For the past eight years I have waited for The Young and the Restless to recapture the magic that once made it the most watchable and consistent daytime drama in the history of the medium. However, with the ongoing changes behind the scenes, the series has not been able to reclaim its former glory, despite remaining the number one rated daytime drama. While I understand the need for change, when former executive producer Jack Smith was let go and head writer Kay Alden left the series, the glory days of Y&R went with them and no one has been able to successfully take their place. Not all of the fault lies with the subsequent executive producers and head writers, as both CBS Television and Sony have a hand in the decision making as well. As the old saying goes, too many cooks spoil the broth.
As a three decades plus viewer and once avid fan of The Young and the Restless, I am concerned that the series may never be great again, despite the potential that the long running daytime drama possesses. Some of the problems that continue to plague the series include the introduction of too many new characters (who no one cares about), the bleeding of beloved veterans, and recasts who simply are not right for the roles that they are assuming. Making matters worse is the devastating loss of Jeanne Cooper (Katherine Chancellor), who passed away in May, and the recent departure of Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Newman). Both actresses are virtually irreplaceable (not that there is any chance of a Katherine recast). Last year, Jess Walton (Jill Abbott) was off screen for more than six months, but has since returned on a recurring basis and Eileen Davidson (Ashley Abbott) was shipped of to Days of our Lives by Sony and the negligence of the former executive producer who did not want to "share" Eileen.
I assume that Jeanne Cooper and Michelle Stafford were highly paid and deservedly so, which should free up enough money to reinstall beloved veterans who are desperately needed back on the canvass. The first order of business should be placing the Abbott family front and center by bringing John (Jerry Douglas) back from the dead. Since this is a soap opera, the idea is not far fetched and would go a long way to reestablishing the Abbott family. Second, Beth Maitland (Traci Abbott) needs to be placed on contract and I suspect that since Eileen Davidson is now finished with Days, she will return to Genoa City soon. In addition, it would be great to see Tricia Cast (Nina Chancellor) and Michael Damian (Danny Romalotti) return, at least on a recurring basis. Furthermore, why not bring back Tonya Lee Williams as Olivia Winters and/or Steven Ford as Andy Richards, Laura Bryan Birn as Lynne Bassett and Thad Luckinbill as J.T. Hellstrom? Since both Don Diamont (Brad Carlton) and Heather Tom (Victoria Newman) are doing so well on The Bold and the Beautiful, I suppose there is no chance for either one of them to return in the near future, but their talents are desperately needed right now.
Regarding the aforementioned recasts, Hunter King is the only one who has successfully assumed her role. Perhaps the other youngsters could benefit from guidance from the veteran cast members and/or the writing could improve and help to fully develop the characters. As far as the numerous new characters are concerned, I do not care for any of them. I find at least one actor to be lazy and the others are simply uninteresting. Again, it may be the performances and/or the writing. In addition, Steve Burton is not being used to his potential. Frankly, I find his storyline to be boring and unnecessary. Why hire an award winning actor and then give him a lame story and not find a way to integrate him into the series? It seems like Dylan (Steve Burton) and Chelsea (Melissa Claire Egan) belong on another show. I am also not fond of the way Jessica Collins (Avery Clark) and Elizabeth Hendrickson (Chloe Fisher) are being utilized. They are both talented, so give them better material to work with. Also, what has happened to Sharon? I hope the explanation is that she is not taking her medication. Otherwise, the character continues to be ruined and Sharon Case deserves better.
The storylines centering around Summer's paternity and the Rose Turner/Neil Winters (Kristoff St. John) fiasco are ridiculous. On a more positive, the problems between Lauren and Michael (Christian Le Blanc) have been well played and it is great to see Tracey E. Bregman, as Lauren, back on contract. Mining Lauren's past has brought new life to the former "mean girl." Kudos also to Max Ehrich, as Fenmore, who is doing a great job. In addition, the fallout from Katherine's death promises to have long lasting implications for many of the characters, including Jill and Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott), so that may be something to look forward to. I am also thrilled to see Doug Davidson (Paul Williams) front and center where he belongs.
In the future, I would like to see Billy (Billy Miller) and Victoria get divorced and find new love interests. I would also like to see Ignacio Serricchio (Alex Chavez) moved to contract status, since he is so likable and demonstrates good chemistry with everyone he works with. It would also be cool to see a renewal of the Jack/Victor feud that Peter Bergman and Eric Braeden portray so well. Oh, and how about a great story for the talented and currently underused Kevin (Greg Rikaart)?
The future of The Young and the Restless could look much brighter if the series can regain its consistency. The people behind the scenes need to understand and celebrate the history of the series by focusing on the core families and adding new characters only when they are necessary - and make them interesting. The writers must also create quality storylines for the immensely talented cast who deserve better material. It is possible to keep long time viewers happy and attract a younger demographic by producing a character driven series that features actors from all age groups by giving them great story to work with. No, it is not easy, but it is possible.
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