Credit: CBS screenshot

Young & Restless’s best story-telling continues to revolve around Claire and the Newmans, with the other plots feeling a little half-hearted. There’s no real drama or build-up and when it comes to Ashley/Tucker or Christine/Danny/Phyllis, the writing isn’t doing much to pull viewers in. Here’s a look at what’s working and what’s not.

Working

The Claire and Jordan storyline and it’s fallout continues to be top-notch viewing. Victoria and Cole’s tentative approach with Claire has been emotional, and Claire’s showdown with Jordan was really done well. From Claire feeling sick to her stomach with nerves beforehand, to Jordan being dragged out of the room hollering threats, it was pretty powerful. Is it bad that I’m hoping Jordan will escape and put the plan she claims to have into action?! So good!

Back in Genoa City, Melody Thomas Scott is knocking it out of the park as Drunk Nikki, who is always a combination of heartbreaking and hella entertaining. “Laurrren. Helllllo.” Hehe. I’m enjoying Brian Gaskill’s stint as Seth the sponsor (Can we keep him? This show needs more eligible men), as well as the beats that are being played involving Victor, who is the spouse trying to be patient and supportive, but who doesn’t quite get what his wife is going through. Looking ahead, it appears as though Jack, who once started a foundation for just this sort of thing with Neil, will get involved in Nikki’s battle via Lauren.

In other Victoria-related commentary, I thought it was a good decision to have her confide in Nate as a means of giving that relationship closure. It was a solid conversation that left me feeling better about the end of that chapter.

Half Working

Sally and Adam’s reunion scenes this week were tender and 𝑠e𝑥y, and I love the concept of Nick and Adam getting along for a change as they work together, but it all felt a little too easy. Nick didn’t even have a hissy fit when Victor first announced he and Adam would be co-CEOs. Nor did he snarl when he saw Adam and Sally heading to her suite together at the Club. As tired as Nick’s caveman routine can get, there is supposed to be drama.

With that said, I throughly enjoyed the bit with Sharon walking in on Adam and Nick sharing a toast at Crimson Lights. Her reaction was fun. It was nice that she had a scene with Victor, as well, discussing her launch. I hope we get to see it onscreen, but won’t hold my breath.

Not Working

Cole crossed paths with his ex-wife Ashley this week, and Victoria was none too pleased about it. Could Young & Restless be heading for a rehash of this old love triangle? Perhaps, but I’m not sure how it will go over given how many viewers have Ashley fatigue due to the protracted storyline with Tucker.

Speaking of, Tucker and Ashley’s story took an abrupt turn this week when we went from her boldly confronting him and cutting a deal with him for Glissade, back to her cowering and hand-wringing over the scene in Paris. I was a big fan of their love story right up until they wed and now there’s just no energy left for it. Tucker’s endless threats and posturing have led to a whole lotta nothing, and I don’t know (or much care) where this is going. Will the kicker be that he’s trying to get back at the Abbotts by gaslighting Ashley, or will we find out he’s on the level and her self-doubt is propelling her back into mental issues? Let me know what you think.

In related, why would the Abbotts release the dirt they had on Tucker before he had a chance to develop a new product at Glissade? Why not let him develop a product and plan a big launch and then drop the hammer? They seem so out of their league, and yet Tucker never actually does anything anyway. Bottom line: This is exhausting and has lost even the fun one-liners and banter.

On a positive note, Audra (seemingly) cut ties with both Kyle and Tucker, which is probably my favorite thing she’s done yet. I was over her riding coattails to get ahead. Given the writers also gave us some backstory on her when she opened up to Nikki, let’s see what kind of moxie she has as a standalone character or vixen à la Phyllis.

The opinions expressed are my own. Please feel free to drop your thoughts in the comments.