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GENERAL HOSPITAL Flips The Switch In Sonny-Centric Episode Featuring Standout Performances

Courtesy/ABC

On Monday, in honor of Maurice Benard’s 25th anniversary as Sonny Corinthos on ABC’s General Hospital, the daytime drama took a look at what life would have been like if Sonny had not fallen in to a life of crime and in the mob. The standalone episode featured the return of Dominic Zamprogna as Sonny’s eldest son, Dante.

But in the twist on ‘soap-reality’, Dante was now the ascending mobster in Port Charles, and Sonny was a sergeant in the police department in Brooklyn married to Olivia Falconeri (Lisa LoCicero).  It all beings when Sonny remembers being 18-years-old and that fatal day when he shot Vincent Marino.  The young Sonny is played by Maurice’s real-life son.   Sonny then dreams of what would have happened to him if he never pulled that trigger.

Sonny is now a by-the-book cop, who visits his son Dante along with Olivia.  When they get there, Dante is now married to Sam (Kelly Monaco), who is his trophy wife.  Dante is working for the Jerome family – enter Julian (William deVry) and Ava (Maura WestO – and we quickly learn that “Jason Smith” is the hit man who works for them.  And, wouldn’t you know?  Seems like Ava and Jason have a “thing” going on … sealed with a kiss.

Now disturbed by his son’s life of crime, Sonny goes to the PCPD to talk to the police commissioner, who is now Anna Devane (Finola Hughes).  In the story, Anna is very inward, depressed, and more.  We find out that her daughter, Robin died of complications from AIDS in the 90’s, in which Anna has never recovered from.   We also learn at the PCPD that Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) is the current District Attorney.

Courtesy/ABC

Carly (Laura Wright) enters the scene, and she is still married to A. J. Quartermaine.  Sonny takes a liking to her and vice-versa.  We later learn that Jordan (Briana Nicole Henry) is back working for the DEA and Dante has gone undercover to bring down the Jeromes; so the entire territory is under his control.

Dante and Sam have a major falling out, as he is excited by the power he will have once he rids the Jeromes out of his business.  Sam has had it. She doesn’t want to dress like this, be his trophy wife, or have this kind of life. When Dante walks out, an upset Sam is alone with Jason, and the two connect.

In the conclusion of the episode, Dante shoots Jason on the pier, a scene which Sonny walks in on.  Sonny and his son struggle for the gun, and once again Dante is shot, just like in the original version of the story years ago, but with the twist of the struggle.  Olivia comes running onto the pier and sees Dante shot, and yells at Sonny the signature line, “You shot your own son!”

CourtesyABC

At the end of the dream, Sony goes back to the mark in time where he decides whether or not to pull the trigger on Marino with Mike (Max Gail) and him looking on at the young version of himself.  In the end, Sonny still pulls the trigger.

The episode featured stand-out performances by: Dominic Zamprogna (how great was it to see him again, and to see him play Dante’s dark side), Maurice Benard (who illustrated the other side of Sonny, more reserved, and delivered a heartbreaking speech as Sonny to Dante about his life being abused, and the choices he made), Kelly Monaco (who showed a woman unhappy with the outward shell she had created and been a part of), and Finola Hughes,who gave us a different look  at what life would have been like for Anna had Robin been taken from her years ago.  Additionally, it was nice to see the entire cast deliver in support of making this episode work in the ‘flip the switch’ sequence of events.

So, what did you think of the Sonny-centric episode? Who was your favorite in it?  Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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I thought this episode was excellent and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Above all, it proved that the writers could produce a thoughtful, coherent story when motivated to do so. The acting, as usual, was stellar. Kudos to all involved.

love that even in his dreams Carly made him smile and that Carson was there for each other. love how well Carson clicked together which showed no matter what they always find their way towards each other. also loved Sonny trying to protect his son from bad choices. Josh did amazing as young Sonny. also LOVED that they added Mike to this SL at the start and at the end. Sonny ending up shooting Dante at the end of his dream was powerful. well done. wish more shows would be this good

I was looking forward to the episode, and I liked it. I am a fan of Maurice’s. I liked Kelly playing a different (sort of) character; she lost the monotone, finally. I always enjoy Maura. I would have liked to have seen Steve play Jason Quartermaine, not the same ol’ Jason Mobster. Tired of them decimating AJ’s memory. I loved Sean Kanan as AJ. Happy that Chad and Emme were not included in this episode. #insipidlulu-no thank you!
Also, Maurice’s son did a fantastic job!

Well, I confess to not looking forward to to it, but I really enjoyed the first half of this episode. Great actors giving different twists to their characters was clearly as much fun for them to do as it was to watch. But then something weird happened: Carly. To me, when she entered the proceedings, the energy level sunk by half. And I’m NOT a Carly hater; mostly Laura Wright makes her at least bearable for me. I can’t pinpoint why I felt this way, but there it is. Mr. Benard was superb but Dominic really impressed me too. It’s amazing how good, and sexy, he is without the albatross known as Lulu. Kudos also to the underused Lisa LoCicero as an atypically helpless Olivia and Finola as a goofily worn-out Anna.

Dominic was great and believable as usual. Miss his solid presence and the goodness of his character.

It was fun to watch for a change-up.
I liked seeing, once again, the Jeromes actually being the Jeromes. I miss them.

WHY ??? did Shelly and Chris… have to

as ?? Was it Alexis explaining to Sonny… that Anna was all worn out with work and/or that Robin had died of AIDS

why did Shelly AND Chris write this ? was it relevant

if this was for cause and effect… it certainly didn’t

Honestly, I wasn’t looking forward to it. I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed watching everyone and what might have happened with them without the mobster Sonny.

Great episode‼️rejuvenated stale characters.. brought in a fresh perspective. Yet who you are meant to cross paths with you will, regardless of what road you take to get to get there.

I told myself I wasn’t going to watch this episode seeing it was to be centered around Sonny (not a new thing, LOL!). I’m glad I did though! Standouts for me were the actor playing/who played Dante! Where was this kind of character for him before?!?! And loved Jason and Ava! Wow, why can’t they write scripts of this caliber?! We know how solid the cast has always been but this really gave a chance to showcase their talents. Now back to ho-hum after yesterday.

Absolutely LOVED it!!!

I really enjoyed the What If episode. I went back over some of the scenes on You Tube, and can really see how Dominic Z.had been wasted or seen to be boring and uninteresting on the show before. I enjoyed seeing this darker side, and Sam as his trophy wife, wearing becoming clothes, instead of the one-note black, which I am so sick of. I also loved the younger looking Mike, while Ava and Jules were more gangsta type, than usual, but wishing I could have pealed Ava off of Jason, who looked nauseus, to say the least. Olivia, always the caring mother, visiting her son, schlepping along the pasta, etc .I thought Carly was riotous when she burst in, as A.J’s wife, but would have looked better, if she’d been holding a machine gun, think she would have made a great gun moll. Last but not least was M.B’s son as the young Sonny, ever much his father’s son, making a very believable young Sonny. Kudos to all, I loved it!

I loved it. Maurice is such a great actor. I’ve watch him for years…

LOVED IT!!! However, I was confused about “Michael” – he surely would not have been named Michael if there was no Carson?

Is willow Nina’s daughter? Kiki’s twin?
And, ….Why are TPTB turning Charlotte into a mini-virago? I hope Genie’s past issues with mental health not be, somehow, ‘dumped’ onto Charlotte……that is, heving inherited the gene? …..or, the writers’ intent will, perhaps, be to tackle Charlotte’s ‘unhappiness’, for lack of a better word, with Nina’s and her father’s divorce……thus, her bullying is a form of rebellion?
I suppose, because of all the types of bullying going on (including Cyber), it needed to show its face on soaps, as well.
I thought the scene was handled well by all three characters.
Our first instinct, as parents, is to confront the the ‘abuser’ and/or the parents.
Therefore, I was pleasantly surprised when Franco ‘calmed’ down after the wise advice of both the teacher and Liz.

@CeeCeeGirl…Hello again, mia amica! As far as Laura’s past mental problems, they actually occurred due to extreme trauma from a highly-charged situation regarding her stepfather, Rick Webber…that’s what precipitated her psychotic break from reality. Prior to that moment, I don’t recall her having any great underlying issues that originally indicated a propensity toward genetic illnesses of the mind…In fact, as a young woman she was quite resilient, albeit sometimes emotionally needy and a bit fragile, given she lived through many trying experiences like finding out she was adopted and that Lesley was her real mother, joining a religious cult, being falsely accused of murder, not to mention, then being raped by Luke and later going on the run with him because of his shady dealings. Despite everyone blaming Luke for her problems, what really broke her was her relationship with Rick, who she loved and trusted, then realized that their past included a dark moment where she accidentally killed in self-defense a nurse with whom he was having a clandestine affair, which he covered up by drugging Laura. When he tried to keep her from remembering their history years later by again doping her, she mistakenly believed she had killed him by bludgeoning him with a candlestick. (Although it was subsequently revealed that the true culrpit was Scotty…) At any rate, it was that scenario which triggered her catatonic state…there is a brief two-part scene between Laura and Luke which explains all this on You Tube. (It’s entitled “Laura Remembers Rick Webber’s Death) Check it out!

Hey, Shaybelle,
Thank you for the synopsis…..very enlightening. So sorry……at the risk of sounding rude ( lunch break at school), I can’t go further than that….LOL. Always busy these days….always in a hurry…..
I want to wish you and everyone on Mr. Fairman’s sites ( including him, LOL) a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving.
Much ❤️, amica bella….

Oh hey Celia. And season’s greetings to you as well. This isn’t GH-related, it’s Y&R. What the heck is happening? I barely recognize my beloved show! Horrible new characters! I could handle Arturo, even Lola. But Rey and Mia are so militantly repulsive I can’t bear it. Nate? The phony who puts the “goo” in guru and treats life like a Zen hallucination. And the worst – the “brilliant chemist” Phyllis hired who bulldozes her way through her lines like she’s late for a nail appointment. The only pluses right now are less Lily and how HOT Nick Newman looks in suits! Oh, Cec, what’s going to become of us? Thank God we have the engaging Oscar/Drew/Kim story on GH. I need my regular Billy fix.

Thank you….I had to take a breather and check in, LOL.
What’s happening, Soaphound? Believe me, I’m with you….
This JT caca has been going on long enough. The only enjoyable person for me, at this point, is Mariah…..she is back with Tessa only to catch her in her black widow’s web ( ‘sorta’ speak). Never liked her. Mariah is sharpening her tiny claws ….good for her for having lost her trust and faith in her.
I was starting to get used to Rey…..only because he showed his human side with Sharon as he explained his tortured life with his obnoxious wife.
What an uninspiring actress……and worse character. No saving grace for this not-so-pretty Mia. And, no femme fatale to speak of.
Arturo is in his mid twenies? Mia looks in her forties; so, how in the world were they High School whatever? Did I misunderstand? She was originally with Arturo, as kids ( what a joke), then she seduced Rey, then back to Arturo, then married Rey, then cheated on him with Arturo. Why don’t they just make it a threesome—–live together and share a bed. I mean, she wants them both….so obvious!!
This tasteless story is sooooo blah.
Nick—–he’s the kind of guy; as is our Billy, in which I can forgive anything. Hot, hot, hot!!
Yes!! Love the Kim/Billy/Oscar ‘melodrama’.
I am so glad Joss knows what’s going on with Oscar.
❤️

It is always my pleasure to share with you whatever knowledge I have regarding GH’s past! I do hope you find some time to view the video clips I referenced, since they once again demonstrate how truly extraordinary Genie Francis and her Laura are. As for your hectic schedule, no need to apologize. CeeCeeGirl!…I understand, even though I miss our “conversations!” At any rate, I likewise wish you and yours a most festive and blessed Thanksgiving! Stay warm and safe this holiday week! Later, mia amica!

Hi, my Shaybelle,
I did take a little time to watch as many episodes of Genie’s Laura as I could. I am up to the wedding….what an affair that was. She looked soooo young!! And, beautiful!!
I miss our talks, as well……As soon as the subbing is over, I shall post more often…..( the other teacher should give birth in about two weeks, and then maternity leave); albeit, I must confess I am loving to be back in my element. LOL.
A presto, amica.❤️

Oh yes, CeeCeeGirl……Genie’s iconic Laura was indeed a most beautiful bride….she always seemed to glow from within and, to this day, emanates such a timeless quality, so even when viewing her decades later, the young Laura remains fresh and undated…When one combines that aspect with the immense, naturally effortless talent that has always been Genie’s trademark acting style, one can see why she was such a sensation during GH’s heyday and why so many of us still regard her as unmatched by all others who have followed in her footsteps. Additionally, despite her stunning visual appeal, this substantial character was never used as eye candy or for the purpose of cheap titillation…nobody needed to prop the ingenue Laura because she was the shining star who could go toe-to-toe with young and old actors alike on the Port Charles canvas. Quite simply, Genie was the same poised, self-possessed professional you see today…..even at such a tender age. And utterly breathtaking! I’m glad you can experience her initial magic for yourself because words cannot adequately describe the enchanting effect that this lovely lady cast upon her audience! As for your busy life, I do understand!!! By this time of the year, we’re all running to play catch up between daily and holiday commitments…I’ve actually had a few 24 hour days in the past few weeks with things having yet to slow down….and they probably won’t until next year! But I shall try to do my best to stop by and check in with you through our “birth month!!!” Oh, yes, it’s right around the corner….a premature “Happy Birthday” to you!!! Later, mia amica….

Thank you, my lovely Shay,
Happy Birthday to you, as well–another year!! I saw a frown line on my forehead this morning!! How depressing!! LOL.
Buon compleanno, e mille di questi giorni. Did you get that?
❤️

Si, comprendo, CeeCeeGirl! Molto grazie, bella donna e altrettanto! Piu tarde, mia cara amica! P.S. Try “Frownies!!!” They work a treat…Lol!!!

Hey, Shaybelle,
Frownies? Who makes it? My Gran told me to use mayonnaise on my face an hour before showering in the morning. And, my mother-in-law said olive oil does wonders for the face, neck and scalp ( for hair-health). My mother just uses moisturizer.
My Gran uses all natural ‘ingridients’ from the kitchen, LOL…..,Tea bags on her eyes and lemon juice as an astringent. Oh, she, also, uses (I wish I could whisper this to you)Preparation H under the eyes—prevents swelling?
Have I said too much? Uh-Oh….
Buonanotte, bella….

@CeeCeeGirl…The product is simply called “Frownies” and they are just paper-based adhesive facial patches which you apply to wrinkle-prone areas after you first dampen the back of them with water—-or rosewater, if you prefer— to activate them. You wear them at night to train your facial muscles not to make those repeated wrinkle-causing expressions…they come in varieties for the forehead or eyes/mouth area. This is a beauty secret from the ages…Frownies are literally ancient…film stars have used them since the silent days and the item is still produced by the same small company in Dayton, Ohio! Many online beauty websites carry them, as do high-end drugstores and beauty supply firms….they run around $20 per box for a 4-8 week supply. In the Hamptons/ NYC, you should have no trouble locating them….many ladies use them…and plenty of men, too!!!! (I’m surprised your gran never mentioned them…they are all-natural and well-known in performing circles….) I only use mine sporadically because I trained myself not to make those facial motions that cause the problems in the first place, but when I do, I first apply one of my favorite serums and let it soak in then stick on the pre-wetted patch…press it on for a minute and that should seal it for as long as required. And I have to say that even though I have sensitive skin, Frownies have never caused irritation…Anyway, let me know if you find and like them….maybe you will get the whole family to give them a try!!!! What a sight that would be….LOL! Ciao!!!

Hi, Shay,
I apologize for taking this long to respond…..
Thank you for the info…..I did ask my grandmother . She has heard of “Frownies—sold at Bed and Bath, LOL….but, she only uses homemade ‘stuff’ ….As yourself, we have light skin ( to the extreme) –peaches and cream? Is that the term? Thank goodness for blush!!
My aunt uses the product of which one of her patients suggested it to her ( she’s an OBGYN in Smithtown—-Long Island).
I don’t have any lines ( just a little frown line between my brows) or wrinkles yet–however I have been using the concoctions my grandmother uses since my late teens. My husbands tells me I smell like a salad, in the morning. Not nice!! LOL.
Anyway; I have sung my praises to Maura West on the other site. That exquisite performance still haunts me…….she is a “phenom” !! Indelible performance!!
“Gotta” run–I wish there were two or three of me…..
Ciao, amica bella.

Second try here, CeeCeeGirl!…Maybe Santa will bring you some Frownies as a stocking stuffer, so you can give them a try on that teeny, tiny line! Lol….By the way, I previously went into much more detail regarding our shared pallors and the skincare and cosmetics that best suit them in my first reply, but I guess the moderators must not be beauty junkies like myself…’tis a shame because I do so love all those lotions and potions!!! Ah…che e la vita, mia amica!!!

The rewrite of history (Rich Webber) saddens me. When I watch the vintage YouTube videos from the early 80’s of Laura, and The Webber Family, there is just no way that Rick would have done that to Laura. Bad attempt at a rewrite of history and decimating another beloved character (Rick).

I can understand your perspective, AVP, although I was never a Rick Webber fan. He always seemed too smug and self-righteous for my taste…so I guess it was easier for me to buy into the fact that lurking beneath all his sanctimony and nice guy perfection was this secret life he kept hidden for so many years. However, i do agree that there is simply too much revisionism when it comes to many of the most beloved GH legacy characters. There always seems to be this desire to destroy even the most innocuous and virtuous ones by sullying their reputations and sending them to the dark side…retroactively! P.S. Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to you, and to all!

this caricature of ; the abilities of said dullard are stretched

meaningless. I still can’t buy in to Sonny… his menacing AND piercing eye should speak volume… yet I get lost with his upper lip .. and having never seen his mouth ajar.. with teeth, no? his posture .. PLEASE , LOSE THE PINKY RING

it was pure bile… watching Frank Valentini… showing Sonny AND Carly “meeting” AND how we are all so smitten… that Sonny would forget that quickly Olivia… AND Carly big version of blaming AJ for all her mishap… AND was coming on to Sonny… they looked old. camera does not lie

GH simply has to move on
GH doesn’t have any new viewership in the desired demographic 18-49 , for a reason, this junk they present … has no meaning

I appreciated Dante a lot. as I’ve always said… watching him was worth the effort.. by the way… this was no where near acted the exaggerated heading ^^^. i’d give that only to; Dominic Zamprogna. other than that.. I feel like I got an electric shock to the system… watching Jason and Ava … KISS.. at least she drew HIM IN… for that instant .. guess it’s cause i’m still waiting for Steve Burton to make love to his fans

I really enjoyed watching, sonnys story was always interesting his integrety carried into his life as a gangster always enjoyed him and Carly, hope they stay together. To much breaking people up.

General Hospital

Adam Huss Makes Another Return to General Hospital as Nikolas Cassadine

Nikolas Cassadine will be back on your screens next week but now via Pentonville. That means, that actor Adam Huss is back for a visit for all-new episodes of General Hospital.

In story, Ava (Maura West) comes to visit her ex in the slammer. So, just what does Ava want now? She clearly has been working an agenda on Sonny (Maurice Benard). Is she working with Valentin (James Patrick Stuart)? What will she tell Nikiolas? stay tuned.

Meanwhile, once news of Huss’ return broke earlier on Friday via Soap Opera Digest, he also announced his return on his Instagram expressing, “For all those who’ve been asking, cat’s out of the bag;) Thank you to all my #Nikolas #GH fans for your unwavering support. I don’t take it for granted for a second! (Even when I can’t answer 😊) #generalhospital”

Photo: ABC

Huss took over the role of Nikolas back in January of 2023, after Marcus Coloma left the soap opera. Previous to that, Huss filed in for Coloma in September of 2021 and November of 2022. Fast-forward to January of 2024, Nikolas gave Ace to Laura and Kevin to raise, while he eventually turned himself into the police for kidnapping Esme and keeping her hostage while she was pregnant and Wyndemere.

Photo: ABC

The return of Huss comes on the heels of multiple reports that his on-screen son, Nicholas Chavez is not returning to the show as Spencer Cassadine, while in story Spencer is believed to have drowned int the Seine River after falling off a boat in France, when drugged by Esme.

So, looking forward to seeing Adam Huss back as Nikolas? Do you think GH will eventually have him more full-time? Comment below.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny and Jason Trade Threats on Each Other

The love affair that once was mobster Sonny (Maurice Benard) and hit man Jason (Steve Burton), and having each others back, is now apparently over! On the Thursday April 25th episode of General Hospital, an increasingly paranoid Sonny is confronted by Jason.

Jason wants to talk to Sonny about a “family matter”, but Sonny says they aren’t family now because he’s working with the Feds. Sonny goes on to say how he cannot trust Carly (Laura Wright) or Jason and he knows about Jason buying back the Metro Court for Carly from Nina (Cynthia Watros).

When the conversation turns to Josslyn (Eden McCoy) and Dex (Evan Hofer), Jason informs Sonny that Kristina (Kate Mansi) knows Sonny ordered a hit. Jason is worried about Dex’s safety. He tells Sonny that if he does something to Dex, Kristina will figure out that he is responsible.

Courtesy/ABC

Sonny goes on to say how much he loves his kids and how he will protect them. He then tears into Jason for abandoning his sons, Danny and Jake, for two years and how he has no right to stand there to tell him what to do.

Jason warns Sonny again to leave Dex alone or he’ll personally stop him. Sonny snaps at Jason, countering, “You’ll die trying!” And at that point, Jason walks out and Sonny slams the door behind him.

What do you think about this split in the longstanding relationship of Jason and Sonny? Do you like Jason and Sonny at odds? Will Kristina be the person to ultimately figure out what is happening to Sonny, or it might it be Nina, who knows Ava (Maura West) is up to no good? Share your thoughts in the comment section, but first watch this clip from part of the Sonny/Jason scenes below.

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Breaking News

REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital

For those who were holding out hope that Daytime Emmy winner and fan favorite, Nicholas Chavez would be returning to General Hospital after filming his leading role in Ryan Murphy’s Monsters anthology, it looks like those hopes have been dashed.

According to a report from TV Line, although unconfirmed from General Hospital or a representative for Chavez, the actor will not reprise his role as Spencer Cassadine on the long-running ABC soap opera and continue the love story of Sprina opposite Tabyana Ali (Trina, GH).

Chavez was cast as Lyle Menendez over the the summer of 2023 for the second season of Murphy’s limited Monsters series on Netflix. In the upcoming season, the series will focus on the the case of Lyle and Erik Menendez, the two well-to-do Beverly Hills brothers accused of murdering their parents in 1989.

Photo: ABC

After word from Chavez casting was revealed, GH fans were concerned over the fate of the Sprina story, a spokesperson for GH shared,  “We support Nicholas’ endeavors and look forward to having him return to General Hospital once this project is wrapped.”

In story, the series “killed off” Spencer when he went overboard with Esme to the steely waters below after being injected with a drug, thanks to Esme and falling into the Seine River in France. However, his body was never recovered, and believed to have drowned or washed away. Thus, leaving an opening for Spencer to return in the form of Chavez or be recast down the line.

Photo: ABC

TV Line shared that ‘multiple sources’ are confirming that Chavez is not returning to the ABC soap opera, which is what many had suspected might be the case once he left for this major starring role in a Ryan Murphy project. Chavez has been relatively quiet on social media for months.

Photo: ABC

The Michael Fairman Channel spoke with Nicholas Chavez for a virtual interview when he first joined the show in 2021, and spoke to him right after when he won the Daytime Emmy in 2022 – you can see those below.

No word yet on when Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story will debut on Netflix, but it is assumed later this year.

So, what do you think about the news of Nicholas Chavez not returning to his role as Spencer Cassadine on General Hospital? Comment below.

 

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