General Hospital
GH Nurses’ Ball 2019 Part One: Nina’s Red Carpet Arrival Commentary And Locking Eyes With Jax
On Friday’s first installment of the 2019 GH Nurses’ Ball episodes, it was red carpet time in Port Charles as all of the most famous and infamous residents got dressed to the nines and to impress.
This year, Nina Cassadine (Michelle Stafford) is back for her on-camera hosting duties covering the arrivals on the live-stream, but is joined by Crimson’s New York fashion editor, Sydney Val Jean played by guest star Chandra Wilson of Grey’s Anatomy. And as you’d expect, these two fashionistas battle it out at times on the carpet for attention.
Throughout the arrivals, and through this episode, this one really belonged to the talents of Michelle Stafford, who through her comedic, romantic, and dramatic timing, made for some of the best moments. In a surprise, when Nina begins to choke after interviewing Peter (Wes Ramsey), Maxie (Kirsten Storms) and Lulu (Emme Rylan), she excuses herself and ends up outside where Jax (Ingo Rademacher) appears and offers her some champagne. The two seem to be clearly smitten with each other! Nina accepts his drink, and thanks him, and then goes back inside to her hosting gig, while Jax looks very intrigued by Nina. Previously, Nina gave a major kiss to Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) when he appeared on the red carpet.
Photo: ABC
Some of the more shocking …. or interesting red carpet arrivals included: Shiloh (Coby Ryan McLaughlin) showing up with Sam (Kelly Monaco) on his arm, and then getting into words with Sonny (Maurice Benard), who tells the cult leader that family means everything to him and that there is nothing he wouldn’t do for the people he loves. Shiloh is convinced Kristina (Lexi Ainsworth) will come back to “Dawn of Day”.
When Anna (Finola Hughes) and Finn (Michael Easton) stroll down the red carpet, they get distracted when a dapper Robert Scorpio (Tristan Rogers) shows up, clearly intent on wooing back Anna, to which Anna looks caught by her feelings for both men while Finn is pissed at the game’s Robert is playing. Later, Finn confronts Robert about his ring.
Photo: ABC
Everyone was shocked when Kevin Collins (Jon Lindstrom) showed up arm and arm with Ava Jerome (Maura West). We later learn that this is an attempt to smoke out Ryan, who Ava believes will show his face at the ball. Lucy (Lynn Herring), the hostess with the mostess, comes up with a plan to get Kevin away from Ava, not knowing they are not romantically together and tries to, perhaps, rekindle their romance up in a Metro Court hotel room. Meanwhile, Scott (Kin Shriner) wants to get Ava away from Kevin, so he heads up to Lucy’s room with Ava to show her and to catch Kevin and Lucy together, but we don’t know what they saw when the door opened!
Photo: ABC
Meanwhile in Toronto, Canada, Curtis (Donnell Turner) and Laura (Genie Francis) come to realizing they have been tied up and there is a gas leak in the cabin. Laura realizes Ryan is trying to kill her in an explosion just as he was supposed to have perished in at the fun house years ago. It appears Ryan set a trap for Laura and Curtis and fled the scene. The two extricate themselves before running from the cabin just as it blows up!
Back at the ball other notable couples have arrived from: Chase (Josh Swickard) and Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), to Michael (Chad Duell) and Sasha (Sofia Mattson), to Franco (Roger Howarth) and Liz (Rebecca Herbst), to the GH nurses crew.
Photo: ABC
The episode ends with an announcer telling all the guests to take their seats as its just about showtime! And of note: Is the opening title sequence music changed to a new theme for GH, or is it just for the Nurses’ Ball episodes? That’s one of the buzziest questions today.
So, what did you think of the red carpet arrivals? Michelle Stafford’s performance? Jax meeting Nina? What do you think will happen next with Ryan? Comment below
Franco and Elizabeth were the best thing about the red carpet. Roger and Becky can do so much with the little material they’re given, I wish this show would invest in them and use them as leads.
Looking forward to the Ryan reveal at the Ball, more Friz, Cam performing, Ava performing and hopefully some unexpected performances.
Franco sure has become the little joiner, hasn’t he? Not a dark bone in his entire, goody-two-shoe body.
The episode also debuted a revised opening credits with slower pictures and the hospital image as the final shot. Kudos for those two points.
The new song, if it’s permanent, doesn’t seem to fit as it is missing the classic 3-note Jack Urbont intro that has been part of every GH opening since the ambulance version of the late 70s.
Two steps forward, one big step back.
Steve, I caught that also!
Love Robert Scorpio always! I hope he’s not the baddie in this story. Love Michael Easton as well, just not paired with Anna. The photo of the three of them looks like a family photo. Dad, Mum and son!
Like I said, Marianne! Robert Scorpio forever! He can do more with a cocked eyebrow than most actors can do with 5 pages of dialogue. Such a pro!
omg why o why did they put Nina and Jax in scenes together knowing full well that they are changing actresses? seeing Michelle w/ Ingo and the chemistry they obviously have will now have to be reset when the new actress playing Nina takes over. the show should of waited for the new access to debut so she could establish her chemistry w/ Ingo . its already going to be difficult no matter how talented the actress is. just saying.
I agree 100%. I adore Michelle Stafford and am very disappointed that she’s headed out soon. What a bummer!
I’m unfamiliar with the actress taking over the role but I hope she has similar chemistry with Jax.
I don’t think even Mr Valentini and Co knew just how instantly mesmerizing that chemistry would be until it happened. I literally moved to the edge of my seat during that scene. Wowsa! It’s feeling like a huge opportunity missed. Time will tell.
Long live GH! ❤️
Right? And I could really do without Stafford’s goofy, gummy, freaky expressions. Please make her go away.
Patience, Harry! Patience! We shall soon be rid of her….but will Nina 2.0 be any more palatable? I have my doubts….and bringing in an old favorite like Jax to prop up NuNina only reinforces this belief.
Hi Shay
I definitely think the new Nina will be great. I watched Cynthia Watross for years on GL, and if anyone can be mean and snarky, she can match Michelle Stafford any day of the week. As Patrick mentioned Robert Newman from GL, he was the one C.W had the insane, crazy obsession with. I only hope there will be some fire between she and Ringo/Jax,
and that it will lead to the end of Valentin. I would be very glad to see the end of him and his snippy daughter. I had the distinct feeling that he and Jax already knew each other, but will have to wait and see. Hope I didn’t bore you too much.
Not at all, Violet…it was good to hear from you! Although I never watched GL, per se, I am familiar with Watros from her work in an eons-ago sitcom featuring comedian Christopher Titus. Besides being boyishly cute, he was quite offbeat and funny…she played his straight woman as the exasperated girlfriend/wife(?) It was there I suppose I formed a lack of appreciation for her…I simply found her not at all engaging, but that’s just my own take! Having later read of her soap history of portraying a total whackadoo, I could not fathom her being any more appealing for me in that particular mold. Then again, I will admit that I was hoping for a kinder, gentler and more balanced, mature Nina 2.0….someone for whom the term “temporary insanity” could have been suitably applied to her past antics…emphasis on the word “past!” Given the choice of recast, me thinks Nina 2,0’s mental problems have just begun, which may prove highly entertaining for those like yourself with fond memories of “Crazy Annie,” however, I was desirous of someone who would immediately erase all notions of that “Nutty Nina” who we suffered not so gladly over these last five years. In other words, I didn’t want a match for Stafford’s highly strung loonytune, but as you have stated, it appears that is what we—and Port Charles—are in for…To those who will enjoy that scenario, I say God bless, although I doubt I will be counted amongst them. Regardless, at least we can agree upon our less than sparkling opinion of the current Nina…considering many of your hilarious comments about the character, I think I can safely surmise that we both found her to be insufferable and will not miss her one bit!!!! As for Jax and Valentin’s prospective previous knowledge of one another??? It certainly wouldn’t surprise me when you look back at how many times there have been incidental inferences to Jax’s shady doings, whether in tandem with his brother Jerry or all by his lonesome. It also often seems that Valentin has been lurking in the GH shadows for many, many years prior to his onscreen presence, hence he thusly no doubt has the goods on just about everyone with a connection to Port Charles!!! Perhaps our answer to the Jax-Valentin question will be shortly forthcoming! Later, Violet, and thank you for your reply!
IMO, Nina’s reaction to seeing Jax was a little over the top. She was behaving like a giddy, young fangirl. I’m not sure if that demonstrates chemistry; her bedazzlement was certainly obvious.
GOD – ALL it took was one pic… and heart splatters everywhere
Jax AND niNA !
I Miss Michelle Stafford LOVE Michelle Stafford
I have to be excited about Cynthia Watros cause it got me ALIVE Valentin AND readymade to bear w/Charlotte. two exquisite being
I cheered from the mountain top for Nina.. AND my love of this girl, MIchelle Stafford
yeah, it was “No Matter…” how long it took to Valentin to snare Nina
I LOVE you with Jack Abbott .. that was a long time ago
after Valentin; come back
AND I’m beside assuming because of – RED – TURN @Jack many times will keep excited’ because it happens so MANY time
enter a new snare; new show ‘up’
bye Nina… Hello ‘New Actress’ MS w/Eva Larue
I LOVed right’ along w/ Robert Newman drives Joshua Lewis’ “yum”
They gave us a coveted Cassidine that is the opposite of every Cassidine, shameful..
Valentine is nothing more than a Johnny Peachy.
Disgrace what was done to a Cassidine!
Nikolas should have been brought back so Valentin and he could fight for the power while trying to off each other!
Anna is waaaay too old for Finn, she is a Grandma to a teenaged granddaughter.
they are ridiculous together, not to mention totally Boring!
The cult story has no teeth..
The couples are all sleepers, everyone one them.
(no cheating, no betrayals, no dirty deeds, as soap couples are infamous for, the couple all come off as senior citizens on an AARP dating night fling.)
Sonny and Julian have been disassembled and recycled into empty cans.
Carly being pregnant has no purpose unless she loses the baby and freaks out/ old plot.
Jordon and Curtis suck as a couple and her transplant is uneventful-
her kidney will come from the Ball dead guy.
The Willow baby story is a total fail.
Nothing to get excited over its simply BLAHHH, not even a twisty plot to speak of.
Maxie and Lulu have become valley girl annoying..
Back to Ball-
eeehhh .. it’s looking at dresses, couples wearing the dresses and tuxes, this year has little entertainment value..
Hopefully, it will turn it up on Monday..
((the Coldplay song, I’ll get back to that one
bwaa electronic music thing chainsmockers are Awful bad!
All in all– I still love GH, a whole bunch !!
but it needs help, lots of help..
I feel GH will be the 1st of 4 to be cancelled!
Anna is not to old for finn, how insulting she’s beautiful and Finn is no spring chicken. Nobody is bother when the male actor is older then the female actor but god help the women if she’s a few years older, that’s old way thinking so you must be very old.
Furthermore, at one time, it was sort of hinted at that the trouble between Finn and his father had to do with father’s wife. Although that story was never fully developed, it made me think that Finn might have had an affair with her and Chase was the result. In fact, there’s only about a 7 year age difference between Hughes and Easton.
Hi suOOO
I love your comments, mostly because you say things I wouldn’t dare. You are so funny, the way you put things just crack me up. I would really love to know you.
As far as Anna and Finn go, you’ll have to be a little patient, Hayden is returning to take Finn out of Anna’s clutches. I think Carly’s baby was written in because of her real life pregnancy. I don’t see another reason either. Originally, I thought the Wyley Willow thing was to get she and Michael together, but now I can’t figure where they are going with that SL. Ah yes, the valley girls drive me nuts too, but at least we don’t have to see hula hoop Lulu with that God awful dress this year. I am kind of looking forward to Ava and Kevin’s performance, which will get Ryan’s knickers twisting!
Whom are you referring to as the ball dead guy? Funny, no matter how you phrase it.
Violet Lemm, how you be?
I meant by the Ball guy lol
The person that will be killed during the Nurses Ball (someone always gets killed during the ball, it seems..)
So- Jordon will get the dead Ball guys kidney..
Anna and Scorpio need to hook up again and not necessarily in a hot sexual way (please no!)
Aahh Ava and Kevin’, what a match-up made in hell LOL and that’s what makes them intriguing and Hot!
As you said- watching them in action will be a good thing, indeed.
I didn’t know Laura/Carly was real life pregnant.
So- they will have a need to play this one out to the delivery and then after the baby tragedy will be played out..
Hey su!
No cancellations with Robert Scorpio aboard! He and Anna will sizzle as they did in classic times of GH, IF the writers and TPTB are smart at all and IF they give Tristan a contract and revive his love story with Anna.
Can’t they see he can act circles around everyone? Isn’t it blatantly obvious?
heeey nancy!
I’m a Tristan/Robert Scorpio lover!
It would be great to have him back but- doesn’t he live outside of the USA?
if so- that’s quite a trip back and forth lol ..
Thought he lived in LA but I could be wrong, su!
I do know that Jax (Ingo Rademacher) has a home in Hawaii but I think he moved to LA when he got a contract on another soap opera. “Jax” said Fri: “I’m here for a long time.” So, here’s hoping Ingo will stay on GH.
We need these two men, don’t we? 🙂
Hi Nancy- Tristan’s wife (facebok) tells she lives in;
Palm Springs
California
So, apparently so does Tristan lol ..
yes, we need those two men 😉
Yes!!!!
Amen, Nancy!! Seeing the dashing Robert Scorpio on the NB red carpet was alone worth the price of admission! And Finola’s Anna looked fabulous in her evening frock…both the cut and color were simply perfect for her!!!! These two legendary legacy characters definitely belong together!
part of the show were well done but the intro on the red carpet was laughable…introducing the characters by name like well known celebs to me was a joke…Nina lusting at the site of Jax-MS may have her fans but her campy acting style and scene chewing is a real turn off to me(ya, its a soap but the writing is the reason why the rest of Hollywood treats soaps like low entertainment!!!
Jimh
So happy Iam not just a party of one at this “ball”. I did love K.S/Scott’s entrance. He always leaves me laughing.
Amen! You said a mouthful there, Jimh! With no scenery chewing required…unlike the aforementioned Nina!
love the new opening for the show.
Michelle Stafford did an awesome job on the red carpet!!!
Could not stand M.S/Nina and her antics, but I had the distinct feeling that Jax and Valentin know each other.
So was the flirtation with Nina real, or did Jax already know she’s with Valentin? Time will tell.
Speaking of antiqs, whats with Anna acting so silly about Robert? So she thinks he wants to propose. So what, she’s supposed to be in love with Finn. Hopefully, she’ll spare him and run off with old Bobby.
Like I said, Violet–Robert and Anna forever!
And I think the best things on the carpet were dashing Robert Scorpio and his twinkling eyes and sardonic smile. keep him forever! Please! And Robert and Anna forever, also. Please!
And Jax–aaah, Jax! Those blue eyes can take one away! How handsome. And his dazzling smile, to say nothing of that nice head of hair. Keep him forever, also. PTB, are you listening?
No Alexis, but, we have Peter at the Nurse’s Ball. This flop ruins every episode for me.
No Alexis is always a good thing for me, DMRR, but I totally get your aversion to Pete…the only role he should be fulfilling at this event is as a parking valet.
Hahahaha!!!!!
I was mistaken, saw Alexis. I watched 10 minutes and turned it off. Sick of Mr. Laura Wright, the cult, and Oscar.
Me, too, DMRR….Given my aversion to so many current GH players, I only watch the highlight reels featuring the characters I can abide, hence today I caught Anna, Scorpio (and yes, Finn…) along with Dr. O and her deliciously diva-esque performance of “Guilty,” where Alexis was clearly seated in the audience!
Loved Dr. O! Now, she has talent!
She has “UBER-talent!!!” Kathleen Gati’s radiant Liesl owned the NB with her very tongue-in-cheek performance of “Guilty!” Not to mention, she was absolutely resplendent in that royal blue showstopper of a gown…a star is “reborn!” (And how nice was it that Dr. O didn’t need to “steal” the stage this time around?….Now that’s progress!)
Just watched the red carpet. It was cringe-worthy. Maxie was awkward. Although, I loved seeing the fashion. Nina’s reaction to Peter is similar to mine, rolling the eyes. Although, I mute and fast forward the boyfriend, too. YUCK.
Not sure who salivated more over Jax, Nina or Peter.
General Hospital
Adam Huss Makes Another Return to General Hospital as Nikolas Cassadine
Nikolas Cassadine will be back on your screens next week but now via Pentonville. That means, that actor Adam Huss is back for a visit for all-new episodes of General Hospital.
In story, Ava (Maura West) comes to visit her ex in the slammer. So, just what does Ava want now? She clearly has been working an agenda on Sonny (Maurice Benard). Is she working with Valentin (James Patrick Stuart)? What will she tell Nikiolas? stay tuned.
Meanwhile, once news of Huss’ return broke earlier on Friday via Soap Opera Digest, he also announced his return on his Instagram expressing, “For all those who’ve been asking, cat’s out of the bag;) Thank you to all my #Nikolas #GH fans for your unwavering support. I don’t take it for granted for a second! (Even when I can’t answer 😊) #generalhospital”
Photo: ABC
Huss took over the role of Nikolas back in January of 2023, after Marcus Coloma left the soap opera. Previous to that, Huss filed in for Coloma in September of 2021 and November of 2022. Fast-forward to January of 2024, Nikolas gave Ace to Laura and Kevin to raise, while he eventually turned himself into the police for kidnapping Esme and keeping her hostage while she was pregnant and Wyndemere.
Photo: ABC
The return of Huss comes on the heels of multiple reports that his on-screen son, Nicholas Chavez is not returning to the show as Spencer Cassadine, while in story Spencer is believed to have drowned int the Seine River after falling off a boat in France, when drugged by Esme.
So, looking forward to seeing Adam Huss back as Nikolas? Do you think GH will eventually have him more full-time? Comment below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny and Jason Trade Threats on Each Other
The love affair that once was mobster Sonny (Maurice Benard) and hit man Jason (Steve Burton), and having each others back, is now apparently over! On the Thursday April 25th episode of General Hospital, an increasingly paranoid Sonny is confronted by Jason.
Jason wants to talk to Sonny about a “family matter”, but Sonny says they aren’t family now because he’s working with the Feds. Sonny goes on to say how he cannot trust Carly (Laura Wright) or Jason and he knows about Jason buying back the Metro Court for Carly from Nina (Cynthia Watros).
When the conversation turns to Josslyn (Eden McCoy) and Dex (Evan Hofer), Jason informs Sonny that Kristina (Kate Mansi) knows Sonny ordered a hit. Jason is worried about Dex’s safety. He tells Sonny that if he does something to Dex, Kristina will figure out that he is responsible.
Courtesy/ABC
Sonny goes on to say how much he loves his kids and how he will protect them. He then tears into Jason for abandoning his sons, Danny and Jake, for two years and how he has no right to stand there to tell him what to do.
Jason warns Sonny again to leave Dex alone or he’ll personally stop him. Sonny snaps at Jason, countering, “You’ll die trying!” And at that point, Jason walks out and Sonny slams the door behind him.
What do you think about this split in the longstanding relationship of Jason and Sonny? Do you like Jason and Sonny at odds? Will Kristina be the person to ultimately figure out what is happening to Sonny, or it might it be Nina, who knows Ava (Maura West) is up to no good? Share your thoughts in the comment section, but first watch this clip from part of the Sonny/Jason scenes below.
Breaking News
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
For those who were holding out hope that Daytime Emmy winner and fan favorite, Nicholas Chavez would be returning to General Hospital after filming his leading role in Ryan Murphy’s Monsters anthology, it looks like those hopes have been dashed.
According to a report from TV Line, although unconfirmed from General Hospital or a representative for Chavez, the actor will not reprise his role as Spencer Cassadine on the long-running ABC soap opera and continue the love story of Sprina opposite Tabyana Ali (Trina, GH).
Chavez was cast as Lyle Menendez over the the summer of 2023 for the second season of Murphy’s limited Monsters series on Netflix. In the upcoming season, the series will focus on the the case of Lyle and Erik Menendez, the two well-to-do Beverly Hills brothers accused of murdering their parents in 1989.
Photo: ABC
After word from Chavez casting was revealed, GH fans were concerned over the fate of the Sprina story, a spokesperson for GH shared, “We support Nicholas’ endeavors and look forward to having him return to General Hospital once this project is wrapped.”
In story, the series “killed off” Spencer when he went overboard with Esme to the steely waters below after being injected with a drug, thanks to Esme and falling into the Seine River in France. However, his body was never recovered, and believed to have drowned or washed away. Thus, leaving an opening for Spencer to return in the form of Chavez or be recast down the line.
Photo: ABC
TV Line shared that ‘multiple sources’ are confirming that Chavez is not returning to the ABC soap opera, which is what many had suspected might be the case once he left for this major starring role in a Ryan Murphy project. Chavez has been relatively quiet on social media for months.
Photo: ABC
The Michael Fairman Channel spoke with Nicholas Chavez for a virtual interview when he first joined the show in 2021, and spoke to him right after when he won the Daytime Emmy in 2022 – you can see those below.
No word yet on when Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story will debut on Netflix, but it is assumed later this year.
So, what do you think about the news of Nicholas Chavez not returning to his role as Spencer Cassadine on General Hospital? Comment below.
Adam Huss Makes Another Return to General Hospital as Nikolas Cassadine
Arianne Zucker Reveals Her Last Days of our Lives Airdate
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny and Jason Trade Threats on Each Other
Y&R’s Allison Lanier Lands Her First Daytime Emmy Nomination and Shares “Being a Recast Can Be Daunting”
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
Ellen Travolta Makes Another Return to General Hospital
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
The Young and the Restless and General Hospital Actress and Writer, Meg Bennett, Passes Away at 75
GH’s Finola Hughes Chats on Her Lead Actress Daytime Emmy Nomination, New Directions for Characters in Port Charles, and Anna’s Love Life
Kristian Alfonso Returns to Days of our Lives for Tribute to The Late Bill Hayes
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny and Jason Trade Threats on Each Other
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
Cameron Mathison Previews New Game Show ‘Beat The Bridge’ (Promo)
Y&R’s Michelle Stafford Talks on Her Lead Actress Daytime Emmy Nomination, Allison Lanier, and ‘Pacific Palisades’ with Finola Hughes
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nina Confronts Ava for Sabotaging Her Relationship With Sonny and Signs the Divorce Papers
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