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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

Courtesy/ABC

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.

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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.

General Hospital

Lane Davies Joins the Cast of General Hospital Setting up a ‘Santa Barbara’ Reunion with Nancy Lee Grahn

Some very intriguing casting news out of General Hospital. The ABC daytime drama has cast former Santa Barbara favorite, Lane Davies (ex-Mason Capwell), in the role of Fergus Byrne, an attorney who crosses paths with Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn).

According to TV Insider, Davies will make debut the week of May 22nd.  As soap fans know, together with the aforementioned Grahn, they created the Santa Barbara supercouple of Mason and Julia Wainwright. Davies portrayed Mason Capwell family from 1984 through 1989.

Interestingly enough, this isn’t the first time in Port Charles for Lane. From 2002-2004 he played Dr. Cameron Lewis and also shared on-screen story with Grahn.  At that time Davies, played Xander Smith’s father.

Photo: NBC

GH fans are wondering about the last name of Davies new character, “Bryne”. If you recall, Alexis got herself involved with therapist Dr. Neil Bryne, who died when Harmony broke into Alexis‘ house and killed Neil by injecting him with opioids.

Photo:

Taking to her Instagram, Grahn shared her excitement at the upcoming on-screen reunion with Davies, “It never gets old. We do 😂…. but it doesn’t 😍. Lookin’ forward to another romp.”

So, what do you think about Lane Davies returning to GH to play an attorney in Alexis’ orbit? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nikolas Gets an Earful from Ava About Sonny and His Meds; Nina and Drew Can’t Seem to Resist Each Other

Ava (Maura West) seems to feel she has a confidante in a jailed Nikolas (Adam Huss) on the Monday, April 29th episode of General Hospital. In story, Ava heads to Pentonville to visit her ex-husband before he is set to get transferred out of state.

When discussing her living relationship with Sonny (Maurice Benard), which Nikolas already knew about, Ava says she is happy about how her relationship with Sonny has been evolving, Nikolas ask if she’s in love with Sonny. Ava denies it, but goes on to say how great it is for her daughter, Avery to be living with both her parents, who are on the same side and not at odds.

Nikolas believes that Ava loves being in Sonny’s inner sanctum and the power that comes with it. Ava fires back that she spent years looking in from the outside and that everyone despised her. When Nikolas brings up Nina (Cynthia Watros), she says Nina never really could understand the true type of man that Sonny is.

Courtesy/ABC

Then, Ava launches in on Carly (Laura Wright), and how she would love to stick it to her, for all the times she blocked Ava from seeing her child and Carly’s attitude towards her. Then, Ava admits to Nikolas that she knows that Sonny has a watered-down version of his bipolar medication, which is making him more vulnerable and she’s capitalizing on it for her own gain. She says she needs to figure out who is responsible, but Nikolas voices concern for Ava’s plan and that if Sonny ever found out she knew about it and did nothing, he would be on the warpath against her. Ava promises she knows what she’s doing. When she says goodbye to Nikolas, he looks upset and sad, as he still seemingly cares for Ava.

Courtesy/ABC

Meanwhile in Drew’s (Cameron Mathison) office, Nina walks in complaining about Carly giving her a hard time about maintenance in her office. Nina wants payback for Jason (Steve Burton) buying Carly the hotel, but Drew is not up for playing games with her.  She says they both want revenge on Jason and Carly, which Drew denies. Next thing you know, Nina grabs Drew and kisses him. Although, it seems he might walk out the door and away from her, he locks it, and the two proceed to have round 2 of their hate-sex.

Courtesy/ABC

Elsewhere, Anna tells Jason about her shooting Charlotte and her concern about Valentin’s (James Patrick Stuart) involvement with Pikeman. Meanwhile, Valentin visits Jack Brennan (Charles Mesure) in Pentonville, where threats are laid out to make Sonny look like the guilty party in eliminating Jason, while Anna is the line of fire, if she doesn’t keep her nose out of Pikeman business, which worries Valentin, who doesn’t want Anna getting hurt in any of this.

So, what do you think about Ava’s plans? Did you like seeing Nikolas back on the canvas? Are you all for a Drew/Nina continued affair? Will Anna get caught in the crossfire only to be saved by Valentin? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.

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Breaking News

Haley Pullos Receives 90-Day Jail Sentence Following DUI Charge And Wrong-Way Car Crash

Former General Hospital actress, Haley Pullos (ex-Molly Lansing-Davis) is going to be doing time in jail, exactly one-year after her arrest from a hit and run wrong-way car collision.

The crash resulted in bodily harm and damages to the other driver, and now Pullos who pleaded “no contest” to the charges and will serve 90 days in jail. She was taken in custody on Monday, April 29th, after the ruling.

According to Haley’s attorney, Mark Daniel Melnick, the 25-year-old actress struck a plea deal and after her three months in jail will be sentenced on July 29th. As part of that sentencing, she must serve five years probation, 200 hours of community service and pay $8,260 in restitution to Courteney Wilder, the other driver in the crash and her driver’s license is revoked for a year.

Courtesy/ABC

According to TMZ, the plea deal for Pullos has the “no contest” to one DUI, while the judge dropped the felony DUI causing bodily injury and misdemeanor hit and run charges.

Melnick said in a statement to PEOPLE, “Haley is very grateful to the court for a minimum sentence and for recognizing her remorse and the strides she has made in her sobriety.”

Pullos had played the daughter of Alexis Davis (played by Nancy Lee Grahn) on the ABC soap opera since 2009, but after her car crash and DUI she was replaced by three different actresses until the show finally settled on the current Molly, Kristen Vaganos.

Photo: Pasadena PD

Back in April 29 of 2023, and at the scene of the crash, the police found edibles and mini-bottles of tequila in Pullos’ vehicle and that she was intoxicated. As it turned out, this was to be the second hit and run in the evening for Pullos who had an earlier collision with another car.

The courts decision follows a year-long legal battle with Haley’s pleas changing throughout it, ranging from “not guilty” to “no contest”. She sought treatment for her drinking at a rehab following the crash.

Nancy Lee Grahn, who portrayed Pullos’ on-screen mom took to X on Monday night, April 29th and shared on the sentence and the specific jail, Haley will be serving time: “As Haley’s TV mom I can tell some truths about her as I’ve loved her since she was little girl. She made a HUGE mistake, knows it, owns it & has spent the last yr doing EVERYTHING imaginable to take responsibility 4 it. It’s not that I oppose jail. It’s that I oppose this jail.” The jail in question by Grahn is the L.A. county jail.

So, what do you think about Haley Pullos serving a 90-days jail sentence, and the other rulings that will be part of her sentencing? Comment below.

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