Some ‘Y&R’ fans don’t want Lily back in Genoa City

Christel Khalil is returning to The Young and the Restless this week but many fans really don’t care to see Lily. This once beloved character has lost the support of those who don’t like what happened after the actress went on recurring status in 2018. Viewers have been voicing their opinions on social media that they don’t want Lily back because of the trail of destruction her actions have caused. Those who watch day time drama shows have at times not been able to separate actors from their roles, but in this case art is imitating life. The lines seem blurred where Christel’s choices end and Lily’s begin.

During Mal Young’s time as head writer on The Young and the Restless Mishael Morgan and Eileen Davidson left the CBS daytime drama and Christel Khalil went on recurring status. The writers gave Lily a morbid storyline where she caused an accident that killed Hilary and her unborn child. Lily went to jail and eventually divorced Cane and moved away from Genoa City. Her father Neil died, the twins went away to college, Cane sold their home and has now left town. Some viewers believe the Asby family might still be intact if Khalil had remained on contract, but the writers must be given their share of the blame.

“Lane” could have stayed married and their children remained in Genoa City. Storylines revolving around Cane and the twins would have kept the family front and center until Christel Khalil had episodes on the show. Instead, Daniel Goddard was fired and the actors who portray Charlie and Marty were placed on recurring status. Although Khalil had made several appearances on Y& R since going off contract, the twins have not returned even once.

Fans of the show are saying in Facebook groups are that they see no reason for Lily to come back to Genoa City. Her only remaining connection is her brother, and Devon is caught up in trying to find Colin and restore his fortune. A number of viewers are wondering what the point is in having Lily show up every now and again. She made the choice to end her marriage and leave the invisible little Sam without a mother for a second time. The child was not even mentioned when Cane left town and many viewers wonder why the little boy was even brought into the picture.

Once upon a time the Ashby’s were a beautiful and beloved family. Y&R viewers loved “Lane” and their young adult twins. Christel Khalil’s decision to take herself off contract has caused a domino effect of drama and a lot of fans are not so forgiving. Viewers understand that the writers are responsible for the storylines but often blame the actors and or their characters. Lily is being held accountable in the court of public opinion for seeking her independence. She has been found guilty for walking away from her entire family. Initially she forgave Cane for his one night with Juliet, that produced baby Sam. Later Lily said every time she looked at the child she thought of her husband’s infidelity.

Although this happens in real life, some viewers thought Lily shallow, to not love the motherless child, Her attitude towards Cane was also considered harsh as long time Y&R fans know that Mrs. Asby is not squeaky clean. The sentiment seems to be that either you are all in on the daytime drama or you walk away. Characters like Paul, Chris, Lauren and Michael are bound by what the writers give them to work with. Lily and Ashley are off screen because their protesters chose to be. There has also been viewer backlash towards Eileen Davidson because she walked away from the CBS daytime drama. While some viewers enjoy her sporadic returns to Genoa City, others have the same attitude that is being displayed towards Khalil.

Disgruntled viewers don’t like Ashley and Lily dropping in once in a while because they are no longer a part of current storylines. Ashley at least is mentioned in her absence and is working for Jabot in Paris. Lily however has absolutely no connection any longer to Genoa City, except to pop in and check on her sibling. Christel Khalil was not on either Monday or Tuesday’s Y& R episodes so she will obviously be seen later in the week. It’s very sad how this all turned out and a character who was was adored is now scorned.