The Young and the Restless spoilers tease that executive producer and head writer Mal Young is right to avoid revisiting the Adam Newman (most recently played by Justin Hartley) problem. Many light-hearted fans of the show remain appalled that a subset of people used a business decision as an excuse to attack devoted viewers and others who are connected to daytime’s leading steamer.
Those who issue constant warnings about what they’ll do if Michael Muhney isn’t rehired by Y&R invoke rights, without mentioning their own responsibilities. It’s also reasonable to wonder if they have hurt that actor’s chances of returning?
A path of evidence is found when reviewing the emotions of those who initially attacked former executive producer Jill Farren Phelps and others at Y&R. Phelps advised Muhney that he was being let go in December 2013. Phelps’ character was subsequently assaulted in the digital public square for an extended period of time by individuals who never offered any evidence of her decision-making process.
Muhney later defended Phelps, noting that she had been very nice to him and that his own overly assertive, on-set behavior was the reason why he was let go. In 2014, Muhney also publicly advised that he was interviewing to return as Adam. Phelps was still employed as executive producer at that time, which proved persistent detractors wrong in her regard.
Yes, Muhney hadn’t been fired for acting in any illegal manner on the job, as a separate group of assailants had wrongfully claimed. That particular smear was proffered by anonymous sources and furthered by irrational forces via social media.
Two pressure groups fought each other and sullied the show. It’s rather remarkable that Y&R actually opted to cast a post-Muhney actor at all considering that unfortunate circumstance. And there’s no doubt that revisiting the Adam issue in the future would have to include a projection of expected assaults. Is there another Y&R character where that type of calculation would have to be made?
Chris Engen initially played the adult version of Adam. It’s fair to say that he performed decently during a brief stint. Muhney came next and was outstanding, as this scribe has often underscored. Hartley was also excellent, as his nuanced version of Adam offered a different view of a great character. A fictional personality that the writers created and the three referenced actors evidenced.
Technology can obviously be used for positive, neutral and negative purposes. Internet access and social media megaphones have, in certain instances, been employed for dishonest reasons. Using modern tools to trash TPTB at Y&R, any of the actors who have played Adam, other cast members or the forthright fans who remain loyal to the show, was, is and remains wrong.
Accurately exposing those who are guilty of intentionally besmirching all players referenced is just. At the same time, redemption is always possible for those affected souls. So soap fans of goodwill are encouraged to remain open to all who need tough love. What else can change their hearts? CDL is a leading source for everything linked to The Young and the Restless. Check back regularly for Y&R spoilers and news!
