Recaps
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Abbott Family Drama Leaves Ashley To Make A Game-Changing Decision
Friday’s episode of The Young and the Restless continued the emotional and riveting Abbott family drama that flashes back to when Ashley, Traci, and Jack were kids, and then to the present day; which illustrates how their relationship as kids forever changed their grown-up paths in business, and with one another.
Last week featured some intricate writing and directing and heart-tugging performances by Eileen Davidson (Ashley), Peter Bergman (Jack), and Beth Maitland (Traci). As we head into Monday, it will mark the final episode of Davidson as she heads off the canvas and departs the role that she originally became soap-famous for, and has played on and off since 1982.
In story, as we flash back to the Abbott house in the 1970’s, a young Ashley tells John about her science experiment. She expresses that she thought that if she worked hard and won a ribbon at the science fair that her mother would love her like she has always loved Jack. Unfortunately, Dina had already left them all behind. Now in the present, Ashley sits with Dina, who is slipping further and further into dementia from her battle with Alzheimer’s for an emotional conversation. Abby overhears their chat and is moved to tears. Ashley tells Dina that she thanks her, and how she must have looked out for her when making the legal documents that gave her the patents to Jabot. Dina can’t recall anything that Ashley is saying. We go to another flashback, where John has to assure Ashley that her mom didn’t leave the family and all of them behind, because of her. When young Ashley cries, John promises to always be there for her, but little do they know a young Jack and Traci are overhearing this. Then, when a young Jack wants to share his feelings with John about how he has been affected by Dina leaving them, John doesn’t let him share his emotions. He instead reminds Jack that he has to be strong for his sisters.
Meanwhile at Jabot, panic is setting in between Jack, Billy, Traci, Abby and Kyle about what this all means for the company if Ashley becomes CEO and has all the patents. Abby tells the group about how much Ashley has felt unloved over the years. Traci tells everyone that not one of them is living up to the legacy that John Abbott has set, and that not one of them should be running Jabot now.
When Ashley shows up, Jack makes her a very lucrative offer on paper, which Ashley rips up An upset Ashley throws it back at her brother. Abby accuses her mom of going against everything John stood for. “Jack started it!” Ashley yells. Even though the Abbott family tries to reassure Ashley that they love and respect her, (and respect is what she wants from them, and feels she is not getting) she exits needing time to think. Jack doesn’t know how things got this bad. Traci explains that Jack was left to hold the family together after Dina ran out on them. A tearful Traci talks about Jack buying Ashley a cake when she won the science fair. Jack has a flash back to when he and a young Ashley were arguing over who was John’s favorite child However, Jack worried that John wouldn’t always be around, so he promised that he would be there to help Ashley if she ever needed it.
Later, back at the Abbott home, Traci says she knows how much attention John lavished on Ashley; while Jack had no one to comfort him. Finally, Jack admits he was very jealous of his sisters. Next, Ashley arrives firmly telling the group that she will not to take a back seat to anyone. Jack still holds firm about her not being CEO. Ashley then reveals a bombshell, not only is she turning down their offer, but she is taking the patents with her and leaving the family and the company for good, and plans to leave Genoa City! Everyone is stunned.
Kudos to magnificent performances by Eileen Davidson, Peter Bergman, and to Beth Maitland for delivering the “Power Performance of the Week” and reminding us all while she is still such a valuable asset to The Young and the Restless.
So, what have you thought about how Y&R has told the story of the Abbott children’s past and how it affect the present? What did you think about the performances? Share your thoughts via the comment section below. But first, watch Ashley announce her big decision below.
First off let me say,I get Eileen wanting leave.
I’m still crushed though. I’m going to miss her as Ashley. I would prefer they NOT recast the role, maybe periodically she’ll come back.
I didn’t mind the “flashback” to younger Abbott days.
I did feel one thing missing this week though with Ashley’s impending departure,the absence of any flashback scenes with Jerry Douglas (John),Jack,Traci and of course Eileen.
Given Ashley leaving, and Eileen (retiring from the show),it would have been fitting to both the character and actress. I’m disappointed they didn’t do that.
I totally agree, Lisa. Jerry Douglas should have had some flashback scenes, though the actor playing younger John was really handsome and quite good. I was sad at all the Abbott angst, as they are my favorite family, but it made for great drama and superb acting all around. I, too, don’t want an Ashley recast and would love Eileen to make occasional appearances. Hopefully, on the positive side, this might mean more of Traci in Genoa City. Beth Maitland certainly brightens up the screen.
I appreciate the special attention to Ms. Beth Maitland as Traci Abbott during this recent story turn involving the family. Everyone hit it out of the park these recent weeks as the Ms. Eileen Davidson/Ashley Abbott departure comes to pass. The Abbotts for always have been my favorite Y&R family, perfect combination of acting talent, writing for the characters, and role in the Genoa City world. Some characters are supporting and Traci Abbott has become that. Ms. Maitland played all the beats so well. All this backstory attention has me mindful of other actors who played core Abbotts Mr. Terry Lester (the original Jack), Ms. Brenda Epperson and Ms. Shari Shattuck (the replacement Ashleys), Mr. Marguerite Ray, and Ms. Veronica Redd (the Mamies), and especially Jerry Douglas (as John Abbott). Am appreciative that although Mr. Mal young is taking kicks from many on message boards, he and his team gave such careful thought and attention to this legacy family.
Answer: Plot-driven. heavy-handed and WAY out-of-character!
Question: How does one characterize Mal Young’s latest mis-step and mis-handling of Bill Bell’s legacy?
Another swing and a miss, Mal-efocent Young!! Your constant re-writing of Abbott family history to satisfy your plot-driven mess of storytelling is repugnant and hollow!!
I am happy Ashley was given a big send off–it was a good-bye love letter which she richly deserved. However, it did get me thinking–where’s Paul’s good-bye love letter? Is he gone already? No one even mentions his name on the show and meanwhile, Rey has made himself at home in Paul’s office.
That said, I think the acting and writing regarding the complicated, dysfunctional, Abbot family dynamics was top notch all the way. Peter Bergman always delivers playing a tough businessman who wears his heart on his sleeve.
Young John Abbott is soooooo HOT!! Get rid of Cain or Billy…. bring in the young John Abbott actor ( should have looked up his name)… God, he’s gorgeous!!– there’s something about him ……
I will miss Eileen so much!! I wish she would come back to Days as Susan, now that Kristin is burned to a crisp…..or is she??
I hope Traci will stay on? Wishful thinking….
This may sound inconsequential? Granted, it is….but, when was a “Fall Break” become part of any curriculum? I don’t ever remember having a fall-break growing up or on any given-present-day. Is it a Wisconsin thing? Did Mal young just make it up?
Fall Break is definitely a thing. My school had Fall Break growing up. I believe schools often offer a fall break to coincide with Yom Kippur, as it’s the most important Jewish holy day of the year.
Hi, Sonniorsorlita,
Oh, Ok. I guess what stumped me is that Yom Kippur ( which my brother-in-law’s father celebrates) is usually around mid September to early October? ….never the end of October. We just never referred to it as Fall Break. LOL..
Thanks for explaining.
That should read….” When has, not was…”.
Also, perhaps it’s an English custom?
I’d like to add that I think Ashley was so professional, albeit soooo hurt!!
I truly appreciated the flashbacks ( though I agree with the others who would have like flashbacks with Douglas)……a revelation, as it were. We had the pleasure of delving into the characters’s personalities and how their parents’ behwvior(s) affected their psyche.
One would think that as, sort of, the black sheep, Traci would become grow up to be a shrew; an introvert.
However, it was so refreshing to see how she has come be the most mature, fair and level-headed sibling.
Kudos to the writing format—at least we were gifted with the few snippets of yesteryear. I loved it!!
I, also, want to agree with Harry about ‘Paul’—no shining send-off. Perhaps because he is recurring? Is he?
American Idol
AMERICAN IDOL: Was it Shady of Former Contestant Alyssa Raghu to Sneak in on Best Friend Julia Davos’ Audition and Score a Golden Ticket?
Show business is really cutthroat and it was fully on display on Sunday night’s latest episode of American Idol. We’re not sure after the dust settled if we should be more upset with the judges: Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Katy Perry, or former contestant Alyssa Raghu.
But, here is what went down. 20-year-old Julia Davo, auditioned for the judges with a performance of David Bowie’s “Life on Mars?” She also had mentioned that she is best friends and roommates with former ‘Idol’ contestant Alyssa Raghu.
The judges felt Davo needed more work, and should come back and audition again, once she has honed in on her vocals a bit more while allowing for her voice to grow. However, when the judges gave their verdict, Raghu was now in the audition room. They told Raghu, “When she’s absolutely ready in your eyes, bring her back to us.”
It was at the point, there was a swerve by Raghu when she addressed the judges, “I know you said that my voice was going to grow until it was 21. You said that when I was, like, 15. Just for giggles, I’d love to sing you something.”
At the point, Katy Perry gave her the OK to sing. But, while viewers initially thought at home, that she may just be singing for the judges to prove that she has become a better singer, she was actually angling to get in the competition, once again.
“I think this was a really weird plot twist,” Perry confessed after Raghu’s performance of Mariah Carey’s “My All.” Katy added,“I think you could go in. Do I think you could win it? No, personally. If you were going to go to Idol one more time, I want to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you could win.” So with that, Katy gave Raghu a “no.” However, Luke and Lionel were being generous and gave her two votes as “yes.” Therefore, Raghu received a golden ticket right in front of her friend who received a “no.”
Davo tried her best to say how happy she was that Raghu is receiving another chance, because as she said, “She deserves this.” But in the end, it was awkward and uncomfortable to watch.
Alyssa’s previous journey on Idol went something like this: She made it to the Top 50 of Season 16 but was eliminated by the end of Hollywood Week. She returned for Season 17, making it all the way to the Top 8.
Watch the auditions of Davo and Raghu below.
Now let us know, do you think Raghu should have auditioned after her friend did not receive a golden ticket? Should the judges have allowed Alyssa to sing and then vote to put her in the competition for the third time? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Explains Part of Where He Has Been; What Do You Think Will be Revealed as the Rest of the Story?
GH fans received a part of the backstory of just where Jason (Steve Burton) has been for the last two plus years on the Thursday, March 16th episode of the ABC daytime drama series.
In story, as Jason (Steve Burton) is hiding out at the Quartermaine boat house, Michael (Chad Duell) brings him a change of clothes and when Jason lifts up his sweatshirt, and is in then in only a tank-top, his arm is exposed showing his tattoo. Michael is shocked to see that on Jason (in real life, Burton now has that tattoo).
When Michael questions Jason as to where he has been for over two years after the tunnel collapsed on him, Jason explains. He tells Michael he found his way out of the tunnel. However, on his way out there were two gunmen waiting fo him who kidnapped him and he was taken prisoner.
Next, Jason shares he was flown out of Greece and ended up in a windowless room. He reveals a man wanted him to do a job and had leverage on him to force him to agree to take it. When Michael asks Jason what exactly was the job, he says he’s been working as a private military contractor, i.e., a mercenary.
On the night of Dante’s (Dominic Zamprogna) shooting, Jason explains he made his way to Port Charles and was working with the other shooter, Hamish. However, he was unaware that the target was Sonny (Maurice Benard). When Jason realized what was up, he made sure Hamish missed his shot. Michael inquires if Jason would have even come back to Port Charles if Sonny wasn’t the target.
At that point, Jason shared that the job he was given isn’t done, and if he doesn’t finish it, bad things will happen. At the end of the episode, Jason is having a flashback where it’s revealed he is in custody at Quantico and it’s John “Jagger” Cates (Adam J. Harrington) from the FBI who is holding him there. John tells Jason he has a recording proving RICO violations that will carrying a twenty-year sentence. We fade to black.
So, what do you think is really going on here? Jason looks to be working with John Cates and the FBI as part of a deal to bring someone to justice to get out of a 20-year sentence for RICO violations. But, who is the man that Jason and potentially John want to bring down? What did you think of the backstory of Jason’s two-year disappearance thus far? Share your thoughts in the comment section, But first, check out the key scenes from yesterday’s GH below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Carly and Jason’s Emotional Reunion Is Cut Short When John and Anna Arrive on the Scene
If you watch daytime drama and General Hospital you know that there is an unique bond and deep love between the characters of Carly Spencer and Jason Morgan. You also know that when Laura Wright (Carly) and Steve Burton (Jason) get together in scenes with high stakes and high drama, they deliver in spectacular fashion.
On today’s, Friday, March 8th episode of the ABC daytime drama series, Carly is in for quite the shock when her beloved Jason is standing right there in the dark and in her living room. For two years, Carly has grieved Jason’s ‘death’, only for him to be right before her.
With tears in his eyes, and just saying “Carly”, it stops her dead in her tracks. She runs towards Jason and they share an emotional reunion. You came back,” Carly cries. Jason says he is sorry it took so long to contact her. Problem is, Jason has been shot and is bleeding out and needs her help. Jason obviously had no where to go, and is only letting himself truly be known to Carly, because he can trust her with his life and vice-versa.
Carly goes to get a first-aid kit, and tells Jason to promise he won’t leave. He promises. But as he sits down on the couch, he is in bad shape. Carly returns as they clean the bullet wound area. Still in shock, Carly says, “How can you be here?”
Things get very touching when Carly tells Jason she wishes she could call her mom for help. Jason tells her not to call Bobbie. Just then, Carly says she can’t because her mother died. Jason goes, “Bobbie died?” As soon as the two were going to talk about it, there is pounding noises at Carly’s front door. It’s John (Adam J. Harrington) and Anna (Finola Hughes). Jason hides.
Anna asks Carly if they can come in. They show her the screen capture of Jason on the roof. Carly plays it very convincingly asking FBI agent Cates and Anna if this image of Jason is real. Anna confirms Jason is alive and they need to search her house. Carly firmly tells them they cannot search the house, but they tell her they have a warrant and don’t have to have her permission. Jason listens in from the staircase. We fade to black.
So, what did you think of the reunion scenes thus far between Carly and Jason and the performances of Laura Wright and Steve Burton? Share your thoughts via the comment section below. But first, check out the moment Carly and Jason saw each for the first time in two years.
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THIS WEEK on GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Explains Where He Has Been, Sam is Emotional