General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Shocker: Sidwell Paid Off Judge Heran to Grant Michael Full Custody Of His Children
Just when you thought you knew the upshot of where Judge Heran’s (Tessa Auberjonois) decision to grant full custody of Amelia and Wiley to their father, Michael (Rory Gibson) Corinthos was headed, think again!
At the end of the Thursday, June 19th episode of General Hospital, Lucas (Van Hansis) and Marco (Adrian Anchondo) are chatting and Marco says he really appreciates his father, Jenz Sidwell’s (Carlo Rota) support, while his mother, Natalia Rogers-Ramirez (Eva LaRue) never fully accepted him.
Lucas shares that he is worried for Marco, that his closeness to his father could put him in danger one day, just like what happened to Michael being close to his dad, Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard). When the discussion turned to the judge’s decision in Michael and Willow’s (Katelyn MacMullen) custody case, Marco shares that speaking from a legal point of view, it’s odd that a judge would rule in the father’s favor, and with no visitation rights granted to the mother. Lucas looks concerned, especially when Marco says that it rarely happens.
Courtesy/ABC
Meanwhile on Spoon Island, after Sonny and Sidwell have an ominous conversation on how Jenz plans on taking control of Sonny’s territory, while threatening his family, Sonny stands firm. He tells Sidwell that he is going to protect Port Charles from anyone and that includes him. Sidwell tells Sonny he would be wise to reconsider. Sonny gets angry and says, “Why should I reconsider? Take your money and get out of my way!”
After Sonny leaves, Judge Heran shows up. She tells Sidwell she did exactly what he instructed and awarded Michael Corinthos full custody of his children. Sidwell is happy about it, and tells the judge the remainder of her money will be wired to her bank account, revealing that the judge can be bought and is corrupt as ever.
Courtesy/ABC
This revelation paints a whole new picture of what is going on here. Now, the injustice is going to be stacked against Willow as she sinks to new lows as she is losing her grip on reality. She has had Drew lie to her face, time and time again and manipulate her countless times over, and now the court ruling was not on the up and up.
Elsewhere, after Sasha (Sofia Mattsson) puts little Daisy down to sleep in her nursery at the Quartermaines, someone is watching the baby after Sasha exits. Later, Sasha checks on her little one and hears music playing from the mobile over the nursery, which she did not turn on.
After the conclusion of the episode, it begs the question “Why?” Why did Jenz Sidwell want Michael to get full custody of his children? Is this from being in cahoots with Drew Cain? Does he plan on destroying Michael’s life and his kids as part of his plan to bring down Sonny? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
This writing for Sidwell is getting ridiculous. He’s starting to look like the Second Coming of Teddy Balkan – the cartoonish villain who was so over the top he would have fit right in on the 1960s Batman TV series.
And that storyline also ended Bob Guza’s otherwise stellar career as GH head writer. Maybe this one can get them to bring him back home instead of working for the “direct competition” at CBS.
Guza has already left BTG. He doesn’t seem the type to work with Frank – just look how long Mulcahey lasted.
As for “stellar”, that’s up for debate.
Bob Guza was the one who was bound and determined to make Sonny daytime’s Tony Soprano. Sonny, now in his early 60s, is facing an existential crisis, albeit a boring one. He has become a stagnant character with no clear sense of direction with the end result being that he’s become dull. The Sidwell vs Sonny scene was meant to be riveting but I was bored and barely paid it any attention. While I’m not a fan of his writing, I do wonder how Guza would write for Senior Sonny.
Excellent analysis Harry.
The current ADA Turner plot seems rather Guza-esque. Another younger woman thinking she can bring in the mob king. Guza would likely have Turner fall for Sonny and hide evidence for him.
The gray or salt & pepper hair looks nice on Mo. He’s quoted as saying the show won’t let him keep it. The black dye does have Sonny more as a stereotypical NY mobster.
As for Guza, some of his non-mob stuff was pretty good. The whole “scrubs” relationship with Robin and Patrick worked. But then you balance it out with the abomination that was Courtney.
I do wonder how much blame Guza gets for decisions that were dictated by JFP. Killing the Qs and Georgie for example.
Thank you, Steve. It seems they want to keep Sonny in the 90s, what with the insistence he dye his hair black and pairing him with yet another Brenda prototype. Problem is it’s 30 years later, he’s 30 years older but this DA appears to be in her 30s. I may be in the minority but the reason I liked Mike and Nina in Nixon Falls is it underscored character maturation and growth and Sonny was able to escape that stagnation. Now he’s back in it. I understand why Maurice Benard has felt imprisoned as Sonny.
Harry, I’m with you on Nixon Falls as it brought out the best in Benard – something fresh to play. I liked where Mulcahey was going with Sonny in his short tenure, and RC’s treatment of Sonny was one of the better parts of his writing period.
Although doppelgänger storylines are a bit of a trope, I still want to see AMC’s Nico Kelly come to PC and be mistaken for Sonny. Mo would likely be totally into it.
While the actress that plays ADA Turner is good, the storyline is stale from the start.
She is good. I’d like to see her with Dante maybe. It be nice to see our veteran characters break old patterns.(as I’m sure you’re aware, the actress is married to Carlo Roto, who plays Sidwell).
I’d say Guza’s time as head writer was a mixed bag overall. I liked his 1997-2000 tenure a lot more than the later years. He wrote some great stuff, he also did some god awful stuff, especially at the end. Although personally, I’d take Guza any day over the show we’re getting currently from Korte and Van Etten.
This is getting way to twisted and drawn out leave Sasha and her baby alone .let willow be pregnant by drew and for Gods sake tell her drew and nina slept together. Move on let sidwell have a heart attack and die drop item C on ballot move on . Let Ava Alexis Kristina and Rick go to prison slap the crap out of Brooklyn move on let Gio and Emma be the new Allen and Monica let their love blossom and build on this . When is Monica dying?
Sidwell needs to keep Drew in Port Charles for his plans. If Willow got custody, she’d be easily manipulated to moving to DC.
I’d say Guza’s time as head writer was a mixed bag overall. I liked his 1997-2000 tenure a lot more than the later years. He wrote some great stuff, he also did some god awful stuff, especially at the end. Although personally, I’d take Guza any day over the show we’re getting currently from Korte and Van Etten.
Is Tessa related (daughter perhaps) to the late, great Rene Auberjonois?
Hating the Drew ” evil wins over good” storyline. Makes me feel like I need a shower after watching. Taking a break !!
Why? Makes no sense—but, when the explanation becomes known, it will still
make no sense. Idiotic, senseless plots!!
What are the chances Sidwell is playing games with Sasha and her baby?
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.
RATINGS: ‘The Young and the Restless,’ ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Remain No #1 and # 2, ‘General Hospital’ Only Soap to Lose Viewers
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GENERAL HOSPITAL: Would You Be Down With a Dante and Elizabeth Romance?
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‘Days of Our Lives’ Dan Feuerriegel Teases the Mystery of Marlena’s Chess Set, and Opens Up About the Departures of His Co-Stars (Exclusive)
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Previews His New Role as PCPD Officer Joe Fitzpatrick
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Y&R’s Joshua Morrow Weighs-In on Who Will Save Nick from His Fentanyl Addiction: Nikki? Jack? Sienna or Someone Else? (Exclusive)
Nathan Fillion Recalls Best Advice for a Soap Opera Tag on ‘What What Happens Live’ with Andy Cohen
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