News
Y&R Head Writer Josh Griffith on Decision to Revive Matt Clark Story: The Con, Audience Has to “Suspend Belief,” the Pros “Nothing Better Than Being Able to Draw From History”
The Young and the Restless recently launched a soap opera all-star tale with Daytime Emmy winners, Roger Howarth and Tamara Braun joining the iconic daytime drama series Mitch (aka Matt Clark) Bacall and his wife, Sienna Bacall. In addition, to bringing back the character of Noah Newman now played by Lucas Adams, along with seemingly corrupt Detective Burrow played by GH alum, Matt Cohen.
The foursome has been put into a story crafted for Sharon (Sharon Case) and Nick (Joshua Morrow) at its epicenter, and that eventually will bring trouble to the entire Newman family. Soap Opera Digest spoke with Y&R’s executive producer and head writer, Josh Griffith to get his perspective on how he landed on bringing back the nefarious character of Matt Clark, and how he sees his LA noir story tale going down for viewers of the long-running soap.
Looking back at the history of Y&R and noting that Matt Clark died in 2001, and that no one is ever really dead-dead on the soaps, Griffith shared on his decision to go forward with Roger Howarth as the resurrected Matt Clark, when the role was last played by GH’s Rick Hearst. “To me, the only con is that you’ve got to just be able to get the audience to suspend disbelief so they go with it,” shared Josh.”But the pros, for me, much outweigh that, because there’s nothing better than being able to draw from history for a new story.”
Photo: JPI
In getting Sharon and Nick to Los Angeles and to intersect with Matt Clark, the head scribe had to think on a larger overriding element and mystery: “What would pull Nick and Sharon to L.A. would be something horrific happening to Noah. So I wanted the car accident to happen. Out of that, I said, ‘Well, if Noah’s having an affair with Mitch’s wife, then that could lead to the car accident.’ And we start wondering, ‘Was this all a setup for Matt? Did meeting Noah bring back all his anger and all the past, and he set this train wreck of a story in motion because of that?’”
Griffith teased that Matt Clark’s revenge has just escalated. He is angered that his plot to eliminate Noah Newman didn’t work following the car crash, and who he knows is having an affair with his wife. Add to that his hatred of Nick and Sharon, and we have just seen the tip of the iceberg with the guy. As Nick and Sharon eventually head back to Genoa City, they think by leaving Los Angeles, it will scare him off to not come after that, now that they know he is alive and living under a fake identity
Josh explained that the “Second act is definitely they return (to Genoa City), and Matt and all his trouble follow. It becomes a nightmare, not just for Nick and Sharon, but to the whole Newman family.”
So, what do you think thus far of Josh Griffith’s decision to revive the character of Matt Clark, and how the LA noir story is unfolding? Is it holding your interest? Excited to see what’s next? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Looking back at the history of Y&R and noting that Matt Clark died in 2001, and that no one is ever really dead-dead on the soaps, Griffith shared on his decision to go forward with Roger Howarth as the resurrected Matt Clark, when the role was last played by GH’s Rick Hearst. “To me, the only con is that you’ve got to just be able to get the audience to suspend disbelief so they go with it,” shared Josh.”But the pros, for me, much outweigh that, because there’s nothing better than being able to draw from history for a new story.”
While I am all for suspending disbelief, especially in soap operas, I also must admit: this kind of stuff is exactly why American daytime is mocked and not taken seriously, and I wish it to be one of the tropes dropped altogether from the genre. Yes, it is amazing to draw from history, but it is also one thing to completely ignore it (which I feel Josh Griffith does often) for one’s own perceived worthwhile storyline.
That being said, I am intrigued with the Noah/Sienna connection.
Very excited to see the hell Matt Clark is going to inflict on Nick and Sharon!
I couldnt care less but as much as i admire Mr Howarth why not bring back Eddie Cibrian who is so cute. Just sayin
DING, DING, DING??? You hit the nail on the head.
No, we don’t have to suspend belief! Instead of giving us reworked movies, why not just give us good story and characters. There was no reason to resurrect Matt Clark. Roger Howarth is an amazing actor and could have brought life to any new character. He would have been a perfect match for Phyllis, instead of trying force a relationship between her and Cane. I can’t tell you last time I have watched a full episode of Y&R.
I don’t mind suspending disbelief—as a long time viewer, I accept this as part of watching them. But, suspending disbelief doesn’t work if the story is crap. This one is, as are most of JG’s. It’s almost as if CBS is trying to sink the show by keeping him on the show. Fire him!
In your interview, did you ask about his inability to complete a story line – examples Mariah – when will this non story end? Why Sharon and Phyllis were locked up by a day player and the results? His obsession with the redecorating of the Abbott living room and Diane buying a new couch. I fast forward thanks to the dvr. My watch time is about 18 minutes an episode.
It’s one thing to suspend disbelief but this has happened countless times under Josh Griffith and his writing regime!Honestly nothing against Howard he’s a great actor but if you really wanted the audience to fly with it you would have brought Eddie Cibrian back !
He will never reunite Sharon and Nick though it’s a popular decision but saying that the show is not the show I loved and I will not bitch about it anymore I promise! Do what you want but if this idiot thinks bringing on his friends will increase ratings he really is a fool . The only other pairing Nick had was Phyllis and I don’t need to see that crap again.
I was interested in this story until it was reveal Mitch is Matt Clark. First off the reveal happened too fast. It might have worked if Matt Clark having survive his “death” not only changed his name, but his face, so Nick and Sharon wouldn’t have recognized him– and it was only after months of tormenting them, in some climatic scene he reveals himself to be Matt Clark.
The other major thing wrong with bringing back Matt, is it falls too soon after JG bringing back other characters like Cameron and Ian Ward— and why does mining the past always have to involve bringing back all the psychopaths– when there are so many other former characters that could have spiced up stories– and why do all the storylines have to be about threatening the Newman family either their business or them personally–
The sad truth is these set of characters have run their course, and without investing and developing the younger characters all any head writer can do is rinse and repeat until the show is cancelled, or when the characters that were once Young and Restless are Dead and Buried. Harsh I know, but without new characters to replace the aging out characters–this soap is reaching it’s expiration date.
So well stated. These stories stumble at the gate with the ace card played without suspense.
I totally agree with everything you said. Great post!
Can Josh Griffith bring something new to Y/R not Matt Clark character that died, the bring him back to life again. We who watched the show for years don’t need a repeat of what Matt Clark character might do this go around, he died. Old stuff get rid of JOSH we need new material not material from 2001. This is not creative, its dumb!
Soaps bring back dead people all the time. Wouldn’t it be miraculous if in real life, Bill Bell could be resurrected, then what would Bill Bell do??
Matt Clark died in 2001. Let’s just say I have an imagination, and before Matt died, he got someone pregnant. That offspring would be 24 years old, or older on soaps. Why couldn’t Griffith have had Matt Clark’s son seek whatever revenge he wanted on the Newman family? Clark’s son hears stories from his mother about the Newmans….and this is what sparks his son to terrorize Nick and Sharon! Heck, even GL after Michael Zaslow’s passing, years later, brought his unheard of son to Springfield. Griffith has a vivid imagination, except that it hasn’t worked on Y&R. As another posted, we’re sure this story won’t have a good wrap to it, and Griffith will just leave things hanging as he’s done with other story lines. He’s a lousy head writer, heck, just a lousy writer.
I agree with you Joe 100%
YawneR is in trouble.
I see what they are doing and so I pulled It so making Sharon crazy again enough and Noah is a punk! When does it stop
Josh Griffith needs to go…no mention that Matt came back in to town with a different face. So is this supposed to be Matt with the original face or the new face?? What an absolutely stupid storyline.
It’s okay, Hope it’s not a long story line
General Hospital
Kelly Monaco Honors Her Late ‘General Hospital’ Co-Star Billy Miller, Sharing Letter He Wrote After Taping His Final Episode as Drew Cain
Kelly Monaco (ex-Sam McCall, General Hospital) has taken to her Instagram for the second time this week and now honors her late dear friend and General Hospital co-star, Billy Miller (ex-Drew Cain) on what would have been his 47th birthday on September 17.
In her post, Monaco wished Billy “a heavenly birthday” and shared a typewritten note from her beloved co-star after he exited General Hospital in the role of Drew Cain. The three-time Daytime Emmy-winning actor played the part from 2014-2019.
Monaco wrote accompanying the photo of Billy’s letter: “He (Billy) sent me this a few years ago, after he left (the show) wanting me to post it… I didn’t/ But… I know he wanted anyone who’s ever supported his work and or got to know him as a friend to read this letter.”
Photo: JPI
BILLY MILLER WON THREE DAYTIME EMMYS FOR HIS WORK IN SOAPS
Billy Miller was one of the most respected actors to ever grace the daytime screens for his portrayals as Richie Novack on All My Children from 2007-2008 and Billy Abbott on The Young and the Restless from 2008 until 2014 and of course, his final soap stop on General Hospital. He also appeared on primetime’s Ray Donovan and Suits.
TOUCHING GOODBYE LETTER AFTER EXITING GENERAL HOSPITAL
Here now, is what Billy shared in his letter after exiting GH: “Hello, friends… With a slight air of sadness it is time to ponder what ‘goodbye’ means. However, instead of dwelling on what is gone and sure to be missed, there is another way.”
“Maybe our goodbye is really a remembrance of love felt, an appreciation for lives shared and the lifelong reminiscences that come from embraces given and received, Maybe our goodbye is an earnest hope for the brightest path forward for us all,” expressed Miller. “Maybe our goodbye is honoring growth and lessons learned.”
The beloved star added, “Now, instead of sadness, I am filled with gratitude for all your support, encouragement and every emotion shared. I cherish the journey we have taken together, Thank you for allowing me into your homes and lives. With every ounce of myself, I thank you for being you. I would be remiss in this crazy, unpredictable world we all love so much if I did not hold out the possibility that maybe our goodbye is really… until next time.”
Sadly, Billy died by suicide three years ago on September 15, 2023, just two days shy of what would have been his 43rd birthday. You can check out Kelly’s post below.
Now, share your remembrances today of Billy Miller and the touching letter he wrote after leaving General Hospital, that Kelly Monaco posted in tribute to her friend and co-star via the comment section below.
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News
Patrika Darbo and Ashley Campbell Set to Appear on ‘The Young and the Restless’ as Shirley and Coco Spectra
As the nuptials of Billy Abbott (Jason Thompson) and Sally Spectra (Courtney Hope) are drawing near in October on The Young and the Restless, a few of Sally’s family will be showing up in Genoa City for the big day.
The Young and the Restless has confirmed that Patrika Darbo, who originated the role of Shirley Spectra on The Bold and the Beautiful and last appeared on Y&R back on video calls in story in 2021 with her granddaughter, Sally, will be back on-screen next month.
Darbo originated the role of Shirley, the sister of the legendary Sally Spectra Garrison (the late Darlene Conley), first on B&B from 2017 to 2018. Known for countless television and film roles, Patrika Darbo is best known for her run on Days of our Lives as Nancy Wesley.
Photo: JPI
THE SPECTRAS ARE COMING TO SUPPORT SALLY
Joining Darbo will be Ashley Campbell in the role of Coco Spectra. The role was last played on B&B by Courtney Grosbeck. Coco is the younger sister of Sally’s. Grosbeck was seen in the role on The Bold and the Beautiful from 2017-2018 and was involved with the character of R.J. Forrester.
Campbell is a model and an actress who has previously appeared on HBO’s The Sex Lives of College Girls and the film Spellbound.
Previously, Y&R’s executive producer Sally McDonald teased Bill and Sallys upcoming wedding: “Billy is his own worst enemy now more than ever as his need for revenge takes over his life. He will receive a reality check from Sally, leading them both on planning the wedding of the year. Sally will find herself navigating politics in her personal life when she is faced with major decisions about the wedding. Adam (Mark Grossman) and Sally always seem to find their lives intertwined whether they like it or not, and this fall will be no different. Billy and Sally’s nuptials will be the wedding of the year, and you should expect the unexpected!”
So, excited to see Sally’s family joining her in Genoa City in time for her wedding to Billy? Do you think Sally and Billy’s wedding will say “I do?” Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital
Blythe Howard Joins the Cast of ‘General Hospital’ as Monet: Who is She Connected to in Port Charles?
General Hospital continues to add new characters to the canvas. Now comes word of the arrival of Monet, a savvy lawyer played by Blythe Howard. Look for Monet to debut in Port Charles next week on the Wednesday, September 23 episode.
According to TV Insider, “Monet arrives in town as a litigator who recently joined Miller & Davis, the firm run by Diane Miller (Carolyn Hennesy) and Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn), and meets with a Port Charles resident in need of legal counsel.”
In a statement, General Hospital’s executive producer, Frank Valentini shared, “I am very excited to welcome Blythe Howard to the cast of General Hospital. Look for her to have an unexpected connection to a beloved Port Charles resident.”
FROM TELEVISION TO CANCER SURVIVOR TO GIVING BACK
If Howard looks familiar you may have seen her on several television series including: Yellowstone, Power Book IV: Force, Walker, 9-1-1: Lone Star, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, CW’s Dynasty, Silicon Valley plus David Fincher‘s Mindhunter.
Photo: ChemoQueens
Blythe is also a cancer survivor having cofounded Chemo Queens with her sister Kelsey Howard. The company creates products for people undergoing cancer treatment, including a patent-pending cold cap design.
In recent months, General Hospital has brought in several new actors for brand new roles or recasts. They include: Alimi Ballard (William Baines), Jonathan Bennett (Joe Fitzpatrick), Kearran Giovanni (Dr. Nichols), Dean Geyer (Tristan Roberts), Kelly Kruger (Serena Baldwin), Kayden Brennan Tokarski (Scout Cain) and Troy Lennon Appel (Hudson Parker). You can now add Blythe Howard to this list.
So, who do you think Monet has an unexpected connection to that is a “beloved” Port Charles resident as teased by Frank Valentini? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.
GENERAL HOSPITAL: The WSB Extradites Nina After Drew Frames Her for Jack’s Disappearance
DANCING WITH THE STARS Season 35 Premiere Night Two: Which Women Stole The Show? Who Went Home?
Kelly Monaco Honors Her Late ‘General Hospital’ Co-Star Billy Miller, Sharing Letter He Wrote After Taping His Final Episode as Drew Cain
Patrika Darbo and Ashley Campbell Set to Appear on ‘The Young and the Restless’ as Shirley and Coco Spectra
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Chase Walks Out on Brooklyn, Anna and Valentin Share Poignant Moments as She Urges Him to Go to Carly
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson to Star in New Holiday Movie
Kelly Monaco Honors Her Late ‘General Hospital’ Co-Star Billy Miller, Sharing Letter He Wrote After Taping His Final Episode as Drew Cain
Jess Walton Memoir ‘The Young and the Rest of Us’ Set for Release in 2027
RATINGS: ‘General Hospital’ Shows Most Gains in Total Viewers Week-Over-Week and Up in Key Demo
Y&R’s Co-Head Writer Jamey Giddens, Ahead of November Stories and Scripts Debut with Dan O’Connor, Explains How Fall Tees Up Their Plans for Genoa City
DANCING WITH THE STARS Season 35 Premiere Night Two: Which Women Stole The Show? Who Went Home?
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Chase Walks Out on Brooklyn, Anna and Valentin Share Poignant Moments as She Urges Him to Go to Carly
DANCING WITH THE STARS Season 35 Premiere: Which Male Impressed on Night One? Who Was Sent Home?
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Carter Has a Way Out and Implores Steffy, “Say You’ll Be Our Donor and Surrogate!”
Soap Alums Remembered During In Memoriam Segment at 78th Emmy Awards; Patrick Muldoon Omitted
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