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Week of June 29 - July 3:
Well, things really exploded this week on The Young and the Restless! With the exception of a couple of storylines that aren't doing it for me personally, the show was great at times this week! At the end it almost felt like a sweeps week! I actually felt things - I laughed and cried - some of that balance I'm always yapping about came back into play, and it makes such a big difference! Here we go ranting and raving:
Sharon Paternity Fiasco: Other than the hilarious look of relief that washed over Billy's face upon hearing the news, there was nothing good about Sharon choosing to lie about the paternity results. I find this to be a very odd choice for the character, Sharon, who was finally getting back on track a little. It seems like a contrived plot-twist to drag out this quadrangle even more - which already exhausted viewers' patience long, long ago. It simply doesn't make sense - with all of the guilt Sharon already claims to feel - for her to compound that even more by lying to Nick, Jack, Billy, and Noah! Even in the sometimes twisted logic of soap operas, this doesn't work - Sharon witnesses Nick's pain, and decides that the only thing to do is - cause him more pain?! Help me out here! Why can't Nick be there for Summer while expecting a child with Sharon?
Tyra/Neil: I hate it when I can see the writers' agenda in the storyline. Neil has been completely into Tyra, and loves Ana, but now, out of the blue, after Devon imagines kissing Tyra, Neil suddenly and inexplicably cools off toward her? It is so obvious where the writers are going with this - someone has made a decision that Devon will have a thing for, or with, Tyra - so now the entire Winters family will have to behave out of character to accommodate that plot-point. Never mind that viewers still haven't taken to Tyra and Ana, or the fact that most are totally grossed out by Devon wanting Tyra, the writers will push this plot-driven mess regardless.
Daniel/Amber/Jana/Kevin: While I love the little scene with Kevin pulling the cell phone out of the chocolate cake, this storyline continues to be dull. And why aren't the Feds hounding Victoria Newman, who was also in the middle of this? Because JT told them not to?! Just asking.
Mac/Billy: As I told a colleague this week, I have actually made a concerted effort to lean forward and pay close attention during Mac and Billy's scenes in an attempt to feel something - but to no avail. Really, though, it shouldn't be that difficult - by this point the electricity ought to be leaping off the screen at me. All I'm going to say is that I hope it doesn't go on for long, and that Mac doesn't start flip-flopping a la Nick Newman - I couldn't bear it.
Victor/Mary Jane: How funny was it when Victor discovered the stuffed kitty in her room? I hope this means he's onto her in some way - it would be disappointing to have the TGVN duped by Adam and Mary Jane at the same time!
Katherine/Jill: I have to mention the scene where Jill gave Katherine a mini-stroke - such good scenes showcasing the stress that both characters were under with the questions surrounding Cane. It was also interesting how they both had a moment of closeness with Cane before the bomb dropped. It's such a roller coaster with them, such a classic rivalry. I'm thinking that the news about Phillip might bring them closer for a time.
Jeff/Gloria/Victor: Blackmail Victor? Really? Jeffrey is a lot of things, but he's never been remotely close to stupid enough to attempt to blackmail Victor Newman - even greedy Glo knows it was a futile and foolish thing to try! It will certainly be interesting to see how Jeff handles Victor's refusal to deal!
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Reactions to Phyllis's Arrest: Well, what can we say about Heather? Never has a more frustrating character walked the streets of Genoa City. Detective Gil is becoming a runner-up in the stupid law enforcement race as well. Talk about jumping to conclusions! And who in their right mind would go into a comatose child's hospital room and arrest the mother there - based on zero evidence, no less! Sigh. I also wanted to mention Nikki's reaction - so well acted by Melody - and her and Victor's scenes together afterward. Nice to see Nikki hold her own with her ex - and for him to accept her opinion.
Addam's Family: This storyline wasn't on after Monday, so there isn't much to say except that I had a giggle over Adam phoning Heather in a big panic after being with Rafe, and to reiterate that I hope Rafe is playing Adam…
Cane/Phillip III Reveal: Talk about fireworks at the Fourth of July! This is the best thing to happen on the show in a long time! What compelling drama and great acting! Cane has become intriguing all over again, and if he and Lily are meant to be, there will be a new journey toward that end. Tricia Cast has absolutely blown me away - her realistic portrayal of Nina Webster is amazing. Nina's scenes with Paul, Jill, Cane, well, with anyone, are so bang on - there is no hint that acting is actually occurring! Just wait until you see her lay into Phillip on Monday's episode - so satisfying! Jess Walton (Jill), Michael Fairman (Murphy), Jeanne Cooper (Katherine), Christel Khalil (Lily), Kristoff St. John (Neil), and Daniel Goddard (Cane) were all just fascinating to watch also, as they dealt with the fallout of the reveal. Thom Bierdz as Phillip III - welcome back to GC! Can't wait for what comes next!
Aside from a few niggling questions, and the stories that still seem flat, it was a greatly improved week from my point of view. I really enjoyed watching this week! Many Soaps.com readers have expressed similar sentiments - what is your view? Share your thoughts with us below, keeping our guidelines in mind! Thanks!
- Candace Young
