General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Mike’s Funeral Brings The Alzheimer’s Storyline Full Circle to Its Heart-Tugging Conclusion
When a soap opera allows a full episode to stay in the story they are telling, it can often make for a riveting hour of television. This was the case and then some on Thursday’s emotional ending to General Hospital’s Alzheimer’s storyline; when the character of Mike Corbin (Max Gail) was given a proper send-off – a funeral – and being eulogized by those who loved and cared for him.
When GH is at its best through the years has been when it tackles social issues of our time, and this story will stand among the iconic soap’s best. The backdrop of the story was that of father and son, grappling with and coming to terms with the past, finding love, forgiveness and redemption against this most horrific of diseases that has afflicted so many.
In the episode, Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Carly (Laura Wright) go to church and prepare themselves for the emotional day as mourners come through and share their grief and condolensces and love for Mike. Those included: Kristina (Lexi Ainsworth – back for this one), Stella (Vernee Watson), Olivia (Lisa LoCicero) and a touching moment between Diane (Carolyn Hennesy) and Carly where the legal eagle says to Carly that if she ever needs to drink and vent let her know.
As the funeral begins, one by one Mike’s family and friends say beautiful words of what he meant to them,. Michael reflects about how his grandfather loved to party and how he’d like them all to raise a glass for him. . Olivia, speaks on behalf of Dante (Dominic Zamprogna), and how close Mike and Dante were. Ava (Maura West) talks about the love and kindness and joy he brought to little Avery.
Courtesy/ABC
When Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) got up to speak, things became even more heartbreaking when she flashes back to a scene where she was having a terrible time and Mike was there for – always a great listener- but he tells he eventually, he will not remember her.
GH did a outstanding job of selecting scenes throughout the eulogies that punctuated who Mike was … and how he tied in to all of the characters lives. Jason (Steve Burton) shared how he knew it wasn’t easy for Mike to come back and try to make amends with Sonny, but that no matter what, Mike kept trying to get through to Sonny to make things right between them.
Courtesy/ABC
Stella’s moment was also heartbreaking recalling the man who became her friend. Carly, who was the glue that held Sonny and the family together during Mike’s illness, shared her doubt if the family could handle Mike, and what was to come, but how Sonny helped his father find inner-peace..
When Sonny gets up to talk he reveals he had a lot of anger towards his father, and how the illness made him truly see the man his dad was inside. Sonny tells his dad he is proud of him and how grateful he was that he came back into his life. Next, Josslyn (Eden McCoy) sings as the mourners reflect back on Mike in a touching series of juxtaposed clips against the characters in the moment at the funeral.
Courtesy/ABC
After the service had concluded Sonny and Carly talk how Morgan and Mike are together now, but Sonny asks for some time alone in the church. It is then Mike appears and tells his son it’s time he forgave himself, since Sonny forgave Mike. He tells Sonny that he has made him very proud. As he gets up to leave he kisses Sonny on the forehead and goes towards the light and to heaven. Just after that, Dante appears at the front of the church, shocking Sonny in a beautiful analogy that now this father and son must deal with what’s ahead in their relationship, just as Sonny and Mike had done.
Courtesy/ABC
This episode featured beautiful work by Maurice Benard, and Max Gail and everyone in the supporting cast who had their moments. It was an ensemble piece but led by Benard and Gail, who should both be receiving Emmys in 2021 for their work..
What did you think of Mike’s funeral episode? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
15
It was so beautiful! GH has done such a wonderful job with this storyline from start to this stellar finish. More than just Emmy-worthy, it was so cathartic for those of us who have had to go through this with our loved ones and enlightening to those who have not. Bravo, GH! And Thank You to ALL involved!!!
The writers screwed up when they had Olivia speaking on behalf of Dante. She claimed that Dante only got to know his grandfather after he was diagnosed with Alzheimers, but that’s not true. In fact, Dante rented a room at Kelly’s when he first came to Port Charles, and OG Mike was running Kelly’s at the time. He didn’t know Dante was his grandson for a while, but they certainly got to know each other. Also seems a little ridiculous that Dante didn’t get there until after the service. He must be the first person in Port Charles history that… Read more »
I have to agree it was so beautifully done I’m so mad because for some reason iTunes stopped selling GH episodes. the last episode available was sept 11, and nothing after that has been available to purchase, I had a season pass for the show and I’m getting nothing. still back to the Alzheimer storyline concluding, it was sad, but poignant and my fave part was at the end when Dante showed up and Sonny was just so surprised, can you imagine if Morgan had shown up? Sonny would of dropped dead right there of the shock. Great episode that… Read more »
aria
I know nothing of techs or whatever, but I can usually find anything on Utube which I get on my device. Sometimes I’ll watch a couple of hours of an old show or Soap from years back or something I’ve recently missed.
This story was simply amazing from start to finish and the actors hit it out of the park. The ending with Mike appearing to Sonny and telling him to forgive himself was perfection as was the kiss on Sonny’s head and Mike going toward the light. Bravo GH Emmys all around.
Thank the effin heaven. this is so revered… the stench wafts that much thicker. praise be to the light , that is Maurice Benard. NOW that this bible chapter has been logged stamped Carly and Sonny hour. Move us Frank Valentini
I can’t say enough about how well that episode was done. From top down it was flawless. Writing team should be applauded because this was a well written story from start to finish. In my opinion, the great acting paired with writing made it one of best stories in daytime in a very long time!
I will miss Max Gail/Mike..
He is pure gold/a treasure.
It’s a shame to have brought him in to die 🙁
he would have been an all-time awesome character.
I didn’t watch the funeral..
I scrolled the bar to see if anything other would be, but not.
I scrolled/zipped through the funeral.
I didn’t need the sadness and tears, not a good thing.
I’m not an emotional masochist … lol
Su000, well, I’m an emotional masochist so I watched. Brilliant performances. Speaking of emotional masochists, do you watch What We Do In the Shadows? It’s a mockumentary about vampires, and it’s hilarious. There is an emotional vampire on that show who is not only incredibly funny, he’s incredibly realistic. We all have an emotional vampire in our lives. I hope you and your family are doing well.
The storyline was amazing. Max and Maurice were outstanding. Shout out to all the other actors in the storyline. I’ll miss Max Gail. Good luck to him in his future endeavors. He’s a Rockstar.
Kudos to Max Gail for completing his run as Mike. His portrayal of a man in a devastating condition was quite special. That said, I’m not saddened by his departure. As soon as Gail was recast in the role, the character was revealed to have Alzheimer’s. The writers didn’t allow time to reintroduce a character that had been off the canvas and barely mentioned for 8 years to build up some authenticity. Gail, who again did a great job, could have been playing any Alzheimer’s patient. I know Ron Hale retired from acting, so it was not possible to bring… Read more »
Beautifully done
GH gets an A+! It will be interesting to see how Y&R wraps up Dina’s story. The show is terrible right now but her an the Abbotts are all good actors and have treated the story with care. I cannot see them outdoing GH but we shall see soon. Mike and Sonny were just above and beyond daytime’s #1 actors this year.
What’s up with Jason and Sam? He’s kind of leaving her in the dark about everything going on, almost giving her the cold shoulder.
How about that bitch Gladys? Today she was her usual greedy self, but Brando seemed overly anxious to spy for Sonny. I am glad that Dante is back, but what does that mean for Luluhoop and “Darius”? Dante couldn’t get whatsizname’s right. He will probably end up with Brook Lynn.
When it comes to social issue storylines, no other soap can top General Hospital. Period.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Helena, Jennifer Smith & The Ice Princess: What Did You Think of Luke Spencer’s Memorial?
Friday’s episode of General Hospital brought the highly-anticipated story around the apparent death of Port Charles iconic, Luke Spencer (Tony Geary), although many fans, and even some of the cast of the show, are not sold that Luke is “dead” dead.
During the show, characters spoke of some of the history of Luke in Port Charles, most especially Luke’s sister, Bobbie played by Jackie Zeman. Throughout the years, Zeman is at her best when she is given material through the writing of the show to connect to the history of Luke and Bobbie. She did so when Bobbie was remembering how Luke came to Port Charles to help her break up Scotty and Laura, in a discussion with her daughter, Carly (Laura Wright).
Photo: ABC
As everyone is gathering at the Haunted Star to pay their respects to Luke, Curtis (Donnell Turner) arrives to support Laura (Genie Francis), Felicia (Kristina Wagner) and Anna (Finola Hughes) arrive together, Nikolas (Marcus Coloma) and Ava (Maura West), as well as Spencer (Nicholas Alexander Chavez also show up. It is through Nikolas’ conversation with Laura that we learn why Luke’s sons, Ethan and Lucky, can’t make the funeral and, of course, we know why Luke’s daughter Lulu can’t make it because she is in a coma!
Victor (Charles Shaughnessy) shows up and snipes at everyone and then leaves. Tracy (Jane Elliot), who has arranged the memorial, is with an urn supposedly filled with Luke’s ashes and Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) finds her on the deck of the Haunted Star and talks her into giving her planned eulogy.
Courtesy/ABC
Meanwhile, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) finds his dad, Sonny (Maurice Benard) drinking at Charlie’s, and later Scott (Kin Shriner) and Robert (Tristan Rogers) stop in and heated words are exchanged between Sonny and Scott. Victor shows up and instead of Scott and Sonny pummeling each other, they get into a fight against Victor.
Courtesy/ABC
As Scott and Robert are about to be on their way to the Haunted Star, Scott stays behind because of his past with Luke. Then, Sonny tried to patch things up with Carly before they head to the memorial.
Back on the yacht, Anna and Felicia find a note and a flash drive, after hearing a commotion on the yacht. When the note says “play me”, none other than Helena Cassadine (Constance Towers) addresses Luke’s friends and family from apparently the great beyond. As Helena spews her venom against Luke, Laura has enough and pulls the plug on Helena’s video speech. Tracy looks concerned, like she may want to hear whatever else Helena had to say.
Photo: ABC
Next, Tracy does her best in short order to eulogize Luke. That is juxtaposed with Scott trashing Luke. Later, by herself on the deck, Tracy spreads Luke’s ashes over the waters of Port Charles. Back on the pier, Scott relishes Luke being gone, and that he is still standing saying, “You lose you son of a bitch!” Just then Luke’s ashes blow in into his face. When Bobbie arrives, and see Scott full of ashes, she asks what happened. Scott says, “I caught the bouquet,” an obvious nod to the Luke and Laura wedding of the past, where Scott returned at their wedding and caught the wedding bouquet.
Courtesy/ABC
Back on the Haunted Star, Tracy then has a gift in hand for Laura, but she tells Tracy if that’s the Ice Princess she does not want anything to do with it, and tells Tracy to keep it. Spencer sees this go down and his interest on the diamond is instantly piqued.
Back at Charlie’s bar, Victor has an ominous toast to Luke saying, “The good people of your fair city are in for a big surprise!”
At the Haunted Star, dressed in black with black veil, Jennifer Smith reveals herself to a shocked Laura.
So, what did you think of Luke’s memorial episode? Favorite parts of it? Least favorite? Share your thoughts in the comment section. But first, check out Helena’s videotaped speech and Tracy’s eulogy to Luke below.
General Hospital
(WATCH) GH’s Genie Francis Shares: “I Just Have a Hard Time Believing, In My Heart, That The Great Luke Spencer Died in an Accident”
General Hospital
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GENERAL HOSPITAL: Helena, Jennifer Smith & The Ice Princess: What Did You Think of Luke Spencer’s Memorial?
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General HospitalJanuary 19, 2022FRIDAY: Luke Spencer’s Family and Friends Gather To Say Goodbye On General Hospital
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Days Of Our LivesJanuary 24, 2022Days of our Lives Preemption Schedule During 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics
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All My ChildrenJanuary 18, 2022TONIGHT: All My Children’s Debbi Morgan and Darnell Williams Together Again on All-New Episode of ‘Our Kind of People’
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General HospitalJanuary 21, 2022(WATCH) GH’s Genie Francis Shares: “I Just Have a Hard Time Believing, In My Heart, That The Great Luke Spencer Died in an Accident”
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Days Of Our LivesJanuary 19, 2022DAYS OF OUR LIVES: What Did You Think of the Life-Sized Duke and Ava Scene?
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General HospitalJanuary 18, 2022ESPN Sports Personality and ‘General Hospital’ Guest Star, Stephen A. Smith Reveals COVID-19 Nearly Took His Life
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Days Of Our LivesJanuary 22, 2022All My Children Alum William Christian to Debut on Days of our Lives
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NewsJanuary 24, 2022B&B’s Katherine Kelly Lang and Ashley Jones Reveal They Want Brooke & Bridget To Deal with Their Shared Past with Deacon