Our Y&R Take: Why Billy & Phyllis Were Doomed From the Start

Jack and Phyllis have loved and lost each other countless times over the years on “The Young and the Restless.” They’ve experienced pain, disappointment, affairs, and mixed-up paternity tests. Somehow, they’ve always magically found their way back to each other. Now that she’s had an affair with his brother Billy, that magic may be lost forever.

Game Plan
It’s hard to figure out in which couple Y&R wants us to invest. The idea of a Phyllis/Billy hook-up could have been interesting. In theory–or rather on paper–it has all the makings of the ultimate drama: brother betrays brother, wife betrays husband–becoming hated by all who love them as they cling to each other.

Why It Isn’t Working
According to a recent poll, 62% of voters don’t like “Philly.” The big problem seems to be that it’s hard to invest in them when both actors are relatively new recasts. Emmy winner Gina Tognoni took over for Michelle Stafford (now Nina, GH) not even two years ago — after Stafford played the role on and off for almost 20 years. Jason Thompson took over only six months ago. While Burgess Jenkins played Billy for a bit, the audience still longs for the wildly popular Billy Miller. Fans haven’t had a chance to invest in NuPhyllis and NuBilly individually – how can they root for them as a couple?

What About Phack?
As of this writing, Jack hasn’t learned the truth about his wife and brother’s affair, but if he does, could he ever forgive Phyllis? Jack loves his brother very much, and he loves his wife. Would he ever be able to trust Phyllis again? Maybe learning the truth would harden him and bring back the Jack Abbott – ol’ Smilin’ Jack – of the past. While it’s been nice to see him happy and getting along with everyone (Adam?! Victor?!?), that can get boring. Seeing Jack broken might be hard for his fans, but perhaps it would spark a helluva lot more drama. Isn’t that why we watch soaps?

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