“The Young and The Restless” (Y&R) spoilers indicate that fans still feel the loss of two favorite actors two years after it hit. Both have been replaced, and one of them more than once. Let’s face it, Michael Muhney and Billy Miller were the best things Y&R had and the show is the worse for losing them.
Now we’re at the second anniversary of the last episode of Michael Muhney as Adam Newman and Billy Miller as Billy Abbott on January 30, 2014 and it still burns that TPTB at “The Young and The Restless” let them both go on a whim despite them being fan favorites – and favorites of the critics.
Billy Miller did outstanding work as Billy Abbot – he landed five nominations and two Emmy wins before he was pushed out over his contract then took another Best Actor Emmy after the fact. That speaks volumes to Miller’s talent and the impact of backstage drama that affects what hits our TV screens.
Miller made no secret that he wanted to pursue opportunities outside of daytime but was careful to schedule proactively so that Y&R wasn’t affected. Yet when it came time for contract negotiation, a rumored lowball offer with a restriction on outside work made it impossible for him to renew.
And the two tweets issued by CBS Daytime boss Angelica McDaniel were dismissive of Miller’s fine work on Y&R and insensitive to fans. She tweeted “I respect Billy Miller’s decision to move on and wish him great success in his future endeavors.” That’s what you write on an apathetic letter of reference.
Then her follow up tweet was: “Please join me in welcoming Daytime Emmy winner David Tom back to #YR and @CBSDaytime as Billy Abbott’s exciting storyline continues.” Miller’s decision to move on was a fait accompli by showrunners who offered him a contract they knew he couldn’t accept.
And Michael Muhney’s ousting was even more unceremonious. Muhney was known to be unpopular with some of his influential cast mates – the big guy Eric Braeden (aka Victor Newman) in particular – plus he made noise about unethical Emmy voting policies that affected official changes.
Muhney ruffled feathers backstage while thrilling fans when he was onstage. Muhney was a massive fan favorite who was brilliant in his portrayal of Adam Newman. Chris Engen walked away from the role because he was reportedly uncomfortable with Adam’s seduction of Rafe and dark turn.
Muhney, in contrast, was utterly fearless in embracing whatever plotline the writers gave Adam. Under his tenure, Adam stole a baby, gaslighted his stepmother, freed a madwoman to terrorize Genoa City and passionately bedded whomever he wanted, opinion be damned – and so much more.
Despite his fine work and an Emmy nomination, Muhney was taken down and kicked out – likely at the insistence of Jill Farren Phelps – when he was accused by Hunter King (aka Summer Newman) of backstage fondling that no one witnessed and that resulted in no criminal charges or a civil case.
The expelling of Muhney and Miller from “The Young and The Restless” reads almost like a soap opera plotline that reeks of conspiracy, jealousy and shady set-ups. It seems that TPTB at Y&R didn’t care what fans wanted – they wanted rid of these two talents and made it happen.
Fan outcry is still ongoing even now, two years after the pinnacle scenes when Adam and Billy had their final showdown. Despite knowing they were on the way out the door, both Miller and Muhney did stand out work in their last days on the show – that’s how you know they were both class acts…
As Billy held Adam at gunpoint at Delia’s grave and forced a confession from him in the hit and run, fans watched in rapt fascination to see what was coming next. Then as Adam lashed back at Billy in the car – blaming him in part for Delia’s death – the tension grew.
And then it all exploded – as did Adam’s car – leaving Billy scrambling and Adam (as far as fans knew) burned to a crisp. David Tom stepped into the role of Billy but was himself ousted and replaced with Burgess Jenkins who later walked away only to see Jason Thompson (ex-Patrick, GH) take over.
Admittedly, Justin Hartley has done solid work as Adam Newman back from the dead. But the fact is, no one can measure up to Billy Miller and Michael Muhney in those roles. Many fans swore off the show after the January 30, 2013 episode that took away two of the best actors Y&R has known.
What do you think Y&R fans, are you still mad that Billy Miller and Michael Muhney were robbed of their roles as Billy Abbott and Adam Newman? Do you think “The Young and The Restless” is lesser for taking them off the player roster?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and come back to CDL often for more “The Young and The Restless” spoilers and news.
