Y&R: Week of June 15-19, 2009

[MarkH]

Maybe I just have Alzheimers . But there has been minimal connection between Billy and Cane -- few scenes -- since the paternity resolve. Billy's been all about Chloe-Mac-Sharon-Jack, and Cane's been all about Lily and P3 and now Nina.

The connection between the "brothers" had totally disappeared from my mind.

[DRW50]

I think this could work if Phillip wasn't alive, but with the scam Phillip and Cane participated in, I don't think Nina could ever forgive Cane, unless it was some type of situation where Phillip had to pretend to be dead.

I'd take them over Nina/Neil. But I don't know if they have any relationship plans for Nina, so I shouldn't get ahead of myself.

I'm sure David Lago was happy for a few days work but I'm surprised at how little they played the history Raul has with Mac and Billy. He's known them for 10 years and has been deeply in love with Mac several times, he was at one time Billy's closest friend (remember when Billy had friends), but now I'd almost think he was just some guy she met in Darfur and had some fling with. Perhaps this is what they should have done, as their lack of interest in his feelings and how casually Mac almost cheated on him did their characters no favors.

[classicmoment]

Interestingly enough Mark I find that only right and the least of issues among the stories right now

[MarkH]

LOL. No BS though. If I didn't believe things could get better (i.e., when they're not good), I don't see how I could put one foot in front of the other. I ALWAYS assume that improvement can happen.

And, yes, I apply this to Y&R. I think it is a bit more plot-driven now for summer, and because of the fear of early 2008. But I believe a more balanced canvas, using more of the players, at a slower pace, with more character moments, will come around again. Soon.

What they need to do, I think, to slow things down and deepen the canvas is have a major explosion where half the cast is trapped underground. Then they could have lots of heartfelt conversations for a week or so.

[Y&RWorldTurner]

Well, thankfully, they won't be tied by family anymore...

What's left for Cane after this reveal? I know you want this lame character to stay, Mark. But what direction will they go with him when they reveal his whole identity has been a lie? He'll be written into a corner, and they'll either have to kill him off or have him leave town. Not that I would mind any of that.

[DRW50]

I think they wanted a big rivalry between them, Billy furious over the bond Cane had with Jill, and over the company. All this went away as soon as that story was quickly tied up. I was surprised they had them together today because I've never sensed that Billy cared about spending time with Cane.

Eterna Part 2!

Rauch will be pleased.

[Cashton]

Did you really just say that?

[MarkH]

No, I don't give a rat's ass about Cane, seriously.

But I don't think that's how it's gonna go. I think they'll make him genuinely good, and sorry for his scam. I think they'll make his love for his 'people' sincere and mutual. I think he'll be accepted as a Chancellor/Foster.

He can leave, though. I am sincere about wanting a pared down cast.

I would have put smileys, but I get handed my ass when I do that

[DeeeDee]

[DRW50]

I think Fiona Hutchinson (one of the big names in Eterna) would be perfect for Y&R's current dark, hyperbolic style. Unfortunately I think she fell out with Rauch near the end of her run as Jenna Bradshaw.

A cast cull would be fine, but it's the tone of the show, and the poor pacing, which need the most fixing.

[Y&RWorldTurner]

This needs to be the end for Cane, let's not put it out into the universe that those he scammed will forgive him, please....

[MarkH]

LOL. Okay. But you do see it happening, don't you? My goodness, he asked for forgiveness from Jesus Christ in his wedding church. I don't think he's being set up as an uber-villain who'll be dropped.

[cara mia]

Trapped underground? Didn't we already have that with Palm, uh Clear, Springs?

[lmfan]

I can handle some dark as long as there is balance. Sheila poisoning Lauren was dark, but that was also when Lauren and Michael had plenty of romance which is a big reason I watch soaps. I love character driven stories, romance, and family interaction. I also have enjoyed many of the business stories when they involve many characters.

I used to also love Nikki and Victor and Jack and Phyllis. Now Nikki looks to be gone and Jack and Phyllis have just become punching bags in this neverending quad. Phick sucked away much of my Phyllis love although I am starting to like her more and Jack is on and off with me depending on how he is written but his crying over Sharon and bedhopping is not the Jack I enjoy.

I used to watch for the whole show, but I have found for me that when my favorites are completely missing I can't enjoy other characters as much as I typically do because in my head I am looking for my favorites. And they don't even have to be having a big story. I just need to see them once a week or know that they will have some story in the future.

But when you combine the fact that my favorites are off for a month or so at a time with the fact that most stories are dark, then this show just isn't being written for me in any way.

[MarkH]

I'm seriously interested, though...how would you do this? I get the "tone" part. That just requires more of a mix of stories.

But what do you mean about "pacing"?

Yup. That was the joke. Sorry I didn't signal it. ";-)"