The Young and the Restless (Y&R) spoilers tease that the infamous Adam Newman character is being recast, again. While TPTB haven’t made an official final announcement about who plays Adam, the coming hire will reveal just how powerful one segment of Michael Muhney’s supposed fan base actually is, or thinks it is. Since Jamey Giddens leaked that Adam Newman is alive and The Young and the Restless is planning to recast the role with a new actor, not Michael Muhney, the net has erupted.
True The Young and the Restless fans value all soap opera actors, along with all other talented people who combine to create Y&R. But faux fans actually use this show, along with many other public vehicles to push a bullying political agenda across the digital world. Those efforts aren’t actually about entertainment and serve to reveal unhinged personality types.
In this scribe’s opinion, which isn’t fact (an idea isn’t instant truth), Michael Muhney was the greatest actor to appear on The Young and the Restless in many years. He remains the best Adam and would be the best possible rehire. Other reasonable minds also appreciated the efforts this talented man made and didn’t pass judgment on him after he was let go, or since.
Justin Hartley delivered a deeply nuanced performance that allowed his version of Adam to be memorable. Many other talented actors could also likely create an acceptable version of Adam Newman if given strong scripts.
An initial showdown had Y&R loyalists stating that they would “never” watch the show again if Muhney wasn’t rehired after he’d been fired by former executive producer Jill Farren Phelps in December 2013. So-called fans then attacked Phelps, Hunter King (Summer), and others with no facts in-hand.
Whatever the actual number of digital mob members was (or is) in that group, their threats didn’t work and Justin Hartley was hired in mid-2014 – they continued watching Y&R, and the show is still number one in daytime soaps by a large measure.
Just as now, the same type of fanatic is attacking Eric Braeden who plays the great Victor Newman. Rumors abound on social media about how Eric Braeden is blocking Michael Muhney’s rehiring. Nothing could be further from the truth as Eric himself made clear in a recent Twitter post.
Hartley’s addition to the cast allowed Y&R to take a stand against a modern form of bullying, which is just another way of referencing intimidation. Fanatical personality types can be led to believe that they have the ability to play pressure games with people and businesses that they don’t like. It’s always dangerous to relent to blood-thirsty gangs of goons in any age.
Phelps’ actions incensed supposed Muhney lovers, but also deflated their pretentious balloon. Everyone who ever offered any opinion about that situation actually knew nothing about Phelps’ decision, Muhney’s actions, or the lack thereof, or what was best for an iconic soap opera that maintains a historic ratings record among all competitors.
Fans aren’t actors, though some behave that way on social media. Fans aren’t executive producers, though some believe they are and that makes those people look small. Honest fans appreciate other honest fans, all of the individuals who are part of Y&R and all other remaining daytime dramas. CDL is a leading source for everything linked to The Young and the Restless. Check back regularly for Y&R spoilers and news! Please come and join in the LIVE discussion on our Facebook Page!
