Connect with us

Recaps

34

Y&R’s Melissa Claire Egan Delivers The ‘Power Performance of the Week’

By Michael Fairman

Published

on

Photo: JPI

The Young and the Restless prepared its viewers for last Friday’s episode with a warning that viewer discretion should be advised. The daytime drama series tackled an important issue of our time, mental health, and in particular, a person’s battle with depression and where it can lead them.

In the trustworthy and capable hands of actress Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea), the story illustrated how the culmination of difficult decisions and moments in our lives – that often are compiled one on top of the other – could drive someone who feels there is no hope to consider ending their life.

Photo: JPI

Chelsea, who just had a run in with her biological son, Johnny (Paxton Mishkind) and Victoria (Amelia Heinle) is banned by Victoria to ever see him again. In the park and devastated, Billy (Jason Thompson) comes upon a broken Chelsea. She fills him on what Victoria told her and admits to him that she misjudged the situation and shouldn’t have pushed for Johnny to know she is his mom, too.  Billy tells Chelsea to be careful not to set her expectations high, especially when she says she will be patient, and maybe a few years from now, Johnny will come around to accepting her.  Chelsea asks Billy to assure both Victoria and Johnny that she won’t be bothering them again.  That prompts Billy to realize that something is very off about Chelsea’s demeanor.

Now alone in her hotel suite, Chelsea begins to eerily hear the voices of Billy, Chloe, Victoria, Connor, Johnny, and Adam all saying upsetting things to her and she becomes overwhelmed.  Sad and isolated, Chelsea pulls up a pillow and lays down. Next, Adam (Mark Grossman) arrives trying to lift Chelsea’s spirit and she agrees to go get a drink with him at Noah’s club.  However, once in the bathroom to freshen up before heading out with Adam, Chelsea looks in the mirror and hears voices in her head. She begins to sob as she stares at herself in the mirror. Chelsea screams out “Stop!” as she holds her head in agony.

Photo: JPI

Things go from bad to worse once Adam and Chelsea are at the club. Chelsea sees Noah (Rory Gibson) and Allie (Kelsey Wang) kiss, and Billy and Lily (Christel Khalil) happily dancing together as Adam talks at her, but she doesn’t take in a word he’s saying.  She is focused on the couples in front of her and how she has no one in her life. Now the voices in her head have returned, and Chelsea quickly excuses herself to Adam to go to the restroom. Billy looks on and is extremely worried by what he sees.

Chelsea needs air.  She goes to the rooftop to breath, but soon the voices catch-up with her again.  She utters, “I can’t take it anymore. I just need the pain to go away.” Just then, she looks down from the ledge of the building and sees the streets and cars below, contemplating ending her life.

Throughout all of the aforementioned scenes, Melissa Claire Egan never overplayed a moment. Even though we are watching a soap opera, Egan pulled us in and made the audience understand how Chelsea got to the place she is at – feeling there is nothing left to live for.  It was compelling and raw, and for that, and everything we have previously noted, Michael Fairman TV names Melissa Claire Egan’s work, The Power Performance of the Week.

There’s more to this story and this performance to come on Monday’s episode of Y&R, when Billy tries to come to Chelsea’s rescue. Melissa could be right back here next week with back-to-back nods for her work. Stay tuned!

So, what did you think of Melissa Claire Egan’s performance and how Y&R has written Chelsea’s depression? How do you feel about a Billy/Chelsea pairing? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

34 Comments

34 Comments
oldest
newest

Well since I have been there a long time ago I sincerely hope as much as I hate to say that Billy saves Chelsea! But they need to send her to a hospital where she can get help please! She is doing a great job showing how severe depression looks! Chelsea can always come back,but really not on this show! Melissa Claire Egan is a fantastic actress to pull this off too!I have lived through two really bad marriages for very short times; so I know of what I say here both are gone now, thank goodness! I asked God to help me get through the abuse, HE took their lives! I made it through and finally found the right man now after 25 years of marriage, I am very happy and have a really dear husband now! Who I can trust without reservations too! I know how much he trusts me and vice versa! God has really blessed me big time!

Why don’t you think she should come back to this show? She has done such a good job esp when they had her sitting in that wheelchair saying nothing for so long. I think she is doing an amazing job of portraying someone who has tried to turn her life around but seems to be spiraling downwards. BUT she has Connor to live for so why isn’t she thinking of him? I could never do that to my child.

MCE can really deliver. I first saw her in AMC where she and Billy Miller were brother and sister, and she had amazing scenes there too. I’m not unfamiliar with depression and this is heart wrenching to watch; but a great showcase for Melissa. She finally has something to sink her teeth into. Performance of the Week is well deserved.

JenW
I remember the two of them on AMC.He was so scary and believable. Iam not a MCE fan and FF through a lot. We knew why she was there and Billy would talk her down and Adam the eternal fool was just in the way thinking he was the only one who could help Chelsea.

I thought Sharon was married to Rey and why is she crying around about Rey?? Oh and when is she going to burn down Victors Ranch ? Oh and didn’t she rape Billy? Only on a soap opera!

She’s always been underrated. I rarely tear up while watching soaps but Melissa’s performance was so compelling and realistic, that I gave into a wave of resonating emotions. Chelsea sinking into hopelessness, self-loathing and depression was so strong that it was palpable. It did not just come through her words but through her mannerisms and facial expressions. Juxtapose the aforementioned when Chelsea was earlier speaking rapidly and almost manically and you get a sense of the roller coaster-like plunge of emotions that clinical depression affords. This is a case when great acting merges powerfully with solid writing, direction and production which sends the message to viewers who suffer from depression that they are not alone. Well done!

NO! Please don’t do that to Lily! I’m quite sick of Chelsea’s mental issues!

I do not like the way this story is going. I am tired of all the cheating and relationships not lasting. No one is loyal or respects the lives of others or is happy. Money isn’t everything. Chelsea needs therapy and so does Chloe and the entire Newman family. Nate is an idiot and he needs therapy too. To be honest, the entire cast would benefit from therapy. I am going to stop watching and focus on the positive feel good shows like the Hallmark Channel. This soap opera is depressing.

Yeah Queen. One would think it was a soap opera or something.

I believe Melissa Claire Egan deserves an award for her performance as someone battling depression. She exuded raw emotions that can go from one end of the spectrum to the other when battling severe depression. My sincere hope is that people will see that depression does not have to end in suicide, and that help is available.

She was amazing such great work very powerful suicide is one big killer in the us played her part very well emmy comes your way girl

A fabulous job done by MCE. I was really drawn into her state of mind. I’ve never been severely depressed but I felt her pain. Great job!

It was a powerful performance I cried an I never cry I watched it a second time an I cried again , I guess that’s why they said viewer discretion. She is a excellent Actress .

She should of jumped.

People like are are part of the problem…

I can’t handle an episode like this.I lost my son’s father to suicide.

Does it cost anything to subscribe?

No Billy/Chelsea pairing please.

They were already a pairing back when a blonde haired guy played Billy. Right???

Yes, she did. Grammy worthy

I’ve been an avid watcher of Y&R since the 1970’s, which makes me pretty damn old. Today’s episode with Chelsea’s mental break on the roof, is she or isn’t she going to jump was one of so many powerful episodes I’ve ever seen. I broke down and cried. Our world is so full of uncertainty, people in despair, whether it be financial, societal, families, personal.
Thank you to your wonderful writing staff to bring some powerful insight into our lives. Suicide should be brought into our drama even though it’s a very uncomfortable subject even for daytime entertainment.

I thought Chelsea’s (Melissa Claire Egan), performance on Monday was fantastic, she was so convincing, I was pulling for her all the way! She plays such a convincing role all the time, I actually didn’t like her…as her character, but what a good actress!
Billy, Jason Thompson, gotta love him. He too plays a winning role and on Monday, he really came through. Great work!

An amazing performance this week by MCE!!! Haven’t cried this much in a while. Felt her pain. Also thumbs up to Jason Thompson for his compassion and wonderful acting skills!

I surely hope that Melissa Claire Egan wins an Emmy for her extraordinary performance this week, she had me sitting on the edge of my seat in tears because she was so realistic!! This was the best performance, hands down, in a long time!!

it was awesome.

I have felt that she is a sub par actress. She plays the mousey character well because that is what she looks like. Her character is not a power role person. I do think giving the boring relationship between Lily and Billy a change somehow would be good. It is mundane. Locking Chelsea in a ward for care would be the best time to get rid of her
tmz

Tina
Omg, you might make a good roommate for her, show her what NOT to be!

The haunting look MCE was able to convey on that rooftop was shattering. Her performance was on par with any I’ve seen from A listers, and surprising for a Soap. What great work! She deserves all the credit coming her way.

Well done!! Soaps should use their platform to tackle these serious issues. I’ve suffered with depression all my life and this performance is spot on! Broke my heart but done beautifully.

Melissa and Jason both deserve awards!!! They were able to draw me into the storyline and neither of them overacted their parts. Bravo!!!

So proud of Jason Thompsons work lately. I know a lot of people dislike him but as Billy he seems to care and is always there for family and friends. Lily doesn’t deserve him and criticized him for being just that.As usual, Adam will be blaming Billy for Chelsea’s breakdown and ” putting her in an institution” because Adam is the only one that does the right thing and because she’s Connor’s mom, thinks he owns her and should be making all the important decisions in her life. As much as I can’t stand Chloe’s ranting about him all the time, she knows what she’s talking about.

Violet, my friend, the reason you feel that way about Adam is because bad writing keeps backing him into a corner. Just when he makes progress, they put him in an impossible position so they can make Nick and, heaven save us, Victoria, look like the “good kids”. PLEASE! It gets so old! And I agree about Jason Thompson. Though I’ll never be a fan, he’s doing his best work lately.

Soaphound
You are the last person I want to argue with and have tried to avoid it by not disgussing Adam with you. Yes, I know you like him and I never have, so let’s agree to disagree , if it’s OK with you. I have liked Nick since he was a kid but his sister, Victoria is everything you say about her and more. Glad you kind of agree with me about Billy. I have come to admire the man he’s become but not his choices in women.

MCE delivers performance of the year not just the week. Perfection personified. Mesmerizing. Felt so real. One of the best performances in any genre. “Tell Johnny I slipped” were going to be her last words. But Billy (Jason Thompson) came to the rescue. And Jason’s performance was also terrific. Subdued and on point throughout. I hope they dont spoil it by linking them romantically. Billy belongs with Lily (Christel Khalil)

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

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

General Hospital

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

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

AEW

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

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

Video Du Jour

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

Recent Comments

Power Performance

Heather Tom

The Bold and the Beautiful

Airdate: 7-24-2026

Popular

34
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x