Young and the Restless Takes a Chance on Fatherly Bonding

 

The Young and the Restless probably never should’ve begun the community baby storyline with Abby Newman-Abbott Chancellor, Chance Chancellor, Devon Hamilton, and Mariah Copeland. However, more than a year ago it kicked off, and here we are dealing with the fallout and a sweet little baby named Dominic.

Young and the Restless Takes a Chance

Although we hate seriously dislike most of this storyline, one interesting part sticks out to us. If Y&R does it right, it could actually be somewhat unique. Chance (Conner Floyd) is clearly depressed and suffering the fallout of PTSD. While many series in daytime and primetime have shown the difficulties new mothers face bonding with their babies, it’s unusual to see a father struggling. In that aspect, the soap has the opportunity to tell an important aspect of parenting struggles that doesn’t receive a lot of attention.

Of course, given the way the soap has failed on other important storylines — like Sharon Rosales’s (Sharon Case) cancer — we’re not so sure it will do this one justice. Plus, this storyline isn’t popular with viewers. For the most part, it feels like some of our favorite characters like Devon (Bryton James) and Mariah (Camryn Grimes) are sacrificed on the altar of making Abby (Melissa Ordway) a lead character.

Chance Chancellor Needs Professional Help

We mostly hate what Devon is doing because it feels so out of character. If anyone should appreciate the bond between an adoptive parent and child, it should be Devon, who had incredible relationships with his adoptive parents.

However, we do want to see Chance and his family come to terms with his feelings and struggles bonding with Dominic. We want Abby to hear her husband and help him get the care that he needs instead of pushing forward.

We hope that Chance seeks out counseling because he’s clearly suffering. While it’s difficult to admit he needs help, that is what he should do in the end. We’d also love to see the show play out the nuances of Chance struggling to bond with Dominic and then watching as that bonding slowly develops as Chance heals. Of course, having Devon fighting for parental rights could throw a wrench in that. Then, when you add in Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) if and when he finds out about the whole thing, we suspect plenty of drama, and none of that will help Chance.