General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Spencer is Rocked When He learns Nikolas Slept With Esme; Ava Gets the Hook
Nicholas Alexander Chavez in all probability just nailed his second Daytime Emmy with a gut-wrenching performance as Spencer Cassadine on Friday’s episode of General Hospital. Back in June of this year, Chavez took home the Outstanding Younger Performer in a Drama Series award at the 49th annual Daytime Emmys ceremonies.
Friday’s much-talked out performance came after Spencer walked in on a moment where Ava (Maura West) was getting into a fight with Nikolas (Marcus Coloma), over him sleeping with Esme (Avery Pohl). An upset Ava tells Spencer that Nikolas betrayed her with Esme. As they bicker in front of Spencer, Nikolas puts the blame on Ava, claiming she wanted to destroy any chance of a relationship with his son. Then, Nikolas goes so far as to bring up the late Kiki, which leads to an Ava bitch-slap across the face of Nikolas. Ava then heads out leading to the highly-anticipated showdown between Spencer and Nikolas.
Courtesy/ABC
In tears, Spencer demands to know how long Nikolas and Esme were having an affair, but Nikolas swears it was one time, and a horrible mistake. Nikolas tries to justify his actions by pointing out that Esme told him that she had broken up with Spencer. Appalled, that his father would sleep with his supposed girlfriend, Spencer goes on to say that he had a plan to keep Esme close all in his efforts to save Trina (Tabyana Ali) from going to prison.
Now, beginning to get angry over his father’s betrayal, Spencer accuses Nikolas of all of this being a revenge-plot against him. Although Nikolas says there was no plot, Spencer goes in on him saying lying about it and covering it up was wrong. Nikolas rationalizes all, by saying he did not want to hurt Spencer when the two of them had finally seemed to heal old wounds. However, Spencer brings up the deepest wound … that he let him believe that his father was dead for three years!
Then in a heartbreaking moment, Spencer admits Esme did not matter to him, but his father, Nikolas, did. However, Spencer is done with Nikolas saying nothing will ever close the gap between them in the now or ever, and walks out.
Courtesy/ABC
Elsewhere, Ava is drinking and comes upon a lethal argument between Austin (Roger Howarth) and Mason (Nathanyael Grey) near the picnic barbecue, where Mason grabbed a knife and was holding it to Austin’s throat, with very threatening words. It appears that Ava overheard them and then makes her presence known when she has a chilly conversation with the two of them, before she exits. Next, Mason realizes Ava must be stopped and can’t risk having her saying anything about what he thinks she overheard in his fight with Austin.
When we go back to Spencer, he has been guzzling down beers at the picnic. When Nikolas, then Victor (Charles Shaughnessy), arrive on the scene, Spencer yells at his father and spits on the ground and exits saying that he has had enough of Nikolas. Victor questions Nikolas as to what has happened, and Nikolas blames it all on Ava.
As we come to the conclusion of the episode, Ava heads to the boathouse, and later is attacked by a grappling hook right through her side! But whodunit? That tis’ the question!
With Friday’s show, Nick Chavez has been named for the second week in a row, Michael Fairman TV’s, Power Performance of the Week.
So, what did you think of Nicholas Alexander Chavez’s work in his scenes with Marcus Coloma? Are you glad Spencer knows of Nikolas’ cover-up over sleeping with Esme? Who do you think hooked Ava? Share your thoughts and theories in the comment section below.
I was certain this performance would get performance of the week and it is so richly deserved! (: Second Emmy indeed, this was a superb performance, full of nuanced emotions and earned tears. Bravo!
Maura was great too – my guess is that ESME is the one who attacked her….
Amazing performance—yesss! We do think alike, Richard, my first thought was Esme—and I said so on another site. Who else could it have been? Ava does have a few disgruntled ‘enemies”—-
I hear Nelle is returning, but her nemesis is Carly ( in my dreams)—- soooo…
We shall see. I only hope this does not get dragged on and on and on.
Stellar performances by NAC, MC, MW and CS! It was a Friday worthy show, indeed, thanks to the raw emotions that lit up the screen; especially from NAC. Outstanding all the way, he is!
Great news for wonderful Nicholas Chavez and another out-of-the-ballpark performance. Not so great for his dad, who looked like he was dealing with a hangnail, not a family tragedy. I guess it’s hard to play guilty, because I sure wasn’t convinced Nikolas was sorry for the deed, just the comeuppance. Across the yard, I think the “hooking” of Ava was reprehensible. There is plenty of ugly violence against women in media already (not to mention life); these writers seem to want to perpetrate it, just as they did years back with the murders of Kiki and Sabrina. A simple konk on the head accomplishes the same thing. If I want this level of violence, I’ll turn on a Scorsese or Tarantino movie. It has no place on daytime.
I agree with you about Nikolas’s really ugly and pathetic response. He takes no responsibility for the awful things he does to others. A “hangnail” is exactly right, and he feels entitled to be forgiven by Ava – and Spencer – simply because he wants it, not because he has earned it.
I just don’t want anything bad to happen to Ava because I love and adore her and I love and adore Maura too!
We all know Ava’s not relocating to Hell anytime soon. So far she’s survived cancer, at least one fall of that infamous Windemere parapet, a fire that burned most of her body, being nearly strangled by AJ (after she tried to shoot him, but her gun jammed up)and being Ryan Chamberlain’s girlfriend. Among other things a Devil probably forgot about by now. She’s got more lives than 666 cats, apparently. So while the hooking may have been brutal, I would say it was done to show the mentality of the person who assaulted her.
If it’s Esme, we already knew she was psychotic, and that she comes by it genetically through her daddy Ryan. If it’s FrAustin’s cousin Mason (does he have a twin brother named Dixon?) then the intent is probably the same, since he was almost ready to stab a blood relative with a steak knife…until Ava interrupted him. He seemed rather determined to go after her for that, though it seemed to be just a little bit of an overreaction on his part, since she didn’t really hear enough of his conversation with FrAustin to have any idea what their nefarious criminal agenda might be (to be fair, NONE of us have heard enough from this skinhead creep to know that, really)
Certainly don’t think it was Spencer…. if he was angry enough to attack anybody at that point, it would have been his father, and not Ava.
I agree that the hook was gratuitous. I am assuming that the hook underscores the character of the assailant. On another note, Nicholas can exhibit a whole range of intense emotions without hamming it up. On the other hand, Marcus is a one note actor who just stands there gap mouthed and slack jawed while Nicholas and Maura act circles around him.
I know, Harry. I feel bad saying it because I genuinely like Marcus. He held up okay with just Maura West but with this powerhouse Spencer in the mix, poor Nikolas becomes little more than sexy eye candy. Heck, even a dazed and confused Elizabeth acted him off the screen at the picnic. Maybe he’s disappointed that the character has become, as Ava put it, a weak spineless coward.
This young man is a superstar and I see big things in his future. What an amazing performance and it has Emmy written all over it.
Shari, I agree. Nicholas Chevaz was so good yeaterday.He really does remind me when Jonathan Jackson was on. I see 2nd Emmy for Nicholas. And of course, Maura nailed it as always. I believe it was Esme.
This thing with Ava seems like the work of only one madman we know,although he claims to love her,I bet he’s escaped now that Esme isn’t there for him. Speaking of Esme I don’t know if she’s that vicious, but very capable and blames Ava Iam sure, for their last go around. I know it wasn’t Nickolas, he hasn’t got the guts for something that brutal. It looks like Austin’s cousin but I doubt it.
I doubt it was Esme because she knows that Ryan would never forgive her. I believe it was ryan. After all, he is a doctor he knows how to injure without killing. I believe he would love to see Ava suffer although he would never want her to die
I agree, Violet, regarding Esme. Her games are psychological and sneaky; I could see her poisoning someone (again) but not a fishhook. If it IS Austin’s cousin, then I really need to question why we need MORE violence-oriented people. Aren’t Ryan, Miss Wu, and Sonny’s mob enough? Either way, I’m already turned off by the way this began. A foul taste lingers.
Spencer is a great young actor, played his role so real like. When you found him he is phenomenal.
I fell asleep during Friday’s show. From MF’s summary and fan comments I think I’m glad I did. What a horrible, dark story this has turned into for day or nighttime. And for all “Ava the cat” has done I have no sympathy no matter how well Maura plays the part. And “poor, poor” Spencer…grow up, get over yourself. Same for Michael. Nicholas is an embarrassment to the Cassadine “tradition.” The only one who amuses me out of all of the characters on GH is Leo and his love potion.
rose
I love your take on this, I also do not feel sympathy for any of the Cassadines. Now the thing that has been bugging me. Not that I really know any Socialites, but I can’t imagine them just literally opening up their home to let anyone just come in, wander all over ,in and out all over the grounds, etc and the lady of the house, in this case Olivia, prepping, cooking, serving, etc.Its ridiculous! Don’t they usually have a venue with Caterers? Good thing you missed the horrible thing with Ava, I think Ryan is loose, and its sonething he’d do. but another thing I wonder why people like this would have these grappling hooks just hanging right there where anyone could grab one. They must have some big fish in their lake ,or whatever. Anyway, thanks for “listening” to my griping.
A Star is Born! He channels James Dean with his ability to play a vulnerable and hurt little boy and then seamlessly moves on to externalize that sadness into the anger of a man.
Well Spencer is in prison,wonder if we’ll see all his problems he has there as they have with other Characters who’ve been there, especially M8chael who was violated by that burly prisoner.
Really can’t see these writers going that direction. Maybe in act of redemption, Great Uncle Cyrus protects Spencer – making Laura forever grateful.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).
Photo: NATAS
In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year, A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.
The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.
So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.
General Hospital fans took to social media following the airing of the Wednesday, October 21 episode of the ABC daytime drama series. In story, Molly (Kristen Vaganos) reveals to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) that she has received an offer to join the top law firm in Chicago that practices civil law. She says it’s her dream job.
The problem Molly says is relocating from Port Charles and uprooting her life and being away from her mother, Scout and boyfriend Cody Bell (Josh Kelly). Wistful that she may lose another daughter to a long-distance situation (Kristina left a few months back to go to medical school in California), Alexis urged Molly to get Cody to go with her.
Molly still seemed concerned and has trouble committing to the idea. Alexis tells her to talk it over with Cody. Meanwhile, Cody asked Tracy (Jane Elliot) is he can have Thanksgiving off because he and Molly planned to spend Thanksgiving together with their families. After initially balking, Tracy agrees.
Courtesy/ABC
WILL MOLLY AND CODY HEAD TO CHI-TOWN?
Later, Cody shows up at Miller & Davis and the conversation turned to Thanksgiving dinner that Alexis is hosting. Molly and Cody asked her not to cook anything. Cody hugged Molly reassuring Alexis that he and Molly would take care of whatever was needed on Turkey Day.
So, this raises the question, why out of nowhere are we learning that Molly received an amazing law offer in Chicago, if the character was not being written out? If Molly leaves the canvas, would the character of Cody make his exit too?
Kristen Vaganos joined GH as a recast Molly Lansing-Davis back in September of 2023 and went on contract in August of 2024. Josh Kelly began playing Cody Bell back in June of 2022. Initial reports were that Kelly joined the show on contract and then as of June 2025 went on recurring status with the show per his choice.
Do you see a world where GH is writing out Molly and Cody? Would you be sad to see Kristen and Josh exit the soap opera? If this is not what is going on, is this just a plot point for some other story that is upcoming? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
It’s been over two-years since his last appearance on General Hospital, now fan favorite Kin Shriner (Scott Baldwin) has taken to social media to share his thoughts on the casting of his grown-up TV daughter, Serena Baldwin now played by Kelly Kruger.
Kelly took over the role of Serena on-screen starting with the July 30, 2026 episode and has been ensconced in the storyline with her mother, Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring), in trying to win back full creative control of Deception for her.
In fact on the Monday, October 19 episode of the ABC soap opera, Serena tried to dupe Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) into signing over Michael’s (Rory Gibson) shares of the company. Jason caught on and wondered why she was doing this. She claimed she just wanted to help her mom gain creative control from Tracy (Jane Elliot) rather than full ownership, and begged Jason to keep quiet about it, which he agreed to for now.
Courtesy/ABC
WHERE IS SCOTT?
On Monday, Shriner also took to X and said, “I think Kelly Kruger is doing a great job on General Hospital, and she and Lynn Herring work well together.” That was followed by comments in his thread about the show needing to bring back Scott too.
In fact, back on August 25, Shriner also took to X with a reminder that Scott is still around and ready to come back to Port Charles, sharing, “Scotty Baldwin always fits in he just needs the right sport coat !!!!”
The last time Serena mentioned her father Scott was when Kruger made her debut and informed Lucy that her father was, “living his best life in Key West.” Meanwhile, Shriner posts on his X account continually and shared back on August 2, that it has been 49 years since he made his on-screen debut as then teenaged, Scotty Baldwin and thanked the fans for al the love and support.
So, now let us know, are you enjoying Kelly Kruger as Serena Baldwin? Do you want to see GH bring back Scott Baldwin into the story, so Serena has both her parents in Port Charles? Do you like the potential of Jason and Serena pairing? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
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