Recaps
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Ashley’s Revenge Plot On Jack Revealed; He Is John’s Son After All!
How many of you saw this coming? Did you think that Ashley would dupe her brother, Jack Abbott? Well, if you caught how her plan was executed in her revenge-plot against him on Monday’s episode; you also saw brilliant performances by Eileen Davidson (Ashley) and Peter Bergman (Jack).
As it turned out, after months and months of thinking that John Abbott was not his bio-dad and his continual search for who could likely be his father, Jack gets the bombshell of all bombshells. He was never anyone else’s son! Ashley hatched a secret plan to ensure she would stake a claim to the Abbott family company, Jabot and name, and for he daughter, Abby (Melissa Ordway).
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Once the truth is out in front of the family and co-workers, Jack asks to speak to Ashley in private and the showdown begins. Ashley says she was completely justified in making it appear to Jack that John was not his biological father. When he thinks Victor put her up to this, she revels in the fact that she did this all on her own.
Ashley confesses that it all dates back to last Christmas when Jack threw the blood Abbott clause in her face and made her feel like a fraud. Ashley goes on to list the many ways he betrayed her and the family and made her feel less than because she was not John’s bio-daughter. She screams out at Jack that she was sick and tired of being nice and wanted to be as cold and calculating as he was. She goes on to say how she even duped Dina, who has Alzheimer’s, by planting the seed that Dina had another affair on John.
As viewers we see flashbacks through Ashley of how she pulled-off her plan. Jack asks, “Who are you?” He explodes at her that no wonder Dina couldn’t remember the name of his real father; because he didn’t exist! Ashley even says she was sorry, but then glad, that Jack learned about the now faux-fact that John wasn’t his father in the movie screening of Dina’s documentary, and that she edited in Dina’s confession into the film. Ashley then goes on to tell via flashback just how she paid off Andrew, the lab tech to handle the DNA results; where she switched her hair sample for Traci’s so it would not match Jack’s.
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
All of this was done to ensure she would run Jabot. Ashley tells him she was justified in wanting revenge and she wanted him to know what it felt like to not be a part of the family he grew-up in and that he loved so much. Jack shouts at her that she is a cold monster, and then starts to take the name plate off of Ashley’s office door. He then (in a redux of the classic scene between Victor and Jack, where Jack throws the executive chair that sits behind the desk through a window) throws Ashley;s executive chair through the glass in the front of Ashley’s office into the reception area. Ashley screams.
Kudos to the performances of Davidson and Bergman! These are tw0 Daytime Emmy-winning powerhouses who we will miss seeing together when Davidson finishes up her on-screen run on Y&R.
So, what did you think of the story twist? Glad Jack is truly John Abbott’s son? Shocked that Ashley pulled off this plot? What did you think of Eileen and Peter’s performances? Comment below, but first watch the final minutes of Monday’s episode.
I am glad to see Jack’s paternity intact, and that the plot thread it tied in short order. Still, to see Ashley is the one behind the deception cuts deep and hurts. I know Jack and Ashley were competitive and Dina’s return set forth new rivalry, but I have a hared thinking Ashley would go this far. Perhaps it is a nod to history as I recall Ashley sort of losing her mind after her learning her paternity and an affair Victor in the 1980s.
is she teetering off the edge ???? that would give some leeway.. between brother and sister. w/ her strong feelings about mom coming back to roost… and knowing “her” father not with; to lay it out. John abbott sr.. Jack and Ashley .. what else was their ???? so… this exit story leaves her and us REELING … knowing “just jack” gets his crest back in order and his back bone IN.. is all it’s worth. I don’t know.. it’s putting a knife in the back of Y&R that Eileen Davidson, Doug Davidson, and MUCH MORE to ride this out. Paul and Ashley… Ashley and Paul… all the same … the best
I thought all was wonderful – the story and the performances was great – so great I had to watch a few times on my DVR – still NOT ready to delete that episode yet because i will be reviewing that same episode tonight !!
I agree, Ann. It was a great episode, regardless of one’s feelings about who’s right or wrong. And it really gave Beth Maitland and Michael Mealor a chance to shine as well.
Where to begin?!?!?!?! CLASSIC soap!!!!! Who needs doppelgangers, and guns, and serial killers, and all the things that soaps AREN’T…..when you can watch this?? Explosive family drama that rolls in veteran cast members gets me every time. I am also officially convinced…Mal Young KNOWS exactly what he is doing!!! He has kept the classic look and feel of the show while modernizing it as well. The look of the show is GREAT! It’s a little hipper, a little fresher, a little …younger. Let’s not forget the title after all! And damn, Mal knows how to deliver the shockers! Nick posing as JT and sabotaging Victor…now Ashley’s revenge!
Let’s rewind just a few months when it was first revealed that Jack was not a blood Abbott. Fans screamed bloody murder!!! “Mal is dismantling a core family! He should be fired!” “Mal has no respect for the show’s history!!” “He is ruining what Bill Bell created!” Instead of waiting FIVE minutes for the story to roll out, fans were crucifying Mal. Back in the day, stories played out over months and even years, and fans had to go along for the ride. There was no social media. Well, there were the Public Opinion columns in the soap magazines, but they printed maybe 10 short letters per issue.
First of all, it was teased that Jack could be a Chancellor Interesting possibility but without Katherine (she adored Jack…that would have been a great story), ultimately would go nowhere. But we were wondering. Then, it came up (and was always speculated) that Jack and Victor were brothers. Again, a possibly interesting development, but it would just screw with the show’s history. I KNEW….in my heart of hearts, that Mal had a twist up his sleeve. Personally, I thought Victor was behind the tampering of Jack’s test! What better way for Victor to neutralize Jack than to crush him by taking John Abbott away as his father? Then, by making Jack think they were brothers, that could lessen Jack’s constant attacks. Also, Victor could roll Jabot into his company, and then at some time down the road, Victor could completely pull the rug out from under Jack. That’s where my thinking was going.
But these were just red herrings. I did not suspect Ashley at ALL,,,and I am usually 43 steps ahead of soap writers! Not until very shortly before the reveal, when that guy was blackmailing Ashley…I KNEW! My mind was blown, but I waited and salivated for how the reveal would play out. To my delight it happened a mere days later, not 6 months!! All I can say is WOW!!!
What a KILLER exit story for Eileen Davidson!!!! Obviously she will be back in the future to play the fallout, but imagine everything that can happen until then!! Ashley has a history of mental illness! This twist makes PERFECT sense!!! No one knew how badly damaged Ashley was by the knowledge that John was not her father! Everyone expected her to always take the high road, and she finally snapped. Even if Jack didn’t seem to be doing his actions out of a malicious intent, emotions aren’t always rational! The dialogue was SO spot on. It perfectly illustrated character, delineated decades of history, and established crystal clear character motivation!
All of the actors were at their finest!! I WISH Beth Maitland was around full time! She is an absolute treasure. She is the heart and soul of the show! Her capacity for love and forgiveness is breathtaking! Melissa Ordway has SO come into her own as Abby…she has EARNED her place as the younger leading lady of the show!!! When Jack hurled that chair through the glass, and Ashley screamed, it sent chills down my spine!! Talk about Can’t Wait Till Monday!!!
I reiterate…THIS is soap opera!! Eileen Davidson has been working non stop on two shows for years…she deserves a break. She has often been underused on Y and R. The lack of a viable love interest for her has always been a curious issue. But the show MORE than made up for it by crafting an exit for her in which her character can go ANYWHERE and do ANYTHING!!!!!! And get involved with ANYONE!! I have already heard some fans online saying “Ashley wouldn’t do this!” Good writing allows characters to GET to the point where they could do anything! A woman with a history of mental illness, abandonment issues, and feeling like a displaced outsider for most of her life? I think there was no way Ashley couldn’t do this!!!!!!
I haven’t liked all of Mal’s work. Don’t get me wrong! I don’t like Billy and Phyllis as a couple, and Billy sleeping with Summer, and a potential pregnancy is gross!! I don’t appreciate a flood of newbies as Doug Davidson falls by the wayside. Tessa is pointless! But if this recent week of shows…Billy’s intervention, Ashley’s revenge…is any indication of the future direction, I won’t miss an episode. As well, as I stated, I am usually WAY ahead of soap writers, but I have NO idea who is blackmailing the four ladies!! I have NO idea where that story is going, but I am very interested to find out!!
I could go on and on…and well, I have!! Just wanted to talk about CLASSIC soap, and why Y and R is once again exactly that!! I say Bill Bell would be damn proud!!
I couldnt have expessed my absolute delicious enjoyment of these past couple of episodes any better Jovin!
Ofcourse there are holes in the story like even if Ashley felt justified in treating Jack this way she would never use Abby or want her involved etc,but regardless only a seasoned vet and extrodinary actress like Eileen could pull off this character 180. I truly felt sorry for her and she sold her revenge motivation 100%. I will miss her but am happy she got such a dramatic sendoff!!
Further i d like to add among the top notch acting all around amongst the Abbotts, Kyle has also been knocking it out of the park as portrayed by the young Mr. Mealor! What a find.
All in all im eating up all the Abbott juiciness and i second this is classic Bill Bell y n r!. I too had my doubts but Mal young has redeemed himself.
Thanks Big D!! 🙂
I totally forgot to mention Michael Mealor as Kyle! He has been impressing me since the naked Birthday Suit stunt! This show FINALLY has an actor with the chops to play Kyle as the leading man he always should have been! Abby and Kyle are the next Jack and Ashley!!
Jovin, Michael Mealor is amazing. There is something really unique about this actor. He has the ability to listen to other actors when they deliver their lines while revealing something his own character is thinking. He manages to say something without talking.
Again, Harry, you said it better than I could. That ability you mentioned is rare and makes his performances something very special. Imagine being so relatively new and holding your own with Eric Braeden, Eileen Davidson, Peter Bergman, and Beth Maitland! No small feat!
Jovin, your words are pearls. Michael has grabbed hold of this character with a vengeance and has become one of the few reasons I keep tuning in. His acting choices are original, unexpected, always in character, and often thrilling. What a find this guy is! Not to mention..he’s as hot as they come. I look forward to what’s next for Kyle–and THAT’S something I’d never have expected.
Great post, Jovin. Now unlike you, I am usually not good at guessing how a story line is going to pan out but I guessed Ashely had switched the DNA results and had sabotaged her mother’s documentary the day that episode aired. I said as much on Michael Fairman’s comment section during that time period. I think we can connect the dots to how Ashely was driven to this kind of insanity–it works and it’s not plot driven; it’s actually character driven. I’ve written about this extensively on the last Fairman Y&R blog, and I don’t want to repeat myself anymore than I already have. The writing and the acting is superb. Davidson and Bergman are hitting it out of the ballpark. Ashely seems removed from reality and John Abott’s over indulged and spoiled “beauty” seems more like Blanche Dubois than a top level executive. I full expect her to be escorted out of the Abbott mansion with the men in white coats while she says,”I have always depended on the kindness of strangers.”
I AGREE! A little patience goes a LONG way in terms of payoff! Mal Young is DELIVERING! The Abbott Family drama has been RIVETING and all of the motivation makes SENSE and is in character! Bravo,Y&R!
Wow – your opinion is nothing short of long-winded and…LONG!!!
Don’t know what show you’re watching in which you’re being entertained – IT SURELY ISN’T THIS MESS!! Your praise for Michael Mealor is weird unto itself – this kid can’t act and the only facial expression he is capable of making is that of constipation – like someone gave him an enema with a vacuum cleaner!!
Your praise for Mal Young is hysterical, BTW – he has done everything in his power to make EVERY CHARACTER on “Y & R” nothing short of likable!! Then again, you find that entertaining. My guess is that you are also entertained by plastic bags caught in an updraft or when adults dangle keys in front of you.
This MESS is not “Y & R” – not by a long-shot!!
As much as I love Peter Bergman and Eileen Davidson, I am not loving this storyline. It just doesn’t make much sense to me. Off topic, who thinks that Tessa is blackmailing the four ladies?
WOW AVP!!!!!!! I am humbled by your inner Sherlock Holems!!!
Jovin, I read another blogger’s response, and a few think it’s Tessa. I can’t take credit. I’m not that interested in the storyline, so I didn’t give it much thought. Makes sense though!
I thought so too, but can not figure out how she would know all the details of their little caper, including he burial site.
Yawn, of course it’s Messa.
I think “Messa” is running a con. I don’t think anyone is after her…and honestly, I don’t care either way! #YAWN
I know what you mean, AVP. Tessa never really clicked in any story (for me), despite Cait’s valiant efforts and great beauty. I will feel bad for the unlucky in love Mariah. Apparently she inherited her mother’s poor instincts for choosing partners.
I do!
OMG!!! What a send off for Eileen Davidson! With her icy delivery and Peter Bergman’s shock, disappointment and rage, in my opinion they were brilliant! I am going to miss her greatly and she deserves her previous emmy awards and the nomination that is to come next year, along with a nomination for Petet Bergman. Finally Mal Young, you shocked the hell out of me with this reveal. Hopefully, it will be the same with the J.T., murder case.
Kudos to you: what a GREAT read. especially when it comes to Mal Young RIGHTING the WRONG …. this is Peter Bergman’ WORLD – The Abbott Clan forever and foremost his fight. dag… here go back the pillar of strength. renewed vigor by each and every individual that make up John Abbott Sr… empire.
PLUS : this is also the way to go… leave so much animosity torn heart broke between two of the best older brother younger sister camaraderie allies beyond and just pure delight in their sparring with the outer world. SIGH !
I can take this as the one and only superlative send off, of, Ms. Eileen Davidson. WHICH IS still leaving a gaping HOLE on the show. nevertheless a seal of approval should Ms. Eileen Davidson be given that opportunity on her terms to an open door.
yes… this is emmy all over it… and … one that I can finally agree on… when actors are nominated year and year out… Peter Bergman .. you are ON it ! kudos to you sir.. for keeping us all smiling back in front… alive and well.. just back where you belong… keeping the Abbott fires burning.. if only for us, the audience, to see the private scenes @Y&R has done between father and son… Jerry Douglas – AND – our beacon Peter Bergman
Eileen Davdison : best leading actress @DAYS – AND – Y&R. you will come home to Salem or Genoa City and that REEL (s) will be heard round the world
LOVE LOVE LOVE
PS: Mr. Michael Fairman… can we please have a DATE on when: thee dynamic bar none; lady’ Eileen Davidson, last day is: ???? tearing up and stomach wrench …
Patrick, great post as well! Y&R gives us more of this!
Well done.
Something had to come out where Jack was a full blooded Abbott. There was no way anyone could rewrite history when the show has been on for this long. I have always known Ashley to be a strong woman but I never thought she had this kind of venom in her so that was a nice touch. I’m glad her scenes on the show packed the powerful punch they did because she will be leaving any moment now.
Awesome show
Yes, it’s a plot device to accommodate Eileen’s leaving. Yes, I hated seeing Ashley painted with such a devious brush. But…what great acting and vintage drama, with a nod to Jack’s previous chair-crashing moment from years ago. One of Eileen’s best scenes in years with great support from Beth Maitland, underrated Michael Mealor, and the magnificent Peter Bergman.
Even though Peter has a few more years on him, he hefted that chair almost as good as when he threw Victor’s chair out, those many years ago.
Thoroughly enjoyed how it all came together, filling in “missing” time flashbacks especially between Ashley and Dina. Although I suspected Ashley tampered with DNA and came to believe Jack was indeed John Abbott’s son, I never surmised Ashley manipulated her mother. Although Jack was livid with Ashley for doing this, decades ago Jack manipulated his own father when John had been seriously ill (something about John’s will.) Therefore, as much as I disliked Ashley’s behavior, she played fire with fire. I hope someone reminds Jack of what he did to his own father when his father wasn’t in complete control of his own mind… and I hope the writers have researched that storyline.
And yes, the acting was terrific and the bitter exchange of blows was some of the better dialogue in recent years. Unfortunately, these scenes was juxtaposed with the ridiculous “mysterious letters” and the foursome at Sharon’s home. Of all the characters on the show, who is in dire need of that kind of money? TESSA.
Ron, I fast forward through the Four Witches of Genoa City and have been doing so since they decided not to report the accidental killing of JT. It’s been a bore and the whole premise is predicated upon abject stupidity coming from the leader of the witches, Phyllis. Phyllis is anything but stupid but for her to demand that they not report the accidental killing of JT immediately and to cover it up was the epitome of stupidity. To make it even dumber, the other three dumb witches followed Phyllis’s idiotic idea. Nikki accidentally killed JT while defending her daughter who was being beaten by him–there were three witnesses. This was a slam dunk. And of course it’s Tessa blackmailing them. She knows nothing but knows these four idiots are acting like nervous wrecks about something. Of course Dumber and Dumber times two take the bait. They need to end this wreck of a storyline because everyone is bored by it.
Gina’s portrayal of Phyllis has not one once of sexual appeal to me. She is so mean ALL the time!
So true, Harry. The witches of Eastwick they ain’t. And I LOVE when Phyllis & Miss Nikki continually threaten Sharon as if she’ll come out the worst! It was deceitful Phyllis’ idea to lie, Miss Nikki committed the (justifiable) crime and J. T. was Victoria’s husband. Exactly how will Sharon have it worse?
Welll said again, Harry. The 4 witches– A good laugh! It reminded me of MacBeth’s witches… and, I loved your earlier comparison of Ashley to Blanche DuBois (and “the kindess of strangers.”) What Y and R could use now is a little modernizing of King Lear.
Thank you Ron and Soaphound. Yes, Ron–they are the Weird Sisters. I fully expect Phyllis to conjure up a steaming potion which contains the “eye of newt and the toe of frog” and she will instruct the other three witches to drink it and it will absolve them. And Sharon, Victoria and Nikki would do so because they follow every idiotic command Phyllis makes.
Well, I know you’re paying no attention to the story, but Friday’s photo of the Chancellor Park monument (sent by the blackmailer) did add a twist to the dull story. All along I felt it was Tessa. Now, I’m not so sure. Either JT unburied himself or one of the 4 witches is behind it; if so, I peg Sharon since all this started right after she got word of the Nick/Phyllis “love’s labour lost.” There was that MISSING TIME element of Sharon’s wedding, and I have wondered what she was doing and where she was– no one seems to know. Your thoughts are always worth reading, my friend.
“were” juxtaposed.
I knew, was right, so no surprise for me.
I had said; when Victor entered the showing of Dina’s life that the switch was not him, not his style.
I said it was a ”revenge” story and it was Kyle or Ashley, then later just Ashley as the sole master of the plot to get even with Jack.
There was no way that the writers would make Jack not Johns son, that will never ever happen, I knew that lol.
And, before Ashley leaves for wherever Jack and all will show her pity, she will not leave as a horrible bitch.
I’m more interested in Billy’s story..
And– the JT story has trued stupid with stupid letters ahaa it’s so lame.
for a mystery it is a huge fail.
as for who it is ehhhh it’s probably Paul, if not it should be…
I was not surprised either but I was very entertained. You know what Billy and Ashely have in common, su000? They are both guilty of what aboutism and their acts of revenge far exceed the initial crime they feel was directed against them. Ashely fails to mention, as she shrills over and over how Jack pushed her out of Jabot’s CEO seat, that he only used the Blood-Abbott clause because she was trying to have the board fire him as CEO. His crime? He was too busy taking care of his mother who is suffering from Alzheimer’s. What Ashley did to her mother and brother was cruel and heartless while Jack was just on the defense. I am so tired of Ashely playing victim and her annoying shrieking has made me want to tell her, “Don’t let the door hit you.” I love Davidson but am not a fan of Ashley’s. Bye bitch! And Billy sleeping with Summer also presented a false equivalence. Phyllis slept with her ex while they were on a break–it wasn’t right but it’s hardly a mortal sin. Billy went after Summer and in so doing, he managed to screw over Phyllis, Nick and Summer, who had been his greatest defender and supporter. He crossed a line as did Ashely but all they can do is scream,”What about….?”
The last two weeks of Y&R have been some of its absolute best thanks to this storyline, which is an incredibly rich, well written, and powerfully acted storyline that is worthy of the legacy Bill Bell left behind. This show has always been about characters, and class, and conflict, and the delicious payoff that the viewers are treated to when these elements all come to head. Bill Bell was the king of making viewers keep his secrets — oftentimes for years — and then spinning incredible tales from often long-forgotten nuggets of history. This entire arc has been an homage to that storytelling.
Longtime viewers (and I mean LONG time viewers) of the show are well aware of the secret of Ashley’s paternity, a fact that John Abbott never knew, even to his dying day. We know the heartbreak, the hysteria, and the healing that Ashley experienced over decades in coming to terms with the fact that she is not John’s biological daughter. Longtime viewers also know Ol’ Smiling Jack, whose guile, charm, and arrogance got him into, and (ironically) out of, all the messes he found himself in over the years. And we’ve watched over the years the constant power struggle between Jack and Ashley, rooted deeply in each’s desire to gain the respect and approval of a father who either could never truly be hers (in the case of Ashley) or whose love he seemingly never really deserved (in the case of Jack).
Starting from this premise, Mal Young and company gave us a twist on the classic Cain and Abel trope. But what made this particular take so good — and so timely — is its tie to real world events. Most obviously, you have the pending departure of the singular tour-de-force, Eileen Davidson, who has played Ashley on and off for over 30 years, a character who is not only the consummate “daddy’s girl” but an edgy businesswoman with wit, elegance, grace, and steel to boot. But beneath the surface is the story of a woman in 2018 America trying to assert her position in her family and the workplace — notwithstanding other voices who insist that she wanted it too much and that the tactics that she employed to attain it were egregiously underhanded. Taking these notes, Davidson played Ashley to a hilt: furious (that, out of all the sins her brother had committed against her over the years, he used her paternity to edge her out of the CEO position at Jabot), vengeful (having decided that Jack’s latest stunt was a bridge too far), duplicitous (resorting to a scheme so Machiavellian that her brother believed it was Victor’s doing), bratty (when found out and reduced to tears and “Jack did it, why can’t I?” arguments, literally stomping her feet, insistent that if John were alive she KNOWS he would forgive her and so everyone else should to), and (my personal favorite) ultimately entirely unremorseful for her actions. She played a man’s game — specifically her brother’s, with a few pages taken out of Victor’s playbook — and won. Ashley’s wasn’t just an on-screen, personal victory for the character, but it was a broader, albeit subtle, commentary on the state of gender politics right now. We know Ashley wanted that chair. (Note the past tense since her family summarily voted her out less than a week after she took it.) We know that she even deserved it. And kudos to her, and women everywhere, for knowing her self-worth, refusing to accept anything less, and TAKING what she wanted by any means necessary.
This story could not have been written for any character other than Ashley Abbott. And, in my estimation, it could not have been played by any other actress besides Eileen Davidson. Davidson has had a number of departures over the years, with most of her exit storylines being pretty anticlimactic. But this was material that was undisputably worth her mettle and she DELIVERED. We’ll miss you, Eileen!
This a well written and thoughtful response. Thanks for posting it. As a four-decade Y&R viewer, I know the Abbott history and agree with your insight.
This plot is a “poster child” for what the writers should be doing: Using the history of the characters to drive the plots. Frankly, daytime serials have neither the time, money or resources to compete with other genres (movies or night-time shows) to craft compelling “action” plots. These decade-long shows, however, do have an advantage: Characters that viewers have watched for eons. Veteran viewers feel like they “know” the characters and can appreciate the significance of certain events.
To a new viewer, a scene of Jack arguing with Ashley and tossing a chair out of a window may seem cheesy and over the topic. To a veteran viewer, it is compelling as we know the devotion/competition/conflict between Jack and Ashley that has played out over 35 years. Even the “chair tossing” was a nod to the classic Jack/Victor scene from 20 year ago where Jack threw it out the office’s exterior window!
I initially thought it was a HUGE mistake for the writers to “tinker” with Jack’s biological background. (Prior writers did this to Jill by stripping her of the Foster name; the poor character still has NOT recovered). This twist shows that my opinion was too soon as we needed to watch the plot fully unfold.
I would be very curious to know exactly who was responsible for this plot? Did Mal Young come up with the idea? I find it very interesting/hard to believe that the regime that could write this scene (so effectively using the history of the show) would be the same group that didn’t recognize the value of Doug Davidson/Paul Williams. This scene = well done. The ditching of Paul Williams = very unwise.
Barb– you hit it on the head; I, too, felt betrayed by Dina’s remark, “John Abbott is not Jack’s father.” I may have jumped the gun with by disappointment in rewriting history, but the past few years we have seen multitudes of gaffes– longtime viewers (I, since episode 1) know these characters inside out.
I also would love to know which writers ACTUALLY wrote the dialogue sequences between Jack and Ashley.They were powerfully written.
And, I can’t say the same holds true for this morning’s episode at the Abbott home with Kyle’s little party (Mariah, Tessa and Lola… then add Summer to the mix)– it stunk.
WOAH….excellent dissertation… belongs in the soap annal… couldn’t agree more w/@Barbara ^^^ “This a well written and thoughtful response”
it’s w/delight and heart tug.. all because of how beloved Eileen Davidson captivates and acts her arse off. March, 1982, this lade made her grand entrance… 36 years later !!!!
I truly like @Harry post: perhaps this is our lady love swan song ala Streetcar named desire Blanche Dubois. which @Iakovos also hinted at.
i’m not watching the show… my heart is full at all the posts lauding Eileen… thanks @Su000.. I will be watching thru October 29
Eileen Davidson : I love your persona… your acting mindset … godspeed to you and yours.. your son your husband. be well
What a brilliant post, CB. Nicely done. I enjoyed reading your observations. I do think what Ashely did to Jack was far more heinous than what Jack did to Ashely. She was trying to play a man’s game but went too far with the manipulation of Dina, the tampering of Dina’s documentary resulting in her public humiliation and the DNA tampering. I wish someone on Y&R would point out that Jack had his back against the wall when he pulled out that Jabot Blood Abbott clause. Ashely was trying to get him ousted from Jabot as CEO due to the fact that he was spending too much time tending to his ailing mother. What she did was an act of offense while what he did was an act of defense. Ashely still doesn’t seem to understand that her actions were morally and horrifically wrong. She seems as if she’s unhinged, and she is acting the way she did 20 years ago when she was sent to a mental asylum. In the legal world when a defense attorney has to prove innocent by reason of insanity, it must be proven that the defendant doesn’t understand the difference between right and wrong. I would say Ashely is starting to fit the legal definition of insanity as she still doesn’t quite understand that what she did was wrong.
I think Y&R has been on fire for months. And the new sets are hot! Was disappointed that Jack wasn’t John’s son and I only know John as a ghost. Great way to turn it around – I never saw that coming. And the ‘new’ flashbacks were also effective. Jack deserved it. He’s as mean spirited as Victor but not as successful. So righteous. Disappointed in Abby and Traci’s reaction and sorry Ashley leaves with the family against her. Great story otherwise!
Peter and Eileen have their Emmy reel! I know that is often said but these two FINALLY got to sink their teeth into some good dialogue!
Amen, Timmm. They had the best scenes in years and tore into them with a fury! We’ve all said it before: daytime actors are the BEST on television…and exceed most movie stars as well.
I am with Ashley on this one. Jack has ALWAYS made her feel like less of an Abbott and like it was his way or no way and she typically goes along and stays in her lane. I loved her standing up for herself and playing dirty! He CONSTANTLY threw her being Brent Davis’ daughter in her face. She is an Abbott also. Period.
I agree with you 100% Richard…I love Eileen Davidson and she will be missed.
Ashely will be saved ..
there will be a pity patty for Ashley and all will end well before she leaves and she will be given her Abbott status as Johns daughter, no doubt of that.
She will be handed her Abbott status..
it will end in a big family hug ..
The Blood Abbott clause, it should be kept.
A bad divorce could put Jabot in outside hands, too risky.
The blood Abbott is the Only safe-guard for the family’s empire.
To all that have been asking–
Eileen Davidson/Ashley’s last day is-
Monday Oct 29th ..
In the hands of a truly creative Head Writer/EP, this would have been a GREAT story – instead, this was nothing short of desperation and grasping at straws!!
Mal Young has eviscerated Bill Bell’s legacy show with nothing more than plot-driven GARBAGE!!! Not on the same level of garbage of Chuck “The Hack” Pratt when he maligned this show with doppelgangers, silly fires, a plane crash and who can forget Chloe & her blowdart gun???
#FIREMALYOUNG
Guess I am what one might call a “lite” viewer, although a long-time viewer; thus having some standing.
The DNA thing was so obsequious, to me, it had to be Victor. The Ashley twist was great writing. As a “lite” viewer did the writers provide the little hints that, retrospectively, become appreciated? Perhaps the family bloodline clause was enough; I am not sure. All don’t recall the past years!
The reckoning scenes were truly real and astounding. KUDO’s to both actors and to the writers.
My recall goes back to when Ashley discovered John was not her father, and to the time she had a mental breakdown. As another mentioned, that might be what should happen now; thus she can always return.
The new and younger players have not yet gained my appreciation. Some other writer’s appear to have found their attributes sooner than I.
It seems an entire family arrived; that is intriguing. However, on the other hand, Paul left, Nick has created a company of unknown mission, and JT’s death is still unresolved. Sharon, subsequent to her education, announced her husband-to-be’s fling at their somewhat public wedding.
I don’t want Paul to leave. I suggested he become Mayor, but perhaps Judge would be better. Not all judges are attorneys. I would like the Abbotts family to deal with Dina and her regression. Perhaps her demise could provide the drawing together of the family, and some pubic outreach to all who suffer from this disease as well as their families. How I wish your program could draw into her disease the costs of care for most!
Of course there will the be the family arguments over money!
Victor’s smile when Sharon ran out of the wedding was the best thing my review gives in the new moves on department!
I’ve been a fan of Mal Young since his days at EastEnders, and personally, I’m really enjoying the stamp that he’s put on Y&R. I’m not really a long-term fan … started watching when Tristan Rogers started as Colin, but the performances of Eric Braeden, Peter Bergman and Jeanne Cooper kept me there even when Colin left the canvas.
I love the new rooftop set, and am always happy to see them use it. I like the way Young is introducing blue-collar characters. I’m not at all part of the “hate Nate” movement … I like this character and am looking forward to seeing him develop.
The biggest Mal Young imprint, though, is the cliffhanger. On EastEnders, every single day has a major cliffhanger, not just Friday. And lately, Y&R has been the same. A major ta-DA moment before that Bell Productions logo. Stories are moving, and core characters are being handled well. Eric Braeden continues to amaze me. For an actor of his age to still be driving so much story is remarkable.
I DO believe that Paul’s character has been poorly handled. The police chief of Genoa City has been written as a dim bulb idiot. He basically proves that Vicki lied about the last time she saw J.T. and then he drops off the canvas for six weeks! That’s sloppy storytelling.
But the last month or so has been appointment viewing … except for Mariah/Tessa days, and frankly Nick/Sharon are tiresome as well.
Because Ashley would have told Jack (at Christmas) about his true identity – I give her a pass on this one. After years of Jack crapping on Ashley, and Ashley always being the bigger person and forgiving her brother, I give her a pass on this one. The writing on this was awesome. Ashley, though not perfect, carries herself with class – but again – because she is a human being – and because she normally don’t act in this way – I give her a pass. Karma is real and Jack got a taste of his own medicine. When Ashley reminded Jack about he and Victoria trying to sabatoge Ashley’s reputation so Ashley would be forced to work at Jabot, I still don’t think Jack really cared about the significance of that action; and this was recent history. He got a reality check well deserved.
Recaps
WWE ‘Night of Champions’ Shocker: Sami Zayn Pins Cody Rhodes for Undisputed World Heavyweight Title
After a decade in WWE, Sami Zayn is finally living his dream, at least for now, as the new Undisputed WWE champion.
In an absolute stunning ending to the Saturday, June 27 Night of Champions PLE streaming on ESPN live from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Zayn pinned Cody Rhodes to win the triple-threat match over Rhodes and Gunther. The crowd was mostly behind Zayn given his Syrian-descent, but who was born in Canada.
Cody Rhodes’ third WWE title reign has come to an end, Gunther took his frustration out on his own loss on WWE SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, backstage after the match, which led to an altercation leading everyone to speculate Aldis will come out of ring retirement to face Gunther at August’s SummerSlam. Meanwhile, the future for Rhodes is less clear. Will this be the time that he finally turns heel? Stay tuned.
Courtesy/WWE
As the cameras rolled, and as Zayn was making his way back up the ring ramp with the title belt, he shared, “A lot of folks said I would never win the WWE championship. But I stand here tonight in front of my people, the WWE Champion. Twenty-plus years in the game at the highest level, never got the recognition. Ten-plus years chasing this championship… I don’t care what happens to me tomorrow, next week, next month, next year. Forever, I will be Sami Zayn, WWE champion.”
THE RULER IS NOW THE KING
Meanwhile, in other key Night of Champion match-ups: The Men’s King of the Ring was crowned when Oba Femi defeated Jey Uso. Now, earning his title shot at SummerSlam, will he pick Zayn or Roman Reigns as his opponent?
In the Women’s Queen of the Ring after being cursed by Danhausen, Liv Morgan lost to Iyo Sky, who then turned around after being named Queen of the Ring to tell Morgan she looks forward to wrestling her again for her title at SummerSlam.
Photo: WWE
Elsewhere on the card, Trick Williams retained his Men’s United States Championship over Ricky Saints. Tiffany Stratton bested Jade Cargill to retain the Women’s US Championship with the help of a belt to the face by Charlotte Flair to Cargill, in a crazy finish, with multiple women popping up from under the ring apron including: Chelsea Green, Michin and B-Fab.
Photo: WWE
WHAT’S NEXT FOR SETH?
In the best match of the night, Seth Rollins defeated Bron Breakker in a steel cage match which saw both men go to extremes to take down the other. While Rollins now needs to move on to a new program away from The Vision revenge story, Breakker, who showed what a phenomenal athlete and performer he is once again, also should move on to a singles competition.
Photo: WWE
During the post-show interview on ESPN, Rollins reminded the audience what is true. He never lost the WWE championship currently held by his nemesis Roman Reigns. Seth had to vacate it due to his shoulder surgery. Will we finally be on the road to “The Shield” rematch years in the making between Reigns and Rollins, or will that need to wait till WrestleMania 43, which will also take place in Riyadh in 2027?
So many questions coming out of WWE Night of Champions! Take a look at some of the highlights below.
Now let us know, were you shocked to see Sami Zayn pin Cody Rhodes for the WWE Undisputed World Title? Glad for Oba and Iyo? How would you grade the night? We give it a B+. Let us know via the comment section.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Britt and Rocco Say Their Goodbyes, Then She Gets Arrested; Anna Reveals “Nathan West” is an Imposter
On the Friday, June 26 episode of General Hospital, emotional moments, a new duo on the run, the end of the line for Britt and an eye-opening moment between Anna and Felicia were the order of the day. Let’s take a look at what went down, but first let’s give a round of applause for Kelly Thiebaud (Britt) and Finn Carr (Rocco) on their goodbye scenes.
In the story, Rocco insists to his parents, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) and Lulu (Alexa Havins) that he wouldn’t leave Tortola without Britt. Dante is getting impatient because Britt brought all the trouble in recent months to his son. They need to protect him and they can’t if he stays with Britt. Lulu tells Britt she is the only one who can do the right thing, right now.
Britt explained it is too dangerous for Rocco to stay with her. She was very selfish and made a lot of terrible decisions along the way and Cullum is tracking her down because she did not finish the project he enlisted her for. She convinces Rocco to go with his parents and gives him a little token of something that reminded her of when he was a baby which is a bottle to blow bubbles with.
Courtesy/ABC
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
Rocco makes Britt promise to take her medication to ward off her Huntington’s disease symptoms and to keep changing locations so she is not caught. The two share a final hug as both are in tears. Dante makes a call. While in the car ready to leave Britt behind, Rocco says he will never forgive himself is something happened to Britt.
Back inside, Britt is ready to inject herself with her medication but is unaware that Cullum has now tainted it with poison! But she is saved from that, when two police officers burst through the door to arrest her for kidnapping charges! Did Dante call the local police? Is he doing this to keep her safe or to pay her back?
In Port Charles, Charlotte (Bluesy Burke) arrives at Crimson, completely unaware that the man in the elevator is following her. Nina (Cynthia Watros) and Charlotte have an argument about Willow (Katelyn MacMullen). Suddenly, Willow calls her mother that she is being questioned by the PCPD, and Nina learns, it is as a suspect for being the other driver that left Jordan and Curtis injured by the side of the road on Route 91.
ARRIVALS AND DESTINATIONS IN QUESTION
Chase (Josh Swickard) comes to Willow’s rescue much to Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Justine’s (Nazneen Contractor) chagrin. Willow learns Lucy and Drew are the supposed witnesses against her. Chase figures out when Joe (Jonathan Bennett) was alone with Drew, he got him to blink in a way that implicated her. However, in a shocking moment, Justine reveals that the trip log from Willow’s BMW SUV placed her at the scene of the accident just second before it occurred.
Meanwhile, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) comes by Crimson to see Charlotte. He says he broke into the WSB office to get info to expose Cullum as a double agent. Charlotte blows a gasket! She can’t believe that he would do something so stupid that it could have gotten him killed. She firmly tells Danny that best thing he can do to help Jason is to stay out of things. Danny storms out, but notices the stranger in the elevator who now steps into the Crimson lobby.
Courtesy/ABC
The man tells Charlotte he is Agent Mark McKay with the WSB and he has orders to bring her in. When she resisted, he was about to chloroform her, when Danny knocked him out and took off with Charlotte.
ANNA PUTS HER TRUST IN FELICIA
In France, after having some private time with Emma (Braedyn Bruner), Anna (Finola Hughes) wants to talk to Felicia (Kristina Wagner). She tells her best friend she was trying to figure out what memories of her past with Faison, she could trust and not trust. Since Felicia knows her best she is hoping she can believe what she is about to tell her.
It is then that Anna says, “Nathan West (Ryan Paevey) is not who he says he is.” Felicia looks dumb-founded. Will she believe her friend … or think she has drummed this all up in her mind? Stay tuned.
So, what did you think about the goodbye scenes featuring Finn Carr and Kelly Thiebaud? Did you reach for the hankies? Do you believe that soon, Cassius will be caught for his duplicity and the truth about Britt’s “illness” will come to light? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below. But first check out the scenes featuring Anna on her road to recovery in France
FINALLY! The Friday, June 26 episode of The Bold and the Beautiful revealed that Hope Logan (Annika Noelle) is officially the lead designer of “Logan’s” new line, sending her mother Brooke Logan Forrester (Katherine Kelly Lang), Steffy Forrester (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) and others into a tailspin!
It’s been weeks of flip-flopping for Hope, not sure if she should leave Forrester when Steffy finally told her they were putting a focus on “Hope for the Future,” in the near term. But, she finally stuck to her guns and with Liam (Scott Clifton) by her side, propping her up and making her see that even if it hurts her mother now, eventually Brooke will see what a great businesswoman her daughter has become.
As the models walk the runway at Katie’s (Heather Tom) fashion show, and as the Forresters watch the livestream (which Liam said is being watched by 4 million people?), Wyatt (Darin Brooks) shows up to tell Hope and Liam that the “rock” is ready to go.
Photo: JPI
HOPE FOR THE FUTURE DIAMOND BACK AROUND HOPE’S NECK
Suddenly, Hope is stunned when they surprise her with the “The Hope for the Future Diamond!”Liam explains that Wyatt tracked it down. They wanted her to wear it. (But isn’t this the fake diamond?) Hope is beyond touched and fastens it it around her neck as the models make their final walk.
Next, Katie takes to the runaway amid thunderous applause and introduces Deke (Harrison Cone) who takes a bow with his dad, Deacon (Sean Kanan) in the audience who stands up for his son, then realizes he is the only one doing so. He quickly sits down.
In the CEO office of Forrester where everyone is gathered, Katie announces another surprise at the show and during the livestream. She wants everyone to meet the other half of the line. And as Katie put it, “The spirit that drives it, the creative visionary with an imprint so profound that they named the collection after her… Hope by Logan!” Brooke’s jaw-drops going, “What???”
Photo: JPI
Next, Katie intros Hope wearing the ‘Hope For the Future Diamond,’ and Hope takes to the runaway and struts her stuff. Meanwhile, Brooke, who is stunned says out loud, “What are you doing there? What is happening?” We fade to black.
Are you glad Hope stuck to her guns (after all the wishy-washy-ness) and became the lead designer at “Logan?” Do you hope Hope and Brooke have a major mother/daughter blowout? Are you looking forward to a scene where Hope and Steffy have it out over this? And will Katie and Brooke have another massive fight? What did you think of the fashion? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Hope and Katie Take a Victory Lap Before All Hell Breaks Loose with the Forresters
‘Beyond the Gates’ Set to Air Week of Encore Episodes
WWE ‘Night of Champions’ Shocker: Sami Zayn Pins Cody Rhodes for Undisputed World Heavyweight Title
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Jacob Martinez Debuts as Javi Hernandez First Look Photos
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Britt and Rocco Say Their Goodbyes, Then She Gets Arrested; Anna Reveals “Nathan West” is an Imposter
Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Hope Floors the Runway and the Forresters!
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Jacob Martinez Debuts as Javi Hernandez First Look Photos
‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Drops First Single EDM/Dance Track ‘If You Need Me’
Al Calderon Reflects on ‘Major Chapters’ Coming to an End on ‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘Brilliant Minds’
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Hope and Katie Take a Victory Lap Before All Hell Breaks Loose with the Forresters
WWE ‘Night of Champions’ Shocker: Sami Zayn Pins Cody Rhodes for Undisputed World Heavyweight Title
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Jacob Martinez Debuts as Javi Hernandez First Look Photos
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Britt and Rocco Say Their Goodbyes, Then She Gets Arrested; Anna Reveals “Nathan West” is an Imposter
‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Drops First Single EDM/Dance Track ‘If You Need Me’
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General Hospital7 days agoMaurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
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Recaps2 days agoTHE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Hope Floors the Runway and the Forresters!
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Days Of Our Lives1 day agoDAYS OF OUR LIVES: Jacob Martinez Debuts as Javi Hernandez First Look Photos
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General Hospital2 days ago‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Drops First Single EDM/Dance Track ‘If You Need Me’
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Days Of Our Lives1 week agoAl Calderon Reflects on ‘Major Chapters’ Coming to an End on ‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘Brilliant Minds’
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Days Of Our Lives7 days agoDeidre Hall Marks 50 Years as ‘Days of Our Lives’ Dr. Marlena Evans
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General Hospital2 days agoGENERAL HOSPITAL: Britt and Rocco Say Their Goodbyes, Then She Gets Arrested; Anna Reveals “Nathan West” is an Imposter
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General Hospital6 days agoGENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Carly and Lulu Make Plans to Rescue Their Children; Anna Looks Determined to Secure Her Freedom
