General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nathan Is Laid To Rest In Tearjerker Episode Honoring The Men And Women In Blue
Courtesy/ABC
As we head into the new week, General Hospital fans are still recovering from shedding many tears on Friday’s emotional and beautifully executed episode centering around the funeral of Detective Nathan West (Ryan Paevey).
GH should definitely have this installment at the top of their list for next year’s 46th Daytime Emmys race as a contender for their Best Drama Series submission, because all the elements (writing, directing, technical and performance) come together in a moving tribute to those dedicated and fearless men and women in blue, who put their lives on the line every single day.
Courtesy/ABC
The traditions of a fallen police officer were carried out in dramatic and true fashion from the very beginning of the episode when the PCPD gathered together at the station in their dress blues to attend Nathan’s funeral. Jordan (Vinessa Antoine) recites the events what transpired which led to Nathan’s death. His name is added to a plaque of other fallen officers.
Courtesy/ABC
Maxie (Kirsten Storms) is trying to cope with what is ahead for the day, and when Felicia (Kristina Wagner) and Mac (John J. York) and Sam (Kelly Monaco) head out to the funeral service, Spinelli (Bradford Anderson) stays behind, and in a major tearjerker moment tells Maxie he has a gift from their daughter, Georgie … a hug. Once alone, Maxie crumbles to the floor where she is greeted by her late sister, ghost Georgie (Linze Leatherman). It’s Maxie’s sister that gives her the strength to get to the service, and to prepare to say goodbye to her husband.
At GH, a guilt-ridden Griffin (Matt Cohen), can’t help feel responsible about losing Nathan, since he was his patient. Robin (Kimberly McCullough) and Anna (Finola Hughes) attend the funeral with him. When guests arrive at the church, it is Nina (Michelle Stafford) and Liesl (Kathleen Gati) who are trying, each in their own way, to get through Nathan’s service. Once everyone is seated, and in another hankie-inducing moment, Nathan’s casket is brought into the church by a procession of police officers, led by his best friend, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna).
Courtesy/ABC
When Nina gets up to speak about her brother, and what a good man he was, that is juxtaposed with Nathan’s loved ones coming up to his open casket. Nina asks everyone to share stories of her brother to keep him alive in their hearts.
Courtesy/ABC
In another heartbreaking moment, a grieving Nina puts some coins into Nathan’s pocket in his dress blues jacket in the casket. It symbolized how he helped others who did not have money and would give them coins, because he was just such a giving man. Michelle Stafford delivered throughout an exquisite performance that anyone who has a brother or a sister could relate to
Next when the funeral moves to the gravesite, Dante and Valerie (Brytni Sarpy) fold the United States Flag in Nathan’s honor. During it, Dominic’s Zamprogna’s voice is heard reciting a beautiful poem about a fallen hero and officer. Then in yet another hearttugger, Dante presents the flag to the grieving Maxie. Those in attendance pay their respects, and just by the sheer power of the emotions registered on the actors’ faces, and without dialog, viewers realized just how powerful this cast, this ensemble, truly is. Alone, Maxie tells Nathan she will always love him, and places the bloodied photo of the ultrasound of their unborn baby on the casket. Nathan is lowered into the ground.
Courtesy/ABC
Meanwhile, at the Floating Rib many are grieving the loss of Detective West. Spinelli starts to sing “Danny Boy” in his honor and is joined by Amy (Risa Dorken). Back at the gravesite, in another beautiful touch to the episode, Maxie sees Nathan with her sister, Georgie, and they leave for heaven together. Maxie is heartbroken. Lulu (Emme Rylan) comes up to Maxie out of the distance and says how sorry she is, and Maxie is not having any of it, and blames Lulu for Nathan’s death. And, let’s not forget Peter (Wes Ramsey) attending the funeral services too, and the secrets he keeps.
Courtesy/ABC
As for Kirsten Storms, the reason everyone falls in love with Maxie and cares for her is because Storms makes her so relatable. Kirsten delivered a nuanced performance throughout as the expectant mother and widow that broke our hearts.
So, what did you think of Nathan’s funeral episode? What did you think of the performances? Which moments made you cry? Comment below!
I FF through the whole episode..
most ridiculous thing ever.. devoting an entire episode to a funeral of a character that wasn’t even a vet star.
I have box picture in bottom FF bar so could see what was on screen and I actually FF never stopping.
It is crapola having an entire episode of a feel-good fun enjoyable entertaining funeral that the rating numbers are dropping and dropping.
ahaaa! FAIL! LOL
GH had best clean the writer house before it’s too late.
If I had written Nathans exit.
Maxie would have fallen asleep and found herself in heaven with Nathan.
He would be consoling Maxie, telling her the things she needed to hear to carry on..
there would have been sadness that turned into heartfelt smiles and love.
A deeply heartfelt sweet loving goodbye..
Not a dreadful depressing funeral.
Oh su000, I felt so guilty during this episode. I knew I was supposed to feel sad, but I was strangely unmoved. I never made the leap to the “big picture” about real cops dying on the job, which is always tragic. Adding Georgie to the mix was, I guess, a good move but we’ve seen it before. And besides the guilt, I kept thinking that, with that goofy haircut, Spinelli actually looked sexy. Not exactly the mood the writers were going for.
Grumpy
I must say, su, that I don’t like going to funerals, either…..Nathan’s struck a very painful chord for me….it was personal. I put myself in Liesl’s place….never fails with me.
If I smell certain baby ‘odors’ ( such as lotion and/or new Pampers) wafting my way, the scent will stir my emotions, taking me to another place and time….I burst out crying. No stopping it.
The funeral was not sad to me….it wasn’t real, we all know that. For me, it was the reality of performance by all the cactors/actresses/character.
It was the out-of-this-world heartrending, woeful faces expressing agony through their eyes….the sadness was pervasive….no words necessary. The performers climbed beyond the last rung on the latter, per se, to fulfilling their roles.
As I said, we are singular individuals with different feelings and emotions…..some of us are affected in a personal manner, some….not so personal.
Su, I have not been watching long, but who we saw was Georgie, Maxie’s deceased sister…..Maxie named her daughter after her.
I have had dreams of older relatives, and each one was young…..never dreamt of them as elderly.
It’s a phenomenon for me. I asked members of my family and they said the same thing.
A few days ago I had a dream of my recently deceased Great-grandmother……she had her back to me. I knew it was her….don’t ask me how….but, I could see her long, blond hair, undulating down her back. Thus, I knew that she, too, was young. She died at almost 100 years old.
Again, we all feel different emotions…Do you believe in heaven?
I think perhaps it’s time you move on to a different soap and save your fast forward finger the aggravation. You TOTALLY missed the depth of this story line. With cops being killed nearly daily, it gave a birdseye look into the ceremony and agony felt be not only family members, but also the family of comrads in uniform. If you really fast forwarded through this, then I truly pity you. You missed some amazing drama and performances.
well Said Sheri!
This was an EXCELLENT episode regardless if the character was a vet or not. Fans love Maxie, fans love Nathan and GH did a fantastic job through this beautiful ceremony.
Kudos to GH
Sorry SU you missed a fantastic episode if you really FFWD thru it.
I agree with Sheri!! Very emotional episode!!!
AMEN!!!!!!!!!
Sheri, I totally agree with you. EVERY soap and continuing night time dramas have episodes dedicated to funerals. Unfortunately, they are a part of life and there ain’t nothing pretty about them. Some people you can never convince.
Hi Soaphound ..
As I was FFing through it I had to stop to see who the new girl was..
It was Maxie’s dead baby..
Now I know a secret of death and heaven;
We age in heaven !!.. didja know that ?
Now, I feel sorry for the people that died in their 70-80, they must be getting as old as dirt. Aging in heaven isn’t cool .. LOL
ohh no! you ”didn’t feel bad” hmm you were supposed to cry with snot nose and be depressed for a day or 2, all for your entertainment enjoyment, sigh.
The writers failed you..
Nathan was a so-so with me too ..
The “dead girl” was Maxi’s sister, Georgie, who was a beloved character (and should never have been killed off). She makes sporadic “ghostly” visits to Maxi whenever Maxi is in a dark, emotional place. Maxi’s daughter with Spinelli was named after her.
I agree Sheri, its rude but what she says gives a spark so she got what she wanted. Like I always say, if you have so much disdain for the soap, TURN THE FREAKIN CHANNEL!
Yes, Rebecca is right, Suoo. Maxie’s little sister Georgie was murdered in the park by a serial killer, and Maxie named her daughter after her. That’s probably why you were so confused as that occurred before your time.
The funeral was well done and realistic but then I kept having to remind myself that Nathan was killed by a cartoon villain and what led up to it was a bunch of plot driven crappolla.
But I will say that the funeral really underscored what a talented group of actors we have on board. Dante really got to me–he is so understated but the grief is palpable and he doesn’t have to scream it from the roof tops.
And Kirsten Storms is at her best when she externalizes her grief into rage. We saw this at Georgie’s funeral when she railed against Felicia for being an absentee mother and now we see her directing her grief induced rage against Lulu. Now this, I love.
But please no more funerals. Morgan’s funeral lasted a year. Okay, it felt like a year to me, anyway. And Finola Hughes is a gifted actress who only improves with time, but for the love of all that is good, can someone please hand her a story line which doesn’t make her weep and shake? Did they really have to distort history and make Anna have a baby with Faison? I mean, if they’re going to utilize a suspension of disbelief, why not make her the mother of Griffin thereby giving her the ultimate gift of knowing she had a love child with Duke. But no! Instead Anna had a baby with the man she hated and feared the most. It was as if she had a child with the Devil himself. Can we just have some fun escapism which includes romance and some levity?
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwww Now you hurt my feelings lol
Rebecca1 and Harry..
thanks for the info on Georgie ..
Now I know 🙂
I am afraid I have to stand up for Miss SUOO. Back in the days of Ron Carlivati it was I engaging in all the griping and it was she who was doing all the cheerleading.
I had folks tell me essentially to “love it (GH) or leave it (change the channel)”.
Folks should get to complain without being told to change the channel or to shut up. I’ve always been steadfast on this point whether I am the one doing the cheer leading or the one asking for a slice of cheese to go with my whine.
Overall, a nicely done episode. Storms was outstanding. John York says so much with his facial expressions and body. Even though I’m not a fan of their characters, Stafford & Howarth’s little glance was fitting given their past history.
Leathernan was pleasant surprise, although the final send off was reminiscent of AJ’s walk up the stairs with Emily.
Oh, and yes, we’d like to forget about Parking Lot Peter. No validation here.
I agree about Michelle and Roger – their characters have never fit into the fabric of Port Charles no matter how many attempts the show makes to integrate them. But they are terrific actors, and that moment was meaningful.
I’m not heartbroken over Nathan’s death, even though this was a very heavy episode. The character never clicked for me. But it’s funny that you mention Emily and A.J., because, just like Georgie, they should never have been killed off.
GH has a terrible history of firing veteran actors and killing off core characters while letting ones like Franco, Nina, Peter and Amy dominate story for any given period of time. It’s shameful, especially for a show that has so many legacy characters that could be brought back to create a richly interconnected canvas, but have been forgotten about.
The only time Nina and Franco seemed to work was when they were a couple. Two damaged souls trying to make a better life. Unfortunately their acting styles didn’t gel and the performers asked to break up the couple.
I agree about having killed off the vets; they shouldn’t have. But, please, when saying Franco and Nina “never fit in” or the “only time they worked” realize that it is subjective. While I acknowledge that those characters haven’t worked for some they have worked for me and others. Love them both.
As always, characters and stories are subjective.
Rebecca, of course every thing we state here in the comment section is subjective. It’s just our opinions and no one is right or wrong.
I think we don’t need to add the JMO because it goes without saying that it’s just our opinion to which we are all entitled.
Parking Lot Peter? HA! Very clever, Steve.
I am afraid I have to agree with you about Franco and Nina.
They are square pegs still trying to fit into those round holes.
Didn’t Franco look foolish sitting in the front row of the funeral? Even he had a look of embarrassment on his face was if to say,”Why am I here, and how did I get here?” In fact, he always seems to have that look on his face.
And I love Roger Howarth but Franco is just not working for me.
I think there’s a diffference between saying “in my opinion” than saying “fans don’t like” or “the writers aren’t listening to “us” etc. Of course we all have our own opinion. At the same time, sometimes it’s assumed we’re all on the same page (no pun intended) when we’re not.
So, once again, agree to disagree.
As for Franco, he is basically Dr. O’s only friend. She adores him and he’s quite fond of her. So, his seating(don’t recall him in the first row) but he’d be there for her as well as Nina (since they were once engaged).
And, I noticed you said Franco is not working for “you.” See? You didn’t stop at “working…”
Amen, Harry!!!……GH’s overly-obvious efforts to shoehorn Franco and Nina into every possible scenario that goes down in Port Charles has more than worn thin. They simply don’t work…period. I have nothing against RoHo…I think he has bent over backwards to attempt to make his Franco palatable and viewer-friendly, but all the machinations incorporated by the showrunners to reinvent this fatally-flawed character have been an epic fail. On the other hand, Nina was just a bad idea from day one…she should have lasted for maybe all of five minutes and then be gone, but because she was played (make that over-played!) by Stafford, this character was awarded pride of place on the GH canvas and thus, forcefed in every imaginable way in order to ingratiate her to the audience…which was another complete exercise in futility since most GH fans wanted more familiar faces from the show’s past, not a soap-hopping, scenery-chewing usurper who brought no legacy ties with a character whose annoyance factor ranks skyhigh and breeds resentment everytime she is featured in the spotlight many of us believe rightfully belongs to the beloved Laura or some other favorite for whom there is supposedly not enough money to bring back to Port Charles! That assessment may sound brutal, but that’s just the way it is, and nothing shall ever change that fact…..period! How many times do we have to repeat this mantra before it sinks in????
to clarify…the post below my response to you, above, Harry…
I wouldn’t have kill him off. Even though he never really had a storyline
It was a beautifull service and Nathan will be missed. I know he wanted too move on but maybe one day he will return too Maxie
This episode was beautifully done. GH should be proud.
I am going to say this…even if I get hell for it. I will say that the stories on GH as of late have been rather tedious. All the attention to that certain character has put me in a dour state with GH. But they have given some good episodes since last week. When they killed off Nathan, I cried. A few tears. I realize he wasn’t a central character. I realize that the best part of Nathan was on a visual level. (Ryan Paevy – so beautiful, that’s all I can say) BUT on Friday…all my faith was restored in GH. From start to finish I was in a state of hysterical tears. Snot running down my face, shaking, trembling and wishing he was still with us. The opening just shook me up. Then the scenes with Maxie and all those who love her. More tears. The scenes with Georgie and Maxie…hell I just lost it. Then the service. Watching Nina talk about her memory of “Jay” and the coins started the trembling. When she put the coins in his pocket….Lord God I lost it completely. Watching all the reactions….Liesl just killed me and she said next to nothing the whole episode. Even Peter, with his dark secrets was touching. Maxie was heart breaking. That bloody pic of the unborn child just made me cry hard. The whole cast — STUNNING, PERFECT, REAL. I know that some feel that a stand alone episode dedicated to a character that was not a core character to the show was too much…but to that I say, in life there are NO central characters. Everyone matters and lives are destroyed by police violence. Families and friends hurt. This episode showed this without flaw. I give KUDOS to the entire episode. Actors, producers, writers, tech staff……a round of applause. This is a reason I watch a show like GH because they all stepped up and gave an episode to remember. I hope they can use the power they created in this episode and channel it across the entire landscape of the show. You’ll notice that a certain character was no where around and the show was LIT. It was brighter than it had been in a long time. It goes to show that when you give everyone a chance to shine, they will. Without focusing on just one actor. I felt glad to be a fan of GH on Friday. Kirsten Storms – Emmy worthy. I can only say that if this is what GH is capable of, then let’s show some more. For once I didn’t groan or sigh at certain scenes. They had me from start to finish. This was television excellence. This was an episode you could show to a non fan of daytime drama and produce a convert. This is what daytime should be. Great job GH!!!
“… You’ll notice that a certain character was no where around and the show was LIT. It was brighter than it had been in a long time. It goes to show that when you give everyone a chance to shine ”
Absolute – The Corinthos Clan are dull… are so replete with nothingness … if that can be heard. just lack so much .
so YES… to the wonderful posts who are highlighting and featuring the REST OF THE CAST complete or fait accompli. always coming in 2nd or supporting
THIS has been absolute magical stuff. YEAH I cried. not because I care that much for Maxie… but of this happening to any one who loses her husband and she’s with child. CHILLS and Horror
I WILL adamantly state… I’m going to MISS Ryan Peavy ‘ Nathan West. what a dream machine
this is proof positive that if the WRITERS or lack of… WOULD FOCUS on the cast as a whole… and MIX your talented cast.
oh well…
yes it’s a big MISS @ Dillon, Laura, Nathan. three wonderful character actors who had equally matched actors who thrilled the audience WITH : LOVE , romance, dance, stimuli
all the ingredients that is missing from : Sonny / Carly / Michael / Nelle / Jason / Sam / Finn / Franco
Cheers and even salute to what we’ve witnessed. A serial even at it’s best ? even tho… KNOWING this week of eppi should win best of show… I am so against this strategy and mindset of the behind the scenes imagination. because this show stinks
it has to be so easy to write for characters who have no evolution.. reason for being.. no need
until Frank and Shelley start caring about the whole product
”Replete with nothingness”…….Thank you, Patrick! That says it all about the Corinthos Clan…and many more in Port Charles, as well!!!! The highlight of this special GH episode was most definitely the absence of Sonny, et al….not to mention, Alexis!!!!
I totally agree! I sobbed. I watched it twice (which I NEVER do) and I didn’t even care that much about Nathan. But the minimal dialog, the attention to detail, the respect paid to public servants, the performances……..we’re all simply outstanding. I’ve watched soaps for 40 years. This was one of the best episodes I’ve seen.
Great post, Mateo.
Michelle Stafford was heartbreaking and I thought Kathleen Gati played her grief in a beautifully understated way as the mother who was always on the periphery of her son’s life. Maxie just left me cold — I’ve never gotten the appeal of the character.
I would’ve preferred the show to have dropped that Spinelli/Amy duet for more heartfelt eulogies but was pleasantly surprised that Sonny and Carly didn’t make an appearance to upstage things with long winded speeches about their understanding of Maxie’s pain since they lost their own hero Morgan a year ago.
I also found Britt and Madeline’s absences rather glaring.
Budgets are tight, and they can explain Britt and Magda being in prison. No need for Donna Mills to ever appear on GH again. But how about Maxie’s cousin Lucas? Glad we got Bobbie (and the nice visual of her being there for Valerie). Ellie would have been nice, but someone had to watch the younger Georgie.
On a positive note, they did have many police extras, including the guy who has played the desk sergeant for many years.
Beautiful post, Alan…..again, I agree with your observations, as usual….especially those of Michelle’s and Kathleen’s.
Ms Stafford is so under-rated by some viewers—baffling to me, Alan. She was outrageously phenomenal ( pardon the oxymoron)… and Ms Gati? I can’t even search my brain for the most a’ propos adjective. There aren’t enough to describe her gift. For me, she is held on a higher standard than most.
The singing was out of place….perhaps if Nathan’s name had been “Danny”? Especially for two characters of whom I am not very fond….
I know, I know….it’s not the name , it’s the symbolism…..
Ms Gati is indeed a force of nature and an unrealized brilliant talent.
However, DR O clobbered Scorpio over the head with a hammer sending him into a coma. She also kidnapped and tortured Robin.
She was Faison’s accomplice and helped him terrorize Anna and so it was hard to watch Anna console her and act almost apologetic.
It’s sad she lost her son but it’s even sadder and horrifically inconceivable that gorgeous, sweet Nathan was the product of Faison and Dr O.
@CeeCee and Harry……As a huge admirer of Kathleen Gati and her gargantuan talents, I’m still miffed at her once again being largely passed over in a pivotal GH episode that would have greatly benefitted from her special gifts. Yes, as “Obrecht,” she was a medical monster ensconced in her own hellacious house of horrors, but when she morphed into the more comically portrayed “Dr. O.,” the dark humor her character brought to the Port Charles canvas was immeasurably amusing…hence whilst all of her past misdeeds couldn’t be forgiven, they were at least momentarily forgotten during those inspired moments when this force of nature blew into town with all her mirth and mayhem. Granted, it was a near-impossible task to reform this endearingly-bizarre character into someone who could be considered mainstream enough to pass moral muster, but then again, when one contemplates the aborrent nature of the majority of current Port Charles denizens—-think Sonny, Franco, Nina, Ava, Julian, Alexis, etc…, her sins were really not that out of the ordinary! I should still prefer a nuanced, yet extremely flawed, Liesl than no Liesl at all….in recent times, she has successfully managed to display some very human glimpses and if those aforementioned characters can get a pass for their nauseating behavior, then so should Dr. O. True, she may never be “Mother Teresa,” but she’s still a mother who is grieving a son for whom she made the ultimate scarifice of giving away in order to save him a terrible life. At the very least, that should earn her some respect! Perhaps that is where she and Anna will find common ground…their shared dilemmas at having spawned Faison’s offspring! Such would make for a spectacularly dramatic denouement for both Gati and Finola Hughes…whose classy and compassionate Anna’s brief moment of condolence for her sworn enemy was for me the finest of Friday’s hour-long funereal fest!
Well, CeeCeeGirl, all I can tell you is that I was left totally bereft of any emotion save for disgust at Nina’s continued milking of her cousin’s death!!! When you consider all the selfless deeds that the character of Nathan did in Port Charles, and how many lives he touched, I found it oddly indulgent to focus upon what he was like as an offscreen youngster decades ago….that subject matter deserved maybe, and I do mean maybe, a brief mention, but the man was a husband, son, police officer and all-around good guy beloved by many characters whose life should have been summed up by more than the morose droning of his pseudo-sister in what turned out to be just another typical hogging the limelight moment by MS. There were plenty of family and friends who should have shared their Nathan memories firsthand…definitely Liesl should have spoken and done a musical tribute. Even words from Britt and Magda could have been read aloud since the showrunners refused to spring for their appearances. Whilst I couldn’t have endured another “Amy” moment, how about Chet thanking Nathan for the help he provided this struggling vet? That would have been awesome…and so on and so forth. The church was packed with people who loved and respected this guy, and all we got was yet another star turn from the always attention-seeking Nina??? It was utterly unbearable! Having said that, kudos to the beautiful Dante voiceover and other realistic flourishes accompanying the service for this “man in blue”….it was heartwarming and gratifying to see all the painstaking details honoring the PCPD’s fallen cop, especially given how many unfortunate real-life examples we are experiencing in today’s society. At least GH got that part right!
Awwww…don’t be sad, be glad, CeeCeeGirl, that we can be so diametrically opposed in our thoughts on Nina and MS, yet still remain the best of friends! We simply see her through very different eyes…I honestly don’t think anything shall ever be able to change my opinion on this character….she just grates on me to no end and I cannot find any value in her presence in Port Charles——no matter what transpires!….Que sera, sera! There is so much we do agree upon…let’s concentrate on that aspect of our soapchatter! Yes, there does seem to be some sort of unsavory, longstanding alliance between Valentin and Peter…as always, this latter-day Cassadine is in the thick of it when it comes to all things evil-doing, especially where Anna is involved…I just hope that the story which is unfolding regarding her child with Faison is one with both logic and sensitivity, because I remain quite unpleased that it looks as though that offspring shall indeed be the highly-questionable Peter……not the sort of son I should have chosen for her, as the nasty Cain to Nathan’s profoundly-decent Abel. As for what all Valentin has had his fine hand in throughout the years is yet to be revealed….me thinks he will become the new default criminal mastermind of GH in the absence of Helena…who I hope shall still emerge alive and well when Constance Towers is again available after her real-life spouse’s illness and subsequent recent passing. In terms of your iPad’s mind of its own, I hear you! I became so tired of that happening to me, that I switched off the “predicitve” mode in the settings…problem solved! Now if it were only so easy to stop real life people from putting words in my mouth that I never said and particular spins on my meanings that were never intended!!! Oh well…Happy Valentine’s Day, all the same, mia amica!!!!
I totally agree with you regarding Michelle Stafford’s Nina, Alan. Michelle was the epitome of composure under grief as she struggled to share her memories of the man she knew as brother, the boy whom she loved and grew up with. Herr shared memories added the personal touch that no one in Port Charles could ever possibly have known. As in real life, sometimes only one person stands to share their loss; others too shy to speak in public others too grief-stricken to utter a word. Nina’s recollections and tribute to “Jay” the man she would always consider her brother were poignant and powerful. And, considering how deeply she loved him it took all she had to be strong for Maxi…to hold out her arms and embrace her even while her own heart was breaking.
Beautifully done.
I thought the episode was very good. I thought everyone played their characters very well. It had 2 b hard 2 play those characters 4 this episode, please writers summit this episode 4 next year emmys, it will definitely win, & Maxie, Nine & Liesel for their outstanding performances
The episode was very well played Maxi made me cry with her feelings it was played out so real. It seemed so real and caring from one scene to the next! It sore does deserve an Emmy I think they played out their rolls geniality courages and so loving it was Awesome!
A wonderful memorial the whole episode was perfect
I, like many, take swings at the writing and the EP, BUT, today, I tip my hat, it was an award winning episode of not only for GH but a soap. They did such a great job of sending a character off, sending a fallen officer off correctly and writing decent dialogue. I also commend Frank for spending the extra money on extras to march, carry the casket and do a salute. If this were a true tragedy, thousands of officers would have come from all over the country to pay their respects. And Georgie, loved the surprise and loved the effort to comfort Maxie the right way!
How in the world can “fans” of GH not appreciate this episode? GH has been the must see show since the new writing team took over. I’ve watched other funerals on soaps before but this is by far the best funeral. It was well written and the actors seem to really feel the pain of losing a loved one. K. Storms was outstanding as the grieving wife. M. Stafford was great as the grieving sister/cousin. And to leave the casket open during the service and the camera panning to see “Nathan” was brilliant. You could feel the pain. These so called fans bad mouthing GH, let alone this episode, need to tune out. It was the actors decision to leave. Now if Y&R or B&B had done this, it would have been the best written episode ever. Wake up people….GH deserves praise for this.
I thought it was beautiful and sad at the same time but that’s every day real life made me feel ok was there
I though the funeral was beautiful and sad but that’s every day life it made me feel like I was at Nathan’s funeral glad to be apart of it it was a beautiful ending.
I cried though out the show it felt so real like he really was dead. I will miss Nathan
The show did a really good job showing respect to a fallen police officer.
I am glad they showed Nathan leaving with Georgie and Maxi got to see him one more time
Soaps are supposed to make us laugh and cry – generally to feel all the feels. These episodes were to make us feel sad. They did their job. The writing and the acting was beautiful. The only beat I think they missed is having Nathan’s organs donated. In the scene with random guy showing up to ask about donations, Maxie said Nathan was a donor based upon his driver’s license. That was never mentioned again (at least I didn’t see it – if it was – I apologize). What a beautiful story it would have been for heart recipient Maxie to donate Nathan’s organs to some people who need them and then to discuss all the people that he lived through besides their baby? Anyway, that’s my opinion.
Did I leave the room and miss something? Where the Hell was Frisco? Was there a quick mention as to why he wasn’t there?
Now that I got that off my chest, I will say it was a very, very good episode. Can’t wait for next year’s Emmys to see if alot of the awards go to the cast who were in this story and for the show itself as well as the ones who were behind the camera.
Felicia mentioned that Frisco was tied up on a case. They should just kill off the character offscreen. It’s highly unlikely Jack Wagner will show up on GH again.
JW is very busy on the Hallmark channel and FV and him are not pals! Mac has always really been Maxie’s dad and had Frisco even met him? Missed the episode the Anna mess has made me take a break but when I saw this picture of the actress who played Maxie’s sister I thought to myself the destruction of what JFP did to that show so many core characters gone.
But of course, they mentioned the conspicuously-absent Frisco! GH never misses the chance for the far-from-perfect Felicia to tar-and-feather her ex’s character as a deadbeat, disinterested dad who is more concerned with “saving the world” than his own family’s joys and tragedies. Needless to say, it’s getting old….this would have been the optimum opportunity for a Frisco guest shot….especially since he is both a WSB bigwig and a former PCPD vet. And yet, the showrunners could not bring themselves to give Frisco fans even a brief moment of love for one of the most successful characters this soap ever introduced to Port Charles!
I did have to leave the room for a few moments so i missed it. I think I might have been happier hearing that no mention of Frisco was mentioned. I am really fed up at his absence every time Maxie could use her father being around. Yes, I know Mac is there and is a father figure to her but c’mon!!! Frisco is her biological father and yet he is never there when she needs him most. I agree with what Steve said; they should kill off the character.
Hey, Shaybelle,
You know how I feel about Michelle Stafford ( Nina)….I am truly saddened you do not see what I see. It is what it is, n’est-ce-pas?
Her talent is equivalent to Ms Gati’s, as far as I’m concerned…Nina and James ( Nathan) grew up as brother and sister… they were close; he was her little brother. Finding out they are cousins and not siblings does not change that….he is still her little brother in her heart…in her life.
As Nina spoke ( on the podium) her love, regrets and rumination, I felt her grief. Out-of-this-world acting.
She expressed her retro years with Nathan because those times are memorable to her. That’s all she knows….she ‘slept’ for twenty years….When they finally ‘met’ again, they made new memories—as brother and sister. ‘Cousins’ is just a word.
I know you respect my point of view and accept it….as I do yours. This is why we get on so well, amica mia.
Later…
I don’t rightly know from whence ‘retro’ came?? My iPad puts words in my mouth, HaHa…
I meant to say her former years…..
Off topic, Shay, but the alliance between Valentin and Peter is a real teaser. Apparently Valentin has known him since Peter was very young? Is this an ungodly alliance? Is Valentin the key to Drew’s lost years? And, Jason’s? Was he working with Faison? I mean, he did know the doctor from Russia, who followed Jason to PC. Hmmmm.
I concur with that thought, James! If one cannot say something nice about fan-favorite Frisco Jones, then can we please not say anything at all??? It seems almost obligatory for the showrunners to take a shot at Jack Wagner and his character at least once a year, but it is just so unnecessary at this point. Whilst it appears we shall never be graced with another visit from this iconic legacy player, I still would hate to see him “killed offscreen” in order to satisfy an obvious beef that the show has with Wagner. Besides, that was already tried one before and Frisco, like so many before and after him, eventually returned from the dead to Port Charles. Let’s just call a civil time out on the Frisco vendetta and hope that someday he will once again triumphantly re-emerge on the GH canvas!
I feel GH has gone on a rapid downhill spiral! Should have cast another Nathan instead of killing him off! Can’t you have just one decent relationship in the show?! GH is becoming a show I could care less if I miss! Laura, her son and grandson are all gone so that’s the end of their family. Patrick and Robin and daughter too! Robin comes back once in awhile, which is pointless! You brought back Finn, as a different character, then shattered his world after he beat his addiction. Need new writers or you’ll end up like “All My Children”…GONE!!! I could go on and on but you get the point! I remember back in the 70’s, 80’s and early 90’s when the show was exciting to watch and I would record it so I didn’t miss a day! No more! Nathan’s funeral was sad because no one except Nina had anything to say, sad! There were plenty in attendance that SHOULD have spoken! Shame on you GH! That was the tearjerker, lack of respect for Nathan and his fellow officers! You try to make this show mimic reality, actually it’s far from it! For all the positive reviews you probably only get a few negative ones, however if people were honest and recalled the shows history, many more would agree! Reality does have people living healthy, happy and fulfilling lives, try inserting some of that in your storyline!
Looking for more of this excellent storytelling from the writers. It also unleashed the A game of the actors. Now lets move on with more happy stories. The last while has been pretty downer. Mainly starting with the loss of Genie and the great potential of the next story with Laura and Kevin. Has anyone heard of anymore on this and tptb?
I actually felt Nathan’s passing more during the hospital scenes than the funeral finale. But it was still touching and well done. And the acting from all was excellent in both episodes…even the short time they gave Amy to grieve. Actually think she should have more air time because whether you like her or Man Landers she and Nathan became BBF. I especially relate to Maxie talking to Georgie since I still talk to my Grandma and Mother who are no longer here to have a cup of tea with me anymore.
So more of this excellent storytelling from the writers. It also unleashed the A game of the actors.
Hey rose…it’s weird but Maxi (Kirsten Storm) was the least powerful performance for me. I was much more taken with Michelle Stafford; her grief effected me much more. For some reason Kirsten’s performance made me feel like I was watching a scene in an acting class…or on the stage during a soliloquy and a spotlight. Dunno…just didn’t work for me. Michelle? Katherine Gati (without a word) really got to me.
Usually I’m not a Maxie or Lulu character fan. Ironic that they come from Laura, Felicia, Mac calmer stock (except Luke), and Joselyn, who I do like, comes from Carly. However I do think Kirsten picked up her performance a notch during these episodes. But it is going to be tedious to see how Maxie and Lulu work out their friendship, or not. Or if Lulu ever gets it. And another thing I notice about Kirsten’s deiivery is that at the end of words she adds an addition “ah”…drives me nuts. Thankfully Drew doesn’t grunt as much anymore. And like you I have really liked Michelle and Ms. Gati. Hope they write some payback scenes for Dr. O to avenge Nathan’s death in her own way.
Yeah, that’s what I mean. There was something about Kirsten’s delivery that just rang false to me. Her elongated pronunciation or something. Just didn’t work for me.
I like Peter/Henrich. I completely believe that he was after revenge on Faison and no one else and truly feel he’s sorry for Nathan’s death.Valentin is puppeteering him to some extent…pulling his strings. But I think Peter’s got a good heart. I’ve mentioned this before but I think he’s going to fall for Maxi; try to take Nathan’s place. Not in a malicious sense but in some convoluted way…his guilt plus desire for family. At first I thought he was interested in Lulu…either way, I like him and contrary to many on this board am interested to see how the story evolves, including Anna finding out he’s her son and why Valentin doesn’t want Anna to know.
What was the name of the poem that Dante sited?
I think this was one of the best episodes. I hate that Ryan is gone. I wished he wasn’t. But I think Maxie did a wonderful job. Everyone did. Good writing for once. Keep it up.
I’m not ashamed to say that I LOVED Friday’s episode. I cried like a baby. I liked Nathan and all that that character tried to stand for. GH lost one of the good guys who was REALLY a good guy, not gray about it. Having lost a lot of people in the past year or so, it was like a fresh hurt and yet cathartic to watch. I thought all the actors did a beautiful job and appreciated the writing. My favorite moments were actually wordless, when they just had the actors’ reactions and we were allowed to feel.
Good post, Rodd. Sorry for your losses; I understand….
I aplued the Show writing team for delivering a outstanding performance by the whole cast and crew and it was so much like a real Police funeral. Congratulations on a stand alone episode.
Please publish the name of the poem, or the poem itself, I have many officers in my life and the poem is beautiful. thank you.
Found it. “The Final Destination”
I did not get to see it, but know the caliber of actors they have on the show, it was more the Emmy performances. It was Oscar quality.
I’m willing to bet Nathan’s mother, digs up his grave that night. Wisk his body out of the country to a clinic in Switzerland. And in 2 years he returns with no memory of Maxi or his child.
Incredible writing on this one – I’ve watched the episode 3 times AND lost it 3 times.
I kinda hope they don’t bring back the character (Ryan or a recast) at a future date.
IMO it would totally erase the depth of emotion these characters are experiencing.
I have been a fan for nearly fifty years. I cry at the weddings, Births of their children,
And Deaths of the characters. The older I am the worse I get. However, just caught
up with the story due to having neck surgery, and I was devastated I’m still crying
about Nathan West. I knew he was perfect for Maxie Jones. I dream of being on
General Hospital, may be one of my dreams will come true, who knows.Iwas born at Camp Pendleton I Oceanside California Feb.25,1956. I wouldlike to know if Ryan Peeavy has plans for his future on another show like Y & R, or primetime perhaps!
i thought it was the best funeral/episode they had had for ages. terribly sad. best because it had a good funeral at the church and the send off with the flag, salutes, graveside etc. It was nice that they had him see the sonogram before he died.
Remember that dismal showing for Robin’s funeral? Think you could count the number of guests on one hand. it was dismal.
Another good sendoff was after Edward died and at the end “Edward and Lila” walked upstairs together.
sorry the actor had to leave but look forward to seeing him on other shows and likely a bigger screen.
i hope someone like Sam or Lulu, rescued all those things Maxie was getting rid of, saving for when she’s wishing she had it to give to their baby.
General Hospital
Adam Huss Makes Another Return to General Hospital as Nikolas Cassadine
Nikolas Cassadine will be back on your screens next week but now via Pentonville. That means, that actor Adam Huss is back for a visit for all-new episodes of General Hospital.
In story, Ava (Maura West) comes to visit her ex in the slammer. So, just what does Ava want now? She clearly has been working an agenda on Sonny (Maurice Benard). Is she working with Valentin (James Patrick Stuart)? What will she tell Nikiolas? stay tuned.
Meanwhile, once news of Huss’ return broke earlier on Friday via Soap Opera Digest, he also announced his return on his Instagram expressing, “For all those who’ve been asking, cat’s out of the bag;) Thank you to all my #Nikolas #GH fans for your unwavering support. I don’t take it for granted for a second! (Even when I can’t answer 😊) #generalhospital”
Photo: ABC
Huss took over the role of Nikolas back in January of 2023, after Marcus Coloma left the soap opera. Previous to that, Huss filed in for Coloma in September of 2021 and November of 2022. Fast-forward to January of 2024, Nikolas gave Ace to Laura and Kevin to raise, while he eventually turned himself into the police for kidnapping Esme and keeping her hostage while she was pregnant and Wyndemere.
Photo: ABC
The return of Huss comes on the heels of multiple reports that his on-screen son, Nicholas Chavez is not returning to the show as Spencer Cassadine, while in story Spencer is believed to have drowned int the Seine River after falling off a boat in France, when drugged by Esme.
So, looking forward to seeing Adam Huss back as Nikolas? Do you think GH will eventually have him more full-time? Comment below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny and Jason Trade Threats on Each Other
The love affair that once was mobster Sonny (Maurice Benard) and hit man Jason (Steve Burton), and having each others back, is now apparently over! On the Thursday April 25th episode of General Hospital, an increasingly paranoid Sonny is confronted by Jason.
Jason wants to talk to Sonny about a “family matter”, but Sonny says they aren’t family now because he’s working with the Feds. Sonny goes on to say how he cannot trust Carly (Laura Wright) or Jason and he knows about Jason buying back the Metro Court for Carly from Nina (Cynthia Watros).
When the conversation turns to Josslyn (Eden McCoy) and Dex (Evan Hofer), Jason informs Sonny that Kristina (Kate Mansi) knows Sonny ordered a hit. Jason is worried about Dex’s safety. He tells Sonny that if he does something to Dex, Kristina will figure out that he is responsible.
Courtesy/ABC
Sonny goes on to say how much he loves his kids and how he will protect them. He then tears into Jason for abandoning his sons, Danny and Jake, for two years and how he has no right to stand there to tell him what to do.
Jason warns Sonny again to leave Dex alone or he’ll personally stop him. Sonny snaps at Jason, countering, “You’ll die trying!” And at that point, Jason walks out and Sonny slams the door behind him.
What do you think about this split in the longstanding relationship of Jason and Sonny? Do you like Jason and Sonny at odds? Will Kristina be the person to ultimately figure out what is happening to Sonny, or it might it be Nina, who knows Ava (Maura West) is up to no good? Share your thoughts in the comment section, but first watch this clip from part of the Sonny/Jason scenes below.
Breaking News
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
For those who were holding out hope that Daytime Emmy winner and fan favorite, Nicholas Chavez would be returning to General Hospital after filming his leading role in Ryan Murphy’s Monsters anthology, it looks like those hopes have been dashed.
According to a report from TV Line, although unconfirmed from General Hospital or a representative for Chavez, the actor will not reprise his role as Spencer Cassadine on the long-running ABC soap opera and continue the love story of Sprina opposite Tabyana Ali (Trina, GH).
Chavez was cast as Lyle Menendez over the the summer of 2023 for the second season of Murphy’s limited Monsters series on Netflix. In the upcoming season, the series will focus on the the case of Lyle and Erik Menendez, the two well-to-do Beverly Hills brothers accused of murdering their parents in 1989.
Photo: ABC
After word from Chavez casting was revealed, GH fans were concerned over the fate of the Sprina story, a spokesperson for GH shared, “We support Nicholas’ endeavors and look forward to having him return to General Hospital once this project is wrapped.”
In story, the series “killed off” Spencer when he went overboard with Esme to the steely waters below after being injected with a drug, thanks to Esme and falling into the Seine River in France. However, his body was never recovered, and believed to have drowned or washed away. Thus, leaving an opening for Spencer to return in the form of Chavez or be recast down the line.
Photo: ABC
TV Line shared that ‘multiple sources’ are confirming that Chavez is not returning to the ABC soap opera, which is what many had suspected might be the case once he left for this major starring role in a Ryan Murphy project. Chavez has been relatively quiet on social media for months.
Photo: ABC
The Michael Fairman Channel spoke with Nicholas Chavez for a virtual interview when he first joined the show in 2021, and spoke to him right after when he won the Daytime Emmy in 2022 – you can see those below.
No word yet on when Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story will debut on Netflix, but it is assumed later this year.
So, what do you think about the news of Nicholas Chavez not returning to his role as Spencer Cassadine on General Hospital? Comment below.
Marla Adams, The Young and the Restless’ Dina Mergeron, Dies at 85
Adam Huss Makes Another Return to General Hospital as Nikolas Cassadine
Arianne Zucker Reveals Her Last Days of our Lives Airdate
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny and Jason Trade Threats on Each Other
Y&R’s Allison Lanier Lands Her First Daytime Emmy Nomination and Shares “Being a Recast Can Be Daunting”
Ellen Travolta Makes Another Return to General Hospital
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
Kristian Alfonso Returns to Days of our Lives for Tribute to The Late Bill Hayes
Wally Kurth Talks on His DAYS Daytime Emmy Nomination, His Emotional Scenes, and Remembering John Aniston
Y&R’s Eric Braeden Pays Tribute to Former On-Screen Wife, Meg Bennett: “She Was Such a Bright and Gentle Lady”
Marla Adams, The Young and the Restless’ Dina Mergeron, Dies at 85
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny and Jason Trade Threats on Each Other
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
Cameron Mathison Previews New Game Show ‘Beat The Bridge’ (Promo)
Y&R’s Michelle Stafford Talks on Her Lead Actress Daytime Emmy Nomination, Allison Lanier, and ‘Pacific Palisades’ with Finola Hughes
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General HospitalApril 21, 2024‘Knots Landing’s’ Donna Mills and Joan Van Ark Reunite for Los Angeles Ballet Season 18 Gala
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NewsApril 20, 2024The Young and the Restless Preview: Ashley’s New Alter Emerges
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Days Of Our LivesApril 19, 2024Stephen Schnetzer Talks On His Return to Days of our Lives and Working with Susan Seaforth Hayes In Emotional Episodes
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General HospitalApril 22, 2024Ellen Travolta Makes Another Return to General Hospital
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Days Of Our LivesApril 17, 2024DAYS Alum Tanner Stine to Appear in ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ Starring Nicholas Chavez
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Breaking NewsApril 17, 202451st Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Set to Be Announced