Y&R Report (May 18, 2024) The Latest on The Young and the Restless

Hey Y&R fans, every second Saturday TV Banter discusses the latest happenings and provides commentary on your favourite daytime drama. Note to U.S. readers - SPOILER ALERT: Here in Canada, I watch the show on Global TV, which is one episode ahead of CBS.  I will inevitably refer to incidents you haven't seen yet.  Read at your own risk.  If you are the curious type, though, you may prefer to discover some things in advance.

Hi fans, 

The Jordan storyline has gone too far.  Jordan is a sick, demented person.  However, I'm not pleased that Victor Newman is engaging in torture.  What he's doing to Jordan is torture, pure and simple.  It is sick and disgusting.  I watch Y&R to be entertained, not to watch someone be physically and mentally tortured.  Victor seems to be enjoying himself greatly.  He seems to be revelling in his cruelty.  His behaviour is just as sick and twisted as Jordan's.  He's gone down to her level.  I wonder how Eric Braeden, who plays Victor, feels about the storyline.  

According to an online spoiler, Jordan is going to devise and escape plan, but Victor realizes she is up to something.  The Genoa City Police must be very incompetent. since they haven't been able to deal with one mad woman.  The GC residents don't seem to trust their law enforcement.  Victor has his own security force and he likes to take matters into his own hands.  He wants vigilante justice

Cole is obviously going to find out that Victor has locked up Jordan.  I wonder what he will do with the information.  Will he keep it to himself or tell Victoria and other members of the Newman family?

Although Summer seems adamant that Claire will never be Harrison's nanny,  I still think it will happen.  It also appears that there will eventually be a romance between Kyle and Claire.  I'm afraid that Claire will be left with a broken heart, given Kyle's track record with women.  Kyle is not the most admirable character.  He overstepped his own mother, Diane, by making a business deal behind her back.  Yet, Kyle was the one who wanted Diane to have the co-CEO position at Jabot.  He willingly stepped aside for her, and now he wants his former position back.   Kyle is a spoiled, entitled heartbreaker.

There are some serious problems with the way Y&R is being written.  The writing is very uneven and at times some storylines seem to written as they go along, without long term planning.  Other storylines are gong nowhere and several characters have been painted into a corner.  Sharon is a perfect example.  She has been seldom seen onscreen lately and has no storyline.  Mariah and Tessa have no storyline either.  They have no conflict.  The story about baby Aria's hearing could only go so far.  Tessa is managing Society restaurant, but that's about all.  Why doesn't she sing there?  Sally Spectra doesn't have much of a story either, except for giving advice and support to Adam and to her new friend, Audra.

Speaking of Audra, I expected her to get involved with Nate Hastings.  I also expected Tucker to be very jealous of them.  He will be very dangerous when he's angry or upset.  He's a lose canon.  He's capable of almost anything, and now a mentally unstable Ashley is thinking about killing him.

Y&R head writer Josh Griffith seems focused on mental health issues.  I wondered why he chose to write a storyline about Connor Newman having obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).  I've found the answer.  Griffith's daughter was diagnosed with OCD when she was 26 years old.  So, it's very personal for him.  Griffith feels that there is a great deal of misunderstanding and stigma attached to OCD.  He wants to tell the story right.  That's why Y&R has partnered with The Kids Mental Health foundation to present it properly.  Once again, I have to say that Y&R needs some lighter moments and some comic relief in order to counterbalance all the tension and mental health issues in Genoa City.  Some singing and music would also be nice.

CAST NEWS

Christopher Cousins (Dr. Alan Laurent) will be staying longer in Genoa City

There is some good news for fans of Christopher Cousins, who plays Ashley Abbott's psychologist friend, Dr. Alan Laurent.  Christopher's stint on Y&R has been extended, so he'll be sticking around in order to assess Ashley's mental health situation. This is a pleasant surprise for the actor, who thought he was hired for about ten episodes. "They're keeping me on, which I'm grateful," he told Soaps in Depth.  "I don't know for how long or what, but I'm doing at least some episodes through May, it looks like."  Christopher must be getting positive response from fans of the show.  

As we all know, Ashley is suffering from Dissociative Identity Disorder.  One of her multiple personalities, a Scarlett O'Hara type known as Belle, has been hitting on the good doctor.  Will he be able to resist?

Zuleyka Silver (Audra Charles) is engaged

Zuleka Silver (Audra)

Audra Charles may have turned down Tucker McCall's proposal on Y&R, but Zuleyka Silver is engaged to be married in real life.  Zuleyka recently posted photos of herself and her fiancé, Nate Peterson (interesting that his name should be Nate), hiking.  She showed off her rock, using the hashtag "#Happiest" on her post.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Well fans, what is your favourite Y&R storyline?  Reply to the poll below and let me know.

What is your favourite storyline on Y&R?

The Jordan-Newman-Clair storyline

The Connor OCD storyline.

The Chancellor-Winters storyline

The Ashley-Tucker-Audra-Nate storyline

Other

 

pollcode.com free polls

  

NOTE TO READERS

I really need your feedback.  If you have any comments on Y&R, please email them to me with "Viewer Forum" in the subject line. I will be happy to publish your comments and reply to them  You do not have to use your real name.  I really need your input.  I really need to hear your opinion.  I want to know if you agree or disagree with me. 

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca 

That's all for now.  Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R will appear in this space on Saturday, June 1, 2024.

Take care,

Joanne

Whatever happened to Michael Cole of The Mod Squad?

Michael Cole in 1973

In the late 1960s and early 1970s. Michael Cole was part of a famous television crime fighting trio.  He played undercover cop Pete Cochran on The Mod Squad.  Billed as "One black, one white, one blonde," the hip trio wore stylish sunglasses.  One critic described them as "the hippest and first young undercover cops on TV."  

Michael Cole was the white guy of the group.  Peggy Lipton was the blonde.  Peggy played flower child Julie Barnes, the sole female member, while Clarence Williams III, portrayed Lincoln Hayes, the cool Black guy.  Peggy and Clarence have both passed way, and Michael is the last survivor of the original cast.  

Peggy died of colon cancer in Los Angelis on May 11, 2019.  She was 72 at the time of her passing.  Clarence died in L.A. on June 4, 2021 at the age of 81, also of colon cancer.

Peggy Lipton in 1968

Clarence Williams III in 1971

Tige Andrews, who portrayed Captain Adam Greer on The Mod Squad, died of cardiac arrest on January 27, 2007.  He was 86.

Michael Cole was born July 3, 1940 in Madison, Wisconsin.  According to his 2018 autobiography I Played the White Guy, Michael never knew his biological father, who abandoned his family when Michael was born.  His mother was left alone and penniless to raise Michael and his brother, Ted, a year and a half older.  "I've had a very emotional, up-and-down life," Michael explained in a 2016 interview with Closer Weekly.  "We never had a dad - well, we did for a while, but he passed."

Michael's TV career began when he appeared as Kipp in a 1966 episode of Gunsmoke entitled "Snap Decision" (Season 12, Episode 1, Air Date: September 17, 1966).  He then guest-starred in a 1967 episode of the TV drama Run for Your Life, starring Ben Gazzara.  

In 1968, Michael's life change forever when TV tycoon Aaron Spelling auditioned him for a starring role on The Mod Squad.  He was cast as Pete Cochran, a young rebel who was kicked out of his Beverly Hills home by his wealthy parents for stealing a car.  After being arrested and placed on probation, Pete became an undercover cop.

According to TV Guide, Michael was reluctant to take on the role of an undercover coop.  After reading the script, however, he changed his mind.  The Mod Squad became a huge hit because it was very timely in the Vietnam War/hippy era.  The show ran for five seasons, from 1968 to 1973, on the ABC network.  Michael appeared in all 123 episodes of the series.

The Mod Squad in 1971

During the 1970s, Michael made guest appearances on numerous television series including Police Story (two episodes 1974, 1975), Wonder Woman (1978), The Love Boat (two episodes, 1979 )and CHiPs (two episodes 1979, 1981).  He also appeared in the 1978 TV mini-series, a thriller called Evening in Byzantium. Michael reprised the role of Pete Cochran in a 1979 Mod Squad TV reunion movie called The Return of the Mod Squad.  The entire original cast is reunited as the three former undercover cops are called back to the force after several attempts are made on the life of their old boss and mentor, Adam Greer.  Pete is now a divorced, stressed-out CEO, while Julie has become a horse trainer, wife and mother.  Linc is a teacher and adopted father to a boy played by Todd Bridges.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Michael guest-starred in two episodes of  The Littlest Hobo (1980), Fantasy Island (1981), Vega$ (1981) Murder, She Wrote (1987, 1990), Good Sports (1991) and Diagnosis Murder (1996)

Michael portrayed Henry Bowers in the 1990 TV mini-series It, based on Stephen King's horror novel. In 1991, Michael joined the cast of General Hospital  He played the role of Harlan Barrett in 64 episodes of the daytime drama.

Michael guest-starred as Charles Hadley in a 2006 episode of the medical drama ER.  In 2006, he also appeared alongside Clarence Williams III in Mystery Woman: At First Sight, an episode of the Mystery Women film series on the Hallmark Channel.  In the 2007 feature film Mr. Brooks, Michael played the attorney for Demi Moore's character, Detective Tracy Atwood.

Michael Cole has had a long battle with alcoholism.  In his 2016 interview with Closer Weekly, he opened up about his addiction.   He said that he started drinking at 12 or 13 years of age.  "There were many times we didn't have a place live and we'd stay with aunts and uncles" and he "really started to get in a lot of trouble drinking."  At 14 or 15, Michael ended up in Dayton County Jail after passing out in a gutter.  "My locker at school was just full of old wine bottles.  I was married at 16, became a father and quit school." he told Closer.

In 1994, the actor finally underwent treatment for his drinking problem at the Betty Ford Clinic.  "My wife Shelley said, "You better go the the Betty Ford Center." he revealed to Closer.  "And I wound up there within two days.  I didn't want to lose her - and she was right."

Michael Cole has been married three times and divorced twice.  He is the father of two children from his first marriage as a teenager, and a daughter from his second marriage.  

Michael's second wife, Paula Kelly (Junior), whom he married in 1971, was the daughter of Paula Kelly and Harold Dickinson of the vocal group The Modernaires.  Paula (Jr.) also sang with the Modernaires at one time.  Michael and Paula (Jr.) had a daughter, Jennifer Holly Cole, born 1972.   Paula (Jr.) passed away in 2012.

Paula Kelly Jr.

Michel has been married to Shelley Funes since 1996,  Shelley helped organize an intervention to help Michael with his alcoholism. He credits her for saving his life.

Michael and Shelley

SOURCES: Closer Weekly, "The Mod Squad's Michael Cole Opens Up About His Past Struggles With Alcohol - "I Started Drinking at Age 12," by Closer Staff, April 8, 2016; Interview with Australian morning TV talk show Studio Ten, Wikipedia, Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

- Joanne

Y&R Report (Saturday, May 4, 2024): The Latest on The Young and the Restless

Hey Y&R fans, every second Saturday TV Banter discusses the latest happenings and provides commentary on your favourite daytime drama. Note to U.S. readers - SPOILER ALERT: Here in Canada, I watch the show on Global TV, which is one episode ahead of CBS.  I will inevitably refer to incidents you haven't seen yet.  Read at your own risk.  If you are the curious type, though, you may prefer to discover some things in advance.

Hi fans, 

Aunt Jordan lives on!  I swear, that woman has more lives than a cat, and her storyline has more holes than a golf course.  It is one of the most convoluted plots I have ever seen on a soap.  I think the reason Jordan keeps escaping death is that the writers need to keep the storyline going so that they can continue her conflict with the Newman family.  Furthermore, Y&R would probably like to keep Colleen Zenk, who plays Jordan, onscreen for as long as possible.  Colleen is a soap legend, having played Barbara Ryan on As the World Turns from 1978 until 2010.  So, expect her to continue terrorizing the Newmans for a while yet.  

Victor Newman has lied to his family and friends.  He has told them that Jordan is dead, but he has locked her up in a cell deep in the basement of the Newman ranch, where the alcohol is stored.  This isn't the first time that Victor has confined someone against their will.   Long-time Y&R viewers will remember that a jealous Victor kidnapped photographer Michael Scott, the  lover of his first wife, Julia, and held Scott prisoner in the bomb shelter under the Newman ranch. Nick Benedict, who passed away last year, played Michael Scott.

The confrontation between Nikki and Jack was riveting.  They were the only two characters in that episode.  I didn't think Jack would go as far as he did, even risking his own life for Nikki's sake.  I wondered if the pills were the real thing or some kind of placebo.  It turned out that they were real.  Jack could have died.  He really acted foolishly.  I don't blame Diane for being upset with him.  She was right to reprimand him.

At any rate, Nikki is on her way to rehab and Victor is not happy with Jack.  He was a dark, hulking figure as he show up at Jack's door and warned him to "stay away from my wife!  He continues to keep Jordan locked up, even though Claire and Harrison have returned home safely.  The cruel side of Victor has emerged and he threatens to exact his revenge by making Jordan drink herself to death with alcohol.

Eileen Davidson seems to be having great fun playing Ashley Abbott right now with her multiple personality disorder (now known as dissociative identity disorder),  especially her sultry southern belle character.  We've finally met Ashley's psychologist friend from Paris, Alan Laurent, and it turns out he's actually American.  I'm intrigued by this mystery man and what his role in the storyline will be.  Will he have a romance with Ashley?  If so, will Tucker be jealous, or will Ashley just use the doctor to make Tucker jealous?  (By the way, the orange outfit Ashley was wearing for lunch with Alan was very bright.  It really stood out).

Alan is not Ashley's doctor.  They are friends.  He is not treating her.  As he pointed out, he doesn't have a licence to practise medicine in the United States.  So, it would not be technically unethical for them to have a romance.  It would be of questionable ethics, though, considering that Jack is seeking Alan's advice in helping his sister.  However, even if it were completely unethical, I don't think it would stop Ashley.  She's been involved with her therapist in the past.  Back in the 1980s, she suffered a breakdown and became involved with her shrink, Steven Lassiter.  She even married him, but he suffered a terrible fate.  He was shot to death by one of his patients.  

Summer seems to have a visceral dislike for Claire.  For some reason, Claire sets her off, even though she now knows that Claire did not try to harm Harrison.  In fact, the two really have developed a bond.  Maybe Summer is jealous.  She is afraid that Harrison will have more affection for Claire that her.  That's why she doesn't want Claire near the boy.

I won't be surprised if Kimberlin Brown, who plays Sheila Carter, Lauren Fenmore's archenemy, shows up in Genoa City,  for a bit.  Sheila was seemingly stabbed to death by Steffy Forrester on The Bold and the Beautiful.  However, it was soon announced that Sheila was still alive, because Steffy had actually stabbed her look-alike, Sugar, instead.  (Ah, the old look-alike trick to keep a character alive).  I don't think it's coincidental that Lauren mentioned Sheila in a recent episode.  Lauren hasn't had a storyline for a while and the characters on Y&R and B&B often crossover.

Kimberlin Brown

CAST NEWS    

Christopher Cousins plays Ashley's Paris friend

C. Cousins

Actor Christopher Cousins is playing the role of Alan Laurent, Ashley Abbott's psychologist friend from Paris.  Christopher is a familiar face to  soap fans.  In additions to short stints on Anther World and As the World Turns in the late 1980s and early 1980s.  He had a leading role as con man Cain Roga on One Life to Live.

Christopher also has an impressive list of prime time credits.  He is probably most well-known for his portrayal of Ted Beneke on Breaking Bad, but has also appeared on Glee, The Vampire Diaries, UnREAl, Chicago Fire and Law & Order.

IN MEMORIUM:  Two former Y&R cast members pass away

Meg Bennett (Julia Martin Newman) has died at 75

Meg Bennett, who played Victor Newman's first wife, Julia, has died from cancer at the age of 75.  The soap veteran, who passed away on April 11, 2024, used her talents on and off the screen. In 1972, Meg made her soap opera debut as Liza Walton on Search for Tomorrow.  In 1980, she began playing Julia Newman on Y&R.  She portrayed Julia for six years and made some cameo appearances on the show after that, the last one being in 2020.

Meg also worked as a writer on Y&R, The Bold and the Beautiful, General Hospital, Generations, Santa Barbara and Sunset Beach.  She has earned five Daytime Emmy nominations for her writing, garnering a win with the General Hospital team in 1995.  Meg starred as the villainous Allegra Montenegro on GH, the show where she met her husband, Robert Guza Jr., the creator of Sunset Beach.  They married in 2004.

Marla Adams (Dina Abbott Mergeron) has passed away

Marla Adams who played Dina Mergeron, the mother of Jack, Ashley and Traci Abbott, has died at the age of 85.  Marla began her soap career as Belle Clemens on the The Secret Storm.  She portrayed Belle from 1968 to 1974.  In 1982, Marla  took on the role of Dina Mergeron, John Abbott's wayward ex-wife.  Marla played Dina on and off for four decades, until her character died of Alzheimer's Disease.  In 2021, Marla won a Daytime Emmy for her portrayal of Dina's struggle with Alzheimer's.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Well fans, would you like to see a romance between Ashley Abbott and Alan Laurent, her doctor friend from Paris?  Do you think that would make for an interesting storyline?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Would you like Ashley and Alan Laurent, her psychiatrist friend, to have a romance?

Yes, he's better suited to her than Tucker McCall. It would be fun.

No, it would be a disaster for them both. Ashley should not have a romance in her mental condition.

I don't know.

Other

 

pollcode.com free polls

NOTE TO READERS

I really need your feedback.  If you have any comments on Y&R, please email them to me with "Viewer Forum" in the subject line. I will be happy to publish your comments and reply to them  You do not have to use your real name.  I really need your input.  I really need to hear your opinion.  I want to know if you agree or disagree with me. 

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca 

That's all for now.  Enjoy the May Sweeps.  Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, May 18, 2024. 

Take care,

Joanne

Jeopady! Update

 
The Jeopardy! Masters tournament begins this week

Okay fellow Jeopardy! fans.  Are you ready for the Jeopardy! Masters tournament?  The second season of the Masters will begin on May 1, 2024, and it will last for three weeks, with nine episodes in total.  There will be six competitors.in the tournament.

The first matchup will feature Mattea Roach, Matt Amodio and Victoria Groce.  I will be cheering for Mattea because Mattea is a Canadian, originally from Nova Scotia.  

Mattea now lives in my hometown, Toronto, Ontario and is a writer and podcast host.  Matt Amodio resides in New York City and is a quantitative researcher.  Victoria Groce, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a writer and television personality.  She is the winner of the first-ever Jeopardy! Invitational Tournament.  

Last year, professional sports gambler James Holzhauer won the Masters tournament.  He took home $500,000 and the Alex Trebek trophy.  Mattea Roach finished second, winning $250,000.  Matt Amodeo ended up in third place with $150,000.  As a result of making the finals in last year's tournament, those three automatically qualify. for the tournament.  

James Holzhauer will defend his Masters title.  Another contestant will be psychologist Yogesh Raut, of Vancouver, Washington.  He is the winner of the 2024 Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions.  The sixth and final competitor, as chosen by the producers, is Amy Schneider, a writer and native of Dayton, Ohio. She holds the second-longest win streak in the show's history, after host Ken Jennings.

THE SIX CONTESTANTS

Mattea Roach

Matt Amodeio

Victoria Groce

James Holzhauer

Yogesh Raut

Amy Schneider

- Joanne

Y&R Report (April 20, 2024): The Latest on The Young and the Restless

Hey Y&R fans, every second Saturday TV Banter discusses the latest happenings and provides commentary on your favourite daytime drama. Note to U.S. readers - SPOILER ALERT: Here in Canada, I watch the show on Global TV, which is one episode ahead of CBS.  I will inevitably refer to incidents you haven't seen yet.  Read at your own risk.  If you are the curious type, though, you may prefer to discover some things in advance.

Hi fans, 

Y&R head writer Josh Griffith has a terrible habit.  He doesn't always show viewers a complete scene.  We only get to see the follow-up to the scene.  For example, we saw Jordan shackled in a hospital room.  Yet we are supposed to believe that she escaped security.  We are supposed to believe that she somehow entered the Abbott home and kidnapped Harrison and Claire without being heard or causing a commotion.  We don't know exactly how she pulled it off because we did not see the complete scene.  This is really annoying.

On a positive note, I really enjoyed Nikki and Victor's 40th anniversary party.  Eric Braeden and Melody Thomas Scott are superb.  They are soap's premier duo.  I truly hope they have many more successful years on the show.

Summer is getting on my nerves.  I don't blame her for being upset over Harrison's abduction, but she is flying off the handle and she is determined to think the worst of Claire, without concrete evidence.  It is obvious that Claire will be vindicated of any wrongdoing.  Summer will have to eat crow and apologize.  I have little doubt that Claire will become Harrison's nanny.  It's just a matter of time.           

Jack and Victor, longtime rivals, are working together to bring Harrison home safely and to put an end to Jordan's reign of terror.  I don't think that this partnership will last.  In fact, I think it will end as soon as the crisis is resolved.  Diane is not pleased about all the time Jack is devoting to helping Nikki overcome her alcoholism.  Victor is not happy about Nikki spending time with Jack.  I doubt that this unlikely alliance will remain intact.

Just as we thought Danny and Cricket were going to go off happily on Danny's tour together, Cricket declared that as an attorney, she had an obligation to help a client who needed her.  Danny was disappointed, bus said he understood.  But wait!  If you think it's over for Danny and Cricket, think again.  In an Instagram post, Lauralee Bell, who plays The Queen Bug, as Phyllis referred to her, has hinted that there's more to come in May in the storyline.             

2024 Daytime Emmys Nominations

The nominations for the 2024 Daytime Emmys have been announced.  The 51st Daytime Emmys will be held on June 7, 2024 in Los Angeles.  The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful led the way, each with 12 nominations.  Y&Rw as represented in the following categories:

* Outstanding Daytime Drama Series; Outstanding Writing Team; Outstanding Directing Team; Outstanding Casting; Outstanding Art Direction/Set Decoration/Scenic Design; Outstanding Hairstyling and Makeup

* Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series - Actor: Eric Braeden (Victor Newman)

* Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series - Actress: Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers)

* Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Daytime Drama Series - Actor: Bryton James (Devon Winters)

* Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Daytime Drama Series - Actress: Allison Lanier (Summer Newman; Courtney Hope (Sally Spectra)

* Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Linden Ashby (Cameron Kirston).  It's interesting to note that Linden Ashby is up against 98-year-old Dick Van Dyke.,who appeared on Days of Our Lives.

CAST NEWS

Where is Brytni Sarpy (Dr. Elena Dawson)?

As I've mentioned before, Dr. Elena Dawson (Brytni Sarpy)  has been missing from our screens for a while now.  I've tried to get to the bottom of her disappearance. I've been curious about what happened to her as she hasn't even appeared in hospital scenes lately.  Where is the good doctor?  She's been absent for months.  She helped saved Chance's life when he was shot, and that's about the the last we've seen of her.  

Elena has non been involved in a storyline since she dumped Nate for cheating on her with Victoria.  She seems unlucky at love.  She could use a new romance.  How is that going to happen, though, if we never see her?  According to a March 13th article on the website SheKnows (www.sheknows.com), Brytni "recently" posted a photo of herself on Instagram showing off a new hair style and hair colour. (That is not surprising as the actress frequently changes her hairstyle and colour). She received compliments from quite a few people telling her how much she's been missed and asking when she's going to return.  

SheKnows did some investigating and found that "according to show sources, Elena, is, as happens to characters from time to time, just on the backburner for now." It found no word when she might show up again, but hoped that "we don't have to wait until the next time someone is shot!"  It's usually not a good sign when characters are put "on the backburner."  Most of the time, they stay there, or return years later with another actor playing the part.  That's what happened to Noah and other Y&R characters.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Kellen Enriquez

Redding Munsell

How do you like the new Harrison?  Redding Munsell took over the role of Harrison Abbott from Kellen Enriquez, just as Harrison's storyline began heating up.  Some may ask why the switch was made at such a crucial time in the storyline.  I think that's exactly why the switch was made.  It appears that the Y&R producers and writers did not have much confidence in Kellen to take on a bigger role during Harrison's kidnapping.  What do you think, fans?  Which Harrison do you prefer?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Do you prefer the first Harrison (Kellen Enriquez) or the current Harrison (Redding Munsell)?

I prefer the first Harrison. He was very sweet.

I prefer the second Harrison. He is a much better actor.

They don't seem much different to me.

I don't know.

Other

 

pollcode.com free polls

NOTE TO READERS

I really need your feedback.  If you have any comments on Y&R, please email them to me with "Viewer Forum" in the subject line. I will be happy to publish your comments and reply to them  You do not have to use your real name.  I really need your input.  I really need to hear your opinion.  I want to know if you agree or disagree with me. 

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca 

Happy Passover to my readers of the Jewish faith. 

 That's all for now.  Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday,  May 4, 20024.

Take care,

Joanne

Dick Van Dyke, 98, has been nominated for a Daytime Emmy

 98-year-old Dick Van Dyke has been nominated for a Daytime Emmy (He was born on December 13, 1925 in West Plains, Missouri).  As a longtime Van Dyke fan, I am delighted with the news. Dick is a master of physical comedy and a talented actor.  He is truly a living treasure.  The Dick Van Dyke Show, which ran from 1961 to 1966, is a classic, and one of my favourite sitcoms.  From 1971 to 1974.  Dick and Hope Lange co-starred in The New Dick Van Dyke Show   Dick also starred in another hit series, Diagnosis Murder, from 1993 to 2001.

At 98, Dick becomes the oldest person to earn an Emmy nomination.  He was nominated for his performance on the soap opera Days of our Lives, where her portrayed an elderly man with amnesia.  Of his role on the daytime drama, Dick said last year that he has played old men before, "but comedy old men." He added, "This is the first time I ever just played my 97-year-old self."

Congratulations, Dick, on your Daytime Emmy Nomination.  You still have a lot of life in you yet.  You have proven that 90 can be be the new 70.

- Joanne

TV BANTER QUIZ #31

 Are you ready for the latest TV Banter television quiz?  Get ready and good luck!  There are ten questions.

TV BANTER QUIZ #31

GENERAL TV QUIZ

1.  On Leave it to Beaver, what was the name of Beaver's friend, the fireman?

A.  Ralph

B.  Gus

C. Clyde

D.  Fred

E,  George

2.  In an episode of The Andy Griffith Show, Aunt Bee, portrayed by Frances Bavier, becomes part owner of a restaurant.  What kind of restaurant was it?

Frances Bavier

A. Italian restaurant

B.  French restaurant

C.  Malt shop

D.  Chinese restaurant

E.  Nightclub

3.  On Happy Days, what was Potsie Weber's real name?

Anson Williams as Potsie 1974

A,  Clark

B.  James

C.  Warren

D.  Simon

E.  Edgar

4.  On the Dick Van Dyke Show, how was Mel Cooley, played by Richard Deacon, related to television star Alan Brady, played by Carl Reiner?

A.  Mel Cooley and Alan Brady were first cousins.

B.  They were brothers.

C.  They were brothers-in-law.

D.  They were half-brothers.

E.   They were step brothers.

5.  On The Dick Van Dyke Show, what was the nickname of Buddy Sorrell's wife?

A.  Bunny

B.  Candy

C.  Tootsie

D.  Honey

E.  Pickles

6,  On Seinfeld, what was Elaine Benes' occupation from Season 2 to Season 5.

A.  Flight attendant

B.  Copy Editor

C,  Pharmacist

D.  Receptionist

E.  Librarian

7.  On Welcome Back, Kotter, what was the name of teacher Gabe Kotter's wife?

A.  Julie

B.  Judy

C.  Janet

D.  Jessica

E.  Jean

8.  On Welcome Back Kotter, what was the name Gabe Kotter's alma mater, the school where he return to teach?

A.  James Buchanan High

B.  Walt Whitman High

C.  Jefferson High

D.  Millard Filmore High

E.  Woodrow Wilson High

9.  On I Love Lucy, what was the name of the harpist, the only female member of Rick Ricardo's (Desi Arnaz) orchestra?  (This is the bonus question.  Give yourself an extra point if you answer it correctly.)

A.  Jane

B;  Dorothy

C.  Betty

D.  Nancy

E.  Jenny

10.  On Family Ties, where did the Keaton family live?

A.  New York City

B.  Chicago, Illinois

C.  Madison, Wisconsin

D.  San Francisco, California

E.  Columbus, Ohio

ANSWERS

1.  B

Gus the Fireman

Beaver Cleaver's friend and confidant was a fireman named Gus.  American character actor Burt Mustin played Gus.  Beaver (Jerry Mathers) would visit Gus when at the fire station whenever he had a problem and needed advice.

2.  D

In a 1967 episode of The Andy Griffith Show entitled "Aunt Bee's Restaurant" (Season 7, Episode 21, Air Date: February 6 , 1967), Aunt Bee enters the business world as the part owner of a Chinese restaurant.

3.  C

Potisie Weber's real name was Warren.Weber.

4.  C

Richard Deacon as Mel Cooley

On The Dick Van Dyke Show, Mel Cooley was the brother-in-law of Alan Brady.  Mel, the producer of the fictional Alan Brady Show, was married to Alan Brady's sister.  Mel was always at the receiving end of comedy writer Buddy Sorrell's (Morey Amsterdam) jokes and insults, mostly about his baldness.

5.  E

Buddy (M. Amsterdam) with B. Perry as Pickles

Buddy with Joan Shawlee as Pickles

On The Dick Van Dyke Show. Buddy's wife, Fiona Conway Sorrell, was nicknamed "Pickles."  Barbara Perry (1921 - 2019) originated the role of  Pickles in two first-season episodes entitled "Sally is a Girl" (1961) and "Where You Been, Fassbinder?"(1962).  

Joan Shawlee played Pickles in three 1963 episodes - "My Husband is a Check Grabber," "The Sam Pomerantz Scandals" and "Divorce."

6.  B

From Seasons 2 to 5, Elaine Benes, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, worked as a copy editor at Pendant Publishing.  She lost her job in Season 5 when the company went bankrupt.  A merger that may have  saved the company was thwarted due to Elaine's habit of chewing speech-impairing Juicyfruit candies.

7.  A

Marcia Stassman as Julie Kotter

Marchia Strassman played Gabe Kotter's (Gabe Kaplan) long-suffering wife, Julie Kotter, on the sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter.  Marcia died of breast cancer in 2014.  She was 66 at the time of her passing.

8.  A

Gabe Kaplan as Gabe Kotter

On Welcome Back, Kotter, Gabe Kotter taught at James Buchanan High School in Brooklyn, New York.

9.  D

On I Love Lucy, the name of the harpist in Ricky Ricardo's orchestra was Nancy.  The Ricky Ricardo Orchestra was made up mostly of members of Desi Arnaz's orchestra.  The real name of the woman who played Nancy was Maryce R. Pickering.  She was a talented harpist who passed away in 1977.at the age of 61.

10.  E

On Family Ties, the Keaton family lived in Columbus, Ohio.  

- Joanne