- The Young and the Restless
- Soapbox

Young & Restless’ Twists Keep Coming for ‘Ashtoria’ — Plus, Rey’s Plans Are Giving Us the Heebie Jeebies
April 11 - 15
Friday, April 15th, 2022

Credit: Howard Wise/JPI
Young & Restless has picked up the pace and offered more dramatic twists and turns, however some characters seem to be missing in action and the continued focus on talk over action means it remains daytime’s answer to insomnia.
Slow Roll
Diane’s return is chock full of possibilities, but slow to roll out. Young & Restless has a huge issue with too much talk and not enough action and that’s definitely the case here. Aside from the ‘reveals’ that she’s alive it’s become a bit of a snooze. Anticipation can’t be the only thing a story has going for it. Hopefully once Kyle’s in the loop we’ll get to see the full measure of what the back-from-the-dead plot has in store for us and it will be every bit as dramatic as it should be.
Bad Feeling
Wow, this trip to Chicago has bad news written all over it. The announcement of Jordi Vilasuso’s exit as Rey set an ominous tone for any plot he’s involved in; knowing an abrupt departure is looming… well it doesn’t bode well for the character or his plans with Chelsea and Connor. My guess is that what will go down will leave Sharon reliving a nightmare. Read my theory on Rey’s fate here (which may be tied to the Victoria teaser mentioned below!) and see if you have the same hunch.
Twists and Dangerous Turns
There is a lot of drama centered on Victoria and Ashland right now, which makes it feel like we’re approaching the end, where Ashland is run out of town… but I have a hunch that may not happen. Despite the heavy focus on Victoria’s love life, and the last-minute recast of her husband Ashland, the story has kept viewers engaged. It’s working because Victor and Adam have a worthy adversary, there are high stakes involved and all the Newmans have been pulled in. Having the big bad in town has kept us on the edge of our seats to find out what twist is coming next — and there have been so many that we’ve even questioned if Victor or Ashland is telling the truth!
It’s not a stretch to think Young & Restless will find a way to keep Ashland in Genoa City. It’s easy to see that Victoria’s duping him by telling him she’ll run off with him so he’ll sign Adam’s deal, but it’s equally clear she still loves him. Which provides all the opening the writers need. We see Victoria swerving off the road in the promo for next week, which further opens the door. Will Ashland stop short of signing the paperwork when he hears there’s been an incident? Will he sign the deal but insist on staying in town to make sure Victoria’s okay and work to get her to fall back in love with him? It’s been one twist after another, so it’s a good bet there will more ahead.
More: Eric Braeden teases Victor twist ahead
Silly Billy, Lily and Sally
You all know I can’t with this podcast business, but I did get a laugh-out-loud moment from it this week when Billy was trying out different voices and made himself sound like a munchkin from The Wizard of Oz.
It was fun to have Sally interact with someone new — Lily — on her travels around town. I’m still getting used to the idea of Lily as some kind of big wheel to be honest. Interestingly, she warned Sally about tying herself to Adam just as I’d begun feeling irritated by her constantly being attached at the hip with him and jumping to his defense. As Young & Restless fan Shiwana Rucker wondered on Facebook, why was Sally even there when Victor was reaming Adam out for offering Ashland a deal behind his back?!? I enjoy the pairing, but give her more to do besides be a man’s cheerleader.
More: Hallmark’s groundbreaking new love story
MIA
Granted most of us weren’t feeling (okay, hated) the year-long drama involving the conception and birth of Dominic and everything that happened after the fact, but this group has not just been back-burnered; they’ve all but disappeared. Victoria and the Newmans are going through it, the Abbotts have just been informed that Diane Jenkins is alive — and Abby’s out of the loop on absolutely all of it! It’s like they forgot she exists. Devon, Nate, Elena, Imani and Amanda don’t even have stories at this point, and did Chance ever return to work? Mariah and Tessa are getting some screen time thanks to their upcoming wedding, but even so, fans have been irritated by Noah making all the decisions. What’s going on?
More: Y&R star mourns friend lost to senseless tragedy
This is just my opinion. Feel free to join the conversation below.
Don’t miss our fun soap opera drinking game in the photo gallery below.
Most Popular
Advertisement
<p>Rather than calmly suggest that their rivals talk to the hand, soap characters like <em>Young & Restless’ </em>Nikki tend to get slap happy. Now, if it happens to be a situation where the slappee returns the favor, our rule book indicates that you should do two shots. Seems only fair, right? </p>
<p>We’re not sure why characters spend so much time asking themselves, “What happened on that night that I can’t remember?” instead of just heading directly to their local shrink. One session with <em>General Hospital</em>‘s Kevin, and Liz remembered more about her mysterious past than she had in the previous six months! </p>
<p>While in the real world, people call a Lyft or order an Uber, when folks like <em>Days of Our Lives</em>‘ Stephanie and Chad have had too much to drink, they say, “I’ll get us a rideshare.” Sounds totally natural, right? </p>
<p>As Nicole Leanne said to us on Twitter, “I’d be one heck of a drunk soap fan if I chugged every time DiMera Enterpreses changed CEOs” on <em>Days of Our Lives. </em>And while Gabi would love to prove her wrong, something tells us there’ll be a new name on her door momentarily! </p>
<p>When <em>Bold & Beautiful</em> had Taylor and Ridge making out during a gorgeous locations shoot — complete with a drone capturing the action from above — we knew this was a moment we’d be reliving… a lot. Hiccup! </p>
<p>When two couples agree to share their wedding day, you can be pretty sure at least one’s ceremony will wind up going south. When <em>Days of Our Lives </em>Leo and Craig hitched their big day to that of Xander and Gwen<em>, </em>we wound up with double the drama as both couples went down in flames! </p>
<p>“If you work at Forrester Creations or Spencer Publications and have gotten sexually involved with a subordinate, raise your hand.” Oh my. Of course, <em>Bold & Beautiful </em>isn’t the only show on which this happens, but to the best of our recollection, Forrester is the only company with a mixed-sex sauna, and that’s just asking for trouble! </p>
<p>That’s right, we’re pointing at you, Diane! Although we’re not sure why <em>Young & Restless</em>’ Jack was so surprised by his ex’s<em> </em>return. He’s attended at least three memorial services for Victor (if only to dance on his proverbial grave).</p>
<p>To be fair, you probably won’t even catch half a buzz via this rule. Heck, <em>Days of Our Lives </em>shows Chad’s children so infrequently that we’re not even sure these are them! Consider this one our gift to the lightweights out there. </p>
<p>Look, we appreciate a little eye candy as much as anyone else. But it’s just weird when someone like, say, Thomas on <em>Bold & Beautiful </em>not only greets you shirtless, but then invites you in, chats you up, maybe even cooks dinner without bothering to slip into something a little less comfortable! Of course, that’s nothing compared to when… </p>
<p>Guys on <em>Bold & Beautiful </em>routinely get undressed in unlocked offices, usually changing to go to the rooftop gym. But you’d think that a building that has both a workout area and a sauna might also have a locker room! </p>
<p>We’ll say this for <em>Young & Restless</em>’ Black Knight: He can make the most innocuous of nicknames sound almost obscene. We’re kinda surprised the rest of Genoa City hasn’t started calling Jack’s brother “Billy Boy,” because it really does roll trippingly off the tongue! </p>
<p>This one’s a classic. In fact, General<em> Hospital </em>doc Monica declaring that the Quartermaine mansion is hers because late husband Alan gave it to her <em>might </em>be where the soap-opera drinking game originated. </p>
<p>As if being dumped by longtime hubby Craig for a younger man wasn’t bad enough, <em>Days of Our Lives</em>‘ Nancy then got engaged to Abigail’s murderer, Clyde. That’s so heartbreaking, we’re tempted to share our booze. But only tempted. Let’s be real.</p>
<p>When you see the Kiriakis patriarch on <em>Days of Our Lives</em>, you can assume someone is about to get a tongue-lashing. The man doesn’t suffer fools gladly, yet in his estimation, he is surrounded by nothing but. Pretty much every word out of his mouth is as sarcastic as it is quotable. </p>
<p>It was a shock when <em>Bold & Beautiful</em> nearly sent Taylor flying off the hospital roof… but it probably shouldn’t have been. This show loves to push, shove, hurl and throw Los Angeles residents off of stuff. (They only thing they’ve never managed to do? Knock Ridge off his high horse!) </p>
<p>People on <em>Young & Restless </em>are more likely to be appointed CEO of a company than they are to make out with someone… and that’s a real problem on a soap opera! Adam, Nate, Victor, Victoria, Ashland, Lily, Billy and Sally have all gotten new power positions in the first part of 2022. Heck, we’re just waiting for someone to name Esther CCO (Chief Cleaning Officer) of Chancellor!</p>
<p>Seeing Ava without a cocktail in her hands is just sad. Of course, if we actually had one every time she does, we’d probably wind up in <em>General Hospital</em> with a bad case of alcohol poisoning! </p>
<p>If <em>Bold & Beautiful</em>’s Thomas doesn’t seem to recognize son Douglas, it’s probably because he rarely sees the kid. Liam and Hope might struggle with that one, too, given that Douglas and Beth spend most of their time hanging out with Donna… somewhere off screen. </p>
<p>Sharon should be living high off the proverbial hog, and not just because the <em>Young & Restless </em>beauty has married (and divorced) some of the richest guys in town. But while her coffee shop is <em>the</em> place to be, that’s probably because nobody ever pays for what they ordered! </p>
<p>For people who never lock their front door and have kids who could wander in at any moment, <em>Bold & Beautiful </em>marrieds Liam and Hope spend a lot of time making love in the living room, whether on the couch or in front of the fireplace. That said, do <em>two </em>shots if… </p>
<p>Note to self: Do not touch <em>anything</em> in Adam’s office, because the <em>Young & Restless </em>hunk and girlfriend Sally had sex pretty much <em>everywhere </em>before they broke up. The couch? Check. The desk? Check. The floor? We’re just gonna assume that’s a yes. </p>
<p>Having been married to the <em>Young & Restless</em> Machiavelli long (and often) enough to know him better than anyone else, Mrs. Newman often scoffs at her hubby’s declarations… usually right to his face! </p>
<p>We may not often see the <em>General Hospital </em>tot, but boy, does he get talked about… a lot. Since his birth, he’s had more claims staked on him than the state of California during the gold rush. </p>
<p>If someone in Salem walks up and says, “Guess who?” think twice before answering. Why? Because on <em>Days</em><em> of Our Lives</em>, it might be someone wearing a magic mask that changes everything from the wearer’s voice to their height.</p>
<p>Anybody remember the last time Lily’s <em>Young & Restless </em>beau was actually happy for an extended period? If the poor little rich boy had a drink named after him, it would be called a Man Pain. </p>
<p>Why does anyone in Port Charles ever go down to the docks… especially at night? It would be impossible to list the number of awful things that have happened to <em>General Hospital </em>characters in that crime-ridden area, yet residents are drawn there like teens to a 7-11 parking lot!</p>
<p>It seems certain characters — usually villains — must always be referred to by first and last name. <em>General Hospital </em>bad guys Cyrus Renault and Peter August, for example, or <em>Days of Our Lives’ </em>gone-but-never-forgotten Stefano DiMera. </p>
<p>Rarely has so small a creature been the center of so many plot points that are so despised by so many. From kidnappings to medical emergencies, custody battles to literal daddy issues, this kid’s had as many <em>Young & Restless</em> storylines as last names. </p>
<p>Nobody cries as easily or often as <em>Bold & Beautiful</em>‘s Brooke. True story: During an in-person interview, we once asked portrayer Katherine Kelly Lang if she could cry on demand. With a smile, she asked, “From which eye?” before proving she most certainly could. </p>
<p>If we were going to name a drink after <em>General Hospital</em>‘s Esme, it would be Ennui & Bitters, ’cause… well, look at the expression on that puss! And that was probably taken on one of her good days! </p>
<p>Ever since <em>Days of Our Lives </em>Alex hit the sheets with Chanel and Allie (then dreamed of having done so with Chad and Stephanie), it’s been the talk of the town… or at least Twitter. Might the soap give us daytime’s first full-blown throuple? We’ll drink to that! </p>
<p>At least when <em>Young & Restless</em>‘ Tucker decided to literally drop in on Kyle and Summer’s nuptials, the uninvited guest did so in the classiest way possible: He arrived via helicopter, then gave the newlyweds a Bentley! </p>
<p>Soap police are almost always the last to know, especially when it comes to who really committed a crime. While almost nobody arrested by <em>Days of Our Lives’ </em>Rafe is what you’d call innocent, rarely are they guilty of the crime of which they stand accussed. </p>
<p>It was borderline shocking when <em>Bold & Beautiful</em>‘s Sheila was actually apprehended and jailed. Less shocking? When she managed to break out, fake her death (drink!) and return wearing a mask (double-shot!) to hide her identity. </p>
<p>Brooke and Liam have been spending an awful lot of time together. And given that <em>Bold & Beautful </em>loves borderline incestuous relationships — and Brooke has a history of sleeping with her daughters’ beaus — we want to have that shot ready for when these two finally cross the line they’ve been dancing on for some time now.</p>
<p>Every single time a soap character is sent to prison, they wind up bunking with someone they have a previous connection to. If you’re as unlucky as <em>Days of Our Lives</em>‘ EJ, it might even be the guy who “killed” you a few years back. </p>
<p>Alison Groves pointed out on Twitter that soaps love nothing more than to have someone take a long, meaningful pause as they gaze into the distance just before the screen fades to black. Here, we see <em>Days of Our Lives</em>‘ Paulina giving a master class in that skill!</p>
<p>Information is a commodity, so being in the right place at the right time is crucial. <em>Bold & Beautiful</em>‘s Othello just happened to be lurking in the woods when Brooke and Ridge broke up during their time in Aspen. Why? Time will tell… </p>
<p>While our favorite characters often use their computers, they never seem to go to sites like Google, Facebook or Twitter. Instead, they go to Oogle, Facetime and other fake websites. </p>
<p>When not talking to themselves — which they do a lot — soapsters love <span style="text-decoration: line-through">reciting exposition</span> having revealing discussions with portraits of their loved ones, enemies… really, under the right circumstances, any old picture will do. Just ask <em>Days of Our Lives</em>‘ Johnny, who often seeks advice from late grandpa Stefano. </p>
<p>It’s bad enough that characters like <em>Days of Our Lives</em>‘ Gwen tend to talk to themselves endlessly. Worse, they aren’t having innocuous self-chats about their grocery lists or what to wear, but rather incredibly incriminating ones… which are inevitably walked in on by someone else. Every. Single. Time. </p>
<p>Daytime’s richest characters have private jets at their disposal and diamonds for every occasion. But you know what they don’t possess? The ability to lock a door or the good manners to knock before entering! No wonder <em>Bold & Beautiful</em>‘s Ridge gets ticked when he comes home and finds Bill’s just let himself in yet again! </p>
<p>Get ready, folks, because this classic <em>Bold & Beautiful</em> entry has everything. Chug once for a wedding in the Forrester living room. Again because Carter is the officiant. A shot for the ceremony being interrupted and a fourth for a secret coming to light at the worst possible time. If you’re still standing, pat yourself on the back… and drink some water. Hydration is key to surviving the soap-opera drinking game!</p>

Previous in Soapbox
Is It the End for Young & Restless’ Ashland… or Will Adam Get Burned? Plus, the Diane vs. Phyllis Bungle and *Please* Kill the Man Pain With FireNext in Soapbox
Young & Restless’ Sharon Had Us Bawling as the Show Finally Served Up Some Big Emotional Drama — and Teases More Shake-Ups to Come