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Don Harvey Joins General Hospital As Tom Baker … Elizabeth's Rapist!

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: IMDB

Photo: IMDB

General Hospital is utilizing a horrific event of the past most likely to cause conflict for Liz and Franco (or ultimately solidied them), and for Franco to do some serious self-evaluation, since Franco once upon a time made Sam (Kelly Monaco) believe he raped her and was her baby’s bio-daddy!  That is because actor Don Harvey debuts on Tuesday as Liz’s rapist, Tom Baker.

In story, Baker is now apparently being paroled from prison, and had raped a young Liz when she was a teenager. The character was last seen in 1998.

As for Harvey’s other TV credits, they include turns on the dramas: Blue Bloods, The Blacklist, Superman, Luck and Medium.

The casting news was first reported by Soap Opera Digest.

So, what do you think of GH bringing back Tom Baker, Elizabeth’s rapist in story? Comment below!

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I’m intrigued to where they are going to go with this story. I have trust what Shelly and Jean have done so far with the Friz story so I trust they will do right by this.

He wasn’t punished for raping Liz so that might be the order of business for this character. I think what might happen is that he will wind up dead and fingers will be pointing at a few people before the mess is over. Maybe a possibility of another character who is on the canvas now (or two?) being violated. I don’t think they dug out this character from the past to just be a day player or an under five.

I’m so excited for this story to play out! LOVE Franco and Liz together and love that they are using Liz’s history for story now. It makes so much sense to be used now in light of Franco’s dark past. I love the investment that this writing team has in Liz and Franco, both together and separately. And what a fantastic actor for them to cast as Tom! Great job GH! Can’t wait to watch all of this play out!

I’m intrigued! They brought on a solid actor to revisit one of the best told stories in GH history. I hope Jean and Shelly do it justice – pulling for them. #TeamFriz

Another example of trying to get the audience to come around on Franco. Let’s count some of the ways:
1. Making him Jason’s twin, thus a Quartermaine.
2. Initially introducing Kiki as his daughter.
3. Changing Kiki’s dad to Silas. Attempting to create sympathy for Franco.
4. No he’s not a Q, he’s the son of 2 beloved vets – Scotty & Heather.
5. Brain tumor made him do it.
6. Carly falls for him.
7. He goes above/beyond for mental patient Nina.
8. He’s the only one who bonds with Jake when he returns.
9. Elizabeth

I probably forgot something, but making him an anti-hero isn’t going to fly. Don’t get my wrong, Roger is an outstanding actor. A resolution on the PP lawsuit appears to be on the horizon. If so, let’s hope they send Franco away on a Monday and have Todd Manning mysteriously appear at the end of that Friday’s episode.

That would be FANTASTIC!

Because Todd the actual rapist would be so much better? I prefer Franco, and enjoy his current ties to the canvas. Scotty, Heather, Kiki, Liz, etc.

Unlike Franco, Todd was not a serial killer. He did some time for his crime. I’m not saying he’s a saint — and not recommending he be paired with Elizabeth.

While I would miss Franco’s connection with Scotty, Todd has some history with Carly and Sam.

In that case, GH is full of killers who haven’t paid for their crimes. I get the feeling some of y’all just hate on Franco without thinking it through…

I’m a longtime viewer (going back to the Gloria Monty years) who has thought this through. Placing Elizabeth with Franco would be on the same level as if Anna would suddenly fall for Faison. Franco worked with Nina because they are two troubled souls.

Not every character needs to be redeemed. Ava works, despite killing Connie, because we see her as strong multi-faceted woman. Like her son, Heather has done multiple murders, but I wouldn’t expect to see her as a receptionist in the hospital. And, love him or hate him, there’s a reason why Sonny has been around over 20 years.

As for characters how have been redeemed, other longtime viewers can recall how Alan went from attempted murderer to one of the most beloved characters on GH. Monica went from adulterous home wrecker to esteemed mother & chief of staff. I could go on, but the point here is that character redemption has to be somewhat organic. And it doesn’t work with Franco.

Finally, you can’t separate the James Franco version vs. the Roger Howarth version. Which version stabbed, then buried his mother alive, then made Jordan (and others) believe they were trapped in room with a bomb? We don’t call Sean Kanan the good AJ vs Billy Warlock the bad AJ. Carly’s history can’t be ignored because Sarah Brown played her when she slept with Tony as opposed to Laura Wright.

So yes, many longtime viewers have given thus plenty of thought.

I don’t even compare this version of Franco to James Franco’s Franco. Two different characters in my mind so it doesn’t bother me. All I see with this version is a guy with a bad reputation who’s supposedly been redeemed as the acts he committed in the past were out of his control. If he suddenly reverts, that would be ridiculous…you don’t go from madman to normal back to crazy. So I’m enjoying the story of an insecure man trying to prove himself to a mostly hostile town…and his struggle within ie insecurity, self-doubt…

I like Liz and Franco together but I still have a feeling the end game is Liz anfpd Griffin.

Rebecca…It’s not so much that I don’t like the current Franco. In fact I really like Roger, but too bad he’s never got away from the rapist tag since OLTL. When he was allowed to redeem himself as Todd I just liked him and Blair better than Franco and Liz, which doesn’t do it for me.

But I guess in my mind he’s inherited the twisted version and vision James Franco brought to it (for me his ego gets in the way, but I did like him in the original Spider-Man). Will never forget what he did to Sam and Jason, it was awful and creepy…and I guess Sam won’t either.

Really liked the new Dr. Strange movie . He’s my favorite Marvel character. There was a time I collected the Dr.’s comic books. Have 80 dating back to 1962.

Ugh Rose…don’t get me started. Too long to get into here but about 500 comics that I’d saved for about twenty years were sold to a comic book store a few months ago by someone who was storing them for me. (Lol…this is where private messages would be helpful.)

Haven’t seen Dr. Strange. I want to see the film with Eddie Redmayne…love him…L O V E!

Are you watching “Westworld?” I think it’s really well done. Still need to catch up on the latest “Poldark” episode.

Franco??? Sigh. Let me put it this way…I like Roger a lot and wouldn’t want to lose him on the show. Do I think making him Franco in the first place was a good decision? No. I would rather him have been a new character or a Quartermaine…matter of fact when someone’s will was read…can”t remember whose…didn’t Heather find out there was another Quartermaine out there that no one knew about? They dropped that…could’ve been Roger…

As Franco stands now..like I said I just don’t relate him to the other Franco. If it had been a legacy character…or someone who was an integral part of the landscape for many years, I might not have been able to get passed it. But to me that was a fun turn with James Franco..I enjoyed the ride. To me..though he goes by the same name, there’s no other connection. I think they started this version as an idiot…lol..really. He was just juvenile and imbecilic. They’ve evolved him though he still has a way to go. I’d like to see him become a very cool character.

Sorry, not the same. Franco is just as much of a victim of his tumor as everyone else. I don’t need to explain to you why, I’m sure you can look the clips up on youtube (when Dr. Drake diagnosed him). This is the same soap that gave us latex masks, Luke/Fluke, and the whole mind control thing Jakeson underwent. At least Franco’s condition is somewhat based in reality.

And keep in mind, the same allowance you make for your faves, others do for theirs. I see just as much good in present day Franco as any other character on the canvas. I don’t want or need Todd to return so he can be in Carly and Sam’s orbit – that would be a MASSIVE downgrade.

I am very intrigued by the return of Tom but any Sam involvement needs to be little to none. This story needs to be primarily about Liz and secondarily about Friz.
I’m glad Jelly are using GH history. Liz’s rape story was iconic (one of best in Daytime history).
Love that Jelly have slowly built Friz and how every beat has been played & how their issues are organic and not the typical tropes of third parties for example.
Liz dealt with Tom as a traumatized 15 y/o. I look forward to seeing Liz handle his return this time 18 years later as a strong woman who’s made a life for herself from the ashes of that horrific act.

This show is so ridiculous. I will not say any more.

I’m very intrigued. I love when they use actual history of characters. Hope that this brings Liz and Franco closer than ever. I also want this to put to rest all of the whining of people who say Franco doesnt pay, the tumor isnt a good excuse, he isnt remorseful. When your faves are murderers and mob bosses and cons, you dont get to be outraged over a different fictional character. Stones and glass houses…

Great (yawn). Now if anything bad happens to this creep, Jordan can arrest both Jason AND Franco since they both have history with Elizabeth. That’s her favorite past time anyway.

I think this is a great use of GH’s history and an important story to bring to the forefront. Elizabeth hasn’t had front-burner story in a little while, and GH needs to solidify her relationship with Franco, as he will likely help her deal with what happened in her past. It also provides some serious self-reflection for Franco and deals with one of the worst things he did before his tumor was removed. It was a good decision to revisit this story. I just wish Emily and Lucky were still around because of how integral of a role they played in the original story.

I think that this could be a very good catalyst to solidify the relationship between Liz and Franco. I’m really enjoying them as a couple and look forward to their scenes. I know this has nothing to do with the topic, but I really hope that James Patrick Stuart will be around for a long while as Valentin. He’s wonderful!

Agreed , Sigrid. James P Stuart is captivating. I hope TPTB allow Valentin to make a complete turnabout into a good, ‘misunderstood’ guy.

Valentin was suppose to be the worst Cassadine! The actor is good BUT the character is a wimp!

It’s the wimpy ones we “gotta look out from”. LOL….But, my Timmmy….he’s sooo smoooth….

Since the writers only brought back Tom to use him to redeem Franco and make him
more viable romantic hero, I’m not interested.

Exactly. The only use that Elizabeth seems to have in this story is propping Franco. It’s about his redemption (for the umpty umpth time). Even with Bobby and Laura on the canvas these days – given that they were significant in the original story, this one will be all about Franco. Just…. sad.

I can’t stand the coined phrase..lol…to ” prop” Franco. I don’t think they’re “propping” anyone. It’s a storyline. Franco and Liz. Her past now in the present. How will this effect her, Franco, others. Could be good…maybe not. Camera, action…

Unfortunately Franco is the star in this storyline…. thus, the use of the word “prop.” When even the head writer is interviewed and talks about this story as a means of redeeming the despised character, you can say what you want. To me there is no better definition of the word.

Hi Elizabeth.. I didn’t read that interview; is it on this site? Nevertheless, I still don’t see it as “about” Franco and personally I think he redeemed himself over and over from his being almost killed to save Carly, to his self-sacrifice for Nina when she was loopy (er), his love for Kiki, his kindness to little Jake, etc. If this story also has Franco experience a revelation about himself…or we get to see yet another side of him, that sounds interesting to me as I’malready rooting for him; he’s not a despised character to me.

Too bad he is Elizabeth’s rapist. I like this actor.

Yes, Celia, I agree. Don Harvey is a reliable, accomplished character actor who’s been working since the 80s, as I remember. He was one of the soldiers gone wrong in CASUALTIES OF WAR in 1989 with Sean Penn & Michael J. Fox (a very underrated movie) and countless others. I’m glad he has the work, I’m just feeling cynical right now about any new stories and actors brought in, even if this is not technically a “new” story. But I’ll give it a chance since many of the posts are hopeful regarding this new twist. Just keep Jordan and her endless vendettas against Franco and Jason out if it!

Hey, hey, Soaphound,
I am so sick of Jordan, hands on ( no) hips, circling her ‘suspects’ like a skinny hen….her skimpy, colorless plumage all a’ruffled.
I am familiar with Don Harvey’s acting. Here goes another waste of talent!!

Speaking of GH, CELIA, how can you not be attracted to Jax! Did you you see his crystal blue eyes bouncing off his blue blazer in those scenes with Alexis in the dive bar? He looked great!

Awwwww!!!! My adorable, Timmmy. Are you a romantic, deep within? Love you for it!!
But, gee…I don’t know. I am not mesmerized by Jax. I will not be a hypocrite and deny the beauty of his eyes….limpid ‘blues’…..as azure as a summer sky on a shiny, cloudless, sunny day.
Nonetheless, I am not feeling the vibes….there is no “Crystal Blue Persuasion”. Ask Tommy James.
There must be something wrong with me!!!! I am very picky. LOL.
Luv-ya, Timmmy.

PS.
Timmmy, Carly is still married to Sonny. What the heck her cuddling up with ex, all about? Any man worth his salt would hit the roof. I know my husband would ( well, I don’t have an ex. That’s bedide the point. LOL).
I am so mad at myself. I was beside myself feeling sorry for Carly…pitying her; wanting to hug her. Now, I want to smack her a few rounds.
And, Jax should know better. I don’t care if he was trying to comfort her in her time of need.
I would not put it past the writers to write them right into bed…or that sofa.

@Celia…CeeCee sweets… This is not Carly’s first go round….
Whenever she’s been involved/committed with either one of
these men in the past, she habitually cheats on one w/ the other.
This is her M O when it comes to Sonny and Jax… Sonny and Jax
have a long bitter history that of course involved Sonny’s first love
Brenda who then loved Jax….Jax first entered the scene as a
Corporate Raider he brought Sam onto the show…. Just a tease
of yesteryear. Later sweetie.

What an astute observation, Fanny! Yes, Carly is definitely one of those “Have your cake and eat it, too” sort of gals….whenever she”s married to Sonny, there’s always another who tickles her fancy, and yet, when she’s otherwise involved with anyone else (Franco, Jax or take your pick….) she can’t scamper over fast enough to “Chez Corinthos” for a quickie with the “man of the house!” Hence nothing new here to see….

@Fanny.
Yes, my dear Fanny. I have definitely noted that about Carly; and, I have verbalized ( in writing) my feelings about her libido. LOL.
As my Shay says, “…she can’t scamper fast enough….).
A bientot, my lovely lady.

That was 18 yrs ago,,
the story won;t have much to do with that guy it will be about Franco.
I don’t see much interest in 18 yes back because its too long dead to get emotional over it now.
I assume he is short stay charater.

I can only hope Franco goes dark again for some excitement.

He looks like Tony Jones!

UH, EWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!

Short term, I hope; VERY short term.

I really was tired of the Sonny/Julian kind of mobster In Port Charles all of the time, but I think if they have to have the dark side they were preferable to serial killers, and rapists (reformed or not).

Yawn!
I’m also growing weary of Franco. His behavior is consistently appalling and outrageous. This guy is a total whackjob and it’s unsettling to see Elizabeth get deeper into a relationship with him. She deserves better. Ditto for Roger Howarth. Please drop this character.

Unless they plan on bringing back Lucky with JJ I don’t want to aee this. Lucky played a HUGE role in the rape story with Elizabeth and only a mention of him is incredibly disrespectful to the character and actor. If they use this to change Franco to make him worthy of Liz that’s sick. Told wrong, and wothout even one day of Lucky onscreen could most definitely sink this show.

So agree Jonathan Jackson should return as lucky to help Liz deal with this. He’s the only one that could shake her off this

Franco IS worthy, with or without this storyline. Since his recent incarnation, he’s done nothing but good for the people he loves. He risked his life for Carly, has loved and protected Kiki, went to extreme measures to help and stand by Nina, is adorable with little Jake and adores Elizabeth. Odd man out? Yes. But as much or more loyalty to those he cares about as any of the other “citizens” of Port Charles.

GH you’re losing me. Fluke, serial killer, Morgan/Sabrina mourning, Finn’s bad bug, Alexis/Julian, Sonny’s made for daytime award acting. It’s gotten to the point that this was the first time I turned it off. Dark, dark, dark. Too bad the writers don’t know how to write good stories without all of the gruesomeness. I don’t like Liz with Franco at all. Liz has trouble picking winners, and Franco has never fit since James Franco’ ego made up this troubled, perverted character in his name. Poor Roger trying to make something of him. He deserved better on GH. Every so once in a while we get a glimmer of someone being happy or a smile, then they turn the lights out for this other crap. Makes you wonder what the writers personal lives are like.

This would have been better if Lucky, Nikolas and Emily were there instead of Franco!

This will be interesting 18 years later Liz has moved on from that traumatic night . Never thought of Tom Baker until now hearing that her rapist is out on parole makes her relive that night. It’s like him doing it all over again. Now she’s like 33 years old she’s going to relive it once she comes in contact with him I hope we see flashbacks.

I find this storyline sick and vile. There is no need to relive a 15 year old girls brutal rape. Why don’t the writers and you Michael speak out against the vile people who are saying that Liz raped Jason when she slept with him? You need to handle that mess and stop it -instead of buying into them who wanted to see her face her rapist –a true rape ( not something in their heads). Or are the fans supposed to think you are just catering to a certain group of people and don’t care what the loyal viewers really want ..not just the nasty ones?

I’ve wanted to see tom come back for years. I want to see Liz cope with this, no longer a scared teenager but a strong woman. Let Liz save herself this time. Maybe force her to start examining how this life changing thing has made it hard to trust, to think she isn’t worth someone fighting for her. I want to see a strong Liz become stronger. But instead I get a story where it’s all about Franco. Franco’s pain. Franco’s guilt. How sorry Franco is. How hard this is for Franco. Even the interview the writers gave in SOD was all about Franco. It honestly pisses me off and frustrates me.

First of all, the story just began. We have no idea how it’s going to play out. Second, rapists are released in real life, unfortunately, and I doubt all women are screaming…” Yeah mutthafukka, bring it on…” Liz’s reaction seems about right…nervous, unsettled, troubled. Franco’s seems right too. Most men would be proactive, protective…particularly men in the GH world such as Sonny, Jason and yes Julian, Curtis…probably Dante and Nathan would even “pay a little visit” to the creep. So, I see nothing wrong with the immediate handling of the story. I’m not sure I’ll like it going forward but in terms of what was brought up…it’s on the right track in my opinion.

I’m not liking this story at all. He’s got this creepy look today as if adding salt into her injuries seeing her again like he did nothing to her. I really think this is a mistake.

ABSOLUTELY AGREE….NOT A GOOD STORY LINE AT ALL…..SET THE RECORDER AND FAST-FORWARD BUTTON FOR THIS…

Another thing put Liz together with Griffin. Franco’s got issues she needs none of.

Breaking News

53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

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Daytime Emmy Presenters

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.

The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.

Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).

Genie Francis

Photo: NATAS

In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year,  A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.

The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).

The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”

Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.

So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.

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General Hospital

Could Kristen Vaganos and Josh Kelly Be Exiting ‘General Hospital?’

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Josh and Kristen

General Hospital fans took to social media following the airing of the Wednesday, October 21 episode of the ABC daytime drama series. In story, Molly (Kristen Vaganos) reveals to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) that she has received an offer to join the top law firm in Chicago that practices civil law. She says it’s her dream job.

The problem Molly says is relocating from Port Charles and uprooting her life and being away from her mother, Scout and boyfriend Cody Bell (Josh Kelly). Wistful that she may lose another daughter to a long-distance situation (Kristina left a few months back to go to medical school in California), Alexis urged Molly to get Cody to go with her.

Molly still seemed concerned and has trouble committing to the idea. Alexis tells her to talk it over with Cody. Meanwhile, Cody asked Tracy (Jane Elliot) is he can have Thanksgiving off because he and Molly planned to spend Thanksgiving together with their families. After initially balking, Tracy agrees.

Courtesy/ABC

WILL MOLLY AND CODY HEAD TO CHI-TOWN?

Later, Cody shows up at Miller & Davis and the conversation turned to Thanksgiving dinner that Alexis is hosting. Molly and Cody asked her not to cook anything. Cody hugged Molly reassuring Alexis that he and Molly would take care of whatever was needed on Turkey Day.

So, this raises the question, why out of nowhere are we learning that Molly received an amazing law offer in Chicago, if the character was not being written out? If Molly leaves the canvas, would the character of Cody make his exit too?

Kristen Vaganos joined GH as a recast Molly Lansing-Davis back in September of 2023 and went on contract in August of 2024. Josh Kelly began playing Cody Bell back in June of 2022. Initial reports were that Kelly joined the show on contract and then as of June 2025 went on recurring status with the show per his choice.

Do you see a world where GH is writing out Molly and Cody? Would you be sad to see Kristen and Josh exit the soap opera? If this is not what is going on, is this just a plot point for some other story that is upcoming? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.

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General Hospital

Kin Shriner Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ TV Daughter Kelly Kruger

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Kin and kelly

It’s been over two-years since his last appearance on General Hospital, now fan favorite Kin Shriner (Scott Baldwin) has taken to social media to share his thoughts on the casting of his grown-up TV daughter, Serena Baldwin now played by Kelly Kruger.

Kelly took over the role of Serena on-screen starting with the July 30, 2026 episode and has been ensconced in the storyline with her mother, Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring), in trying to win back full creative control of Deception for her.

In fact on the Monday, October 19 episode of the ABC soap opera, Serena tried to dupe Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) into signing over Michael’s (Rory Gibson) shares of the company. Jason caught on and wondered why she was doing this. She claimed she just wanted to help her mom gain creative control from Tracy (Jane Elliot) rather than full ownership, and begged Jason to keep quiet about it, which he agreed to for now.

Serena and Jason

Courtesy/ABC

WHERE IS SCOTT?

On Monday, Shriner also took to X and said, “I think Kelly Kruger is doing a great job on General Hospital, and she and Lynn Herring work well together.” That was followed by comments in his thread about the show needing to bring back Scott too.

In fact, back on August 25, Shriner also took to X with a reminder that Scott is still around and ready to come back to Port Charles, sharing, “Scotty Baldwin always fits in he just needs the right sport coat !!!!”

The last time Serena mentioned her father Scott was when Kruger made her debut and informed Lucy that her father was, “living his best life in Key West.”  Meanwhile, Shriner posts on his X account continually and shared back on August 2, that it has been 49 years since he made his on-screen debut as then teenaged, Scotty Baldwin and thanked the fans for al the love and support.

So, now let us know, are you enjoying Kelly Kruger as Serena Baldwin? Do you want to see GH bring back Scott Baldwin into the story, so Serena has both her parents in Port Charles? Do you like the potential of Jason and Serena pairing? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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