The Young and the Restless News: Sally Sussman Called Out – Some Fans Want Better Stories

Social media is monitored by ‘The Young and the Restless’ and by all other savvy entertainment outlets. That modern megaphone lets TPTB know what a slice of the engaged audience is thinking on a moment-by-moment basis. A segment of Y&R’s digital reality show hasn’t been kind to co-executive producer and head writer Sally Sussman lately.

Are those opinions on point? A fair assessment of Y&R’s current arcs renders a somewhat mixed result nearly six months into Sussman’s run.

Related: The Young And The Restless Spoilers: Victor Newman’s On A Mission To Win Back His Family At Any Cost

Billy (Jason Thompson) and Phyllis (Gina Tognoni) are back together. That didn’t work for this scribe at first, but ‘Philly’ has grown on him.

Vickie (Amelia Heinle) might seem off-center to some. But many single parents can surely relate to her frenetic pace of life, especially when three children and Billy are in the personal mix. However, the third spoke in Brash and Sassy’s wheel, Cane (Daniel Goddard) has been written way out of character.

SORAS’ing the Ashby twins was a purposeful, rather than risky move. Telegraphing that decision could easily lead to Lily (Christel Khalil) co-parenting teenagers with her ex-husband in the near future. Right Juliet (Laur Allen)?

‘Pikki Nikki’ (Melody Thomas Scott) is on the outs with Victor (Eric Braeden) again. Yes, it’s a recycled storyline. But the dynamic is a bit different this time as they’re not truly separated, divorcing or divorced. Let’s give this fractured version of ‘Niktor’ a chance to play out for awhile.

Tessa (Cait Fairbanks) is a fine addition to the cast. She’s quirky, in an appealing way, in addition to being a good singer and musician. Making her Nikki’s protege and Reed’s (Tristan Lake Leabu) teacher make felt right in both instances. Leabu hit the moment he entered that New Year’s Eve scene and he’s since delivered consistently.

Daniel Hall (Scott) was a good hire. He appears to have taken Steve Burton’s slot and Dylan’s lady. Pairing Scott with Abby (Melissa Ordway) might make sense down the road. But give ‘Shott’ a chance first please.

The restoration of Sharon (Sharon Case) seems to be sincere. But fans of this character have been burned many times before. So they’ll need to see Sharon behave like a normal person for a long time before they’re sold.

Putting Gloria (Judith Chapman) with Jack (Peter Bergman) was brilliant. Few can honestly say that they projected that pairing before it happened. ‘Glack’ is hilarious, age-appropriate and oh such soapy fun.

The Abbott family drama involving Dina (Marla Adams) is welcomed. Adams wasn’t a major character years ago, for those who remember her. This storyline also affords Eileen Davidson (Ashley) a second worthwhile path to walk on, combining with the nicely evolving Ravi (Abhi Sinha) storyline.

‘Hevon’ seemed to have played itself out. Hilary (Mishael Morgan) and Jordan (Darnell Kirkwood) work. Bryton James (Devon) and Camryn Grimes (Mariah) are fine actors. But Y&R would be wise not to invest too deeply in making that couple goody-goody, as that would be boring.

It’s a shame that Greg Rikaart (Kevin) is leaving the show, as he’s a fine actor. But Kevin’s write-out enables an opportunity to create a fantastic exit that involves Chloe (Elizabeth Hendrickson) and possibly Adam (not yet recast)? Chelsea (Melissa Claire Egan) and Nick (Joshua Morrow) will be entangled in that tale however it plays out.

There are some other issues that could be raised, but on balance Sussman and her team are doing a decent job. Offering a seven out of ten score seems fair.

Related: The Young And The Restless Spoilers: Victor Newman’s On A Mission To Win Back His Family At Any Cost

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