Soaps.com
Week of August 10 - 14:
I'm finding it really difficult to get fired up about discussing The Young and the Restless this time around. The show has been mostly lackluster the past week, with a few exceptions. Some of the writing and acting we've been treated to in recent months has set the bar pretty high - and expectations for this show are always high anyway. I'm finding the contrasts between the 'highs' and 'lows' of Y&R right now to be very extreme. We've been treated to some excellent writing and acting in recent months, but at the same time, have suffered through some pretty strange, dragged-out, and disappointing storylines as well. Nothing makes me happier than to rave on about Y&R, so it's sad when discussing it feels laborious. Here goes:
Addam's Family: Sometimes, when I'm having difficulty 'feeling' a storyline, talking to one of the actors involved, and getting their point of view, gives me a new outlook on the situation. So after speaking with Eileen Davidson (Ashley), I had hoped to be able to channel her enthusiasm for this story and start looking at it with new eyes. The result? Although I can clearly understand how this is great for the actors to play, as a viewer, it's still not working for me. I'm over it. The injection of the Abbott brothers into the mix hasn't remedied the numbness that has set in. My two cents: the twists in the story, which should be very exciting, are ruined by the predictable, certain knowledge that Adam will wiggle his way out of everything. For example, when Abby found the camera, did anyone really believe for a minute that Adam would finally be caught? Me neither - yawn. The acting, as usual, is top-notch, but some aspects of the story have dragged on way too long.
Victor: So, now, not only has Adam continued to dupe Victor in spite of numerous red flags such as Adam being able to choose a good wine, Adam telling the unbelievable story about inmates sticking needles in his eyes, etc., but we are supposed to believe that Rafe may figure it out before The Great Victor Newman? Mary Jane is also getting the better of The Mustache, and as of this week, JT's got Vic's number too! What's happening?! I have to mention, though, that I love how Victor has turned this whole thing with Mary Jane around in his own mind so that she's solely responsible for everything - such a talent for letting himself off the hook!
Nikki: Since we've had bazillions of emails asking about Nikki's fate, suffice it to say that while the character hasn't been seen on the show since it appeared that Ashley hit her, Melody Thomas Scott is not leaving Y&R, so Nikki will reappear before too long.
Paul/Heather/Rafe: Doug Davidson (Paul) has rocked his emotional scenes recently. Vail Bloom (Heather) has too - nice to see her get some material she could sink her teeth into! It was nice to see these two bond a little this week - so often Heather comes across as cold. I also like the Rafe character - not afraid to stand up to anyone, even Victor - admirable! I hope Rafe brings Adam down.
Chloe/Mac/Billy/Chance: I enjoy this storyline when it's on. I'm interested in all of the characters except Mac, who even when she's lashing out at Chloe, still doesn't have much zing factor. I was surprised by Mac revealing her relationship with Billy to Chloe - and being so vehement about it - methinks Mac was channeling some of the anger she feels toward herself (for betraying her own values) at Chloe. I always perceived Mac as a very smart person - could she not see that, obviously, Billy enjoys Chloe's attention and his connection with her - even if he has been taking it for granted. First clue - hiding his relationship with Mac in general (hence the trailer), second clue - making no moves to initiate a divorce or to even tell Chloe that he was with Mac. I'd say it doesn’t bode well for Mac in this quadrangle. As for Billy/Chloe/Chance - can't wait for the fireworks!
Soaps.com
Nina: I don't buy her as a meddling mother - not after what she was put through when she was younger by Jill and Katherine. I also feel like she'd have more confidence in the way she raised Chance, and would have respect for his choices. I liked that she comforted old pal, Paul, but not sure if I would like them as a couple - might be weird with the whole Christine history…
Devon/Tyra: Yuck! This was just not a place that I wanted to see the writers go. People just don't sleep with those they have grown up believing to be members of their immediate family! Even if Devon was harboring a physical attraction for Tyra, what's her excuse? The jury is still out on whether Roxanne should have gone right in there and got in their faces. She probably dealt with it the classiest way possible. Not sure what prompted the writers to do this storyline, but it's a loser as far as I'm concerned - absolutely.
Neil/Cane/Lily: I still can't understand why Neil is causing Lily all this grief over Cane! He's doing exactly what he's accusing Cane of potentially doing, which is causing her loads of unnecessary stress! Neil is a smart man, so I don't get this emotional number he's doing on Lily. That said, kudos to Lily for standing up to Neil. I do like the family drama!
As per my pet peeve, some stories like Deacon/Amber and Kay/Jill went MIA, and I'm feeling definite fatigue with some of the other major storylines going on, which means that the fast-forward button was looking good much of the time. I'm so hoping to see Y&R bump it up a notch. Since I like to end the column on a positive note, I'll throw ya' a bone - next week will bring some hot scenes when a marriage veers off track, and Deacon returns to the canvas!
Be certain to share your thoughts on the week - makes no difference if you agree or disagree - Soaps.com loves to hear from its readers! Have a great weekend!
- Candace Young
