Editors’ Choice
YOUNG AND RESTLESS
Y&R crafted a smashing exit for Eileen Davidson’s Ashley, sending both actress and character off in style.
After learning some stunning news, Traci convened another family meeting. Her kin, already battle-weary from Billy’s intervention and the reveal of Ashley’s revenge plot against Jack, were testy and jaded. As Abby, Ashley, Billy, Kyle and Jack shifted uneasily, Traci explained that she felt it was important for them to examine their family history, noting, “We can’t understand what Jack and Ashley have done to each other or to this family until we understand where it all started.”
Beautifully crafted flashbacks of John and Dina with their young children followed, showing the matriarch’s growing unhappiness with the domestic life she ultimately deserted. There was also eye-opening insight into teen Jack’s mounting jealousy of the close relationship Ashley shared with their father, which shaped their competitive relationship. Even as these long-ago dynamics effectively illustrated their current dysfunction, Traci recalled how Jack stepped up to be there for his sisters. “I did the best I could,” he choked out, and Ash admitted tearfully, “We all depended on you so much, Jack.”
The kumbaya moment was shattered when Traci revealed the real reason she’d assembled the Abbotts, telling Jack, “I would like you to tell everyone what you learned yesterday.” Cornered, Jack had no choice but to confess: He had found (and promptly shredded) a document John had crafted to protect Ashley’s future, signing over the patents for the prod- ucts she had created for Jabot to her. Traci then proffered the papers, which she had meticulously patched back together. As Ashley perused the terms, their significance overwhelmed her. “This is a gift,” she marveled breathlessly as Jack bit down on his lower lip, bracing for what was to come. Jack copped to having shredded the document, which an enraged Ashley shoved in his face. “This was created because I mattered,” she sobbed. “You treat it like garbage, Jack, because that’s how you feel about me.”
Ashley and Jack separated to confer with their attorneys, both learning that the contract was ironclad. In hopes of salvaging Jabot, Jack made a generous offer to buy the patents from Ashley. She made a counter-offer: She would return the patents to Jabot if
she was made CEO. Her family balked, prompting Ash to make a major announcement. “I’m starting my own cosmetics company,” she declared. “Featuring a full array of popular products created by me,” Ashley announced. Jack erupted in fury, noting the potential impact of her decision (“It could leave Jabot in tatters!”).
Unmoved, Ashley proceeded with her plans to fly to Paris that very night, saying good-bye to her family members (including an especially poignant farewell with Dina), but snubbing Jack (“I have nothing to say to you”). Ash made one last stop at the G.C.A.C., where Jack anxiously tracked her down. Ashley froze at the sight of him, expecting more static. Instead, Jack spoke from the heart. “There was a part of me I’m not at all proud of, that couldn’t accept the possibility that you would outshine me,” he said with conviction. “That is the truth. And for that, I am deeply, genuinely sorry.” Even as she firmly nixed his plea for her to reconsider leaving, the tenderness between them was obvious as Ash touched Jack’s face and smiled before walking away.
Exquisitely written and superbly acted, the only fault we can find with Ashley’s swan song is that it emphasized just how big a hole her absence will leave. Both character and actress will be fiercely missed.