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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.

General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny and Jason Trade Threats on Each Other

The love affair that once was mobster Sonny (Maurice Benard) and hit man Jason (Steve Burton), and having each others back, is now apparently over! On the Thursday April 25th episode of General Hospital, an increasingly paranoid Sonny is confronted by Jason.

Jason wants to talk to Sonny about a “family matter”, but Sonny says they aren’t family now because he’s working with the Feds. Sonny goes on to say how he cannot trust Carly (Laura Wright) or Jason and he knows about Jason buying back the Metro Court for Carly from Nina (Cynthia Watros).

When the conversation turns to Josslyn (Eden McCoy) and Dex (Evan Hofer), Jason informs Sonny that Kristina (Kate Mansi) knows Sonny ordered a hit. Jason is worried about Dex’s safety. He tells Sonny that if he does something to Dex, Kristina will figure out that he is responsible.

Courtesy/ABC

Sonny goes on to say how much he loves his kids and how he will protect them. He then tears into Jason for abandoning his sons, Danny and Jake, for two years and how he has no right to stand there to tell him what to do.

Jason warns Sonny again to leave Dex alone or he’ll personally stop him. Sonny snaps at Jason, countering, “You’ll die trying!” And at that point, Jason walks out and Sonny slams the door behind him.

What do you think about this split in the longstanding relationship of Jason and Sonny? Do you like Jason and Sonny at odds? Will Kristina be the person to ultimately figure out what is happening to Sonny, or it might it be Nina, who knows Ava (Maura West) is up to no good? Share your thoughts in the comment section, but first watch this clip from part of the Sonny/Jason scenes below.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Brook Lynn and Chase Have Their Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties

On General Hospital, Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) both were treated to Bachelorette and Bachelor parties to shake off any of those pre-wedding jitters. At The Savoy, the ladies have a touching and fun time with Brook Lynn.

The bride-to-be gives a speech to thank everyone for coming, while Lois lets everyone know to try the signature cocktail the “Brooklynn Chaser”, which gets everybody eventually and mostly, drunk.

When Tracy (Jane Elliot) questions Lois (Rena Sofer) as to why there is no music for the party, Lois realizes she forgot, and somehow, who does she call to the rescue? Spinelli (Bradford Anderson)! Saving the day, he winds up playing some tunes and later gets on the dance floor to ‘shake it off’ with the gals.

Photo: ABC

Lois makes a speech as the mother of the bride, and shares how proud she is of the woman Brook Lynn has become. Wedding games begin, including one of “hot potato” with a wedding bouquet.

When it’s time for the “Silly Poses” section of the party, Spinelli has now morphed from DJ to staff photographer taking memorable photos of the ladies to remember the evening by.

Photo: ABC

The best part of the event, was when Brook Lynn tries to get her grandmother Tracy out on the dance floor, which, at first, she refuses. After several of the guests bust a move, a tipsy Tracy joins the dance party after Joss mentions that if her grandmother Bobbie was here, she would dance. Tracy says “she agrees” and begins to cut a rug on the floor, much to the delight of the other women.

Photo: ABC

In the final moments, a tipsy Joss and Kristina (Kate Mansi) have a confrontation about Sonny, and Joss lets Kristina in more on Sonny’s behavior, which looks to have clued in Kristina a bit more as to how something is way off about her dad.

Photo: ABC

Across town at the Hatchett Bar, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) and the men with the exception of Anna (Finola Hughes) and Jordan (Tanisha Harper), all attend Chase’s Bachelor Party where throwing hatchets into a dart board for supremacy is the order of the day. Drew (Cameron Mathison) and Ned (Wally Kurth) get into some words over ELQ, while Dante makes a toast to his police partner, Chase.

Photo: ABC

Suddenly Dex (Evan Hofer) shows up. Chase thanks Dex for coming, but Dex gets some dirty looks from other cops on the force. Dante gives Chase his present, which is a signed baseball by the Boston Red Sox.

Ned (Wally Kurth) makes a speech that although no one is good enough for his daughter, Brook Lynn, Chase has come closer than anyone has, so welcome to the family. Running in at the end is Blaze (Jacqueline Grace Lopez), who just left Brook Lynn’s party, and she toasts her singing partner, Chase, and to the great man that he is.

Photo: ABC

What did you think of Brook Lynn and Chase’s pre-wedding celebrations? What was your favorite moment? Comment below.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nina Confronts Ava for Sabotaging Her Relationship With Sonny and Signs the Divorce Papers

Looks like Nina (Cynthia Watros) and Ava (Maura West) are back to be each other’s sworn enemy number one. By the end of the Monday, April 22nd episode of General Hospital, the women know where they stand with each other after Nina goes in on Ava accusing her of wanting Sonny (Maurice Benard) all to herself, while her marriage has been on the rocks.

In story, at Nina’s office, Ava shows up to see Nina and says she is sorry about what happened with Sonny and that he reacted the way he did, acknowledging that is was over the top, even for Sonny. Ava says she’ll smooth things over, but Nina says she now understands how manipulative and transparent Ava really is.

Given their horrible history, Nina goes in on Ava and how she should never have trusted her. Nina wants to know how long has Ava had this agenda dating all the way back to telling Nina to turn Carly (Laura Wright) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) into the SEC. Ava says she never told her do to that, but Nina wants to know how long Ava has been playing her for a fool.

Courtesy/ABC

Ava says she moved in with Sonny to keep Avery safe and she wants to be on good terms with Avery’s father, Sonny. Nina thinks she likes being in Sonny’s inner circle. Ava tells Nina if she goes to him about her advising Nina to call the SEC on Carly and Drew, it won’t work.  Sonny still considers Nina a traitor and he will think she’s lying because she’s so desperate to win him back. Ava says if Nina would stop blaming everyone else that maybe Sonny would respect her.  Nina says “like he does you?” Ava says Sonny not only respects her, but he also counts on her.

From there, Ava launches into why she and Sonny understand each other, after all, Sonny is a powerful, turbulent, and sometimes violent man. She goes so far to say if Nina wanted someone to just sit by the fire with and play with their grandchildren, she’s got the wrong guy.  Ava then talks about Mike from Nixon Falls (Sonny with amnesia) and how Sonny hid the darkest parts of himself from Nina back then, whereas with Ava they are the same similar creatures, so he doesn’t have to hide anything.

Courtesy/ABC

Nina wants to know just what Ava wants with Sonny? What is her end game? Ava responds that they understand each other, in ways she can’t with Sonny. Nina tells Ava she can go ahead and have it all and signs Sonny’s divorce papers. Ava walks out with the documents, while Nina in tears at her desk, takes off her wedding rings and has her assistant come in so she can messenger the rings back to Sonny’s address.

The episode and these scenes featured great performances by Cynthia Watros and Maura West. You can check some of the scenes below.

Now, let us know, what is Ava’s next move? Is she going to become Mrs. Sonny Corinthos? Do you like Ava and Nina as enemies? Comment below.

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