patrick

9.  On The Waltons, where was Walton's Mountain located?

A.  West Virginia

B.  Virginia

C.  Oklahoma

D.  North Dakota

E.  South Dakota

10.   Which French actor appeared in an episode of  I Love Lucy during Lucy and Ricky's visit to Paris?

A.  Maurice Chevalier

B.  Yves Montand

C.  Charles Boyer

D.  Jean-Louis Trintgnant

E.  Jean-Paul Belmondo

ANSWERS

1.  D.  

Sacramento, California

Eight is Enough was set in Sacramento, California, where the patriarch of the Bradford family, Tom Bradford (Dick Van Patten), worked as a newspaper columnist for the fictional Sacramento Register.

2.  B.

Bird watching

Jane Hathaway (Nancy Kulp), Mr. Drysdale's secretary, was a member of a zany bird watcher club.  She wore hiking clothes and used binoculars.

Nancy Kulp also played the bird-loving Pamela Livingstone on The Bob Cummings show in the 1950s

3.  A

The Young and the Restless

From 1974 to 1975, Tom Selleck portrayed Jed Andrews on The Young and the Restless.

Below is a photo of Tom during his Young and Restless days.

4.  D

Marcel

Ross (David Schwimmer) with Marcel

In the tenth episode of the fourth season of Friends, Ross Geller, adopts a monkey to keep him company after his divorce.  The episode, entitled "The One with the Monkey," was first broadcast on December 15, 1994.  The pet monkey, Marcel, was actually a female capuchin named Katie.

5.  C

Motorcycle

Dr. Steven Kiley, played by James Brolin, drove a motorcycle to work.

6.  E

Jack Russell Terrier

Frasier's father, Martin Crane, owned a Jack Russell named Eddie.  Eddie was portrayed by a dog named Moose for the first seven seasons of Frasier, and by Moose's son, Enzo, for the remaining four.  Eddie was capable of understanding many commands, and human language to a degree.  He would run away when someone spelled out B-A-T-H.  He generally listened only to Martin.

7.  A   

Frank Costanza

John Randolph (left) and Jerry Stiller

The first actor to portray Frank Costanza on Seinfeld was John Randolph.  Randolph originated the role in a Season 4.episode entitled "The Handicap Spot," in which George borrows his father's car.  Frank didn't reappear until the Season 5, Episode 2 of the series. entitled "The Puffy Shirt."  The character was recast and John Randolph was replaced with comedian Jerry Stiller.  Stiller became much more popular with viewers and was more suited to the role.

8.  C

Peace 

Alex's parents, Elyse and Steven Keaton (Meredith Baxter and Michael Gross),were hippies during the 1960s.  That's why they chose "Peace" as their son's middle name.  There was an episode of Family Ties where there was a flashback to when Alex was a baby, and it was revealed how he got his second name.  According to the episode, entitled "A Christmas Story" (Season 1, Episode 11, Air Date: December 15, 1982), Alex was born in 1965, while his parents were on assignment in Africa, having been influenced by John F. Kennedy to join the Peace Corps.

During his audition for the role of Alex, Michael J. Fox, who played Elyse and Steven's conservative Republican son, suggested that the initial "P." should be added to Alex's name.  The writers liked the idea.

9.  B

Virginia

The Waltons was set in the fictional mountain community in the fictitious Jefferson County, Virginia.  Located near Charlottesville, Virginia.  The small hamlet was actually the hometown of Earl Hamner, whose writings formed the basis of the TV series.  Hamner outlined his settings based on his childhood home in  Schyuyler, Virginia, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  There is a Walton's Mountain Museum in a corner of the mountains.

The "Walton's Mountain" shown on the TV show was actually a hill in the Hollywood Hills.

10. C.

Charles Boyer

Lucy with Charles Boyer in  I Love Lucy 

Charles Boyer appeared in a 1956 episode of I Love Lucy entitled "Lucy Meets Charles Boyer" (Season 5, Episode 19, Air Date: March 5, 1956).  

- Joanne

Y&R Report (Saturday, January 28, 2023): 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,

The writers have turned Jack Abbott into a fool with no backbone.  Is he so naive as to think that all the drama surrounding Diane Jenkins is over for good?  Didn't he notice how suspicious Nikki was about her stolen diamond necklace?   Doesn't he realize that Diane is a never-ending source of trouble and that she always will be?  Even Diane herself was less confident than Jack that they were out of the woods.

Have we really seen the last of Jeremy Stark?  It seems as if they ended his storyline abruptly and haphazardly.  Was the storyline so unpopular with audiences that they wanted to end it quickly?  Will Jeremy return after Jack and Diane are exposed as the real thieves?

I really miss Doug Davidson as Paul Williams, but I don't blame Doug for being finished with the show, especially after he was treated so shabbily.  Doug was hurt recently when someone on Twitter wondered if Paul Williams should be killed off, since he is not seen anymore.  

Now that Rey Rosales has died in a tragic car crash, it seems that Chance is the only police detective in Genoa City?  Chance certainly didn't do a very good job in his investigation into the death of Ashland Locke, and he has also bungled the investigation into Nikki's stolen necklace.  No wonder he's considering quitting the police force altogether.

I truly enjoyed the episode celebrating Tracey Bregman's 40 years as Lauren Fenmore on Y&R.  It was wonderful to see all the old flashbacks as she reflected on her life with family and friends.  The only thing I missed was a flashback of Lauren and Michael's wedding.

I also watched Tracey's appearance on The Talk.  Christian LeBlanc, who plays her TV husband, Michael Baldwin, made a surprise appearance.  He presented Tracey with a replacement for her Daytime Emmy, which was destroyed in a house fire.

Phyllis has been running into Tucker McCall quite a lot lately.  She doesn't like him, but that could change.  I still wonder if something is eventually going to start up between those two now that Ashley has returned to Paris for the time being?  Does Tucker's heart really belong to Ashley.?  I can't figure that guy out.  He's very complex and there are so many sides to him.  He's a scoundrel, a real snake-in-the-grass.  Yet, he can cry like a baby over Ashley and enjoy playing with his grandson, Dominic.  Nevertheless, he's completely untrustworthy.

Kyle is behaving as foolishly as his father, Jack.  He is putting his mother, Diane, and his dislike of Adam Newman ahead of his regard for Summer.  He just has to please Victor and get the dirt on Adam.  It seems that everyone just bows down to :"The Moustache.'  They are all so eager to do his bidding, especially Michael Baldwin, his lackey lawyer.  Just once, I'd like someone to turn Victor down or tell Victor that they can't meet with him right away.  The man is a total control freak.  He is determined to bring Adam back into the family business whether anyone else likes it or not.  Nikki advised him against reinstating Adam.  She pointed out that everything in the Newman world was relatively peaceful and that a shakeup would only cause problems.  Victor told her that he always considers her opinion.  As we know, however, in the end, Victor only listens to those who agree with him.  He only does what he wants.

In my previous Y&R Report, I opined that the show needs a shakeup.  Well, there has been one of sorts.  Anthony Morina has decided to resign as executive producer of The Young and the Restless, just as he is about to face trial by jury in March of this year.  Morina is dealing with a sexual harassment lawsuit brought forth by Briana Thomas, a background actress, who played a barista at Crimson Lights in 2018 and 2019.  The actress alleges that she was fired because she rejected Morina's advances.

So, what does the departure of Anthony Morina mean for the show.  Well, it means more control for head writer Josh Griffith.  Morina will not be replaces and Griffith, who is has been co-executive producer, will become the sole executive producer.  Time will tell if this will be beneficial to the show.

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

l recently spoke to longtime Y&R viewer Helen in Scarborough, Ontario.  Helen had some interesting observations.  Here they are:

* Have you noticed that Y&R has reduced the number of sets on the show?  For example, Sharon's home has not been shown since Rey died.  I really like that place, but Sharon spends all her time in the coffeehouse.  She practically lives there these days.  Victoria's house hasn't been shown lately either.  Nor has Nick's.  Are these cost-cutting measures?  Most likely.

* When Chance came to search Jeremy Stark's suite, he was alone.  He had no backup.  That is not standard police procedure, especially when confronting a potentially dangerous criminal such as Stark.

CAST NEWS

Heather and Lucy will be arriving in Genoa City

Vail Bloom (Heather)

Lily Brooks O[Briant (Lucy)

Daniel Romalotti's life is about to get more complicated.  He is going to be reunited with his family next month.  Vail Bloom will reprise her role as Heather, which she played from 2007 to 20010.  16-year-odd newcomer Lily Brooks O'Briant has been cast in the role of Heather and Daniel's daughter, Lucy Romalotti.  Although this is Lily's first daytime role, she was a regular on the Netflix comedy The Big Show Show.  She also played the lead role of Ella in the 2022 Apple+ series Life By Ella.

Leave it to meddling Phyllis to ask her to come to Genoa City without Dannie's knowledge.  Daniel will obviously be torn between Heather and his old flame, Lily.  Everything will depend on how well-received Heather and Lucy are by fans.  If they turn out to be popular, they will stay a while. Will Heather be jealous of Lily?  Will Lucy turn out to be a teenage troublemaker? Will she seek attention.  Will she resent Lily. Stay tuned!

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Jeremy Stark, played by James Hyde, has been arrested.  His stint on Y&R may have come to an end.  We don't know yet if he'll be back.  It may never be revealed that he was set up by Jack and Diane.  Stark may never return.  What do you think, fans?  Are you satisfied with how his storyline was resolved?  Do you think Jack and Diane should get away with setting him up?  Respond to the poll  below and let me know.

Do you think Jeremy Stark is gone for good?

Yes, he won't be back, and good riddance.

Yes, he won't be back. They should have kept him longer.

No, we haven't seen the last of him. I'm glad because he is a good actor.

No, unfortunately. I think he'll be back.

I don't know.

other

 

pollcode.com free polls

That's all for now.  Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, February 11, 2023.

Take care,

- Joanne

Are there too many streaming services?

Many Baby Boomers have fond memories of watching The Ed Sullivan Show with the whole family on Sunday nights.  Those days, of course, are long gone, never to return.  We now have an almost infinite choice of programming, which we can view at our convenience.  There is more available than we'll ever have time to watch.  Is there a glut?  Is this too much of a good thing?

When streaming first started, Netflix led the way.  It was, and still is, the giant among streaming services.  However, in recent years, its supremacy has been challenged by several other streaming services.  They've been popping up like weeds.  Netflix's strongest challenger is Amazon Prime.  There is also Disney+ and NBC's Peacock network.  Most people only subscribe to one or two of those services.  However, there may be a program you really want to watch, but it is not available to you.  You may find that some of your friends are discussing a program that is on Prime, but you don't subscribe to Prime, so you can't join in the conversation.

There are so many TV shows and so many movies available through streaming services that they've become like a  smorgasbord, a buffet with so many choices that we don't know where to start.  We want to taste everything, but we can't or we will have a severe case of indigestion.

Traditional network programming is almost unwatchable now because of the ridiculous number of commercials and interruptions.  I have to PVR most of the shows I watch so that I can fast forward past the commercials.  It's the only way to escape the deluge of advertising.

There was a time when watching television brought families and friends together in their living rooms.  Now many people are watching shows or movies in their own little world.  In a sense, they are isolated.  Where will it all end?  We never used the expression "binge watching" until streaming came along.

- Joanne

Y&R Report (January 14, 2023) 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,

It's 2023 and I am back after a Christmas and New Year break.  I hope your holidays were better than than those of some of the citizens of Genoa City.  For many in GC, Christmas and New Year's were not very joyous this year.  To be honest, I was disappointed in holiday episodes.  I missed the usual Abbott and Newman family celebrations.  

New Year's was not much better.  Billy and Lily were miserable.  Sally felt ill and Nick ended up spending New Year's Eve at the coffee shop.  There just didn't seem to be a festive atmosphere.

I did enjoy seeing Michael Damian as Danny Romalotti again.  I also enjoyed his rendition of "Auld Lang Syne" along with Traci, Lauren and Michael Baldwin.  Unfortunately, there is not much more that I have liked about the show recently.  Maybe it's the couples that they are bringing together.  I just can't get excited about Sally and Nick or Jack and Diane or Sharon and Chance or Abby and Devon.

It seems to me that Y&R needs a shake-up.  It needs a new set of writers and some fresh storylines.  For example, it's ridiculous to have Jack Abbott assisting Diane in a crime.  He approved of her plan to rob Nikki's jewels so that she can convince Jeremy Stark that she is on his side.  Why would Jack be so spineless as to commit a crime for Diane's sake, especially given her dubious past?  Is he so smitten with her that he is blind to her duplicity?  Doesn't he realize that Diane is just going to spiral from one crisis to another?  He's intelligent enough to know that Jeremy Stark can't be trusted.  Maybe nothing will satisfy the criminal.  After the theft, he will demand more and more from Diane to prove her loyalty.  Don't expect him to leave town any time some.

I'm having second thoughts about the Diane storyline.  When Diane returned to Genoa City, I thought it was a good idea.  It really added spark to Jack's storyline.  Unfortunately, the writers have gone off on a tangent, especially with Stark, portrayed by James Hyde.  He seems to be playing games with Diane.  Hyde is a good actor, but it just seems as if he's been thrown into the storyline.  In fact, it's unclear what Jeremy really wants,  He's rejected a great deal of money.  Why wouldn't he have just taken the money and run. Is it Diane herself that he wants?  In a preview, Stark was shown making a play for Diane.

Sally Spectra is not exactly thrilled about her impending motherhood.  She doesn't really want to deal with it.  However, as Chloe pointed out, Sally will have to face the situation.  She can't keep it on the backburner indefinitely.  So, what will she do?  Maybe she'll go away and have the baby secretly without telling Adam or Nick about it.  Then, she may let Tessa and Mariah adopt the baby.  The truth will come out eventually, especially since Sally will be giving birth to a Newman child.  It will be interesting to see how Victor Newman reacts when he finds out.  Victor doesn't like Sally, and he won't be very pleased when he learns that she has given birth to a Newman baby.  He thinks Newman' babieso are born with royal jelly.  They are tougher than other babies.

It's about time Abby vacated the Chancellor mansion.  She is an Abbott and a Newman, not a Chancellor.  By rights, Philip Chancellor 1V, also known as Chance, should be living there.  Speaking of Chance, it is obvious that he is becoming involved with Sharon.  Abby wasn't too please when she noticed how friendly her estranged husband is becoming with Sharon.  As I've mentioned before, I am not enthusiastic about the prospect of a Sharon-Chance coupling. 

Given Audra Charles' track record, I have to question Nate's judgement in hiring her to assist him at Newman Media.  What was he thinking?  According to an online spoiler, Nate's girlfriend, Elena, will be distrustful of Audra'a intentions. and who can blame her?  However, the real person Elena should be concerned about may be Victoria Newman.  

CAST NEWS

Michael Mealor (Kyle Abbott) is engaged

Michael Mealor (Kyle Abbott is engaged.  The Y&R actor's fiancée, Sasha, shared the good news on Instagram, along with photos and comments. Congratulations to the happy couple.

Eric Braeden has knee-replacement surgery

Eric Braeden (Victor Newman) is recovering from knee surgery.  On December 15th, Eric revealed on Twitter that he had undergone a medical procedure to replace his knee.  He said he was on the mend. Eric, who is a former soccer pro, said that three holes were found in his knee.

Y&R shuts down production every year at the end of December for a 2 1/2 week holiday break, so Eric didn't have to be concerned how his physiotherapy would affect his Y&R schedule.  He hopes to be ready to return by then.   Knowing Eric, I'm sure he will be ready.  According to a report in Soaps in Depth, a follower advised Eric to keep moving.  Eric replied, "I never stop moving!"  Doesn't he sound just like his Victor Newman character?

Special Episode Honouring Tracey Bregman (Lauren)

On Wednesday, January 25 (CBS), and Tuesday January 24th (Global TV), Y&R will air a special stand-alone episode marking Tracey Bregman's 40 years of playing Lauren Fenmore.  Bregman fans won't want to mis that!  Congratulations, Tracey!

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Sharon Case
      

Conner Floyd (Chance)

Sharon, as we know, listens in to most of the conversations at her coffeehouse, Crimson Lights.  I think that's why she enjoys running the place so much.  Lately, she has become close with Chance (Conner Floyd), who seems to be spending a great deal of time in her establishment.  It looks as if she is going to become involved with him.  What do you think of that, fans?  What do you think of them as a couple.  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

What do you think of Sharon and Chance as a couple?

It has possibilities. They may really click.

No way. They would be so boring together. There is no spark.

I'd have to see more of them together.

I don't know.

Ohter

 

pollcode.com free polls

NOTE TO READERS

I really need your feedback.  If you have any comments on Y&R, please email them to me with "Viewer Forum" in the subject line. I will be happy to publish your comments and reply to them  You do not have to use your real name.  I really need your input.  I really need to hear your opinion.  I want to know if you agree or disagree with me. 

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca

That's all for now.  Please remember that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, January 28, 2023.

Take care,

Joanne