What’s Right and What’s Very WRONG With The Young and the Restless

The Young and the Restless (YR) appears to be in a state of flux.

Ratings are on the decline, and while some story turns are working, others are veering off in questionable directions. Here’s my take on what’s wrong and what’s right with the Genoa City soap.

What’s Wrong
1. Remember the all-powerful Victor Newman (Eric Braeden)? Me neither. He’s been decimated, since the Adam debacle. His family has turned against him. Nikki’s scolding him on a daily basis.

Granted, the clan has got cause to be angry and disgusted with their patriarch, but The Moustache needs to be back on top – pronto!

2. Jack (Peter Bergman) and Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott), again? Been there, done that more times than I have fingers to count. And what’s the point?

The story always ends the same way with Nikki heading back home to Victor. Jack should have learned his lesson by now.

3. Cane (Daniel Goddard) is unrecognizable. First, he slept with Juliet (Laur Allen) during a drunken stupor. Then, he schemed against Billy and nearly destroyed Brash & Sassy’s hockey deal.

Cane was never whiney, insecure, or stupid before. The turn of events are all totally out of character.

4. Ravi’s infatuation with Ashley (Eileen Davidson) was dubious from the get go. Sure, she’s a beautiful intelligent woman, so it’s easy to see why he’s so smitten with her.

But why is she drawn to him? Ashley’s always been attracted to strong, powerful and established men in the past. Think Victor, Brad, and Tucker. Ravi is absolutely not her type.

What’s Right
1. Daniel Hall has been an instant success as Lauren’s son, Scotty. The character’s cool and carefree, yet a man of high principles and integrity.

He’s different from the other men in GC. His pending romance with Sharon (Sharon Case) is intriguing, particularly since it’s sure to include a side of Abby (Melissa Ordway).

2. Jack holding onto his hatred for Billy is spot on. This is the second time his little brother had an affair with his wife. Remember, Billy slept with Sharon, too. Jack forgave Billy the first time. This time, he absolutely shouldn’t turn the other cheek.

3. Finally the soap has found a perfect match for Noah in Tessa. Their coupling is real and has developed slowly and naturally. That’s a rarity on soaps nowadays, and it’s been enjoyable to watch.

4. The Mariah (Camryn Grimes) versus Hilary (Mishael Morgan) rivalry has been one of the show’s best.

They’re opposites in many ways. Mariah’s awkward and insecure, while Hilary’s polished and self-assured. Yet, they’re both cut from the same cloth and had to climb their way to the top. It makes their battles real and raw.

The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on CBS. Share your thoughts, leave a comment in the section below. Win exclusive member-only Y&R spoilers, prizes, and more: sign up here. Also, join the conversation on our Facebook page.