General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Bobbie’s Last Good Deed is Fulfilled, While a”Visit” from BJ and a New Sign Mark Her Legacy
On the Thursday, January 11th episode of General Hospital, part two of Port Charles mourning the loss of Bobbie Spencer brought with it an incredibly touching and well-executed story that honored Bobbie and the late, great Jackie Zeman.
As we watched the story unfold, all we could think of is that Jackie would have been pleased of how the show remembered her and the character of Bobbie. In the pick up of the story, Maxie tells Angela “the reporter from Amsterdam” that many people will be dropping by Kelly’s to share stories about Bobbie for her article.
Laura was the first to share her history with Bobbie and how things were rough between them when the were younger, when they both were fighting for the love of Scotty. We then go to the classic flashback of Bobbie answering Scotty’s door, looking disheveled making it look like she had slept with Scotty. Later, in another flashback, Bobbie gives Laura some words of wisdom over how Laura never told Luke about her secret son, Nikolas.
Photo: ABC
Next, an emotional Lucas, talks how he loved his late sister BJ and how Bobbie always stood up for him. We get a flashback of Bobbie telling Tracy to back off about her son, which illustrated how Bobbie always fought for him. Later, Willow remembers what Bobbie said to her on her wedding day to Michael.
Scott and Lucy each talk about how tough and how strong Bobbie was, and how Lucy and her were frenemies. We see flashbacks of Bobbie and Scott fighting, as well as Lucy and Bobbie. Watching Jackie Zeman’s dear friends speak about Bobbie could not have felt more real, where the lines blur between real-life grief and the characters themselves.
Photo: ABC
Elizabeth tells Angela about her rape, and how Bobbie came to her rescue, when she could not talk about it with her grandmother, Audrey. She related that Bobbie never made her feel ashamed over being sexually assaulted. Next, a flashback from the night Bobbie came prepared to make sure Liz was physically and emotionally taken care of following her harrowing experience was shown. After everyone has spoken to Angela, Maxie hopes the “reporter” can stick around. Angela says her “boss” wants her “back at work. ” Ok, grab the hankies!
Photo: ABC
Meanwhile, in Amsterdam, Carly and Felicia hang out at the cafe Bobbie frequented when she was alive. A woman enters (guest star, Elise Robertson) that winds up being Bobbie’s contact from the non-profit organization helping women who are victims of human trafficking. Carly and Felicia speak to her and sadly reveal Bobbie had died. The woman relates how Bobbie opened her home to other women who were seeking asylum. Carly mentions the young woman that Angela “the reporter” told them about. We learn her name is Cornelia (guest star, Ellie Darcy-Alden) and that the woman thought Bobbie put her on a freighter to Canada weeks ago.
Courtesy/ABC
Carly says Bobbie died in Amsterdam which means Cornelia was waiting for Bobbie. Felicia make a call to Anna to see if she knows anyone in the State Department that help. Robert is there and says he does. Meanwhile, after speaking with the contact, who mentions a cabin, Carly figures out where she’s hiding out … Luke’s cabin in Canada.
Next, Carly and Felicia drive to Ontario. Felicia is behind the wheel, and there is a moment of tension between the two. Just then, Felicia hits a moose and the car gets a flat tire. In the accident, Carly suffers a gash in her forehead. It is then that Felicia comes forward and shares why she has never been friendly to Carly, even though she is her best friend’s daughter. Felicia tells Carly that she destroyed Bobbie when she set out to destroy her marriage to Tony. Felicia says she has resented Carly because she was very protective of Bobby.
Courtesy/ABC
It is then that Carly says she gets it, because she did the same thing to Felicia, she judged her because of how she was never there for Maxie. The two decide in Bobbie’s honor to become closer. Next, Carly and Felicia make it to the cabin where Cornelia is hiding. The scared young woman confronts the strangers with a shovel and swings it at them. After calming her down, Cornelia sees the necklace around Carly’s neck and knows it’s Bobbie’s.
In a heartbreaking moment, Carly explains that her mother died and shows a photo of herself with Bobbie on her phone. Cornelia breaks down in tears saying Bobbie was supposed to meet her at the cabin. The two share a touching embrace. After Felicia lets Robert know they have found Cornelia, he shares he will help with the State Department to get the young woman somewhere safe. As the story moves forward, Felicia and Carly arrive back to GH. Elizabeth is there and helps with Carly’s head gash.
Photo: ABC
It’s the following day. Maxie cannot find the business card Angel gave her or by locating her online and Felicia comes by. All of sudden, Maxie has a moment of clarity while touching her heart. Meanwhile, Felicia has stepped out to the hallway to call the Associated Press office in Amsterdam, and is informed there is no one who works there by the name of Angela Brighton. Felicia flashes back to a heart-tugging montage of BJ and Bobbie. It is then, breaking down in tears, Felicia realizes it’s BJ at the same time Maxie realizes the same thing. When Felicia enters Maxie’s again, they share an emotional hug.
As Kelly’s, Carly is looking over the new sign Elizabeth made for “Kelly’s” after it broke. She, along with Lucas and Laura, look at the sign lovingly and say, “It’s perfect.” Lucas has to catch his flight, and says his goodbye and hugs his sister. Outside as he exits he runs into Angela. Lucas says people are looking for her as her tip saved the woman his mom was helping. Angela says she’d love to stay, but she has to go back home. Lucas thanks her for everything, and turns his back to walk away. All of a sudden, Angela says, “Anytime, Champ!” Lucas is stunned, as that is what a young BJ would call him. He turns around, but she is gone.
Photo: ABC
Carly tells Elizabeth and Laura she would like some time alone. She says to her late mother that she hope’s she gave Bobbie some peace after locating Cornelia, as that’s what Bobbie gave to her and everyone else that knew her. Next, there is a montage of Bobbie moments through the years that include B.J’s heart transplant storyline all the way through to the 2023 Nurses’ Ball. As the episode comes to a close, Carly hangs the new sign that reads “Bobbie’s”
Photo: ABC
This heartfelt episode had so many nuances to the essence of the life of Bobbie Spencer that you could not help but weep, but also feel complete that the show did Bobbie and Jackie justice in this moment. While all of us can be armchair quarterbacks when watching our favorite soaps and in particular, how they honor a legacy character, in our opinion, this one was pretty near perfect.
What did you think of part two of Port Charles’ farewell to Bobbie Spencer? What touched you the most? Let us know in the comment section below.
Very well done GH. I shed tears on Wednesday during the memorial service. The tributes from Laura and Scott really got me as did Lucy and Tracy calling a temporary truce in Bobbie’s honor. I was disappointed that there weren’t more flashbacks during the memorial. Little did I know I’d get my wish the next day. Thursday’s episode was excellent. Each person sharing their memories of Bobbie and the accompanying flashbacks were extremely well done. It was so great seeing Bobbie from different stories through the years. Carly and Felicia becoming closer while completing Bobbie’s final rescue was so touching.
The tear really flowed when Felicia and Maxie realized that Angela Brighton was the Angel BJ. I really fell apart when Angela said, “Anytime Champ”, to Lucas. And when they showed the new sign “Bobbie’s”, I was gone.
Both days were wonderful and you could see how emotional the whole thing was for the actors. Thank you everyone from a very old time GH viewer who loved Bobbie and the wonderful Jackie Zeman.
These episodes were certainly tear jerkers and happiness at the same. All the actors involved really brought it. I am a “Die Hard GH fan.
The combination of both episodes made for pure soap gold. A character of Bobbie’s stature deserved more than just a funeral – and the audience got much more than that.
In a sea of great performances, Kristina Wagner was the standout. Recently, the writers have shown they understand her character who is so much more than Maxie’s mom. The scene where Felicia realizes it’s BJ really got me. Kudos to continuity writer Elizabeth Korte for finding the clip of Felicia holding BJ who tells her she wants her mommy and daddy. And true to character, Felicia says “Barbara Jean” not BJ. It harkened back to the iconic moment when Felicia collapsed in the hospital hallway with Bobbie consoling her.
Writers also deserve credit for connecting Carly and Felicia and giving them reasonable excuses for lack of interaction through the years.
Lucas was used appropriately, but it’s sad to see Carnes depart again.
Good editing on the Willow flashback as Eden McCoy was originally in that scene but isn’t shown.
Lucy is another character the writers seem to be understanding better. She’s been front-burner for over a year now. Lynn Herring is getting to show Lucy’s serious side, something newer viewers need to experience.
Of everybody, Kin Shriner made us realize that we were honoring both Bobbie and Jackie.
RIP Jackie Zeaman – the pride of Bergenfield New Jersey.
Beautifully done. Bringing back BJ was so special and brought me to tears.
Congrats to the writers for carrying on the history of GH while giving tribute to Jackie Zeman. Laura Wright, Kristina Wagner and Kirsten Storms gave outstanding performances that came from their “hearts.”
Absolute perfection. Yes, it did bring tears.
I agree 100%
Outstanding !! one the best episodes in a very very long time ! Yes they travelled way to fast and all…but it was a beautiful tribute to a great actress and important member of the GH family.
My only wish that didn’t came through was something to see , feel something about Luke…Showing he was alive might i’ve sent them into a new storyline….even if Anthony doesn’t want to comeback , i’m sure they could’ve found a way to deal with that !
All that international travel in just two days. Apparently Jason left Carly the keys to the Star Trek teleporter when he left for Cassadine Island.
I really liked their creativity making B.J. a reporter interacting with the living. I liked the dialogue between Carly and Felicia during the tire changing scene. After 40+ years it will always be Kelly’s Diner to me. But I understand why they changed it to Bobbie’s and it doesn’t bother me. I shed tears when Felicia, Maxie and Lucas realized it was B.J.
Been watching GH since it started. I loved every minute of the trbute to Bobbie. The best yet. GH did het proud.
The BJ being an angel was awesome! So touching. No dry eyes here.
It was a beautiful show with all the memories of Bobbie . I cried through the whole thing. I remember everyone of them. I grew up watching this show. Rest in peace Bobbie/Jackie. God’s got a new angel
Well done, I shed tears. Bobby brought her best friend and her daughter together. With all their flaws It also made Carly a wonderful and caring Mom.
GH did a superb job saying farewell to Bobbie/Jackie. I’d have liked the sign to have said Bobbie’s Place, but Bobbie’s is okay. The BJ but was great, although I missed those years of the show. It is was well done and being able to save a trafficing victim was excellent!
It was so emotional and true to the spirit of Bobbie
Lucas should stay longer theirs still story to tell for that character and why wasn’t Bobbies niece and nephew there Valerie and Lucky should’ve been at their aunts funeral.
It was beautiful. Rest in piece Jackie. You were loved .
watching the memorial tribute for Jackie Zeman/ Bobbie Spencer was perfect, it was so poignant and powerful and watching all of the actors give such heartfelt performances that truly touched our hearts was especially rewarding for me as a Gh viewer of over 55 years seeing all of the flashbacks of each actors memories of Bobbie brought back so many wonderful memories of my own but I have to give it to Laura Wright for her outstanding and powerful portrayal of Carly grieving the loss of her mom I felt every nuance of her grief and cried with her so thank you to the writers for a fantastic 2 days honoring Jackie/ Bobbie Spencer it was truly amazing!!
Omg! I am such a fan of GH! After retiring I have my husband watching it also. He loves it!
You all did Bobbie’s character justice. I was truly saddened about her actually passing. My heart ached. But how you showed tribute to her was awesome . And how you portrayed her deceased daughter, BJ was soooo creative and thoughtfully written. It was a calming tear-jerker.
Thank you for a job well done.
Beautifully done. The writers out did themselves, the actors out did themselves. What a phenomenal tribute to Bobby. May God bless them all. . Even after those two episodes, I am still in tears looking at the clips and reading everybody comments. Like so many other episodes this one went super beyond. Well done. Rest in peace Jackie aka Bobby❤️
I love the way general Hospital said goodbye to Bobbie! I cried a little bit myself because they always touch me in my heart what things have happened in my life I can relate I love you general Hospital!
That was a beautiful tribute to both Jackie and Bobbi. I have been watching GH since I was in grade school. Well over 40 years and this was an exceptional tribute. Watching the live displayed for Jackie and see it spill into the character of Bobbi was beautiful. The cast didn’t have to do too much acting it was all so real. Thank you for honoring a legend in this way. Jackie will truly be missed.
I loved every second of the 2 day tribute. Especially the use of BJ to help her loved ones through the trauma.
I would love to see Bobbie’s legacy in helping human trafficking victims continue. GH has always tackled the tough issues and this is one that needs more attention.
OMG . Bobbie’s no Jacky’s
A very beautiful tribute for the actress.
I loved it all but the best was theBJ angel. I cried so much. That 2 days was amazing job. It did Bobbie/Jackie well. Kudos to the writers. Great.
Please, don’t tell me BJ is alive!
I’ve been watching General Hospital since I was 8 years old. I’m also a Barbara Jean. Besides that, Bobbie Spencer was always fiestiey aso enjoyable to watch. She will be sadly missed. The ending of her legacy was perfectly done. I will always remember this closing of an actress that brought many touching scenes to General Hospital.
Well done, GH! I loved it.
General Hospital
RATINGS: ‘The Young and the Restless,’ ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Remain No #1 and # 2, ‘General Hospital’ Only Soap to Lose Viewers
The latest Nielsen ratings data is out for the week of April 27-May 1, and three out of the four network daytime dramas posted gains in total viewers, while one showed a loss in audience numbers, which may come as a surprise.
Let’s take a look at the ratings period with data from Soap Opera Network and then provide some context. The Young and the Restless remained as per usual in the top spot coming in at 3,14,000 on average total viewers slightly up +20,000 more eyeballs for the week.
In story, Y&R served up Matt’s plot to blow up the Newmans inside the abandoned gas station on the outskirts of Vegas, Sienna believing she killed Matt, only for him to be revealed alive with a severe contusion on his head by week’s end, Nick going on a bad drug trip thanks to the fentanyl laced with something else via Matt, and Cane and the Winters family learning that he is a donor match to save Malcolm’s life, while Sally got engaged to Billy.
Photo: JPI
FASHION HOUSE PROBLEMS
Y&R’s sister soap, The Bold and the Beautiful clocked in with 2,795,000 viewers for the week up +38,000 from the previous ratings period. In story, The Bold and the Beautiful gave viewers; the fallout from Katie’s successful fashion show for her new fashion house, Logan. Dylan continuing to be freaked out. This time when doing her work at Forrester Creations, out from the clothing rack comes somebody that scares her enough to have her let out a blood-curdling scream. In addition, Liam suggested to Hope that she consider coming to work for Logan where she will be appreciated, after Steffy tells her that ‘Hope for the Future’ is back-burnered for now.
General Hospital, which many have considered being the most entertaining on a consistent basis with their storylines, most likely lost some viewers for the week because on Monday April 27, the show was preempted for a special report on the attempted shooting at the White House Correspondence dinner. If viewers did not catch it on Hulu, it aired on the network after Nightline on Tuesday at 1am. In total, GH was the only soap to lose viewers for the ratings week. GH tallied -1,809,000 which is down from the previous week by -168,000.
Photo: ABC
PAYBACK AND A SHOCKING REVEAL
In story that week, Carly’s double life with Brennan and Valentin caught up with her, Michael initiated a strategic plot against Willow, and Josslyn found herself in immediate danger after a run-in with Cassius.
Beyond the Gates, while having two days of the week fully preempted for UEFA Champions League soccer games, actually increased its viewership. BTG tallied 1,655,00 total viewers which also boasted the highest audience gains across any soap adding +42,000. In story, the soap opera spotlighted: Ashley stealing antibiotics to keep Grayson alive, Smitty zeroing in on a possible suspect in the plasma ring, Vernon taking over Martin’s debt to Joey Armstrong, while Kate recognized a name tied to Lynette’s finances.
It should also be noted for the ratings week; The Bold and the Beautiful once again topped Y&R for the top spot in the key Womens 18-49 demo and in the Womens 25-54 demo, Beyond the Gates once again bested General Hospital for the 3rd spot.
*Nielsen ratings are based on the Live+Same Day Big Data+Panel model.
So, let us know your thoughts on the current ratings picture? Then weigh-in; what soap opera is serving up the best drama right now that is keeping you engaged to catch it every day? Which soap has you the least interested? Drop a comment below.
On the Friday, May 15 episode of General Hospital, Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) and Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) shared a heartfelt talk on trauma. Dante is so concerned for Rocco (Finn Carr), and how it affects someone for the rest of their life, which is something Elizabeth knows all too well, but got through it.
It all begins when Elizabeth shows up at Dante’s office ready for her date with Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst). How beautiful she looked did not go unnoticed by Dante. When the talked turned to how Dante told Rocco that he knew his son shot Cullum (Andrew Hawkes), he admits he is scared for his child, because he lost his innocence with the emotional baggage he now must carry forever of shooting someone.
Dante notices how Rocco is becoming more and more withdrawn and he wants to know how to help him. Elizabeth bring up how she can absolutely relate to trauma at a young age, just like Rocco. However for Elizabeth, her trauma came in the form of a brutal rape by Tom Baker. Speaking from experience, Elizabeth details that it was her friends and family like Lucky and Bobbie who helped pull her through. She encourages Dante to continue to show up and be there as support for his son.
Courtesy/ABC
SPECIAL DELIVERY
Next, an officer delivers to Dante the evidence from the pier shooting, which Dante plans on destroying. Before she leaves for her date with Ric, Liz reassured Dante he is doing the right thing to protect Rocco and she has done the same. She has left no record of Rocco’s hospital visit the night of the shooting. Liz leaves for her date.
THE WRONG SUSPECT
Then, Cullum storm troops in to Dante’s office demanding the evidence that the PCPD must have collected at the site of his shooting. Dante says that the evidence must be misfiled in the warehouse, but they will find it. However, Cullum realizes Dante is stalling and lying. Before heading to Dante’s office, Cullum paid a visit to Carly (Laura Wright) and saw a photo of Danny with Jason, triggering him to now believe that Danny may have been the person who shot him in the back on the pier!
Courtesy/ABC
DINING WITH RIC
At dinner at Café Cherie, Ric handed Elizabeth the folder with the priceless piece of artwork he’d purchased for her through Ava. Elizabeth loved it and went over to Ric and planted a kiss on him.
Will GH move Elizabeth into a romance with Dante? Do you think Liz and Dante make a cute couple? After today’s episode, it’s clear they very much like and admire one another. If so, what happens to Liz and Ric’s burgeoning repeat romance? Share your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
In well-played scenes on the Thursday, May 14 episode of General Hospital, Dante (Dominic Zampogna) finally had a talk with his son, Rocco (Finn Carr) informing him that he knows the teen shot Cullum (Andrew Hawkes).
Rocco has dreaded his father finding out, because he is the acting police commissioner of the Port Charles PD and feared his dad will have to arrest him for the crime.
Dante asks Rocco in his own words to recount what happened the night on the pier. He assured his son, he is not going to arrest him and noted there are very extenuating circumstances surrounding the crime.
Courtesy/ABC
FATHER AND SON
Rocco explained how he followed Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) to the pier. Then, how Cullum attacked Britt. Jason (Steve Burton) showed up and fought with Cullum and how the gun came loose.He remembers the other weapon Cullum pulled out to kill Jason and that’s when he shot him.
Next, Dante explained that he was proud of his son for saving Jason and Britt’s lives. He also tells Rocco that he is very concerned in Britt’s involvement in all of this stemming all the way back to the Five Poppies, and feels she is still tied into everything that is happening.
Dante tells Rocco that nobody else can know about this involvement in the shooting. He also touchingly said, that he is his father, he will protect him. However, Rocco is worried that if the truth came out that he shot Cullum, his dad would be in serious trouble for covering up a crime. Dante tells Rocco, he should not worry about that right now, but he needs to stay in Port Charles so he and his mom can keep him safe.
A SHOCKING CALL
Suddenly, as father and son hug it out, Dante gets a call from Justine (Nazneen Contractor), alerting him to the fact that she just met with Cullum and he is looking for the evidence and the file from his shooting. Dante rolls his eyes, knowing things are about to go from bad to worse, and how is he going to keep his son safe from the evil WSB Director?
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
Dominic Zamprogna always delivers a nice counterbalance to the often histrionics of other characters in Port Charles in his portrayal of Dante Falconeri. So that, when Dante breaks or gets emotional, it counts. Finn Carr has continually shined in the storyline as Rocco continues to teeter on the edge of knowing what he has done and being wracked with guilt. Next up has to be Danny learning his brother is the reason Jason was carted away. Stay tuned!
So, what did you think of the scenes between Dante and Rocco? How on earth will Dante keep Rocco safe? Share your thoughts via the comment section.
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