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GENERAL HOSPITAL: Lucas Jones Returns as Van Hansis Makes His Debut

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: JPI

On Friday’s, October 4th episode of General Hospital, former As the World Turns favorite, Van Hansis (ex-Luke Snyder) made his highly-anticipated arrival as the recast Lucas Jones. Hansis is taking over the role of Dr. Jones which was last played by Ryan Carnes.

In his first episode, Lucas comes home to Port Charles from Boston as he has accepted a new position at GH. He first stops to see his sister, Carly Spencer (Laura Wright). During their “welcome home’ moments, Carly talks about how he feels about being back in town with Wylie now being raised by Michael (Chad Duell) and Willow (Katelyn MacMullen). He says after all the pain he went through in giving up his “son”, he’s ready now to be Wylie’s uncle and wants what’s best for him.

Next, the conversation switches to what is going on between Carly and her ex Sonny (Maurice Benard)? She asks him how he knows about it. Lucas says Josslyn (Eden McCoy) filled him in. Carly avoids answering him fully. Lucas says eventually they will need to talk about it, but heads out to do some paper work at the hospital.

Photo: JPI

Once at GH, Lucas meets with co-chief-of-staff, Terry Randolph (Cassandra James). He says he is ready for a new start in his hometown, but Terry cautions him about someone else he knows also being rehired at the hospital, one, Bradley Cooper (Parry Shen), Lucas’ ex.  Not wasting any time, Lucas goes to talk to Brad and makes it clear where they stand now and forever.

Photo: JPI

At the hospital lab, Lucas surprises Brad, who is taken off guard and by the news that he is back working as a doctor at GH.  Lucas draws the line in the sand and revisits what Brad did with baby Wylie, and getting caught up in the duplicity of his baby switch and how much he hurt him. Lucas says they’ll only talk when it’s regarding work and that he wants nothing else to do with Brad, ever.

Photo: JPI

In his first episode, Hansis showed that from all accounts, Lucas is his more than capable hands. The actor can bring emotion, depth and more to what we hope becomes a frontburner role on the ABC soap opera.

What were your first impressions of Van Hansis as GH’s Lucas Jones? Comment below.

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It’s a no for me. Let’s just say he portraying Lucas in a manner that Lucas never was.

Lucas never had a defined personality. He was just a prop in plot maneuvers. He was never so much a character in his own right. They decided one day “Let’s make him gay”. He came out while being played by an unknown recast, then was quickly off the show. He remained off the show for the better part of a decade. He was brought back sporadically. Then when the show wanted to tell an epic baby switch story, it was like Lucas and Brad were shoehorned into the story, but rarely ever seen during the telling of it. Then with little to no fallout, he was off the show again. There has been no longer term investment in this character.

I think it would be a killer twist if they were to revisit history and it turned out Lucas actually was Robert Scorpio’s son! Long time viewers like myself will recall that Lucas’ bio mom, Cheryl (Tiffany’s sister) was involved with both Julian Jerome and Robert at the same time.

Now that Julian is long gone, and Robert is still active in story, that would be cool.

The boat to give Robert another son (either Lucas or Ethan has sailed).

Now, good acting can bump up a character in prominence. Kristen Vaganos as Molly is a prime example. Despite growing up on the show, Pulos’ Molly was a tertiary character. Vagabond powerful performances have earned her a contract and we are finally seeing Molly’s POV. Perhaps, Lucas will get the same treatment.

I agree. Sounds good to me.

He definitely had a defined personality and a vibe. He was on the show for about eight years at one point, and he had several stories with Brad and Felix, then “Wiley,” etc, not to mention his relationship with Julian. It was enough time to get a sense of Lucas. A gay man portrayed with an almost “macho,” persona. This recast and his portrayal of Lucas is not that. It was the same dramatic difference when the show decided “Valerie” was bi…and was played by the very feminine, beautiful, Brytni Sarpi. Her (very brief) recast was a much tougher, harder, less feminine portrayal.

In time maybe this actor will grow on me. Right now the contrast is too stark.

You mean as gay? What is wrong with that? Really in 2024? He is too gay to play gay? Please. He was perfect

Well.. he had more of an aggressive tone..

Ryan’s Lucus had a soften even when he was upset..

I think in gay terms.. wonder how Brad feels.. maybe he wants him back even more.

Yes van is great

Rebecca, please elaborate on “portraying Lucas in a manner that Lucas never was.”

I did; it’s awaiting approval. I’m sure you’ll be offended though I would hope not.

You must have me confused with someone else. I’m not one of the people that gets offended at everything just for the sake of being offended. I don’t always agree with your opinions, but I do always appreciate reading your insights on GH. I was just looking for more details on your thoughts about the new Lucas.

I read what you had to say. Van Hansis is definitely portraying Lucas differently than previous actors that played the role, that’s for sure. I just think it’s one of those things where every actor that takes over an existing character makes the role their own. Like what Alley Mills did with Heather for one of the many examples. Hopefully Van as Lucas will grow on you in time, as you said.

Not impressed. There are so many characters that need air time so I don’t think they needed Brad or Lucas back.

Thank you! And if they’re reintroducing Legacy characters. I’d rather see Steven Lars. He fits right into the Heather redemption arc story. All of Heather’s problems began when she sold him and went bonkers trying to get him back.
I’d also like to see Kin Shriner get a contract and his daughter Serena recast to return. Also instead of making Dr. Gannon someone new I wouldve rather he be Tom and Simone Hardy’s child Tommy Hardy the third.

Ryan Carnes was my favorite Lucas. Either way, I’m bored with GH always entangling Lucas with Brad. Brad is a complex character with layers.
And stories can go places with Brad. Lucas has always just seemed to be on the canvas to fill a spot. Carly’s brother. Julian’s son. Bobbie’s son. Brad’s partner. Brad’s ex. I’ve never seen them give the Lucas character anything with much drive. Did Ryan Carnes leave on his own? If so, I don’t blame him.

Carrie, yes, Ryan Carnes left four years ago. Everyone seems to forget Lucas was actually recast with another actor for a while, because Ryan came back as a guest for Bobbie’s funeral to honor Jackie Zeman.

And thank God he did! His recast did not work!

Please no more characters. The continuity of the show is suffering because of so many characters. we went almost two weeks without Ava, who needs more air time. I was ready for a break from Molly and Kristina’s arguing, but now a week with nothing. Cody and Sasha are being turned into a side story when the writers think we need something cute or sweet. Please listen to the audience. We want more Tracy and Ava. Please less Drew and Portia.

More Ava? Are you serious? That witch should be long gone by now, all she doies is mess with people, getting into their business and causing trouble. She doesn’t know what the words truth or honest mean. If she were a real person, I don’t know how she’d sleep at night.

Yes more Ava Jerome!!!!

It’s not about what the audience wants. The writers have to write for the actors who are on contract! That’s the law lol. Theyre guaranteed so many appearances and they get paid PER APPERANCE.
Personally I love Cameron Matheson despite the fact his character is just a convoluted mess meant to explain Steve Burton’s return to the role of Jason.
For my part Cody and Sasha can run off and never be seen again lol. Jane Elliot needs a storyline. She’s getting enough air time lately but she has no storyline. I watched her from day one and in the Gloria Monty days she had the best storylines. Today she is just a supporting player.
She should be wheeling and dealing at ELQ and becoming the true Matriarch of the Q family. The days of strong , long arc stories seem to be over.

I agree with you about Tracy. She should have come back strong and ready to take on Michael and Drew and stand with Ned when they went up against him. She no longer has many of her scene partners; no AJ to go up against and attack, no Monica to exchange snarky comments with, no Alice…and Ned is barely on. There’s so much potential if the writers would write for the Quartermaines and bring back actors who want to return. I think (though I’m not sure) that Robert Palmer Watkins would come back as Dillon. I’d love to see Sean Kanan return as AJ even though AJ was killed off AGAIN…and I know Sean’s on (B&B???) AND there was bad blood between him and Carlivati. But if it’s possible, I wish they’d approach him about another return. Ned needs to be written for and seen way more than he is, and he and Tracy need to team up. It seems these current writers are intent on turning Tracy into some lonely, old, lady, who needs a softer edge. They made a big mistake by killing off Gregory; those two were gold together and it would have been fun to see him as part of the Q family along with his son, Chase. Lois, too, has been wasted. A legacy character who has been in not one good story since her return. They need to give her a relationship and maybe even start a music management company with Brook Lynn.

He really suits the role.Remember him on ATWT. Hope he stands by his guns and stays away from that POS Brad. He’s nothing but trouble. Wonder why they ever brought him back anyway, probably just to cause more trouble.

A hot mess is coming for Brad. Oh what tangled webs Ava and Portia weave for Trina. If Trina knew what they’ve done she’d be mortified. What a mess. Funny how Selina Wu has disappeared. She was lording over Brad, Cody and Marcus for the longest time. Maybe she’s with Scottie and the pharmacist.

Portia’s brother Zeke must be with too

Bad enough what Portia did as a physician but Ava has to stick her big nose in ,telling her what to do and also Rick Lansing, advising him with his case for Heather. Wish someone would strangle her, her hair has gotten long enough, might work!

Yeah, speaking of Ric. Guess he doesn’t care about attorney client privilege. Him telling Ava Heather’s business knowing she was one of Ava’s victims. Also, isn’t it a conflict of interest for him to represent them both?

Given the timing of Lucas returning along with the latest Aiden recast, I’m thinking Lucas will be serving as some sort of “mentor” role in helping Aiden get through life as a gay teenager. Since that’s one thing neither Liz or Lucky have any first hand experience with. We already know from the previous recast that Aiden was dealing with some sort of bullying issues at school, getting painted pink or whatever.

That might be a hard storyline.. a gay mentor for a gay teenage.. ( stay off dating apps and boys who want to introduce you to “party favors” ? )

I liked Van when he was on ATWT, he’s a more than capable actor. Every actor that takes on an existing character puts their own spin and flavor into the role, so I’m interested to see where he takes Lucas. And I’m curious to see what stories they have planned. They generally don’t recast a role with a well known actor like this for the character to become background scenery, so I would imagine they have some stuff in the works.

Bringing a well connected character to the history of the show, Tony and Bobbie’s son, Carly’s brother, Lucky’s cousin, and so forth, and a doctor back on the canvas is a positive.

Funny, I’ve not heard or seen this “well known actor” since ATWT.

Van Hansis starred in the online series Eastsiders and has done a several movies. He’s also taught acting.
I will start watching GH to see him play Lucas. He has instant chemistry with Brad. I hope he gets a new love interest like Reid on ATWT, but still have feelings for Brad. And I like him mentoring Aiden. So many possibilities for the character.

Thanks for the Info, as for the rest, to each his own.

Not feeling the new Lucas !! No chemistry with Brad.

They’re not supposed to have chemistry anymore.

This recast is a major misfire. A misfire of epic proportions. GH’s storied casting director rarely gets it wrong but with this one he definitely laid an egg. Yikes! Similar to the debacle in recasting Mollie, this is going to take at least one more try. Back to the drawing board.

General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sidwell and Curtis Attacked in Prison Fight With Ominous Message, “Sonny Corinthos Owes You This”; Charlotte to Boarding School?

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General Hospital

The Friday, September 25, episode of General Hospital  brought with it major developments! Sonny (Maurice Benard) told Justine (Nazneen Contractor) he is all-in on her romance, but major trouble awaits the couple. Charlotte (Bluesy Burke) may be sent packing because of her stunt to frame Drew (Cameron Mathison), Monet (Blythe Howard) had terse words for her sister, Jordan (Tanisha Harper), while Curtis (Donnell Turner) and Sidwell (Carlo Rota) were targeted in a brutal prison attack.

Here’s more on what went down: Charlotte is upset with Rocco (Finn Carr) for ratting her out. He tries to explain, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) wanted his help so she didn’t make the biggest mistake of her life trying to frame Drew (Cameron Mathison) by making it look like he was inappropriate with a teenager.

It all came full circle for Charlotte’s parents, Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart) and Lulu Spencer (Alexa Havins). Next thing you know, Valentin informed Lulu that he thinks it’s best that Charlotte goes back to boarding school to steer clear of Drew and Danny. Once Charlotte comes back to Lulu’s, her parents tell her their plans for her. Charlotte’s jaw drops.

Donnell Turner

Courtesy/ABC

PUT YOUR MONET WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS

After being blindsided that her estranged sister Monet had settled down in Port Charles, and at the Miller & Davis law firm, no less, Jordan finds it hard to believe in all of the places in the country for Monet to choose she came to Jordan’s city. The two have a very icy conversation from there, where Monet gets a few more jabs at Jordan, leaving her upset, which did not go unnoticed by Michael (Rory Gibson).

Sonny and Justine get cozy and discussed their relationship, and how the two are going to handle their burgeoning feelings for one another now that Jordan was the first and probably not the last to see them publicly. He tells Justin that he feels more comfortable than ever just being around her.

PRISON BLUES

Cut to: Pentonville, and something bad is about to go down. First, Curtis gave Sidwell a heads-up that an attack was coming shortly. Curtis suggested that Sidwell go into protective custody with the warden, but Sidwell just flatly refused.

Later, alone in his cell, three men (including the one who warned Curtis) enter and begin a beatdown of Sidwell. Curtis returned to the cell, as one of the men was about to knife Sidwell. Now with Sidwell a bloody mess on the floor, Curtis takes a beating. As the three men leave, the leader uttered to Sidwell, “Sonny Corinthos owes you this and more.”

Now below, watch the confrontational scenes between Monet and Jordan.

Then weigh-in: Do you think Sonny had anything to do with the beatdown of Curtis and Sidwell? Or is he being set-up? How would you feel about a Jordan and Michael romance? Will Charlotte be sent to boarding school triggering the exit of Bluesy Burke? Share your thoughts via the comment section.

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Beyond the Gates

Federal Film and TV Tax Credit Bill Hits Congress; Daytime Dramas Not Eligible

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Daytime Dramas and Congress

In an effort to bring back productions to the United States and offering incentives to keep them from going abroad, a bipartisan group of lawmakers in Congress has introduced proposed legislation to establish a federal film and television tax credit. It is being touted as a landmark moment for Hollywood Workers and small businesses.

The Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act, led by Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Calif.), Rep. Nathaniel Moran (R-Texas), Rep. Sanchez (D-Calif.) and Rep. Brian Jack (R-Ga.) in the House of Representatives, would establish a 20 percent base tax credit on labor expenses and a potential rebate of 30% if signed into law. Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) are spearheading an identical bill in the Senate.

To be eligible, productions must have a minimum spend of $1 million (per film or per TV season), and at least 75% of production days must be in the U.S. For animation, 75% of the production cost must be in the U.S.

Beyond the Gates

Photo: CBS

SOAP OPERAS AND OTHER FORMS OF PROGRAMMING WILL NOT BE PART OF THE BILL

The federal incentive would be eligible to be stacked on top of individual state tax incentives, much like the current system in Canada and Australia. In the new bill, postproduction and special visual effects labor costs can be counted as eligible expenses.

However, the lawmakers proposed bill does not include the following type of shows: Daytime dramas, porn, commercials, talk shows, interview shows, game shows, award shows, news programming, live sports, corporate/industrial videos, and social media videos,

TV AND FILM PROJECTS THAT ARE ELIGIBLE HOPE TO BRING BUSINESS AND JOBS BACK TO THE U.S.

The federal film and television tax credit will be available for: films, TV shows – scripted and unscripted (4-episode minimum), TV pilots, animation, above-the-line wages (producers, writers, directors, actors, etc.) and below-the-line wages (crew), and standalone post-production and visual effects.

If passed, the legislation could offer much needed help for workers who have been rocked by recent unsteady times in show business. In all, runaway productions, strikes and a contraction in the business have dashed many job opportunities in recent years, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics finding that jobs in the motion picture and video industries have declined by more than 100,000 since 2022.

Click here to review the entire proposed bill from congress.

So, what do you think of the new bill on the table in the U.S. congress? Glad to know that it could, if passed, help some types of projects? What do you think about how the soaps are excluded and deemed not eligible? Does it continue to seem to you, that no matter what, those that work within the continuous tightened budget of daytime dramas can never catch a break? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Monet is Jordan’s Younger Sister

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Monet and Jordan

At the end of the September 24 episode of General Hospital, Jordan (Tanisha Harper) had a run-in with Monet Mitchell (Blythe Howard), the latest attorney to join Miller & Davis. However, when the two women laid eyes on each other it seemed from a happy moment for Jordan.

As it turns out, Monet is Jordan’s younger sister and in fact, the lawyer was quite rude to Jordan even making a comment about the scars on her sister’s face. The cliffhanger ending put an end to the speculation of just who Monet had a connection to in Port Charles as had been teased, although we have to say most viewers predicted this from the start.

Earlier in the episode, Monet paid a visit to Tracy Quartermaine (Jane Elliot) and was quite threatening and unrelenting about Tracy making sure her client, Harrison Chase (Josh Swickard), has no issue moving back into the Q’s with his daughter Phoebe and wife, Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton). That’s something Tracy doesn’t want. In the end, Tracy was taken a little off-guard by Monet’s terse demeanor.

This marks the first time in over 12 1/2 years on the show, that the character of Jordan actually has a family member on the canvas, and within that span, four actresses have played Jordan: Vinessa Antoine, Briana Nicole Henry, Tiffany Daniels (a short fill-in for Henry) and Tanisha Harper.

Monet

Photo: ABC

JORDAN AND MONET HAD A SISTERLY FALLING OUT

Blythe Howard told TV Insider, about wanting the part of Monet Mitchell, “I saw it come through and I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh, this is giving Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction, and I don’t get those auditions ever,’” she says. “It was just a really fun, spicy role and I couldn’t pass it up.”

The actress also gave a bit of the back-story that will fuel the sisters dysfunctional relationship,“You’ll find out that we’re estranged.” In speaking about her new Port Charles alter-ego, Howard added, “I think Monet is just here to keep everybody on their toes. I love that she’s strong and doesn’t take no for an answer. She goes after what she wants, and she’s not afraid to maybe step on some toes to get what she wants.”

Viewers may get a clue soon that Monet knows exactly what she is doing and why. “We never know what her angle is going to be or what she’s up to,” confirms Howard. “I think she knows exactly what she’s up to, but everybody else doesn’t.”

FAMILY MATTERS

As the counterpoint, Tanisha Harper weighed-in and teased this new sisterly on-screen relationship viewers are about to see to Soap Opera Digest. Harper expressed, ‘Having Monet on the show is going to allow viewers to see another side of Jordan.”

Tanisha continued, “We had Jordan as this strong businesswoman, and then we started to see a little bit more of a vulnerable side to her when she went through the car accident, and now, having her sister come onto the landscape, I think that getting to see what their dynamic is will be interesting for the viewers and add just another layer to the show in general.”

Harper says of the ending of Thursday’s GH, “I think Jordan is in shock, and she’s a little leery, as well, about what her sister’s motives are for coming to Port Charles. Out of all the cities she could have come to, why pick this particular one, knowing that her sister lives there and they haven’t spoken in many years?” Hmmm.

So, were you glad or disappointed that Monet turned out to be Jordan’s sister? What do you think happen between the sisters that caused their estrangement for years? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.

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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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