General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Helena, Jennifer Smith & The Ice Princess: What Did You Think of Luke Spencer’s Memorial?
Friday’s episode of General Hospital brought the highly-anticipated story around the apparent death of Port Charles iconic, Luke Spencer (Tony Geary), although many fans, and even some of the cast of the show, are not sold that Luke is “dead” dead.
During the show, characters spoke of some of the history of Luke in Port Charles, most especially Luke’s sister, Bobbie played by Jackie Zeman. Throughout the years, Zeman is at her best when she is given material through the writing of the show to connect to the history of Luke and Bobbie. She did so when Bobbie was remembering how Luke came to Port Charles to help her break up Scotty and Laura, in a discussion with her daughter, Carly (Laura Wright).
Photo: ABC
As everyone is gathering at the Haunted Star to pay their respects to Luke, Curtis (Donnell Turner) arrives to support Laura (Genie Francis), Felicia (Kristina Wagner) and Anna (Finola Hughes) arrive together, Nikolas (Marcus Coloma) and Ava (Maura West), as well as Spencer (Nicholas Alexander Chavez also show up. It is through Nikolas’ conversation with Laura that we learn why Luke’s sons, Ethan and Lucky, can’t make the funeral and, of course, we know why Luke’s daughter Lulu can’t make it because she is in a coma!
Victor (Charles Shaughnessy) shows up and snipes at everyone and then leaves. Tracy (Jane Elliot), who has arranged the memorial, is with an urn supposedly filled with Luke’s ashes and Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) finds her on the deck of the Haunted Star and talks her into giving her planned eulogy.
Courtesy/ABC
Meanwhile, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) finds his dad, Sonny (Maurice Benard) drinking at Charlie’s, and later Scott (Kin Shriner) and Robert (Tristan Rogers) stop in and heated words are exchanged between Sonny and Scott. Victor shows up and instead of Scott and Sonny pummeling each other, they get into a fight against Victor.
Courtesy/ABC
As Scott and Robert are about to be on their way to the Haunted Star, Scott stays behind because of his past with Luke. Then, Sonny tried to patch things up with Carly before they head to the memorial.
Back on the yacht, Anna and Felicia find a note and a flash drive, after hearing a commotion on the yacht. When the note says “play me”, none other than Helena Cassadine (Constance Towers) addresses Luke’s friends and family from apparently the great beyond. As Helena spews her venom against Luke, Laura has enough and pulls the plug on Helena’s video speech. Tracy looks concerned, like she may want to hear whatever else Helena had to say.
Photo: ABC
Next, Tracy does her best in short order to eulogize Luke. That is juxtaposed with Scott trashing Luke. Later, by herself on the deck, Tracy spreads Luke’s ashes over the waters of Port Charles. Back on the pier, Scott relishes Luke being gone, and that he is still standing saying, “You lose you son of a bitch!” Just then Luke’s ashes blow in into his face. When Bobbie arrives, and see Scott full of ashes, she asks what happened. Scott says, “I caught the bouquet,” an obvious nod to the Luke and Laura wedding of the past, where Scott returned at their wedding and caught the wedding bouquet.
Courtesy/ABC
Back on the Haunted Star, Tracy then has a gift in hand for Laura, but she tells Tracy if that’s the Ice Princess she does not want anything to do with it, and tells Tracy to keep it. Spencer sees this go down and his interest on the diamond is instantly piqued.
Back at Charlie’s bar, Victor has an ominous toast to Luke saying, “The good people of your fair city are in for a big surprise!”
At the Haunted Star, dressed in black with black veil, Jennifer Smith reveals herself to a shocked Laura.
So, what did you think of Luke’s memorial episode? Favorite parts of it? Least favorite? Share your thoughts in the comment section. But first, check out Helena’s videotaped speech and Tracy’s eulogy to Luke below.
It was nice seeing so many veterans all in one place.
Bonus points for the locale of the Haunted Star, the performances of Genie Francis and Jane Eliot, the handsome picture of Geary, the urn, and the windswept ashes into Scottie’s face (although, for the record, I was always Team Scottie!)
I could do without 60-something, grown men getting into a fistfight. (I can always do without Sonny, who was at his default setting of menacing and abusive. — Wow! What an awful character to base your show around!) But I digress…
It might have been more appropriate to have more than one character give a eulogy, even if they were presented as snippets of dialogue.
The absence of Luke’s children, despite the excuses, was mind-boggling. GH is getting into DOOL territory in the newfangled excuses that show comes up with to explain the continued absences of Hope.
The absence of Luke himself, as perhaps at the end of the show being held captive (a result many viewers suspected, which may still happen).
The appearance of Helena via video was same old, same old — zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
The appearance of Jennifer Smith? We’ll see what Monday brings.
The piece de resistance was the return of the Ice Princess! After all these years…
As usual, James, you’re kinder than I. I don’t care about Jennifer Smith (now if Roseanne were back, that’d be different) or that silly rock and the sight of Helena just makes me recoil. I don’t find evil and sadism entertaining unless they can weave in some humanity or, at least, some humor. She no longer has either. Regarding Sonny: James, how many storylines does this egomaniac require at the same time? Right now, there’s:
1. Getting Carly back
2. Dealing with feelings for Nina
3. Missing Jason
4. Going off his medication. Why?
5. Reclaiming his empire
6. Making amends with Michael regarding Nina
7. Inciting trouble all over town (with Scott, with Nikolas)
8. Buying a new business for Phyllis
9. Figuring out what happened to that mess of moss that used to crawl on the kitchen counter
10. Finding some decent hair dye
11. Dealing with Luke’s “death”
12. Inserting himself into Brando & Sasha’s tragedy
13. Bonding with Dante (talk about sleep-inducing).
Enough already!
First, Soaphound, thank you for your reply, although I’m not sure how “kind” my own character is here today. 🙂
Second, I love how you replied to my unnumbered list with an entertaining numbered list! Seeing in black and white (or is it black and grey?) all the various storylines given to this loathsome, tiresome character, as you have methodically summarized, is appalling. “Enough already!” Indeed!
And third, my memory is a bit hazy about Jennifer Smith and the Ice Princess, but I remember four different actresses playing the role (including Roseanne — hey, isn’t she available?!?!). And the Ice Princess might have been mentioned in a storyline long after its inception, but I do like this nod to the past (itself, a favorite pastime of mine).
Cheers!
Perhaps the producers were not successful in persuading Jonathan Jackson to come back for a short time. Or maybe, the producers did not talk to Jonathan Jackson.
It would have been nice move to get Jackson there. The fans would have appreciated it. Thanks for your reply, Anne.
Elizabeth should have been there, if not for herself then for Aiden who is his grandson. What about Kevin? Other than the time Luke’s cousin pretended to be him and tried to kill Sonny, Spencer got along with Luke. Was this scene thrown in to prop Ava who had no business being there. Hell, Epiphany would have better reasons to be there. And how can you not have Bobbie speak!!!
John, I totally agree with you on all your points, particularly that Elizabeth should have been there. She could even had said that Lucky reached out to her and asked her to be there for him… Further, Bobbie should have spoken, given she knew Luke longer than anyone, if nothing else…
We can’t forget about Covid maybe it’s not as easy to get people to guest star on the soaps like it use to be. Also maybe they just weren’t available at the time
Good points, Pat!
It is Stupid—-
There is no sane reason to, out of the blue, to kill Luke off..
What would be a logical purpose to kill off Luke= none.
I do not believe Luke is dead–
To bring Luke into a story, after all these many years,
is asinine..
Luke’s death is a fake-out– A stupid one.
Ok, I have a lot to unload here but I won’t Because I just can’t put my thoughts together, but I do have a question, who in the hell is playing Jennifer Smith?
Damned if I know, but she’s probably too young for the part. Jennifer was roughly the same age as Luke. She was de-sorased in that ridiculous “exit story” ReRon wrote for Luke in 2015. As was her father Frank who should have been left dead, and would have been at least in his late 90s(as both actors who portrayed the historical Frank Smith had died of old age related causes by then)… but showed up in that dumb story looking about the same age as Luke himself.
The 90s stunt casting versions of Jennifer Smith – portrayed by Roseanne Barr and then Sally Struthers – were at least amusing. The 2015 version was as lame as the rest of that story. Hell only knows what the contrived purpose for bringing her back this time will be…. though I suspect it might have more to do with mob-related business than anything to do with her “mourning” Luke Spencer, given the way they made sure she crossed paths with Sonny as well as Laura.
Holly Gagnier, is playing Jennifer now (and her previous visit in 2015).
She played Cassie Callison on OLTL and more recently has been an acting teacher/coach. Her clients include Nicholas Chavez (Spencer).
I think some of these criticisms are a bit harsh. Budget cuts make it difficult to have scenes with upwards of 25 people at a time these days, and I can’t fault the writers or the show if the actors who played lucky or Ethan were perhaps not available to shoot. I think sometimes we need to be a lot more understanding about the genre we all love. It’s not perfect but year in and year out for decades it continues to entertain us. It’s not perfect and the writers are not in control over actors’ schedules when they are no longer on the show. Do I think Luke is dead? No. Do I think this storyline will turn out to be a great old time mystery that ties most of the cast into it? I do, and I’m happy to go along for the ride with an open mind to see where it goes❤️ It’s too easy to criticize and tear down these shows—I’m going to choose to appreciate them and to be grateful for the small handful of soaps we still have left—because the day they are all gone and all we have to watch are talk, game and cooking shows is the day I’ll start criticizing daytime.
I agree, and also there are restrictions due to the pandemic that is still prominent and they are trying to keep everyone safe while being able to still provide drama on a weekly/daily basis. I know that GH temporarily shut down production during Omicron, so obviously they are trying to keep people safe while driving story. I’m very much looking forward to some mystery and intrigue and hopefully it does not result in a mass number of deaths.
That’s an important point. Hairy certain the number of performers in any particular scene is limited to a maximum of 12.
Bravo! I agree, I rarely find anything so bad that it deserves condemnation with regards to GH. It’s a soap, doing the best it can within whatever restrictions it faces. I do hope Luke is not dead & yes, fake deaths are over used, but we’re often delighted when dead characters return, so it’s easy to overlook a fake funeral or two.
Spot on ! 100%
It was a piss poor job! Why not show clips of Luke and the characters that he acted with for so many years? I’m not talking about a rehash of the whole L&L saga. Clips with him and Genie in other stories. Clips with Sonny. What about his kids? Jackson wouldnt or couldnt come back but that doesnt mean they cannot show clips of him and Luke. Tracy was lost in this episode. Why not have someone there to support her? Monica? And no Skye Quartermaine. I know, they only have so much money and time but it was very unmemorable. Scotty was the ONLY good part of the whole Luke episode. He stood out as the only shinning star in the episode. When Luke’s “Ashes” blew over and hit him in the face was an instant classic! Helena, its over, give it a break! She was great in her day but lets move on. She is “Dead.” You have a great Cassadine villain on screen, right now, being played to perfection by Charles Shaughnessy! HE is the focus now, causing havoc with the citizens of Port Charles. He is excellent! This was probably all for naught but we move forward.
They would’ve had to pay Geary his last going day rate if they used any clips. If those scenes featured performers not on Friday’s episode, they would’ve had too been paid their day rate as well.
Since Geary is still living (and quite likely, so is Luke) it was not a tribute episode like they did for John Reilly (Sean Donely) last year.
Those day rates for Geary and others would have taken a serious amount away from GH’s daily budget. So I think it was a choice of either showing clips of Geary with Genie Francis etc or having Jacklyn Zeman and others physically on the set.
As usual, Timmm, you speak truth. I’ve always felt that tribute shows should be JUST THAT… appreciation of past episodes and performances. No need to dredge up false sentiment and imagine phony reactions. Jennifer Smith…REALLY?? I feel the same about those Kennedy Center Honors specials. Rather than see an artist’s work desecrated by a generation of performers that don’t understand and/or are incapable of interpreting the work adequately, JUST SHOW US the original work. Did you see that “tribute” to Bette Midler last month? Disgraceful!
Luke is alive.’Hate him, or enjoy him, like or love him, he is alive. The older sexxxi man himself, bad to the core at times VICTOR showed it, his smirks, to him saying, right in the camera, “The citizens of Port Charles, are in for a big surprise.”[Or said something to this affect.] No way, he is dead. I hope 1 day mid 70’s, yes old now, senior citizen he is, but i hope just 1 day, even 1/2 of epie or a few epie’s, a short 3 month contract, the great LUKE SPENCER (Anthony Geary) return soon. No way as GENIE FRANCIS say, he would just die or that she has a hard time beliving in an “accident”lol
adios
Agree no way is he dead! I can’t wait until this story progresses and the great luke Spenser comes back to save the day!
Loved it!! Seeing all the vets together was wonderful. Yes, it obviously would’ve been great to have all of Luke’s kids back but they pulled off surprises and humor and touching moments all in one episode. Well done!
I didn’t shed a tear which says it was a very poorly written memorial service. I’ve watched GH since it started and expected so much more. Where were the flashbacks of some iconic scenes.
Didn’t Tracy just get through telling Laura at Liv and Neds vow renewal that she had a piece of the Ice Princess that she was going to use to finance her future endeavors? I was not watching back when all that stuff was going on, so who does the jewel really belong to?
I agree that Luke’s death came out of nowhere and certainly will serve other story; otherwise, there’d be no reason to bring it up. If he really is dead, the memorial service itself was really disappointing for the arguably the most well known character on daytime. Also, I couldn’t believe that Scorpio was wasting all that time with Scotty and did not have once scene with Laura reminiscing about Luke. Curtis had more interaction with her. And also why haven’t they talked about Victor too!
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).
Photo: NATAS
In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year, A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.
The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.
So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.
General Hospital fans took to social media following the airing of the Wednesday, October 21 episode of the ABC daytime drama series. In story, Molly (Kristen Vaganos) reveals to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) that she has received an offer to join the top law firm in Chicago that practices civil law. She says it’s her dream job.
The problem Molly says is relocating from Port Charles and uprooting her life and being away from her mother, Scout and boyfriend Cody Bell (Josh Kelly). Wistful that she may lose another daughter to a long-distance situation (Kristina left a few months back to go to medical school in California), Alexis urged Molly to get Cody to go with her.
Molly still seemed concerned and has trouble committing to the idea. Alexis tells her to talk it over with Cody. Meanwhile, Cody asked Tracy (Jane Elliot) is he can have Thanksgiving off because he and Molly planned to spend Thanksgiving together with their families. After initially balking, Tracy agrees.
Courtesy/ABC
WILL MOLLY AND CODY HEAD TO CHI-TOWN?
Later, Cody shows up at Miller & Davis and the conversation turned to Thanksgiving dinner that Alexis is hosting. Molly and Cody asked her not to cook anything. Cody hugged Molly reassuring Alexis that he and Molly would take care of whatever was needed on Turkey Day.
So, this raises the question, why out of nowhere are we learning that Molly received an amazing law offer in Chicago, if the character was not being written out? If Molly leaves the canvas, would the character of Cody make his exit too?
Kristen Vaganos joined GH as a recast Molly Lansing-Davis back in September of 2023 and went on contract in August of 2024. Josh Kelly began playing Cody Bell back in June of 2022. Initial reports were that Kelly joined the show on contract and then as of June 2025 went on recurring status with the show per his choice.
Do you see a world where GH is writing out Molly and Cody? Would you be sad to see Kristen and Josh exit the soap opera? If this is not what is going on, is this just a plot point for some other story that is upcoming? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
It’s been over two-years since his last appearance on General Hospital, now fan favorite Kin Shriner (Scott Baldwin) has taken to social media to share his thoughts on the casting of his grown-up TV daughter, Serena Baldwin now played by Kelly Kruger.
Kelly took over the role of Serena on-screen starting with the July 30, 2026 episode and has been ensconced in the storyline with her mother, Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring), in trying to win back full creative control of Deception for her.
In fact on the Monday, October 19 episode of the ABC soap opera, Serena tried to dupe Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) into signing over Michael’s (Rory Gibson) shares of the company. Jason caught on and wondered why she was doing this. She claimed she just wanted to help her mom gain creative control from Tracy (Jane Elliot) rather than full ownership, and begged Jason to keep quiet about it, which he agreed to for now.
Courtesy/ABC
WHERE IS SCOTT?
On Monday, Shriner also took to X and said, “I think Kelly Kruger is doing a great job on General Hospital, and she and Lynn Herring work well together.” That was followed by comments in his thread about the show needing to bring back Scott too.
In fact, back on August 25, Shriner also took to X with a reminder that Scott is still around and ready to come back to Port Charles, sharing, “Scotty Baldwin always fits in he just needs the right sport coat !!!!”
The last time Serena mentioned her father Scott was when Kruger made her debut and informed Lucy that her father was, “living his best life in Key West.” Meanwhile, Shriner posts on his X account continually and shared back on August 2, that it has been 49 years since he made his on-screen debut as then teenaged, Scotty Baldwin and thanked the fans for al the love and support.
So, now let us know, are you enjoying Kelly Kruger as Serena Baldwin? Do you want to see GH bring back Scott Baldwin into the story, so Serena has both her parents in Port Charles? Do you like the potential of Jason and Serena pairing? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
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