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

By Michael Fairman

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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.

General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair

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Sonny, Dante, Michael, Brook Lynn General Hospital

On the Thursday, October 1 episode of General Hospital, both Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) and Michael Corinthos (Rory Gibson) had some things to say and what they had to say didn’t go over well with whom they were talking to!

Sonny had a confrontation with his son, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna), while Michael leveled with Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) over Chase (Josh Swickard).

GH is setting up a scenario where everyone is going to make it look like Sonny was responsible for having Sidwell (Carlo Rota) beat up in Pentonville; while viewers already know Ava (Maura West) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) were behind it.

Sonny and Dante

Courtesy/ABC

A VISIT WITH DAD

Now, Dante comes to Sonny’s house. He wants to know straight up from his dad if he ordered the attack at Pentonville. Sonny flatly denies any culpability or responsibility, but Dante refuses to believe him.

Dante informs Sonny he has video footage of Sully and Vito at the prison. Sonny explains to Dante he doesn’t know why Sully beat up both Curtis and Dante. Things escalated when Sonny was deeply hurt that Dante refused to believe him. Dante says he was disappointed that his father didn’t respect him enough to be truthful with him!

Sonny asks Dante to consider that he was being set up. He says all he did was to tell Vito to instruct Sully to keep a watchful eye on Sidwell, not to harm him. No matter what Sonny said, Dante continued hammering him with how he knew deep down, even though he said he left the mob, he had to finish off Sidwell for himself.

Next, Sonny explains everything he has ever done was to provide for and to protect his family. Dante fired back that he doesn’t want to deal anymore with Sonny’s half-baked truths. As the two men argue, Gio (Giovanni Mazza) shows up at Sonny’s front door and overhears Sonny losing his temper and shouting at Dante, “Get out of my house! I don’t want a son like you!”  The scenes featured an excellent performance by Maurice Benard.

Michael and Brook Lynn

Courtesy/ABC

MICHAEL THE MANIPULATOR

While this is going down, outside the Quartermaine boathouse, Brook Lynn opens up to Michael about living at the Q’s with Chase being there, since he only came back due to legal advice from his lawyer, Monet Mitchell (Blythe Howard).

Brook Lynn questioned whether they should get legally separate. Michael insisted that would be a big mistake. When she asks why, Michael tells Brook Lynn to bide her time until Chase and Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) have an affair; then she’d have full custody of Phoebe.

An angered Brook Lynn pushed Michael into the water and accuses him of moving Willow back into the gatehouse with intent on putting Chase and Willow in closer proximity and sacrificing Brook Lynn’s family in the process.  As the two cousins bicker, Chase shows up asking Brook Lynn if she is OK. Michael punctuates their talk with “You know, I’m right.”

CURTIS FIGURES OUT A WAY TO GET OUT OF THE SLAMMER

At GH, Willow visits Curtis (Donnell Turner) in his hospital room. Curtis wants Willow to get him pardoned and keep him out of jail, and in return, he will help her nail Sonny.

Next, Willow tells Dr. Tristan Roberts (Dean Geyer) she wants Curtis held for observation for three more days. He agrees to do so under one condition, that she understands that he may need to call in a favor from a congresswoman.

So, what did you think of how Dante accused his father and refused to believe Sonny’s answers? Is this the end of their father and son relationship for good? Is Michael the most manipulative person of all, except for Willow? Do the two deserve each other? Do you want Chase and Willow to have an affair? And what of Curtis? Does he have many redeeming qualities left? Share your thoughts via the comment section,  but first check out the talk Michael had with Brook Lynn.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ava and Drew Revealed to be Behind Framing Sonny for Sidwell’s Prison Beatdown

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Drew and Ava

If you thought that the person responsible for the Pentonville brawl that saw Sidwell (Carlo Rota) and Curtis (Donnell Turner) taken to General Hospital was Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) or even Sidwell himself, you were dead wrong! On the Wednesday, September 30 episode of GH, it turned out that the culprits were actually Ava (Maura West) and Drew (Cameron Mathison).

In story, Drew apparently bankrolled the attack on Sidwell and framing Sonny. He told Ava their planned worked (she came up with it!) but was horrified when Drew informed her that Curtis got caught in the crosshairs. Ava is visibly upset because of her longtime friendship with Curtis’ daughter, Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali). Drew tried to make Ava see the bright side. Curtis was witness to it and his presence will cast doubt on Sonny’s claims to that he had gotten out of the mob and gone legit.

Later, Vito shows up at Drew’s. They informed him that his guy on the inside of the slammer made a big mistake by hurting their friend and ordered him to leave town.

Maura West

Courtesy/ABC

BOATHOUSE BRAWL

In other major developments, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) and Rocco (Finn Carr) have a blow out fight as Danny blames his “brother” for the reason Charlotte was sent off to boarding school.

Rocco told off Danny for Charlotte’s (Bluesy Burke) reckless behavior and he explains he had to protect his sister. He went in on Danny saying that his mother Lulu (Alexa Havins) has been right to send Charlotte to boarding school and far away from Danny.

However, Rocco went a bit too far when he shouted, “And if your mom was alive, she would send you away too!” Next, Danny punched out Rocco, leading to a terrible brawl. An angered Danny yells at Rocco to, “Stay away from me and everyone in my family. And don’t you ever mention my mom again!” Danny storms off.

Rocco

Courtesy/ABC

Now alone outside the boathouse, Rocco flashes back to his first kiss with Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarksi), hoping that his fight with Danny will not escalate and ruin their budding romance. Meanwhile, a bloodied-mouth Danny heads over to Sonny’s and Jason (Steve Burton) is there at the same time. He then admits that he has a bad fight with Rocco and they are both beaten up.

WILL SCOUT WISE UP?

At the end of the episode, Scout, who had a fight with Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) over Drew, and who keeps telling everyone how good a man her dad truly is, comes upon a suspicious scene.

Scout hides behind the wall outside Drew’s. She sees her dad, Ava and Vito talking. Next, Scout seems to overhear Vito assuring Drew and Ava that their business dealings are done, and he’ll be leaving Port Charles for good.

So, what did you think of the reveal that Ava and Drew were behind framing Sonny for the prison beatdown of Sidwell (and Curtis)? Do you think Danny and Rocco’s relationship can be repaired, or do you think the teenagers will continue to be at each other’s throats? Finally, do you hope Scout gets a clue and stops thinking her dad walks on air? Weigh-in via the comment section, but first check out how Ava and Drew conspired below.

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AEW

‘AEW Dynamite’ Pays Tribute to PAC Following the Death of Benjamin Satterley in Emotional, Moving, Pitch-Perfect Episode

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AEW Tribute to PAC

AEW delivered what would turn out to be an tear-filled, exceptionally done tribute to one of their own, Benjamin Satterley. better known as PAC. on the Wednesday night September 30 edition of their signature show, AEW Dynamite.

When the world learned of Satterley’s sudden passing on Sunday, September 27, it came just one day after what would be his final match at AEW All Out the night before. Now, for the first time his death, the AEW locker room, the men and the women who knew him best, gathered together to give “Ben” as they knew him, the send-off he deserved.

The special episode which emanated from the Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was filled with emotional speeches, video packages, and matches dedicated to the wrestling favorite, who was one of the greatest to ever do it, and whose life was cut short at just 40-years-old.

TEARS IN HEAVEN

What was so impressive about how AEW produced this episode was they literally broke the fourth wall and allowed their performers to eulogize Satterley and tape them at the arena earlier in the day, sitting in front of the camera and speaking from their hearts.

The same carried through to the matches on the card. Each held significance, and instead of it being babyfaces vs heels, everyone came together to perform for PAC, for Ben, for this special night.

This unity illustrated how close for the most part the brotherhood and sisterhood among professional wrestlers truly is, in the field of sport entertainment, that is often misunderstood for it’s deeper meaning and what these athletes and performers do night after night by putting their bodies on the line.

The show began with a formal dedication from the commentary team led by Excalibur and Tony Schiavone. Next, they tossed to an unbelievable poignant video package featuring Jon Moxley with the Death Riders and PAC by his side (for what would be for the last time) speaking to the camera after his loss for the AEW World Title at AEW All Out. Moxley’s speech spoke to what it means to be a professional wrestler, and to “do things with purpose and give a shit,” which was a reference to PAC’s own philosophy.

PAC’S FAMILY SEND SPECIAL MESSAGE

A ten-bell Salute followed for Ben as the entire AEW locker room and company took to the stage alongside an empty chair representing PAC. As the cameras panned, tears were being shed by many of the wrestlers and referee Bryce Remsburg was visibly upset.

Later in the night, Renee Paquette struggled through reading a statement from PAC’s family back in the U.K. Paquette was emotional as she shared the words of thanks from the family to all those who showed Benjamin Satterley the love since his passing and what he meant to them.

MATCHES FILLED WITH HUGS AND MOMENTS HONORING ONE OF THEIR OWN

As the wrestlers made their way to the ring for their matches, many times they had tears in their eyes. Each wore an armband with the name PAC on it, and often came to the ring in PAC t-shirts, which AEW is selling online to help out Satterley’s family.

Jon Moxley faced Orange Cassidy in the opening bout, with Cassidy visibly upset. In the end, Moxley retained his Continental Championship. However, after the match, Bryan Danielson, who Moxley also most choked out with a plastic bag, splintering their relationship for what seemed like for good, was greeted in the ring by his former friend, who was in tears. The two hugged it out an emotional moment.

Hangman Adam Page was shown next in a video package just overcome with grief over the loss of Satterley. Next, he along with the Young Bucks and Kenny Omega reunited as “The Elite” took on members of the Don Callis Family, defeating them in a four on four tag match.

Cash Wheeler and Jay White each remembered PAC in two more video packages with both becoming overwhelmed with sadness and emotion. Swerve Strickland and his stablemates The New Level came out with the Trios Titles, something very connected to the legacy of Ben, and laid a PAC tribute towel over them in the center of the ring.

Next, in one of the more heartbreaking moments, Ricochet recalled how he and Pac shared a small room with bunk beds early in their careers as young wrestlers and how much he loved Satterley.

That was followed by a non-title bout between Ricochet and AEW World Champion, Will Ospreay. Before the match, the two hugged and in its aftermath. In tribute to Pac, Ospreay delivered his signature move off the top rope to secure the pin. This was an incredible match by two of the best wrestlers in the world.

MORE MEMORIES OF BEN

The match was followed by Will Ospreay’s tribute to PAC, including memories and the lasting impact Pac had on Ospreay from a young age. Later, Swerve Strickland and Darby Allin spoke to the cameras, In addition, Marina Shafir as the sole woman “Death Rider” shared her memories, before the women’s four way tag-match in which she appeared.

The main event featured The Death Riders with Bryan Danielson joining them to honor their fallen member, PAC against more members of the Don Callis family which included the return of Wardlow.

The show concluded with a video package honoring PAC, and closed out with empty chair placed under a spotlight in the ring as the wrestlers surrounded it, while the audience chanted “Thank you, PAC!”

What did you think of last night’s AEW Dynamite and how the wrestlers and the company came together to deliver this poignant episode dedicated to Benjamin “PAC” Satterley? Let us know via the comment section, but first check out the final video package in honor of the late pro wrestling favorite below.

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