Credit: CBS screenshot, Howard Wise/JPI

Young & Restless ended a dramatic week with a flurry of flashbacks as Victor and Nikki were re-established in the restored Newman Ranch. Here’s a look at two big stories taking us into next week, during which the iconic soap will mark its incredible 13,000th epsiode.

Oops, She Did It

The big Sharon/Heather murder mystery has begun to feel stalled for those who want to get on with the reveals. The writers are definitely slow-walking it… we even got an entire episode devoted to Heather’s funeral. While I was disappointed we didn’t get to see Dead Heather again, the beats played were solid. It’s always a good day when we get to see Michael and Lauren too. That said, Phyllis hounding Sharon is going to get old fast if it goes on much longer without some type of new development.

If Red is unable to get Sharon to crack, she may have to resort to doing Chance’s job for him. As we all know, she has the ability to hack into just about any system, so why not the security cameras in Daniel’s building or near the river? It’s mind-boggling that the Keystone Kops in Genoa City have yet to take a look at these things (presuming they exist in a complex where a billionaire lived), or to question how Heather’s body was transported to the river. Wouldn’t they have searched Daniel’s car for forensic evidence? For that matter, wouldn’t they also have confiscated Sharon’s car for the same reason given she was admittedly the last person to see Heather alive?! It’s frustrating to watch soap murder mysteries because of the suspension of belief necessary to drag them out, but the reveals will be coming, and hopefully, there will be a significant payoff for a change. To conclude: Sharon’s big mistake was in not taking into account the evidence other than the towels and phone she planted. Or her nemesis’ ability to hack, I suppose. One or both will be bring her eventual downfall. Will she get a chance to confess before she’s caught? Stay tuned!

Wedding Shocker Revealed

As Young & Restless fans know by now, Abby and Devon are getting married next week and the big event is set to take place as the show marks its 13,000th episode at the restored Newman ranch. Given the couple are fairly low-key these days and not involved in any drama, some were sure the nuptials, although beautiful, would be a big yawn. Enter Bryton James (Devon) who teased a big shock at the wedding. This set us to speculating about what — or who — might interrupt the big day.

More: Two characters returning for Devon’s wedding to Abby

There were several tantalizing theories that fans would have loved to see play out, but there’s one still to share… and it’s a doozy. This is where you’ll want to stop reading if you want to be surprised in the moment.

As it turns out, Young & Restless itself kinda spoiled the surprise with a behind-the-scenes photo that gives away a little too much detail. One detail in particular. We already knew Brytni Sarpy (Elena) was back on set for the celebration, but apparently she was there for a much bigger reason as well.

*Spoiler alert*: Our theory is that Nate’s not only getting a new half-brother, but also a baby. As you can see in the group photo below, taken as the cast gathered to celebrate the soap’s 13,000th epsiode, Sean Dominic (Nate) is holding a wee tot and is standing beside none other than Brytni Sarpy, who played his character’s ex-girlfriend Elena. It’s a safe bet that the big wedding shocker is Elena returning with Nate’s child in tow. Decide for yourself:

The opinions expressed are my own. Please feel free to share your thoughts on this week’s Young & Restless in the comment section.