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Week of August 31 - September 4:
Things are looking up! The Young and the Restless managed to deliver five solid episodes this week, in spite of the fact that certain irksome storylines continue to drone on. There was more to be fired up about this week than there has been in a while. As the convergence of the interconnected storylines increased this week, the Mary Jane/Patty storyline brought new elements to the Victor/Adam/Ashley and Nick/Phyllis/Jack/Sharon plots - enough to improve them.
Nick/Sharon/Phyllis/Jack: Round and round and round we go... Nick told Sharon this week, "This changes everything!" These words, uttered by Nick Newman for the umpteenth time, illustrate exactly why this guy has no integrity left - his life has become a series of reactions to what is going on at any given time with the women/children in his life! As for Jack, it was refreshing that he didn't assure Sharon that they would still be friends when he left the facility - something in the dynamic between them needed to change so they can move forward. As for Sharon, who I always regarded as mostly strong and steady, here's hoping the story of her inner struggle will finally be brought full circle. The 'fiery' version of Phyllis popped up this week - first having it out with Jack when he told her about Patty, and then confronting Victor about it. Her face-off with Jack wasn't as stellar as some they've had, and she definitely went too easy on Victor, but Phyllis is at her best when she's getting into it with someone, there's no doubt about that. Having Patty's story impact on this quadrangle may be a positive - at least it's something different.
Ashley/Adam/Victor: The best things about this storyline at this point are the external elements - Nikki missing, the confrontations with the Abbotts, and the tie-in with the Mary Jane/Patty story. One of the most exciting moments at the Ranch in recent memory happened this week when Paul stormed in demanding answers! I freely admit to fantasizing about popping Adam right in the beak when he interfered on behalf of Victor, and could have happily throttled The Mustache himself when he turned the whole thing around on Paul - talk about adding insult to injury! In any case, it got my blood pumping, which is good news since anything to do with the Ranch has been on life-support for a while now. Also really good were the Colleen and Traci confrontations with stubborn ol' Vic - enough to leave a viewer as frustrated as all get out, but at least you're feeling something, right?! The icing on the cake moment - Billy carrying Ashley out of the house on Friday and informing Adam that he could tell Victor, "Screw you!" Woot! Noteworthy this week: The scene where Victor tried to convince Ashley that Sabrina was truly dead was quite well done, I thought. Kudos to Eric Braeden.
Paul: Gets his own category this week - Doug Davidson has been astoundingly good! Don't you feel like he's been underutilized and underestimated for years?!
The Awesome Abbotts: Having Traci return to back up her brothers is just what the doctor ordered! I love it when the writers have the sense to bring back a beloved member of a core family and use them to the best advantage. They even look like real family members! Colleen has had my attention lately too - stirring it up with JT, Victoria, and Victor! After Friday's episode, I found myself hoping that the Abbotts might get the best of Victor for once - but would Y&R be the same if Victor didn't always come out on top?! Hmmm…
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Billy/Mac: Billy was quirky-cute in his single guy man-cave! It's obvious that Mac has seen the writing on the wall where this relationship is concerned - as evidenced by her remark to Lily that there is more between Chloe and Billy than Delia - they 'get' one another. Mac and Billy did share a pretty hot kiss this week though - he almost, almost, has enough 'magic' for the both of them!
Chloe/Chance/Nina/Phillip: I'm having a love/hate relationship with Nina being an overbearing mama! On one hand, the scene where Nina threatens Chloe was absolutely divine - makes you want more of the intensity. On the other hand, I can't help but feel that Nina is too smart and down-to-earth to repeat someone Jill's mistakes. Not to mention, if she's so proud of the man Chance has become, why wouldn't she reinforce that by supporting his decisions? Switching gears, I loved Phillip's scenes this week with both Nina and Chance. His understated persona contrasts nicely with the more dominant characters. Thom Bierdz and Tricia Cast still share great acting chemistry. As for Chance and Chloe, didn't he just look right at home bouncing that baby on his lap? Haha! I think Chloe's setting herself up for more than she bargained for with Chance (and his mother)!
Cane/Lily: I'm still appreciating the poignancy of this storyline, but the writers will have to change this up soon or it risks becoming dull and public service announcement-like.
Kevin/Ryder: This story was off the canvas for so long that I had actually forgotten about it! Not kidding! This trend of ditching stories for days/weeks is nothing but bad for continuity and momentum - I've complained before, I know, so I'll stop now. Oddly, something in me was both glad, and leery, at the same time, when it was revealed that Kevin and Ryder are brothers. I like that poor ol' Kevin has a kindred spirit, but I can't help but be suspicious. This means I want to know more, which is good.
Daniel/Amber/Deacon: Off the canvas for too long! Just wondering, are they nuts to bring Deacon Sharpe into the thick of things and not keep him on? In any case, I'm looking forward to seeing if Daniel can somehow prevent this wedding from happening. Whatever he does, Deacon is bound to be all hot and angered! Whee! I wouldn't mind seeing more of Deacon and Victoria either - they had that great 'forbidden' chemistry!
Nikki: Glad that it's time for us to find out what happened to her - hope it's not ridiculous!
I thought this week was solid, and definitely boasted a good number of above-average scenes! Thankfully, even the storylines I dislike had some great moments. Looking forward to Y&R getting even better - only three episodes next week, but I've heard there will be a lot happening! Fingers crossed!
What is your opinion on the past week? Share your thoughts with Soaps.com in the comment section below!
- Candace Young
