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?