General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Lenny Dies In Episode Featuring Heart-Tugging Ensemble Performances
When the performances and a great script all come together it makes for daytime drama at its best, and on Friday’s unexpected episode of General Hospital, the long running ABC daytime drama series delivered just that.
The juxtaposition of two stories which at its epicenter is Maurice Benard as “Mike”, and as Sonny (as conjured up as sort of Carly’s conscience) in the present, and how they intersected made it all the more poignant.
In Nixon Falls, and back at the Tan-O, Lenny (Rif Hutton) and Phyllis (Joyce Guy) are on the porch just relaxing and watching the sunset. Meanwhile “Mike” and Nina (Cynthia Watros) talk about how they can create a fishing trip just like when Lenny and Phyllis met, since they want to give them some moments for them to remember before Lenny eventually dies. However, they won’t get the chance. When Phyllis come inside to freshen up their ice-tea and “Mike” and Nina tell her they will fill her in on what they were talking about, “Mike” heads outside to get Lenny. Once he gets there he sees that Lenny is unresponsive. “Mike” checks on him and realizes he is dead. He then walks into the bar emotionally overcome with tears in his eyes. Phyllis drops the ice tea pitcher and realizes from the look on “Mike’s” face, Lenny must have passed away.
Courtesy/ABC
Nina, “Mike”, and Phyllis head outside, where Phyllis, at first, calmly tells them it was quick and peaceful and she is thankful for that, but she asks for a moment alone with her husband. It is then, Phyllis lets out a wail and is just devastated in a heartbreaking moment played beautifully by Joyce Guy. Inside, a moment seems to almost jog, or starts to jog “Mike’s” memory, when he says to Nina that he can’t imagine losing a spouse like that and how it must be like a “never-ending pain”. Nina gets a fretful look on her face, knowing what her deceit must be doing to Carly (Laura Wright). “Mike” does not want Phyllis to go through this loss alone and Nina takes his hand and says the two of them will be there for her together.
Courtesy/ABC
As this is playing out, Carly is visited by the conscience of Sonny, as she tries to come to terms with marrying Jason and moving on in her life without him. The scenes between Laura Wright and Maurice Benard here, were simply stated and very moving. Carly tells Sonny, that marrying Jason (Steve Burton) will mean she’ll finally have to let go of Sonny. She wants him to know she’ll never love anyone like him, and she’ll love him forever. He says “Right back at you”. Before he vanishes, Carly tells him that their relationship was so torrid … the love, the break-ups, the heartache, the passion … but it was all worth it because she can never love anyone like him. She also tells Sonny she is worried what marrying Jason will do to her longstanding friendship with him. Sonny advises her to have this part of her conversation with Jason and not with him.
Courtesy/ABC
Jason has come to see Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) at the hospital and tells her he is there out of concern for her. Joey Novak may make her a target because of their history. She tells him no one has bothered her, and that their “history” is over. Jason then goes into how proud he was of her for finding out she had the marker for Huntington’s disease and the courage that it took to do that. He expresses that he wishes he could be there for her to help her through this. Britt is overcome with tears, saying that he can’t be with her, and tells him to take care of himself. Once again, Kelly Thiebaud was flawless in these moments.
Courtesy/ABC
At the end of the episode, Jason comes back to Carly’s and he asks if everything is okay … and with a smile on her face, she says “It is now and that she’s glad he’s home.”
Courtesy/ABC
Kudos to Maurice Benard, Cynthia Watros, Joyce Guy, Rif Hutton, Laura Wright, Steve Burton, and Kelly Thiebaud for some great work throughout the episode.
So, what did you think of Lenny’s death and this episode of GH? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
I’ll be eternally damned if I know what the whole point of Lenny’s illness & somewhat sudden death was all about. Clearly it’s a plot point vehicle of some sort. When Lenny originally had a heart condition – which for whatever reason they changed to cancer one random day – it seemed the story was leading up to where he would need some sort of specialized medical treatment, and inevitably somebody would refer him to a doctor in Port Charles to treat his condition.
Now, of course, Lenny’s condition isn’t treatable, so where’s the plot point here? Is this where Phyllis decides it’s time to sell this bar (which obviously isn’t making any money, as they haven’t had a customer in months!) and get a nursing gig in Port Charles.
So then what would Nina do? Tell “Mike” he needs to buy the bar (with what money??) and stay in Tricky Dick Nixon Falls forever? Which we all know isn’t going to work, because – memory or not – Sonny’s going to be crashing the Jason/Carly fake wedding. You can bet your soul on that!
They didn’t have to kill off Lenny though… sure the Nixon Falls mess has got to wrap up eventually, but he could have bought a bar in Port Charles. What the Hell happened to “Charlies” after Julian died? I think they showed Nick & Ava in there once, going through boxes or something. Ava presumably would be the legal owner, unless Jules left it to his kids… neither of whom he was very close with (nor do I think either Lucas or Sam have any interest in owning a bar) On the other horn, Ava would rather drink alcohol than sell it, so it seems only natural that she would want to sell off the business. And Sonny with his memories (and bank accounts) restored would have been more than happy to help Lenny out with finances. That’s how this Devil would have written it anyway.
Satan,
I think you are probably right on all counts. My take on Lenny dying is that it gives Nina reason to take Phyllis back to P.C with her. We all know by now that Sonny is returning, wether it be before, during or after the wedding.I’ve read lots of spoilers and don’t like to advertise them to others who had rather be surprised, but one thing I know is I am going to be watching when it all hits the fan, and we know it will!
Me too, Violet. I’m only into this story for the blow-up coming. Though I do think Joyce Guy is a wonderful actress, I doubt Phyllis will be on the canvas much longer. Too bad, I’d love to see her put that nosy buddinsky Aunt Stella in her place. Hey, how about Phyllis and Stella as estranged sisters? It’d be a better story than watching Cameron M. destroy the Drew character.
Soaphound,
While your sister idea is good, I did read that Phyllis may have another realative at GH, we’ll have to wait and see. I would rather see her being a nurse also than running another bar as someone else suggested. Yes, that nosy Stella can never keep her mouth shut, can she?
If they’re going to give Phyllis a PC relative, I doubt it’d be Stella. Shawn or Portia have no relatives other than their offspring.
And, how is after 7 years we still don’t know what Jordan’s maiden name is?
I am in agreement with you, it seemed pointless to kill him off ♀️
Kathy,
But was there really a point in keeping Lenny? I have a feeling Phyllis will be written out too when Sonny & Nina leave. There is no point in bringing Phyllis to PC. The cast is too bloated now!
The whole Nixon Falls storyline was just filler to keep Sonny occupied while he was “dead” and the sooner it’s over, the better.
I agree Sonny n Carly belong together enough already let Jason find some true happiness like he had with Sam before the writers ruined that one too!
And Nina can leave too.
Satan, Lenny’s cancer was found when he went in for tests of his heard condition.
Yes, but it was still very “random” to do it that way. Just the heart condition itself was a enough of a message “Don’t get used to Lenny… we ain’t keeping him around much longer”.
Isn’t great that us fans can usually see the hows and when’s of the train wrecks coming, but we are still glued to the story to see them happen. I will admit, I have liked the Nixon Falls story. Like Nina it was refreshing to get away from Port Charles for a while. My time out. Loved Phyllis and Lenny. And I have liked “Mike” and Nina together. It showed another side to Sonny and Maurice.
rose,
I read on another site how surprised M. Benard was at how many fans have not liked this Nixon Falls SL and Nina’s deception in most of it. So who else would we blame? She knew full well that she was keeping a man and his family apart and did nothing. Yes, a lot of us want to stick it to Carly but not that way, especially having poor Jason marry her, when he has feelings for Britt.
Hi Violet…As much as I don’t like Carly, I don’t like Nina continuing the deception either…as “sweet” as she and Mike are together. But it has shown a nicer part of Sonny hidden somewhere in the deep background of his mind. But we know it will hit the fan when Carly and Sonny/Mike find out. I think Jason and Britt will survive when the deception is revealed.
Lenny died so Phyllis can start her new life in Port Charles…and she’s probably Jordan or Portia’s mother. Another new character here to stay at the expense of GH vets. Instead of recasting Lucky, bringing back Dillon, AJ, more Mac, Scotty, Lucy, where’s Felicia…we get Stella and Phyllis. Sorry; the soap is fine as soaps go. But it lost its history and connection to GH long ago…
Rebecca 1…GH isn’t the only thing that has lost history and connection to the past. Real life has, too, as I see it. Everyday something and people seem to slip away. Sad.
Hey, Rose. Yes; agreed. That’s why it would be nice if SOME THINGS stayed the same! Soaps were always about continuity of legacy families; characters. They’ve let go of so many vets, dropped so many or have them on for mere minutes; think Mac, Lucy, Scotty, Scorpio. And yet we get so much airtime with newbies. I resent it. If they wanted to start a NEW soap I’d be all for it and enjoy the various characters. But this is just a different soap banking on the GH name.
Losing its history and connection to G.H. long ago to me means from day one when General Hospital began – April 1 , 1963.
Yeah it has been bugging me that place has zero customers, especially after they claimed business was booming again in Nixon Falls. All the other sets are filled with extras.
For once I agree with Satan. I can’t make this a habit!
Ok, it is time for this Mike and Nina story to blow up! What Nina has done is deplorable! And done to avenge Nell? Come on! And the recent dewey eyes between Jason and Carly is roo much! Come on GH writers, enough is enough! Set this right and give Sonny back his memory and back with his family. Jason with his newfound love, Britt and Nina and Jax, wherever they land, after the fallout.
Yes that’s right Lew S
Both Nina and Jax need to go. ASAP
Just wish they’d get Sonny back to Port Charles. Not enjoyung the Carly Jason story at all!
Me either it’s like marrying brother and sister. Nina is so disgusting for what she is doing, it is not just hurting Carly, they will destroy her when this comes out.
Hi, Paula—I can’t be sure, but weren’t Jason and Carly involved at one point? So, if that’s the case, no brotherly or sisterly love there.
Glad the writers didn’t have this go on and on. Very good acting from all it was moving.
I’m glad that Ben &CIARA are together
It was a definite hanky episode. I cried right along with Phyllis. Joyce and Rif made Phyllis and Lenny such dear characters. I was sad to see him slip away, but knew it was coming as they headed out the door to watch he sun set.
I’m so torn between rooting for Nina and Sonny/Mike to remain together because Nina knows better. What she’s doing is wrong. Of course, while I like her and “Mike” together, we all know he’ll eventually get him memory back. At that point, I fear for Nina’s life! And, I don’t see a way out of this story for Nine, which is so sad. (Oh, wait, I think I just came up with a way…read on.)
Can’t imagine Carly shrugging when she finds out Sonny has been alive all this time.
And I LOVE Jason and Britt together! Dump Carly and get those two together stat!
I think Carly and Jason should just hire a fake minister to “marry” them. “Mike” falls and hits his head, forgets about everything that’s happened in Nixon Falls and returns to claim his place in Port Charles. Only Nina and Phyllis will know the truth. Phyllis isn’t going to say anything so she can protect Nina. If Sonny ever does remember Nixon Falls, Nina and Phyllis will be able to help him remember how good he had it back there and how much he liked it. Thus, he’ll forgive Nina…even though Carly won’t. LOL!
Rodd,
While your idea is a good ending, you know we don’t always get good endings especially after all this Nixon Falls stuff, a lot of it created by Nina. I think many of us are expecting a s–t storm, and I for one hope we get it!
I used to like Nina and except for the obcession with her long lost daughter, thought she was a good person. She might have been vindicated a long time ago, but I think it’s too late now. I can not find one good excuse for withholding “Mike’s” identity from him and his family.
,
If all of these other characters are being vindicated; so , will Nina.
I was surprise what did it do, I believe the best is yet come
Debbie Downer here—
At the risk of sounding harsh, I felt nothing tugging at my heart. Did not know him long enough.
Furthermore, his death was a “conduit” —that is. Phyllis’ transportation to PC. Not interested in this storyline. Sonny–Nina–Carly–Jason–etc. ugh!! Now, it seems that Jax and Britt may “connect”—hmmm—we shall see. I really liked her and Jason together.
Another heartbreak? Oh, Lord!! Mathison is Drew?? Why, oh why!! This is true punishment. —-adding insult to injury–isn’t it enough that Miller isn’t coming back, but must I suffer through watching Mathison be my beautiful Billy ?
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Brook Lynn and Chase Have Their Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties
On General Hospital, Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) both were treated to Bachelorette and Bachelor parties to shake off any of those pre-wedding jitters. At The Savoy, the ladies have a touching and fun time with Brook Lynn.
The bride-to-be gives a speech to thank everyone for coming, while Lois lets everyone know to try the signature cocktail the “Brooklynn Chaser”, which gets everybody eventually and mostly, drunk.
When Tracy (Jane Elliot) questions Lois (Rena Sofer) as to why there is no music for the party, Lois realizes she forgot, and somehow, who does she call to the rescue? Spinelli (Bradford Anderson)! Saving the day, he winds up playing some tunes and later gets on the dance floor to ‘shake it off’ with the gals.
Photo: ABC
Lois makes a speech as the mother of the bride, and shares how proud she is of the woman Brook Lynn has become. Wedding games begin, including one of “hot potato” with a wedding bouquet.
When it’s time for the “Silly Poses” section of the party, Spinelli has now morphed from DJ to staff photographer taking memorable photos of the ladies to remember the evening by.
Photo: ABC
The best part of the event, was when Brook Lynn tries to get her grandmother Tracy out on the dance floor, which, at first, she refuses. After several of the guests bust a move, a tipsy Tracy joins the dance party after Joss mentions that if her grandmother Bobbie was here, she would dance. Tracy says “she agrees” and begins to cut a rug on the floor, much to the delight of the other women.
Photo: ABC
In the final moments, a tipsy Joss and Kristina (Kate Mansi) have a confrontation about Sonny, and Joss lets Kristina in more on Sonny’s behavior, which looks to have clued in Kristina a bit more as to how something is way off about her dad.
Photo: ABC
Across town at the Hatchett Bar, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) and the men with the exception of Anna (Finola Hughes) and Jordan (Tanisha Harper), all attend Chase’s Bachelor Party where throwing hatchets into a dart board for supremacy is the order of the day. Drew (Cameron Mathison) and Ned (Wally Kurth) get into some words over ELQ, while Dante makes a toast to his police partner, Chase.
Photo: ABC
Suddenly Dex (Evan Hofer) shows up. Chase thanks Dex for coming, but Dex gets some dirty looks from other cops on the force. Dante gives Chase his present, which is a signed baseball by the Boston Red Sox.
Ned (Wally Kurth) makes a speech that although no one is good enough for his daughter, Brook Lynn, Chase has come closer than anyone has, so welcome to the family. Running in at the end is Blaze (Jacqueline Grace Lopez), who just left Brook Lynn’s party, and she toasts her singing partner, Chase, and to the great man that he is.
Photo: ABC
What did you think of Brook Lynn and Chase’s pre-wedding celebrations? What was your favorite moment? Comment below.
General Hospital
Cameron Mathison Previews New Game Show ‘Beat The Bridge’ (Promo)
As previously reported, Cameron Mathison (Drew, General Hospital) will be seen doing double duty this summer when he premieres in June as the host of Game Show Network’s Beat The Bridge.
Now, while Cameron will be the host with the most, that doesn’t mean he will stop playing GH’s Drew. In fact, Mathison taped the game show in 2023, so it will now air for the first time in 2024.
Taking to his Instagram this week, Cameron shared his enthusiasm and some new hosting snaps, sharing, “Our newest game show host reporting for duty😎 Head over to the Game Show Network YouTube channel for your first look at the show and don’t miss Beat The Bridge premiering this June! I can’t wait for you guys to see this!”
Photo: GSN
In Beat The Bridge, an enormous interactive bridge dares players to cross by stepping on the right answers to challenging trivia questions. As they play, each steps forward and puts money in their team’s bank, with bonus money for each successful crossing. Here’s the catch: the team gets to keep the money only if it can “beat the bridge” by returning one of its players back across before time expires.
Photo: ABC
Meanwhile, on GH, Drew and Nina (Cynthia Watros) recently had hate-sex. Do you think its a one-time deal? Where will Drew’s story take him next under new head writers, Patrick Mulcahey and Elizabeth Korte? Stay tuned.
Now below, check out the first promo for Beat The Bridge from the Game Show Network with you host, Cameron Mathison. Then, let us know, will you be checking out the game this summer? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nina Confronts Ava for Sabotaging Her Relationship With Sonny and Signs the Divorce Papers
Looks like Nina (Cynthia Watros) and Ava (Maura West) are back to be each other’s sworn enemy number one. By the end of the Monday, April 22nd episode of General Hospital, the women know where they stand with each other after Nina goes in on Ava accusing her of wanting Sonny (Maurice Benard) all to herself, while her marriage has been on the rocks.
In story, at Nina’s office, Ava shows up to see Nina and says she is sorry about what happened with Sonny and that he reacted the way he did, acknowledging that is was over the top, even for Sonny. Ava says she’ll smooth things over, but Nina says she now understands how manipulative and transparent Ava really is.
Given their horrible history, Nina goes in on Ava and how she should never have trusted her. Nina wants to know how long has Ava had this agenda dating all the way back to telling Nina to turn Carly (Laura Wright) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) into the SEC. Ava says she never told her do to that, but Nina wants to know how long Ava has been playing her for a fool.
Courtesy/ABC
Ava says she moved in with Sonny to keep Avery safe and she wants to be on good terms with Avery’s father, Sonny. Nina thinks she likes being in Sonny’s inner circle. Ava tells Nina if she goes to him about her advising Nina to call the SEC on Carly and Drew, it won’t work. Sonny still considers Nina a traitor and he will think she’s lying because she’s so desperate to win him back. Ava says if Nina would stop blaming everyone else that maybe Sonny would respect her. Nina says “like he does you?” Ava says Sonny not only respects her, but he also counts on her.
From there, Ava launches into why she and Sonny understand each other, after all, Sonny is a powerful, turbulent, and sometimes violent man. She goes so far to say if Nina wanted someone to just sit by the fire with and play with their grandchildren, she’s got the wrong guy. Ava then talks about Mike from Nixon Falls (Sonny with amnesia) and how Sonny hid the darkest parts of himself from Nina back then, whereas with Ava they are the same similar creatures, so he doesn’t have to hide anything.
Courtesy/ABC
Nina wants to know just what Ava wants with Sonny? What is her end game? Ava responds that they understand each other, in ways she can’t with Sonny. Nina tells Ava she can go ahead and have it all and signs Sonny’s divorce papers. Ava walks out with the documents, while Nina in tears at her desk, takes off her wedding rings and has her assistant come in so she can messenger the rings back to Sonny’s address.
The episode and these scenes featured great performances by Cynthia Watros and Maura West. You can check some of the scenes below.
Now, let us know, what is Ava’s next move? Is she going to become Mrs. Sonny Corinthos? Do you like Ava and Nina as enemies? Comment below.
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