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The Cast of General Hospital: The Alzheimer’s Storyline – Delivers The ‘Power Performance of the Week’

By Michael Fairman

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CourtesyABC

General Hospital’s depiction of the battle of Alzheimer’s disease and how it affects the dying, and the loved ones they leave behind, came to its heartbreaking conclusion this past week on the ABC daytime drama series.

Led by storyline standouts: Maurice Benard (Sonny) and Max Gail (Mike), who once again acted their hearts out in their final scenes together, the entire ensemble of actors who were part of this storyline each had their moments and each delivered which made Mike’s passing all the more poignant.

In a first since we started giving out our weekly kudos several years ago, Michael Fairman TV is giving our Power Performance of the Week to the cast of GH who participated in last week’s scenes for their riveting work.

From Laura Wright’s beautiful goodbye scene as Carly with Mike, where she dreams of him telling her she is a ‘daughter to him”, to Steve Burton’s all-knowing Jason, who tells Mike he will take care of Sonny and not to worry, to Michael (Chad Duell) and Josslyn (Eden McCoy) picturing how key moments of their life would look with Mike being witness to it, and the advice he would give his grandchildren, to Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) finding out that Mike is dying while being so far away from his family – each of these beats brought even more heart-tugging moments to the ending of Mike’s journey.

Even the actors who played a part in Mike’s care were touching as Vernee Watson’s Stella prepares Sonny on how to help Mike pass before saying her final goodbye to her friend.  Then there was Felix (Marc Anthony Samuel), who helped Carly and Sonny through Mike’s last moments at Turning Woods, who was also trying to keep it together through his sadness. Brando (Johnny Wactor) showed up at Turning Woods too, trying to make peace with the death he saw in the war in Afghanistan and now losing Mike.

Of course, there was the surprise moment where Mike is met by his late daughter Courtney and escorted to heaven that both Alicia Leigh Willis and Max Gail played so beautifully without saying hardly a word.

But in the end, it was Maurice Benard who showed us the devastation and acceptance of a son having to let his father go, while trying to make peace with their troubled past that was acting at its best, and perhaps some of the finest in his storied daytime career  – and there was Max Gail – the centerpiece of the storyline – who’s emotional heart was seen in all the scenes last week with the actors as the characters visualized moments with Mike.  Throughout the entire story, Gail played the tragedy of a human being trapped within this horrific disease with brilliance.  He will be missed.

So, what do you think of our choice of the cast of General Hospital for this week’s Power Performance of the Week?  Share your comments below.

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Dammit, it takes a lot a get the tears flowing, but Friday’s episode got me! Well done!

Everyone but Maurice Benard made me feel something this past week.

Really? You couldnt dismiss your hate for Maurice for one week? He did a hell of a job! You dont have to like the man. BUT, to be a man, step up and say something good when it is earned. Scott, turn off your TV and click onto Youtube and watch ATWT’s reruns!

Evaluating someone’s performance is not “hate.” Scott (ATWT fan) is not wrong and Timmm is not wrong. There is no wrong or right in artistic opinion. Timmm was moved by Maurice’s performance; Scott was not. That’s how art works. No need to get all angry about it and accuse someone of not “being a man.” Sheesh.

Bravo!! Kudos to the writers and actors probably one of the best done story arcs in soap operas in a very long time.

I am a caregiver to family, and this story was written and portrayed so beautifully and true. I am thankful to all

Many tears were shed during this last week. After going through this as my mom slipped away, many tears have been shed throughout this whole story. Sonny, Mike, Joss, and Carly were STAND OUT characters!

Calling it now, GH will win best writing and/or best drama for this week’s episodes. This story was written incredibly well, the acting was on-point throughout, and the conclusion was just as heartbreaking as I knew it would be. Kudos to everyone involved in bringing this story to life, and what a treat it was to see Alicia Leigh Willis again!

It was beautiful but where was Kristina? Her name was not even mentioned. That was only miss to otherwise great story

If Maurice and Mike don’t win Daytime Emmys for their performances then something is very wrong with how the awards are handed out. Heartbreaking story – true to the disease – and told from the point of view of those who are affected.

From the day that Max Gail debuted as Mike, I knew we were in for an emotional journey. He did not disappoint. I wish I had taken out stock in Kleenex, haha. I cried more this week with Mike’s passing than all of my other 50yrs of soap watching. I even cried reading this beautifully written article. A job well done to all… Bravo!!!

Excellent!! A fantastic week! Very heart warming! Felt like it was part of my family!

This storyline was well written and the acting was superb! Max Gail is a wonderful actor and made everyone around him better!

Okay, let me start out by saying the Mike storyline was heartbreaking and sad, but my only criticism was this long weak of stretching it out and as they say milking it, sorry but it just played out to long for me, the only saving grace was the show smartly balanced it out with the spy caper, I don’t know who to give credit to but somebody knew to much air play of mike dying and Neal getting killed off to was to much death in this Covid era, so thank goodness for the spy caper, but even that one was flawed by added Olivia in the mix, It should of been Anna there With Robert, Olivia was just to much if you ask me, and I’ve been hearing that the show Is planning on pairing her w/ Robert, I don’t like that already. oh well, as for mike dying, yes its was sad, performances were great, Maurice made it to real, so kudos to his performance, Jason and Carly were I don’t know just blah for me, she cries over anything anyways and Jason tears up over anything too, so they to me didn’t do it for me.

Did the storyline go on for too long? Maybe, maybe not. But it was certainly an accurate reflection of the reality of this horribly unforgiving illness.

Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t take its victims quickly; instead, it shuts down the organs one by one, slowly, inexorably, unrelentingly. It’s not simply memory loss, but changes in thinking and behavior, organ failure, nerve cell death, and brain tissue loss, and it takes several years for death to occur. In fact, it can take years after the onset of Alzheimer’s before the actual diagnosis is made.

Had the story wrapped up in just a few months, it would have done a disservice to all of the families who are struggling with it. Those families know the agony of watching a loved one slip slowly out of their grasp, knowing that they are powerless to stop this monster.

Teresa
I almost agree with you but your last paragraph changed my mind.I would never want to relive long weeks or months of watching this type of torture to the dying person and their family. Once would be more than enough, and I certainly wouldn’t feel like it was a disservice to not have them drag this kind of thing on.

Thank you for recognizing the storyline they were telling. It was beautifully done, and accurate. Those of us who have lived this Thank GH and all who were involved, and YOU for your praise of this work!!!

I thought this was wonderful. I work at a place like Turning Woods. Going thru this disease is hard enough but going thru with Covid times its crazy. We are all safe and as healthy as can be, Well done
Crystal from Seattle fan since early years. Thank you

I work with a hospice pioneer who publishes end of life materials, so I am aware of how things transpire at the end. Your writers were SPOT ON with everything, and I am so thankful for the knowledge I have gleaned from this work.. The way this was handled was absolutely wonderful. Yes, I definitely cried!!

Clearly Max Gail and Maurice Benard should share the spotlight as performers of the week. They were brilliant . The entire cast performed to perfection, however, and should also be acknowledged in this catergory as well. They showed love and support to both Sonny and Mike as both men journeyed towards Mike’s ultimate end and Sonny’s struggle to let his father go. One of the best, if not the best work on a soap opera.

I think all the actors did an excellent job. They all were so amazing it made me want to cry it was so sad.

AS I’ve said many times before, GH ~ everyone single person involved in front of and behind the cameras ~ did an outstanding job with this story. The only small quibble I have is the “forced” little ending where Sonny and Carly are leaving Turning Woods and they rush out with the bike Mike bought Sonny and the staff “forgot” to give to Sonny sooner. That was way too convoluted for me and left a sour taste in an otherwise wonderfully touching story.

People love to hand out Emmys because of a single performance. Most times I agree but actors are paid to act. Having said that, to get a whole show who is involved in one storyline to put in the work to make the story the BEST story on daytime in many many years, GH will win the Emmy, hands down for best soap at the 2021 Daytime Emmy awards show. It just nailed it! They took the time to write the story and tell it with patience. Nothing was rushed. They didn’t whisk Max in and out to save money and move on to something else, they nurtured the cause and respected families who lived and are living with a loved one who has this. Also, they brought in Courtney to chaperone Mike to heaven. That was unexpected and I appreciate the show putting the work and money into the guest spot instead of just mentioning it off camera. I don’t think they need a funeral. Everyone has said what they needed to say and they did some good flashbacks with Mike and other characters. Max, you get and A plus and more gold is on the way! Maurice, you were right there along side your buddy and you did a wonderful job! GH STILL knows how to put out relevancy!

Love Max Gail. Also, loved Ron Hale as Mike in the 90’s. I miss the 80’s and 90’s so much. I miss going home after school and hoping that Sonny and Brenda would be on. I would watch their scenes over and over on VHS.
Back to Max Gail, he did an outstanding job.

From day one this storyline was brilliant and rang so true, as a person who lost a parent to this horrible disease everything about this was so spot on. I cannot say enough about the brilliant actors who played their roles with so much heart and emotion. Bravo to everyone involved and thank you for bringing to light the effects Alzheimer’s can have on the whole family.

Thank you, GH for shedding light on this very painful subject.
Your casting was just great and really touched my heart.

I’m not a fan of the character of Sonny, I always FF thru his mob scenes, but there’s no doubt in my mind that Maurice Benard is a fantastic actor. He proved it again this week. I loved how they let Max Gail do scenes where he was more coherent, which just amplifies how good an actor HE is. Good point someone made about the absence of Kristina. Yes, the storyline was drawn out and sometimes uncomfortable, painful to watch….just like real life. Handled much better than Dina’s Alzheimer plot on Y & R–love Marla Adams, though. I did shed tears when Mike died. Doesn’t happen often on soaps these days. Kudos to all and a well deserved pick for MF Power Performance which had the added bonus of Courtney!

I was in tears for most of last week’s episodes. Sonny and Mike and The rest of their family and friends were so real in their performances. You could clearly see how much Mike was loved and how much he would be missed:-(( The entire cast gave their best emotions to that very sad situation. I’ve never dealt with Alzheimer’s personally, but these people made me understand how difficult it is for patients And their families…

Dante , Liz , Stella, and Felix…. etc… et al? … “Dante , Liz, Stella, and Felix”

ARE – the 4 characters – who DANCED in the PULL of’ Mr. Max Gail

When Max Gail started … in February, 2018. he was already : lapsing …
we never got to see .. EVER: Maurice Benard.. Sonny’ LIVE with his father, have heart to heart talks, confrontation, denial, giddy discovery, bonding … human nature didn’t grow here

it was a much easier “job” for MB Sonny to wait for the react/response from the script AND Max Gail. it was always “confused” and Sonny would react accordingly …

THE word : “Alzheimers” has a life of it’s OWN . scare the bejeezus out of any one. I don’t recall Sonny or Carly from one end of the spectrum… disbelieve to petrified.. acceptance denial… FEAR !!!! christ

the word; AND Max Gail… was a one man show

I do not think the Corinthos family NEED any nod

every person, in real time… experienced , LIVED, fraught, anxiety, the LOSS

from February 2018, to September, 2020… Max Gail performed with HEART.

the reaction… which was NEEDED to make this RICHER… was pale.. so Sonny shared a song @Nurses Ball…. that WON EMMY

now that this chapter is logged in with Sonny and Carly STAMP ? whats to recall?

“Max Gail”

THANK GOD IT”S OVER !!!! till Frank Valentini throws another storyline their way… which is why I will never let up… okay it’s hardened … give this show a fighting chance !

F E A T U R E – your best cast

haven’t we bellowed … i will soapbox… I want Frank Valentini to know he threw this away

thankfully, a let, for me

Britta, and just the sighting of Nathan Parson … exciting… what’s Brando going to live… his own? or under the fold of Carly and Sonny.

Kevin !!!! WOW !
Mac and Felicia – incredible

Hi Monica AND Bobbi !

my light @Port Charles : Valentin

Happy dance the partay IS OVER !!!!

now that Nelle is “gone”; RIP Mike, Max Gail,you were WONDEROUS amazing AND still zinging IT

what POWERS are left

it’s Sonny and Carly

could you mean any thing

That was the longest goodbye/death in history. Good God I couldn’t wait for Mike to die! What started as a great storyline became so embarrassingly bad. And having Joss, who I couldn’t hate more (SHE IS BORING!), had nearly an entire episode dedicated to her goodbye? Gross. And all of these other “Oh, Mike, thank you for doing so much for me (us)” crap was nauseating. WE NEVER SAW ANY OF THESE PEOPLE INTERACTING WITH MIKE EXCEPT FOR PERHAPS NEAR THE END. As a viewer it’s difficult to get invested and emotional when none of these relationships were ever developed through the years. I’m sure we’ll have to sit through weeks of “I miss Mike” episodes. Hard pass. Hopefully Sonny takes some time to mourn on his own and leaves Port Charles for a few weeks. Or years. It’s all fast forward material.

Now Holly, Robert, Olivia, and Ethan is a storyline I can get behind!

Scott
I have kind of felt as you do but not so strongly. Reading your words actually make me feel embarrassed . I forget there are others that enjoy this type of misery. I have enough of my own, to watch this type of long, drawn out suffering, Hopefully in the future I can be more patient and let others watch what they like without comment.

I loved this storyline from the start, when Sonny and Mike got the diagnosis that Mike had Alzheimer’s Disease. Everyone associated with Max after the diagnosis had Emmy worthy performances… None more worthy than Max and Maurice. I was brought to tears for two years whenever these two took to the screen. I so do & will forever miss Max!!!

Mike will be missed but Max Gail deserves the top award for having to just lay there with just a thumbs up once in awhile, listening to all that stuff added by the writers that never happened. It wore me out. I thought that if my relatives ever do that to me, I’ll come back and haunt them.

Re the Alzheimer’s SL with Alexis. To all the ladies out there unfamiliar with this desease. Please don’t wait until it happens to you. I was just getting up from the sofa while bracing myself on the coffee table in front of me when I head my bones crunch through my lower back. I’ve never fully recovered from this fracture. I wish I had known about this when younger. All it takes is a Bone Density test that they do while lying on the table, and you stay fully clothed. So don’t wait until you are old like me, though I have fallen a number of times but so far haven’t broken any more bones. Lucky me!

You all did the old-timers with grace and dignity God bless you all

General Hospital

Y&R Alum Kelly Kruger Joins the Cast of ‘General Hospital’ as Serena Baldwin

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In a surprise casting move, General Hospital has recast the role of Serena Baldwin, the biological daughter of Scott Baldwin and the late Dominque Stanton with former The Young and the Restless, and The Bold and the Beautiful actress, Kelly Kruger.

As longtime GH viewers know, Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring) was actually the surrogate for Scott (Kin Shriner) and Dominique (Shell Danielson), since the latte was dying from an inoperable brain tumor. Sadly, she passed away before Serena was born. If you recall, Scott and Lucy named Serena after Dominique’s family estate, Serenity. TV Insider shared the casting news of Kruger taking over the role previously played by Carly Schroeder.

Kruger expressed on joining GH, “I am so excited to be joining the show “It’s a literal dream come true to finally get to work with Frank Valentini (EP, GH) and Mark Teschner (casting director, GH) after all these years! Daytime has a very special place in my heart, and I have always wanted to work with the actors and writers on this show. I truly believe the level of talent and work they put out is the absolute best.”

Photo: ABC

The actress starts filming today on June 8 at the set of the ABC soap opera. In a statement, Frank Valentini shared, “I am excited to have Kelly Kruger join the cast of General Hospital. She’s a terrific actor and we look forward to working with her.”

Daytime fans remember Kelly from The Young and the Restless where she played the role of Katherine Chancellor’s (the late Jeanne Cooper) granddaughter, Mackenzie Browning from 2002 to 2003 and reprised the role in 2018 and 2019. Later, she appeared in the recurring role of the publicist named Eva on The Bold and the Beautiful (named after longtime VP communications vet, Eva Basler who was recently let go by the show in their behind the scenes layoffs).

SERENA HEADS BACK TO PORT CHARLES

The character of Serena was last seen on-screen in 2017, when she returned to town to mourn her grandfather, Lee Baldwin (the late Peter Hansen). The last time we heard of an update on Serena’s life was back in 2022, when Scott shared he made a trip to the Faroe Islands to see his daughter because she has been arrested for getting in trouble with dolphin hunters.

When Serena returns to Port Charles, she will also have a half-brother on the canvas in Cody Bell (Josh Kelly) as well as Lucy.  Will we have more of Scott on the screen too? We shall see.

Since being away from the soaps, Kruger has become a major TikTok influencer and content creator in the beauty world. In fact, Kelly was named TikTok Shop’s Beauty Creator of the Year in 2025.

Previously, Kruger was married to Darin Brooks (Wyatt Spencer, The Bold and the Beautiful) who also just recently returned to daytime. She opened up about their split back in March. The two share daughters Everleigh Jolie, 6, and Gemma Wynter, 4.

As a preview of what’s to come, Kruger commented on Threads,This is the absolute perfect fit and I can’t wait for you all to meet Serena!!!!! There is truly no world like the soap world. The fans, the community and the family. I’m so so grateful.” Since GH generally tapes six weeks in advance of air, fans can expect to see Kelly as Serena later in July, although no official first airdate is available at this time.

What do you think of General Hospital bringing back the character of Serena Baldwin and casting Kelly Kruger in the part? Who do you think Serena will be a new love interest for on the canvas? Could it be Ethan Lovett or someone else? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL Weekly Promo: Lucas Puts His Life on the Line, Cassius is Enraged at Cullum Over His Mutter

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It’s a pressure cooker week on all-new episodes of General Hospital beginning today on Monday, June 8.  In the newly released video teaser promo for the ABC daytime drama series, it appears anger management may be needed, before its too late!

First, Portia’s (Brook Kerr) baby shower will be a tension-filled affair with Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson), and Curtis (Donnell Turner) and Jordan (Tanisha Harper) arm and arm. Isaiah informs Portia, “I’ve decided to take Curtis to court myself.” Then, we see asking none other than Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) Davis if she would defend him in the case, where he is being accused of assaulting Dr. Gannon and thus ending his surgical career because of the injuries sustained in his hand. Can this baby shower even be a happy moment for Portia?

Meanwhile, Cassius (Ryan Paevey) is enraged to learn that Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) has kidnapped his mother, Liesl Obrecht (Kathleen Gati) to finish Faison’s final project in the absence of his sister, Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud)  who is MIA along with Rocco Falconeri (Finn Carr). Then, Josslyn (Eden McCoy) is seen with an unconscious Obrecht next to her, realizing she has a kidnap mate! Will Cassius continue to lock-up his own mutter?

Courtesy/ABC

CORNERED FOR A CRIME HE DID NOT COMMIT

Then, it looks like Dr. Lucas Jones’ (Van Hansis) plans to get Sidwell (Carlo Rota) caught in the process of an attempted murder (his own!) has gone awry. Lucas has been making his presence known to Sidwell. As Sidwell is still unsure who actually killed his son, Marco Rios (Adrian Anchondo), having no knowledge that its his partner in crime Cullum who stabbed the man to death, he now believes Lucas did the deed.

While outside of the construction site for the Marco Rios Tennis Center, Sidwell armed with a gun corner Lucas and shouts, “You got Marco killed!” Will Sonny (Maurice Benard) be able to save Lucas, before it’s too late? If so, will this be the high-profile arrest previously teased in our GH spoilers for the week of June 8-12, where by the end of the week, Chase (Josh Swickard) handcuffs someone and takes them to the PCPD. Could it be Lucas instead? Stay tuned.

Take a look at the latest General Hospital promo entitled, “All Roads,” below.

Now weigh-in: Do you think, Cassius will work with Liesl and Josslyn with a plan to double-cross Sidwell and Cullum? Will Sidwell be arrested for trying to kill Lucas or someone else? Do you care about the Isaiah and Curtis drama over the punch that injured D. Gann, and if so, do you hope this goes to court? Let us know via the comment section.

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General Hospital

Kirsten Storms Addresses ‘General Hospital’ Status, Restraining Order Filed by Brandon Barash, and Clarification on Alleged Break-In

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Late Sunday night on June 7, longtime General Hospital, Kirsten Storms (Maxie Jones), shared a personal and professional update addressing elements of her ex-husband Brandon Barash’s (ex-Johnny, GH and Stefan/Jake, DAYS) restraining order against her, the continued issues she has faced with her alleged apartment break-in when she was away from her home in Tennessee, and what her GH fans want to know, if she might be coming back anytime soon to the ABC daytime drama series.

“I’m sure some of you guys have read the stories online regarding a situation involving something my ex-husband is currently trying to claim,” began Kirsten in her new Instagram post. “Because I did see one story online stating I reported the apartment break-in AFTER he filed something against me in court, I really need to address this entire issue.”

Back in April, a report from TMZ surfaced that Barash filed a restraining order last year citing concerns of Storms ‘behavior” and “great concern of (Kirsten’s) ability to adequately care for their minor child,” citing from September 2024 until June of 2025, Kirsten never maintained a permanent residence, and either stayed with friends or at hotels.” Brandon and Kirsten share a daughter, Harper Rose, who is now 12.

Photo: JPI

COMMUNICATION TIMELINE

In her Instagram post, Kirsten continued, “Not only because the records/evidence will show those stories are completely false (the break-in happened and was reported to the building and Franklin PD before he filed anything in court), but also because ‘it puts my safety in a dangerous position for anyone to try and shift focus away from the fact that there was a person regularly entering my residence while I was out of town for medical appts in St Louis.'”

“You can see from my previous posts that the damage to the lock on my apartment door was extensive and obvious. I took that photo in August of last year – months before Brandon filed anything in court, I was also speaking with the people who worked in the leasing office of the building (in person and via email), attempting to get answers on the damage to my door and wanting to know about locating building camera footage,” explained Storms.

“This communication also started the first week of August. I waited to post about the break-in on my Instagram for a few months. I had already moved out of the building and honestly, it’s been something that is difficult to accept happened pretty much as soon as I moved out here. Choosing to take time off from work (for my own personal reasons) was a ‘leap of faith’ kind of moment for myself. Seeking a ‘quality a life” kinda thing?’,”concluded the actress.

THE DIFFICULT TRANSITION IN MOVING TO TENNESSEE

“Moving to Tennessee, as a single mom who lives alone 50% of the time, with a newly discovered brain aneurysm….well, I don’t think I need to explain how upsetting this entire situation has been for me. Realizing that not only was my apartment/space/privacy being violated, but this person also gained access to my WiFi and cellphone *while in my apartment* (the Franklin PD has received evidence on all of this – resulting in an investigation). I haven’t been online much because of how the circumstances have been twisted into something that it shouldn’t be. This has been a very serious thing for me to go through.”

As per usual, Storms has had to weather the good, the bad and the naysayers in her social media posts. She took a moment to also acknowledge those who are sending her good thoughts along the way during her struggles, “Thank you for the encouraging DM’s and good vibes being sent my way. I have no doubt this will be handled in the correct way and I will feel comfortable remaining in Tennessee.”

A FUTURE IN PORT CHARLES?

As to the potential of her returning to General Hospital, it doesn’t sound like Kirsten will be back anytime soon. “Given what’s been going on, I can’t say I will feel comfortable heading back to Los Angeles and returning to work, explained Storms. “This has been an eye opening experience about the downside of my profession. My daughter is my entire life, she is (and always will be) my first priority.”

You can check out Kirsten’s full post below.

Given what Kirsten has shared, do you think GH should continue to do as they have been, resting the character of Maxie off-screen? Do you think they should address her absence in the story somehow? What do you think about the continued battle the actress is having with the alleged break-in? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

 

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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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