“Young and Restless”: Number One But Still Disappoints

A few years ago, I took a long hiatus from writing this column. My first column back, January 11, 2022, was called “Young and Restless: Such a Disappointment.” Rereading that column now, I am astonished that so little has changed. This landmark show in daytime history has many of the same problems today it did then. Did Miss Marlena, who has watched and loved “Y&R” from its premiere in 1973, really say that this soap was … boring? Well, I still have a lot of problems getting through the broadcast hour.

I take no pleasure in finding fault with this landmark show, the phenomenal invention of the late William J. Bell and his wife Lee Phillip. “Y&R” has been a consistent number one in the daytime ratings since 1988. It is truly CBS Daytime’s current crowning achievement.

In addition to its sumptuous production values, “Y&R”’s strongest asset always has been its very strong and talented cast, so many top rate actors have worked here! The long list includes today’s cast, so many of whom have been with the show forever, like Eric Braeden (Victor), Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki), and Peter Bergman (Jack). I adore Christian LeBlanc (Michael) and Tracy Bregman (Lauren), a charming and bright romantic soap pairing. Devon (Bryton James) is just so winning and lovable. Jason Thompson (Billy) is such a solid presence, it’s has been such a treat over the years to watch young characters mature into adulthood, like Nicholas (Joshua Morrow) and Sharon Newman (Sharon Case), who have evolved into great leads. Plus, Genoa City does have its share of smart and beautiful women like Audra Charles (Zuleyka Silver) and Sally Spectra (Courtney Hope.)

Enough fawning, Miss Marlena! My real problem with show, both in 2022 and right now, is the writing. Josh Griffith has been the show’s head writer and executive producer for years and though he’ tries, he hasn’t been especially inventive for a long time. For example, I’ve always found the stories of constant battles over corporate ownership — like the possession of Genoa City’s Newman Enterprises, Jabot Cosmetics and Chancellor Industries — a real yawn. I have always watched soaps for love, not a daily version of the Wall Street Journal.

Griffith did have a great new fresh idea recently, incorporating that new societal menace AI into a storyline with Phyllis (Michelle Stafford), but that story went nowhere. And although I’ve been reminded that kidnapping is a common soap event, I found Mariah’s (Camryn Grimes) recent kidnapping of little Dominick (Ethan Ray Clark) very, very creepy — and I’m not even a Mom!

Another problem “Y&R” still has is, all the characters do all the time is to talk, talk, talk to each other. That’s very soap like, but I could use some lively action once in a while. Perhaps they should try some singing as they did in the early years of this show?  Remember circa mid-seventies, when Lance (John McCook) used to play the piano and romantically sing to his lady love Lorie (Jamie-Lynn Bauer?)

Every once in a while, “Y&R” does something that intrigues me. Griffith has been very smart to bring in outsiders like Colleen Zenk (the evil Aunt Jordan) and Ray Wise whose Ian Ward is still around in a spirit way to torture Mariah. And I really sat up and noticed when “Y&R” was fortunate enough to hire Roger Howarth as Matt Clark. Whether it’s here or in his trademark role of evil Todd Manning on “One Life to Live,” Howarth is always must-see TV. (He’s returning next month.)  Adding multi-soap veteran (“General Hospital,” “Days of Our Lives”) Tamara Braun as Sienna Bacall (what a great movie-esque name!) was very smart. Braun is such an inventive, smart, and accomplished actress! I could watch her act all day long.

And this week it was announced that Shemar Moore (Malcolm Winters) and Vivica A. Fox (Dr. Stephanie Simmons) will both be returning to the show soon. Plus, this coming month Stacy Haiduk will return as Patty Williams. That’s a lot of encouraging promise to look forward to! But will they ever bring back her brother Paul as played by Doug Davidson?

I have to lastly note that recently I was astonished when” Y&R” broke up the young love story of Mariah and Tessa (Cait Fairbanks), the latter who is now involved with Daniel (Michael Graziadei.)  I’ve heard from several of my gay women fans who feel that Tessa dating a man (Daniel) is unrealistic. I can see their point. A soap should try to keep all segments of their loyal fans happy.

May I repeat I don’t like criticizing an America institution like “Y&R.”  If only it would move a bit faster and hatch some fresh, original, absorbing plots! In memory of its co-creator and head writer. The great Bill Bell’s, “Y&R” should still be a great way  to kick off an afternoon of great soap watching.