A Critic’s Review of The Young and the Restless: Good Choices and Thirsty Antics

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. Here we lead with optimism. Unfortunately, we don’t always get what we want. So here’s a review of Y&R’s week that was.

What I’m Feeling This Week: Admiration for Sharon and Audra’s Choices

On Y&R, Sharon (Sharon Case) and Audra (Zuleyka Silver) are each in reassessment mode. They’re seeing what improvements need to be made and tweaking their lives based on their conclusions. On top of that, they’re eliminating the more toxic aspects, although the jury’s out on whether these nasty infestations will be a permanent removal or simply temporary.

Sharon recently broke up with Chance to give him a chance to find a more serious love than she was willing to give. Because she’s investing in herself and her new company. The launch party for said company happened, and it was refreshing seeing her in such good, confident spirits.

Sharon’s naturally gravitating back towards Nick a bit (check out Sharon Case talking about Sharon/Nick here), but she’s clearly not giving much of her focus to that. Instead, she’s focused on herself, her company, and how her tech business can help people. Ultimately, she’s enriching her life by giving back.

The most heartwarming moment of the evening occurred when she announced the name of her new venture — Cassidy First Technology. What a great way to honor Cassie (Camryn Grimes). Congrats to Sharon for evolving. And Sharon Case looks like she’s having fun playing this all out.

Elsewhere in Genoa City, Audra Charles doesn’t have a problem putting herself first. However, lately, she’s bouncing back and forth between yahoos Tucker (Trevor St. John) and Kyle (Michael Mealor) and, frankly, it’s beneath the character.

What I enjoy most is that she’s distancing herself from both now. Who knows if it will last, but I will ride the wave as long as she does. She’s over their shenanigans and she remembers that even though Tucker has done a lot for her, he is a hot mess.

I need her to keep walking away from Tucker. It’s hilarious. On the other side of the fence, the way she betrayed Kyle’s confidence and blabbed his whole plan to her business partner? Well done. And it shows me she is at a point where she doesn’t give two you-know-whats.

In addition to this moment of growth, she’s really trying to make herself more relatable to Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott). We’ve learned more about her family background and the way it was touched by alcoholism. I guess you can say she’s been vulnerable with her boss by revealing this very private family trauma. Hopefully, the powers that be can dole out some of her backstory at some point soon.

I think Audra has a way to go here because her most vulnerable moments still seem like we’re only seeing a speck of who she really is. But Nikki is starting to appreciate these conversations and so am I. Audra’s ambitious, yes. But she is also smart. Maybe she decided that Newman is where she’s needed for now. Or she is just playing us all? She’s capable of that.

Other Y&R Thoughts

Not Feeling: This renewed rivalry between Phyllis (Michelle Stafford) and Christine (Lauralee Bell). I can’t even blame one over the other. They’re both at fault for escalating these events. However, Phyllis’s antics at the jazz lounge — she was so thirsty. And marking her territory with that video of Danny (Michael Damian) singing the love song she partly inspired, was unbelievable.

As for Christine’s superior tone, it’s there. Why would she tell Phyllis that she and Danny were going on a getaway? Of course, Phyllis was going to do her best to sabotage. Of course, Christine was going to walk in on Danny and Phyllis kissing.

And Danny’s not blameless here, either. On some plane of existence, he’s enjoying the attention of both women. He could have walked away from Phyllis any number of times, and he didn’t.

Most Welcome Interaction: Look, I adore Victor (Eric Braeden) and Nikki, I really do. They’re made for each other. But I have always had a soft spot in my heart for Jack (Peter Bergman) and Nikki. So when Jack lent his support to his former wife, it was so good to see them talk and rehash history and the complicated feelings that came with it. Having said that, she’s right. Victor won’t take too kindly to Jack offering up his help for her current addiction struggle.

Favorite Quote (Christine to Danny): “Do you really want either of us or is it too much fun being in the middle?”

Best Observation: Claire (Hayley Erin) sharing her perspective on the Newmans from what she has learned and seen. She gave Victoria (Amelia Heinle) the outsider’s view on The Newmans. She basically said they’re cold and spiteful, not only with each other but with strangers, too. Facts!

Burning Questions: What’s up with Seth (Brian Gaskill) the Sponsor, huh? What’s going on with him that he’s drinking while simultaneously trying to keep Nikki from drinking? When are we going to learn more about his story?

The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on CBS. For an in-depth look at the show’s history, click here.

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