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, including the Succession-like story brewing at Chancellor-Winters.
What I’m Feeling This Week:
Game of Thrones Chancellor-Winters Style
I totally could have highlighted the Newman family drama once again. But, instead, I’ll focus on other families. Namely, the hybrid clans that all work together at Chancellor-Winters. All different factions have been shoring up their numbers in anticipation of a potential in-house showdown for supremacy.
Billy (Jason Thompson) defected from Jabot back to CW; Nate (Sean Dominic) returned to the fold as well. Chance (Conner Floyd) is the rookie who’s attempting to assimilate into the corporate culture. Of course, Abby (Melissa Ordway) has been added to the board. Jill (Jess Walton), Devon (Bryton James), and Lily (Christel Khalil, who’s back at work) are the driving forces of the company, the ones who make the big decisions. And now Mamie (Veronica Redd) is in on it as well. These are a bunch of strong personalities who will have to figure out how to work together.
It really feels like Billy is trying to make his move into that rarified Jill/Devon/Lily stratosphere at CW even though he’s been back for two seconds. This kind of entitled behavior is galling to me, but it is Billy’s MO. And even though I often disagree with Devon’s opinions, actions, and decisions, I think I’m joining his team when it comes to this whole name-change power play.
Why does Billy need to have his name up there in lights? He was among Abbotts at Jabot and even got to the Co-CEO role, but it wasn’t enough. He said he felt like he had to prove himself to Jack (Peter Bergman). He’s the only one that made himself feel that way. Sure, he and Kyle (Michael Mealor) fought a corporate tussle or two. But what does he think he’s going to get at CW?
Why is he trying to mark his territory so soon after returning? He can be so insufferable sometimes. And as stubborn as Devon can be, I get why he’s reluctant to give in to this. It’s that old adage: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
However, I think with Mamie’s presence, Jill feels it’s a necessity to go along with her son’s idea. This has mess written all over it. The best part of this whole thing is that Amanda (Mishael Morgan) makes an appearance, clearly on Jill’s request. And everything’s better when Amanda’s around. So, for now, I’m Team Winters until further notice, especially with Amanda back. My alliances could change just like that, depending on how all this plays out.
Other Y&R Thoughts
Dr. Jack Abbott, PhD.: Suddenly, it feels like Peter Bergman is again playing a doctor on TV (like he did back in the day on All My Children). He’s counseling Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott), listening to all her fears and frustrations with drink and with Victor (Eric Braeden). Then he goes home, and Ashley (Eileen Davidson) is practically having a breakdown. She’s definitely in crisis, and it’s up to Jack to comfort her with his words of wisdom and his hugs. Somebody, please tell Diane (Susan Walters) to act correctly for the time being. She needs to remain solid and not go off the diabolical deep end.
What do you think? Post a comment!
This raises another question: Why isn’t Jack telling Ashley to see a therapist? I know she won’t go, but she needs to get herself to one sooner rather than later.
Come on, Victor: Of course, Victor cooks up a plan to handle this whole Jordan (Colleen Zenk, who talks her real-life friendship with Melody Thomas Scott here) problem on his own. Well, not completely on his own. He has no problem using Claire (Hayley Erin). Did you see the way he ingratiated himself with Claire and then dropped the bomb of his plan on her and Victoria (Amelia Heinle)? I thought it was such a great moment. I really believed he was sincere. Then I realized he was only kinda sorta sincere. As long as it got Claire to agree to act as a messenger to Jordan.
I really think that if you have a son with a diabolical mind like Adam (Mark Grossman) — use him. Don’t try and cowboy it alone. Adam can tap back into the devious part of his mind and eliminate this sneaky, stealthy threat to the Newman existence. I have faith in him.
Smart Characters Rule: I love it when characters exhibit smart behavior like Claire. She was on to Victor’s true motives just like that.
Summer and Chance: These two are cute. But I just don’t know if the show will ever muster up any drama or excitement for them. They feel like a right-now kind of couple but not a long-lasting one. Am I wrong? Meanwhile, the scenes where Nick (Joshua Morrow) and Phyllis (Michelle Stafford) gave their play-by-play of Summer’s (Allison Lanier) date from across the room. The whole time I felt like they were Waldorf and Statler, you know, the two muppets who sarcastically comment on everything from the safety of their own opera box theater seats?
Seth and Jordan: We knew Jordan would be back. But did we know she’d be wearing that wig? It was awful and awesome at the same time. I wasn’t so sure Seth (Brian Gaskill) would be back, however. Initially, I thought he’d be around longer, but then we got nothing. So this is how they can slide him right back into the action as a way for Jordan to get access to Nikki? Jordan sort of had an explanation for why she knew he had ties to Nikki. But man, it was weak. I’ll go with it, though. I want to see where this goes.
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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