General Hospital
Maurice Benard On The Morgan and Sonny Drama: "Being Bipolar As Much As I Would Want Everything On GH To Be 100% Real You Can Only Get As Close As You Can."
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
General Hospital Emmy-winning star Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos), who lives with Bipolar disorder, and who has been an advocate for understanding this mental illness, took to Twitter on Thursday as an important story begins to take shape on the ABC daytime drama series. The story is looking into the possibilities and the ramifications if Sonny’s son, Morgan turns out to be diagnosed as bipolar, just like his father.
While the series has yet to confirm that diagnosis in the story, all signs are leading up to telling the tale, which in a previous episode as spoken by Laura Wright’s Carly, can be passed on to a child and can strike individuals in their 20’s, and would fit with many of the outbursts, erractic behavior changes, highs and lows and more that have plagued their son.
Benard tweeted: “Being bipolar as much as I would want everything on GH to be 100% real you can only get as close as you can.” Maurice followed that up with: “If you love roller coasters watch General Hospital Friday but of course don’t miss today or any day or Sonny will not be very happy.”
Mental illness, and medical issues and dramas as depicted on television, whether it be daytime or primetime, often have to take some liberties to tell the story, while still doing their best to inform the viewers and to give the audience understanding for the human condition.
So, do you think as Sonny and Carly’s wedding draws near that Morgan and Sonny’s relationship will become even more emotional and touching due to both men having Bipolar disorder? Could Morgan do something do ruin the wedding? How will a father who lives with this condition every day, not feel guilt-ridden if he has handed it down to his child? These may be the issues straight-ahead on GH!
What do you think of Maurice’s tweet? Would you like to see the effects on the family if Morgan is diagnosed as bipolar? Share your thoughts below!
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I dont have a problem with them doing the story and I respect Maurice as an actor but they need to recast Morgan. Bryan Craig cannot handle this type of story. Too heavy for an average kid.
Totally agree, Timm.
Morgan always seems like he is in petulant sulk.
I agree Timm. This Morgan has become a sulky child instead of the almost grown man that he is. I’m so sick of that look on his face all the time. I hope they re-cast too.
Yeah, Harry. Morgan is either sulking because he didn’t get the cookies and favorite ice-cream he wanted……OR, walks around with eyes half-shut, seemingly asleep.
Funny again how people view things differently. I think Bryan is perfect for the role. He conveys such passion, angst, a frenetic pace…wears his emotions, good and bad…on his expressive face. And…I rhymed!
Bryan is doing very well..
He has worked hard and has really grown into his roll.
when called for he can give great performances..
When Bryan and Maurice face-off there is electricity!
Either way, Rebecca, I hear the actor is in hot water for threatening a “Fan” on Twitter? We may get a recast, regardless? su0000?
As is so often the case, Timmm, Harry and CeeCee have correctly called this one! For a storyline so emotionally-laden, a more heavyweight actor is required for the role of Morgan. About the only dramatic ammunition Craig has going for him in the scary direction his character appears to be taking him is that heinous haircut….it absolutely screams complete whack-job!!!!!! (WT?) Also, whilst we’re on the topic of necessary recasts, throw Mikey’s Chad Duell in the mix….neither he nor Craig have the necessary acting chops to convey all the dark, insane baggage that being reared by Sonny and Carly hath… Read more »
Timmm…as a poster just so inaccurately stated…there is “no correct call” nor is anyone an authority on story or actor. As usual, you are gracious in your response. I strongly adhere to my opinion that Craig is not only good…but a very good actor…
I did read about the incident you mentioned. Didn’t see the Twitter exchange, but from what I gathered a viewer insulted him…then Craig’s parents…defended him..and then either his dad or both he and his dad made some threatening statement back to the viewer. Conflicting info unless the actual Twitter exchange is still out there in cyber town….
You’re right, Shay. Neither one has the wherewithal to express into their acting the melodrama ( in technicolor) they lived under the tutelage of their parents.
LOL, Shay….I had posted a few days ago that Craig’s new hair cut is due to the fact he’s balding. I noticed his hair was thinning on his cranium….before he sort of shaved his head. For some reason, my post did not make it. Head-shaving when balding has become the norm to young men. My brother told me….LOL.
Su…I agree with you regarding Sonny and Morgan’s scenes. They’re dynamic! As an aside, Craig plays perfectly into the Corinthos role…bad boy good looks with ANY hairstyle
I’m afraid that this story does not interest me much. Perhaps I’m just worn out by the lackluster stories and the pacing of the show for the last six months or so. I think in years to come the return of Jason, as played by Billy Miller, will be regarded as one of the most botched returns of a major character on any soap ever, as well as one of the biggest wastes of a major talent. Jason should have recovered from his accident as Jason Quartermaine, with no memory of Jason Morgan at all. Miller could have swaggered through… Read more »
I see and agree with your points. Good post Mister Media.
As much as I loved Sonny’s journey through Bipolar denial, acceptance, and treatment, I don’t think that should be Morgan’s story. He is a perfect blend of all of Sonny and Carly’s worst traits (where Michael seems to be a blend of their best). He’s angry, impulsive, moody, and makes really bad decisions (like Carly and Sonny did back in the day). Morgan is really immature for his age and has some serious growing up to do and that’s either going to happen over time or after a serious incident that forces him to deal with the fall-out. For Sonny… Read more »
I respectfully disagree… In allowing a story line of this caliber to be linked into the next generation is an incredible feat… Moreover, the reality of this happening is more true to life than fiction… With the respect that Soap Operas are not responsible for teaching or being the society guideline of reality, there is an opportunity for a teachable moment for many people that may not have direct contact with someone who has a mental illness… Maurice has always been “Sonny” and always will be… Until today, I thought Bryan was a fine actor, yet I could not see… Read more »
well said Michele. I hope the story is done in a way that educates fans about the disorder of Bipolar and continues to show the acting talents of Sonny. Morgan, Carly, Michael, Dante & Christine. Bipolar is really a family issue.
Maurice and Laura did a great job!
Avril_lee, I agree with you 100 percent. I even see his choice of Ava as being a result of being around a mother who constantly schemed and lied. Carly only very recently grew up herself. I’m not sure Sonny has. In any case, if they go down the bipolar route, it will be a refreshing change for all characters involved. And at long last it will be some meaty material for Bryan Craig who seems to be well-equipted to handle it.
I like how RC has written a story for the Corinthos family. I like Sonny, he is two sides of the coin.. A mobster and a family man. I hope Morgan is not bipolar. I believe Morgan is simply a messed up guy. His life is enough to mess up anyone lol Being fugedup and having bipolar-ism are two different things. Sonny is a cornerstone of GH.. I see some people being irrational yipping about it becoming the Sonny show, again that is stupid.. Sonny has not been close to even being an upfront story character for a very long… Read more »
su000 and Michele, I totally agree with you both, PSA are not new to soap audiences. People need to be aware, as for Maurice, yes he will be the Luke of the future, without Sonny there is not much of a show. I do miss Luke but so far it is just like one of his vacations. Bravo, to this story, just wish it were a bit more real, but like Mo said, it can not be 100 %
I’m surprise it wasn’t pass down to Dante! He’s Sonny’s son too!
Bipolar disorder tends to run in families. I think if done properly this will be a very good story line. I wonder where you got the idea that a bipolar diagnosis would be almost the “easy answer”? No parent who has just been told their child has this disorder would agree with that statement. No sister/brother who has to deal with a bipolar sibling and/or parent would agree with that statement. And I am not talking about just denial, acceptance and treatment. There is much more involved! I come from another perspective; my mother and my sister are both bipolar.… Read more »
Beautifully said!!
Thank you, Kelly. I agree with your every word.
A soap is fictional not logical.
IF bipolar it will be used as a drama tool.
Bipolarism is very different for each person, it can not and should not be analyzed in a fictional soap opera.
People need to seek a conference with their doctors about bipolarism, not seek answers via fictional story telling soap opera.
So because GH is a soap opera and is fictional the realities of the bipolar disorder should not be discussed. Morgan should simply get medication and nothing more said? Yet they analyze why a rape and/or murder took place all the time. GH should show Sonny, Carly, and Morgan in conference with doctors. GH should show Sonny and Carly having to deal with a non compliant Morgan, etc. etc. Life is not all sunshine and roses.
It’s possible for a soap (or any other genre) to be both fictional and logical, su0000. The two aren’t mutually exclusive. It’s been done before (and even on GH). And it’s generally been better at sustaining long-term ratings than the “it doesn’t have to make sense, it’s a soap” approach. Nobody’s denying that soaps have their hilarious built-in implausibilities: people back from the dead, amnesia at an alarmingly high rate, children that the parents didn’t know existed. But it’s possible to write within that and get the details right. It tends to make it easier for most people to suspend… Read more »
I agree with you, Kelly. My father was very likely bipolar and my sister also. Then I married someone who is also bipolar. GH does a very good job with these special storylines and people can learn alot from the info they give out. Seeing it is much better than reading an article.
hi Mary..
I’d imagine none are like bipolar Sharon Y&R..
burning down houses, making families believe they are or are not the child’s parents, breaking laws, plotting horrible deeds and doing a variety of bipolar soap entertainment crazy drama stuff, living on the fiction side of life?
All I learned from Sharon’s bipolarism is if she doesn’t take her pills everyone best take cover ..
that is soap opera bipolar lol …
My husband is bipolar, he has had it for years, although when we first met and the first few years of our marriage you could never “see” it. Although, over the last 3 years it has really taken a toll and you can tell he has it. His erratic behavior, all the highs/lows and all the other symptoms. I’m so thankful to the GH writers for bringing this storyline out, you never know who you are going to touch out there and truly who needs the help! When I saw Sonny talking to Morgan and he was telling Sonny how… Read more »
You said exactly what I was wanting to say, only so much better!
I so agree, my husband is bi-polar and my youngest daughter is bi-polar. No one can know what it is to live with someone with mental illness until it happens in your family. If the story line helps one family it is worth telling.
I think one has to read between the lines when Maurice says that if they’re going to do a bipolar story it has to be a hundred percent realistic.
In other words, if they cannot do it right, then they should not touch upon it at all.
That is exactly what I have intimated, Harry. Unless, it is authentically presented, 100%, it won’t work. I agree with Timmm. If this is the venue the writers choose to take, then Morgan should be recast. I truly do not feel that Craig is ‘robust’ enough, mentally or professionally to approach this emotionally charged storyline. He will not give it justice.
Hi Harry 🙂
I think Morgan is simply a head mess..
He is looking good to me, not bipolar, just needs to get himself together, on the right track.
no way on this planet could a complicated inflection as bipolarism ever be a hundred percent realistic. soaps are not logical lol
Even the Doctors working with bipolar patients do not fully understand it..
bipolar stuff would just be a drama tool to make him a cry cry like Sharon going full dingo on people and things/houses..
Hi Harry…I think Maurice has said in interviews how happy he is that GH incorporated his own bipolar into the storyline…and I think he probably gives great input from his own experience with it. I also think he realizes the limitations of an ensemble cast with various ongoing storiestablishment…but still appreciates the opportunity to be part of getting bipolar awareness out there. He’s very open talking about as well as playing a man with his real life condition.
I think having Morgan being diagnosed with Bipolar and how it impacts the family would be an awesome story line. It would be about time someone would be brave enough to take that type of story line on.
Yes, I agree. But, we are not on ‘terra firma’ here. This is such a very delicate subject . It should be handled like a baby. Not only should TPTB educate themselves on this complex disorder and the different ways it manifests itself, but the actor portraying the affliction should also be prepared and profoundly understand the intricacies of the disorder. I do not feel that Craig’s Morgan will be able to shed his immaturity and not-so-honed craft for such an undertaking. I know what I see; and, at the risk of getting blasted, in my humble opinion, Craig is… Read more »
GH has an opportunity to actually tell a story. GH fans were tired of all the choppy writing and stories that didnt connect with a beginning, middle and end. Here is their chance. They can also help an educate fans BUT Bryan cannot handle it. Maurice and Laura can. If Morgan is not casted right, the story falls flat!
@Michael ( not Fairman). Your post is so on the mark, I am left speechless. You have said it all, clearly and without criticism, but only stating the facts. I wish I could maintain my dignity when I speak of Sonny, but I cannot see straight when he even comes to mind. …..I see orange, ahem, I mean; RED ! The idea of mob families is defunct, as far as I’m concerned. I am so not impressed by this man….as the character. Bad, bad representation of Godfather of the night…or Spiro. It is a mockery. I do agree with Timmm… Read more »
I have no interest in anything related to the Corinthos clan and the thought of them getting more airtime (coupled with the dismissal of Ron Carlivati) already has me ready to tune out. The last two days of Sonny and Carly talking about Morgan potentially being bi-polar have seemed like the same scenes over and over. Also, based on Passanante and Altman’s handling of Nikki’s MS, Dylan’s PTSD, and Sharon’s bi-polar disorder on Y&R I don’t have a lot of faith in this being more than a 6 week plot point that is dropped and forgotten after its initial “shock”… Read more »
Sorry Alan, then maybe you should tune out. The Corinthos clan is a big part of the show.
Yes, the Corinthos clan is a big part of the show and unfortunately I think the show’s insistence on continuing to focus on them and the mob related stories is what is dragging it down. At the peak of their popularity, the soaps were romantic escapism with stories built around starcrossed lovers and their fight to overcome the obstacles in their way; Luke and Laura’s wild adventures in the 80’s boiled down to the nice girl and the guy from the wrong side of the tracks trying to be together. People can turn on the news to hear about violence,… Read more »
But it hasn’t always been, and there’s no reason it couldn’t not-be again. For example, the Hardys were also once a “big part” of the show and are no longer. And the Scorpios. And the Quartermaines certainly don’t have anything like the presence they used to have. So it’s entirely possible to diminish a family’s importance on a show if TPTB choose to do so. I’m not sure how far Alan goes back with GH, but I’d definitely argue that those of us who have been viewers since before Sonny was even around have the right to remember that the… Read more »
Alan, we all have our opinions but how could you not appreciate what Carly and Sonny have done this past week? They were actually being good parents. Sonny was not throwing things against the wall and threatening people. Carly put someone besides herself first. You must have a thing against the C’s because you missed their brilliant acting. HOWEVER, I will agree with you about the two lady writers from Y&R botching Sharon’s story and Nickki’s.
Sonny and Carly are awful parents in every sense of the word going back to how they took Michael from AJ. They have consistently lived a lifestyle that has repeatedly put themselves as well as their children in danger. And don’t forget that Sonny killed AJ and Carly helped him cover it up so she wouldn’t lose the love of her life. Maybe it was the writing but when I watched the scenes all I saw was Sonny making it about himself — “What if I gave this to my son?” — and Carly telling Sonny not to blame himself.… Read more »
Alan & Michael(notF)… Between the two of you I think you echo a lot of my sentiments. But I’ll continue watching in hopes the new/old regime will breath new fun, romantic, adventurous life into GH. Plus, you left out Josselyn when it came to Carly’s mothering skills.
Several members of my family have bi-polar disorder and I think that MB did a commendable public service to bring to light his own, but I personally haven’t seen Morgan display behavior that would indicate he might have it. Anyone can have highs and lows, and may even just be temperamental. When Morgan was a little boy, he was the most balanced of his blood ties. Yes, Bryan Craig’s Morgan broods at times, has been a manipulative, sneaky liar and is basically a 20 something whose hormones are driving him to sow his oats with a 40 plus female. He… Read more »
I don’t know if this is true but I have heard from people in LA is Maurice Bernard has been pushing for this story line for a long time.
I don’t think this story should be Morgan’s story as well. Maybe Avery when she is older. Morgan should be made to deal with his abandonment issues with his parents not a mental disorder. Sonny has to deal with this disorder Morgan has enough issues to deal with that his parents caused and coming up with a mental disorder now is going to look likes your grasping for something to be wrong so you can easy their guilt.
Thank you….good woods…perfect analysis, Gloria.
Hi Gloria. I’m not sure I’d agree that Morgan was abandoned. Carly sent him away to boarding school to keep him away from Sonny and the mob if you recall. Max was a huge influence on Morgan’s life and they had a strong bond…while Sonny was jealous of Jax’s relationship with Morgan. And…Michael was a great big brother. Given that he was very much loved as a child and his sweet temperament did radically change, I think the reasons for Morgan’s erratic behavior could be caused and logically explained by some type of mental condition brewing over time…though I do… Read more »
Meant Jax… not Max!
Maybe bi-polar, or not…yet to be determined. But another way to look at this is that being abandoned was how Morgan”felt” about being sent away. He was too young to even consider safety, but instead was being separated from his family and Jax. Understandable he could be majorly acting out. I have also heard that sometimes the second child (after Michael) sometimes feel shortchanged re: attention, and sending Morgan off to boarding school could only reinforce this. And he was Carly and Sonny’s biological child compared to Michael. Plus I think that Bryan/Morgan along with Kiki have been doing a… Read more »
Yes I think we can agree on that Rose. If I remember correctly Morgan was upset when he was sent away, and was VERY attached to Jax. We can only assume there were a lot of visits, calls, etc… Carly was a better mom then. She wanted Jax to be Morgan’s father, wanted Jax to influence Morgan, to be exposed to his world instead of Sonny’s. Unfortunately, though Jax tried to stay involved in Morgan’s life Sonny re-entered the picture. And yes, as I too stated in my post above Morgan has always seemed lost in Michael’s shadow. The one-way… Read more »
it is a hereditary condition and can plague many family units as well as individuals. I think it is great to add it to the storyline. Go Maurice!
I hope Morgan gets evaluated and then finds out he is just a screw up, not bipolar. That is more realistic. I have not seen the mania associated with this disease displayed, just bad decisions and selfish behavior as many 20 year olds display because they think they know more than they do.
hi tml.. I hope Morgan is just a messed up guy too.. IF they go with bipolar- they will have to exaggerate it afterall it is entertainment and not a medical documentary. The bipolarism would be used as a drama tool. Soaps are fictional entertainment and when they get into medical anything it has to have entertaining drama, be written for entertainment. Look at bipolar Sharon Y&R all the things her bipolar has been burning houses, braking laws, changing DNA and on and on it goes using her bipolarism for entertainment. Her fans hate what they did to her by… Read more »
Su0000, Why is it that you have to constantly bash/disagree with everyone else’s opinions and story wishes? My great grandmother, grandmother, my cousin and even I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. It can be a debilitating disease that not only affects the person surviving with it, but also friends and family members of the person diagnosed with it. GH was at its best when it touched on serious topics and issues such as Breast Cancer, Rape, and Bipolar disorder. So, by all means, I hope GH goes down this road again and has a chance to educate viewers more… Read more »
Entertainment and exaggeration are not automatically connected, su0000. As T has pointed out here and others have pointed out elsewhere, it’s possible to write a realistic story around a medical or social issue and have it be entertaining. It’s been done, quite successfully, on GH and elsewhere (and it used to be the norm). When it’s exaggerated (as you chose to term it), that’s a choice made by TPTB and/or the writers, and they can make a different choice. If they’re up to the task, of course. (And seriously—you’re using Sharon’s storyline on Y&R as an example of how it… Read more »
Su, it is real life….and, as I have said so many times before, soaps may be fictional, but even fiction mimics real life, with a few twists and turns, here and there. C’mon, su….every essay we wrote in school was fiction; but, based on reality. From where else would we draw our thoughts and conclusions? It is the same with wring for a soap or a novel. It does not make it a documentary. The majority of viewers expect this, they want to understand what they are watching….without understanding there’s no involvement? The Sharon ‘mishap’ was handled horribly, you’re right.… Read more »
Correction…writing for a soap….not wring
Michael (not Fairman)..
sure, but–
has Sharon Y&R been written factually, any info about bipolarism outside of her crazy deeds, and she has done some really breaking laws crazy stuff, not helpful to and real bipolar people..
Sharon’s bipolarism has been written for soap drama entertainment.
And she was written by the same two writers who would now be Morgans bipolar stuff, if they go with it.
even the Doctors who treat bipolar people do not fully understand it, no way in hades will a soap opera writer who writes drama for entertainment.
T.. I do not bash, anyone.. I disagreed.. I speak my mind .. and I spoke up on how ridiculous it would be to write a life long story of Bipolarism for Morgan,, yes- lifelong, it is not curable. Bipolarism is -different- with every patient. Again- Doctors do not fully understand bipolarism because it is not the same for all. there are different degrees, sometime there are -other mental factors- included in a bipolar diagnosis. To attempt to inform anyone on bipolars in a soap operas written by writers that hold no medical degrees to be able to represent bipolar… Read more »
Also-
It depends on the writers, how they would portray bipolarism.
(( and they horribly with bipolar Sharon.))
Biopolarism is very tough thing to deal with in a soap story real life bipolarism is not wholly understood.
Agnes Nixon may be able to pull it off, maybe, Jean and Shelly, no.
Have to agree su doesn’t make a habit of “bashing” people…except complainers when they come out in full force. On the other hand she is GH’s biggest cheerleader (to a fault sometimes in my estimation) who I can disagree with at times, but wears invisible Teflon armour when it comes to all the criticism she takes. I do admire her spirit.
I think that Bryan Craig is doing a fantastic job and would be interested in learning more about bipolar disorder if they do end up going that route.
While I think soaps can be a good forum to discuss different kinds of medical and mental disorders, I’m just not looking forward to the possibility of a bi-polar story. This last year with Tony/Fluke has been very dark and heavy, so I’m hoping for more traditional adventure/romance/family soap fare.
If the writers want to deal with Morgan’s acting out, would rather they explore Carly and Sonny’s parenting/non-parenting styles that may have helped get him where he is now…in nowhere land.
First, I have to say that I respect Maurice Benard to THE MAX for being so open and proactive about his condition. I have a condition of my own that I have to manage with medication, and “Sonny” spoke the truth when he said “Do you think I LIKE taking my medication?” That hit home. No one LIKES to have to take medication. Diabetics don’t like giving themselves insulin shots either. Anyone with a chronic condition has to MANAGE it in order to lead a productive and fulfilling life. That’s just the way it is. That said, I think delving… Read more »
A lot of people voice their concern he may not be the right fit to play Morgan…I think this is the perfect opportunity for the character to get diagnosed and treatment and change into a more mature man. I think they have a lot of potential with Morgan’s character, and I applaud GH and cast for keeping up with important issues of today.
I watched the special with Maurice on being bipolar and can only say Maurice you are a Hero by speaking out on such a personal subject, thank you.
I think Bryan does a wonderful job. I would love for this story to happen. I work in the mental health field and so many people do not understand this illness as well as many others. These stories need to be told in order to have understanding and hopefully assist with the stigma associated with this illness.
I thought Maurice Benard and Laura Wright were exceptional in their scenes on Friday’s episode. The storyline of a family struggling with mental illness could be very powerful and relatable. This story has so much potential to be what viewers expect from a great classic soap. Please do this story justice or don’t do it at all.
I do not mind a Corinthos family storyline that does not revolve around the mob. Having said that, I find it peculiar that the writers can focus on a sensitive subject like someone being bipolar and expect us to take it seriously and then totally make light of a legacy character like Heather who they made crazier than she ever originally was years ago. Where’s the serious focus on identifying why Heather turned out this way instead of simply brushing it under the rug? I have a hard time believing it was because of her accidental acid trip years ago… Read more »
Good call, Liam. Very conflicting and contradicting representation of a mentally ill person, such as Heather. I never thought about it until you mentioned it. You’re right….shameful how the entire premise was made into a big, fat Heather-joke !!
@Rose…..three cheers for su0000. ….could not have described su better myself. She is wonderfully resilient. You hear, su?? We love you.
Agree with you and Cee Cee on this one.
Okay, if its bi polar, its bi polar. But what if Morgan is just a goof? A loser? Dumb! Sometimes thats the answer. People want to find a legitimate excuse every time some one screws up. A label or a medical reason, if you will. How about Michael is just smarter than Morgan or at least makes better choices.
I am with you, Timmm..
I hope Morgan is just a really screwed up guy..
People can be really messed up and not be bipolar..
Morgan has had some very dark drama happen to him, his life has been messed up and now so is he..
no bipolar stuff needed ..
I think they’re playing out the bipolar story very well & , Bryan Craig is a fine good actor. Yes Morgan is messed up in the head but he’s going through life right now as an undiagnosed bipolar. Once he’s diagnosed & put on medication, his life will stabilize. As someone who’s diagnosed bipolar, I see so much of my life as to what I went through. I was messed up in the head before diagnosis which my parents thought was peer pressure & once I got put on the right medication, my life became stabilized. So to all of… Read more »
LadyDi….how interesting and nostalgic….your post too…LOL.
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GENERAL HOSPITAL: “I’m Alexis Davis, and I’m a Fighter, and an Idealist, and an Advocate”; Nancy Lee Grahn Gives Masterful Performance In Special Episode
When you combine superb direction, writing, production, and acting in a special episode of a daytime drama, viewers can see and understand the thought and care that went into it.
This was more than on display during Thursday’s highly-anticipated ‘Alexis-Centric’ episode honoring the 25th anniversary of Alexis’ portrayer, two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Nancy Lee Grahn, on General Hospital.
Courtesy/ABC
In the story, symbolism was apparent and used for dramatic impact and it worked beautifully throughout, and best of all, Nancy received a script worthy of her immeasurable talents, and showed us once again why she remains one of the gold standards of our genre. If you have not seen the episode DO NOT read any further as it contains spoilers.
It begins with an emotional Alexis looking at her mother’s watch which was still frozen from the time of her death. While playing one of her mother’s records very loudly, she recalls Mikkos Cassadine kissing and dancing with her mom as a young Alexis (Natasha) looked on from the staircase. When Sam asks her about it, Alexis shares that she sees the watch as sort of a representation for her own life being frozen over the last three years; which has included Alexis’ battle with booze taking over her life and her being disbarred, when being a lawyer was the way she identified herself and what gave her purpose.
Overwhelmed and anxiety-ridden, Alexis hightails it to Kevin’s office for a therapy session knowing she is going to Pentonville in the morning to serve her sentence. She says she does not know who she is anymore. Then, Kevin asks her how she spent her day thus far. She flashes back to lunch with the good men in her life, Finn, Valentin, Jax and Ned. Valentin tells Alexis she is proud of her for honing up to her mistakes.
Back at the therapy session, Alexis she was an attorney who stood for something and her life has derailed, and that she was a fighter, an idealist, and an advocate. She knows she has to find a purpose in prison to make it through the three-year term and asks Kevin to help her find one.
Kevin wants to go back to when she was a little girl and her memories that are flooding back to her of Mikkos and her mother. Just then, the younger version of Alexis is huddled in the corner of Kevin’s office, an image of her from the past. Alexis tries to come to terms with her father and the choice of dangerous men and relationships that have marred her own happiness … recalling Julian holding a knife to her throat like Mikkos did to her mother. She says he was one of the toxic men in her life, but Kevin reminds her all of the men in her life were not toxic.
Alexis starts with Ned as one who was good for her saying he was always stable, but she ruined that by recently sleeping with him and putting a wedge in his marriage to her long-time friend, Olivia.
We then flashback to earlier in the day, where Alexis ends up in an almost confrontation with Olivia. However, Olivia tells her she misses the Alexis Davis she used to be and to get her back.
Now back with Kevin, a guilt-ridden Alexis relays she feels responsible for Neil’s death. Kevin interjects she is not, nor what happened with Julian. When Kevin attempts to bring up Mikkos again, Alexis rejects it and is angry that he is making her problem about daddy issues; like so many other women. She vehemently shouts that the men in her life do not define who she is.
Then, Alexis flashes back to hurtful memories she has buried of a young Natasha witnessing Mikkos calling her mother a “greedy little bitch”. She recalls it was on Christmas Eve and that Mikkos stopped by to give them gifts. That is when he presented her mother with the watch. However, things took an ugly turn when he tried to leave, and she threatened to tell Helena all about her and Natasha. Next, Mikkos slapped her and that is when the watch shattered. As all this was going down, a young Natasha watched from the stairs and was horrified that she couldn’t stop her father from beating her mother and remembers how helpless she felt.
However, Alexis reveals to Kevin she thought this would be the last of Mikkos coming by, but he returned on New Year’s Eve and her mother took him back into their lives. Alexis is beside herself that she could not protect her mother, but Kevin reassures her to remember she was just a child.
Courtesy/ABC
It is then we come to the crux of the story. Alexis looks over in the corner and sees her younger self crying. She goes to her younger self and tells her nothing that happened was her fault, and that their father was damaged and cruel. She tells the young Natasha this shouldn’t have been her burden to carry alone, and that she deserves to be happy. Then in the moment of strength and coming full circle, Alexis introduces herself to the young Natasha, “I’m Alexis Davis, a fighter, an advocate, and an idealist … and I will take care of everything from her on out.” In that moment, Alexis embraced herself, and forgave herself, so she could move on with her life.
Alexis then flashes back to earlier that night, as the Davis girls gather for a faux graduation ceremony so Alexis could see Molly in her cap and gown and they hug. Back in her session, Kevin remarks that Alexis has repeatedly defined herself as a fighter, an idealist, and an advocate, and reminds her she has three daughters who have those qualities, and that all she needs to be is Alexis Davis.
Then, we get a heart-warming montage of Alexis though the years in honor of Nancy’s 25th anniversary with GH.
Courtesy/ABC
As the episode concludes, it is the next morning, and Alexis enters Pentonville and enters her jail cell. There she meets her fellow inmate, who is studying law books to prep for her upcoming parole hearing. Alexis introduces herself as “Alexis Davis” and as someone who can help her. We then go back to her mother’s watch which now begins ticking at Alexis’ home. The show fades to black.
Kudos to Daytime Emmy winner, Phideaux Xavier for his outstanding direction, head writers: Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor and script writer, Scott Sickles for the thoughtful episode, EP Frank Valentini and his production crew for putting it all together, and the one and only Nancy Lee Grahn for a performance that will be remembered as a classic.
Share your thoughts on today’s on Nancy’s ‘Alexis-Centric’ episode via the comment section below.
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