The Young and the Restless: Soap Hub Critic’s Week In Review

Everybody’s got an opinion…especially where their favorite daytime drama is concerned – and Soap Hub is no different. For five days we sat and watched the good, the bad, and everything in between, and now we offer you a handy review, and a cheeky critique, of The Young and the Restless week that was.

The Young and the Restless: A Critic’s Week In Review

Kudos where they’re due. Even in the face of storyline misfires, the cast of YR will ALWAYS deliver the goods. Case in point: The State of Victoria, the Vicki Newman (Amelia Heinle) centric special.

There isn’t a single viewer that wants to see this titan of industry, this wholly capable woman devolve into a bitter woman pining after an ex who drained her of her joy, and let her down time and time again. And yet, that seems to be direction in which this tale is heading.

However, there is absolutely no denying the fact that Heinle tore into her material and elevated it to a level that brought us to tears as Victoria devolved into tears near the end. When she confessed to her recording device – and to herself – that she was lonely, that she missed being one-half of a couple, it was a powerful and palpable admission. So many of us have experienced that longing to feel a connection to someone, anyone – even someone who’s done us wrong in the past.

And speaking of wrongdoers, Elena (Brytni Sarpy) and Devon (Bryton James) have decided to keep mum about the night they spent together – despite the fact that a similar incident between Elena and Nate (Sean Dominic) nearly destroyed the Winters/Hastings clan and effectively ended Nate’s surgical career. Say what?

Elena and Devon never should have given into their lingering feelings for one another, that much is clear. And they defiantly shouldn’t attempt to conceal their act after the fact. Clearly they’ve learned nothing from past mistakes. But if a “Who’s The Daddy?” plot results from the liaison then all will be forgiven. The potential for greatness is there.

Just like there’s great potential in Faith’s continued travails. Alyvia Alyn Lind is one of the strongest young actresses in all of daytime and she doesn’t seem to have any hesitation at going up against some of the soaps heaviest hitters – Melody Thomas Scott, Joshua Morrow and Sharon Chase included.

However, we need to see Faith and Jordan acting out and causing mischief; not be told that they spent a night cooped up at the house drinking vodka. The resulting conflict between Sharon and Nick, who can’t seem to agree on the next move, is, however, a step in the right direction.

Another story heading in the right direction is the one involving Kyle (Michael Mealor) and his (apparent) secret son. It promises to introduce yet another wrinkle into his romance with Summer (Hunter King), and fingers crossed we actually get to meet this Ashland Locke whom Kyle cuckolded during a summer in the Hamptons.

He’s described as a ruthless media mogul, with a nasty reputation. And he even has a great nickname: LockeNess. Perhaps he and the great Victor Newman could go toe to toe. Eric Braeden’s in want of a story, and he, and Victor, are never better than when they’re up against a dragon in need of slaying. Metaphorical speaking, of course.

Further YR Musings

Chelsea’s (Melissa Claire Egan) inner monologues are the gift that just continues to give. And not only does it appear that Miss Lawson’s on her way to a full recovery, but the fact that she’s hiding said progress from Adam (Mark Grossman) proves that this storyline is headed in the best possible direction.

So, despite the fact that she won’t have a husband by her side, and even though the child won’t share any DNA with their absentee dad, Abby’s (Melissa Ordway) decided to just go ahead with the plan to get Mariah (Camryn Grimes)? Really?

One upside to this whole plot is the promise of a hands-on, and ever-present Nina (Tricia Cast). The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on CBS. Check your local listings for airtimes.