The Young and the Restless viewers watched the aftermath of Nikki Newman’s spiral back into alcoholism after her ordeal with Jordan and Claire this month. In an unprecedented move, for her stunning performance in December, Soap Hub Powerhouse Performer honors for Y&R is presented to Nikki’s portrayer, Melody Thomas Scott, for the second month in a row.
Melody Thomas Scott: Y&R Powerhouse Performer
It is hard to describe how watching Thomas Scott this month as Nikki felt. Occasionally, while watching soaps, you just “know” you’re watching an award-winning performance, and that’s what watching her portrayal of Nikki this month has consistently felt like.
As a performer, Thomas Scott has hit all the notes perfectly. At first, Nikki desperately did not want to fall back into drinking. As the alcohol called to her, she truly made us feel Nikki’s dual mind about the situation. The alcoholic in her absolutely wanted a drink, but the recovered addict in her tried, at least briefly, to fight it. Thomas Scott masterfully showed us that push and pull Nikki felt.
Of course, Nikki ultimately gave in to her demons and took that first drink (following her ordeal as Jordan’s captive) at the ranch on purpose. For just a bit, it felt as if Nikki might be able to resist, but the pull of the vodka was too strong.
After Nikki started drinking, it was wonderful to see how furtive she was in hiding the situation. Thomas Scott did subtle things like slightly slurring her words, holding her mouth differently, having a crazed look in her eyes, and making up (mostly) convincing lies on the spot when those around her, like Victor (Eric Braeden), started to suspect.
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Perhaps our favorite moment was when Nate (Sean Dominic) confronted her at the jazz club, and Nikki managed to hold it together with just the smallest slur as she acted offended and mad that Nate would say such a thing. Later, when she ended up at the ranch, Nikki had been drinking more, and Thomas Scott slurred her words even more when the call from Jordan (Colleen Zenk) came. (Remember that terrible choice Jordan offered Nikki?)
Then, of course, came their ultimate showdown, and Thomas Scott’s performance remained on target. Bravo on a masterful month. We can’t wait to see what happens next.
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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