‘The Young and the Restless’ Spoilers: Renewed Newman-Abbott Rivalry Restores Y&R’s Core

‘The Young and the Restless‘ maintains two lead male characters, Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) and Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman). That’s why executive producer Mal Young’s choice to refocus a main storyline on the war between these alpha males makes soapy sense. The return of Y&R alumni Sally Sussman, who has become head writer, and Kay Alden (former head writer, now story consultant) further serves to strengthen his efforts effort.

Jack was written into a calm corner for the past year, which was way out of character. While anyone can lay back for a few weeks, or a month, intentionally choosing to change Jack into a conflict avoidance robot didn’t work. Longtime fans rebelled against the decision that former executive producer Jill Farren Phelps and former head writer Chuck Pratt, Junior made.

Related: Jack Is Out For Revenge Starting With Victor Newman

Victor lacked a main foil while Jack was in the powder room. So, the ‘Moustache’ spent the last year pursuing a variety of other matters. Having him seek outside funding from the Santori family was particularly odd. The idea that Victor would allow a non-family member to gain a major financial stake in Newman Enterprises wasn’t believable at that point in time.

Soap operas naturally generate ongoing critique. The need to generate year-round content invites some plots to be stretched thin, or for outright mistakes to be made. However, the same system that creates a need for weekday episodes also allows reboots.

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Jack and Victor are enemies. Claimed detente is purely a strategy. Regardless of what emotional souls believe, competition expressed through capitalism helped to produce the middle class both in reality and on TV. So, a wise way to get Y&R’s economy moving again is by reviving the war between Genoa City’s version of the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s. Those real life West Virginian and Kentucky families attacked each other in the late-1800’s. This fictional battle is set in Wisconsin, late-2016.

Jack initially returned to the battle field because Phyllis (Gina Tognoni) betrayed him. However, he’s using that open wound to redirect his energy toward the owner of Newman Towers. After being threatened at the Ranch a few weeks ago, Victor has been accessing his rear flanks. Of course, the ‘Dark Knight’ never actually took off his commander’s uniform. Like Jack, he’s always ready to fight. And, many Y&R fans will join them in the coming engagement that’s sure to be bloody.

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