In the series «The Young and the Restless» Michelle Stafford had to play Phyllis in a way that made her decision to take Newman Enterprises from Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) completely justifiable. Otherwise, the plot wouldn't have worked. Last week, a series of circumstances beyond Phyllis's control forced the hot-blooded redhead to return the conglomerate to the mustachioed tycoon.
Phyllis lost, but the show's viewers «The Young and the Restless» won—thanks to seeing a series of emotionally charged performances from the three-time Daytime Emmy Award winner, in which Phyllis interacted with both loved ones and foes.
We all have someone in our lives who is our Achilles' heel, and for Phyllis, that person is Nick Newman (Joshua Morrow), her ex-husband. Stafford is willing to cling to Phyllis's high-heeled shoes and trade barbs with almost anyone, but not her video-game-playing ex. Stafford plays with Morrow's Nick with a vulnerability she doesn't display with any other character, except perhaps her children. After Phyllis helped save Nick's life, she likely thought their bond had only strengthened.
No. Nick threatened to turn Phyllis over to the police (with trumped-up charges) if she didn't return Newman Enterprises to his father. Stafford didn't portray Phyllis as being overplayed. She portrayed offended .
«"Are you kidding me?" Phyllis asked Nick. "I saved your life. I saved your life ».
Defense attorney Michael Baldwin (Christian LeBlanc) reminded Nick that the decision to prosecute Phyllis was Christine (Lauralee Bell), not Victor's. Stafford never misses an opportunity to show her disdain for the woman she not-so-affectionately calls "Bug." The camera cut to Phyllis shaking her head in response to Michael's remark, as if to say, "« А "Could it get any worse?"»
«"The Newmans have me cornered," Phyllis commiserated with Michael at the bar after Nick left. On screen, we saw Stafford, as Phyllis, realize it was time to lay down the torch, even though she didn't want to.
However, the next day, in her characteristically unpredictable manner, Phyllis casually informed Michael that she had simply changed her mind! However, it is a woman's right (again) to change her mind, and in the same scene, Phyllis stated that she would agree, provided that Kristin dropped all charges.
One of the many reasons why audiences have always been drawn to Phyllis Stafford on screen is the sense of unpredictability and explosiveness she brings to the role. No matter how "wrong" Phyllis's actions, Stafford always finds a way to justify her outrageous behavior.
A negotiating session then took place at the Newman Ranch, involving Victor, Christine, Nick, Victoria (Amelia Heinle), Michael, and Phyllis.
Stafford portrayed Phyllis as barely containing her joy at seeing everything align in her favor, but she wasn't yet out of the woods. Kristin didn't think she could bring credible charges against Phyllis if Victor had indeed fabricated emails implicating her in illegal activity. Would the mogul confess?
Victor blinked as hard as he could and got Christina to drop the charges. Phyllis and Victor (aren't Stafford and Braden great together?) exchanged heartfelt thanks.
Victor was victorious, and Phyllis was not left a loser either, as she (again) managed to avoid trial and prison.
Back at the GCAC bar, Phyllis lamented her defeat to Michael. But the worst was yet to come. The writers added another test for Stafford, as Phyllis hoped that by "doing the right thing" (in her opinion), she would reconcile with her son, Daniel (Michael Graziadei).
Phyllis met Daniel at the Society, cautiously optimistic that things would be okay between them again. In reality, Phyllis wanted not only to move on but also for Daniel to congratulate her or thank her for doing the right thing.
Stafford portrayed Phyllis as hurt and dismissed the notion that Daniel was focused on his mother's hopelessness. Daniel asked his mother if she regretted what she had done or was she a victim-martyr? Phyllis felt unpleasing. "I just wanted you to think I'd succeeded," she said, her voice shaking, before rushing toward the door.
Sharon Case, Michelle Stafford - "The Young and the Restless"«
© Howard Wise/jpistudios.com
Sharon (Sharon Case), who had overheard Daniel and Phyllis's conversation, tracked down her sworn friend (more friend than foe, really) at Crimson Lights. "I gave it all back," Phyllis lamented. "And what did I get in return?"«
Phyllis might not end up in jail, but she'll find herself in a different kind of prison, one that leaves her feeling worse than before. Sharon reminded Phyllis that she wasn't one to give up and encouraged her to return to freedom and prove her case.
Bravo to Stafford for another brilliant week of episodes, culminating with her portrayal of Phyllis as defeated, but not broken. She may have suffered a setback, but it's not a complete defeat. Like the name of the hotel she once owned, we have no doubt Phyllis will rise from the ashes… like a phoenix!
«The Young and the Restless» , weekdays, CBS
Read the latest news from the world of entertainment on TV Insider.