When you combine superb direction, writing, production, and acting in a special episode of a daytime drama, viewers can see and understand the thought and care that went into it.
This was more than on display during Thursday’s highly-anticipated ‘Alexis-Centric’ episode honoring the 25th anniversary of Alexis’ portrayer, two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Nancy Lee Grahn, on General Hospital.

Courtesy/ABC
In the story, symbolism was apparent and used for dramatic impact and it worked beautifully throughout, and best of all, Nancy received a script worthy of her immeasurable talents, and showed us once again why she remains one of the gold standards of our genre. If you have not seen the episode DO NOT read any further as it contains spoilers.
It begins with an emotional Alexis looking at her mother’s watch which was still frozen from the time of her death. While playing one of her mother’s records very loudly, she recalls Mikkos Cassadine kissing and dancing with her mom as a young Alexis (Natasha) looked on from the staircase. When Sam asks her about it, Alexis shares that she sees the watch as sort of a representation for her own life being frozen over the last three years; which has included Alexis’ battle with booze taking over her life and her being disbarred, when being a lawyer was the way she identified herself and what gave her purpose.
Overwhelmed and anxiety-ridden, Alexis hightails it to Kevin’s office for a therapy session knowing she is going to Pentonville in the morning to serve her sentence. She says she does not know who she is anymore. Then, Kevin asks her how she spent her day thus far. She flashes back to lunch with the good men in her life, Finn, Valentin, Jax and Ned. Valentin tells Alexis she is proud of her for honing up to her mistakes.
Back at the therapy session, Alexis she was an attorney who stood for something and her life has derailed, and that she was a fighter, an idealist, and an advocate. She knows she has to find a purpose in prison to make it through the three-year term and asks Kevin to help her find one.
Kevin wants to go back to when she was a little girl and her memories that are flooding back to her of Mikkos and her mother. Just then, the younger version of Alexis is huddled in the corner of Kevin’s office, an image of her from the past. Alexis tries to come to terms with her father and the choice of dangerous men and relationships that have marred her own happiness … recalling Julian holding a knife to her throat like Mikkos did to her mother. She says he was one of the toxic men in her life, but Kevin reminds her all of the men in her life were not toxic.
Alexis starts with Ned as one who was good for her saying he was always stable, but she ruined that by recently sleeping with him and putting a wedge in his marriage to her long-time friend, Olivia.
We then flashback to earlier in the day, where Alexis ends up in an almost confrontation with Olivia. However, Olivia tells her she misses the Alexis Davis she used to be and to get her back.
Now back with Kevin, a guilt-ridden Alexis relays she feels responsible for Neil’s death. Kevin interjects she is not, nor what happened with Julian. When Kevin attempts to bring up Mikkos again, Alexis rejects it and is angry that he is making her problem about daddy issues; like so many other women. She vehemently shouts that the men in her life do not define who she is.
Then, Alexis flashes back to hurtful memories she has buried of a young Natasha witnessing Mikkos calling her mother a “greedy little bitch”. She recalls it was on Christmas Eve and that Mikkos stopped by to give them gifts. That is when he presented her mother with the watch. However, things took an ugly turn when he tried to leave, and she threatened to tell Helena all about her and Natasha. Next, Mikkos slapped her and that is when the watch shattered. As all this was going down, a young Natasha watched from the stairs and was horrified that she couldn’t stop her father from beating her mother and remembers how helpless she felt.
However, Alexis reveals to Kevin she thought this would be the last of Mikkos coming by, but he returned on New Year’s Eve and her mother took him back into their lives. Alexis is beside herself that she could not protect her mother, but Kevin reassures her to remember she was just a child.

Courtesy/ABC
It is then we come to the crux of the story. Alexis looks over in the corner and sees her younger self crying. She goes to her younger self and tells her nothing that happened was her fault, and that their father was damaged and cruel. She tells the young Natasha this shouldn’t have been her burden to carry alone, and that she deserves to be happy. Then in the moment of strength and coming full circle, Alexis introduces herself to the young Natasha, “I’m Alexis Davis, a fighter, an advocate, and an idealist … and I will take care of everything from her on out.” In that moment, Alexis embraced herself, and forgave herself, so she could move on with her life.
Alexis then flashes back to earlier that night, as the Davis girls gather for a faux graduation ceremony so Alexis could see Molly in her cap and gown and they hug. Back in her session, Kevin remarks that Alexis has repeatedly defined herself as a fighter, an idealist, and an advocate, and reminds her she has three daughters who have those qualities, and that all she needs to be is Alexis Davis.
Then, we get a heart-warming montage of Alexis though the years in honor of Nancy’s 25th anniversary with GH.

Courtesy/ABC
As the episode concludes, it is the next morning, and Alexis enters Pentonville and enters her jail cell. There she meets her fellow inmate, who is studying law books to prep for her upcoming parole hearing. Alexis introduces herself as “Alexis Davis” and as someone who can help her. We then go back to her mother’s watch which now begins ticking at Alexis’ home. The show fades to black.
Kudos to Daytime Emmy winner, Phideaux Xavier for his outstanding direction, head writers: Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor and script writer, Scott Sickles for the thoughtful episode, EP Frank Valentini and his production crew for putting it all together, and the one and only Nancy Lee Grahn for a performance that will be remembered as a classic.
Share your thoughts on today’s on Nancy’s ‘Alexis-Centric’ episode via the comment section below.
I want to say miscast, but will wait to officially pass judgement!
Same here…
I will say it now; NO A THOUSANDS TIMES NO!!
On the contrary! These short term recasts are proving to be very popular. I can’t think of really anyone else with a soap background whe could step into Spinelli’s shoes! Remember Nick was a lovable goofy nerd too until the writers inexplicably made him a psychopath.
Yeah, that is why I am reserving some judgement here… I am not sure I could see anyone take Anderson’s spot, but if anyone can it would be him… we will see!
SO TRUE .HE’S EXPERIENCED ,maybe longer,maxxie shouldn’t be without her child most of the year because B
radford is busy and lives far away
C’mon guys..
The man is only stepping in, not staying..
He is temporary through January, no big deal..
You have a good point. Blake Berris is a great actor. I actually wish they would have casted him in a long-term role instead. I was just having a rough time seeing someone else in the role besides Anderson, but I will give him a chance… like I said if anyone can do it he can!
I think this is actually good news for Brad Anderson. If the writers feel a need for Spinelli’s role so much that they have to cast someone else short-term, I think that says overall, they see Spinelli’s role being key on a long-term basis. Otherwise, they’d write around it. Take it as a good sign for Brad. He’ll be back.
Nothing personal, but not even close!!!
It was so disappointing to see him today at Maxi’s wedding. Andersen should have done this
Did he even study the part before going on. He was nothing like Spinelli. He showed absolutely none of Spinelli’s endearing qualities.
he’s a cutie, just like bradford, but lets keep the original, no recasting, i hate recasting, this guy is cute he could of played someone else on the show he looks like a keeper.
Well at least it’s just temporary. Blake is too handsome for the role and may lack the quirky that makes Spinelli, Spinelli. Nó disrespect to Blake he is an amazing actor having watched him on Days.
Blake Berris…. is in a whole league unto himself
he is a remarkable actor… along with his – extremely – GOOD LOOKS
because I miss him so much @DAYS…
I would welcome him in any capacity
I hope it’s for a long run.
the thing is… is Maxie is just not the same character, of late.
Spinelli oddities with Maxie ditz equaled
I don’t know that it would be acceptable , today.. as it has run its course?
so… seeing a new spin on OOMPH hot me out…. Blake Berris IS back
@GH – keeper
WELL SAID!!
I agree whole heartedly, Blake Berris was one of the best actors ever to be on Days. If even just short termed, I think Blake can pull it off with style.
Now, this is definitely exciting news! And this is definitely a reason to tune in!
Solid No on this. Granted I saw Blake at Nick on DOOL and actually thought he did a great job, but there are some shoes not capable of being filled.
For goodness sake. Why bother recasting for someone who is only on once in awhile?! Just rewrite the script to excuse Spinelli from whatever plot GH had in mind. This is so stupid.
agree, they could of introduce another tech geek, with this actor, surely spinnellii is not the only tech geek in the world.
Maybe there was some sort-of a last-minute scheduling conflict, and they had already wrote the character of Spinelli into their scripts and TPTB didn’t really know if Bradford was going to have a last-minute hick-up so because of time constraints and scheduling constraints, too… they felt they had to find somebody to fill the characters shoes briefly fast. I’m not saying this is exactly what happened, because I don’t know for sure really, but just a guess / predilection as to why they would need to put somebody else (i.e., Blake Berris) into the role of Spinelli for a short-term… Read more »
If Bradford Anderson is not available GH should keep Spinelli out of the script til Bradford Anderson IS available.
agree!
GH should just keep Spinelli out of the script til Bradford Anderson is available.
Absolutely agree!! The recast of Jason isn’t working for me either. Jason isn’t Jason!!
There is no one that can play spinelli but Bradford. I understand this but can’t wait for Bradford to return.
Blake Berris is an excellent actor…the best of the best. If Bradford is not available GH could not find a better replacement. I hope GH fans understand the situation and give Blake a break. He is one of the finest actors I’ve seen on Daytime. Remember, Bradford can’t be there. Be kind.
I agree. 100% Agree
I’m always good with anything new and different.
Blake is only temporary through January, but still something different.
And by his picture he looks the part..
((Bradford will alway be Spinelli )
No one can replace Spinnelli
Would love for him to make the character compelling instead of irritating!! Please oh please!
Bradford was on the plane to LA to film several episodes of GH…and got a call from his agent to tell him he landed a recurring role on Homeland which films in NY…so they really had no choice but to recast for Spinelli due to taping deadlines.
How wonderful, will have to watch for his episodes when they air! Spinelli only for me!
Wow! That is so cool for Bradford! Congrats!
blake berris is a phenomenal actor – he should have no problem with portraying the character of spinelli – i am looking forward to his scenes……………..
I am happy with this decision because I get to see Blake again who was outstanding as Nick on DAYS. He is only around temporarily so I can totally understand Bradford not being able to do a spin on GH and Blake filling in for him is ok with me. I am looking forward to seeing Spinelli and Stone Cold and Goddess together again!!!
He is a fine actor. I look forward to seeing him fill in for BA.
no no no no no, only one Spinelli!! I will be ok as long as it is temp. but Bradford IS Spinelli!
I can live with “temporary”.
Bradford Anderson IS Spinelli.
As long as its only a temporary recast I can deal with it, as Bradfod Anderson is Spinelli. Since he wasnt available, I can deal with a short recast.
Do without the character until Bradford can return.
There is no replacement for him!! These writer’s not only changed the show…This isnt “one life to live” thats how that show ended!!! To much long writing with no story…OR dragging something out that leads to nothing …NO one can even fill in for him!!!
I think he works well in that role; Nick was originally a huge nerd when he came to Salem and was with Chelsea- not that either Nick or Spinelli stayed that way, and not that either actor didn’t prove how much more range they possessed than a typecast. But I’m still glad it’s only a few episodes.
COLD SHOWER LOL…WHEN I SEE HIM EVERYTHING I POST WOULD BE CENSORED SO I’LL STOP NOW!!
He could be playing the mailman who cares as long as THAT IS ONSCREEN
I think that as sporadically as Spinelli is used, they should have waited until he was available. There is only one Spinelli
Only one Spinelli! Damn ABC
I agree!!!!
No…there’s only one Spinelli.
As long as it’s temporary!
Acting chops aside, I can’t believe how many posts talk about how “great looking” this guy is. I must be missing something. I guess beauty really IS in the eye of the beholder. His former cast-mates Robert Scott Wilson, Eric Martsolf, and Casey Moss…those are great looking guys. Maybe I’m getting old.
Agree 100%. Handsome is clearly subjective. That said, Blake is a phenomenal actor. Could be a newly discovered Cassidine spawn or, younger Jerome.
Must say I’m happy for Bradford who is definitely a great actor but, also an all around entertainer, singer, musician, comic…love him – soooo glad he is getting other work. GH has been downright abusive to him. No way should Bradford be sitting on the sidelines and goofy one note, never maturing Maxie be without her daughter. Jason is nobody’s P.I. Comeonnnn…
I loved him on days so much but its going to be hard to see him as spinelli I cant imagine anyone else bit Bradford!
Blake the temp Spinelli and Molly was a temp Maxie! xoxo
Good or Bad, I am not judging Blake, but the key word here is::
” TEMPORARY”.
agree temporary PLEASE
NO, NO, NO, and NO.
THERE ARE SOME CHARACTERS YOU CANNOT REPLACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey..
It’s something new, enjoy it ..
Different is good…. It’s just for some scenes during January ..
No one can replace Bradford SORRY to hear this!
I’m definitely willing to give Blake a chance. I’m always open with all recasts, whether they’re permanent or in this case temporary. They all deserve a chance to get used to the role and get comfortable on a new show, before people start judging them. Of course, that won’t stop some people that can’t help themselves. I don’t watch Days, but I’ve heard nothing but good things about him. Plus he’s easy on the eyes, which is always a plus in my book, lol.
As long as it is only temporary, I’ll enjoy seeing Blake again. No one can really replace Brad Anderson as Spinelli because he is one of a kind. Just sorry he had a scheduling conflict.
Recast was not even necessary and is a dumb idea. No one will even equate the character with Spinelli in a short run to begin with. Just like Stabile was never Nicholas just a random character in a random, would never happen, story with Ava.
If they needed Maxie’s daughter at the wedding they could just have written it as Spinelli was in the middle of something and had Ellie bring her.
Dumb
I think it’s a good move. He’s a great actor. Remember no one wanted anyone but Michael Muhney to play Adam on Y&R but when Justin Hartley took the role we loved him as much as Michael even though they are completely different actors. If Bradford is unwilling to come back or only come back once in awhile then why shouldn’t a great actor that needs the work have the role. Blake is a very capable actor and I’d like to see more of Spinelli. We can fall in love with Blake’s performance too.
I’m Ok with whatever needs to happen. He has such star power, maybe he could be a different character, like Spin’s mentor or go the other direction, his protege and this guy fills in while Spin is out of commission. Or half brother? Speaking of recasts can we please get Nick Stabile back on the screen in 2017?! He was a terrific fill in for TC and thought he brought something special to the show. Loved him with Ava.
How about as a recast Dillon……..
This man is PRETTY! So much eye candy on this show lately.
I think if Blake takes off Bradford is history! I am for this. Spinelli needs to grow up and expand as a character. Bradford has been a one trick pony!
I really miss Blake Berris on Days. He played the villain so well, and he was definitely eye candy. I’ll never forget when he was naked except for a valentine heart covering him. I miss those lips!
I love Blake Berris, and Days hasn’t been the same since he left. Why did he agree to do soaps again if he left Days though? They didn’t have to kill his character then. I have so many questions. Why even bother to recast Spinelli? Why not make Berris a new character, or maybe even another legacy character? I never liked Spinelli that much. Plus, how am I going to deal with Spinelli going from cute to ‘damn he’s hot’ overnight? I hope Maxie will say stuff like, ‘Your time away has done you good,’ lol. Why do they always… Read more »
Keep calm and Enjoy!!! He is wonderful , i hope he stays long term.!wayyyy better with Maxie than old spice opps i meen old Spinelli
I don’t understand the drama. Soaps have been recasting roles with new actors for a long time. Give the guy a chance.
I am excited personally I have never been a Bradford fan.
If this is a couple of episodes ~ no big deal.
Bradford created this character, no one could ever ‘take over ‘ for Spinelli.
Spinelli is a one- in -a-million creation of a most talented, gifted actor and a production and writing team that could use this creation for laughter and later heartbreak in great storytelling.
I just think the way Bradford addresses it was magnificent… he was in the wrong, he took the blame for the inability to fulfill the obligation and as a professional, you can imagine how that must have gone over…not. This is a win win for everyone.. first it takes the pressure off of Bradford and the long standing relationship he maintains with GH and we also have the opportunity to see Blake use his acting chops…. I assume it’s for the Maxie / Nathan wedding and there IS no explanation as to why Spinelli would not be there…. HOWEVER… while… Read more »
Also wouldn’t it be CRAZY if that actress that replaced Maxie for a few months had to take over for the wedding scenes at GH? She and Blake worked together on DOOL… and quite the history!
So the “psycho” for DOOL will be playing our beloved Spinelli….well I wish him luck. 🙂