Y&R: Week of May 18, 2009

[MarkH]

Murphy was excellent. That was an alchemy of casting and writing. I liked him from the FIRST SCENE, with that distinctive dialect, and I thought FROM THE FIRST SCENE "Oh, maybe we have an interesting romantic pairing for Kay...how novel".

Ana/Tyra has been a disaster. Mac was introduced BRILLIANTLY -- best introduction in years -- if all would remember how much they enjoyed her wedding cliffhanger appearance. In the time since, her introduction has been lackluster both due to performance, but also because they have kept her in this narrow orbit. Yesterday--with some manufactured flashbacks (where she connected to happier days with Billy) and with a truly inspiring scene partner (Kevin!) she was better. So, it too long for the writing and the direction to support her...but the introduction was fabulous.

P3's reintroduction was brilliant...the shot heard round the world. We now know, for secrecy reasons, that he is going to be light in story for at least a month...since they didn't want to spoil the coup. So no judgments can be made.

The introduction of Chloe was fabulous. She established a full presence when she was a nobody...totally an original character who commanded attention. And then, in the passage of time, they linked her to Esther...but here was a place where actress and writing were in such harmony, she could have remained unrelated and it still would have worked.

The introduction of Eden has been a disaster. The aborted story, contractual falling out with Michael Gross, and two unsuccessful castings of Eden all derailed this.

Noah, on the other hand, is the triumph of casting OVER writing. Not nearly enough has been given to this talented, appealing young man. He's going on a YEAR of being on the show! But Kevin G. Schmidt is such a delight, he's still won a place in the heart with minimal writing.

So, when I put this all together, what it tells me is that new introductions have been MIXED. Some have been successful, others not.

It ONLY works when the writing and the casting and the direction are harmonious...and THAT is a weakness for this team.

ETA: Mary Jane LOOKS like she is a good confluence of writing (mystery story) and casting. While the slow build is sometimes great (it is perfect for Rafe right now), for Mary Jane I think it has been too slow. We haven't been given reason to care...or to think she's *interesting*...until the last few weeks.

[classicmoment]

Excellent episode today, loved those character moments. I loved! loved! loved! Phyllis convo with Nick, this part of their dynamic I can really grow into. It was very genuine; this big sister /little brother complex was adopted during that scene. Loved that as his wife she told him he can open up to her and was very genuine about it, and I loved that Nick just let so much out after that (JM & Sc were great in their respective scenes today).

Loved Chloe giving it to Mac!! She was fed up and EH brought it. "If it was just me I'd say to hell with the both of you" great scene. CF did well again in today's epi she's getting much more adapted in comparison to prior performances.

[Adam]

I will admit I actually thought CF did a good job in today's episode. Her scenes with Elizabeth Hendrickson were done very well. I just hope it is not a flash in the pan.

[Heyou]

Clementine was much better yesterday and today and even looked better. In her scenes yesterday with Rikaart she was very comfortable and then today she seemed to step up her game with her scenes with Chloe.

[Cashton]

It's interesting how Clem does so well with EH in a civil scene. She has more chemistry with Chloe than she's ever had with Billy.

[Adam]

Maybe the execs had a sit down with her..... giving her some pointers.... something had to have happened.

[classicmoment]

It seems so because even before, when Chloe confronted Mac at the bar. I loved how CF played that scene whether it was accidental or on purpose, i sensed growth. Then Lily's wedding happened....

[MarkH]

Rikaart and Ford are reportedly long-time friends. Therefore, they should have a naturalness, from their real relationship.

It would be customary for them -- especially Rauch, but also her directors -- to give her performance notes. As EP, one would imagine that MAB is also trying to shape her performance (if only from a distance).

One would also assume the writers are watching the show, and trying to [ a ] write more to her strengths/performance style, and [ b ] give her better subtextual notes, so she has a better sense of when to be animated, happy, etc.

If you are seeing growth, then I am hopeful...because it means the "system" (including the actress) can respond to the need for change.

Let's see if this keeps up.

[MoTheGreat]

I heard that Clem is better in tomorrow eppy especially with

.

[cara mia]

I can't get into Mac/Clem. Wish I could. She's ruined Billy for me.

[YRBB]

One thing that never fails to get to me is Nick and Sharon going back to the death of their little girl. Having it come back to haunt them again and again is always a delight IMO.

[Y&RWorldTurner]

Thank goodness Chris Engen is gone. I think I was the only one in this thread who couldn't stand that man's "acting."

[YRBB]

I have to agree that his acting always left something to be desired for me... I thought he has a certain strong presence, but he was kind of dead behind the eyes most of the time, always disappointing me. Honestly, I only wanted him around for his looks.

[Y&RWorldTurner]

He was so bland and boring to me. There was no nuance his performances. It was all so one-note, whiny, and forced. Good riddance.

[Ann_SS]

It is about time that Nick acknowledged how he failed Sharon when Cassie died. Of course, everyone continues to gives him a pass his horrific behavior. It is so sickening. At minimum, I am glad that he is no longer consoled by his replacement wife and daughter. Peter Bergman and Sharon Case were really good today. They have a good brother/sister vibe. There is no sexual chemistry there. This triangle is about out of gas and has to end.

I liked Chloe confronting Mac, but damn I am sick of Billy and Mac. Put them together and free Chloe before they make her boring also.

For soaps' sake, Y&R stylists please straighten CF's hair or update her hair style.