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.
38
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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,… Read more »
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… Read more »
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.
All My Children
TONIGHT: Kim Delaney Stars in Lifetime’s ‘The Long Island Serial Killer: A Mother’s Hunt for Justice’
All My Children
‘ABC Daytime: Back on Broadway’ Raises $130,565 For Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS In Four Day Streaming Event
General Hospital
GH’s Maurice Benard Will Celebrate His Birthday With Very Special Guests When He Drops ‘Bad Boy Stories’ On March 1st
CW’s ‘Dynasty’ Season Four Premiere Date Announced
Rome Flynn Joins Netflix Series ‘Dear White People’ for its Fourth and Final Season
‘This Is Us’ Star Mandy Moore Welcomes Baby Boy
OLTL & DAYS Alum Melissa Archer Mourns the Loss of Her Father to COVID-19
B&B’s Jacqueline MacInnes Wood Welcomes Baby Boy Lenix
Y&R’s Anthony Morina & Josh Griffith Issue Statement on Casting of Sasha Calle as new ‘Supergirl’
Matt James Speaks Out on ‘Bachelor’ Controversies
WATCH: Jackée Harry Comes to Days of our Lives Promo
Soap Vet Lesley Anne Down Joins Cast of ‘Reagan’ Bio-Pic as Margaret Thatcher
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Did Vinny Switch the Paternity Results of Steffy’s Baby?
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Cady McClain Ends Her Great Run as Jennifer; But Not Before A ‘Wink-Wink’ Nudge-Nudge’ to AMC’s Dixie ‘Poison Pancake’ Debacle
Expectant Mom, B&B’s Jacqueline MacInnes Wood, Shares Gender Reveal of Her Baby
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Did Vinny Switch the Paternity Results of Steffy’s Baby?
GH’s Maurice Benard Will Celebrate His Birthday With Very Special Guests When He Drops ‘Bad Boy Stories’ On March 1st
GH’s Chad Duell and Y&R’s Courtney Hope Engaged!
GH’s Josh Swickard and Wife Lauren Reveal They’re Expecting A Baby Girl
Elizabeth Leiner Joins the Cast of Y&R as Tara Locke
Y&R’s Anthony Morina & Josh Griffith Issue Statement on Casting of Sasha Calle as new ‘Supergirl’
TONIGHT: Kim Delaney Stars in Lifetime’s ‘The Long Island Serial Killer: A Mother’s Hunt for Justice’
Y&R’s Sasha Calle Cast as DC Universe’s New ‘Supergirl’ In Upcoming Motion Picture, ‘The Flash’
WATCH: Jackée Harry Comes to Days of our Lives Promo
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Did Vinny Switch the Paternity Results of Steffy’s Baby?
TONIGHT: Kim Delaney Stars in Lifetime’s ‘The Long Island Serial Killer: A Mother’s Hunt for Justice’
Y&R’s Sasha Calle Cast as DC Universe’s New ‘Supergirl’ In Upcoming Motion Picture, ‘The Flash’
GH’s Maurice Benard Will Celebrate His Birthday With Very Special Guests When He Drops ‘Bad Boy Stories’ On March 1st
TODAY: ‘Edge of Night’s’ Terry Davis, Frances Fisher, and Sharon Gabet in Virtual Chat
Expectant Mom, B&B’s Jacqueline MacInnes Wood, Shares Gender Reveal of Her Baby
Linda Dano Talks Taking On DAYS Vivian, Heartfelt Memories of Another World & Felicia Gallant, One Life to Live, Winning a Daytime Emmy & More
Cicely Tyson Recalls Her Time On ‘Guiding Light’ & Her Mother’s Obsession With Soaps In Final Interview on ‘Live with Kelly & Ryan’
Milwaukee News Anchor, Vince Vitrano, Outed as Days of our Lives Diehard Fan
-
Days Of Our LivesFebruary 18, 2021DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Cady McClain Ends Her Great Run as Jennifer; But Not Before A ‘Wink-Wink’ Nudge-Nudge’ to AMC’s Dixie ‘Poison Pancake’ Debacle
-
NewsFebruary 15, 2021Expectant Mom, B&B’s Jacqueline MacInnes Wood, Shares Gender Reveal of Her Baby
-
PreviewsFebruary 21, 2021THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Did Vinny Switch the Paternity Results of Steffy’s Baby?
-
General HospitalFebruary 18, 2021GH’s Maurice Benard Will Celebrate His Birthday With Very Special Guests When He Drops ‘Bad Boy Stories’ On March 1st
-
General Hospital - Latest NewsFebruary 15, 2021GH’s Chad Duell and Y&R’s Courtney Hope Engaged!
-
General HospitalFebruary 17, 2021GH’s Josh Swickard and Wife Lauren Reveal They’re Expecting A Baby Girl
-
NewsFebruary 16, 2021Elizabeth Leiner Joins the Cast of Y&R as Tara Locke
-
NewsFebruary 23, 2021Y&R’s Anthony Morina & Josh Griffith Issue Statement on Casting of Sasha Calle as new ‘Supergirl’