General Hospital
GH's Nancy Lee Grahn Dishes On: Alexis Falling Off The Wagon, The Julexis Conundrum, And Her Emmy-Nominated Work!
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
One of the most highly-regarded actresses appearing on daytime television is General Hospital’s Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis). Over the past many months fans of the long-running ABC soap opera, which turns 54 years young today, have watched the perils of Alexis Davis escalate to such epic proportions that this once powerhouse attorney has had to continually turn to the bottle as her solace over her tortured relationship with the presumed dead, Julian Jerome (William deVry).
But is he really a-goner? Dead or alive, can Alexis get Julian out of her system, when she constantly sees vision of him when she has gone on a bender? Could fans see the end of Julexis once and for all?
On-Air On-Soaps caught up with La Grahn to get her thought on the story developments over the past few months including: the return of Tonja Walker as Olivia Jerome, how Nancy plays and interprets those complex scenes of hitting the bottle, while feeling this pull towards a man who has betrayed her and caused her so much pain, if she sees Alexis returning to help those in need of counseling in the courtroom, and her Emmy submission in the Lead Actress category, which puts her in the spot to go for gold come April 30th at the upcoming 44th Annual Daytime Emmys.
Nancy is no stranger to Emmy gold having won two previous Supporting Actress statuettes. Will this be the year she adds a ‘Lead Actress’ Emmy to her mantel? We will all soon find out. For now, here’s what the always shoot-from-the-hip, candid, and funny, actress shared with us.
Alexis is not doing so well! That’s putting it mildly, after so much collateral damage and the fallout with Olivia Jerome (Tonja Walker) and Liv’s brother, Julian. Speaking of OJ, what did you think of the plotpoint where Alexis did not know that the woman who was her AA sponsor was really this mobster gal gone haywire?
Courtesy/ABC
NANCY: I thought it was very clever, and I thought it was a good twist. I would have liked that to play out longer, but they had to wrap things up and do what they are doing in the story. But it would have been really great to see those two women establish a relationship. So that when you find she, Olivia Jerome, is ‘cuckoo lady’, there’s more of an impact, but I think that was about timing.
This week, Alexis hit the bottle again and got drunk! Do you think she can stay off the booze? Do you even want her to?
NANCY: I think it would be very unrealistic for her not to slip up. There is nothing easy. It should be very messy and very challenging, in my opinion. If Alexis went into a meeting and all of sudden she’s sober, that’s not the way it is in real life. That’s not what happens and the statistics don’t support that. Now that may be what happens in soap opera, but it’s not what happens in real life and not without a lot of slippage. That’s what I would like to see happen and what should happen, but I don’t get a vote on that. That is up to our writers.
When Alexis has looked at Julian during certain moments, it looks like she is still in love with him. Does she truly still love him? Is she in a conundrum, after all of the misery and pain this man has brought her?
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NANCY: I think she’s in a “conundrum”. That is a good word for her. She is in this conundrum, and there have been so many pieces, and it’s been so extreme, and so traumatic. There’s that letter he left her, and it explains stuff, but it doesn’t explain enough. There is no pat way to bring this together. I was curious, and I wanted to know from a large group of people, and not just the people on Twitter (whom I love their passion and so appreciate), “What do they want?” I am not sure people would buy Julian and Alexis being together.
How do you bring Alexis back to being this strong lawyer we all have come to know and love following her downward spiral?
NANCY: I wouldn’t say you are not strong, because you are flawed. It’s boring playing walking around being functional all the time. I don’t want to go back and play somebody that has it all together. That is why the alcoholism storyline is interesting, because I didn’t play it stereotypical on purpose. I worked very specifically not to do that. I want to say too, that I have such respect for people who have addiction. I wanted this and them to be treated honorably,
It’s always a challenge for any actor on a soap to maintain the integrity of their character … a lot has to do with the writing regime at one point in time, or a storyline.
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NANCY: The show has done very well for me over the past year. And in regards to my Emmy tape, it’s the first time I have submitted something that I am not embarrassed by. So, kudos to the writers!
What were the scenes that you submitted for Lead Actress Emmy contention?
NANCY: There was one show where Alexis just laid in to Julian and it was like a monologue. I said “You will never come near this child” when Alexis thought she might be pregnant. He made me so mad that day that I hit him, and it was real, because it wasn’t in the script! (Laughs) The other scene was in a seedy motel room when I wake up, and there are flashback scenes of Alexis being drunk and then some scenes with Jax (Ingo Rademacher), and then I did one in the bar with Julian and that initial “FU” where Alexis takes the phone and throws it, and breaks it. So there were a couple of those, and then I had put in the scene where Alexis realizes what Julian was doing with the dagger. I hadn’t had anything like this in years, and years.
The year you last won the Emmy, you did not like the material?
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NANCY: It was one scene! I yelled at Laura Wright (Carly) for 20 minutes and they gave me an Emmy (Laughs) I wasn’t’ even there to accept the award. Clearly, I wasn’t expecting to win.
How do you justify Alexis’ decisons and actions in recent months?
NANCY: When you are madly in love with someone you want to believe something. She still has that urge for Julian and she doesn’t know why.
Do you think Alexis will go back to being a lawyer, and when would it happen?
NANCY: I think she absolutely has to go back to being a lawyer. I think the whole definitive thing for her is her fight for justice. She has had a lot of trauma and a lot of horrible things have happened in her life unjustly.
Do you miss the courtroom drama?
NANCY: It depends. I loved the breast-feeding case, because it meant something. But just to be a lawyer to prove somebody didn’t do something, and to play the generic soap opera lawyer can be, at times, very boring,
What are your hopes moving forward for Alexis?
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NANCY: I don’t want to go back to just being a caretaker, and being there for everyone. They now have dimensionalized Alexis, and they gave her an inner-life. It has been really fun and gratifying. These ladies, (GH head writers: Shelly Altman and Jean Passanante) appreciate women. Jean Passanante is as passionate about politics as I am. She is so on it, and we are simpatico in that way. Jean and Shelly are interesting women. They appreciate women who have a moral compass and a moral code, because they relate to it, and they get it. They think it’s interesting, and it is interesting. I have hope for Alexis’ future.
So, will Julian be revealed to be alive and will Julexis reunite? Do think Alexis should find love and happiness down the line with a new man in her life? Do you want Alexis to continue to battle the bottle? Would you like to see her get herself together and win an important legal case? What have you thought of Nancy’s Emmy-nominated performances? Comment below!
I love Julexis and want them back but a little more explanation should be required such as was their home bugged and Jules knew so that is why he staged the “killing” scenes? They were brutal and need more of an explanation…that being said, Julexis is the only reason I watch GH….I (and the rest of Julexis Army members) need them back PRONTO.
This is one actress who has literally and devastatingly turned my head.
Nancy molded Alexis into a very real-to-life phenomenon……with all the human flaws into which any of us has the potential of falling.
I cannot praise her work any more than I already have, in my past posts.
Nancy: you amaze me. I started not liking Alexis too much. But, your perfect, impeccable talent turned this one-dimensional character into a living, breathing woman with deeply-set, agonizing issues. Thank you.
You deserve the Emmy for your laborious process of developing and showing the audience ‘a day ( or a few, lol) in the life’ of an alcoholic. And, how easily one can succumb to that ‘evil’. Kudos and good luck!!
Well, CeeCeeGirl, you already know we majorly part company on this specific subject…sobeit, I can disagree with you (vehemently!) and still appreciate your sentiments and the eloquent manner in which you express them. But having said that, I admit I absolutely abhor this character and her immense flaws, and with all candor, my criticisms go way beyond the previously expounded-upon observations regarding those mock-worthy apparel issues and OTT amorous activities of this woman “of a certain age.” To me, there is nothing admirable or laudatory about Alexis….she is a weak-willed, pathetic creature who is quite frankly a profound embarrassment to females, in general…..I see no “empowerment” whatsoever in this gratuitous portrayal of a beyond-needy individual who has no concept of self-esteem or personal responsibility for her many shortcomings and failings . Despite being told that this woman is so darn brilliant, she seemingly possesses not a whit of common sense or enlightened self-awareness as to how her repeatedly poor life choices have been totally detrimental, not only to her own well-being, but those around her….instead of learning from her same, oft-repeated mistakes…which is what a normally mature, functioning adult and a truly intelligent person would instinctively do, she has time and time again refused that option…and yet, we are supposed to feel sympathy or some sort of kinship to this miserable example of female humanity? Well, to put it quite simply, I don’t!!! Whilst I’ve never been a close acquaintance of anybody remotely like Alexis, and have assiduously avoided being in the casual company of her sort, I can tell you that of the really upstanding, do-right females (representing a variety of age ranges…) that I happen to know and who have seen this character, they are as appalled and disapproving of her as I am….yes, we have had numerous discussions about Alexis for many preceding years before–and following—our mutual musings here….either in person or even via texts on certain choice occasions!…If you think my posted comments have been brutal and blistering, well, they’ve been nothing compared to the past assessments my friends/family and I have shared regarding this character! As emotionally strong, very proudly together and deeply respectable women, we just have no use for her type of femme…in our estimation, they are to be looked upon with nothing short of utter disdain because they are an immense insult to our entire gender—the kind of female that gives all of us ladies a bad name! Furthermore, in light of our nation’s currently escalating environment of far too many so-called adults who don’t have a handle on their own sobriety, whether due to alcohol or more so, the heinous hard drugs that are becoming epidemic in our society, I recognize no value or reason in applauding this self-indulgent glorification of a woman on the edge of a truly deplorable downfall of her own design….it actually validates and excuses the selfish, disgusting behavior of innumerable real-life counterparts who are causing myriad problems for this country and its people at an unprecedented rate and level. I say this with all sincerity, because for me this revolting scourge is deadly serious business affecting innocent lives of men, women and children everywhere…it’s not a matter for a superficial, sensational storyline, and given how this particular character is presented, I don’t even see it as a case of public service, since it’s such a predictable and contrived tale that in my opinion was merely created to give this actress a shot at an Emmy which she so clearly craves….in another more idyllic day and age, a tipsy, debauched soap matron who finds solace in the bottom of a bottle may have been successfully played for equal parts of tragedy and comedy, but not in the present-day perilous circumstances we are all facing on a daily basis. It’s just not funny or entertaining anymore…(And by the by, I harbor the same trepidation about Finn’s tale of addiction, even though I adore Michael Easton!)
I wholeheartedly agree, Shay! I don’t see anything to praise about a person with an addiction.
I grew up with 2 uncles and an aunt on my mother’s side who were alcoholics. They were DRUNKS. Disgusting. Selfish. Abusive. Embarassing. Ugly. Rude. etc. They almost destroyed their families and fought against all possible help.
What I applaud in them is when they saw what their addictions were doing and fought to come back through rehab and counseling AND THEN FORGIVENESS. One small story was my uncle had gotten soooo bad into his alcoholism that one evening he slapped my aunt across the face. My cousin took a BAT and swung it at him – purposefully missed – and told him to get out and if he ever hit her mother again the BAT would hit his target hard! He walked out and went to his church, they took him to rehab, and to this day – 17 years later – my uncle has been sober, has a wonderful relationship with all his immediate family and the extended. He’s the man my mother remembers growing up with. AND its a constant battle. THAT is something to be praised and to have respect for with addiction.
Nancy, as great an actress as she is, is a little too full of her own ego for my liking. She comes across to me – AND PLEASE, I am not a “HATER” as Ms Grahn likes to call anyone who calls out an opposing viewpoint on twitter & social media – as though she is playing a highly complex character with long festering demons within her soul. I’m sorry, Nancy, but Alexis became an alcoholic when the stress of dating or being in love or being married to another mobster proved too hard for her. The character, instead of doing what NO WOMAN OR MAN on this show seems to be able to do, didn’t walk away from the criminal but opted to make his crimes her burden.
Even when her grandchild could have burned to death or simply suffocated from smoke inhalation when she blacked out from being drunk – LET’S refer to this as my uncle’s “bat” moment – she just went on drinking. Even today, after family and friends have asked and begged her (and her daughters did an intervention), ALexis still drinks.
Foolishly, like Finn presently, the writers and the character believe that NON-PROFESSIONAL addiction experts/doctors/counselors, etc can cure or help an addict. They lie to hospital boards and the bar association about the stability of the characters in question. If Nancy wants to say this is “EMMY WORTHY PERFORMANCE” than Nancy needs to stand up to the writers and say “Alexis needs to go to ACTUAL REHAB and see the ACTUAL affects of coming down off an addiction!!
Sorry, Nancy, you are a great actress but the story you are acting in right now is STUPID and DANGEROUS beyond belief. And the addict shouldn’t be praised or admired. They need HELP. The RECOVERING ADDICT deserves the PRAISE and ADMIRATION and hopefully, forgiveness.
Right now, your story on GH is one big FALSE FLUFF PIECE that proves why daytime is the D-LIST of storytelling.
Wow, Shaybelle. I don’t know what to say after that?!
You, of all people, know how I criticized Alexis….her clothing, her behavior etc. and, you also know I was castigated and dragged through Hades for verbalizing said opinions.
But, as soon as Alexis was rid of Julian, I started liking the character more and more. Unfortunately, she went off the deep end, as it were.
I don’t think there is a set age for succumbing to any addiction….I have no clue, as I have never been exposed to anyone close to me with such a problem. However, any member of the medical profession is well aware that addiction is indiscriminate of age, sex or faith.
I do not think the intention is to bring women down, strong or otherwise.
What I do not understand is the angst against the actress, especially by paul connoly. I get why we fall into the temptation of criticizing the character, but, Paul? You are attacking Nancy. So much anger….She did not write the storyline. It is her job to act out the script. That’s going a bit too far, as far as I’m concerned. What was she to do?
Furthermore, how can anyone not praise Nancy? Regardless of the fact that the theme has been overrun and overused, it does not negate the fact that Nancy did a ‘smashing’ job. That is my opinion, Paul. And, I am merely expounding what I feel for the sake of argument. It is a soap!!!!!!!
Shay, my love, you have the advantage over me……you are familiar with Alexis since way back when. I have only known her since her ‘affiliation’ with Julian and the aftermath. LOL.
All I am saying is that I think Alexis needed to go through this ordeal. For those of us who do not know the character, in depth, I find this ‘exposure’ to be a good lesson.
I do not want Julian back into her life….but, many do. C’est la vie. We can agree to disagree.
“I disprove with what you say, but I will defend to death your right to say it”. LOL.
At least, you and I, Shay, can be civil to each other….as always.
Ciao, bella.
Paul Connolly: While I think that Nancy does deserve to win the Emmy for an outstanding performance this year; I must say, I do agree with you regarding her Twitter account. Honestly, I am surprised that TPTB allow her to tweet what she does to the fans that oppose her viewpoint. I understand Freedom of Speech, etc., however, she is not respectful of other’s views and the language she uses, in and of itself, is quite disturbing. I wonder if her co-workers are turned off by her very vocal political viewpoints?
@dmr…
I don’t follow Twitter but I do see and respond to Nancy on FB and I and many other LOVE her political views. As you know everyone from all walks of public life have weighed in and continue to weigh in on this presidency. All of late night, SNL, Alec Baldwin, DeNiro, etc have expressed their, to put it mildly, disenchantment.
I doubt many of her co-workers disagree with her. I’d venture to say MOST agree. I know Ingo doesn’t which makes it particularly interesting that they are portrayed on such the same page/wavelength on GH. I personally couldn’t stand reading Ingo’s views. Totally turned me off to him. But, I close my eyes and let my imagination take me to Jax…and I tune Ingo out.
And by the way, I find it amusing that some are concerned with what Nancy tweets and if her bosses or co-workers are okay with that. I’d be a tad more concerned at what Trump tweets!
Perhaps “Jax” has not “lost his luster” after all!!!!!!!
Hi, my Shay,
All I can say is; Jax fell from grace, perhsps? I feel badly for those fans who have basked in the splendor of his “luster” for so many years.
Thankfully, I was never struck by his sunny ‘rays’. LOL.
Hey there, CeeCeeGirl! I was just jesting about “Jax”….not so much for Ingo, though!!! I admire a man who has the courage of his own convictions and will speak up for them even if it “offends” certain snowflake subgroups into meltdown mode. Freedom of speech, mia amica, freedom of speech….like you said, not just for me, but for thee, as well! You go, Ingo!!!!!
Very well-said, Celia. I totally agree with your read on Nancy’s performance. Such realism, great emotional depth; she surely deserves an Emmy.
Someone else commented on wanting to see more of her with Valentin. I’d like to see that too. Both of them had horrible experiences with Helena. We don’t know Valentin’s, but it would be interested to see them unveiled with Alexis closeby.
Nancy has been amazing. I would love to see more of Alexis’ story with Julian. There’s so much complexity there. Can she forgive him? Can she trust him? Can he be redeemed? Can he be the man they both want him to be? I’d like to see Julian and Alexis rebuilt from scratch.
Also, I’d love to see Alexis interact more with Valentin. He’s trouble, which can be fun.
Great interview with Nancy. I love her portrayal of Alexis. She gave a lot of moments that could give her that Emmy. I hope she wins. Congrats on your nomination Nancy.
I love her performance as shes one of the best actresses on the show,
alexis will never find happiness IMO as long as she is “married to the bottle.” I think Julian will come back and try to be part of her life.
Love NLG I would like to see Julexis reunited
I would buy into a julexis reunion. I have a Twitter account, but use it sparingly. Does my vote count? Or am I disqualified because I occasionally tweet the julexis hashtag?
Alexis needs to kick Julian to the curb for good. There are some things you can’t forget – Julian’s psychological mind games and his attempt to murder her – or explain away. For me, if that happens, it sends a strong message to viewers who may live with that abuse that they should just move past the abuse and stay with the man. I like Alexis as a strong kick butt lawyer not some weak woman who pines away for a man and hits the bottle.
From your mouth to the soap-gods’ ears, Kay.
Alexis assumes a completely different persona when paired with Julian. As you so well state, he cannot explain away his sordid, dastardly actions away, regardless of whatever events went on behind the scenes with his sister.
The only way Alexis can save herself is not to give into her two weaknesses–alcohol and Julian. A criminal is a criminal is a criminal. I hope he stays butied within the watery, murky ‘deep’.
Once bitten twice shy.
I will lose all respect for Alexis once again, if that union were to repest itself. She deserves better than Julian.
I hear what you’re saying about women…anyone for that matter…who stays with an abuser. I don’t see Julian as an abuser. This is a soap. And in that microcosm Julian was a man being threatened by a deranged person. We saw, when they did the reveal, how she had “eyes” everywhere and could get to his family at any given time. We saw him go from an extremely loving man…a devoted, loyal husband…to an out-of-control violent loon. I, and I think many other fans, would accept the reasoning that it was all an act…one which he was afraid to tell Alexis for fear that Olivia would somehow find out and get to her or his kids/grandkids. Sort of like when someone is kidnapped and the family is told to “come alone…no cops.” The wise thing, one would think, is to tell the cops anyway…but some fear the kidnappers would find out and kill their loved one.
If this was a straight abusive husband and the woman keeps going back I’d agree with you. This wasn’t abuse. This was GH mob stuff. And yes, we can ask why couldn’t Juliian just take her out…Well, the writers will have to spin their yarn to convince us he couldn’t. But I saw all along that Julian was tortured…how he was agonizing in jail…never a thought for his own safety…just desperate for Alexis to know he loved her, that he didn’t mean any of it, that somehow he hoped to have a chance to explain…
I don’t expect you’ll agree and that’s your right. I suspect the fans will be divided on this one. I’m one that would love them to get back together…it’ll be a rocky road and perhaps they’ll need counceling…perhaps it’ll come between them in the end. Don’t know. They’re a couple worth investing in. Great chemistry.
I totally agree Rebecca!! That’s exactly the way I see Julian and Alexis. Hoping they do reunite
I love Nancy’s work so much, I actually never reply to anything like this. Political stuff yes, but not soap stuff. She is just so good. I love this coupling so much that I am willing to have selective amnesia as to what has happened in the past.After all it is a soap opera.We have enough s..t going on in the real world that, we all need a bit of an escape, and I choose JULEXIS.
Bingo! (Read my post in response above!)
I agree Barbara and Rebecca 1.
Jean and Shelly like drunks/alcoholics..
At Y&R they wrote Nikki as a drinking again alcoholic and threw Niel in with it and had Jack a drug addic..
Those two really need help with imagination for New and improved stories..
((what happened to Nikis MS… lol))
As for Nancy Lee Grahn/Alexis BRAVO!
She is owning the suffering drunk.. great performance!
Love Alexis. Shes, the front runner for the Daytime Emmy
Nancy has done masterful work. She’s shined day in & day out. However, there is no way I’ll ever accept Julexis again. He threatened and abused her. He fantasized about killing her and then visciously tried to slit her throat. You must not normalize domestic violence. Julian should’ve been killed or sent off to prison.
The return of OJ in no way gives him an excuse IMO. In fact, he just looks worse (if you can believe that) So, Nancy touts Jelly as writing strong women? If that’s true then Alexis will rise from these ashes stronger but she will NEVER reconcile with her abuser.If she does then she’ll remain a victim.I do not want that for the once fierce Alexis Davis. The woman who did everything (including killing) her daughter’s abuser would never be copacetic with her own abuser.
Julian’s not an abuser! Please read my post a few comments above. (Dont’ have the umph to write the same thing again.) Of course that’s my take (and others) but there are others who won’t buy it. To each his own…Still, I vote for a reunion.
By the way, I’ve also mentioned this in other posts but somehow they managed to reconcile Luke and Laura…they reconciled Sonny and Carly (after he threatened to kil her if Olivia died) and in actuality these were real acts/threats. Julian’s were staged for Olivia’s eyes…doesn’t make it easier on Alexis’s psyche/emotons though…
I truly believe if Sonny hadn’t intervened Julian would have whispered into Alexis’s ear that they were being watched and to pretend he’d killed her…but never got the chance because Sonny ran in to help…
I completely get what you are saying, rebecca. Julian is not an abuser, per se, in the classical sense in the domesticity department……not as we picture an abuser to be. But, he is an abuser in so many different ways. He is a criminal. To me, that is a prominent abuse. Living a life of crime affects and abuses many family members’ psyche, I would think.
Alexis may not be a battered wife in the true sense of the word, but she is displaying all the symptoms of one. The welts, the wounds are not visible to the naked eye. Yet, here she is acting out all the classic signs of a ‘battered’ wife. Of course, this is just the way I discern her plight.
( Oh, did you notice how I spaced my paragraphs, rebecca? I know you like that…LOL…just teasin’).
LOL…CeeCee! I’ll get back to you later…gotta run!
Hi again CeeCee…
Just wanted to get back to you. Thanks for the paragraphs! 😉
I hear what you’re saying but I think Alexis WAS a battered woman for all intents and purposes when Julian “staged” unbeknownst to her, his cruel, dangerous streak against her. And, I agree it was horrific. Now, I just believe it’s the aftermath of everything that happened in a domino effect beginning with that…the spiraling down from Julian to loss of job to loss of self.
With that, I’d still like to believe it was a necessary evil and Julian had no choice. It’s a soap, lol, and that’s what I will believe if that’s how they spin it. I like him/her.
As for criminality, I think we all leave our morals at the door when we watch soaps. More than half of what transpires, especially on GH, is mob or crime related. And it involved much of the main characters. The good-looking criminal has always had an allure in TV and film…even back to those B&W movies. Because GH paints these guys as charming, loving with friends and family I guess I don’t just see their “mob” side. We’re also not exposed to in-your-face violence. It’s mostly done off-camera or with threats. So, if I saw Julian blowing people away on a daily basis…a cold, maniacal killer…I’d see the character differently. So far I just “know” he has a criminal past. He’s barely been portrayed that way. As for Duke’s killing, it’s never mentioned but if I recollect correctly it was Carlos who pushed for that. (not sure if I’m right on that but I think that was the way it went down…) And I am a Duke fan! But still, Duke would’ve taken him out, too.
LOL. The way we all debate these things you’d think we were dissecting Dostoyevsky or Shakepeare!
Thanks for the wonderful interview Michael!! I love Alexis and I love Nancy so I love getting her perspective on all things Alexis. I’m hoping she wins the Emmy this year. She has more than earned it!! She has given us so many Emmy winning scenes this past year I don’t even know how she could choose. A brilliant actress!!!
I Adore Nancy and hope she gets that lead Emmy. I think Julexis has been irreparably damaged and I loved them. I’ve always loved Alexis best when she interacts with Sonny. I miss their banter immensely. I hope she gets her license back and goes back to being Sonny’s attorney. I want to see her struggle with her addiction in a real way and to have her friends be involved in her recovery. Where’s Diane and Sonny and the honest supportive BFF convos? She’s alone too much. I’m simply thrilled to see a middle aged woman in a lead story. It’s refreshing and appreciated.
Nancy is such a great actress, i’m happy she’s enjoying playing Alexis more flawed, and i’m glad she’s not playing second banana to sonny,carly, sam and jason, or as i like to refer to them the awful foursome(the characters, not the actors), plus i’m not a fan of julian, he’s a weasel, i won’t get tired of calling him that. what i would love to see is alexis expand her friends circle,we know diane is her bff, but i really enjoy scenes w/ alexis and characters like Laura,Tracy,Anna,and ava, all these powerhouse actresses interacting w/ each other is must see tv…i’m really sad about Jane Elliot retiring, but thank the heavens for all the heavy hitting actresses this show has..
I think Grahn has a better chance of winning the Emmy next year because her drunken Alexis evolved into an even messier and more believable drunk after the cut off point to qualify for this year’s Emmys. I wasn’t buying it at first (recovering addict here), but as time went on, both the writing and Grahn’s performance became more believable (and messy). I agree with Grahn, she should have relapses. Alexis REALLY bottoming out for a sustained amount of time would make for great TV and would portray alcoholism more accurately. Great article, BRAVA Miss Grahn!
Jelly have a strange way of writing strong women. Ava and Lulu have to beg to see their kids. Jelly are just awful headwriters. Plus the men being hero’s of saving the hospital both times.
I had a good chuckle with the line about strong women, too. The mature woman who suddenly becomes an alcoholic is an overplayed plot line. It seems like this show likes to recycle Monica’s storylines and give them to Alexis a few years down the road. 1. Monica has a never-before thought about daughter (Dawn). 2. Monica has cancer. 3. Monica becomes an alcoholic and commits a DUI.
One of the main reasons Alexis has stuck around so long is that she’s always been a strong woman. Not optimistic that these writers will get her back to that level.
I’m laughing with you, Steve! (Except this storyline isn’t one bit funny….) As you have mentioned, this tale has already been told with Monica, although I do believe it was handled with much more sensitivity and less sensationalism than the current one….Dr. Quartermaine’s situation was infused with a greater dose of realism and public-service purpose than this ridiculously drawn one concerning Alexis and her continued trainwreck of a life….Furthermore, Leslie Charleson portrayed her character’s deteriorating physical condition with a real dignity and sense of despair for how a once respectable, highly-capable, mature professional had fallen from her lofty and accomplished perch in the medical community….it showed not just the feelings of personal isolation that led to her uncontrollable drinking, but the far-reaching dangers of her alcoholic haze and its accompanying horrors in her failed responsibilities as a surgeon and potential loss of her livelihood, which ultimately made her come to grips with addressing her unacceptable behavior. In other words, there was a real morality component and teachable quality to Monica’s story arc, it was not just a soapy opportunity for her character to chew the scenery and the actress to win accolades.
Strength comes in part on how you handle adversity. The writers have given Alexis a fierce battle. She hasn’t succumbed…she’s faltered and yet keeps rising to the surface. There is not one person in real life who could go through such trauma and come away unscathed. We each fall…and if we hopefully can find our strength, survive. So, yes, I do believe Alexis is a strong character…she always was…battling lung cancer, finding her daughter having sex with her husband, losing her sister and fighting Alcazar…to now. They’ve maintained her strength but given her another extraordinary cirumstance.
As for Ava and Lulu..neither one is backing down.
Making Alexis a later-in-life sudden alcoholic is not a strength moment — rather an outdated plot point. NLG is a great actress and is making the most of what she’s been given.
Sorry Steve…don’t see your point, at all. Things happen to people at all stages in their lives…there’s a point where people break. The trauma of having her heart ripped out and having her throat almost slit by the man she loved with all her heart…having lost her license to practice law…would drink many people to develop behaviors they might not have turned to in the past.
ALL people at times crumble…emotionally, physically, psychologically. I think it was a great vehicle to show how even a strong person can be broken and find their way back.
haha…drive…not drink.
I love Nancy and Julexis! They are complex, messy, and sexy. DeGrahn have incredible chemistry they belong together!
I would like #Julexis to reunite. It would be interesting to explore their backstory to find out why their connection is so strong after 30 years and one night together. Something, more than back seat action, happened that night to bond them which developed into a deep love that reignited when they saw each other again. In my mind, I believe this is the reason Alexis can forgive Julian because deep down she knew he would not kill her and she will be struggling with why she thought he would kill her instead of questioning what was going on and why he changed so abruptly. I think the original intent of the writers was to kill Julian so now we have to suspend logic in this Soap story to accept a reconciliation of the characters. They are that great together so I am willing to oversee the ridiculous writing to get them back.
Nancy has been amazing and I really want to see Alexis and Julian reunited they’re the reason I watch gh
I WANT THEM TOGETHER, PERIOD!!!
As for whether Julian is alive, it’s probably to NLG’s advantage if he’s not. Should he be alive, what possible long-term story could there be for these two? After reconciliation, they’d fade into the background. With Julian dead for the third and final time, Alexis would be free for a new romance (hello Jeff Webber!) in addition to reinstated attorney duties.
I sincerely hope people want Alexis and Julian back together because I sure do. They are the reason I came back to GH in 2013 and a huge reason I watch
“These writers appreciate women”
-Ava Jerome has disappeared and has to beg to see her daughter, despite having won custody
-Lucy Coe has turned into a blackmailer who would keep the truth about a child’s death a secret
-Anna has been given a blood disorder that fundamentally must change the fabric of her character.
-Sam hasn’t had a story in months other than to run around rubbing her belly and being hypocritical in her judgements of others including her father, Franco, and Elizabeth. Oh and she got pushed off a bridge.
-Elizabeth was made a glorified extra in the story about the return of her rapist
-Jordan hasn’t solved a case since she became police commissioner
-Alexis has devolved into a drunken mess who needs ghost Julian to save her from drinking rather than relying on her daughters.
-Carly lost all of her instincts and street smarts in regards to Nelle
-The rest of the women on the show (Olivia, Kristina, Molly, Felicia, Tracy, Laura, & Monica) are seen once a month
-Not one woman has saved themselves or anyone else from anything including a hangnail since Jean & Shelley have taken over the show.
If these writers value women, I’d hate to see what happens if they don’t.
Excellent – and thorough – evaluation. About the only 2 women who’ve been shown in strong, powerful light have been Bobbie and Hayden.
Don’t forget Lulu was to blame for Dante screwing her cousin! Then we got a slap them back together story with Lulu taking the lead and the blame.
Oh yes, I forgot dear Lulu.
In addition to what you said, Lulu has been obsessed with this baby or that baby for the last four years. First the surrogacy, then the Britt Rocco Drama (both RC) and now Jelly, instead of correcting course, have her chasing after first a thermos & now a child.
I also forgot Maxie, former spitfire, now reduced to a mere shadow of herself.
What a mess.
Once again…don’t agree. If anything, the writers show the flaws in the male characters:
Sonny broken…then goes back to his “dastardly” ways
Julian controlled by his psycho sister
Franco always coming in last and not respected even though he’s not any worse than any of the deranged/criminal characters that are part of GH’s fabric
Scott has never been respected (love him).
Brad’s gone back to his blackmailing ways
Andre was a fool for Jordan
Finn is a neurotic addict (love him too…and have empathy…) but Alexis is not the only “addict” due to unfortunate circumstances
The list goes on and on. It’s GH. I love the women on GH; don’t see any of them as pushovers…
Olivia? She stood right in the face of the “masked men.” Not a smart move…but a strong one.
Lucy was always a wheeler/dealer.
And…Lulu WAS to blame for Dante’s actions. He didn’t cheat; he thought they were over and found solace in a woman he’d formed a friendship with. Had Lulu told him instead of lying and going off with Dillon…would’ve been different. You can’t cheat if you think you’ve been cheated on and left.
I am really tired of Honey Loo Loo pouting and sulking about her daughter.
The other day she stuck out her lower lip and said to Laura,”Don’t you care that Valentin is stomping all over me?” Get over yourself Honey Loo Loo. You act like Charlotte is a toy and the fact that you don’t even have a handle on child psychology 101 means you really do not deserve Charlotte at this point in time.
On another note, some of you mandate that Alexis is too old to develop a drinking problem. There was a recent study which found that the greatest increase in recent diagnosed cases of alcoholism came from the senior citizen sector. You are never too old to become an alcoholic and the AMA declared alcoholism is a real disease. You wouldn’t judge someone suffering from cancer, would you?
On a positive note, Valentin and Anna’s chemistry is through the roof!
Take that, Nina!
No person is responsible for the choices of another. That includes Lulu & Dante. Dante made the choice to sleep with Valerie, he is responsible for that. I think it was crappy, because Dante would never do that. It was a real “Sonny” move, and Dante has always rebelled against that.
I don’t think that Alexis is too old to develop a drinking disorder. I actually have no problem with her being an Alcoholic. It’s a strong story for Nancy. What I have a problem with is that instead of showing her family and friends rallying around her, we’ve got ghost Julian being the only one who can get through to her. Alexis through ALL her failed attempts at love has never let a man destroy her, not even when Ric slept with her daughter.
And yes, men haven’t fared much better with the writing. Basically, no one looks good, unless you’re Franco. He can do no wrong.
Hi Rebecca…I’ve always liked Alexis, and, too, remember the happier days Alexis had with Stephan and Nik. But over the years I think some of her “insecurities” or whatever, imo, started to creep up on her. With the reading of Helena’s will and the dagger helping to trigger this last episode with Julian and alcohol. You know the last straws. Now she is trying to center herself. And good for her. Why bad boys more so…I don’t know. Thought she was better with Jax.
And Ii’s not just soap characters who come with baggage…I’m sure most of us have our own. That’s what makes for drama in soaps, and partly a way that I can re-work some of mine.
As for the alcoholism storyline…I wish it wasn’t with Alexis, but it doesn’t matter what where it is used as a theme. It’s a personal thing where I have seen the ravages it can inflict on a family. So seeing it in GH or Y&R just makes me cringe/ff ,just like excess violence does.
And you are right…seems all the matchups are with the bad guys. But like I said before, they haven’t had a standup, stronger guy in Port Charles for years. They had a chance with Paul, but they turned him into a serial killer.
I’ve never liked the Lulu character either. She seems to exemplify the worst of the Spencer traits…being implusive, self centered, no tact. This shows in how she’s handling Charlotte…no sensitively here for how this young girl feels. Just her anger, which is justified, towards Valentin and the wrongs in denying her knowledge of Charlotte, and possibly killing Nik. Think smart Lulu! But you can see by her expression she has other plans. She never learns.
Hi Meg…
You’re right…no one is responsible…literally…for another’s actions. However, “cause and effect.” Dante loved and loves Lulu with a passion. It is because of that passion that he was devastated. He knew she lied. It was obvious she was talking to someone in secret. She mysteriously left town. Dante followed…and sees evidence that Lulu and Dillon have gone out of the country and are sharing a hotel room. Now. Lulu has been a bit wishy/washy in the past. She flirted with Johnny (her ex) even though she knew it bothered Dante. She decided to go into business with Johnny…even though she knew it bothered Dante. Meanwhile, Dante, all along…went along with it though he was pissed and concerned. Thus…
I don’t blame him for sleeping with Valerie. If your “significant other” lies, leave the country, is sharing a room with a man who loves her (Dillon loved her at the time) it’s a safe assumption that person is cheating on you.
I don’t think Dante slept with Valerie for revenge. I think he truly thought his marriage was over and he reached out. While it’s “technically” cheating if you still have a certificate…it’s a bit different when you think your spouse is cheating on you…and your marriage is over. Emotions are strong…emotional devastation quite strong. I don’t blame Dante. Things aren’t always black and white.
Was Lulu LITERALLY responsible? Did she force his hand? No. But she did lie to him, she did leave the country knowing Dante was lost and confused, she did share her experience with Dillon, not her husband. She didn’t trust him enough to help her and Lucky. I get it…but, unfortunately, because of the circumstances it led to hurt and unintentional betrayal. Two innocent people caught up in circumstances.
Thank you, Meg! Unfortunately, for too many of today’s females, keeping up with the boys in terms of drinking, cursing and carousing is considered to be what constitutes a “strong woman!” Forget dignity, willpower, inner strength, personal morality, perseverance, intelligence and embracing one’s own femininity….that’s considered so “yesterday” by the more vocal femmes who have put themselves front and center with their public displays of gross behavior.
Sadly, this issue bleeds into society. Give me June Cleaver!
@Meg.
Hey, Meg,
I said exactly ( to Shay) what you just diid…….not verbetin, but following the same theme. My post did not make it.
None of us can impose our will on someone else. Dande did choose to have ‘a go with’ Valerie, and for Lulu to take the blame is nonsense.
Dante is no schoolboy. He knew exactly what he was doing. Poor excuse to assume his wife was cheating just because of circumstances.
This is where the road leads on soaps. ” You cheat on me, so, I will cheat on you”. Retaliation is so overly used and so silly. I doubt it’s that easy.
The writers haven’t done much for the male gender either…except maybe Griffin, especially his heads up with Olivia during her Duke fantasy when she was threatening Anna. In fact there haven’t been strong, interesting male characters in Port Charles for years.
Agree about Lucy…She’s always been conniving since she hit the scene, but really redeemed herself with helping bring back the Nurses Ball. Was really disappointed when they turned her into an opportunist to turn the hospital into condos. Think they could have done better for Lucy.
Actually Tracy did have a hand in saving General Hospital by putting in motion the Q’s buying it instead of the condo developers. It was nice to see Michael give the finishing touch.
As much as I have admired Alexis as a lawyer, and usually pretty smart, she has come with emotional baggage from old Cassadine days that have probably contributed to her making really bad choices when it comes to men in her life. (as has Liz, imo). And how she could have been so trusting of Olivia Jerome as her sponser??? Right now I am getting tired of her current storyline. Can’t be too sympathetic because I have also seen what alcoholism can do unchecked.
And then there’s Lulu…always looking elsewhere for the blame, and reacting with her emotions and mouth when it comes to Charlotte…it’s all about how Lulu feels. Just like she did with Dante’s admittedly wrong reactions, when she took off to Canada with Dillon.
The deterioration of the Lulu character since Julie Berman left is sad. Through her teenage years, the daughter of Luke and Laura exerted an independent spirit and exhibited the best her parents had to offer. Now, Lulu just reacts to stuff and plays the victim card — something Luke, Laura and (stepmonster) Tracy would never do.
Rose, I HATE Honey Loo Loo! Charlotte is scared of her for a reason.
You’re right about how she is always blaming other people for her idiotic, out-of-control actions.
I agree with everything you said, Rose. I repeat, Alexis’ only salvation, at this point, is to lay off Julian ( he’ll be ba-ack!!!!). I do hope TPTB do not put these two together again. I think Alexis could overcome her ‘difficulties’ ( lol) by taking a deep breath, especially from herself, and take it from there.
If the writers had any sense, they would give Alexis ample, meaningful time to find herself before throwing her back into any romantic relationship.
Lucy sort of baffles me. I do like her, but this latest ‘rampage’ of blackmail makes her look mercenary and spiteful, to say the least.
What can I say about Lulu……Petulant, with a capital ‘P’.
Now, she wants to be ‘buddies’ with Nelle for the sole purpose of ‘spying’? I do not like the game of subterfuge…..what does this say about Laura, who got this going? Golly gee, Rose, Laura is one of my faves.
This whole situation with Charlotte is not only stupid ( only in soaps), but serves no other purpose than to keep Lulu floating; relevant. As far as I’m concerned Lulu is extra weight….lol, I do not mean that literally.
I think Charlotte was, also, introduced to show another side of Valentin…..to soften him, to make him human, after what we witnessed on that Greek island.
What are the chances of Lulu absconding with Charlotte when Emme goes on maternity leave?
Hi Rose!
I must disagree with some of what you said in this post.
First…almost all soap characters come with baggage. As do we all in real life. Soaps wouldn’t be very compelling if the characters didn’t have issues and everything was unrealistically right in their world.
Alexis was amazingly intereseting, fun and a safe haven back in the days when Nicolas lived with Stefan. I loved the dynamics between her and Nic…I loved that whole period and miss Stefan Cassadine! But I digress. Regardless of the reason, we already know that most of the characters on GH have a sordid background. We know from the start with the exception of Ned Alexis has always gravitated toward “bad boys” with a good heart. In the past, she was the one who pulled away if they couldn’t get out of the mob life. She attempted the same with Julian and she did resist for a bit…but loved him so much that she believed he had changed. And, he did.
Her alcoholism? As Rhonda pointed out that can start at any age. I don’t think the show is treating it lightly or cavalierly and I don’t think they’re having her bouts “unchecked.” She’s realistically struggling with the urge to succumb and to get help. I think it’s quite realistic and poignant how they’ve had her crumble and fight to gain herself back. She’s quite humble…I’m loving her story.
I actually want to see Julian alive. And I do want them back together. United. Seems like in fiction as well as real life we’re all too influenced by what other people think. She loves him. I believe he loves her passionately and always did. So, I’d like to see them get another shot. It galls me that Carly and even Sam judge her for loving him. Even Jordan. She loved Sean who worked for Sonny. Carly loves Sonny. Sam loves Jason who is also part of the mob. They’ve done crimes equal to Julian. So…they’re judging her for being with him is ludicrous and maddening.
As always I put this disclaimer. Not sure if I’d be such a supporter in “real life” of these types of men…probably not at all. But for soap purposes I enjoy it. I like the drama of it all…the conflict, the push/pull…the characters strugglling with their morality, etc. I like good influencing bad and the positive effect love can have.
As for Lulu? LOL…don’t know why but I never liked Lulu regardless of the actress. In my opinion the character never had a fantastic storyline so I was never drawn in. Thus, Emme’s fine with me. I don’t see her as whiny, demanding, or any of the other negatives that some fans have thrust at her. She literally was kept in the dark that she has a daughter! By a man who she believes killed her brother and has kept her away from her child. Who wouldn’t be incensed, crazed, tortured at not getting their daughter back? Who wouldn’t feel devastated? Who wouldn’t try anything?
I don’t feel she’s wronged Charlotte. All she did was try to get to know her, talk to her, comfort her. Did she make a mistake by telling her she was her mom? Yes…and she regrets it. That doesn’t make her selfish or anywhere close. I can’t even imagine how I’d react in her situation.
It’s not “all about the way Lulu feels.” We, as the audience, get to SEE how she feels…but she hasn’t hurt her daughter. She expressed it to her mom, to her husband. Getting to know Nell? Why shouldn’t she know who’s going to be watching her daughter? Why shouldn’t she try to gain an ally? I would.
In general, they need to come up with more interesting stories for Lulu. Perhaps an adventure with Laura? A Valentin-goes-crazy and goes after Lulu? Dunno. Right now she’s a boring character. Not the actress…the character.
Thank you Meg!
Love you Nancy! Strong character…literally and figuratively.
I’m a fan of Nancy Lee Grahn and her considerable acting prowess. I don’t want to see Alexis get back together with Julian. The story went too far, and it would be seriously off-putting to see Alexis go back to him. They should move Alexis in a direction of healing herself and that shouldn’t include Julian.
I disagree that the writers write strong women. I see several women characters being with men who have done horrible things and making excuses for them. I feel that current writing trends on GH have actually taken women’s power away and altered women’s personalities to twist them to accommodate male characters. Women characters are frequently made to feel guilty for the foibles of the men in their lives. Valentin, Franco, Julian and Sonny often try to guilt trip women they are involved with. Even Dante–who is usually a nice guy–blamed Lulu for his affair. It’s not enjoyable writing.
I certainly agree with your statements, Jen….the more I think of the situations imposed upon most of the female cast, the more it becomes true. Women, basically, become scapegoats, on soaps.
Latest example: Anna will be taking the heat for Valentin’s screw-ups….if one can call his crimes that.
Whatever irreverant deed Anna committed against poor, poor Valentin.
….problem is; I like Valentin. LOL.
I think Lulu WAS responsible for his affair! Matter of opinion…
Why would anyone want this woman to win an Emmy? So the entire speech can be a Trump bashing! God we are all exhausted by people who think they know what is best for the American people I am exhausted literally exhausted of trash talk get a life pull up your panties and get on with living! Live your family your friends move on we have not watched news in three months and are so happy have new neighbors visit our horses enjoy life
Love ! And just so you will know she is a hell of a actress please continue to act please for the live of god get off politics
Love!
Some of us out here dealing with real issues and this bantering drives me nuts a good friend once said to me if your life revolves around who is in the White House then you indeed need help! Get on with it enjoy it only go around once
k/kay…sorry. your post is sort of a contradiction. First…Nancy is an extremely smart, well-educated woman who has a voice…just as many in the public eye do…and she uses it to express her opinion. again…as many do. As even we do…here…on this site.
You say there are people with “real issues”. Yes! Exactly! And that’s what Nancy and many of us on “the other side” are fighting for and upset about. Start with healthcare. Not sure if you are on The Afforidable Care Act. Perhaps you’re not and you feel your rates have gone higher. Fair complaint. Everyone knows the program has to be tweeked so that those who need the help to GET healthcare can afford it…and those whose premiums have gone up will see their rates go down. That’s what Clinton..Bernie wanted. Not Trump. Not Pence. They want to get rid of it and if an indivdual or family can’t afford it on their own…tough. Nancy fights for women’s rights, for equal pay… she fights against racism and anti-semtism…about respecting ALL relgions…she fights against the neo-Nazis who praise Trump and who Bannon has affiliatons with. .Trump…Pence…are not for people with real problems. They’re for people with money and who share the same politics and/or faith as they do.That is not a govt for “all ” the people.
You say that “if your life revolves around the White House you need help…” LOL! The White House dictates minimum wage, health care…who lives and who dies literally for those who won’t be able to afford health care…it’s the finger on the nuclear code…it’s how we interact with foreign dignitaries and the alliances we make and break. There’s a lot at stake here and this presidency is very dangerous to basic human rights. I LOVE Nancy’s voice and I’m glad she’s out there sharing her concerns with both intelligence and humor. She’s a welcome ally for many of us.
I think Nancy deserves the Emmy because she is an amazing actress period.
And as a private citizen she is afforded first amendment rights and she should be allowed to speak her mind.
Our country is in a horrible crisis, anxiety levels are up for so many reasons.
We are going to have to stick together for the next two years or so for however long it takes this man to be removed from office.
Let Nancy express herself–it’s well within her rights. Frankly, I’d be disappointed in her if she refrained from speaking out about women’s rights, climate change, public education, etc. etc. Besides, the daytime Emmys are not even televised right now so you won’t be forced to sit through a political speech.
PS. Well said, Rebecca 1. You’re one heck of a good writer
Thanks, Rhonda! I always admire your writing and views, as well. 🙂
I’ve never understood this line of thinking. Why is NLG any less entitled to an opinion just because of her occupation? If you don’t like to listen to her talk about politics, don’t follow her on social media. I don’t think she’s strapping anyone to a chair to make them listen to her talk politics.
Bravo, Meg!
What Meg said.
In exactly what universe is a jumped-up femme/actress who attended drama school considered to be “well-educated?” Wait…I know….the “Bannon-bashing” one, where a highly-accomplished man with multiple Ivy-League degrees, deep intellect and a long, successful, multi-faceted career in military intelligence, entertainment, high finance, publishing, and yes, politics, is deemed worthy of smug derision and pejorative name-calling simply because his views don’t comport with those like-minded to NLG and her frankly vulgar brand of opining.
Thak goodness I do not follow social media, Shay. I’m sure my blood pressure would rise even more than it already has.
I’d rather indulge myself in studying the firmament, and lunar activity. Ha!
Anywayyyyy….about Jax. I am usually so very good in detecting your little nuances, Shay. I must be losing my touch.
I am so disgusted with these people, LOL. How does one go from breaking up with one’s mate and the next second Carly is making out with another? Oh, yeah, I forgot. Best remedy to get over a heartache or a disagreement is to sleep around .
I expected Nelle ( brava) to come clean with her ‘mise en scene’ in Sonny’s boudoir, but, wouldn’t you know it? It had to coincide with the climaxing ( pardon the pun) moment Carly and Jax are doing the thing. Ha!!
For real?……as my son is wont to say.
Regardless of anyone’s side of the political spectrum, many people watch soaps to escape for a short time from the real world.
The discussion point is about NLG’s performance. Let’s try to avoid political talk on this blog. There’s plenty of other venues for that.
You are right, Steve, and I apologize to you and the rest of the MF crowd for jumping in the fray…..As you can well see from my initial post, I didn’t instigate the political aspect of the discussion on this thread, but at some point, one does feel the need to defend one’s views and leaders when they are being repeatedly excoriated. To not challenge such negative assertions is allowing them to continue to be falsely propagated, and that is simply unacceptable. Having said that, I am more than willing to give up the political “chit-chat” as long as the same holds true for everyone else here…probably not a bad idea, in fact.
In a world where she is a graduate of University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign which was ranked among the top 50 universities in the world.
So, if you want to compare Nancy, a proponent of human rights who advocates against racism, sexism, anti-semitsm, agism, etc…to Bannon who Bannon was a founding member of the board of Breitbart News, an online far-right opinion and commentary website which has “pushed racist, sexist, xenophobic and anti-Semitic material into the vein of the alternative right, I’d go with Nancy every time. You? You made your choice clear as well. I think it speaks to who we both are.
Nancy is an overwhelming women!
I like how she suggested that her and Liv should have gotten to know each other longer before the fallout but she realizes they had to wrap it up. [We are not paying Tonya any more money, screw the story!]
I like how she admits Alexis would fall off the wagon and will not be cured overnight!
She loves JELLY because they are writing FOR her character and believe in the same politics. Okay, Nancy is happy so should we be happy? NO. The show still struggles on many levels and for having TWO female writers I don’t see love in the air or women being represented fairly!
Paul Connolly,
Dude…I agree with your post…TOTALLY!!!!! But…there are a few things that I wanna say here…
1. As far as I’m concerned, the way that GH is handling (or whatever) ‘Alexis Falling Off The Wagon’ is BEYOND RIDICULOUS!!!!!
2. I’ve never cared for the character of Alexis all that much…and this SICK JOKE of a story is further proof of that!!!!!
3. Most of all, to say that the story is ‘one big FALSE FLUFF PIECE’ is a TOTAL UNDERSTATEMENT!!!!! Yikes.
Have a good one, Paul.
Peace.
Jay, my love….you are a joy. You can’t even imagine how your quick, curt remarks make me chuckle– always.
Ciao, my friend….good to see you posting!!
Thanks, Celia…much, much appreciated, as always.
Have a good one.
Later, my friend.
Nancy Lee Grahn is a superb actress and I am glad she has entered herself in the lead category. While fans may not love everything Jean and Shelly write, I agree that they have written well for Alexis. I have been a fan of Jean and Shelly’s for years and while I enjoyed Ron’s time as writer, I am also enjoying their vision of Port Charles. 🙂
I don’t think Anna did anything to Valentin…doesn’t she have a twin sister on another soap? Didn’t watch whichever show that was on at the time but I think her twin was pretending to be Anna and did all those things to Valentin.
Yeeesss!!!! Agreed, rebecca. If we are to presume/assume that Alex ( Anna’s twin) impersonated Anna, the story comes full circle.
It brings back my original suggestion that Alex had Griffin with Valentin and by the same token, Valentin also sired Nathan with Liesl, making Griffin brothers.
The only distortion to this tableau is Duke. How does he fit in? Hmmmm.
Celia
Your points about Alex impersonating Anna both then and this week are spot on!
I will disagree about Liesl and Valentin. There was no interaction between the two at Maxie and Nathan’s wedding. Also, Liesl told Anna she wasn’t familiar with him. Going back to Liesl’s conversation with Helena, Nathan was established not to be a Cassadine. Whether he knows this (or not) is confusing because he doesn’t interact like a relative in scenes with Alexis or Sam.
@Steve.
Thank you, Steve.
I see your point; but, Liesl is one conniving lady. LOL. she can be devious when she chooses to be. But, how can we be sure she really foes not ‘know’ Valentin, in the biblical sense or otherwise?
Could she be so terrified of him she will deny having had anything to do with him?
These stories, as we well know, can take any direction. Dr. O’s words still echo and rattle within the brain….she did divulge that Nathan’s father was much, much worse than Victor.
Yet, I get this feeling that TPTB are trying to de-demonize Valentin. It seems to me they are starting to portray him as a victim. Imagine that!!
I am either very confused, naive or not getting the grip/gist of where the writers are going with this. LOL.
I can’t imagine anyone having had relations with Valentin pre-surgery. The fact that Anna has now said she did was both telling as to her ability to look beyond the surface…and a surprise. Though…sort of doesn’t make sense because she supposedly pushed him away when he tried to kiss her and he felt rejected. Which is it???
Yes, Anna had a twin sister named Alexis. Alexis was a doctor and not a bad person, just rather fragile. Their father was played by the same actor who played Papa Walton. It always seems odd that two British women had Papa Walton as their father.
Say Goodnight John Boy
Hi, Rhonda,
I remember Dr. Alexandra Devane having a son Aidan whom, I think, was reared by a third sister, Lindsay.
There is sort of a gray area within this story; in that the sisters’ mother, Charlotte ( who turned out not to be their mother, afterall), was a very evil woman who meant them all harm.
I suspect that Charlotte was actually, Valentin’s mother….imagine that!!!! Ergo, he named his daughter after his mother. Too much of a coincidence?
I loved AMC, Rhonda. I remember watching, specifically, Aidan’s and Greenlee’s romance ( along with Y&R) between classes, every chance I had.
Apparently, Charlotte sent Alex to seduce Valentin in Anna’s stead.
But, now, since Anna’s revelation of remembering sleeping with Valentin, I’m not sure, anymore.
My grandmother thinks that Anna is not being truthful to Valentin…..that she is in touch with Alex and are working together to expose Valentin’s possible treachery. In other words, Anna is repeating Alex’s memories.
But, I’m thinking that was not Anna with Valentin, yesterday; but Alex instead. Hmmmm.
this is all the years Nancy had been on the show have i given two flying f….. about Alexis or a story. On another note I’ve noticed that some of you folks have this idea of a strong female character as someone who is never a damsel in distress or weak in personal choices (work, romance) . A person like a strong female character can be many things all at once. Alexis from my perspective is a stronger female character now because of the last two years. so there 🙂
Well said, Allen. Even what is presumed, ‘a strong woman’, is human….with strengths and flaws.
Overcoming difficulties empowers; not weakens us!!
Nancy is acting the hell out of the drunk thing but if the writers want to tell an alcoholism story then I want them to go all the way: Alexis stumbling around in the same clothes for days with bad hair and a messy house. This “functioning alcoholic” business is boring (especially since she doesn’t have a job as a reason to maintain a sober facade) and we’ve seen it a million times; either serve up a long term hot mess Alexis followed by a realistic amount of time in rehab or don’t bother.
Jean and Shelly’s past record hasn’t proven them to be very effective handling the long term effects of real disorders (Y&R Nikki’s MS; Y&R Sharon’s bi-polars; Y&R Dylan’s PTSD; even GH Anna’s blood disease seems to already have been forgotten after serving as a major plot point for two weeks). I find these kind of stories to be insulting to those dealing with these problems in real life when they are handled so flippantly.
Sadly, substance abuse is as pervasive now in American society than it’s ever been. GH hasn’t done substance abuse as often other soaps. So, it’s interesting that Alexis and Finn are both going thru this situation after nearly a decade of no one suffering from it on GH. IMO if this writing team can craft good stories showing something that happens all too often, I’ll watch. In these times with opiod abuse hitting all economic sectors and states now legalizing the production and sale of marijuana, there’s a case that these are stories worth telling because they show what people are going thru. Someone doesn’t have to be a “hot mess” to be an alcoholic. Sometimes the more serious alcoholics are the ones who can keep it together and function well enough to fool everyone and themselves. And, I like how they tied in Hayden’s enabling of Finn to Liz’s former experience with Lucky.
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.
Breaking News
The Young and the Restless and General Hospital Actress and Writer, Meg Bennett, Passes Away at 75
Meg Bennett, who had played Julia Newman and later became a writer for the top-rated daytime drama, The Young and the Restless has died at the age of 75. The news comes from her family who shared that she lost her battle to cancer back on April 11th.
Daytime fans remember fondly, Meg’s portrayal of Victor’s (Eric Braeden)first wife. Bennett joined the show in 1980, after her first soap stint for two years in the role of Liza Walton on Search for Tomorrow.
Impressed by her story notes, the late Bill Bell, then head writer of Y&R, had Meg doing double duty acting and writing on the show from 1983-1987. When he decided to write off the character of Julia, he also wanted Meg to stick around as a writer. Not only did this begin a whole other daytime career for Bennett, but she was not done playing Julia either. Throughout the decades, Julia would still come back to Genoa City for a visit. Most recently, Y&R fans saw Julia in 2018, and again in 2020.
Photo: JPI
Bennett also appeared on Santa Barbara and was a writer on that show as well from 1991-1993. She played the role of Megan Richardson. It was next that Meg had her longest writing stint coming to ABC’s General Hospital. Meg wrote for GH from 1993-2011.
In 1995, Bennett won her first Daytime Emmy for writing and her personal life changed after falling in love with nine-time Daytime Emmy winner, former GH head writer, Bob Guza Jr. In addition, GH also utilized Bennett for her acting skill when she was cast as the villainess Allegra Montenegro. Meg and Bog Guza were officially married in 2004 and purchased a home once owned by Boris Karloff and Gregory Peck.
Photo: JPI
Additionally, Meg wrote for The Bold and the Beautiful 1987-1989 and later served as a executive story consultant to Brad Bell from 2002-2004. She also wrote for Sunset Beach, Generations and GH: Night Shift throughout her writing career. She went on to win five WGA Awards for GH and Santa Barbara.
Meg is survived by her husband of 19 years, Robert Guza Jr., two stepdaughters, four grandchildren, a brother and a sister.
Share your remembrances and condolences for Meg Bennett via the comment section below.
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nina Confronts Ava for Sabotaging Her Relationship With Sonny and Signs the Divorce Papers
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Y&R’s Eric Braeden Pays Tribute to Former On-Screen Wife, Meg Bennett: “She Was Such a Bright and Gentle Lady”
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GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nina Confronts Ava for Sabotaging Her Relationship With Sonny and Signs the Divorce Papers
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