The identity of The Impaler is revealed. Vanessa leans on Dani to help alleviate her anxiety. Victor Newman touches down in Fairmont Crest. Jacob locks horns with Elon at the station. Jack, Diane & Kyle Abbott along with Devon and Abby arrive at Martin's fundraiser. A tornado strikes Fairmont Crest. Bill and Dani rely on each other. Hayley ends up in close proximity to someone surprising. Joey's actions earn him favor with a VIP. Ted deals with multiple crises. Anita spies something peculiar and then issues a warning.
Episode 2.103
Joey recognizes the Impaler. That's good because the audience sure doesn't. We were asked to participate in this mystery. Instead, the show uses the reveal to introduce a new character. It doesn't allow an existing character to be seen in a new light. Joey has mentioned his sister before. It was only a month ago when he told Vanessa he hasn't seen Heather in a long time. He wanted a meeting with the Impaler to get him out of his territory. He wasn't looking to form a partnership. Heather is in complete agreement. She's done operating in the DMV. As such, the show creates a new reason for the Impaler to still be involved with the characters in the area. Joey doesn't know why Heather makes her presence known now. A meeting wasn't required as both businesses were in agreement. Heather came prepared. She knew all about Joey's life. Meanwhile, he's genuinely surprised. At first, he believes she is merely an associate of the Impaler's. The audience understands her importance before he does. He laughs. Then, he accepts it. He must keep his guard up even with family. He's grateful to finally hug his sister again. He's missed her. She didn't escape to a boring, normal life though. She's in the same business as the rest of the family.
Vanessa invites Dani over to Joey's place to keep her company during this meeting. She's vague with the details on purpose. She wants a friend. She doesn't want any pushback to how she's feeling. Nicole would act like a shrink in this situation. Dani offers no judgment. She still forces Vanessa to consider things. Vanessa doesn't like that. Whenever she's confronted with something she doesn't like, she changes the conversation or asks her friend to leave. She isn't seeking to be challenged. She's happy and wants everyone to respect that. Dani wonders if this is a life Vanessa can invite her loved ones into. Joey doesn't have any friends. He's always on guard. Security is protecting him 24/7. Vanessa is comfortable with that. She also needed his approval for Dani to be with her. She didn't even realize that. Joey had to give his permission. That's the control he exerts over her life. If she wanted to welcome Donnell or Deanna in, that would be inviting them into the danger as well. That runs the risk of creating distance. She's happy to engage in this risk. It comes at the expense of so much. She has never fully reckoned with that. She's not prepared to do so now either. That's intriguing. It's not the same conservation playing out in a different way. The conversation between Ted and Andre is boring. Meanwhile, Leslie's scheming is nothing significant. That creates a boring episode even with the big reveal of the Impaler.
Grade: C+
Episode 2.104
Martin's fundraiser comes a day before the primary. All of this will be for naught if he doesn't win. He worries it comes across as desperate. He needs attention. So, he invites several splashy guests to support him publicly. Vernon and Smitty assure him it's a symbol of strength. It's a display of his worth. People are coming out because of the work he has done during his first term in Congress. Of course, the story really isn't about the election. His primary challenger has gone unnamed. Martin suggests his polls have stagnated. He's the only one worried. The focus of this story is entirely on the fundraiser. The show invites multiple guests from The Young and the Restless. It starts with the arrival of Victor Newman. Vernon and Anita warmly greet him. Meanwhile, he's introduced to Martin for the first time. Vernon arranges all of this. He's trying to build a legacy. Martin is continuing his work. Vernon's proud of that. He knows Martin can deliver. He knows it would be foolish for anyone to reveal Martin's secret. The damage couldn't be contained. No one can plan for the fallout. It's better to operate with confidence. There are already plenty of warning signs. A storm is coming. Uninvited guests plan on crashing. Jacob and Eva know Joey and Leslie are scheming but haven't alerted Martin. That's at least understandable with Jacob given his trauma.
Being undercover changed Jacob. He will now do whatever it takes to arrest the Impaler. It's the only way for him to feel good about himself. Elon is proud of his son. He also sees how this job has compromised him. He wanted all of his sons to follow in his footsteps. He aimed to protect them on the job too. Jacob was eager to prove himself. He needed to accomplish this mission on his own. But now, Elon is worried Jacob will cross the line. He's given a new lead on the Impaler. It's not true. He goes to Joey with the information just to see how he responds. Joey is more forthcoming than usual. He chalks it up to Derek's death making him invested in the case. He's trying to get a handle on Heather's sudden return. That's forced him to question whether he has broken from his father's grasp. He wonders if he has become just like him. He's cruel and manipulative. He doesn't care about the people caught in his world. Vanessa knows that isn't true. She only sees the best in him. In this case, the audience may side with her. Joey questioning if he's just like his father proves that he isn't. What's been communicated about him would suggest he would never ponder the consequences of his actions. That makes Joey's behavior different. That can't eliminate all the pain he has caused. That must remain at the forefront. He isn't deserving of much empathy despite the Duprees wanting to trust and uplift people no matter what.
Grade: B-
Episode 2.105
The crossover between Beyond the Gates and The Young and the Restless has arrived. I've never seen any episode of YR. I may miss out on some details and nuance. However, the narrative seemingly enjoys pointing out the parallels between the lives of those in Fairmont Crest with these visitors from Genoa City. Victor had another reason for becoming the keynote speaker for Martin's fundraiser. It was more than a favor to Vernon. He admired Martin and Smitty for adopting their children. It was inspiring to see someone from a position of power look out for the less fortunate. They opened a world of opportunities for Tyrell and Samantha. Victor understands that kind of abandonment. Meanwhile, Leslie admires how Diane Abbott overcame her scandalous past to become a respectable member of society. She wants tips for how to accomplish the same feat. Diane's suggestion of true remorse probably isn't what Leslie wants to hear. Devon has more sympathy for Leslie. He too didn't know who his father was until he was an adult. He wants to include her in the remastering of the Articulettes' songs despite Anita's reservations. Elsewhere, Chelsea is ecstatic over Abby's love of her purses. Chelsea always seeks inspiration from people around her. She aims to incorporate Abby's suggestions to design a stylish purse for moms. And finally, it takes an outsider to finally flirt back with Hayley. She gets the attention she has wanted from Kyle and takes advantage of Bill working the event instead of spending time with her.
It's clear the show wanted to incorporate many of its characters in this setting to create unexpected moments later on. That's the only explanation for why Joey and Leslie are allowed to stay. A year ago, Nicole proclaimed she was the family fixer. When time came for her to act, she sought a compromise immediately. She expelled Vanessa and Joey to the lobby so they wouldn't show up in any of the pictures. Vanessa choosing Joey should carry consequences. It should come at the expense of her other relationships. The Duprees are reluctant to cut her off because of her association with Joey. As such, that only welcomes more compromising situations. Everyone acts shocked when they happen too. No one is prepared for these moments of disaster. The response is simply to let them happen. Dani thought it would be good for Ashley to enjoy a night out. She tries to comfort her after Anastasia attacks. The sadness and grief continue to overwhelm. Hopefully, that will disappear now that disaster has struck. A tornado has made direct contact with the country club. It interrupted Martin's speech. The story called out who's separated and who's together. The celebration was perfectly charming. But now, everything is about to become much more dire.
Grade: B
Episode 2.106
The tornado really highlights which characters I'm actually invested in. When their lives are threatened, it's truly gripping. When the story cuts away from them, it's actually quite tedious. It makes me upset over not spending more time with the people who have spent a year earning my admiration. Initially, Andre is pinned down. He appears to be seriously injured. Then, Ted's treatment occurs offscreen. Andre quickly recovers and starts worrying about Dani. Now, Dani and Bill are a hoot in the elevator. They bring a sense of levity needed during this crisis. The narrative offers plenty of emotions. Dani and Bill are freaking out as well. They also see this as an opportunity to indulge in their attraction. Both Bill and Hayley are given the ability to cheat. Bill does so. Hayley is surprisingly honest with Kyle about being married. The attraction is there. She appreciates being noticed. Their lives aren't in danger. They can wait it out in the closet. They are eventually rescued. Meanwhile, Bill and Dani start having sex once the emergency power finally kicks in. The biggest complaint of the episode is how poorly lit it is. It's hard to see what's going on. That's especially glaring with Martin crushed under a tree. Those shots offer no clarity whatsoever. His life is in danger. The episode closes with Martin, Eva and Abby in peril.
It would certainly be surprising if one of the Genoa City guests perishes during their time in Fairmont Crest. Based on what I've been told, the story already features several continuity errors based on what's currently happening on YR. Anything could happen I suppose. It's an odd choice. The final beat could have been more dramatic if it was framed around Kat realizing Eva was seriously injured. Not much time is spent with them. That signaled something more was going on. The twist was obvious to everyone except Kat. She wants Eva to make a sarcastic comment. She wants to fight. That's not what the situation has become. Kat doesn't want her half-sister to die. That's remarkable given all that she has said to Eva over the past year. That's the shocking moment that provides depth. Leslie and Izaiah are worried too. However, the most fascination comes from Leslie confiding in Anita. It appears genuine even though Anita has no tolerance for Leslie's foolishness. She's not to blame for a tornado. She's not that powerful. She shouldn't be seen as such. That's the power Anita wields even though some may want the Duprees to be even more influential and punish those who cross them. Their tolerance can appear as weak sometimes. In this situation though, Vernon provides the precise leadership needed to organize the response and guide everyone out of this danger.
Grade: B+
Episode 2.107
The crossover finishes this week but the danger from the tornado extends into another. Joey pushed Abby out of the way from the falling chandelier. Jack believes he owes Joey a favor now. Martin and Smitty warn Jack about who Joey is. That invites future interactions between these characters across the two shows. However, the visitors from Genoa City are largely able to return home with no additional problems. They are shaken up but will be fine. Martin and Eva are the ones who need immediate medical attention. Colby Nixon has been a standout performer for a long time. She's incredible as Kat's desperate for the rescue team to get to Eva and relaying the trauma to Ted and Tomas. It's a layered performance. She doesn't want Eva to die. That's not because she has any affection towards her. She cares about her family members who are invested. She wants to preserve their happiness. Leslie immediately blames Kat for what happened. It was completely random. Kat didn't choose to have the pipe hit Eva. She responded with the appropriate amount of concern once she realized Eva was injured. She can't go home yet either. She's grateful her family is fine. She also needs an update on Eva. Her fate can't be left unresolved. She's not the only one headed to the hospital. Andre and Martin need to be seen as well. Andre's reluctant. Martin's situation requires urgency after he collapses. The extent of his injuries finally catch up to him.
Dani immediately feels guilty about sleeping with Bill in the elevator. It becomes even more stark once the doors open. They see the destruction that has hit their beloved country club. They were obviously worried about their family. They couldn't do much when they were trapped. They conveniently concoct a cover story. Dani was in the elevator and Bill was in a stairwell. They were both alone. It's meant to make them feel better about what they just did. It fails immediately. Hayley recognizes Bill's lie. Meanwhile, Dani's guilt is written all over her face upon hearing how much Andre was worried about her. He was willing to jeopardize his own health to search for her. He was freaking out and powerless to help. This experience made him realize just how deeply he loves Dani. Meanwhile, she was cheating on him. Dani and Bill weren't caught. Anita sees Kyle and Hayley after they were rescued. She warns Kyle to stay away. She refers to Hayley as a viper. Nothing happened beyond a kiss. That's enough of a scandalous suggestion though. This tornado will reshape the lives of those beyond the gates. No one could escape. Anita and Vernon are grateful for the grace under pressure they exhibited during this chaos. Their loves remains steadfast and strong. They acknowledge that even though they didn't necessarily have to show compassion to Leslie. It was delightful when Nicole clapped back after all.
Grade: A-
