
Wow! It was a very short week for The Young and the Restless, with only three episodes, but they sure made them count! I am most intrigued by the pace of the action - things seem to be happening at break-neck speed, which I happen to prefer. It's almost aggravating now to watch a scene where they are repeating things that have already been said or done. Yes, Y&R has succeeded in shortening my attention span! So without further ado - here's my view of the mini-week!
Chloe/Cane/Esther: We all had the weekend to come to terms with the fact that Chloe is Kate Valentine, and that, for some bizarre reason, no one had recognized her previously. At the Chancellor Mansion, however, all was still fresh. Chloe/Kate boo-hooed about not being good enough, Cane steamed and snorted and paced, Jill raved about lawyers and annulments, and Esther, being Esther, jumped up and down with glee and even hugged Jill! Hilarious! Best line of the week was Jill referring to Esther as "The Oracle of Foothill Road" - brilliant! This reveal added so many dimensions to the storyline that it's mind-boggling. But don’t come asking me for sympathy Little Miss Brat, after the way you treated your sweet mother, Esther! Slap! How about Chloe anyway, showing up at the Mansion and demanding a room! I had really thought this whole plot was about landing Cane for herself, but given that she moved out so quickly, perhaps it really was just the fortune she was after! Nice kiss for the Lily/Cane fans this week, but somewhat odd - the reveal about Chloe's identity really doesn't change anything for them - they already made their choices based on the fact that she had deliberately trapped him, didn't they? Why is she still hanging around? And speaking of 'suckers for punishment'…
Nikki: Stop groveling! Please! That was so embarrassing the way she threw herself at Victor in Mexico, begging him to come home, sobbing that she loved him and to just let her help him. And on and on… I couldn't stand it! Be relieved that he's alive, fine, but has this woman learned nothing over all of these years?! One would think that between Victor's condescending treatment of her, and the horror that was David, she might have developed something of a thicker skin! Yeesh!
The Letters: I thought all of the letters were bang on! They contained all of the things you've always secretly wanted Victor to break down and say out loud, but you knew he never, ever would! I loved how he told Victoria that he always cared what she thought - I've truly seen that over the years! I also loved how he told Nick that he is a much better father than he was to him - that is so true!
Jack: I have a feeling that change is in the air for Smilin' Jack. There is tension with his wife, tension at work, a deal with the devil, ahem, Gloria, in the works. When did Jack become such a proficient writer by the way? He seems to be writing all of the features completely on his own now! By the way, I love Jack in 'wheeling and dealing' mode! Don't you?!
Daniel/Amber: I can see now that this 'imaginary' boyfriend, Liam (which incidentally, is a derivative of the name William), that Amber has been carrying on about, is going to turn out to be real. Daniel is making a total horse's butt of himself proclaiming otherwise. I'm excited.

Neil: Go Neil! I was so upset at what Adam did to poor Neil, and was so, so happy to finally have him appointed as CEO of that company! It's about time!! Go Neil! You rock!
Adam/Heather: Heather! Run! Do not pass Go, do not collect your discarded clothing or the letter, just run! This would be my advice to her. Yes, he's always terribly sorry after he is disgustingly rude or condescending, or after he manhandles her, but aren't all abusers?! I don't like it one bit! The writers had better clean up his act fast, or make him into Skye's killer and get it over with. I don't want to see Chris Engen or the character leave though - that would be too much potential wasted!
Victor: I'm so glad Victor just stepped into that handy-dandy time machine on the beach in Mexico and got beamed into the Ranch living room, complete with suit and a shave, just at the exact right moment! Was that a priceless scene or what?! My favorite one in quite awhile! Soaps.com readers have been speculating that Adam may have had to change his underpants after that shocker - too funny! And wasn't it amazing how Victor just put everything right seemingly with the snap of his fingers. Very satisfying! Welcome back!
Come to think of it, 'satisfying' is the word for this week's episodes. Like a good meal that hits the spot, or a cool dip on a hot day; having the chaos that ensued after Victor's 'death' brought back to order so neatly, was extremely pleasing. I felt sated and content. Now, looking ahead, I wonder what Victor is going to say to his two older siblings…
Don’t forget to chime in with your thoughts! Leave a rant of your own, or a comment, whether you agree with me or not. It's all in fun!
Candace Young
Y&R News Writer
Soaps.com


