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.
General Hospital
Chris McKenna Reportedly Out as ‘General Hospital’s’ Jack Brennan

As ABC’s General Hospital continues to make casting additions in front of the camera; a new report indicates that Chris McKenna is the next contract player to be written out of the show as his storyline as Port Charles WSB bureau chief, Jack Brennan, is coming to end this fall.
According to sources close to the situation, who informed Soap Opera Network, McKenna will exit the long-running soap opera when Jack is killed-off the canvas. The outlet shares, Brennan’s death will come about as the soap, “leans heavily into storylines surrounding the World Security Bureau (WSB).”
McKenna, who previously appeared on the soaps when he was 12 as a young Joey Buchanan on One Life to Live from 1990-1993, then as an adult as Mark Harding on The Young and the Restless from 2014-2015, and next on The Bold and the Beautiful in the short term role of Dr. Hayden, began his run as GH’s Brennan back in February of 2025, replacing Charles Mesure in the role.

Photo: ABC
JACK’S ROCKY ROAD TO ROMANCE
In fact, McKenna won the part over Daniel Goddard and Daniel Cosgrove, who eventually were cast in other roles on General Hospital, that of Henry Dalton and Ezra Boyle, respectively. Chris informed his fans via X, back in August of 2025, that he was put on contract at the daytime drama and thanked them for helping make it happen.
Chris told Michael Fairman TV how it was to step into the role previously played by Charles Mesure, “I knew the challenge it was going to be and I had a like 0nly five days to get my head around it, so I was ready for it. Sure, it was challenging, but I was up for it. I was a recast before on The Young and the Restless.”
On-screen, Jack became romantically involved with Carly Spencer (Laura Wright), but that went bust when Carly learned Jack was not up front with her and had secretly enlisted her daughter, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) to join the WSB. Over months, Carly plotted to get revenge on Jack, and suddenly, Valentin Casssadine (James Patrick Stuart), Jack’s mortal enemy, came into the picture and he had fallen for Carly and she for him.
Now, Jack has started up a relationship with Nina Reeves (Cynthia Watros) and has found himself in situations stooping to lows to help Nina and her criminal daughter, Willow Cain (Katelyn MacMullen) out of jams, especially where Drew Cain (Cameron Mathison) is concerned.

Photo: ABC
REUNITING WITH ERIKA SLEZAK
Last fall, Chris got a thrill of a lifetime when his OG on-screen mother from One Life to Live, the iconic Erika Slezak (ex-Viki) took on a guest role on General Hospital as Ronnie Bard, the secret sister of Monica Quartermaine (the late Leslie Charleson). While the two did not have a storyline together, Chris did share some tender moments reconnecting with Erika on the set,
McKenna has a laundry list of primetime credits including: State of Affairs, Good Trouble, Lucifer and Castle, where in an ironic twist he appeared alongside another Joey Buchanan none other than Nathan Fillion.
So, how do you feel if the report holds true and GH is killing off Brennan and Chris McKenna would exit the show? How do you think Brennan will die on GH? Will he be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and someone will take him out? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
General Hospital
Ryan Paevey Open to Return to ‘General Hospital’ to ‘Stir the Pot if Cassius Could be a Good Agent of Chaos’

On General Hospital, Ryan Paevey wrapped his comeback to General Hospital on the July 6 episode, when it was revealed that Cassius Faison was not dead, but being held by the WSB thanks to Z (John Oliver).
It was Z who gave Cassius an ultimatum: a one-way ticket to prison or a death sentence, or to become an agent himself! We never got the answer on-screen, but suffice to say, Cassius is still out there somewhere, but we can assume he is working for the WSB.
GH fans were thrilled to see Paevey back on the ABC daytime drama series where he initially played the very popular Detective Nathan West from 2013-2018. It had been over 7 years until Ryan made a return to his former soap stomping grounds when on-screen in September of 2025, he arrived in Port Charles as a very much alive Nathan, who was actually Cassius impersonating his late twin brother.

Photo: ABC
Over this past weekend, Paevey appeared at the annual GH Fan Club Weekend in Burbank, California, where according to a report from Soap Central who was on the scene; when a fan asked Ryan if he would make another visit to the soap opera in the future, he explained, “That’s a ‘Frank Chat,’ referencing a discussion would need to be had with Frank Valentini, GH’s executive producer.
A CASSIUS FAISON SIGHTING ANYTIME SOON?
Ryan also added, “I’m a bit of a drifter. So, I’m not sure that I want to go back and sign forever. Doing so took a lot of things out of my life, stuff that is valuable to me.” Paevey also explained while he was away from GH he was caretaker to his parents and working on his Fortunate Wanderer jewelry business and more.
However, Paevey concluded his thoughts on the matter with, “But, yeah, I would come back and stir the pot if Cassius could be a good agent of chaos… a conversation might be had with Frank about exactly what ‘not dead’ means.”
All this to say, would you like to see Ryan make another comeback to General Hospital? This time as WSB agent Cassius Faison? Do you think he would help out his sister, Britt and his mutter, and even Josslyn, if they got into serious future trouble? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Christian Howard Makes One Final Return as Ethan Lovett, as Hudson Learns Damning Intel

The Tuesday, August 4 episode of General Hospital brought with it another appearance by Christian Howard in the role of Ethan Lovett. As previously reported, Howard was brought into wrap up Ethan’s storyline as Nathan Dean’s four-month run with the show came to its conclusion.
Now, it has been 100% officially confirmed that today was the last episode of Howard as the recast Ethan. In story, Ethan was now seen in Oslo, Norway after hightailing it out of Port Charles after Hudson (Troy Lennon Appel) had showed up looking for him at the Metro Court pool in Port Charles.
On the July 31st episode, Ethan made a beeline to Lulu’s (Alexa Havins) grabbed his bags and headed out of the country without saying goodbye to Ava (Maura West), who he just had spent the night with.

Courtesy/ABC
However, on Tuesday’s GH, it was also the day where Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) finalized baby Phoebe’s adoption for Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard). This was juxtaposed with the action in Oslo where Hudson showed up at Ethan’s hotel room door. He demanded immediate answers about Delilah and the baby. Ethan told him that both Delilah and the baby she carried died.
ETHAN’S LIES CATCH UP TO HIM
Hudson is livid. The two get into multiple altercations with Hudson getting the upper hand claiming that Ethan is a thief, who had “stolen from the wrong man.” At that point, Hudson delivered a beatdown on Ethan. Next, he threatened Ethan that he will go after his entire family if he finds out he was lying to him.
Back in Port Charles at the Metro Court pool, Ava is lamenting about Ethan’s sudden disappearance to Trina (Tabyana Ali). Later alone, she gets a call from Ethan telling her to never reveal that he’s not Phoebe’s biological father. Cut to: Hudson out in the hotel hallway listening in on the call through a bug he planted in Ethan’s hotel room. Hudson then takes off. The final moment of Ethan’s is him sprawled out bloody on top of the hotel bed.
A GH rep told Soap Opera Digest that “the door is open for Ethan to return to Port Charles” in the future. And as previously reported by TV Insider, when Nathan Dean signed on for his four month return, it was due in part to that he and his wife announced back in March they were expecting a baby.
So, now that Christian Howard has officially exited the series marking the end of the story for now of Ethan Lovett, what are your thoughts? Obviously, we will look for Hudson to return to Port Charles and infiltrate the Quartermaines lives especially Brook Lynn and Chase to get close to Phoebe, and then there is Ava, who may be in terrible danger, or is she? Share your thoughts and theories.
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