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 Preview: Michael Puts Willow On Notice After Tracy Is Arrested
Next week on General Hospital, video spoilers for the Monday, June 15th episode share that after Tracy (Jane Elliot) was arrested by Chase (Josh Swickard) after “pushing” Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) in the waters surrounding the Quartermaine boathouse, Michael (Rory Gibson) gets wind up of it and has confrontation with his ex.
Michael lowers the boom on Willow and warns her that Tracy isn’t someone she wants to go up against, which he thinks she would know by now. But what was Willow’s plan? Hopes that Chase would come to her defense, which he did? Speaking of Chase he confronts ADA Turner (Nazneen Contractor) about how she does not see Willow Cain clearly but with judgement.
Meanwhile, Nina’s (Cynthia Watros) concerns about her daughter are mounting. She is also worried about the whereabouts of Liesl Obrecht (Kathleen Gati) and asks “Nathan” (Ryan Paevey) if he knows where his mother is? What will he say? Then, Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) says Carly (Laura Wright) should come to him, not Sonny (Maurice Benard) as she tries to locate her missing daughter, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy), who viewers know is kidnapped along with Liesl in a secret room at the bottom of Wyndemere.
Take a look at the rest of the official GH spoilers for the week of June 15-19 below.
MONDAY, JUNE 15
“Nathan” clears the air. Nina sounds an alarm. Lulu makes a confession. Gio shares his excitement with Emma. Alexis and Ric review their plans.
TUESDAY, JUNE 16
Valentin accepts his fate. Brennan bargains with Willow. Dante defends “Nathan.” Tracy and Michael see eye-to-eye. Cullum gets new intel.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17
Willow is blindsided. Carly is cornered. Ethan pulls a fast one. Tracy confronts Brook Lynn. Lulu is transparent with Dante.
THURSDAY, JUNE 18
Sonny shares his strategy with Ric. Laura makes an offer. Rocco makes a horrifying discovery. Sidwell lays a trap. Dante confides in Elizabeth.
FRIDAY, JUNE 19
Ethan delivers a message to Ava. “Nathan” brings intel to Lulu. Trina ponders her next move. Brennan is alarmed. Felicia offers encouragement.
Check out the “Next on General Hospital” video preview below for the Monday June 15th episode.
Now weigh-in: Is this the end of the line for Willow’d reign of machinations? Can Nina, Michael, and Tracy figure out everything she has been doing with drugging Drew and more? Share your thoughts on what will happen next via the comment section.
General Hospital
Kate Mansi Wraps On-Screen Run as ‘General Hospital’s’ Kristina Corinthos-Davis
The Friday, June 12 episode of General Hospital marked the last for Daytime Emmy winner, Kate Mansi as Kristina Corinthos-Davis. As previously reported, the character was accepted to medical school at UCLA in California, making the end of the run for Mansi who played Kristina for three years.
The decision to depart GH was all Mansi’s decision and as also previously reported, GH executive producer Frank Valentini had left the door open for a return down the line and is currently not planning on recasting the part.
In story, in her final episode, having already said goodbye on Thursday’s show to her parents, Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn), Kristina meets up with her siblings, Molly (Kristen Vaganos) and Michael (Rory Gibson). The three have a chat at the Metro Court Gardens.

Courtesy/ABC
SIBLING ADVICE
Before she leaves Port Charles, Kristina tells her brother and sister, she wants them to be there for each other, while each is managing their personal relationships: Molly with Cody (Josh Kelly) and Michael with Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Kristina thanked them for taking her to the airport and urged them to lean on each other while she was gone.
In her last scene, Kristina tells Molly and Michael right before they head for her flight, “I want each of you to be the person the other can call. OK? To show up for each other, no questions asked. Because that’s what you’ve been for me.”
KATE’S NEXT MOVE
Speaking with TV Insider, Mansi shared what she is up to next which has included accompanying her husband, Matt McInnis to Europe. Kate explained she had made the decision a few months back to exit GH. “I knew my contract was up in April and I wanted to give them the proper notice so that they could plan their future storytelling.” Kate added, “Given that my husband is working in Europe predominantly and I’ll be traveling so much, that’s what this next chapter of my life will be.”
Kate expressed that the news of her exit was hard to share with people, because she would feel sad when talking about it. Ultimately, the first to know were Nancy Lee Grahn, Kristen Vaganos, and Rory Gibson. She chose not to tell Maurice Benard, because she was so close to him in real-life, until they filmed their last episode together which aired yesterday.
There’s more! Kate gave a final tease that she has project in the works sharing, “I’m excited to have booked a short-term project in the fall that works within my schedule.” As to a future return to GH, Mansi doesn’t rule it out, “It’s Port Charles. Anything is possible.”
So, what did you think of Kate’s final scenes as Kristina with Sonny, Alexis, Molly and Michael? Do you hope Kate come back in a few years time? Weigh-in via the comment section. In case you missed it, you can catch the scenes where Kristina tells her parents she is leaving Port Charles below.
General Hospital
Troy Lennon Appel Joins the Cast of ‘General Hospital’ in Contract Role of the Mysterious ‘Hudson’
There are even more newbies coming to General Hospital with the news today that Troy Lennon Appel is joining the cast of the ABC daytime drama series in the contract role of “Hudson.” Look for Appel to make his debut on the July 30th episode.
What we do know is that Hudson is a business executive with mysterious ties. As first reported by TV Insider, Troy has already been enjoying his time on the legacy soap opera. He enthused, “Working on GH has been nothing short of an incredible, fast-paced experience, Everyone is very professional; they’re on top of every intricate part of this very established, well-oiled machine, and I’m just trying to keep up and not halt the process in any way.”
In a statement, General Hospital executive producer, Frank Valentini expressed: “Troy is a terrific guy, and we are excited to have him join our cast. And fans will be intrigued to see how his character fits into the story.“
FOUR NEWCOMERS IN SHORT ORDER
Appel’s casting comes on the heels of three other major additions coming to Port Charles, and all should be landing on-air next month in July. As previously reported, Dean Geyer has joined the cast as Tristan Robert and is set to debut on the July 13 episode. Daytime vet, Kelly Kruger (ex-B&B and Y&R) has signed on to play the new Serena Baldwin and Kayden Brenna Tokarski is the new Scout Cain, the daughter of Drew (Cameron Mathison) and the late Sam (Kelly Monaco).
Apple added on his GH experience thus far, “So many of the cast and crew have gone out of their way to welcome me, and I am immensely grateful for how simple and easy this transition has been. I owe it all to them. They know what they’re doing, and I hope to learn as much as I can and add to the show, to the best of my ability.”
Troy’s previous credits have included: Revenge Best Served Chilled, Blackmail, Lies and Murder, and Lethally Blonde. Finding Master Right and Menflix, and he appeared with The Goldbergs star Hayley Orrantia’s music video for her single, “Find Yourself Somebody.”
So, what do you think about the casting of Troy Lennon Appel to General Hospital? Who will Hudson actually have ties to, since it is a contract role? Will you be intrigued to see all the new arrivals next month in Port Charles? Let us know via the comment section below.
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