General Hospital
General Hospital’s Maura West Delivers The ‘Power Performance of the Week’
On last Thursday and Friday’s episode of General Hospital, the ABC soap opera finally moved the story forward with the reveal to Ava (Maura West) that Nikolas (Marcus Coloma) and Esme (Avery Pohl) slept together, and within it, fans got to witness the beginning of the fallout and the reaction as played by three-time Daytime Emmy-winner and enduring fan favorite, Maura West.
As one might expect, the material in the hands of the mighty West, and the acting choices she makes are always intriguing and masterful.
In story, things start to unravel for Ava, when outside Trina’s (Tabyana Ali) courtroom trial, Esme and Ava have a confrontation. It is there that Esme snarks at Ava, that she has the ability to destroy her world. When Ava dares her to try, Nikolas shows up on the scene begging Esme to stop. However, a manipulative Esme says, “Too late, I’m ending this right here, right now.” After lighting the fire, Esme walks off telling Nikolas to have a nice chit chat with his wife.
Next, Ava and Nikolas go to a private office, and Nikolas tells her that he made a huge mistake. A now suspicious Ava, asks, “What kind of mistake?” Nikolas then goes on to explain how he slept with Esme, just once, when he thought his relationship with Ava had tanked and had suffered irreparable damage.
Courtesy/ABC
What comes after was where West shined, as a sarcastic Ava quipped, “Poor you, seduced by a high school graduate.” Ava, then launches into that she thought she married a man, but instead she married a spineless weakling, and now she is going to burn him to the ground.
Later at Wyndemere, as Esme is frantically packing her suitcase and taking with her the all-important envelope linking her to Ryan (Jon Lindstrom), Ava appears and a confrontation begins with Ava calling out Esme as a, “conniving little whore”. Esme flaps back that Ava slept with both Morgan and Sonny (Maurice Benard)! Having put two and two together, Ava says she know that Esme is responsible for the revenge sex tape of Cameron (Willian Lipton) and Joss (Eden McCoyand setting fire to her car.
Courtesy/ABC
Ava has wised up from all of Esme’s nasty statements and has come to realize that everything Esme has done including sleeping with Nikolas, feels like a targeted, planned attack on her, and she knows there is more to this story than Esme has ever let on. When Ava spots the envelope in Esme’s suitcase, she goes to get it, but Esme grabs it from her. Then, with a steely warning, Ava tells Esme that she will be going to the courthouse now to exonerate Trina, and if she doesn’t, Ava will make sure Esme disappears and no one will ever be able to find her alive.
Now, while some viewers may be waiting for a knock-down drag-out catfight, we don’t know what will happen on Monday or Tuesday’s episode, but sometimes it’s more delicious just letting the words and its intentions drive the action, and West delivered the goods in spades in scenes with Marcus Coloma and Avery Pohl.
For all the reasons stated above, Michael Fairman TV names Maura West’s work as The Power Performance of the Week.
What did you think of Maura’s performance in the scenes where Ava finds out Nikolas slept with Esme and Ava’s confrontation later with Esme? What do you hope happens next? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section. But firstm check out some moments from West’s performance below.
Flawless!
Bravo! Maura’s acting abilities are second to none. Glsd to Ava now knows the gruth and can’t wait to see yhe aftermath.
WOW is my first reaction! Not only for Maura West’s fantastic work…but finally a non-Steve-Burton article! I must say Ava has met a worthy match…that witch Esme is not backing down. Finally, some great drama. I used to like Nikolas but now I want Ava to unload all her wrath on both of them.
Soaphound
Double WOW! I’ve read so many Spoilers this week, Iam not sure what will happen, but I especially liked one, so here’s hoping. I also wish Esme would blab some stuff to Ava about her Daddy that would explain further that her attack on her has been indeed personal.
Completely agree with you!!! My woman Ava is going to have them both wishing they never crossed her!!!! That Esme though is a tough cookie, she’s her daddies baby
Bravo, Soaphound, and bravo Maura West. Indeed, Ava has been declawed and then clawed again. She has been absolutely brilliant! When Ava’s lip curled up to a snarl and told the sniveling and emasculated Nikolas, “Poor you,” I thought I saw Nikolas’s balls retreat and run for cover. Maura West can give a master class on acting to the already very talented actors who play Spencer and Esme. Marcus as Nikolas has proven himself to be stupid, tacky and devoid of manners. He is no Cassadine. This is not the Nikolas Cassadine with which we’ve become acquainted.
Harry, what I really find astonishing is that Maura West continually gets BETTER. She doesn’t rely on tics or gestures from before; she’s always doing something new and fresh. Reminds me of when Sally Field took on the series “BROTHERS AND SISTERS” and later the movie “LINCOLN”. She began to show sides of herself we’ve never seen (and she was already great). It’s so exciting to see actors continually grow. We saw it with Sofia Mattson’s Sasha when Liam died, and Nicholas Chavez in his terrific, evolving rendition of Spencer. Meanwhile, actors like Steve Burton and Chad Duell seem content with phoning in the same old performance year after year. That’s when I get bored and tune them out…figuratively that is.
Maura never fails to prove and improve herself, Soaphound. Brava !! Always Brava!!
I have perpetually praises her acting skills, albeit many were not too fond of Ava when she joined GH—even during her most manipulative and questionable tactics, I loved this Bostonian queen!
I’ve liked her since her days on Y&R, as the vicious Diane Jenkins. I appreciated her talent instantly.
Ava has definitely met her match in Esme—-or has she?! Both amazing!!
The weak link here is Nikolas—-he, by whom I was so taken at first, has proven to be a gullible dud…I will root for him no more…Ava needs a real man!!
And Spencer? WOW!! His testimony brought me to tears—-something which many a soap has failed to do for me in a long time.
Celia, my friend, how awesome was 6Spencer/Nicholas Chavez in these scenes? Just great! Meanwhile, daddy Nik is still sniveling out in the corridor. And poor, pretty Marcus Colomma is defeated by the material; the actor seems depressed by the way Nikolas has been morally castrated. But… I feel sorry for that sweet Officer Rory. Looks like Trina will be Spencer’s latest seduction. Imagine having to choose between these two sexy guys? I think I’d need to do A LOT of, um, juggling them both.
LOL….Juggle away—
Yeah, I think Trina and Spencer will be a couple–It’s a given.
Poor Rory indeed!! I’m trying to figure out what makes Trina so special??
You’re right about Marcus—the material has turned on him–that sexual interlude with Esme should have never happened—Not because of his infidelity so much, but rather because of his “choice” of “meat”. His persona has be been demeaned an black-marked.
I guess he’s always been attracted to the typical siren/femme fatale—
But, maybe I spoke too soon by calling him a dud? In today’s episode, he seemed to have stepped up? I mean, having his wife’s back ‘n all.
Esme–the villainess turned victim!! Alack, the horroe of it all.
Bravo Excellent Performance From Ava.l Loved lt! She.Should.Win Another.Emmy!
Hey, Soaphound—-I did not know Maura had a stunt double!! Did you? WOW!!—-could you tell? Completely bypassed moi!!
I had this weird thought about Esme’s mystery Mom—Ava? Nah—can’t be. Not possible—-wouldn’t make any sense, right?
I do wish there were a chance for the character to return as a good guy this time. She’s a baddie, I know—but soooo good at playing the mean vixen, she’d conquer any role. I truly respect and admire her talent.
Phenomenal!
Wonderful actress!
The powerhouse that is Maura West!
Emmy worthy episode. Go Ava JEROME!
No surprise as Maura West always rises to the occasion! Avery Pohl held her own against the powerhouse.
With all her research on Ava, didn’t Esme come across the name Connie Falconeri? Ms. Jerome has killed for a lot less than having sex with her husband. She knows how to make problems go away (AJ, Morgan). That should be plenty enough to scare the little witch to ever try something. Maybe Daddy withheld some details (like he did regarding his relationship with Felicia).
Now, please don’t lead this to yet another fall off the parapet. More people survive that fall than perish (Katherine Bell a second time excepted).
Hopefully this is the end of Nikolas/Ava. What started out with so much potential has fizzled. As mentioned previously, this weak watered-down version of Nik is unrecognizable to long time viewers. We want our smart dark prince back.
Well, we all saw that fall from the parapet coming, didn’t we? Where they go from here will be really interesting. I don’t believe Esme is gone, do you? Oh the drama! I just adore Maura! I hope she wins another Emmy! (:
Ok Michael, I know your googoogaga over Maura West( I too think she’s awesome), but You could have throw a big bone to Avery Pohl too because the girl knocked it out of the park and given them both the power performance of the week. Just saying!
Maura West is a powerful actress. I hope she gives Esme what’s coming to her. As for Nikolas in a way I feel sorry for him. Eager to watch this week. My favorite show for years!
She’s the absolute best at what she does.
She is awesome Maura! I miss the days she was a killer n had moments like this daily!
Mail Bal
Must have missed those. What show was that?
As usual, Ms. West’s performances were both explosive and chilling to the bone – reminding how lethal Ava can be! Look out, Esme!! I predict another Emmy in Ms. Wests future:)
There was no one else to choose. The continued under-playing of Maura West is criminal and, the past two days have proven that. And we know TODAY will be the tripple-hitter we’ve been asking for! No one in daytime is better than West and no one is able to match her!
That lady is always on point plus ten, this generations Beverlee McKinsey
Mike, THANK YOU for mentioning the fabulous Beverlee McKinsey. I loved her Alexandra Spaulding. What talent, what thrilling performances. I’ll always remember her disdain of Mindy Lewis…she’d drawl out her name as “Mannndeee”. So much fun. Luckily, Marj Dusay was a worthy successor…I also remember Oscar/Emmy winner Allison Janney’s brief, hysterical stint as her maid Ginger(?). Golden days for soaps!
Agree with the fantastic work of Beverlee McKinsey as Alexandra on GL. She also deserved an Emmy for that body of work. And finally GH is giving Maura West some material to work with! She rips it apart with Emmy style and now she is going to show Esme who is the leading lady of daytime. Get ready!
Maura West is the best actor on daytime . She deserves to be on a prime time show . She is perfection. !! Love love love her !
Ava was great I esme can squirm can’t wait for the rest
I’ve been a favorite of Marla West skills since Another world. You are my all time fav actress in daytime soaps. You are brilliant when it comes to emotions, u go from Villian,supporting friend, protective mama bear and will stand up against the best of them, while kicking a—- an taking names! I love it! Wish u were my kick ass bestie. Continue what youre doing, u bring life an entertainment to the screen.
Meshi Redd
Oh, never seen her on that show. Who did she play?
Maura is hands down the best actress on daytime tv! Really impressed by Avery, whose done a fabulous job acting. Well deserved!
Luv me some Ava, great viewing
I love Ava’s work with her lips and eyes in her expressions. She’s an awesome scary woman i wouldn’t want to mess with. She’s extremely seductive, enticing and a true bad ass woman! Some great acting going on here.
For the pass couple of days,GH has been awesome!!! Ava is my kinda women,she gets the job done! I hope Esme is not dead yet, so Trina can confront her. Jan
Maura has been amazing this past week! Finally, she has Emmy caliber material and she is deserving of a win or at least a nomination for 2022! I am a bit partial to Maura because we went to college together (as did Cynthia Watros) and she was my favorite during 1995-2010 when she played Carly on ATWT! I am certain she will get more great material in the days and weeks to come! (: (: (:
The only thing wrong with yesterday’s scenes? Y’all know damned well that nobody ever really dies from falling off that parapet at Windemere. So sorry to have to report this, but Esme’s not in Hell…. yet.
We all know Ava’s heading this direction herself eventually, but if she takes Esme out for real, then she’s probably earned her air conditioner for her future accommodations.
Maura West is an outstanding actress and always delivers! I hope that this is the end of Esme Prince (though I suspect not.)
MW is the best.
Maura was awesome, but Sofia Mattson was AMAZING with her manic breakdown.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
General Hospital star Cynthia Watros, who can currently be seen in on the ABC soap opera in the role of Nina Reeves, has had a enduring career in television. That included her time on the 2000-2002 Fox sitcom, Titus.
In Titus, Watros starred along with Stacy Keach as Erin Fitzpatrick and Ken Titus, respectively. After the November 10th news that Keach had passed away at 85 while living in Poland, Cynthia took to her Instagram on Thursday, November 12 to pay tribute to the great actor.
Watros expressed, “My first prime time show was along side Stacy. I loved him instantly. What an amazing talent and man.❤️”
Photo: ABC
In Titus, Stacy played stand up comedian Christopher Titus’ heavy-drinking, chain-smoking, five-times-divorced father who frequently pulled cruel pranks and tried to toughen his kids up. Cynthia played by Christopher’s level-headed, big-hearted girlfriend trying to build a normal life with him. In fact, Cynthia’s role on the sitcom was first series regular role after her Daytime Emmy run of Annie Dutton on Guiding Light which ran from 1994-1998.
STACY KEACH’S WIFE ON HIS PASSING
Keach’s wife, Malgosia shared the news of the actor’s death publicly in a statement with PEOPLE. Malgosia expressed, that Stacy had, “a long and difficult battle with a serious heart condition and heart failure.”
She added, “Stacy peacefully departed this world. He fought for so long, with extraordinary courage, determination and strength. He was a true warrior, facing his illness with the same remarkable spirit and resilience that defined his life.”
Małgosia continued, “Stacy was not only a legendary actor, admired and loved by audiences the world over, but also my beloved husband, my companion and the heart of our family. His passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in our lives. But his extraordinary spirit, his unforgettable voice and the love he gave so generously will remain with us forever.”
Now, let us know do you remember when Cynthia made her sitcom debut in Titus? Share your thoughts via the comment section on Cynthia’s many TV roles and the passing of Stacy Keach in the comment section. But first, check out the very first episode of Titus with Cynthia Watros below!
The latest ratings are out for the week of October 26-30, 2026 and the big takeaways include: that CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates was separated by only 23,000 viewers behind third place (of the soaps) General Hospital! For the last several weeks, Beyond the Gates has been closing the gap on this year’s winner for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series, and continuing to best GH in the key demos.
According to the latest Nielsen ratings breakdown from Soap Opera Network, the final week of October brought Beyond the Gates 1.790 million on average tuning-in and the show set a season high in total viewers. Meanwhile, General Hospital hit a new season low! The long-running ABC soap had 1.813 million for the week, and once again the series did not go over the 2 million mark.
Meanwhile, in the key Women 18-49 demo, Beyond the Gates was firmly ahead of GH with a rating share of 0.21, while General Hospital had 0.17 rating share.Then, in the key Women 25-54 demo, Beyond the Gates was once again ahead of the ABC soap with a ratings share for that demo at 0.30 while GH came in with 0.26.
Photo: CBS
MORE BY THE NUMBERS
In addition and comparatively, Beyond the Gates +22,000 viewers week-to-week, and had the largest gains in viewership year-to-year in daytime TV with +267,000 from this in 2025.. However, General Hospital seems to be going in reverse. The show was down -56,000 viewers week-over-week and down -22,000 year-over-year .
BEYOND THE GATES
Let’s take a look at some of the storylines that had people tuning-in to Beyond the Gates during the ratings week:
Hayley (Marquita Goings) attempted a massive shocker regarding her pregnancy and tried to use it to extract money from Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). Although, Bill saw right through her game, he demanded a paternity test, and made it clear he has no intention of raising the child—planning instead to pay her off to take the baby and leave. Meanwhile, Hayley confided her plan to her cousin Randy (Maurice P. Kerry).
Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) and Naomi Hamilton (Arielle Prepetit) clashed over Jacob’s ongoing investigation into The Impaler, causing significant strain in their marriage. At the same time, Smitty (Mike Manning) considered taking matters into his own hands—including potentially heading to Mexico for evidence—while Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) worried about what comes next.
Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Over at General Hospital for the ratings period, the story served up included:
Carly (Laura Wright) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) teamed up to investigate what really happened to Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna). Later, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) leads them to Jack’s dead body.
Jude (Wil Traval) dropped a bombshell claim to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn); that he is Phoebe’s father, while Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed their divorce papers.
Then, Danny caught Rocco (Finn Carr) and Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarski) sharing a kiss, plus the shocking return of Heather Webber (Alley Mills) capped the week.
Now the questions become; without having much promotional synergy in the ABC day-part to draw more eyeballs it is not helping but hurting General Hospital. It seems Beyond the Gates is also a benefactor of a one-two-three punch of CBS soaps (Y&R, B&B and BTG) and promotion.
However, that still doesn’t take away the fact that Beyond the Gates is close to besting GH in all ratings category as they go head-to-head in some markets across the country.
So, are you excited to see Beyond the Gates climb in the ratings? Are you concerned for General Hospital? Do you think they can stave off Beyond the Gates in total viewers or will the upstart soap overtake them in the next ratings report? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Antonio Sabáto Jr., the former Jagger Cates of General Hospital and GH: Night Shift, and the former Dante Damiano of The Bold and the Beautiful has issued his first public statement since the incident involving his son, Jack’s arrest in Alaska for a fatal hit-and-run.
Jack is the son of Sabáto Jr. and Oscar-nominated actress Virginia Madsen, and according to court documents obtained by KTUU Jack, was allegedly driving a white Chevy Tahoe when he hit and killed Carl Simmonds, 42, near an intersection in Anchorage around 5:35 a.m. on Monday, November 9.
The reports indicated that Jack fled the scene — but later decided to called the cops to say he hit “something” that “suddenly appeared in the road” while he was “doing late-night DoorDashing.”
Photo: NBC
Now, Antonio has taken to his Instagram breaking his silence on the situation, sharing, “At this time, my family and I are navigating an extremely sensitive and deeply personal matter.”
He added, “As a father, my love for my children remains unconditional, and my priority is the well-being of my family. We ask that the public and members of the media honor our privacy during this difficult time and keep us all in your thoughts and prayers.”
The soap alum concluded, “I also wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the gentleman who tragically lost his life. My thoughts and prayers are with them as well. We sincerely appreciate your compassion, understanding, and respect for the privacy of everyone affected.”
Jack Sabáto was arraigned in court on Tuesday, November 10 with bail set at $5,000, and a no-driving order and the potential of $5,000 penalty fees if he fails to attend future court appearances.
Antonio is the father to Jack, 34, daughter, Mina Sabato, 24 and son, Antonio Sabáto III, 15.
This is a developing story. You can check out Antonio’s official statement below.
So, let us know your thoughts on this tragic hit-and-run, which claimed the life of another man, and Antonio’s statement, via the comment section below.
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‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
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