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‘General Hospital’s’ Genie Francis Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: ABC

General Hospital fans loved to see one of its all-time icons, Genie Francis (Laura Collins), front and center in story. This past week in episodes that aired from November 17-21st, Genie got to remind everyone why she remains the MVP of the ABC daytime drama series.

Coming into the week, in highly-intense emotional scenes, Laura, knowing she is in the battle of her political career, smack dab in the middle of the crucial mayoral election of Port Charles against Ezra Boyle (Daniel Cosgrove) in her bid for reelection, she risked it all to be there for her grandson, Rocco Falconeri (Finn Carr) in court, who is framed by Professor Henry Dalton (Daniel Goddard). Eventually sent to juvenile detention for breaking into the professor’s university lab.

In the pick up on November 17 episode, Laura goes to cast her vote at a polling station, when none other than Dalton shows up and elicits the reaction he wanted from her, and in front of the citizens of Port Charles, who were present recording it all on their cellphones. An angry and Laura accuses Dalton of lying about his lab being trashed to pieces, and stands up for her grandson, vowing she will not allow him to be targeted.

Courtesy/ABC

Viewers once again saw the fiery Laura we recall from years past, who can lose her temper, stands up for justice, fight for her family at any cost! In the key moment and outraged, she slaps Dalton right across the face. It was electric and memorable, because we haven’t seen in this side of Laura in a very long time.

However, that was just the start of the trauma for Laura. After a face-off with Drew (Cameron Mathison), and knowing she has many enemies who want her out of office, including Ezra Boyle and Sidwell (Carlo Rota), she learns she has won the election despite it all.  Sadly, her moment to take it in and celebration is cut short, when she is on her way to a post-election gathering with her staff, when she gets a flat tire. When she goes to the trunk of her car, she sees Dalton’s dead body inside of it.

Now, is where Genie really got to shine, as we saw not only the horror, the trauma and watched Laura try to figure out desperately, who she could call to help her! She lands on Sonny (Maurice Benard)! The mobster is quick to help her out and to try to calm her down, but ultimately telling her, someone is coming after her. He gives her directions to head home, and that he and Jason (Steve Burton) will clean up the mess and make it look like this never happened.

Courtesy/ABC

Laura is completely shaken and rattled to the core, and we don’t know yet what’s to come given her traumatic past with the deaths of David Hamilton, James Duvall and Theresa Carter all a part of her fragile previous mental health issues.

All of the scenes noted above and throughout the week were just brilliantly played by Francis, which is why Michael Fairman TV names Genie as the Power Performance of the Week. And yes, let’s remember this for Emmy time 2026 and get the longtime vet a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

So, do you agree with our pick of Genie Francis deserving top acting honors for the Power Performance of the Week? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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Genie was on FIRE! A few of these scenes would make for a great Emmy reel for Lead Actress. The horror, the trauma, all of it… was pure real Genie. Well done, Genie!!!

Next step, find some contrasting scenes when her children come together (hopefully, Lucky (I’ll take JJ for one-day only) and bring back Nicholas in the form of Adam Huss (1-day)…for the passing of Dr Leslie Webber. The contrast will show her sentimental love and history for her Mom and her family, including grandchildren and all. Kevin needs to return (w/John Lindstrom) for a few days. We know the actor is now linked to BTG.

I would be quite disappointed in GH, if they didn’t bring back Nicholas because he was very close to Leslie (when Tyler Christopher played Nicholas) and there was a lot of history there… or, maybe GH can lure Marcus Colombo for a few days.

Or, recast with a permanent with a new actor at a later time. But, GH and LAURA will need, Nicholas, Lucky and we have our Lulu.

BOOM! Genie for the GOLD #DaytimeEmmyAwards2026 #LeadActressGenieFrancis.

There’s no advantage in having Nikolas return for Lesley’s memorial (please note the spelling for both). With Tyler sadly gone, there’s no flashbacks. And as great as Havins has been, there’s no Lulu flashbacks either.

The next time we see Nikolas, it will likely be a recast. While Huss could be a temporary return, Coloma would never be asked back.

Nicholas needs a re-set. His character has been totally ruined. They should say the last few years was someone impersonating Nicholas because none of that time was in character for him. They could take the story back to the train ride when he ran into Eva on the train, when he fell/jumped and say he’s been in a coma, or had amnesia and a Cassadine uncle found him and brought him back to live on Cassadine island. They should re-cast for someone with a European accent that could be believable as a prince. Then Asa wouldn’t be a Cassadine and Nina could get custody. Having Laura raise this child you never see is ridiculous. Nina could get her 2nd chance at motherhood. Heck, the Cassadine uncle could also have Spencer! Then he starts having flashbacks and returns to Port Charles to piece things together. It’s the only way to save the character and could potentially reenergize the whole Cassadine saga.

Yes her performance was brilliant. It’s about time they start using her we want all Laura back Strong and confident so she could stand up to Drew, Ezra and even Stilwell. I do not want her to crack. Because right now she’s the only strong confident woman in PC Right now Anna is gone. Jordan you got her wrapped up in Curtis’s nonsense. Laura has to stay strong for her family, especially her grandson and she needs more than Lulu in her family back in her life

Finally doing right by Genie Francis giving her a storeline. Excellent performance by her. Because this is getting good.

Genie did some amazing work with some barely decent writing. Who would believe Laura shot Dalton then had the strength to put his dead weight dad bod in the trunk?

Soap fans are frequently asked to suspend belief. Port Charles is apparently a big enough city to have an international airport and a large organized crime contingent. But the mayor neither has a driver nor security personnel? And security cameras (i.e. in the city hall garage) only exist when it serves the story.

And while we fans fully appreciate Genie’s work, it’s her peers that decide the Emmys based on the reel she puts together and the category in which she submits.

YES …SHE’S BACK!!! Thank you writers for finally give Laura something good …. dont stop!!!!

She was amazing. Always a great actress, but this performance was so believable. From defending her grndson to the fear, after discovering the body…wow.

By any and every account Geanie Frannis deserves MVP this year for lead actress! Her performance couldn’t have been more real if it really happened! Cudos to her for perseverance and dedication to her career!!

Genie Francis is remarkable and this week proved it all! Amassing, scared even me! Deserves Best Actress of the Year award!!

I really love the mayor performance with Ezra and Drew. I love it great acting madame mayor. I am so glad that you are still madame mayor I love that she called Sonny. Great performance.

Michael of course Genie is deserving of the power performance for this week, month, year, anytime but Michael you should of split this one with Kelly Theibould too, mainly because they both gave in one singular episode the most scared performances I’ve ever seen two actress give, they both were so shock in their terrifying experiences, Britt seeing Dalton get killed right before her eyes, and then Laura finding Dalton dead body in her trunk, both their performances felt so real, they really looked terrified with what each experienced individually, I was scared watching, And kudos to Daniel for playing a scary dead person, what an awful way to die. I can’t wait to see this all played out and again kudos to Genie and Kelly.

Excellent job i love genie Francis so talented, i rewatched that scene where smacks dalton in the face over and over again, loved it.

Yes I love Laura aka genie Francis I’m 76 and have been watching gh since it first went on the air I love all the characters a ND the stories they all deserve and award amazing actors and actresses love the show hope it never goes off the air Inez t rydzak devoted fan of gh

Genie, was magnificent. In every scene, it was so believable. Brilliantly played.

Yes, I totally agree Genie Francis did an amazing job with the range and depth of her performance this past weeek. It was great to see her used the way she should be…as the. Reigning queen of daytime GH. I’ve love her for years,this was just another reminder of why.

Genie always will be at the top of her game. She knows how to make Laura just as she always was a fighter and a survivor. Keep up the good work Genie and get that Daytime Emmy cause you deserve it.

Absolutely agree !!!!!! We are seeing once again Genie showing her acting skills, with emotions and all!!!! And finally with a good storyline, more than one that brings back her passion and I just can’t say enough good things about her. I’ve watched her on interviews and her life story, what a positive role model.

Yes she is a wonderful brilliant actress I love watching her I don’t like missing a minute of GH it’s a big part of my day.

it’s about time the writers are using the veteran actors of GH instead of bringing back people from the dead!

Well she wasn’t part of the #1 Super Couple of ALL TIMES for no reason and that was a long, long time ago! She has definitely mastered her art and more!!! As we watched it we knew we were watching GREATNESS!
Especially the scene with Sonny…”I can’t do this, I can’t do this”.
Thank you Genie Fransis…you surely DID!!!

YES, ABSOLUTELY!!! She was the BEST!! LOVE HER!!!! ❤️‍❤️‍

Genie Francis deserves not just a nomination but the Emmy for 2025.

Great to see Genie back ! Emmy yes!!

I text my bff and told her that day that Jeanie Francis had really out did herself acting in that episode ! Now I see these a few days later.

Yes. I totally agree. She was so brilliant.

Yes! And the award goes to, oh yes again, the great Genie Francis. She’s like a good wine; she gets even better with age. Congratulations to Genie Francis. Outstanding performance!

I’ve been watching GH since it came on the air. Genie Francis deserves all awards possible. As someone commented here, she is like a fine wine, and just keeps improving! I’ve been watching old Murder She Wrote episodes in which Genie appeared and realized even as a young lady what a superb actress she has always been. She makes her characters so real! Thanx GH for keeping her again front and center. Currently I can not get GH so am looking forward to watching what I have missed, apparently the best stuff of recent years!

You bet! I’ve watched her from her beginning on the show. She is a powerful actress. I absolutely love her!

About time Laura got a bigger part.She is a dynamite actress.Go Genie

GH gave material she could sink her teeth into, and she pulled it off!

Greatness indeed!!! Go Genie!

Genie is brilliant!

Beyond the Gates

2026 SDSA TV Award Nominations: All Five Daytime Dramas Score in Best Achievement in Set Decoration

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The Set Decorators Society of America has revealed its nominations for 2025-26 SDSA Awards for Television, which recognizes the work of the set decoration and production designers in primetime, streaming and daytime series.

This year, all five soap operas: Beyond the Gates, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital and The Young and the Restless all received nominations in the Best Achievement in Decor/Design of a Daytime Series category.

In its official SDSA rule book, to qualify for the category of a Daytime Series, which includes daytime dramas, daytime talk shows, daytime game shows, and daytime children’s programming, all episodes must air before 6:00pm and must have a credited Set Decorator. For daytime dramas, the content must contain multiple plotlines that are carried over from episode to episode.

Photo: JPI

WHICH EPISODES CAN BE INCLUDED IN THE COMPETITION?

The eligibility year for episodes runs June 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026.  Founded in 1993, the SDSA is an international nonprofit professional association dedicated to promoting excellence and preserving the legacy of the art of set decoration in motion pictures and television.

Several popular primetime and streaming titles that have wrapped their final seasons also received nods including Euphoria, Stranger Things, Hacks, Outlander, and The Boys. Popular titles such as Bridgerton.

Take a look below at the nominated scenic design teams from your favorite soaps:

Best Achievement in Décor/Design of a Daytime Series

Beyond The Gates: Set Decoration by Cynthia Slagter with Production Design by Bruton Jones

The Bold and the Beautiful: Set Decoration by Prim Rosales, Beth Wooke, Prerna Chawla, Charlotte Garnell, Chelsea Mondelli, Michelle Hall, & Linda Louise Sheets with Production Design by Lou A. Trabbie III

Days of Our Lives: Set Decoration by Adele Caine & Sarah Holmes with Production Design by Tom Early & Dan Olexiewicz

General Hospital: Set Decoration by Jennifer Elliot with Production Design by Andrew Evashchen

The Young and the Restless: Set Decoration by Jennifer Haybach, Justine Mercado, Maria Dirolf, & Monica Lowe with Production Design by David Hoffmann

So, which soap opera from the calendar year of basically June of 2025 to a week ago in 2026, do you think has had the best looking sets? Beyond the Gates, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital, or The Young and the Restless? Make you pick and drop it in the comment section below.

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General Hospital

Marc Forget Exits ‘General Hospital’

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The Thursday June 4 episode of General Hospital paved way for the end of the line for Jenz Sidwell’s (Carlo Rota) butler/fixer, Pascal (Marc Forget).

In the pick of the June 3 cliffhanger, Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) was the hero and stopped the evil-doer from fleeing Port Charles for his part in aiding and abetting his boss with the cover-up of the murder of Professor Henry Dalton (Daniel Goddard) among other crimes.

Today’s episode did indeed mark the final appearance of Marc Forget who joined the ABC soap opera when he debuted back in July of 2025. Viewers met met Pascal when Kelly Thiebaud returned to the soap opera as Britt Westbourne and she was being blackmailed to work on Faison’s final project while at the Five Poppies in Dalmatia.

Courtesy/ABC

A General Hospital rep confirmed to Soap Opera Digest, that the June 4 episode, “Will be the last viewers will see of Pascal for now, but notes that in the world of Port Charles, comebacks are always possible.” So, how did Pascal get written-off the canvas? Here’s what went down:

PASCAL GIVES LUCAS KEY INFORMATION BEFORE BEING DRAGGED AWAY

After Sonny intercepted Pascal on his desperate attempt to get out of town, Sonny informed him hat Sidwell would stop at nothing from trying to get retribution for whoever killed his son, Marco, and promptly turned around and said that he would help Pascal flee the country, only if he turned on Sidwell.

An absolutely terrified Pascal had evidence for Sonny that he could use against Sidwell. However, he feared he would get killed on sight if he tried to retrieve the incriminating photos of Sonny and Laura from the safe at Wyndemere. So instead, Pascal gave the combination to the safe to Lucas (Van Hansis), so he could get the blackmail photos himself. But, did Pascal just set up Lucas to be killed since he loathes him for being the man to win the heart of the late Marco?

In the end, Sonny had one of his henchmen drag Pascal away and whisked off to an airfield to fly away to parts unknown, and hopefully never to be heard from again. But what now? Is Lucas going to end up being pegged as Marco’s killer and taken down by Sidwell if he gets his hands on the incriminating photos for Sonny and Laura? Stay tuned.

So, what did you think of Marc Forget’s run as Pascal? Sad or happy to see the character go? Do you think he will be back down the line? Share your thoughts via the comment section.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Is This Congresswoman Cain’s New Chief of Staff?

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In one of the more far-fetched soap opera moments in recent memory, while Harrison Chase (Josh Swickard) and Willow Cain (Katelyn MacMullen) are chatting at the Quartermaine boathouse in swimming trunks for him and a bikini for her, the two exes have a heart to heart on Wednesday’s June 3 episode of General Hospital.

The moment was set-up by Michael (Rory Gibson) and Jacinda (Paige Herschell) who want to find a way to push the exes together in order to get incriminating evidence of the two, so Michael can gain leverage over Willow for full custody of their children. once and for all. Jacinda notes how Chase definitely has a savior and white knight syndrome going on.

During Willow and Chase’s chat at the boathouse, the subject turns to how Chase was demoted at the PCPD in his efforts to help get Willow acquitted of attempted murder charges at her trial for the shooting of Drew. He has since gone from detective to patrolman. However, Willow comes up with an idea! Why doesn’t he come to work for her as her chief of staff. Willow feels he would be perfect, because he is only one of the only people she can trust.

Courtesy/ABC

WILLOW LAYS OUT THE BENEFITS OF CHASE ACCEPTING HER JOB OFFER

A surprised Chase, says he isn’t qualified, but Willow thinks otherwise. She urges him to consider the position she is offering, because it would give him a more regular schedule that would be befitting for him being a new father to baby Phoebe.

Chase’s want to know why it was so important to Willow that he take the job, she continues to explain how she trusts him, but Tracy (Jane Elliot) spots the two in a close moment and hides behind the boathouse. Willow exits, but asks Chase to promise he will think over her offer.

Next, Tracy threatens Chase that this is the last time he will cheat on her granddaughter, Brook Lynn Quartermaine (Amanda Setton). Knowing he didn’t “cheat” on his wife, Chase looks pissed off.

So, can you imagine, Chase as Willow’s Chief of Staff? Weigh-in if you think he will be stupid enough to take this job knowing the issues it would cause for Brook Lynn? Will the police officer ever get the clue that Willow is manipulating him like she does to everyone else? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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