Soap Hub Performer of the Week for Y&R: Courtney Hope

Sally Spectra continues to fight an uphill battle against Genoa City’s hypocrites on The Young and the Restless. Her latest escapade had her facing down many of her adversaries when she attended a Newman Media party on the arm of Adam Newman. For her performance as a scrappy fighter who has shown that everyone has their limits, Soap Hub bestows Performer of the Week honors for Y&R on Sally’s portrayer Courtney Hope.

Courtney Hope – Performer of the Week

Prior to the gala commencing, Sally (Courtney Hope) ran into Jack (Peter Bergman) at Crimson Lights. Despite being dumped twice by the cosmetics exec, Sally tried to bring dignity and honesty to her encounters with the man with whom she had hoped to have a future.

She decided to be upfront with Jack by letting him know she’d be attending the Newman Media gala as she now works there. Jack snubbed the redhead by feigning disinterest. “I just didn’t want you to think I had an ulterior motive,” Sally shrugged, taken aback at Jack not receiving her openness with kindness.

Sally thought for a moment and then, she firmly called Jack Abbott out over his putdown. “I know that I’m not your favorite person at the moment,” Sally began. “Things are awkward between us so, I thought that I would give you a heads up that I’d be at the party but you went out of your way to make me feel small and insignificant. You were deliberately hurtful and, frankly, Jack, that’s beneath you.”

Sally added that she was done playing a game she was never going to win. Jack tried to chastise Sally again, but she firmly cut him off. “No more lectures, no more brilliant advice, and more pitying looks. I am making a fresh start with people who accept me and who root for me and it feels really good. So, you can think whatever you want of me. I really don’t give a damn anymore.”

Sally’s strong stance, a turning point for Courtney Hope’s character, gave Jack food for thought — or rather coffee to drink as he was seated at Crimson Lights. Later, all eyes were on Sally and Adam (Mark Grossman) as they entered the Newman Media party. Adam and his red-haired employee bonded during the gala as he opened up about his role in Delia’s accidental death to a sympathetic Sally.

Battle of the Two Reds

Sally continued to try to be cheery and friendly, but neither Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford) nor Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott) was interested in giving her a break. Phyllis taunted Sally that Adam would later kick her to the curb.

Phyllis asked what it would take to get Sally to realize she wasn’t welcome. “A lot more than a few insults from you,” Sally shot back. She’d had enough and invited Phyllis to “Go to hell, bitch!” as she threw a drink in her face. The Grand Phoenix hotel owner retaliated by dumping a bucket of ice on Sally’s head!

Each time someone calls Sally out for her treatment of Summer (Hunter King), Sally rises above, trying to take the high road with individuals who’ve done far worse over the years than (gasp!) helping a rival get their dream job. However, as we’ve now seen, even people who try to rise above have their boiling points.

Sally, in Courtney Hope’s capable hands, held her own in a room filled with detractors. Sure, Sally was all wet courtesy of Phyllis (and vice versa) but later, Adam and Sally shared a passionate kiss that was fiery hot! Y&R has given Hope an exciting new direction as she continues to stand up for herself and embarks on a new relationship with the black sheep of the Newman clan. We can’t wait to see where the entertaining Hope takes us next!

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.