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

By Michael Fairman

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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.

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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

Could Kristen Vaganos and Josh Kelly Be Exiting ‘General Hospital?’

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Josh and Kristen

General Hospital fans took to social media following the airing of the Wednesday, October 21 episode of the ABC daytime drama series. In story, Molly (Kristen Vaganos) reveals to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) that she has received an offer to join the top law firm in Chicago that practices civil law. She says it’s her dream job.

The problem Molly says is relocating from Port Charles and uprooting her life and being away from her mother, Scout and boyfriend Cody Bell (Josh Kelly). Wistful that she may lose another daughter to a long-distance situation (Kristina left a few months back to go to medical school in California), Alexis urged Molly to get Cody to go with her.

Molly still seemed concerned and has trouble committing to the idea. Alexis tells her to talk it over with Cody. Meanwhile, Cody asked Tracy (Jane Elliot) is he can have Thanksgiving off because he and Molly planned to spend Thanksgiving together with their families. After initially balking, Tracy agrees.

Courtesy/ABC

WILL MOLLY AND CODY HEAD TO CHI-TOWN?

Later, Cody shows up at Miller & Davis and the conversation turned to Thanksgiving dinner that Alexis is hosting. Molly and Cody asked her not to cook anything. Cody hugged Molly reassuring Alexis that he and Molly would take care of whatever was needed on Turkey Day.

So, this raises the question, why out of nowhere are we learning that Molly received an amazing law offer in Chicago, if the character was not being written out? If Molly leaves the canvas, would the character of Cody make his exit too?

Kristen Vaganos joined GH as a recast Molly Lansing-Davis back in September of 2023 and went on contract in August of 2024. Josh Kelly began playing Cody Bell back in June of 2022. Initial reports were that Kelly joined the show on contract and then as of June 2025 went on recurring status with the show per his choice.

Do you see a world where GH is writing out Molly and Cody? Would you be sad to see Kristen and Josh exit the soap opera? If this is not what is going on, is this just a plot point for some other story that is upcoming? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.

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THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Adam Delivers Sally’s Baby as Billy Reels from Jill’s Health Crisis in Tearjerker Episode

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Billy, Sally and Adam

The Tuesday, October 20 episode saw The Young and the Restless deliver some deeply-poignant moments in the aftermath of Billy (Jason Thompson) and Sally’s (Courtney Hope) wedding.

The scenes which will be talked about for some time to come, because of how they can impact longterm story, had Adam (Mark Grossman) being the one to deliver Billy and Sally’s baby, while Billy was gut-punched by a phone call from Snapper Foster that Jill had suffered a heart attack in London.

In story, while up in Sally’s room at the GCAC, wishing his ex all the happiness, (because Adam and Billy have no love lost, and he didn’t want to cause waves), Sally’s water broke. In true soapy fashion, all phones were dead. Sally’s phone was missing because it was with Audra (Zuleyka Silver), Adam’s battery ran out etc. Prior to that, Adam did try to call Billy, but Billy did not pick up his calls, as he was with Cane (Billy Flynn) coming to terms with the news on Jill.

Photo: JPI

TORN BETWEEN RUNNING TO HIS MOTHER OR HIS NEW WIFE AND BABY

Now in the perfect storm of circumstances, Adam is the one to help Sally deliver her baby when she begged him to stay with er screaming, “Please don’t make me do this alone!” Adam reminded Sally that he’d already delivered a baby twice before. She assured him that it will be OK, and not to be scared, because this isn’t the same set of circumstances when she lost their daughter, Ava, during childbirth.

Downstairs, Billy is in tears over his mother. So too is Cane. Cane speaks to Jill on the phone when Snapper holds the phone to her while at her hospital bed. He tells her he loves her. Billy cannot bring himself to talk to his mom.

Cane decides he will go to London. Billy doesn’t know what to do with a new wife and a baby on the way. It’s clear how much losing Jill would devastate Billy. Cane tells Lily (Christel Khalil) what has happened to Jill, and Billy informs Jack (Peter Bergman) before he tries to find his bride who is upstairs in her room.

Photo: JPI

A NEW ABBOTT

Back in Sally’s room, eventually Adam asks Sally (who is deep in labor), if she thought she was having a girl or boy, and she said a boy. But then, Adam introduced her to her “beautiful, perfect baby girl.” It was a moment laced with so much history for Adam and Sally and Adam and Billy, when you think of the deaths of Ava and Deliah.

As Sally cradled her newborn little bundle of joy, Adam went to go get Billy at her request, and as he made his way to the door, Billy was standing there. Billy is stunned to see his rival standing, but then Sally tells Billy to meet his daughter!

Billy rushes to the bedside to be my his new wife and daughter, with the heartbreaking final shot of Adam emotionally overcome thinking of the baby he has lost with Sally. and how he wishes things could have turned out differently in a bittersweet moment.

Photo: JPI

EMOTIONAL PERFORMANCES

The episode was laced with hankie-inducing moments from Jason Thompson, Courtney Hope, Mark Grossman and Billy Flynn, who each delivered, to bring this story so much heart and history.  There is plenty of Emmy material within for next year for these four.

You can check out the final moments of yesterday’s episode where Billy meets his daughter for the first time, followed by the final shot of Adam at the door below, followed by our live chat replay with Y&R stars, Jason Thompson and Courtney Hope which streamed immediately after this episode aired in all timezones on the Michael Fairman Channel.

Now let us know, did you reach for the hankies during the episode? Did you like that Adam was the one to deliver Sally’s baby? Do you think something more will happen with Jill? Share your reactions in the comment section.

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THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Finn Blows a Gasket After Steffy Reveals She’s Gone Ahead and Become Carter and Daphne’s Surrogate

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Steffy and Finn

On the Monday, October 19 episode of The Bold and the Beautiful, after Steffy (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) stammering around and trying to find a way to couch her lie to her husband, Finn (Tanner Novlan), she finally admits what she has been dreading telling him.

But not before, Finn and Steffy rehash Monaco, Sheila Carter (Kimberlin Brown), and how it was turning point in their lives (that’s an understatement) with Finn reiterating, “Our marriage is precious. What we have is pure and true.”

Finn promises Sheila is out of their lives for good, and Steffy chokes back tears saying how she wished she hadn’t removed her ring and hightailed it out of Monaco. She says she wishes she could take that back, but she can’t.

Finn

Courtesy/CBS

Steffy tells Finn she has a lot to say. Finn tells her there is nothing they can’t overcome. Steffy says she made a significant decision while he was away. She goes to to say what a great friend Daphne (Murielle Hilaire) has been to her. Finn asks if Daphne and Carter (Lawrence Saint-Victor) are still interviewing to find a surrogate? Steffy says they found someone and the process has begun, and its “me.”

Finn gulps, “What do you mean it’s you?” Steffy eeks out of her mouth, “I agreed to be Daphne and Carter’s surrogate.” Finn, who is a doctor no less says, “I don’t understand!” He explains he knows there is a list of medical and legal hurdles someone has to go through before a woman can become a surrogate for a couple. He also tells Steffy he knows she could never carry a child and give it up.

Next, Finn tells Steffy she’s wonderful for considering to do this for Carter and Daphne, but she’ll have to tell them no. Steffy says it’s too late. That while he was out of town they went ahead with the procedure. Finn asks, “What procedure?” Steffy responds, “The fertilization of the eggs.” Finn learns they used Steffy’s frozen eggs and did the implantation and loses it!

“I can’t believe you went and did that! This isn’t something a wife does when their husband is out of town on a business trip,” hollers Finn. He cannot believe what he is hearing and that his wife just went and did this without him! He pushes back on Steffy. demanding answers, “There’s more going on here. What is it? Steffy? Tell me!” We fade to black.

You can check out the pivotal scene between Finn and Steffy below.

Now weigh-in: are you glad Finn is as of now not being a doofus? That he is pushy back on Steffy? Do you think Steffy will continue with this lie or admit she slept with Carter and became pregnant? Either way, would Finn stay with his wife while she became a surrogate for Carter and Daphne? Let us know in 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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