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THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Abbott Family Drama Leaves Ashley To Make A Game-Changing Decision

By Michael Fairman

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Photo Credit: JPI Studios

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.

Photo Credit: JPI Studios

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.

Photo Credit: JPI Studios

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.

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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?

Days Of Our Lives

How John Oliver’s ‘Days of Our Lives’ Guest Star Turn as ‘Devlin St. John’ Came to an End

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‘Last Week Tonight’ host, John Oliver wrapped his three-episode run on Days of Our Lives on the Friday, August 14 episode of the Peacock streaming soap opera, where viewers learned the fate of his character, the Salem chief water inspector, Devlin St. John.

Oliver got all of wishes granted and got to revel in some soap tropes on Friday’s episode which included: a slapping fest, a mind-erasing drug and case of amnesia, and exiting through a Days of our Lives staple … the cryogenic chamber! This leaves the door open for Devlin St. John return down the line, since many characters come back to life from years on end in the said chamber.

Here’s what went down! In the pick-up from Oliver’s cliffhanger earlier in the week, Devlin St. John was drugged by EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel) and Rita Lesley (Maggie Carney). Now Rita prepared a syringe filled with CRS-17 to wipe out the last 24 hours of his memory, so the water inspector would get out of EJ’s way. However, there was a twist!

Courtesy/Peacock

DEVLIN ST. JOHN MUST BE DEALT WITH

Before the drug took its full effect, a dazed Devlin woke up very disoriented, believing he had been ‘compromised.’ Next, we get (as previewed), the showdown between Devlin and EJ, where Devlin stands up to EJ telling him he will not allow him to “gut” his brain, and calling him a “budget Bond villain!” In return, EJ calls Devlin a “sanctimonious little parasite,” which leads to St.John slapping EJ and vice-versa.

From there, things take an even more over-the-top soap turn. After his 24-hour amnesia took effect, Devlin managed still hear incriminating intel within the DiMera mansion. Rita realizes she must get rid of St. John for good, but she has developed feelings for him in short order. Rita admits she has developed a crush on the chief water inspector, so she cannot bring himself to kill him.

Courtesy/Peacock

JOHN OLIVER TO ADDRESS DAYS AND GH ROLES ON SUNDAY’S LAST WEEK TONIGHT?

However, next Rita has Devlin in a wheelchair and brings him into EJ’s underground cryogenic chamber. Once he is physically in the chamber, she kisses him on the lips, before she shoves him into the chamber with her parting words, “All you need is faith that you’ll return one day.”

Thus ends the soap opera journey of John Oliver from his three-day guest stint in July on General Hospital in the role of Z, the head of the WSB, to his campy role with the wig he brought to set as Devlin St. John on DAYS. It was back in March, Oliver revealed his list of requirements to any soap opera that would have him: a soapy name, a dramatic close-up and tag, slapping, and a juicy storyline.

Hopefully, Oliver will finally talk about his experiences on Days of Our Lives and General Hospital on this Sunday’s episode of ‘Last Week Tonight on HBO which should be a must-see.

So, what did you think of how John Oliver’s Devlin St. John was written out of Days of Our Lives? How did you like his run on DAYS as compared to GH? Both very different, for sure. Let us know via the comment section below.

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Recaps

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Sharon, Nick and Marie Struggle in Aftermath of a Relapse; Jade Harlow Shares She’s ‘Really Proud’ and ‘Grateful’ to ‘Show How Addiction Can Touch Anyone’ (Exclusive)

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There has been mixed reactions from fans of the The Young and the Restless, as they tell the story of Nick Newman‘s (Joshua Morrow) descent into drug addiction.

However, on the Thursday, August 13 episode of the CBS daytime drama series, it provided one of the more gut-wrenching turns in the tale, which showcased three performances that broke our hearts from Joshua Morrow, Sharon Case and Jade Harlow.

In the pick-up of the previous episode, after Nick phones Sharon for help, Sharon arrives at Crimson Lights disheveled and in tears and hugs Mariah (Camryn Grimes). She explains to her daughter that Nick is back in the rehab facility, and when Mariah asks how he’s doing, Sharon says she’s not even sure Nick knows how he’s doing.

Courtesy/CBS

SHARON COMES TO NICK’S RESCUE

We then get a flashback of how Nick grabbed onto Sharon’s waist and just cried from the motel bed. Sharon says he was just broken, and he needed a lifeline and called someone he trusted. She thinks in the moment Nick knew his addiction would be a lifelong battle.

Sadly, Sharon is gutted when she realized he used and had sex with another junkie the night before and breaks down. Sharon explains that even she is only present in her own life right now because someone one helped her over and over again, and if she can do that for Nick, she always will. In the scenes, Sharon Case played Sharon’s anguish over seeing her soulmate in such a terrible state, and it was effective and heartbreaking.

As for Nick, he is now in rehab in a group meeting confessing his relapse. He left his home for one night and didn’t want to come back. Instead, he hit up his drug dealer, ended up in a dump of a motel room, had a horrible nightmare (Monday’s episode), and relapsed with the addict in the room next to his, who then OD’d and almost died. Nick realizes he finds himself deep in the throes of addiction and can’t seem to get out. Another strong performance by Joshua Morrow in the storyline of his soap career.

Photo: JPI

NICK AND MARIE TRY TO COME TO TERMS WITH THEIR RELAPSE

Next, Marie shows up at the meeting, fresh off almost losing her life and illustrates just how much emotional pain she in. Marie sits next to Nick. She’s there because the hospital handed her a flyer after a night with bad and great moments. She breaks down, but gives herself a pat on the back for showing up at a meeting.

After the meeting, Nick asks Marie if she’ll check into the program. She says needs a little more time, but assures him she will not forget last night anytime soon. As they say goodbye, Nick asks if she’ll be back. She flirts with him then makes her exit. Jade Harlow was also heartbreaking in her scenes showing the deep conflict within an addict.

After the airing of the episode, Jade Harlow shared with Michael Fairman TV, “I’m really proud and really grateful to work with this incredible team & show (through the constraints we have) how addiction can touch anyone. And all we can do is try to survive it, and love each other through.”

VIEWER DISCOURSE OVER THE ADDICTION STORYLINE

Fans of course took to Michael Fairman TV’s Instagram with different perspectives on the story, from: “Great actors. But the story lines just drag out so long that it ruins the show,’ to ‘Incredible performances from everyone. This episode definitely hit home, and I was absolutely gutted. What an emotional, powerful episode. All the actors bravo take a bow.”

Other Y&R fans jumped into the comment thread with, “Agree the acting was absolutely superb BUT and I say this genuinely respectfully, THIS IS NOT WHY PEOPLE WATCH SOAPS! In fact it’s the opposite! I watch Y&R at the end of my crazy days as a treat to myself. It’s not heavy, it’s not deep, it softens my day. This story does the opposite. 50 yr viewer and I’m done until this story is over. It’s too much,” and “Today’s show was incredible! Totally agree the actors were in their prime. Sharon was so real, she brought you into the situation like it was real life. Nick was exceptional as well, we feel his desperation and utter disappointment and fear! Marie- such talent to drop into a show and portray this character on their worst day! Wow! Great job to the writers and cast!

While yes, this is a soapified version of the harrowing effects of addiction, the work by Y&R’s Morrow, Case and Harlow within its confines should not be discounted. They delivered.

So, how did you feel about the scenes where Sharon rescues Nick, he goes to meeting in rehab, and Marie shows up  after their night together in the seedy motel room? Are you all-in with this storyline and going on the journey with it, or are you a viewers who wants it to stop? And, what did you think of the performances of Jade Harlow, Joshua Morrow and Sharon Case? Let us know via the comment section below.

 

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Michael Gets Willow Right Where He Wants Her, Curtis is Found Guilty and Sentenced to Prison

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Michael and Willow

The Thursday, August 13 episode of General Hospital gave us just what Michael (Rory Gibson) was going to do to Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), now that he had the goods on her that she shot Drew, the verdict in the Curtis (Donnell Turner) vs. Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) case, and left us with Trina (Tabyana Ali) alone with her stalker nearby. Let’s take a look at how it all went down!

When Willow arrived at the Quartermaines to pick up Wiley and Amelia, she was stopped in her tracks when Michael confronted her armed with the truth that she shot Drew (Cameron Mathison) twice in the back. She denies it. However, Michael pulls out of an envelope signed affidavits from Kai (Jens Austin Astrup) and Trina, explaining they were at Drew’s house that night and have proof.

Michael explains her ring tone went off on her phone while she was getting ready to shoot Drew, and it was a match for Wiley’s. Kai and Trina heard the same ringtone at the courthouse when she stood trial for attempted murder. Willow threw the fact that she can’t be tried again in a court of law because of double jeopardy. However, Michael stopped her ranting and says double jeopardy doesn’t apply in family court.

Willow

Courtesy/ABC

HOW MICHAEL GOT THE UPPER HAND ON WILLOW

Now, Michael is ready to expose her crime. Suddenly, Willow grabs the rolling pin on the counter to strike Michael, but he is able to block her. Michael tells Willow she either accepts the arrangement he is about to tell her, or she will never see her children again. Willow tries to counter that Jacinda drugged her and she can prove it. However, Michael lets it be known that Jacinda is long gone with no forwarding address.

Next, Michael tells Willow she can remain a part of their children’s lives and he will keep their current custody arrangement as long as she moves back into the gatehouse. Willow hates the gatehouse, but knows she has no other option, so she says she will pack up her things at Nina’s and move in.

Donnell Turner

Courtesy/ABC

GUILTY!

At the courthouse, the jury has reached a verdict in the case of Curtis vs. Isaiah. When the jury comes back before the court, the jury foreperson shares, “We find the defendant, Curtis Ashford, guilty of second-degree assault and battery.” In lieu of the verdict, the judge sentences Curtis to ten years in prison at Pentonville with the possibility of parole in two years.

Curtis’ attorney Martin Grey (Michael E. Knight) tells his client he has gotten him 48 hours before he had to report to prison, and planned to file an appeal with the courts on the verdict. Curtis then says heartfelt goodbyes with Trina and Jordan (Tanisha Harper), before heading over to Portia’s (Brook Kerr) to see his newborn son, Desmond knowing he will not see him for quite a long time.

WHO’S THE STALKER?

Trina and Kai are at now at Bobbie’s. They talk about her father going to prison, and Trina is channeling her feelings into her songwriting. Kai decides to let Trina be by herself so she can focus and he won’t be a distraction. However, after Kai makes his exit, someone is looking through the windows at Bobbie’s and targeting Trina. But who? We fade to black.

So, what did you think about Michael having the goods on Willow and knowing she shot Drew? Were you happy about how he used the information to gain the upper hand to get her to move back into the Quartermaines gatehouse? Were you hoping for a different outcome? Are we just a short time away from Michael and Willow being back together as a couple after everything that has happened? Then, what did you think of the verdict in Curtis’ case? Glad he going away to prison for what he did? Do you care, or do not really care? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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