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.
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 actually took a realistic amount of time to travel from overseas. Usually they get there so fast you would think they had the transport beam from the Starship Enterprise.
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 I’m mad I can’t have for keeps.
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 him back. Sadly, that ruled out any flashbacks which would’ve added to the drama. Imagine seeing a scene from 15-20 years ago that any character vividly remembers, that Mike could no longer.
A few other points:
Hopefully now we can have a break from the Sonny propping for a while.
The show has no idea what to do with Kristina. Time to send her back to college somewhere until there’s a compelling reason for her to be on the canvas.
Overall, the show has a lot more hits than misses these days.
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 Preview: Carly and Lulu Make Plans to Rescue Their Children; Anna Looks Determined to Secure Her Freedom
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, the race is on! Can Lulu (Alexa Havins) and Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) get to Rocco (Finn Carr) and Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) in time to ensure their safety from Cullum (Andrew Hawkes)? Can Carly (Laura Wright) with the help of her brother, Lucas (Van Hansis) rescue Josslyn (Eden McCoy) from captivity at Wyndemere? These questions may be answered, plus the return of the one and only Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) are on tap!
In the just released General Hospital spoilers video for the week of June 22-26, Lulu tells her mother, Laura (Genie Francis), “Dante and I have to get to Rocco before Cullum!” Meanwhile, Rocco (Finn Carr) looks angered and emotional as Britt walks through their cabin hideout. Does Rocco know his parents are on the way to find them, or has Cullum already tracked them down to the British Virgin Islands?
Back in Port Charles, Carly is informing Lucas that his niece, “is a WSB agent.” She knows Josslyn (Eden McCoy) is being held against her will at Wyndemere, and she has to find a way to get her out. Lucas agrees with Carly’s plan of, “We go in and we don’t leave without Josslyn!” Elsewhere, Josslyn is looking worried for her future as she is stuck in captivity thanks to Cassius, Cullum and Sidwell!
Courtesy/ABC
FINOLA HUGHES RETURNS
The final moments of the teaser promo reveal Anna in a psychiatric clinic in France. We have not seen her for months after Cullum, Sidwell and Pascal fed her hallucinogenics to make her believe her arch nemesis, Cesar Faison was alive!
Now, the doctors walk towards her hospital bed, where we see the super spy calmly knitting. Is Anna back to normal and playing everyone to get out of her predicament, or does she still remain deeply traumatized … or both?
Take a look at the rest of the official GH spoilers for the week below.
MONDAY, JUNE 22
Willow gets an unwelcome surprise. Trina sticks to her guns. “Nathan” wants reassurance. Ethan advises Ava. Brook Lynn receives an update.
TUESDAY, JUNE 23
Dante cautions Liz. Laura learns a secret. Brook Lynn confides in Michael. Sonny challenges Ava. Chase makes a decision.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24
Anna meets with her doctor. Carly makes a stunning confession. Britt extracts a promise. Cullum pulls a fast one. Gio and Emma hit the pool.
THURSDAY, JUNE 25
Josslyn clashes with Cassius. Lulu and Dante make a discovery. Chase receives a warning. Jordan seeks help. Alexis is summoned to the PCPD.
FRIDAY, JUNE 26
Anna takes a huge risk. Britt is in grave danger. Willow is in disbelief. Danny must act fast. Curtis jumps to the wrong conclusion.
Check out the latest General Hospital promo entitled, “Rescue Mission” below.
Now weigh-in: Do you think Anna is still mentally off-balance, or OK, and just pretending to be troubled to get out of France and get back to Port Charles? Will Josslyn finally be rescued, or will Carly and Lucas find themselves locked up with her? And, who will get to Britt and Rocco first? Cullum, or Dante and Lulu? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.
General Hospital
Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
With the highly-anticipated returns of Finola Hughes (Anna Devane) on this week’s June 24 episode of General Hospital, Steve Burton’s (Jason Morgan) upcoming return on July 13, which also serves as the ABC daytime drama’s 16,000 episode, things are about to fire on all cylinders in the story, as noted today by series star, Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos).
On Father’s Day, the three-time Daytime Emmy-winning actor and mental health activist took to his Instagram and expressed in a video that he has some unbelievable upcoming senes with the aforementioned Burton and Hughes. Add to that Nazneen Contractor (Justine Turner) and Rick Hearst (Ric Lansing), where Benard gave credit where credit is due to the GH writing team, which is led by co-head writers, Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten..
In this video, Benard said, “I just want to get on here and say that I did some work with Steve Burton, Finola Hughes, Rick Hearst, Nazneen Contractor, and they’re all just fantastic. Truly fantastic. But, I want to say the writing was just exceptional. It truly was. It was exceptional. So, thankful for that kind of writing. I know writers don’t get the credit a lot, but I just want to say to the General Hospital writing team, keep rolling!”
GENERAL HOSPITAL PREVIEW
So now the question becomes, with a major tease like that, what is about to go down between Sonny, Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric? Will we finally get to the end of the line for Sidwell (Carlo Rota), as previously teased by the GH co-head writers? Will we learn what happened to Jason and Anna, fully? Will Justine and Sonny becomes closer or stop their liaisons? And what of Ric? Will he be true blue to his brother or double-cross him? There is a lot at stake as we move further into the summer and one that looks like it could be one of the more exciting ones in years!
FINOLA HUGHES CONFIRMED AMAZING SCENES WITH MAURICE BENARD
As a punctuation point to his video, Benard also shared this written message in the post: “I just did some wonderful scenes with Steve Burton, Rick Hearst, Finola Hughes and Nazneen Contractor and and unbelievable writing, freaking amazing scenes that you will see in the near future on General Hospital.” In fact, Finola Hughes jumped in the post comment thread and responded, “I loved our scenes so much xxx”
Fans will most likely see all the scenes Benard referred to later in July, since GH tapes approximately six weeks ahead of air.
So, are you excited to see what Maurice is talking about? Are you hyped for what’s to come on GH? Any clue on what you think will go down between the main characters on the soap with the returns of Anna Devane and Jason Morgan to the mix? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Announces Upcoming Release of His First Single, ‘If You Need Me’
In a surprise move, Daytime Emmy winner, Chad Duell (ex-Michael Corinthos, GH) is getting ready to unveil a new chapter of his career in music.
The former GH star, where he played the son of Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) and Carly Spencer (Laura Wright) for 15 years, has announced his new single, “If You Need Me” will drop on Friday, June 26. The single is now available for pre-order on Spotify and major music streaming platforms and is distributed by DistroKid.
Taking to his Instagram story over the weekend, to announce the pre-save of his new single, Chad expressed, “I’ll make a full post about what I’ve been up to and my music once it goes live next week, but you can pre-save my first single so it goes straight to your Spotify once it drops next week.”
Photo: CDuellIG
SINCE LEAVING GENERAL HOSPITAL
Previously, since his departure from the ABC soap opera. Chad starred alongside Zach Mendez in the world premiere of of Yum Yum at Annapolis, a new play written by Bruce Reisman. Duell last appeared on General Hospital on the January 21, 2025 episode.
The part was recast with Rory Gibson who debuted as the new Michael in May of 2025 during the Nurses’ Ball episodes and who has remained in the role since that time.
In an interview earlier this year on The Able Show, Duell said on his decision to exit the soap opera, “I was blessed to be part of that (show) for as long as I have, but what happens sometimes is if you’re doing the same thing, especially in a creative field for such a long time, you can get a little burnt out in a way. It can make you a little depressed, so that’s kind of what happened. On top of that, I had other things going on in my life at the time. My father passed away recently and I just needed a reset. So, I stepped away. A lot of times you have to go through some stuff to really step into that next level. I needed to kind of feel uncomfortable.”
So, what type of musical genre will Chad’s new song be? Country? Pop? Rock? Dance/Club? Something else? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below, and if you are eager to hear the new single next week via the comment section below.
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