General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Brando Gets the Hook
Wednesday’s episode of General Hospital featured the continuation of the frightening scene in the alley at Charlie’s where in the middle of a thunderstorm (makes things creepier, right?), a figure steps out of the dark and attacks Brando (Johnny Wactor) with the large fish hook – the same one that was used on Ava Jerome (Maura West).
Immediately, Kristina (Lexi Ainsworth) comes on to the scene screaming and wailing at the top of her lungs for help as Brando lies on the ground bleeding out from being ‘hooked’. Sonny (Maurice Benard) hears the screams and runs outside and finds his daughter and Brando. Sasha (Sofia Mattsson) and Gladys (Bonnie Burroughs) are not far behind and are horrified by what they see.
After the paramedics arrive, Kristina gives details on how she was walking through the alley when she saw someone with a hook, literally, attack Brando.
Jordan (Tanisha Harper) and Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) arrive and Jordan is confused why Brando was the subject in the attack and the two realize they have to figure out who is ‘hooking’ people before the person strikes again.
Back at GH and inside Ava’s hospital room, Nikolas (Marcus Coloma) admits to his wife that he knows he is a cad for sleeping with Esme and his from his previous life transgressions, which almost makes Ava relent and forgive her husband. Just then, Sonny shows up and tells the two of them that he knows Nikolas did not try to kill Ava.
As Brando is brought to the hospital, TJ (Tajh Bellow) and Portia (Brook Kerr) work on him, but he needs to be taken to surgery. An hysterical Sasha and Gladys watch on as they know Brando may not make it; which would be devastating for his wife and his mother.
In the latest issue of Soap Opera Digest on newsstands everywhere tomorrow, GH co-head writer Chris Van Etten previews that someone will die next week on GH via the person using the hook.
Van Etten expressed: “The Hook’s first kill will be someone close to Sonny. The loss will rock him to the core, compel him to circle the wagons, and narrow a list of potential suspects.”
So, do you think Brando will die, or someone else? Who do you think is the person using the hook to seek revenge? With Halloween next month, it would also seem like a perfect time for something terrifying to go down at a masquerade party, wouldn’t it? Hook and all? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.
Too bad this didn’t happen on the pier/dock set. We’d then say Brando got attacked On the Waterfront.
While nice, Brando never seemed an essential character. His romance with Sasha was good C level storyline material. The mother-son dynamic with Gladys was kind of special as other than Carly & Michael, we don’t get lots of that on GH.
Does this mean Gladys will be Sasha’s guardian? Do those characters even stick around? Gladys suddenly having power at Deception could be interesting. How much more tragedy can they throw at Sasha?
How much grief can be put on a character! She is an excellent actress!
Brando—Waterfront!! HaHa—-perfect !!
Agree 100%!!!
So, who’s the PC “hooker”? Oops, you know what I mean–LOL.
Is it Esme? Or Rory? But why Brando? Were Esme and Rory a team?
Bobbie Spencer was the “hooker”
Hi, brian—yeah, LOL…I know–Bobbie got around. What a legacy for poor Joss!
I see what you did there. Actually I kinda wish Bobbie had gone with Carly on the ill-fated “Aruba” trip, because I would have loved to see her response to that stick-up-her-ass self appointed leader of the “Jacksonville Moral Majority” (or whatever it was) pontificating about Aunt Ruby & her famous “house”.
Honestly, Celia, I’m more intrigued by your guesses than the actual story. Though I’ll admit the Brando attack was well filmed and Christina’s acting was excellent. Wasn’t that old Jennifer Love Hewitt movie I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER also based around a hook killer? Maybe my memory is failing but that’s what I remember.
Hey, Soaphound—-yeeesss!! It was a fish hook which Ben Willis ( came back from the dead, just like Esme) used in his killing spree.
Aside—I so enjoyed the Jacksonville airport scene with Carly and Ms Purl (love her). She’s on many “Matlock” reruns.
I love anyone dragging holier-than-thou Carly down. I hadn’t even kissed a boy yet, at 16!! Like mother like daughter??
Her so boring kissy-poo, infantile interludes with fake Drew are enough to make my stomach revolt!!
Another storyline for the infamous Carly. Always front and center. The same can be said about Sonny. Since when does he care about Ava so much? Because she’s Avery’s mother?—-wasn’t too long ago when he wanted to pulverize Ava!!
Oh CELIA, even the nicknames for these two sound stupid: Carew? Darly? Yecch! They banned saccharine and let this coupling happen? My FF button is really getting a workout. And of course Christina had to witness the Brando attack so Sonny can be front and center in this story, too. My mom says it best: “He just doesn’t look well. Why is he on so much?”
Your mom knows best, my friend. And, since we both have Scottish nannas, I cannot repeat what comes out of my Gran’d mouth.LOL—
Sonny looks worn out and Carly’s dress was not so favorable to her body-type.
Love Nina’s and Anna’s wardrobe style—classy!!
And, yes—I’m with you with the FF.
Never liked CM—since AMC—-his voice is like a knife going through my brain.
Oh, wait– Was the hook-man after Joss where Brando was caught in the middle? Well, then–it’s Esme!!
Esme seems the likely suspect. Who else would target both Ava and Joss?? And be mentally unstable enough to panic and attack Brando, because she thought he might have seen her stalking Joss.
Of course this means that Kristina will now be her next target, because she started screaming right away, so obviously the killer would know she witnessed everything.
Agreed, Satan—makes the most sense. Brando was in the way, therefore he had to be eliminated. I realized that soon after I had sent my first reply–
And, I hadn’t thought of it, but you are right about Kristina, as well. ‘All roads lead to Rome'( Esme).
I really like Johnny Wactor and am sorry if he goes.
There were a couple of things about the episode that confused me though.
One was when Brando was attacked it was gushing rain. He was soaked as as was Kristina and the water was just gushing over the set floor. In the pickup scene which would have been seconds later both Brando and Kristina were completely dry as well as the set floor.
The other being the hook. When Ava was hooked we clearly saw the killer enter the stable tack room and select a bale hook which he used to do the deed. Yesterday when Jordan and Dante were speaking about the hook used in Ava’s attack they claimed that it was a fish hook taken from the boat house?? Really confusing. I know she was attacked by the boat house but as I said we saw the killer select the hook in the stables. Did I misunderstand something?
The hook was definitely taken from the boathouse, though it looked more like a baling hook to me.
Don’t quote me on that though, because I’m in Hell, and we don’t have such hooks down here, as neither hay nor fish are present, so it’s been a while since I’ve seen either a baling hook or a gaffing hook in person.
Greg
No, you didn’t misunderstood anything, it was the actors lines that were screwed up. First of all it wasn’t a fish hook unless the Q’s anticipated catching a giant fish in the small lake they would most likely have and secondly , it was a hay bailing hook from their stables.
I really liked Johnny Wactor too, but it is what it is and the story above just about spells it out, he’ll be gone next week.
Thanks for backing me up Violet. I didn’t think I was wrong here. This begs the question of how could the writers have screwed up on such a crucial plot point? Do they no longer have a continuity person on staff?
Greg
You’re welcome, some of the stuff is so confusing and the thing that bugs me the most is why did Brando go outside in the first place? He couldn’t have thought Dex was following Joss because he left first and she followed after with the sunglasses.
The hook definitely came from the boathouse, because the camera panned up to the hook during the whole scene where Drew & Carly were starting to “get busy” in the boathouse…. until they almost burned it down by leaving an unattended gas grill outside.
Now, being somewhat of a fire expert myself, I’ve never seen a gas grill suddenly turn into a 666 alarm fire spontaneously, unless you put some really fatty meat on the grill and it drips down into the elements, catching fire. Or if you do something really dumb like squirt charcoal lighter fluid on it… which of course you would never need with a gas grill.
So what if the killer messed with the grill (while Drew & Carly were otherwise occupied) and then used the distraction of the fire to slip into the boathouse and steal the hook, and get out without being seen… which would have otherwise been difficult, given pretty much every mortal in Port Charles was walking around the Q estate that night.
It did look more like a baling hook to me though, which means it either should have been in the stables, or whomever runs the prop department at GH doesn’t have a clue as to what sort of hooks SHOULD be in a boat house.
Satin
I too remember seeing the attacker take the hook that was hanging outside the boathouse but when you called it a hay baling hook I immediately thought of where that hook would be used, the stables, right? Who works in the stables, Cody Bell, but what reason or motive for him to be a Serial killer?
I think Dante & Britch are both misunderstanding the PCPD’s supposed interest in Cody. They don’t know why Mac is actually interested in Cody… and that it has nothing to do with the hookings or any other recent crimes. And Mac isn’t likely to let it slip that his questions about Cody are of a more “personal” nature… though Maxie will probably slip up and say something about it to one of them eventually.
Yes, Greg—It was confusing . It is still a complete blur to me. I guess my attention was on my noisy kids.
What happened so suddenly? Why did Brando die? Too bad—I really liked both the actor and the character. I bet the “hooker” managed to slip by the staff in order to finish what he/she started—-or there is an accomplice among the employees.
Is Johnny Wactor leaving GH? This is a rather interesting storyline kind of spooky. I wonder who it is? Everyone saying it’s Rory or Dex? It’s going to be someone who is least expected is my prediction but what do I know LOL
Obviously it wasn’t Dex because Joss was following him outside of Charlie’s to give him his sunglasses, when the “hooker” went after her… and then switched to Brando when they realized they had been seen.
Rory also seems unlikely, since he showed up at the Metro Court pool with Trina, dressed in appropriate “poolside” clothing – shorts/sandals/t-shirt – which is not what the killer was wearing, and though time is often distorted in Port Charles, it doesn’t seem plausible that he would have had time to run home and change his clothes before showing up at the pool. I do believe Rory has some dark secrets, but carrying a hook around probably isn’t one of them.
Well—could be Dex is part of a conspiracy—-if not Esme, then it’s Michael . Maybe he had Dex as the organizer, and someone else as the executioner.
Helloooo!!! I have a guess about the hook. Could it be Finn’s dad? I know it’s way out there,but for me he gave off a vibe when talking about the case with Alexis. Which would be bad for her, since she’s attracted to him and once again she chose a bad guy. Or, it could be the demented Esme.
omg why is GH starting this dumb serial killer storyline? I ‘m really disappointed the show is doing this. Hate the killing of characters, and I liked Brando, this really sucks. Stop this storyline fast please.
The killer is left handed. I can think of two related characters who are lefties…one by necessity!
NoraE
Spell it out please, I can only think of Esme off hand.
Violet – The hook- wielder uses a raised left hand. Esme wrote the letter to her nanny with her left hand and has motive for revenge. Ryan lost his right hand. Although he has a hook on that hand, he would use a different and larger hook to a attack his victims using his real left hand. He has motive to harm Ava who him spurned him. Esme has motive to harm Joss who helped find Oz, who testified that she tried to kill him. Maybe they’re a tag team!
This show is getting worse.. love to see Steve back with Sam.
Have Steve Burton back on the show please!
I just can’t get over the fact that they tried to portray the guy as some hardened combat veteran tough guy….LMAO
The question remains why Brando didn’t run away or yell. Joss seemed to be out of range when the “hooker” turned towards Brando. Did he know the hooker?
Good question. It doesn’t make a lot of sense that a trained combat veteran would just stand there and allow himself to be stabbed. Unless he knew his attacker and obviously wasn’t expecting the hook… and once he was stabbed immediately went into shock or something, and was able to respond….. though I would think combat training woudl prevent him from having that sort of reaction, since the whole point of combat training, is that you keep fighting as long as you’re physically capable. Kristina’s screams would have cut short the amount of time he would have had to respond, but he should have got at least one or two decent punches in at his assailant.
I’m glad the writers brought Kristina in to support her dad. Once again Lexi showed what a powerhouse actress she is. There are so many storylines they can weave her into in important ways. I’m hoping Kristina got to her cousin in time to save his life. If not I would love her to be there to support Sasha. Kristina has had her troubles so I think she might be able to reach Sasha in a way that no one else has been able to.
It’s Nina! She thought ava was Carly, second victim was meant to be joss. She is having psychotic break as shown in cemetery scene with Nelle. That’s my theory. We shall see. Anything is possible in soaps!
As long as this means we finally get rid of Nina, I’d be OK with that. Given the writing on this show lately, they would probably try the “brain tumor” excuse again and let her get away with it.
NOOOOOOO!! Nina stays!! Carly goes!! Sacrebleu!!LOL!!
Shelly
Yes, anything is possible but too many people want her gone and this would be too easy. Also, is she that strong?
I wonder if Lexi Ainsworth will be given more SL now. She looks good with Dex but he seems really interested in Joss, and I expect they will get together soon. I did wonder how long it would take her to outgrow Cam who is cute but immature.
I think the killer is Buster Bluth who got his hand bit off by a Loose Seal (Lucille is his mother) and had his severed hand replaced by a hook. Buster has Mommy issues.
Nah… these writers don’t have the intellectual capacity to pull off an Arrested Development story.
It’s Dex. Is it? The “jingling” sound is around his neck. We know he’s working both aisles—Michael/Sonny. Are TPTB teasing us?
But I sooo want it to be Esme.
Wasn’t sure where to put this comment, but decided to add it onto the Brando story.
Tomorrow morning I will be up at 4:30am to watch Queen Elizabeth taken to Windsor in the final hours of her funeral. I have been watching almost non-stop since the morning of the day she passed away. And have been very touched by her story. A very impressive person. A hard act to follow.
To me, for better and worse, over the years the British monarchy probably encompasses all of the elements soaps are built on, but in real life…family, their kids offspring, unforgettable personalities, traditions, history, power, legacy, longevity, etc.
May Queen Elizabeth Rest In Peace.
Chris Van Etten practically spells it out that Brando will die this week. Why are they still acting like there is any question to that? As Greg commented earlier, they are so confusing , we used to call that back in the day” talking out of both sides of your mouth” The SL is bad enough without having to decipher what the heck they are talking about.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, new and old motivations come into play with dangerous consequences. According to the just released GH video spoilers video for the week of August 3-7, a bailiff calls out, “All rise!”
Now it’s Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) vs. Curtis (Donnell Turner), as the surgeon is suing the owner of the Savoy for assault that ruined is ability to operate. At the end of the day, which of these men has enough evidence against the other? Portia (Brook Kerr) is by Isaiah’s side, while Jordan (Tanisha Harper) is with Curtis.
Next, Lucy (Lynn Herring) has a plan to get the controlling shares of Deception away from Michael (Rory Gibson). She wants her daughter, Serena (Kelly Kruger) to seduce Michael. She tells her, “Pick out your most seductive suit.” Soon, we see Serena in her bathing suit at the Metro Court face to face with Michael.
Later, there is a small baggie containing three blue pills. Nina (Cynthia Watros) ask Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), “What did you do?” We also see Michael asking the same thing of Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Leading into this week, viewers know that Willow doesn’t want the former escort anywhere near her children, Amelia and Wiley. Is this how she stops her, or is Jacinda up to old tricks and wants to frame Willow? Remember when Jacindsa drugged Drew (Cameron Mathison)? Stay tuned.
Finally, in the pick-up from last Friday’s cliffhanger, an emotional Jason (Steve Burton) continues to tell Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he cannot work for him anymore. Sonny ask, “So that’s it? You’re Out?” We fade to black.
Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week below.
MONDAY, AUGUST 3
Jason makes a sacrifice for Danny. Elizabeth becomes privy to a secret. Carly is touched. Valentin has a warning for Nina. Josslyn cautions Brennan.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
Brook Lynn and Chase celebrate a milestone. Trina gets an earful. Carly’s plan backfires. Curtis is skeptical. Michael is anxious about his family’s’ future.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
Sonny wants answers. Ava is struck with inspiration. Curtis’ trial begins. Brook Lynn wrestles with a big decision. Lucy and Serena scheme.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Sonny makes a stunning announcement. Serena makes her move. Willow faces a new threat. Isaiah takes the stand. Lucy questions Laura.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Josslyn is taken aback. Ava courts a new ally. Jordan and Anna catch up. Isaiah vents to Lucas and Elizabeth. Michael questions Jacinda.
Check out the latest ABC promo for General Hospital entitled, “What Did You Do?” below.
Now weigh-in: Do you think GH is about to pair Serena with Michael? Is it curtains for Jacinda? Can anyone stop Willow once and for all, or make her pay for her crimes? What will Jason do without Sonny and the mob? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital Fan Club Weekend brought out many of your favorites to the four day event; with the main cast gathering on Saturday, August 1. Fans near and far attended the weekend held this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel. Whether it be the main cast event or the smaller more intimate events featuring two or three cast members a great time was had by all.
Some of the cast participating in the main cast event included: Cyrus Hobbi (Yuri), Gary James Fuller (James), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Viron Weaver (Wiley), Paige Herschell (Jacinda), Chris McKenna (Brennan), Josh Kelly (Cody), Kayden Brenna Tokarsi (Scout), Cassandra James (Terry), Laura Wright (Carly), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane), Rick Hearst (Ric), Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco), and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle).
In addition to, Van Hansis (Lucas), Cameron Mathison (Drew), Ryan Paevey (ex-Cassius), Easton Rocket Sweda (Leo), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Kristen Vaganos (Molly), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), Kate Mansi (ex-Kristina), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Cynthia Watros (Nina), Kristina Wagner (Felicia) and more.
Take a look at some of the snaps from the main event arrivals below:
Photo: HutchinsPhoroi
GH’s Rick Hearst with on-screen daughter, Kristen Vaganos, plus Nancy Lee Grahn, and Kate Mansi.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Maurice Benard on-hand to meet the fans.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto.com
Jack Brennan in the house … Chris McKenna.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Adrian Anchondo, Van Hansis and Anchondo’s boyfriend, Days of Our Lives, Colton Little.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Josh Kelly and his gal, the former Nelle Benson of Port Charles, Chloe Lanier.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Who is James’ father? Not Cassius or Spinelli, actually. Actors Gary James Fuller, Ryan Paevey and Bradford Anderson!
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
One of General Hospital’s newest cast members, Kayden Brenna Tokarski attends her first GHFCW event.
Check out some more arrival images featuring: Laura Wright (Carly), Cassandra James (Terry), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) and more in the gallery below.
Michael Fairman TV will be adding more images to this post in the day ahead.
So, were you glad to see so many of your GH favorites attending this year’s General Hospital Fan Club Weekend? Let us know via the comment section.
General Hospital
Vincent Pastore of ‘Sopranos’ Fame and ‘General Hospital’s’ Maximus Giambetti Dies at 80
Vincent Pastore, best known for his memorable role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos has passed away.
The veteran actor was found dead on August 1st in his home in the Bronx, New York. Pastore was 80-years-old. The cause of death is yet to be determined.
As well as his role on The Sopranos, many soap fans will recall he played multiple smaller roles on the beloved One Life to Live from 1995 and 2004. However, in 2008, he landed the short-term role as Maximus Giambetti on General Hospital.
PASTORE WANTED TO BE ON GENERAL HOSPITAL
Maximus was the mobster father of Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) bodyguards: Max (Derk Cheetwood) and Milo (Drew Cheetwood)
According to Soap Opera Digest, Pastore told Soaps In Depth back in 2009, after appearing in a SOAPnet promotional campaign as a celebrity fan of General Hospital: “‘I’d love to be on the show. So they called up GH’s casting director (Mark Teschner) and Bobby (Robert Guza Jr. ex-head writer, GH) and they wrote me in!”
Pastore was a huge General Hospital fan from way back, who at one point told producers that he would watch the ABC soap opera while working in bars and nightclubs in the 70s and 80s.
Throughout his decades long career, Pastore appeared in films including: Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way and Men of Respect, The Jerky Boys: The Movie and the 1996 HBO TV movie Gotti.
In TV, besides The Sopranos, Pastore’s credits included: Law & Order, The Practice, Son of the Beach, Queens Supreme, Hawaii Five-0, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, plus the miniseries The Last Don II. Most recently, Vincent was a series regular on Gravesend and guest starred on Yellowjackets.
Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee, son-in-law and granddaughter.
Share your remembrances and condolences for Vincent Pastore on his memorable role on ‘The Sopranos’ and his time on ‘General Hospital’ via the comment section below.
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie is Disowned By The Logan Sisters
GH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Reveals His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy-Nominated Reel Did Not Contain Monica’s Funeral
‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
‘General Hospital’ Alum Colin Cassidy to Appear in Ryan Murphy’s ‘The Shards’
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Katie is Suspicious of Dylan and Warns Will, Steffy Takes Off to Monaco
-
Recaps1 week agoTHE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie is Disowned By The Logan Sisters
-
General Hospital4 days agoGH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Reveals His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy-Nominated Reel Did Not Contain Monica’s Funeral
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Alum Colin Cassidy to Appear in Ryan Murphy’s ‘The Shards’
-
General Hospital3 days agoGENERAL HOSPITAL: Ethan Lovett Hightails Out of the Country, Christian Howard Wraps His Stint
-
News5 days ago‘The Young and the Restless’ Names New Co-Head Writers: Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor
-
News5 days agoY&R’s Billy Flynn and Gina Comparetto Reveal Birth of Their Third Child and It’s a Girl!
