L-R: Billy Miner and Tom David, ie… the beloved Billy Abbott

Billy Abbott that is. Have you been watching Tom David refill his shoes that Billy Miner relinquished last year? I really hated to see Mr. Miner go. He shaped the Billy Abbott role into something sexy. He brought swag to the persona. I am so sure he has exited Y&R for bigger dramatic roles. No, I have no inside information to share at this time, but you know you can tell when the depth of a character resides solely with the actor by how he comprehends and relays the writers template. Billy Minor single handledly gave Billy Abbott a huge fundamental facelift.

Tom David was the first Billy Abbott ever casted in Y&R back in the 80’s, and a couple (or few) have come and gone since, all were interchangeable and stuck to the script, but when Billy Miner wore the shoes, the writer was forced to add swag to the characters scripted choreography and to their credit, they did it seamlessly. Billy Abbott went from being Jill Abbott’s annoying, rich and aimless son to someone a house wife could and would break from mopping to study. Bravo writers! I saw it all happen and it was beautiful, then Billy Miner exited the cast last year to faites de meilleures choses. 

Tom David puts his baptized shoes back on and assumes his role-right.  At first it was a funky fit. He was walking funny, (in character), as if to say, ‘Now, whose shoes are these? I’m married to who?’ It was a struggle to watch Tom get back into the swing of things, but then today… today I tune into Y&R and see Billy Abbott moving forward in niching out his new view. It seems the writers have literally killed the old Billy (crafted by Billy Miner) and have started anew with a lighter, more social kind of Billy Abbott in script. Today I found myself not struggling, but Coming around to Billy. I can’t say it was anything in particular he said, but was definitely in how he handled himself in what he did. I do remember a scene he had with Chelsea Newman today, where he stopped by at a rather odd hour and unannounced, I thought I was about to be annoyed but Billy handled his role with a unique and interesting set of likable, quick-debating skills that won him entrance into Chelsea’s domain and into the favorable column in my loyal viewers mind.

Whew! That was a mouthful! That’s the work of the writing cast on Y&R. I’m full of praise because I know first hand how rough it is to keep the long-term interest of the peering public. ALL MY CHILDREN knows it. GENERAL HOSPITAL knows it and RYAN’S HOPE died shortly after it’s birth. Surely you remember? Well knock-on-wood, because that is not the story of Y&R. And I am content still, even though Billy and Victoria Newman-Abbott are filing for divorce. I am convinced that there may be a be a good life in the script coming down the pipeline for ol’ Billy – of course a lot of that will hinge on what Tom David can do in his shoes. I’m ready to see him dance. How about you? Yo DJ!! Pump that Y&R joint!

Yes! I’m Coming around to Billy, and I’m really glad about it.
I thought he’d be annoying and considered the role and ‘out-it.’

I felt like Billy Miner’s talents did the role a favor and that the story line would unfortunately show
that the scripted character took a shot-to-the-eye when they let Billy Miner go.

Yes, the switch started out slow and whenever Tom David would enter the set, I’d go and get water.
There was no interest in my mid-day routine for Jill’s son, ‘the annoying, the rich and the guarded.’

Though today the tides seems to be changing and rolling someone new up onto the beach.
I’m Qui
and Y&R’s Tom David is the one who seems to be up to dance. I’m looking forward to his role-right beat.

He has my attentions.
Enough to warrant this mention.

PS — Did you see that kiss Billy planted on Chelsea today? Wooo Hooo!