1. “I’m a Fan!!!” Matt laid it on thick with Cane in a series of scenes that perplexed me. Cane’s personal and business life is beginning a major new chapter. His life is on the rise. He’s a lot happier. The last thing he wants is a “buddy.” Besides, he and Holden are starting to bond and form a real friendship. 2. “Stressed Out.” Vicious Victor at least showed some sincere concern for Nikki as she suffered another major headache. Now there’s dizziness. I’m very concerned. 3. Wonderful scenes between Phyllis and Sharon. A nice, slowly developing friendship. Sharon Case and Michelle Stafford were excellent, especially Stafford in an understated, vulnerable performance. 4. Tessa’s picture is on the wall of “The Shadow Room!” That’s so great! Maybe the GC club could occasionally have live music. Tessa could perform, or Tessa and Daniel. Danny. @YandR_CBS@CBSDaytime@SoapDigest@SoapOpera411@SoapOperaNewss@SoapJenn@soapsdotcom@Soap_Hub@dcconfidential
“And We Have Liftoff!” A great opening to the GC Shadow Room. It was nice to have a social event amidst all the unfolding drama. (It was a shame that Nick couldn’t be there.). Anyway, there was fun and dancing (excellent editing) and lots of celebrating. There was also some really good drama. Holden and Audra both had flashbacks to the LA Shadow Room. Excellent use of. flashbacks to remind us of what happened. Bartender Sienna to Audra: “What’s your poison?” 😂 Audra, don’t even think about going after her man. She tried to murder someone for him. It was great seeing Lily, Stephanie, and Malcolm having fun. It was believable that Malcolm had to leave because he was exhausted. Finally, the fashions! Everyone looked incredible. For me, the standouts were: 1. Sienna. The tie. The big jewelry. No one on daytime dresses like Sienna. It reflects who she is and that deserves a standing ovation for the Wardrobe Department and how Tamara Brauns plays her. 2. Audra. 3. Sharon. 4. Stephanie. For me, the show delivered an every level. Applause. @YandR_CBS@CBSDaytime@SoapDigest@SoapOpera411@SoapJenn@soapsdotcom@SoapOperaNewss@Soap_Hub@dcconfidential
Another outstanding episode. Applause to the directing team. 1. “Living the Dream.” Jack said that to Sally. I really like Billy and Sally as a couple. Sally is so devoted to him. I am excited for their future. It was touching to see Jack’s love for the both of them. The best scenes were with Sally and Audra, as they confided and shared. We all have moments when we think “What have I done to deserve all this happiness? Why me?” Very relatable. 2. “There Has to Be a Way.” Nikki said that to Victor as they discussed their separation and Nick. And then there was no way for them to come together. “Jack or me.” Nikki’s powerful headache after Victor left the room. The writing was understated and poignant. Eric Braeden and Melody Thomas Scott were brilliant. 3. “Dark Shadows.” Yes! Thank you, writers! The Shadow Club - Genoa City. The city needs a new hangout. Something different with a vibe. And what an introduction to the new club! 4. At “The Shadow Club.” Noah surprises his parents with the progress in his new venture. He wants to use the club to possibly trigger Matt’s memories. He also shows Sienna, whose reaction is less enthusiastic. Excellent writing. As if that’s not enough storyline advancement, Matt arrives and starts to have memory flashes for each character in the room. A punch from Nick. Noah involved with his wife. His club as a front for drug dealing. Excellent writing and use of flashbacks. Outstanding performances by Tamara Braun and Roger Howarth. 5. Wardrobe: Sally. Sienna. Audra. @YandR_CBS@CBSDaytime@SoapDigest@SoapOperaNewss@soapcentral@SoapOperaNetwrk@soapsindepth@Soap_Hub@SoapOpera411@dcconfidential
An A+ episode. Writing. Directing. Wardrobe. 1. “Dinner for Two.” The scenes between Cane and Lily were romantic and also revealing as they shared the past and looked to the future. It ended in a very long kiss. A blooming romance. 2. “The Heart of a Man.” The scenes with Devon and Abby were filled with character insight and a perspective of what it means to be a man and a Father in this modern age. Bryton James is incredible, baring Devon’s heart with such a mixture of emotions. 3. “He’s Overdosing.” Storyline Shocker! The scenes at Phyllis’ office had me mesmerized from the beginning. So much story unfolding on multiple levels, impacting multiple characters. That’s excellent writing. And then the shocking finale: Lancelot collapses. Another cliffhanger. 4. Wardrobe: Sienna. Cane. @YandR_CBS@CBSDaytime@SoapOpera411@soapsindepth@SoapJenn@soapsdotcom@SoapDigest@Soap_Hub@dcconfidential
1. “I Want Candy.” That’s was a hit song for Bow Wow Wow. It also describes Nick, who keeps popping those pills. 2. “Criss-Cross. Double Cross. Triple Cross.” A lot went down today in Matt’s storyline. The “ Are you attracted to me?” scenes with Phyllis were well-written. There was a nice tension. It looked like Phyllis was actually going to kiss Matt. Lying. Scheming. Meanwhile, Patty dropped by the Newman’s to make her own Matt swap, which backfired. It ended with a great cliffhanger as Victor and Nick arrived at Phyllis’ office. It was supposed to be Nick alone. Trust no one in Genoa City except Tracy Abbott. 3. “Friendship. Just the Perfect Blend-ship.” Such sweet scenes between Sally and Audra. It was a nice contrast from all the drama. Until Sally had a dizzy spell. Is something going on? 4. Wardrobe: Chelsea. @YandR_CBS@CBSDaytime@SoapOpera411@soapsindepth@SoapJenn@soapsdotcom@SoapDigest@Soap_Hub@dcconfidential
Some Good News in New York and Some BDSM in Genoa City. “Somebody Say the Safeword!” I laughed out loud as Patty explained to a horrified maid why Matt was writhing on the floor all trussed up like a Thanksgiving turkey. Great injection of a little humor into a serious story. And now, Matt’s missing again with Nick hot on Phyllis’ heels. Nobody is safe. 2. “Winters in New York.” I really liked the gift Claire found for Holden during her sightseeing outing. She cares more deeply for him than I thought. Also, with the excellent outcome from Malcolm’s surgery and her talk with Cane, Lily was practically giddy today, already teasing her new brother. 3. “Peace Out.” I really thought Victor and Nikki were going to agree to a temporary truce for Nick’s sake. Then things turned bad and it was the same conservation with the same result. Victor and Nikki are farther apart than ever. And now Jack is not trying as much to make amends with Diane. These once solid, unshakeable marriages are crumbling piece by piece. I am really pulling for Jack and Diane. I love them as a couple. It’s just that Diane has changed a lot regarding her feelings about Nikki and Jack’s friendship. It really grinds on her sometimes. And now here’s Patty back in Genoa City. Excellent writing. 4. “Calm Down.” Phyllis. I love you. I know you are hanging off the edge of a cliff right now. It’s coming at you from all directions. Just please tone it down. A lot. The yelling, the interrupting, questioning Lauren’s loyalty repeatedly. Raging at Michael. You’re not in this alone. Eventually you’re going to have a panic attack or worse if you keep this frantic pace up. Where is calm, in control Phyllis? The one who orchestrated the Newman takeover? @YandR_CBS@CBSDaytime@SoapOpera411@soapsindepth@SoapJenn@soapsdotcom@SoapDigest@Soap_Hub@dcconfidential
1. “Litmus Test.” Keep talking, Nick, and you will start believing the lies flowing so freely from your mouth. You are heading downward fast, Lancelot. 2. “Attempted Murder 2.” Well, Phyllis took a swing at Matt and knocked him out. (Again.) I’m not sure if this “klunk” to the head will release some memories or turn him into someone new (again). 😆. I’m enjoying it, though I wish Phyllis and Matt would stop raising their voices at each other. 3. I’m starting to like the idea of Sally and Billy leaving their wedding riding an elephant. Or at least have a baby one as ring bearer at the ceremony. 😂 @YRInsider@CBSDaytime@SoapOpera411@soapsindepth@SoapJenn@soapsdotcom@SoapDigest@Soap_Hub@dcconfidential
1. “That’s Not Me.” Yes, Matt/Mitch/Ronnie. It is you, and eventually, you will pay for your crimes, probably with your life and really, really dead. In the meantime, I’m enjoying this storyline twist. Phyllis and Patty are using him in their own ways. Phyllis finally told Matt who he is in a list of evil that had him in tears. Roger Howarth was outstanding. 2. “Forgiveness.” The scenes between Mariah and Devon were so layered and emotional. They relived the kidnapping. It’s realistic because sometimes you just can’t break through the wall of acceptance and (ultimately) forgiveness. Camryn Grimes and Bryton James keep adding to their Emmy Reels. 3. “Crash and Burn.” I fear that’s what Nick is going to do if he keeps popping those pills and against the World. I don’t recognize him anymore. This is multi-layered writing that perfectly blends character and ongoing story. Yes, it’s difficult to watch. Just remember that ultimately, Nick will overcome this. We’ll get him back, a better man. It just may take some more time. 4. Joshua Morrow. 5. Applause to the director for the use of close-ups and camera angles. @YandR_CBS@CBSDaytime@SoapOpera411@soapsindepth@SoapJenn@soapsdotcom@SoapDigest@Soap_Hub@dcconfidential
1. “A Real Nightmare.” Respectfully, Diane’s dream sequences did not work on a dramatic level for me. It quickly went over-the-top and the in-out-direction coupled with Jack and Patty talking into the camera all lovey-dovey made it worse. It didn’t advance story. Far better were the scenes between Patty and Jack at the bar, which has me wondering what is coming next and where the story is going. 2. “I Hate Drugs!” We all do, Victor, which is why Nick needs to get to rehab. He’s just so far down in the ditch with his Matt obsession that he can’t look up and see the blue skies. I do think he got through to Nick a little in a rare moment of candor and vulnerability for Victor. He mentioned his mortality and declared Nick his heir. (Not Victoria. Not Adam.). The writing was emotional and outstanding as were the performances by Eric Braeden and Joshua Morrow. A wonderful moment between Father and Son. 3. “Deal Me Out.” Back to business and “Vicious Victor”conceded nothing to Phyllis and Michael. Meanwhile, Matt is starting to get flashes of memory and recall. Excellent storyline development in this long-arc chapter. @YandR_CBS@CBSDaytime@SoapOpera411@soapsindepth@SoapJenn@soapsdotcom@SoapDigest@Soap_Hub@dcconfidential
1. “Not Over the Rainbow.” “Rainbow” is the street name for a fentanyl strand that is a large tablet that looks like candy. It can be white or multicolored. That looks like what Nick was taking. And he still has one. This is so difficult to watch and such outstanding drama. 2. “Thanks, But No Thanks.” It’s been at least two days in Genoa City, and unless I missed it, no one has thanked Sienna for trying to save Noah (and Nick, Adam, and Sharon). These Newman’s are one nasty breed. I mean, Sienna tried reasoning with Matt and then (attempted, but she didn’t know that yet) murder. That’s real love for Noah and his ungrateful family. Sienna doesn’t deserve even an “Atta girl! You gave it your best shot!” Or maybe some flowers and a lunch with Nikki? Or a new tie from Victor? One thank you isn’t enough. Imagine if it had been Chelsea behind the wheel heading for the desert with the same outcome. @YandR_CBS@CBSDaytime@SoapOpera411@soapsindepth@SoapJenn@soapsdotcom@SoapJenn@soapsdotcom@SoapDigest@dcconfidential
Random Thoughts. 1. My friend who is in Arizona now and doesn’t get to watch much because of work. “Is Riza there yet?” He’s straight, by the way. Not that it matters. I’m gay and I want her in Wisconsin. 2. It will be interesting to see where the writers take Nikki as she starts a new chapter in her life. I think Nikki has had enough cars and expensive baubles. Now she thinking about helping Noah (and Sienna) with their venture and becoming an advocate for addiction education and prevention. I’ve really come to love Nikki more since she started to reevaluate her relationship with Victor. 3. Speaking of Noah and Sienna, I’ve been fascinated by this pairing from the beginning. I love Sienna, a daytime original. I’ve said before that I don’t think she and Noah will last. Months later and I still believe that will be the case. However, I do believe they will become very close friends (and possibly business partners) who share a strong, unbreakable bond. Sienna will always be protective of Noah and she will always feel safe around him. They’ve been through a lot. 4. Wardrobe: I love how you are dressing our beautiful actresses. It a color wash of styles, designs and daring accessories. Very respectfully, it’s the opposite with our handsome men. A lot of black and white. Neutrals. An occasional colorful shirt or tie. TV was once all in black and white. Then came color TV. Our men need “Color TV.” 5. I’m having fun guessing where on the map the writers are taking us next. Nice, France. Boston. Los Angeles. Las Vegas. Lake Michigan. The Nevada Dessert. And maybe now New York? @YandR_CBS@CBSDaytime@SoapOpera411@soapsindepth@SoapJenn@soapsdotcom@SoapDigest@dcconfidential
Another A+ Episode. I loved it. Thank you. In Genoa City and “2000 Miles Away.” 1. “What Really Happened.” Off-camera, Noah helped Sienna remember what happened in the desert. She was then able to relive it in the living room with Sharon helping her. Using Sienna’s memory and some flashbacks, we learned everything. Then Sienna began questioning if Matt was truly dead. Great storytelling. Tamara Braun gave a tour-de-force that should be on her 2027 Emmy reel. The director used a lot of close-ups to focus on Braun’s facial expressions and then longer shots to catch her movements. It was a brilliant and multi-layered performance. 2. “Handheld Confessions.” Nick confided to his Mom about his addiction in scenes that just tugged my every heartstring. The writing was excellent as always. The performances by Joshua Morrow and Melody Thomas-Scott were beautiful. Yes, beautiful. This is why I love soaps: Payoff scenes after a storyline chapter ends (and another chapter begins, depending on the outcome.). 3. “DISMISSED.” That’s what Vicious Victor did today as Michael finally stood up to him by agreeing to represent Phyllis. Victor knows the evidence is frabricated. He destroyed the relationship. Bravo, Michael! Now go and help your wife save Phyllis! Excellent performance by Eric Braeden. 4. “Leaving Las Vegas.” Storyline shocker! Storyline Twist. (Whomever He Is) has temporary amnesia (a classic soap plot development.). It’s believable and an inventive way to keep (Whomever) on the canvas. I can’t wait for what’s coming next. @YRInsider@YandR_CBS@CBSDaytime@SoapOpera411@soapsindepth@SoapJenn@soapsdotcom@SoapDigest@Soap_Hub@dcconfidential
1. “Family Ties.” The scenes between Billy, Victoria, and Sally were some of the best written I have watched in a very long time. It went from cordial and welcoming, to anger/threats/accusations that flew fast and furious. Then a ring. Oh, and some surprising news. Then the change in the room, to the quiet, the emotional, the “human” part that sometimes gets lost. The performances were outstanding, especially Amelia Heinle. Her facial reactions to the news of the engagement and pregnancy said more than the dialogue. That should be on her Emmy reel. 2. “(Don’t) Stand By Your Man.” A new Nikki’s emerging and I am loving it. I was hoping for it, but I had my doubts about how long she could really stay separated from Victor. But here she is, telling Claire she wants to start a non-profit for drug addiction and be a silent partner in Noah’s club. And that’s just the beginning. She even put Lily in the spot about here collusion with Victor. (She and Claire knew Lily lied. Not good, Lily.). I am excited where Nikki’s story is going next. 3. “Once a Bitch. Once a Psycho.” Well-written “soapy” scenes between Victor, Diane, and Patty. 4. I am amazed how the actors are memorizing and performing these long scenes with so much dialogue every day. 5. Wardrobe: Nikki. Diane. Patty. Lily. @YandR_CBS@CBSDaytime@SoapOpera411@soapsindepth@SoapJenn@soapsdotcom@SoapDigest@Soap_Hub@dcconfidential