The Young and the Restless Performer of the Week: Billy Flynn as Cane Ashby

The Young and the Restless actor Billy Flynn was tasked with delivering several monologues on Friday's episode as his character, the tortured Cane Ashby, examined his past, his current predicament, and his future. For his performances that were both vulnerable and powerful, Soap Central is bestowing Performer of the Week honors on Flynn as he

The Young and the Restless, Performer of the Week, Billy Flynn

Cane's letter to Phyllis wasn't going to land so Cane crumbled it up on The Young and the Restless | Image: CBS

Billy’s on a mission to make sure that his ex-wife Lily and their children, Charlie and Mattie, remain safe. He may know in his head that Victor (Eric Braeden) would never harm the late Neil’s (Kristoff John) family, but he can’t be sure. As a result, he’s put on a façade, one that’s trying to convince Phyllis (Michelle Stafford) to do what he needs so that Victor will play along.

Was Billy truly serious when he sat down and wrote a “heartfelt” letter to Phyllis? We weren’t sure. Then, it became apparent to us that Billy was only fooling himself. "Son of a bitch," he groused, realizing that he was simply aiding in the killing of a tree by wasting paper on a letter to Phyllis.

It's as if Cane had realized in that moment on The Young and the Restless that he was foolish to ever trust the redheaded beauty. He crumbled up the letter, realizing that he needed a new approach. Cane wondered what he had been thinking by allying himself with Phyllis when he compared her to Lily. "Look at me now, having so. much. fun," Cane sighed.

New(man) Media on The Young and the Restless

Cane used more modern technology to reach out to Lily on The Young and the Restless | Image: CBS

Realizing being fake with Phyllis was pure folly, Cane took a new approach. He put himself on video via his phone as he opened his heart and soul to Lily. While the handwritten note is a lost art form, Lily, if and when she sees this video, won't be able to deny that Cane has put his heart on his sleeve.

"All I want at this point is for you to be happy, Lily, and I don't want my 'mess,' my baggage, my garbage to be anywhere near you," he continued. "You're the only woman I will ever love. I love you. I just wanted to say that one last time."

Cane added that he needed to do his part to make Lily happy, and that meant staying out of her life. Cane's life has been filled with ploys, business alliances, and AI programs that turn on host users since his return to Genoa City.

However, there was no denying that Cane truly loves Lily after watching Flynn pour his emotional heart and soul into his character's love for his ex-wife.

At one time, Cane had plenty of power and a plan, however misguided, to get even more. Flynn has clearly communicated to viewers at this point in the story that Cane would trade it all to have one last shot with his ex and the chance to see their children once again.

Unlike his missive to Phyllis, which he crumbled up, Cane pressed "send" with the video to Lily. (How many times have any of us held our finger over that "send" button before pressing it, hoping that the recipient responds the way in which we dream they would?)

Scream a little dream of me

Cane let out a primal scream on The Young and the Restless | Image: CBS

Nervously tapping his phone against his leg, Cane then let out a bloodcurling, frustrated scream. He then made sure to take the crumbled note so Phyllis would never see it. Stymied by his current position (helplessness), Billy grabbed his coat and exited the executive office belonging to Victor, well, actually, Phyllis.

Flynn brought a good deal of surrender to this episode as Cane has come to peace with his defeat. Perhaps now is when he'll realize, though, that there's always tomorrow?

Kudos to episode director Nancy Ortenberg for effectively showing us Cane through the character's cell phone. We saw the video version of Cane's heartfelt plea that Lily herself may get to view. If the eyes are the window to the soul, perhaps Lily will see into Cane's by watching his video?