Credit: CBS screenshot
Following the capture of Young & Restless’ Aunt Jordan, the soap is once again in a letdown phase. I’d have hoped to see other stories ramp up, but the offerings remain low-key overall — and my opinions on some of them may not be in line with the most popular takes on social media. As for what’s coming up, we’ll have a look at that as well. Keep reading!
It’s Complicated
After the dramatic showdown with Claire, Nikki, and Jordan, and Jordan’s arrest, I’m happy to see the fallout is continuing as Nikki is drunk once again in the previews for next week. Her struggle shouldn’t have ended just because Jordan was hauled off to jail. The revelation of Claire’s true identity also led to Victoria taking a leave of absence from Newman Enterprises. Unthinkable under just about any other circumstances. This is interesting because it forces Nick and Adam to work together with Victor and switches up the dynamic. I’m also glad they’re playing the beats involving Claire and Victoria’s relationship. That said, it was just starting to feel like too much of Victoria talking to Claire’s back when the young woman awoke and made the extent of her trauma known by ordering Victoria to leave — and to stay away. Heartbreaking and so well-acted! Here’s hoping that there are more difficulties moving forward as there should be. This should be hella complicated.
Unpopular opinion: As much as I love the down-to-earth Cole as a character, and I’m glad he’s there for Claire and Victoria, I’m not keen for a romantic reunion between them. A hook-up in a vulnerable moment? Sure. But, Victoria’s had a string of ill-fated relationships and I want her next love to be big… to sweep her off of her feet and rock her world. An Ashland vibe, only not so doomed.
Hanky Panky
This may be my most unpopular opinion: I’m Team Heather when it comes to Daniel. Or, at the very least, I’m not offended by her actions. Or Lucy’s. Heather and Daniel’s relationship didn’t end because they fell out of love. His struggles made staying with him untenable. She did what she had to do to protect herself and Lucy. It broke her heart to do it. The feelings didn’t go away. Yes, he’s seeing Lily now, but he hasn’t made a serious committment. Heather is being respectful enough, and was fighting it until she kissed him. Now is the time for them to address the unresolved feelings. Daniel, however, should be calling Lily and telling her that he’s feeling conflicted and be honest. Of course, that’s unlikely to happen given this is a soap, and he may cheat with Heather. If they hook up, I certainly won’t be mad. I’ve been asking for scandal and drama on this show every week in this column!
With all of that said, the chemistry between Daniel and Heather is cozy, but not off the charts. Neither is it between Daniel and Lily, which makes the whole storyline feel a little ‘meh’ no matter which way it goes. So many of the love stories on Young & Restless feel ‘meh’. That’s the bigger issue. Which brings us to…
Sally and Adam
This may not be a popular take with some viewers, but I can’t help but feel as though the reunion between Adam and Sally should have been so much… bigger. There’s something to be said for a good slow burn, but this really didn’t reach that intensity. The writing wasn’t there. The tension and drama weren’t there. Not to mention, Nick just walked away, which is an issue that has cropped up time and again with this regime. Love triangles should explode, and yet we continually have one party simply giving up and being ‘realistic’, which is simply not soapy. That brings us to…
Sharon’s Dream
Sharon’s dream was a nightmare for some viewers. OK, I’m exaggerating, but clearly it signalled that Sharon will have a renewed romantic interest in Nick. While the exes have amazing chemistry, kids, and every reason to get back together, it also feels predictable, and in some ways, like a dead end for the characters too soon. Certainly for those viewers who were hoping for some fun romantic twists in the future, such as exploring a Nick and Lily pairing. Those who don’t find it wildly romantic for Sharon to settle back with the ex-husband who cheated on her repeatedly are probably disappointed as well, as will be those who never got to see as much of Chance and Sharon as they’d have liked. So, perhaps another unpopular opinion: While I loved that Sharon got a standalone, the episode left me wanting something more… or different. As I predicted at the first signs of a love triangle, Sharon let Chance go to free him up for Summer. Meh.
Her Old Tricks
I feel like Danny should have taken his own advice to Daniel (about making things clear where he stands). He hasn’t done that with Phyllis. The minute Christine invited Danny to go on a trip, I knew we were headed for some kind of mischief from the redhead. Potentially unpopular opinion: I’ve wanted that side of her to return. Her shenanigans on New Years were a good start. Will she follow them to the lake and put a fish in their bed? Will she try to squash the Bug with a rental car? We’ll have to tune in to find out. Seriously though, the twist here is that Phyllis is crediting Danny for helping her stay on the straight and narrow, but it’s actually his actions (or inaction) that could act as a catalyst for her swerving off track.
The opinions expressed are my own. Please feel free to share your thoughts on this week’s Young & Restless episodes in the comments.
