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!
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Tabyana Ali on a Potential Kai/Trina/Gio/Emma Quadrangle, ‘I Don’t Think That’s Impossible, But That Would Be Messy’
On recent episodes of General Hospital, music executive Simon Craft (Grady Eldridge) has been pushing and demanding that Trina (Tabyana Ali) and Gio (Giovanni Mazza) play up a faux relationship when they are onstage, or in front of the camera, to add to their allure as new recording artists to his label.
Simon knows full well that Gio is dating Emma (Braedyn Bruner), and Trina is with Kai (Jens Austin Astrup). It was apparent from the start, that Kai seemed a bit more comfortable with the “arrangement” understanding this was for business, and not pleasure, while Emma initially didn’t like the idea.
Now with Trina’s stalker story in full gear, and as fans eventually find out who is completely obsessed with the budding young singer, while initially seeming to be Simon that would seem to be too easy of a choice. But is GH toying with the idea that somehow Gio and Trina get stuck in a situation and one thing leads to another and they develop feelings one another, too?
Photo: ABC
SIMON’S MANUEVERS
In addition, after Curtis (Donnell Turner) and Sidwell’s (Carlo Rota) beatdown at Pentonville, where everyone is accusing Sonny (Maurice Benard) of ordering the deed, will this find Gio and Trina on the same side, believing it’s Sonny, or will Gio end up sticking by his grandfather when by week’s end he was also questioning if he was telling the truth?
During a new conversation on the Michael Fairman Channel, Tabyana Ali shared her thoughts that if Gio and Trina were pushed closer together, what that would mean for their relationships with Emma and Kai, respectively.
Photo: ABC
MUSICAL CHAIRS?
Pondering the soap staple, Tabyana exclaimed, “Oh, my goodness. Who knows? I mean, quite honestly, I don’t think it’s it’s impossible, but, oh, wow! That would be messy!” Ali added that its something that could be quite intriguing to play. “There’s a part of me that wants it to happen just to see, how does it play out? Right? Then, there’s another part of me that’s like, “You can’t do that to Emma and Kai.” That’s so wrong,” believed Ali.
However, Tabyana did admit a complicated love story wasn’t far from her mind. “Originally, I wanted something like a quadrangle. I really wanted that to happen. And if this is a moment where it could happen, I think that would be fun too.”
When asked to tease what’s coming up for Trina in the next several weeks, she offered up three words. Things for her will “(get) Suspicious, (be ) spontaneous, (and) very dangerous.”
So, do you think the GH writing team is teeing up a situation where Trina and Gio become more than friends and musical artists together? Would you be down for it, or be against it? do you like Emma with Gio and Kai with Trina? Share your thoughts via the comment section, nd in case you missed it, check our chat with Tabyana below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
On the Thursday, October 1 episode of General Hospital, both Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) and Michael Corinthos (Rory Gibson) had some things to say and what they had to say didn’t go over well with whom they were talking to!
Sonny had a confrontation with his son, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna), while Michael leveled with Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) over Chase (Josh Swickard).
GH is setting up a scenario where everyone is going to make it look like Sonny was responsible for having Sidwell (Carlo Rota) beat up in Pentonville; while viewers already know Ava (Maura West) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) were behind it.
Courtesy/ABC
A VISIT WITH DAD
Now, Dante comes to Sonny’s house. He wants to know straight up from his dad if he ordered the attack at Pentonville. Sonny flatly denies any culpability or responsibility, but Dante refuses to believe him.
Dante informs Sonny he has video footage of Sully and Vito at the prison. Sonny explains to Dante he doesn’t know why Sully beat up both Curtis and Dante. Things escalated when Sonny was deeply hurt that Dante refused to believe him. Dante says he was disappointed that his father didn’t respect him enough to be truthful with him!
Sonny asks Dante to consider that he was being set up. He says all he did was to tell Vito to instruct Sully to keep a watchful eye on Sidwell, not to harm him. No matter what Sonny said, Dante continued hammering him with how he knew deep down, even though he said he left the mob, he had to finish off Sidwell for himself.
Next, Sonny explains everything he has ever done was to provide for and to protect his family. Dante fired back that he doesn’t want to deal anymore with Sonny’s half-baked truths. As the two men argue, Gio (Giovanni Mazza) shows up at Sonny’s front door and overhears Sonny losing his temper and shouting at Dante, “Get out of my house! I don’t want a son like you!” The scenes featured an excellent performance by Maurice Benard.
Courtesy/ABC
MICHAEL THE MANIPULATOR
While this is going down, outside the Quartermaine boathouse, Brook Lynn opens up to Michael about living at the Q’s with Chase being there, since he only came back due to legal advice from his lawyer, Monet Mitchell (Blythe Howard).
Brook Lynn questioned whether they should get legally separate. Michael insisted that would be a big mistake. When she asks why, Michael tells Brook Lynn to bide her time until Chase and Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) have an affair; then she’d have full custody of Phoebe.
An angered Brook Lynn pushed Michael into the water and accuses him of moving Willow back into the gatehouse with intent on putting Chase and Willow in closer proximity and sacrificing Brook Lynn’s family in the process. As the two cousins bicker, Chase shows up asking Brook Lynn if she is OK. Michael punctuates their talk with “You know, I’m right.”
CURTIS FIGURES OUT A WAY TO GET OUT OF THE SLAMMER
At GH, Willow visits Curtis (Donnell Turner) in his hospital room. Curtis wants Willow to get him pardoned and keep him out of jail, and in return, he will help her nail Sonny.
Next, Willow tells Dr. Tristan Roberts (Dean Geyer) she wants Curtis held for observation for three more days. He agrees to do so under one condition, that she understands that he may need to call in a favor from a congresswoman.
So, what did you think of how Dante accused his father and refused to believe Sonny’s answers? Is this the end of their father and son relationship for good? Is Michael the most manipulative person of all, except for Willow? Do the two deserve each other? Do you want Chase and Willow to have an affair? And what of Curtis? Does he have many redeeming qualities left? Share your thoughts via the comment section, but first check out the talk Michael had with Brook Lynn.
General Hospital
GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof
Two soap opera alums very familiar to fans of General Hospital and The Young and the Restless are paired together in a new short-form digital series from none other than Issa Rae’s production entity HOORAE Digital.
Look for Tajh Bellow (ex-TJ Ashford, GH)) and Loren Lott (ex-Ana Hamilton, Y&R) as part of the cast of The Compatibility Experiment, premiering on October 14, 2026, exclusively on TikTok and its companion microdrama platform, PineDrama.
In the video teaser, it appears that Bellow and Lott play a couple, Kelvin and Camila, set in a Love Island reality show-esque environment trying to win the one million dollar cash prize, only what could go wrong?
Photo: HOORAE
The Compatibility Experiment loglines share that it brings a fast-paced, relationship-focused reality check—much like Love Island with a twist. The show takes a participant’s current relationship, introduces them to a potentially more compatible partner, and forces them to navigate the differences with life-changing money on the line.
The new series is part of a groundbreaking content deal between HOORAE Digital and TikTok to develop premium short-form storytelling. The ensemble cast also features; Ayona, Reggie Luck, JaNa Craig, Tosin Morohunfola, Jessica Jacoby, Georgia Warner, and Nick Cassidy.
General Hospital fans know Tajh Bellow for his performances as TJ Ashford, and who earned two Daytime Emmy nominations along the way during his run. Bellow took over the role in 2018 and last appeared on the ABC daytime drama series in December of 2024.
Loren Lott first appeared as Devon’s (Bryton James) sister Ana Hamilton on The Young and the Restless from 2018 to 2019; making a brief return in 2024. She has continued to perform on the stage and screen with recent credits including: Bel-Air, Cherish the Day, and All American: Homecoming.
Check out the trailer for The Compatibility Experiment below and let us know what you think of its concept and if you are glad to see Tajh and Loren again? Hoping they might return to daytime in their GH and Y&R roles at some point in the future? Weigh-in via the comment section.
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