Young & Restless: Will Devon and Elena cheat while Amanda is out of town?

Credit: CBS, Howard Wise/JPI

Young & Restless isn’t in a great place after Ashland Locke’s death, because there’s nothing else happening on the web that captures the public’s attention in the same way as the would-be villain. . Thoughts of the week:

Infallible

Nick and Sally definitely have chemistry — I noticed that more than once during their scenes in the Newman Media office. The plotting for an adventure/romance is there, with Nick championing Sally’s cause with her family members, and Sally earning Nick’s respect by deciding not to tell Ashland’s story. And with Nick and Adam’s story, and Sharon in the mix, the potential here is significant. But will be Young and restless go for it… or walk away from the surefire drama yet again?

Backfire

Phyllis and her gang of not-so-cheerful miscreants will no doubt regret trying to undermine Diane on the job, a plot that has the potential to backfire dramatically. As Ashley herself said, “That’s a horrible idea.” Nikki has the least to lose in this scenario, but if the scheme is exposed or goes awry, Ashley will look terrible for agreeing to a plan that could harm the business, and Phyllis could lose it all. If she sells the hotel to Lily, gets kicked out of Marchetti, damages her relationship with Summer, and Diane wins Jack, so what?!?

After: Why Phyllis’ risky move is doomed

When it came to this week’s draw between Phyllis and Diane, Red was totally over the top for the park, but she wasn’t wrong. It’s beyond ironic that Diane rushes to save the day when it comes to grieving Harrison when she purposely put Kyle through this as a child. She was also right to call out Jack for giving Diane the benefit of the doubt but not her. Jack is so easily emotionally manipulated that he is an easy target for Diane. For example, their close moment in the Abbott Lounge.

needs fire

It wasn’t a big surprise that Victor turned down Noah’s pitch. Where that he then made one of his own so that his grandson would one day return to the fold of the Newmans. The conversation Noah had with Summer about space at the Greater Phoenix made it pretty obvious that this is where his nightclub will end up. Allie, meanwhile, wasn’t fazed by Noah’s warning about her grandfather/family, which was admirable…and to be expected. In fact, nothing unexpected happens in this story. It’s dull. At their age, they should be ear to ear in drama. Instead, they act like fiftysomethings.

What’s in the Blazes?!?

Well, you can see what’s likely to happen with the Chancellor-Winters gang from a mile away. Amanda leaves town for a long time, Elena and Nate argue about Imani, and Devon and Nate once again experience interpersonal tension. The stage is set for Elena to travel to Devon, in search of a sympathetic ear about Imani and Nate, and for them to end up in a clinch.

What I can’t understand is why Young and restless chose to play Nate and Imani’s growing bond totally off-screen via phone calls. It’s mind-boggling. Why not get it on screen so we can see it happen and Elena and others notice it in a way that makes us feel part of it and invested in it?

Going back to what seems inevitable, will Devon *really* cheat on Amanda while her mom is in a coma?!? Man, not a good look for him Where Elena, because it will be the third time she has cheated on a loved one in what, about two years?

Either way, if there’s cheating, there will obviously be fallout for Lily’s beloved “family” business, but will we also get our “who’s the daddy?” twist this time?!?

Muffled

Kill Ashland Locke left Young and restless in a bit of a hiccup when it comes to villains, and it showed immediately. Reconnecting after knowing he was gone, there was a sense of disappointment. At least he’s the gift that keeps on giving that we have an investigation that pits Chance against Abby’s family and could sabotage their perfect union. I would like to see it. Not because they’re not a sweet couple, but because we desperately need a soapy shakeup.

Locke’s death also causes a hubbub for the Newmans, though the cover-ups are “old hat” for Victor and his brood. Unless Victoria and Nick abandon their dear old dad, they are accomplices in crime. Nick, meanwhile, must also come to terms emotionally – and perhaps later legally – with being the one to end Ashland’s life.

After: Ashland’s survey is an invitation

There’s also the Harrison side of this story, which did Diane immeasurably good in her quest to get Jack’s forgiveness, but did Kyle no favors. He just looked like a huge hypocrite as he shed tears over the fact that his son would never be able to visit “Father” again when he had already cut the man off from the child’s life.

PS It’s good to see Kevin again with something to do with this case!

After: Big news for Outlander fans, spoilers for season 7

Start fires

According to the previews, Adam is going to work with Jack at Jabot. Wow, this soap turned into a big job swap! This will really stick down Victor’s throat, but I don’t expect Billy to be happy about it.

Trevor St. John of A life to live/ Todd Manning fame was chosen for somebody on Young and restless. It’s all a big mystery so we don’t know if it’s a redesign or a new character. I hope he’s a villain who can fill the void left by Ashland. Find out who I think St. John could play here.

After: Love interests for Trevor St. John’s character Y&R

It’s just my opinion. Feel free to join the conversation below.

CBS soap fans, check out the latest Bold & Beautiful couple update in the gallery below.