Y&R: Week of May 11, 2009

[Sylph]

I love it how these weekly threads chanage. I could almost swear two or three weeks ago it was a snoozefest, then it recovered amazingly, now it's in the rubbish bin again.

It's totally hysterical.

Yet I'm sure we'll... Actually, many of you'll be discussing Sharon Case's hair today or that gorgeous shot or the possible cast additions, story rationalisations and so on and by the end of the week, we'll reach 60 pages.

Fun.

[Y&RWorldTurner]

[MarkH]

I love how Sylph appears when the tone goes the way he wants it to .

I'd not say "apologist". I would say I give them the benefit of the doubt -- to a fault. In other words, I'd never judge a story on day one. Deeper into it...I would. Also, I'm usually more willing to suspend disbelief (e.g., Kay's identity could have been resolved quickly with dental records and/or DNA and/or fingerprints...and this got dragged out a long time to serve what was a decent story) than others.

If this really turns into Reliquary 2, I'll stand on the same soapbox as you. But I always have more hope/optimism in the beginning.

[classicmoment]

At certain point I feel like that too. At certain point the need for characterization stands out

[MarkH]

Erections? What about the women? And what about orgasms?

[DeeeDee]

:lol: :lol:

[soapydoc]

Most people come online to bitch and sometimes praise their stories. It's not the most positive place to chat about the shows. But if you like to bitch amongst friends, you've come to the right place.

[Greg's GL]

On the contrary, I don't feel the show is a mess. A couple of things need work like the pacing.

Character motivations, IMO, are not completely absent from the show. Could they be a little more in-depth? Yup. I'd like that.

Lastly the writers do need to work on wrapping up a story. Kevin's syndrome and Sharon's sticky fingers in particular weren't handled well.

Overall, the show is still a solid B+ for me.

[dm.]

Did May sweeps confuse her that much? Was she forced in any way or is her true writing style just now coming out into the light?

[rhythmchyc]

Thus far under MAB, Graz hasn't been in a major storyline, really. Hopefully this will become something great.

Although there were so many places Y&R could've gone with those four characters blossoming out of the story that was just told with the dreadful chipmunk. Really good, heartfelt stories too.

That's a shame.

But this may become something.

[Juliajms]

There may be some things that aren't working, but overall, I'm still happy with the show. I like what they are doing with Adam. I think it's more character driven than plot driven. I am hopefully about what's happening with MJ. I like what they are doing with Jack and Sharon. I can't wait to see Phyllis implode. It's quite painful to watch her as this desperate person trying to hold on to what is no longer hers. Painful, but good soap, imo.

[MarkH]

This is Alvin's demagogery. Who was NOT in character? Let us review today's episode, shall we?:

Nikki - saying "yes" for the wrong reasons (basically due to TGVN's rejection): In character

Paul - hero, bedrock: In character (at least as he's been this last while)

Nina - script writer: Historically accurate, good device to keep her in town and in Kay's orbit (and I hope she and Amber have chemistry)

Amber - jealously wanting to be involved in the screenplay: In character

Daniel - making a stupid judgement? (The guy who went on the run, married Lily impulsively, and got addicted to porn on a shared laptop): In character

Adam - devious, underhanded: I'm not sure if that is in character, but we have seen the motivations to make him become this man...

Heather - blind, loyal, throws caution to the wind as she loves Adam: In character, as it has come recently to be defined

Sharon - dependent, always needing a man: In character

Jack - eager to take in a dependent woman, especially one 'with child': In character

Phyllis - insecure about Sharon: In character

Nick - rolls his eyes at Phyllis' insecurity; he's "cool" with Sharon going back to Jack: In character

Mary Jane - we don't know this gal, but strokin' her kitty and freaking out over Jack-Sharon: Priceless

Now, tell me how all this is "plot driven" and no one's motivations are clear.

[Y&RWorldTurner]

She isn't a storyteller, and her overall writing style is blah, and she probably takes the most ridiculous ideas from Sheffer and Hamner, and thus we have the show we have now.

The "team" on this show is beginning to REALLY show its cracks.

[classicmoment]

Here's the flaw in Daniel's story to me. I'm an artist who obviously loves and appreciates art someone suddenly appears to me oneday at my art show buys up all my art leaves comes back after and within the span of a few minutes I find out the person in the 'FEDS' and he wants me to help him with an ongoing investigation to catch an art thief. Within a few minutes he tells me what he wants me to do at first I'm not sure but a few minutes more and I agree? C'mon they could do better than that. That sucked. I'll say it. IT SUCKED!!!

[MarkH]

I'm with you, with these exceptions.

1. Pacing: I think what happened--to clearly--was that they obviously scripted a November-sweeps through March-sweeps umbrella (Kay's story). Then, they scripted new stories to launch with May sweeps. We all noticed the April lull, to some extent (chipmunk, chipmunk, chipmunk).

Writing for sweeps, it seems to me, is a network/corporate mandate. Could it be done better...YES. But it is clear to see where it is coming from.

2. I agree with you about Kevin. We should know that he is continuing in therapy. A few quick mentions is all that is needed. On the other hand, for Sharon, she continues to DENY her mental illness (and now uses her pregnancy as an excuse not to take meds). Her NOT being treated continues to fuel story.

Moroever, I have no doubt at some point Mary Jane will abduct Sharon, but it will be written as "Sharon ran away", and everyone will believe it -- both because Sharon is untreated, and because this fits her history. So, NOT treating Sharon is essential to fuel this story.

B+ is a GREAT grade...especially when most shows are getting Ds and Fs.