Recaps
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Michael at a Crossroads; What Did You Think of Christian LeBlanc’s 30th Anniversary Episode?
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.
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.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Mistakes and Cover-Ups Impact the Lives of Drew, Nina, Dante and Brennan
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, several residents of Port Charles are reeling from their actions in the just released GH video spoilers for the week of May 11-15!
First, Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) confesses to Portia (Brook Kerr) that he is a suspect as the other driver who was involved in Jordan’s (Tanisha Harper) car accident that disfigured her face. But as viewers know, Curtis (Donnell Turner) is the one after a talk with Portia that pointed Justine (Nazeen Contractor) towards Isaiah. But is the culprit really Isaiah, or is it Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton), or is Jordan solely at fault for taking her eyes off the road to kiss Curtis?
Meanwhile, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) armed with the information that Rocco (Finn Carr) shot Cullum (Andrew Hawkes), confronts his ex-wife Lulu Spencer (Alexa Havins) at her home. An angry Dante says, “You know it was Rocco who shot Cullum. Why wouldn’t you tell me?” Lulu admits it was Rocco, but how is she going to explain why she kept Rocco’s father out of the loop?

Courtesy/ABC
Then, in the exciting pick-up from Friday’s cliffhanger, Nina (Cynthia Watros) is in a continued panic as now Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna) finds himself at the hospital looking unconscious and hooked up to machines. In addition, back at Drew’s house, now that Drew (Cameron Mathison) did not receive his dose of medication to keep him in a locked-in state (since Nina jabbed Jack with it), he is starting to show signs of life and is moving his fingers to try to dial the phone for help.
Later, a series of images are set agains the statement by Sidwell (Carlo Rota), who says, “We have a mess on our hands.” Sidwell is the one supplying Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) with the drug to keep Drew paralyzed and unable to speak. Now that Jack got a dose, how can they control what happens next, and what will Willow do when she finds out that Nina gave Jack the medication meant for Drew? Stay tuned.
Now below, take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week of May 11-15.
MONDAY, MAY 11
Nina warns Willow. Lulu is in the hot seat. Elizabeth puts the pieces together. Ethan and Ava clash. Ric defends himself.
TUESDAY, MAY 12
Lulu seeks out Britt. Dante has words with “Nathan.” Curtis takes on a mission. Rocco clashes with Danny and Charlotte. Isaiah is in the hot seat.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13
Ethan issues an invitation to Kristina. Michael lets Jacinda in on his plan. Willow meets with Sidwell. Curtis worries about Jordan.
THURSDAY, MAY 14
Britt weighs her options. Tracy is outraged. Laura explains her actions. Carly has questions for Nina. Dante has a tough conversation.
FRIDAY, MAY 1
Carly stonewalls Cullum. Valentin strategizes. “Nathan” confides in a surprising someone. Elizabeth opens up to Dante. Ric and Alexis come together for Molly.
Check out the latest General Hospital promo entitled, Mistakes Leaves Traces below.
Weigh-in: What do you think Nina and Willow will do to cover their tracks with Jack getting jabbed with Drew’s medication? Will they continue to somehow keep him in a locked-in state? Will Drew pretend he is still unable to move as he starts coming around to dupe Willow and Nina and eventually get away? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and let us know what story point you are most looking forward to this week on GH.
Recaps
WWE Backlash: Top 5 Takeaways
WWE delivered in its follow-up to WrestleMania 42 with its PLE Backlash 2026 emanating from the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa in front of a red-hot crowd who was fully invested in all of the matches on the card. And, if the rumors are true, that WWE parent company, TKO, is going young, they certainly put over their younger superstars in a major way on the Saturday, May 9 event.
In the end, Roman Reigns cheated to get the edge on Jacob Fatu to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, but in the wake of that move, Fatu went ballistic and attacked the OTC. Iyo Sky and Asuka set the bar for the best match of the night, where in its aftermath, it appears an emotional Asuka says goodbye, or goodbye for now, to the WWE Universe.
Bron Breakker got the biggest win of his career defeating Seth Rollins; which left questions about Rollins’ future, which he addressed at the WWE Backlash Post Show, John Cena’s got a new tournament and title named after him, and Danhausen is proving to be so over with the crowd, no matter what he does. Now comes the build towards August’s two night SummerSlam where the journey to it begins from here. With that, here are Michael Fairman TV’s top five takeaways from Backlash.

Courtesy/WWE
1. ROMAN, WE HAVE A PROBLEM
The Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu match was a gem. Throughout it, the crowd was often split on who they were rooting for. It was also unclear who was the babyface and who was the heel. Fatu was clearly about to put Reigns down, when the wily OTC pulled the ref into the melee which allowed him to reach over and grab the turnbuckle, exposing the steel ring post. Next, he shoves Jacob head first into it and secured the pin.
However, afterwards, Fatu loses it and continues to attack and attack Reigns, as officials try to get him out of the ring. He even attacks RAW GM, Adam Pearce. When the smoke cleared, Fatu screamed to the camera, this isn’t over, while Reigns said that Fatu will never get a shot again in the title (in so many words).
Fatu came away as a genuine threat to the Tribal Chief. Questions to be answered: Will there be a rematch at Clash in Italy in a few weeks? Does Reigns cheating to win fully bring him back to the full on heel he was for the four years he and the Bloodline ran down the competition in the WWE? Stay tuned.
MATCH GRADE: A

Photo: WWE
2. BRON BREAKKER IN THE TITLE PICTURE
The opening match which was part of the free first hour of Backlash on ESPN, kicked-off with The Vision’s Bron Breakker vs former Vision leader, Seth Rollins. In the back-story, after Rollins needed shoulder surgery, he had to relinquish the WWE World Heavyweight Championship currently held by his former Shield partner, Roman Reigns. The Vision attacked their leader with Breakker putting down Rollins, to facilitate Rollins’ time off-screen for surgery.
Now, with Rollins back as the babyface and Breakker the full on heel, the two went at it in a great match bell-to-bell. However with Breakker getting the clean pin, it’s clear they are pushing the guy to top status. Will Bron and manager, Paul Heyman stay with the rest of The Vision (Logan Paul, Austin Theory and the injured Bronson Reed) or will they break off into their own 1-2 punch for a world title?
As for Seth, in the post show interview, he indicated he has to get back to the drawing board and retool himself as he turns 40 in just a few weeks, and just how he needs to come back stronger. Seth shared he realizes he is not in his prime after so many sidelining injuries. Our take: Maybe Seth was told he needed more time off by the doctors from his shoulder surgery and this paves the way for another break before a full-time return.
MATCH GRADE: A

Photo: WWE
3. THE POETIC GOODBYE FROM ASUKA
Iyo Sky and Asuka provided the WWE universe with an incredible match: rough and tumble, technically excellent, and it told the story of the former mentee of Askua’s taking on her teacher and the passing of the torch, if you will.
All of this against the backdrop of chants for Kairi Saine, who many believed, even though she was recently released by the WWE, would show back up in in this match-up and double-cross Asuka. But, sadly, Saine appears to be truly gone.
In the end, Sky was victorious, but it was the emotional embrace after the match that felt like a turning point for Asuka. Then in a follow-up post, Ivo Sky gave thanks to Asuka as she leaves on X and Asuka had a post on Instagram set to Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.”
Sky wrote: “Our story comes to its final chapter with today’s match. The moment the match ended, my heart was filled with all sorts of emotions. Meeting ASUKA-san, Spending the same time together, Being able to learn so much up close— These are irreplaceable treasures to me. Thank you so much ASUKA-San.”
Reports on Sunday, say Asuka is leaving for “personal reasons” that are not being divulged, but she will be ‘semi-retired.” Asuka is 44 years old, but will she be back one more time before hanging up her boots? We shall see.
MATCH GRADE: A+

Photo: WWE
4. JOHN CENA THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING
John Cena returned to a WWE ring just one month after hosting WrestleMania. This time, Cena was in Tampa,where he lives, so it was not too big of a stretch for the G.O.A.T to make an appearance.
The 17-time champion revealed that there will be John Cena Classic; an evening where NXT talent will wrestle more established WWE talent for the chance to win a new championship. And that’s not all! The fans will vote that night of who should be crowned the inaugural champion, which Cena says will become a yearly event.
The way it was presented by Cena, left us a bit confused: Is the title called the “John Cena Classic Championship?” Is it something to be defended throughout the year on WWE and NXT programming and PLE’s? Will it mean anything in the end, or will it elevate the talent the WWE universe wants to see get a push on the main roster? Please fill in the blanks WWE and or Cena!
ANNOUNCEMENT GRADE: B

Photo: WWE
5. DANHAUSEN AND MINHAUSEN
Right now, Danhausen can do no wrong in the WWE. Since his arrival, the organization has put him to good use and it’s clear the WWE writing team is having a field day with him!
The major mystery going into Backlash was …. who will be Danhausen’s partner when he was offering $400 of human monies to team with him against The Miz and Kit Wilson. When the time came to unveil who was in the crate that would be his partner, out came a mini version of himself called Minihausen who would go on to team with him in the ring. Later, more minhausens appeared as the old school attitude-era type gimmick went full tilt.
While this was not the payoff we were hoping for; the gimmick seemed to go over with the fans. The question is, will the WWE go way back to the style of yore when Vince McMahon would pull something like this, couple that with the Gingerbread Man funeral on Friday Night SmackDown, or will it cool off? Whatever the case, Danhausen is here to stay and we are here for it!
MATCH GRADE: B+

Photo: WWE
HONORABLE MENTION: Lil’ Yachty
The Trick Williams vs. Sami Zayn rematch for the United States Championship was a much better match than last month at WrestleMania 42. Williams went in with the title belt and left with the belt, as Zayn’s world continues to crumble and his heel run looks firmly cemented. The WWE universe wants to “boo” Sami and cheer Trick!
However, it should be noted, rapper Lil’ Yachty, who has been in Trick’s corner, is one of the better celebrities who gets into the melee and makes it look believable! He’s taken shots and delivered come Candy Cane kendo stick blows to Zane in this one. He’s a keeper!
MATCH GRADE: B
So, what did you think of WWE Backlash 2026? What were your favorite moments of the night? Weigh-in via the comment section, but first check out some of the highlights below. Followed by the Michael Fairman Channel’s special WWE Backlash watchalong episode that was live on What’s Up? Wrestling.
Beyond the Gates
BEYOND THE GATES Throws it Back to the 70s and ‘Foxy Brown’ with Andre and Dani Fantasy
On the Friday, May 8 episode of Beyond the Gates, the CBS daytime drama served up another fantasy sequence between married couple Andre Richardson (Sean Freeman) and Dani Dupree (Karla Mosley). The moment happened after Dani overheard a suspicious conversation and teasingly asks her hubby if he is spy?
This launches into story time by Dani, when she dreams up a scenario straight out of the look of the Blaxploitation films of the early to mid 70s. We are talking Pam Grier in Foxy Brown, Richard Roundtree in Shaft, and Sweet Sweet Badassses Song from Melvin Van Peoples and others.
In Dani’s story, both she and Andre are spies at Orphey Gene’s. Andre reveals he wears an eye patch. In the fantasy, Andre is also deemed to be a men’s underwear photographer from Iowa. The two seems to be double agents.

Courtesy/CBS
After the scenes aired, the official Beyond the Gates Instagram account and Karla Mosley shared it on social, and many of the BTG cast jumped in the comment thread, as the series always brings it in the hair and make-up and wardrobe department and they had this down.
Sean Freeman said, “Sooo much fun shooting this one 🔥,” while Karla Mosley added, “The way I have been waiting for this episode to drop!” BTG Writer, Danielle Paige shared, “One of my fave days to write!!!”
While some fans loved it, others were not so in love with it. Check out the satire below featuring Dani and Andre’s 70s Foxy Brown-esque fantasy.
Then let us know, did you enjoy the repartee and think it was clever, plus the wardrobe, make-up and hair throwing it back to decades ago in the cinema … or do you think it was a waste of time on an episode and would prefer not to see fantasy sequences? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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