Amber and Katherine! (CBS)
Best Move of 2008 - the hiring of Billy Miller as Billy Abbott - this guy has chemistry with the frickin' furniture! Runner up is the hiring of Elizabeth Hendrickson as Chloe Mitchell. Both of these actors are extremely good in their complex roles, and love them or hate them, these characters consistently deliver that much needed 'spice' to the canvas!
Worst Move of 2008 - By far, the ouster of Don Diamont as Brad Carlton. Huge amounts of viewers, both long and short term, are devastated to see such an integral character leaving the show! We're still begging 'the powers that be' to reconsider!!
Best Storylines of 2008:
Amber and Daniel's Love Story - this tale of true love between flawed human beings really resonated with a majority of viewers!
Michael's Parental Odyssey - the incredible acting of Christian LeBlanc made the various twists and turns that Michael's life has taken extremely entertaining to watch.
Chloe/Cane/Lily/Billy - as controversial as it is, this is the storyline that everyone is talking about! Most viewers have a favorite couple, or character, that they're pulling for, or one that they love to hate - that makes it a winner!
Neil's Happy Endings - most were happy to see Neil finally get the opportunity to run Newman Enterprises, as well as for him to find love with Karen!
Honorable Mention in this category goes to the Amber/Katherine friendship, which charmed many viewers!
Worst Storylines of 2008:
The Face Cream Threat - carried over from last year, dragged through all of 2008 - nuff' said!
The Paris Remote - Even for viewers that enjoyed some things that happened in Paris, it was only so-so - for the rest - it fell flat.
Victor's Diary: This plot-driven mess hasn't left many viewers feeling satisfied.
Victor Newman Jr/Adam Comes to GC - most viewers are puzzled as to why the writers would bring on the son that Victor Newman had with the wonderful Hope, only to totally trash the character! Many also feel that the character's actions aren't believable, coming from an individual who was raised by Hope!
Sabrina and David: Although some were drawn in by Victor's romance with Sabrina, most viewers disliked David from start to finish. The stories that resulted from their deaths, including Victor's depression, the Mexico remote, and Skye's death, all fell flat with beleaguered Y&R viewers.
Devon's Relatives Come to GC - the characters of Tyra and Ana have failed to 'click' with most viewers - yet the writers gleefully keep them going and going like those annoying Energizer bunnies! Viewers: "We can't seem to form an attachment to these characters - cut them loose!" Writers: (hands over ears) "Lalalalalalalalala - can't hear you!"
Honorable Mention in this category goes to the outcome of River's story - most were turned off by the twist that wrote him into a corner. Michael Gross was a very welcome addition to the cast and his interactions with Christian [Michael] and Judith [Gloria] were very compelling! He will be missed!
Keep Don [Brad]! (CBS)
Katherine/Marge - Of course, it's fantastic to see Jeanne Cooper doing her thing as both Katherine and Marge, and falling in love with Murphy, but a few viewers didn't want to go down that 'lookalike' road again.
Most Controversial Storyline 2008:
Shick [Sharon & Nick] vs Phick [Phyllis & Nick] - although many viewers have an intense loyalty to one or the other of these pairings, a surprising number of viewers are begging for this 'stale' triangle to just end, saying it's no longer interesting! Others are frustrated that the character of Nick doesn't take near as much flak as the women - yet he's the one breaking his commitments!
Silliest Stories of 2008:
* Jack Lets Gloria Move In: Puulleeese! As if!!
* Jack Says He's a Sex Addict: See above!
* Jack 'Channels' Victor: Unbearable!
Wishes for 2009!
* Get Jack back on track! See previous category!
* Katherine comes back stronger than ever!
* Chloe's secret is finally revealed! Let the fallout begin!
* Gloria pays the piper!
* A great storyline for Amber and Daniel!
* The return of Nina Webster!
* A reversal of the Brad exit!
* Jill gets herself a man!
Here's hoping that the writers at Y&R are listening to you, Soaps.com readers! Hope you all have a wonderful New Year holiday! Join us for a spectacular 2009 right here at Soaps.com!
Don't forget to leave your own 'Best & Worst of 2008', or your '2009 Wish List' in the comment section below - we love to hear what you have to say!
Happy New Year!
Candace
