General Hospital
GH Nurses' Ball 2017 Part Two: James Patrick Stuart Steals The Show As Valentin Sings To Nina!
Courtesy/ABC
On the second installment of the GH Nurses’ Ball 2017 episodes, Tuesday brought a surprise musical performance from none other than Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart)! After not being able to get through to his wife Nina (Michelle Stafford) that he loves her and wants to be with her, and not Anna Devane (Finola Hughes), the guy takes drastic measures!
How drastic? He goes backstage where Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring) is touching up her make-up for her next outfit change, and offers up a seven figure donation for HIV/AIDS research in return for something. What is that something? Getting on to the stage as quickly as possible to sing a song to Nina! After we hear an offstage voice that is supposed to be Liesl (Kathleen Gati), who has been now replaced on-stage during her regularily scheduled slot, Valentin sits down at the piano and sings one of On-Air On-Soaps favorite Billy Joel songs of all-time, “And So It Goes”.
As he sings, Nina watches on with tears welling in her eyes, as this man pours his heart out to her in the song, which ends lyrically that she would break his heart too, if they were to break-up.
Courtesy/ABC
James Patrick Stuart wowed with his voice and his performance, and we must also give kudos to Michelle Stafford, who played Nina’s reaction to perfection. Stuart who has always been a multi-talented man has also made Valentin a bad boy misunderstood charmer that you kind of root for! Later in the episode and following Valentin’s performance, Anna wants answers from him to save people’s lives as to who he sold the deadly chimera to! Finally, Valentin reveals that he sold it to Helena Cassadine.
Meanwhile, it is none other than Valentin’s daughter, Charlotte (Scarlett Fernandez) who unknowingly has activated the chimera with Emma (Brooklyn Rae Silzer) standing by. What will happen now that it is about to be unleashed at the ball?Jason (Billy Miller) is hanging around the ball after Sam (Kelly Monaco) departs to take care of their baby, and knows something is amiss with Jake (Hudson West) when his son decides to bow out of performing his magic act, when Jason confronts him about the chimera necklace. Jake’s responses trouble his father.
Courtesy/ABC
In other musical numbers: Brooklyn Rae Silzer was back as a crowd-pleaser leading the way in the Nurses’ Ball rendition of the Sara Bareilles tune, “Brave.” Brooklyn performed the number alongside Risa Dorken (Amy), Brytni Sarpy (Valerie) and Lexi Ainsworth (Kristina), and Eden McCoy made her Nurses’ Ball debut as Josslyn performed, the original song, “It’s Not Over Yet.”
CourtesyABC
In a touching moment beforehand, Joss got her big brother Michael’s (Chad Duell) support via the phone since he left the ball to see Nelle (Chloe Lanier) in the hospital. He told her to keep the phone with her, and he would be listening during the performance. Meanwhile, Nelle woke up as Joss sang at the ball and Michael was by her bedside.
And the continuing cliffhanger, which has been a great way to end each of the first two episodes of this year’s GH Nurses’ Ball … Sonny is closing in on the truth.
Andre (Anthony Montgomery) has received news from the lab that the crumbled pill at the bottom of Morgan’s pill bottle looks to be a placebo.
Courtesy/ABC
It is all coming together for Sonny as Ava Jerome (Maura West) can’t let go of the fact that Sonny may be on to her, and the truth of what she did to Morgan is about to come out. When Carly (Laura Wright) questions Sonny why he is at the ball, he tells Carly that he finally knows what happened to Morgan. We fade to black.
So, what was your favorite part of the GH Nurses Ball Pt 2? Share your thoughts on the second episode, the performances and the storylines in the comment section below!
I am a fan of Billy Joel’s work, but I never heard this song before– it was hauntingly beautiful and fit perfectly with the story line of Nina and Valentin—so that was my highlight
The song came from Billy Joel’s album “Storm Front”. That record had the big hit song “We Didn’t Start The Fire”. I had the disc playing in my car last week and I remembered how the whole album was so good back when i first heard it. I have pretty much everything by Billy Joel but this song really is a showcase for how great his work really is.
Mary SF, I never heard the song before, either. I just listened to it on YouTube. It’s beautiful, will definitely be downloading it. I still have to see the first half of yesterday’s episode, too. I like Valentin. I think JPS brings such heart to the character.
The song is off 1989’s album, “Storm Front.” James did an awesome job!
I am so luvin Valentin..
The only story that hasn’t bored me to death is everything Valentin..
Anybody the messes with my Valentin will greatly suffer, I will smite them ! heh.
Hey Celia..
the Valentin character has a scent of ” Mr Morningstar (Lucifer ..
mmmmm both are irresistible !
I love Valentin, too. JPS brings such depth and heart to the character. I love Valentin’s relationship with Charlotte, too. What do I love most? How Valentin puts that annoying, insipid Lulu in her place, haha! Honestly, I like his relationship with Nina, too, because I think JPS and MS have chemistry and they show what couples endure during relationships-certain insecurities, jealousies, hurt, etc., all while still loving the person that is causing them that emotional turmoil. It makes you want to root for them.
Yeeees!!! Su, why didn’t I see this sooner? Agreed, they both stir, ahem….my senses. Ha!!
All I have to say is that James Patrick Stuart (my Gran’s maiden name, LOL) stole the show since the very first moment he walked on stage, not just by showing his artistry at the NB.
Good boy, or bad boy, there is something very endearing and humbling about him—a tangible, childlike pathos, yet so sexy.
His begging ( Nina) would have normally turned me off, for a man to humble himself so. But, by the same token, it takes a real man to go after his love and not give up.
As you say, su…..there is ‘the scent’ of Lucifer. An enigma. Good over evil and vice versa.
I do commend the writers with this character. I admire the way he is kneaded into a forlorn protagonist of yore, struggling with his good-bad inner self. A Shakespearean anti hero or a misunderstood one?…Perhaps, Milton’s fallen Archangel, where Valentin tries to redeem himself?
I am very much interested in this character, su. So, I hope TPTB give him the story he deserves.
I’ve loved Valentin from the beginning…but I’m confused by your response, Su. Perhaps I don’t remember correctly but I thought you were disappointed that he wasn’t the dangerous, evil Cassadine that they implied he’d be???
I can’t have @su going soft. I need @ for the tell it like it is. ( help )
wink wink ( jean and shelley ) parade of fan recall… September , 2017 is their renewal. walk the plank and sink.
I think theirs still a chance that his dastardly will surface. like that simmering heat. so does Nina.
anyway… my main point… LOVE LOVE LOVE all the positive posts about … GH LEADing Man…. Jason Patrick STuart. whew! he’s the best.
haha, Patrick! yes…it does seem Su’s going soft on Valentin…hmmmm…. LOL! Can’t blame her! (or you). I love this complex, vulnerable yet seething-under-the-surface man too! But I have to admit I like his “human” side…don’t want to see him turn to the dark side. The mystery awaits!
hey rebecca1 ..
I am disappointed he is not as advertised, the devil incarnate 🙁
but, dahm! he is so sensually hot that I luvs him anyways ..
I still have hope his Morningstar side will emerge ..
hey Patrick ..
If I were Nina I would not let Valentin outta bed (( well except to make toast..
He is an all nighter man!!
but– he does have a darkside, I have to believe that 😉
Did any one else else hear Valentin refer to a “beautiful piece of chocolate cake”?
hahahah…I KNEW that was your comment, Harry, when it arrived in my inbox before I signed on here!. How I’ve missed you…(Addy…).
And please, bite your tongue that Valentin ever goes orange!
I agree.
This isn’t Broadway, so for the most part I’m just enjoying the Nurses Ball for what it is every year…a way for the cast of GH to highlight some of their other talents.
Unlike other commenters, I’m not worried about Lulu’s dress. Under the circumstances I think she looks really nice (and I’m not a big Lulu lover), as does Charlotte in her matching colored “gown.”
Then there’s the underlying currents of “drama” with Valentin, Nina and Anna…Jake, Chimera (sp?) and Helena’s long reach even from the grave…and of course Morgan/Ava/Sonny/Carly finale, I hope. This Morgan story, or should I say Carly and Sonny mourning, has just gone on way too long.
Hope to see more of Monica, maybe with Laura and some of the other “girls” like Hayden doing some sort of a number…would like to see Anna and Griffin waltz…Dr O. find her own way to perform after being unceremoniously bumped for Valentin’s 7 figure donation as only Leisl brillantly can. Just hope they do justice to David Bowie number since he’s one of my all time top favorites.
Thought Ned/Olivia, Dillon/Kiki, Epiphany/Felix, along with the other GH staff, did good tribute-covers of the George Michael, David Bowie and Leonard Cohen songs. But as much as I like Hallelujah I would rather have seen the musical part of the Ball end on a higher energy note instead this song…while meaningful, it can tend to be a little sad. Unless Dr. O makes an unscheduled appearance. I hope so, and we still save one more day!
Have been liking most of Lucy’s many gowns.
Rose, I agree with your every word. This Nurse’s Ball really was the best one we’ve seen in a long time.
Where was DR O? She puts on the best numbers while making us all chuckle.
I loved the tributes to Bowie and Michael but could have done without the cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” Cohen himself said he wished folks would stop covering his song because no one gets it right. The song is meant to be dark, ironic, with the redundant utterance of “Hallelujah” conveying world weariness and a loss of faith. Yes, the Cohen song conveys how many of us feel right now, but the Nurse’s Ball is suppose to be about generating faith and hope–it’s in direct opposition to the meaning of that song. (can you tell that I am a life long Leonard Cohen fan?)
Other than these little quibbles, I thought the Nurse’s Ball was great fun. Putting Dr O on stage would have made it ascend to perfection. And while I loved Valentin singing, I wish he were not directing the song’s import toward that heinous creature, Nina. He really deserves a better muse.
Harry? “Heinous creature?” Nina? Nooooooo… I like Nina! I DON’T like how she’s treating Lulu; Lulu is Charlotte’s mother. Period. And, just like the abominable Carly, what right does anyone have to tell a mother (or a father) to stay away from his or her own child? Yes, obviously, if the parent is abusive, dangerous, etc. But Nina has no right, despite her step-mom role, to tell Lulu to stay away from Charlotte.
Aside from that “pesky” little detail, I think Nina’s great and is hopefully, finally, getting the life that was stolen from her. Unless Valentin is suddenly unleased to be an amoral monster (which I think I wrongly predicted might erupt if he continued to be spurned by Nina, betrayed by Alex, if Charlotte was taken away from him…etc) I hope Nina gets the love she’s been searching for since her “awakening.” I love the vulnerability between Nina and Valentin. Even after seeing his “before” pictures she didn’t recoil but supported him. Really sweet, complete love.
I love “Hallelujah” too. Always gets me. The Ball has seemed to end on somber songs the last few years…think “You’re Not Alone” which they jazzed up this year to open. But they choose these songs to emphasize the seriousness of illness, isolation, hopelessness, despair, etc. exemplified by how people feel who are diagnosed…the songs, though somber, offer support and friendship. In this vein “Hallelujah” is about joy, hope…As per Cohen:
. “It’s a rather joyous song,” Cohen said when Various Positions was released. “I like very much the last verse – ‘And even though it all went wrong, / I’ll stand before the Lord of Song / with nothing on my lips but Hallelujah!’ ” (While the published lyrics read “nothing on my lips,” Cohen has actually almost always sung “nothing on my tongue” in this line.) Though subsequent interpreters didn’t always retain this verse, its significance to Cohen has never waned: Decades later, when he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, he recited this full last verse as the bulk of his acceptance speech.
“I wanted to push the Hallelujah deep into the secular world, into the ordinary world,” he once said. “The Hallelujah, the David’s Hallelujah, was still a religious song. So I wanted to indicate that Hallelujah can come out of things that have nothing to do with religion.”
rry & Rebecca…Leonard had a way of writing lyrics that could be interpreted different ways. His themes are universal, and can fit your situation at the time. I think he was a master at this, whether he meant to or not. If you go to youtube you can view a great, live Cohen speaking at his induction to the 2008 R&R HOF…into by Lou Reed, Halleljah tribute sung by Damian Rice. Wow.
Thought it was really effective how they used “First We Take Manhattan” and “Hallejah” in the movie “Watchmen.” Very interesting, timeless view of terrorism, especially in lieu of what we are seeing happen now.
And it’s not just Cohen who can write cryptic lyrics. if you look closely at Bowie’s ‘Modern Love”, again someone looking for “answers” to some of the larger questions in life. Especially with “Heroes.”
What a talented cast full of a bunch of triple threats (they can act, sing and dance).
Amy might be obnoxious but that girl comes off as seasoned Broadway pro. I could see her starring in Hair or something.
I was soooooooooo happy they did away with Magic Milo but not so happy that there was no Dr Oberet.
All in all, it was a very good Nurse’s Ball.
Hi Rhonda. Yes; agree. They’re all so talented and multi-faceted! I wrote a post about Amy but I guess it didn’t make the cut…She definitely has musical theatre about her. I actually could see her as the lead in Hairspray!
Wondering if Liesel didn’t have time to rehearse and perhaps that’s why she was cut from The Ball. Her real-life son and wife just gave birth. Maybe she was too busy helping out before/during…she hasn’t been around too much in general.
Thanks, Rose. I’ll look for it on youtube. Never saw Watchman. Have the graphic novel but have yet to read it…
Why are there no B&B discussions on this site? Kinda frustrating! LOL…I want to talk about it!!!
Here the good and bad of Nurses Ball:
Good: Perfomances great! My picks of ranking-Emma and others doing Brave and I was surpised that the actress who plays Amy and that Lexi Ainsworth could sing so well. Next would be Joss’s singing-another surprise that she sings so well. Hope GH finds a way to bring back karoke or some other way for singing to happen more. Remember when The Floating Rib was Jake’s and they did karoke? Maybe they can bring that back1 And yes I liked Valentin’s singing too but he ranks third in my choices.
Also good is the suspence of the Chimera-is it a bomb that is going to off and if so when and who will be hurt or worse?
Bad-sorry but the whole figuring out Ava switched Morgan’s meds story is dragging out too long-even though the truth supposedly comes out I really don’t care. Just get it over with so I can watch other stories I like 10 times more.
Oh and I don’t like the new lawyer aka Sonny’s newest bed partner. How come I got a sinking feeling she is going to somehow wind up moving to PC despite her saying every other sentence she needs to go bacj to CA. Oh and for the love of all things sacred don;t let her get preggers by Sonny! PC is littered with enough spawn from the Magic Penis! How about Sonny checking into PC for a vasectomy pretty please?
Lulu’s gigantic dress which is so big it a wonder it fit into the ballroom without pushing everyone else out. I could say more but from comments I have read elsewhere it has all been said before.
How lame to not have Robin come to the Nurses Ball after she flew all the way from CA? Why did she come all this way then? Just to escort Emma to town? Gee Emma came for visits before alone so why not this time if Robin wasn’t going to the ball? And would it really have been that hard for Robin to sit in the audience and perhaps make her tradional keynote speech? It not like she was being asked to sing or dance?
And others who were no shows-how could Alexis and Molly not come especially since Kristina was performing? And what about Monica who is now Chief of Staff at GH not come? And other GH staff members who didn’t show-Lucas, Brad, Finn, Hayden-and he new nameless black nurse who we been seeing lately?
All in all this was a good NB-not GH’s best mind you but it makes the grade for good entertainment.
Jenny
Agree re newest bed partner for Sonny!
Jenny you need to clean out your ears. That singing was horrible. Lexi couldn’t hold a note with autotune so I can only imagine how much worse it was without it
Not a bad rendition of the Billy Joel tune by Mr. Stuart, but I certainly didn’t appreciate the “bait-and-switch” nature of his “usurped” appearance at the expense of Dr. O….I hope this doesn’t portend another year without Liesl’s—and the sensational Kathleen Gati’s— performing presence! Also, well-done you to Joss!!! Girl can sing! Other than that, not impressed at all so far….could have really done without the other banal musical production numbers, especially since I had so desired to be spared of that hokey “You’re Not Alone” for the umpteenth time….up-tempo or otherwise! Still waiting to be bowled over….
I hope Dr. O somehow upstages the show and does a triumphant number! I LOVE Kathleen Gati and her talents are so wasted on this show!
Another year of NB deep disappointment for diehard Dr. O. fans….sigh!
JPS did a nice job singing William Martin Joel’s hidden classic! BUT, having Valentin sing makes him weaker than ever! Helena couldn’t bear to even say his name and he is on stage singing and playing the piano! NOW, if this was the classic sixties Batman show with Adam West and Burt Ward, after the great Maestro performed his musical piece, the piano would have omitted purple laughing gas, knocking out all the guests and Valentin would have stolen everyone’s jewels and carried Nina back to his hideout! HA HA HA!
I felt outraged for you, Shay.
Dr O’s dark humor and saucy performance was sadly missed.
The Nurse’s Ball gives her the rare opportunity to show us what she’s got and they don’t allow her any stage time? OUTRAGEOUS!
Timm! I love the Batman and Robin TV show. It’s on TV Land and I still watch it from time to time.
PS I thought the Burt’s Bee’s plugging was odd and awkward.
Thank you, Harry…I really am highly perturbed that immense talent as brilliant and eclectic as Kathleen Gati’s was once again relegated to the trash heap in favor of other acts which lacked the professional caliber that this engaging woman brings to everything she does. Personally, I found the entire event wanting!…I’ve seen better high school productions…actually, I’ve been in better high school productions, having spent my entire youth in the performing arts! Holy Mediocrity!
Ugh. They plug a different sponsor each year. It’s so obvious and breaks the fourth wall…but I guess if advertising dollars contribute to keeping our show on the air…we gotta deal. Sigh. (I do like Burt’s Bees, though.)
and I must say that lip color DID look great on Valerie!
I think mud would look great on Valerie. That girl is gorgeous.
How would you like to be Lulu of the giant spinning top watching your husband’s ex lover prance around on stage looking so hot?
Was it that imperative that Lulu be part of the Nurse’s Ball? It was ridiculous with her rolling around the ballroom looking 10 months pregnant and with everyone pretending not to notice.
We agree again, Rhonda. The actress who plays Valerie is gorgeous…thought so from the minute she set her funky/hip self in town. You probably know this but she’s actually a model, as well.
@Harry…I’ll second your motion…Nina truly is a “heinous creature!” Oh, and I appreciated your particular analysis on Cohen and his music. I’ve never been a fan, but I do agree his “Hallelujah” is one of the most overused songs of this century, especially this past decade…it seems to be omnipresent, even in the most inappropriate places. The only way that this selection could have been adequately covered would have been by Dr. O. herself, perhaps in harmony with Helena???…You couldn’t get more “dark and ironic” that that, eh????
If im not treated to our beloved mutter Liesel i’ll have to go back to therapy!!!
LOL.
Wow! I had no idea how talented Mr. Stuart is! Bravo! Now I like Valentin even more, if that was even possible!!
I’m reaching to the heavens …
gobsmacked and to the moon
long live the best leading man; who owns…. OWNS; GH
i’m not saying he’s thee best… he simply has all the serial recipe .
the Quartermaines will always reign supreme
the #1 family in my book @Port Charles. Valentin / Nina / Charlotte
JPS continues to amaze. If only they hadn’t made Valentin kill Nikolas and shoot Kevin.
If we don’t get to see Liesl perform, that, combined with her being responsible for Finn’s specimen tampering might signal KG’s time in PC is ending.
I have a theory, Steve. Would you believe it was Helena or Faison in a Valentin -mask?
Agree about Liesl’s fate.
If Ron C were writing the show, Celia, the mask would be in play. Jelly don’t go for the over-the-top plot twists like face masks.
The only way Valentin could be redeemed is it’s revealed he helped Nik fake his death and that he wasn’t aiming at Laura when he “accidentally” shot Kevin.
Blind items and many sources say Michael Easton (Finn) is out. What that means for ReBu and KG remains to be seen.
Thank you, Steve. Always clearing things up for me. I don’t pay much attention ( or can keep track of) the ‘changing of the guard’)—-I should know when the writing changes hands. My bad.
I just watched Dr. O – kinda peeved that GH would carelessly, and even reckless with two characters who bring so much presence, intelligence, and just overall intrigue
Brad and Dr. O
all to prop Finn and Hayden . who, still to this day… have no meaning… and do not generate one iota of interest.
@Steve…wow! I didn’t read that about Michael Easton! I have to say I never took to his character; too quirky. But I’d still miss him. Perhaps he can finally come back as John McBain. Wondering if he’d even be interested in doing that. He’s got so much going on…his graphic novels, independent films, etc and as much as I’d love to see OLTL characters come aboard only IF they were kept in character and not ruined.
I hate the comings and goings…
@Steve… oh…and to eleaborate…for example. I was looking forward to Hillary Smith as Nora making an appearance on GH but was completely disappointed. She didn’t feel like Nora to me…out of context…away from Bo, Matthew, etc. At least if they had brought Bo along with her…dunno…maybe they’d say he had old friends on the police force there or something…we could have gotten some of their lovable, romantic rapport.
have no idea if you even watched OLTL (don’t remember if you ever mentioned it) so my points might be completely moot for you.
&rebecca1
Here’s what you do when don’t find the rainbow’s end…
I can sing you the rest of the 80’s theme song from OLTL and watched with my mom Karen’s testimony on the stand (how my mother let a 10-year old watch that!) so I’m rather versed on OLTL history.
Yes, Nora could have easily said that Bo and Mac had worked together on a case or two. I did not like the way the writers insinuated that Nora took Olivia’s case as a payoff from Valentin. Nora was always above reproach. I did appreciate that the writers gave TW a line that made you think Olivia & Alex Olanov could be one in the same, but left it vague.
As for ME, after 5 different characters, it’s time to move on. As intriguing as McBain is, this show needs more doctors – not law enforcement.
@Steve! Ha! Well done…I wouldn’t remember the song…only if I heard it!
I know, I know…but I don’t want Michael Easton to move on… (pout)…unless you meant McBain needs to move on. I really don’t get why it’s been so difficult to write for MB…he did so well on OLTL and as Caleb. He’s sexy as hell and has incredible charm. I’m holding out hope that they don’t get rid of him but somehow light a spark under Finn! He is a doctor…and could become vital if they let him.
@rebecca1
The problem with both Silas and Finn were that neither were a part of a core/legacy family. ME could’ve been a good Steven Lars.
Once Jason came back on the scene, KeMo was destined for that pairing. Silas and Ava worked as friends (not a couple). The character basically ran out of story.
Finn showed promise through his friendship with Tracy. Now that she’s gone, his only connections on the canvas are Hayden and Monica (and the lizard). If he stays, they’ve got to give us a reason to really care about the character.
That was a really great performance by James Patrick Stuart. Some of you may not know that music runs in his family. His father is Chad Stuart, half of the duo Chad & Jeremy, who had a bunch of hits in the 60’s as part of the so-called British Invasion in the aftermath of the arrival of The Beatles. I liked all of the performances on today’s show. Long live GH!
Mister Media…Thanks for the info about JPS’s father being Chad Stuart of Chad & Jeremy. I did not know. Maybe that has a little bit to do with the way Valentin played to Nina, much his dad’s style, even if it was a Billy Joel song.
Didn’t know that about his father. Thanks for the trivia! Love it! Yes, t’was a good performance–playing piano AND singing. Go!
And the other half of the duo, Jeremy Clyde, launched an acting career after his initial musical success with Chad….(even though they do still perform together on occasion.) I’ve often spotted him in British tv shows and movies.
I had no clue, Shay. No wonder…. his talent shows!!
James was also, Dixie’s brother, Will on AMC.
do you know where Lexi Ainsworth (Christina) got her outfit she was wearing for her performance at the nurses ball?
Thank you
What song did Jocelyn sing and who is the original singer? Great job! Love the ball every year!!! Thanks
The performances were really good today. I love Billy Joel and am happy to see one of his songs surprisingly performed quite well by Valentin.
The side stories sucked! MORGAN MORGAN MORGAN! I am so sick of this character! I got him off my screen but he will not go away!
Then there is CRYchael running to Nelle’s side. Snore Snore snore!
Valerie looked beautiful. Her dress was gorgeous. Why not reboot her and have her do something else on the show other than being a cop. Lets forget the whole Dante thing and have her work at the Metro Court and fall in love with Sonny. [Just kidding]
#JAMESPATRICKSTUARTNURSEBALL2017 was incredible.
James P.Stuart as Valentin Cassadine singing the most beautiful rendition of a lovely song like that was top-notch not near perfect but PERFECTLY done. I am re-watching it a few x, and will all year off and on, only the 1 scene with this handsome talented, “Bad-boy turn good charmer.” The tall lovely NINA has to forgive him.Heck, i would! LOL but not for a “cheating on the physical level with another nope.”i would take him back for the “emotional-connect thing going on with ANNA!” Heck they did not have sex, or nothing like that. He clearly love nina.
1 of GH best performance,scenes ever, he clearly love and is “in love with her.”
I have chills still watching it over again today, what a great scene.I hope nina take him back. I love Nina,Valentin and Charlotte,and i hope they make it.
To Timmm lmfao on “your morgan morgan morgan comment”i so agree. UGH .
But i am happy it is all out now and AVA the killer of CONNIE/KATE and the loser who change a patient pills is below even her to do this,and i am happy sonny know.
Wow: this is Tony Geary/Luke Spencer redux!
As we all remember, Geary’s Luke was brought to GH as a short-term, non-contract villain to cause problems for Scotty and Laura. Geary’s talent and charisma exploded off the screen, making him an unexpected star. The show was re-built around Luke, and his evil deeds were “whitewashed” by rewrites.
This is exactly the same situation with James Patrick Stuart as Valentin Cassadine. He was intended to be a short-term, non-contract villain — murderer of Nic, for heaven’s sake — who is becoming hugely, unexpectedly popular, especially with female fans. The song cinched it, as clearly the writers know what they have in him: a smouldering, tragic, romantic, anti-hero.
FIrst: when will this actor be put on contract? Second: Nic needs to be alive so that Val remains viable as a character.
However, in building his storyline, the writers have trashed what I think was his most interesting relationship: with Anna Devane. Stuart and Finola Hughes have amazing chemistry. But now that all has been explained — it was Alex not Anna who did Val in — there is no reason for Anna and Val to be in each other’s orbits. She has no sexual attraction to him. This is the real disappointment with a storyline I have frankly loved: the cat and mouse game between Anna and Val. All is now explained and they needn’t share scenes anymore, as Anna (unlike Alex) has no desire to bed Val for whatever purpose, or ruin his marriage to the emotionally unstable Nina.
If this is the end of Anna and Valentin, I will lose some interest. Val and Nina are very good together, but I am not invested in Nina, as I am invested in Anna. This is Anna’s best story IN YEARS, and JPS is FH’s best acting partner since Tristan Rogers and Ian Buchanan (during Duke’s initial run in the 1980s).
Sooo, like other fans of Anna and Valentin, this seems a dead end to what was a fascinating “dance” between the actors.
But, cheers to Mr. Stuart for making Val the most interesting male to surface on GH in YEARS! Now, can TPTB give him a contract????
Tristan, yes, yes and yes.
Anna and Valentin have a deep connection and their chemistry is through the roof.
Throwing her twin in the mix just deflected and yes, kind of ruined their story.
Moreover, I watched AMC when Alec Merrick was on and she was a very sweet, albeit fragile, character.
They turned her into a shrew for no apparent reason. Valentin comes alive when in Anna’s presence and vice versa. They have rumblings of a supercouple but as you assert, that is going to be difficult now with the Nina/Alex debacle.
The character of “Nina” is a debacle unto herself….and becomes one for any male to whom she hitches her wagon! ‘Tis a real shame that Valentin is now the one shackled to that shrew when he is utter perfection with Anna!
Harry, indeed: Anna and Valentin do have super couple promise written all over them!!!! Nina is far too unstable to function as his great love in any storyline. So, I remain mystified about whether there IS any story left for Anna and Val, after so many of us were seduced by their chemistry. If not, WHAT A WASTE!!!!!!
Gloria Monty would have seen this and, bam, created a slow, luxurious build for Anna and Val, gradually unearthing the secrets and depths that both characters have. Anna is deep. NIna, on the other hand, is all out there. We know her. Her entire adult life was spent in a coma. Now, she is trying to live life and create a persona, where none existed, or was extinguished mid-development. But…there is little left to learn, hence she is not a rich foil for what lies beneath the surface of Valentin.
If Anna and Valentin are over, all I ‘ll say is: this constitutes one of the biggest fails of modern GH history (and there are many fails). When you discover gold, you don’t leave it in the mine and settle for mere tin.
Nina is no more damaged than Valentin…she spent twenty years of her life in an actual coma…Valentin lived the majority of his life as an outcast…though productive and brilliant spurned and probably celibate until Alex slept with him. In my opinion that’s the beauty of their bond, two lost souls who found each other, understand each other and accept each other. Valentin, like Nina, lost his way. And now ‘they’re found.”
Sigh… 🙂
hi rebecca1 ..
yes yes yes!!!
I agree with you, right on !!!
well thank you, su!!!
Now THAT”S what I’m talking about! (Gotta Have) Faith with “Ned” and “Olivia”! Should’ve started with that up-tempo number! Good on them!
Kiki and Dillon–TOO frenetic–would have been more enjoyable with a bit less “business” on stage with them. But a cute couple, nonetheless.
“…As he sings, Nina watches on with tears welling in her eyes, as this man pours his heart out to her in the song ”
just a full on serial recipe of dream and – heart – pull
this reaches
Finale–very moving! Genie and other cast members seemed moved also. Kimberly’s remarks poignant and perfect.
Final review of Nurses’ Ball 2017—way too choppy for any sustained impression–some nice moments and a fine ending.
Well I have watched it and I have not been happy with GH for a while but I thought they did a nice job some of it cheesy but you take the bad with the good. I do not if you played the drinking game every time they said Morgan or the pills you were indeed intoxicated. As for Ava you go girl get you a good lawyer those pills have went thru how many hands? All circumtantional evidence my darling MW deserves better then this I personally think she has done this show a favor taken out Morgan and Connie! Go Ava next on your list the little mobster and his shrieking wife. Does Carl ever shut that trap??
Carly ! Oops
EXCELLENT SHOWS!!!! CONGRATS TO THE MANY TALENTED PEOPLE OF G.H.
Loved Valentin , Jocelyn and both Q brothers and olive !!
Loved James Patrick Stuart , my favorite performance! Missed Anna and (someone) performing the Tango. Would have loved to hear Kathleen Gati sing again this year. Missed Emma singing, she is such a talent. I was puzzled to hear Dylan sing without Kiki…… he sang and she just danced/walked around. Why didn’t they perform a duet?? Most disappointing for me…. Robin didn’t show in person. More actors could have performed, they had a lot of dead space. The fans like to be surprised by the actors showing off their God given talents.
In recapping the ball, there were some fine performances, but many questions abound:
1. Was this the first year that the performances took a seat way behind the reveal of ongoing storylines?
2. Does Becky’s new contract state she doesn’t have to perform in the NB? It seemed strange that she was the only nurse not in the opening or closing numbers. Even JZ lip synched her way through both.
3. Was anyone else annoyed by the overuse of auto tune?
4. (Maybe most important) This was the first year that no doctors performed. Griffin? Liesl? Andre? On a show called General Hospital, could we be down to only 2 Doctor characters on contract?
5. Can WK & RPW perform together next year? They’d knock it out of the park!
Wonderfully entertaining episode of GH! I just love the Nurses Ball so much! The two big stories had strong cliffhangers, some major movement, and are about to climax at the same time! The next two days will be must see TV! I was happy with the three music acts on this day. We had two strong ballads and one pretty fun number.
I enjoyed the opening performance with the four girls for what it was. A cute catchy feelgood upbeat group number. Loved my favorite Corinthos kid, Kristina, working the stage in those cute overalls. I am happy to see Krissy not stressing for once and just having some fun. Please start writing for Lexi again! Your daytime emmy winner for best young actress! I always like getting these rare appearances from Valerie, who was looking hotter than ever during the performance, and liked her scene with Krissy in the dressing room even despite the product placement. Emma? What can I say about this little doll? Super adorable in her performance!
Eden McCoy isn’t just a talented young actress (that was perfectly casted as the daughter of Laura and Ingo) but she is also a pretty good singer to go along with it. I remember her very first episode was in the fall of 2015 during the hospital wedding of Sonny and Carly. She played the flute so they’d have some form of music. I really liked her performance on this nice tender ballad and felt it worked well in the romances of Sonny/Carly and Michael/Nelle. I am not a fan of teen scenes on soaps, but Joss is the character to build one around cause Eden is a beautiful skilled actress. She knows how to project the right emotions and sell a scene as it’s meant to be played.
Holy Mackerel! James Patrick Stuart stole the show with that outstanding touching romantic ballad! Wow! This impressive actor and the complex character he plays are both multidimensional. I was blown away by how good James sounded and felt like those lyrics really fit well with Valina’s current state. She would break his heart, too, if they were to break up. He sold his musical talent perfectly and projected his character’s feelings perfectly. Yes! What a great day to be a Valina fan! I am so very pleased that Valentin is still fighting hard as hell to win back Nina and not giving up so fast like some other men on GH over the years. This was such a grand romantic gesture of him pouring his heart out through song to his wife and what a perfect cherry on the top in his determined unwavering pursuit to not lose the woman he wants. Valentin would not be denied on this day and cut a check to Lucy to make it happen. I have loved watching the transformation of this great new couple in Valina. The sexy blazing molten hot chemistry starting last summer and has also turned into a more sweet sensitive vulnerable romantic love. I had such high hopes that this marriage of convenience would shift into a marriage of love. The looks on the faces of Valentin and Nina during that performance left me no doubt they are the real deal. Valentin is finally ready to let go of the past and let the present to begin. He wants to be apart of a mutual love story based on real equal feelings and not lose the family he has come to worship. Two broken damaged wounded souls that have ended up with the gift of completing each other. This was the second straight day we were robbed of the eventual Valina moment so hopefully third times the charm by week’s end. I want this to be the last of Anna/Alex in Valina’s orbit’s for a while.
Sonny is putting it all together with the help of Andre and Dante! The pill that crumbled in Morgan’s bottle was a placebo. He knows that the meds were tampered with by someone and someone was setting Morgan up to spiral out of control. Sonny is going to remember that smoking gun quote from Ava “I didn’t mean for it to get that far” during that scene at the gallery when he thought she was the one who planted the bomb. I also beleive that Carly will recall those two times Ava was upstairs all alone, with the outright lie that she was taking a gift to Avery, but she was really switching out the pills in Morgan’s room. Ava has made a few cryptic remarks to Carly after Morgan’s death like that one time she tried to convince her a little too hard the death was an accident and there’s not a hidden mystery about it. Ava is the only one who had access to the house and the motive to want to ruin Morgan’s life to get Kiki away from him by any means. Sonny and Carly will make a united front and go after Ava with everything in them.
Valentin will never forgive himself if Charlotte is hurt by Jake releasing the toxin.
Very thorough analysis. Eden (Joss) is a real find. They have to SORAS Cameron now as Joss needs someone in her age group.
Like Kimberly Mc before her, Brooklyn S is so good. Emma can never be SORASed!
Enjoyed reading all the comments about the ball. I have replayed Valentin’s song a dozen times. Loved his version of the B. Joel song.
Can’t wait to see if Ava gets out of this situation. I’d hate to see Maura West leave the show. Have enjoyed her acting since she was on ATWT.
I have always thought the song he sang was Billy Joel’s greatest composition. This actor did Mr. Joel proud !
General Hospital
Cameron Mathison Previews New Game Show ‘Beat The Bridge’ (Promo)
As previously reported, Cameron Mathison (Drew, General Hospital) will be seen doing double duty this summer when he premieres in June as the host of Game Show Network’s Beat The Bridge.
Now, while Cameron will be the host with the most, that doesn’t mean he will stop playing GH’s Drew. In fact, Mathison taped the game show in 2023, so it will now air for the first time in 2024.
Taking to his Instagram this week, Cameron shared his enthusiasm and some new hosting snaps, sharing, “Our newest game show host reporting for duty😎 Head over to the Game Show Network YouTube channel for your first look at the show and don’t miss Beat The Bridge premiering this June! I can’t wait for you guys to see this!”
Photo: GSN
In Beat The Bridge, an enormous interactive bridge dares players to cross by stepping on the right answers to challenging trivia questions. As they play, each steps forward and puts money in their team’s bank, with bonus money for each successful crossing. Here’s the catch: the team gets to keep the money only if it can “beat the bridge” by returning one of its players back across before time expires.
Photo: ABC
Meanwhile, on GH, Drew and Nina (Cynthia Watros) recently had hate-sex. Do you think its a one-time deal? Where will Drew’s story take him next under new head writers, Patrick Mulcahey and Elizabeth Korte? Stay tuned.
Now below, check out the first promo for Beat The Bridge from the Game Show Network with you host, Cameron Mathison. Then, let us know, will you be checking out the game this summer? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nina Confronts Ava for Sabotaging Her Relationship With Sonny and Signs the Divorce Papers
Looks like Nina (Cynthia Watros) and Ava (Maura West) are back to be each other’s sworn enemy number one. By the end of the Monday, April 22nd episode of General Hospital, the women know where they stand with each other after Nina goes in on Ava accusing her of wanting Sonny (Maurice Benard) all to herself, while her marriage has been on the rocks.
In story, at Nina’s office, Ava shows up to see Nina and says she is sorry about what happened with Sonny and that he reacted the way he did, acknowledging that is was over the top, even for Sonny. Ava says she’ll smooth things over, but Nina says she now understands how manipulative and transparent Ava really is.
Given their horrible history, Nina goes in on Ava and how she should never have trusted her. Nina wants to know how long has Ava had this agenda dating all the way back to telling Nina to turn Carly (Laura Wright) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) into the SEC. Ava says she never told her do to that, but Nina wants to know how long Ava has been playing her for a fool.
Courtesy/ABC
Ava says she moved in with Sonny to keep Avery safe and she wants to be on good terms with Avery’s father, Sonny. Nina thinks she likes being in Sonny’s inner circle. Ava tells Nina if she goes to him about her advising Nina to call the SEC on Carly and Drew, it won’t work. Sonny still considers Nina a traitor and he will think she’s lying because she’s so desperate to win him back. Ava says if Nina would stop blaming everyone else that maybe Sonny would respect her. Nina says “like he does you?” Ava says Sonny not only respects her, but he also counts on her.
From there, Ava launches into why she and Sonny understand each other, after all, Sonny is a powerful, turbulent, and sometimes violent man. She goes so far to say if Nina wanted someone to just sit by the fire with and play with their grandchildren, she’s got the wrong guy. Ava then talks about Mike from Nixon Falls (Sonny with amnesia) and how Sonny hid the darkest parts of himself from Nina back then, whereas with Ava they are the same similar creatures, so he doesn’t have to hide anything.
Courtesy/ABC
Nina wants to know just what Ava wants with Sonny? What is her end game? Ava responds that they understand each other, in ways she can’t with Sonny. Nina tells Ava she can go ahead and have it all and signs Sonny’s divorce papers. Ava walks out with the documents, while Nina in tears at her desk, takes off her wedding rings and has her assistant come in so she can messenger the rings back to Sonny’s address.
The episode and these scenes featured great performances by Cynthia Watros and Maura West. You can check some of the scenes below.
Now, let us know, what is Ava’s next move? Is she going to become Mrs. Sonny Corinthos? Do you like Ava and Nina as enemies? Comment below.
General Hospital
Ellen Travolta Makes Another Return to General Hospital
If General Hospital’s Chase (Josh Swickard) and Brook Lynn’s (Amanda Setton) nuptials are on, you didn’t think Grandma Gloria Cerullo would miss out on the festivities, now did you?
Casting news from Soap Opera Digest reveals that Ellen Travolta is back taping scenes that will air the week of May 13th on the ABC daytime drama series. When viewers learned that Carmine Cerullo, was also on his way back to Port Charles, now in the face and body of actor George Russo, it only made sense that Grandma Gloria would join Grandpa Cerullo. Look for them both mid-May.
As most people know, Ellen is the older sister to John Travolta. She first make appearances as Gloria back on GH in the mid-90s. Most recently, she returned to the Quartermaine mansion to meet up with daughter, Lois (Rena Sofer) and granddaughter Brook Lynn for Thanksgiving in Port Charles in 2023. Michael Fairman TV interviewed Rena Sofer and Amanda Setton late last year where they shared what it had been liking working with Ellen, who remains very close to Sofer in real-life.
Photo: JPI
Amanda shared: “We fell in love immediately. What’s crazy is my maternal grandmother was Grandma Gloria. I had her till I was 30 and we were so close. She was really like a second mom to me. So, when I got this script and I’m reading “Grandma Gloria”, it was so bizarre. And then in meeting Ellen, she looks like my grandma – same haircut, same high cheekbones. It really did feel like I had a few days with my grandma. It was very, very special for me. Ellen is sweet, prepared, professional, talented and funny to boot. So, it was one of the best weeks I’ve had at work. I hope she comes back. My fingers are crossed.”
Photo: ABC
Now, we can’t imagine Brook Lynn and Chase’s wedding day to be smooth sailing, in fact, expect just the opposite, but could it be Grandma Gloria who is ultimately the hero or the calming voice of reason for any pre-wedding jitters? Stay tuned.
So, glad to know that Ellen Travolta will be back for Brook Lynn and Chase’s big day? Comment below.
Sean Kanan’s Stepdaughter, Juliet Vega, to Appear on The Bold and the Beautiful
Cameron Mathison Previews New Game Show ‘Beat The Bridge’ (Promo)
Y&R’s Michelle Stafford Talks on Her Lead Actress Daytime Emmy Nomination, Allison Lanier, and ‘Pacific Palisades’ with Finola Hughes
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nina Confronts Ava for Sabotaging Her Relationship With Sonny and Signs the Divorce Papers
Kim Kardashian, Emma Roberts and Marlene King Land ‘Calabasas’, a Soap in the Vein of the ‘O.C’ and ‘Beverly Hills 90210’, at Netflix
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Cameron Mathison Previews New Game Show ‘Beat The Bridge’ (Promo)
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