General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Genie Francis Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
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.
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!
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Josh Swickard Recalls Emotional Moment After His Final Scenes with Michael Easton, and Favorite ‘Chase’ Storyline

Josh Swickard (Harrison Chase, General Hospital) is the special guest on this week’s all-new episode of Soapy Hosted by Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart. The GH fan favorite and leading men opened up about his life pre and post GH, his marriage to actress and producer, Lauren Swickard, and some of his toughest and most memorable moments during his eight-plus years as officer Chase of the PCPD.
One of the most heartbreaking moments came when Josh had to say farewell to his on-screen brother Finn played by soap veteran, Michael Easton. It was back on the Thursday, June 27, 2024 episode of General Hospital.
In it, Chase drives Finn to a rehab facility and the two brothers share a heartfelt talk in the car. Finn thanks Chase for allowing him to say goodbye to his daughter, Violet (Jophielle Love). Chase promises to take good care of her. However, Chase warns Finn to not to take any shortcuts on his way to sobriety and to always think of Violet’s wellbeing. It is apparent, the brothers don’t want to say goodbye, but on the count of three, Finn leaves Chase’s car and walks through the door of the rehab facility, while Chase in tears beats the steering wheel before drives away.

Photo: ABC
MISSING HIS TV BROTHER
Josh spoke to the “Soapy” podcast hosts about it and recalled, “In our last scenes together, and it was like his last day. Michael was like, ‘It’s okay.’ And I was like, ‘No, it’s not.’ I was supposed to be crying in the scene, I think. I was like a little glassy-eyed, a little glazed over. And then they were like, “And cut.” I was like, “Great.” I just like went behind the car and wept.”
Speaking of his professional and personal relationship with Easton, Josh expressed, “Michael is an awesome guy. He’s such a sweetheart. We’ve done fan events together in New York and he would show me things, like, ‘This where I used to live …’ He’s like an older brother to me.”
Not only did Josh lose his on-screen brother, but he also lost his on-screen father, Gregory, played by Gregory Harrison, when he was killed-off the show after the character battled ALS. “I think I was more just mourning friends that play family on a show, but a show that goes year after year, year round, and so they become family,” explained Swickard. “So, that part’s been hard for me of just losing friends that while, yes, you get to see each other, you get to call each other, it’s different (when they leave).”

Photo: JPI
CHASE IN A COMA IS FAVORITE OF JOSH’S
When asked, what has been his favorite storyline during his run on GH thus far, Josh took it back to when Chase became became critically ill after being poisoned by a toxic from Peter August (Wes Ramsey) meant for Finn. Eventually, Finn had to rescue his brother with the antidote for the toxin. That story played out from April to June 2021.
Josh explained, “Where I was in a coma and I was seizing and coughing and I had no blocking for like four months! It was great! It was a storyline where I was about to die and I had to say goodbye to a lot of lovely people and it was so exhausting. You get in the car and you feel like you got hit by a train every day because your body doesn’t fully know what acting is, apparently. I remember multiple days being like, ‘Oh, this is why I signed up for this.'”
Swickard also answered if there were moments in the storyline if he felt Chase was not going to survive. The GH star answered, “There were moments that I wondered. However, I think they were pretty upfront with me. They were like, ‘This isn’t what’s going to happen.'”
Check out the full conversation with Josh on the ‘Soapy’ podcast via the comment section below.
Now let us know, what has been your favorite scenes of Josh as Chase on General Hospital during his run? Do you miss the relationship between Chase and his brother, Finn? Let us know via the comment section below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Is This the End for Brennan?

This week, all-new episodes of General Hospital tease a long-held secret revealed, a surprise cellmate and a life on the line. On Monday August 24, ABC released their weekly promo entitled “Keep Brennan Busy,” raising eyebrows that this could the beginning of the exit of the character, after it was reported that Chris McKenna (Brennan) is leaving the soap come this fall.
In the spoilers video: First, Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) is telling Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) that she has known the truth all along that she shot Drew (Cameron Mathison), even though she was her legal counsel and defender her during Willow’s trial of shooting the former congressman.
Willow is shocked, and her face shrinks up. What will she say in return? Will she just say, “yes” I did it and then blackmail Alexis to also keep her quiet, like she has been able to do to so many others?

Courtesy/ABC
DREW’S BACK TO HIS OLD SELF WITH A VENGEANCE
Next, Drew is suddenly on this renewed warpath to take down Sonny (Maurice Benard), but before he deals with that, he want to get the WSB Port Charles Bureau Chief out of the way. He informs his partner in crime Ava Jerome (Maura West) over drinks at the Metro Court his plan for Brennan. While Drew tells Ava his agenda, we cut to: a woman’s hands pouring a packet full of powder into a drink at the Metro Court pool area.
Drew gives Ava her assignment, “I need you to keep Brennan busy while I search his hotel room.” The question becomes, who is the woman who is drugging Brennan? Is this the first attempt at taking out the guy foreshadowing the future, or could this be the demise of Brennan?
YOU NEVER KNOW WHO YOU MIGHT SEE IN THE SLAMMER
At the end of the video, Curtis (Donnell Turner) is seen in his cell at Pentonville. He gets what appears to be his new cellmate, and utters, “You?” Is this when Jenz Sidwell (Carlo Rota) has manipulated someone from the inside to visit Curtis and begin a plan to get what he wants from Jordan (Tanisha Harper) and use her lover to do his dirty work? Stay tuned.
Take a look at the rest of the official spoilers for the week of August 24-28 below.
MONDAY, AUGUST 24
Valentin makes a pitch to Jason. Brennan confronts Willow. Josslyn has news for Hudson. Laura briefs Anna. Tracy issues a warning.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 25
Jason encourages Carly. Obrecht wants answers. Anna is tempted. Ric jumps to conclusions. Lulu offers relationship advice.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26
Nina is enraged. Jordan makes her loyalties clear. Michael seeks Sonny’s advice. Tristan opens up about his past. Felicia stonewalls Brennan.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27
Gio and Emma overhear an argument. Drew vows revenge. Ava feels slighted. Justine gets a shock. Alexis makes threat.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28
Sonny makes a promise to Laura. Carly and Valentin make a decision. Anna offers support. Ava sets a trap. Drew is waylaid.
Check out the the latest GH promo, “Keep Brennan Busy” below.
Now let us know, do you think Drew’ plot against Brennan will be the untimely end of the WSB Port Charles Bureau Chief? How will Willow keep Alexis from opening her mouth about the fact that she shot Drew? Share your predictions and theories via the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Dominic Zamprogna Shares He Was ‘Happy to Hear’ of The Triangle Storyline Developing Between Dante/Elizabeth/Ric

General Hospital’s Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri) opened up about the burgeoning love triangle forming between his Port Charles alter-go, Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst) and Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst) after recently aired scenes, plus his hopes for the future of a Dante and Liz pairing, during his appearance on the Sunday, April 23 edition of the That’s Awesome podcast with Steve Burton (Jason Morgan) and Bradford Anderson (Spinelli).
On last week’s episodes of GH, Ric has made the decision that he wanted to propose to his ex-wife, only when he showed up at Elizabeth’s front door, he misread the scenario he walked in with Liz tending to Dante’s injured leg from the softball game. From there, the legal eagle’s jealous streak is reemerging which may cause him to act out and do something unforgivable, or will he take the high road? Stay tuned.
Speaking with Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson about where Elizabeth stands in the annals of the long-running soap, Zamprogna said, “She’s up there with Steve and Maurice (Maurice Benard) as one of the most legacy-filled people on the show.”

Courtesy/ABC
HOW DANTE AND ELIZABETH CAME ABOUT
Dominic jokes it’s a far cry for where Dante and Elizabeth previously, recalling, “We had some scenes together years ago and we were both laughing. Becky’s like, ‘Well, I guess we’re not going be paired up anytime soon.’ I remember we laughed immediately after they yelled ‘cut,”‘and said to each other, ‘Well, so much for that!'”
Fast-forward to early 2025 and as Zamprogna remembered it, “Elizabeth Korte (co-head writer, GH) came up to me at the General Hospital Christmas party, and I think it was a year and a half ago and she said, ‘We’re going to have you in scenes with Elizabeth,’ My internal monologue is going, ‘I’m not with Lulu (Alexa Havins) anymore and Sam’s (Kelly Monaco) gone, so maybe they want to see if this works.’ I didn’t want to get scenes with Becky and try to find the chemistry. I just wanted to play whatever honestly was written and came across for both of us and hope it was what people liked, and I don’t know if it is … or not.”
Knowing how beloved Elizabeth is to the GH faithfuls, Zamprogna added, “She got a big fan base with Ric … and a big fan base with with Jason … and you know, you’re going to piss somebody off. But, didn’t Ric drug Elizabeth and put Carly in a panic room?”

Photo: ABC
DANTE AND ELIZABETH PAIRING COULD STIR UP STORY FOR OTHERS IN PORT CHARLES
In closing, Dominic felt that the wide-reaching tentacles of a Dante and Elizabeth relationship is something he is 100% down for. “The triangle thing; I was happy to hear it was with Ric and her, because I felt it’s important to have her the top of it as opposed to Dante, Lulu and Elizabeth.”
Zamprogna added, “When you get into relationships on a soap, things seem to fizzle out a little bit, The buildup is what’s the fun part, and the getting to know each other, and the people who are affected by this coming together. When with this case it’s going to affect: Ric, Sonny, Lulu. There’s so much more story here. To me, it’s going to be a fun story to play.”
You can check out Dominic’s visit to That’s Awesome with Steve and Bradford below.
Now weigh-in: Are you rooting for Dante and Liz, or Dante and Ric at this juncture of the story, or neither guy for Elizabeth? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section.
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