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Y&R’s Jason Thompson Delivers The ‘Power Performance of the Week’

By Michael Fairman

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Courtesy/CBS

It was Jason Thompson’s (Billy) time to have a standalone episode on The Young and the Restless and this past Tuesday, Thompson shined in a performance that took an emotional toll on his character of Billy Abbott and for many in the viewing audience.  The last time we saw Thompson given anything near this; was actually his first episode on The Young and the Restless when Billy was hovering between life and death and as he confronted his family, they did not hear what he was saying to them.

Now in September of 2019, Billy has been overcome with grief over the death of his daughter Delia and getting revenge against Adam (Mark Grossman) that he developed an alternate personality who is the tough guy who would do things Billy in his right mind could never set out to do.

Photo: JPI

In the episode, Billy (who is still in a cabin) admits to Victoria that what Chloe said about him is true . He lured Adam to the route where Delia died and tried to kill him.  Billy reveals that there is a whole other Billy who takes over, who wants to punish people, and does some very bad things.  Victoria urges Billy to confront that part of himself.  Since he has not eaten in several days, she leaves him behind at the cabin to go bring him back some food.  And thus ,the standalone episode begins to really kick-off.

Alone, Billy closes his eyes and in tears, sees a more grown up version and vision of Delia.  But she is not happy with him.  While she says she understands why he went after Adam the first time after her death, she does not understand why years later he is still trying to kill him.  Delia explains that going to heaven is beautiful; but he will never be reunited with her if he continues to have malice in his heart and soul.  Billy is devastated that his beloved daughter, who he grieves so much for, is disappointed in him. But then, so too is Jack!

Next, Billy envisions Jack (Peter Bergman) in the cabin with him, and Jack really hits Billy below the belt and tells him what a miserable failure he is and calls him “weak”.  We then see the character switch and the gum-chewing alter ego pushed to the brink and so that Billy fights back.  Jack continues to barrage Billy and then Billy shouts, “Screw you, Jack!”  Billy thinks Jack’s jealous of him. Jack hollers, “Who are you!? Pick one and be done with it.”  It was a difficult to scene to watch, because Billy while battling his demons, he is hearing such terrible things inside himself from those he loved; like his older brother.

Photo: JPI

Then, comes his mother, Jill (Jess Walton)! All of a sudden she appears and is also extremely hard on Billy, and she tells her son that Victoria can do better than him, and that as a partner for Victoria he is an absolute dismal failure.  Jill really kicks him by saying that he always ends up back in the gutter with a mountain to climb.

All of a sudden, an evil Phyllis (Michelle Stafford) emerges in front of Billy.  She really plays up his addiction to gambling, entices him to a poker game and he loses, which further sends Billy spiraling.  He becomes more agitated as she laughs in his face.  Next, Adam appears shouting at Billy, “What is going on in your skull?”  Billy replies, “I’m not a monster.” Adam says, “Neither am I.”  Then, viewers see Adam strangling Billy, but then it is revealed that Billy is being strangled by the alternate version of himself in a fight for power and control.

Photo: JPI

Just then, Victoria (Amelia Heinle) returns as Billy battles with himself and remembers those who just ‘visited’ him.  Billy comes up with the inner strength to throw off the alter and not give in.  Finally, Billy punches him and the alternate Billy sort of melts away. Billy confesses to Victoria he doesn’t want that part of himself to ever return, and if there is anything good left in him it is because of her.

Throughout the hour, Jason Thompson illustrated once again why he is one of the finest actors in the genre, delivering an extremely complex performance and taking the gut-punches thrown at him by the other actors through their characters while taking the audience along with him and Billy’s inner struggle.  Whether you like the storyline, or not, you cannot take away from what Thompson did through his work in a performance that could have easily been just as powerful in a stage play in a theatre, as it was on TV.

What did you think of Jason’s ‘Power Performance of the Week”? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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Jason did an absolutely stunning job. I loved the whole thing. His scenes with Victoria were amazing too.

I have been very vociferous about my intolerance of Thompson in the role of Billy Abbott…hardly ever held back.
WOW!! If I could only eat my words about his acting prowess, I would—- He gave me the goosies with that performance—not only was his acting, as the lost, confused desperate and helpless father, man, brother, friend and ‘husband’, superlative; but, by Jove( LOL), Thompson looked as pained as his heartfelt performance. His delivery was top-notch, his expression was unmistakably en pointe …..his eyes hungry and hopeless !!
Fantastic show of talent, Jason….Encore, s’il vous plait!!

Nothing that has went down is his fault he plays what Is given to him !!! We really need including myself to stop blaming and attacking actors for what comes on screen they are doing their job

I will always support him he got a raw deal at GH because nobody could accept the character of Robin leaving they took that out on Jason he did not deserve that abuse so let’s support him now he has poured his soul into making Billy his own

@Kay…I agree Thompson was treated oh so shabbily by GH, and not just at the very end of his contact. His character’s downfall began a rapid descent when Patrick was paired with that ludicrous babysitter in a plucked-from the Disney Channel storyline that was force-fed on the audience throughout one of the worst couplings ever to materialize in Port Charles. Not only was the actress in question absolutely horrible, but the entire scenario made Patrick look utterly ridiculous…..especially when he was far more logically suited to Robin’s BFF, the Lovely Liz, or later, presumed widow, Sam…both of these ladies were age-appropriate and actually had chemistry with Patrick. To this day, Drake Jr.’s time with Sabs remains one of the sorriest chapters in GH history, and quite frankly, it has nothing to do with Robin’s absence, at least, not from my perspective. Personally speaking, I can take or leave KMcC’s character, as she lost all appeal for me once she matured beyond that adorably precocious moppet we knew way back when. Hence whether she was part of Patrick’s life, or not, mattered none to me….I just desired for him to move on from Robin’s so-called “death” with a palatable partner who actually knew his late wife and honored her memory because they had actually shared her life in Port Charles. Instead, we had a wannabee Cinderella tale that usurped the tragedy of Robin’s untimely passing as an excuse to prop the princess-style fantasies of a bubble-headed student nurse with a magical stethoscope. Just the thought of it still makes me want to hurl….

I totally agree Celia. I hated the idea of the DID storyline at first, but end result was great! Billy met his demon and battled it! Now, the next storyline with Victoria being arrested for Victor’s supposed death – we know he ain’t dead, got a not again response. She just went through this with J.T.! Give the girl a break! As always, good post Celia!

Thank you, Lew…..your posts are none too shabby, my friend!! LOL.
It has nothing to do “taking direction” as Kay suggests, but rather my antipathy for Jason; which is never fair. I simply am not a fan of the actor. I won’t hide that fact—-
However I will give one his/her due when deserved. I have never seen so much emotion emanate from Jason’s pores, as it were.
Harry described Billy’s inner turmoil succintly and with heart. His dueling “selves” had to make an appearance in order to save Billy—-or who was truly locked inside—-the climactic emergence was painful to witness—that’s how ‘fantabulous’ Jason was.❤️

Jason Thompson was nothing short of brilliant in playing the internal conflict which exists between his dueling selves. Not only was his acting spot on, the writing and direction was as well. At one point Billy was battling (wrestling) with Adam and the camera pans from behind Adam’s head, and suddenly it is evident that Billy was mirroring Adam’s every move. In fact, it looks like Adam is a mirrored reflection of Billy. Then Adam dissolves into Billy and it becomes clear to the viewer that Billy is really wrestling with himself.
This is a case where great acting merges with great writing and direction.
Bravo to all of those who created this soap opera masterpiece–we so see little of this these days.

Well said agree I think he is dealing with his own guilt

Jason’s performance was riveting. Best daytime performance in years. Writing was much better than usual for all the characters involved. Peter Bergman also stood out.

Jason’s acting was extraordinary – that was so Emmy worthy!!!!

Total awesome and believable. He owned his character.

Absolutely amazing , 1st class acting.,

I was against Thompson taking the role of Billy. BUT, seeing how bad Miller was on GH, bad writing or not, Jason Thompson now fits the role as a more mature William Abbott. Great job on your standalone episode my friend!

Great performance..I hope he is recognized at Emmys…he is the best Billy..hope he stays..

Thompson is a good actor, but still would like to see Billy Miller return to the role. Hopefully this story line is finally OVER. Enough already!!!

Jason Thompson is incredible as Billy Abbott! Please do not bring back Billy Miller even though I love him.

Jason did an extremely wonderful job….I like his performance and how he acts!!! His character is very emotional and lovely! His scenes with Victoria and the kids are very real..he acts like they are a happy family and that is acting with your real feeling!! Jason Thompson’s character of Billy Abbott is done with extreme love, passion, and finesse!!

Yes Tracey,
As much as I love Billy Miller, no one played Billy Abbott as well as Jason. I liked him from the very beginning in this role, and thought his talents were so wasted on GH. He and Victoria look so right together, and it just doesn’t fit anymore when Victor calls him Billy Boy, although I do think he is getting a little more respect for Billy.

That was a very powerful episode. Jason/Billy did battle with his demons and the “evil Billy”. I loved the part where he strangled “himself” and the alter sort of melted away. Great job Jason!!

Behind in viewing as always. Violet is so correct when saying that “Billy Boy” doesn’t work any longer. The first preview I saw of Jason portrayed great gentleness. It was such an opposing character from the previous Billy. Is this the time writer’s are going to allow great shifts in character personas?

So much has changed.

I am somewhat appreciating “new Adam’s” acting, not his character. Did Victor learn something with his illness? In past times he often became the example of pure evil.

There have been too many changes for me too quickly. Where is the rock that holds the program together. Hope the writer’s decide.

Grown up Billy works for me. Find an unexpected real criminal in Genoa City so that Paul doesn’t have to keep arresting his friends. Glad Paul is back! Thanks!

General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Heather Webber Makes a Surprise Return Stunning Trina; Alley Mills Weighs-In on Her Comeback

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Alley Mills

The Friday, October 30 episode of General Hospital came to a conclusion with a one-two cliffhanger. The first, as Trina (Tabyana Ali) and Gio (Giovanni Mazza) finished rehearsing their song at the Cats Eye Lounge, a woman’s feet where seen entering the club.

When the camera panned up it revealed a well-dressed Heather Webber (Alley Mills) applauding and yelling “bravo!” at the two young performers, but with Trina absolutely shocked to see her!

While General Hospital fans knew two-time Daytime Emmy winner was rejoining the show as the supposed reformed “Hook” killer (after cobalt poisoning due to her hip surgery played with her mind), what is Heather’s ‘state of mind’ now?

Trina

Courtesy/ABC

For months, GH has been teeing up the mystery of who is stalking Trina, with someone adding clippings of Trina to their “obsession” board.

Many viewers have felt that it will wind up being Heather who is seeking revenge on Trina, since Heather’s daughter Esme Prince (Avery Pohl) went overboard a boat and into the Siene in France, and is believed to be dead, after Spencer (last played by Nicholas Alexander Chavez) saved Trina from her.

Speaking with TV Insider about her GH return this fall, Alley Mills shared on her first scenes back: “That was so fun because I love working with Tab, but I’ve never worked with the other kids before. I’ve seen them on TV, but I have never met them before, and they’re really talented, and they definitely got in Heather’s face. And the blessed Shawn Reeves, the wonderful costumer, put me in this fabulous outfit.”

Alley Mills

Photo: ABC

With Heather soon to mix-up with the residents of Port Charles, Mills added that Heather now has some wealth to boot! “It’s been an uphill battle, and she just hopes that people will understand and forgive her,” explains Mills. “But with the wonderful voice of Chris Van Etten and Elizabeth Korte (co-head writers, GH and this year’s Daytime Emmy winners for Outstanding Writing in a Daytime Drama), she just has so much spunk.”

Mills added, “I love the way they write her (Heather). She doesn’t really have a ton of boundaries and social awareness and softness. But she just won’t let people get her down. She’s like one of those dolls outside the gas station. You throw them down, and they pop back up. I feel like Heather is kind of like that now, but in Gucci.”  

So, were you stunned to see Heather Webber dressed quite elegantly and showing up at the Cat’s Eye Lounge? Do you think that now more than ever Heather is Trina’s stalker? Let us know via the comment section. But first, you can check out when Heather makes her presence now below.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Chase and Brook Lynn Sign Divorce Papers; Are You Glad They Ended Their Marriage or Hoped for a Reconciliation?

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Chase and Willow

Any hopes for a last minute reprieve were dashed when filled with sorrow, Brook Lynn Quartermaine (Amanda Setton) and Harrison Chase (Josh Swickard) signed their divorce papers in front of a judge in the Dominican Republic on the Monday, October 26 episode of General Hospital.

The judge asked if they really wanted to go through with this, as a teary-eyed Brook Lynn and Chase both hesitated to sign the court documents. They admit that neither of them wants to get divorced, but they both came to the conclusion that too much mistrust has permeated their relationship, and too much has happened between them to stay married.

With that, Brook Lynn decided to put her pen to paper first. She signs the divorce papers. Next, Chase follows suit. They look at each other with tears in their eyes that their marriage is officially over. When the judge went to filing their divorce papers, Chase and Brook Lynn agreed to split custody of baby Phoebe straight down the line 50/50.

Josh Swickard

Courtesy/ABC

THE END OF THE ROAD

Next, the judge returned and gave each a copy of their paperwork. Chase says to Brook Lynn that he thinks that they should each fly back to Port Charles separately, and that he would take another flight home. Chase says goodbye to Brook Lynn and exits. Now alone looking at the empty room, Brook Lynn utters,“Goodbye, Chase.”

Later in the episode, as Brook Lynn flies back home to Port Charles alone, she listens to the message from Tracy (Jane Elliot) telling her she is doing the right thing by divorcing Chase.

Cut to: an emotional Chase who went to the beach. He looked at his wedding ring. Mourning the loss of his marriage, Chase buried his ring in the sand, at the same time Brook Lynn was removing her wedding ring on the airplane.

The drama won’t stop from here for Brook Lynn, because as teased in the GH video spoilers preview for the week, Jude (Wil Traval) will come calling wanting to see his “daughter,” and potentially staking claim to baby Phoebe!  As for Chase, now that he is a free man, will he begin a relationship with his ex-wife, Willow Tait (Katelyn McMullen), with whom he has been completely duped? Stay tuned.

So, were you happy that Brook Lynn and Chase actually ended their marriage? Were you hoping that the two would reconcile at the last minute and realize love can conquer all, or do you think they were being adult about the situation that they couldn’t get out of their own way and feelings to make their union work? Share your thoughts in the comment section. But first, check out the scenes from Chase and Brook Lynn’s divorce and its aftermath below.

 

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Brook Lynn and Chase Hesitate to Sign Divorce Papers, Elizabeth Reveals Aiden’s Leaving For Paris, Willow Flashes Back to Her Crimes

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Brook Lynn and Chase

As the week came to a conclusion on the Friday, October 23 episode of General Hospital, Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) wrestled with becoming an empty-nester, while Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) and Monet (Blythe Howard) conspired to keep Lulu (Alexa Havins) and Ric (Rick Hearst) at legal bay, and Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase’s (Josh Swickard) frozen relationship thawed, but how much?

Let’s take a look! First, in a moment that was written to bring Liz and Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) closer, the GH head nurse is wistful over the fact that she just learned that her talented bakery chef son, Aiden, secretly earned his GED and got into a prestigious pastry school in France and to top it off received a scholarship to attend the school.

Liz is concerned that allowing him to go wasn’t the smartest move because of his young age. Dante suggested that maybe it’s her fear of being alone that is causing her to feel hesitant for Aiden to go abroad. He shared a story about the support her received from Olivia when he moved away from home for the first time; that he understood mothers and sons are close, but she needed to let him go build his own life.

Elizabeth

Courtesy/ABC

After coming to terms with it, she revealed that Aiden is leaving in four days and had to make cupcakes for the Halloween party, Dante offered to help her do the baking. They smile. So, what this means to GH fans? All of Liz sons: Cameron, Jake, Aiden are all now officially off the canvas!

WILLOW VS. LULU

At Miller & Davis, Willow strolls in to meet Monet to go over their strategy in their meeting with Ric and Lulu. While discussing their next move, Willow flashes back to the night she shot Drew (Cameron Mathison) twice in the back, and then later, how she first stuck a needle in his neck to use the paralytic drug that kept him in a locked-in state for months.

Willow

Courtesy/ABC

When Ric and Lulu arrive, the four end up in a stalemate. Willow refused to drop the lawsuit, and Lulu refused to retract the story on her. Willow’s stance is that Lulu had been manipulated by the Quartermaines, who wanted to take her children away, so Michael can have sole custody of them. Lulu fired back that she was doing her job as an investigative reporter to expose crimes perpetrated by a congresswoman.

Now at an impasse, Ric and Lulu tell Monet and Willow they will see them in court as now a judge will hear the case. Not what Ric wanted that to happen, but now he tells Lulu, they will figure out a way to bring Willow down.

DIVORCE BLUES?

Finally, Chase and Brook Lynn head to the Dominican Republic to get a quickie divorce after how their lawyers dredged up awful things about both of them in Port Charles. While on the plane, the two discuss that they still want each other to be happy.

Once in front of the judge in the Dominican Republic, he asked if the two were mutually consenting to this divorce, but instead, the two sang each others praises.

This left the judge to ask if the two wanted to go through with ending their marriage and he left the room. Later, when he returned with the divorce documents to sign, Chase and Brook Lynn stared at each other hesitating to sign on the dotted line.

So, what do you think will happen next? Will Brook Lynn and Chase end their marriage, or decide to try to make it a go? Is it upsetting to you that all of Elizabeth’s sons are off the canvas? Should the soap recast them all, like they did with Alexis’ daughters and restart the story of these young men? Do you think now will be the time that Willow’s crimes will be publicly exposed, and she will lose her kids and her seat in a congress? Weigh-in via the comment section.

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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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