General Hospital
GH’s Brook Kerr on Portia/Stella Scenes Over Esme Targeting Trina, Shares: “Overwhelmed with All the Love and Support … My Heart Jumped When I Read That Material”
If you caught last Friday’s episode of General Hospital, you saw, and heard, how the writing team at the ABC daytime drama series wove into the fabric of the upcoming Trina courtroom drama, race relations in our country and the justice system.
The words were spoken by Trina’s (Tabyana Ali) mother, Portia (Brook Kerr), who is beside-herself with worry now that Trina’s court date is here. She shares how she believes Trina was targeted by Esme (Avery Pohl), when Esme decided to plant the phone that made it ‘appear’ that Trina was the person who taped Cameron (William Lipton) and Josslyn (Eden McCoy) having sex and had it go viral.
Courtesy/ABC
In key scenes, Portia shares her worries with Stella (Vernee Watson). She expresses that Esme knew Trina would have a more difficult time facing the justice system, because she is black. Portia voices that members of the jury may fail to realize Trina’s innocence and as a mother, feels she has failed Trina, because she never prepared her for the harsh realities of the world. Portia goes on to say that Trina grew up with a very sheltered life, and now she realizes that may have been a terrible error on her part.
Stella, always the voice of reason, disagrees. She tells Portia that she knows that Trina understands the world, and most importantly, try as she may, she can’t shield her daughter from everything that life throws at her. She also shares that she knows the justice system isn’t always fair to people who look like Trina, but that she has to believe that in 2022 things are changing, and that Trina will be acquitted. As Portia is in tears, Stella hugs her and assures her that Trina is a fighter. Throughout the scenes, Brook Kerr definitely delivered and now has material to submit for next year’s Emmys!
Over the weekend, Brook Kerr took to Twitter after seeing the reaction to the scenes. Kerr shared: “I’m overwhelmed with all the love and support I’ve received from yesterday’s episode… My heart jumped when I read that material. And to be able to do it with @VerneeWJohnson_. I’m catching up and y’all got me crying now… Thank you to the whole #gh family”
So, what did you think of Brook Kerr’s performance in the key scenes? Glad that GH touched on racial injustice? Comment below.
I’m overwhelmed with all the love and support I’ve received from yesterday’s episode… My heart jumped when I read that material. And to be able to do it with @VerneeWJohnson_ 🙏🏽
I’m catching up and y’all got me crying now…🥺Thank you to the whole #gh family ♥️
— Brook Kerr (@brookkerr) July 17, 2022
Was so impressed that GH “went there”. An important element of the story to address. I rewound that scene a few times as both the acting and writing were stellar. Come on MF – give Kerr the “Power Performance” recognition.
Esme, I will say, is an equal opportunity conniving witch. This is something that we, the audience, have seen, but Portia witnessed only the direct impact on her daughter. Kudos to the GH writing team for finally taking a deep dive into Portia’s POV in her daughter’s story (well with the wait)!
I really liked it, too, Steve, and admit it took me by surprise. I didn’t expect that much depth and insight in this endless story. It also shed a light I hadn’t considered which evil Esme probably would have — that Trina would sadly be treated differently from, say, Josslyn in the same predicament. I’ve always liked the Portia character and didn’t mind the annoying Stella this time. I just wish it was Ava who’ll bring down Esme… and cheating Nikolas as well!
Soaphound
Everything you said is true but your last sentence,be careful what you wish for because I’ve read Ava might end up with Nick’s uncle and nothing is worse than that!
Right on, Soaphound!! I want to revel in the satisfacion of watching Ava bring Esme to her knees–Literally!!
Aside–By the same token, I must give credit and praise to Avery Kristen Pohl’s.
Her talent is undisputed, albeit we all despise this little manipulative hussy—a true Saccubus. I would love to see the actress in a more positive role.
So right, Celia. She’s a tremendous actress who I’m sure we’ll see more of. Esme…not so much.
Soaphound…I wonder if actors who play the villains can paint their careers into a corner when trying to get other type of roles? The one who has surprised me a little is the actor playing Victor Cassidine (sp?). He’s growing on me. But he’s done such a reversal from playing Fran’s boss in The Nanny.
This is a fascinating question Rose. I remember actor Steve Railsback had trouble getting good roles after his terrifyingly real portrayal of Charles Manson in “HELTER SKELTER” in 1976. On the other hand, Anthony Hopkins’ career skyrocketed after playing a cannibal! People were skeptical of Barbra Streisand doing a straight dramatic film until “THE WAY WE WERE” proved studio heads are mostly clueless. There doesn’t seem to be a sure pattern but I certainly applaud actors with the courage to explore outside of others’ expectations.
rose
I kind of think Victor acts more like Shane Donovan, the ISA agent he’s played on Days for years. This thing he’s doing by keeping Charlotte hostage from Val is pretty low down and wanting Laura killed? Are we talking about the same person? You said he’s growing on you, not in a good way, I hope.
Violet…OMGoodness, No! I was talking about the actor growing on me having to play Victor. It’s a bit of a transition for me to get used to to see him go from Fran’s lighthearted Mr Sheffield to evil Victor Cassadine. Hope you are keeping cool in this hot weather.
rose
Thanks for clarifying that, you had me scared for a minute. Also, Thanks for asking, I never leave my AC apt. unless it’s for a Dr. appointment. I’ve even been ordering my groceries from Amazon for delivery. What a life saver those people are, spend $35, free delivery. No, I don’t own shares, wish I did.
Definitely… or if not Shane, then maybe Shane’s evil twin Andrew Donovan who appeared on Days decades ago, but came back for brief appearance on the first season of “Beyond Salem”.
Shane & Andrew didn’t always get along, but ironically Shane did name his son after his brother… and Andrew “jr” finally made an appearance in Beyond Salem 2 (after being oddly absent from the screen since he was a baby)
Interesting, did not know any of this
When will that irritating Esme get her due?!!!!!!!
Lew S
To put it crudely, hopefully Ava will beat the crap out of her tomorrow.
What would really be good is if she could somehow hold her down or tie her up and cut that long hair off up to her ears.
Very well written scenes, and a strong performance from Brook Kerr, as well as the always stellar Vernee Watson. I love when GH ties real life issues into their storylines. They’ve always done that well, dating back to the days of Wendy Riche and Claire Labine.
I just hope they’re finally moving along with the Esme story. That as well as a number of the storylines on GH lately have been dragging along at a snails pace. It’s really very frustrating at times as a viewer. I know the nature of storytelling on soaps when you have to fill 5 episodes a week 52 weeks a year, but you have to s-word or get off the pot at some point, as my grandma used to say.
I really like Portia and Stella in any of their scenes. As for GH or other soaps, finally addressing possible real life race considerations, I‘m just surprised it took them so long. As far as Esme considering this in her plans to bring down Trina out of jealousy it’s possible, but she’s an equal opportunity villain considering Ava, Joss and Cameron have been her targets or used as well. The final bringing down of Esme will be sweet.
rose
Hi again. I’ve been wondering again if Curtis is truly Trina’s birth dad. Portia seems very intent on researching Curtis’s dads mental problem, be it hereditary? Well, I’ve been wondering if he was ever correctly diagnosed, they are so vague about the Whole thing. Why do I care? I don’t know, it’s that they are spending a lot of dialog on it.
Curtis being Trina’s dad was “hinted” at a long time ago when Jordan & Portia were trapped in a basement with a gas leak , and neither one of them was completely coherent at the time Because Jordan went through the whole kidney transplant thing and months (or years??) of recovery, she hasn’t shown any signs yet as to whether or not she remembers that conversation…. but she may not have to, because Portia’s getting kinda sloppy with her questions about mental illness, and specifically the hereditary implications of it. I could start to see the wheels turning in Marshall’s head as if he was beginning to clue in as to why she might be asking such a question…. though since she & Curtis are a couple now, Portia could always deflect that question by claiming she was concerned about any children she & Curtis might have in the future. Not the one they had 20 years ago!
I was a well done scene, and I recall a similar scene 6 months or so(?) Between Portia and Jordan discussing the racial perspective of police treatment during arrests. Neither was heavy handed or preachy, but was frank and came across as genuine conversations character driven.
I enjoyed Brook as Whitney on Passions ( during my College days) and I am truly appreciating her on GH. It took me a while–but, she is amazing and has found her niche at GH.
I also thought the court scenes to be realistic and compelling—suspenseful.
Aside (of couse, that’s what I do)—as previously stated, I do believe that we all think Willow has some kind of blood disorder where only Nina ( who has the same rare blood type) will be able to save her. Watch out Carly, you know—the one who calls the kettle black.
I’m so ready for this teen scene to be over with. Why do they have to drag every darn SL on forever? I could care less who Trina ends up with, but we all know she won’t end up in prison. Good riddance to Esme, they keep saying but then how does that involve Felicia if she’s her mother? Wouldn’t that fact keep her in PC indefinitely? I like Joss, but she’s got some mouth on her, maybe worse than her mother’s, gets tiresome. Now that Portia knows about Curtis dads medical problem, she won’t leave it alone until she finds out for sure because it might be hereditary, and could effect Trina, if Curtis is her bio dad. Sorry, just spouting off!
I’m inclined to agree now, Violet. I don’t think we’re NEAR done with Miss Esme. And this initially intriguing story has worn out its welcome. Rory is so much nicer than Spencer but I’m sure Trina will forgive and forget his earlier duplicity. And this awful Cody tale…the horses must smell better! That wacko Dex is on Michael’s payroll, and now Austin is involved in something shady, too? Are there any NICE people moving into Port Charles?
Soaphound
Bite your tongue. Iam so over Esme, Iam ALMOST ready to welcome back Peter August, at least he was more honest with his intentions. I was also hoping that when she goes so would Ryan. Are any nice people moving to P.C, now what fun is that? I have heard a rumor that Austin may be involved with Dawn Of Day and they are trying to draw him back in. Boy, I hope that is just someone’s pipe dream.
Violet…I watch GH, Y&R, and B&B. I can’t say I like any of the storylines on any of the three right now, except Ally and Noah on Y&R. But they will probably find a way to ruin them as well. So I go back to something I asked myself before. Why watch soaps? They sure aren’t a mix of love in the afternoon, adventure, filmed in cool locations.
Speaking of lousy storylines, Rose, how about Ashland’s “is he or isn’t he dead” tale. Now where have I seen that before? Oh yeah, 3 or 4 years ago at Victoria’s house (apparently quite a dangerous place) with J. T. attacking her. She sure can pick ’em.
rose
To answer your question,why watch soaps? My answer has always been the same, because most times their problems are worse than our own. Also years when younger their ” love in the afternoon” sure beat my excitement of what to make for dinner and a cranky husband coming home to start my exciting evening. OMG,bring on the Soaps!
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).
Photo: NATAS
In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year, A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.
The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.
So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.
General Hospital fans took to social media following the airing of the Wednesday, October 21 episode of the ABC daytime drama series. In story, Molly (Kristen Vaganos) reveals to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) that she has received an offer to join the top law firm in Chicago that practices civil law. She says it’s her dream job.
The problem Molly says is relocating from Port Charles and uprooting her life and being away from her mother, Scout and boyfriend Cody Bell (Josh Kelly). Wistful that she may lose another daughter to a long-distance situation (Kristina left a few months back to go to medical school in California), Alexis urged Molly to get Cody to go with her.
Molly still seemed concerned and has trouble committing to the idea. Alexis tells her to talk it over with Cody. Meanwhile, Cody asked Tracy (Jane Elliot) is he can have Thanksgiving off because he and Molly planned to spend Thanksgiving together with their families. After initially balking, Tracy agrees.
Courtesy/ABC
WILL MOLLY AND CODY HEAD TO CHI-TOWN?
Later, Cody shows up at Miller & Davis and the conversation turned to Thanksgiving dinner that Alexis is hosting. Molly and Cody asked her not to cook anything. Cody hugged Molly reassuring Alexis that he and Molly would take care of whatever was needed on Turkey Day.
So, this raises the question, why out of nowhere are we learning that Molly received an amazing law offer in Chicago, if the character was not being written out? If Molly leaves the canvas, would the character of Cody make his exit too?
Kristen Vaganos joined GH as a recast Molly Lansing-Davis back in September of 2023 and went on contract in August of 2024. Josh Kelly began playing Cody Bell back in June of 2022. Initial reports were that Kelly joined the show on contract and then as of June 2025 went on recurring status with the show per his choice.
Do you see a world where GH is writing out Molly and Cody? Would you be sad to see Kristen and Josh exit the soap opera? If this is not what is going on, is this just a plot point for some other story that is upcoming? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
It’s been over two-years since his last appearance on General Hospital, now fan favorite Kin Shriner (Scott Baldwin) has taken to social media to share his thoughts on the casting of his grown-up TV daughter, Serena Baldwin now played by Kelly Kruger.
Kelly took over the role of Serena on-screen starting with the July 30, 2026 episode and has been ensconced in the storyline with her mother, Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring), in trying to win back full creative control of Deception for her.
In fact on the Monday, October 19 episode of the ABC soap opera, Serena tried to dupe Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) into signing over Michael’s (Rory Gibson) shares of the company. Jason caught on and wondered why she was doing this. She claimed she just wanted to help her mom gain creative control from Tracy (Jane Elliot) rather than full ownership, and begged Jason to keep quiet about it, which he agreed to for now.
Courtesy/ABC
WHERE IS SCOTT?
On Monday, Shriner also took to X and said, “I think Kelly Kruger is doing a great job on General Hospital, and she and Lynn Herring work well together.” That was followed by comments in his thread about the show needing to bring back Scott too.
In fact, back on August 25, Shriner also took to X with a reminder that Scott is still around and ready to come back to Port Charles, sharing, “Scotty Baldwin always fits in he just needs the right sport coat !!!!”
The last time Serena mentioned her father Scott was when Kruger made her debut and informed Lucy that her father was, “living his best life in Key West.” Meanwhile, Shriner posts on his X account continually and shared back on August 2, that it has been 49 years since he made his on-screen debut as then teenaged, Scotty Baldwin and thanked the fans for al the love and support.
So, now let us know, are you enjoying Kelly Kruger as Serena Baldwin? Do you want to see GH bring back Scott Baldwin into the story, so Serena has both her parents in Port Charles? Do you like the potential of Jason and Serena pairing? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
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