General Hospital
GH's Finola Hughes, Jason Thompson & Maurice Benard named Power Performances of the Week!
Courtesy/ABC
It’s been awhile since, almost six weeks since we have been able to name a Power Performance of the Week on daytime television, but given the incredible display of acting talent given material worthy of them by Ron Carlivati and the GH writing team this past week, we can honestly say, we think this may be the kick-start daytime and certainly General Hospital needed!
While so many in the cast of GH have had heartbreaking moments surrounding the demise of the beloved Dr. Robin Scorpio, there were three this past week that really took our breath away, and we are sure next week the big Tristan Rogers and Tony Geary’s scenes may be included in next week’s “Power” announcement.
But for sheer understated simplicity that to us just feels so realistic in such an unrealistic set of circumstances, Finola Hughes as Anna Devane, the grieving mother, reminds us why she is a Daytime Emmy winner, and why she has been sorely missed from the Port Charles canvas for far too long. In the scenes with Luke in the diner, where she talks about her beautiful daughter, and her concern for Robert, they stunning moments. However, there were scenes throughout the week with Patrick and Robert, and debating whether to go into the morgue to see her charred daughter, all were just sensitively and touchingly portrayed. BRAVA!
Courtesy/ABC
Next, Jason Thompson (Patrick), what can we say? Tears flowing, a man trying to come to grips with the death of his wife, in which for all intent and purposes he witnessed. Then Patrick has to go perform life or death surgery on Jason, and then he attempts to figure out how to tell his little girl her mother is never coming home. It was all very well-done. And of course, the scene that has everyone is talking about where Epiphany had a heart to heart with the good doc, has become an instant GH classic.
Courtesy/ABC
And then we have Maurice Benard who as Sonny sat with Sam while waiting for Jason to come out of surgery and remembered Robin, like a sister. He recalled all that she and Stone had gone through and what she meant to him, and he made us at home reach for the hankies! It was great to see Maurice being given material that was subtle and introspective, instead of a gun-toting mobster for a change!
And with that, we name this week’s Power Performances of the Week to Finola Hughes, Jason Thompson and Maurice Benard!
Now below take a look at some of the incredible work of this trio from this past week that we were referring to when making our choices!
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Who Will Turn Out to Be Adam’s Father?
For weeks, General Hospital has been playing up the anxiousness, anxiety, pressures of a college student named Adam as played by Joshua Benard (the son of Maurice Benard) on the ABC daytime drama series.
Adam and Josslyn (Eden McCoy) have become friends, and along the way she seems to be attempting to put together the pieces of what is going on with this young man. In story, what we have learned as it seems that he is receiving unbelievable pressure from his mom and dad, to ensure he has the best grades in order to become a doctor.
On Wednesday’s episode, after receiving a 97 on his test in a do-over, he called his father. We don’t hear the voice on the other line, only Adam’s. Apparently, the father was not happy that Adam has to do a make up test, even though he received a high score.
Photo: JBenardIG
So, where is this all leading? Is Adam suffering from bipolar disorder or mental illness? Is he talking to anyone on the phone? Or, is he the son of a current character on the canvas, or a new or incoming villain?
Much speculation has been made that Adam might turn out to be the bio-son of Mr, Brennan (Charles Mesure), presumed to be the nefarious ‘Pikeman’. However, Adam had said that his parents were both doctors. Others are assuming he could turn out to be another child of Sonny Corinthos, but Sonny doesn’t know it, and he was raised by some over-achieving well-to-do parents.
Looks like next week, Josslyn and Trina (Tabyana Ali) may be on the case to try to figure out what is really going on with the guy.
So the questions become … do you think this will turn out to be just a random story featuring Joshua Benard? Do you think Adam till be tied-in more to the Port Charles canvas? Is Joss spending too much time with Adam and and not enough time with Dex (Evan Hofer)?
In addition, Joshua just turned 19-years-old this week on December 5th. Shout out to another year around the sun.
Share your theories on Adam. what you think is going on with him, and who could be his father, via the comment section. Now below, check out the scenes between Adam and Joss from Wednesday’s GH.
WATCH: Josslyn tries to help Adam reclaim independence from his overbearing father. #GH pic.twitter.com/xs8wFL3PAo
— General Hospital (@GeneralHospital) December 7, 2023
General Hospital
Kimberly McCullough Shares Remembrance of the Late TV Legend Norman Lear on the Set of ‘One Day At a Time’
Television legend, Norman Lear passed away on Wednesday at the age of 101 years old. The comedy genius who created, wrote and produced some of the greatest sitcoms of all time died of natural causes at his home in Los Angeles on Tuesday.
Lear’s body of work included: All in the Family, One Day at a Time, Maude, The Jeffersons and Good Times, Sanford & Son, plus the soapy, Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.
General Hospital’s beloved Kimberly McCullough (Robin) has been working as a director in the television industry for years now and upon learning the news of Lear’s passing, shared a very touching moment via her Instagram that stayed with her through her directorial career. McCullough had been a director on the reboot of One Day at a Time that featured EGOT winner, Rita Moreno.
Photo: JPI
McCullough expressed: “My hat goes off to your, sir Norman. What a wonderful life you lived. In my very first directing job, only 6 weeks after having a baby, I was feeling fragile and not quite ready to get back to work. On the set of One Day At A Time, you squeezed my chin and said ‘Look at you! A baby directing our show.’ It wasn’t condescending at all. In fact you seemed thrilled by how far we’d come in the industry, giving young women a seat at the table. I replied, ‘I’m not a baby. I just had a baby.”‘
McCullough added: “You gave me nod of approval saying, ‘Even better. You let me know if you need anything.’ That meant the world to me. Thank you for your service of the television industry, of our country and being a stand up human. #ripnormanlear”
In a previous post pictured with Norman Lear, Kimberly shared: “Thank you changing the world with your storytelling. Honored to say I’ve been able to work with you. One time I heard you say “but where is the HEART of the story?” I have a feeling you’ve asked that question a lot…”
The Lear family also put out this statement on the death of the iconic TV genius: “Thank you for the moving outpouring of love and support in honor of our wonderful husband, father, and grandfather,” the Lear family said in a statement. “Norman lived a life of creativity, tenacity, and empathy. He deeply loved our country and spent a lifetime helping to preserve its founding ideals of justice and equality for all. Knowing and loving him has been the greatest of gifts. We ask for your understanding as we mourn privately in celebration of this remarkable human being.”
Tonight, across all network television, an in memoriam card will air at 8PM ET/PT to pay tribute to Lear and acknowledging his influence in the medium.
Share your thoughts on Kimberly’s touching tribute to Norman Lear and the passing of the TV legend via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: What are Your First Impressions of Charles Mesure as ‘Mr. Brennan’?
There’s a new villain in town and things are about to get turned upside down for Anna Devane (Finola Hughes), Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) and Curtis Ashford (Donnell Turner) as General Hospital circles back around to the looming mysterious ‘Pikeman’ story and who was the target of the shooting at the Metro Court that put Curtis in a wheelchair.
Last Friday, and into yesterday’s Tuesday, December 5th episode of the ABC daytime drama series, viewers were introduced to “Mr. Brennan” who has to turn out to be the dastardly “Pikeman.”
If his portrayer looks familiar, actor Charles Mesure has appeared in numerous television series and film roles including: Once Upon a Time, Castle, The Mentalist, Desperate Housewives, Bones and more. Mesure is also British-born, but moved to Australia when he was younger, accounting for the fabulous accent “Mr Brennan” has on GH.
Courtesy/ABC
In story on GH, as Sonny was telling “Mr. Brennan’s” minion, Hume that he would no longer run Pikeman’s shipments through his territory, the guy showed up at Kelly’s Diner with an ominous message for Carly (Laura Wright), although she doesn’t know it.
On Tuesday, in his room at the Metro Court, Brennan is upset that Sonny won’t work with him and tells Hume he plans to stay in Port Charles to make sure the shipments to Canada are ready to go. We also learn that apparently the head of the WSB has taken a leave of absence. Brennan reveals that being the director has its benefits. He then says he got rid of Frisco and he can work remotely and now things are falling into place.
Hume asks Brennan who the intended target is in all of this, and he says both Sonny and Anna. “Brennan’s” goal is to force Sonny’s hand to continue the shipments and more. Meanwhile, Curtis on the case as to who is behind his shooting and more.
So, what has been your impressions thus far of GH’s newest baddie as played by Charles Mesure? Let us know in the comment section below.
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I so agree with your choices Michael!!! These were beautifully emotional and talented performances at all levels. Well acted and well written! GH has a phenomenal cast and they just need great stories and great writing and they will turn out fabulous performances! I so loved Finola’s and Tristan’s performances this week and I wish they could stay in Port Charles for a long time!!! Thanks for highlighting these truly lovely performances!!!
Yes I agree also with Michael…………….I got teary eyed when I saw those scenes… Just what I have been saying all along for Sonny to some departure fro his gangster-mob stories.. Sonny should show his more sensitive side more often as possible……………Alway’s liked Anna and Robert…………….I hope their on GH to stay………..Looking forward to seeing more of the OLTL crew on GH…. Haven’t seen Michael Easton (John McBain) On GH yet!! I fast forwared the T. V. guide on the television for this wk. 3/5 to 3/9 and checked what GH was going on for the wk… Didn’t see John McBain’s named mentioned yet!!!!!!! Todd is mentioned ..That he will be helping Carly with something..I have seen Star.. When will John McBain and Blair be on GH????????????? Saw John on a commerical showing coming attractions for GH…. It’s now 3/5 … When will they be on GH????????
When exactly is John McBain coming on the scene on GH ???????????
Now Michael Fairman has that same interview on his website. No need for searching.
Where exactly is it Emily.. Looked.. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!
Found it March 13 Michael Easton will be on GH… Thanks sooooo much..
Congrats to Jason and Finola for their amazing scenes! Truly power performances by them! It’s so good to have Finola back at GH, and the scene with Jason and Sonya Eddy, truly fantastic. It was so good to see someone outside the family sit with Patrick and talk to him, and Epiphany was the perfect one to do it. She knows so well the pain of losing the one nearest and dearest to your heart. Absolutely wonderful scenes by Jason, Finola, Tristan, Sonya, and little Brooklynn!
I was most affected by Tristan, Jason esp Tristan &Jason, finola and Sonya performances were on point too..All Their scenes had me crying..Wonderful acted by all involved.
anna and patrick ,anna and robert ,and anna and luke ,how good was it to see finola huges I love her as an actress ,wish she would stay in port charles ,there has been so many good scenes since the new writers have been at general hospital ,went through alot of tissues but there were 2 other scenes that made me cry ,when patrick was in the hall and robin stood by him ,he was feeling her ,also the scene where poor robert was at the morgue he was also feeling her presence,Im not calling her a ghost because I dont believe she is dead.this week was filled with drama I was glued to my t v ,that hasnt happened for gh in a very long time,here it is sunday afternoon ,and I cant wait till tomorrow to come and its 3 oclock ,how long has it been since I truly feel excited to see general hospital again,many years ,so to ron carlivati and all the writers of the new general hospital,thankyou for bringing a new light to my characters from port charles ,for so long they have been asleep, wasted, and boring,these past two weeks you gave them life again.
Barbara T, what’s up with you? U know Kate has to go! LOL Just found out about Edward Quartermaine. I wrote something on the page Michael posted for him. Damn I feel for this man. 83 year’s old, reacting to loss on TV, while living it in real life with his wife. What a strong fellow…..
I thought the same thing,sad.
you have to admit kate turning up at johnys door is interesting,I want to know whats going on in her head ,hey jessica and vicki can meet up with her and they can discuss all there personalities ,wouldnt that be fun?
Maurice Bernard??? Seriously…????
I can think of 10 other performances in the week including some extras who had no lines that were much better…
He can NOT act. he mumbles and pauses so often it is beyond distracting
I agree. Muurice Bernard’s mumbling is terrible. It requires a great deal of effort just trying to figure out what he is uttering. His pauses are probablly due to the fact he does not know his lines and is reading the cards.
Great choices! All of the actors were amazing this week and had me glued to the screen for the first time in as long as I can remember. I can’t tell you how happy I am that TR and FH returned for this! Both were incredible this week, showing off their acting chops and displaying their natural chemistry. And their scenes with Emma were echoes of working with a young Robin. So good!
JT was also especially impressive. The man can act! It’s a shame they’ve never given him a s/l worthy until now. I was a crying mess. Kudos to everyone who played a part this week!
I LOVED the scene with Edward the best. He talked about our Lila in the same breath he spoke of Robin. Little did he know when he did that scene, weeks later he would lose his beloved wife in real life!!
Piffy & Patrick I LOVED 2nd best. Anyone see Lucille Weeks in Piffy?? lol
And then there was Robert…speechless he was so awesome.
SPOILER: (do not read this if you don’t want to know) Holly is telling lies again. She tells Luke & Robert that Ethan is really Roberts son. Ethan decideds to leave Pt Chucles for good at that point. Robert leaves too, he believe Robin is alive and goes searching for her.
While the performances were good, I resent Robin died for others to get story and Emmy reels. Robin death was written pathetic and she didn’t have to die. RC did a botched job at the expense of Roibin and what she meant to viewers. Many I know were going to stick around but Robin’s death being about Jason and the insertion of Liz with Patrick/Emma scenes and now having Liz around Robin’s family ,Anna,has my family and I ready to turn off GH for good. What a disrespect to the Robin character and fans who grew up with her. Now already trying to move Patrick on while Robin just died. Not happy with OLTL FV & RC and I have to be honest, As a Robin fan and Scrubs fan what did we get NOTHING!
Jen I agree MB ? I still think he uses cue cards he hardly ever looks at someone directly in the eyes and sorry I don’t feel the love for him or Jason. Writers if you want to save this show and we do back off these characters for a while. Please!!!
i heard through a great source that abc will make a decision sometime in april regarding general hospital. lets take a deep breath and hope for the best. please cancel the revolution and renew general hospital. why do we need a stupid talk show with katie couric. cant stand the woman. she is annoying. who in there right mind will watch the talk show. what does she have to say. nothing katie couric. go back home where you came from or retire. please bring back jackie zeman. i lobe bobbie spencer. she has been missed alot. big rumor right now is kin shriner scotty is coming back to gh soon.
Michael – I totally agree with you about the scene between Epiphany and Patrick….that scene was fantastic – and definitely a tear-jerker….
Can someone on abc please put Finola on contract? hello, why is it that your only worthy of being put on contract if your under 30, please GH keep Finola around, she’s a keeper.
I found you, I left a post for you at general hospitals perk up as robin is fried,you left a post between cathy,scroll down you will find me there at the end,pretty much agreeing with everything you said about liz.
I think you should be replacing Maurice’s video with John J Yorks ! John’s acting was MUCH better in my opinion. His reaction was golden. Maurice is overrated !
Totally agree with your others though .. if Jason Thompson doesnt get an emmy for his work then I will scream ! LOL ! Scene with Pip was unreal ! ALL of his scenes were beyond fabulous !! Finola and Robert did not disappoint ! Still hate that Robin was “killed” off though.
Finola was superb in every way especially on Friday with Luke. As long as she’s on, I’ll keep watching the show. It seems Emma, Tris, and all the vets just being there made all the other actors better. I’ve never seen JT act like this before; loved him with Pif. As for the scene you note with MB, I don’t think that was a good choice. My eyes veered from the screen when he was talking. He just didn’t seem very present. I rewound it to give him another chance and had to force myself to watch. He was better on Friday though just not anything close to powerhouse.
I like Sonny better when the stories get away from his gangster -mob stuff… Too much of that gets to be not interesting anymore…That has been going on for quite a while…I like is emotional- sensitive side better…. I like what the writers from OLTL are doing on GH so far…. There is still hope for GH after all !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They need to continue with more emotion & feel good stories……When it makes you cry & laugh . You will want to tune in on GH everyday etc……………..
Yes like Sonny’s emotional- sensitive side better than his violent side.. Alway’s wanting to get revenge on some other rival mob………..Changing that up a bit & refresh some of the stories up .. I truly think GH will be a sucess again like it was years ago………
U know, I get tired of everyone in Port Charles blaming Sonny for everything, like this crash with Hope and Star. It’s parlaying over into REAL LIFE with the fan’s blaming him for the upset of GH, when he is just acting out the script that is given to him-rather it’s in excess or not. I do not like that Todd is coming to town blaming Sonny who had nothing to do with the crash. I’d much rather see Todd get mixed up in business with Sonny and be in differences about that, than have him coming to town blaming Sonny for YET another crime….
That’s why (Sonny) is in excess because of the writer’s, and the fan’s are taking it out on Maurice Bernand and the character.
never once did I think it was him.hopefully kate/connie is the guilty one ,I dont want to think that johnny did it either ,well lets face it todd isnt the only one who thinks sonny blew out the tires ,so you cant get mad at todd for thinking sonny caused the wreck.I hope that sonny retires from the mob ,well, part time retire,open that diner I suggested,and hire roxy. maurice bernard I love ,sonny corinthous I dont like .really fans are upset with him?that is stupid ,hes reading a script,doing his job.
every time I see anna I want to cry ,finola huges is one of my favorite characters, she plays anna so elegantly ,RON, FRANK PLease talk her into staying.I will be so disappointed if she leaves again.