Has ‘Young and the Restless’ Ruined Billy Abbott – Do You Miss the Billy Miller Version?
Many Young and the Restless viewers see Billy Abbott (Jason Thompson) is not the man he once was and many fans despise the character now – but it’s not the actor’s fault at all. Now, the CBS soap opera resurrected both his fixation on his ex-wife and Adam Newman (Mark Grossman). But is there anything likable left about the Genoa City guy?
Is Billy Abbott a Shell of Who He used to be on Young and the Restless?
Billy Abbott has several personas over the years on Y&R. He is a gambler, a womanizer, a liar. Yet, at times a devoted husband and father. However, recently Billy’s backsliding into bad behaviors. He seems manic, obsessed, and like a real petty Betty on Young and the Restless.
His obsession with destroying Victoria Newman‘s (Amelia Heinle) husband Ashland Locke (Richard Burgi) has pushed everything else in his life to the side. Except for his co-obsession of blaming Adam for Jesse Gaines (Jamison James) going missing on Young and the Restless.
A whole faction of fans consistently complains about the way the character has changed for the worse. He is not well-liked with many. Lots want Lily Winters (Christel Khalil) to dump him. And some extremists would like Y&R to kill Billy off entirely. Of course, this is no reflection on the very talented Jason Thompson. He’s acting what’s written. It’s a writing fail.
The reason Adam vs Billy will never rise to the level of Victor vs Jack is because Jack was a popular character who many wanted to best Victor. Billy will never be Jack as he isn’t a character the audience wants to root for. #YR
— Phyllis’ Cake 🎂🍾 Team Chadam (@sheet_cake) October 24, 2021
Now, Lily’s been diminished too by this badly scripted decline of Billy Abbott’s. She’s simply his “yes” woman, enabler, and bed buddy. As he fell deeper down the rabbit hole of digging into Ashland’s past, she encouraged his outrageous behavior. He appeared deeply disturbed at Vikki’s wedding on Young and the Restless.
As the couple exchanged vows, Billy’s face said it all. He still loves his ex — or he can’t stand seeing her happy with another man. Yet on Young and the Restless, Lily acts as if her boyfriend’s choices are acceptable. Meanwhile, the rest of GC seems to dislike Billy Boy as much as a lot of fans do…
Billy Miller Was Always a Fan Favorite on Y&R
Jason Thompson has filled the role since 2016. However, before he came on board, Billy Miller played the part from 2008 – 2014. At that time, Billy was popular with audiences and critics. So, Miller won two Emmys for Outstanding Supporting Actor and one for Outstanding Lead Actor on Young and the Restless.
During Miller’s time as the Abbott heir, he began his romance with Victoria. The couple had electric chemistry and were a hot couple. They had several stops and starts. And it was Miller playing the Y&R part when Delia died. He also played out the revenge story against Adam, who hit her with his car, at the time on Young and the Restless.
Then, out of nowhere, writer Josh Griffith decided to replay that whole angst again over Delia’s death. He resurrected the plot for seemingly no reason. In the end, the angst also won Jason Thompson his first Daytime Emmy. That was in 2020. So, the big question is why are we seeing this same storyline on Young and the Restless again?
One big event that turned off Young and the Restless watchers with Jason in the role was Billy hooking up with Summer Newman (Hunter King). That came after a messy breakup with Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford) – he had sex with her daughter. Another top-hated storyline was “killer Billy” the gum-chewing psychotic alter-ego of the Abbott son.
Can Young and the Restless Save The Character?
At present, Billy Abbott’s a broken record that no one but Lily likes. But yes, the character can be made likable again. He needs to stop his grudge against Ashland and truly let Vikki go. As the CEO of ChanceComm, several exciting storylines are possible. Young and the Restless news suggest he focus his time and attention on Lily and his two children.
However, Soap Dirt readers see he soon faces the consequences of his actions in Tuscany. He is right in the middle of the Jesse Gaines mystery. Billy must fight Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) as he plans revenge with Adam. And speaking of Adam, he needs to let sleeping dogs lie and put that grudge on the back burner.
Word from behind the scenes at Young and the Restless is that the actor’s not loving what they’ve done to his character. But, it’s his job to read the scripts he’s given… Another leak from the set said the head writer is constantly changing directions and can’t decide where he’s going with Billy or the couples on Y&R.
That would explain the dropped plots, false starts, and erratic storylines. Let’s hope that the powers that be at CBS Daytime tell the Young and the Restless writers to do better. Fans don’t hate Billy Abbott completely – just how the show has tarnished him and made him a mediocre shadow of the vibrant character he once was. Do better Josh!