Everyone and their mother (well, my mother doesn't watch and she is missing out) has rightfully praised The Young and the Restless for its return to character driven writing, its use of history and veteran actors, and its truly compelling storytelling. Not only are the residents of Genoa City the horniest bunch in daytime soaps (Love in the afternoon, anyone?), but it's using the storytelling device I enjoy the most; the lurker who sees everything that she isn't supposed to see. That crazy Mary Jane is always in the right place at the right time. If you need a private detective, she is the one to hire.However, who I really want to highlight here is the truly magnificent Michelle Stafford and her character, Phyllis Newman. Much like a friend who you have known for years and have alternately loved and hated, that has been my relationship with Phyllis. I loved crazy Phyllis whose mission in life was ridding the world of Cricket. As she slowly redeemed herself and fell in love with Jack, I was in her corner as well. But somehwere along the way after her subsequent affair and marriage to Nick, I grew to think of her as a judgemental shrew. Afterall, this was the woman who tried to murder Paul and Christine, but somehow morphed into the Stepford Wife who couldn't do anything wrong. Where was the rooting value?
All was forgiven on Friday's episode. Not only did Stafford exquisitely convey the devastation of Phyllis losing the love of her life (Nick had just walked out on her), but where most actresses would have camped it up, she was incredible in her restraint.
Phyllis ultimately explained to Jack how Nick had left her and she wasn't surprised because...
I bought into the whole fantasy, the whole fairytale. But you know I should've known, I should've known, because im not really your fantasy, fairytale kind of gal. Some women, some women, are destined to meet their one true love. Others, like me, not so much.
It took 46 words (written by Janice Ferri Esser) to get to the core of who Phyllis is and what motivates every crazy decision and conversation she has. I identified with her. I understood her. All of a sudden, everything she has done since she has lived in Genoa City made sense. I can't thank Young and the Restless and Michelle Stafford enough for making me FEEL something again. This is what soaps are all about folks.
DAYTIME SOAP OPERAS
