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