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GH’s Genie Francis Delivers The ‘Power Performance of the Week’

Courtesy/ABC

This past Monday’s episode of General Hospital was one of the series best installmnets in recent months filled with long awaited confrontations and reveals.

The cast at the epicenter of it which included the talents of: James Patrick Stuart (Valentin), Cynthia Watros (Nina), Marcus Coloma (Nikolas), Maura West (Ava) all had stellar moments.

Courtesy/ABC

However, there is nothing like getting to see the icon herself, Genie Francis (Laura), do what she does best; the momma bear who is at once shocked and overjoyed that the son she grieved for over three years was very much alive, and the flip side of the anger over the fact that he let her, his sister, and most importantly his son, Spencer, continue to believe that he was dead, all for his vendetta and quest for revenge against Valentin Cassadine.

For it was Valentin who was the man who shot him and now is no longer the heir apparent to the Cassadine throne, now that the codicil said that it all belongs to Nikolas and Valentin was Helena’s son, not Mikkos’.

The thing of it is, everyone is great when Francis does her performances, and you could see that in the work of soap newcomer, Coloma, who you could just see through his eyes the disappointment and despair he caused his mother all these years, by Francis’ mesmerizing delivery.

Beat after beat in that episode, Genie brought the fire, the sorrow, and the wisdom, as Laura to every moment.  It was also well-written that Laura did not just have a happy reunion with her son, but a complex one fraught with issues to be ironed out.

Then, in the punctuation of that episode, was there anything better than watching Laura’s jaw-drop when Ava struts in telling Nikolas it’s time to tie-the-knot?

That is why Michael Fairman TV names Genie Francis “The Power Performance of the Week”.

Let us know in the comment section below, if you enjoyed Genie’s performances as much as we did.

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But of course…

emmy nominations for sure

Genie Francis is the VERY best of the VERY best. TPTB at GH should appreciate her way more and have her front and center MUCH more often. She is a force and Laura is a character that we cherish. Many of us were kids when we started watching the Left Handed Boy days on GH, which still puts us in GHs prime demographic. They need to respect the core long term audience more.. one way of doing this would be to feature our characters and our families and stop shoving newbies, not connected to the core cast, in our face. Valentine works as a character because of his connection to Laura and Anna. James Patrick Steward who is amazing in the role is lucky in that respect. Others who might be as talented suffer because poor writing and this disrespect of of GH history.And where Genie herself thought that the audience doesn’t know the difference between bad writing and bad acting, I assure her otherwise. We know GH’s failings…. and there is nothing about HER or her performances that would be considered anything else but mesmerizing. She is so incredible, and brings the sincerity, realism, depth and much needed emotion to every scene she plays in, despite the writing. Thanks Genie and thanks Michael for the acknowledgment.

Well said, Sus! Would love to see her EVERY day. She IS under-utilized. She glows!

Loved her performance

Genie Francis gave a wonderful performance but I got admit I really liked it when she smacked his face for letting everybody believe he was dead when I get off of me

Saw that one coming from all the way down here in Hell! First she’s gonna hug him, out of relief that he’s alive. Then smack him upside the head for letting his whole family – especially Spencer – believe he was dead for three years.

Which is exactly how I would expect Laura to react. So at least the writers got that one right.

Agreed!

Exactly!

NuNik just isn’t cutting it for me. He has no sex appeal or chemistry with his co-stars. Has he even hit puberty yet? Is the facial hair supposed to make him look “tough?”
Genie Francis always brings it. Insipid Lulu can go and cover school cafeteria “stories” off-screen.

Hi, DMRR,
We usually agree, you and I, however I find nuNikolas soooo sexy!! His eyes are a little blood-shot, LOL—-but his mouth is perfection ( like my husband’s, LOL)–those lips!!
Genie gets more and more beautiful—-her performance floored me. WOW!! Every nuance was delivered with incredible precision—her movements; her facial expressio–her indignation and hurt. Superb!!

Hahaha. Maybe I am comparing him to Tyler Christopher, who will always be Nikolas to me.
& yes, Genie is incredible!

Also, I wish that they didn’t dress Genie Francis like an old lady.

I remember when she wore purple or lilac a lot. Looked beautiful! Yes, the costumes are too conservative. I’d like to see her dressed informally, in jeans, once and awhile. Her hair looks beautiful. And her face, always.

Yeah! Just because someone is 50+ does not mean they should be dressed all frumpy. The Laura we all know & love would be more free spirited, including her wardrobe. Imho.

Did we enjoy Genie’s performance? It was worth tuning in for! Finally some real emotion about characters we care about and have history with. Hopefully being part of this story will be good for nuNikolas in “raising his game”. Though I like Marcus, right now, Nikolas’ “threats” are giggle-inducing and during his reunion with Elizabeth, she wiped him right off the screen. But I’m still hopeful. Meanwhile, more Laura can only be a good thing.

I agree 100%

GH has the best of the best actors;
problem was- they were given horrible material for the past two years
(if not longer)
Now;
The great dynamic thrilling ”’ Cassadine’s”’ are back!!

GH hasn’t had intriguing villains/the bad guys ya love, for a very very very long time.

With the loved Cassadine back in action, now, it’s in the hands of the writers.
Will they fluff it up
or
give us on the edge suspense, drama, intrigue and mystery..
time will tell.. (hoping for the best!!

Horrible material, yes, Su–and for much longer than 2 years, I’m afraid.
I remember drama–some of the scenes (earlier years) are seared in my brain. So well executed.

NuNikolas has good chemistry with Liz..Franco with Ava..and Britt returns and paired with Valentin while Nina and Jax work the best..meanwhile i hope tptbb seen Genie’s performance and keep her front in center..storywise, i did not like her slap Nik..so kept it from Spenser that he is alive..would laura prefer he remain dead..she should be a little angry but more grateful he is alive!!!!

The legend Genie Francis showing everyone how it’s done. When you see those eyebrows raise up, the “you know what” is about to hit the fan. So many wonderful performances in that Monday episode. GH is on fire right now, and it’s showing in the most recent ratings, +207,000 viewers from the previous week, and very close to catching Y&R in the 18-49 demo. Hope they can keep the momentum going!

She is amazing, & I love her so much!! Hoping, we get to see more of her on #GH!!

of course Genie was great, that’s nothing new, and so was the whole cast. its great when the writers get their ducks lined up and we get to see the whole cast just shine. GH has the best ensemble cast, and when the writing matches their talent then its explosive and epic.

Best ensemble cast–under used.

I love when gene francis is on. She is the best. And as a mother I could see every emotion in her eyes n face!! Job well done Laura!!

Laura you are the greatest still good after all your years on GH

perfection as always !

There is nothing like a Genie Francis performance.

Amen–she sets the bar–and it’s a high one.

IT IS ABOUT TIME ,LAURA LET HIM KNOW THAT SHE,SPENCER,AND LULU HAVE BEEN GRIEVING FOR HIM FOR THREE YEARS

General Hospital

Nancy Lee Grahn’s Star-Studded ALS Fundraiser Reveals “I’ll Be There” Video Featuring Soap Opera Notables

Talk about your impressive line-up! It’s a soap fans dream and for a great cause. General Hospital’s Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) is prepping her one-night only ALS fundraiser which will feature many of her friends and co-stars.

The benefit is set for May 4th in Glendale, California. Slated to participate are Genie Francis, Jane Elliot, Peter Bergman, Maurice Benard, Eileen Davidson, Thorsten Kaye, Michelle Stafford, Stephen Nichols, Rena Sofer, Jason Thompson, Kelly Monaco, Melissa Claire Egan, Maura West, Kristina Wagner, Gregory Harrison, Trevor St. John, Kate Mansi, Kirsten Storms, Cynthia Watros, and many others.

On Wednesday, Grahn took to her social media and released an “I’ll be there” video shout-out featuring, Monaco, Elliot, Bergman, Bernard, West, Harrison, St. John and more. In a touching and important moment in the new video, Michelle Strogny, who is battling ALS, is featured.

Photo: ABC

Previously, in speaking with Soap Opera Digest on the impetus of the event, Grahn recalled, “I was actually doing Zoom events during Covid and I met this woman that I just fell in love with, Michelle Strojny. At the time, Michelle had been living with ALS for four years. Now, it’s five years. She is a mom of a teenage son, she has the most wonderful husband, and she has been dealing with this [disease] for quite a while. And obviously, there isn’t a cure yet. It’s not survivable yet. But as she says, it’s not incurable. Nothing is; it’s underfunded. But anyway, I just really dug this woman. She is so grounded and filled with grace, and she spends all of her time working to raise money for the cause. We did a fundraiser for her last year and then I thought, ‘You know what? The soaps don’t ever get together to do something for charity.’ Collectively, we have this amazing community and we don’t collectively use it for a good cause, and I think it’s such an easy thing for us to do and we could potentially really make a difference.”

As GH viewers know, Gregory Harrison is playing the character of Gregory Chase, who is also battling ALS in a touching storyline that is currently playing out shedding a light on this disease.

For information on Nancy’s event, including the stars who are s scheduled to participate click here. To purchase tickets to the event click here.

Check out the video featuring Nancy’s friends and co-stars below.  Now let us know, your thought son the line-up for the benefit and helping raise awareness and funds for ALS research via the comment section.

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General Hospital

‘General Hospital’ Writer Shannon Peace Let Go, and Shares on Sprina: “One of My Only Regrets is to Not Have the Opportunity to Develop That ‘Ship’ Further”

As General Hospital’s new head writing team of Elizabeth Korte and Patrick Mulcahy gets off the ground and running, there are still changes a foot on the writing team.

Now comes word via breakdown writer Shannon Peace that she is no longer on contract with the long-running ABC soap heading into its 61st season. Peace shared a heartfelt message on her Instagram, thanking the fans, and the show for the opportunity and the importance of diversity in the writers room.

Peace began, “After almost 3 years on staff and 106 episodes penned, I am no longer on contract with General Hospital. Writing for this country’s longest running television serial drama has been an education of epic proportions; I will forever be grateful that I earned my WGA card on a daytime fixture that holds memories for so many.” (Peace pictured below with GH EP Frank Valentini and script writer, Charlotte Gibson from about ten months ago).

Photo: SPeaceIG

Shannon added “Even more importantly, as the sole Black breakdown writer (and only POC in the writers room) during my tenure, I pushed for vital interactions and discussions that prioritized inclusion, visibility, and representation”

The writer pointed to the example of vital interaction when in story, “Stella and Portia’s frank July 2022 conversation about the role race played in Esme’s framing of Trina is just one example of the impact I’m gratified to have had.”

Acknowledging former GH co-head writers was also part of Peace’s farewell expressing, “Appreciation to my former bosses, Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor – not only taking a chance on me, but for valuing my opinion and championing my voice.”

Courtesy/ABC

Many GH fans know that Peace was key to the development of the love story between Trina Robinson and Spencer Cassadine as played by Tabyana Ali and Nicholas Chavez. Shannon gave a special shout-out to ‘Sprina’ fans, “I also want to thank fans who were supportive of my work, especially the recognition of my love for ‘Sprina’. One of my only regrets is not having to develop that ‘ship’ further.”

She concludes her statement with,”In the aftermath of a historic writer’s strike that shed new light on the troubling ways writers are regarded in daytime, my sincere hope is that General Hospital recommits to valuing staff writer efforts and input, with a more intentional focus on diverse viewpoints — and thrives for another 60 years.”

Accompanying her post, Shannon added, “Thank you all for the love and support these last few years. I hope GH fans get all they hope for and more!”

So, what do you think about GH not renewing Shannon’s contract? Will there be more continued changes afoot? What do you think is the future of ‘Sprina’ anyway at this point as viewers wait to see if Nicholas Chavez officially returns to the show?  Comment below.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Learns Britt Died and Tells Anna He Has Been Working For Cates Since November 2021

On the Tuesday, March 26th of General Hospital, Anna (Finola Hughes) and the viewers learn about where Jason (Steve Burton) has been for over two and half years. However, Jason gets some news of his own.

Anna is visiting Jason at the PCPD interrogation room. She asks him if he shot Dante (Dominic Zamprogna), which he flatly denies. Anna believes him, but she tells Jason it doesn’t matter, because video footage shows him on the roof at the time of the shooting

When talk turns to Jason not willing to speak without his lawyer present, Anna can’t grasp why Jason would instead spend an hour alone talking with John Cates (Adam J. Harrington).

Photo: ABC

It is then that Anna brings up that John went by “Jagger” and that the two of them knew each other in high school. Jason doesn’t recall much of his time in high school following his brain injury, but then he gets furious realizing John knew about “Jason’s” past. That is when Jason slams the table and tells Anna, “I’ve been working for John Cates since November 2021.”

Next, Jason explains further that he has been working as an informant for the FBI. Anna wants to know how this came about and he tells her that after the tunnel collapsed, and he couldn’t make it to Britt (Kelly Thiebaud)… all of a sudden he sees Anna’s face drop.  Anna is the first person to tell him that Britt died and was murdered. She tells Jason the killer is in custody, but he continues to be shocked, overwhelmed with tears welling up in his eyes. Realizing he has to pivot to save his life, Jason continues telling Anna how he wound up working with John.

Jason explains that after the tunnel collapse in Greece, FBI agents grabbed him and placed him under arrest and took him to Quantico where he met John. At Quantico, John played a recording of RICO violations and offered Jason a deal if he agreed to be an informant against Pikeman, the illegal arms dealer.

Anna hears from Jason that he thinks Pikeman is selling illegal arms to anyone flagged by the NSA but has ties to the WSB which they needed a civilian to infiltrate their organization as a military soldier, a mercenary.

Jason tells Anna he was a part of the team brought into eliminate Sonny (Maurice Benard). Every time an attempt was made on Sonny’s life over the last two years, a different team was sent to do the job. Anna gets furious when she learns that John told Jason his job was to kill Sonny and she was with John at the warehouse that night. Jason ensured the sniper missed Sonny and left the rifle behind. However, they were supposed to meet an extraction team. Before he was shot, Dante saw it was Jason on the roof and when he turned around with his hands over his head, Dante was shot by the other guy. Jason says if Dante dies, he’ll be charged with capital murder and then will be useless to the FBI.

Photo: ABC

Meanwhile, John visits Bobbie’s and runs into Carly (Laura Wright). She learns Jason is in custody and is going to head to the PCPD. Before she does, Carly has some words with Cates when she learns not only does John have a vendetta against Sonny, but Jason too.  Carly tells John he should recuse himself from the case.

So, what did you think about the moment when Jason learned Britt died? What do you think of Jason’s return storyline thus far and what we learned about Jagger/Jason and more? Comment below. But first, check out a moment from today’s GH with Jason and Anna.

 

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Peter Reckell returns for a second visit with Michael Fairman following the wrap-up of his recent run as Bo Brady on Days of our Lives.Leave A Comment

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