Y&R: Week of May 25, 2009

[MarkH]

I think when actors try to reign in their performances (play their pain behind the eyes, rather than 'out there') -- I'm thinking the understated styles of CF or JM -- a lot of viewers might tend to label that as "lazy".

But, specifically in the case of Nick, his paralysis -- his inability to communicate what he's feeling since he is so confused -- I think is what they are actually looking for right now. But I'm not gonna convince -- or try to convince -- anyone.

[DeeeDee]

Yes he was.

EXACTLY!

[MTSRocks]

There's a difference between understated and lazy. He's saying his lines, but there is no feelings or emotions behind them. The Nick Newman "free pass" can only get you so far.

[soapydoc]

I actually agree with you. But then you probably know this already. JM, to me, is vacillating between coldness, love and pain with Phyllis then desperation, love and regret with Sharon. He rings true for me. I want to shake him to make him emote in some damn way. I don't know many men like Jack, on an emotional level, but I know a hell of a lot of Nick's.

Sharon was the smartest one in the room today when she told Nick they were doomed by trying to go back in time as a family with Noah and Cassie. This is one mess of a story. I don't see anything to indicate that Nick and Sharon are going to make it living their lives trying to redo their past. But even when that tanks, there should be no way in hell that Phyllis should let her anywhere near her. Nick is going to have to be alone for a very long while.

[classicmoment]

I mean truthfully I could tell these writers weren't invested in

when the character pretty much disappeared, so I didn't suddenly see the interest. I personally see ways to develop the character but I'm not penning so I guess in that sense it is all about inspiration.

I mean I hear you, he's not "BAD" he's just obviously the weakest link. He needs to find a way to make it less obvious and he can do that. Many guys don't connect to emotion well but "pressure bust pipes" everyone has a breaking point. With constant ongoing, emotional turmoil happening in this guy's life, there has to be more telling symptoms of hurt, pain, vulnerability at those necessary moments. Nick's miserable. There are opportunities when Phyllis isn't in the scene with him or Sharon isn't in the scene with him for him to show or reveal more even if he's emotionally crippled. I'm not asking him to turn into Jack (PB) or worse yet CLB (definitly don't want to go to that) but certain beats have to be touched on at specific moments. He's phoning it in many times especially in many scenes with MS (though I liked his performance where he came clean with her about how he really felt).

Sharon's the smarter of both. Phyllis is the smartest of all three

[lovely_m]

I felt sorry for Phyllis when she said if she was in the same situation as Sharon she would have gotten stoned in the town square. I hate how she goes on about how all this would hurt Summer. I don't think Summer is old enough to know what the hell is going on. Was she this concerned for Noah (who would have a better understaning of the situation) when she was effing Nick's brains out. I squirmed when she said Nick was the best love she ever had. I'm sorry, but Nick is not worth all this trouble he's causing for these two women.

Billy and Chloe's story always goes back and forth from friends with benefits to a serious relationship. Did she get pregnant by Billy and trick Cane so Delia could have a good father or did she want Cane and used Billy to get pregnant?

If these writers want to make good use of history, have JT interact with Billy/Mac/Raul. It sad to think the only link to his past we have is Colleen.

[soapydoc]

I don't think Nick has been alone for months. He always seems to be in a scene with Sharon or Phyllis. He made the decision so quickly that he didn't even take the time to talk to anyone about it. Last week he was snuggling with Phyllis on the RS furniture and a week later he is on the verge of breaking up with her. He's been on this back and forth track for quite a while, I get that. But the lack of scenes where he has really struggled with any of his choices, save that great scene with Jack, have been lacking.

I look to see how things play out with his friends and family after

. Nick is in a bubble. Looks like Sharon is about to join him there. Hopefully, Nick will show more of a breakdown when he loses whatever it is is he will more than likely lose out of all of this.

[MoTheGreat]

To Billy it was a booty call. To Chloe it was a relationship. It's a he said she said thing.

[Juliajms]

My problem with Nick is that he is taking things way to calmly. I don't need him to be angry with Sharon for screwing Billy, but he should have a strong reaction. Anger might make sense, but so would extreme worry and concern. Someone should be trying to force Sharon into therapy. Doris might be my first choice, but Jack or Nick should be right there as well. I like Jack and Sharon together more and more as time goes by. I get that I'm not supposed to be rooting for them, but I wish Sharon would choose "compassionate love" with Jack for a year or two. It would make so much sense for a woman in her currant situation.

[classicmoment]

I don't think what they are doing to Adam at this point is a mistake, aspects of hte plotpoints to me are a bit extreme but when I think of it I think Ruthless. I love that they re rebuilding the character from the other end on forward.

[Ann_SS]

It was not booty call for Billy. The Shiva Rose person pointed out that Billy and Chloe were always together and Billy wasn't known for more than a booty call. Billy and Chloe clearly dated in NY. Billy has always acted as if he has feelings for Chloe even when he was chasing Lily. Billy made a point of seeking out Chloe and flirting with her, reminding her of their NY days. Then MAB adds Sharon and Mac shows up and Billy cannot be bothered with Chloe or Delia for that matter. It makes Billy look horrible. He is quickly sinking to Nick Newman territory.

[MoTheGreat]

Well people that dislike Chloe see it the way Billy sees it. They don't watch what's going on in their scenes. He called her a stalker & other stupid names. They will even bring up that he doesn't love her. but i never heard him say it. I wait for it to come out of his mouth.

[MarkH]

Remember, after Cassie died, Nick closed himself off. This is also what Victor does. (Remember the "I vant to be alone" summer?) This is character consistency....I'm not so sure it is bad acting.

I'd LOVE for Nick to be alone. Even lonely. For him to get "healthy". And then to rebuild his life from a place of strength.

[MarkH]

But Nick explained why he is not angry at Sharon...some weeks ago. Because he screwed up. He remembers that time after Cassie died. He remembers how he closed himself off. He remembers how he lost himself in another woman.

He can't judge her, because he's walked that mile himself. AND...he has contributed to where Sharon is now. The guilt is a powerful thing in keeping him paralyzed too.

Jack's love is not compassionate. He thrives on her sickness. It makes him feel better about the rot at the core of his soul by "taking care" of someone more f*cked up than himself. That's all. (IMO).

[Ann_SS]

I do not think that Billy has a clue about what he feels about Chloe. He is too busy running after every woman that he can't have. We'll see what happens when he finally hooks up with Mac.