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THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Phyllis Reflects on Her Life; What Did You Think of Michelle Stafford’s 30-Year Anniversary Standalone Episode?

By Michael Fairman

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Courtesy/CBS

Friday’s, October 18th episode of The Young and the Restless, began with Phyllis (Michelle Stafford) and her children; Daniel (Michael Graziadei) and Summer (Hunter King) and her granddaughter, Lucy (Lily Brooks O’Brian), in a fraught conversation about how Chance (Conner Floyd) is zeroing in on Daniel as the prime suspect for the murder of Heather Stevens (Vail Bloom), given the evidence (that has been planted by Sharon).

Phyllis already knows in her gut that Sharon (Sharon Case) is behind this and she is determined to save Daniel and figure out exactly what happened. That sets the stage for a stellar and touching look back at Phyllis through the years in some of her most memorable and important scenes and storylines encapsulating the complex character that viewers first saw 30-years ago back on October 18th, 1994. Phyllis, of course, was the brainchild of the late, great, Bill Bell (co-creator and head writer, Y&R) and first played by three-time Daytime Emmy-winner, Michelle Stafford.

The flashbacks begin when Phyllis tells Daniel that she’s one of the only people who knows what Sharon is truly capable of. She flashes to her past confrontations with Sharon including the epic catfight at the chocolate fountain. Next, Phyllis even recalls being “pushed” down the stairs in an argument with Sharon where she lost her balance and landed in a coma for a year.

Photo: JPI

Next, Phyllis tells Lucy some history of her life in Genoa City and what her grandmother was like; including, putting an octopus in Christine and Paul’s bed on their honeymoon and how she has gone undercover multiple times – we see clips of Phyllis in disguise through the years. When her children and grandchildren ask why they haven’t heard some of her stories before, Phyllis says, she was afraid the would judge her.

Courtesy/CBS

Daniel says she’s always done her best, and they know that, that prompts Phyllis to tear up and say that she’s made mistakes, “Starting with your father.” It’s there, we revisit her relationship with Danny Romalotti (Michael Damian) and how she lost custody of Daniel and only “met” him years later when he was a teenager and introducing herself as his mother. Phyllis explains to Lucy that she and Danny never got together in the way that he did with Christine.

Courtesy/CBS

Now, already going down the path of revisiting her life, Phyllis talks about her love for Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman), and what drove them apart, that she could not have his child. Later, when she found out that Diane was pregnant with Jack’s child, it spelled the end of their relationship. Phyllis tells Lucy, “Oh, I loved him. There are just some hurdles you cannot get over.”

Courtesy/CBS

Then, Phyllis turns to Summer, and says, “Then, I connected with your father.” We next begin the love story and affair of Nick Newman (Joshua Morrow) and Phyllis. Later, Phyllis became pregnant and didn’t know if Summer was Jack’s or Nick’s. We are treated to a memorable clip of the friendship between Michael Baldwin (Christian LeBlanc) and Phyllis as they talk about the ‘who’s the daddy?” dilemma. Then, we get the elevator scene where Pis trapped with Jack and she gives birth to the child there.  She also recalls how Sharon switched the paternity tests, so it would look like Jack was the bio-dad, not Nick.

Photo: JPI

At the end of the episode and in present day. Summer asks her mother what she’ll do about Sharon. Phyllis doesn’t know yet, but Daniel is innocent, and she will prove it. She then reveals some of her life lessons, 1) that her internal radar is on point. 2) people will do crazy things to get what they want. 3) Be careful and  ather information. As the anniversary episode comes to its conclusion, Phyllis takes Daniel, Summer and Lucy’s hands and says. “We, as a family, will get through this together.” They hug it out. We fade to black.

As far as standalone episodes go, this was one of our favorites, and it’s clearly because of Michelle Stafford. From the present day emotions and mamma bear attitude of Phyllis, to her understanding her shortcomings and failings, to the look back at her past that illustrated Michelle is, and has been, an all-time force to be reckoned within the soap opera genre.

What did you think of the Phyllis-centric episode? What were your favorite moments and flashbacks? Let us know via the comment section below. But first, in case you missed it, check out our new interview with Michelle on her 30th anniversary with Y&R and more.

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Yes, look at all that great material she used to get. The character used to be amazing!

When it was clear she was going to tell Lucy about her past, I figured she would leave out some of her most heinous acts LOL. One or two things I had forgotten – most significantly the fact that she and Jack broke up because she couldn’t have a child; I was and continue to be a huge fan of the Phyllis/Jack pairing but I don’t remember that.

There are some characters who I love no matter how bad their deeds because of the portrayal – and MS/Phyllis has always been one of them.

Guess I’m the opposite! Never cared for Phyllis and of course she left out stuff, no one would care to remember. I couldn’t believe Lucy was witness to her garbage, but at least the details of how Daniel was conceived with all her lies and manipulations and what she put Danny and Cricket through, destroying their marriage, etc was disgusting, but totally Phyllis .why anyone would want to celebrate or honor this terrible character is beyond me! I sure wouldn’t brag about it.

I can’t stand Michelle Stafford, I like Gina so much more when she was Phyllis, after Michelle went to GH she should have stayed there and should have kept Gina as Phyllis

Haven’t seen this yet, but Phyllis, in the near past, has been so annoying. Perhaps this will be redeeming for her role.

General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16

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General Hospital’s 16,000th episode was packed with little reminders through points in today’s script that the ABC daytime drama series has set another milestone and it paved the way for the return of fan favorite and newly nominated Daytime Emmy Lead Actor nominee Steve Burton (Jason Morgan). The 16,000th episode also introduced viewers to the new surgeon in Port Charles Dr. Tristan Roberts played by Dean Geyer. 

Here are the key takeaways and what went down on the July 13 episode: Tristan and Jason are seated next to each other on a plane heading to Port Charles. Throughout the flight, a beaten up Jason has flashbacks to being thrown into, and being held captive in a cell and tortured. It appears Jason is suffering from some form of PTSD from what he was put through after being dragged out of Port Charles by the WSB months ago.

As the plane prepares to land, Tristan tells Jason there would be a car waiting for him once they land and to enjoy the rest of his life. Later, Tristan arrives at the nurses and doctors hub at GH and approaches Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst). He tells her his name and that he is the new surgeon on staff.

Photo: ABC

A REUNION PLUS A HEAD NURSE DEFENDS SONNY

Meanwhile, at the end of the episode, Jason is outside the Quartermaine boathouse looking bewildered when he runs into Danny (Asher Antonyzyn), who is so thrilled to see his father, and the two hugs each other as tears are shed.

Elsewhere, Elizabeth tells Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he thinks its a great idea for him to get the 16th seat on the hospital board, but when it comes times to convince Tracy Quartermaine (Jane Elliot) of that, things go awry when Tracy, Laura and Sonny try to work things out. After Tracy launches into Sonny about killing Alan and Monica’s son AJ, Sonny walks away dejected.

Next, Sonny runs into Elizabeth, where he informs her what happened with Tracy. So what’s a head nurse to do? Elizabeth marches into the conference room and reminds Tracy of all the different donations and ways Sonny has contributed to the hospital from the Stone Cates AIDS wing, to the Michael Corinthos Center for Pediatric Head Injuries as well as his constant support each year for the GH Nurses’ Ball.

Courtesy/ABC

WSB WAR SCARS

Then, in one of the best parts for longtime fans of the series, Elizabeth talks about her legendary grandparents, Audrey and Steve Hardy and she tells Tracy they would have wanted Sonny to have a seat on the board for all the good that he has done for the hospital. After Elizabeth states Sonny’s case, things took a turn and Tracy and Sonny wound up shaking hands as Sonny is board member #16.

In the how great was it to see Anna (Finola Hughes) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) together scenes department, the pick-up of last Friday’s cliffhanger is played out as the two former lovers fill each other in on what has gone down in their lives in the last several months including Valentin admitting he had been living in Carly’s attic, and Anna realizing she was kidnapped by Cullum, Sidwell and Cassius Faison. During their conversation, Anna sees the hallucination of Peter August (Wes Ramsey) right while Valentin is standing there.

Courtesy/ABC

Later Anna was on her way to saying goodbye to Valentin, when the two share an emotional hug. After Valentin made his exit, Peter reappeared and warned Anna to not let Valentin distract her because she has important work to do. Anna answers, “I know.”

So, what did you think of General Hospital’s 16,000 episode? What do you think is wrong with Jason? What is the important “work” that Anna has to do? Were you glad to see Sonny get a seat on the hospital board, or not so much. Weigh-in via the comment section. But first, check out the scenes on Jason and Tristan’s long flight to Port Charles.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Jason Returns, Anna and Valentin Reunite

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This week on General Hospital begins with the ABC soap opera’s 16,000th episode which brings Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) back to Port Charles after being released by the WSB; all thanks to the deal made between Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) and Z (John Oliver).

On the same episode, the upshot of Anna (Finola Hughes) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) coming face to face, and seeing each other for the first time in months plays itself out, and it may not be how you think. Josslyn hopes sending Valentin to the side of Anna, will break up his burgeoning relationship with her mother, Carly Spencer (Laura Wright), but will it?

It appears Valentin has a warning for Anna. In the GH video preview for the episode, Anna is seen saying “How do you know that?” What does Valentin know, and will he be the person that will catch on that she is being haunted by the ghost of Peter August (Wes Ramsey)?

Courtesy/ABC

In addition, look for the debut of Dean Geyer in his role of Dr. Tristan Roberts (named after the beloved late Tristan Rogers (Robert Scorpio), as he and Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud) may have a tense exchange or two.

Then, in the aftermath of their argument, Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) asks Chase (Josh Swickard)Did I push you towards Willow (Katelyn MacMullen)?” Is Chase going to admit his fixation with his ex-wife, or reassure his current wife that he is not interested in Willow? Stay tuned.

Finally, Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) is seen talking to someone saying that the idea of this person filling the 16th seat on the hospital board is a great idea. Who is she talking to?

Check out the official GH spoilers for the week of July 13-17 below.

MONDAY, JULY 13
Milestone 16000th episode! Jason returns to Port Charles. Anna receives a warning. Laura’s choice appalls Tracy. Britt makes an accusation. Carly is caught off-guard.

TUESDAY, JULY 14
Jason explains his actions. Kai becomes privy to shocking information. Jordan strikes out. Elizabeth stands her ground. Valentin is suspicious.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15
Anna seeks answers. Josslyn reveals a secret. Nina and Brennan plot their next move. Curtis voices his gratitude. Gio and Trina get big news.

THURSDAY, JULY 16
Emma and Gio discuss their future. Obrecht lashes out. Anna interrogates Britt. Isaiah interrupts Portia and Curtis. Cody delivers difficult news.

FRIDAY, JULY 17
Carly draws a boundary with Sonny. Valentin makes his feelings clear. Trina and Josslyn clear the air. Lulu cautions Ethan. Nina opens up to Brennan.

So, excited for Steve Burton’s return on tomorrow’s GH as Jason comes home? Are you rooting for Anna and Valentin to get back together, or are you hoping that Carly and Valentin continue their relationship, much to the chagrin of Josslyn? And, what should Brook Lynn do about her husband, Chase, who continually fights for Willow? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section, but first check out the preview teaser from GH for the Monday, July 13 episode below.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sidwell Offers Jordan a Way to Get Surgery On Her Face; Will She Cave and Comply with His Demands?

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On General Hospital, Sidwell (Carlo Rota) and Jordan (Tanisha Harper) finally had it out at the PCPD. The scenes played out on the Thursday, July 9 episode of the ABC daytime drama series.

In story, Sidwell requested a meeting with Jordan. Angered, he wanted to know why she’d given the police the location of his safe house. After months of being undercover, Jordan finally admitted the truth!

Jordan reveals the entire time she was gaining his trust, she was working on the inside at SRE Worldwide, to find evidence against him and bring him down. Snidely, Jenz admitted he’d been suspicious initially of Jordan. However, she eventually won him over, and he saw the value in her being the pretty, public face of his criminal organization to throw everyone off.

Photo: ABC

Trying to make a deal to save his own skin, Sidwell offers to pay for restorative plastic surgery for Jordan’s face, and at the same renowned German clinic that had treated Michael (Rory Gibson) for his severe burns.

Sidwell tells Jordan if she would go to Zurich and empty some bank accounts for him, he will help her jump ahead of the long waiting list to get into the clinic. Defiant and standing up to him, Jordan turns down his offer.

Next, Sidwell threatens her intently, that he’ll find a way to pay Jordan back by making her life miserable. He tells her she will suffer and regret turning him down.

Once she exits the PCPD interrogation room, Jordan takes a deep breath, but brings her hands to the scars on her face from the car crash that injured her.

Is Jordan actually contemplating Sidwell deal to get her into the German clinic? If so, will she be the person to set him free into the world with loads of cash from his overseas bank accounts? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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