The Young and the Restless spoilers documented major cast coups by The Bold and the Beautiful and General Hospital in recent weeks. Kimberlin Brown’s (Sheila) well-kept secret return stunned its audience weeks ago. Then, news broke that Steve Burton (as Jason) was returning to GH. Y&R needs to keep pace by recasting Michael Muhney (Adam Newman) as well.
Look, Michael Muhney’s off-screen story has been told countless times. So there’s no need for a deep rehash in this instance.
Muhney admitted that he acted far too aggressively during his initial Y&R run (2009-2014). He put former executive producer Jill Farren Phelps in an untenable position, basically creating an unnecessarily tense workplace environment for too many cast mates. That, in all likelihood appears to be why he was fired.
Anonymous know-nothings later created lies about Muhney, Phelps, other Y&R personalities and actual soap opera fans who supported him. A small contingent of mouthy goofs attempted to bring the show down. Those phonies failed, as CBS recently renewed Y&R through 2020.
Here’s the real rub: Muhney was, in this scribe’s opinion (which isn’t fact, or a perceived statement covering all soap fans) the second greatest actor to appear on Y&R ever. Jeanne Cooper (Katherine Chancellor) will always reign. She’s surely looking down from Heaven with a smile as this is being typed and then read. Yes, Jeanne you are the best and you know it!
Adam Newman’s resurrection return wouldn’t ensure higher than normal ratings forever, as the combined cast’s work and the pages they are given bear that combined burden. However, there’s no doubt that the on- and off-screen stories linked to Muhney’s redemptive and triumphant revival would be especially engaging.
All souls who don’t take soaps as Gospel know that Adam’s face-change plot point can easily be overcome. No need for further surgery, or Dark Shadows-type intervention. The greatest daytime witch of all-time, Angelique Bouchard Collins (played the infinitely sexy Lara Parker) won’t need to cast a spell either. No, Chelsea (Melissa Claire Egan) will recognize Adam’s face the moment she sees him again.
Shelia became Phyllis (then played by the great Michelle Stafford in a dual role). That weird storyline was simply talked away when Brown appeared in Los Angeles last month. B&B and Brown fans didn’t care. Plus, this establishes the hope (or certainty) that Sheila will return to Genoa City during the period of time, or after Brown’s one-year contract ends.
Steve Burton could easily return as Jason, meaning that Billy Miller’s (apparently Jason) character would have been someone else all along. General Hospital fans won’t mind, as they rightfully look forward to welcoming Burton back to his longtime daytime home.
Adam is everything that a soap character should be. He’s electric, vulnerable and unpredictable. Yes, it’s time to bring Muhney back as Adam Newman. The fans want to see him and in daytime anything is always possible. CDL is a leading source for everything linked to The Young and the Restless. Check back regularly for Y&R spoilers and news!
