When you combine superb direction, writing, production, and acting in a special episode of a daytime drama, viewers can see and understand the thought and care that went into it.
This was more than on display during Thursday’s highly-anticipated ‘Alexis-Centric’ episode honoring the 25th anniversary of Alexis’ portrayer, two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Nancy Lee Grahn, on General Hospital.

Courtesy/ABC
In the story, symbolism was apparent and used for dramatic impact and it worked beautifully throughout, and best of all, Nancy received a script worthy of her immeasurable talents, and showed us once again why she remains one of the gold standards of our genre. If you have not seen the episode DO NOT read any further as it contains spoilers.
It begins with an emotional Alexis looking at her mother’s watch which was still frozen from the time of her death. While playing one of her mother’s records very loudly, she recalls Mikkos Cassadine kissing and dancing with her mom as a young Alexis (Natasha) looked on from the staircase. When Sam asks her about it, Alexis shares that she sees the watch as sort of a representation for her own life being frozen over the last three years; which has included Alexis’ battle with booze taking over her life and her being disbarred, when being a lawyer was the way she identified herself and what gave her purpose.
Overwhelmed and anxiety-ridden, Alexis hightails it to Kevin’s office for a therapy session knowing she is going to Pentonville in the morning to serve her sentence. She says she does not know who she is anymore. Then, Kevin asks her how she spent her day thus far. She flashes back to lunch with the good men in her life, Finn, Valentin, Jax and Ned. Valentin tells Alexis she is proud of her for honing up to her mistakes.
Back at the therapy session, Alexis she was an attorney who stood for something and her life has derailed, and that she was a fighter, an idealist, and an advocate. She knows she has to find a purpose in prison to make it through the three-year term and asks Kevin to help her find one.
Kevin wants to go back to when she was a little girl and her memories that are flooding back to her of Mikkos and her mother. Just then, the younger version of Alexis is huddled in the corner of Kevin’s office, an image of her from the past. Alexis tries to come to terms with her father and the choice of dangerous men and relationships that have marred her own happiness … recalling Julian holding a knife to her throat like Mikkos did to her mother. She says he was one of the toxic men in her life, but Kevin reminds her all of the men in her life were not toxic.
Alexis starts with Ned as one who was good for her saying he was always stable, but she ruined that by recently sleeping with him and putting a wedge in his marriage to her long-time friend, Olivia.
We then flashback to earlier in the day, where Alexis ends up in an almost confrontation with Olivia. However, Olivia tells her she misses the Alexis Davis she used to be and to get her back.
Now back with Kevin, a guilt-ridden Alexis relays she feels responsible for Neil’s death. Kevin interjects she is not, nor what happened with Julian. When Kevin attempts to bring up Mikkos again, Alexis rejects it and is angry that he is making her problem about daddy issues; like so many other women. She vehemently shouts that the men in her life do not define who she is.
Then, Alexis flashes back to hurtful memories she has buried of a young Natasha witnessing Mikkos calling her mother a “greedy little bitch”. She recalls it was on Christmas Eve and that Mikkos stopped by to give them gifts. That is when he presented her mother with the watch. However, things took an ugly turn when he tried to leave, and she threatened to tell Helena all about her and Natasha. Next, Mikkos slapped her and that is when the watch shattered. As all this was going down, a young Natasha watched from the stairs and was horrified that she couldn’t stop her father from beating her mother and remembers how helpless she felt.
However, Alexis reveals to Kevin she thought this would be the last of Mikkos coming by, but he returned on New Year’s Eve and her mother took him back into their lives. Alexis is beside herself that she could not protect her mother, but Kevin reassures her to remember she was just a child.

Courtesy/ABC
It is then we come to the crux of the story. Alexis looks over in the corner and sees her younger self crying. She goes to her younger self and tells her nothing that happened was her fault, and that their father was damaged and cruel. She tells the young Natasha this shouldn’t have been her burden to carry alone, and that she deserves to be happy. Then in the moment of strength and coming full circle, Alexis introduces herself to the young Natasha, “I’m Alexis Davis, a fighter, an advocate, and an idealist … and I will take care of everything from her on out.” In that moment, Alexis embraced herself, and forgave herself, so she could move on with her life.
Alexis then flashes back to earlier that night, as the Davis girls gather for a faux graduation ceremony so Alexis could see Molly in her cap and gown and they hug. Back in her session, Kevin remarks that Alexis has repeatedly defined herself as a fighter, an idealist, and an advocate, and reminds her she has three daughters who have those qualities, and that all she needs to be is Alexis Davis.
Then, we get a heart-warming montage of Alexis though the years in honor of Nancy’s 25th anniversary with GH.

Courtesy/ABC
As the episode concludes, it is the next morning, and Alexis enters Pentonville and enters her jail cell. There she meets her fellow inmate, who is studying law books to prep for her upcoming parole hearing. Alexis introduces herself as “Alexis Davis” and as someone who can help her. We then go back to her mother’s watch which now begins ticking at Alexis’ home. The show fades to black.
Kudos to Daytime Emmy winner, Phideaux Xavier for his outstanding direction, head writers: Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor and script writer, Scott Sickles for the thoughtful episode, EP Frank Valentini and his production crew for putting it all together, and the one and only Nancy Lee Grahn for a performance that will be remembered as a classic.
Share your thoughts on today’s on Nancy’s ‘Alexis-Centric’ episode via the comment section below.
Griffin wants to tell Anna that he is her son, or her nephew. He is Leora’s twin, stolen at birth? Or, Alex’s child? Or Lindsey’s?
Baddie Charlotte absconded him and hid him somewhere, or gave him away.
Will David Hayward resurface? I may be way off base, but I know there is a connection between them….a familial connection. That’s why Dr. Munro is so familiar to Anna.
He could be Aiden Devane, having had facial reconstructive surgery. Yes, yes, yes…..rubbing my hands together, at the prospect/possibilities….doing a happy dance!!!!!! If some of the AMC’s beloved characters will return, whether recasts or not, would be my pleasure!
I’m really hoping griffin is related to Anna somehow Anna needs family in town.. Hope it’s not something dopey like duke incarnated or something like that, it’s not going to fly. I’m telling you griffin looks like a young Tristan Rogers. As for the other plots I hope Helena gives Liz some money for kidnapping little jake.
GH has become very transparent, and that means no suspense or mystery, just transparent..
Know what’s going to happen–
The second Anna said he looked familiar, I knew he was of Duke’s DNA..
0ooh when Tracy had her 1st sign of illness I said;
It was a parasitic brain infection, worms in the brain thing..
And, it will be, wait for it .. / too transparent..
You did, su. I remember…and so did I….as told by my husband. Malignant, benign or an infection. But, you were very sure it was an infection. You called it.
Timmm did suggest that Larry put something in Tracy’s drink….could have been some kind of fetid additive.
Hi, su, I though that today’s episode held some suspense. Don’t you agree? Obviously, Griffin in a towel, sporting a scar on his lower left part of his abdomen was done for a reason. We were meant to see that…mystery and suspense. I agree it is not the salivating suspense some of us expect, but I got to see Griffin’s exposed bod, again. Maybe next time he’ll be wearing just a loin cloth. ….KIDDING!! Also, the name Griffin Fitzgerald Munro really seemed to have jarred Anna, albeit she made an Herculean effort to be impassive. That added a little suspense… Read more »
Some reports are that he is Duke’s son, from another mother. If true, that’ll hurt!!!
Very interesting, Tristan….so many possibilities.
You called it, Tristan. You are right.
I must say, though, Anna seems to welcome these news, in a bittersweet way. I guess it hurts in a different way. She regrets neither father or son ever met. Sad.
Like i said under a different posting…he is her son or her sister’s son…
So did I, Jimmy. But, which sister? Anna had/has two. Alex and Lindsey, if I am not mistaken.
They cannot mention Anna’s family from AMC, because of the Prospect Park lawsuit.
ahhhh Anna has sisters.. I did not that..
hmmm then he may not be of Duke DNA ..
but geez how far back are they digging to grab a sister?
The doc. is about 30? so going back 30 years?
Didnt know there was two…thats interesting to know.
@jimh.
Hey, Jimmy.
I double checked with my Gran and she said that Anna had two half sisters; Alex and Lindsey (Aidan Devane Turner’s) mother. The sisters were borne of three different mothers but had the same father.
Charlotte Devane was Alex’s mother, and she was a witch, according to my grandmother. LOL.
Charlotte did so many despicable things; my Gran speculates that Charlotte could have kidnapped Griffin as a baby. So, he could be offspring to one/any of the sisters.
Thank you and your gran for that info about Anna’s sisters…i didnt watch much of AMC when Anna was there and barely remember much of her storyline-so unlike me…but yet i can remember stuff from the 60s and 70s when i was soooooooo young…lol
@Tristan.
Hey, Tristan,
Of course you are right….I forgot all about that, Tristan. It would have been an ok premise, though, no. ……and I would have absorbed every gripping moment if Lindsey were not dead after all.
This PROSPECT PARK thing will forever be looming over the soap to the end. Enervating!!Too bad TPTB cannot hand pick a few characters from Anna’s past on AMC.
@Tristan.
Again, Tristan, I must say how correct you were. I was way off base thinking it had to do with AMC.
I cannot remember who linked Griffin to Duke on these boards, but that person was on right on target. Fitzgerald is an Irish name…..was Duke Irish or Scottish?
Is Helene even dead…she could leave Laura her wardrobe, Sam her brain, Alexis a bra and Nik learns he is bankrupt and has to move in a trailer park with Hayden/Rachel?whoever-whatever she is, Liz learns Jake is a clone and Jason learns he isnt Jason….lol
LOL
especially the trailor Park Nicholas… this will really test the allegiance of Hayden, now wouldn’t it
it seems the griffin munro mystery has taken hold and eclipsed… every one else… that being Jason; Hayden/Rachel; and ???
I must say… i’m intrigued to know… who Claudette is… ??? I think it’s Kiki real name ??? finally… “they are” ? getting to the mystery of Nina possibly being Kiki long lost child?
Hi, Patrick. At the risk of patting my own back, lol…..as soon as a fuss was made by bringing focus to that glove in Nathan’s tux-side-pocket, I posted the fact that there was a mystery woman behind that glove. Someone else, I think Rose, responded by saying that whoever it was, still held meaning to him for having had it and by putting it back in his pocket without disposing of it. Good call, Rose…it does have meaning for Nathan, which will open a nasty, smelly can of worms. I took a wild guess and I was right. Yeayyy!! LOL.… Read more »
I wanted to post this…. I was soooo taken… with ; Felicia… what a mother tigress just being so… doggone cute and upfront… without being confrontational… Felicia brought Nathan…. this black poodle… LOL here’s Claudette Here’s my daughter Miaxie.. we’re on to you buck up LOL Nathan.. he’s in for the log haul right… those looks just stifle any misgivings at time loved how Maxie was right on point… LOL waking / shaking him… who is Claudette I love women for their sixth sense and wherewithal its about Timely for Nathan and Maxie to flex some muscle and wing he’s… Read more »
You’re welcome, Jimmy. My grandmother is 75, with a sharp wit and memory….sometimes better than mine. I loved AMC, but I can’t remember details as well as she. I was young and carefree, Lol…..I had never heard of Charlotte or Lindsey until Gran mentioned them.
I thought that the only link GH and AMC had was Anna, Alex, and Aidan. Was Aidan ever on GH? To be honest, I thought he was Alex’s son not Lindsey’s.
I TRULY – want – some thing… any-thing… to MOVE Laura !!!! why shouldn’t Helena… in all her magnanimous fortitude… salute Laura… and bequeath Laura with POWER !!!! Genie Francis NEEDS to focus on herself!!! which is simply put : GH !!!! forever and day.. give Laura a storyline… besides being the queen of virtue and if she eats one more candy bar…. I’ll shuck GH again I want that Helena has stipulated.. that Nicholas and Laura WORK together… and reign as mother and son… and fight for ELQ and fortress WindeMear… and catapult the Cassadine Dynasty I’m already so… Read more »
hey Patrick..
The Cassadine Dynasty is a true sop power family and the Casidiones were/are the spark that started all the big fires, some a 5 alarm..
GH needs the Cassadines back, like yesterday..
I was more than disappointed when reading Easton will once again be a doctor when he would/could be an awesome Cassidine!
No, no, no monsieur Patrick! ELQ needs to get back to its rightful owners, the Q’s! That is THEIR company, it has always bern a part if their story and I wouldn’t want to see Laura pulled in yet again to anothet of Nic’s
i’m just impatiently waiting out… story time… for Genie Francis what’s it going to be ????? fans were clamoring for her return… and SHE IS GOLD ! that being said… I don’t want her to be just the token voice of reason… and a dutiful grandmother was hoping Helena would bequeath …and stipulate that perhaps .. the Cassadine fortune is not as ailing as Nicholas stated… and that this gives Nicholas more power and reign at his disposal… I certainly don’t think Laura would be globetrotting wonder woman espionage.. as long as it’s to Amsterdam to tell AG to forget… Read more »
The last thing I want GH to do with Laura, after promising that Genie is going to have a big storyline, is to have Helena’s bequest to Laura to send her off on some “adventure” – meaning we don’t see her onscreen for 3 months. This woman is soap royalty and has been ignored and maligned enough by TPTB and, in my opinion, certain actors who would throw her under the bus rather than allow her to remind them of the glory of LnL. Give Genie her due and do right by her finally.
Yes, “do right” by Genie!
I think you may be right about this ‘adventure’ of Laura’s ….or a wild goose chase, Nancy.
I surely hope this ‘key’ will not take her search of ‘whatever’ too far. Maybe keep her within the confines/perimeters of PC.
But, as I understand it, Laura is no shrinking violet….would she embark for parts unknown in search of that which the key will unlock? Pandora’s box, mayhap?
I cant help but think Griffin may know something about Carlos.
Please just give Laura a story! A great story! Not coming back til this happens.
When I first saw Griffin in scenes with Anna I thought he could be a younger brother. I do not know off all Anna’s family connections. I know FH appeared on All My Children as Anna’s twin Alex. Thus a nephew may not be far off.
Today GH was perfectly decent today! Save for fast forwarding through the Sonny scenes, I actually found myself watching every scene with interest. My favorite? Why that would be Laura educating Hayden on the dynamics of the Gatsby and Daisy romance. Thank you, Laura. Because yesterday it was driving me crazy (and well all know that is a short drive for me) when Lizzy and others read Hayden’s inscription on the first edition of The Great Gatsby. Really, what kind of idiot would defile a first edition of an enduring classic such as The Great Gatsby with such a stupid… Read more »
The only thing that bothered me about Laura’s description of Daisy’s as being a “weed” is that daisies were always Laura’s favorite flower. There was talk in the 80s and 90s stating that. Fine analogy for Hayden, but Laura wouldn’t equate daisies to that. Oh well, another insignificant detail of rewrites that bothers me.
Harry 1, I, too, loved it that Laura put Hayden’s in her place. Wish she had gone on to quote the line from The Great Gatsby about “careless” people leaving their messes for other people to clean up.”
That line would have been perfect, Nancy. Maybe it’s coming?
I had forgotten that the daisy was Laura’s favorite flower. I never cared for daisies myself.
Well said Harry!
Continued…another of Nic’s wrongdoings. What I WOULD like to see is Jason aligning himself with the Quartermaine’s his real family…and help them to take back what was stolen.
I too want a great story for Laura, nut not at the expense of losing the woman she’s always been…loving, supportive, wise…at the same time action oriented when need be. They can make her dynamic withouy corrupting her.
As for the Cassadines, they alwayd been the evil yet mesmerizing clan. Unfortunately the writers killed them off. Hopefully some old and new sill start spfinging up to up the edge again.
I totally concur with you here, Rebecca and I think this might happen
hi rebecca1
Jason and Dillan will work together to get ELQ back..
It is inevitable that ELQ will be returned to the Q’s..
The cassidine are Aliens or something, they can not die they are immortal. lol
A Cassidine is never dead, as in dead … lol
I really would love a Cassadine invasion !
I totally agree… that ELQ will be back in it’s rightful place… at the “Q” I just find it too .. ho hum… at every thing Jason does… spins or weaves in to gold… and he is merely toying with Nicholas… which bugs me which simply put… all the story for Nicholas… will go by the wayside… as it has been who doesn’t want good story for; Nicholas and mom Laura… I like the angst Hayden brings… it just smarts that Liz is asking Sam to NOT stop her investigation in to Rachel… which is interesting to a point… OK…… Read more »
I have to give both of you…Harry and Su…exrra credit for deciphering my many typos! I’m constantly posting from ny phone and by the time I realize ny delicate lil fingers have hit the wrong key they’ve magically hit send!
And I agree with both of you…who agree with me. 😉
Doesn’t Anna have a twin sister? I thought she was married to Dimitri’s brother on AMC??
Yes, Nicky. Anna has a twin, Alex and another sister, Lindsey, who has died. Aidan Devane is Lindsey’s son.