Credit: CBS screenshot

With Young & Restless wrapping up Jordan and Ian’s storylines, it’s going to be slim pickings for February Sweeps. Perhaps Nate’s brother will bring the big drama? As we wait to see what develops, here’s a look at what’s happened and what’s coming up

Drowning

Well, it was a bit of a twist that Billy decided to abandon his fight against Victor. I honestly didn’t know whether to feel relieved or disappointed given that it might have provided some sorely-needed drama had he teamed with Phyllis and actually been successful. Bottom line: There’s no denying the character’s grievances have become repetitive and played out. Billy was, in fact, drowning, so that was an apt word to use in his dialogue. That said, Billy hasn’t completely let go of his man pain… he still has “issues” with Jill. Whether we’ll see those difficulties addressed onscreen or not remains to be seen. As for his future with Sally, we are still expecting the promised/threatened love triangle.

‘That’s the End’

Jordan’s reign of terror came to a curiously anti-climactic end as the Newmans gathered in the tack house to watch her succumb to the effects of a teacup full of sleeping pills. The acting in these scenes was top drawer, however, the scenario itself was a little disappointing as this supposed mastermind lamely walked into an obvious trap and then just gave up. If nothing else, one expects evil-doers to go out in spectacular soapy fashion. Heck, Jordan’s death didn’t even qualify as a shocking episode-ender. Instead, it happened mid-show and we moseyed right on to the reveal of Billy’s new interior design. Vote on Jordan’s death here.

Thankfully, the madwoman was able to provide us with some drama along the way. Colleen Zenk will be missed on the soap… such a treat to have her on. It makes you wish they’d found a way to keep her. Wait, perhaps they did?!

Claire having dosed Jordan so she could play dead and then escape later certainly would be dramatic. Regardless, here’s hoping this experience will leave Claire forever changed. The Pollyanna bit was unbelievable enough before this, and it certainly won’t fly now. There’s an opportunity here to cause conflict between Claire and Kyle as well, but I’ve a feeling we won’t get it. She’ll tell him a sanitized version of events and he’ll kiss her on the forehead.

Out of the Sewer

Sharon’s portion of the storyline also fell flat. We like to see our heroines carried out of the sewer by a knight in shining armor, thank you. Even though Nick never made it in time, he received credit nonetheless, as Sharon told him he appeared to her in her time of need and urged her to fight. It definitely was Nick, not the PCP. Anyway, it was a bit of a letdown for the beleagured Sharon to have to drag herself up out of the underground. They could have at least let her run straight into Ian Ward when she got above ground rather than oh-so-conveniently meet up with her own daughter and go home. These writers shun so many opportunities for drama.

Ian’s Last Stand?!

Jordan’s death was a fizzle, but we still have Ian Ward, who may be about to bite off more than he can chew. Thanks to the weekly preview, we know he’s disappeared Tessa and Aria, which is going to morph Mariah’s teary guilt feelings into rage, or so we hope. Meanwhile, we’ve been teased with Ian pulling a gun on The Great Victor Newman and Co. at the ranch, which doesn’t bode well for the villain’s future. The only question remaining, really, is whether he’ll be sent back to prison or meet an end similar to his former partner in crime. It would be a choice to kill off two perfectly good villains in one storyline, so there’s a chance Ward may live to see another day. We shall see!

The opinions expressed are my own. Please feel free to join the conversation on this week’s Young & Restless in the comments.