General Hospital
GH's Bob Guza on the reveal that Michael was brutally raped!
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
The moment is finally here when on Monday’s January 31st episode of General Hospital is it revealed that Michael was indeed raped in prison, and what everyone had thought all along was indeed true. (Well, sort of)
The head scribe of GH, Bob Guza spoke in detail with TV Guide in this exclusive look into why the decision to have Michael raped, and how the revelation will come about and how the parents and mentors in Michael’s life, Jason, Sonny, and Carly will deal with Michael’s moment of truth. Here are a few excerpts!
Guza on if he delayed the reveal due to the uproar that the audience did not want to see rape-plot: ” Not at all, though we at the show felt the same way the audience did. I remember the day we sat down and I was pitching this idea to [ABC Daytime chief] Brian Frons, and we were all going, “We love Michael! Why would we do this to him?” But that was the very reason to do it — because it’s real, because it would happen to a character like him under those circumstances. It’s almost a fantasy to think it wouldn’t! Uproar from the audience was to be expected, but the only honest way for us to tell the story is to really deal with the reality of prison life. We’re doing all the proper research and handling the aftermath as responsibly as possible. We’ve been working closely with the organization RAINN [the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network] and we will be doing a PSA at the end of the January 31 episode.”
Guza on what event is the catalyst to Michael spilling the beans of his rape: “Michael will see Abby (Adnrea Bogart) about to be raped by her ex-boyfriend and he flashes back to what happened to him in prison and goes berserk. In that flashback, we’ll see Michael’s assault in more detail, though nothing gratuitous or titillating. We wanted to make it clear the assault on Abby has visual and physical parallels to the assault on Michael. The incident with Abby — Michael does save her before she’s actually raped — will serve as a kind of catharsis for Michael, and he is finally able to admit to Jason (Steve Burton) that he was indeed raped. He then tells his parents, Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Carly (Laura Wright).
Looks like this will be must-see February sweeps soap viewing and the reactions and performances from Duell, Benard, Burton, Bogart and Wright could be five hankie time. Stay tuned!
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, new and old motivations come into play with dangerous consequences. According to the just released GH video spoilers video for the week of August 3-7, a bailiff calls out, “All rise!”
Now it’s Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) vs. Curtis (Donnell Turner), as the surgeon is suing the owner of the Savoy for assault that ruined is ability to operate. At the end of the day, which of these men has enough evidence against the other? Portia (Brook Kerr) is by Isaiah’s side, while Jordan (Tanisha Harper) is with Curtis.
Next, Lucy (Lynn Herring) has a plan to get the controlling shares of Deception away from Michael (Rory Gibson). She wants her daughter, Serena (Kelly Kruger) to seduce Michael. She tells her, “Pick out your most seductive suit.” Soon, we see Serena in her bathing suit at the Metro Court face to face with Michael.
Later, there is a small baggie containing three blue pills. Nina (Cynthia Watros) ask Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), “What did you do?” We also see Michael asking the same thing of Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Leading into this week, viewers know that Willow doesn’t want the former escort anywhere near her children, Amelia and Wiley. Is this how she stops her, or is Jacinda up to old tricks and wants to frame Willow? Remember when Jacindsa drugged Drew (Cameron Mathison)? Stay tuned.
Finally, in the pick-up from last Friday’s cliffhanger, an emotional Jason (Steve Burton) continues to tell Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he cannot work for him anymore. Sonny ask, “So that’s it? You’re Out?” We fade to black.
Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week below.
MONDAY, AUGUST 3
Jason makes a sacrifice for Danny. Elizabeth becomes privy to a secret. Carly is touched. Valentin has a warning for Nina. Josslyn cautions Brennan.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
Brook Lynn and Chase celebrate a milestone. Trina gets an earful. Carly’s plan backfires. Curtis is skeptical. Michael is anxious about his family’s’ future.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
Sonny wants answers. Ava is struck with inspiration. Curtis’ trial begins. Brook Lynn wrestles with a big decision. Lucy and Serena scheme.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Sonny makes a stunning announcement. Serena makes her move. Willow faces a new threat. Isaiah takes the stand. Lucy questions Laura.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Josslyn is taken aback. Ava courts a new ally. Jordan and Anna catch up. Isaiah vents to Lucas and Elizabeth. Michael questions Jacinda.
Check out the latest ABC promo for General Hospital entitled, “What Did You Do?” below.
Now weigh-in: Do you think GH is about to pair Serena with Michael? Is it curtains for Jacinda? Can anyone stop Willow once and for all, or make her pay for her crimes? What will Jason do without Sonny and the mob? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital Fan Club Weekend brought out many of your favorites to the four day event; with the main cast gathering on Saturday, August 1. Fans near and far attended the weekend held this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel. Whether it be the main cast event or the smaller more intimate events featuring two or three cast members a great time was had by all.
Some of the cast participating in the main cast event included: Cyrus Hobbi (Yuri), Gary James Fuller (James), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Viron Weaver (Wiley), Paige Herschell (Jacinda), Chris McKenna (Brennan), Josh Kelly (Cody), Kayden Brenna Tokarsi (Scout), Cassandra James (Terry), Laura Wright (Carly), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane), Rick Hearst (Ric), Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco), and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle).
In addition to, Van Hansis (Lucas), Cameron Mathison (Drew), Ryan Paevey (ex-Cassius), Easton Rocket Sweda (Leo), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Kristen Vaganos (Molly), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), Kate Mansi (ex-Kristina), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Cynthia Watros (Nina), Kristina Wagner (Felicia) and more.
Take a look at some of the snaps from the main event arrivals below:
Photo: HutchinsPhoroi
GH’s Rick Hearst with on-screen daughter, Kristen Vaganos, plus Nancy Lee Grahn, and Kate Mansi.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Maurice Benard on-hand to meet the fans.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto.com
Jack Brennan in the house … Chris McKenna.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Adrian Anchondo, Van Hansis and Anchondo’s boyfriend, Days of Our Lives, Colton Little.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Josh Kelly and his gal, the former Nelle Benson of Port Charles, Chloe Lanier.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Who is James’ father? Not Cassius or Spinelli, actually. Actors Gary James Fuller, Ryan Paevey and Bradford Anderson!
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
One of General Hospital’s newest cast members, Kayden Brenna Tokarski attends her first GHFCW event.
Check out some more arrival images featuring: Laura Wright (Carly), Cassandra James (Terry), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) and more in the gallery below.
Michael Fairman TV will be adding more images to this post in the day ahead.
So, were you glad to see so many of your GH favorites attending this year’s General Hospital Fan Club Weekend? Let us know via the comment section.
General Hospital
Vincent Pastore of ‘Sopranos’ Fame and ‘General Hospital’s’ Maximus Giambetti Dies at 80
Vincent Pastore, best known for his memorable role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos has passed away.
The veteran actor was found dead on August 1st in his home in the Bronx, New York. Pastore was 80-years-old. The cause of death is yet to be determined.
As well as his role on The Sopranos, many soap fans will recall he played multiple smaller roles on the beloved One Life to Live from 1995 and 2004. However, in 2008, he landed the short-term role as Maximus Giambetti on General Hospital.
PASTORE WANTED TO BE ON GENERAL HOSPITAL
Maximus was the mobster father of Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) bodyguards: Max (Derk Cheetwood) and Milo (Drew Cheetwood)
According to Soap Opera Digest, Pastore told Soaps In Depth back in 2009, after appearing in a SOAPnet promotional campaign as a celebrity fan of General Hospital: “‘I’d love to be on the show. So they called up GH’s casting director (Mark Teschner) and Bobby (Robert Guza Jr. ex-head writer, GH) and they wrote me in!”
Pastore was a huge General Hospital fan from way back, who at one point told producers that he would watch the ABC soap opera while working in bars and nightclubs in the 70s and 80s.
Throughout his decades long career, Pastore appeared in films including: Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way and Men of Respect, The Jerky Boys: The Movie and the 1996 HBO TV movie Gotti.
In TV, besides The Sopranos, Pastore’s credits included: Law & Order, The Practice, Son of the Beach, Queens Supreme, Hawaii Five-0, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, plus the miniseries The Last Don II. Most recently, Vincent was a series regular on Gravesend and guest starred on Yellowjackets.
Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee, son-in-law and granddaughter.
Share your remembrances and condolences for Vincent Pastore on his memorable role on ‘The Sopranos’ and his time on ‘General Hospital’ via the comment section below.
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Can’t wait to see this! Will Michael be tested for HIV or have discussions about it with Robin/Jason/Sonny? I think it’d be really interesting to see Carly face her past issues with HIV+ people when her son has HIV.
Also I know this wouldn’t happen but getting Liz and Lucky involved would be great. They could share their insights as Liz’s rape was one of the best stories that GH has ever done. It’d be nice if they had a nod of history towards that!
Thanks for the scoop!
Been waiting for this since June. Emmy-worthy no doubt!
Lets make one thing clear to Guza & Frons. You love Michael. I WAS forced to deal with him over & over & over & over again. Not to take away from the actor(s) but I had MORE than enough of Michael.
Therefore, I could really give a cruddola what happened to him in prison. I was over the prison story the day it started & I certainly did not want to revisit it.
That all being said. I am not watching General Hospital any longer. I stopped watching January 18, 2011 when the announcement of Rebecca Herbst & Elizabeth Webber’s “storyline dictated” departure came across. Would I come back… sure if Rebecca Herbst & Elizabeth Webber remained on the show & if the stories became more balanced with all characters & revolved less around the show eaters.
I wish the best to Rebecca Herbst & all employees of General Hospital. Cant say the same for Brian Frons or Bob Guza.
Peace. O
If General Hospital actually wanted to do the responsible thing in the telling of this story they wouldn’t sleaze it up with strippers and hookers. There is only ONE other rape survivor left on this show and that is Elizabeth Webber. But they did the irresponsible thing and fired the very talented, very popular, Rebecca Herbst. If they had included Elizabeth Webber in this story, I MIGHT have thought this offensive, sleazy story could be redeemed but without Elizabeth Webber on General Hospital, my long time loyal viewership to this show is OVER.
I hate this storyline but to a point I understand it. My problem is that the one person that has been brutally raped on the show should be the one involved with it. She understands what he is going through and has had to pick herself back up and go on with her life. I think the fact of how this storyline has played out is what makes me hate it the most. In order to help an 18 year boy through this first we have someone get him someone to sleep with. Then you set him down the course of talking to a stripper/hooker to get over his rape. What about therapy? What about his family and friends getting him to the one person that they all know went through this and can give him the help he needs? This is where the “story line dictated” falls short. WHY HASN’T JASON CALLED ELIZABETH! Not only to help Michael but to help Jason understand what Michael is going through. Welcome to the new GH!! More sleaze less logic and less common sense!
As a mother of a son around the age of Michael I am appalled and will continue to not watch this garbage!
Guza and Frons don’t have a clue what their audience wants-that is very clear! I have not doubt Guza will mess up this storyline just like he does every other one!
I Hate the idea. I Hate Abby, she’s too old for Michael, she should ride off into the sunset with her loser ex-boyfriend.
Love Michael & Abby & this entire story is why I watch GH right now!
Chad & Andrea are fabulous together & cannot wait for his scenes with Laura, Steve, Maurice, to play out.
This is one of GH’s stronger stories. Chad Duell should be very proud his performances lately. Great young actor. 🙂 I, too, would like to see some scenes between Robin and Michael.
I love the story. I think it will definately bring depth to all invovled. Chad is a great actor and is doing this story very well. For all those who feel that Liz should be involved is just crazy. Why? I feel bad she is leaving the show, but this is about Michael, not Liz. And for all those who are not going to watch anymore because she is leaving, and feel that this soap will be nothing without her? Really? what does that say for all the others on the show. Come on Liz has never really been a forefront acctress on this show. and she is not the saint you all think she is. So if she is leaving I hope that they totally screw her character over just as they did Sam’s character to put a couple together that was never gonna work.
The Rape story is a great story and one that can move the show further for a lot of characters.
I think the General Hospital rape story was one of the greats. It just goes to show you we should always pay attention to our children and whats going on with them by talking!!! Oh by the way i think the Elizabeth story lines are out of gas, I think she will find something else real soon.