Connect with us

General Hospital

General Hospital's Maurice Benard and Laura Wright Talk CarSon, The Corinthos Clan, Mutual Admiration, And What May Lie Ahead!

Courtesy/ABCTCA2016Getty

Photo: LWrightInstagram/ABCTCAGetty

They are two of the most accomplished and high-profile actors of the soap opera genre.  Together, as General Hospital’s Sonny and Carly, their on-screen passion, drama, love story, and their unwavering devotion to their children, which know no bounds, makes them one of the most compelling duos on daytime television.  Maurice Benard (Sonny) and Laura Wright (Carly) bring the couple known by their fans as “CarSon” to life, and with each other have formed a solid acting partnership that could be the envy of any performer’s careers.  Both Daytime Emmy winners, Maurice and Laura, always handle whatever material given is given to them with heart, emotion, complexity, and fire.

On-Air On-Soaps caught up with Maurice and Laura to get the skinny on their recent storylines, and to get a tease of what is to come, plus how they said farewell to their longtime cast mate, Jason Thompson (Ex-Patrick, now Billy Y&R), who headed over to Genoa City and The Young and the Restless.  And as GH fans know, Sonny has had to live his life for the first time paralyzed, but recent developments have illustrated there are big changes ahead!  The mobster is getting up on his feet … and just in time!  With Ava’s (Maura West) shading dealings with Paul Hornsby (Richard Burgi), and her continually trying to keep Sonny and Carly far away from his baby daughter Avery, and Julian (William deVry) about to walk down the aisle with Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn), and never paying for his crimes, it looks like Sonny might be ready to deliver some payback with a twist!

One thing is for certain: chatting with Maurice and Laura was fun, candid, and cool.  With big changes behind the scenes at GH in 2015, including: a pair of new head writers, Sonny and Carly’s enforcer and bff, Jason (Billy Miller) still struggling to regain his memory, and their son Morgan (Bryan Craig) battling bipolar disorder that he inherited from his dad, there have been plenty of game-changers in Port Charles.  So, here’s what Maurice and Laura had to say about all things Sonny and Carly.

So, viewers just witnessed that Sonny has finally been able to move his legs, and get out of his wheelchair.  This week Carly walked in on the big moment!  Methinks, there are some major developments coming down the pike, since Carly and Sonny want to get back baby Avery from Ava, and Sonny wants to make Julian pay for his part in the death of Duke Lavery! 

Courtesy/ABC

MAURICE:  It’s going to be hinted at in the next couple of weeks what is going to happen, but you won’t know for a little while, but it’s a going to be an emotional explosion.  I can’t give it away, but Sonny does something that I don’t think Sonny has ever done in the way that he is doing that … and that’s a fact.

Maurice, it has been very interesting watching your performances while you were in the wheelchair.  As a viewer I was so drawn to your eyes, and there was so much going on within them … so much emotion.  It’s interesting to watch an actor that you are accustomed to seeing walking around while they are performing, now in a more confined situation.

MAURICE:   That’s a good point.  I told this to Michael Sutton (Ex-Stone) when we started working together during the AIDS storyline. I knew that when he got on the bed to play the scenes when Stone was so sick, he started getting better and better, because there was no way out.

LAURA:   I find that when I need to get physical.  You stand there, and you own your space, and you sell your material.

Courtesy/ABC

MAURICE:  So when I’m in the wheelchair it all has to be in my eyes.  I like it, and I like the challenge.  When I first started in acting class, I would move my eyebrows all of the time.  My coach said to me: “On the big screen if you do that, you’re Groucho Marx!”  So I started taping my eyebrows so I wouldn’t move them.  Then when I started GH, you have to get rid of those things.  Laura and I have a scene coming up that I hope will play as good as it felt doing it.  You won’t know till they have cut it together and you see it.

LAURA: Those were great scenes, and so real.

The New Years Eve episode was so touching, especially the scene when Sonny wanted to be able to dance with Carly, but couldn’t, and the way Carly sat with him and talked to him, and when she showed Sonny how much she loved him.   It was incredibly poignant, and yet sexy.   What did you think about those scenes?

LAURA:  Everyone loved the “New Year’s Eve” show.  They had wanted me to say, as Carly, “We can still dance!”  And then, Carly dances with him.  I thought, “How rude!”  I said, “No”.  Our executive producer Frank Valentini then said “What do you want to do?” And I had just seen “Southpaw”, and Frank is a big fan of Southpaw.  So we were all about the love, and the relationship, and how it’s got to be in our hearts.  If Carly danced around Sonny that would be terrible, it would just be reinforcing to Sonny something he can’t do.  But if I go sit with him at his level and I tell him, “I will meet you right here,” that’s the story I want to tell.  Frank said, “I love it. Let’s go!”

What are your thoughts on how GH is telling the bipolar story with Morgan?

Courtesy/ABC

MAURICE:  I told them when I did this story before, and it was focused on Sonny, it seemed too long and too dark.  This story starts and ends with Bryan Craig.  Let me tell you something, I have already kissed his ass so much that I’m tired of doing it, but the kid – and I knew this from day one – and I have had discussions with people – he had it in here, in his heart.  What he is doing with being bipolar, I’m thinking how much I’m believing it.

LAURA: Bryan also asks really good questions to Maurice, when we are getting ready to do a scene.  What I love is that Bryan is so honest.  He will have moments where he is nervous, and doesn’t want to do something, but he listens.  That nervous energy he has, he is able to funnel it, and it’s great!

MAURICE:  Yes, he does know how to funnel it.  If we didn’t feel that way about him, and if his acting wasn’t there, this story wouldn’t work.  No matter how good Laura is, and what I do, it doesn’t matter.

It feels with head writers, Jean Passanante and Shelly Altman, that the Corinthos clan have become once again this core central family unit of the show.

Courtesy/ABC

LAURA: As they should be!

MAURICE:  It is the best family on TV daytime or primetime … and a much better family than on Blue Bloods!

LAURA:  Shut up!  I love Blue Bloods! (Laughs)  Maurice has seen me talking about it that is why he mentioned it.

How do you think Jean and Shelly are doing with writing General Hospital?   What differences do you sense from the scripts, and your scenes?

MAURICE:  I like these new writers, because there is more heart and sensitivity in the scripts.  I just feel like it’s actually happening more, as opposed to me just going to work to do a scene, and then it’s over.

LAURA:  It’s not plot-driven.  The material is more emotional and character-driven.  The scenes are longer, but they are also about family, love, and fear, and to be afraid and still taking a step. The stories are about all the stuff we have to deal with in life.  In our reality in Port Charles, of course it’s heightened, because it’s a soap opera, but everyone has all those same challenges.  It’s relatable.

Maurice, are you good with playing the Sonny/Carly relationship at this point in your career on GH?  I know sometimes in the past you haven’t liked to play it, or revisit it. (Laughs)

Courtesy/ABCTCA2016Getty

MAURICE:  Before Laura came to the show, I was so done with Carly that I wanted to go on to something else.

LAURA:  Maurice wouldn’t even talk to me in our first meeting.  He was giving me grief all of the time. (Laughs)

MAURICE: Well, that’s kinda true!

LAURA:  I didn’t want to like Maurice! (Laughs)

MAURICE:  Back then I was over Carly, but the timing now is so great, because it’s all making sense.  The relationship that we are doing now is so much better than it probably would have been before …

LAURA:  Oh, so much better …

MAURICE:  So now the audience is getting a new relationship.

Do you think the writers will let Sonny and Carly stay together for awhile, before they rip them apart?

MAURICE:  Yes, well, I mean …

LAURA:  I hope so!  And I hope that Sonny and Carly wouldn’t be ripped apart.  I would hope that anything that happens really damages the moment, but there is still a journey back, because that is life in true relationships. These two have been through a lot together.

Courtesy/ABC

Will we see Jason Morgan finally in Sonny Corinthos’ orbit a bit more?  The show hasn’t gotten to that place yet, although they teased it for a millisecond when “Jake” finds out from Carly that he is really Jason.

MAURICE:  I like Billy Miller a lot.  I think he is talented, but I don’t know where Jason and Sonny’s relationship is, because I don’t work with him.  I did what I did in the scenes where Sonny finds out that “Jake” was Jason, but I don’t really know where it’s headed.  I think there have been like three shows or days where I have worked with Billy, and so I don’t know how to really answer that.

Will we see Sonny heavily ensconced in the mob again soon?  From his threats to Julian, it seems like things are going to erupt between the Jerome and the Corinthos’ families again.  And, with Julian’s wedding to Alexis just around the corner for February sweeps, something tells me Sonny might make sure Julian doesn’t say, “I do”!

MAURICE:  I think some of the mob stuff is coming back.  Here is the thing: because I know how some of the viewers and fans feel about the mob storylines.  As long as you have balance you’re cool, but too much of anything is too much.  Too much of the mob is too much, and then too much balance is too much, because then you want to please everybody and then you don’t really please anyone.  So you just have got to have it flowing in a good way, even-keeled, and then everything is good.

Courtesy/ABC

Congratulations are in order.  You both received Pre-Noms for Lead and Lead Actress for Daytime Emmy competition.  What scenes did you submit?

MAURICE:  I submitted part of the bipolar story with Morgan, where I have a big monologue with him. Laura is in the scene, as well.  There was only about a good four months last year that I had material.  I’m not going to lie to you.

LAURA:  I submitted when Carly was sitting at Sonny’s bedside at the hospital.  I liked them because they were simple, heartfelt, emotional scenes.

GH seems to be surviving, but often times viewers and people are concerned about the show, and its struggles.  What can you share about the health of the show at the beginning of 2016?

MAURICE:  Before Frank Valentini came there was a huge worry, and I thought about six months ago when the ratings were down, I was worried.  Honestly, now I am not worried at all.

LAURA:  I think it’s good in a lot of ways.  I thinks it’s good for us.  I watch the show.  I love watching bad Nikolas, and I love Tyler Christopher, and finally Nikolas is a bad guy.  Nice Nikolas got screwed over all the time so I think the change in his character makes sense.

Courtesy/ABC

I wanted to ask both of you, how you felt sharing scenes with Jason Thompson right at the end of his run as Patrick on GH?  Jason had expressed to me that he had always wanted to do scenes with you, Maurice.  And at the very end, through Sonny’s paralysis storyline, you were able to work a tiny bit together.

MAURICE:  We had a bit of scenes before Jason’s final scene.  We had been doing some material, not a lot, but it helped make up for us not having a lot over the years.  It was very cool, and I love him.  Jason is such a dedicated actor.  After the last scenes we had, I had to go downstairs to give him something.  I gave him something I had in my room of Marlon Brando, and it’s painted in black and white, and Jason started to cry.

LAURA:  I was just going to say, Jason had one more scene to do – and I said, “Maurice! You had to do that?”  And then Jason had to walk off set to go behind something while he was tearing up, and it was so emotional.  We were there on Jason’s last day, and we were honored to be there.

Courtesy/ABC

MAURICE:  It’s nice that they wrote us in during Jason’s last day …

LAURA: … Especially Carly!  I came in with a cake in the middle of Patrick and Robin’s (Kimberly McCullough) wedding ceremony going, “Oh, I’m sorry!”  I am like “Don’t let the door hit you in the ass Robin … it’s bon voyage! (Laughs)

MAURICE:  At least Sonny was making up with Patrick beforehand! (Laughs)

LAURA:  It was actually a nice moment that Carly and Robin had at the wedding.  Being on GH was a great life experience for Jason Thompson.

Recently, viewers saw some lovely, but brief moments between Robin and Sonny at Robin and Patrick’s wedding.  Whenever Kimberly McCullough is in a scene with Maurice, it’s always so emotional.

Courtesy/ABC

MAURICE:  They didn’t write that much this last time.  But it’s history, you know.

LAURA:  Right. That relationship is so embedded into the history of GH.

MAURICE:  In the past, Robin always used to make Sonny cry, and nobody else really ever did. 

LAURA: But now I can make you cry, Maurice! (Laughs)

Maurice, what is the best part about working with Laura?

MAURICE:  Laura is 100% professional.  She always knows her lines, and has emotions like a volcano, and I trust her.

Laura, your turn!

Courtesy/ABC

LAURA:  I have to say the same thing.  The number one thing for me as an actor is trust.  As fast as we work, I never worry about any scenes with Maurice.  If anything, I will get concerned about some dialog that I have, and I will say to him, “Can we go over this so I can get a rhythm,” and that is so I can then throw it out the door.  I trust Maurice to the point where I don’t really know what might happen when we hit the stage.  You don’t even have a plan in your head, because you know whatever is going to happen, it’s so magical, and authentic in the moment.  It isn’t even a concern.  I don’t even worry.  It’s an easy day working with Maurice.  Always, always with Maurice at the end of our day we always give each other a hug and a high-five.  We do a high-five, because we know the scene and the moments were great.  It’s so nice.

Everyone always wants to know if Maurice Benard is happy at GH these days.  So, how are you?  Are you enjoying yourself?

MAURICE:  2016 is going to be a good year.  I’m happy as hell right now.  This story coming up is going to be very interesting.  I guarantee you that. 

LAURA:  Whatever is coming down the pike it was a baby in Maurice’s head.  He didn’t write it, it was just a seed of an idea he had that everyone loved.

Courtesy/FoxGoodDayLA

MAURICE:  But I went to everyone else first!

LAURA:   And he also let everyone know, he didn’t want any part in knowing how it was going to go down.  But Maurice!  I loved that you were like, “I don’t want to know what you’re going to do with it.  I’m just saying this is a cool idea.”

MAURICE:  Right, because I didn’t want to be responsible for Michael Fairman saying, “This story sucks!” (Laughs)

So, what do you think will happen next in story for Sonny and Carly? Do you think Sonny will get his revenge on Ava and Julian? Do you hope Sonny and Carly can stay together, and weather any storm … or do you think they will soon be pulled apart?

What did you think about Maurice and Laura’s comments on Jason Thompson, and being on set for his final tape day at GH? Do you hope Laura and Maurice land Daytime Emmy nominations in the blue ribbon round of voting for their work in 2015? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

Click to comment

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

I agree with Michael Fairman. I too have noticed Maurice more during the paralysis story and during Morgan’s story. I’m glad the writers have given him such good material. It’s always nice to learn of someone being so happy at their place of employment and seeing it shine through in their performance. I’m happy for him and Laura.

These two could learn a little from Nancy & Will about being humble. No the Corinthos family is not the nest family on daytime or primetime. The Corinthos family eating airtime leads me to NOT watch.

I hate that the Corinthos family eats up so much time and focus. The show is far from balanced. It’s supposed to be General Hospital not Mob Central. I detest the mob and the rampant hypocrisy.

Ava and Julian are ‘bad’ mobsters but Sonny’s a ‘good’ mobster. What BS! Their all murderers. GH made a huge mistake having Michael forgive Sonny. They should have stayed estranged while Michael embraced the Qs. Hopefully Jason never returns to being a murdering thug.

I’m also bored with Morgan’s bi-polar story. We saw this with Sonny. Plus, Morgan’s a petulant brat.I don’t feel any empathy for him.

BS is right! I completely agree.

If this is their official core family, GH is broken forever.

I do believe that’s true, Justin. When OLTL died, so did “the music die”. To think that the remaining soaps could very well be at the crepuscule of their lives, makes me die a little inside, too. It’ll be like losing a bit of myself; a bit of Americana……”Bye, Bye, Miss American Pie”!! The nostalgia kills!!

I have to put my 2 cents in about Morgan’s bipolar story. It is very relevant. I have a 22 yr old son whose mental health concerns me, It is such a difficult situation. There is still too much stigma about mental illnesses in society. There are so many people that never get treated. I don’t think society in general realizes how common mental illness is. Since mental illness exists in my family, I greatly appreciated them bringing this issue back. This time it showed how parents of an adult son dealt with the issue. How can you be bored with a story line that was only addressed once before with Sonny? This story line shows how it affects families.This is only the 2nd person I recall getting treatment. With only two people, it’s still underrepresented. I applaud the writers on this story and Maurice for coming forward and admitting that he has the illness himself. Getting the right treatment takes time. GH was right on with the bipolar disorder and how it can be passed to the next generation.

Seeing Morgan going ballistic while in a manic episode was almost too painful for me to watch. His performance nailed every scary behavior I ever witnessed when my son was still living at home and refused to medicate apart from self medication. It was years ago but this story line brought back vivid memories. That young man did his research. He nailed it down to the facial expressions and body language. That being said, there’s an unavoidable train wreck in Morgan and Kiki’s future, you must know.

Agree with you, Scoma60.

Love them to pieces,stay together get Ava , call a truce with Julian

These two could learn a little about being humble & gracious. I find it over off putting that they believe they are the best couple on daytime or primetime. You would NEVER hear Nancy or Will say that. THEY are gracious & humble.

Well for one Nancy and Will havent been together that long and secondly Laura and Maurice have been doing this on the same show for twenty years. They are the FIRST FAMILY OF PC now. Look, I want it to be the Q’s but they just cannot write them and keep them under the same roof! With all due respect to Edward and Lila’s portrayers, the roles should have been recasted. WE dont go on by the show does. Its a problem they have over at Y&R to. Jeanne Cooper died and they killed off her character out of respect which is sweet BUT the show goes on! They need Mrs. C.

Laura Wright has only been on GH about eleven years..and the two barely worked together until recently. When Laura came on as Carly she was paired with everyone but him…Jax, Johnny, Franco, Sean, Nicolas…

They’re not THE core family of GH, certainly far from my favorite, but they are one of the main ones and an interesting one. They’re matched well as actors and as a couple, I just can’t stand their ridiculous sense of superiority…Michael may have forgiven them for what they did to AJ but I never will. LOL…errrr…seriously.

The only reason the Corinthi are “the core central family on the show” is because other families were “conveniently” decimated, probably to make this happen. The mob family should not be “the core central family on the show,” because that makes it the moral center of the show, and making this family the moral center of General Hospital has turned it into Bizarro GH, a moral inversion of the GH I grew up with and loved. If there were a moral family positioned opposite the immoral Corinthi, I would be more comfortable than I am with the murderers of the show being its acknowledged and promoted centerpiece. Literally everyone else has been sucked into their black hole.

Give me Quartermaines. Give me Spencers. Give me Scorpio-Devanes. Give me some kind of moral family antidote to the Corinthi!

And don’t the other three soaps have at least two major families at their center? Y&R has the Newmans and the Abbotts. B&B and Days both have at least two families at their cores. Why does GH only have one major family at its core? And why is it a family of thugs?

Of course, Benard and Wright are wonderful actors. I don’t denigrate their talents or what they have brought GH. But their characters and “core family” have sucked a lot of life out of GH. And a lot of the light! And there needs to be some light to balance this dark! Until there is, this show will always be struggling for viewers, because clearly the TPTB don’t get it.

Awesome post! As for that second family that GH needs, I fear that it is the Jeromes…another family led by a (former?) mobster. They really should build up the Qs or Webber/Hardings…people affiliated with the HOSPITAL not the mob!

I completely agree, co-sign! I think it’s pathetic that the “core family” is now a family of killers.

I know they want me to forget that Sonny killed AJ and Carly covered it up.

Come on, give us Quartermaines, Webbers, Hardy’s, andybody but that mess!

And Scorpio, Jones, too!

This.

I totally agree!! I have never understood where
Monica Q. Is at. Now That Jason is back let’s
Bring her back. The Q’s should be the focus, but
They have all been killed off.

@ Tristan-Agree completely. The Corinthos clan being the main core family stinks to high heaven. And while I respect both of these veteran actors, the character of the mob boss is long in the tooth and past his expiration date while LW’s version of Carly is my least favorite. (Blame it on the fact that I still believe her best role was as Cassie on GL.) And yes, there is no “light” on GH save for that brought by FH and TR’s Anna and Robert.

What an awesome interview! I can’t wait for the upcoming story.

The one and only family that I love is; Cassadines..
I want them ”all” back !!

I don’t recognize Sonny, Ava has lost her fire.. her being a mother is a joke because we never see her being a mother.

And a sin of all soap sins is’
Julian begging and pleading for Sonny to forgive, being a big whiny wimp bragging Sonny ..
I thought any second Julian would have his lips on Sonny’s ass. Someone one should be tar & feathered and run out on rail for doing that to Julian..

Paul is the lamest Cartel lord there has been LAME beyond belief..

Tracy smokin a joint in Mexico and that/her horrible stoned laughing look like a scene from Reefer Madness..

Dante, val and Lulu are pitiful as a love anything.. that story stiunks worse than a skunks azz.

If I am ever within 3 feet of J&S please hold me back, a life sentence is not cool ..

Nick could sure throw some theories around to Uncle Steph right about now!

And so it goes….Sonny is working so hard to stand on his own two feet? Literally or figuratively, this guy will always be a loser to me. Why has this couple ( Carly snd Sonny) risen to such high moral and social standard? …why the praise? Why elevated to sky-high levels? He is a criminal, which does not make Carly any better.
The hypocrisy runs rampant within the Corinthos’ household, including Michael. The tiny, ‘Mob Lord’ killed his father!!!!! Sacrebleu!!
The audacity of both Sonny and Carly is beyond me. Where is it written Sonny would make a better parent than Ava? What the heck is the difference between them? They are both thieves and murderers….both without remorse or regrets. So, Carly gets into Ava’s face? Someone already posted that neither Ava or Sonny should have the privilege of parenting the little treasure that is Avery. And, speaking of Carly…what an exemplary mother, that one is. –an aside–Laura’s acting is out-of-this-world. She carries the scenes with Sonny. She is the one who has been making him shine since their latest ‘marriage’. She leaves him in her dust with each and every scene. I love the actress…..detest the character. Has anyone ever noticed her arms? They are beautifully sculpted….there’s an Italian word that best describes human limbs, especially in poetry, which is almost impossible to translate….”affusolati”…. Best translation would be “tapered”.

Sonny is scheming and planning to bounce back; working up a sweat to get his physical and mental mojo restored……it’s payback time for Julian? Who’s going to pay Sonny back for his SINS? Julian is not my favorite either, but he stepped up. To me, that’s worth a little something. I may be wrong, but he sounds sincere. Subsequently, considering the fact that Leo is his son’s brother, Sonny should at least bury the pocket knife, if not the hatchet. Oh, what am I thinking? Oh, Lordy Lord….he killed AJ. That morbid, cruel act speaks for itself. If Sonny were a man’s man; a man of honor and noble of heart, he would take a long look at himself and see that he is no better or no different from Julian. But he has vendetta written on his soul, as black as it is; his anger has taken over his life. It seems to me that Sonny does not want to get out of the wheelchair for the family; but, for the sole purpose of seeking revenge. Rancor, resentment and hate are like a cancer…..hasn’t he learned his lesson? And what about Carly and all his past and probably future women? What have they learned? Olivia is panting over another known criminal…..I am surprised the kids are not running amok in town…well, there is Morgan and Kristina; spoke too soon. When one makes a pact with the devil; in the end all one gets is a burned-out heart with no feeling.
So to make this couple look golden; to place Sonny on such a regal pedestal as hero, is beyond the pale.

But, but, but……I wholeheartedly agree that in the time I have been watching GH, this is the first time I have seen Maurice, the actor. Until now, I did not think he deserved the accolades. He does his best work from his wheelchair. I suppose Sonny thinks that is his throne…..someone, hurry, please ….get him his scepter ( whip). LOL. Th-th-that’s all folks.

The warm,wholesome Corinthos clan is daytimes answer to The Waltons…lol

WOW CeeCee, are you soaking your wrists in ice water! What a vent! I’m glad you see Maurice, the actor, shine, these past couple months. I dont understand why he cannot just walk away and start fresh. Not even get out of the mob, just let Julian go and find someone else to fight with. Julian has connections to Sonny’s family. I know Duke worked for Sonny but let Anna handle that. Sonny has no legal issues right now and is going to walk soon. Take down Ava and be done with it. I did say that Avery should go live with Alice at the Q’s. Sonny and Ava BOTH suck as parents AND where is Joss Carly? Bye CeeCee.

Ditto, Timmm, my he-man friend!! Yeah, that’s how I see you, in my mind’s eye. Lol.
I have so much more, both at the tip of my tongue and within, (it’s all visceral ) that I could still say about Sonny and his ilk, but, that would be overkill. Soon, Timmmbo.

Love the interview but I hope they don’t tear them apart they just got back together! I would rather see them weather the storm together

While this was a good interview, I just can’t see “kissing his ring” (it’s certainly not the Pope’s) when it comes to Sonny. And then try to give his story such prominence in GH. Such a contradiction from the name…GH heals…Sonny commits crimes and kills. Don’t mind criminals as part of the storylines, but only if there are real consequences for their bad deeds.

Sonny’s an egomaniac and he’s a killer. But he still gets the best of care from GH and their staff. I know they are following their oath, but it’s galling when time after time they have to patch up the Corinthos family, or others because of his “businesses.” And he still doesn’t get it, or apologize. Just keeps uttering his mantra about he will do anything to “protect and keep his family safe,” when clearly he is not. Just the opposite.

I wouldn’t want him living next door to me, or even in my community.

He is a terrible role model to his kids…”do as I say, not as I do.”

For a man who hated his stepfather for how he treated his mother, he started his “career” with a strip club which devalues women.

And Michael should NEVER have given AJ/Avery back to his father.

‘Prominence’. That is the perfect word. The one that escaped me. Lol. Soon enough, Rose, Sonny will rise from his wheelchair, whip in hand, and do the Nae Nae.

Honestly, CeeCeeGirl, what a picture that paints, LOL! Especially since though the only current GH character I can actually imagine owning a whip is….Alexis! (Okay, maybe Tracy in her younger years, but after that pathetically lame attempt at the “Up in Smoke” remake with louche lout Lord Larry, I’m thinking Ms. Quartermaine’s wild days are well and truly behind her!)

@Shay.
I like that picture, Shaybelle! I think Sonny will nae nae and whip that ‘thang’ like no other. Maurice is actually very nimble….he has great moves. Remember, a while back, when he did that little spin, twist and turn with Brian C and Chad D? It’s the hot Latino blood. Later, mia cara.

Rose it happen on Y&R to. Victor kidnaps his grandson’s girlfriend and cuts her loose a couple days later and no one says anything to the Mighty Mustache!.

In all honesty, I’ll take Victor Newman’s BS over Sonny’s any day. Victor knows he’s a bad man who does bad things. Victor doesn’t try to be a moral center. Whenever people throw his bad deeds in his face, Victor’s usually like, “I’m not sorry. Get over it.” I don’t think for one second Victor’s sees himself as a paragon of virtue. He revels in the fact that he’ll do whatever needs to be done. He doesn’t make apologies for what he is. Sonny tries to distract from the fact that he’s trash. He thinks he’s above it all, when in actuality he’s down in the gutter with everyone else. Look how much he talked down to AJ, and most recently Ava. Carly’s the same way. Unfortunately, we have writers and executives who cater to actors more than their show’s history. Therefore, we have to deal with all this white-washing of both characters. It’s gross. And I find it disrespectful to the other characters/actors on the show.

Well, it’s pretty clear now, isn’t it, that the rumors that Mr. Benard did not like Ron Carlivati were probably true–between the bit about how worried he was about the show six months ago when the ratings were down, and the remark about how he only had good material for about four months last year.

They think the writing now is more character-driven as opposed to plot-driven? Hmmmm. Maybe so. Generally I am in favor of that. But I find the show plodding on a day-to-day basis, and though the storylines may be more character-driven, they are not particularly compelling, for me, at least. Maybe that will change as the writers find their footing. So far I am not impressed.

I am sure the root of Mr. Benard’s happiness is exactly the fact that the Corinthos family is now front and center again. I was rather enjoying the better balance when they were less prominent, and I thought the story involving Michael’s finally coming to terms with the fact that his parents are monsters was a story that needed to be told and that viewers needed to see (this viewer did, at least) in order to restore enough credibility to the Corinthoses to make them viable as characters again. The return to Sonny and Carly as Father and Mother of the Year was in my opinion a (very, very) bad idea; Mr. Benard is right that viewers have complained when the show gets too mob-heavy, but that’s only part of it: the total perversion of values so that we’re expected to see Sonny and Carly as good people is the bigger, more pervasive issue, and though I’m grateful that we haven’t had a complete return to the mob, that isn’t enough if I’m expected to be rooting for these two. The fact that Port Charles now has other mobsters around, who are equally bad or perhaps even worse, doesn’t make Carly and Sonny good.

I’m grateful for the contribution that these two talented performers make to the show, but I can’t say that the return to the focus on the Corinthos clan has been a good thing for General Hospital overall. Truly talented writers could find a way to keep Sonny and Carly around and make them work as characters without unrealistically elevating them to near-sainthood (indeed, Carly’s Halloween 2014 Wedding from Hell and the aftermath/fallout with Michael were some of the best storytelling on GH in the last few years, because this viewer, at least, finally had the sense that Sonny and Carly were being depicted realistically and with some balance of perspective). I suspect, however, that it’s not the writers (current or past) who are at fault here, but ABC. I think the current show is the show ABC wants, and unfortunately, I don’t think it’s the ticket to solid ratings now any more than it was five or so years ago when they dumped Guza/JFP amid tanking ratings and moved the show, at least for a little while, in a different direction (away from the mob). Why they have to keep learning the same lesson over and over, I will never understand.

Well said. Thank you!

It’s a sad day in soap opera when a shows core family is a bunch of murdering thugs. This show has no moral center, not one character to root for, ugh! I hate the Corinthos Family.

Hey, Justin…I totally agree with you, dude!!!!! To me, BOTH Sonny and Carly are a TOTAL DISGRACE!!!!! EWWWWW!!!!!!

While never having been a Sonny fan I must admit I’ve actually been enjoying him since the paralysis. Always critical of his acting, I’ve seen him doing good things. Opposite of other views here, I could do without Alexis & Julian. More so Alexis. When she recently said she wasn’t religious I thought, well, that explains everything!

That last line of your, there, Jonboy is sardonically humorous.

Very true, CeeCee, even though there’s really nothing funny in the notion that we are expected to watch this huge hypocrite exploit a church setting as the backdrop for her wedding. If you aren’t “religious,” then why on earth should you even be availed such a holy place for what is essentially just a superficial show….most especially when I’m guessing it’s the one known to be a Catholic institution and such a thing is simply not allowed? (And no, I’m not only picking on this particular set of nuptials….there have been all sorts of liberties taken in the last few weddings at St. Timothy’s….mainly no officiating priest, instead loony Lucy Coe in his place. That was truly insulting….)

@Shay.
Oh, yes, Shay…this is like deja-vu. We have spoken about the liberties that are taken when it comes to the Catholic Church…if it is, indeed, a Catholic ceremony Alexis wants. I wish the writers would adhere to the rules of the Church. UNLESS DICTATED BY THE VATICAN WITH SPECIAL DISPENSATION, DIVORCEES CANNOT MARRY IN THE CHURCH. People of different faith cannot marry in the RC church either, not without RC religious education and changing one’s faith to Roman Catholocism.
Furthermore, what exactly was Alexis’ explanation…I sort of lost interest listening to the inane drivel about not being religious, yet wanting a religious ceremony. So ridiculous, in fact, her kids reminded her of the absurdity of such an act. Sacrilegious indeed. I wonder if she’ll wear white. Lol. Poor Nancy. She’s probably stuck between a rock and a hard place. Night, amore.

What does it explain, Jonboy? Exacty what has Alexis done that makes her so immoral? Kill? No. Manipulate? No. Lie, steal, cheat…no, no, no. Stand by the man she loves…as does Carly, Elizabeth, Sam, Laura, Monica, Tracy…who have all stood by men who have cheated or taken lives…

Alexis is a great mother, friend, aunt, partner. An impassioned lawyer. I loved Duke. I was extremely pissed when they killed him off. I don’t blame Alexis. I doubt that any of the characters would leave their significant other because of their crimes…we’ve seen that over and over again. Perhaps that’s because almost everyone on the show is guilty of something…

How many children does she have from how many baby daddies? She bangs Julian in the back seat of a car, becomes pregnant by him and doesn’t even know who he is…..but he’s the purported love of her life! A good mother? Surely you jest! The daughters are all little tramps like their mother (there does appear to still be a bit of hope for Molly). What kind of ethical lawyer takes on gangsters as their clients? But these kind of fun, immoral characters are what make these shows interesting.

jonboy…

Alexis was a young girl who witnessed her mother being murdered by Helena. She was then brutalized and threatened by Helena and finally shipped off to a boarding school. To say she had a pleasant, “normal” childhood would not exactly be accurate. And so one night she went to a bar and had a one night stand…not that uncommon…and became pregnant. Her daughter Sam was taken away from her and put up for adoption. Not Alexis’ choice. Alexis felt guilt and was always remorseful at losing Sam…

When she found her, Alexix repeatedly attempted to forge a bond with Sam, who repeatedly rejected her. Still, Alexis tried to connect with her daughter and make up for lost time…even AFTER Sam slept with Rick, who was Alexis’ husband at the time. Even though Alexis was deeply hurt…she still sought a mother-daughter bond with Sam. She supported her with much love through Danny’s illness and what was thought was Jason’s death. I happen to love Sam…but whatever she was before that you dont approve of, which was not a slut by the way, was not due to any influence of Alexis since she wasn’t brought up by her.

Alexis has also been an amazing mom to Christina and Molly. She emphasized education…to the point of being overbearing and too demanding at times. She was devastated when Christina was raped, when Christina was involved with Johnny…when Christina acted out and continues to act out. Why does Christina act out Because she felt unwanted and unloved by Sonny. She sought his attention. Why did she feel that way? Because Alexis kept Christina away from Sonny to sheild her from his dangerous life. Being a GOOD MOTHER.

She has broken her own heart by leaving men she loved…yes, some “bad boy” types after she tried but failed to redeem them. All, to protect her daughters. Rightly or wrongly, after leaving Julian several times after he failed to leave the business she’s with him now because of his honest attempt to truly stay out.

Different “baby daddys?” You mean like Elizabeth, Carly, Olivia, Ava?

No. I don’t jest. Alexis is a great mom and a good person.

Alexis is a murderous thug who killed Luis Alcazar and ran down a teenager without any long term consequences and should have lost her license to preach law a long time ago! Alexis knows Julian ordered Duke to be killed and is now trying to swindle the IRS!

MissySnow…

Alexis a “murderous thug?” Perhaps you confuse her with the two thugs who were killed: Alcazar who was an arms dealer and cold-blooded killer who blew up Sonny’s warehouse causing the death of Alexis’ sister Kristina…and Keifer who beat her daughter Kristina to a bloody pulp several times. THEY were the thugs.

Swindling the IRS? LOL…

And by the say, it seems like Sonny, Olivia, Carly…ARE religious. What does that explain?

….that they must be Catholic. LOL

By the way, thanks for the back story. I will never be a fan of Alexis. But, as an on again, off-again viewer, I didn’t know about the history.

You’re welcome jonboy. It’s difficult to fully know a character’s rich history if you haven’t followed them through the years. Alexis was always the down-to-earth normal…but endearing neurotic somewhat commitment phobic Cassadine….very supportive and loving to her nephew Nicolas…a great friend…in fact best friend to Jax….ex fiance of Ned. She is bright, funny, sardonic…had lung cancer by the way. She always stood by people she loved but unlike Carly…she hasn’t manipulated and forced her way through Port Charles.

I hope you change your mind about her but of course we all like who we like…or don’t. Thanks for your reply to my reply. Later!

I liked this interview and I feel like some of the comments other posters are complaining about are tongue in cheek.

I have never been a fan of Sonny the character but Maurice is such a charismatic actor that it is difficult not to enjoy his story lines. I have also never been a Carly and Sonny fan but I have to say that they are winning me over. Sonny has done a great job with the paralysis story line but it feels like it has gone on too long and I am glad that it will end soon.

I agree with Maurice about balance between mob stories and other stories. I enjoy both and say what you want about the mob stories but ratings are better on GH when they showcase the mob. Recently, having Paul and Ava be the only real mob stories have been excruciating to watch. Frankly I could care less about either of these characters, especially Ava who is a horrible human being with no conscience. No rooting value whatsoever and to have her and Paul involved in a story line island is incredibly boring and just makes me FF all their scenes.

I like Julian but I am looking forward to Sonny making him pay for our beloved Duke’s death. As long as the payback keeps Julian on the show and in Alexis’ orbit.
I hope that Sonny gets custody of Avery from Ava. Say what you want about Sonny and Carly, they love their children. The better of those two evils is Sonny, hands down.

I hate that Michael forgave Sonny. I understand that he loves his adopted father and his family so they should have had Michael call a truce with Sonny for his family’s sake. But to have him fully embrace Sonny after what he did is ridiculous.

Perfect post, tatiana. We do not hate ( that word is repulsive to me) the actors, but immensely despise the actions of the characters. Some fans cannot seem to separate that. We admire the acting….Maurice has stepped up his acting, but Sonny still remains a criminal. I look at it this way: when a character is able to draw so much dislike and distaste from the viewer, the he is doing his job!!
I do understand that’s the premise of his storyline for as long as he is on the GH stage. It is a soap, afterall.

@RemyLC.
Pleased to meet you, Remy. I must commend you on your honesty and regale you with my admiration for your take and depiction of this close-knit clique between certain execs and their preferred pets. Believe me, I see exactly what you see. And, when we speak our minds we are labeled as haters…..which is neither here nor there. So, the idea drives me to distraction. Sonny; front and center. ALWAYS…..now we’re supposed to love outlaws, and keep our thoughts to ourselves. Or, just stop watching altogether for contributing to an open discussion.
I suppose even criminals have their following. Good Night, Remy.

Maurice Benard … in his prime…. or heyday…

flashed and prosed before the camera… his good looking dark haired looks with dimples complete… and deadpanned before the camera fades… gets his spotlight

that’s all it was…. for him to clarify and add insight to acting 101… that his eyes carried him further than we all expected

his lovelorn antics emasculated his character

after all is said and done… his being able to walk… with cause celeb from his endearing dim witted family… will be just that… forced with no sincerity… balk

Sonny gets to walk
Carly will still be as loud and overbearing and in your face blech

Morgan and Michael will never grow and ever be on their own !

Dante and Kristina are combustible

there are no real qualities in any of the Corinthos clan that’s worth cheering for …

embellish all you want

GH production is steering this all wrong

AWESOME POST, PATRICK!!!!

I’m in love with this post. PREACH!

I LOVE Maurice Benard and I can’t wait for the upcoming story. Look forward to more romance and the continuation of Carson’s love story.
Love the Corinthos Family!!!

Thanks for such a fun, honest and open interview with Maurice and Laura 🙂

I have to agree with Maurice! The timing for Carson to come back together was perfect. They are a stronger couple and I have no doubt that they can get through this storm coming up. I just wish there was more romance than drama with the couple. They have already been through enough for the time being.

I like the mob stories but of course not too much of it.

I am more than thrilled that Maurice and Laura were pre nominated. Their acting has been on point and you can tell that they care about their characters and love what they do. I hope they stay on GH for many years to come.

I love Maurice and Laura. Mr. Fairman strikes again. Really, a great interview! I want them to stay together. I think right now with the mob being a little out of the picture M&L are shinning bright with Morgan’s story. I dont like Morgan but those scenes in the coffee warehouse the other day were really realistic and easy to watch. Keep going! HOWEVER, I always wanted Lilly to be alive one day and see her and Sonny hook up and be in another story. I thought those two were fine together. No more Brenda please!

LOVE LOVE LOVE Sonny and this version of S&C. Maurice and Laura are so good together. I LOVE the Corinthos family and I have waited YEARS for this story line to happen.

It’s odd that some fans are critical of the Corinthos family but then laud the Cassadine family? Sonny never had a weather machine or tried to take over the world. He didn’t murder mothers in front of their children. He didn’t keep women prisoner on an island and rape them repeatedly. The Quartermaines? Slum landlords, inside traders, corporate raiders, manufacturers of faulty goods, people who try to blow up their wives and murderers. No family on GH has even a slim right to be the moral center of anything. The Corinthos have been on the GH canvas a long time and have a right to be considered a core family. They have many fans.

I do believe Maurice and Laura were being tongue and cheeky when they called the Corinthos family the best family on tee vee. They weren’t being conceited.

I think most of us were eluding to families like the Hardy’s and Webber’s. Back in the day, the Quartermaine’s were not the moral center of the show. Yes, they had issues, but I don’t remember Edward shooting Lila in the head while giving birth. I also don’t remember Alan killing anyone and having Monica lie about it. The Corinthos Family at the forefront is why a lot of people no longer watch this show.

Another thank -you goes to you, Justin.

I am critical of any murdering; no respect for human life reptile, regardless of name or title, Jessie. Every time I see Nikolas’ dishonest eyes, I FF.
I do agree that Maurice and Laura are incredibly good presently. Laura has always impressed me. Sonny, not so much. I am enjoying his acting a bit more lately. I have not been watching for too long. It takes time, I guess, to appreciate some characters. I’m waiting to see what else he’s got.
And, Jessie….you have described everyone to the letter….they’re all a bunch of bandits. Jessie. However, that fact does not absolve Sonny.

Corinthos vs. Cassadine

apples and oranges
oil and water

the Cassadine characters; plus hired actors

ACT

whereas… watching Sonny and Carly are fools
watching GH denizen kowtow to these two

ie: even Maurice Benard… wow he’s full of integrity and high brow…

daresay

up until Laura Wright was “hired”

HE: Maurice Benard: or character of Sonny… was sick of all the Carly up to that point?

seriously!

I take it to heart… that these two … in Laura Wright tenure… may never have orbited together… till now

that being said… I am not seeing fireworks…
I am not even seeing supercouple
I am not seeing chemistry

just two characters with a history… thanks to Sarah Brown and Tamara Braun

I understand some of the resent towards S&C, but “the haters” miss the crux of the characters. They r not saints, they are sinners, but they r more than that! Their flaws make them real & great to watch! I hate that Sonny is lying to Carly about his paralysis is true to his c

Hey, Don, Hi……this family is not ‘real’ in the real world, lol. Sonny is a criminal. I would hope that most of us are not. These people represent the dark side of life….looking over one’s shoulder snd worrying about one’s children cannot a happy life make. Normal parents worry about fevers and God forbid, accidents…not being killed by an opposing crime family. That’s not real. Not the norm.
I just think that Sonny’s image as the good person, husband, father, friend is not true to life. They should bring all this lavish decoration down a notch…..just sayin’….later.

But they’re not being portrayed as real. They’re being portrayed as judge and jury to everyone else around them. That’s problematic. I don’t think it’s fair to dismiss people’s opinions by simply calling them “haters.” A lot of them have valid points. I’m happy you enjoy them tho. I can’t say the same for me.

I’m not dismissing the haters. I understand their POV! S&C have always been hypocritical, judgemential, etc. They’re being true to themselves. They’re not gonna Chan g I’m ok with that!

I agree with what you said earlier. I respect Victor over Sonny because Victor puts no shine on his behavior.

@Don… As I said, I’m happy you enjoy it. There’s nothing wrong with having people on a soap who have their qualities but they should NOT be the core family/matriarch/patriarch or moral center. There needs to be balance and they don’t have it. I’m not OK with that and never will be.

@Don: “They’re being portrayed as judge and jury to everyone else around them ”

@RemyLC : “…They’re not gonna Chan g I’m ok with that ”

you’ve said it best… for either or

such opposing ends of the spectrum tho

doesn’t leave much imagination left

Don, my friend. With all due respect…..Can you please stop calling other posters haters? Give me one instance where I or others have said we hate Sonny. No one used that despicable word, only you and a handful have. You must love the word. So, please do not put words in my mouth, thank you. Discussing the flaws of a character does not a hater make. That is absolutely not fair and definitely unconscionable. Use another word other than haters. Night.

Character. I love this new version of S&C, because they have finally admitted their mistakes, & trying to learn from them-Until Sonny lied! LOL

I SHAKE MY HEAD AS I READ SO MANY NEGATIVES COMMENTS……WHY DONT ALL YOU HATERS JUST NOT TUNE IN????

Because there are actually other characters on the show that we like. And if we are going to be accurate, no one hates Maurice and Laura. They are fantastic actors. Many do hate the mob and the glorification of murderers, however.

I, in turn, shake my head at people who assume a critique is a representation of hate. And, at people who aren’t careful readers. Love Maurice and Laura. Do not like the whitewashing of their characters. And I haven’t read a single comment here that reflects anything akin to hatred of these fine actors.

Oh, THANK YOU, Tristan. I wish I could make my point as easily and clearly as you. But, unless I write a chapter, I seem to think I won’t be able to get my point across. LOL.
I have sung my praises ….both Maurice and Laura have done a smashing job. As I said, some of these fans need to separate the actor from the character. Night, Tristan.

We don’t. Imagine the ratings if longtime viewers had a reason to tune in.

well said

this site … truly does offer me variable and turn

LOL… unlike the writers

Good one, Justin. Yes, imagine if a good family occupied the moral center and good triumphed over evil, like in GH’s glory days. That is a winning formula.

Judy, this is a soap. No one hates anyone . We are discussing the pros and cons of CHARACTERS.
Furthermore, dearest Judy, if all of us who had objections did not tune in, there would not be the pleasure of having these sites. Mr. Fairman would offer nothing to discuss…..no challenge; no discussion. We watch because we love our soaps and enjoy talking about every aspect of them, including the characters, whether we like them or not. Later.

Just think of the old west. You have to have cowboys wearing black hats and cowboys wearing white hats. Respect both but we all tend to pull for the good guys.

So right Timmm. But GH doesn’t have any good guys ever winning, or in sufficient strength to pull for. It is a morally inverted Bizarro universe where the bad guys represent the moral center. That is the problem.

Judy, I don’t think it is fair, nor nice to dismiss what some of us ( we are not haters) want to express. Perhaps if you would delve into what is behind our words and understand what we are trying to say, then you would welcome the difference of opinion. You have no right telling others not to tune in. Really?
Also, you shake your head because we are against crime of any kind? that’s what you imply….we are not allowed to balk or say anything negative about Sonny? So, are you telling me that when a murderer gets hauled to jail, you shake your head at the cops who handcuffed him? Are you saying Sonny does not belong in jail? He is a criminal and for him to hold the title of the patriarch of a core family goes against everything that the soap ‘family’ represents. I am not a long-time watcher of GH, but soaps basically all follow the same format; the same theme. Good vs evil…..Good over evil. That’s the ideal we all strive to achieve….that’s reality. So, please try to make me understand exactly why we are haters. I grew up watching soaps, so I’m not that green.
Actually, it is Sonny who displays hate ( look up the definition). I did mention that rancor and hate is like a cancer. Sonny is a cancer. He has that killer instinct …..the hate in him is alive; palpable. Sonny’s hate has a life of its own. He killed his adopted son’s father, AJ, knowing full well that despicable act would cause Michael, whom he supposedly loves so much, excruciating pain. That was the act of the devil…cruel and evil. How can I accept that? So, dear Judy, who’s the hater?

CeeCee, you are a smart women. You know when someone types a message in all CAPS that they have issues and the go far beyond a soap or soaps they watch. I pray for Judy. Much love Double C!

Why, you ask, Judy K???? Because one can love this soap for the institution it is, and yet, simultaneously despise what is happening to it….all at the exact same time. It’s called mixed emotions, rather like when one says they love their country, but it’s headed in the wrong direction….it doesn’t mean that you give up on it….you strive to change that which you blame for its downfall! Is that really such a difficult concept to grasp?

And Shayster, this goes beyond soaps to. If you give an opinion that is not under the umbrella today of political correctness your define as being racist or a hater! Oh how I would have loved the 1950’s!

It is absolutely disgusting how Michael can forgive Saint Sonny murdering his father AJ but Sabrina fibbing about her baby was a deal breaker and how Dante can overlook his father being a mobster who murdered a man in cold blood but Lulu conspiring with Johnny was enough to end his marriage.

If this Corinthos-centric GH is the future of the show then my decision whether or not to continue watching has been made. How sad we had to lose the highly creative and varied storytelling of One Life To Live for this…

Bravo… thank you for mentioning; “…but Sabrina fibbing about her baby was a deal breaker ”

I really do like Michael and Sabrina together

yeah… it doesn’t follow…

Michael ! really? i’ll even give Sonny some prop

The hypocrisy in this show is mind boggling. Sonny tells Jason that Liz lying to him is unforgiveable….ha ha ha! But lying to Michael was justified????? And let’s not forget all the lies that Carly is responsible for. At least Liz never killed anyone. Morality is in short supply in Port Charles!! Olivia lied for Dante’s whole life about Sonny and almost got him killed for it, but The great Sonny was able to forgive her. Sonny went to Robin’s house with a gun threatening the lives of her husband and daughter, but he’s an honored guest at their wedding…..And as far as Sonny and Carly go…their bedrooms have revolving doors and one final rant, Carly has always wanted to be with Jason and the only she’s with Sonny is because Jason doesn’t want her that way.

I love sonny and Laura together hope it stays that way , and I hope they leave Julian and Alexis together and don’t let sonny do anything to him please he is trying to be a good guy now ,but as for Eva go get her sonny but don’t get caught could cost you your daughter , don’t like Jakes part of the bad kid just when he is back now he is a bad boy something going on in his head poor kid love the show watching it for years love you all .

I have to get in on this , right quick:

I am floored, stumped, and …. GH is not a FUN show of late…. it just isn’t

1. “… the Corinthos clan have become once again this core central family ”

LAURA: As they should be!

MAURICE: It is the best family on TV daytime or primetime …

I can’t get past this ??? NUT UP … REALly ?

it’s frightening… that LW and MB would think this is essential

FOR YEARS GH FANS cried aloud and vehemently … about the mob scenes… heck, I can go their… just do not overkill and dumb down our mindset, about what a serial is

argh! Laura Wright and Maurice Benard are clearly ringing their own bell and tooting their own horns… if they think they are carrying the show. absolutely NOT !

dull comes to mind when these two characters are mentioned on any thread

for all those posts who lambast naysayers… it’s easy to diss this show when it’s all about one family and mob action…

I’ll say it again…. Carly, Sonny, Michael, Kristina, Josslyn, the whole dullsville Corinthos’ clan… do not act anywhere near how much they are lauded

I’ll take Bryan Craig’ Morgan for the win

Love your post Patrick!!! So true. What is all their bragging about? Let the work speak for itself, if it can speak. As for Mr. Craig, well, let’s agree to disagree. The actor is doing fine work, but the character of Morgan? Ugh!!!

Great actors. I’ve been over Sonny FOR Years BECAUSE The powers that be over saturated the show wi th mob stories and repetitive ones at that. I’m enjoying the focus on his humanity and his family but still think the powers that be could use a little more balance. There is a big percentage o ffnf an s who grew up watching action adventure storylines on Gh that should be better served. There is room for mob, hospital, buisnezz, and adventure storylines.

What a fun interview , they have great senses of humor! Love these two, they are the main reason I still watch GH so they are definitely the core of the show for me. It’s nice how Sonny being Kristina’s father connects them to the Davis family as well. I enjoy seeing Michael, Morgan, Molly and Kristina interact. With so many new characters on the show it’s nice seeing a couple with so much history together. I watch daytime for relationships, love stories and some fun and adventure. I don’t want or expect characters like my next door neighbors but bigger than life characters. Sonny and Carly fit the bill for me. I love their family, I do hope Sonny and Carly will be together for the long haul. I really enjoy the mob element on the show and enjoyed it long before Sonny showed up. I would love to see them have more romance, hopefully when Sonny is out of that chair. I’m a huge Laura Wright fan, I would like to see Carly have a little more to do, she’s barely been on the show lately. I am also hoping Jossyln gets to make more than the occasional appearance.

I hate that Sonny killed AJ. How is Jason going to handle this? Sonny rambles on about getting revenge for Duke’s death and Connie’s murder but Sonny is no different. I want the character of Sonny on the show. Not a fan of Sonny but he is good at what he does and I like the man Maurice.

The hypocrisy regarding AJ is probably the hardest to stomach. Not only do we have to hear Sonny berate Ava for literally doing the same things he does. But we have to hear him berate Julian for murdering Duke, when he murdered AJ! If you notice, they don’t even mention AJ anymore. I think they’re really trying to act as if he didn’t happen. Having Michael disregard his memory, when they’d gotten so close is lame and cheap. Having Sonny and Carly ride into the sunset with their “family” is a disgrace. How can anyone look at them with anything but disdain? It boggles my mind. I wouldn’t have a problem with the characters if they just played them for what they are: Villains. They CAN NOT be at the center on the show doling out advice and judging anyone. It just doesn’t work. There’s a serious lack of awareness at that show and it starts at the top.

Thank you, RemyLC. And yes, it is so obvious that AJ has been erased from the show’s history because his memory compromises everything GH currently stands for: the moral-centeredness and values of the Corinthi. I will be curious if Jason is ever even told he had a brother. The fact that Michael never mentions him, that Monica is close to Carly, the woman who covered up AJ’s murder…it just boggles the mind. The sheer arrogance of GH’s management lies in this: that it can completely excise a character’s existence from the show’s history, while assuming we will forgive and accept the distortion. Mind boggling how cheap the TPTB hold the history of GH.

Excellent post RemyLC and reply Tristan. I, too, hate the hypocrisy that is Sonny and Carly. The fact that they judge ANYONE…is beyond galling. I’d find them more plausible if they were more like Tony and Carmela Soprano…conflicted, dangerous (Tony), but under no disillusionment of what they were. If they were angry at others, be it friends, family or enemies…it was regarding the mob code of “ethics” that term for the mob is too ironic in and of itself. They were what they were and you were compelled by them.

My point is I never sat there frustrated that either one of this couple, the Sopranos, judged others like Carly and Sonny do…as they did with AJ for example. In their eyes HE was the unfit father…in their eyes AVA is the unfit mother…in their eyes Franco is a murderer. Their sense of entitlement and superiority is just too frustrating. Carly, particularly, is just too smug to be likeable most of the time.

And I echo your sentiments regarding Michael and the complete turnaround with AJ. No mention, no reflection, not a backward glance. Ridiculous….

A lot of hypocrisy Remy. Someone needs to stand up to Sonny and explain to him what you just said. Julian has been castrated now so it wont be him! I like that he is out of the mob but have some balls Jules! I hate that Michael went back to Sonny and ditched the Q’s. IF Monica ever appears on screen again she should tell Michael to go pound salt! Sadly though, even in real life, high stakes criminals do have families and some try to instill something good into them so Sonny and Carly ARE on a high horse but at least they are trying to do SOME good?

I can’t stand all the carrying on about Duke’s death. He ordered Jordan killed with no humanity whatsoever. So he changed his mind at the last minute…big deal, he was as cold blooded as the rest of these killers. And there’s poor old Shawn languishing in prison. Don’t the “keystone cops” of PC use forensics? It wasn’t his bullet that hit Hayden!!!!!!

Sonny & Carly are my favorite couple so I’m glad that the Corinthos family are one of the core families on screen!!! Love Maurice n Laura’s truthful answers n you can tell that they enjoy working together n teasing each other!!! I hope during the tough times CarSon will fight to make it last!!! Can’t wait to see what happens next for the Corinthos family!!! Also I hope that Maurice n Laura will make the final nomination list for the Daytime Emmys!!!

Seriously, the Corinthos should be the center of this show? No, decidely not. The characters of Sonny & Carly are awful. Just awful. The best thing Ron did is reduce Sonny’s presence on the show–which obviously got Maurice mad and we all know what happened.

Sonny’s speech the other day to Julian was gross–Sonny telling him maybe God fogave him, but Sonny didn’t. Cause it’s more important to get Sonny’s forgiveness, not God’s.

There is nothing redeeming about Sonny. Nothing. In their deluded brains Sonny & Carly think they’re better than Ava. Why? What makes one cold-blooded killer better than another?

I think Laura Wright is a great actor, but her character as currently shown is a hypocritical mess and I have started to FF the Corinthos scenes.

wow! spot on your para 1

I truly thought… after reading above “prominence”

languidly so… far reached

is the torch from Tony Geary to Maurice Benard catching ?

I love the passion… because at the end of the day

I’m going to continue to watch… and vent cheer and dismiss

if JimH and Timmmm don’t mind

I’m as addicted to serial as JimH
I’m not going to not watch ; with Timmmm

so … as an outlet to the behind the scenes production…. if I could readily fly banners… afford billboard… incite corporate cache

LOL

word up

Thanks.

in deference : Character flaw or assassination?

it’s just gotten to the point…. in 4 / 5 months time

what’s the point?

what more is their in Sonny to understand?
what does Carly really bring to the big picture?

perhaps if they, the writers, bring more depth, insight, to truly caring… for their kids

what makes them tick?

i’m not interested in Sonny or Carly ? they’ve done it all….

i’d be beside myself bereft and forlorn… at how these kids turned out

YIKES !

I was curious do you think anybody from GH could be interviewed and not insult RC it has grown tiresome and totally unprofessional and the days these actors are on I delete it so yes not watching much. Michael Logan interviews Geary Grahn and DeVry recently and they all throw trash at the previous writer you know be thankful you are still employed because if I ran the show you would be gone. Your job simply put is to act not complain.

I agree. It’s so unprofessional–considering Ron gave many (esp Nancy) way better story than she had been getting

Exactly. Alexis was headed to menopause when RC stepped in and wrote her as a sexy woman with a hot new love interest!

Well, believe me, not everybody is grateful for that so-called “gift” from RC. The Julian/Alexis storyline has been so done to death, it’s completely ridiculous!

And it’s great and about time someone did MissySnow.

I suggest all of the folks throwing shade at RC go ask the OLTL and AMC folks if they would love to still be on the air making a paycheck while the GH actors are off flipping burgers at a fast food restaurant. Bottom line, appreciate that your show is still on the air and was not cancelled in 2012!

Some of them seem particularly ungracious.

Thank you!

Fabulous! Love these two!! Can’t wait to see what’s next for Sonny/Carly and the Corinthos Family.

I have liked Laura from her LOVING/THE CITY days and when Sarah Joy Brown left and after the second or third Carly recast, I knew Laura would be good for the job because she is solid. I liked Tamara Braun as Carly, but felt she cried WAY too much and the other one I can’t even remember.

One thing that bothers me is the addition of “Jason” (sorry, I just don’t buy Billy Miller as Jason Morgan and never will – he is not bringing anything fun to the role. Jake Doe was better but does not compare to Billy Abbott). I find the scenes between Laura, Maurice, and Billy excruciating.

I have always loved Maurice. Yes he is a bad guy, but a bad guy with a heart. He is like James Spader on THE BLACKLIST. He does detestable things, but he is so witty and so charming that you can’t help yourself but side with him. I especially like when Maurice has Sonny tap into his Bensonhurst side and prepare a meal. As an Italian, I appreciate that a non-Italian can relay so much care with the preparation of a meal and it is these little scenes that makes a character human and a nice escape from the day to day. THAT is character-driven and not plot driven and everyone could use some levity these days.

Alan Q killed Ray Conway. He tried to blow up Monica and Rick in 1980. Edward may have not killed anyone directly but he did so indirectly with his nefarious business practices (slum landlord, slave labor, toxic waste dumping). The Webbers? Are you kidding? Hello?? Laura Webber?? She killed David Hamilton as a teen then let her mom take the blame. Later she killed Theresa Carter. Heather Webber? Have you met Heather ? She drugged people, caused others to have heart attacks, schemed to steal money, kidnapped people, killed Ross Duncan, Maggie Wurth, and tried to kill Olivia. She even tried to kill her own son. Is she is prison? No. She’s in a mental institution which she repeatedly escapes from. The Baldwins? I love me some Baldwins and Lee was my favorite back in the day. However, not all of the Baldwins were pristine. Scott Baldwin was/is an unsavory shyster and corrupt D.A. who abused his position to go after people to settle scores or get money or whatever. He and Heather and later Lucy concocted various wicked and cruel schemes. He also killed Rick Webber. The difference between Sonny and these people is that Sonny admits he’s a criminal.

Sonny shot Carly accidently. He was aiming for Alcazar who he thought was hurting Carly. Prior to that he’d been gas lighted for months by Alcazar and his plastic surgeryed Lily look alike. This part is always glossed over.

The big difference is that all of those people you listed, aren’t hypocrits that expect everyone to live by their rules or beliefs. And, some of the characters that you listed, actually learned from their mistakes. With Sonny and Carly we’re expected to accept their machinations as the right way or that they are the heroes of the show. There’s a big difference, but thanks for the walk down memory lane.

and by the way, Laura confessed to her mother and the authorities that she killed David Hamilton. When has Sonny or Carly taken responsibility for anything.

As for Sonny shooting Carly, he knew she was in labor, why did he even have a gun pointed in that direction anyway?

I really like Laura and Maurice, but I just prefer Sonny and Carly paired with other people. I miss Carly and Jax, and I like Sonny much better when he isn’t paired with Carly or Brenda. JMO.

The SPENCERS, QUARTERMAINES, SCORPIOS and CASSADINES are the core families for me — especially since they have such deep roots in GH’s history…

Great Carson interview. Thanks Michael

Carly and Sonny are my favorite couple on GH and the chemistry between MB/LW is better than ever. This has been the best Carson reunion ever and the revival of the Corinthos family has made me so happy. Sonny and Carly married again but this time for love. Dante, Michael and Morgan interacting again as brothers and looking out for each other. The return of Kristina to town and of course Baby Avery.

Love the Corinthos family!

I don’t like the bi-polar storyline because I don’t think that Bryan Craig has the acting capabilities to move such a compelling, sensitive, serious storyline along. I began to like Bryan when Kristen Alderson left the show and when Morgan was focusing on caring for Avery. His character began to mature then. The character has regressed to being very immature and childish. The kid needs a job and some responsibilities. The writers portray him as a selfish, privileged, and spoiled kid who I have trouble having sympathy for. I find Morgan and Kiki scenes very difficult to watch.

Maurice and Laura are not the heart of GH. They both have inflated egos and constantly promote their agendas at other actors’ expense. I’m bored out of my mind watching the Carinthos’. Carson is so played out.

Jason Thompson needed to leave. After Kimberly left in 2012 there was nothing for him. Patrina was cringe worthy, Samtrick was a joke and who else, Brit??! Patrick’s addiction storyline had promise but in the end the only scene with JT worth watching we’re the ones when KMc returned and with Brooklyn Silzer. Only the rare actor has chemistry with everyone: Vanessa Marcil’s, Kimberly McCullough, Becky Herbst, Roger Howarth. JT only had chemistry with KMc.

General Hospital

Nancy Lee Grahn’s Star-Studded ALS Fundraiser Reveals “I’ll Be There” Video Featuring Soap Opera Notables

Talk about your impressive line-up! It’s a soap fans dream and for a great cause. General Hospital’s Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) is prepping her one-night only ALS fundraiser which will feature many of her friends and co-stars.

The benefit is set for May 4th in Glendale, California. Slated to participate are Genie Francis, Jane Elliot, Peter Bergman, Maurice Benard, Eileen Davidson, Thorsten Kaye, Michelle Stafford, Stephen Nichols, Rena Sofer, Jason Thompson, Kelly Monaco, Melissa Claire Egan, Maura West, Kristina Wagner, Gregory Harrison, Trevor St. John, Kate Mansi, Kirsten Storms, Cynthia Watros, and many others.

On Wednesday, Grahn took to her social media and released an “I’ll be there” video shout-out featuring, Monaco, Elliot, Bergman, Bernard, West, Harrison, St. John and more. In a touching and important moment in the new video, Michelle Strogny, who is battling ALS, is featured.

Photo: ABC

Previously, in speaking with Soap Opera Digest on the impetus of the event, Grahn recalled, “I was actually doing Zoom events during Covid and I met this woman that I just fell in love with, Michelle Strojny. At the time, Michelle had been living with ALS for four years. Now, it’s five years. She is a mom of a teenage son, she has the most wonderful husband, and she has been dealing with this [disease] for quite a while. And obviously, there isn’t a cure yet. It’s not survivable yet. But as she says, it’s not incurable. Nothing is; it’s underfunded. But anyway, I just really dug this woman. She is so grounded and filled with grace, and she spends all of her time working to raise money for the cause. We did a fundraiser for her last year and then I thought, ‘You know what? The soaps don’t ever get together to do something for charity.’ Collectively, we have this amazing community and we don’t collectively use it for a good cause, and I think it’s such an easy thing for us to do and we could potentially really make a difference.”

As GH viewers know, Gregory Harrison is playing the character of Gregory Chase, who is also battling ALS in a touching storyline that is currently playing out shedding a light on this disease.

For information on Nancy’s event, including the stars who are s scheduled to participate click here. To purchase tickets to the event click here.

Check out the video featuring Nancy’s friends and co-stars below.  Now let us know, your thought son the line-up for the benefit and helping raise awareness and funds for ALS research via the comment section.

Continue Reading

General Hospital

‘General Hospital’ Writer Shannon Peace Let Go, and Shares on Sprina: “One of My Only Regrets is to Not Have the Opportunity to Develop That ‘Ship’ Further”

As General Hospital’s new head writing team of Elizabeth Korte and Patrick Mulcahy gets off the ground and running, there are still changes a foot on the writing team.

Now comes word via breakdown writer Shannon Peace that she is no longer on contract with the long-running ABC soap heading into its 61st season. Peace shared a heartfelt message on her Instagram, thanking the fans, and the show for the opportunity and the importance of diversity in the writers room.

Peace began, “After almost 3 years on staff and 106 episodes penned, I am no longer on contract with General Hospital. Writing for this country’s longest running television serial drama has been an education of epic proportions; I will forever be grateful that I earned my WGA card on a daytime fixture that holds memories for so many.” (Peace pictured below with GH EP Frank Valentini and script writer, Charlotte Gibson from about ten months ago).

Photo: SPeaceIG

Shannon added “Even more importantly, as the sole Black breakdown writer (and only POC in the writers room) during my tenure, I pushed for vital interactions and discussions that prioritized inclusion, visibility, and representation”

The writer pointed to the example of vital interaction when in story, “Stella and Portia’s frank July 2022 conversation about the role race played in Esme’s framing of Trina is just one example of the impact I’m gratified to have had.”

Acknowledging former GH co-head writers was also part of Peace’s farewell expressing, “Appreciation to my former bosses, Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor – not only taking a chance on me, but for valuing my opinion and championing my voice.”

Courtesy/ABC

Many GH fans know that Peace was key to the development of the love story between Trina Robinson and Spencer Cassadine as played by Tabyana Ali and Nicholas Chavez. Shannon gave a special shout-out to ‘Sprina’ fans, “I also want to thank fans who were supportive of my work, especially the recognition of my love for ‘Sprina’. One of my only regrets is not having to develop that ‘ship’ further.”

She concludes her statement with,”In the aftermath of a historic writer’s strike that shed new light on the troubling ways writers are regarded in daytime, my sincere hope is that General Hospital recommits to valuing staff writer efforts and input, with a more intentional focus on diverse viewpoints — and thrives for another 60 years.”

Accompanying her post, Shannon added, “Thank you all for the love and support these last few years. I hope GH fans get all they hope for and more!”

So, what do you think about GH not renewing Shannon’s contract? Will there be more continued changes afoot? What do you think is the future of ‘Sprina’ anyway at this point as viewers wait to see if Nicholas Chavez officially returns to the show?  Comment below.

Continue Reading

General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Learns Britt Died and Tells Anna He Has Been Working For Cates Since November 2021

On the Tuesday, March 26th of General Hospital, Anna (Finola Hughes) and the viewers learn about where Jason (Steve Burton) has been for over two and half years. However, Jason gets some news of his own.

Anna is visiting Jason at the PCPD interrogation room. She asks him if he shot Dante (Dominic Zamprogna), which he flatly denies. Anna believes him, but she tells Jason it doesn’t matter, because video footage shows him on the roof at the time of the shooting

When talk turns to Jason not willing to speak without his lawyer present, Anna can’t grasp why Jason would instead spend an hour alone talking with John Cates (Adam J. Harrington).

Photo: ABC

It is then that Anna brings up that John went by “Jagger” and that the two of them knew each other in high school. Jason doesn’t recall much of his time in high school following his brain injury, but then he gets furious realizing John knew about “Jason’s” past. That is when Jason slams the table and tells Anna, “I’ve been working for John Cates since November 2021.”

Next, Jason explains further that he has been working as an informant for the FBI. Anna wants to know how this came about and he tells her that after the tunnel collapsed, and he couldn’t make it to Britt (Kelly Thiebaud)… all of a sudden he sees Anna’s face drop.  Anna is the first person to tell him that Britt died and was murdered. She tells Jason the killer is in custody, but he continues to be shocked, overwhelmed with tears welling up in his eyes. Realizing he has to pivot to save his life, Jason continues telling Anna how he wound up working with John.

Jason explains that after the tunnel collapse in Greece, FBI agents grabbed him and placed him under arrest and took him to Quantico where he met John. At Quantico, John played a recording of RICO violations and offered Jason a deal if he agreed to be an informant against Pikeman, the illegal arms dealer.

Anna hears from Jason that he thinks Pikeman is selling illegal arms to anyone flagged by the NSA but has ties to the WSB which they needed a civilian to infiltrate their organization as a military soldier, a mercenary.

Jason tells Anna he was a part of the team brought into eliminate Sonny (Maurice Benard). Every time an attempt was made on Sonny’s life over the last two years, a different team was sent to do the job. Anna gets furious when she learns that John told Jason his job was to kill Sonny and she was with John at the warehouse that night. Jason ensured the sniper missed Sonny and left the rifle behind. However, they were supposed to meet an extraction team. Before he was shot, Dante saw it was Jason on the roof and when he turned around with his hands over his head, Dante was shot by the other guy. Jason says if Dante dies, he’ll be charged with capital murder and then will be useless to the FBI.

Photo: ABC

Meanwhile, John visits Bobbie’s and runs into Carly (Laura Wright). She learns Jason is in custody and is going to head to the PCPD. Before she does, Carly has some words with Cates when she learns not only does John have a vendetta against Sonny, but Jason too.  Carly tells John he should recuse himself from the case.

So, what did you think about the moment when Jason learned Britt died? What do you think of Jason’s return storyline thus far and what we learned about Jagger/Jason and more? Comment below. But first, check out a moment from today’s GH with Jason and Anna.

 

Continue Reading

Video Du Jour

Peter Reckell returns for a second visit with Michael Fairman following the wrap-up of his recent run as Bo Brady on Days of our Lives.Leave A Comment

Recent Comments

Power Performance

Kim Coles as Whitley

Days of our Lives

Airdate: 7-24- 2023

Popular