So sad to see these constant recasts and comings and goings. Bill Bell kept a tight rein on the cast and was committed to long term stories for most of the cast.

Unfortunately that era of Y&R is gone

Economically and otherwise, daytime is ENTIRELY different than it was in Bill Bell's days, and there's no way to know if he would have had a more stable cast. It's nice to remember Bill Bell, but throwing up his name every damn time the show goes bad or a casting change happens is just too much.

Add me to the list of those who thing it's ridiculous to blame AH for David Tom's firing. If you don't like Heinle, fine -- just don't blame her for everything from DT to 9/11. She doesn't have that kind of power.

And no, Y&R shouldn't have to write for David Tom if they have planned story and he isn't working. Just because he's not leading man material they have to throw away future story and start over for him??? Uh...no.

I also disagree with those of you who think DT has chemistry with MCE. I just don't see it. I think he works well with Jess Walton, and that's it. He's trying his best, but it always comes across as petulant and sniveling. He's just not leading man material, and I have no problem with a recast.

Economically and otherwise, daytime is ENTIRELY different than it was in Bill Bell's days, and there's no way to know if he would have had a more stable cast.

Perhaps. OTOH, scores of people who worked with the man could attest to the kind of influence he wielded on his shows. No one would have made a move, including firing an actor, unless he said so. With some exceptions, he operated independent of viewers' thoughts and feelings; and either you were on-board with his decision, or you weren't (and in which case, there's the door).

Edited May 24, 201411 yr by Khan

Not that an actor can't overcome the story faults but frankly the crap they gave Billy was just dreck. I don't blame him for coming across as either bored, or not sure what to do. Billy's extremely pathetic.

Perhaps. OTOH, scores of people who worked with the man could attest to the kind of influence he wielded on his shows. No one would have made a move, including firing an actor, unless he said so. With some exceptions, he operated independent of viewers' thoughts and feelings; and either you were on-board with his decision, or you weren't (and in which case, there's the door).

Aren't those in charge STILL operating independently of viewers thoughts and feelings. Yeah, they say they use focus groups. I just feel like that is all smoke and mirrors. It gives an excuse/justification to do what they want to do.

Aren't those in charge STILL operating independently of viewers thoughts and feelings. Yeah, they say they use focus groups. I just feel like that is all smoke and mirrors. It gives an excuse/justification to do what they want to do.

Good point(s), ajsp.

Perhaps. OTOH, scores of people who worked with the man could attest to the kind of influence he wielded on his shows. No one would have made a move, including firing an actor, unless he said so. With some exceptions, he operated independent of viewers' thoughts and feelings; and either you were on-board with his decision, or you weren't (and in which case, there's the door).

Yes. Bill Bell liked having a stable cast, but whomever is in charge now obviously does not see that as a priority. I simply can't believe that we are about to have a new Phyllis, Billy and Adam, all in a matter of weeks. Add that to all the relatively new characters and all I see is chaos, but hey, that's just my take on it.

Terrible news. Worst of all, I just don't feel I ever got the Jill/Billy scenes I wanted.

Yes. Bill Bell liked having a stable cast, but whomever is in charge now obviously does not see that as a priority. I simply can't believe that we are about to have a new Phyllis, Billy and Adam, all in a matter of weeks. Add that to all the relatively new characters and all I see is chaos, but hey, that's just my take on it.

I still dont know who half the characters are on the show anymore.

Worst of all, I just don't feel I ever got the Jill/Billy scenes I wanted.

Jill has children other than Cane?

Jill has children other than Cane?

Exactly, and Jess Walton and David Tom had the most sublime chemistry as mother and son, the only pair eclipsing them being Lauren Koslow and Bryan Dattilo on DAYS, though they've had 18 years to perfect that mother/son on screen bond.

So long David Tom, I won't forget the first and the best Billy Abbott, Jill Abbott's Billy.

Exactly, and Jess Walton and David Tom had the most sublime chemistry as mother and son, the only pair eclipsing them being Lauren Koslow and Bryan Dattilo on DAYS, though they've had 18 years to perfect that mother/son on screen bond.

So long David Tom, I won't forget the first and the best Billy Abbott, Jill Abbott's Billy.

Word!

I am so done with this show. No longer going to watch this train wreck of a show.

I don't know if I agree about him looking better but then again I don't believe that's an accurate barometer to gauge whether a person is on or off of drugs.

Look at Philip Seymour Hoffman. He wasn't stick thin, wasn't a Lindsay Lohan-type outcast and exemplified none of the traits of an addict.

We may never know the real reason for his dismissal. I do think it's extremely callow to think either Amelia Heinle or Billy Miller had ANYTHING to do with it, though. There's a lot more to this story.

You're right - my thinking that they fired David Tom because they didn't think he clicked in the Billy/Victoria pairing and that they were too wedded to that and Billy Miller's interpretation of the role is much more callow than thinking he was fired for using drugs.

Edited May 25, 201411 yr by Vee

WTF? I was just getting used to him!

[!@#$%^&*] fire shitty Amelia! she's ruined Victoria for me and she's the main reason he was fired. She's beyond rude.

If DT was fired because he didn't fit the BM version of Billy, that sure as hell doesn't bode well for Cady McClain. She has done a 180 with that character. I much preferred DT as Billy than CM as Kelly.