Breaking News
Genie Francis Returning To General Hospital!
125
It’s about damn time. I’m excited to add GH back to my DVR. What have I missed since January? My motto is always, “when Laura leaves, so do I.” Laura is coming back to Port Charles and so am I.
This makes me a regular viewer again once she is back on screen…meanwhile, i said Nelle will switch babies with Brad and Lucas’s which i believe theirs die…kind of like when Heather secretly let the Taylors adopted her son Steven Lars but they called him PJ…and just like that story when all is revealed Lucas dies of a heart attack like Peter Taylor and Brad will later be murdered and found laying in a pool of blood with the name Micheal written in blood like when Diana was found with Anne’s name written on the floor-ok, kidding about the latter… Read more »
I love, Jimh, how yo recall that long-ago story. It was epic and I loved it! Poor Diana Taylor! The show had some awesome stories in the 1970s and early 1980s beyond the Luke and Laura phenomenon.
I second your thoughts precisely, Iakovos! I am especially partial to the 1970s, its storylines as well as the original Diana Taylor, Valerie Starrett! But they continued to give the Taylors great storylines even after Starrett left. LSD-laced iced tea anyone? Jeff/Anne/Diana triangle, murder of Diana, etc….
James…your fondness of Diana Taylor (and Valerie Starrett) makes me fondly remember the Quartermaine family…ESPECIALLY back in the 1980’s. Man, oh, man…those were the storyline days!!!!! Soap days from long ago. Oh…and you are SO RIGHT ON…Genie’s return is most welcome news…DEFINITELY!!!!!
Later, Brother.
Hello jaybird 369! You certainly can’t go wrong with the Quartermaines! True GH royalty! As is Genie Francis!
If ReRon was still writing, that’s EXACTLY what they would do… and of course he would break Heather out of her padded cell again to do it.
Ron already copied Diana’s murder when Connie wrote “AJ” in blood after she was shot. Of course, the moron probably didn’t have enough strength to write “Ava” only 1 more letter & not implicating The soon-to-die again Quartermaine heir.
He would write Heather to be Nelle’s mother.
Jimh, I, of course, love your nod to Diana and Peter Taylor! But that would involve recycling plotlines. And what show would EVER do that?!?! 🙂
Still, Genie’s return is most welcome news!
Thanks James…i think Diana and Peter were awesome characters…wish i had watched their entire story…as i said before i did see Valerie in the role when i was at my grandmas house and she started as a waitress…also seen clips of her on youtube..you are so right about Valerie-she was great!!!…and i wouldnt mind recycles stories as a nod to the past but only if done right-but i like Brad and Lucas and wouldnt want them killed of…hope there are scenes of them raising their son and Brad’s reaction everytime he sees Micheal-that could be some neat stuff there!!!
Hey Jimh! Thanks for your reply. I do remember our back-and-forth on Diana and Peter. Sometimes it’s almost scary how ingrained their story is in my mind, particularly when my memory on other things is hit and miss! My fandom of Starrett is a programmed talking point for me! Always will be so… No, I wouldn’t want Brad or Lucas killed off either. And I agree with you that recycling is not always a bad thing. In the big picture, it’s often a necessity. Without it, we’d have storylines on aliens, weather machines, and many characters coming back from the… Read more »
Soaps should be about different generations to please viewers of all age…old or young i will watch as long as their story is good and interest me!!!
Please cook up a better storyline for Genie Francis on GH. Here is one of the premier actresses on daytime – still beautiful, vital. Personally, I wish Ms. Francis would go back to playing Cane’s mother on Y&R. She had more interesting material to work with, and the relationship with the available Jack Abbot has so much potential…
I hope the story is about Laura finding Nikolas alive. Which in turn brings Spencer back to town. Am I asking for alot?
Well, there’s two big problems with that scenario….. 1) Tyler Christopher is still in Salem, the only successful Nicholas recast is apparently now a fugitive and serial con man (yes, in real life) and the last temporary recast sucked dragon ass. So Nik coming back seems unlikely. 2) Spencer’s return is problematic because Josslyn and Cameron (the other two participants in ReRon’s ridiculous kiddie love triangle from a few years back) are now SORASed to teenagers. So we would probably see a SORASed Spencer and they would more than likely ruin the character in the process. I suspect the storyline… Read more »
Now if Laura is brought back with an adventure for us to watch, I’ll definitely take that. Sounds like a good story you cooked up!!!
WOW!! Satan…congrats. That idea had not even crossed my mind, but I loooove it !!
Yes, I suspected all along that “Kevin” was not really Kevin, but Ryan….. Laura, as his prisoner, has so much merit. I hope you’re right. Intriguing!!
when did we get confirmation?
When they were dragging Carly off to the electro-shock chamber, she passed another patient in the hall, who was muttering “SOS”. Though they blurred the camera shot, it was clearly Kevin’s face.
Of course the problem there is whether Carly will remember this at all, given the amount of drugs in her system at the time.
oh..thanks. I didn’t get a look at his face. Before that scene I’ve been going back and forth with the Kevin/Ryan theory. So far I’ve seen nothing to indicate that Kevin’s not himself. He has been nothing but warm, supportive and helpful to Franco, Carly and Alexis…no aberrant behavior, etc. I’m leaning toward Morgan or Nicolas…unless you’re right and that face was clearly {albeit blurry) Kevin’s.
It does seem coincidental with Genie’s return…hmmm.
Did not notice the face…I saw the guy as a blur. Good point and observation, Satan.
It only reenforces what I, you, and others thought that Kevin is not Kevin.
I noticed the discrepancy of time from Alexis’ first meeting with Kevin.
Then, he was at Ferncliff with Carly simultaneously.
How could Kevin be at two places at once?
Wow, Satan, thanks for that info on “the only successful Nicholas recast”; I did some googling and . . . interesting stuff, to say the least. I had no idea; I wondered what he had been up to in the years since his last soap gig, and it turns out he’s been a very busy boy (and a very, very bad one). Clearly I need to do a better job of keeping up! As for the storyline you suspect is going to play out: I would be surprised (though I guess where GH is concerned, nothing should surprise me). Genie… Read more »
Laura could always be the one who brings Ryan down in the end. Maybe she could even get an assist from Felicia, since it’s inevitable that Ryan will probably come after her now that he’s back in town.
Despite being one of Kevin’s best friends, there’s no love lost between Laura and Felicia. Luke cheated on Laura with Felicia in the early 2000’s. (One of the most cringeworthy pairings in GH history).
Perhaps having Felicia team up with Laura might mend fences.
Steve, that was most definitely a cringe-worthy pairing back then. I like Kristina Wagner but Tony acted circles around her. They were not equally matched. It was a bad pairing in every way. It was painful to watch.
I agree, it’s a win for the good guys no matter what the story is. I remember when Finola returned in 2012 and quickly went on contract. That was a win as well after not being wanted on the show regularly since her departure in ’92. Whether I’ll watch is another thing altogether. What is allowed onscreen will determine whether I will tune in and my bar keeps being raised higher and higher as the years go on so those in charge will have to put in more effort to bring me (and many others like me who are not… Read more »
Just replace Tyler christopher; problem solved.
I had thought of that same storyline. Genie would really get to emote; she does it so very well. Story could be exciting, suspenseful, and dramatic.
If they will let Genie have some air time!!!
Yes, bring Laura can bring back Lucky AND Nikolas. Of course, NiK is alive. 🙂
Yeah, having Spencer and Nikolas back with Laura would be awesome!!!
I think it’s rather magnanimous of her to keep returning in light of how poorly the show has treated her in the past. Having said that, I’m delighted she’ll be back. She is soap royalty and deserves to be treated as such. Maybe we’ll find out one day what was in the letter that Luke left for her when he departed.
I’m guessing there’s something in it for her this time around or she wouldn’t be back. She has over 7K likes from fans on her Tweet about her returning which is more than 3x the number of GH’s audience so obviously she has some pull–I just want to see the result of those negotiations.
I’m not really a fan of the Laura story since she married Kevin. I don’t think it will return a real love or serious relationship. Both Characters are simple. We shall see!
Kevin is far from simple. If you didn’t watch in the 90’s, you’ll be sure to discover that in the weeks ahead.
Agreed!
Laura is a “simple” character????!!! Say what!!!!????
This is great news for Genie fans. Listen, she cleared the air when everyone jumped on Valenti’s back about her being put on recurring back in January. That was nice of her and lucky for him! I remember last time she came back Frank teased he had an amazing story for Genie. Uh, she walked around the hospital with a clipboard and slept with Kevin WHEN she was on. Good job Frank! Hey, how could they miss the boat this time, Ryan will be Kevin and Kevin will be Ryan and Laura will be caught in the middle! Hopefully Luke… Read more »
Fat chance of that happening since Tony Geary was so very vocal about not even appearing with Genie when he “retired.” So very unprofessional and plain declasse.
Although I know Tony wants nothing to do with LnL, I would not mind seeing Luke and Tracy help Laura get to bottom of this. Tracy became good friends with Laura, after all. I can see Tracy wanting to help Laura reunite with her dear Kevin. And I haven’t watched in a few days…have they said where Anna is? Could she be tied up in this mess also? Robert and Luke need to help. 🙂
The show can barely afford Genie. There’s no $ in the budget for expensive returns like TG or JE.
I agree Steve but there is a lot of fat on that cast list!
Carrie, I put out Tony’s name because I do love him BUT I also knew it would piss some people off wanting him to return! Thank you for being open minded. What you suggested is brilliant! Tony might not like Genie but on screen they get along and have moved on. Luke would be cool with Laura hooking up with Kevin. Anna, I havent a clue. Robert confirmed she is missing and being held and I think they want Finn to join her? Its weird. I hope its Anna’s twin they have captured along with the real Anna who has… Read more »
Timmm, Like you, I think Luke would be relieved Laura married Kevin. He would be happy it was not scotty. Since Laura is the mother of most of his kids (assuming he had not fathered illegitimate kids in brothels across the globe), he would want to help her. i can see Tracy wanting to help her also. Can you imagine Tracy getting into Mary Pat’s face reading her the riot act? Since Luke knows what it is like to be locked away in the looney bin, I can see him wanting to help Kevin. Kevin helped Luke on a mission… Read more »
I never had the understanding that Tony does not like Genie; I thought, rather, that he preferred Luke without Laura and felt the Luke and Laura pairing limited what the show could do with Luke–and hence the range of acting possibilities they could give him. But I had never heard of any dislike or animosity on the part of Tony Geary toward Genie Francis. (Maybe I missed it, however.)
I think his problem was more with Luke and Laura. As a young actor, he didnt want to be labeled THAT guy or THAT couple because when that whole wedding craze was going on, Tony had dreams of starring in great Hollywood movies like his friend Liz Taylor did. He didnt want a label or stereotype. He wanted the freedom to be in other things. Well, as time went on and he got older, he saw that being the next Brando or Bogey was a pipe dream so he embraced the soaps and his character. AND, staying with Laura would… Read more »
There are others I’d rather see back full time like Scorpio and Mac. I like Laura but her character in recent years has bored me. I think she ages Kevin with her sedate personality, as well. I’d rather see him with someone else. He and Alexis would have been interesting. He needs someone with personality to liven him up and Alexis needs a good, stable guy.
Laura? Without, Luke, Lucky, Scotty, Nicolas, Stefan, Helena…all the people and situations that gave her character life? The jury’s still out for me.
The writers made Laura boring…hope that changes when she returns…a long time ago i said Alexis should been with someone like Kevin…but now maybe it could be with his evil twin!!!
lol…dont press the “sweet” too far. You know me when it comes to my girl!
Yes, Jimh….Bedding the evil twin, Ryan, would be exactly par for the course for Alexis, given her highly questionable taste in men…Totally her speed!
Hey, Shay, Perhaps,the ‘old’ Alexis would slide right in….as I said, looking for love in all the wrong places—-but, the new, revived Alexis is a different person; that is, in a different state of mind. I would hope a more positive one. I really like Alexis as she is. …..without Julian; without all the baggage of the ‘wrong” men in her life; starting with her father. Alexis has finally reached her “majority”, per se. She better not disappoint me, LOL. I think it would be a big mistake on the writers’ part to put Alexis back on the road to… Read more »
Yep..she needs Ryan!!!
No, Jimmy…not Ryan. Way back when I suggested Ryan would be impersonating Kevin when Laura came back. But, Shay said that Laura would not get fooled that easily. I doubt Alexis would get easily fooled either. From what I understand, Ryan is dangerously nuts. I would not wish him on anyone. I think Satan has the best scenario….if it pans out: Kevin has kidnapped Laura and holding her prisoner? And, the guy in the hallway at Ferncliff is, indeed, Kevin? I said at the onset that the SOS signals had to be given by someone with intelligence, or a military… Read more »
Maybe, Jimmy…..but, albeit some people saw her as boring, I never felt that way. She was not on long enough; or given a decent, ‘grab-me’ storyline.
Her life consisted of Lulu and Specer etc.
This is why I await with bated breath for my head to roll. LOL.❤️
I need more sleep. Seriously; four hours last night. So, huh? Lol, did u mean she’d be a good match with Ryan or did u mean Kevin might be missing in action and pretending to be Kevin? Yawn, stretch, if only I wasn’t on my lunch break at work and could sleeeeeeep…zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…
What I said! 🙂
Genie didn’t bore you; the writers write the words.
I didn’t say “Genie” bored me; I said Laura did. Of course the writers write the words; lol! And, the way they’ve written her on her last returns has bored me to tears. I didn’t look forward to her scenes. I wasn’t glued to my set to see her follow Spencer around the park or lecture him at lunch. She didn’t have one interesting story line, she doesn’t interact with other characters, she’s not dynamic. BORED ME. Hoping her return will not.
Just jumping in,adding to all the interesting ideas of Laura’s return. She may be going after Valentin to recover Spencer’s inheritance. Hopefully, she has been with Kevin long enough to know his scent, smell, touch, etc. and as most wives would “know” their own husband, unlike Sam, which was unbelievable, to me at least.
Alexis’ character is no good anymore–they need to retire her after that whole Julexis mess. She’s just not viable as a lead romantic character anymore. The fact of the matter is it’s not an either/or sitch with Robert OR Laura. They could have both back on but what’s the point in bringing all of them back unless they are given story which it’s clear they’re not going to do since they’re all not returning. If and when we see enough of them return and it’s not for a GH Finale, THEN we’ll know the show is turning around and headed… Read more »
Laura is boring to me; not to you. Alexis isn’t boring in the least. To me. And to many of her fans if you go by Facebook and Twitter. I saw you mentioned Twitter on this page and the support Genie got for her return. Truly; I think that’s great. I’m hoping they make her character more interesting. But since you mentioned it, Nancy Grahn has twice as many followers on Twitter; I think Genie has 60k and Nancy has almost 130k. Laura Wright beats them all and I can’t stand Carly so it’s all subjective. As for Alexis? To… Read more »
And by the way, Alexis was never a “lead, romantic character.” She was a woman, like Anna, Tracy, Lucy, etc who had romantic partners. Not viable? By whose standards? She was great with Finn; still think they’re good together. They had more chemistry than Anna and Finn or Hayden and Finn. Something about them fits.
Actually, Anna was a romantic leading character at one point for many years in the 80s. With her Julian storylines, Alexis was given lead time for a bit. With Twitter, Genie doesn’t have that many followers but was getting more than 7K Likes. That’s what’s so telling. If she hadn’t, they wouldn’t be bringing her back. It’s the fan uproar that brought her back. It’s easy to have a lot of Twitter followers if you’ve been on the show for the past ten or more years. It really does not tell you who is most popular. It only tells you… Read more »
Agree to disagree. You like Laura. I “liked” her but I found her character boring in the last stretch. Didn’t like her with Kevin as I mentioned. Love Alexis, which you probably know. She’s extremely popular “out there” regardless of the few on here who aren’t fans. As for Twitter, Genie is behind in followers by over half. Nancy G. Laura W, as well as Michelle S, Finola H have over 100k. Still, doesn’t matter. We like who we like. As for Alexis being a romantic lead, I wouldn’t call her that. Or, any of them. They’re just characters with… Read more »
You definitely don’t know where I’m coming from. Basically, this is a topic on GF’s return and you’re posting negativity in it. But why if you support women over 50 getting story and romance? Laura hasn’t been given the chance for a story so of course you aren’t into her for the past stretch. It makes no sense. The fans and GF did an amazing thing getting her back on the show and honestly it could pave the way for NLG or others you like in that age group to do the same thing one day when they are offhandedly… Read more »
Well, ditto. You haven’t understood a thing I’ve written. And, it was you who played the one-upping with characters. I mentioned that I found Laura’s character boring and felt she made Kevin less dynamic, too. Thought he might have been a good match for Alexis, though I liked Alexis with Finn. It was you, even though this is a page about Genie’s return, who responded that the character of Alexis should “be retired.” They don’t get rid of a character because of a story of a relationship gone wrong… You’re making this personal. I said I like Genie and I… Read more »
It’s not personal. I assure you. And I’m sorry you aren’t able to debate the point of why Genie can’t be given a chance at a good story but NLG (or Jane or Finola, etc) can without getting offended. Again, this topic is not about NLG or Alexis.
JMR; I can debate anything. I’m not sure you’re aware of what you’re posting. YOU said that we should stay clear of each other’s posts. I agreed. And, mentioning another character is not “off limits” here. There aren’t any “rules” that if the topic is Genie Francis coming back you’re not allowed to bring in the mention of another character. (we’re going around in circles at this point.) I just mentioned that I don’t like Laura and Kevin together. What I didn’t mention was I thought the coupling of the two was a great idea at first. But as it… Read more »
Great! You give me hope. I’m glad you think Genie should be given a shot at a good story and yes, that will make us all less bored. That’s all it takes is a good story!
My point with the Alexis “retire” comment is that an actress is only as good as her last story to some like you. However, a lot of fans could dismiss Alexis because of her Julexis story. Just like some, like you, are considering dismissing Laura because they haven’t given her good story in a very, very long time. I don’t have any real Alexis dislike or hate, for the record, if you haven’t figured that out. I know I triggered you and that was the point I was making with that statement. I don’t even care which one of them… Read more »
JMER: What’s the point in “triggering” someone other than to antagonize? There’s no need. I simply said I do not miss Laura nor am I in the group that petitioned for her return or jumping up and down with glee. And by the way I’m not talking about Genie; I’m talking about the character, Laura. Truth be told I’d rather see AJ resurrected again, or as said, Scorpio, Frisco, Mac, etc brought back. THOSE characters would be a great return for me. However, my lack of enthusiasm for Laura seems to have triggered something in you even though I wasn’t… Read more »
And by the way; yeah I love Alexis. A lot. But if the day comes when I don’t, I won’t have a problem with her being gone, too. Nothing to do with Nancy (whom I really like). Talking strictly, again, about the character. There are people who bore the crap out of me in real life and I have no desire to be with them; same thing in fiction; I don’t need to be bored by fictional people. This isn’t about the actor; it’s about the character.
Everything rebecca1 said on both of these posts! Agree with every word.
Hi Violet! Thank you! I’m exhausted! 😉
It took them long enough, but I’m glad they were able to work something out with Genie. She’s a soap opera icon and should have never been dropped in the first place. Now what they need to do is cut some of the dead weight from the cast, of which there is plenty of names to choose from, and get Genie and Tristen Rogers back under contract. Honor the little bit of history that GH has left.
Dan, I would LOVE it if Tristan and Genie were on contract.
Thanks for agreeing, Carrie. There’s no reason both of them shouldn’t be. I know a lot of lapsed GH viewers that it would bring back. Give Laura the front burner storyline she deserves, you could make Robert the Police Commissioner again, with Jordan leaving. So many possibilities. But no, let’s bring on more new characters with no history to the show. Ahhhh! Being a fan of this show is so frustrating sometimes, lol.
Welcome back, Genie Francis!!! This is music to my ears. You are much loved. I’m looking forward to your storyline.
Is it possible Laura and Anna (the equally fabulous Finola Hughes) are being held captive together somewhere?
This is a red letter day for GH! 🙂
Great idea but don’t get too excited about that. Got to stay grounded when following this show.
I got one am thrilled. Gh will be back on the DVR. Loved Laura and Kevin. Hoping we get a good story!
00hh geez.. I asked friend how long Genie was Laura, she sent this; Genie Francis filmed her first scenes on December 28, 1976 and made her onscreen debut on February 8, 1977 She continued to play the role until January 15, 1982, when Genie Francis left show and the character was taken off-screen. (5 years) Genie briefly returned from November 14, 1983 to December 27, 1983 and once again from November 9, 1984 to December 10, 1984. (total 2 months) On October 29, 1993, Genie returned full-time to play Laura until quitting on September 6, 2002. (8 years; not regular)… Read more »
One amendment, su000: Genie WAS a regular between 1993 and 2002–contract role, on multiple times per week, featured heavily in story, etc. What’s missing from your account, though (and I think that with that one amendment, it’s an accurate account of her time on the show), is the context of when she was on–and that context is important here. 1977-82 were GH’s best years, by far, in the ratings (indeed, better than any soap ever); and 1993 until about 1995 or 1996 are considered by many to be another golden period with excellent storytelling (and still far better ratings than… Read more »
Little things matter. Why she left in 1982, they asked her back in 83 to exit Tony because ratings dropped and no one would accept Demi Moore, Janine Turner, Emma Samms, and Jeanna Michaels as Luke’s love interest even though Laura was dead. (and not mentioned again on the show until Nov 83 return). GH did a special w/Tony & Genie/LnL the following year that introduced a bunch of new characters & announced they were in TX & she was pregnant w/Lucky. She was “convinced” to return in 93… each time her fans returned, the ratings showed how important she… Read more »
))In December 1981, General Hospital fans were shocked when Genie Francis, one half of the daytime soap power couple Luke & Laura, suddenly quit the show.
Only 19 and already hugely successful, many people believed the actress had it all.
The truth is, she was struggling with drugs and alcohol and beginning to cause strain behind the scenes((
That is why she left..
I know why she left. I was watching at the time, have seen her interviews about that time, Gloria’s comments etc. The ratings went down when she left. She was 16/17/18/19/20 and working with actors in their 30’s. No peers. And performing at or above the same as anyone on the show.
You got that right, Michael.
What’s the purpose of your post? All that matters is she’s coming back.
Well, she’s gotten more than 7K likes for her Tweet about returning to the show. That speaks for itself seeing as it’s more than 3x the number of the current GH audience. And all of her Tweets since her departure earlier in the year have gotten a similarly high amount of likes. The reason Classic fans have continued to follow their fave actors is because those stories and characters are still resonant today–I doubt that’ll happen with the past two decades of GH in the same way when we’re 25-30+ years on.
Ahhhh, Genie….it does the soul good to see your face and look into those limpid eyes!! You shine, my lady!!
Hope they have the mother lode of a storyline in store for you.
Who occupies the “other” cell at Ferncliff? Do you have the key? Love you….
Bonne chance!! Welcome back; with open arms.
Yay, Celia, our prayers are answered! Makes up for all the Corinthos-centric tales we’ve had to suffer through lately.
Hey, Soaphound,
Yeah……a breath of fresh air, right? The stench of Carly and Sonny has reached the maximum point for me.
If we read these posts, the majority does not like ( to put it mildly, LOL) this couple.
So, it was hard to believe that on Facebook ( not part of it, personally) and other Social Media venues, as Rebecca stated, how popular the couple is. Go figure.
I have had enough of Jason, as well…..too bad, though—just when I started liking him on Y&R. I wish he would go back to GC and rescue Sharon. Ha!
Steve Burton has to be embarrassed with his return to GH! Is the same old crap he did previously on this show. Sonny and Carly’s watch dog! When Patient Six was all drugged up, I was so hoping he would return as Jason Q! I, like you am craving a little Dylan McAvoy!
I know, my T…..I am struggling between reality and the abstract…no answer. While the ‘unreality’ of a being such as Jason may exist; as yourself, I would have welcomed a ‘different’ Jason. Having read all the old posts, and now the new posts, his personality, or lack-thereof has not budged. From what I’ve read, The chasm between Jason Q and Jason Morgan is astronomical? Jason is forever toting a gun, sporting a cold, fixed stare and an obsessive want to be near Carly. Duh?! How is Mighty Mouse OK with this?? How would any man? Does he know of Jason’s… Read more »
I just think Steve would have had so much more fun as a Q. This Terminator dude is so simple. It requires self defense and a line or two!
Hey Celia…’the stench of Carly and Sonny’…TOO FUNNY…lol.
Later, my friend.
Right, Jay??????❤️
You really nailed it with that aptly vivid description, CeeCeeGirl! Kudos….
Thank you, my lovely Shaybelle.
I leárned from one of the best. YOU!!
I jyst finished praising Michael’s (not Fairman)
Splendid account of GH’s days gone by. WOW!! You are in the same category, as far as I’m concerned.
Telling the truth, not withstanding, Shay. I do speak from the heart, as you guys do……it works.
And thank you, CeeCeeGirl! Yes, you do tell it like it is, which I find extremely refreshing….it’s just one of numerous aspects of why I so enjoy your well-written, intelligent, insightful and often witty remarks. However, it sadly doesn’t always “work” here…..calling it like you see it frequently gets one stifled, especially when I respond to you, as I did to your above comments on Alexis, as well as other GH characters in recent weeks. (Seems that unless one is wildly cheerleading certain obviously sacrosanct cast members here, then our less-than-glowing opinions are silenced.) I believe in giving massive praise… Read more »
Well, my lovely Shay….amica cara, We have never met physically….but we know each other in spirit…kindred spirits, yeah?? My twin and I do finish each other’s sentences….and, I bet, if we ever met, you’d read my thoughts …..not as Elle ( Giselle) would, but as close as my other two sisters. We can disagree about any character, yet maintain respect for each other. What happened to change my mind about Alexis was a phenomenon. You witness how I abhorred her EVERYTHING. I truly think the writers put her under that dark light which only Julian could provide. She is now… Read more »
I always respect your opinions, even whence they don’t comport with my own…I truly admire your thought-process regarding characters, storylines, and all else. Why disagreeing has to be disagreeable is a mystery to me…yet, as we have seen time and time again, it can be a very prickly matter, especially in reference to certain subjects which inspire over-passionate responses! And speaking of Alexis…..(Hah!!!)….she still does absolutely nothing for me, and I state so as often as possible, even if my sentiments fail to post! Yes, she may be talking a different game as of late, but will she “walk the… Read more »
rumor has it its a story of rape which makes laura go back into her past..with the help of her husband and mother where she wil finally deal with luke was it rape ..rich hystory with all kinds of flash back..denise and genie will ignite the mother daughter chemistry that rocked this show oh so many years ago..along her journey she will deal with killing rick webber which led to her catatonic state…here she will realize what actually happened to her in her years of sleep..its a journey that leads right back to the present,,past characters will fill the canvas… Read more »
Seriously? They’ve already revisited the rape once and dealt with the fact that it really was rape; I was grateful for it (never, ever was I a fan of the original storyline and the attempt to recast the rape as a “seduction”; whoever was responsible for that–I’m assuming it was Gloria Monty, but I have no way of knowing that for sure–deserves a special place in hell for perpetrating such an appalling notion), but I see no reason to go down that road again. Especially if it will mean rewriting the rewrite that rewrote the original rewrite that rewrote what… Read more »
Thank you for that post, Michael ( not Fairman). Informative. I still have a hard time distinguishing between ‘seduction’ and rape. Seriously….does it depend on the victim’s age ( statutory rape)? Is the delineating point to distinguish the difference the word NO? It’s the beauty and the ugliness of poetic license, I guess. The obfuscation of history and the talent/finesse of playing with words in soaps. Yet, the writer has to be an expert surgeon to excise any doubt from the viewer’s mind. It doesn’t always work…….as it did not here…..not for me. Luke raped Laura. But, it was swept… Read more »
I was a kid during the original rape storyline. I remember all of the disco rape scenes (and the Herb Alpert music) because they flashbacked to it almost daily for months during that time period. A few years ago, I watched the whole story on youtube and it really holds up. Stories were allowed to slowly develop back then and it was a fantastic time. A time of top notch character development. An actor’s dream, I imagine. Lots of long scenes and ample dialog. From the get-go, Genie was instructed to play Laura as being fascinated by Luke. Eventually it… Read more »
What we saw on screen was rape, clearly—at least there was no doubt it my mind; Laura was clearly, visibly terrified and not participating willingly, and if my memory serves me correctly, she said “no” multiple times. That Laura had a fascination and perhaps even an infatuation with Luke had been evident for a good while before (as Carrie notes in her post below), but even as a young man of 18/19, I was infuriated by the idea that the show seemed to be selling, which was that Laura’s attraction to Luke (whatever its exact nature) somehow meant that it… Read more »
Oh, my gosh!!!! Michael!!!!!! This a post for the ages. Immortal… I see everything—the narrative, which brings events and their effects to light, is incredibly alive….visually and emotionally prolific, as I find myself in the midst of it all. My grandmother’s narration(s) is as fertile as yours…..her words paint a picture …….yet, Micheal you have simply transported me to a time where I wasn’t even born….but I was there!!!!!! Watching what transpired, with you. Thank you…..I don’t know if I’ve ever read ( and there are many great writers on these sites) an account; a recollection as to ‘grab’ me… Read more »
You’re welcome, Celia; I’m glad I could provide some real insight. I will add only this, which has occurred to me since I posted yesterday and does provide some context: US society was in a different place then, in particular where rape was concerned. There was still ongoing debate over whether “marital rape” was even possible, and in most states, it was still not illegal. (Only a couple of years before, another soap had done a storyline about it.) I still stand by my perceptions–what I saw on my screen was not a seduction, and the ensuing storyline was indeed… Read more »
Hi, Michael, I’m sure that although “marital rape” was not considered rape, there were many who, such as yourself, or anyone who knew right from wrong, barked at the injustice. Women were possessions. Most marriages were arranged. When I was old enough to understand, I was appalled in learning that there are women rapists, as well. Men do not talk about it because they are embarrassed or feel emasculated. I am glad we are where we are, albeit not everyone speaks up….there’s always that fear of credibility, or lack thereof, and shame. Lorena Bobbit ( sp) did what she did… Read more »
I hadn’t started watching GH til 82 after the L&L phenomenon so I’ve always been curious about how it played out. In fact, rape was not discussed in US culture anywhere until the early 80s so the dialogue between Luke and Laura post-rape initiated a dialogue within the culture about rape–a very soapy thing to do–all this was explained to me in a podcast by media professor Elana Levine who posted this on the topic as well Then I felt good about going back and watching it on YT and it DOES play out that way although I’m not all… Read more »
Thanks for this article. The author reiterates they spent a long, long time rehashing the rape. The rape was discussed to death. It was not swept under the rug. It was a very complex story. It was quite pissibly the first time date rape was addressed on tv. In those days, we learned it as “aquaintance rape.” At least, that is what they called it when Laura attended a few group counseling sessions. It was a compelling story for its time; a first of its kind.
Whatever they were playing on the screen at the time, Gloria Monty did make the rounds trying to sell it as seduction rather than rape, and the bit about Geary having fans scream “Rape me! Rape me!” is also accurate; I may even still have the clippings somewhere, and Geary has also discussed on various occasions how uncomfortable it made him. It’s true that the culture was just beginning to grapple with issues surrounding rape and boundaries and sovereignty; as I pointed out elsewhere, in many states at the time, a woman could not bring charges against her husband for… Read more »
I have heard those things as well Michael (not Fairman). And I’ve been hesitant to watch the old footage but as far as PR and fan reaction goes, I generally dismiss much of that as PR is a simplifying of the actual story on the screen, which is the actual thing most people have an interaction with, not the magazine and newspaper coverage itself. And the hysteria surrounding phenomena such as L&L also tend to simplify and distort things as well because people go out of their minds a bit when reacting to something so strongly. I am encouraged by… Read more »
So glad to hear she is coming back pretty sure it’s very much time now to bring her back to the set have a very heavy story line for her and family!
Best news ever and it is about time. 🙂
OK…you know what: I HOPE AND PRAY TO GOD that GH DOES RIGHT by Genie Francis (and Laura) this time.
Hey…just saying……….
Amazing news! I will look forward to seeing Genie back as Laura. TPTB had better of learned from their grave mistake by kicking her out the door at the beginning of the year. Fans were excited as her storyline started to build and then, bam!, she’s gone. No doubt the storyline will revolve around Kevin and Ryan and Ferncliff with Laura using her deductive powers to suss out the truth of who is who. After that, they ought to have her involved with cleaning up PC like she was going to do when she was running for mayor. Maybe she… Read more »
A standoff at Ferncliff. I would love to see Laura confront Mary Pat! Let Laura’s fierce-B**ch side show.
Thrilled she’s coming back! Love the character and the actress. My hope for this story is she returns to the strong, brave, smart Laura we love, has at least 1 or 2 sets of her own. Has friends because Laura has always had friends around. Discusses her children and grandchildren but the story needs to be a Big Laura Centric showcasing her extraordinary talents. Let her be a Heroine again. Let her be on more than every other Wednesday. Let her finish a story.
Wish they could bring back Elton as one of Laura’s friends. I always enjoyed the Laura/Elton scenes. I enjoyed the scenes between Tracy and Laura as their friendship developed. Monica and Laura were dear friends in the 70s and 80s. Seems like writers, over the years, didn’t have a clue about the Monica/Laura friendship. It is a missed opportunity to not grant them more screen time. Bobbie and Monica became close in the 80s. The 3 ladies could have more screen time. Days of our Lives grants a lot of screen time for their veterans and rounds out the cast.… Read more »
Great news IF TPTB do indeed give Genie a great story! I will tune back in GH at that time to see if they carry through on their promise. It’s always iffy since they have “stiffed” Genie so very many times in the past. Come home, Genie! Can’t wait to see you–could you bring Lucky back, perhaps? 🙂
So true, Nancy. We are tired of being promised a great story only to see her play grandma and mommie again.
Yes! Finally. It’s a shame that she was ever gone but I will focus on her being back on screen with hope that she has a story worthy of her talent and importance to the history of GH. And bring back Leslie – at least as a recurring character. Denise Alexander is also soap royalty and TPTB should treat her as such. Anytime Leslie and Laura are on screen together, it’s soap magic. I hope Genie has a great month in Maine and comes back full force as Laura!
I always loved Denise and Genie as mother and daughter. I love Denise’s sense of humor.
okay yeah bring Laura back to be tortured by Ryan, Kevin’s crazy twin boy I would hate to be in a dark ally with these writers for GH now, they’re evil lovers.
Breaking News
Tyra Banks Exiting ‘Dancing with the Stars’
Breaking News
Days of our Lives Renewed for Two More Seasons on Peacock
Breaking News
‘Rachael Ray’ Daytime Cooking Talk Show to End After 17 Seasons
It’s time to put one less meal together on the stove! Rachael Ray, who has been the star of her own daytime talk show/cooking series, is calling it quits after 17 years.
Making a decision to end The Rachael Ray Show was not an easy decision for the Daytime Emmy-winner, but she revealed to PEOPLE.com, it was time for her to move on. The show will finish up its 17th season, then stop production.
Photo: CBS Media Ventures
Ray shared: “In my more than 20 plus years in television, I have had 17 wonderful seasons working in daytime television with Rachael, however, I’ve made the decision that it’s time for me to move on to the next exciting chapter in my broadcast career. My passions have evolved from the talk show format production and syndication model to a platform unencumbered by the traditional rules of distribution. I am truly excited to be able to introduce and develop new and upcoming epicurean talent on all platforms. That is why I am looking forward to putting all my energies into my recently announced production arm, Free Food Studios. Thank you to all of our Rachael daytime show partners, crew, and affiliates, and the wonderful years we all worked together.”
In a statement, Steve LoCascio, president of CBS Media Ventures, expressed: “When Rachael debuted her show 17 years ago, she was a game-changer in the daytime space. She made cooking accessible to the masses, taught viewers simple solutions on how to improve their lives and coaxed great stories out of celebrity guests with her relatable down-to-earth demeanor. We’re proud to have produced such a successful show with Rachael and her team for so many years. We’ll miss Rachael on the air every day, but we’ll always be family.”
Will you miss Rachael’s daytime show? Comment below.
TODAY: The Young and the Restless 50th Anniversary Celebration Livestream
The Young and the Restless Debuts New Opening Title Sequence
Lauralee Bell’s Lifetime Movie Network Instagram Takeover To Coincide with Y&R’s 50th Anniversary
General Hospital Alum Briana Lane Mourns the Loss of Her Husband
Y&R’s Michael Graziadei Proposes to Girlfriend, Lauren on ‘The Talk’
Louise Sorel Back Taping Episodes at Days of our Lives
Andy Kaufman to be Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame
B&B’s 36th Anniversary Party (Photos)
Julianne Hough Replaces Tyra Banks as New Co-Host of ‘Dancing with the Stars’
Y&R’s 50th Anniversary Party (Photos)
Y&R’s 50th Anniversary Party (Photos)
General Hospital Alum Briana Lane Mourns the Loss of Her Husband
‘The Talk’ to Celebrate The Young and the Restless 50th Anniversary in Weeklong Event
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Ridge & Bill and The FBI Are Working Together to Bring Down Sheila!
GH Alums Chloe Lanier and Johnny Wactor Guest Star on ‘Station 19’
Jane Elliot Returns to General Hospital This April
B&B’s 36th Anniversary Party (Photos)
Tyra Banks Exiting ‘Dancing with the Stars’
B&B Alums Gina Rodriguez and Joe LoCicero Welcome First Child
Days of our Lives Renewed for Two More Seasons on Peacock
TODAY: The Young and the Restless 50th Anniversary Celebration Livestream
The Young and the Restless Debuts New Opening Title Sequence
Y&R’s Michael Graziadei Proposes to Girlfriend, Lauren on ‘The Talk’
Andy Kaufman to be Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame
WWE Friday Night Smackdown: Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn Hug It Out and Reunite
Y&R’s Camryn Grimes and Bryton James Talk Growing Up In Genoa City, Memorable Moments & What’s Next For Mariah and Devon
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Ridge & Bill and The FBI Are Working Together to Bring Down Sheila!
Head Writer Ron Carlivati on Bo & Hope Return: “This Is Old School Days of our Lives, and It’s Something That The Audience Has Waited a Very, Very Long Time to See”
Steve Burton Watches Back An Early Scene as Harris Michaels From 1988 & Talks on His Return to DAYS
CBS Announces ‘The Young and the Restless 50th Anniversary Celebration, An Entertainment Tonight Special’
-
NewsMarch 19, 2023Y&R’s 50th Anniversary Party (Photos)
-
General HospitalMarch 22, 2023General Hospital Alum Briana Lane Mourns the Loss of Her Husband
-
NewsMarch 18, 2023‘The Talk’ to Celebrate The Young and the Restless 50th Anniversary in Weeklong Event
-
RecapsMarch 16, 2023THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Ridge & Bill and The FBI Are Working Together to Bring Down Sheila!
-
General HospitalMarch 15, 2023GH Alums Chloe Lanier and Johnny Wactor Guest Star on ‘Station 19’
-
General HospitalMarch 14, 2023Jane Elliot Returns to General Hospital This April
-
NewsMarch 20, 2023B&B’s 36th Anniversary Party (Photos)
-
Breaking NewsMarch 17, 2023Tyra Banks Exiting ‘Dancing with the Stars’