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THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Michael at a Crossroads; What Did You Think of Christian LeBlanc’s 30th Anniversary Episode?

Photo: JPI

Monday’s episode of The Young and the Restless brought with it three-time Daytime Emmy winner Christian LeBlanc’s (Michael Baldwin) 30th anniversary show.

In the story, after winning a high-profile case, Michael meets up with his wife, Lauren (Tracey E. Bregman) at Society to celebrate the court victory, only he ponders if he should quit while he is ahead and go out on top with a great winning-streak or change course in his life and do something else. Michael is at crossroads which sets the tone for characters and loved ones to weigh-in on what they think he should do, give him some advice, and he even gets a job offer within the hour.

Courtesy/CBS

The episode was at its absolute best when it went to flashbacks of Michael’s story through the years as it touched upon his dynamic with other key members of his family and Genoa City.  It was there we were reminded, and at times, grabbed for the hankies, of some of the emotional moments of Michael’s past all played brilliantly by LeBlanc.

Photo: JPI

Y&R did dance around the controversial relationship between Michael and Christine (Lauralee Bell), but did touch upon it via a clip of Michael’s heinous vendetta against a younger Christine with him determined to break down a wall, literally, and attack her, and, as longtime viewers know, Michael wound up shot by Paul who saved Christine  The dialog brought up: how Michael was consumed with revenge, how he hit rock bottom, and that his prison time ended up being life-saving and life-changing, and how, in the end, Christine did help him reclaim his legal career, and that they were able to put the past behind them.

Next, Victor (Eric Braeden) shows up at the bar and winds up sitting with Lauren and Michael, and while Victor and Michael recall their often- contentious professional relationship in flashbacks, Victor offers Michael a job to work at Newman Media; leaving Michael to ponder the offer.

Courtesy/CBS

Then, Lauren called the Baldwin/Fisher clan to show up. So together, Gloria (Judith Chapman), Kevin (Greg Rikaart), and Chloe (Elizabeth Hendrickson) lend moral support to Michael during his decision process. It is there that some of the best flashbacks in the episode occur:  One, where Gloria wants the chance to be a mother to her boys, another, where Michael sits by Kevin’s hospital bedside lamenting on how he could have been a better brother and that he left him behind, and then another where Kevin tells Michael how important he is to him and that they repaired their relationship.

Photo: JPI

After the trio leave, it’s just Lauren and Michael, where the two recall moments in their relationship and in the end, Michael knows what he wants to do – spend more time with Lauren.

Watch the final moments of Christian’s anniversary episode below, followed by our most recent interview with LeBlanc and his dear friend and Y&R co-star Michelle Stafford (Phyllis).

Now let us know, what did you think of Christian’s 30th anniversary episode of Y&R? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

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All of these “anniversary remembrance specials” only remind of what The Young and The Restless used to be in its glory days in comparison to the pitiful show that is now. There is a reason that Christian has won a number of Emmys for his acting performances. I wish they would write something with meaning and feeling, and not just Michael and Lauren doing a “quick catch up” at Crimson Lights or Society every month or so.

I agree, Margherita. And the timing was bad, so soon after Nick’s stand-alone episode. And you’re right…the show is really poor right now. So many unlikable characters for me: Sally; Victoria (a former favorite of mine); Faith; Devon; Abby, Chance and Dominic; Rey; Armani or whatever Amanda’s sister is called; and the repulsively infantile Billy Abbott. At least we have some Traci lately and dreamy nuNoah. But overall, it feels like there are no story arcs planned. Just one episode at a time. Sad.

Wait, Soaphound. You mean to tell me you don’t find Duh-Yawn’s baby hunger to be absolutely riveting, as well as logical?

Oh Harry, don’t get me started. The only thing worse than Devon’s betrayal of Abby is Amanda’s constant meddling and egging him on to a destructive lawsuit. If he wants a child so much, let Amanda give him one or get his own surrogate! Leave your “friends” alone. This is the same mistake they made on GH, making Wiley a Holy Grail that everyone wants but only a privileged few can be involved with. There are probably THOUSANDS of children needing a family. Find one!

Exactly, Soaphound. Devon is a self-entitled, spoiled brat. I’m not even a fan of Abby’s but I’m on her side on this one. And Devon’s friends and family tell him he’s doing the right thing? I want someone to give him the what for. I want Cher to slap him across the face and tell him, “ Snap out of it!” This baby hungry madness on both GH and Y&R is not entertaining or remotely interesting, and it destroys the characters in the process.

Harry & Soaphound…Too many negative baby stories one after another…Saw-it-coming Abby/Devon custody battle and Mariah/Stitch pre-birth story; Liam dying during the holidays; Maxie and Louise…how old will Louise be if/when Maxie can claim her?; Wiley/Willow/Michael/etcs; baby swaps on B&B. Also wonder what parents would allow their infants on the soaps during covid? That’s why I didn’t mind the loaf of bread baby on Y&R.

Michael’s episode was great! The history, yes, 30 years, but more so all the VETS getting a chance to be on the show that was MY Y&R, not all the second and third tier players whose stories suck! But anyway, I thought Michael was going to collapse in Lauren’s arms, clutching his chest, suffering a heart attack! Luckily he didnt. I say, dye your hair, work with Victor and become dark again!

it was fine we got to see the great christian leblanc but we know it will lead to nothing what is wrong with this show there are more cliffhangers and storylines on young sheldon!

Richard, what happened to those fun Friday cliffhangers? Just something else we’ve lost, like DAILY coming attractions. And will this WRETCHED tale of CADD (Chance, Abby, Devon, Dominic) ever end? Why doesn’t Amanda mind her own business?! Let Devon have his own, undisputed child instead of torturing Abby. Mariah snapped out of it.. why can’t he?!

My two cents: they should let fans vote on which scenes should be featured on these shows. Let’s face it, longtime viewers understand these characters more than many “come & go” writers and producers. No scenes with Phyllis even though they taped a special interview with Christian and Michelle? What sense does that make? How about some of those great scenes when Michael confronted his hippy dippy dad? The scenes with Kevin were touching but too much Christine for me. But.. at least he got a tribute. Now, how about shaving that awful beard…He looks like Father Time.

I wouldn’t expect him to remove the beard anytime soon. Le Blanc is scheduled to be in the revival of “Cat On A Hot Tin Roof” in NYC this summer as Big Daddy. It was originally planned to be running now but was postponed. He will be appearing opposite the divine Alison Fraser as Big Mama. It would be worth a trip to see that production.

Soaphound
From the top, we seem to agree on what fun seeing the older episodes with Mikey and others. Hey, what’s the matter, you’re not crazy about Cricket? It would have been good to see Michael’s dad that ran the cult, even terrible Tom, remember him? The time with Eva Longoria was good too. I think after he’s been retired for a while, he’ll reconsider Victor’s offer. He’s still got more hell to raise. Oh, the raggedy hair and beard, yuk!

respect the actor, but did not watch

Love the guy but resent like hell that they haven’t put this intensely talented actor in a front burner storyline for years. Instead, they give him a insincere push out the door. He’s not ready for a gold watch. Give LeBlanc a storyline for crying out loud!

It really was a reminder of how entertaining these characters and this show can be. They don’t even need a major storyline…just having them all in the same room…with all their baggage and backstory…is a hoot! Whether doing drama, comedy, or nothing, these characters are never boring, unlike so many of the characters on the show today.

This show needs a major shift in direction, and that is in the writing.

Wondered what the entire program was about. Was Michael saying goodby to the program, was he sick or some other circumstance that was preventing him from acting? It just seemed to fly in without reason.

About the only thing that feels kind of pleasing for me right now is the relationship between Lilly and Billy. Hope Lilly holds up in her new business venture and can honestly give Victoria and Victor a run for the money. Please Billy, don’t let this opportunity pull you back to the dark side. I would like to see a new you.

Yes, this show is hard on kids. If Connor falls through the ice playing hockey, I will stop recording for a while. Lucky for all of the boarding schools around there.

Christian LeBlanc is such an incredible and amazing spiritual actor but I hope he can talk Zach Tinker into coming back to Y&R as Fenmore Baldwin and they need to bring back Michael’s bonus son Scott Grainger as well played by a recast actor I don’t use the step word Fenmore and Scott need to share onscreen family time with their cousin Billy and Lauren and Jill need to share more onscreen sisterly time together they haven’t done that in like forever.

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.”

Photo: ABC

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.

Photo: ABC

“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.

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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.

Courtesy/ABC

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.

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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.

Photo: ABC

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.

Photo: JPI

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.

Photo: ABC

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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