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Power Performance Of The Week: The Cast Of General Hospital!

Courtesy/ABC

Courtesy/ABC

Usually when we name an outstanding performance, or as we dub it, On-Air On-Soaps Power Performance of the Week, it is usually reserved to single out one, or possibly two, standout performances on your favorite soaps.

However, this past week General Hospital’s riveting November Sweeps storylines provided opportunities for so many in the A-list cast to deliver stunning moments of heartbreak, betrayal, madness and mayhem, that they truly deserve recognition and a huge rousing round of applause.

For starters, there was Maura West (Ava Jerome).  In an incredible rollercoaster ride, Ava is drugged against her will by Nina (Michelle Stafford), and her newborn baby taken from her with an assist from Madeline (Donna Mills).  Later, Sonny (Maurice Benard) shows up ready to finally end Ava’s life for taking Connie’s.  Now Ava has to try to talk her way out of that one! And lo and behold, after trying to get Michael (Chad Duell) who has shown up at the brownstone to kill Sonny, she escapes Sonny’s bullet by Michael telling her to leave!  Maura once again showed her acting brilliance throughout.

Courtesy/ABC

Michelle Stafford (Nina) can play twisted, vengeful, and troubled like no other as Nina perpetrated one of the most despicable acts seen on the soaps!

As Nina is teetering on the edge of some altered-reality/fantasy state, she somehow thinks the little girl she has kidnapped from Ava’s is her baby with Silas (Michael Easton)!  And then there was that little phone call with Franco (Roger Howarth), which touched upon that underneath it all there may be some humanity in this batty chick, after all!

Chad Duell (Michael) clearly had some Emmy-worthy material (as did so many others) doing some of his finest work to date, as Michael finally learned the devastating truth that Sonny killed his bio-dad AJ Quartermaine, and that his mother Carly (Laura Wright) and Sonny have been having sex … literally in Michael’s apartment!  This was all thanks to Franco’s revenge-filled wedding video disaster!  After being blown away by all the lies his parents told him, Michael heads to the brownstone to find Sonny with gun in tow.  Once face-to-face, Michael  has the showdown with Sonny we have all been waiting for.  Duell made the payoff of the long-awaited confrontation memorable, and it still will continue as it was Friday’s cliffhanger!

Courtesy/ABC

As for Maurice Benard (Sonny… what can you say?  The guy is always good! Even though Ava admitted to Sonny that Nina took her baby – the one that could be Sonny’s or his son Morgan’s – he was still going to shoot her for killing Connie: “An eye for an eye!”  Maurice also had powerful scenes with Morgan (Bryan Craig) earlier in the week when he explains the details of shooting AJ!  But in the final moments on Friday, Sonny is in a weakened position as Michael relentlessly lays into him for his lies about killing AJ, and screwing Ava on the Quartermaine Crypts.  We can’t wait to see Maurice on Monday’s episode!

And then there was the tour de force performance by Roger Howarth (Franco)! How many of us in the audience watched this with great delight, as he went from busting Carly and Sonny in front of Michael and the wedding guests by showing the footage of Sonny admitting he killed AJ! Later on, it got even more juicy with Howarth’s showdown scenes with Laura Wright over Carly’s betrayal.  Still later, there was Franco turning the tables on his own loony-tunes mother Heather (Robin Mattson). Yet when all the revenge was completed, there was also a “moment of connection” with Nina when Franco made the phone call to her after the despicable mess he had caused.  It was all Roger at his best!

Courtesy/ABC

Laura Wright reminded us again why she is one of the best in the genre!  We had Carly owning up to her affair to Sonny at her wedding after it was exposed via the “eye cam”, while later telling Franco he was a “freak”, and playing the heartbroken and devastated mama bear after protecting Michael with cover-up after cover-up!  It all came out in the open … thanks to Franco.  Now her son never wants anything to do with her.  Later, Carly is in for a shock of her life when she ends up locked up with Heather, Shawn (Sean Blakemore) and Jordan (Vinessa Antoine).

And there were still many more morsels from the cast! Finola Hughes played Anna’s conflict and devastation that Duke (Ian Buchanan) lied to her with his alibi for Sonny to the hilt.  Robin Mattson as whacked-out Heather Webber was entertaining as usual and a key pawn in Franco’s plans!  Bryan Craig played Morgan’s scenes with Sonny with high intensity.  And what can you say about Donna Mills (Madeline)? She can play a steely conniving witch like no other!

So much great material to play, and so many dramatic and fascinating performances from the cast of GH.  So, without question this week’s Power Performance of the Week has to go to this ensemble cast of General Hospital!  It was must-see TV and must-see acting at its genre-best!

So, do you agree with our choice of the cast of General Hospital as the Power Performance of the Week?  Who gave your favorite performance?  Weigh-in below!

 

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Maura West was absolutely outstanding, even with everything she has done, I felt sorry for her and wanted to see her get her baby. MS as Nina, what can I say?? When Franco called her, I felt some humanity and almost sorry for her, even as she was holding the baby she stole! Madeline is clearly insane all of the plotting was brilliant. Roger Howarth was amazing as Franco unleashed his fury and explained his motivation for all he has done. He has been lied to by all the women in his life. We will see you all the emmy’s next year. Simply outstanding!!!!!!

See how amazing Franco can be if you write him a story! Roger was great!

MW was outstanding she did make me forget about all she has done and I just wanted her and that baby girl to get away from Nina and Sonny. MS did a great job as well. Seeing her switch between insanity and sanity was awesome to watch. I didn’t think her character would grow on me but I feel so much for Nina now. RH had me going all week when he turned on Heather and told her that while Carly may have danced with the devil she created him I could see the pain and anger Franco carries. CD as Michael had me tearing up when it dawned on him what Sonny and Carly did and that one tear fell I was gone.

Honestly everyone was on fire this week and even with semi annoying stories of the week (Looking at Danny’s cancer “being back” and the rehash of Julian and Alexis) I can’t be mad at the writers or actors this week.

Great performances this week,love GH♡

Ron, Frank and, GH and soaps at it craziest finest. I am rushing home from school every day to see what is happening next. soo good. what is Ron think of next.

Too many great performances to pick just one!! Bravo to the entire cast!!

I agree, they were all amazing. And Roger Howarth was in his element, I actually think Franco outdid Todd 🙂

Totally agree Nancy, I was just wanting to cry for Franco when he was talking about how all the women screwed him over. Best performance ever, well, you know what I mean. I closed my eyes and tried to figure out Todd/Franco, Franco/Todd.

Completely agree! It was a powerhouse of acting. There really should be a “cast emmy”, and if there isn’t there should be a special one created for this incredible cast! As evil and crazy as Ava, Nina, and Franco can be, there was empathy for all. Michael and Carly, wow. That fierce love they have for each other crushed and heartbroken. Sonny finally faced with a punishment he can’t get out of, Michael’s hatred. And these actors made you feel all their emotions.

That one line said it all, Cindy. “Sonny finally faced with a punishment he can’t get out of, Michael’s hatred.” The devastation on both sides was gut-wrenching. I felt a twinge of empathy for Sonny…but it was just a twinge; he tortured AJ for years and killed him. ‘ Nuff said.

Couldn’t agree more with what you said about Sonny.

I agree with all the accolades for the names mentioned above.
I would also like to add that Kelly Monaco and Michael Easton shared some touching scenes about Danny. Kelly has the ability to always make me feel her emotion.
Silas looking to have forgiveness from Sam for allowing himself, as well as his wife, to destroy their relationship came through loud and clear.
Bravo to all involved in last week’s episodes. Outstanding.

Would like a special shout out to Chad Duell who seemed to grow up overnight with this revelation of what Sonny did and Carly covering. Chad gave a riveting performance.

This week was beyond amazing. Michelle Stafford as Nina Clay is just attacking this role with relish and vigor. I love her and her character is simply beyond the sphere of spectacular. Then we have Maura West as Ava Jerome. This woman in the various roles she has played in different soaps has proven herself as a soap queen. She is probably second in line to the late great Beverlee McKinsey. (Interesting that Scott McKinsey, Beverlee’s son, is directing GH as well.) I agree that Chad Duell as Michael Corinthos , has riveted me with his performances. Previously I didn’t really think he had it in him. Bryan Craig as Morgan Corinthos is always perfection. Robin Mattson as Heather Webber is just a pleasure to watch. But to me the winner of the week is quite simply Roger Howarth as Franco. I mean this man is beyond perfect. His emotions and talent just scream for attention. This to me would be an easy win for a daytime Emmy. Congrats to the entire cast for an amazing set of performances each week.

They were all great but the Wedding was my favorite .LW & Roger H were fantastic

GENERAL HOSPITAL is now the best soap on Daytime. The cast is simply outstanding and every storyline was compelling and full of WTF moments. Everyday delivered on so many levels. The writing was excellent. The acting was amazing. Bravo to GH and everybody involved.

“An eye for an eye”….pretty powerful words, but for Sonny they only apply to him.
I should think if Sonny is to abide by that age-old adage, then, Michael has every right to turn the tables on Sonny.
I have said this before, I honestly don’t think that Carly was protecting Michael’s heart as much as she was protecting Sonny. The consequences for loverboy would have been damaging for him all- around. It is possible that Carly thought she was protecting her son, but subconsciously ? I think not !
I feel that if Sonny would only fess up to Michael and say how sorry he is and not try to give excuse after excuse to extricate himself from any wrongdoing, Michael may be a bit more malleable. But, Sonny’s arrogance is beyond me. He acts as if he had no choice but to kill AJ. As Michael said to him, Sonny has no honor….which is indeed a fact which I have been stressing from the first sentence I heard Sonny utter.

Every single character did a superlative job in this segment. But, the most awe-inspiring and noteworthy performance was given by Maura and Michelle….in that order.

I must also add that in no way do I condone this stomach-churning scenario. I am strictly speaking of the actresses’s performances. There were certain parts I simply could not watch, but, if truth be known, Maura, with mascara smeared down her face and the pain in her eyes …..it was so real; I felt her anguish. Only a mother could take herself to the streets looking for her baby, completely disregarding her own safety. That performance alone was unparalleled, as far as I’m concerned.

I’m with you Cee Cee 100%! I was rooting for Ava to commit one more murder -Nina! Even though I know that won’t happen, I still want Ava to get her baby back and fast!

CeeCee and K/Kay, thanks for your kind words…you are very lovely people and i’ll miss you all…i at least have 3 weeks to post here before im off…i wanted to make sure i say Goodby now to make certain it made it…im not going to say i’ll never return…i might be able to…i might go to the library(usually full)…its a distance from my house…bus stop is a little far being disabled but ill try…just not certain at this time…besides lack of the green stuff i also need to take care of my health…but like i said i do have 3 weeks…and if all goes well i may be back by January…maybe!!!

CeeCee…and to Shay, Rebecca, Harry, Su, Mary SF, Jay, James, Patrick 4everDays(?), and so many others(if i didnt add your name i might’ve forget it but this includes all including the meanies…lol) and to Micheal Fairmen who has done an amazing job with this wonderful site which i had enjoyed coming to for over two years now, i give you all a BIG THANK YOU for all the happy memories…my cable/internant will be cancelled by the end of the month much sooner than i anticipated which i can no longer afford so i wish to say ‘Goodbye, God Bless and Happy Holidays to you all’, while i have the chance!!! Happy Soap watching too…fade to black, credits…Jimh(leave it to beaver)

Awwww, jimh. My wonderful friend. I will miss you so much. You are one of a kind….so friendly and sagacious. Will you go to the library to post, once in a while, as you said a few weeks ago? I surely hope so.
What can I say, I wish I could have known you in person…..I wish you the best of the Christmas Season also. Stay well and I hope good things come your way. Good health, peace, and God bless,
Love,
Cecelia A. (CeeCee)

@jmh sorry to hear that always have enjoyed your posts. Will keep you in my prayers that you will be back on line with all of us again! Best to you!

Hi jimh! So sorry…you are a vital contributor to this site and so much fun to read! I’m not sure if this will help you but you can google cheap internet service or free internet service…I think there are some programs that have reduced monthly rates and possibly free ones if you meet the criteria. Worth a try…

Til we see you again out here…take care. You’ll be missed.

Best…
🙂

Jim, your a class act and were a huge part of this chat. I looked forward to your posts. You have a great deal of knowledge and a wonderful sense of humor. I feel as if you are part of a family of regulars on this site. I wish I could help you in some way. I will at least pray for you and hope you fulfill your holiday dreams and are back soon. Timmm.

Awwww jimh….I thought we were going to be graced with your presence at least until the new year. Our loss to be sure! Please don’t remain a stranger…do drop us a line once a week or so via the library to let us know how YOU are faring. While we may love your encyclopedic knowledge, interesting takes and imaginative alternative scenarios regarding our favorite soaps, the truth is that it’s the man behind those clever notions that have won our hearts. Any day without you here will be a day without sunshine. Please take care, keep in touch and have a most blessed holiday season!!! P.S. If you own a smartphone, look into tethering your connection to your laptop…I’ve done this for years in different locations, and depending upon your service provider, you may have no additional charges (if you already have an unlimited data plan…) or sometimes a $10 extra fee per month….it widely varies by company, but it usually can be done……maybe even with a regular cellphone model since you dial up your connection? Not the best for downloading videos or streaming unless you are close to a 4G tower, yet for the basic online stuff like reading, sending emails/files, posting to accounts, shopping, etc. it works like a charm and you don’t have to rely on Wi-Fi. Do a search for a program to download onto your computer….they are usually offered free by either the phone manufacturer or the cellphone company. Hope this helps.

“…fade to black”

which you are.

a blackout and acknowledge of your presence

integral was my definition of YOU’re contribution

ditto right back at you

“BIG THANK YOU ” HUGS all around for a shared journey that isn’t unfounded

your flight plan spirits with

Hello JimH

I have to press this:

Thank you, Shay

“…it’s the man behind those clever notions that have won our hearts ”

as I’ve said near the getgo of you…. it was your knowledge of history, your sense of humor, and your story ideas

that’s A LOT

JimH

you’re in our memory bank

JIM! I feel like I have missed a few episodes of your life and am woefully way behind.
DO NOT GO! Even when you complained about GH, you managed to do so with humor. You never came off as an old, negative crank like some people I know (hanging head). I learned from you, Jim. I came in here offending just about everyone with my strong and negative opinions and then I read your posts and tried to lighten up. Yes, you complained too but did so without making anyone feel bad about their choice of entertainment.
May your approach to life, which is fighting the dark forces with hope for a better tomorrow, not to mention always seeing the comedic aspects of it all, be not only your armor, but your weapon. “Honor and Beauty in the Owner’s Arms, are weakly fortress’d in a world of harms.”
Shakespeare.

Very sorry to hear that, jimh. I always enjoy reading your posts. Even when I don’t agree, which is rare, but you always give me something to think about. You’re a loyal, passionate soap fan just like the rest of us, and that comes through in every one of your posts. Good luck to you and I hope we’ll be hearing from you again down the road!

Jim,

Dude…I agree with Harry…DO NOT GO!!!!! Oh, Sigh. Anyway, more and more, cable/Internet services are so EXPENSIVE!!!!! Yikes. Jim, in advance and all, I wish you a HAPPY THANKSGIVING, a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY 2015!!!!! More and more, I TRULY L-O-V-E reading your posts on this website!!!!! I L-O-V-E to read period!!!!! Jim, come back to us all as soon as you can. You will be T-O-T-A-L-L-Y missed!!!!!! Stay safe.

Love ya’, dude.

Peace.

jimh: I came late to this fun party, and I, too, want to tell you how much I have enjoyed reading your posts and our brief interaction at this site. Further, as others, I hope you are able to return periodically. You are an intelligent, respectful man who clearly brightens the lives of those you touch here at the site and, undoubtedly, those in your “life outside!” Bless you, and best to you, Friend!

@CeeCee

inasmuch as GH is deserving of “unsurpassed CAST” per @SuOOOOO

I have 2 beefs.. and that’s mine

Laura Wright and Chad Duell

gosh where is my pessimism… where or where is my Laura

RC/FV have never know what to do with her

Michael… acting after the fact… reacting too… just doesn’t relate

it’s all a dour lacking no light at the end of the tunnel for Sonny brood and GH pie

i’ve stated that Laura and Sonny will come together and filler for the show

the nuREGIME will continue to feature Michael and Kiki for whatever reason

snore

the standout(s) : without doubt

all the rest of the cast… and, Oh My.. that includes some Kiki

GH production… it’s your turn to further Roger Howarth… who has been lie in wait STAR turn…. he’s embroiling…

GH manages to assuage, Carly and Sonny Machinations…. will they marry to stave off both of them witness stand declaration

I can’t believe I can wait… the distance between Morgan and Ava… this all triggers for the better of GH

Roger Howarth is on the mend…. YES! for the attributes the audience feasts…

Shay, Timmm, Patrick, Rebecca, K/Kay and CeeCee…your replies mad this even harder…i cried so much reading them i dont have to wash the clothes im wearing they are so wet…lol…Patrick said this is our 5th soap…ill call it Another Word(for all our writing) here we are the main family…i got to be the patriarch, hero, comic relief and even a villian…lol…well do to budget cuts ive been written off the show…thats how i kind of like to think of it…i havent been killed off so there is a slight chance ill return even before Kristen on Days…lol…but if i dont return you guys will always be in my thoughts and in my heart…and I ‘Love You All’…and as Bob Hope would say ‘Thanks For The Memories’!!!

I do not know you and we had very few exchanges here..But you always have been my reference point before I post ANYTHING..

I look to see what you think and what you post, to make sure my post are credible..I am 44, and been a soap fan for since 13, but you have so much more milage and knowledge that I look to you..You always seem right on in your predictions.

So sorry to see you go, but like in soaps I am hoping you will be back down the line with a bang sir…Happy and Healthy Holidays to you and yours and all that good stuff!!!

“Another Word!”…Brilliant, jimh! I LOVE it!!!! And as such, I need to add one more….well, actually a “revision.” In my haste to post my heartfelt farewell to you following your surprising announcement, I made a major grammatical error…my bad! What I SHOULD have written was :”it’s the man behind those clever notions that HAS won our hearts!” There, I feel better now, and anyway, the sentiment deserves repeating….many times over. At any rate, fingers crossed that your departure will be short-lived, if not at all. Oh, and if you find it to be too onerous to reach that library computer, then please select a surrogate to at least assure us upon occasion that you are still out there and thriving in “soapland.” As much as we will truly feel the absence of your presence, no one would want you to jeopardize your health just to give little old us a shout out, particularly with winter nearly nigh!!! The most important thing is to take care of yourself……but never forget how many fans (and friends!….) you have here at MFSoaps!

Mateo,
Roger is the bomb! Always has been and continues to entertain me 100%.

Roger and his Franco has been spellbinding..
When he is on screen he grabs you in- it is gripping!!

Roger has given riveting performances, as only Roger can deliver a performance of such power!!

Michelle, Maurice, Maura, Donna , Chad, Laura , Bryan , ALL have made GH the #1 soap for exceptional entertainment!

BRAVO BRAVO TO ALL !!!!

It doesn’t get any better than GH and its’ unsurpassed cast ..

Wow ! “… unsurpassed cast”

I LIKE that… GH is deserving of

I like using the word “spellbinding” as well… for, Maura West

she commands TOP reserve her status satiate her turn… STAR MARQUEE

I really am waiting with baited breath… the writers TURN to deliver the Roger Howarth we all know… on top of his game… with endorphin absolute triggering

It was spectacular !!
The actors we outstanding!!!
I was in jaw dropping awe while watching ALL the actors at their best!!

I was thrilled, chilled, surprised, and spellbound !

To all of this ensemble cast;

BRAVO BRAVO BRAVO !!!!!

OH do calm down, Miss Suzy.

Wow, what an Epic performances by the cast&crew Bravo, bravo, bravo. This is what soaps are about and GH nail it to the coffin 🙂 Congrats!! 🙂

I hope Ava names her daughter CRYPT-al Gayle who grows up to be a country western singer with a one hit wonder, ‘Poor AJ Still Bein’ Knocked Down Even When Buried Underneath The Ground’ available on Tacky Records!!! lol That poor guy cant get a break even dead…Sharon on Y&R and AJ wouldve made a great couple…over in Genoa City they are ganging up on her too…meanwhile, GH has had a great week…best acting from the entire cast which i havent seen in a long time! GH is once again my favorite U.S. soap!!!

Sorry to hear you might not be able to add your wit and knowledge for a while. I am a bit of a newbi to Michael Fairman, but I have grown to look forward to your comments, especially your ideas about where a storyline can go. They can be humorous, but always imaginative. Also distressed about the number of older people, who like you, can’t afford internet services anymore, and reliable transportation to even get to the library. Hoping for the best for you.

Whenever an actor can put heart and humanity into stories that are high melodrama I am impressed. Go too far in either direction and the characters can come across as absurd or one dimensional—there is a balance needed in soap acting, where your performance has to be as large as the story, but not so over the top that it is competing with it. There has to be quiet notes to avoid the impression that all the actor is doing is endlessly shouting .

So kudos to the major players in last week stories for finding that balance– it always fun for me as a viewer when an actor by performance alone has me hating and feeling sorry for the character at the same time— and all those you mentioned did that– so I was in soap lover heaven last week on GH.

I have watched scenes from some this past week’ s episodes several times, picking up the nuances of the actors’ performances in different ways each time. Roger’s facial expressions, Chad’s pain expressed through his eyes, Michelle’s joyful expression when she realizes who is calling her, and Laura’s heartwrenching pleas to Michael to come back. Unbelievable performances by the entire cast, including the non-central characters who do such an amazing job of fleshing out the storylines.

I have to disagree, GH watchers, at least as far as the show overall is concerned. There are some wonderful talents on the show, but this is a case where the actors cannot save this sinking ship. I had a day off and tried to watch GH, a show I held out so much hope for when Cartini took over, and it was sickening. I mean the stories actually sicken me beyond what I ever thought possible. None of these people seem even redeemable to me. It just doesn’t make sense to me to continually glorify violence and regard these individuals as heroes.

Where in the world do you believe that the so called violence on GH is glorified? Cartini have saved GH, and that’s an undeniable FACT

Abc will cancel gh next year. I hope that i am wrong. I love gh, abc are promoting the tyra banks show, which starts in September. abc only gives gh 1 year renewels. thats a slap in the face. abc wants out of the soap business. abc should renew gh for at least 2 or 3 years. abc are back stabbers. I dont trust abc at all.

Your fact is my fiction. I guess that’s the freedom of opinion in America. Unless barry takes that freedom away, too, in the next 2 years. Long live ONE LIFE TO LIVE, and go Y&R, #1 forever!

All due respect if you “Tried” to watch GH, your not a fan.

Gh is very unique..
Not everyone has that certain something that makes a GH fan..
GH is not for the closed minded or timid, it is a brave soap..
some can not handle GH.. and that is part of what makes it unique from all the other soaps.
Actually; GH fans are more of cult following than ordinary fans..

Not everybody can be a GH fan, and that is why its’ fans are special .. 🙂

I feel the same about the extreme story lines recently. Regular network t.v. has been totally dumbed down and/or beyond violent. Maybe writers feel viewers are getting numb to overdone cruelty, madness, guns and shootings.

Actually.. we love it lol
Media changes..
It has gone through many changes as to what people want..
The day of I Love Lucy, Different Strokes, changed to Mission Impossible and Charlies Angles and then changed again with Law and Order and then to CSI then to Criminal Minds then to The Blacklist and American Horror Story and Sons of Anarchy..
Great changes as to what people love to watch has greatly changed..
People are use to a style of media, what is popular.

Media changes with with generations, and soaps need change also..
Change keeps everything alive, and GH is the most modern soap, no doubt of that..

Long live Y&R and GH ..

Wow what a week of must see tv, GH was great, got to give it to RC, he sure is delivering for this Novermber sweeps. and what can you say about this cast? i’m sure happy with this ensemble. Maura, M:ichelle, Finola, Maurice, Roger, Donna, what an embarrassment of riches.

Finally, most of the major stories that have been dragging on too long came to a head, but what an incredible week. I’m mostly glad to see that AJ’s murderer is finally revealed to all. For a change, there wasn’t a single “filler” episode this week. Now, let’s get the Fluke storyline resolution going!

The Fluke story probably wont flesh out until February sweeps. Its okay, I’m happy “Tony is Back!”

“…there wasn’t a single “filler” episode this week. ”

I LOVE fan recall

’nuff said

salute

It was an amazing week. I held my breath so many times. Everyone was on point. But my top 5 were Maura, Michelle, Roger, Chad and Finola. Just amazing performances.

Outstanding Performances all around!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow! The last two weeks have been excellent. I loved Franco finally sticking it to Carly and Sonny. Roger always brings it! Some of the reveals that happened these past two weeks were fantastic! The writers deserve a lot of credit! Loved, Maura’s performance, she had me rooting for Ava. Laura’s performance was so good that I was hating Carly more by the minute and she used to be one of my favorite characters. Michelle does crazy so well that I felt sorry for her. (what a mother) Chad was also very believable as Michael.

Awarding GH the “Power Performance of the Week” reminds me of the NFL. For years everyone said the Dallas Cowboys are “America’s Team!” Okay, thats been debatable since the turn of the new century. Now I turn to my soaps, Y&R has been #1 for over 25 years. The reign is over. GH is #1. Maybe the ratings dont show it YET but the stories and especially the acting has been off the charts! This week was Emmymania on GH! Carly, Franco, Michael, Heather, Duke, Anna, Sonny, Ava, Nina, and Madeline. Amazing! “America’s Soap!”

Give your head a shake. Young and The Restless is still number 1, I love General hospital, but they will never be number 1. Yes General Hospital is really good now. but it will never be number 1 again in the ratings.

well–

Y&R is #1 in numbers, but in not in greatness; that is a fact..

Ha! Funny post, though I always respect opinion. Facts and numbers, however, cannot change. Y&R holds the #1 spot. GH’s visit to #1 is dwarfed by the daytime titans ATWT and Y&R. Let’s keep this a no spin zone.

Timm, yes. I am rooting for both because I am rooting for the soap genre’s survival. I don’t really see Y&R and GH competing witch each other.
GH has been riveting lately, but I am worried that they cannot sustain its excitement factor.
Moreover, the pacing is bad as separate storylines seem to be imploding at the same time. I waited a long time to watch both Sonny and Carly receive their comeuppance, and I loved that it was delivered by Franco before Michael’s incredulous and gobsmacked eyes. That really was a thing of beauty and us ‘AJ Deserves Justice’ have been waiting for that moment for a very long time.
So did we really need crazy old Heather to escape from the loony bin for the 100th time to reek havoc? Did we really need that creepy, misogynist Sonny to go over and torment Ava after she just gave birth to a baby who was kidnapped by insane Nina and her mother? Too many story board climaxes which were occurring at the same time and which are unrelated to each other.
Yes, yes, it got a lot better but there is still room for improvement.
For me, Franco distributing karma to Carly and Sonny in front of Michael spoke for itself.

Y&R is still #1 in story telling of a soap opera from decades of story telling GH has become the story telling of the new wave to each his own I will stick with the old style! Over the top acting and campy style does not impress me .

To each his or her own. I see your point about the two differences. Maybe thats why I’m a fan of both. They entertain me in different ways.

I am so in love with this show. Never felt like this in my life. I cannot get enough. I wish it was on 7 days a week. Thanks GH.

Powerful performances for a powerful daytime drama! Too many great performances but the standouts were Chad Duell, Laura Wright, and Maura West. This show had better get a Best Daytime Drama nod.

Great show gh!

Maura west is amazing in this role! Michelle Stafford still over does it a little, while West rocks it!

I was in awe all week for GH’s episodes.

EVERY single episode packed a huge punch. Franco busted Carly for her affair and busted Sonny for AJ’s murder to the D.A. and to Michael. Heather turned the tables on Shawn, left him and Jordan hostage and shot Max. Nina/Madeline faked tests to make Sam think Danny was sick again, to lure Silas away from Ava to steal Ava’s baby without disruption. Nina essentially harvested Ava’s baby for herself, and discovered Madeline paid for Ava to wreck Nina’s marriage to Silas in the first place.

The reveal of Sonny murdering AJ leads Michael to steal Max’s gun to get revenge on Sonny, interrupts Sonny’s attempt to murder Ava for revenge over her own murder of Connie, and plans to shoot his own adoptive father for the murder of his own unarmed and innocent bio father.

Scott runs to Anna with the flash drive of Sonny’s confession like a dog with a bone to put Sonny away, leading Dante to have to arrest his own father (when he finds him) and forcing Anna to arrest Duke for providing Sonny with a false alibi. Carly can’t be arrested, as Heather, Shawn, Jordan, and Carly are all hostages for Franco. What are Franco’s plans now?

Bobbie and Scott’s relationship is in jeopardy because the evidence against Sonny implicates Carly also, which is fine by Lucy, who is now wrapped up in the arrest of Duke by Anna. Meanwhile, the thinnest story of all has Felicia running for Mayor and likely going to win the election by a thin margin to keep her character involved in the canvas.

The interconnection of the canvas and storylines was on full display this week, and a well-plotted storyline will create ripples like a house of cards or a set of dominoes like this week showed. This is a well-oiled machine.

The backdrop of this week of ripple effects are the other stories that were put on hold, like Fluke and the return of Jason, but still connected to the immediate plot points we saw this week. The Quartermaines are back on Monday, where Monica might meet with Larry Ashton and need to react to being mentioned in the papers as canoodling with Ned, for her to soon learn that Sonny murdered her son AJ. When Monica might get justice for AJ and her son may rest in peace, she’ll eventually learn that her other son is alive… but will Jason still be loyal to Sonny with his amnesia? Carlos will have to be released when Sonny is brought to trial, and who will represent Sonny in court? Alexis? What will that mean for her friendship with Ned (AJ’s cousin) or relationship with Julian (Sonny’s mortal enemy)?

Meanwhile Tracy will be desperate to get Luke back, but will it really be Luke? What is Larry Ashton’s connection to everything? Honestly, if they roll out the Fluke revelations for a full week, and the Jason return a week after that, November Sweeps will be JAM PACKED with plot twists and life and death drama.

GH IS MUST SEE! Loving everything!

excellent recap! agree with it all!

really nice synopsis of heralded week

paragraph 2 really says it all… what will happen to Ava and Sonny…. their past come asunder… Michael leads…

the one thing that led with me… after ALL the “feature”… Morgan, Ava, and child

I can’t get that out of my realm

I’m sorry but I totally disagree with Michael Fairman on this one: “nd then there was the tour de force performance by Roger Howarth (Franco)! How many of us in the audience watched this with great delight, as he went from busting Carly and Sonny in front of Michael, and the wedding guests, by showing the footage of Sonny admitting he killed AJ!” I dreaded this, though we knew it would happen. Michael has been having horrible things happen to him since he was born. Since then he has been kidnapped, shot in the head, been in a coma, the list goes on and on. And now how will this character survive with this knowledge? How would anyone? I don’t want Michael to fall apart or change into a vengeful person, or ruin his life. So no, Michael Fairman, though I love your column and what you do, I hated that Franco did this.

It is a story.. an intriguing story..
The very best exciting soap characters are the ‘Franco’s, Nina’s and Ava’s..
and the Michele’s are to make ya cry or feel motherly some such thing..
GH is the best entertainment on screen. ”exciting!

I would love to have Michael do a 180 and become a man, a real man, and go bonkers all over Sonny and Carly, and stop being a pushover, the character needs a change .. its time for Michael to grow a pair..
Meek and mild soap characters bore ya to death and they are mostly filler..

the actors never take as seriously as the fans..
Certain fans get upset and or cry, while the actors are eating ice cream and having laughs after a day of work.. funny how that is..

AGREE and well said suOOOO..

Its an intriguing story and hopefully it will be a game changer for the character of Michael…Like you wrote, they need to make him more of man, fighting back and tougher without losing his good..Why so much loyalty to a pair of screw up parents like them??

I like this story line..It is suppose to break your heart and make you feel horrible for Michael and hatred for either Franco, Sonny or Carly or all 3..

At the end of the day people, this is a SHOW, not real, we want our characters to go through the lows and highs and provide us with good and solid acting and the show to provide us with solid story telling..GH is doing this after a subpar summer!!!!!

Franco is disgusting, but he didn’t do this to Michael — his parents did. All of those things happened to Michael because he grew up with Sonny as his father, and he has always defended him — over and over. Sonny says he did what he did to AJ all those years to protect Michael, but Michael being shot in the head, forced to kill his stepmother, getting sent to prison and raped — these things all happened to him because he was Sonny’s kid. Was there any doubt after years of torturing AJ that Sonny would eventually kill him?

FINALLY, Michael will see what Sonny really is and embrace that he is a Quartermaine. That’s where this is headed. Plus, if everyone is happy and secrets don’t get revealed, SOAPS are boring. Chad has been amazing this week and surely appreciates the meaty material.

Michael is gonna rock!! He’s gonna be a bad boy; finally..
and-
Franco was just the messenger; never kill the messenger..
Sonny and Carly are the only ones to blame for their dirty deeds.. the two hold all the blame, nobody else..
and-
”’ Michael, being shot in the head, forced to kill his stepmother, getting sent to prison and raped ”’
all ^^^ good soap stuff !!
and-
now its time for Michael to become a man and handle his life and stop being such a weenie!!

))gawd I love Franco!! what an awesome character!!

Guess I am the only one who is tired of all the far out whacked characters…and dropped plot points. GH needs balance. Rating will reflect that.

I’m tired of the “whacked” out characters too, one right after another…the Cassadines, Heather, Franco, Nina. What’s scary is the ratings might not reflect that. Too bad also because the actors are great.

I agree….I am tired of the endless plot points and ridiculous writing. I do agree that GH has great actors but they are stuck with inplausible stories. There are far too many demented characters who somehow, overpower the cops and hit men, etc. I also am just plain old sick of the Nina story when it really has little to do with the overall GH story. In fairness, I agree that the cast is quite talented. I just wish that the writing did them justice.

Yes, too many far, out whacked out crazy characters reeking havoc simultaneously.
And the Crazy Character Town mayor called Ron and said he’s running out of Crazy Characters.

ohh geez you lovely 3 ladies must have come over from the other site..
The one where the GH board is bursting with negative complainers, whining about how horrible GH ..
most all there are very grumpy and everything to the posters there is campy and cartoonish.. lol LOL .. crazy place/frightening..
It is very depressing.. I read it and then need happy meds or a jolly shower just to shake it off ..aaahha..

General Hospital #1 soap !!!!! (love it or leave it) who said that?

I agree with su0000 ….. General Hospital #1 soap !!!!! Hands down!

GH has been on fire lately, last week was no exception. I’m so glad Michael recognized the entire cast in this article, because they really deserve it. There were so many awesome performances last week, it wouldn’t be doing the show justice to simply single out one.

Everyone involved in those shows, from the main players like Maura West, Michelle Stafford, Roger Howarth, Maurice Benard, Laura Wright, to the younger actors like Chad Duell and Bryan Craig once again stepping up with the heavy hitters, to the beloved vets like Robin Mattson, Kin Shriner, Finola Hughes, Ian Buchanan, Jackie Zeman, and even the great Donna Mills. Everyone was on point and on top of their game. It was a real pleasure to watch.

I’ve been watching GH for over 20 years, and this was one of the best weeks from top to bottom involving so much of the cast that I can remember in a long time. If there aren’t some Emmy nominations resulting from these shows, there ought to be an investigation. Seriously.

And kudos to Frank Valentini, Ron Carlivati and staff. They get a lot of grief and negativity from a certain segment of the fan base no matter what they do, and as far as I’m concerned, they have GH firing on all cylinders right now.

Y&R might be number one in the ratings, and good for them for staying on top for so long. But as far as which show is the best in terms of quality right now, it’s GH by a landslide! They are the best ensemble cast in daytime period. They prove why time and time again, and last week was just another example.

Maura west leaves me breathless every time!! She needs to be on Prime time , the woman is such an amazing actor…

Incredible!

Love her!! She has become one of my favoriete things about GH for sure. Love her, love Sonny.

I totally agree that the entire cast was stellar this week! One small point that I especially love is the platonic friendship between Nina and Franco. Their natural rapport and Nina’s excitement at hearing Franco’s voice was, dare I say it, cute and will make their eventual transformation into lovers all the more sweet.

I thought the same thing.

See, I think both actors are great and (I’m a few episodes behind)..and I think both characters are interesting (Franco only when he is evil because I dont’ want to see a likable serial killer)… but I am just not interested in watching a romance blossom between these two.. I just don’t want to watch a romance where a serial killer is the romantic lead…… it is just toooooo creepy for me, doesn’t sit right with me. I would like to see Nina get some help though.

I guess it is all in the eye of the beholder.

I’d easily give the cast of YR the performer of the week. A lot of us much prefer stories grounded in reality. GH is far too over the top in too many aspects which makes it hard for me to appreciate the actors struggling to make it seem realistic.

They do have a good cast, but give them some drama to play.

Heather was funny.

I love Robin Matson. She’s a great comedic actress with great timing!

I love Robin Matson too but Good Gravy I am tired of Heather!

I usually don’t like Heather but she has been GREAT this round! It feels less cartoonish.. she seems REAL and like she is really crazy/evil/out of her mind lol… I just love her this round. Can’t put my finger on what’s different except that it seems less cartooony.

GH is on fire. I thought last week’s shows were exceptional, especially the reaction of Michael to the news about Sonny. I loved all of those scenes and Chad D knocked it out of the park. I also thoroughly enjoyed Franco and his machinations. He was like a master puppeteer, controlling all of the action. I loved seeing so many other characters in supporting roles, too – great to see Dante and Anna and all the others, but I am utterly and completely DONE with Nina. She has annoyed me since she first wheeled herself into Danny’s birthday party and that hasn’t changed. The incessant “LOOK AT MEEEEEE” persona is just hard to stomach. However, her scenes with Ava were fantastic because MW is a powerhouse and was a joy to watch. Loved her and I couldn’t believe I actually felt so much sympathy for such a murderous mobster! But she was absolutely wonderful. GH was superb last week and I can’t wait for today’s episode!!

Kudos to Chad Duell, Roger Howarth, Michelle Stafford, Maura West, Laura Wright, etc., etc.! Everyone brought their a-game to their performances last week! Maura West was absolutely incredible as she attempted to crawl to the door after being injected with a medication that temporarily paralyzed her-along with her pleading for her baby before and after giving birth. Michelle Stafford, as mentally unstable as Nina is, Michelle also is able to portray a betrayed, vulnerable woman underneath with 20+ plus years of angst, heartbreak and hurt. Chad Duell was incredible during his scenes at the Haunted Star. I love how Michael is respecting his Quartermaine roots and his legacy.

I had to laugh at the absurdity of Ava, after being injected with two drugs then giving birth, being able to stand, plead with Sonny-then Michael, and be able to walk to the docks (where she did finally collapse). Also, the scenes of her being found would have been better played if only Silas found Ava. IMO, Kiki not realizing that her mother gave birth and was no longer pregnant and then screaching “you had a girl!” while Ava was on the ground trying to explain what Nina did to her was completetely ridiculous.

Awesome two weeks on GH but when the dust settles how are Franco, Sonny, Duke, Nina, Ava and Carly going to enjoy prison life. LOL. Alexis and Diane are going to be very busy. Maybe Sonny should rehire Alexis. 🙂

I’m all excited to see how all this will twist and turn, because nobody is going to jail (well not for more than a day or two) I really like watching how the writers get them out of the messes they put them in..
turn it around so nobody is off screen in jail..

GH had the worst summer in many years, but this Fall the entertaining level is PITCH high and delivering edge of the seat over the top entertainment and some SOLID emmy worthy performances by many cast members whether you like them or not…GH is back on track with its solid acting chops!!

GH is must see TV! Exceptional November sweeps. Everyone has been amazing. Color me impressed.

I have loved GH for the last 2 weeks. I was about to give up on this show and its absurdity and boring story lines. Finally the GH I have loved for 25 years is sparking my curiosity and excitement to watch each day. The actors are bringing it – their A game! I have missed the old Sonny and Carly (they are back with a good story!), Ava and Nina are AMAZING! Morgan and Mikey (LOL) are great actors. I can’t wait to see how it all works out and who else will get in on all of this. Congrats GH- you’re good again!

Frank Valentini & Ron Carlivati have provide the GH audience with the best November sweeps of any show in at least 10 years.

I admit I am still not a major fan of Franco or Kiki. The stories are varied and action packed, though. Maurice Benard, Maura West, Michelle Stafford are A-listers. Loving Billy Miller as Jason/Jake and Becky Herbst as Elizabeth. Hope we see more of Nicolas, too.

Bravo GH. You are THE best.

I agree with you Micheal and I don’t think I could choose just one!!! Maura was amazing… SONNY…. always brilliant. <3 Love him so much. I just hope Maurice re-signs becaues what Sonny brings to the show is invaluable. Franco.. I have LOATHHEEDD Franco, or what Ron Carlivati has done with the character in trying to make this seiral killer "likable"… but now that he has returned to his crazy/evil roots, I am loving him again. I just hope they keep him evil!! Roger is great at that. Nina… no words. I dont' even know what to think.. she is some combination of halarious and so creepy I almost can't watch. But she is amazing.

General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Brook Lynn and Chase Have Their Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties

On General Hospital, Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) both were treated to Bachelorette and Bachelor parties to shake off any of those pre-wedding jitters. At The Savoy, the ladies have a touching and fun time with Brook Lynn.

The bride-to-be gives a speech to thank everyone for coming, while Lois lets everyone know to try the signature cocktail the “Brooklynn Chaser”, which gets everybody eventually and mostly, drunk.

When Tracy (Jane Elliot) questions Lois (Rena Sofer) as to why there is no music for the party, Lois realizes she forgot, and somehow, who does she call to the rescue? Spinelli (Bradford Anderson)! Saving the day, he winds up playing some tunes and later gets on the dance floor to ‘shake it off’ with the gals.

Photo: ABC

Lois makes a speech as the mother of the bride, and shares how proud she is of the woman Brook Lynn has become. Wedding games begin, including one of “hot potato” with a wedding bouquet.

When it’s time for the “Silly Poses” section of the party, Spinelli has now morphed from DJ to staff photographer taking memorable photos of the ladies to remember the evening by.

Photo: ABC

The best part of the event, was when Brook Lynn tries to get her grandmother Tracy out on the dance floor, which, at first, she refuses. After several of the guests bust a move, a tipsy Tracy joins the dance party after Joss mentions that if her grandmother Bobbie was here, she would dance. Tracy says “she agrees” and begins to cut a rug on the floor, much to the delight of the other women.

Photo: ABC

In the final moments, a tipsy Joss and Kristina (Kate Mansi) have a confrontation about Sonny, and Joss lets Kristina in more on Sonny’s behavior, which looks to have clued in Kristina a bit more as to how something is way off about her dad.

Photo: ABC

Across town at the Hatchett Bar, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) and the men with the exception of Anna (Finola Hughes) and Jordan (Tanisha Harper), all attend Chase’s Bachelor Party where throwing hatchets into a dart board for supremacy is the order of the day. Drew (Cameron Mathison) and Ned (Wally Kurth) get into some words over ELQ, while Dante makes a toast to his police partner, Chase.

Photo: ABC

Suddenly Dex (Evan Hofer) shows up. Chase thanks Dex for coming, but Dex gets some dirty looks from other cops on the force. Dante gives Chase his present, which is a signed baseball by the Boston Red Sox.

Ned (Wally Kurth) makes a speech that although no one is good enough for his daughter, Brook Lynn, Chase has come closer than anyone has, so welcome to the family. Running in at the end is Blaze (Jacqueline Grace Lopez), who just left Brook Lynn’s party, and she toasts her singing partner, Chase, and to the great man that he is.

Photo: ABC

What did you think of Brook Lynn and Chase’s pre-wedding celebrations? What was your favorite moment? Comment below.

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General Hospital

Cameron Mathison Previews New Game Show ‘Beat The Bridge’ (Promo)

As previously reported, Cameron Mathison (Drew, General Hospital) will be seen doing double duty this summer when he premieres in June as the host of Game Show Network’s Beat The Bridge.

Now, while Cameron will be the host with the most, that doesn’t mean he will stop playing GH’s Drew.  In fact, Mathison taped the game show in 2023, so it will now air for the first time in 2024.

Taking to his Instagram this week, Cameron shared his enthusiasm and some new hosting snaps, sharing, “Our newest game show host reporting for duty😎 Head over to the Game Show Network YouTube channel for your first look at the show and don’t miss Beat The Bridge premiering this June! I can’t wait for you guys to see this!”

Photo: GSN

In Beat The Bridge, an enormous interactive bridge dares players to cross by stepping on the right answers to challenging trivia questions. As they play, each steps forward and puts money in their team’s bank, with bonus money for each successful crossing. Here’s the catch: the team gets to keep the money only if it can “beat the bridge” by returning one of its players back across before time expires.

Photo: ABC

Meanwhile, on GH, Drew and Nina (Cynthia Watros) recently had hate-sex. Do you think its a one-time deal? Where will Drew’s story take him next under new head writers, Patrick Mulcahey and Elizabeth Korte? Stay tuned.

Now below, check out the first promo for Beat The Bridge from the Game Show Network with you host, Cameron Mathison.  Then, let us know, will you be checking out the game this summer? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

 

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A post shared by Cameron Mathison (@cameronmathison)

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nina Confronts Ava for Sabotaging Her Relationship With Sonny and Signs the Divorce Papers

Looks like Nina (Cynthia Watros) and Ava (Maura West) are back to be each other’s sworn enemy number one. By the end of the Monday, April 22nd episode of General Hospital, the women know where they stand with each other after Nina goes in on Ava accusing her of wanting Sonny (Maurice Benard) all to herself, while her marriage has been on the rocks.

In story, at Nina’s office, Ava shows up to see Nina and says she is sorry about what happened with Sonny and that he reacted the way he did, acknowledging that is was over the top, even for Sonny. Ava says she’ll smooth things over, but Nina says she now understands how manipulative and transparent Ava really is.

Given their horrible history, Nina goes in on Ava and how she should never have trusted her. Nina wants to know how long has Ava had this agenda dating all the way back to telling Nina to turn Carly (Laura Wright) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) into the SEC. Ava says she never told her do to that, but Nina wants to know how long Ava has been playing her for a fool.

Courtesy/ABC

Ava says she moved in with Sonny to keep Avery safe and she wants to be on good terms with Avery’s father, Sonny. Nina thinks she likes being in Sonny’s inner circle. Ava tells Nina if she goes to him about her advising Nina to call the SEC on Carly and Drew, it won’t work.  Sonny still considers Nina a traitor and he will think she’s lying because she’s so desperate to win him back. Ava says if Nina would stop blaming everyone else that maybe Sonny would respect her.  Nina says “like he does you?” Ava says Sonny not only respects her, but he also counts on her.

From there, Ava launches into why she and Sonny understand each other, after all, Sonny is a powerful, turbulent, and sometimes violent man. She goes so far to say if Nina wanted someone to just sit by the fire with and play with their grandchildren, she’s got the wrong guy.  Ava then talks about Mike from Nixon Falls (Sonny with amnesia) and how Sonny hid the darkest parts of himself from Nina back then, whereas with Ava they are the same similar creatures, so he doesn’t have to hide anything.

Courtesy/ABC

Nina wants to know just what Ava wants with Sonny? What is her end game? Ava responds that they understand each other, in ways she can’t with Sonny. Nina tells Ava she can go ahead and have it all and signs Sonny’s divorce papers. Ava walks out with the documents, while Nina in tears at her desk, takes off her wedding rings and has her assistant come in so she can messenger the rings back to Sonny’s address.

The episode and these scenes featured great performances by Cynthia Watros and Maura West. You can check some of the scenes below.

Now, let us know, what is Ava’s next move? Is she going to become Mrs. Sonny Corinthos? Do you like Ava and Nina as enemies? Comment below.

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