Y&R Report (January 27, 2024): 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 old saying that when the cat's away, the mice will play certainly applies to Daniel Romalotti.  With Lilly out of town, it didn't take much time for Daniel to start playing around with Heather.  He easily gave in to temptation. At first, Daniel planned to tell Lily himself about  Heather.  However, he decided against it because he felt that the timing isn't right.  He'd have to go to California and upset her while she's supporting her daughter through a difficult time.

You can be sure, however that Lily will find out that her boyfriend cheated on her as soon as she returns.  You can also bet that she'll find out before Daniel tell her himself.  I guess Daniel is a chip off the block.  He has no backbone.  He is much like his dad, the rock star.  

Danny Romalotti (Michael Damian) may be a rock star, but the writers have made his very wimpy and weak in his personal life.  He told Cricket that she is the one he wants to be with, yet he doesn't have the strength to resist Phyllis.  She senses his hesitation and his weakness, and she plays him perfectly.  Instead of asking her to leave, he sat and listened to her.  He failed to make it clear to the fiery redhead that the wanted no part of a romance with her.  That was exactly the opening Phyllis needed to work on him.  The truth is that Phyllis is not really in love with Danny.  She's in love with the idea of, as she put it, "bugging the Bug."  Danny is the best means for her to exact her revenge on Cricket.  Cricket's mistake was to flaunt how well things were going between her and Danny.  She never should have taunted Phyllis.  That is a recipe for trouble, and Phyllis is the ultimate troublemaker.

If there is one character on Y&R who baffles me, it's Tucker McCall.  He sits around drinking all day and discussing schemes to bring the Abbotts down, usually with Audra or Phyllis.  Yet, it is difficult to gauge his true fillings.  It's hard to tell if he ever means what he says, or if he's just playing games.  Someone like Ashley Abbott would never put up with it.  Why is she so obsessed with a man who has treated her terribly?  Now she's obsessed about whether he gaslighted her in Paris.

Unlike Asley, I thought Audra had distanced herself from Tucker, but now I'm not so sure, especially since Nikki fired her.  This may cause her to team up with Tucker again in a scheme to take over Jabot.  It seems that she's finished with Kyle,, so who else does she have to turn to?  As for Kyle, why did he suddenly get the idea that his mother, Diane, was the best candidate to be co-CEO of Jabot>  Diane doesn't have enough experience.  Also, I expected Kyle to be at least a little bit jealous when he found out about Summer and Chance.  He was rather nonchalant about it.

VIEWER FORUM

If you have any comments on Y&R, please email them to me with "Viewer Forum" in the subject line. I will be happy to publish your comments and reply to them  You do not have to use your real name. 

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca

I received an email from longtime Y&R viewer Carly in Barrhaven, Ontario.  Here are Carly's comments.

Y&R is up & down.  There are times I enjoy it & other times I don't.  I fast forward a lot.  No I couldn't be bothered watching the special Sharon episode.  Yes there are lots of love triangles.  I don't like that they have brought back  Nikki's alcohol addiction.  I want to enjoy the soap not be depressed. There is enough sadness in the world.

Yes, Y&R can be up and down.  I wish some of the storylines would move faster.  Some of them drag on far too long.  There should be more happenings and less discussion in restaurants and coffee houses.  There is far too much repetition.  More comic relief and some lighter moments are needed.

I enjoyed the special Sharon episode.  Although the writers have dealt with Nikki's alcoholism before, this time there is a different angle to it.  Neil and Mrs. Chancellor aren't around and Nikki relapsed because the alcohol was forced on her by the wicked Jordan.  

I agree that the show could use some lighter moments.  There isn't enough fun.  There isn't enough singing.  Why doesn't Tessa have a singing engagement at a restaurant or club?  Danny Romalotti (Michael Damian) hasn't been singing very much.  Fans would love to hear Danny and Lauren and Traci sing a song together.

CAST NEWS

Mishael Morgan Returning for a Visit

Daytime Emmy winner Mishael Morgan is returning to her role as lawyer Amanda Sinclair on Y&R.  Mishael revealed the news to fans in an Instagram post.  There is no information yet as to when she'll be returning, or for how long.  My guess is she'll be involved in the storm that is sure to arrive when Lily returns from California and learns about Daniel and Heather.  Remember that Heather, who is also a lawyer, has been hired by Chancellor-Winters.  Will Lily and Devon still want her around their company?

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Nikki is battling alcoholism again, but not Jack is stepping in to help her.  This will not sit well with their respective spouses, Victor and Diane.  Is Nikki tired of Victor's controlling ways and will she turn to Jack for solace?  Is that where this is headed?  What do you think, fans?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Do you think Jack and Nikki begin a romance?

Yes. I think Nikki is sick and tired of Victor controlling her. Jack understands her addiction.

No way. Victor and Diane will be watching carefully.

Maybe, but the storyline could be headed in another direction.

I don't know.

Ohter

 

pollcode.com free polls

That's all for now.  Please remember that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, February 10, 2024.  Enjoy the February sweeps.

Take care,

Joanne

Whatever happened to Gary Frank (Willie on Family)?

Do you remember Gary Frank, the actor who played Kristy McNichol's big brother on Family, the one with the curly blond hair?  Despite numerous guest appearances and TV movies since Family, Gary seems to have faded into obscurity.  Now 74 years old, he has been out of the spotlight and under the radar for years.

Gary Bruce Frank was born on October 9, 1950 in Spokane, Washington, U.S.A.  HIs father was in real estate and the family moved quite often, relocating from Washington to Oregon to California.  Gary studied drama at high school and college.  In 1969, he continued his studies at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute, becoming a member of the famed Actor's Studio.

In 1973, Gary Frank landed the role of Mark Simpson, a bedridden patient, on the daytime drama General Hospital.  Gary was to be paid $300 dollars a show for eight or nine shows.  He began work on a Monday and wasn't scheduled to work again until the following Monday.  To celebrate, he went for a drive along Mulholland Drive in the Hollywood Hills.  Unfortunately, his car sit a soft shoulder and plunged down a cliff..  Gary fractured a bone in his lower back and also broke his nose.  He spent a week in the hospital, but his injuries did not prevent him from showing up for work the next Monday, albeit wearing a brace.

Gary's career on film was launched in 1974, when director Richard Donner cast in the television movie Senior Year.  Senior Year later became the CBS TV drama series Sons and Daughters, co-starring with Glynnis O'Connor The two played high school sweethearts in the California in the mid-1950s.  Gary portrayed Jeff Reid and Glynnis played Anita Cramer.  CBS aired just nine episodes of the series, which never caught on with viewers.  It didn't help that Sons and Daughters shared the same Wednesday night time slot as NBC's popular Little House on the Prairie.

Glynnis O'Connor and Gary Frank

Gary was a contract player with Universal Studios until the cancellation of Sons and Daughters.  However, two days later, he was cast by director Mark Rydell and producer Mike Nichols to play Willie Lawrence on the critically acclaimed drama Family.  Family aired on the ABC network from 1976 until 1980.  The series chronicled the ups and downs of the Lawrence family of Pasadena, California.  

In 1977, Gary won an Emmy Award for  Best Supporting Actor for his role as Willie, the only son in the Lawrence household.  Kristy McNichol also won an Emmy that year for her portrayal of Willie's sister, Letitia "Buddy" Lawrence.

Gary and Kristy with Emmys in 1977

Of his time on Family, Gary told TV Guide, "The first full season was wonderful.  My enthusiasm never faltered.  The second season was interesting because I had a lot to do.  The next year I did less and my interest waned."  For Family's fifth and final season, ABC chose to make it the fall guy for Monday Night Football, rather than finding a a new time slot for the still-popular show.  It was not seen on the air until Monday Night Football had finished..

Below is a photo of Gary as Willie Lawrence in a scene from Family with his TV parents, James Broderick and Sada Thompson (Doug and Kate Lawrence).  As you can see, Willie enjoyed munching on apples.

Prior to his role on Family, Gary guest-starred on Ironside (1975), Medical Center (1975) and The Streets of San Francisco (1976).  He later co-starred with Glenn Ford and Julie Harris in the 1979 TV Christmas movie The Gift.

After Family ended its successful five-year run, Gary made guest appearances on many major TV series in the 1980 and 1990s. He appeared in episodes of  Charlie's Angels (1980), T.J. Hooker (1982), Matt Houston (1982), Fantasy Island (1982), Hart to Hart (1983), Trapper John, M.D. (1983),  Hill Street Blues (1983), Hotel (1984), Murder, She Wrote (1986), Remington Steele (3 episodes, 1983, 1985 1986), Scarecrow and Mrs. King (1986), Hunter (two-part 1988 episode), and Matlock (2 episodes, 1986, 1989).

In the 1990s, Gary appeared in episodes of Dragnet (1991), Picket Fences (1993), L.A. Law (1994), Under Suspicion (1995) Pacific Blue (1997), and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1997).

Gary played portrayed Major Thomas Ferebee in the 1980 made-for television movie Enola Gay: The Men, the Mission, the Atomic Bomb.  Ferebee was the bombardier aboard the B-29 Superfortress, Enola Gay, which dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima in 1945. Gary's other made-for-TV movie credits include Getting Up and Going Home (1992), Deliver Them from Evil: The Taking of Alta View (1992), Nurses on the Line The Crash of Flight 7 (1993), Untamed Love (1994), Death in Small Doses (1995), and most recently Like Father, Like Santa (1998).

Gary quit acting in the late 1990s.  There doesn't seem to be any online information about his recent activities.  

On August 21, 1976. Gary married producer Caroll Newman.  Caroll is the daughter of Academy Award winner Lionel Newman (1916-1989), a prominent composer, pianist and conductor.  Lionel retired as senior vice president of the music department at 20th Century Fox studios, where he had worked for 45 years.    

Caroll Newman

  

Lionel Newman

Caroll was the associate producer of 45 episodes of Family, from 1976 to 1979.  Caroll and Gary have a daughter, Jessica Newman Frank.  Jessica, an actress, writer and producer, was born in Los Angeles, California on August 2,1985.  In  May of 2007, she graduated from  the University of Southern California (UCLA). with a Bachelor of Arts in Production in the School of Cinematic Arts.  In 2008, she became Executive Director, Digital Marketing at Lions Gate Films.

END NOTES

Ethnically, Gary Frank is he son of a German Jewish father and an Irish Mormon mother.

* Gary portrayed  Lieutenant Dalton in the 1989 sci-fi action action flick Deadly Weapon, starring Rodney Eastman.

* Gary is the uncle by marriage of film and TV composer Joey Newman.  Joey is the grandson of Lionel Newman.

* Gary was the host of champion figure skater Dorothy Hamill TV special, entitled Dorothy Hamill's Corner of the Sky.  In the one-hour special, which aired in 1979, Dorothy returns to Lake Placid in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, where she trained for the Olympics.

NOTE TO GARY FRANK:  I completely understand if you wish to remain private.  However, I would be delighted if you would email me a brief update on your life and recent activities for your fans.  It would be very much appreciated.

SOURCES:  TV Guide, "I hardly ever hit anyone anymore: Family' s Gary Frank now saves his best shots for his acting," by Arnold Hano, March 15, 1980; Wikipedia; Internet Movie Database (IMDb.com)

- Joanne

Y&R Report (January 13, 2024): The Latest on The Young and the Restless

Hey Y&R fans, every second Saturday TV Banter discusses the latest happenings and provides commentary on your favourite daytime drama. Note to U.S. readers - SPOILER ALERT: Here in Canada, I watch the show on Global TV, which is one episode ahead of CBS.  I will inevitably refer to incidents you haven't seen yet.  Read at your own risk.  If you are the curious type, though, you may prefer to discover some things in advance.

Hi fans, 

I'm back after a brief Christmas and New Year's break.  I hope that you and your families enjoyed the holidays.  All the best in 2024.   I also hope that Y&R has some good things in store for us this year.

What is going on with Tucker McCall?  I really can't understand that man.  His character has not been drawn out very well by the writers.  Sometimes he seems sincere in his feelings, but then he always has an angle.  Ashley is spending too much time trying to figure him out.  Why doesn't she cut her losses and move on?  It's interesting that Cole, her old flame. is back in town.  Will there be a love triangle with her and Cole and Victoria.

Sharon is really quite a woman.  She runs a coffee shop and doles out advice.  Many a Genoa City resident stops in at Crimson Lights to speak to her.  She is considered a professional therapist, although she only has a degree in psychology.  In addition, she is taking over the company of Cameron Kirsten, a psychotic criminal who tried to kill her and her daughter, Faith.

The writers really slipped up about Sharon's past during a recent scene.  When Nick informed Sharon about how Victoria's child, Eve, was stolen from her and brainwashed by her aunt, Sharon replied that she couldn't imagine what Victoria is going through.  Do the writers think that we viewers have forgotten that Sharon also has a daughter, Mariah, who was taken from her and brainwashed by cult leader Ian Ward.

To their credit, however, the writers did a good job on that special standalone episode about Sharon's life and experiences.  In the episode, Sharon has a long dream which helps her make a decision about her future.  For me, the episode was enjoyable and fun.  

After the dream, Sharon decided to break up with Chance.  She told him that she wasn't ready for a serious relationship and that she didn't want to hold him back.  She said her life was full for the time being.

As for Chance, he has resigned as Genoa City Police Chief and is headed for the corporate world at Chancellor-Winters.  I can understand why Dr. Nate Hastings wanted to become a businessman when he could no longer perform surgery.   It doesn't really make sense for Chance to leave his law enforcement career, although I could never understand why the writers made him become police chief.  I  know Paul Williams retired, but why was he replaced by Chance.  Chance has zero business experience and is reluctant to allow Billy to be his mentor.

The door is wide open now for Chance to hook up with Summer.  It won't be that simple, though.  There will have to be complications.  Maybe Kyle will try to win Summer back, but it won't be an easy task.  Anyway, I think Kyle has broken too many hearts and he is about to get a taste of his own medicine.

Everything is going smoothly for Adam right now.  Victoria has taken a leave of absence from Newman Enterprises in order to deal with Claire.  Victor has promoted Nick and Adam as co-CEOs and he has urged them repeatedly to work together.  His romance with Sally is back on track again.  So, what could go wrong?  For one thing, what will happen to Adam when Victoria returns from her leave of absence?

Why does Cricket keep goading Phyllis?  Why does she keep  rubbing it in about Danny?  It seems to me that the Cricketmeister is getting too sassy and overconfident.  Her attitude is not helping the situation.  Phyllis is trying to behave, but Cricket's taunts are too much for her.  I must say, Cricket's superior attitude is causing me to have a bit of sympathy for Phyllis - but just a bit.

CAST NEWS

Soap vet Brian Gaskill joins Y&R cast as Nikki's AA sponsor   

Nikki Newman has fallen off the wagon again.  Mrs. Chancellor and Neil Winters are no longer around to help her with her struggle with the bottle.  However, soap veteran Brian Gaskill has joined the cast of The Young and the Restless as Seth, Nikki's Alcoholic Anonymous sponsor.  Not surprisingly, Victor does not trust Seth.  He is very protective of Nikki, whom he refers to as "my baby."  Nevertheless, Victor's suspicions may indicate that there is more than meets the eye where Seth is concerned.  We do not know Seth's last name yet and it's uncertain where this storyline is going.  Perhaps they are waiting for fan reaction to the new character, before deciding whether to give him a larger role.  The February ratings sweeps are approaching. so we'll see what happens.

Y&R is Brian Gaskill' is sixth appearance on a daytime drama.  His first soap role was as Bobby Warner on All My Children in 1995.  From 2001 to 2003, he appeared as Rafe Kovich on Port Charles, a General Hospital spinoff.

He then played Oscar Marone on The Bold and the Beautiful from 2003 to 2004.  For a short time in 2005, he played a villain named B.J. Green on As the World Turns.  His last appearance on a soap was as Dylan Lewis on Guiding Light from 2007 to 2008.

Brian was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on January 22, 1970.  He was raised in Neptune, Township, New Jersey.  He and his wife, Tonya Watts, welcomed their first child, Alabama Zoe, on September 26, 2005.

Soap Legend Bill Hayes dead at 98

Bill and Susan Seaforth Hayes

Bill Hayes and his wife, Susan Seaforth Hayes, delighted fans of Days of Our Lives for decades as Doug and Julie Williams.  Susan and Bill married in real life in 1974 and then on screen in 1976.  Sadly, Bill died yesterday at the age of 98.  It's interesting to note that William J. Bell, the co-creator of The Young and the Restless played an instrumental role in Bill's career and in his private life.  Back in 1970, Bell was the head writer of Days of Our Lives, When Bill was cast as Doug Williams, Bell noticed the chemistry between him and Susan Seaforth, who played Julie Olson, and he decided to pair the two.  When Days was expanded to an hour, the show took advantage of Hayes' singing talent.  His character opened a nightclub called Doug's Place

It's also interesting to note that between her stints on Days, Susan Seaforth Hayes played Joanna Manning, mother of Lauren Fenmore, on Y&R from 1984 to 1989.  Bill Hayes received two Daytime Emmy nominations for his role on Days of Our Lives.  In 2018, he and Susan earned lifetime achievement awards from the Daytime Emmys.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Michael Damian (Danny)

Singing star Danny Romalotti, played by Michael Damian, is in a quandary.  He's caught between two feuding women, Phyllis and Cricket.  He prefers Cricket, but he doesn't have enough gumption to tell Phyllis firmly enough that nothing can happen between them.  Meanwhile, Cricket, has been flaunting any success with Danny in Phyllis' face.  What do you think, fans?   Should Click and be together?  Click on the poll below and let me know.

Do you hope that Cricket and Danny get together or should Phyllis ruin it for them?

Yes, Danny and Cricket belong together. They were happy until Phyllis interfered.

No, Cricket thinks she's superior. She needs to get off her high horse.

No, Danny is too wishy-washy. He sends mixed signals. Phyllis and Cricket should drop him..

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.  Don't forget that the next issue of Y&R will appear in this space on Saturday,

 January 27, 2024.

Take care,

Joanne

Whatever happened to Quinn Cummings?

 “I loved everything between ‘action’ and ‘cut," but hated every other aspect of celebrity, including interviews and talk show appearances.”

- Quinn Cummings, As quoted in People Magazine, 2002

Quinn Cummings was s very familiar face on television in the late 1970s and early 1980s.  She had great success as a child actor.  Although she hasn't had any acting credits since 1992, she has remained active as an entrepreneur, inventor, author and humourist.  She is passionate about the world of books.

Quinn Louise Cummings was born in Los Angeles, California on August 13, 1967.  She was an only child.  Her businessman father, Sumner Cummings, was the president of a necktie company.  He died of a heart attack in 1977 when Quinn was just ten year old.  Quinn's mother, Jan, was a bookkeeper.  

Quinn began her career after being discovered by a neighbour, master cinematographer James Wong Howe (1899-1976).  Howe was so impressed with her that he put her mother in touch with a talent agent.  Quinn began appearing in television commercials and landed the role of Lucy McFadden, the precocious daughter of Marsha Mason's character in 1977's The Goodbye Girl.  On the last day of the filming of the movie, Quinn's father died suddenly. 

Sumner Cummings never lived to enjoy the accolades his daughter received for her performance in The Goodbye Girl.  She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress - Motion Picture.  "It was very tough," Quinn's mother, Jan, told People Magazine in 2002..  "Quinn is an only child, and my husband and I were only children." "I remember his as being as a really lovely man," Quinn added.

In 1978, Quinn appeared in an episode of Starsky and Hutch entitled "The Action" (Season 3, Episode 12, Air Date: January 7, 1978).  That same year, she guest-starred on the drama Family as Marcy Willis in a Season 3 episode entitled "Lifeline" (Season 3, Episode, Air Date: January 31, 1978).  In Season 4, Quinn joined the cast as Annie Cooper, an orphan adopted by the Lawrence family.  She remained on Family until the show ended its run in 1980.

During her stint on Family, Quinn found a paternal figure in her TV dad, James Broderick.  Broderick, the father of actor Matthew Broderick, passed away in 1982.  According to Sada Thompson (1927-2011), who played Kate Lawrence, the matriarch of the Lawrence family, Quinn "used to hang around Jimmy all the time."  She recalled that Broderick was "very sweet with her."

Quinn and James Broderick

Quinn starred in the 1980 TV movie The Babysitter, along with Patty Duke and William Shatner as her parents.  She played Tara, a spoiled, rambunctious 12-year-old, whose mother (Duke) hires an 18-year-old live-in companion for her daughter, after which things go awry.

In 1984, Quinn made a guest appearance in an episode of the TV adventure series Remington Steele, alongside stars Pierce Brosnan and Stephanie Zimbalist.  The episode is entitled "Elegy in Steele" {Season 2, Episode 16, Air Date: February 21, 1984).

Quinn had a role in the short-lived comedy series Hail to the Chief, in which Patty Duke portrayed the first female President of the United States.  The sitcom aired on ABC in 1985.  Only seven episodes were produced, and Quinn appeared in all seven.

Below is a 1985 press photo of the cast of  Hail to the Chief: Top (Left to Right): Maxine Stuart and Quinn Cummings, Bottom (Left to Right): Patty Duke, Ted Bessell and Taliesin Jaffe.

Quinn also guest-starred in a 1986 episode of The Love Boat, and a 1991 episode of Blossom.  Her final TV credit is a 1992 episode of the comedy Evening Shade, starring Burt Reynolds and Elizabeth Ashley.  After retiring from acting, Quinn began working as a recruiter of short stories writers, which she published online.

On October, 27, 2017,  Esquire.com published an article by Quinn Cummings entitled "I Was a Child Actress in Hollywood. There Were Always Whispers."  The article describes a culture of routinely ignored sexual assault in Hollywood, much of it involving the abuse of youngsters. 

In the year 2,000, Quinn Cummings gave birth to a daughter, also an only child, named Anneke DiPietro, by her partner Donald Di Pietro, an internet software executive, whom she met at a business meeting in 1996,  After the birth of their daughter, Quinn created the Hip Hugger baby carrier, a sling-type device for carrying babies securely and comfortably.  While pregnant with Anneke, Quinn had suffered from carpel tunnel syndrome, a painful compression of the nerves in the wrist and hand that eventually prevented her from picking up her child.  She also found that strollers did not provide Anneke with the eye-to-eye contact that she needed, and the front carrier wasn't working either.

Not satisfied with the baby carriers on the market, Quinn and a high school friend, fashion designer Amy Turner, were inspired to create their $75 slings in such fabrics as denim and pink faux python.  They sold out quickly in Los Angeles boutiques.  Quinn became president of the company, which she sold in 2006.

END NOTES

* According to some internet sources, Quinn and Don Di Pietro are no longer a couple.  However, I have not been able to confirm that this is true.  Quinn is very private about her personal life.

* When Family ended, Quinn, who had been schooled on the set, enrolled in a private school.  She later attended UCLA for two years.

* Quinn worked as a casting agent in the late 1980s.

* In February of 2005, Quinn began a blog, The QC Report, which contained Quinn's insights on life from the point of view of a 30-somehing mother.

* Quinn's first book, Notes from the Underwire Adventures from My Awkward and Lonely Life, was published in July of 2009.  It is a memoir of her life as a mother, a series of quirky and funny vignettes in which she explores subjects such as home repair, childhood orthodontics and child stardom.

* Quinn's second book, published in August of 2012, is entitled The Year o f Learning Dangerously,  Its topic is the state of home schooling in the United States and her decision to homeschool her daughter.

* Quinn's third book, Pet Sounds, was published in 2013.  In Pet Sounds, Quinn draws from her own experiences and from her popular blog, to write funny and droll stories about living with various pets.

* In 2019, Quinn began a  podcast, Quinn Cummings Gives Bad Advice, in which she responds to questions from listeners on any topic, even if she has no special knowledge or understanding of the subject being discussed.

In 2021, Quinn self-published a book called Modest Blessings for Modern Times.  It's a humorous compilation of situations where the reader might be "modestly" grateful for a certain outcome.  Quinn donated some of the proceeds from the book to non-profit groups.

SOURCES:

People Magazine; "Getting the Hang of It," by Susan Horsburgh, February 18, 2002; Amo Mama (amomama.com), "Life of 'Family and 'The Goodbye Girl' Child Star Quinn Cummings After Retiring from Acting," by Aby Rivas, November 21, 2019; Wikipedia; Internet

- Joanne

Y&R Report (December 16. 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, 

First, a note to readers: I am going to take a short Christmas break.  I will be back in the New Year.  My Y&R column will return to this space on Saturday, January 13, 2024.

It's not Christmas yet, but Y&R has not been quite as festive as usual this Christmas - at least so far. Expect that to change soon.  According to online spoilers for the week of December 18th, Traci makes an effort to get the Abbott family into the Christmas spirit,, Abby helps Devon with a holiday dilemma, Daniel is reminded of the true meaning of Christmas, Michael thinks outside the box to surprise Lauren, and Phyllis puts coal in Cricket's Christmas stocking (Literally or figuratively?).. That should all be fun!

Nikki is struggling with alcoholism.  So, why are bottles left right out in the open for easy access at the Newman ranch?   Does that make any sense?  Why would Victor and the Newman siblings allow her to be tempted so easily?  Do the writers think that we viewers haven't noticed?  Super ambitious Audra is likely to take advantage of Nikki's addiction and incapacity..  It wouldn't be surprising if she tried to take over Nikki's job as head honcho of Newman Media.

I think Claire will turn out to be the daughter of Victoria and Cole.  Aunt Jordan will probably meet a gruesome end.  It's interesting that Michael has asked Claire to plead guilty by reason of insanity.  She will probably undergo psychiatric treatment and avoid going to prison.  She may stay on the show and be part of the storyline.

It's often said that when the cat's away, the mouse will play.  That seems to be the case with Lily and Daniel.  Lilly has taken a leave of absence from Chancellor-Winters to be with her daughter who is involved in a crisis at her university.  In real life, Christel Khalil, who plays Lily, is expecting a baby and has taken maternity leave.  Now that her character, Lily, is out of town, Heather has already started making a play for Daniel.  

Summer is behaving like a besotted high school girl over Chance.  It doesn't become her.  However, I think Chance will choose Summer over Sharon in the end.  Sharon will eventually reconcile with Nick Newman.

 As for Summer's estranged hubby, Kyle Abbott, he is behaving like such a fool.  His dallying with Audra and his association with Tucker is bound to backfire on him.  Since Billy Abbott  intends to leave Jabot and return to Chancellor-Winters, does that mean he'll be replaced by Kyle?

VIEWER FORUM

If you have any comments on Y&R, please email them to me with "Viewer Forum" in the subject line. I will be happy to publish your comments and reply to them  You do not have to use your real name. 

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca

I received an email from longtime Y&R viewer, CC in Etobicoke.  Here are CC's comments.

Hi Joanne, 

I just watched today's episode which has left us hanging about whether Claire's DNA is a match with that of Victoria and Cole; and, Nate ratting to Victor about Nikki's drinking.

Surprisingly, I was a lapsed viewer during the Victoria/Cole storyline in the 80's and early 90's. Likely because I did not have a VCR yet at that time.

Alcoholism is such an insidious, deadly disease that destroys the body and spirit of its patients and their loved ones.

Too painful to watch this storyline.

And then there are the Abbots who are doing the 10-step to try to outsmart each other to gain control of the company. 

I think it will elude all of them.

Too many different evil allies trying to one up the other. 

Something told me that Tucker and Diane, and maybe Jeremy, too, were in cahoots together and still are. Tucker brings in Audra because some people can be useful in more than one way.

Then Tucker allies with Ashley who goes so far as to marry him to catch him in his scheme and get control for herself.

For the most part I am BORED with the same old, same old.

Looking forward to the holidays to get a break from their craziness.  

CC from Etobicoke.

Thanks for your comments, CC.  The Eve Howard, Cole stoyline was so long ago that many people don't remember it, or like you, were unable to record it back then.   did my own research on the storyline, which I wrote about in the last edition of Y&R Report.

As for Nikki's alcoholism, we've been through that before.  The only difference this time is that Katherine Chancellor and Neil Winters aren't around to support her in her struggle.

I agree with you that there is too much of "the same old, same old" on the show.  There is far too much repetition.  The writing could be much better.  A shakeup is needed.  Some more humour and lightheartedness is required.  There is far too much tension.  

CAST NEWS

Camryn Grimes gives birth to baby boy

Camryn Grimes, who plays Mariah Copeland, has given birth to her first child.  The baby, a boy named Bridger Elias, was born on December 13, 2023.  Camryn's character, Mariah, will be written out of the show for a while.

The 50th Annual Daytime Emmy's were presented last night.  The ceremony was postponed due to the Hollywood writers and actors strikes.

General Hospital dominated, winning the award for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series,, Directing Team for a Daytime Drama, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress, Young Performer and Guest Performance.  The Bold and the Beautiful won both Outstanding Actor and Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama

The Young and the Restless was shut out of those major categories.  It did win for Outstanding Writing Team, Daytime Drama

Shemar Moore. ex-Malcolm Winters on Y&R, presented the Daytime Emmys Lifetime Achievement Award to Susan Lucci.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Amelia Heinle

J. Eddie Peck

Victoria (Amelia Heinle) and Nate (Sean Dominic) have obviously cooled toward each other.   Could that mean that Victoria is now headed for a romance with Cole Howard?  I tend to think it will happen, especially if the DNA results show that Claire is their daughter.  What do you think, fans?  Will Victoria and Cole get together?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Do you think Cole and Victoria will have another romance?

Yes. Victoria is finished with Nate and Claire will bring them together.

No. Cole will eventually return to England, where he's been living.

Maybe, but I don't see any spark between them yet.

I don't know.

Other

 

pollcode.com free polls

That's all for now.  Please remember that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, January 13, 2024.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays.  All the best in the New Year.  I will be back in with more Y&R discussion in 2024.

Take care.

Joanne

Jeopardy! - News and Updates

When will Mayim Bialyk return to Jeopardy!?

Now that the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) strikes have been resolved, when will Mayim Bialiyk return to her hosting duties?

It remains unclear if and when Mayim Bialyk will return.  Bialyk stepped away from hosting Jeopardy! back in May in solidarity with the WGA strike.  As of this writing, she has not announced whether she will be returning to the popular quiz show.  Ken Jennings as the sole host since then and he has also replaced Bialyk as host of Celebrity Jeopardy!

EDITOR'S UPDATE:  Mayim Bialyk has announced that she will not be returning to Jeopardy!  On Friday, December 15, she wrote of her departure on Instagram.  "Sony has informed me that I will no longer be hosting the syndicated version of Jeopardy!  I am incredibly honored to have been nominated for a primetime Emmy for hosting this year and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of the Jeopardy! family."

Sony issued the following statement: "We made the decision to have one host for the syndicated show next season to maintain continuity for our viewers, and Ken Jennings will be the sole host for syndicated Jeopardy!  We are truly grateful for al of Mayim's contributions to Jeopardy!, and we hope to continue to work with her on primetime specials."

Change coming to Jeopardy!

A big change is coming to Jeopardy! beginning on December 19th.  During a recent episode of the podcast Inside Jeopardy!" producer Sarah Whitcomb Fox revealed that the show will unveil a new logo and opening tittle sequence.  At present, every Jeopardy! episode begins with a rotating globe containing 19 different box images.  The images consist of footage from previous episodes and contestants.  When the globe stops spinning, the Jeopardy! logo appears on the screen and the camera pans to the three contestants on stage.  Announcer Johnny Gilbert introduces them in his distinctive voice.  

The new format has been compared to Saturday Night Live's opening segments.  There will be a little behind-the-scenes activity leading up to the show.  The new title sequence will debut on December 19th, along with the Season 39 edition of Second Chance tournament for players who lost their initial game.  This marks the Season 39 post-season, postponed as a result of the writers strike.

As far as the changes are concerned, I can't say I'm very enthusiastic about them.  I'm quite satisfied with the opening sequence as it is right now.  Sometimes change is necessary, but I think there have been too many changes since Alex Trebek died.  I realize that some of those changes have occurred because of the Hollywood strikes.  I do enjoy the tournaments, but right now it seems there are too many of them.  When there are so many of them, they do not seem so special.  As a Jeoppardy! fan, I hope that the show recovers from the negative effects of the strikes.  I also hope that Mayim Bialyk returns, just because she has a different personality than Ken Jennings.  I like the two-host setup.  (As you've read above, it isn't going to happen).

 - Joanne

A Christmas treat for British TV viewers

David Jason

This Christmas, television viewers in the UK will receive a delightful gift.  83-year-old Sir David John White, better known as David Jason, is making an Only Fools and Horses comeback two decades after the sitcom ended its run.  The venerable actor, who portrayed schemer Derek "Del Boy" Trotter, will reveal behind-the-scenes secrets in a new Only Fools Christmas special.  Celebrity fans of show such as Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Benidorm's Sherrie Hewson, are set to pay tribute to the beloved comedy.

The Yuletide documentary will be broadcast on Channel 5 on Christmas Eve.  It's called The Story of Only Fools and Horses and will include appearances by Tessa Peake-Jones, who portrayed Del Roy's wife, Raquel, and other members of the cast and crew.  Sadly, Roger Lloyd-Pack, who played street sweeper Trigger, Kenneth MacDonald, who played pub landlord Mike, and Buster Merryfield (Uncle Albert) have passed away).

Seven series of Only Fools and Horses were originally broadcast on BBC One in the United Kingdom from 1981 to 1991  16 sporadic Christmas specials aired until the classic comedy ended in 2003.  This year's 90-minute special will reflect on the show's Christmas episodes, including "To Hull and Back." "To Hull and Back" was filmed in Amsterdam and  was aired on December 25, 1985.  It was the show's fourth Christmas special and its first full-length edition.  

Sir David as Del Boy Trotter

Only Fools and Horses was created and written by John Sullivan, who died at the age of 64 in 2011.  The show is set in south-east London.  David Jason's character, Del Roy Trotter, is an ambitious market trader.  He and his younger brother, Rodney Trotter, played by Nicholas Lyndhurst, have had their ups and downs, but they never stopped scheming to become wealthy.  On December 29, 1996, more than 24 million viewed the episode "Time on our Hands," in which the Trotters finally becomes a millionaires.

Below is a press photo (Left to Right) of David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst (Rodney Trotter) and the late Buster Merryfield (Uncle Albert) in Only Fools and Horses.

Only Fools and Horses has been critically acclaimed and the series has received many awards, including BAFTA, the National Television Awards and the Royal Television Society.  In a 2004 BBC poll, it was voted Britain's Best Sitcom.

SOURCES: Microsoft News (msn.com), "UK's most popular comedy ever returning with TV legend back at the helm," by Ruth Lawes, December 2023; Wikipedia

- Joanne