Breaking News

GH Special Episode On Tap: A Look At What Would Sonny’s Life Would Have Been Like If He Wasn’t In The Mob

November 8, 2018

Courtesy/ABC

This fall, Maurice Benard has been celebrating his 25th year as mobster Sonny Corinthos on General Hospital. He was recently on Soap Nation Live! teasing a special episode that was in the works. Now we know what it is when it was revealed by GH and ABC this week.

Coming up on Monday’s November 12th episode, Maurice will be featured in a special episode of a “What If?” nature. In it, the soap opera takes a look and what Sonny’s life would have been like if he had not fallen into a life of crime and joined the mob.

Featured in the altered look of Sonny’s life will be Benard’s real-life son, Joshua, who will play a young Sonny. Additionally, back for this one episode is Dominic Zamprogna as Sonny’s son, Dante Falconeri.

TV Line posted a sneak peek promo for Monday’s special GH here.

As GH viewers know, Hailing from Bensonhurst, Sonny had a damaging childhood where he was abandoned by his father, Mike, and then abused by his stepfather. Deke.

So, are you looking forward to seeing if you would have liked Sonny, if he was not a mob boss? Comment below.

Up Next

DAYS Launches The DOOL App, A First For A Daytime Drama Series Featuring Exclusive Content With The Cast & More

Don't Miss

Kelly Ripa To Guest Star On CW’s Riverdale

25
Leave a Reply

newest oldest

Steve

Aren’t most episodes already Sonny-centric?

If he wasn’t in the mob, he’d be Nico Kelly from Pine Valley

AVP

I have been watching Maurice Benard since he was Nico Kelly on “All My Children.” I have been a long-time fan. I remember when he first started on “General Hospital.” I hated that he was causing trouble between Karen and Jagger. I LOVED when Sonny was paired with Brenda. Sonny and Brenda were my version of Luke and Laura. I rushed home every day from school to watch. I recorded the show on my VCR. I watched their scenes repeatedly on VHS tapes. Although, I dislike what TPTB have done to the character over the years, I am still a fan, and admire Maurice for his work. More importantly, he is an advocate for the mental health network. I’ll definitely be watching on Monday. I LOVED the AVA-Centric episode.

Jamesj75

I have a few “what ifs” for you:

What if the role of Sonny Corinthos had never been created on GH? What if the GH producers/writers refused to focus for 2 and a half decades on such a despicable, dark, abusive character? What if TPTB had refused to hyperpromote a character with no redeeming features as its lead? What if TPTB refused to create a storyline stranglehold of mob glorification? What if TPTB instead focused primarily on the hospital staff and intrigue? What if TPTB instead had chosen to give proper respect to many veteran actors and beloved characters to dole out precious airtime? What if TPTB had taken the temerity to provide a moral center to the show?

Needless to say, I won’t be watching this travesty!

Shay

You are not alone there, James! Those are quite simply beautiful “what-ifs!!!” Much along the same line of my first thought when I saw this headline…as in how about an episode like “It’s A Wonderful Life” where GH examines what a Sonny-less existence could have meant to Port Charles??? Of course, even if the show runners deigned to undertake such a storyline, we would be treated to the sycophantic notion that it simply could not have been nearly as magical without the mighty “Corinthos” gracing its presence over these last three decades. Regardless, I’ll also take a pass on this one…as well as, second the motion deeming this latest piece of OTT Sonny worship a “travesty!”

Jamesj75

Thanks a million for the backup, Shay! So glad we were thinking the same thing and that we’re sympatico on this point, as are a large percentage of GH viewers. It’s the lone (enduring) annoyance/disappointment for me on what was once my must-see favorite soap. I feel ill that the viewers have been force-fed this tripe for so long. But your analysis of the mindset of TPTB is sadly correct. Take care, Friend!

Shay

@Gentleman James…My pleasure! Yes, we are simpatico on this point, and probably many others, too, as long as we steer clear from certain particular areas where we quite obviously do not share (in your own spot-on and highly descriptive words….) an “important commonality!” Still, I’m delighted we can see past those few “issues” and continue to mutually enjoy those views regarding matters upon which we do indeed see eye to eye. I really wish I knew you in “real life,” because I do believe we could have some truly fascinating conversations encompassing all sorts of subjects beyond our shared disdain for the decades-long Sonny-centic nature of GH!!! ‘Twould be most enlightening…..and probably full of wonderful surprises, too! Take care, my friend!

Jamesj75

Shay, so glad I popped in on this discussion. Given the subject matter, it was clearly an open invitation for those of us who don’t care for this character and accompanying, overwhelming storylines. But the warm reception I have received from you is terrific. Thank you for that, Friend! I am sure I would find you just as enjoyable in real life as well! 🙂

Shay

Thank you, James! Given your many interesting posts throughout the years, I’m sure we would find much to discuss, and I dare say, even those areas in which there is little agreement between us would probably provide much fodder for some very lively discussions! Incidentally, I’m not one to mind those who hold opposing opinions, provided they present their views without rancor or personal insults, and yours fill that bill! Oh, and by the way, I do believe I have found the perfect Christmas present for you…(Hint: Check the latest GH-based thread of November 12…what a nifty stocking stuffer—-NOT!—for all who share the same views regarding the subject of this article!!! I’ve already reserved two copies in order to gift both CeeCee and you! Lol…) Later, my friend!

Jamesj75

Thank you, Shay! Likewise on your posts! And the stocking stuffers for CeeCee and me are hysterical!

Patrick

it’s like mid term election… every 4 years… during that 2 year interim… we gotta dig in and it gets repeat.. sure.. as much as I hate it.. YOU are given chance to write.. we have no choice.. so bear witness.. that GH has stuck with DULLARDS Sonny and Carly w/ Michael.. Josslyn.. they are not interesting… they dice… they give us Laura.. yes its staggeringly priceless.. who the show features even more.. Sonny and Carly… as Carly who will never be redeemable.. as a woman… is having the bad dreams.. needs to be coalesced.. WITH the same SHIT ? oh god.. I ‘m glad Laura is HOME.. GLAD … dang it give it to Jon Lindsrom… you are stretching the canvas…

JUST STOP !!!!! writing for Sonny and Carly !!!! STOP IT

i’m going to love Spencer
i’m going to love Laura reunion with Kevin

I’m LOVING to bits.. BRITTA look how much she can share as a whole canvas salute she’s worth every penny

Brad lightening up with Britta… dag COME ON… it’s like a distraction from witnessing a true gay coupling.. w/Child.. i’d be crying covering… LOVING on my family… all the way …. bring Britta

there ARE distraction… a whole canvas to dry out and wallah… oh my god you have much to draw on

any way… Carly bad dreams and insistence with Jason.. MUST KNOW.. who her cell mate was

Mac and Felicia stand tall… who cares what I write now… Sonny is tearing in to Margo… wah blah blah… he shares what went down… asked and answered.. Margo will cower come forward… another story start

oh my god.. ^^^ this thread is further proof @GH TPTB – AND – writers attention is ; but they muck it up and the discord ; they don’t get it ; get out of New York and be in the thick of things… care about your work… WRITING IS

why would I want to see Sonny and Carly and Jason and Sam… IN A Kevin / Felicia / Mac / Laura / etc… this is NOT their story… WAH … Frank !?!? what gives

I fast forward on nothing… I watch your work.. 365 days…you suck

Felicia and Mac would have been fascinating with Bobbi, Scotty , Anna, Lucy, Laura just top line

Jamesj75

Patrick, your commentary is always fascinating and enjoyable! I am in constant agreement with what you write. Thanks for telling it like it is, Friend! 🙂

rebecca1

Hey james; (see? we found each other again!)

I agree with your sentiments but you wouldn’t believe how your face would have been bitten off (LOL; you get my drift) if you’d posted that on FB or Twitter. The Sonny/Carly fans are rabid and basically repeat the same question: “Why do you watch GH if you don’t like Sonny and Carly? They ARE GH!” And then they pat each other on their virtual backs, high-fiving the next poster who puts you in your place.

Sigh. Calling Lila…can you hear us?????

Jamesj75

Hi Rebecca! Yes, glad we are able to see each other’s feedback! I am aware that those GH characters do have their fans, and I’ve heard that they are vocal on those social media sites. Thankfully, I have chosen to steer clear of them, although I do see some benefit for others. Anyone here is free to disagree with me, too. All in all, I am happy to leave my face intact! Love the Lila reference! 🙂

rebecca1

Hahahaha; now THAT was funny! “leave my face intact!” I agree. I wouldn’t want them to mess with your adorable, errrrr, handsome…errrr, rugged….errr…virtual reality face!

Patrick

i’m not going to tap that much in… as I’ve scaped the pattern… be with it says.. don’t let the donor know she’s in drive

TWITTER AND going to the direct scene .. of matter and hi

coalesce

I’m not going to tune in on their right

Shelly Chris and Frank are not in tune

jaybird369

James…as always, THANK YOU…THANK YOU for being the voice of reason!!!!! I have a feeling that TIIC at GH are using this so-called special episode as an excuse to FOOLISHLY prop Sonny up even further!!!!! I (for one) AM NOT FOOLED here…AT ALL!!!!! NO!!!!!

Have a good one, dude.

Jamesj75

Thank YOU, jaybird369! You’re absolutely right. And they’ve been trying to prop up (aka force-feed) this awful character for far too long. Take care, Friend!

Jimh

I like the actor but not the character…the Corinthos will never win me over except for Dante….bugs me how the writers can find endless things for newbies like Chase and Peter but nothing for Dante, Mac and Felicia who we wouldnt see if it wasnt for the Ryan story then they will disappear again just like Brad and Lucas will once the baby reveal comes…Laura/Ryan story is the only thing plus the return of Britt that keeps me watching!!!!

Patrick

I’ve decided i’m taken with Willow.. she has dark shades; both: Chase and Michael… this is a ladies treat dig in; i’m going to love “Katelyn MacMullen”

both actors see the tease walk dance , coming
Chad Duell.. AND Josh Swickard.. i’m giving Duell SHOT.. because of the SUPPORTING PROP always GIVEN the Corinthos

otherwise.. because I know the end game… “no on messes with my family ” blah blah blech

sorry ass tale

as soon as Brad and Lucas lose the baby… end suck game… the corinthos’ oh well

Soaphound

It seems this is similar to the Y&R annual episodes where a character has a series of life-changing epiphanies via flashbacks or “what-ifs”. Billy Miller won his first Emmy for his Billy Abbott revelations back in 2010. But I just can’t get enthused about another “Corinthos-centric” story. I’m sure it will be well-acted, etc., but I’m not holding my breath. Sorry.

su000

It’s not good nor bad..
It’s nothing special but still will be fun to watch, hopefully.

The writers are obviously struggling, they are void of intriguing stories and that is a tragedy.
When will GH clean house and bring in a staff that has new ideas and are not lazy?
Out with old in with the new !!

So- it will be interesting to see if I’m moved in any direction by it or if it’s just another Monday episode.

((GH has become way way way too mushy cuddly and has killed its true-self by destroying everything that made it unique and drama filled.
No villains, no suspense, no action, no intrigue, no shockers, no mysteries, no dark creepy devious people, no intense cliffhangers, no spellbinding moments, as once was-
It’s become sinners, and lovers- it’s all talk no action. ehhhh ..has anyone noticed the looooong boring conversations of no real substance=fodder filler that leads to nothing..

Violet Lemm

I think Sonny’s life, based on the background we are given here, and without his dad, growing up, would have made him just a two-bit hoodlum. Scully was a big influence on him, making him into the career criminal he is today. The one thing Scully can’t take credit for, is the kind hearted, loving man that Sonny turned into. So many people see Sonny in only colors of black and white, good or bad, but there is much more to him than that. With him, what you see is what you get. He doesn’t talk out of both sides of his mouth or influence anyone that his way, is the only way. I also feel, he keeps the show interesting, and think he’s been on GH long enough to be considered a veteran. Why do we have to have the boring old-timers, such as Bobbie and Lucy, Felicia, etc. I don’t know what it is with some viewers fascination with these three old women, snore!! I’ve said enough, sorry, this old pot is falling asleep.

Michael

I really liked this episode and thought that they finally gave Dominic Zamprogna an interesting story, which they never did when he was a contract player.

AVP

I liked the episode. I am a fan of Maurice Benard. I love Maura West. I liked how Kelly Monaco lost her monotone. I was happy that they did not include #insipidlulu. I would have liked Jason to have been portrayed as a Quartermaine, and for them to not have continued to decimate AJ’s memory. I’ve always liked Sean Kanan as AJ, and never liked what the writers did to his character.

jaybird369

My curiosity got the better of me (lol)…so I decided to watch that so-called special episode of GH (11/12). Man…what a joke?!?!? Sonny as a COP…BEYOND LAUGHABLE!!!!! And Carly as a Quartermaine…EVEN MORE LAUGHABLE!!!!! TRULY DUMB EPISODE ALL-AROUND!!!!!

Later.

Breaking News

Jussie Smollett Scenes Cut From ‘Empire’ In Light Of Attack Investigation

February 19, 2019

As of Tuesday, the production of Fox’s hit series, Empire has slashed Jussie Smollett’s upcoming scenes following reports that the suspicion is now on him for allegedly staging the “hate” attack he reported to the Chicago PD back on January 29th.

According to production sources viaTMZ: Jussie was supposed to have nine scenes and a big musical performance in the second-to-last episode of Season 5, Now, five scenes and the musical number have been axed. Smollett’s character is also no longer the focus of his remaining four scenes, which will now feature an ensemble of characters.

The actor/singer who portrays Jamal Lyon will be working Friday and possibly Thursday but won’t be rehearsing.

The Empire writers are said to have been scrambling over the last 24 hours to revise this season’s scripts.

All of this despite despite strongly expressed renewed support by Empire showrunner Brett Mahoney on February 17th. The goal now is said to be to reduce Smollett’s role both in dramatic stints and musical performances.

Empire returns for the remainder of its fifth season on March 13.

Smollett claims he was the victim of a racist and homophobic attack near his Chicago apartment, but things took a turn when he may have paid two friends to help stage the assault.

This case is said to be going before a Grand Jury as early as today.

What are your thoughts on the latest developments in the Smollett case and Empire reducing his appearances for the remainder of the season? Comment below.

Breaking News

TODAY: Y&R’s Melody Thomas Scott Visits ‘The Talk’ As Her 40th Anniversary Week As Nikki Newman Kicks-Off

February 18, 2019

On today’s broadcast of the CBS afternoon series, The Talk, the ladies welcome Y&R icon, Melody Thomas Scott, who this week celebrates her incredible 40th anniversary with the show as Nikki Newman.

During her segment, Melody chats on Wednesday’s upcoming standalone episode where Nikki is in jail reflecting on her life. Wednesday is also the exact date of Thomas Scott’s 40th anniversary with the CBS Daytime drama series.

During the segment Melody fills the ladies in on the “All About Nikki” episode, as she relates: “I was so thrilled that they did this. It’s truly, really the life of Nikki in the entirety of the episode. It’s all about Nikki. And she’s in jail. She’s writing a letter to her grandchildren so that she can explain who she really is, how she got to where she is. I have to narrate it, I’ve got a voice-over, a long voice-over. And then, as I’m thinking about all these different times in my life, I can’t believe I’m referring to me as her, her life, then we see the flashbacks. And for the longtime viewers, even current viewers, it is such a trip down memory lane. I mean, you are on that train and you’re not getting off…all of the clips have not been seen since they were first aired.”

Photo: CBS

In addition, Melody addresses the passing of her longtime co-star and friend, Kristoff St. John relating: “I adored him. We all adored him. There was something very unique and magical about him. He would just draw you into his wonderful world. And all of his bear hugs, I can’t believe I’ll never get a bear hug. Going to any kind of event, any party, the first thing I said when I got there was ‘Where’s Kristoff?’ I want to find Kristoff, I want to be with him, I want to be in his air space. Because that’s the kind of guy he was, and I think that came through on camera. I think everybody sensed that, I mean everybody adored him.”

So, will you be checking out Melody on today’s episode of The Talk (2PMEST and 1PM PST) today? Comment below.

Breaking News

General Hospital Writing Team Wins WGA Award In Daytime Drama Category

February 17, 2019

In duel ceremonies currently underway in both Los Angeles and New York, the Writers Guild of America is handing out the 71st annual WGA Awards for excellence in writing in the fields of motion picture and television at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. and at the Edison Ballroom in New York City.

Already given out and announced was the winner in the Daytime Drama category and the winning writing team was ABCs General Hospital which bested the only other nominees in the category, Days of our Lives.

The team consisting of head writers: Shelly Altman, Christopher Van Etten; Writers: Barbara Bloom, Anna Theresa Cascio, Suzanne Flynn, Charlotte Gibson, Lucky Gold, Kate Hall, Elizabeth Korte, Daniel James O’Connor, Donny Sheldon, Scott Sickles, took home the prestigious honor.

This win for GH marks the fifth win in a row for the ABC series, which make its a record-breaker for the Daytime Drama category at the WGA Awards.

For a complete list of winners click here.

Congratulations to the team from Port Charles and General Hospital on their WGA Award win. So, what do you think of GH besting DAYS? Glad the ABC daytime drama won? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.