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.
Evil Nikolas know exactly how to play his mother, using the guilt she feels over leaving him behind.
anything genie francis does is gold to me,,i adore this icon,,,i do wish genral hospital would write her a story worthy of her stellar performances,,,always thought a laura and sonny pairing would be electric,,,or have her go toe to toe with helena,,in any case seeing genie francis is allways like seeing an old friend
Agree with every word you wrote randy. Genie is one of the few timeless pleasures on the show. A really good story for Laura would go a long way toward bringing back viewers who gave up on the camp, the crazy (Franco and Nina) and the lame, pointless mob plots that the show has been immersed in of late.
Yes, love that tbe voice of reason is back, but Liz respond, about Jake’s past that she does not care…very cruel.
I think Jake is Helena’s little “Manchurian Candidate.” He’s been programmed, brainwashed. But to do exactly what and to whom? That’s the question.
Maybe he’ll be like Little Chucky and kill everyone in Port Charles for Halloween 🙂 That would be a fun storyline.
Gee, Ces. I was thinking something similar. But, seriously, what are the chances he will be aged (SORAS) and he will indeed become the next serial killer? Of course, Lizzie is too wrapped up in her rosy little looney-tune world of wedding bells, veils and gowns, to realize what the heck is going on with her son. My gosh if my child had come back from the dead, especially knowing with whom he’s been, I would pay so much attention to his every little nuance. There may be a mutant in the making in Jake.
lol CeeCee!! Guess I’m watching too many Halloween movies these days. She’s so happy to have *Little Jake* back but she’s hardly spent two minutes with the kid. She has no idea who this kid is and you’d think aside from a physical test, she would have had a psychiatrist look at him. Mutant Ninja Little Jake coming to get all the citizens of Port Charles starting with … Kiki!! That’s a story I’d like to see 😀
@RR61, yes to the Manchurian Candidate reference.
The cut in little Jake’s forehead could be where Helena’s front-loading microchip goes into him! She did send him home too easily, so obviously, there’s got to be a catch. Regarding Laura, I would like to see her succeed in injecting some moral fiber into Liz and Nikolas.
Lol. I like the microchip bit, Max.
Nikolas and Miss Lizzie are too far gone…they both have too much to lose.
I think Little Jake was brainwashed by Helena in the same manner that Jason was he was under her control earlier this year.
I wonder what Little Jakes trigger will be??
Or in the same manner Lucky was in Helena’s control 15 years ago.
What has happened to my girl Liz? Laura comes in and sees her preening with a wedding veil while she is about to burst out singing, “I feel pretty, oh so pretty, and so pretty and witty and Cray-CRAY!” Because it seems Lizzy really has gone all cray cray. Madame Ovary (Lizzy) has always been a very good mother but instead of realizing that he son has gone through a horrible ordeal and may be heading be turning into little Lucifer, Lizzy is too busy playing bride to her soon-to -be- husband-by-deception, Jason. So poor Laura, who is struggling not… Read more »
Damn, looks like I wrote myself into a corner there–my comment makes no sense.
Sorry! I must have gotten carried away.
heh!
now you know how that feels, Harry … aha!
some times, I can’t help but think… the writers, purposely “write” a character… so “flawd’ … in err… that they “want” Kelly Monaco’ Sam… to thrive, bask, and seem that much more… with Billy Miller’ “Jason” ie: was that just a publicity stunt… as was rumored that ; these two actors… are seeing each other… off the set ? Ie: even i saw pictures of these two at the beach… in to each other why would this not “help” translate on screen? I would think the inhibitions would be released and free them to chemistry and relatable… to this day…… Read more »
@Harry….Little Jake is in extremely good company….the entire population of Port Charles needs therapy. Perhaps they could get a great group rate?
Oh, Harry….”what a tangled web we weave”!!!!
Lizzie is nuts….Laura’s good heart can’t decide what to do. Convincing Liz to fess up is an attempt in futility. As my father-in-law is wont to say….” As futile as trying to make a hole in water”……and, then there’s adventurous Sam; climbing colossal pillars, balconies, and scaling turrets, her feet seeking purchase, wearing those perennial stilettos. Really? Did TPTB expect her to get a foothold and make it look believable?
“Madame Ovary” = Liz 🙂
I am disappointed in the writers dragging Laura into the web of lies!
Her character has always been top notch but now she is with holding the lies and makes me lose respect for her…Very sad the writers are destroying her now
Actually, Peggy, if you’re familiar with the character’s history, Laura has a long-established pattern of withholding the truth from people if she thinks it will hurt them. For two examples, she withheld the truth about Luke raping her from her husband at the time, Scott, and she later withheld the truth from Luke about having given birth to Nikolas while she was the Cassadines’ captive. Though she may lie by omission, there’s no question that the character’s heart is always in the right place.
I’d only add that it’s because Laura has learned from her past mistakes that she’s urging Liz and Nikolas to tell the truth.
Love Genie a..She is spectacular in everything she has done on GH..I think as Laura she does not want to hurt Nicholas, but wants to make sure the wrong has been righted, and even if it brings down Nicholas she will step in to make it happen..Everything she said to Liz was right on..I think Laura wants the ones who have been lieing to make things right, and be honest with Jake… Jason. I do agree something is definitely not right with Little Jake..Helena gave him up as little Jake too easily so very possible he has been programmed
Genie Francis, is so beautiful, amazing and phenomenal!!
Wouldn’t it be ironic if Liz’s adored, back from the dead son, were the one to reveal all and blow up the wedding? It would serve Liz right.
and give new meaning to out of the mouths of kids!
I think little Jake was forced by Helene to watch “The Omen” repeatedly and will knock Liz over the stair railing while peddling his little red tricycle…lol
AND hopefully the little red tricycle lands on top of Sabrina!
lol…i wish
Better yet, can we make it “Big Jake’s” motorcycle?????
I HATE LIZ. Love Laura —- wish she’d open that damn envelope Luke left her already. Why, why, why must they call that kid “Little Jake?”
I don’t even think that BIG Jake likes her; they have zero chemistry.
yeah cause slutty sam is way better!
Finally, the REAL Laura is back. Please new head writers: this dark, largely immoral show needs a voice of sanity and reason. No one is better for this role than Laura Spencer. GH needs Laura and Genie Francis. Keep her, PLEASE!!!!!!!!
I can’t stand Elizabeth.
I am encouraged that Laura is a part of the Jake/Jason story. I love Genie and want her to stand on her own! Hats off to her for having a brain and suggesting Jake should seek counseling! That poor kid has been through god knows what and all Liz can think about is sinking her teeth into Jason! What a BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB! Oh, and let Laura fall in love again and NO Scotty! Love Kin but I want Laura to reboot!
I’ve been wanting the writers to bring back Joe Kelly. The handsome private investigator turned lawyer. Moved away 30+ years ago. A good love interest for Laura and he could be used in so many roles. A lawyer with morals who could go head to head with Paul, Scottie and Ric. An interest in Kelly’s Diner since his father founded it. He is age appropriate for Laura and his character was always morally sound. I think they would be a nice pairing.
Thats a real good idea!
i’m so glad Genie is back and hope she sticks around, its great that the new writers are addressing a few things most obvious one little jakes return, its about time, now if they could just address the Robin thing too. and before anyone writes about Kimberly not wanting to return, addressing her character whereabout doesn’t mean we have to see the character on air, things just have to be explained, last time Robin was seen on air she was threatened to stay away, so where is she? does little Emma Skype with her? is Robin a prisoner again? has… Read more »
I agree with everything you said. And certainly people could say they spoke to Robin on the phone or emailed or Skyped with her. And perhaps Kimberly might have time to “Skype” or talk on lend her voice to a phone conversation.Or do something where they could show her face (but not live) for a “Skype.” Why can’t they show where “Robin” Is, I agree. You are spot on, about Genie and Laura.
Helena should have no control over Robin now so for her not to be there for Anna when Duke died and not be a mother to little Emma is ludicrous!
I had a little glimmer of hope that laura was getting through to liz, hopefully it will play out that way, cause liz will need someone like laura behind her when jason crazy so called “family” will surely try to pounce on her for the secret she kept, i hope liz doesn’t buckle and tells them all off, except monica, she should not keep a son from his mom, but to the rest , she should send them to hell, and let them have it.
Do I need to check back in and start watching? Is this the start of a turn around and will they be smart enough to keep Genie around this time?
I think GF is phenomenal. I also like the way that Laura is trying to get those who are in the wrong to do the right thing. It seems like something a parent or a teacher might do. You can “tell” a kid to do something, but if you “reason” with them about why they should do the right thing, they learn. Maybe that’s what’s Laura’s trying to do? As for Little Jake…I hope it’s not another “ship” in the head story. Yawn. This whole experience has to be overwhelming for the kid, so I hope the problem is organic… Read more »
I was happy to see Laura point out that little jake has been on Cassadine island for 4 years and 5h at that he should probably see someone. Not only did it ground the story in reality and move it away from a to device but it also plays into laura ‘ s history. She knows all too well what it’s like to be held prisoner on that island so… good job
Laura returned just in the nick of time. Laura and Anna are pretty much the only reason I’m hanging onto GH at this point.
Yep. Me too. And it is by the thinnest of threads.
I know I’ve been a little rough on GH lately, but its only toughlove. At least I still care. Fingers-crossed that the new writers will get it right.
Now if only they would bring Anna’s twin sister Alex onto the show. She’s a Neurologist, so they could bring her on as another doctor to help with Laura’s condition.
Love the character of Laura Spencer and everything Genie Francis does. She IS GH for me. I started watching for her and this is the one character I can still relate too in a sea of others I cannot understand and just don’t care about. Both Laura and Genie need their own story!! Fast!! I just don’t give a damn about Sonny’s paralysis. Seriously I wish the guy was at the bottom of the Port Charles Harbor in cement boots… so not feeling anything for his story.. and so many characters that were thrown at us that don’t really fit… Read more »
They have to keep Genie on this show! She grounds General Hospital.
I would like to see her spend more time with little Jake. They could bond over experiences on that darn island.
She also needs a love interest with someone who’s morally sound but has a little edge to him.
If GH lets Genie slip away again this time I’m gone for good.
Love Genie…I’m so happy she’s back hoping the writers this time have her stay for good.. Hoping they’ll give her a good storyline.. Go Laura !!!!
Genie Francis is the golden ticket to this show. She is the heart and soul & they need to use her to be the stabalizing force to anchor GH. I’m hoping they give her her own story with a hot love interest. GH needs to return to love in the afternoon; its rich history with core families; and more focus on the hospital. I watch for Genie. If she’s not there, neither am I.
Will Denise Alexander be returning as Laura’s Mom, Lesley? I’ve always loved the Laura/Lesley scenes.