General Hospital
GH's EP Frank Valentini Talks JaSam, Friz, Julexis & Steering The Ship In Port Charles!
Photo Credit: Steven Bergman
As the final weeks of summer play out and into the fall on General Hospital, look for some intriguing storylines, and plenty of drama ahead for fans of the ABC daytime drama series. With recent casting additions, new story for beloved favorites and duos, it’s a good time to tune-in.
On-Air On-Soaps caught up with the man at the helm of the series, Emmy award-winning executive producer Frank Valentini at the ABC TCA summer cocktail reception to get his thoughts on a myriad of subjects related to the show including: bringing Valentin Cassadine to the canvas, big story for JaSam, Julexis, utilizing Genie Francis (Laura) … and, inside the construct of the show from; formulating story with the head writers, to his job of overseeing the GH machine as it churns out episode after episode, and the state of the soap genre in 2016.
In a time where the network soap has to seemingly always rein in its budgets, while still delivering compelling, and exciting content to compete in the daytime space for an audience, Valentini has continued to be an expert in balancing all the aspects for GH to march on 53 years after its beginnings. So, what’s up at GH? Here’s what Frank had to say about it.
There are so many plot points beginning to shape up, or just beginning on GH these days. How do you feel James Patrick Stuart is doing as your newest villain, Valentine Cassadine? And, why the decision to bring his story on to the canvas at this point, when it had first been talked about several years ago?
Courtesy/ABC
FRANK: He is wonderful, and we love having James. We didn’t bring the story back, per se. We just knew the character was out there, and that it was a character that existed that the audience has never seen. So we thought: let’s have him show up and cause some trouble, and sort of reintroduce the next generation of Cassadines.
Genie Francis was terrific in her recent scenes when she railed on Valentin for “killing” her son, Nikolas. Fans always say they want to see more of Genie. Will you be continuing to utilize her in story?
FRANK: Yup! She’s under contract. She will be working non-stop. Laura is involved with the Cassadine story, and she has her own drama with Lulu (Emme Rylan), and Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) as well; and the budding romance with Kevin (Jon Lindstrom).
This week on GH there are major developments for Jason (Billy Miller) and Sam (Kelly Monaco) and perhaps some major conflicts for the duo to contend with, too?
Courtesy/ABC
FRANK: I can say there is so much going on with Jason and Sam in the next couple of months, and it’s going to be pretty intense, as well.
Viewers learned on Monday’s episode that Sam is pregnant. Why the decision to go that way with the story?
FRANK: I think it’s part of a bigger story, but it’s a story that evolved out of the Cassadine Island adventure, which as the viewers will see starts to unfold for everybody, and everybody comes away from that adventure changed. It’s super fun to do adventures, and do escapades, and smaller umbrella stories, but if it doesn’t move the story on the canvas forward at-large, it doesn’t work as well.
How far ahead are you planning the stories that make it on-air, along with GH head writers Shelly Altman and Jean Passanante?
Courtesy/ABC
FRANK: There is an incredible amount of planning that goes into it. We have an idea of where it’s going, but we always like to keep our ear to the ground of what is airing, and sort of seeing what things are working, and are exciting. We try to capitalize on that as well, for example: the Kristina (Lexi Ainsworth) and Parker (Ashley Jones) relationship and story. I didn’t know if anybody knew that would be as interesting as it was, and that was really great. The Franco (Roger Howarth) and Liz (Rebecca Herbst) pairing is very solid, and very interesting, and so we are capitalizing on that. I feel there is a lot of romance, and a lot of adventure, a lot of potential, and a lot of really solid stories right now. I feel like the show is in a really good place.
There are a lot of moving parts for you as the executive producer of GH that you have to oversee and execute, while at the same time trying to manage and exceed audience expectations with the story. Would you agree?
Courtesy/ABC
FRANK: There are a lot of moving parts, and truly it is exhausting. It was interesting to be at the General Hospital Fan Club Event the past weekend. The fans were so smart. They often said, “We know how hard you work, and we know hard it is, but we appreciate everything.” We try to introduce these new sets, and we try and take the budget that we have and make the most of it, and make it visually exciting for the audience, and emotionally satisfying. I feel like the show right now is incredibly emotionally satisfying every day. We are seeing the response from the fans, and the daytime community at large.
I love that you brought Bree Williamson to GH as Claudette West. How is it working with Bree again after a few years away from your time together at One Life to Live when you were the EP of the series, and she played Jessica Buchanan?
Courtesy/ABC
FRANK: I love that we brought her on GH, too! She is as good as she ever was, and in ways somewhat better, because she is older and wiser, and more beautiful. Bree is just a giant talent, and to bring someone into that triangle of Nathan/Maxie/Griffin was a little bit risky. But it has to be someone who would just jump off the screen, because Maxie (Kirsten Storms) is so exciting, and so alive. So you need sort of the counterpoint to Maxie, because she has some of the same qualities, but is underneath it all a good person, while Claudette we’re not so sure about.
Let’s talk Julexis! You gave Will deVry (Julian) and Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis) great story, and they delivered Emmy-worthy performances. Did you decide, “Let’s break them apart” in order to have them struggle to find their way back to each other?
Courtesy/ABC
FRANK: Again, it was the next natural progression for the show at large. We don’t often look at the show in terms of one or two characters. It’s like having a whole family; you can’t think of just one child, you have to think of the family altogether. It turned into an umbrella story for Alexis and Julian, and Sam, and Sonny (Maurice Benard), and Carly (Laura Wright), and Carlos (Jeffrey Vincent Parise), and Molly (Haley Pullos) and Kristina, and Lucas (Ryan Carnes). It just affected so many people. So when you are thinking of doing something like that, we knew we could give it to Nancy and Will, and they could handle the acting challenge of it. That is to play two people who really love each other, but have betrayed one another … because it happens!
Who came up with the idea to have Jeffrey Vincent Parise return to GH as Carlos’ twin, Dr. Joe Rivera?
FRANK: That was me. I asked the writers to do it, because I thought it was something that could be really fun, and another little surprise. When you have actors that you love so much you try to find ways to use them.
Courtesy/ABC
How do you think the daytime genre is performing overall right now with your show, and the other three network daytime dramas?
FRANK: I can’t speak for the other shows, but I feel we are doing very well. The ratings are very solid, and very consistent. The audience is loving the show, and like I said at the fan club event, we received really good feedback. Overall, I think it’s a tough time in television for everyone in nighttime and daytime.
Speaking of the just concluded GHFCW, there was an amazing turnout by your cast at the main event. It was very impressive!
FRANK: There were only a few people who didn’t make it, but it was a really good turnout. I take my hat off to the actors, because they really love the fans. Right now we are in five weeks of intense production, and everybody came out on their Saturday to be with the ones who love them.
Courtesy/ABC
You brought fan favorite Michael Easton back to General Hospital as Dr. Hamilton Finn. What are your thoughts on how his new incarnation is working out within the framework of the show, and with the audience?
FRANK: It’s great! I think we took a big risk, but it was something we felt very strongly about doing. Michael is a personal friend of mine. So it was very challenging for me, and I wanted to make sure I gave him something that was worthy of his talents, and also something that was different than any and all of the characters he has ever played on daytime. I think he is doing a masterful job.
You are one of those executive producers who is always the floor, and on the set with their actors and crew. Are you still getting the same joy out of it when you are out there, or directing an episode, or do you want to pull your hair out everyday?
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
FRANK: I pull my hair out only about financial things, because that’s always very challenging to make ends meet on the show. We take our responsibility to the network that has been so good to us very seriously. We have to be on budget, because at the end of the day it’s a business. But I always get the joy being on the floor. In fact, I just directed an episode on Friday.
Earlier this year at the Daytime Emmys, General Hospital took home the award for Outstanding Drama Series, and for the first time in your career you won an Emmy as executive producer. Where did you put that Emmy?
FRANK: Yes, it’s my first executive producer Emmy, but I have four others. I have it in my apartment in Los Angeles. I have my One Life to Live Emmys in New York, and my L.A Emmys in L.A.
Speaking of One Life to Live, would you consider bringing Erika Slezak (Ex-Viki, OLTL) to the cast of GH?
Courtesy/ABC
FRANK: Absolutely! I love Erika. I do stay in touch with her, and I have dinner with her and her husband Brian whenever I am back in New York. I haven’t seen her in a couple of months, because I have been a little swamped lately. I would love to bring her on to GH. If the right combination of story and situation arose, we’d do it!
So, what are your thoughts on Frank Valentini’s sentiments on the Valentin story, JaSam, Laura, Fizz, Dr. Hamilton Finn, Bree Williamson, the state of GH, and perhaps one day bringing Erika Slezak to Port Charles? Comment below!
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I love Frank and know he’s doing the best he can for the show and the fans. The best part of what he said, however, is that he’s consider bring Erika Slezak on the show. I’d do cartwheels to see that happen! LOL!
you and me both!!! I LOVE Erika Slezak!
As much as I love Erika Slezak and OLTL, the show is General Hospital and FV needs to stop hiring every other actor out of work. GH has a rich 53 year history and characters like Scotty, Lucy, Serena, Tommy Hardy Jr., Simone Hardy, Tom Hardy, Mac, Felecia, Steven Lars, Jasper Jacks, etc… can’t even get on air most of the time or we don’t see them at all.
I loved OLTL, but the show is gone, sadly.
I think if there is a story line that can make use of a great actor or actress it should be done. With the ending of OLTL and AMC it created a terrific pool of really talented acotors to draw from for new characters. I believe you need new character in order for the show to grow. After all you have new people come into your lives and leave in real life. I love Erica and would love to see her on the show.
Frank needs to bring Erika Slezak and Melissa Archer on like NOW!!!
Yes indeed how wonderful would that be(smiles)
Love me some Archer and Easton. Please it is time!
Missy could be Finn’s comatose wife Becky who had an affair with Finns best friend Tom Sawyer-Hardy…Erika could be Becky’s mom Polly who disliked Finn and put her own daughter in a coma to frame Finn and to get her hands on Polly’s late husbands fortune-he left everything to Becky…Dr.Joe Rivera who murdered Doc Twain in a cemetery and also framed Finn is the secret hitman hired by Polly to eliminate Finn but in a dramatic courtroom scene with Finn accused of Doc Twain’s murder, witness Tom Sawyer-Hardy shows up and announces he witnessed Joe kill Doc Twain…Joe esxapes by… Read more »
Agreed. Love them both
Seriously, Melissa Archer needs to come on as Finn’s not so dead wife! Fans of Archer and Easton have waited too young for a reunion! Please make it happen!
OMG YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Yes to the 10th degree. MA and ME rock! I have missed them so much.
No more characters, please.
I agree, this is GH not OLTL!
Thank you! Nothing against the actors but GH is not OLTL 2.0.
Yeah, why doesn’t anyone ever ask Frank why he needs to have so many actors? I prefer interviews where the questions are a bit more dimensional than just holding up the interview person from a variety of perspectives.
Agree Mari. I have missed Michael and Melissa so much. They’re wonderful. Hope this happens…
I’ve been after Frank forever to hire Melissa Archer for Finn’s lost wife, she could have made it by the native Indians who had something to make her well and then surprise him by coming to G.H. She is the very best partner to be with, their chemistry is off the charts!
HECK YES SOUNDS GREAT!
Agree with you di. Michael and Melissa are golden.
Love Erika Slezak and love Michael and Melissa. They are fantastic together. It would be wonderful to have them on our screens again. ME and MA rock!
REALLY! I -got so upset with Frank when he said at the end of OLTL that all things would be tied up, but John and Natalie’s story never got finishedm THEY DID NOT GET MARRIED SO it was a huge dissapointment for me!
So true di. It was a disappointment to many and still carries over today. Things got messy with PP and that made things worse. Again, would love to see these two reunited on screen. They are magic, whether they’re arguing, talking or loving. Miss them a lot:(
It would be great if TPTB would reunite them onscreen.So many possibilities for these great actors that bring out the best in each other. Love Michael and Melissa
I would start watching again if GH brought in Melissa Archer for Michael Easton .. those two have REAL chemistry!
I watch because I’m in love with Jasam, but with Micheal back on G.H. Melissa should be here too, I want to puke whenever Hayden is with Dr. Finn, no chemistry!
Hey Di .. the only time I ever rooted for Jasam was when John McBain was in the mix, lol .. John belonged with Natalie! Made me so mad, lol.
Agree with both of you. I know some think Hayden and Finn have chemistry however I don’t see it as this exceptional chemistry. Really cannot compare to our beloved MA and ME. Really hope to see them together. Please TPTB reunite them. Missing them soooo much.
Yes, yes one hundred times yes! Michael and Melissa are amazingly beautiful . Frank are you reading this?
I’m loving GH. I love Finn! Seeing Michael Easton and Kelly Monaco together today was everything! Sinn
Sam came to life today on screen with FINN!
Meant too long
I THINK ALOT OF US WANT TO FINALLY SEE FRANCO HAPPY HE HAS EARNED IT.SO PLEASE LET HIM BE HAPPY.
PLEASE LET FRANCO BE HAPPY .HE HAS EARNED IT. THANKU
Put Franco and Sam together I want Liz and Jason together I almost stop watching when Sam had her baby and it was Jason he needs to be with Elizabeth Franco needs Nina not Lis
Are you serious Michael, bring on another OLTLer? I don’t care if it IS Erica Slezak, may I please remind you that this is GH!!! No more Actors and esp no more OLTL ones! I think Frsnk Valentini is watching another show altogether! Sorty but Dumb, Dumber, Maxie & Claudette is a super snooze fest; ffwd material! Nina sucks. Lucas got like one scene with Julian, Parker & Kristina are done already, kiki & stupid Morgan are pointless and a waste of time to watch. Oh ….. I can go on!! Btw….. The Sonny & Carly show is grating on… Read more »
the Sonny and Carly show? really? what show are you watching. they don’t even have their own story
I completely agree with what you said about Morgan and Kiki. I refer to them as the “village idiots.” I’ve never cared for the character of Kiki or any of her backstory. Morgan, is just plain dumb.
Not a Kiki fan either.
Well, this interview reinforces my belief that Frank doesn’t watch his own show or listen to fans. Under his leadership, the story lines are a jumbled mess full of newbies he has brought on recently. There are days I don’t even recognize GH. Beloved vets/legacy characters are sacrificed for his pets many of whom were on OLTL. The Cassadine Island adventure had a lot of potential as an umbrella story line but it fell short and seemed rushed to its ending. Characters are placed in stories that makes no sense. Ava in the Cassadine Island story, Nina in the kidney… Read more »
Yup; and we lose focus and sight of characters/storylines for weeks on end.
I lose focus on G H the story lines are not keeping our attention they have dropped the ball and now all the new ones are just not fitting in G H it’s almost a wash no one cares anymore
And you are talking my language also–“pets” and “personal friends” do not GH make!
Really, Julian trying to kill Alexis a betrayal? One you can easily overcome and that whole story is s great “umbrella” story? Such a bogus response and I am disappointed in you Michael for letting Frank get away with that response.
What I said!
This is GH, not OLTL. Enough already. Disappointed you didn’t address the bloated cast issue. It’s killing the show and clearly Frank’s the one responsible.
Second the emotion!
Frank has an addiction to hiring every actor that he meets and it has got to stop! GH is bloated and this man is talking about bringing on another OLTL actor? I love OLTL, but this has got to stop!
have to say i was disappointed in the typical oh your pregnant but to dumb to know it episode of GH today, especially considering the character hardly pays any attention to her current offspring, oh i forgot, i’m talking about sam, theres one storyline not looking forward to seeing. and although i love all the players in the maxie,nathan,claudette, and griffin story , its weird because the two guys(hot as hell) look alike, and the two women do too, i guess you can make the argument that they have a type. As for Valentin Cassadine, well not sure yet, creepy,… Read more »
I’d love to see Dr. Dorian Lord return!! lol
wouldn’t that be something!!! I’d love to see her tangle with Jax!
A big mistake was made when they decided to break up Julexis the way they did. They went so far over the top there is an uproar on twitter & many fans have quit watching. Ratings have dropped & fans feel disrespected. They need to fix this now before it gets any worse.
Yes, can easily “fix” it by saying bye-bye to the mobster Julian.!
Or better yet, send them off together into witness protection, so we never have to see or hear from either one of them again!
@Linda….I’d really love to know the demographics of this group of fans who feel so slighted and disrespected over the loss of “Julexis,” because I don’t anyone who is in an “uproar” over this development. We’re all actually quite delighted to be spared any further exhibits of this puke-inducung pair’s beyond redundant “sexual Olympics!”
I agree 100% and fRANCO DESERVES TO FINALLY BE HAPPY, HE & lIZ COULD MAKE A HELL OF A SUPER COUPLE AS THEY ARE BOTH THE TOWN MISFITS
Join the party! Elizabeth and Nik were trashed for JaSam when there was no need! Helena is more than capable of causing havoc on her own and did not need to share Jake Doe is Jason Morgan to Nik. Helena could have gone after ELQ on her own!
hi Linda…I don’t frequent Twitter too often but I agree Alexis and Julian had quite the following. If you’ve read many of my posts I am a big fan of Alexis (and Nancy). William DeVry has been putting in some stellar performances as he goes from love to rage to hurt, loss, anger, delusion. He’s been bringing it on without being over the top. So yes, I have no doubt that regardless of what a handful of people say on one sight that weren’t Alexis/Julian supporters there were way more that were. The story as it’s been written puts the… Read more »
Well that answers so many questions. So basically, he is writing half the stories around characters he creates so that his friends can have a job. I guess the ratings will tell whether or not his vision for the show is working. I think long time viewers, like myself, just have much higher expectations. We’ve seen the best of the best, but sadly, that’s been many years ago. I was not a fan of his with OLTL and so far my mind hasn’t been changed. One example of what I wish GH had done differently was bringing Jason back. They… Read more »
And it seem they are going to make Hayden Liz’s sister when Sarah Webber is her sister they could bring back-hope they dont say Liz isnt a Webber and was adopted by the Webbers and is really Hayden’s faternal twin seperated at birth-ugh!!!
No hopefully thar doesn’t happen Liz will always be a Webber they keep messing up the show
Liz is a Webber. Herbst has worked with John Beradino, Rachel Ames, and Richard Dean Anderson. History like this should not be so easily erased for a new character. On screen are Liz’s children age appropriate – Cameron 12, Jake 9, and Aiden 6?
I have higher expectations but it is better than it was last year, more due to the writers than FV. Still, I am watching late 80s eps instead of regular GH these days. There’s much more satisfaction in that.
It’s way too easy to create new characters than to do the research on existing characters, so we end up with a bunch of newbies that I want off my show!
Great interview with Frank! How amazing it would be to see the fabulous Erika Slezak on GH!
Nice try Michael–but this is just not realistic.
This–I feel we are doing very well. The ratings are very solid, and very consistent. The audience is loving the show–
is simply not true. The ratings are mostly down–the demos are tanking. At least be honest Frank.
There is a group of us die hard G H fans who are losing intrest in the show we need the people we have to get good stories lines this is not keeping our attention G H is close to being a wash
I know–so not entertaining anymore
I would love to see Erika Slezak, Melissa Archer and Bob Woods on our screens. Miss them sooo much.
Would especially love to see Archer and Easton again. Really miss those two..
If GH had been the one cancelled instead of AMC and OLTL, I would be furious if FV and RC brought over 32 of their pets and bloat the OLTL cast. Enough!
Exactly, MissySnow…I’ve made the same comparison before, as well. It was quite one thing to bring an actor or two over to GH from other defunct soaps…I accepted Michael Easton and even Roger Howarth’s introduction to Port Charles, even though their newfangled characters didn’t serve either of them particularly well. But it has gotten to the place that the show we always knew and loved is unrecognizable due to all the extraneous additions of what I refer to as “soap refugees.” (I.E., Stafford, West, de Vry, Budig, and now Riker and Williamson.) It’s utterly absurd to expect those of us… Read more »
Erika could play Claudette’s mother!
Better yet, please put OLTL back on the air. It’s getting too crowded in Port Charles.
Great idea!
ABC/D is just itching for another hour of GMA and they sure will never give up a bunch of cash to bring back AMC or OLTL.
I would love it if OLTL were to return, but all my favorites have moved on. What I would really love to see is Renee Goldsberry making a temporary appearance as Hamilton’s wife. She is one of Michael Easton’s favorite leading ladies and boy do they have mad chemistry.
hey Frank !
I’m BORED !!
for godsake man, give us some on the edge action..
And– dump the Queens of Snooze ..
It’s General Hospital not the Waltons, remember that .. thanky
The Waltons are even better!!!
I was surprised to read Frank Valentini’s comments about Erika Slezak. She is an amazing actress and would add a lot to the show. Must admit I would so love to see Melissa Archer again as well.
Hell No to the comment put ME back with KeMo #JaSam the story gh tried it 4 times don’t do it gh Liz fans always trying
The ME and KM ship sailed . Enough already
Agreed.
I am a Liz fan and the last thing I want is for her to be paired with Jason. Billy Miller is still sleep walking and I am really tired of his talking thru his gritting teeth so we are suppose to know he is mad.
I know many fans complain the GH cast is too big and I get that but damn it would be wonderful to see Melissa Archer as well as Erika Slezak again. Wonderful talents. Especially love Melissa Archer and Michael Easton together!
my equal favorites with jasam!
Frank cares nothing about General Hospital and its fans and that is the main reason the show is in the tank. Yeah, we know Easton is a friend, the fact that he’s back for a fifth character gave it away Frank and guess what? That “huge” fan base that was supposedly clamoring for him doesn’t exist. And watching him try to play a “quirky” character is painful, yet he takes up space that a character and actor that would bring GH fans back could have. Frank thinks Friz is working because the same five people, literally five people post on… Read more »
Easton was far better as a brooding cop…Franco is only interesting in scenes with Heather-he needs to steal Roxy The Lizard and make lizard soup out of it…Nina is in every story while characters like Scott, Brad and Lucas are ignored…and instead of expanding the iconic Webber family by bringing in Liz’s sister Sarah Webber rumor is Liz isnt a Webber but Haydens long-lost faternal twin sister separated at birth!!!
Those rumors about Elizabeth had better not be true, because why change a almost 20 year vets history, because HateChel/ReBu character has bombed?!
Truly cannot stand Hayden
Good stuff AJQ.
Very true I hate to say it but this is not G H that I wait for every day they keep bringing the same characters back I’m sick of it
I’m with your sentiments 100%–such a shame, yes.
well said, and agree
It has become a show for actor fans instead of fans of GH. Very sad if FV cannot curb his tendencies.
This just in–Geologists report that there has been a huge land shift due to unexpected earthquake activity resulting in Llandview crashing into Port Charles.
Amen, AJQ!
Oh what the heck, I’d rather post in this spot so I’ll repeat it.
Sorry AJQ. Once again your negative comment is off base. Is GH still on the air? I rest my case.
Frank don’t play with my heartstrings. It would do this OLTL fan so much good to see Erika again. Outstanding actress.
I think Erika would be great as Steffanie Forrester on B&B, but they rarely do recasts.
2 things outa the gate
1. Thank you FV for bringing back Jeffrey Vincent Parise… just wowsah
2. as a fan who will never “know” the behind the scenes product assembly line as it were
with all due respect ; you deserve it.. the accolade of most deserving executive producer
of the 4 shows… GH is the only one I make time
my DAYS have gone dark…. I hope and pray that Ryan Quan and Dena Higley TURN
I’m going to miss Molly Burnett , the recast of Maxie
the dynamic has totally changed… me thinks FV protest too much…. ????
Bree Williamson acting has totally dismantled Maxie
I mean really.. when all is said and done… when Maxie has to ditz her way out of a scene… as in shoving Claudette in to the wheelchair to hightail her out of Port Charles
Claudette “owns” Nathan and Griffin….
there’s a nice charge going on with Bree and her character
I’m Looking forward to character story !!!!
James Patrick Stuart : Valentin
Jeffrey Vincent Parise : Joe
Tyler Christopher : Nicholas
Jon Lindstrom : Kevin
Maura West : Ava
Rebecca Herbst : Liz
Ashley Jones : Parker
Cast hottest
gotta love Lexie and Parker w/Aaron
gotta love Kiki and Dillon w/Morgan
gotta love STILL unwavering Franco and Liz
I agree about Molly Dolly, LOVED her as Maxie!
Garbage. General Hospital is a mess and has been a mess for way too long. You can bring every beloved veteran back but it does the audience no good without well constructed, well written stories, Frank Valentini seems to have good intentions, certainly better than Jill Faren Phelps, but soap opera is a lost art, It can;t be reinvented,
My main issue with GH is the bloated cast size.It’s unmanageable. Storylines drop off for days or weeks so the pacing sucks.Stories can’t resonate that way. Frank needs to cut unneeded characters that haven’t caught on or are unneeded.I’d cut newbies like Claudette,Hayden,Julian,Naomi,Darby,Joe,Nina,Aaron,and Amy.I’d also cut Paul (what a mess they’ve made of him) & Olivia. I’d give contracts to Ned and Lucas & put Lucy & Scotty on heavy recurring. Lucy Coe should be running Crimson not Nina. I/m thrilled with the development of Franco/Elizabeth.I’d never thought to put them together but Becky/Roger are amazing & they’re getting a… Read more »
Enjoying the Valentin addition a lot – really liking the actor – curious to see him moving about Port Charles, and more curious to see what happens when Nikolas returns. I’m remaining open to the Jasam baby story, although it’s definitely not what I would’ve chosen for the “adventure couple”. Hopefully the writing makes that apparent conflict a part of the story. Laura and Kevin were my favourite part of the Cassadine story; it would be great to see Laura with a new pairing out from under Luke’s long shadow. Elizabeth/Franco totally took me by surprise, and I’m rooting for… Read more »
It would be great to see Erika onscreen again .
“The ratings are very solid, and very consistent.”
Lol! The ratings are actually lower than what got RC fired.
I don’t doubt that everyone is working hard but For the love, as great as Erika Slezak is, GH needs no other characters. I’m so sick of not seeing storylines for weeks on end because we have to see other characters. In the past month alone GH has added four new characters. Nelle, Valentin, Claudette, & Dr. Joe. From the beginning of the year we also added Amy, Curtis, & Andre. And because of that Becky Herbst & Tyler Christopher were offered crap contracts. It is just ridiculous how disjointed this show is. What was the purpose of the CI… Read more »
Right on, Meg! You hit the nail on the head with both Nina and Hayden….they are vapid, superficial players who have added nothing to the GH canvas in the way of appeal, interesting stories or depth of character. I swear watching this show is often like observing chess pieces being moved about their board….except for the fact there is a rhyme and reason—not to mention a purposeful conclusion—to that game!
Not a fan of Nina, Hayden, Sabrina at all.
Seems we share a LOT of the same tastes, Nikki!!!!
Let’s count all of the characters and recasts added by FV since January 2012.
Recast – Lulu, Franco, Dillon, Connie/Kate, Paul, Julian
OLTL characters – Todd, McBain and Starr
New characters – Sabrina, Felix, Britt, Nathan, Dr. O, Nina, Trey Scully, Joe Scully, Danny, Rocco, Georgie, Teddy, Leo, Aaron, Anna Donnelly, Amy, Madeline, Nina, Rosalie, Brad, Valentine, Ava, Kiki, Silas, Griffin, Dr. Mayes, Carlos, Joe aka Carlos #2, Danny, Parker, Claudette, Hayden, Naomi, and this is just a few names, but I am sure there are many more!
Hamilton Finn, ATWT actor that played the British guy during CI story, the woman from CI with the antibiotics, Andre, Curtis,,,,,yes, way TOO many characters which is why we can’t see the vets!
Excellent interview Michael!!
I would love to see Erika Slezak, on GH or Y&R. Erika can play Dina Abbott Mergeron on Y&R. Also cast Erika, in a new role on GH or a recast of Audrey. Erika needs to be back on our screens again. She is a wonderful actress and still looks terrific for her age. Erika turned 70 years old.
Frank please bring Robin Strasser to General Hospital, I miss her so much. The lady can act.
You Can’t Just Think Of One Child: Sonny is involved in too many storylines! Bobbie’s birthday party was rushed. Liz does not need Jason to micromanage her life. The police department needs to be more competent. Jason comes across on screen as a bully. Where are the strong female characters? Characters History: The only revelation from Cassidine’s Island is that Sam is pregnant. Nicholas is trained in the martial arts and should only lose to Jason with a gun. Dr. Mayes was the only doctor on staff in the vein of Steve Hardy – a no nonsense male doctor over… Read more »
I like Dr. Mayes and was hoping him and Monica would date and fall in love.
I would have put him with Tracy!
“When you have actors that you love so much you try to find ways to use them.” Yep, that pretty much says it all….forget about characters who have real appeal/development potential or intriguing storylines to draw in the viewers…as long as the actors that are “loved” by the show get to come/stay on, well, that’s all that really matters! (As the current—and future?—-GH canvas attests…..)
My fear is that the writers are going to say Liz isnt a Webber but is really Hayden’s fraternal twin sister separated at birth…making nuJason old Jason was a big mistake-they should have went in a different direction and made him Dr.Q in honor of Alan…Nina in all the stories(Claudette’s, Valentin’s, and even Josslyn’s kidney story-ugh)…only improvement is less of Sabrina but they got her all wrapped in the Q’s-more UGH!!!
Well, not enough “less” of Sabs for my druthers, jimh, but hopefully Nelle’s appearance portends a new romance for Mikey….she’s much more suitable for him than the twice over babymama!!!! (Who needs to be out of the Q’s orbit for good!) Nelle and Michael would be an especially interesting couple if she turns out to be a Jacks!!!
After the debacle with the Liason vs JaSam wars, why would FV change Elizabeth’s history?
I like her this Nelle…i think she would make a good Allison Mckensie in a Peyton Place reboot…she makes Mikey more interesting…they were smart to bring her back…anyway its obvious Jacks is behind the kidney transplant but i didnt think at her possibly being a Jacks-that would make an interesting twist!!!
Agreed, jimh! I just read on another soap site that Nelle is supposedly related to someone else from GH’s past….I won’t spoil the secret, but I really hope it isn’t true, because I think making her a Jacks would be a far better idea! (By the way, I do see what you are saying about the Allison McKenzie thing….Peyton Place was before my time, but am aware of that show and its stars….)
They should have Nikki Smith kill Julian and then Vikki could take over the Port Charles Press. Just a thought.
Yes! Erika Slezak would be an awesome addition!
Such a crowded cast already, but would love to see both actresses on the show, Kassie DePaiva as well. Frank is awesome, and this cast is soooo talented. Frank, if you ever need to add a writer to your team and want to take a chance at an unkown, I am in! The GH cast is a writer’s dream cast!
Yes bring Erika to the show and yes Natalie too ill play different people but they will be part of the Claudette storyline would be great also bring tea please make happen
So agree
Why not ask if ilene Kristen is ever coming back as Delia-Ava’s momma???
Really, jimh! Delia as Ava’s mom was the one clever twist in that whole sorry Jerome debacle….she would be a natural to run Kelly’s, along with Robin Mattson’s prison-work release programmed Heather!!!! You would get two different Delias in the bargain! (And perhaps a delightful cameo or two from Ron Hale as Roger/Mike! How fun would that be????)
That sounds like fun-Dee and Heather running Kelly’s together-Ryans Hope is another soap i miss!!!
I watched Ryan’s Hope midway through the 80’s, so I missed a lot of the original characters from the show….but at least I was around for the “Two Dees!” (Or should I say three…..I seem to recall there was another actress in the mix, too, although for me, Ilene Kristen was truly the one and only, no offense meant to Robin Mattson!)
I’m 71 yrs young ,have been watching GH for over 40yrs, thank you, I think it’s fabulous. Please don’t put Alexis and Julian back together again, that wouldn’t be good For girls after all Alexis is a very strong woman.
Thank you
This Nancy, also watching for over 40 years. Nix Alexis and Julian–yes!
Erika should join GH or robin strasser I miss seeing robin!!!!
I hope Franco doesn’t get evil again. Just keeps him struggling with his inner demons. He’s quirky but funny.
Also wth bring back Alcazar.
Can’t find a killer “quirky” or “funny.” Sorry. Now the ACTOR is both of those–but he is saddled with a character that can’t be redeemed (even by removing a BRAIN TUMOR–say what???????
I’d love to see Alcazar too Margaret and Ted King was eager to come back but his character was tied up in legalities too. Not sure what was going on with that…
In other words Franco is OLTL’s Todd Manning. Sheesh.
You could bring Erica on as Claudette’s mother. That would be a great story line.
Franks is obviously out of touch with the majority of GH fans…b/c they are not happy with GH at all. Thus they FF lots which makes ratings stay down. Frank and Jelly need to visit some of the large fan based sites for a reality check.
Nothing is working on this show because its a disconnected/disjointed mess with too many characters. He doesn’t seem to care about the fact that keeping all of his friends employed is what has made this show what it is today. Nina, Franco, Finn, etc are failures but he keeps trying to sell them. The Cassadine Island “adventure”. What a joke that was. Weeks on end of actors just standing around in the same room talking about nothing. If anything he needs to be off the floor and locked in his office because his instincts and perceptions of what audiences want… Read more »
Glad to hear they will continue to use Laura. I’m only watching GH for Genie Francis (the rest of the show is not very good).
That goes for me also–BUT just when Genie gains momentum (and popularity) she disappears off screen.
I am going to take him at his word re Genie. He says: “She will be working nonstop.”
Re Julian and Alexis: I beg to differ with his analysis that they are “two people who really love each other and have betrayed one other.” Julian is incapable of love–can’t paint him any other way given his actions. And very disturbing that he goes on to say, “It happens.” Would be repugnant to me if TPTP get the two back together. (Retch!)
“Non stop”, at ABC’s commissary!
Good one!
Agree on both points!
I’m not saying they should or could get back together unless Julian was “cursed and possessed” by Helena ….she hated Alexis. But…I truly believe this couple loved each other…yes, Julian loved Alexis and I believe he still does. I also believe that he killed Carlos for fear he would get caught and lose Alexis and his family. And then…he snapped. Not the epitome of stability but he does love her… Seems like quite a few of our Port Charles folk can kill someone they love: Sonny threatened to kill Carly if Olivia died…instead he married her. Nicolas had someone shoot… Read more »
Re Michael Easton as Dr. Hamilton Finn: He says, “Michael is a personal friend of mine and “we took a big risk.” Re the “taking a big risk” part: W-A-Y too big a risk in my book!
At least FINN is better than Silas!
Yes, I DID think he started out in a more intriguing way. Kind of came to a stop, though, didn’t he?
About FINN, someone here said it best, JELLY can write a scene but not a story. How true. And it seems like a different spin on that is they and or FV have good ideas for new characters but they never think beyond a new characters introduction!
Re Erika Slezak: I love Erika Slezak, but hope that he wouldn’t bring her back and ruin her legacy and damage her reputation as he has done with RH–as Franco. Would be a real shame.
True. And nothing against Erica BUT we have our own legends we dont even see or use enough! [Monica, Bobbi, Tracy, Robert, Mac, Felicia, Scott, Lucy, freakin Ned!]
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Port Charles Learns a Bomb Caused the Explosion as Lives are Forever Changed
This week’s General Hospital has reminded us all of why we love daytime drama and why GH possesses some of the finest performers in the genre.
Wednesday’s episode featured several emotionally-charged and gut-wrenching moments as loved ones find out the fate of several people in crisis, or have to deliver terrible news in the wake of the bomb explosion at the Floating Rib, which already had taken the lives of Dev (Ashton Arbab) and Dustin (Mark Lawson).
Courtesy/ABC
As we begin, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) has a passed-out Lulu (Emme Rylan) in his arms and brings her to Portia (Brook Kerr), who sends her for tests. And in true soap opera fashion, just as Lulu was presumably going to tell Dane she still loved him and wanted him back (following Dustin’s death) … he never heard what she had to say.
Laura (Genie Francis) fills in Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) that Dev did not make it, and then Liz decides to tell her son, Cameron (William Lipton) the heartbreaking news while he is recovering from his injuries. When she does, Cam is overcome and devastated as his mother holds him in her arms. Meanwhile, Carly (Laura Wright) is filling-in Trina (Sydney Mikayla) and Josslyn (Eden McCoy) about Dev’s untimely death.
Later, with Laura present, Portia tells Lulu’s loved ones that she has a cerebral contusion, and that there is a a traumatic brain injury which has caused swelling on the brain. Laura and Dante look on devastated. Portia then says they have already rushed Lulu to urgent surgery.
Julian (William deVry) is with Ava (Maura West) at Wyndemere. She is attempting to hide him there, while he figures out his next step after planting the bomb. However, Jason (Steve Burton) shows up looking for Julian now that Sonny found out that a bomb caused the explosion that ravaged the Floating Rib. From that point on calls are made to ensure Sonny’s family is protected as a mob war is about to go down. Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Jason believe all roads lead back to Cyrus Renault (Jeff Kober).
Courtesy/ABC
Jason leaves Wyndemere before spotting Julian; leaving a distraught Ava to come down hard on her brother … he has two choices… leave Port Charles, which she will help him do, or stay, and if he stays, she will not help him or be a part of his life. While they are discussing his next move, they learn Lulu is now in critical condition from the bomb. Ava tells Julian in no uncertain terms that everything he has done has come with a cost. Jason shows up at the Corinthos home where Sam (Kelly Monaco), who is not happy about any of this, finds out along with Carl,y that Jason believes he was the target at the Floating Rib.
Courtesy/ABC
As Liz is struggling to hold it together with Franco (Roger Howath) having brain surgery, she speaks with Scott (Kin Shriner), who did not know of his son’s tumor. She shares with Franco’s dad that Franco is worried he will wake up a very different person. Liz is told Franco is out of surgery, and is in tears over his hospital bed. She prays he will be alright and Franco wakes up!
Portia tells Nikolas (Marcus Coloma), Laura, and Dante that Lulu is out of surgery but in a coma, which Kevin (Jon Lindstrom) points out is normal in these situations. Dante goes to sit by Lulu’s bedside and begs her to wake up.
Courtesy/ABC
Then, in devastating news for Laura, Lucas (Matt Trudeau) gives her the real 411 on Lulu. He tells Laura that Lulu’s brain started swelling the minute she hit her head at the Floating Rib, and that her injury got worse the longer she was not checked out. Laura achingly realizes Lulu was so worried about Dustin that she never was immediately checked out for head trauma. Lucas lets Laura know that Lulu’s recovery could take a very long time, if she recovers at all.
Heart-tugging performances throughout the stellar episode were given by: Dominic Zamprogna, Genie Francis, William Lipton, Rebecca Herbst, and Maura West in very intense and dramatic scenes.
So, what have you thought of this week’s episodes of GH? The fate of Lulu? The performances from yesterday’s airshow? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital
Ashton Arbab Says Farewell To General Hospital: “It Was Such An Honor To Have Worked Alongside Of Such Talented Actors”
General Hospital
Mark Lawson Shares Heartfelt Sentiments As He Exits General Hospital
Peter Reckell’s Music Video Debuts For His New Christmas Song ‘Under the Mistletoe’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Port Charles Learns a Bomb Caused the Explosion as Lives are Forever Changed
Y&R Previews Week-Long Celebration of Their 12,000th Episode
Ashton Arbab Says Farewell To General Hospital: “It Was Such An Honor To Have Worked Alongside Of Such Talented Actors”
‘Bachelorette’ Alum Kaitlyn Bristowe Wins The Mirrorball Trophy In Season Finale of ‘Dancing with the Stars’
All My Children Virtual Reunion On Tap With Jill Larson, James Kiberd, and More
Mark Lawson Shares Heartfelt Sentiments As He Exits General Hospital
GH Temporarily Recasts the Role Of Marcus Taggert
DANCING WITH THE STARS: Soap Alums Return to the Ballroom for Season Finale Tonight
THIS WEEK On GENERAL HOSPITAL: The Aftermath of the Explosion
THIS WEEK On GENERAL HOSPITAL: The Aftermath of the Explosion
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Julian’s Life Implodes As Bomb Explodes
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Port Charles Learns a Bomb Caused the Explosion as Lives are Forever Changed
Jane Elliot Makes Another Return to General Hospital
Mark Lawson Shares Heartfelt Sentiments As He Exits General Hospital
Ashton Arbab Says Farewell To General Hospital: “It Was Such An Honor To Have Worked Alongside Of Such Talented Actors”
Y&R Gets Ready To Celebrate 12,000th Episode
GH Temporarily Recasts the Role Of Marcus Taggert
B&B’s Matthew Atkinson Weighs-In On Daytime’s Wildest Storyline, The Hope Mannequin & What’s Really Going On With Thomas
SATURDAY: Day of Days 2020 Virtual Fan Event
Peter Reckell’s Music Video Debuts For His New Christmas Song ‘Under the Mistletoe’
THIS WEEK On GENERAL HOSPITAL: The Aftermath of the Explosion
Y&R Gets Ready To Celebrate 12,000th Episode
B&B’s Matthew Atkinson Weighs-In On Daytime’s Wildest Storyline, The Hope Mannequin & What’s Really Going On With Thomas
Ryan Phillippe Opens Up About How Parents Shunned Him For Taking On Gay Role On One Life to Live & Part In ‘Cruel Intentions’
Tuc Watkins Talks ‘Boys in the Band’, Falling in Love, and His One Life to Live Co-Stars
This Week on General Hospital: Lives Are On The Line (Watch the Promo)
Go Behind-the-Scenes With The Bold and the Beautiful As They Mark 100 Episodes Back During COVID-19
WATCH: Kelly Ripa’s Walk Down Memory Lane with the Stars of All My Children & More On Her 30th Anniversary with Walt Disney Company
‘The Bay’ Returns For Its Sixth Season Releases Official Trailer
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General HospitalNovember 23, 2020THIS WEEK On GENERAL HOSPITAL: The Aftermath of the Explosion
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General HospitalNovember 21, 2020GENERAL HOSPITAL: Julian’s Life Implodes As Bomb Explodes
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General HospitalNovember 26, 2020GENERAL HOSPITAL: Port Charles Learns a Bomb Caused the Explosion as Lives are Forever Changed
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General HospitalNovember 19, 2020Jane Elliot Makes Another Return to General Hospital
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General HospitalNovember 23, 2020Mark Lawson Shares Heartfelt Sentiments As He Exits General Hospital
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General HospitalNovember 24, 2020Ashton Arbab Says Farewell To General Hospital: “It Was Such An Honor To Have Worked Alongside Of Such Talented Actors”
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PreviewsNovember 22, 2020Y&R Gets Ready To Celebrate 12,000th Episode
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General HospitalNovember 23, 2020GH Temporarily Recasts the Role Of Marcus Taggert