Y&R Report (February 4, 2017): The Latest on The Young and the Restless

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

Well fans, you know what they say about a woman scorned.  Genoa City has two women scorned. These dragon ladies - Gloria and Jill - are on the warpath.  Gloria feels that Jack wronged her and that he owes her a job.  She went on GC Buzz using a fake name and attempted to besmirch Jack's reputation. Fortunately for Mr. Abbot, his good friend and loyal ally, Hilary Curtis Hamilton, came to his rescue.  Hilary prevented Jack from being identified on air by pretending there were technical difficulties at the station.    

I enjoyed the scene when Gloria showed her GC Buzz interview to Jack.  She just sat back, actually nibbled on popcorn while she watched the show and waited for Jack's reaction.  It was pure entertainment for our Gloria.  What a piece of work she is!

 I'll be the first to say that Jack has been behaving like a jerk lately. However, Gloria's accusations were mostky false. The woman is desperate and shameless.  Jack underestimated her ability to exact revenge and to do damage to his company.

As for Jill, she can't get over the fact that Lauren never informed her that Fenmore's was having financial difficulties.  She was outraged that Lauren made a deal with Jack and that Jack now controls 49 per cent of Fenmore''s.  She just can't let it go.  Oh no, not Barracuda Jill.  She is selling off Brash & Sassy so that she can raise enough money to purchase Jack's portion of Fenmore's.  Then she'll be able to take control  of Fenmore's from Lauren.  

Victoria and Cane and Billy are going to have a fierce power struggle over ownership of Brash & Sassy.  Of course, it is Victoria's baby because she built the business.  

So, what do you think about Dylan's (Steve Burton) exit from Genoa City?  He just walked into the night, never to be seen again.  He joined the Witness Protection Program.  I think most viewers thought he was going to be shot dead by the criminals.  However, the writers chose to take the character on a more unexpected path.

Dylan gave up his identity and his marriage.  When he was undercover, he actually became less and less like himself.  Poor Sharon really got the raw end of the deal.  She even had to take heat from Faith.  The child accused her of driving men away, including Nick and Dylan. Yes, this time I really have sympathy for her.

Victor Newman has become softer and more grandfatherly, while Jack Abbott has become ruthless and more bitter.  It's as if the characters have changed places.  Their transformations are a little too extreme. It wouldn't bother me if Jack were somewhat harsher after his betrayal by Phyllis, but did he have to change so much?  As for Victor, he needed to become softer, but he didn't need to become a teddy bear and a kindly grandpa.  By the way, have you noticed that Jack has not worn a tie to work since his breakup with Phyllis and the divorce?  I wonder if that's part of his edgier image.

According to online spoilers, Victor is about to announce that he's ready to give up the reins of power at Newman Enterprises.  Not surprisingly. Abby is going to push for the job, but she's going to have stiff competition.  The majority of  my respondents to my last Y&R Report Readers' Poll indicated that they felt Victoria was the best choice for CEO of Newman Enterprises.  Abby had the second greatest number of votes.  The question is: Is Victor really ready to relinquish his power and authority?  I find that hard to believe.

Esther is working as a maid again for Jill at the Chancellor estate.  Her stint at Crimson Lights has ended.  I think that is Sally Sussman's influence.  Although Katherine Chancellor is dead, Sally Sussman wants to restore the grandeur and history of her mansion.  

Would Hilary really refuse millions in a divorce settlement with Devon?  Is she sincere when she claims that she doesn't want any money from Devon?  We'll soon find out because Devon is in the process of handing over millions to her.  Perhaps she and Devon will reconcile briefly, long enough for Hilary to have a baby.  That might be Hillary's last, desperate ploy to hang on to her befuddled husband.



CAST NEWS

Lauren's son, Scotty Grainger, returning to Genoa City

Longtime Y&R fans will remember that Lauren Fenmore has a son from a previous marriage to Dr, Scott Grainger.  Scott Grainger, Jr. is coming back and actor Daniel Hall will take on the role.  The last actor to play Scotty was Blair Redford, from July 2005 until January 2006.  

Scotty has been living in Toronto and Lauren has mentioned visiting him there.  This is the first time the character has surfaced in over a decade.  I think it's all part of head writer Sally Sussman's determination that the show remain connected to its history and its roots.

Daniel Hall has appeared on daytime television before, as Jake/Jack on Guiding Light.  He's also had roles on such primetime series as Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, The Newsroom and Mad Men.  No date has been announced yet for Hall's appearance on The Young and the Restless.

Whom do you think Scotty will become romantically involved with?  Summer?  Abby?  



Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

We all know that Ravi Shapur (Abhi Sinha) is the ultimate computer geek and that he's really smitten with Ashley Abbott.  She seems to like him too.  She always defends him and complains that Phyllis is monopolizing his time.  However, does that mean she's interested in Ravi romantically?  It's hard to tell, but he is certainly crazy over her.  If an older. more sophisticated man, showed interest in Ashley. would she be spending so much time with Ravi?

The two had an interesting conversation during which Ashley filled him in on her lack of marital success.  When Ravis asked her how many times she'd been divorced, she responded, "Still under double digits."  

Then Ashley revealed that she had a preference for alpha males, although she said she wouldn't go as far as a cave man type.  Two of her ex-husbands are Victor Newman, whom she married twice, and Tucker McCall. Both Victor and Tucker (her last husband), are alpha males.  Ravi is definitely not.  So, what do you think, fans?  Should Ashley go for a younger, more sensitive tech genius?

Abhi Sinha (Ravi

Should Ashley and Ravi get together?

Yes. They get along well.

No, he's too young for her and he's not sophisticated enough.

No, computer geeks are not Ashley's style..

I haven't decided yet. I need to find out more about Ravi.

I don't know

Other

Please Specify:

surveymaker

NOTE TO READERS:

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

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca

That's all for now.  The next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, February 18, 2017.  I can't wait to see what Y&R has in store for Valentine's Day.


- Joanne

From That Girl to Mary Tyler Moore

L to R: Ted Knight, Ed Asner and Mary

I am saddened by the death of Mary Tyler Moore.  She was one of my all-time favourite television stars.  She faced a great deal of adversity in her life and she faced it gracefully and courageously.  At the age of 33, she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and became a tireless advocate for the Juvenile Diabetic Research Foundation. She fought alcoholism and underwent brain surgery to remove a benign tumour in 2011.  In 1980, she dealt with the accidental shooting death of her only child, her 24-year-old son, Richard "Richie" Meeker.

Through her character, Mary Richards, Moore has been credited with providing a voice and a face for single 30-something career women.  She inspired young women to enter the workplace.  Her WJM-TV newsroom was a second home.

It's interesting that The Mary Tyler Moor Show was set in cold, wintry Minneapolis and not New York or Los Angeles.  Foe working women of the 1970s, "Mare" was always there, feisty and gritty as ever. She was a true trail blazer and there was such a sense of joy and freedom when she tossed her hat into the air.

However, I would be remiss if I did not point out that Ann Marie, Marlo Thomas' character in That Girl, set the stage for Mary.  That Girl ran from 1966 until 1971 and Mary Tyler Moore aired from 1970 to 1977.  Despite the fact that both shows focused on single women living on their own, there were some significant differences between Ann and Mary.

Ann Marie was an aspiring actress from the town of Brewster, New York.  She moved to New York City to launch her career.  Her jobs were sporadic and unstable.  She accepted amost any TV commericial or theatrical role that came her way.  Unlike Mary, Ann had a loyal and supportive boyfriend, magazine writer Donald Hollinger (Ted Bessell) and an overprotective father, Brewster restaurateur Lew Marie (Lew Parker).

Mary Richards, on the other hand, had a more stable career, as an Associate Producer. for WJM-TV. and was later promoted to News Producer, when her boss, Lou Grant, became the station's news director. Mary's life revolved around the newsroom and her friends.  She was, in truth, more independent than Ann Marie.  Still, Ann Marie was quite liberated compared to other female characters of her era.  She had her own apartment and she controlled her own finances.  During the fifth and final season of That Girl, Ann and Don became engaged and the series ended.  Marlo Thomas chose to end it against the wishes of ABC and the show's fans and sponsors.

In a May 16, 2006 article by Louis R. Carlozo in the Chicago Tribune, Marlo Thomas is quoted as saying,"After five years, I was a woman and we had done all the stories that could be done about a girl and her boyfriend."  "That Girl is trying." declared Thomas, "but to have her move on from that is a different show."

Thomas rejected a traditional ending for the series in which Ann and Donald get married.  "They wanted us to get married in the last show, and I said, `No, we can't do that. She's been independent and on her own and struggling against the system, and if we do that, then we're saying that's the only way to have a happy ending.'"


END NOTES

* Ted Bessell, who played Ann Marie's boyfriend, also portrayed Mary Richards' love interest. Joe Warner, in two 1975 episodes of The Mary Tyler Moore Show: "Mary Richards Falls in Love" (Season 6, Episode 11, Air Date: November 22, 1975); "One Boyfriend Too Many" (Season 6, Episode 14, Air Date: December 13, 1975).  Bessell died in 1996.

Ted Bessell

* The final episode of the Mary Tyler Moore Show is entitled "The Last Show." (Season 7, Episode 24).  It was the 168th episode of the series and it first aired on CBC-TV in Canada on March 18, 1977 and on March 19, 1977 on CBS.  In "The Last Show," WJM-TV's new station manager, Mr. Coleman (Vincent Gardenia) begins firing staff because he wants to to do something about the low ratings of the Six O'Clock News.  Lou, Mary, Murray and Sue Ann are fired, but  somehow pompous anchorman Ted Baxter retains his job.  To cheer Mary up, Lou arranges for her old friends Rhoda Morgenstern and Phyllis Lindstrom to visit Minneapolis.  The three friends are happily reunited.

Mary reunites with friends Rhoda and Phyllis

In the final scene, everyone hugs and says goodbye.  They exit the newsroom singing "It's a Long Way to Tipperary."  Mary looks back poignantly, smiles, turns off the lights and closes the door.


- Joanne

TV Trivia For Yor #7 - Twins and Triplets on Television

Here is the seventh installment of  TV Trivia For You from TV Banter.  The first installment appeared on this blog  on June 14, 2012.  The second installment appeared on February 6, 2013, the third appeared on June 30, 2014, the fourth on November 14, 2014, the fifth on June 20, 2015.

and the sixth on March 1, 2016.

Twins and Triplets on Television

DID YOU KNOW that twins are often cast as babies and very young children on television due to child labour laws?  The number of hours a child actor can work is carefully limited and regulated by law.  Having twins play one character means that the workload for each child is cut in half.  Casting twins on daytime soaps is a common practice.  Here are some examples of twins (and even triplets) who have played babies and young children on popular prime time television series.


LITTLE RICKY ON "I LOVE LUCY"

On I Love Lucy, the first child to portray Ricky Ricardo, Jr. (known as Little Ricky) was not a twin. He was James John Ganzer, who played Little Ricky in just one episode, "Lucy Goes to the Hospital" (Season 2, Episode 16, Air Date: January 19, 1953).  In the episode, the newborn Little Ricky is brought to the maternity ward window so that Ricky, Sr. and friends Fred and Ethel Mertz can see him for the first time.

Little Ricky was next played by twins Richard and Ronald Lee Simmons (born June 26, 1952) in two episodes "No Children Allowed" (Season 2, Episode 22, Air Date: April 20, 1953) and "The Indian Show" (Season 2, Episode 24, Air Date: May 4, 1953).

Lucy with baby Ronald Lee Simmons

The Simmons twins with their mother

In 11 episodes, during seasons 3,4.and 5 (1953- 1956), Little Ricky was played by another set of twins, Joseph and Michael Mayer. When they were first given a contract, the Mayer twins were paid $150 a week for the 26- week season, with 12 weeks of work guaranteed.

Desi Arnaz and Joseph and Michael Mayer

Lucille Ball with Mayer Twins

In season 6, the role of Little Ricky was taken over by one child, Keith Thibodeaux, for the rest of the series.  Thibodeaux was chosen for his drumming ability and his portrayed Little Ricky at an older age.  He first appeared in an episode entitled "Little Ricky Learns to Play the Drums" (Season 6, Episode 2, Air Date: October 8, 1956).  Thibodeaux was born on December 1, 1950.  He was almost six years old in the fall of 1956, so twins were probably not necessary for the role by then.

Keith Thibodeaux as Little Ricky

THE TWINS WHO PLAYED TABITHA ON "BEWITCHED"

Tabitha, the daughter of witch Samantha Stephens and her mortal husband, Darrin, was played by twins Erin and Diane Murphy.  At the beginning of third season of Bewitched, Erin Murphy and her fraternal twin sister, Diane, began sharing the role of Tabitha.  They first appeared in an episode entitled "Nobody's Perfect," which aired on September 15, 1966.  As time passed, the twins began to resemble each other less.  As a result, Erin eventually took over the role of the vivacious child witch.

Erin and Diane Murphy

From 1970 to 1972, twins David and Greg Lawrence portrayed Tabitha's younger brother, Adam Stephens.  Adam was born during the sixth season of Bewitched, in an episode that aired on October 16, 1969.  The episode was entitled "And Something Makes Four."  He was only shown as an infant that season, and the baby who portrayed him was uncredited.

During  the seventh season of the season, Adam was portrayed as an older dark-haired child.  Although only David Lawrence's name is shown in the credits, the role was actually shared by David and his twin brother, Greg.

David Lawrence now goes by the name "David Mandel-Bloch" and Greg Lawrence calls himself "Greg Mandel."

Greg and David Lawrence

THE TRIPLETS ON MY THREE SONS

During the ninth season of My Three Sons, Robbie Douglas' wife Katie (Tina Cole) gave birth to triplets in an episode entitled "My Three Grandsons."  The episode aired on October 19, 1968.  The Douglas triplets, Robbie, Jr., Steve and Charley were played by real life triplets Joseph, Michael and Daniel Todd.

THE OLSEN TWINS ON "FULL HOUSE"

Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen played Michelle Tanner, the youngest member of the Tanner family, on the long-running ABC sitcom Full House.  Michelle's last appearance on the show was in an episode entitled "Michelle Rides Again." in 1995, a two-part season finale.

The character of Michelle was the Olsen twins' first acting role.  Born June 13, 1986, the Olsens were only infants when they appeared in the show's pilot, "Our Very First Show," which was first aired on September 22, 1987.  Despite their similarity in appearance, Mary Kate and Ashley are not identical twins (from a single fertilized egg, which later divides).  They are "sororal" twins, the female version of fraternal twins (from two separate fertilized eggs).

Ashley and Mary Kate Olsen

TWINS ON "EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND"


Michael and Geoffrey Barone were the twin sons of Ray and Debra Barone on the hit comedy Everybody Loves Raymond, starring Ray Romano.  The series aired on CBS from 1996 until 2005. Sullivan Sweeten portrayed Micheal Barone.  His twin brother, Sawyer Sweeten, played Geoffrey Barone.  The twins were only 16 months old when they began working on the show.  Their real-life older sister, Madylin Sweeten, played their on-screen sister, Ally Barone.

Tragedy struck on April 23, 2015, when Sawyer Sweeten died in Austin, Texas of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.  Born May 12, 1995, Sweeten was just weeks away from his 20th birthday when he took his own life.

The Sweeten twins

555 phone number on Television


DID YOU KNOW that phone numbers on North American television shows and films always begin with 555? 

For years, the Bell System and its successors had reserved numbers with the 555 prefix for special uses.  That is why they were ideal for television and movies.  Their mention wouldn;t spark unwanted prank phone calls to real people.  However, the situation changed in 1994 when a contractor from
to the Federal Communications Commission, the North American Numbering Plan Administration, began approving applications for these numbers from the public. There were applications from tax companies who wanted 555-TAXI or tourism companies who wanted 555-TRIP for travel reservations.

NOTE: Back in the late 1950s and 1960s, television shows used alphabetical letters to represent numbers in phone prefixes.   For example, Perry Mason's phone number in the classic Raymond Birrr series was MAdison 5-1190 or 515-1190


- Joanne

Y&R Report (January 21, 2017): The Latest on The Young and the Restless

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

The holiday season is over and Genoa City is getting back to normal, if you can call it "normal," especially with Gloria around.  It's a wonder she hasn't uncovered Chloe's dirty little secret about Adam yet.  Give her time, though.

Here's one thing I'll say for Mishael Morgan, the actress who portrays Hilary.  She isn't afraid to be seen onscreen with no make-up and messy hair.  As for Hilary's hubby, Devon, he certainly seems as if he's finished with her this time, although his capacity to forgive her seems boundless. Hilary's really desperate, so I wonder what she'll do to hold on to her marriage - or will she turn to Jack instead?

Steve Burton, the actor who portrays Dylan McAvoy, is leaving the show, so Dylan is not likely to survive his undercover assignment.  If he does survive, he will undoubtedly leave town.  It seems only a matter of time before Dylan's cover is blown and he is killed by the bad guys. If he dies, his death will send out shockwaves around Genoa City.  Many people in GC will grieve for him. Sharon, Nikki and Paul will be absolutely devastated.  Paul may even resign as police chief.  

Do you like Victoria as the mother of a teenage son?   I'm not sure I do.  It's going to take some time for me to adjust to it.  I'm going to reserve judgement until I see where the storyline is going. One thing for sure, young Reed is headed for TROUBLE.  By the way, I thought Billy gave Reed some headphones so that Victoria would not have to hear his guitar.  Yet the guitar-playing has been bothering  her again.

Gloria is so unwanted.  Michael and Lauren can't tolerate her living with them and Kevin doesn't want her either.  If her scheme to get an executive position at Fenmore's falls through, she may try other tactics.  Now that Jeffrey's out of the picture, she may attempt to latch on to a new man, especially a wealthy older man.  John Abbott's gone to the great beyond.  However, Gloria could go after Jill's con man husband, Colin. Colin is scheduled to make another appearance in Genoa City soon and the fact that the sly Aussie is married to Jill won't stop Gloria from flirting with him. Colin has a lot in common with Gloria.  They are a couple of gold diggers, but they may be too much alike. Eric Forrester (John McCook), the wealthy fashion mogul from The Bold and the Beautiful is about to pay a visit to Genoa City.  Gloria may also flirt with him.

Maybe I'm missing something, but has Noah broken up with Marisa.  He doesn't mention her and seems to be single.

The next big event in Genoa City will be Valentine's Day.  It will be fun to see how Genoa City romances play out on that day.

VIEWER FORUM

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

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca

Here are some comments from Y&R watcher, Carly in Barrhaven, Ontario:

I don't think I will miss Dylan.  There are a couple of other actors that I wouldn't miss either.  As for Gloria, her character is just too far-fetched.  Judith Chapman plays the role well.  Victoria is getting on my nerves, but that's not new. If Sharon and Nick end up back together, I stop watching the show.

I will miss Dylan, Carly, but not a great deal.  I don't think they have much of a storyline left for him.  He just can't live happily ever after with Sharon, not on a soap.

Gloria is a very polarizing character.  Those who like her, really like her.  They think she's fun and feisty and that she spices up the show.  You fall into the second category, Carly.  You think she's too far-fetched, too "off the wall." (Her sauna scene was something else).  Most fans, however, do agree that Judith Chapman plays the role well.

You say that Victoria is getting on your nerves and that that's nothing new.  You don't explain why, though.  I assume you don't like the character or the actress who plays her - Amelia Heinle - or both.

You definitely don't want Sharon and Nick back together.  You are quite adamant about that. However, I really think that Sharon with try to connect with Nick after Dylan's death.  The writers appear to be setting up a triangle between Nick and Sharon and Chelsea.  Nick and Sharon may get back together again for a time, but don't expect it to last.

Here are some predictions from Fifi in Collingwood, Ontario.

I predict that the new nanny that Nick hired to take care of Christian will do things that will concern Faith.  Faith will keep a close eye on her.  Nick and Chelsea will become a couple until Nick finds out that Chelsea knows Adam is the father of Christian.  There is still a future for Sharon and Nick.

Well, Fifi, I have to admit that I haven't given the new nanny, Monica, much thought.  However, now that you mention her, we'll have to see if she's just a temporary character or if she plays any king of a significant role in the storyline.  We'll see if your prediction about her comes true.

I think you are right on the money about the Nick, Chelsea and Sharon triangle.  Carly in Barrhaven is not going to be pleased about a Nick and Sharon reunion, but it could be in the cards.

Here are some comments from CC in Etobicoke, Ontario:

The Devon/Hilary storyline is a real drag, as is the Sharon/Dylan thing.  I am okay with Dylan leaving town and the show.  I wonder if they will kill him off or just make him disappear while they decide if they want to replace him with another actor.  The Nick/ Chelsea relationship is falling flat. for me too.  They should bring Adam back, even if they have to recast.

I haven't heard about any plans to cast a new actor to replace Steve Burton as Dylan.  I could happen somewhere down the line.

I'm not too big on Nick and Chelsea either.  Maybe I'm missing something, but I don't see that great a connection between them,  It could be that viewers would just rather see Chelsea with Adam.  Nick and Chelea's relationship seems so contrived, as if they were just thrown together.

Many Y&R fans miss Adam, but head writer Sally Sussman has said that there are no plans to bring the character back any time soon.  If Adam ever returns, don't expect him to be played by Justin Hartley. Hartley is a big prime time star on This Is Us.  He is unlikely to return to daytime. There is nothing Y&R can do about that.  By the way, This Is Us is such a smash hit that NBC has already renewed it for another two seasons.

Maria in Manhattan has weighed in with some remarks about the show.

I'm sorry that Steve Burton (Dylan is leaving.  I'll miss him.  The kids are the stars of the show.  I'm glad Gloria is back.  She adds class to the show.

Yes, many are disappointed that Steve Burton is exiting. The child actors on Y&R are certainly stealing the spotlight right now.  Most of the time, they are more sensible than the adults.  As for Gloria, I'm glad she's back too.  However, Maria, I wouldn't describe her as "classy."  She's a lot of things, but classy isn't one of them.  She's a shameless fortune hunter in search of a rich husband. The woman has admitted that she can't wait to put a big rock on her ring finger.  She's also selfish and deceitful.  As I've said before, the show needs characters like her to cause trouble and create conflict.

CAST NEWS

New photographer character on Y&R

Darnell Kirkwood

A new character is coming to Genoa City.  According to Soap Opera Digest, The Young and the Restless has cast Darnell Kirkwood in the role of Brass & Sassy photographer Jordan Wilde.  Kirkland will make his first appearance on Y&R on Friday, February 10, 2017 on CBS (Thursday, February 9 on Global TV in Canada).  Kirkwood has appeared in episodes of Scorpion, Magic City, Bosch and Burn Notice.  This will be his first stint on daytime television.

The arrival of Jordan could spell trouble for Cane and Lily.  Lily did some modelling recently at Brass & Sassy and Cane didn't seem too pleased about it.  She's bound to interact with Jordan if she continues modelling and he's a shutterbug at Brass & Sassy.  The casting call for the character called for "a sexy African American in his early 30s who's not only a gifted photographer but has serious swagger."

Sean Carrigan (Dr. Stitch) has been cast in Netflix series

Sean Carrigan will be starring in a new Netflix comedy.  Details are not available yet.  However, the should be a comfortable fit for Carrigan because he likes to employ his comedic skills.  I've met him twice (at the Y&R charity tea in Toronto) and I can attest that he continually cracks jokes  In fact, he is a stand-up comedian.  It's something he doesn't get a chance to do much in his role as Dr. Ben "Stitch" Rayburn..

This dioesn't mean that fans will see the last of Dr. Stith'em up.  It doesn't appear that Carrigan will be leaving his Y&R role  He tweeted: "Can't release any details yet, but in addition to playing a doctor in Genoa City, I'll be starring in a new Netflix Comedy Series!"


Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Victor Newman has been talking about taking on a lighter work load and spending more time with his family.  He's also considering who should be his successor and has expressed disappointment  that his children have not shown any great enthusiasm about following in his footsteps, especially Nicholas.

Victor may have had humble beginnings, growing up in an orphanage, but he and Nikki are quite snobbish. He looks down on Nick as the owner of a bar.  He encouraged Noah to run Newman's Top of the Tower, rather than assist his father at The Underground.  Snobby Nikki has always looked down on Sharon for being from the wrong side of the tracks.  Yet Nikki herself came from the wrong side of the tracks herself and she was a stripper.

Neither Nick, nor Noah, want anything to do with Newman Enterprises.  Victoria is a competent enough businesswoman.  The writers were a bit sexist to have her neglect her job because of Travis.  If she were a man, they never would have done that.  Abby has matured since her "Naked Heiress"days, but she still needs more seasoning and experience. Summer also needs more experience.  Faith and Connor and Christian (aka Sully) will be the future.  I can picture Faith in business when she gets old enough.  Just look at the way she's mastering chess.  She's a chip off Victor's block.

So, fans, what do you think?  Who should take over the helm of Newman Enterprises when Victor retires?

Who should succeed Victor Newman as the next CEO of Newman Enterprises?

Nicholas Newman

Victoria Newman

Abby Newman

Noah Newman

Summer Newman

I don't know.

Other

Please Specify:

That's all for now.  The next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, February 4, 2017.  


- Joanne

Y&R Report (January 7, 2017): The Latest on The Young and the Restless

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

Happy New Year, Y&R fans. I hope 2017 is shaping up to be a good year for you.  It isn't starting out so well for some Genoa City residents.  Dylan McAvoy is going to be killed off and Sharon is about to become a widow.  However, Steve Burton, who plays Dylan, says the we viewers are in for a few surprises. Dylan's time in Genoa City has not completely come to an end.  There will be some more scenes ahead for his fans to savour.  

Devon is fortunate to have survived his car crash, even though he was left with a concussion and internal injuries.  He can't remember what happened on New Years Eve at the Newman Winters Foundation fundraising gala.  However, even if he doesn't regain his memory of that night, Devon will eventually learn the truth.  Hilary is deluding herself if she thinks she can prevent him from finding out that she caused Mariah to fall on live television.  Too many people know what happened.  Lily can't wait to fill her Devon in.  She is only holding back because her brother has not yet fully recovered from his accident and she can't upset him.  The question is this:  To what lengths will Hilary go in order to hang on to Devon?

One of Hilary's problems is that she has made too many enemies, especially among other women. She is certainly not the most popular person in town, to say the least.  Her only ally seems to be Jack Abbott.  He has sympathy for her and seems to understand her motivations.  

Poor Dr. Stitch seems lost these days.  He hasn't had much of a storyline since he broke up with Abby.  He seems to do nothing but work.  It seems as if he's the only doctor in Genoa City.  His dedication to the medical profession is admirable, but there are limits.  What Stith'em Up needs is sine rest and a distraction other than work.  This is not a very happy time for him.  He's lost his marriage and he's also about to lose his best friend, Dylan.  I have to wonder how much his character fits into the future plans for Y&R and if there will be a storyline for him.

Gloria Fisher Bardwell is a shameless troublemaker, a chronic liar and a relentless opportunist. Having said all that, I'm glad she's back because she really stirs things up.   She's quite nosy too.  It didn't take her very long to discover that Lauren's company, Fenmore's, was in dire financial straits and that Michael didn't know about the situation. (She's a much better detective than Clueless Paul Williams).  It also didn't take her very long to use Lauren's woes to her own advantage by blackmailing her daughter-in-law into giving her a job with Fenmore's.  She didn't stop there, though.  That wasn't enough for our Gloria.  She's decided to backstab Lauren by secretly helping Jack to obtain control of Fenmore's.

What do you think about Ravi and his crush on Ashley?  I hope he's just a nervous computer geek and not some demented stalker.  He danced with Mariah on New Year's Eve, but they didn't have much of a connection.  His mind was on Ashley and she thought he was too much of a tech nerd.  She said that he "spoke a foreign language - math."  If Mariah doesn't eventually click with Ravi, I hope she finds someone else.  It's about time she moved on and showed Kevin he's not the only fish in the sea.

       

Since Sally Sussman took over the head writing duties, there's been a noticeable change in some of the Y&R. characters.  Victor has softened and he's at home more often.  In fact, he hasn't been seen in his office for a long time.  Jack is more ruthless.  We don't see much of the happy-go-lucky 'Smilin' Jack" anymore. Billy is more likable now that he is not so consumed with getting revenge on Victor.  Lauren is is the spotlight at the moment and Gloria is front and centre.  I was almost certain that Judith Chapman, who plays Gloria, would never be back.

I wonder where this Reed storyline is heading.  I still haven't gotten used to the idea of Victoria having a teenage son.  Victoria hasn't gotten used to it either.  After all, it wasn't too long ago that Reed was about five or six years older than Johnny.  Now Reed has aged about eight years and Johnny has remained the same. 

So far, I like the boy who plays Reed.  His name is Tristan Lake Leabu and he seems to be a very promising young actor.  We will see what happens as his storyline develops.  Will he be up to the challenge?

CAST NEWS

John McCook (Eric Forrester) to cross over to Y&R

Eric Forrester is going to pay a visit to Genoa City.  The Bold and the Beautiful patriarch will cross over to B&B's sister soap, The Young and the Restless.  The episode will be aired on Friday, January 27th on CBS and Thursday, January 26th on Global TV in Canada.

The Los Angeles fashion mogul will meet with Lauren during his stay in Genoa City.  That's not surprising since Lauren's company is seeking investors and she and Eric are both in the fashion business.  They are also old flames.  They had a brief romance back in the 1990s when Lauren crossed over to The Bold and Beautiful for a while.

Longtime Y&R watchers will remember that McCook once played wealthy jet setter Lance Prentiss.  Lance was involved with sisters Lorie and Leslie Brooks.


LINE OF THE WEEK

Jack pays a visit to the home of Michael and Lauren, only to discover that Gloria is back in town.  

GLORIA:  It's been a long time.

JACK:  Not long enough.


Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Gloria is stirring up trouble again and make life miserable for sons Michael and Kevin and daugher-in -law Lauren.  Are you glad that she has returned to Genoa City?

Are you pleased that Gloria (Judith Chapman) is back?

Yes. She is feisty and fun. She creates conflicts for storylines. Characters such as Gloria are needed on a soap.

No. She is manipulative and selfish. I don't like her character and I'm tired of her antics.

I'm not sure. I haven't made up my mind yet.

I don't know.

Other

Please Specify:

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

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca

That's all for now.  Please remember that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, January 21, 2017.

- Joanne