■Hilary’s heart-
breaking death
paved the way for Devon to fall in love
again and his budding relationship with
Brytni Sarpy’s sweet Elena has been an
uplifting romance to follow. (More, please!)
The opening of Devon and Abby’s restau-
rant, Society, not only serves as a fresh
backdrop to drama but, in a smart move,
spirited her away from the overcrowded
corporate world to serve as the hot spot’s
proprietress. We’re also intrigued by Ms.
Newman branching out into a partnership
with Phyllis to open a bar in the upcoming
Grand Phoenix Hotel. And we’re thrilled
with the current incarnation of Nick, who
chucked his ill-fitting Victor persona to be
the benevolent, caring, good guy again —
except when it comes to Adam.Mark Grossman, has had a strong
impact, especially in conjunction
with the returns of fan-fave vets
Doug Davidson (Paul), Michelle
Stafford (Phyllis), Greg Rikaart
(Kevin), Elizabeth Hendrickson
(Chloe) and Melissa Claire Egan
(Chelsea), and has been a welcome
remedy to the influx of new char-
acters from last year. Stafford’s
comeback has been high impact;
the character has roared back to
life as complex as ever (cutthroat
businesswoman, emotional wreck-
ing ball and devoted mom rolled
into one). Now would be the time
to watch her and Nick get passion-
ate again (their bond still sizzles),
but we could even see firing up
Billy and Phyllis again to behold
his portrayer, Jason Thompson,
steaming up the screen with
Stafford. There is also boatloads
of potential romantic conflict now
that Chelsea, Nick and Adam are
all living in the same town.
Sadly, the show suffered an
immeasurable loss earlier this year
with the unexpected passing of
Kristoff St. John (Neil). Y&R paid
the late actor proper due by script-
of his much-loved character.
The episodes were a moving
and poignant celebration of
Neil’s legacy that prompt-
ed stellar performances by
his co-stars, with the lion’s
share beautifully carried by
Christel Khalil (Lily) and
Bryton James (Devon).
That was followed by a
flashback-rich tribute for St.
John with touching homages
from his co-stars, present
and past (Victoria Rowell,
ex-Drucilla, and Shemar
Moore, ex-Malcolm).ªGood
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A Reason
To Smile:Shake On It: Phyllis (Michelle Stafford, l.)
and Abby (Melissa Ordway) have entered
into a new business arrangement.