General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Mike’s Funeral Brings The Alzheimer’s Storyline Full Circle to Its Heart-Tugging Conclusion

October 9, 2020

Courtesy/ABC

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.

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Guest

Rodd

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!!!

Guest

Satan

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 »

Guest

aria

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 »

Guest

Violet Lemm

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.

Guest

Elena Ciappio

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.

Guest

Patrick

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

Guest

Angela

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!

Guest

Su000

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

Guest

Harry

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.

Guest

Judy Southerland

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.

Guest

Steve

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 »

Guest

Barbara Worley

Beautifully done

Guest

Timmm

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.

Guest

Violet Lemm

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.

Guest

Joe

When it comes to social issue storylines, no other soap can top General Hospital. Period.

General Hospital

B&B’s Heather Tom Throws Lead Actress Nominee Luncheon

June 18, 2021

This year, saw the return of the annual ladies lunch were as is tradition, last year’s winner of the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, throws a luncheon for this year’s nominees.

The reigning women’s champ, now six-time Daytime Emmy winner, Heather Tom (Katie) got this year’s nominees in the category together for a celebration which included: General Hospital’s Genie Francis (Laura), Finola Hughes (Anna), and Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), along with B&B’s Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy) and Y&R’s Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea).

On Friday, both Francis and Grahn shared pics from the event on their social media accounts. You can check them out below.

Then, take our poll below: Which actress do you hope takes home the gold next Friday night on the 48th annual Daytime Emmy Awards on CBS? Let us know via the comment section, as well.

.@BBheathertom created the most wonderful event for us! So thoughtfully done. Camaraderie was delightful! 🥰 @finolahughes @NancyLeeGrahn @MClaireEgan #JacquelineMacInnesWood pic.twitter.com/W403fXsOQG

— Genie Francis (@GenieFrancis) June 18, 2021

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GENERAL HOSPITAL: Peter’s On Ice, But Is He “Dead” Dead?

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Wednesday’s episode of General Hospital provided more to the back-story of what Finn (Michael Easton) and Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) did with Peter’s (Wes Ramsey) body after Finn tussled with the guy and Peter fell down the stairwell and hitting his head on the wall, to his supposed death.

In story, Liz became worried when thinking back to how she suggested to Finn – and that they carried out – putting Peter’s body in a freezer in the sub-basement of the hospital.

As she recalls their plot (to keep Peter’s body from being discovered until they have time to move him permanently), Anna (Finola Hughes) is on the move of the hospital and uncovers a hidden service elevator that might just take her to the sub-basement, where she could discover Peter’s lifeless body.

But hold the phone! While we know it was revealed that Wes Ramsey departed GH, could it be that Anna could discover the freezer with no sign of Peter in it? Do you really think his reign of terror is over given that he is Cesar Faison’s bio-son?

Share your thoughts: Do you think Peter is really dead, or will the character come back to haunt everyone and try to get revenge on all who tried to stand in his way of Maxie and his child? Comment below.

General Hospital

General Hospital’s Sofia Mattsson Reveals Pregnancy

June 14, 2021

Well, the cat is out of the bag, sort of speak. GH’s Sofia Mattsson (Sasha) took to her Instagram to finally reveal that she is pregnant in real-life!

That comes on the heels of General Hospital fans watching the story unfold on-screen where Sasha learned she was pregnant with Brando’s (Johnny Wactor) child.

Mattsson shared a photo of herself with her baby bump expressing: “BIG things happening!! 🙈 So happy and excited to finally share this (almost ready to pop) bump with everyone!! 🥰❤️.Kept it a secret for a while to not spoil anything for GH viewers, but now that miss Sasha Gilmore’s pregnancy is in full force I can finally share that I’m so grateful to be sharing this pregnancy journey with her! ❤️”

Sofia is married to actor Thomas Payton. This is the couple’s first child.

So, share your congrats to Sofia and Thomas for their baby on the way via the comment section below.