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Week of October 19 - 23:
The writers continued the trend of more balanced storytelling this week on The Young and the Restless, but I still find the show has an air of negativity about it - everyone's irritable and argumentative! Ashley tears a strip off Victor, Victor reams out a variety of people, JT and Victoria have heated exchanges, Katherine dumps on Jack - the list goes on. Even the christening lacked joy given the tense relationships of all those involved. There was some romance though, and a couple of laughs, although not nearly as many as I'd like. Let's break it up:
Kevin/Ryder Situation: You'd think after all of this time, the last thing Kevin would be anymore is gullible, yet there he was, asking Jana to let trouble camp out on their sofa! The Fisher/Baldwins could probably use a break from falling into disastrous circumstances, but alas, it's not to be. The high points of this developing storyline are: Lauren getting a story, Wilson Bethel (who's doing a great job as Ryder), the intrigue of who Ryder's mastermind mommy might be, and of course, Deacon. While I'm tired of the "Kevin and the gang in hot water" theme, I'm willing to give this a chance.
Daniel/Amber: I loved their latest romantic reunion, but they need to chill for a while now. No more flip-flopping for Daniel, no more misunderstandings or break-ups for the time being, or it's going to get annoying.
Victor: He seems to be getting back to his old self this week, brazenly kicking people out of his hospital room, laying the blame at other's feet, and speaking abruptly where only a week ago he was whispering. There was one Victor scene that particularly struck me this week. At the christening, when Jack leaned over Victor's shoulder and told Baby Faith that she is an Abbott too, and he'll never let anyone forget it. First, I laughed at Victor's expression, then immediately thought how their rich history will be missed with the departure of Victor, and then I was slightly repulsed by the old rivalry rearing it's head so soon after Colleen's death. Speaking of Victor and Jack, it seems like both are getting some karmic payback this week - Victor stripped of his Ranch, and Jack failing in his attempt to keep Jabot in the family.
Jill and Jabot: I LOVE this! There is nothing better than the age-old rivalry between former lovers Jill and Jack. Their scenes are electric - can't wait for the zingers and one-liners! It will be totally entertaining to see them trying to run Jabot together - go Katherine!
Victoria and JT: Count me on Team JT! Victoria is exactly like Victor - expects to have everything exactly the way she wants it - always has. I wish she were the one leaving to take a job out of town, though…
Billy: I find it infinitely interesting that Jack doesn't see what a 'mini-me' Billy is - Jack was just like him when he was younger - and now Jack's doling out advice and shaking his head at Billy's antics - too funny. Billy is immature, impulsive and a hothead, but I look forward to exciting things happening over at Restless Style now!
Mackenzie: What's with her giving advice to the men in town? She's had pow-wows with Chance, Cane, and JT this week! I give them credit just for staying awake long enough to hear what she has to say - such a dreary character.
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Nikki: Although I feel it's natural for her to be at Victor's side right now, at the same time, I can't help but hope she draws the line at becoming romantically involved with him again. He's treated her like absolute dog dung over things he knows darn well were his fault, not hers (David Chow), and even told her he wished she were in the morgue with a toe tag! Sure she has an undeniable attraction to him, and even relishes doing battle over him with Ashley, but to go back to him would be the equivalent of wearing a 'kick me' sign on her back.
Phyllis/Nick: You know it's a strange week when Phyllis is undeniably one of the most content, pleasant, and levelheaded characters on the canvas! I like the Phyllis that slapped Deacon way better! Anyway, the scenes with Nick and Phyllis selling the magazine, while undeniably dull, were at least very realistic. I also like how they discussed not being over what Victor did to Summer - not something to sweep under the rug!
Traci: It's been a treat to have Traci in Genoa City again - she rocks! Wish she was staying!
Lily/Devon/Cane/Roxy: I can't believe gorgeous, kind Roxy would go there again after Tyra, and I can't believe Devon just stood there and talked about him and Neil being 'cool', and Tyra and Ana doing well - as though he didn't sleep with someone who he grew up believing was his aunt! As for Lily, I don't really understand her trepidation about trusting Cane at this point - it's kind of a non-issue when you've just renewed your vows and the man has spent the past months being a completely devoted slave to love (sans the nookie)! I'm glad they had their dance - now - where do they go from here? And where did Neil disappear to again?
Chance/Chloe: Bravo Chance! There's nothing more intriguing than a man who refuses to let you mistreat him, and who tells it like it is! Dumping Chloe was probably the single best move he could have made - he'll have her hook, line, and sinker now - and the beauty of it is - that's not why he did it! Great romantic drama - loved it. Bring me more…
Patty/Emily Peterson: I'm pleased that they've devised a way to explain more of Patty's background story, and to keep this talented actress on the canvas longer. Emily's quite a spitfire! Kudos.
There was plenty to like this week, and there's lots to look forward to as well. Yes, there's still an aura of negativity hanging over the show, but I feel that some of that may have to do with the recent news about Eric Braeden leaving, as well as the lingering after-effects of Adam's reign of slime. Here's hoping that things only get better - November sweeps aren't too far off!
-Candace Young
