The Confessions of Avery Bailey Clark... Take one

A secret is finally revealed! Dylan and Paul to the rescue of a damsel in distress! Shots are fired, but who is the one hurt? And a happy Father's Day celebration! Read more in this week's Two Scoops.

Wow, I cannot believe it! A secret was finally revealed during this crazy Friday the 13th week. Sorry to say that it was not Sharon's big secret regarding Summer's paternity and Phyllis' fall down the stairs, but I am sure that is coming somewhere down the road. Instead, rather than having to wait for months or even years, we learned that newbie Austin was Avery's stalker after he kidnapped her. "Justice is swift," Austin snarled, as he added, "Don't look now but justice is about to be served." I wonder if it will be as tasty as any one of Avery's delicious recipes.

Probably not so much for Avery unless she liked being forced to videotape a confession taking full responsibility for successfully defending an alleged convenience store killer, thereby setting him free. Because, as it turned out, the thug later plugged innocent bystander, Mary Jameson, who was Austin's mother, in another robbery. Needless to say, Austin didn't take too kindly to that. But at least we now know what the "4MJ" stands for: "For Mary Jameson," obviously. I am so relieved that the truth has finally come out. And I pride myself in correctly guessing that the "MJ" did not stand for either Michael Jackson or Mick Jagger. Once again, my sleuthing skills have come in handy.

But now I have to wonder why the convenience store killer, Boz Foreman, did not hire Avery to again defend him after he killed Mary. After all, she had kept him from going to the slammer before. You'd think that Boz would have had Avery's phone number on speed-dial. But I guess it's a good thing that she didn't, or Austin would have been even more upset than he already was, because she probably would have gotten him off for Mary's killing. Avery's just that good. I hope that Summer doesn't get too invested in Austin because his actions may make him inaccessible to her for a long time. Y&R fan Stacie advises:

Summer....poor desperate Summer. Why is she begging this guy to be with her? Doesn't she see that he's really not that in to her? Move on...oh that's right, there's no one to move on to.

Ha, I mentioned that very same thing a couple weeks ago. It's pretty slim pickings for the young ladies in Genoa City. And in Summer's case, it's a tricky situation, since we aren't exactly sure yet whether she is biologically related to the Newmans or to the Abbotts. I guess that's why Kyle needed to disappear -- pronto!

Austin's revenge on Avery was a little on the wacky side though. Austin thought that posting Avery's confession about defending a killer on the Internet would actually ruin her reputation. I don't know if Austin actually thought all this through because it seems to me that it would probably help her business. Avery would have accused murderers and hit men contacting her left and right. Talk about a publicity stunt!

Now that Austin's secret is out, can Ian's be too far behind? You know, the secret that all we fans already suspect is true...that Paul is actually Dylan's biological father. But no matter...Austin was determined to get that taped confession one way or another, even if he had to use a gun. Oh, no! Whatever will Avery do now? Where are her white knights in shining armor when she needs them? But have no fear...Dylan and Paul to the rescue!

"Maniac McAvoy" rushed from the police station to the fire escape at Austin's apartment in record time to save Avery. Boy, that guy's fast! Dylan then jumped Austin. Paul and his troops arrived, and as Detective Harding phrased it, he saw "idiot #1 wrestling with idiot #2." That's a pretty apt description, I would say. And, of course, through all the scuffle and after shots rang out, Paul became the "officer down." Apparently, the bullet did extensive damage to Paul's liver, which left him knocking on death's door.

Sure...what better way to lead into the reveal that Paul is Dylan's father, especially since Dylan seemed to be the reason Paul was shot. Dylan's overly quick actions, which had not included having police as backup, rushed the police investigation. Dylan's need to be a hero resulted in Paul's life hanging on the line. Pile the guilt on!

So, as Michael, Lauren, and Nikki worried over the life of their beloved friend, Christine pleaded with Paul not to leave her because they still had babies to create. I don't know. If it were me, the sight of my husband lying helpless in a hospital bed would knock any thoughts of procreating right out of my head. I believe I would be a little more concerned that my loved one just survived.

After Christine got sick of watching Nikki hover over Paul, she booted her keister out of the hospital. However, Victoria insisted that Nikki return. At the hospital, they all learned that Paul would need a liver transplant, so of course, they needed to find a match for Paul's AB-negative blood. Shockingly, Heather was not a match. Noooo...really? But guess what? Yes, that's right -- Dylan was! The truth is quietly sneaking up on them. Will they be able to see it, or will a ton of bricks need to fall on their heads first? (The suspense about that is killing me.)

In the meantime, Austin thought it would be a good idea to reach out to his victim's niece -- yes, Summer -- for help after he escaped from the police. Or maybe it was because he had no one else to turn to. Funny, Courtney had stated that she had clipped Austin's shoulder with her gunfire, but he didn't seem to be in any pain. Maybe the adrenaline pumping from the shootout blocked out the trauma of the wound. After Austin explained to Summer the reason for Avery's kidnapping and tried to justify it with the loss of his mother, Summer advised that "you can't keep holding people at gunpoint because life's not fair." Can you imagine if someone gave that kind of advice in "the real world?" It's so crazy that it's comical.

Austin then became very weak as he finally realized that he had been shot. Whew, what a relief! I was wondering if the guy was even human. They heard sirens, and Summer knew that Austin would need a nursemaid to tend his wounds. Apparently, Summer hadn't learned from her past mistakes because she decided to go on the run to Canada with Austin. Only Summer believed she was running to something, not away from something. Okay.

But Summer insisted she was tired of hurting her two dads and of feeling that her home was not really a home. She just wanted to leave the past behind. Sounds more like she's running away to me. And Summer decided that her "first time," which should be special, would be with a guy that she knew nothing about, who had just kidnapped her aunt, and who was being pursued by the police. I can understand why both of her dads were so worried.

One damsel who continues to insist that she doesn't need rescuing is Sharon. But Sharon must still be a little delusional if she maintains that she does not see Mariah as Cassie. She sure is bending over backwards to help out someone that she really doesn't know and who has only done her harm. At least Nick and Noah are trying to keep their eyes open when it comes to the red-headed con. I mean, I can certainly understand Sharon wanting to give someone a second chance, but only if she is being realistic about why she is being so "compassionate."

Luckily, Nick needed a bartender at the Underground, and Mariah needed a job, so it was a match made in heaven. Even if he wouldn't let Mariah run the cash register. (Can you blame him?) And with Noah returning to the bar, at Nick's request, Sharon believed that Noah could finally get to know Mariah. Why? So they could become the happy, loving family reunited once again? It sure seems to me that Sharon is seeing Mariah as Cassie, returned home to her loved ones. In her head, Sharon knows that Mariah has lived a tough life without a loving, supporting family, but Sharon's heart still wants to believe that Mariah is Cassie reincarnated.

I loved Sharon's remark to Mariah, "Playing tricks on someone is no way to win their love." Now, those are words to live by! It's a good thing Nick and Noah are both around to keep a very close watch on Mariah because she has not proven that she can be trusted. Y&R fan Celeste has an observation:

Why does Noah seem to make more sense than his parents Nick and Sharon??

It sure seems that way at times, doesn't it? Noah pretty much said that he would never forgive Mariah or forget what she did. Now that makes sense. It should be interesting to see all three of them work together at the Underground.

I myself think that Nick is looking pretty dapper these days. However, Y&R fan Dayzee does not share my view:

I am so tired of the unshaven look on the male characters. Neil at least looks trimmed while Nick is shaggy and unkempt and I still haven't figured out the look Devon is going for. Luckily, Alex, the detective, seems to have left the show with his stubble. Y & R, please buy some razors and put them to good use.

Maybe I'm still back in 80s Miami Vice mode, when Don Johnson sported the scruffy look and made it extremely popular. But then again, I prefer my men to be mustached anyway. My husband has a fairly bushy mustache, which appears to give him a cheesy grin at times. He's so cute! He usually doesn't do scruffy though. That kind of look comes and goes, and it must be back "in" right now. Never fear, Dayzee. Time will pass, and the clean-shaven look will be "in" again. Probably as summer draws nearer...in filming-time, that is. Men normally will grow beards in the winter and shave them off in the summer. Apparently, the facial hair keeps their faces warm in the cold weather.

I just was reflecting that with the new dynamic between Billy and Victoria, they are no longer my favorite couple, and I will have to shop around for another. Times are tough! I could have selected Adam and Chelsea, but that is no longer an option either. Or is it? Boy, the Michael Muhney sighting at CBS studios sure has everyone speculating on what that could possibly mean. Y&R fan Denise K. shares:

I would like to see Michael Muhney back as Adam, I think he played the part to a tee, I just wish they would let him be happy with Chelsea and Conner, instead of always being the bad guy, and son, Victor is evil enough for the both of them.

While you are right about Victor, it sure is fun watching Adam and Victor spar with each other. Y&R fan Vera adds:

There are too many doctors on Y & R already. Just bring Michael Muhney back so that I won't have to stop watching. Y & R is the only soap I look at and if Michael doesn't come back, I won't be watching soaps anymore. My friends share my feelings.

As much as I would love to have Michael Muhney return as Adam, I am going to try not to get my hopes up. There could be several reasons why he was on the CBS set. So, I will remain cautiously optimistic regarding this news. While I could not stand Adam when he was paired up with Sharon, I loved the chemistry between Adam and Chelsea, who made him want to be a better person. Chelsea has always loved Adam for the man that he is. They were a couple I could really root for.

But since Adam and Chelsea are not gracing our screens as a couple at this time, I will search in another direction, and that will actually be a direction where I headed before. I will now admit that, many years ago, I was a Nick and Sharon fan, and I find myself cheering for them again, even as I fear for Sharon and her big secret.

I can remember when Phyllis was with Nick and there was a heated debate between the fans on whether Nick should be with Sharon or with Phyllis. Okay, maybe "heated debate" is a little tame. It was more like the Hatfields and McCoys. Shoot first and ask questions later. Well, maybe not that bad. But I am a hopeless romantic, and I had hoped that Sharon and Nick's young love could last an eternity. There's still hope!

Oh, by the way, I am loving Michelle Stafford as General Hospital's Nina, who is so totally not Phyllis, it's ridiculous. Where Phyllis is brassy and loud, Nina is soft-spoken and calm. It's almost spooky, yet it's so very entertaining. And because of this, I am now looking forward to seeing Gina Tognoni's Phyllis even more. I know that Ms. Tognoni will put her own unique spin to the character of Phyllis, and I can't wait to see it.Actually, when Jack and Summer were talking about Phyllis and about how "taking the back seat would drive her crazy" in regards to learning more about Austin, I tried to picture Gina's Phyllis irrationally demanding to take charge of the situation. I think she will be great! However, Phyllis had better wake up from her coma soon because Jack and Kelly are growing closer and closer all the time.

After their dinner at the Athletic Club, where Jack joked about Devon's new menu choices of "lobster mac and cheese" and "poison oak salad," Jack and Kelly went to her new apartment and made love to the song, "Hold on to Love Every Day."

I tried to learn more about the song but my search proved fruitless. It was a nice song though. "Don't try to explain. Don't you play those games...." Yes, they picked the right song for this soap although that's not a good forecast of Jack and Kelly's relationship. Kelly is still keeping Stitch's secret from Jack. Although it's not her secret to tell, I doubt if Jack would be happy if the truth caused pain or sorrow to Victoria. I especially found it telling when Kelly told Stitch in the park that she only went to Jenna with the truth because she had been so hurt and angry over losing Sam that she had lashed out at the person who had taken away someone she loved. It's seeming more and more like Stitch had, in one way or another, caused Sam's death. But in what way?

But hopefully we will find that out sooner than later, since Billy was still determined to get the dirt on Stitch through the doctor's ex-wife. And Billy wanted to take his trusty sidekick, Chelsea, with him because he needed her "mad con artist skills." She decided to accompany Billy to Australia on his fact-finding mission for the excitement and adventure. I would say of anybody, David Tom's Billy has the best chemistry with Chelsea, but only in a cutesy-type, just-friends kind of way. I am not so sure that the mystery man with the hand that we all believe to be Adam would agree, since his fist shook at the sight of them together in Connor's room.

My verdict is still out, though, for what guy I think is right for Victoria, since Billy will be recast shortly. Originally, I had preferred Stitch over David Tom's Billy, but that could change when Burgess Jenkins takes over the role of Billy. I know that my mother does not care at all for the character of Stitch. Y&R fan Denise agrees:

I watch Y&R during my lunch hour with a couple coworkers and we all agree that Stitch has become super creepy. He is always around Victoria! I don't know how she can't see it. I liked him at first but he's become obsessed with Victoria and seems to be stalking her. Whatever his secret is I'll bet it's bad.

Time will tell what that secret is, but it can't be good. Not if even Stitch thinks it would ruin things with Victoria. At least Kelly had enough sense to see that Stitch should tell Victoria before Billy blindsided her with the information. It's pretty much the same situation -- just as Victoria should have told Billy about the pregnancy, Stitch should clue Victoria in about his past. This is the type of news that shouldn't come from someone else.

But of course, Stitch was prevented from telling Victoria, and Billy and Chelsea were on their way to Melbourne, where Billy hoped to prove that he wasn't just "a jealous husband sucking on sour grapes." When he thanked a sleeping Chelsea and called her "a pro," I thought, "Wow, Chelsea's a pro and a con!" And she has a son named Connor that she could nickname Con. Chelsea and Billy arrived at Jenna's in the guise of a television company making a documentary about Americans taking up residence in other countries. And she let them in. Really? That Jenna's pretty trusting that they weren't serial killers. She may be gullible, but at least she has nice cheekbones.

Hilary and Neil seemed to be trying to find their way around each other, mainly due to the age difference between them. This is the first time they have shown any concern over that potential barrier, although Hilary did stress that they both have some of the same interests like jazz clubs and symphony concerts. People say that age is just a number, and that is true. Since there are ten years between me and my husband, I can relate. However, Hilary and Neil's bigger concern should be Lily's attitude toward them right now. But Lily's attitude is her own problem to deal with. If she chose to boycott the Father's Day festivities, it would be her loss, not theirs.

But, as it happened, Cane and Lily were the ones throwing the Father's Day celebration with Colin and kids in tow. After Lily realized that Cane had also invited Devon and Neil, she promised to be civil to Hilary. Although she had not wanted to intrude, Hilary carried in a surprise guest, Moses, who thought Hilary was the nanny. Okay, he was confused because the last he knew, Neil had been with Leslie. When Lily pointed that out, Neil realized that he needed to follow his heart, so he proposed to Hilary. Wow, that just seemed to be an excuse to me.

Kids are pretty resilient, and common sense says that Neil could have explained to Moses just the details that the little guy needed to know. As long as he still has a dad in his life who wants to spend quality time with him, that's all that Moses would really need. It appeared that Neil just wanted a reason to rush into marriage. I don't get the wild dash to the altar unless it's to prove something to Leslie.

I found it a little strange that Nikki babysat Johnny at the Newman Ranch, since she had moved out. She claimed that she thought Victor would be gone, but still. Exes or estranged couples are always doing this on soaps -- moving out of a place and then coming and going in that very same residence as they please. Phyllis was notorious about that at Nick's. Nikki seemed to be giving Victor mixed signals, but was she? She certainly had no reservations about forgiving her "unpredictable, frustrating, challenging man." Just in time for Ian's big secret to be revealed! Y&R fan Dayzee had another interesting observation:

In the year since we lost Jeanne Cooper, we have seen the living room of the mansion go from an elegant place befitting a person of Katherine Chancellor's stature to something more along the lines of a cheap motel room. Much of the dcor is the same, but it now looks cheap. The new Newman ranch set is so sterile and totally absent of the warmth and elegance of the old ranch. Instead of the Colonnade Room, we now have the GCAC where folk stop by the restaurant to pick up water, carrying their smelly athletic bags, not very elegant. Never have figured out why anyone would want to stay in a hotel that does not seem to have an elevator.

You have an excellent point regarding the Athletic Club, Dayzee. Elegance isn't usually associated with gym bags and clothing. I have seen nicer hotels without elevators but that can be very inconvenient. As far as the Newman Ranch goes, the place seems to suit Victor and Nikki. It has enough class for Nikki, and the absence of warmth is perfect for Victor. Katherine's living room always was a bit cluttered, but that's not surprising for an older lady who cherished antiques. Maybe not as much attention is being paid to her items since she is gone. Or maybe it was Katherine herself whose very grace gave a larger-than-life impression of elegance in her home.

Other notable (or humorous) items that happened during the week:

Courtney and Noah still had the cuteness factor going on. How adorable that Noah gave constellations of stars nicknames such as "the anchor," which had a hook on the end, "the cheeseburger" -- a bun of stars with two patties -- and "the five string guitar." "The neck" was a bit much but romantic nonetheless.

Sharon had one of the best lines when she said to Hilary, "There is nothing like finding the right man. Someone who you can't wait to see...you can't wait for him to take you in his arms at the end of the day and you love him so much that your heart aches." You could sure tell she meant Nick by the puppy-dog look she had in her eyes for him.

In Tuesday's episode, Chelsea said that it would be winter in Australia, but on Thursday, she told Anita that it was fall. Maybe the writers weren't sure of the airdates for the episodes so they covered their bases?

Billy had his own celebration with Johnny for Father's Day as they played with wooden blocks so that Billy could build things instead of knocking them down. Here's hoping for a solid foundation for the two.

Even though Austin's actions were illegal, Summer found that Austin was "not wrong, terrifying, or awful." Avery thought that Austin was an "angry, grief-stricken, traumatized kid." And Nick believed that Austin was "a gun-toting stalker." Each had their own very conflicting opinions of the young man, that's for sure.

Jack had a terrific line also, "Not many women can resist a man they think they can save." Sadly, that is all too true.

Y&R fan Mary A. responded to Boone's question last week about the gorgeous skyline shots of downtown Genoa City: "The shot of Genoa City Jail is actually the Allegheny County Jail in beautiful downtown Pittsburgh, PA. Genoa City Memorial Hospital is our very own Allegheny General Hospital on the city's North Side. The skyline shots look like Pittsburgh's downtown skyline, with the 'Jabot' & other corporate logos pertinent to the show, photo-shopped in." How fascinating! Consider ourselves educated.

Wishing a very Happy Father's Day to all the dads. Until next time, please stay tuned.

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