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GENERAL HOSPITAL: Max Gail Turns In Another Emmy-Worthy Performance As Mike’s Battle With Alzheimer’s Takes Its Toll

Courtesy/GH

For any of us who have seen our loved ones deteriorate right before our eyes, due to the horrific affects of Alzheimer’s, and have been witness to their confusion, dementia, angry outbursts, frightened looks, and uncontrollable tears, yesterday’s episode of General Hospital brought with it a stark reminder of how this disease is a gut-punch to those afflicted and their family members.

For several months, GH viewers saw a bit less of Mike; played brilliantly by recent Daytime Emmy Supporting Actor in a Drama Series winner, Max Gail.  And smartly, the writers have taken the time to advance Mike’s condition …. as at this point he doesn’t recognize his son, his family, his friends, and more.  For Mike, he is living in the past spirally backward and downward.

When Dev (Ashton Arbab) and Josslyn (Eden McCoy) go to visit Mike at Turning Woods, it’s clear  how much he is suffering.  When Dev plays a checkers game with Mike it seems to calm him down, but when Sonny (Maurice Benard) enters, all hell breaks loose.  Mike thinks his son is actually one of their mortal enemies Joe Scully.

Earlier, at the Corinthos home, Michael (Chad Duell) sees that Sonny is considering entering his father in a clinical trial. Sonny says he knows it won’t cure the disease, but hopes the drugs in the trial can slow its progression.  In a key question, any family member needs to ask themselves, Michael asks Sonny to think first, if this is the man Mike would want to be?  Michael shares that Mike is no longer himself and sadly, there is no coming back from that.

All this becomes more poignant when Sonny sees first-hand how far Mike has slid.  Will Sonny be able to come to terms with losing Mike to Alzheimer’s?  How will he deal with it?  Gail’s partner in this entire storyline has been GH icon, Maurice Benard, who delivers poignant work throughout this story in very contained, emotional moments of deep hurt and pain, as Sonny watches the father he knew become lost in himself and to others.

Watch the key scenes below from yesterday’s GH below featuring Gail.  Then, let us know, do you think Max could end up in the running for another Daytime Emmy for his work?  Comment below.

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Love Max Gail. Also loved Ron Hale (?) in the role. I really miss our show. I miss “Cliff Hanger Friday” & super couples like Frisco & Felicia, Sonny & Brenda (my two favorite couples). Nowadays, we are hiring boyfriends in the parking lot and focusing on a boring teen scene.

Max is wonderful and such a treat. It shows you how many other actors out there who used to have shows on TV are capable of this. I wish more would appear. GH has so much talent. It should be #1 BUT the stories struggle at times. These two kids were fabulous in their scenes with Max Gail. Kudos to the casting department!

Max Gail is outstanding, sad to think there is only so long they can keep him on as the illness will eventually take Mike

Max Gail should get another Emmy nod. As far as winning another Emmy, it will depend on who else will be in his category and what their reels contain.

I definitely agree that Max Gai deserves an Oscar for his performance. I have watched many movies with Alzheimer’s as the focus (Iris, Away from Her, Still Alice) and his performance ranks with the best of them. It touches me deeply as my dear mother suffered from the terrible disease. Well done, Max.

Oh yes, kudos to this wonderful actor. I should have known watching him years ago , on Barney Miller that his acting abilities would only grow, making him a great actor. He will be missed on GH when his time is up as Mike.

@Violet…Hello! It’s been awhile, dear lady! ..Yes, Max’s charmingly obtuse Wojo was one of the highlights of “Barney Miller,” thus, “he” wears well to this day, albeit we are now (sadly) living in much more PC times than when his hilariously naughty show debuted. (It’s still oh-so-fun to watch when in a nostalgic mood for “the way things used to be”….Lol.) Hence although I have not kept up with his Alzheimer’s saga on GH as of late, I’ve no doubt that Gail’s portrayal of Mike hasn’t diminished even as his character’s capacities have…he really is that fine of an actor. At any rate, what I really came here to do is wish you a “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!” It was such a pleasure “getting to know you” in 2019, despite the fact that our penchant for too off-topic “conversations” was (understandably) cut short…hey, at least they were tremendously enjoyable whilst they lasted! (I do still miss them, though..) By the way, one final word about that particular movie which we are not allowed to discuss: I just noticed that it is now available to rent and/or own on Amazon…Hope Santa is aware so that he can leave it in your Christmas stocking!!!! Cheers!!!!!

Hi Shay, ho,ho,ho! Guess what I got for Christmas, mostly thanks to you?. My gr.granddaughter asked me what I wanted and I for once had something to tell her, after reading your last reply. I just finished watching it and thoroughly enjoyed it. What a way to end the day. I could never figure out if Violet found out about the companion/daughter thing. I’d like to discuss it further, but Michael will have a cow. Hope your Christmas was really good, and your New Year even better.
I really enjoyed the Scrooge episode, did you see it?

Oh, Violet….I’m DELIGHTED to know that you had a Merry Christmas and received what your heart truly desired! Bless your granddaughter for buying you the perfect gift. (So glad I could help out…you are most welcome! I had hoped that you would read my post in time for you to share that vital information with your own “personal shopper” and I agree it gave you a wonderful way to end your holiday!) Without going into too much detail about that divinely superb film whose name we dare not mention…(LOL): I believe that the Dowager Countess totally realized the “connection” to which you are referring, which is why she was promoting the matchmaking idea for Branson toward the end..Also, how about that beautiful Mary/Violet scene? It was my most and least favorite in the entire movie since it featured my two best-loved characters whilst broaching a totally tearjerking notion which I simply refuse to contemplate. (Without giving away the plot, I did detect an out for that storyline though…Seems “Dame Maggie’ slyly switched a few words in her lines at the last take in order to be more ambiguous…perhaps giving herself a bargaining chip should the rumored sequel come to fruition???) Okay…best be done with that off-topic-topic now…even though I do hear you on wishing that we could discuss it at length! Having said that, I will appreciate even this small mention of said subject as a special holiday treat from the moderators! (Although I have to admit that I’m still mystified as to why there was never an MF thread dedicated to the film’s fall release, huge box office numbers and subsequent news of its proposed sequel based upon that success, but then ours is not to wonder why…) At any rate, I’m thrilled to have played a part in the enjoyment of your holiday. Yes, mine was quite nice, too, thank you very much…just extremely hectic, still I wanted to quickly get back here to reply to your lovely message…it really made my day, because sharing and spreading joy is what Christmas is all about! Do take care and Happy New Year to you, too, dear lady! See you in 2020 on the GH threads where we will both absolutely, positively stay “on topic,” right???? (Nodding yes…in unison!!!!) By the way, I will definitely take a peek at Michael Easton’s much-praised “Scrooge” performance…I am so far behind on the soap that it took me a minute to realize what you meant…duh!!! (Especially since I just finished the BBC’s latest version of “A Christmas Carol” starring Guy Pearce, so I had that one on the brain….) Must be going…Later, Violet!!!!!

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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General Hospital

GH’s Laura Wright Previews How Carly Gets Clued-In to Sonny’s Behavior: “All the Questions That Anybody Would Have, We Hit on Them”

This week on General Hospital, Carly (Laura Wright) seems to be close to figuring out what is going on with her ex-husband, Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) or is she? In the latest promo for the ABC daytime drama series, looks like Jack Brennan (Charles Mesure) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) have a plan to bring Sonny down … eliminate Jason (Steve Burton) and make it look like Sonny is responsible.

Meanwhile, Carly gets an earful from Nina (Cynthia Watros) that Ava (Maura West) had a lot to do with getting Nina to sell her portion of the hotel back to Jason, her interest is piqued.

According to Laura Wright during her chat with Soap Opera Digest, Carly has a growing concern over Sonny’s current roomie, Ava Jerome, and the mobster’s paranoid and irrational behavior recently.

Courtesy/ABC

Wright shares about Carly, “She doesn’t trust Ava for a moment.” Then in a great teasers, Laura reveals “All the questions that anybody would have, we hit on them. I’m excited.”

So, will Carly figure out just what Ava is up to? Will she learn that Sonny has been fed the wrong pills that are not controlling his bipolar disorder thanks to Valentin? Stay tuned.

Check out this week’s promo for GH and then let us know, what do you think Ava is up to exactly? Is she in cahoots with Valentin or operating separately? Will Jason and Sonny be led down a path where the two try to eliminate each other? Share your theories in the comment section below.

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