Are there new writers at Y&R? The writing seems to have gotten better lately. And bringing Gloria back; absolutely brilliant! That is how soap characters used to be; crazy, bitchy and downright evil. I'm loving it. Also getting rid of Dylan/Dullyn..what a great move. That bore was helping to kill the show..
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The answer is: YES. The episodes by the "new" writers starting appearing in early December. New is in quotes because these writers actually are "old" writers ----- the head writer, Sally Sussman started her soap writing career working on Y&R in the early 80s. She learned from creator Bill Bell and had a significant part in writing the introduction and character development of the Abbott family. (Bell named the B&B character "Sally Spectra" after her). Also, story consultant Kay Alden worked with Bell on Y&R from the beginning. Alden ultimately became the Y&R head writer and left the show in 2005 or 2006. Thus, the "new" writers actually are "old" writers.
As a decades-long viewer, I also think the writing has gotten in better. It seems crisper and has a purpose in mind. Moreover, it appears that the focus has changed ---- The writing has moved away from newer characters (Dylan -- whose exit may be due to Steve Burton leaving the show; Stitch) and returned to the established characters (the most stunning change is the sudden significant use of Lauren).
These writers know the history of the show and they are taking steps to shows that they know it and, hopefully, will mine the heck out of it for plots. A couple of obvious changes that I really like:
*The stressing that Lauren is running a large business built by her late father. Fenmore's is to Lauren what Jabot is to Jack. In recent years, Lauren rarely mentioned Fenmore's in her infrequent appearances and, at one point, appeared to be merely the manager of a small Fenmore "boutique" in the Jabot building. Ironically, a brand new viewer might think the two BIG companies in town were Fenmore's and Jabot as Newman Enterprises and Chancellor Industries have gotten little attention in the past 2 months.
*Ashley is a businesswoman! In the past decade, Ashley has been used as a "victim" in terrible plots --- Victor's taken advantage of her; Adam tried to drive her crazy; brother Jack taking her for granted. I like that the writers are going back to strong, businesswoman Ashley (supporting Jack but questioning his business judgment; establishing a connection with new employee Ravi) and, thankfully, have not tossed her into a romance with the first, eligible man who came within 10 feet of her.
Fascinating stuff; thank you for the background information on Y&R. I'm also a long-time viewer but I never knew the behind-the-scenes info so much. In fact all I knew was that Lauralee Bell (Christine/Cricket) was Bill Bell's daughter, and I think Melody Thomas Scott (Nicki) was married to a producer, or someone similar. And I'm also happy to see Lauren get more attention; she is a beautiful, fascinating character, who has been neglected in recent years. The last exciting thing to happen with Lauren was the Daisy/Ryder kidnapping storyline, and of course, her sleazy affair with Carmine! I always thought of Y&R as the "classiest" of the soaps. Other shows dealt with such ridiculous story lines, while Y&R kept things realistic and believable. I almost quit watching a few months back, because I was disgusted at where the show was going. I'm glad I stuck around, because it really is getting better. Although I must say, one thing that is still missing, is a really edgy, sexy, dangerous male in Genoa City. There aren't any men like that, which is odd for a soap. I miss Luca Santori, and i felt like that character was very much like the soap villains of long ago..
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