Recaps
Y&R’s Jason Thompson Delivers The ‘Power Performance of the Week’
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Laura Wright and Kelly Thiebaud Deliver One-Two Punch as Britt & Carly Grieve the Loss of Jason
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Julie Stands Up to MarDevil; Susan Seaforth Hayes Reminds Us Why She is Soap Royalty
Friday’s episode of Days of our Lives brought with it, let’s just say, not your typical Turkey Day episode in Salem. It also moved the story along with MarDevil being exposed!
At Julie’s (Susan Seaforth Hayes) Thanksgiving, Doug (Bill Hayes) shouts that Marlena (Deidre Hall) is the devil. However, Marlena still insists that Doug is delusional and needs to be locked back up. It is then that Julie stands by her husband. Julie is on to Marlena and wonders if she should call “Marlena,” who she truly is at the moment, “Satan”.
Courtesy/NBC
Shawn (Brandon Beemer) and Belle (Martha Madison) also believe something is terribly wrong. Marlena tells them this is ridiculous, but Belle wants to hear what else Doug has to say. Then, Shawn handcuffs Marlena to take her down to the station for questioning. Julie doesn’t believe for one second that handcuffs will restrain the devil, and she was right! MarDevil breaks the cuffs and flings Shawn across the Thanksgiving dinner table complete with food-a-flying, leaving him unconscious.
Now with yellow eyes and lights flickering, MarDevil goes after Doug and Julie, but Julie stops Satan in his tracks professing “Not today, Satan!” Just then, MarDevil grabs a knife and in a counter move, Julie holds out her rosary saying love is the power and that the God of love is stronger than the devil! Julie defiantly tells MarDevil that the truth is out and Satan’s reign of terror is over! But MarDevil turns the tables and sneers, “It will never be over!”
It was in these scenes opposite Deidre Hall, that Susan Seaforth Hayes shined as she has done for decades given the material, as Julie went the toe-to-toe with the devil and Susan made us believe that love can win out over everything, especially the love of Doug and Julie.
Photo: JPI
In another touching moment in the episode, Susan Banks (Stacy Haiduk) tells EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) from her hospital bed, how she used herself as a human sacrifice for the devil to keep John alive and to protect her son. An emotional EJ can’t believe that Susan was willing to die for him. However, Susan explains that a mother always protects their child and she would do it all over again when faced with that decision. Haiduk and Feurriegel also delivered in these scenes.
Photo: JPI
With John (Drake Hogestyn) freed by Anna (Leann Hunley) and Tony (Thaao Penghlis), he eventually makes his way into the Horton house to confront MarDevil, but Satan is gone. Instead, John finds Shawn with Doug and Julie and they inform him that MarDevil had left to fulfill her true purpose. Just then, Marlena arrives at Ben (Rob Scott Wilson) and Ciara’s (Victoria Konefal). We fade to black.
Now below, check out Susan Seaforth Hayes in a scene from Friday’s episode as Julie fends off the devil.
Then, let us know, what did you think of Susan’s performance? What do you think MarDevil will do next to Ben and Ciara and “their” baby? Did you enjoy the Susan and EJ scenes? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Love wins…@DaysHayes are just fabulous.#Days #Mardevil #Vets pic.twitter.com/bH4UIb6yXv
— Jan (@shyone269) November 27, 2021
Dancing with the Stars
DANCING WITH THE STARS: Iman Shumbert & Pro Daniella Karagach Win The Mirror Ball Trophy Making Show History
Monday’s night’s season 30 finale of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars was markedly the best in the series history, with some of the finest routines delivered by the four couples vying for the Mirror Ball Trophy.
In the end, it was former NBA basketball player Iman Shumbert, who made history along with is pro dance partner, Daniella Karagach, when he beat out Jo Jo Siwa and her pro partner, Jenna Johnson for the top prize.
Photo: ABC
Rounding out the competition: fourth place went to The Talk’s Amanda Kloots and pro Alan Bersten, and the third spot went to Peloton instructor, Cody Rigsby and pro Cheryl Burke,
With the win, Shumbert becomes not only the first basketball star to make it to the finals, but the first-ever to win the coveted Mirror Ball,
The judges and the at-home audience were blown away by his final dance of the competition – an epic freestyle to Missy Elliot’s “Lose Control” and “Bounce” by DJ Clent. Iman is married to singer and dancer, Teyana Taylor.
After the big win, Shumbert told Entertainment Tonight, “Hats off to the work that we put in. I think me and Dani set our mind to that when we got that 40, that we don’t want to just to drop off now and just steam out of the competition. I think we just put in a lot of hours and when it was time to perform, it got easy.”
Check out Iman and Dani’s final routine below.
Now let us know, were you rooting for Iman and Daniella to win the Mirror Ball? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Y&R’s Christian LeBlanc Honored with On Set Celebration Marking 30 Years as Michael Baldwin (PHOTOS)
Kristina Wagner Shares She’s Back On Contract at General Hospital
‘Dr. Oz Show’ Taken Off the Air in NY and PA Due to Senate Run; Daphne Oz ‘The Good Dish’ to Fill Time Slot
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Laura Wright and Kelly Thiebaud Deliver One-Two Punch as Britt & Carly Grieve the Loss of Jason
General Hospital Has No Immediate Plans to Recast the Role of Jason Morgan Following Steve Burton’s Departure
Dr. Oz Set to Announce Candidacy For Pennsylvania U.S. Senate Seat; Will Likely Take Break from Talk Show
OLTL Alum Arlene Dahl Dead At 96, Son Lorenzo Lamas Shares: “She Was The Most Positive Influence In My Life”
Daytime Stars Attend the ‘Hollywood Christmas Parade’ 2021 (PHOTOS)
GENERAL HOSPITAL: What Will Happen When Port Charles Finds Out What Happened to Jason? (PROMO)
Guiding Light’s Robert Newman Pays Tribute to the Brilliance of Lisa Brown
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Laura Wright and Kelly Thiebaud Deliver One-Two Punch as Britt & Carly Grieve the Loss of Jason
As the World Turns and Guiding Light Favorite, Lisa Brown, Passes Away at 67
Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson Share Disagreement with Each Other Over Vaccine Mandate; Will Continue ‘Stone Cold and the Jackal’ Shows In 2022
GENERAL HOSPITAL: What Will Happen When Port Charles Finds Out What Happened to Jason? (PROMO)
General Hospital Has No Immediate Plans to Recast the Role of Jason Morgan Following Steve Burton’s Departure
Guiding Light’s Robert Newman Pays Tribute to the Brilliance of Lisa Brown
Kristina Wagner Shares She’s Back On Contract at General Hospital
OLTL Alum Arlene Dahl Dead At 96, Son Lorenzo Lamas Shares: “She Was The Most Positive Influence In My Life”
Christian LeBlanc Marks 30 Years as Y&R’s Michael Baldwin; Soap Plans Special Episode to Air in January
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Julie Stands Up to MarDevil; Susan Seaforth Hayes Reminds Us Why She is Soap Royalty
Dr. Oz Set to Announce Candidacy For Pennsylvania U.S. Senate Seat; Will Likely Take Break from Talk Show
OLTL Alum Arlene Dahl Dead At 96, Son Lorenzo Lamas Shares: “She Was The Most Positive Influence In My Life”
GENERAL HOSPITAL: What Will Happen When Port Charles Finds Out What Happened to Jason? (PROMO)
Christian LeBlanc Marks 30 Years as Y&R’s Michael Baldwin; Soap Plans Special Episode to Air in January
As the World Turns and Guiding Light Favorite, Lisa Brown, Passes Away at 67
TONIGHT: ‘The Magic’ Holiday Movie Featuring Kristos Andrews, Katherine Kelly Lang, Charles Shaughnessy, and More
THIS IS US Releases Sixth and Final Season Teaser Trailer
(WATCH) Days of our Lives Extended Winter Preview Promo
GH’s Steve Burton Becomes Emotional Remembering Stuart Damon
SATURDAY: Cameron Mathison and Jennie Garth in ‘A Kindhearted Christmas’
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General HospitalDecember 2, 2021GENERAL HOSPITAL: Laura Wright and Kelly Thiebaud Deliver One-Two Punch as Britt & Carly Grieve the Loss of Jason
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As The World TurnsNovember 26, 2021As the World Turns and Guiding Light Favorite, Lisa Brown, Passes Away at 67
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General HospitalNovember 28, 2021Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson Share Disagreement with Each Other Over Vaccine Mandate; Will Continue ‘Stone Cold and the Jackal’ Shows In 2022
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General HospitalNovember 29, 2021GENERAL HOSPITAL: What Will Happen When Port Charles Finds Out What Happened to Jason? (PROMO)
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General HospitalDecember 1, 2021General Hospital Has No Immediate Plans to Recast the Role of Jason Morgan Following Steve Burton’s Departure
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Guiding LightNovember 28, 2021Guiding Light’s Robert Newman Pays Tribute to the Brilliance of Lisa Brown
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General HospitalDecember 4, 2021Kristina Wagner Shares She’s Back On Contract at General Hospital
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Breaking NewsNovember 29, 2021OLTL Alum Arlene Dahl Dead At 96, Son Lorenzo Lamas Shares: “She Was The Most Positive Influence In My Life”