Fans of CBS's The Young and the Restless were taken for quite the spin on the series' September 4 episode when it was revealed that Ray Wise's character, Ian Ward, is the mastermind behind the Paragon Project, a cyber-plot aimed at taking down Victor Newman (Eric Braeden). But just what else can viewers expect from the sinister cult leader -- especially now that they know he's teamed up with Victor's son, Adam (Justin Hartley), to take his nemesis down?
The Emmy winner spoke with TV Insider about his alter ego's surprising return, explaining that he'll go to just about any lengths to get what he wants. "He's the ultimate confidence man. He can do anything. And he wants revenge," Wise teases. "He's been slapped or punched by pretty much everybody in Genoa City. He can't move on with his life because he still has scores to settle. He and Adam will really have the whole town in turmoil. It will be major...monumental! The viewers are going to be quite surprised by the scope of the havoc Ian and Adam will raise."
But don't think revenge is all Ian is out for. It seems he's looking for love, as well. "There's also someone in town who fascinates him," the actor reveals of Ian, who managed to mysteriously get out of jail to make his Genoa City return. "Someone he has a liaison with. Someone of the female persuasion."
The material sounds juicy, but that's not the only reason Wise decided to return to daytime's number one soap. "Y&R gave me a great character with great lines to say and the people there are a wonderful bunch," he explains when asked why -- being one of the most adored character actors in the business -- he "settled" on soaps. "In daytime, your chops have to work on all levels. It can be fast, difficult work but, when the day is done, you have a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. It's something to really be proud of, and no one should be snooty about it. I could not love it more."
For more from Wise, check out the actor's full interview with TV Insider here.
Are you happy about Wise's return to Genoa City? What do you think about Ian being the mastermind behind the Paragon Project? Do you think he and Adam can finally bring Victor to his knees? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below, on our message boards, or by submitting Feedback.
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