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General Hospital’s Maura West Delivers The ‘Power Performance of the Week’

Courtesy/ABC

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.

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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

THIS WEEK on GENERAL HOSPITAL: Dex and Josslyn’s Relationship at a Crossroad, Jason Contacts Diane For Help

Previews for the week of March 18-22nd on General Hospital, plus the latest promo for the daytime drama series, share that Jason’s (Steve Burton) return has already affected so many lives, especially given the fact that several key people aka Michael (Chad Duell), Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) and Danny (Asher Antonyzn) know his location at this moment.

Eventually, Jason (Steve Burton) will get in touch with Diane (Carolyn Hennesy), from what one can only assume is legal help. However, John (Adam J. Harrington) seems hot on Jason’s trail, but the question remains, if Jason was working for John as seemingly revealed in a flashback to keep out of prison, are the two working together … or are they mortal enemies?

Meanwhile, it looks like its curtain for now in the relationship between Dex (Evan Hofer) and Josslyn (Eden McCoy). After Nina (Cynthia Watros) dropped a bombshell about Cyrus (Jeff Kober), Joss gets an earful of information from Dex, when he admits that he was in Cyrus’s hospital room to kill him on orders from Sonny (Maurice Benard).

Photo: ABC

According to Soap Opera Digest, Eden McCoy shared, ” I think what’s different about this situation, and what pushes her over the edge, is that it wasn’t, like, a self-defense situation. It wasn’t at a shoot-out. He wasn’t protecting Sonny. Cyrus wasn’t doing anything! And I think that really scares her, to see him in the light of voluntarily killing someone in their sleep. That is very different from, like, shooting someone that’s shooting at Sonny. She is just in shock, like she can’t actually believe it.” As told by McCoy, “At that point, Josslyn says.’I can’t do this anymore,’ and makes her exit.”

Take a look below at the rest of the official teasers for the week.

MONDAY, MARCH 18

Dex makes a confession to Josslyn. Tracy shares a moment with Sonny. Diane offers encouragement to Alexis. Kevin explains what might have led to Marshall’s misdiagnosis. Stella has an unlikely encounter. 

TUESDAY, MARCH 19

Josslyn opens up to Carly. Dex confides in Anna. Sonny offers Natalia some valuable insights. Jason gets a visitor. Brook Lynn lays into John.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20

Tracy sees a new side of Cody. Alexis informs Molly about her plans. Natalia has a revelation. Anna makes an admission to John over drinks.

THURSDAY, MARCH 21

Drew has a proposition for Nina. A photo shoot at Deception goes wrong. Laura and Heather find some common ground. Willow is worried by her actions.

FRIDAY, MARCH 22

Jason reaches out to Diane for help. Maxie calls Lucy out. Cody and Olivia comfort each other. Sasha makes a huge decision. Chase and Brook Lynn are stunned.

Now below, watch this week’s promo for the action in Port Charles.

What storyline are you looking forward to the most? The least? Let us know in the comment section.

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General Hospital

REPORT: General Hospital Alum, Robyn Bernard, Homeless & Battling Addiction, Before Her Passing at 64

Robyn Bernard passed away earlier this week on March 12th, when her body was found in an empty field, which is allegedly behind a 7/11, and some trailer homes, in San Jacinto, California. The actress and singer, and former General Hospital alum, played Terry Brock from 1984-1990 and was 64-years-old at the time of her death.

New reporting on the life that she led over the past year, and longtime mental health issues and struggles with addiction, paint a picture that may have led to her death. Although it should be noted, the toxicology report is currently not completed or released. However, the sheriff department stated that no foul play is suspected.

Now, according to the Daily Mail, friends of Bernard spoke on how she had become part of their homeless community, and that she she struggled with alcohol addiction, and had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia through the latter part of her life.

Photo: ABC

In their accounts, things went south for Robyn when in 2014 she moved to the community in San Jacinto, which is 84 miles from Los Angeles. At that time, she moved into a trailer park for senior citizens and was beloved for her singing by her neighbors.

The report also notes that in 2015, tragically, Bernard’s trailer park home was burned to the ground taking 7 of her 8 beloved cats and all of her possessions. After that, Robin stayed with many people of the community, but the previous management chased her off of the premises. She then broke up with her boyfriend and eventually stopped communicating with her parents.

Bernard’s final home was in a community called Parkview Estates, facilitated by Riverside County’s Adult Protective Services Department.  According to police records obtained by Daily Mail, through 2017-2019, Bernard faced numerous DUI drugs and alcohol arrests during that period.

Joni Woods, who lives opposite the space where Bernard’s trailer once was said: ‘I used to see her (Robyn) around town all the time pushing her shopping carts. She always had four or five of them, and I always felt so bad for her.” Robyn’s former boyfriend, Dan Berlin, expressed that the last time he had seen the GH alum was two years ago, “She was out there, talking to herself in a nonsense way. She was a schizophrenic.’

The friends of Bernard shared: “She used to say that Hollywood screwed her over,” adding, “They did her dirty and that’s why she ended up living in San Jacinto of all places.”

Share your thoughts on this tragic story of the last part of Robyn’s life, which again, stresses the importance of trying to find the appropriate help for those dealing with mental illness, being homeless, and addiction. 

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General Hospital

While ‘General Hospital’s’ Dante Lays in a Coma; Dominic Zamprogna Has Some Great New Portrait Headshots

On General Hospital, Dante Falconeri (Dominic Zamprogna) has thus far survived two bullets to the chest, and is laying in a coma. Sam (Kelly Monaco), his lady love, is by his side and beside herself after learning her ex Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) is alive and is of the belief that Jason have been the shooter who tried to take out Dante.

Sonny (Maurice Benard) has been wracked with guilt after he wasn’t so kind to his son, before the PCPD cop got shot. Meanwhile, Jason is hiding out at the Quartermaine boat house trying to recover from the gun shot wound he received.

While Dante’s life is still hanging in the balance, it appears that his portrayer, Dominic Zamprogna, took a diverse range of headshot and portrait photos under the eyes of talented photographer Jackson Davis. The photos were posted on Davis’ Instagram account.

Photo: ABC

A few former GH castmates commented on the photos including Marc Anthony Samuel (ex-Felix) who expressed: “Dante, Dante, Dante…,” and Mark Lawson (ex-Dustin) posted, “Dom!!!! Handle yo’ biz.”

Zamprogna joined General Hospital back in 2009 and has been nominated four times for a Daytime Emmy Award throughout his time thus far on the ABC daytime drama series.

So, what do you think will happen to Dante? Will he wake up and be just fine, or will he have another medical condition? What do you think of Dominic’s new headshots? Comment below.

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