General Hospital
General Hospital’s Maura West Delivers ‘The Power Performance of the Week’ As Ava Learns The Devastating Truth About Ryan
Last week on key episodes of General Hospital, the truth was finally out that Ryan Chamberlain (Jon Lindstrom) was masquerading as his twin brother, Dr. Kevin Collins, and that Ava Jerome (Maura West) was an unsuspecting victim in all of this. As the week began, Ryan and Ava had gone over the bridge, but Jason (Steve Burton) was able to save Ava and pull her back to the bridge, and that set the stage for a powerhouse series of performances by West.
On the bridge with Laura (Genie Francis), who is trying to make Ava comprehend the harsh realization that she has been with a serial killer this entire time, and not the real Kevin (Jon Lindstrom), Ava doesn’t believe what Laura is attempting to tell her. She believes that Kevin had a mental breakdown. Laura explains to Ava that Kevin is at General Hospital, while Ryan has been posing as him. In Ava’s version of the situation, she thinks the switcheroo happened in the last 48 hours when Ryan wanted to whisk her away to be married. Laura then tells Ava that Ryan switched places with Kevin months ago, and she has never been with Kevin.
It is a horrifying reality for Ava to grapple with as she insists that Kevin loves her. However, moment by moment, Ava can no longer deny that harsh truth that is right in front of her. She had sex with her daughter Kiki’s murderer the night she was killed, and she has been sleeping with the wrong man this entire time.
Courtesy/ABC
In heartbreaking scenes, Maura, along with another wonderful performance by GH icon, Genie Francis, illustrated the raw pain and devastation of a woman who has been so blindsided by love, violated, and deceived all at the same time. The scene where Laura holds Ava on the bridge as she collapses with anguish was soap gold. But, never underestimate Ava Jerome! You know she will get her payback.
In another episode, a now drunken Ava heads to the GH to see Kevin for herself, but finds Franco (Roger Howarth). First, she blames Franco, then he makes her understand that it was Ryan who murdered people and deceived everyone. He was just helping the PCPD snuff out the serial killer. She tells Franco that Ryan made her feel like a goddess and that he worshipped her and helped her in her time of need following Kiki’s death. Ava tells Franco that she hopes Ryan’s still alive so she can kill him herself!
Courtesy/A
And still in another moment, Ava runs into the real Kevin in the hospital hallway. Ava loses her grip and slaps him in the face accusing him of killing her daughter. Scott (Kin Shriner) pulls her off Kevin, and tries to get her to understand that Kevin was in surgery at GH when she was with Ryan in Niagara Falls.
Sitting down with Ava, Kevin apologizes for what Ryan did to her and everyone else. Kevin thinks she needs to speak with a therapist, but not him and he will recommend someone. Later, alone in the hospital corridor, Ava sees a poster of Kevin Collins and rips it to shreds as Scott comes by to calm her down. She sinks to the floor in sorrow over Kiki’s death, and how she ended up falling for Ryan.
Courtesy/ABC
Scene after scene, moment after moment, you can’t get better than West. Ava is a delicious complex character, who has been so unlucky at love, is so flawed, and at times so revenge-filled, and yet in the hands of the oh-so-skilled and talented Maura West, she has humanized Ava, so that we can’t help root for her to get back on her feet after she falls so far down, so we can witness what trouble she will stir up next. All of this to say: Michael Fairman TV names GH’s Maura West the ‘Power Performance of the Week”.
So, what did you think about of Maura’s performances on GH? Did Ava finding out the truth about Ryan live up to everything you hoped it would be? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Maura West, Jon Lindstrom and Genie Francis have been outstanding throughout this storyline. Do I wish Kristina Wagner had more scenes, of course. But, overall, this storyline is one of the best on GH on a long time!
Yes!!!
I was waiting for Ava’s explosion and Maura hit it spot on as always. We are so lucky to have Maura still with us in daytime!!!
Maura West is a masterclass in acting, and is the best they truly have in daytime. ABC lucked out in securing her after Maria Arena tossed her aside like she didn’t matter. Ava Jerome is a bad-ass, and I love West’s effortless portrayal.
As I’ve said, not so effortless in my book.
Scott, I totally agree with you!
Great actress, but sometimes can be a bit over the top.
West is a good actress, and this site usually churns out one of these type articles about her performance annually. Yes, she will be nominated for an Emmy (again). But the award will go to the actress capable of dialing it back and not chewing the scenery (not Maura West).
What I said, Bradley! Go, Genie Francis!
What I said, Suzie!
This whole story was way too much about Frodd & Ava, and very little involvement from the few people still in Port Charles who actually remembered Ryan Chamberlain from his first time Port Chuckles.
You said it again, Satan!
I agree with Satan, and I will probably go straight to hell for saying so.
Ava deserves an award for her performance day after day.
She is extremely talented and lives her character to the max.
At the beginning did not care for her character,,,was I wrong,,,,,.
I know it will be a nemorable episode as she get her well deserved revenge with Ryan.
YOU ARE AMAIZING.
ACADEMY AWARD WINNER, FOR SURE.
Well . . . .
I agree, Purissima. While I love and admire Genie, she does not compare to Maura. We are entitled to our opinion, afterall.
I remember when Nikolas died, Laura was stone cold. I suppose she was in shock?….Held back her grief because she’s a lady, as I have heard? I simply do not see it that way—apples and oranges!!
Well, Ava reacted exactly as a mother who just lost a child would …..spontaneously and naturally.
Furthermore, it is a double blow for Ava. Not only was her child murdered in a most gruesome way; Ava took her killer to bed. The guilt is eating away her viscera—something she has to live with for eternity.
Maura West is such a pure protagonist, her pain is palpable—and, yes; effortless!! I atebit all up….I felt her every tear streaming down my own cheeks; her rage; her every nuance!! Not many actresses/ actors are able to draw that from me…….
Maura’s acting is the stuff of which a soap is made—bubbles everywhere—-she delivers…
If Ms Wells, my Bostonian Queen, does not win the Emmy; there’s certainly something rotten in PC.
You must not remember or was watching when Lucky “died” in a fire. Genie’s scenes, especially in the hospital morgue, as she lashed out at Luke and Sonny, showed a mother’s visceral rage and contempt for the two “murderers” she allowed into her children’s lives as respectable men and male role models. The scenes were agonizing and jarringly realistic with not much to remind a viewer that this was just a tv show. Laura’s heart was irreparably broken, and I felt it. I imagine a lot of viewers would agree.
Having said that, I’m curious how a nice article celebrating the extraordinary skill of a talented actress, Maura West, became a debate about which actress is the more talented. They are both awesomely talented women, with different styles, who portray DIFFERENT CHARACTERS; and in my mind, I don’t “get” the leap to the binary debate that always seems to end up negative and leaves me confused and disgusted. I usually ignore these things, but I love both actresses, and my naive eyes dared to venture into the comments section, expecting to read positive comments and compliments. But NO! Wrong again, Scott! Holy cow! Even the undebatable fact that two iconic actresses gave the fans such awesome performances during the week can’t be concisely and tastefully responded to with simple agreement and praise.
I agree with you wholeheartedly, Scott…as always.
However, I was not the one to discredit one actress to bolster another.
My reply was in response to the comparison between the two by someone else… I merely stated my opinion, after the exagerated adulation over the same actress, repeatedly. We all have favorites, albeit I adore Genie.
No, Scott, I was not watching when Lucky “died”, LOL….which, incidentally, you have proven my point, that no one can understand the pain of a mother who lost a child; nor delve into her deepest desperation. I am one of those mothers. Therefore, I took the “crazy” innuendo personally. Maura’s acting was right on cue; on target—she must have drawn that pain from within over a past loss. It was all too real for me. I cannot speak for anyone else–I saw/felt a pull and a tug!!
People should not make general, banal remarks unless one has walked in dolorous shoes.
When I read the negativity surrounding Maura’s acting….might as well have called her a banshee…..her behavior was compared, in no uncertain terms, to the more composed Laura, I felt the need to express my feelings.
If you have read my past comments on this topic, then you would have noticed how I praised the three principal actors; Jon, Genie and Maura.
Yet, I do hope Maura wins the Emmy– but, I would be just as pleased if Genie won.
I also said that each carried the other.
Stay well.
Correction–I meant Maura West.
Believe it or not, One of my clise friends’ name is Maura Wells!! LOL. It just came naturally writing it.
Maura West deserves the Emmy this year no doubt about it from start to finish she has been golden! She’s more deserving of the Emmy this year then her last win for crypt sex scene she destroyed each episode she was in!
Tell me now, isn’t it Laura that has suffered the heartbreak? First, she was living with an impostor (thankfully, not sleeping), her daughter was almost killed, and she, herself, was imprisoned by the serial killer. BUT, she kept her head and played it very realistically, even feeling compassion and empathy for Ava–who thought she was going to marry Laura’s “ex.” Now, you tell me who the real heroine of this story is?
PS “Ava” DID did do a lot of chewing of the scenery! I’ll give her that. But that wasn’t what was required. Kudos to Genie Francis who held onto her dignity throughout the whole fantastical story line.
Maura West as Ava is an amazing actress…..for a cartoon character. I agree with your every word, Nancy.
Thanks, Harry!
I agree. Genie never plays it over the top. She is always overlooked and it is sad and unfortunate
Her acting was good-i agree-but unfortunately they made her the front and center star of the story…not Genie..not John…and Kristina W.and others involved in the originally Ryan C. story were barely used as background props!!!
It was totally gut-wrenching to watching Ms. West put it all out there! How could you not be impressed by her?
I also thought that the dynamics between her and Genie have been extremely interesting. They have me hooked.
Maura is always a class act in my book. Not to mention one of the most gifted and genuine actors in daytime. As she’s said, writers write, actors act. She simply shows up and always puts her 100+% effort into her work. I’d like to see her rewarded for it. Not to mention the kindest person I’ve ever met in my entire life.
Genie has been amazing during this story as well (and Jon). I don’t think you need to tear down one to recognize another though.
Melissa…I’m with you on your comment. I’m not keen on this story, but whether you like her or not, Ava, as her own worse enemy, is still part of Port Charles for a reason. Between Maura, Genie, and Jon, the three have all been excellent, imo. I will even include the meddling Carly, or Lulu as the intrepid reporter. But would have liked more Felicia.
Maura West is the gift that keeps on giving. GH is lucky to have her. She has been nothing short of outstanding in the story which is not a surprise as she gives everything to her performances on any given day. I believe as many have said that she deserves and will win her fourth Emmy this year.
bearing in mind that Jon Lindstrom darker side enveloped Ava … unfortunately and sadly and it’s “sicko” how Ava lost her daughter that much more. the gut wrenching … what does @GH have more in store for ?
can you believe all the kowtowing.. she’s had to do for Carly and Sonny over Avery… believe you me Ava will do that to be near her daughter.. it just spells lame nevertheless… AVA is thee standout @GH who PROPS the dullard and thee show, if you will
just saying after watching this tour de force with Jon and Maura.. notwithstanding Genie . kudos to these actors…. KUDOS PEEPS of these three standout who are always sidelined for the dullard . get a clue @Shelly and Chris. Frank Valentini NEEDS to be fired.
I loved Maura’s and Genie’s performances. It actually gave me chills and I watched twice. Was Maura a bit over the top?, yes, but for crying out loud this is a soap opera, not an academy award winning film. Most of the storylines are over the top, so j’y not the performances?. Genie’s performance was beautifully matched with Maura, both shining in different ways. Laura was so compassionate and generous, in light of her own loss, which was a tribute to the way her character is drawn. Ava on the other hand is a completely different character. Deeply flawed, spiteful, self-centered, but also so eager for love and acceptance she feels she does not deserves. Not only falling in love with a serial killer, but the man who murderd her daughter because she was mad at her at the time for taking Griffin away from her. Completely heartbreaking and I loved that the powers that be let Laura care for Ava, recognizing that her loss was far deeper than her own. Kudos to all. Well done.
I also , truly , liked the scenes w/ Scotty , Ava, the real Kevin. God cannot any one else see just how much Scotty is in love w/Ava ?! at the very least try again at showing these two with more scenes… lord knows she needs that much more comrades without Kiki. any way… the way Ava contains herself… and equals her match play with Kevin .. and any one else… is sublime to watch .. as she exits her scenes .. just to get out of them.. is masterclass. then she falls apart or her vengeance is riled up.
WHAT UP ? a wrinkle in their marriage still ? as Kevin tells Laura that he knew about “RYAN” from May, 2018. and started treating him. why didn’t he share this w/Laura ? the thing that interests me.. is that , from the guilt, from the twin treatment(s), that kevin , himself is going to metamorphose in to ??? I hope a more daring festive player !!! just to keep him sparked and amped up. surely, Laura does need a better bff than Lulu to share her innermost secrets… letting lil’ momma smurph in to too much detail.. well, you know
I AM SO HOPING THAT @Shelly – AND – Chris have taken note… and are going to reverse Anna and Alex memories… and that it’s Alex who is Peter Biological mother !!!! AND that it’s Alex libidinous behavior that will fall for any thing.. and Anna DUMPS FINN. oy! the memory of watching Anna coy coo and we cringe at Finn every whimsical one liners plus… was too deadbeat… Robert had fun at their expense, surely
OH MY GOD !!!! just kick me to the curb… CRINGEWORTHY !!!! Shiloh is falling that fast for Sam !!!! ???? God she’s so , well, “boring” . what a wasted character. it will all be wrapped up that quickly .. for our near the edge , dingbat , Kristina will never know the difference ? Shiloh has magic for the TV… @Shelly and Chris are wasting this doozy
the
ava/ryan story has kept me watching and both actors deserve an emmy.
I hope Ava gets a Emmy for when she saw Keke body on that strecher… performance of a lifetime!!!!
Maura’s performance throughout this storyline has been brilliant day after day. While there may be a few flaws in the storytelling and way too little airtime for Felicia and Mac, this has been one of the best umbrella storylines in recent GH history and it has delivered in every way. Everyone, especially Ava, Laura and Carly hit it out of the park. And Ryan is still out there so there is more to come and I can not wait.
You are a thoroughbred, Maura—-more power to you for having Jon and Genie working alongside with you!! Creme de la creme!!
On another note– is Willow a victim or a foe? Is Shiloh Willow’s deceased baby’s father?—–
Maura West’s performances were very heartfelt. I had to rewind several times – brought me to tears each time. Awesome performances for sure.
Maura West is always good, so are her co stars, no one is good alone, so I always cringe when someone gets single out.
Beyond the Gates
2026 SDSA TV Award Nominations: All Five Daytime Dramas Score in Best Achievement in Set Decoration
The Set Decorators Society of America has revealed its nominations for 2025-26 SDSA Awards for Television, which recognizes the work of the set decoration and production designers in primetime, streaming and daytime series.
This year, all five soap operas: Beyond the Gates, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital and The Young and the Restless all received nominations in the Best Achievement in Decor/Design of a Daytime Series category.
In its official SDSA rule book, to qualify for the category of a Daytime Series, which includes daytime dramas, daytime talk shows, daytime game shows, and daytime children’s programming, all episodes must air before 6:00pm and must have a credited Set Decorator. For daytime dramas, the content must contain multiple plotlines that are carried over from episode to episode.
Photo: JPI
WHICH EPISODES CAN BE INCLUDED IN THE COMPETITION?
The eligibility year for episodes runs June 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026. Founded in 1993, the SDSA is an international nonprofit professional association dedicated to promoting excellence and preserving the legacy of the art of set decoration in motion pictures and television.
Several popular primetime and streaming titles that have wrapped their final seasons also received nods including Euphoria, Stranger Things, Hacks, Outlander, and The Boys. Popular titles such as Bridgerton.
Take a look below at the nominated scenic design teams from your favorite soaps:
Best Achievement in Décor/Design of a Daytime Series
Beyond The Gates: Set Decoration by Cynthia Slagter with Production Design by Bruton Jones
The Bold and the Beautiful: Set Decoration by Prim Rosales, Beth Wooke, Prerna Chawla, Charlotte Garnell, Chelsea Mondelli, Michelle Hall, & Linda Louise Sheets with Production Design by Lou A. Trabbie III
Days of Our Lives: Set Decoration by Adele Caine & Sarah Holmes with Production Design by Tom Early & Dan Olexiewicz
General Hospital: Set Decoration by Jennifer Elliot with Production Design by Andrew Evashchen
The Young and the Restless: Set Decoration by Jennifer Haybach, Justine Mercado, Maria Dirolf, & Monica Lowe with Production Design by David Hoffmann
So, which soap opera from the calendar year of basically June of 2025 to a week ago in 2026, do you think has had the best looking sets? Beyond the Gates, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital, or The Young and the Restless? Make you pick and drop it in the comment section below.
The Thursday June 4 episode of General Hospital paved way for the end of the line for Jenz Sidwell’s (Carlo Rota) butler/fixer, Pascal (Marc Forget).
In the pick of the June 3 cliffhanger, Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) was the hero and stopped the evil-doer from fleeing Port Charles for his part in aiding and abetting his boss with the cover-up of the murder of Professor Henry Dalton (Daniel Goddard) among other crimes.
Today’s episode did indeed mark the final appearance of Marc Forget who joined the ABC soap opera when he debuted back in July of 2025. Viewers met met Pascal when Kelly Thiebaud returned to the soap opera as Britt Westbourne and she was being blackmailed to work on Faison’s final project while at the Five Poppies in Dalmatia.
Courtesy/ABC
A General Hospital rep confirmed to Soap Opera Digest, that the June 4 episode, “Will be the last viewers will see of Pascal for now, but notes that in the world of Port Charles, comebacks are always possible.” So, how did Pascal get written-off the canvas? Here’s what went down:
PASCAL GIVES LUCAS KEY INFORMATION BEFORE BEING DRAGGED AWAY
After Sonny intercepted Pascal on his desperate attempt to get out of town, Sonny informed him hat Sidwell would stop at nothing from trying to get retribution for whoever killed his son, Marco, and promptly turned around and said that he would help Pascal flee the country, only if he turned on Sidwell.
An absolutely terrified Pascal had evidence for Sonny that he could use against Sidwell. However, he feared he would get killed on sight if he tried to retrieve the incriminating photos of Sonny and Laura from the safe at Wyndemere. So instead, Pascal gave the combination to the safe to Lucas (Van Hansis), so he could get the blackmail photos himself. But, did Pascal just set up Lucas to be killed since he loathes him for being the man to win the heart of the late Marco?
In the end, Sonny had one of his henchmen drag Pascal away and whisked off to an airfield to fly away to parts unknown, and hopefully never to be heard from again. But what now? Is Lucas going to end up being pegged as Marco’s killer and taken down by Sidwell if he gets his hands on the incriminating photos for Sonny and Laura? Stay tuned.
So, what did you think of Marc Forget’s run as Pascal? Sad or happy to see the character go? Do you think he will be back down the line? Share your thoughts via the comment section.
In one of the more far-fetched soap opera moments in recent memory, while Harrison Chase (Josh Swickard) and Willow Cain (Katelyn MacMullen) are chatting at the Quartermaine boathouse in swimming trunks for him and a bikini for her, the two exes have a heart to heart on Wednesday’s June 3 episode of General Hospital.
The moment was set-up by Michael (Rory Gibson) and Jacinda (Paige Herschell) who want to find a way to push the exes together in order to get incriminating evidence of the two, so Michael can gain leverage over Willow for full custody of their children. once and for all. Jacinda notes how Chase definitely has a savior and white knight syndrome going on.
During Willow and Chase’s chat at the boathouse, the subject turns to how Chase was demoted at the PCPD in his efforts to help get Willow acquitted of attempted murder charges at her trial for the shooting of Drew. He has since gone from detective to patrolman. However, Willow comes up with an idea! Why doesn’t he come to work for her as her chief of staff. Willow feels he would be perfect, because he is only one of the only people she can trust.
Courtesy/ABC
WILLOW LAYS OUT THE BENEFITS OF CHASE ACCEPTING HER JOB OFFER
A surprised Chase, says he isn’t qualified, but Willow thinks otherwise. She urges him to consider the position she is offering, because it would give him a more regular schedule that would be befitting for him being a new father to baby Phoebe.
Chase’s want to know why it was so important to Willow that he take the job, she continues to explain how she trusts him, but Tracy (Jane Elliot) spots the two in a close moment and hides behind the boathouse. Willow exits, but asks Chase to promise he will think over her offer.
Next, Tracy threatens Chase that this is the last time he will cheat on her granddaughter, Brook Lynn Quartermaine (Amanda Setton). Knowing he didn’t “cheat” on his wife, Chase looks pissed off.
So, can you imagine, Chase as Willow’s Chief of Staff? Weigh-in if you think he will be stupid enough to take this job knowing the issues it would cause for Brook Lynn? Will the police officer ever get the clue that Willow is manipulating him like she does to everyone else? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
2026 SDSA TV Award Nominations: All Five Daytime Dramas Score in Best Achievement in Set Decoration
Shemar Moore Makes Another Return to ‘The Young and the Restless’ as Malcolm Winters
How ‘The Young and the Restless’ Mark Grossman Almost Became ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Thomas Forrester
Marc Forget Exits ‘General Hospital’
‘Days of Our Lives’ Officially Confirms Ryan Quan Returning as Co-Head Writer Beginning in July
‘General Hospital’ Cast Maxwell Caulfield as Apollo, the Suspicious Gallery Owner in Guest Appearance
‘The Bold and the Unscripted’ New Reality Competition Series Gives Actors a Shot at Role on the CBS Soap
‘General Hospital’ Casts Dean Geyer in the Role of ‘Tristan Roberts’
‘General Hospital’ Alum William Lipton Featured in ‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4,’ the Next Installment from Video Game Franchise
Steve Burton and Finola Hughes Back Taping Episodes at ‘General Hospital’
How ‘The Young and the Restless’ Mark Grossman Almost Became ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Thomas Forrester
Peabo Bryson, Grammy Award-Winning Singer of Memorable ‘One Life to Live’ Theme Song, Passes Away at 75
Daytime Drama Casting Directors Talk Four of the Most Challenging and Important Recasts of Their Careers
‘Beyond the Gates’ and ‘The Young and the Restless’ Crossover Event Preview: A Tornado, Scandal and Dangerous Liaisons
Steve Burton and Finola Hughes Back Taping Episodes at ‘General Hospital’
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