TV BANTER

Saturday, June 10, 2017

Y&R Report (June 10, 2017): The Latest on The Young and the Restless

She lives! Chloe lives! She isn't dead after all. She rose out of her coffin like a vampire. Her "death" was a set up and Victor (who else?) was behind it. Faking Chloe's death was the Plan B,that "The Moustache" was referring to. Victor's motive was simple. If everyone believed Chloe to be dead, then questions about who helped her escape would be put to rest and Victor would be in the clear.

I have to admit that I laughed when that coffin lid popped open. I wasn't completely surprised, though. Dr. Harris, the doctor whom Victor bribed to help Chloe escape, doesn't exactly seem trustworthy. He's definitely not the most ethical medical practitioner. Would you want him to treat you? Leave it to Victor to find the dirtiest doctors around.

Sugar Cane Ashby is getting more and more tangled up in a web of his own deceit. He's really become a villain, hasn't he? He's going down fast, though.. It won't be long until his foul deeds and his lies are completely exposed. It seems that he's spending all of his time covering up his half-truths and falsehoods. No wonder he's so stressed. He even yelled at Reed for having his guitar in the way.

Cane's has also started to make threats, He promised Hilary that she would regret causing trouble for him. Of course, that didn't stop Hilary at all. That woman was born to be a Troublemaker with a capital "T.". The look on her face when she stirs up trouble is priceless. However, her shenanigans are not going to help her score any points with Jordan. It seems likely that Jordan and Lily will eventually get together. Lily will probably turn to him for support when she discovers the truth about Cain and the Brash & Sassy photographer will be happy to provide a shoulder for her to cry on. As for Hilary, I don't think she's really gotten over Devon. She is still jealous of Mariah and Devon's relationship. Devon hasn't gotten over Hilary either. He knows what she's like, but he's still hooked on her.

Well fans, what is really going on with Dina and the mysterious Graham? He definitely has a hold on her and something is certainly not right. Here are a couple of theories that I've read online:

* Graham is really Dina's son, a son she had before she met John Abbott. Perhaps he was raised by his father and his father's family.

* Dina is in the early stages of Alzheimer's Disease. That's why she sold her company and is trying to make amends with her family. Graham, as her caregiver, wants her to return Paris before she gets worse. At the Abbott dinner, Dina repeated repeated herself. Ashley and Traci both noticed a change in her.

We shall see if either (or possibly both) of these theories turns out to be correct. It is more likely that Dina has dementia or some other medical condition. After all, Graham mentioned contacting her doctor. However, another thought crossed my mind. What if Graham is having Dina medicated so that she will display symptoms of dementia?

One thing is for certain. Dina really wishes to remain in Genoa City. It appears that she sincerely wants to reconnect with her family. That's why she decided not to go back to Paris yet. Surprisingly, Graham gave in and stopped pushing her to stay. Dina's words about returning to Paris were very interesting. She told Graham that going back was "the right thing but it feels so wrong."

Why did Graham surrender so easily? Could it be that he wanted Dina to stay all along so that her family would believe she's ill? Victor Newman certainly does't trust Dina's "companion.". After meeting Graham briefly, he surmised that he is after Dina's money. He warned Ashley that she'd better watch her mother's bank accounts because "given half a chance, that man will drain them dry."

Besides Graham and Dina, another person of mystery on Y&R is Tessa. I've been trying to figure out what's going on with her. Is she taking advantage of Nikki? Sharon seems to think so. She's not pleased about her son Noah's interest in the singer/guitarist. In fact, she told Scott that "Nikki is Tessa's meal ticket and she's using Noah to keep the graving train rolling." Maybe Sharon is being overprotective of Noah, but she has reason to be concerned. Tessa has too many secrets. For example, she's hiding something regarding that ex-boyfriend of hers. She's also very mercurial, always changing her mind. Poor Noah! He just can't seem to pick the right women. However, he's not the sharpest knife in the drawer either. Hasn't he learned anything from his experience with Marisa? He should end his involvement with Tessa until she comes clean. He won't, though.

CAST NEWS

Michael Muhney

Okay, here is some news for fans of Michael Muhney, ex-Adam Newman. There has long been speculation that Michael Muhney will return as Adam, although head writer Sally Sussman has not been in any big hurry to revive the character. However, Eric Braeden, who plays Adam's father, the Great and Powerful Victor Newman, has implied that Adam will be written back into the show and that Muhney will be playing him again.

According to the website Mstars News, Braeden responded to a Twitter exchange between Muhney and a fan. He asked for the fan's patience with regard to the prospect of him and Muhney performing together again as father and son.

Another point to consider is that Hunter King (Summer Newman) is not around right now. Her issues with Micheal Muhney, you'll recall, led to his firing. Michael would be much more amenable to coming back to the show with Hunter absent. However, the actor's return would not sit well with those who are uneasy about his alleged conduct on the set.

A note of caution here, though, Muhney fans. Don't uncork the chamagne bottle yet. There is no official word of Micheal's return to the fold and this could simply be a tease on Eric Braeden's part. Yet, the possibility is intriguing to many.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Sharon

Lauren isn't too thrilled that her son is dating Sharon. She was very critical of Sharon's checkered past and her multiple marriages. (Although Lauren has been married to Michael Baldwin for a long time, she does have two previous marriages - Paul Williams and Scott Grainger, Sr. -and several flings and affairs under her belt). Having said that, does Lauren have a point or is she being too judgmental? Would you want your son to be in a relationship with Sharon? Do you think Scott and Sharon make a good couple? Tell me what you think by responding to the poll below.

Do you think Scott and Sharon make a good couple?

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

My email address: jmadden16@yahoo.ca

That's all for now. Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, June 24, 2017. The May sweeps are over but there should be some summer fun on The Young and the Restless.

- Joanne

Thursday, June 1, 2017

Roseanne Returns to Telvision: A Quiz to Mark the Event

TV BANTER QUIZ #28

Roseanne is set to return to television, almost two decades since it first appeared on ABC-TV. The series, starring Roseanne Barr and John Goodman, ran from 1988 until 1997 and it focused on the working-class Conner family, It was recently announced that most of the cast will reunite for a short, eight-episode reboot in 2018. To put you in the right frame of mind for the revival of Rosanne, TV Banter presents a quiz on the show. Why not test your knowledge about this popular sitcom. Are you ready?

Roseanne Quiz

1. Where does the Conner family live?

Conner home

A. Queens, New York

B. Lanford, Illinois

C. Lansing Michigan

D. Springfield, Illinois

E. Columbus, Ohio

2. What was Roseanne Conner's maiden name?

A. Howard

B. Healy

C. Harrison

D. Hyland

E. Harris

3. What was Dan Conner's occupation?

John Goodman as Dan Conner

A. Dan was a plumber.

B. Dan worked in a car factory.

C. Dan was a drywall contractor.

D. Dan was a construction worker.

E. Dan was a house painter.

4. What was the name of the restaurant owned by Roseanne, her mother Bev, her younger sister Jackie (Laurie Metcalf) and others?

A. The Lanford Lunch Box

B. Roseanne's Diner

C. The Lanford Diner

D. Roseanne's Place

E. The Lanford Eatery

5, What is the name of Dan's closest friend from high school?

A. Ralph

B. Dwayne

C. Moe

D. Denny

E. Ziggy

6. What Oscar-winning Hollywood actress appeared on the show as Nana Mary, mother of Beverly Harris (Estelle Parsons) and grandmother to Roseanne Connor and her sister, Jackie Harris (Laurie Metcalf)?

A. Shirley MacLaine

B. Sally Field

C. Donna Reed

D. Shelley Winters

E. Shirley Jones

7. Who played the original Becky?

The original Becky Conner

A. Eve Plumb

B. Tracey Gold

C. Lecy Goranson

D. Sara Rue

E. Jenny Lewis

8. Sharon Stone had a role on an episode of Roseanne. What role did she play?

A. Mark and Becky's trailer park neighbour

B. Roseanne's psychiatrist

C. Dan's old girlfriend

D. Roseanne's cousin

E. Darlene's music teacher

9. An old comedy series was spoofed on an episode of Roseanne and some of the surviving members of the cast made cameo appearances. What was the name of the old comedy series?

A. Leave it to Beaver

B. Gilligan's Island

C. The Brady Bunch

D. Father Knows Best

E. The Partridge Family

10. Becky and Mark eloped. Where did they move after they got married?

A. California

B. Hawaii

C. Texas

D. Wisconsin

E. Minnesota

11. Actor Steven Seagal appeared in a 1996 episode of Rosanne. Whom did Seagal portray in the episode?

A. An action movie stuntman

B. A mechanic

C. Becky's father-in-law

D. Himself

E. Roseanne's boss

12. Daughter Darlene and David Healy decide to get married in the season finale. The couple had a history of breaking up and making up. Over the course of the show, how many times did Darlene and David break up throughout the course of the show.

A. four times

B. five times

C. three times

D. twice

E. five times

13. How was David Healy, played by Johnny Galecki, related to Mark Healy.

Johnny Galecki as David Healy

A. They were first cousins.

B. David was Mark's older brother.

C. David was Mark's stepbrother and they were the same age.

D. David was his Mark's younger brother.

E. They were distant cousins.

14. Roseanne is known for its Halloween episodes. What was the title of the show's first Halloween episode, shown during Season 2

A. "Ghosts and Goblins"

B. "Scary Roseanne"

C. "Night of the Living Conners"

D. "A Conner Halloween"

E. "Boo!"

15. Which Hollywood actor appeared in the 1991 Halloween episode of Roseanne?

A. George Clooney

B. Brad Pitt

C. Bradley Cooper

D. Steve Carell

E. Jim Carrey

16. For several years, Roseanne worked in the luncheonette at a department store in the Lanford Mall. What was the name of the department store? (This is your bonus question. If you answer it correctly, give yourself an extra point.

A. Bellrod's

B. Rodbell's

C. Rodney's

D. Rodman's

E. Bellman's

17. Roseanne and Dan's son, D.J. Conner, was played by Michael Fishman. What do the initials D.J. stand for?

A. Daniel John

B. Donald James

C. David Jacob

D. Daniel Joseph

E. Darryl James

18. Did John Goodman appear in every episode of Roseanne?

A. Yes, he appeared in every episode.

B. No, His missed one episode during Season 5.

C. No, John Goodman missed three episodes during the show's final season.

D. No, John Goodman was absent for 12 episodes during Season 9.

E. No, he missed four episodes during Season 4.

19. What was the title of the two-part 9th season series finale of Rosanne?

A. "That's All Folks . . ."

B. "Life is but a Dream"

C. "Tomorrow is Another Day

D. "Endings"

E. "Into That Good Night"

20. What was Rosanne's sister Jackie's real name?

Laurie Metcalf (Jackie Harris)

A. Jackie

B. Majorie

C. Jacqueline

D. Regina

E. Eugenie

21. Jackie had a son, Andy, by ex-husband Fred Oakland. Who played Fred?

A. Michael O'Rourke

B. James O'Keefe

C. Michael O'Keefe

D. James O'Rourke

E. Tom O'Rourke

22. The original title of the series was not Rosanne. What was it?

A. Life and Stuff

B. The Conners

C. Rosanne;s Family

D. Life with Roseanne

E. Roseanne & Company

ANSWERS

1. B

The Conner family resides in the fictional town of Lanford, Illinois. The house used in the sitcom is actually located in Evansville, Indiana.

2. E

Roseanne's maiden name was Harris. When the show premiered, she worked in a plastics factory.

3. C

Dan Conner was a drywall contractor.

4. A

The Lanford Lunch Box was a loose meat sandwich place owned by Roseanne and several family members. It was seen in various episodes throughout Seasons 5 to 8, beginning in 1992.

5. E

Jay O. Sanders as Ziggy

Dan's best friend from high school was Ziggy. Ziggy was a motorcycle rider and
first appeared in an episode entitled "Born to be Wild" (Season 2, Episode 16, Air Date: January 30, 1990). He only appeared in one other episode,"The Pied Piper of Lanford" (Season 3, Episode 25, Air Date: May 14, 1991) He helped Dan open a bike shop, Lanford Custom Cycle, and then disappeared. Ziggy was played by Jay O. Sanders. (At the beginning of Season 5. in September of 1992, Dan was forced to close his motorcycle shop. The business was failing and he needed money in order to pay the mortgage on the Conner home.)

6. D

Shelley Winters (right) with Roseanne Barr, in an episode of Roseanne

Academy Award winner Shelley Winters, who passed away in 2006, played the role of Nana Mary on Roseanne in 10 episodes from 1991 to 1996. Although Shelley was only seven years older than Estelle Parsons, they played mother and daughter.

7. C

Becky, oldest daughter of Rosanne and Dan Conner, was originally played by Lecy Goranson. Goranson played the role of Becky for five seasons.from 1988 until 1992. In 1993, Sarah Chaleke took over the role.

8. A

Sharon Stone as trailer woman on Rosanne

Sharon Stone portrayed Becky and husband Mark's trailer park neighbour. She appeared in an episode entitled "Happy Trailers" (Season 7, Episode 22, Air Date: March 29, 1995). In her memorable cameo role, Stone welcomes Roseanne and Dan to the trailer park. She wears a bad wig, a pink bathrobe and speaks with a bad southern accent.

9. B

Bob Denver (far right) and Russell Johnson (far left) on Roseanne.

In May of 1995, the four surviving members of the cast of Gilligan's Island - Bob Denver (Gilligan), Russell Johnson (The Professor), Tina Louise (Ginger), Dawn Wells (Mary Ann) - as well its creator and producer, Sherwood Schwartz, appeared in an episode of Roseanne entitled "Sherwood Schwartz - A Loving Tribute" (Season 7, Episode 25, Air Date (May 24, 1995). In the episodes, Dan starts working on building his boat again and Roseanne envisions her family as the newly shipwrecked castaways of Gilligan's Island. Tina Louise plays Rosanne with Dawn Wells as daughter Becky, Russell Johnson as Becky's husband, Mark Healy and Bob Denver as Roseanne's sister, Jackie.

10. E.

In season five, Becky and Mark eloped and moved to Minnesota. Mark (Glenn Quinn), who worked in Dan's motorcycle shop. became unemployed when the shop closed closed down.

11. D

Steven Seagal in Roseanne episode

Steven Seagal portrayed himself in an episode of Roseanne entitled "Roseambo" (Season 9, Episode (Air Date: November 19, 1996). In the episode, Rosanne faces a group of terrorists who hold her family and a foreign diplomat hostage on a train to Washington, D.C. In a dream sequence, Seagal makes a cameo appearance as Roseanne's Hokkaido "master."

12. C

David and Darlene broke up three times during the course of the series.

13. D

David Healy was Mark's younger brother on Rosanne. Johnny Galecki, who played David, went on to portray Dr. Leonard Hofstadter in the hit CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory.. Galecki has played Hofstadter since 2007.

14. E

The first Roseanne Halloween episode aired in 1989 and is entitled "Boo.!" (Season 2, Episode 7, Air Date: (October 31, 1989). In the episode, Dan and Roseanne construct a haunted house while simultaneously trying to pull pranks on each other. Roseanne does her best to scare Dan while he is awaiting news about an important business deal.

The "Boo!" Halloween episode was nominated for an Emmy Award.

15. A

George Clooney on Roseanne

George Clooney appeared in a Roseanne Halloween episode entitled "Trick Me Up, Trick Me Down" (Season 4, Episode 6, Air Date: October 29, 1991). Before Clooney's rise to fame as a star of the hit medical drama ER., he played the role of Booker Brooks in 11 episodes of Roseanne from 1988 until 1991. Brooks was Roseanne's boss at the factory where she worked.

"Trick Me Up, Trick Me Down," marked George Clooney's final appearance in the series. In this special Halloween episode, Roseanne becomes convinced that a neighbour is planning a Halloween prank and her sister, Jackie, flirts with an unknown man in a moose costume.

16. B.

For several years, Rosanne worked as a waitress in the luncheonette at Rodbell's department store in the Lanford Mall.

17. C

D.J. stands for David Jacob.

18. D

No. John Goodman was absent for a dozen episodes during Season 9. The only actor to appear in every episode was Rosanne Barr.

19. E

The final two-part episode of Rosanne was entitled "Into That Good Night," It was aired on May 20, 1997 and was the 221st episode of the series.

20. B

The name on Jackie's birth certificate was Marjorie. Trivia Note: For her portrayal of Roseanne's sister, Laurie Metcalf earned three consecutive Emmy Awards (1992-1994) in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.

21. C

Michael O'Keefe played Fred Oakland, a mechanic who worked with Dan Conner. Fred married Jackie, but they eventually divorced. Their son, Andy, was born in a 1994 episode entitled "Labor Day" (Season 6, Episode 19, Air Date: March 8, 1994).

22. A

The original title of Rosanne was Life and Stuff.

END NOTES

* Johnny Galecki is not the only Roseanne cast member to have a role of The Big Bang Theory. Saara Gilbert, who played Darlene, has a recurring role as Leslie Winkle and Laurie Metcalf (Jackie) plays Sheldon Cooper's mother, Mary Cooper.

* The final two-part episode of the show is strange and controversial. Darlene brings home her prematurely-born daughter, Harris Conner-Healy. The family celebrates winning the Illinois State Lottery with a pizza dinner. During dinner, Rosanne reflects on each member of her family and reveals that she is writing a book and that everything that has happened is an altered version of events. She admits that she has changed whatever she didn't like about her life and family. The truth is that the Conners didn't really win the lottery and that Dan actually died from the heart attack he suffered at Darlene's wedding in Season 8. Nevertheless, sources at ABC have confirmed that John Goodman will return as Dan in the 8-episode reboot of the series next year. The network will find a way to undo Dan's series-ending death. After all, the return of the blue-collar family would not be the same without him.

* Lecy Goranson, the first Becky, will reprise her role in the 2018 revival of Rosanne. Sara Chalke, who took over the role when Goranson left, will appear in another role.

- Joanne

Saturday, May 27, 2017

Y&R Report (May 27, 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! Well! Well! Sugar Cane Ashby is not so sweet anymore. He's displayed some appallingly poor judgement of late. First, he wound up in a compromising situation with Juliet in Tokyo, thereby opening himself up to blackmail and putting his marriage at risk. Then, he became involved in a feud with Billy Boy Abbott. In order to get Billy into hot water, he tampered with a video. He deleted the "just kidding" part from the end of the video and made it appear that some hockey players had been gambling on their own sport. By his actions, Cane put Brass & Sassy's advertising contract with the hockey league in jeopardy, but the sly Aussie didn't stop there. He bribed the video man not to reveal what he had done. Maybe he is more like his daddy, Colin, than we've ever imagined.

Hilary learned about Cane's wild night in Tokyo and practically salivated at the prospect of spreading the news to her nemesis, Lily. The mischievous look on her face was absolutely priceless. Now that Hilary knows the truth, it's just a matter of time before the whole world finds out. Cane is sweating bullets, as he should. The Candy Man is definitely headed for disaster, both personally and professionally. I can't see how Lily and Cane's relationship can survive this upheaval. Lily may eventually forgive Cane for his drunken night in Japan, but she's unlikely to forgive his lies and his underhanded behaviour at Brass & Sassy, What happened in Tokyo hasn't stayed in Tokyo; but that's not very surprising, is it?

Phyllis was unable to conceal her presence in La La Land from Princess Victoria. She hid when Victoria knocked on Billy's hotel room door, but her fragrance gave her away. I was quite amused when the Brass and Sassy CEO suddenly declared, "You can come out now, Phyllis." Then she advised Phyllis to use a lighter perfume. Actually, I'm surprised that the Princess didn't advise her rival to use Brass & Sassy fragrances because they are not as strong.

As for Princess Victoria, she sure threw Juliet under the bus in order to save Billy's skin. She didn't want Billy Boy to be the sacrificial lamb, so Juliet got the chop. Juliet, however, is receiving advice from Hilary and she is sure to try to exact her revenge. She will soon discover who is really responsible for the hockey advertising debacle. Look out Cane! You know what they say about a woman scorned.

So, Gloria wants to know where she stands with Jack. Jack referred to whatever they have as "our arrangement." That tells you it's certainly no great love affair, doesn't it? Gloria is walking a thin line. If she becomes more demanding and controlling, Jack won't put up with it. Speaking of Jack, hasn't he been getting rather cozy with Nikki lately? Phyllis looked rather taken aback when she saw how chummy Jack and Nikki have become. She looked somewhat jealous. What's her problem? She has her Billy Boy.

Oh, my! Lily and Cane's twins have grown up so fast! What have they been feeding those kids. It also turns out Mattie and Charlie are both stereotypes too. Mattie is a studious and bespectacled. Charlie is the quintessential teenage jock, with a bit of youthful angst thrown in for good measure. It's obvious why the writers decided to age Charlie and Mattie. They wanted to incorporate them into Reed's storyline. However, the rapid transformation of the twins from children to high school students was too drastic, even for a soap. Also, Lily appears too young to be the mother of a pair 16-year-olds. Christel Khalil, the actress who portrays Lily, is only 29 years old and she is the mother of seven-year-old son.

Reed Hellstrom has a very bad day. First he caught Zoey, whom he regarded as his girlfriend, snuggling up to Charlie Ashby. Then he inadvertently witnessed Billy playing kissy-face with Phyllis. Now wonder he was upset. I really can't blame him. He was so disillusioned and angry that he hurled a real zinger at Billy. When Billy referred to Johnny and Katie, the two children sleeping upstairs, Reed retorted, "You know, I'm really glad that your their dad and not mine."

First of all, Phyllis really shouldn't have shown up at Victoria's place when Victoria was out of town on business. By the same token, Victoria, should not be using the children as pawns in her battle with Phyllis. Yes, Billy and Victoria are divorced, but Reed should have been informed that Billy was seeing Phyllis. He had a right to know. I also think Billy is eventually gong to tire of Phyllis popping up everywhere all the time. Surprises are one thing, but she isn't giving the man any breathing space.

Phyllis is certainly one very busy lady, but she still found time to needle Victor. She cheerfully informed "The Moustache" that she had seen Nikki "in the arms of another man," namely Victor's arch-enemy, Jack Abbott. Phyllis exaggerated, of course. Although Jack and Nikki were hugging affectionately, they were not in each other's arms or kissing passionately. As Victor correctly pointed out to Scott, Phyllis likes to stir things up. Boy, does she ever!

Abby Newman and her grandmother, Dina Mergeron, seem to be getting along quite well. They have a rapport, unlike Dina and daughter Ashley. Abby's pleasant relationship with Dina could drive a wedge between her and her own mother, Ashley.

CAST NEWS

Jason Thompson (Billy) and wife expecting their second child

Jason Thompson (Billy Abbott) and his wife, Paloma Jones, are expecting their second child. A representative for the actor confirmed the baby news to People magazine. A little girl is on the way for the couple, who already have a 1-year-old son named Bowie Banjo.

People published a photo of a pregnant Jones playing with Bowie. Thomson stated that he loves being a dad and that he's "looking forward to bringing a girl to our little family."

Odds and Ends

Beth Maitland will make another appearance as Traci Abbott on Wednesday, May 31. 2017 and Thursday, June 1, 2017 on CBS (May 30 and May 31 on Global-TV in Canada). It will be interesting to see how Traci reacts to the reemergence of her mother, Dina, after all these years.

Corbin Bernsen will reprise his role as Father Todd Williams on Tuesday, June 5 and Wednesday June 6 on CBS (June 4 and June 5 on Global-TV.).

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Robert Adamson (Noah Newman)

Noah Newman has been unlucky in love, to say the least. His bride-to-be, Courtney Sloan, an undercover policewoman, was brutally murdered. The murder took place on their wedding day. After grieving Courtney's death, Noah had an ill-fated relationship with Marisa Sierras, the exotic former girlfriend a Peruvian drug lord. He's now unattached and has shown interest in Tessa, a singer whom his grandmother Nikki has taken under her wing. However, Tessa has been acting strangely and she has been making mysterious phone calls. She's clearly up to something and Noah is starting to become suspicious of her behaviour. What do you think, fans? Should Noah give Tessa a chance?

Should Noah take a chance with Tessa?

That's all for now. Fasten your seatbelts, though, because the May Sweeps aren't over yet. The Chloe storyline is drawing to a close and the Abbotts are coming to terms with Dina's return. Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, June 10, 2017.

- Joanne

Saturday, May 13, 2017

Y&R Report (May 13, 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

There are some clear signals that Scott Grainger will eventually end up with Abby Newman . Although Scott is pursuing Sharon at the moment, there are obvious indications that he will switch his affections to Abby in the future. Victor has hired him to work at Newman Enterprises so that he can keep an eye on his daughter. He doesn't feel that she is street-wise or experienced enough. Scott, however, is a journalist and has no business experience. That alone has aroused Abby's suspicions. The two will be in close proximity and they will most likely fall in love. Abby will also soon realize what a fondness Scott has for sweets. He sure likes his doughnuts, doesn't he?

The fact that Scott and Abby aren't getting along right now is another signal that there will eventually be a romance. The Newman heiress finds Scott annoying and self-righteous, but her feelings toward him will likely change. It's a common tactic on television and in movies for couples to dislike each other at first. Scott, however, may inadvertently uncover Abby's secret deal with her Uncle Jack. That will probably ruin Abby's chances of becoming Victor's successor and the future CEO of Newman Enterprises.

Methinks Mariah Copeland has become too big for her britches. She's been acting very cocky lately. I know Hilary has treated her abysmally. However, Mariah's living a jet-set life with Devon now. Was it really necessary for her to have a cat fight with her nemesis or to wear Hilary's dress to work? Mariah has always criticized wealthy people. Now, she's flaunting her relationship with billionaire Devon. That seems quite hypocritical to me.

What's going on with Tessa? What's her game? Is she really so grateful to Nikki or is she hiding her true intentions. Is Tessa sincere or is she a big con artist? Is she ingratiating herself with Nikki so that she can get close to Nikki's grandson, Noah? Is she just a gold digger who is hoping to marry Noah so that she can live the Newman lifestyle as a lady of the manor? I've been wondering about that incident where Tessa tried to stave off the unwelcome advances of a sleazy patron at The Underground. Was that a set up so that Noah would save the day? We'll soon find out.

Well, the Battle for Billy Boy has begun and Victoria seems to have the upper hand right now. Phyllis, who is not known for her prowess in the kitchen, tried to surprise Billy with a soufflé. Billy showed up, but was in a rush to leave for Los Angeles. He explained that he couldn't stay and left in a hurry. Perhaps Billy's quick exit was for the best because the soufflé sank when he slammed the door.

Both Phyllis and Victoria are determined women. Victoria is using Billy's ties to the children as a means of winning him back. Phyllis is starting to feel insecure. In the previews, Phyllis was shown secretly arriving in Hollywood to spy on Billy and Victoria and to keep them apart.

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

Regular contributor CC in Etobicoke has some comments about Greg Rikaart's imminent departure from Y&R:

Maybe the door will be lift open for any of them to return in the future. For sure, if we survive long enough, we will see Bella return someday as the reincarnation of the evil Chloe, especially if she finds out that the DNA results were switched and her real father is Billy!

Well CC, the door remains open for Kevin's return someday when Bella is older. Since characters age much faster on the soap, maybe she'll be involved in a love triangle with Connor Newman or Johnny Abbott, son of Billy and Victoria. Remember that Johnny and Connor are half-brothers because Chelsea is Johnny's biological mother, But wait! If Billy turns out to be Bella's father, then Bella and Johnny would be half-siblings. Oh no! Let's not go there.

Philomena in Woodbridge, Ontario thinks that Tessa may be linked to Ian Ward's cult. It would be fun to see Ian again, wouldn't it?

Fifi in Collingwood, Ontario had an interesting prediction for me and it sounds quite plausible. She put forth the theory that Dina may have a terminal illness. That would explain why she decided to sell her company. That would also explain why she decided to sell it to Neil and Devon, who are located in Genoa City. Perhaps she intends to return to GC to make amends with her children before she dies

CAST NEWS

Greg Rikaart (Kevin) leaving Y&R

Greg Rikaart is leaving his role as Kevin Fisher after 14 years. Greg joined the cast of The Young and the Restless back in 2003. However, his contract has not been renewed and he will be exiting the show sometime in August. That means that Kevin will be leaving town this summer with Bella.

It's odd that Kevin is being written out of the show at a time when he is involved in a big storyline. Nevertheless, Greg Rikaart's fans should take heart in the fact that Kevin is not going to be killed off. He can easily return in the future.

Jess Walton (Jill) will be returning

Jill will soon be returning to Genoa City. Jess Walton has been on a short hiatus in Oregon awaiting the birth of her third grandchild and first granddaughter. The actress told Soap Opera Digest that she will be back in the studio to resume her role as Jill in a couple of weeks.

Fans will recall that Jill and her scoundrel of a husband, Colin Atkinson (Tristan Rogers), left town in March to travel the world. Tristan Rogers' status with the show is less clear. At this time, it has not been confirmed whether the Australian will be returning with her.

Julie Chen of "The Talk" to appear on Y&R

Julie Chen

The Brass &Sassy crew is in Hollywood filming a commercial. Since Y&R is filmed in Los Angeles, CBS did not have to spend a great deal of money on travelling to a far-off location. Hilary is in Hollywood too. Y&R's executive producer, Mal Young, told Entertainment Weekly that Hilary "will stop at nothing to interview her idol, Julie Chen,” for GC Buzz. The Hollywood-themed storylines begin airing Monday, May 15 on CBS. They started airing on Global TV in Canada on Friday, May 12. Chen, one of the hosts of The Talk, will make her cameo on May 17 on CBS (May 16 on Global).

Y&R Daytime Emmy winners

One Y&R cast member and one former cast member received Daytime Emmy Awards on April 30, 2017. Gino Tognoni (Phyllis Summers) won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Steve Burton (ex-Dylan McAvoy) won for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. The Young and the Restless also earned an Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series Writing Team.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Marla Adams (Dina Mergeron

Dina Mergeron has returned, but why? Does she have an agenda? Why has she decided to sell her company. Does she simply wish to retire with loads of money and reconcile with her children, or does she have other motives? Madam Mereron is one tough cookie and she drives a hard bargain. Her reemergence has rattled her family and other Genoa City residents. Why do you think she has returned? Respond to the poll below.

Why do you think Dina has decided to sell her company?

That's all for now. Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R Report will be posted in this space on Saturday, May 27, 2017. Enjoy the rest of the May sweeps and the great Hollywood adventures of your favourite Y&R characters. Check out their sunglasses.

- Joanne

Friday, May 12, 2017

Style Your Home Like a Reality Star

Although I am not a big fan of reality television, I am well aware that many viewers enjoy this genre of entertainment. It is for their sake that TV Banter presents this infographic on styling a home like a reality star. From kitchens to living room rugs, you can take a look at the interior design tastes of popular celebrities and reality TV stars.

- Joanne

Discover how to Style your Home Like a Reality Star by The Rug Seller by The Rug Seller

Monday, May 8, 2017

Unhappy Days: The death of Erin Moran

I will always remember Erin with her sweet smile that greeted me on the very first day I walked onto the set of ‘Happy Days’ in 1974 . . . For the next 10 years that smile never faded. Unfortunately yesterday it did. My condolences go out to her family. She will always be locked in my heart.”

- Henry Winkler

Somewhere along the line, Happy Days actress Erin Moran became Troubled Erin Moran, yet another casualty of the Hollywood child star machine, whose death in an Indiana trailer park at the age of 56 would be shocking if it weren’t so cripplingly inevitable.

- Adam White
The Telegraph, April 24, 2017

Erin Moran literally grew up in front of our eyes on Happy Days. The Burbank, California native was just 14 when she assumed the role of Joanie Cunningham, kid sister of Milwaukee high school student Richie Cunningham (Ron Howard). The popular series ran from 1974 to 1984 and it catapulted Erin to stardom.

Erin as Joanie in 1976

In 1982, Erin continued her role as Joanie in the short-lived spinoff Joanie Love Chachi. opposite co-star, Scot Baio. Baio portrayed Joanie's love interest, Chachi Arcola. and the series followed the adventures of the duo as they pursued music careers in Chicago. Scott was a teen idol back then and the Joanie and Chiachi characters were so popular that CBS was eager to feature the pair in their own spinoff.

Erin , however, was not enthusiastic about starring in Joanie Loves Chachi. In a 2009 interview with Xfinity, she remarked that she "liked working with the people, but I didn't even want to do it. I was talked into it. I wanted to stay on Happy Days. They were running them at the same time." Unfortunately, the show was not well-received by viewers and it was cancelled after only one 17-episode season.

Following the canellation of Joanie Loves Chachi in 1983, Erin and Scott returned to Happy Days for its final season. After the series went off the air, Erin had difficulty finding acting roles. She was just 22 years old when the show ended, but was never again cast in a leading television role. She was left with minor guest appearances on various series such as Hotel (1983), Glitter (1984), The Love Boat (1983, 1985), Murder, She Wrote (1986) and Diagnosis Murder (1998).

In the mid-1980s, Erin left Hollywood and moved to a home in the California mountains. In 1988, she told The Toronto Star that she had suffered from depression after the two series had ended and she was faced with a lack of acting offers. She said she wanted some time to reassess her life and her career. Moran also told Sitcoms Online that she had been the victim of "mental and physical abuse" in her childhood, although she claimed that the entertainment industry had, for the most part, treated her well.

In 1987, Erin Moran married singer Rocky Ferguson. Not much is publicly known about Ferguson, although it appears that he and Erin had a troubled union. In a 2007 interview with People, Erin described how her first husband struggled with her fame. "He wanted me to lie in who I was and if anyone recognized me to say no, I wasn't. And that's the pressure he put on me." Erin and Rocky Ferguson divorced in 1993 and Erin wed Steven Fleischmann on November 23rd of that same year.

Steve Fleischmann

In April of 2011, Erin and four other members of the Happy Days ca st filed a multi-million breach of contract suit in Los Angeles Superior Court against the CBS network. The other plaintiffs were Anson Williams (Potsie Weber), Don Most (Ralph Malph), Marion Ross (Marion Cunningham) and the estate of Tom Bosley (Howard Cunningham), who passed away in October 2010. They claimed that CBS had failed to pay them for merchandising profits under the contract. In July of 2012, the Happy Days actors settled their lawsuit with CBS. They received $65,000 per person and future royalties.

In recent years, Erin struggled with hard times and financial difficulties. In 2010, she and Steve lost their home to foreclosure. ABC News reported that a representative for Erin had confirmed that the two had moved into a trailer park to care for Steve's ill mother, Donna Woods. According to the Telegraph article by Adam White, Fleischmann was working a day job at Walmart while Erin cared for her ailing mother-in-law. In September of 2012, however, the Huffington Post reported that Erin and her husband were ousted from the trailer due to excessive partying.

Erin was later seen living in a Holiday Inn Express in Corydon, Indiana, about 130 miles (209.2 kilometres) south of Indianapolis. Photos of her in the parking lot of the hotel were shared on the Internet. A tabloid described her in the this very unflattering fashion: "Moran, who has not aged well, is seen walking in a grey T-shirt and plaid shorts, a cigarette hanging out of her mouth."

Sadly, Erin Moran died recently at the age of 56. On April 22, 2017, police in Harrison County, Indiana responded to a 911 call and found her unresponsive. She had passed away at her home at her home in New, Salisbury, a rural community in southern Indiana, about 8 miles (12.87 kilometres) north of Corydon and about twenty miles (32.18 kilometres) northwest of Louisville, Kentucky. She had been living in a trailer park in New Salisbury with her husband and mother-in-law.

After Erin's death was reported, there was a flurry of speculation and rumours. It was commonly assumed that her death was drug-related and Mail Online reported that she had died of a suspected heroin overdose in her mother-in-law's trailer. However, on Monday, April 24, 2017, the coroner and sheriff of Harrison County, Indiana issued the following joint statement: "A subsequent autopsy revealed that Mrs.(sic) Moran likely succumbed to complications of stage 4 cancer. Standard toxicology tests were performed and the results are pending however no illegal narcotics were found at the residence."

Although the statement did not identify the type of cancer, friends Paul Petersen of The Donna Reed Show and actor Steven Wishnoff, told the New York Post that Erin had been undergoing chemotherapy and radiation for cancer of the throat. The cancer was later identified as squamous cell carcinoma (skin cancer) of the throat.

That same Monday, Erin's former co-star Scott Baio stirred up a hornet's when he suggested that longtime alcohol and drug abuse may have contributed to the actress's untimely passing. During a radio interview on the WABC's The Bernie & Sid Show, Baio stated that he was "not completely shocked" by Erin's death. "I'm okay, a little shocked that this happened. My thing is, I feel bad because her whole life, she was troubled, could never find what made her happy and content. For me, you do drugs or drink, you're gonna die. I'm sorry if that's cold, but god gave you a brain, gave you the will to live and thrive and you gotta take care of yourself."

Baio admitted that he was not certain of the cause of Erin's death. He said, "I knew Erin well, over the last many years I have not spoken with her. She was just an insecure human being and fell into this world of drugs and alcohol. Again, I don't know if that's what killed her. I'm sure it was a culmination of years and years of doing it that might have had something to do with it. She just never found her way."

Baio was roundly criticized for his insinuation that drugs had caused Erin's death He later apologized on Facebook, explaining that when he did the radio interview, her actual cause of death had not been released yet. He also attempted to clarify himself further by telling TMZ that had he been unaware of Erin's cancer diagnosis, he would have "kept his mouth shut," especially since his wife, Rene, has battled cancer. He also pointed out that he was only asked about "Erin's troubled past due to drinking and drug abuse" on the morning of April 24th.

On Tuesday, April 25, 2017, Erin's husband, Steve, released this poignant open letter, describing Erin's last days. The letter was posted on Scott Baio's Facebook page.

Erin and I met 4/22/1992 and parted ways 4/22/2017. We were planning to go to
Thunder Over Louisville to celebrate. She was feeling fine on our anniversary 11-23-2016. Maybe four or five days after we got back Erin woke up and had about a dime size blood stain on her pillowcase. She said I think i bit my tongue. A couple days go by and there’s a bigger spot of blood. We get like 4 days into December, there’s more blood. I get a flashlight and say let me look.
It was not her tongue it was her tonsil on the left side. I thought it was tonsillitis.

So we went to an ENT who said they wanted to biopsy it. It came back squamous cell carcinoma. She started radiation and chemo. Five days a week radiation and chemo only on Thursdays. We did that the whole time. It got so bad so fast.

By the middle of February, Erin could no longer speak or eat or drink. She had a feeding tube implant and i feed her 6 to 8 times a day. She was still happy, she was active, she texted people on her phone all day. On the 21st she was having trouble breathing. She woke up on the 22nd, she was not 100%.

She needed Kleenex, so i went to the store and came back. She was there watching T.V in bed. I laid down next to her held her right hand in my left. I feel asleep woke up about a hour later still holding her hand and she was gone, she was just gone.

Norton Cancer Institute never said how bad it was.. The coroner told me it was really really bad. It had spread to her spleen, she had alot of fluid in her lungs and part of her brain was infected. The coroner said even if she was in the hospital being pumped full of antibiotics she still would not of made it. He said it was the best that she was with me and went in her sleep.

So that’s it.
PLEASE feel free to send the above to Any and ALL news outlets

The press has been relentless. they knock on the door constantly. Thank you Harrison County Sheriff’s I Called last night and they came out ran them off got up this morning
they were all back sheriffs ran them all off again. the last time two cop cars ran off the last ones right before it got dark. we will see what tomorrow brings….

PEACE my friends.

The apology didn't satisfy Erin's older brother, Tony Moran. He blasted Baio on Twitter and Facebook. Moran, 59, also told the British tabloid The Sun that "Erin was a tortured soul who never recovered after Happy Days. Hollywood chewed her up and spat her out."

END NOTES

* In 2009, Erin appeared in an episode of the daytime drama The Bold and the Beautiful as Kelly DeMartin.

* Erin Moran had a supporting role in the 2010 film Not Another B Movie. She played Mrs. Klien in this spoof of cinema's behind-the-scenes experiences. It was her last credited acting role. Erin's last television appearance was in a 2012 episode of Celebrity Ghost Stories. She recounted a story of being haunted by the ghost of her deceased mother in her California home.

* In late October of 2016, Erin appeared at an autograph show in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. She answered questions from fans and spoke warmly of Scott Baio. She made it clear, though, that she didn't agree with Scott's support of Donald Trump.

* Erin was said to have been working on a memoir about her struggles. It was reportedly titled Happy Days, Depressing Nights.

- Joanne

EDITOR'S UPDATE (June 1, 2017) : The Harrison County Cornoner's final autopsy report, released on Tuesday, May 30, 2017, confirmed that Erin Moran died purely from the complications of advanced cancer - squamous cell carcinoma. According to the coroner's report, "no illegal narcotics were involved in her death." She was in Stage 4 of the disease.

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