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Week of July 20 - 24:
The Young and the Restless gave us a really strong week this time around - I was really into most of it - there was some great acting and some amazing moments! My opinions on many of the storylines haven't changed from last week, and yet I enjoyed the show so much more the past five days. Probably because it wasn't dull, which was my biggest issue with the previous week's episodes. I'm actually excited to say there's more raving than ranting this time!
Lily's Storyline: Wow! Where to start? Neil's been driving me right up a wall with his overbearing attitude about Cane, but alas, it's the necessary conflict - in that Lily needs them both in different ways. In any case, this has given us some great family drama! Kristoff (Neil) and Tanya Lee (Liv) are doing such a good job! The scenes between Neil and Olivia, and Neil and Lily, have been well acted and touching. Bryton, such a natural actor - is Devon - and has remained true to character in all of his scenes. It goes without saying that Christel Khalil is doing awesome work with this material, as is, of course, Daniel Goddard. The split screen with Lily and Cane crying simultaneously was poignant, but the reunion in Jimmy's was especially moving. As a bonus, I saw some of the fire I've hoped to see in Lily as she refused to undergo surgery and left the hospital - even though I thought it was somewhat idiotic. I've definitely shed some tears, and have been drawn into this story.
Chance Encounter: I'm loving the insta-chemistry between Chloe and Chance, right from the first 'spark'! It only got better at the end of the week, when they wound up at Crimson Lights. Liz Hendrickson was at her best as she reacted to the revelation that the hot soldier sitting across from her was a virgin who had never even had a girlfriend! The kiss was great, as was Chance's stunned demeanor afterward - the whole scene was enjoyable! I look forward to seeing Chloe bring Chance out of his shell. Heads up, Billy Boy! As for Chance and Phillip, I'd like to see them form a relationship. I feel a pull for this, which is what good character-driven writing should do. Chance is really holding it all in at this point, but I think when he lets loose it will be very emotional. Yay!
Billy/Mac: Nice to see Mac coming to life a bit now that she's got a 'cause' or two going on. But I still don't see chemistry between her and Billy - not even when they had that manufactured argument at Jimmy's - a time when sexual electricity often heightens. I always find myself thinking that Mac acts like Billy's teacher or something. So, after another absolutely nauseating visit to Nostalgia Land, they finally wind up making love. Billy makes a big deal out of having waited six years and then they do the deed on a sofa in Murphy's trailer - yeah, okay. The writers obviously tried to use conflict, and build up, to boost the popularity of this couple but they've still only caught on with a small number of viewers - cut your losses.
The Will of Jill: I thought it was surprisingly sweet when Jill changed her will to include all three of her 'sons'. Too bad she has nothing to leave them. Speaking of Jill's financial situation - is she still working at the beauty salon? I guess that was just a comic plot beat that has been dropped…weird. I thought that Jill's acceptance of Cane would be another source of conflict between her and Katherine, but interestingly, Katherine has now come around as well where he's concerned. Thankfully, they're still butting heads about Phillip, so there will be lots more bickering ahead!
Kevin's Silver Chipmunk Charity: As bizarre as this whole chipmunk thing is, I really enjoyed the scenes between Michael and Kevin this week - these two actors play off one another so naturally. When Kevin presents his idea to his brother, viewers could see all of Kevin's subtle insecurities, and his pleasant surprise at receiving Michael's support. On the other side of the table, viewers could see Michael struggle with his initial gut reaction toward the idea, and then make the inner transition as he decided to be serene and supportive - all communicated through facial expressions and body language. Bravo! As for Jana being niggly about the idea and convincing Kevin to donate the proceeds to charity - I thought it was a good call - that's what Jana does - she 'grounds' the often-impetuous Kevin! Now let's talk about Deacon's sidekick, Ryder, who materialized at Crimson Lights and professed his undying devotion to all things Kevin - now this creeps me out and worries me, while being intriguing at the same time! Does anyone else wonder if Ryder was the guy in the ski mask in the alley?
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Addam's Family: Adam's machinations are on my last nerve, although I can't help but marvel at how calculating and manipulative he continues to be! There's no denying that there are some good nuggets within this story, but the vast majority of viewers, me included, just want it to resolve. The characters really aren't behaving like themselves and it's way past the expiration date.
Nikki, Nikki, Nine Doors: What's with Nikki showing up all over town to blab about Adam kissing Rafe? So funny, because she left for Europe with Paul without feeling any urgency about the situation - and suddenly it seems uber-important! Strangely, though, the one person who really needs to know exactly what she saw - Heather - is the one she doesn't tell! Argh! I think Nikki should tell Paul. Have to say, though, there's nothing like watching Nikki arch her brows and reveal a scandalous secret, is there? Nick and Victor's reactions were priceless too, but it was great that Victor told Adam that he had his support regardless of this news - loved watching Adam's face as he tried to evaluate the implications of all of this! A good 'moment'!
Mary Jane: They are doing such an amazing job of writing this character. I find her scary, and yet feel terribly sorry for her (she's so childlike) at the same time! And how about that dirty baby doll? Nice touch. I actually gasped when I saw Jack pick it up and the eyeballs were gouged out! This has been a great storyline and character - I don't mind darker stories like this when they're done properly. FYI, Bill Bell did 'dark' stories too - like Lauren being buried alive by Sean! The thing is, it has to be done right. This tale is character-driven, given that Mary Jane is actually Patty Williams, and is working beautifully. Would I rather they didn't involve animals and small children? Yes. But it's make-believe, after all.
Daniel/Amber/Deacon: Thank you for bringing Deacon to Y&R! The scenes between gorgeous-when-mad Amber, and smokin' hot Deacon, have been every bit as chemistry-loaded as I had hoped. I must inject here that I feel absolutely horrible for poor Daniel - who I love with Amber also - they share a very different type of connection. Amber and Deacon together are just all nerve-endings and electric shocks - so raw! Yes, Amber is her own worst enemy and it's irritating, and, yes, it's ludicrous that Deacon would go through all of this trouble just to bed Amber, but I think he has more in mind than just a one night stand in the long run (proven by the phone in the glass of water trick). But frankly, with sizzle like this on screen, I don't much care if he came to read the phone book to her - I just can't wait to see what else they have in store for this storyline! Note: Leave it to Daniel to pick this particular time to tell Amber he suddenly wants to marry her! Classic soap move.
Nick/Phyllis/Sharon/Jack: Refuse to comment on the grounds that I no longer care what they do as a quadrangle. Give them back their regular personalities and put them in new situations, then I'll talk.
I'm appreciating the sense of balance coming back into the show. It's fine to have a dark element as long as it's balanced out by romance, family drama, and comic relief. The character-driven Mary Jane story is far superior to the plot-driven Adam story, where no one recognizes the characters, or can relate to them, and it's gone beyond the believable. The characters of Nick/Sharon/Phyllis/Jack have definitely been messed up, in fact, there was one or two days this week when that quadrangle and the Adam story weren't on - and those were my favorite episodes. So there is still work to be done, but this was a very entertaining week - tons of great acting, teary moments, laughs, intrigue, and love stuff. **Teeny tiny spoilers** Watch for Kristoff St. John's (Neil) emotional scene as he calls out for Dru on Monday's US episode, as well as Michael Graziadei's (Daniel) rocking performance as he tears into Amber. Things are definitely looking up in Genoa City!
What are your thoughts on the week? Please take a moment to add your two cents below!
- Candace Young
