
The Young and the Restless Weekly Blog!
Restless Rant
December 15 – 19:
It’s been another good week at Y&R! There is some very compelling story-telling being done right now, and I find myself looking forward to what is coming next. I have even been taken slightly by surprise in a few instances, which I really appreciate – especially since it’s my job to read all the spoilers! Still feeling left in the lurch at times with storylines going missing for days at a time, though. It’s a phenomenon that I really can’t come to grips with – it’s jarring to suddenly be thrown back into a plot that you have literally almost forgotten about because it’s been MIA for the better part of a week! Think how disturbing that would be in a book, for instance! I find it a bit like being in the ‘Twilight Zone’ – whaaa, oh yeah, Ana’s still in a foster home; hey, there’s Phyllis and Nick – oh I remember now – they had a confrontation last week…
Lowell: Because I am so connected to Michael and his feelings, I really wanted the father thing to work out for him. I was taken aback by the fact that Lowell turned out to public enemy #1 after all, and found myself disappointed that the character was written that way. I had really enjoyed his interactions with Gloria, and with Michael, and wanted him to become part of the canvas permanently – or at least longer than five minutes! So, as much as the ‘twist’ was good for the story, I wish they hadn’t written the character into a corner. As for the scenes between Lowell and Michael – Emmy-worthy, all the way!
Katherine: So, I really don’t get what is going on with Katherine! She has memories coming back one day, then absolutely nothing for the next couple of days. I can see that they are trying to keep her there long enough to bond with Murphy, but honestly, this story makes no sense to me anymore. The interaction between Katherine and Murphy is sweet, but she is so ‘Katherine-like’ at this point – the way she is styling her hair, the way she speaks, the way she stopped drinking ‘cold turkey’ – it would make more sense if the people closest to her were really questioning these things more! Are any of you wondering if the ring in the pawnshop will be the key to her being found? I am…
Jana and Kevin: I know they need conflict, but it bothers me when they argue – I’m such a fan of this couple now! Greg Rikaart gets kudos for making the ‘dark side’ of Kevin so believable and scary! When he is going to that place, even Jana isn’t safe! Yowza!
Karen/Neil/Tyra: Please. How believable is it that they would make one half of an engaged couple MOVE OUT, in order to provide a stable foster home?! Sorry, this is way too contrived. Furthermore, no matter what she is going through – Tyra has no business throwing herself into Neil’s arms for comfort every five minutes – it’s so obvious! Who could blame Karen for being seriously ticked off! This story just irritates me – but that’s probably what the writers are hoping for, so, there you go!
Heather/Adam: Adam was just dripping slime this week – wasn’t he?! It amazes me just how unlikable the writers have made Jr. at this point. All that love and mush he’d been throwing at Heather sure went down the tubes once she turned on him! She still appears to be suffering, as is logical, but he just looks at her with loathing now! Shades of his father, indeed! Having him arrested in front of Victor was sweet – as was Paul walking in with the Mexican bartender just when he had started mouthing off in the courtroom – great scenes! Adam has a long way to go to become a viable character again. Even if he felt maligned by the Newman family, it doesn’t justify him behaving like such an idiot – he’s getting what he deserves! Note: it was nice to see Heather turn to Paul – I enjoyed that, even though in my opinion, she owes him a couple of apologies!
Gloria's Arrest: Our little tangerine is so getting her just desserts! About time! The scenes between her and Jeffrey, Ashley, and Jack, have been nothing short of brilliant. How about Jeff and Kevin in the hospital - hilarious! It will be very interesting to see how this all plays out. Notably, the majority of Soaps.com readers in a recent poll, voted that Gloria should pay somehow, but not go away to prison! Guess they enjoy what Judith Chapman brings to the show as much as I do!
Billy/Jill: Interesting scene when Jill asked Billy to come back to Chancellor and he called her out on her parenting over the years. I thought it was especially compelling since he had just had the run-in with Jack at Crimson Lights previous to meeting Jill, so between the two scenes, it was very clearly illustrated how Billy feels alienated and misunderstood by both sides of his family. It really helped viewers to get a sense of why he has walls up, and behaves like a renegade or a loner at times. Well done! By the way, which of you weren't giggling when Billy asked Jill if she wanted to spank him?!!
John's Ghost: Boy, he's become a real hanger-on, hasn't he? I still think of him as more of a 'conscience' than a ghost. When you think about it, in real life, you always have your parents' opinion floating around in the back of your mind, acting like a conscience in a way. This is much like that, in my opinion. I get a real kick out of John telling it like it is to Jack - good stuff!
Ashley: I'm really feeling this character lately - she has such a strong presence on the show! She can stand up to anyone, and I love that. I'm looking forward to seeing what the writers have in store for her down the line. Really great idea to bring her back!
Victoria/JT: Nice to see them back on screen, even if they are only visiting Victor. I'm looking forward to a more involved storyline for them!
Summer's Birthday Party: It's good that they are now dressing Nick to look like the doofus he's been acting like! What a guy! He's really got himself in a pinch now! Regardless of whether you are a supporter of Sharon or Phyllis, it's refreshing to see them portraying this situation realistically. The awkwardness, both women's feelings, and Nick's 'deer in the headlights' demeanor - all very appropriate. How long until nosy Noah figures out something's up? That will be worth watching - he already thinks the adults in his life are totally messed up! Haha!
Overall a pretty enjoyable week! No terribly boring stuff. Wait! I just realized that Cane and Chloe weren't on all week! Yeesh - have I said I don't like missing characters?! I have? Good. This coming week will bring the Christmas episodes and a classic episode too - don't forget to tune in for Michael's special 'scrooge' story on December 26th!
Please leave your thoughts and/or rant below - I absolutely love hearing what Soaps.com readers have to say! Besides, it's fun and therapeutic!
- Candace Young