General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: “I’m Alexis Davis, and I’m a Fighter, and an Idealist, and an Advocate”; Nancy Lee Grahn Gives Masterful Performance In Special Episode
When you combine superb direction, writing, production, and acting in a special episode of a daytime drama, viewers can see and understand the thought and care that went into it.
This was more than on display during Thursday’s highly-anticipated ‘Alexis-Centric’ episode honoring the 25th anniversary of Alexis’ portrayer, two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Nancy Lee Grahn, on General Hospital.
Courtesy/ABC
In the story, symbolism was apparent and used for dramatic impact and it worked beautifully throughout, and best of all, Nancy received a script worthy of her immeasurable talents, and showed us once again why she remains one of the gold standards of our genre. If you have not seen the episode DO NOT read any further as it contains spoilers.
It begins with an emotional Alexis looking at her mother’s watch which was still frozen from the time of her death. While playing one of her mother’s records very loudly, she recalls Mikkos Cassadine kissing and dancing with her mom as a young Alexis (Natasha) looked on from the staircase. When Sam asks her about it, Alexis shares that she sees the watch as sort of a representation for her own life being frozen over the last three years; which has included Alexis’ battle with booze taking over her life and her being disbarred, when being a lawyer was the way she identified herself and what gave her purpose.
Overwhelmed and anxiety-ridden, Alexis hightails it to Kevin’s office for a therapy session knowing she is going to Pentonville in the morning to serve her sentence. She says she does not know who she is anymore. Then, Kevin asks her how she spent her day thus far. She flashes back to lunch with the good men in her life, Finn, Valentin, Jax and Ned. Valentin tells Alexis she is proud of her for honing up to her mistakes.
Back at the therapy session, Alexis she was an attorney who stood for something and her life has derailed, and that she was a fighter, an idealist, and an advocate. She knows she has to find a purpose in prison to make it through the three-year term and asks Kevin to help her find one.
Kevin wants to go back to when she was a little girl and her memories that are flooding back to her of Mikkos and her mother. Just then, the younger version of Alexis is huddled in the corner of Kevin’s office, an image of her from the past. Alexis tries to come to terms with her father and the choice of dangerous men and relationships that have marred her own happiness … recalling Julian holding a knife to her throat like Mikkos did to her mother. She says he was one of the toxic men in her life, but Kevin reminds her all of the men in her life were not toxic.
Alexis starts with Ned as one who was good for her saying he was always stable, but she ruined that by recently sleeping with him and putting a wedge in his marriage to her long-time friend, Olivia.
We then flashback to earlier in the day, where Alexis ends up in an almost confrontation with Olivia. However, Olivia tells her she misses the Alexis Davis she used to be and to get her back.
Now back with Kevin, a guilt-ridden Alexis relays she feels responsible for Neil’s death. Kevin interjects she is not, nor what happened with Julian. When Kevin attempts to bring up Mikkos again, Alexis rejects it and is angry that he is making her problem about daddy issues; like so many other women. She vehemently shouts that the men in her life do not define who she is.
Then, Alexis flashes back to hurtful memories she has buried of a young Natasha witnessing Mikkos calling her mother a “greedy little bitch”. She recalls it was on Christmas Eve and that Mikkos stopped by to give them gifts. That is when he presented her mother with the watch. However, things took an ugly turn when he tried to leave, and she threatened to tell Helena all about her and Natasha. Next, Mikkos slapped her and that is when the watch shattered. As all this was going down, a young Natasha watched from the stairs and was horrified that she couldn’t stop her father from beating her mother and remembers how helpless she felt.
However, Alexis reveals to Kevin she thought this would be the last of Mikkos coming by, but he returned on New Year’s Eve and her mother took him back into their lives. Alexis is beside herself that she could not protect her mother, but Kevin reassures her to remember she was just a child.
Courtesy/ABC
It is then we come to the crux of the story. Alexis looks over in the corner and sees her younger self crying. She goes to her younger self and tells her nothing that happened was her fault, and that their father was damaged and cruel. She tells the young Natasha this shouldn’t have been her burden to carry alone, and that she deserves to be happy. Then in the moment of strength and coming full circle, Alexis introduces herself to the young Natasha, “I’m Alexis Davis, a fighter, an advocate, and an idealist … and I will take care of everything from her on out.” In that moment, Alexis embraced herself, and forgave herself, so she could move on with her life.
Alexis then flashes back to earlier that night, as the Davis girls gather for a faux graduation ceremony so Alexis could see Molly in her cap and gown and they hug. Back in her session, Kevin remarks that Alexis has repeatedly defined herself as a fighter, an idealist, and an advocate, and reminds her she has three daughters who have those qualities, and that all she needs to be is Alexis Davis.
Then, we get a heart-warming montage of Alexis though the years in honor of Nancy’s 25th anniversary with GH.
Courtesy/ABC
As the episode concludes, it is the next morning, and Alexis enters Pentonville and enters her jail cell. There she meets her fellow inmate, who is studying law books to prep for her upcoming parole hearing. Alexis introduces herself as “Alexis Davis” and as someone who can help her. We then go back to her mother’s watch which now begins ticking at Alexis’ home. The show fades to black.
Kudos to Daytime Emmy winner, Phideaux Xavier for his outstanding direction, head writers: Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor and script writer, Scott Sickles for the thoughtful episode, EP Frank Valentini and his production crew for putting it all together, and the one and only Nancy Lee Grahn for a performance that will be remembered as a classic.
Share your thoughts on today’s on Nancy’s ‘Alexis-Centric’ episode via the comment section below.
Nancy was amazing like always
Nancy Lee Grahn gave an outstanding performance. Expect even more as she makes her way in prison. Should be plenty of material there from a great directing and writing team! Shame on ABC for not renewing GH yet! Happy 25th Nancy! Love your dedication to the show.
Every time someone mentions about General Hospital not being renewed, I feel the need to remind that “renewal” is not applicable to GH. The show is owned, produced and airs on the same division of one company, the ABC network. It is in perpetual production (like the evening news) and does not have a renewal cycle like the other 3 soaps. CBS has to renew contracts for Y&R and B&B to let Sony plan ahead. Similarly, NBC with DAYS and Sony/Corday. ABC does not sign a contract with itself for GH, thus there’s nothing to renew.
I just wish they would stop preempting the show for silly reasons. It’s a good thing this “Natashapalooza” episode yesterday, because they are probably going to interrupt Friday’s GH to tell you that an old man died somewhere across the pond. Bet your soul on it….
Satan…For a great many people that “old man” meant something special to them. Please a little more respect.
Thanks for the explanation on GH renewal. But ABC gives very little assurance to its over 2.5M viewers of how long GH will be on the canvas. Since they own the show, cancellation will be swift and we may be blindsided like we have with other daytime shows.
If they cancel, they’ll give ample time to end a show that’s almost 60 years old. They gave notice to AMC, OLTL, Port Charles, etc.
ABC has stated in the past that they do not officially renew GH the way CBS & NBC renew their soaps. ABC 100% owns GH, unlike CBS & NBC. Thus they don’t have to renew it the way the other soaps get renewed. It’s sort of like how ABC doesn’t renew Good Morning America.
GH runs its fiscal year autumn to autumn and if the show’s budgeted for the next year, then it’s “renewed”.
Personally I do not like her politics but I think she is a wonderful actress and good luck to her ! I just got the word today I have breast cancer so it really puts things in perspective so I pray that everybody just cuts the crap and quits the hate against each other ! Until it hits you we all just attack each other what a bunch of crap ! We are all gods children no matter what color our skin is! Please leave politics out the door
Kay…I’m sure this is a tough time for you. Hoping the best for you. Agree, hate does not belong in our lives. It just brings us all down.
I wish you the best with your battle. As for politics – we are permanently past the leaving it at the door. The internet and social media have forever changed that.
My heart goes out to you, Kay. I can only imagine what you’re feeling now. All the cliches about keeping a positive attitude may be true but are often hard to swallow. Please keep us posted..maybe dishing about the soaps can at least brighten your days (it does mine). Praying for you.
Kay, Iam sure we have traded comments from time to time, and this is a hard reply to make. I just want to remind you of Alexis and her thing about being a fighter and something else I found helpful during my two bouts with breast cancer, keep your sense of humor. Believe me it helps and being a little crazy doesn’t hurt either. From what I’ve read Nancy Lee is having to support her fiancie who is suffering from cancer. Kay, many prayers and best wishes to you. They have come so much further with medical science than years ago when I went through it. You hang in there and keep up with the soaps, I swear they got me through just watching others and their problems.Keep us posted. We are right here with you.
Violet, that was a beautifully written and thoughtful response.
Yes, Alexis is a fighter we can all emulate.
Kay, all the best to you! I have an aunt, cousin and good friend that all beat breast cancer, and I know you will too. They beat theirs many years ago, and the advances made in cancer treatments have come so far since then, so I will keep you in my thoughts for a speedy recovery.
Kudos to everyone involved for a wonderful look into Alexis’s life, past, present and looking forward. Nancy Lee was the consumate star and outdid herself. She never disappoints. I also felt that Diane, her best friend should have been there.
Oh Violet, call me Scrooge, but I didn’t enjoy the show at all. I’ve had too much experience in dreading the passing of hours before something terrible happens. Nancy’s performance is always excellent, that’s not the problem. The only thing that I looked forward to was seeing Diane, and that didn’t happen. Just not my day, I guess.
Soaphound
Funny you saying Scrooge. I did not enjoy nor totally watch the Christmas thing with Finn as Scrooge, or the Women election thing. These things I usually can’t stand, but for some particular reason, maybe just Nancy Lee’s gripping performance held my interest, but kept waiting for Diane to show up. I guess I’d never realized, she doesn’t have any other women friends does she? Of course Julian was missing as well as her other two baby daddys, Rick and Sonny, and her last paramour, Neal. Sorry, you didn’t enjoy the episode.
Nancy, beautifully done. We had always heard snippets of your past life over the years, but seeing it.acted out so heartfelt was another story. This was the first time I was brought to tears on GH and that is saying something.
Rose
This is wierd, but what finally made me cry was when her daughter came walking down the stairs in her cap and gown.
Violet Lemm…Yes! To see the support of her daughters and vice versa (even though there are times when any one of them can frustrate me). And after everything to see the results of how much they care for each other…tears.
Most bizarre moment of yesterday’s episode…
This is the moment they choose to tell us that Nick & Ava took over Julian’s bar??
That was peculiar as they showed it being shut down after Julian’s death. At the very least, they should give it to Felicia, since Julian blew up her bar.
What I think is bizarre is the other new restaurant they were going to a few weeks ago, now Ava & Nick’s joint, not to mention Curtis’s new Nightclub AND the Italian Restaurant today where Petey so quickly found the very willing waiter to poisen Finn’s coffee. Who knew they would be playing Russian Roulette of sorts with the damn coffee cups. I have read a spoiler that I think is true, but do not want to spoil it for anyone, but we know it won’t be Finn, one of your favorites, ha,ha.
I just have to say when the Sr. Harrison walked in I thought it was Sonny, am I crazy or what?
Now that Sonny’s going gray, they do resemble each other a little.
We all know Mike got around in his younger days. Maybe Courtney wasn’t the only kid he had with somebody other than Sonny’s mom, Adela.
Nah…. writing Finn & Chase into the Corinthos family… that’s probably not something a Devil should put out into the universe. Because it’s exactly the type of thing Frank Valentini would do.
Not sure if today’s restaurant is permanent set, as it’s a one table room. When Heinrich was giving the waiter the vile in the alley, they flashed the sign with the restaurant name “Beradino’s” a nice homage to John Beradino who played Steve Hardy.
I like the new Port Charles Grill set as it’s nice to have a break from everyone eating at the Metro Court. Curtis’ club set seems a bit small. Sad that the Floating Rob set is gone (the rear entry was a problem like the Q foyer before remodel).
And the lazy Susan scene was a nice throwback to Heather’s attempted LSD poisoning of Diana Taylor. Little PJ (Steven Lars) had the last laugh on that one.
I am so glad you thought that too ! I also had that “what?” moment.
Beside a great performance by Nancy, I wonder where the phrase “I’m a Fighter, and an Idealist, and an Advocate” came from. That’s worth a gold star!!!
rose
I know a lot of people don’t agree with her ideas and political views, but I feel that not only Alexis Davis, but that is exactly what Nancy Lee Grahn stands for.
That was some great writing,Rose. I also love how Ryan incorporated the fighter, advocate and idealist into his description of her three daughters. Dr. Collins is a brilliant psychiatrist!
Nancy has always been my favorite actress on the show…because even when she showed apparent weakness, her strength was never not there. That’s how she’s always played her and the realness of that resonates with me.
Outstanding performance by Nancy, she is truly a fantastic actress!, hope she never leaves GH! My favorite show for 30 plus years! Love everyone on the show, they are so real they seem like family!
Nancy Lee Grahn was spectacular (as always). But the standout of this episode was the writing and the direction. This is a slam dunk for an Emmy in both categories. One of the best I have ever seen, and I have been watching soaps since 1965.
The writers did an amazing job in the short paragraphs of monologue they could squeeze into one episode to really give a message of strength of resiliency to others who have suffered or witnessed trauma and have translated that into not being permitted to live a happy adult life. It gave a glimpse of taking the trauma, breaking it down, and giving yourself permission to heal. I felt it deeply. Thank you! Wonderful acting as well. Outstanding.
Sure think that Nancy has a chance to win best actress and Genie best supporting actress at the Emmys this year
This episode was one of the very best ever. My God. What a performance by Nancy Lee Grahn. I loved her first on Santa Barbara & oh I love Alexis.
I was glad to see the ongoing story of Alexis at Pentonville and her new life in prison. Her biggest obstacle was another prisoner today, marking her territory and apparently threatening Alexis. As smart as she is I don’t know if she can physically ward off or protect herself against this massive woman.
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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