Credit: CBS screenshot

Young & Restless is building to another showdown between Crazy Aunt Jordan and the Newman clan, and it remains the most exciting thing on the canvas. We’re in big trouble if it’s indeed Jordan’s last stand! Here’s a look at what’s happening and what’s coming up:

Connor’s Crisis

I’ve criticized this pop-up mental health crisis of the month plot in past soapboxes, but the acting made it worth watching this week. Melissa Claire Egan’s emotionally torn-up Chelsea, Mark Grossman’s anguished Adam, Judah Mackey’s struggling young Connor, and Courtney Hope and Jason Thompson as significant others/supporters Sally and Billy — they’re all killing it. Adam and Chelsea realizing they had contributed to Connor’s issues was heartbreaking to watch.

The Scenes That Left Us Shouting at the TV Part I

Just as Ashley’s mental health situation has begun to devolve into full-blown chaos, Jack has decided it’s the perfect time to put on his ‘obstinate SOB’ hat and bow out. The man has been up in his sister’s business non-stop from the minute Tucker McCall stepped foot back in Genoa City, but now he’s so busy playing savior to Nikki that he can’t be bothered to even make time to hear Traci out, let alone actually realize that something is very, very wrong with his sibling. This stubborn, can’t-see-what’s-right-in-front-of-him version of Jack is by far the most infuriating.

More: Preview! Intervention for Ashley

The Scenes That Left Us Shouting at the TV Part II

Speaking of brothers that are too busy to notice their sister is in trouble, Billy’s back to being a blowhard. He’s too busy pontificating about his master plan for Chancellor-Winters to notice that Ashley’s in crisis. Adding insult to injury, he has plenty of time to criticize how Adam’s dealing with his son’s situation, but his kids have a new sibling who tried to murder the Newmans and we’ve yet to see him even follow-up with Victoria. Anyway, the scene(s) that made us shout at the TV was Billy’s overly long conversation with Lily about the future of Chancellor-Winters. Any hope the writers had of making me care about who is in what position at this company (or any company) has long since been crushed under the relentlessly spinning musical jobs carousel. 📢 “We don’t care!!”

In related, I figure there’s going to be some kind of battle over Princess Luisa (cue eyeroll). This will bring out the ‘new’ Lily, who tells Daniel point-blank in the preview that she owns it. I’m more interested in seeing the new Lily hitting the sack with Nick Newman. While it probably wouldn’t end any better for her than any of her other relationships (I’d expect the long-lost Sharon to resurface looking to claim her ex for her own), they could be the sexy, fun pairing we need right now.

The Scenes That Left Us Shouting at the TV Part III

Tucker’s proposal to Audra was absolutely a knee-jerk reaction to everything going on (or not going on as the case may be) in his life. Things are a mess with Ashley, but he’s had to push her away to appease his girlfriend, and Devon still won’t give him the time of day. While we weren’t exactly shouting about Devon’s rejection of Tucker as a father, it seems a little cruel to keep him away from Dom after allowing him to form a bond with the boy. He may be a terrible dad, but he was a terrific grandpa.

The part that really made us feel like shouting was ‘Taudra’: The Extended Version. When we weren’t looking, Tucker and Audra somehow became front-burner fodder for the writers. Do they really think we’re that invested in these two that we want half an episode devoted to them discussing their relationship?! Tucker’s been a flop as a returning character thanks to the writing, and Audra’s compelling on her own but they keep writing her in circles with McCall.

The extended screentime for these two is especially egregious when you consider that core characters like Sharon are MIA and we haven’t even seen Victoria’s kids meet their new sister. Priorities!

Bits ‘n’ Bites

How funny was it to hear Phyllis rage about Lily seeking retribution for Daniel and Heather’s cheating when she had just made the ultra-petty move of pulling the fire alarm to get her revenge on Danny for choosing Cricket?!… It was nice to see Claire and Mariah meet up considering the similarities in their situations… Dropping an ‘I told ya so’ when it comes to Victoria suggesting they move into the tackhouse — called it! I’m not into Cole and Victoria as a long-term couple, but it could be a low-key dalliance to help her rebound after the dramatics of Ashland and Nate.

‘Niktor’s’ Nightmare

The minute we found out there was going to be an anniversary bash, we knew Young & Restless was setting the scene for the next showdown between the Newmans and Claire’s crazy aunt. In fact, the last soapbox predicted it might be Jordan’s last stand. With Nikki off the wagon nothing is off the table, including murder! In the preview, Nikki told Victor, “No one can spoil this night for us.” A sure sign on a soap opera that someone will indeed destroy the event entirely!

In the meantime, clues are pointing to Jordan having an accomplice, so in addition to the horrors of the showdown, the party just might include a shocking reveal! Find out who may be helping Jordan here.

The opinions expressed are my own. Please leave your Young & Restless rant in the comments.