Young And The Restless Poll: Was J.T.’s Return Worth The Wait? Vote Now!

He’s back on ‘The Young and the Restless’! Devoted viewers don’t need to be told that the pronoun that led the first sentence of this feature referred to the infamous name, J.T. Hellstrom (Thad Luckinbill). So, now that viewers know Luckinbill’s character never died and heard what J.T. said about how he survived the night of April 13, 2018, has his return been worth the wait?

Soap fans know that long storylines are a staple in this genre. Long-form stories are necessary, due to the year-round grind of this entertainment niche.

What’s most important as these stretched tales play out is if the audience remains engaged, enjoys the ride, and is satisfied by the conclusion. So, let’s address these three points.

Clearly, the lead into J.T.’s seeming death last April was compelling. It was surely shocking to see a former main character and someone who was never previously a villain, bludgeoned.

Young And The Restless Spoilers – Viewers Engaged In Cover-Up Crew Tale

It’s fair to say that many viewers remain engaged as last spring turned into summer. The Cover-up Crew’s actions could have been revealed at any point. Nick Newman’s (Joshua Morrow) gaslight of his father also teased the eventual return of Mr. Hellstrom, while rightfully panicking Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott) and the others.

However, as the fall arrived interest in this tale began to fade. Y&R’s intent seemed to put this storyline on the back burner until mid-winter.

With J.T. being assumed dead, the main focus became if Rey Rosales (Jordi Vilasuso) would be able to break the case. He didn’t. Paul William’s (Doug Davidson) unexplained absence, at that time, also left open the potential for the story to continue until the Chief was seen again.

Fan perceptions changed when news broke that executive producer and head writer Mal Young was departing. Being savvy, Y&R loyalists knew that a change in backstage personnel meant the still-existing storyline would likely be resolved.

So, was the conclusion satisfying?

Young And The Restless Spoilers – Victoria Newman’s Feelings Shifting

Since Victoria Newman (Amelia Heinle), in particular, learned the truth about the man she once loved and who is the father of their son, Reed (Tristan Lake Leabu), her feelings are radically shifting. That point was teased by Vickie recounting the positives of their relationship, asking to help him, and telling J.T. she could tell something was wrong before he collapsed on the Abbott cabin’s floor.

A truly satisfying conclusion would make the audience feel for Luckinbill’s character, rather than write him off as a one-dimensional monster. J.T. was never that between 1999-2010. March 2019’s reveal has partially redeemed him and allowed the audience to reasonably conclude that the wait was worth it. But all fans are entitled to their takes, of course.

Fans of ‘The Young and the Restless’ rightfully express their opinions on a regular basis. So, was J.T.’s return worth the wait? Please vote in our poll below.

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