General Hospital
GH’s Kathleen Gati and Michelle Stafford Deliver The Power Performance of The Week!
A grieving mother and sister found themselves stuck in a revenge plot gone haywire, that provided the backdrop in which two accomplished actresses; Kathleen Gati (Liesl) and Michelle Stafford (Nina) were able to shine on episodes of General Hospital.
Although Peter’s kidnapping went on far too long, and fans on social media have their own viewpoints as to what they think of Mr. August aka Henrik Faison (Wes Ramsey), the final week of taking Peter hostage to torment him as payback for his part in Nathan’s death; gave Gati and Stafford scenes from the comedic, to the emotional, to the cray-cray, and more..
Courtesy/ABC
On Thursday’s episode, Nina is trying to talk down Liesl from torching the place, but Liesl is becoming more unhinged and more grief-stricken. She says to Nina, “I lost my son. I gave Nathan up to protect him. I spent my life not even daring to gaze in his direction for fear that Cesar would take him. I never wanted my son to be like him, and now my beautiful boy is buried in the ground, while the other son is still breathing! So, I must finish this my way, Nina … with or without you!”
Pleading, an emotional Nina responds: “Aunt Liesl, you are not the only one who lost time with Nathan. I did, too. I missed him growing up. I missed his childhood, and seeing the incredible man he turned into. I feel his absence and I feel the loss every second of every day. I hate Faison, and I will for the rest of my life, and I hate Anna (Finola Hughes) just like you did, but that does not justify what I have done… being an accomplice in this crazy revenge. None of that is going to bring my brother back.” Nina goes on to say: “I knew J would not want his mother grieving alone. This isn’t grief anymore … this is madness.”
Obrecht with rage and sadness in her eyes says, “The brightest souls like my Nathan are extinguished.” And from there, as viewers know by now, Liesl sets the fire, which sets the stage for Nina’s rescue, and the Friday cliffhanger of Finn (Michael Easton) having to decide whether to go in the burning building and get Peter out, or not.
Courtesy/ABC
Later on the pier, a stoic, but grief-stricken Liesl is arrested. She spitefully tells Curtis (Donnell Turner) and Jordan (Vinessa Antoine), “Tell Anna something for me: ‘Now we are even!”‘
Earlier in the week, we saw how Kathleen Gati navigated the comedic yet dramatic moments as she had to knock Franco (Roger Howarth) out, while she was trying to get back to Spoon Island, as he realized Obrecht was the guilty party who took Peter.
Gati has made Obrecht, this one-of-a-kind character, come to life, no matter what the circumstances the writers put her in. And as for Michelle Stafford, when Nina spoke of her brother and the loss she continues to feel, it was one of the most on-the-money moments for anyone who has lost a sibling that they looked to.
So, even through some of the absurdity of the circumstances, and as they were portraying two women trying to figure their way out of the mess they created, Gati and Stafford never faltered as they committed to the material, and delivered this week’s Power Performance of the Week.
Share your thoughts on the performances of Kathleen and Michelle and what stood out to you via the comment section below.
Love Kathleen Gati…some might find her cartoonish-well that makes her my current favorite cartoon!!!
You better believe it, Jimmy!!….Kathleen is unsurpassed. She can play any part and give it her all…..I finally caught up. What a great performance. OMG….I am only sorry to lose her; yet, I know she will not go far.
I may be wrong, but, I don’t think Peter will give anything away.
Perhaps he has more heart and soul for which I have given him credit.
We shall see how far he will go with finger-pointing.
Also, as James R points out, Michelle Stafford is bringing it. I know you’re not into her, Jimmy, LOL…. you’re not the only one. Many don’t see what I, James and others see, I guess.
I love her! My favorite actress on soaps.
Im ok with MS-but anyway as Nelle comes to an end there is nothing left to keep me interested in GH…the show is mostly boring…i may tune in when Dr. L is in a scene if i am home at the time!!!
Oh, I’m sorry, Jimmy….I must have confused you with Harry!!!! Is it you, Harry? Do you like or dislike Nina? LOL….
Anyway, Jimmy….I know what you mean….once Nelle is gone we are left with what exactly?
I do like the Billy + Elizabeth whatever-comes-out-of-it thingy….other than that, it’s blah, blah, blah….same old, same old—-regurgitated plots ; recycled storylines….marginally re-modified. The Dr. Bansch/Kiki story will be hanging over our heads until the cows come home….soooo….
Even Maxie, who was once one of my favorite players, has lost her sheen….I liked her better without Lulu’s friendship!!!!
These two together have the power to cure my insomnia.
I will await Liesl with you, my friend.
Billy and Elizabeth could be great together..i may tune in once in awhile but not regular..there is nothing really happening in PC…
Or me, CeeCeeGirl! You know my less-than-generous views on Nina, chapter and verse! LOL! As far as Liesl’s recent antics go, Kathleen Gati was utterly superb and highly-entertaining….the only character worthy of my viewing attention as of late, as far as I’m concerned! But why was the incomparable Obrecht not afforded this honor solo??? She is always shortchanged when it comes to being accorded both the GH spotlight and the accolades that her consistently superb work brings to these threads… MS had her day in the sun a few weeks back with this designation and it was enough. Dr. O. deserved her own victory lap!!! (Especially since no one will ever play off this “Mutter from H#!!” as successfully as the much-missed Britt! Bring her back….)
Hey, Shaybelle,
There are so many instances—-everywhichway one looks–that are soooo incredibly off the wall and frustrating, I want to bang my head against the wall; but, I fear a big, giant headache.
On one hand, there’s Jordan, who calls Sonny Mr Corinthos….I don’t get it!?!?!? He’s a criminal, yet he’s given so much deference as one would an honest, upstanding citizen. In what real? He talks about Nelle as if he walked on water. Perhaps, I missed the part where Sonny parted the Red Sea?
I miss Britt also….I’ve seen her on TV commercials ….few movies, as well…” Love at First Glance”, to name one….
You know what else I don’t understand, Shay?
Liesl has the perfect psychological reason to remain on the show…..she was/is so fraught with pain at the loss of her son, she suffered temporary insanity?
Unless she WANTS to leave, TPTB can remedy this….as simple as getting the holy one, Sonny out of jail. Pardoned after a nano second spent there? Sure!! For murder?
I am not excusing Nelle, but she is obviously mentally ill…..since childhood and no one took the time to help her. She must have shown some ‘strange’ behavior, for lack of a better word.
And, I have had it with Michael. Those stupid, quasi-frigid puppy-eyed stares do not work…..not very good at playing the bad guy—pardon the oxymoron.
I cringe each time he refers to Sonny as, “my dad”, or when Sonny calls him, ” my son”.
Furthermore, I feel nothing for Carly….
Why, oh, why is it always Jason to the rescue? Mighty Mouse should’ve run to his beloved wife’s side to save the day. And, there you have it. LOL.
Ciao bella.
@CeeCee…I long ago abandoned all hope that Sonny would be regarded as the low-life thug he really is rather than Port Charles’ most upstanding citizen deserving of love and devotion by all in his midst. That’s the meme the show is sticking with and those of us with a whit of common sense and an abundance of high morals who care not to get with that program are left out in the cold. Just as so many other off-kilter things with GH never fail to remain the same, such is the Corinthos faithful partyline…we can debate its merit or actually, lack thereof, until the cows come home….it won’t change, period. In fact, that aptly describes so many characters currently on the GH canvas…so many are reviled whilst all we ask is the return of our old favorites, and our pleas are largely ignored. It’s akin to loathing a particular food and being forcefed it daily in double and triple doses in order to make us eventually accept the unacceptable…that method doesn’t work for me, and I suspect the same can be said for you….such efforts only make one more recalcitrant to whatever it is this soap seems to be shoveling! Having said that, Dr. O. was a fabulous character with great potential portrayed by a powerful, uber-talented actress in the form of Kathleen Gati…yet, even with all that going for her ever-fascinating Liesl, she has been unceremoniously swept aside for the most banal of cast members. Moreover, her long-awaited scene with Robert Scorpio was an afterthought played out in the middle of a crowded PCPD background…even this pivotal scene wasn’t afforded the privacy spotlight it warranted. Instead, we were treated to more of the same nauseating drivel with a Maxie-propping Nina who once again is getting off scot-free for her psycho behavior, as Obrecht is carted off to the hoosegow…disgusting!!!! The only saving grace to this scenario would be if “Mutter and her Schatzie, aka Britt,” were to be reunited in jailed captivity. Now there’s a scenario that would be a joy to behold! As for Nelle, she is one of the soapworld’s premier nutcases….superbly acted by Chloe Lanier…she could have been Port Charles’ next Heather Webber had her reign been longer…the gift that keeps on giving!…If only she were to remain on GH, I should have liked to see her institutionalized beside the psychopathic legend herself…what a team brimming with mirth and mayhem they could have made! Instead we get the monotonous “Carly Chronicles” at Ferncliff…um, no thanks!
Hey, Shay,
I love reading your posts…..
One thing, though….you think Maxie is propping Nina? Hmmmm…brain food, that!!
I never thought Michelle/Nina; or any character the actress plays needs propping by anyone….least of all Maxie.
It pains me to say this, but Maxie has become more of a nonentity, at this point; and, she is the one who needs ‘lifting’ to remain relevant.
But, I will grant you, ma belle amie, that we will never be of one mind when it comes to Nina….
As far as Nelle? Yes, Heather would have been the perfect precursor….they do share the same diabolical fixations.
The writing, Shay, is so sophomoric, it’s hard to affix any rationale to Nelle as a person. She is so out of touch with reality, how could she have pulled off living amongst those of “normal” ilk?
How coincidental is it for Nelle giving birth in the middle of nowhere and Dr O shows up after being involved in the same accident? Oh, yeah….it’s a soap.
Now…..do you remember when I said that Brad and Lucas adopting a baby was too much of a sudden coincidence? As I said, somehow Nelle’s baby would be instrumenal within that adoption.
I may be so wrong here, but it looks like Whiley suffered from SIDS ……I am not really into babies dying on soaps, or anywhere else….., Nelle’s baby will take its place. ….do not know how….but, I think this is where the story is going.
I still think the writers made a big mistake by not giving Liesl an insanity plea. For a little while. A short sojourn…..then, bring her back healed? I do not know how sane, but better have her kind of insanity around, than not at all. LOL.
That should read….in what realm…not real.
LOL.
This is no surprise. Kathleen Gati is a powerhouse and Michelle Stafford does handle her scenes with the right amount of emotion.
AGREE!
Don’t know how Liesl could stay on the canvas after this, but it would be a shame to lose her. Kathleen Gati is, beyond a doubt, Frank’s best non-soap hire in the 5 years he’s been at the helm. (Mark Teschner probably deserves kudos, too). Let’s hope she is not written out just to save another character that isn’t working.
Stafford gets bonus points too, as she’s at her best when playing borderline crazy.
It’s actually smart that this plot is taking place while Finola is on her summer hiatus. That element of the storyline would have distracted from Gati and Stafford’s performances.
Kathleen is THE best.
Two talented and accomplished actors doing more than justice to an improbable and contrived circumstance. Hope Liesl and Nina remain as part of the story canvas. This will give the writers the opportunity to get rid of some characters who have outdated their welcome.
I fell in love with Kathleen Gati on the Halloween show 3 years ago when she sang ” Is that all there is”! What a talented woman,! I will miss her!
How great were these two women? This is an example of how brilliant acting can overcome even the most melodramatic story. I just hope this isn’t the end for Liesl, though she definitely needs a LONG rest. Kathleen Gati has always been a favorite of mine. I still laugh when I think back to the episode when she was hunkered down at Elizabeth’s house, devouring the kids’ cereal, declaring “They taste surprisingly fruit-like”. And, of course, her classic performance of “Wilkommen”. Too bad Emmy voters can’t take the hint.
Yes, Soaphound…..I never tire watching Kathleen or listen to her speak. How can one performer have it all?
She and Michelle are incomparable, Soaphound. They work so well together…not a wasted moment. Every movement, every exchanged look, every word is precise, laden with meaning. They don’t even have to say much….it’s like being there in live audience.
Sadly, we will not enjoy such interactions between them any longer….
From your fingers ( typing, LOL) to the soap-gods’ eyes, my friend…..”….hope this isn’t the end for Liesl…”
They should send Liesle to Ferncliff to give Nurse Mary Pat a run for her money.
Extradinary!!!
Loved it! Kathleen, Michelle AND Wes did a great job! Kudos!
I love this duo, Dr. O and Nina! They are “killing it!” Now, only if they would kill #Peter, this storyline would be the best storyline of the year!
Powerful actresses! I wonder if this will mean Kathleen’s Obrecht will be sent off the canvas? I know some people think she’s over the top, but I found her to be a welcomed relief ever time Obrecht did something. And in Kathleen’s hands, Obrecht never failed to entertain me.
Since Michelle is on contract, I never feared that she wouldn’t come out of this smelling like a rose. She gave very infused performances, as always.
General Hospital
RATINGS: ‘The Young and the Restless,’ ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Remain No #1 and # 2, ‘General Hospital’ Only Soap to Lose Viewers
The latest Nielsen ratings data is out for the week of April 27-May 1, and three out of the four network daytime dramas posted gains in total viewers, while one showed a loss in audience numbers, which may come as a surprise.
Let’s take a look at the ratings period with data from Soap Opera Network and then provide some context. The Young and the Restless remained as per usual in the top spot coming in at 3,14,000 on average total viewers slightly up +20,000 more eyeballs for the week.
In story, Y&R served up Matt’s plot to blow up the Newmans inside the abandoned gas station on the outskirts of Vegas, Sienna believing she killed Matt, only for him to be revealed alive with a severe contusion on his head by week’s end, Nick going on a bad drug trip thanks to the fentanyl laced with something else via Matt, and Cane and the Winters family learning that he is a donor match to save Malcolm’s life, while Sally got engaged to Billy.
Photo: JPI
FASHION HOUSE PROBLEMS
Y&R’s sister soap, The Bold and the Beautiful clocked in with 2,795,000 viewers for the week up +38,000 from the previous ratings period. In story, The Bold and the Beautiful gave viewers; the fallout from Katie’s successful fashion show for her new fashion house, Logan. Dylan continuing to be freaked out. This time when doing her work at Forrester Creations, out from the clothing rack comes somebody that scares her enough to have her let out a blood-curdling scream. In addition, Liam suggested to Hope that she consider coming to work for Logan where she will be appreciated, after Steffy tells her that ‘Hope for the Future’ is back-burnered for now.
General Hospital, which many have considered being the most entertaining on a consistent basis with their storylines, most likely lost some viewers for the week because on Monday April 27, the show was preempted for a special report on the attempted shooting at the White House Correspondence dinner. If viewers did not catch it on Hulu, it aired on the network after Nightline on Tuesday at 1am. In total, GH was the only soap to lose viewers for the ratings week. GH tallied -1,809,000 which is down from the previous week by -168,000.
Photo: ABC
PAYBACK AND A SHOCKING REVEAL
In story that week, Carly’s double life with Brennan and Valentin caught up with her, Michael initiated a strategic plot against Willow, and Josslyn found herself in immediate danger after a run-in with Cassius.
Beyond the Gates, while having two days of the week fully preempted for UEFA Champions League soccer games, actually increased its viewership. BTG tallied 1,655,00 total viewers which also boasted the highest audience gains across any soap adding +42,000. In story, the soap opera spotlighted: Ashley stealing antibiotics to keep Grayson alive, Smitty zeroing in on a possible suspect in the plasma ring, Vernon taking over Martin’s debt to Joey Armstrong, while Kate recognized a name tied to Lynette’s finances.
It should also be noted for the ratings week; The Bold and the Beautiful once again topped Y&R for the top spot in the key Womens 18-49 demo and in the Womens 25-54 demo, Beyond the Gates once again bested General Hospital for the 3rd spot.
*Nielsen ratings are based on the Live+Same Day Big Data+Panel model.
So, let us know your thoughts on the current ratings picture? Then weigh-in; what soap opera is serving up the best drama right now that is keeping you engaged to catch it every day? Which soap has you the least interested? Drop a comment below.
On the Friday, May 15 episode of General Hospital, Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) and Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) shared a heartfelt talk on trauma. Dante is so concerned for Rocco (Finn Carr), and how it affects someone for the rest of their life, which is something Elizabeth knows all too well, but got through it.
It all begins when Elizabeth shows up at Dante’s office ready for her date with Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst). How beautiful she looked did not go unnoticed by Dante. When the talked turned to how Dante told Rocco that he knew his son shot Cullum (Andrew Hawkes), he admits he is scared for his child, because he lost his innocence with the emotional baggage he now must carry forever of shooting someone.
Dante notices how Rocco is becoming more and more withdrawn and he wants to know how to help him. Elizabeth bring up how she can absolutely relate to trauma at a young age, just like Rocco. However for Elizabeth, her trauma came in the form of a brutal rape by Tom Baker. Speaking from experience, Elizabeth details that it was her friends and family like Lucky and Bobbie who helped pull her through. She encourages Dante to continue to show up and be there as support for his son.
Courtesy/ABC
SPECIAL DELIVERY
Next, an officer delivers to Dante the evidence from the pier shooting, which Dante plans on destroying. Before she leaves for her date with Ric, Liz reassured Dante he is doing the right thing to protect Rocco and she has done the same. She has left no record of Rocco’s hospital visit the night of the shooting. Liz leaves for her date.
THE WRONG SUSPECT
Then, Cullum storm troops in to Dante’s office demanding the evidence that the PCPD must have collected at the site of his shooting. Dante says that the evidence must be misfiled in the warehouse, but they will find it. However, Cullum realizes Dante is stalling and lying. Before heading to Dante’s office, Cullum paid a visit to Carly (Laura Wright) and saw a photo of Danny with Jason, triggering him to now believe that Danny may have been the person who shot him in the back on the pier!
Courtesy/ABC
DINING WITH RIC
At dinner at Café Cherie, Ric handed Elizabeth the folder with the priceless piece of artwork he’d purchased for her through Ava. Elizabeth loved it and went over to Ric and planted a kiss on him.
Will GH move Elizabeth into a romance with Dante? Do you think Liz and Dante make a cute couple? After today’s episode, it’s clear they very much like and admire one another. If so, what happens to Liz and Ric’s burgeoning repeat romance? Share your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
In well-played scenes on the Thursday, May 14 episode of General Hospital, Dante (Dominic Zampogna) finally had a talk with his son, Rocco (Finn Carr) informing him that he knows the teen shot Cullum (Andrew Hawkes).
Rocco has dreaded his father finding out, because he is the acting police commissioner of the Port Charles PD and feared his dad will have to arrest him for the crime.
Dante asks Rocco in his own words to recount what happened the night on the pier. He assured his son, he is not going to arrest him and noted there are very extenuating circumstances surrounding the crime.
Courtesy/ABC
FATHER AND SON
Rocco explained how he followed Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) to the pier. Then, how Cullum attacked Britt. Jason (Steve Burton) showed up and fought with Cullum and how the gun came loose.He remembers the other weapon Cullum pulled out to kill Jason and that’s when he shot him.
Next, Dante explained that he was proud of his son for saving Jason and Britt’s lives. He also tells Rocco that he is very concerned in Britt’s involvement in all of this stemming all the way back to the Five Poppies, and feels she is still tied into everything that is happening.
Dante tells Rocco that nobody else can know about this involvement in the shooting. He also touchingly said, that he is his father, he will protect him. However, Rocco is worried that if the truth came out that he shot Cullum, his dad would be in serious trouble for covering up a crime. Dante tells Rocco, he should not worry about that right now, but he needs to stay in Port Charles so he and his mom can keep him safe.
A SHOCKING CALL
Suddenly, as father and son hug it out, Dante gets a call from Justine (Nazneen Contractor), alerting him to the fact that she just met with Cullum and he is looking for the evidence and the file from his shooting. Dante rolls his eyes, knowing things are about to go from bad to worse, and how is he going to keep his son safe from the evil WSB Director?
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
Dominic Zamprogna always delivers a nice counterbalance to the often histrionics of other characters in Port Charles in his portrayal of Dante Falconeri. So that, when Dante breaks or gets emotional, it counts. Finn Carr has continually shined in the storyline as Rocco continues to teeter on the edge of knowing what he has done and being wracked with guilt. Next up has to be Danny learning his brother is the reason Jason was carted away. Stay tuned!
So, what did you think of the scenes between Dante and Rocco? How on earth will Dante keep Rocco safe? Share your thoughts via the comment section.
RATINGS: ‘The Young and the Restless,’ ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Remain No #1 and # 2, ‘General Hospital’ Only Soap to Lose Viewers
Y&R’s Joshua Morrow Weighs-In on Who Will Save Nick from His Fentanyl Addiction: Nikki? Jack? Sienna or Someone Else? (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Would You Be Down With a Dante and Elizabeth Romance?
Nathan Fillion Recalls Best Advice for a Soap Opera Tag on ‘What What Happens Live’ with Andy Cohen
‘Days of Our Lives’ Dan Feuerriegel Teases the Mystery of Marlena’s Chess Set, and Opens Up About the Departures of His Co-Stars (Exclusive)
‘Santa Barbara’ Alums A Martinez and Marcy Walker: In Conversation; Two-Hour Livestream Event with the Iconic Cruz and Eden Announced
‘Days of Our Lives’ Dan Feuerriegel Teases the Mystery of Marlena’s Chess Set, and Opens Up About the Departures of His Co-Stars (Exclusive)
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Previews His New Role as PCPD Officer Joe Fitzpatrick
Anthony Geary’s Husband, Claudio Gama, Shares Remembrance of How Much the ‘General Hospital’ Legend Loved Working with Erika Slezak
Matt Bomer Sums Up His ‘Guiding Light’ Run as Ben Reade in 1 Minute as He Reflects On Time in Springfield
Y&R’s Joshua Morrow Weighs-In on Who Will Save Nick from His Fentanyl Addiction: Nikki? Jack? Sienna or Someone Else? (Exclusive)
Nathan Fillion Recalls Best Advice for a Soap Opera Tag on ‘What What Happens Live’ with Andy Cohen
‘Days of Our Lives’ Dan Feuerriegel Teases the Mystery of Marlena’s Chess Set, and Opens Up About the Departures of His Co-Stars (Exclusive)
Y&R’s Mark Grossman Marks 7-Years as Adam Newman And Teases What May Lie Ahead (Exclusive)
B&B Alum Lisa Yamada in Production on New Film, ‘My Boyfriend Is A Demon’
-
Breaking News5 days ago‘Santa Barbara’ Alums A Martinez and Marcy Walker: In Conversation; Two-Hour Livestream Event with the Iconic Cruz and Eden Announced
-
Days Of Our Lives2 days ago‘Days of Our Lives’ Dan Feuerriegel Teases the Mystery of Marlena’s Chess Set, and Opens Up About the Departures of His Co-Stars (Exclusive)
-
General Hospital5 days ago‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Previews His New Role as PCPD Officer Joe Fitzpatrick
-
General Hospital3 days agoAnthony Geary’s Husband, Claudio Gama, Shares Remembrance of How Much the ‘General Hospital’ Legend Loved Working with Erika Slezak
-
Guiding Light1 week agoMatt Bomer Sums Up His ‘Guiding Light’ Run as Ben Reade in 1 Minute as He Reflects On Time in Springfield
-
Breaking News6 days agoJennifer Harmon, ‘One Life to Live’s’ Cathy Craig, and ‘How to Survive a Marriage’ Star, Dead at 82
-
Breaking News1 week agoDAYS Lauren Koslow Temporarily Fills-In for Jess Walton as ‘The Young and the Restless’ Jill Abbott
-
Breaking News1 week ago‘The Price is Right’ Contestant Wins Largest Prize in a Single Pricing Game in the 54-Year history of the Daytime Game Show on CBS