The Young and the Restless (YR) Spoilers: Stunning Abbott Flashback Scenes Deliver Great Soap

By Sean O'BrienOn Oct 25, 2018

There have been moments when ‘The Young and the Restless’ has earned sharp critique. But rightful praise is due when stand-out moments are presented to the audience. The context created through this week’s presentation of glistening moments in the Abbott family’s history is important and will resonate within the minds of devoted fans who value great soap.

Perception is individual, steeped within what one wants from daytime drama. In this instance, flashback scenes showed the Abbott family on a most dramatic day in 1971, which was two years before Y&R debuted.

The exact year referenced is gleaned from the dialogue reference to the classic Angela Lansbury movie Bedknobs and Broomsticks, that showed the young version of the Abbott family. Cathy Marks (Dina), Jonathan Stoddard (John), Graham Taylor (Jack), Julia D’Arcy Badinger (Ashley), and Valentina Sky Gordon (Traci) became the earlier incarnations of characters played by Marla Adams (Dina), Jerry Douglas (John), Peter Bergman (Jack), Eileen Davidson (Ashley), and Beth Maitland (Traci).

The bright hues that adorned each retro scene gave these Y&R scenes a moviesque quality. Period clothing, framed Kodak photos, baby-boomer furnishings, and a ruby-shaded brand new convertible reminded hardcore viewers just how great this show’s set designers truly are and have always been.

Today on #YR, Sharon stands her ground with Nick and Billy confides in Victoria. WATCH FULL EPISODE: https://t.co/qY62K3kMYS pic.twitter.com/pB3QKfnap3
— Young and Restless (@YandR_CBS) October 25, 2018

Having Maitland’s version of Traci introduce the referenced scene to her summoned family enabled Marks’ version of Dina to tell Stoddard’s John that their marriage was over. Dina’s request to Taylor’s iteration of Jack, that he keep her secret about soon leaving the family and that he should take over for her, was deeply moving.

Soap fans know their show’s history. To gift the fans deep context through this obviously significant effort is deeply appreciated.

Done partly to offer Davidson a worthy exit, Y&R also demonstrated that outstanding, escapism lives on in modern times. A reach back to an invented series of scenes nearly five decades old taught daytime’s largest scripted show audience that superb drama can be created through planning, solid writing, direction, and the efforts of talented actors.