A Critic’s Review of The Young and the Restless: Shindig Surprises

When it comes to The Young and the Restless, every fan has their own opinion – and Soap Hub is no different. For five days, we sat and watched the good, the bad, and everything in between, and now we offer you a handy review, and a cheeky critique, of Y&R’s week that was.

The Young and the Restless: A Critic’s Week In Review

There was a lot to like on this week’s The Young and the Restless…or at least there was when it came to Chance Chancellor’s (Conner Floyd) welcome home party.

From the guest of honor’s obvious discomfort, to the catty exchanges had between Jill Abbott (Jess Walton) and Victoria Newman (Amelia Heinle) and Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford) and Ashley Abbott (Eileen Davidson), from Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) and Jack Abbott’s (Peter Bergman) surprisingly cordial confab to Jill needling Victor about their own distinct lack of business school training, it was a the gift that kept on giving.

Was it perfect? Hardly. Though I’m low to disagree with Phyllis, it’s not true that “any party that doesn’t end in disaster is a great party.” This Young and Restless shindig could have used a bucket of ice being chucked on someone, or a good old fashion punch up.

And there were some glaring omissions. Where the heck was Nina Webster (Tricia Cast)? If the actress couldn’t be physically present on set, Nina could still have been a presence via a video chat. There’s no way that a mother would miss her son’s big night out. Speaking of…

Was it really wise of Victor and Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott) to arrange a family gathering on what would have been Chance’s second night home? Seems a bit rude somehow.

And say what you will about Devon Hamilton (Bryton James) and Mariah Copeland’s (Camryn Grimes) opinions regarding Abby and Chance’s parenting, but they were really given something to complain about when the couple forwent spending time with their son to go off and party hardy.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t include my absolute favorite moments from the special Young and Restless event. First, Chance’s heartfelt toast to his fallen comrades. The second, Nicholas Newman’s (Joshua Morrow) not so fashionably late drive by, that consisted of him scanning the room, eyeing his father, Victoria, Ashland Locke (Richard Burgi), and Jack making a beeline for Phyllis, before turning and walking out the door. That scene spoke volumes.

Further Y&R Musing

* Can someone please remind me of the last time Sharon Rosales (Sharon Chase) wore work-appropriate outfits to Crimson Lights? Also, for someone who got her master’s in Psychology, she sure is having a hard time figuring out what to gift her husband.

* Esther Valentine (Kate Linder) sighting at 12 o’clock! Please, The Young and the Restless, I want more.

* Give Them a Storyline All Ready: Nate Hastings (Sean Dominic) and Elena Dawson (Brytni Sarpy).

* Master Manipulator: Lily Winters (Christel Khalil)…at least until she and Billy Abbott’s (Jason Thompson) actions come back to bite them in oh so many forms – the least of which will be Johnny and Kate heading to boarding school.

* Master of Reverse Psychology: Adam Newman (Mark Grossman).

The Young and the Restless (YR) airs weekdays on CBS. Check your local listings for airtimes. For more about what’s coming up in Genoa City, check out all the latest that’s been posted on Y&R spoilers, and for an in-depth look at the show’s history, click here.