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Robert Newman Makes His Y&R Debut: What Were Your First Impressions of the New Ashland Locke?

By Michael Fairman

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Courtesy/CBS

Soap veteran, Robert Newman (Ex-Joshua Lewis, Guiding Light) returned to network daytime drama on Wednesday’s episode of The Young and the Restless.

Newman has taken over the role of business mogul, Ashland Locke, replacing Richard Burgi, who had previously shared that he was let go under a Covid-19 policy protocol within the show.

Now all eyes are on Robert in the pivotal role.  In his first aired scenes, Newman them with Mark Grossman (Adam) discussing the power struggle between the two companies – Newman- Locke and Newman Media. Victoria (Amelia Heinle) walked in to the conversation not knowing what the men had been talking about.  Then, Adam says Sally (Courtney Hope) has been named the COO, which upsets Ashland and Victoria.

Later, Victor (Eric Braeden) has a chat with Ashland about his said treatment at a clinic in Peru. Apparently, Ashland pulled some strings at got to the head of the line, which was not on the up and up to do so.

Finally, Ashland heads to society for a drink and receives a call that an American is poking around in Peru about him, in which Ashland tells the caller to stick with the plan.  You can see that scene below.

In a recent interview with SOD, Newman shared to the fans: “I know recasts can be really difficult for fans. I’m anticipating that there will be some level of disappointment for some people. I’ve watched other actors who are recasts go through difficult times with fans, and I hope it doesn’t quite work that way for me, but we’ll see. It’s not my job to decide what anybody who watches the show likes and what they don’t like. My job is to interpret the material I’m given to the best of my ability. I’m just trying to honor the character and the writers’ intent to the best of my ability. It might be different and it might be a little rocky for the first period of time. I’m just a guy trying to do my best here and to fans, I would just say, ‘Be gentle! Whatever break you can give me, give me, at least for the first few episodes. And then, if you want to start tearing into me, feel free (Laughs).”

So, what were your first impressions of Robert Newman as Ashland on Y&R? Going to give him the chance to make the role his own? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

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Nope
Richard Burghi himself made a short term role long term. If it wasnt for him the role of Ashland would just be another poorly conceived Josh Griffith creation. He exuded sexiness and charm and strength to be considered a genoa city powerhouse alternative to the aging Jack and Vic.
The role switch is to jarring because like Mark Grossman , Richard acts rascally, so you love to hate him.
I actually erased the show half way, I cant stomach Nikki the previous socialite as a executive or another Billys searching for himself arc.
Anyone have any insight on to when the viewers will finally get a real headwriter?

I agree Damien. RN is just not convincing, yet, as a crafty type. Maybe I’m biased because of so many years watching him as good guy Josh Lewis. I LOVE Mark Grossman’s version of Adam; I actually like him and think Victoria’s current behavior is sadistic, childish, abhorrent. Taking a measuring tape to his office to rub it in… what is she, nine? And yet ANOTHER personal crisis for Billy Abbott? YAWN! He’s so unlikable anyway; he has no more stones to throw at anybody. He’ll screw up this job opportunity in no time.

It seems like CBS has confidence in Tony Morina & Josh Griffith since they’re both vets of the show and write “character-driven” stories. But the dialogue has gotten so stale, it feels like actors are bored with the lines they’re saying. And none of the stories right not are exciting in any way. There are very few people to root for and characters like Sally, who I love, feel out of place because of how interesting they are in comparison to everyone else – which is NOT how it should be.

Is it ‘confidence ‘?
Seems more like they ( cbs/ sony) just doesnt ‘care’
Anyone with a pulse could see this show lacks any vision…

I agree about the dialogue ; if the actors aren’t bored , I am! I watch when Victor and Adam are in a scene. Nikki shows more loyalty to her children than Victor: she hasn’t the slightest idea what it means to be a help meet.

I loved Burgi ; however , I’ll give Newman a chance! I’m waiting for the new writers , too.

I’m late to the party, but I totally agree with Damien, Burgi was a formidable candidate to be the next Victor Newman. Poor Robert Newman couldn’t replace him, no one can, just like Victor. Now other than Victor and Adam, most of the men are a bunch of boring saps, not to mention Chance, Danny Boaz made Abby interesting. Please do something, anything to improve what was once my favorite show. It’s awful.

So right, Felicia. To me, Billy Abbott is the worst. That podcast? As Sophia Petrillo would say, “You need BOOTS to listen to this guy.” I swear, most of us spoke more intelligently than than him in grammar school! I like Noah the actor but they’re giving him NOTHING interesting. For a while, I thought his working with his uncle Adam might cause some sparks…maybe draw the family closer. But they squelched that PRONTO! Chance? Cute but dull as dishwater. And why is Devon in EVERY storyline?

Felicia. As am i!!!! My TV is still paused bc like I do not want to keep watching. There was no warning that the last Qshland scene was my last ughhhh..

Omg I love Danny Boaz… this Chance… mehhh not feeling him

Yuck! Too old for Amelia Heineken!
On 4/19/22 episode he kissed her and I vomited at the gross old man in her lovely young face! Make it stop.

I was thinking the same… I just found out the news today. I was wayyyyyyy before on my soaps and am now catching up. When I heard the role of Ashland… I’m like pause. Is he sick or whatis going on??

They could have given him a pass. How was he to know that the cdc > cbs like cmon. Should have been given a warning, not let go. Like they really couldnt send him home???

Sounds like one of those cases of any excuse to get rid of someone…

But yes He just exudes a charm, sexy yes devious. And his voice like Richard made Ashland and I cannot see Ashland played by any one else… they’ll find a way to kill him off I think… but initially I hated him and he became my fave character… I qlso liked that I got to see an older more suave Karl from DH

He is a vet, he can handle just about anything. I wasnt sold on the other Ashland so Robert will be good in this role. He has already shown a harder line with Adam and I like it!

I think that Robert Newman is doing a very good job in the role of Ashland Locke. He is a good actor and is making role his own.

I am so impressed at how Robert Newman has “become” Ashland Locke. I noticed he has the same mannerisms and expressions. Great job!

Love Robert. All they need now is a certain spitfire to come to Genoa City!! I’m Just Sayin….

He was great yesterday, for a first-day — especially considering he was thrown right into dramatic scenes with Adam and Victor. Really captured some of the speech patterns of Richard Burgi, and showed how the writers are moving Ashland in a more villainous way. Of course it always takes time to get used to a recast, but Robert Newman hit the ground running He’ll only get even better from here.

When he says, “I’ve watched other actors who are recasts go through difficult times with fans,” I can only think of poor Nicole Forester from “Guiding Light” who was just treated terribly by fans after she was given the double whammy of replacing the super-popular Laura Wright as Cassie at the same time a very divisive storyline about Cassie and Josh falling in love took off.

I actually liked Nicole’s Cassie much better than Laura’s…who ironically married Josh!

Robert Newman is a true professional. He has made the role of Ashland Locke his own.

yes Robert has.

I’ve never cared for the character of Ashland and I’m not sold on his relationship with Victoria either. Her best relationship will always have been with Billy Miller’s version of Billy. Robert Newman is a talented actor and I’m sure he’ll do fine in the role, but I would have preferred to see him join GH as Liz’s father Jeff Webber. I’m also not thrilled with how Richard Burgi was let go from the show – seems a bit extreme for an honest mistake.

I’ve also never cared for the Ashland character. One reason is that both Ashland’s look too old for Victoria. Makes you wonder if she has daddy issues. Plus I don’t like Victoria much either. Always trying to get Victor’s love and respect while competing with him at the same time.

Agreed. I feel it was an any excuse to let go let go kind of thing…
Like why not a warning. CBS cmon

I tuned into The Young and the Restless for the first time since February 2020, and it was wonderful to see Robert Newman back on a soap opera. Granted, it is not the role I would’ve wanted for him, but he completely OWNED his scenes. He gave me Kirk Cranston vibes, and I love it.

Robert Newman did a fantastic job on his first day on Y&R – he is a great actor who I have missed seeing on my tv screen!
I Loved, Loved, Loved him as Joshua Lewis and Reva’s BUD on GL!
BTW- he’s much better eye candy than Richard Burgi – I’m just sayin !

Robert Newman did a fantastic job on his first day on Y&R as Ashland
It was so great to see him on my tv screen again –
I loved , loved, loved him as Joshua Lewis
Aka – Reva’s BUD on GL !
BTW- Robert is much better eye candy than Richard Burgi – I’m just sayin !
I think he’s the Best Looking man on Daytime TV
Now if we can only get Billy Miller back on a soap!

As I said on another site, I’ve been skeptical as to Robt. Newman as Aston but I think when that bell rang, he was out of the gate, on his way to the finish line. I liked how he was on Billy’s case right off the bat and stood up to Victor as well. I want to see him and Victoria more and if there are any vibes there.

Yes a familiar face, same age as character, grey hair, the issue will be the writing and direction they take the character. And please stop dropping sets – Lillie gets a big new job and a week later she is working from home. Next everyone will just be meeting in the park.

Great actor!!

Richard Burghi owns Ashland–
The replacement gave it a good try, but-
he’ll never be thee, Ashland..
Robert Newman looks much older and doesn’t fit with Victoria..
Bad chem casting–
But- it is what it is___

I agree with you 100%!

He doesn’t look older, they’re both the exact same age.

Agree Burgos had great chemistry with actress who plays Victoria and he is much more handsome

Absolutely agree! I can hardly stand to watch him.

Richard Burgi’s portrayal of Ashland Locke made the character debonair, charming, worldly and sexy. He looked fantastic in a tailored business suit. And with signature mannerisms and his smooth, throaty voice, it all worked together as being believable that Victoria Newman would be attracted to a man like him. The chemistry btwn the two was only getting better. Richard’s Ashland was extended bc fans responded to how great he was with Amelia Heinle. But the brilliant suits at CBS decided to throw all of that away, on a technicality with covid, to pursue their potential February Sweeps ratings with a former GL veteran favorite. BRAVO CBS!

Amen!
Richard Burghi imo was the only positive to come out of Griffiths nonsense

Damien
I thought so too until I’d seen Robert Newman’s version of Ashland. I think he’s doing a great job playing this high powered , decidedly, devious ,etc,etc,etc man. Cannot wait to see what ultimately he turns out to be.

I agree, Violet. I was fast forwarding through Ashland scenes but no longer. RN is so talented and charismatic.

He’s great ! But the writing and production values are the worst they have been in 20 years .

Embaressing really
Its so bad it looks like its going the way of fading into cancellation
No plots, no sets,no romance,no excitement, no music , no point….

It’s so strange ! The formula is there for it to be a hit show . The current regime needs to look at old Young and The Restless episodes from the 90s.
The music , the sets, the characters . It’s a very watered down version of a once great show . I’m surprised it’s not doing worse in the ratings.

Damien
No ####!! Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.
P.S I haven’t heard or seen any fat ladies singing yet.

When new Ashland is next to Victor they look like brothers–
Victoria banging her uncle LOL
The chem is way off–
My stomach knots when imagining them doing the nasty–
It’s just gross–
Hot passionate kisses are never going to happen because it would be the barff bag–

I agree, su000. Why does every actor past 40 (and their producers) want to look ancient with prematurely grey hair and those dreadful beards that age some men by 10 years or more. Everyone’s so concerned with being their “authentic self” they’ve forgotten they’re actors playing a role and RN looks too old to be Ashland Locke.

So disappointed, I don’t like new Ashton, just doesn’t suit the spot
with Victoria.
Bring back Ashton.

The character’s name is Ashland, and the original actor, Richard Burgi, as great as he was, did not comply with the covid restrictions and, therefore, was let go. Robert has obviously studied the character, and is doing well with all of the nuances, and will ultimately interpret the character with his own.

Robert Newman has made it point to mention he did not watch Richard Burgi in the role; everything he is bringing to the role is on his own accord and what he’s taking from the script. He’s turning crap into gold.

Interesting. His nuances are fantastic, and he will turn this role into his own. I adore Robert, and it will be interesting to see how he and Amelia evolve as a couple. Thanks for the insight:)

Couldn’t agree more. Loved Richard Burgi in the role but just can’t stand Robert Newman in the role. He gives me the creeps.

He fitted right in

Only watch one soap — Y&R. So, Mr.Newman is new to me. First view was his meeting with Victor. Was surprised that he appeared to be noticeably older than the previous Ashland as well as heavier. Don’t know why the beard surprised me. I like beards. He came across as taking a more aggressive stance in his role and perhaps on the dark side as exhibited in the bar following the meeting. I too wondered about how the connection with Victoria would feel for the viewer.

Well, another side of him appeared to emerge, a softer and kinder side, when Victoria entered their office. It didn’t appear to be too awkward. He can play both roles. Will probably take more time to see if it works. However, for me, Victoria (the actress) is doing a terrific job in her role as the head of Newman. She can be delightfully cutthroat and duplicitous. For Mr. Newman, I give the guy a thumbs up for potential!

Tani Sterling
I think your assessment of Robt. Newman’s take on Ashland, is the most like mine. Why would people expect him to mimic Burgi? Newman has said he never watched the other man’s version, because he wanted the character to be his own. Yes, his physique is a little broader and heavier and I agree with Soaphound here about his beard. I don’t like all that facial hair on an older man because I think it tends to make him look older, and in this case Victoria likes the idea of having a father figure that she can be romantic with.

i love robert newman on y and r. GREAT CHOICE

Welcome to Young and Restless , Robert! You’re all right with, me!

Newman looks like Victoria’s grandfather .please, Bring back Burgi letting him go for a five day Covid nonsense quarantine is absolutely stupid!

I hate the new ashton locke (Robert Newma n) not good looking, not charming, not a convincing actor, no chemistry between Victoria and him. Bring back Richard Burgi!!!

I agree. Makes me think of no longer watching. Just not enough to hold my interest. Robert Newman nay be a good actor but in this role he can’t compare to Richard Burgi. Only interesting couple is Adam and Sally. The rest is a snorefest.

100% Agree!

First day on canvas Robert Grossman was okay. March 15, 2022 he has come into his own (Ashland Locke)! I love his scenes! Victoria you are truly Victor the 2nd! The tape measure scene with Adam was devilishly good, day time Soap. Victoria you are Victor, and Jack’s replacement!

Ashland we went from sexy to grandpa. I just can not buy into this. Vic is now married to grandpa. I could believe it with the original ashland because even though he was closer to dad vics age than victorias age …he was sexy…now we have rolly polly grandpa! Nope!!!!

No…just..NO

I guess I’m in the minority but I’m not a fan of the new “Ashland” on The Young & the Restless. I really miss Richard Burgi as the portrayer of the “Ashland” character. Another casualty of COVID-19!! I know recasts can be incredibly hard but I’m just not feeling this one…. We lost Richard Burgi for such a stupid reason is not helping to accept the new actor. If he was a new character, I’m sure I would feel differently!!

Great actor but I cringe thinking of him kissing Amelia Heinle. Looks like her dad!! Eww – no. Please stop pushing old men’s fantasies onto younger actresses!

General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ric’s History of Jealousy Where Elizabeth is Concerned Has Come Back Around

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Ric

On General Hospital, Ric Lansing (Rick Heart) is about to fall back into dangerous old patterns by the foreshadowing during the Wednesday, August 19 episode. After first coming to see his brother, Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) and telling him of his plan to propose to Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst) his longtime love tonight, Sonny has concerned.

Next, Sonny reminds his brother of what has happened in the past, when things have gone south with Elizabeth and wonders if it’s too soon for him to propose to her. What Ric did not tell Sonny is that he has seen the developing closeness between Sonny’s son, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) and Elizabeth, which is propelling his urgent need to propose.

Meanwhile, Dante ran into Elizabeth at the park during a break from their mutual team softball games. She needs help with a bookcase after the game at her house. Dante wants to put it together for her. Later, Dante arrived at Elizabeth’s house, limping after injuring his knee during the game. Head nurse Liz wanted to check out the injury as much as Dante protested, which required him to take off his pants.

Courtesy/ABC

RIC BEGINS TO UNRAVEL

Outside Elizabeth’s widow, Ric arrives with a bouquet of roses and the engagement ring. When he leers through the widow he is shocked to see Elizabeth rubbing Dante’s leg while Dante is in his boxer/shorts. He storm troops into the house, demanding to know what is going on here? Both Elizabeth and Dante look surprised by his reaction. In the pick-up of today’s Thursday, August 20 episode (see GH video teaser below), viewers will learn the upshot for all three characters.

A VENGEFUL PAST

As longtime GH fans know, Ric has done some horrible, vengeful things in regards to Elizabeth starting back in 2003 after she lost her baby after Ric’s ex, Faith Rosco pushed her down a flight of stairs. Ric accused Sonny for the accident and to get revenge, Ric kidnapped Carly (who was married to Sonny at the time), and stashed her in a panic room below the house where he was living with Liz.

On top of that, Ric fed his wife Elizabeth birth control pills to keep her from getting pregnant so that they could raise Carly’s baby together after it was born. Eventually, Elizabeth found Carly in the panic room but ended up having a pulmonary embolism. When she woke up in the hospital, Elizabeth was all confused by what happened, and Ric convinced her that her vision of  Carly was just a bad dream. Eventually, Elizabeth learned the horrifying truth and divorced Ric.

Years later, Ric noticed the connection between Elizabeth and “Jake Doe” who eventually turned out to be Drew (Billy Miller) A jealous Ric hired Hayden Barnes to show up and claim to be “Jake’s” wife. Elizabeth stepped aside, and when Ric planned to propose to Elizabeth at the 2015 Nurses Ball, Carly exposed his manipulations, and Elizabeth dumped him yet again. And those are just two examples of the lengths Ric will go to for Elizabeth!

So, we ask you, given the history of Elizabeth and Ric, how do you see this playing out with Dante in the picture? How will Ric derail their growing bond? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Steffy and Carter Get Lame Excuses From Their Spouses, and Try to Shake Off Their Night Together

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Steffy and Carter

If you caught the Wednesday, August 19 episode of The Bold and the Beautiful, and if you were Carter Walton (Lawrence Saint-Victor), and your wife, who literally took off, threw of her wedding ring and abandoned their marriage to head to Paris, shows back up saying she overreacted and wants to be with him, would you bother to even take her back?

As for Steffy (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood), now that Finn (Tanner Novlan) is giving her the spiel about how he took her for granted, how he is so sorry for not listening to her, and that Sheila will never be in their lives again, would you want to listen to that, either, after so many broken promises?

That’s the situation hungover Steffy and Carter found themselves, while still reeling from the seeming fact that they had sex the night before while drunk in the Forrester Creations CEO office.

Courtesy/CBS

STEFFY AND CARTER GETS EARFULS

Daphne (Murielle Hilare) doesn’t understand why Carter is being so distant, and he says, “You said I wasn’t family.” She wants to put all of what she said and did behind them and now explore other ways to have a child. Carter seems hurt and annoyed.

Back at the cliff house, Steffy is so upset between sleeping with Carter and getting drunk, and Finn and his mother, Sheila (Kimberlin Brown) in Monaco. She tells Finn, “I need you to stand up for me. I can’t live like this. I won’t.”  Finn begs her not to let “one terrible mistake” (get it!?) tear us apart.

Finn promised Steffy he will get a restraining order on Sheila if it calls for it. He understands why Steffy is so scared of Sheila after she shot her … and him. In the closing moments of the episode, Finn pronounces how lucky he is to have the “perfect wife.” To which a rattled Steffy in tears goes, “Oh, I’m not perfect.”

Photo: JPI

STEFFY’S GUILT

Steffy is losing her grip at this moment as Finn says he wants to step up and be the husband he deserves. Along with Daphne, I kind of want to kick Finn to the curb, too. Then Finn lays it on real thick and adds, “You’re pure, you’re honest, you’re loyal.”  Steffy interrupts, “Not quite.”

Suddenly a guilt-ridden Steffy says to Finn, “There’s something I need to tell you.” Can she actually get the words out about getting drunk and having sex with Carter …or,  will she keep it under wraps so we can have months of the line “one terrible mistake?”

Take a look at some of the scenes between Steffy and Finn from today’s episode below.

Now let us know: would you bother to take back Daphne or Finn, if you were Carter and Steffy? Would you like to see Steffy just blurt out she had sex with Carter to her husband? Weigh-in via the comment section.

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THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Carter and Steffy Have Drunken Sex … Or Did They?

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Carter and Steffy

On the Tuesday, August 18 episode of The Bold and the Beautiful, viewers were tuned-in to see if Steffy (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) and Carter (Lawrence Saint-Victor), who were were both on benders, wound up having sex in the Forrester Creations CEO office.

As the Monday, August 17 episode concluded, Carter and Steffy shared a close moment where it looked like they would kiss. Now in the pick up which starts the morning after, Steffy awakens from the couch in the office, and realizes she has no clothes on and is mortified to see Carter on the end of the couch also naked and under blankets.

In that moment, Steffy realizes they had sex, and begins to unravel to Carter as she scrambles to get dressed: “We shouldn’t have done this. Oh my God, I shouldn’t have done this!”

Photo: JPI

STEFFY RACES TO GET HOME

Steffy’s panic of the situation escalates when she finds her phone, and sees multiple text messages from her husband, Finn (Tanner Novlan), desperately trying to reach her. He told Steffy he was on his way home from Monaco.

Suddenly, a hungover Carter speaks up and agrees. He says to Steffy they made a terrible mistake and wanted to talk about it, but Steffy kiboshed any discussion, not dealing with Carter, and racing home to be with her kids and Finn. As a disheveled Steffy ran out of Forrester, Carter stayed behind to straighten up the office and get rid of any remnants of their drunken binge.

Just then, Daphne (Murielle Hilaire) showed up as Carter is shocked. She apologized for running out on him, and details how when she got to the airport to board the plane to Paris, she realized she couldn’t leave him. She loved him too much, and asks him to please forgive her and her, “terrible mistake.” Daphne hugs Carter and he looks like a man who has no idea what to do or make of this entire situation in the moment.

Finn and Steffy

Photo: JPI

WHAT WILL BE THE REPERCUSSIONS OF CARTER AND STEFFY’S DRUNKEN NIGHT TOGETHER?

Cut to: Steffy comes home and runs into her mother, Taylor (Rebecca Budig). She explains what happened with Finn and Sheila (Kimberlin Brown) in Monaco. Next, Steffy details how she took off her wedding ring after Taylor noticed it was no longer on her finger. Just then, Finn arrives. Taylor leaves the two to talk. Finn begs for Steffy’s forgiveness and the episode comes to an end with Steffy facing away from Finn and towards the camera, trying to figure out what to do next. Take him back?

Now the real story begins: it would appear that the intent was to have Carter and Steffy face long-lasting consequences of their drunken night together. So that, Steffy would become pregnant with Carter’s child, which would cause the ripple effect in Carter’s marriage to Daphne, who is unable to carry a child.

One other theory, unless, Carter and Steffy believe they had sex, but they passed out in compromising positions but nothing ever happened? Perhaps one of them, or both will have flashbacks of them carrying on together on the couch? Were they set up? Stay tuned.

So, we ask you. What happens from here? Steffy gets pregnant with Carter’s child? Does Steffy goes back to Finn? Carter goes back with Daphne? They really never had drunken sex? Weigh-in via the comment section. But first, take a look below, and a bit of what went down when Steffy and Carter realize what happened between them.

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