Fans are in for a treat today (Friday, May 22nd) when ABC’s General Hospital airs an encore presentation of one of the finest hours of soap opera in the history of the genre, with its 52nd anniversary episode from April 1, 2015.

In the episode, viewers finally learned what turned Luke (Tony Geary) into Fluke, which has been the on-going story for months; but it all lead up to the shocking reveal, when Luke revisited his past in his broken down childhood home and the demons that haunted him.

Photo: ABC

The episode goes from black and white to color, as Geary plays two roles: Luke and his abusive father, Tim, in one of the greatest performances of his career.

It is there we finally see Luke’s mother, Lena, played to perfection by Laura Wright (Carly).  And, it is in these scenes we meet for the first time Chloe Lanier as a young Patricia Spencer, who was so good, she was later cast as Nelle.  Playing the young Luke in another powerful performance was Joey Luthman,

Throughout the twists and turns, viewers learn that Luke not only killed his father, but accidentally killed his own mother who he loved.  It was a harrowing moment of deeply repressed memories.  The ending in the present time also features the Spencer family rallying around a distraught Luke in the hankie-inducing final scenes.

From the performances, to the script, to the direction, to the writing his one had it all.

So, will  you be watching today’s 52nd anniversary episode of GH?  Do you agree it was one of the finest episodes of the series? Comment below

The latest theme week of episodes have been announced for CBS Daytime’s The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful.

Coming up for the week of May 25th through May 29th, evil schemers take centerstage in Genoa City for “Villains Week”, while famous faces come to Los Angeles to greet the Forresters, Logans and Spencers during “Celebrity Week” ‘

Look for Eva Longoria (Ex-Isabella), Kimberlin Brown (Ex-Sheila), and All Rise’s Wilson Bethel (Ex-Ryder) to appear in memorable episodes of Y&R, while Bob Barker, Betty White, and Gina Rodriguez and Usher  come to B&B for special appearances.

For “Villains Week” on Y&R, here’s what to look for:

Monday, May 25, the walls close in on the nefarious David Kimble (Michael Corbett); Traci (Beth Maitland) keeps a secret from Brad (Don Diamont); and Nina (Tricia Cast) comes out of hiding. The episode originally aired Oct. 7, 1991.

Tuesday, May 26, Isabella (former cast member Eva Longoria) and Christine (Lauralee Bell) settle unfinished business, while Paul (Doug Davidson) and Michael (Christian Le Blanc) unravel a mystery. The episode originally aired August 14, 2003.

Wednesday, May 27, Kevin’s (Greg Rikaart) revenge plot takes a dangerous turn, while Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott) and Sharon (Sharon Case) fight for the spotlight at the Newman Ranch. The episode originally aired Oct. 10, 2003.

Thursday, May 28, Sheila (Kimberlin Brown) makes a surprise appearance during Lauren (Tracey Bregman) and Michael’s (Le Blanc) honeymoon, while John (Jerry Douglas) learns the truth about Gloria’s (Judith Chapman) past. The episode originally aired Dec. 15, 2005.

Friday, May 29, Lauren (Bregman) and Michael (Le Blanc) see double as they come face to face with Lauren’s imposter, while Kevin (Rikaart) races to save Jana (Emily O’Brien) from Ryder (Wilson Bethel, CBS’ ALL RISE). The episode originally aired April 27, 2010.

For “Celebrity Week” on B&B, here is the rundown:

Monday, May 25, Rick (Jacob Young) rallies an influential friend, Los Angeles Dodger Kiké Hernandez, to assist him in making one of his wife Maya’s (Karla Mosley) life-long dreams come true. Shot on location at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, when Karla Mosley actually performed as Maya, singing the national anthem before a game. The episode originally aired Sept. 12, 2016.

Tuesday, May 26, C.J. (Mick Cain) becomes jealous when Amber (Adrienne Frantz) invites her new friend, Raymond (Grammy Award winner Usher), to perform an original song at Insomnia. Though Amber is pleased, C.J. is chagrined when Raymond dedicates his song to her. Meanwhile, Lauren (Tracey Bregman) gleefully tells Sally (Darlene Conley) that Eric (original cast member John McCook) and Stephanie (Susan Flannery) are history. The episode originally aired June 11, 1998.

Wednesday, May 27, Stephanie (Flannery) is angry with Ann (Betty White) when she finds out she isn’t looking for her own house. Ann admits she wants to stay in the Forrester guest house because she wants to be a part of the family. Stephanie is upset and wants to send her back to Chicago, but Eric (McCook) refuses. Pam (Alley Mills) gives Eric the comfort that Stephanie denies him, leading Ann to believe that Eric’s relationship with Pam is the reason he wants them to stay in Los Angeles. The episode originally aired Feb. 27, 2007.

Thursday, May 28, intern and aspiring fashion designer Beverly (played by Gina Rodriguez in her first role) stands her ground when Forrester Creations designer Amber (Frantz) issues her a “friendly warning” to stay away from Rick (Jacob Young). In Cabo, Steffy (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) urges Thomas (then played by Adam Gregory) to commit to Hope (then played by Kim Matula) while trying to keep Liam (Scott Clifton) from finding out that Hope is staying at the same resort. The episode originally aired Dec. 28, 2011.

Friday, May 29, after his meeting with Bob Barker (Barker, playing himself), Liam (Clifton) interrupts a contentious exchange with his brother, Wyatt (Darin Brooks). Wyatt follows Liam, determined to continue their argument, and makes a negative first impression on Barker. In return, Barker leaves a lasting impression on Wyatt when, in an homage to his role in “Happy Gilmore,” he punches Wyatt as Liam watches in amusement. Just shy of his 90^th birthday, Barker did not use a stunt double. The episode originally aired August 28, 2014.

So, which of these episodes from Y&R and B&B are you most looking forward to seeing? And what villain and celebrity floats your boat the most from the appearances in next week’s encore presentation? Comment below.

The next theme weeks for CBS’ The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful have been announced. So look for catfights and runway drama among other soapy delights beginning on May 11th.

The Young and the Restless will offer up legendary grudges dating back to 1993 during “Rivals Week” while The Bold and the Beautiful will roll out the prêt-à-porter and paparazzi from as far back as 1997 with high fashion and hot drama from their “Fashion Week”.

What to watch for on Y&R:

On Monday, May 11, Jill’s (Jess Walton) search for the truth leads to an epic confrontation with Katherine (Jeanne Cooper); Sharon (Sharon Case) worries about Grace’s influence on Nick (Joshua Morrow); and Michael (Christian Le Blanc) causes trouble for Victor (Eric Braeden) and Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott). The episode originally aired June 30, 1998.

On Tuesday, May 12, Victor’s (Braeden) foes are rocked by his shocking return to Genoa City. The episode originally aired Oct. 1, 1993

On Wednesday, May 13, Nikki (Thomas Scott) declares war against Sharon (Case) at the Newman Ranch, and Phyllis (Michelle Stafford) and Nick (Morrow) deal with a tragedy. The episode originally aired June 15, 2012.

On Thursday, May 14, Victor (Braeden) takes on Jack (Peter Bergman) and Brad (Don Diamont) to regain control of Newman Enterprises; Ashley (Eileen Davidson) is caught in the crossfire of the Newman and Abbott rivalry; and Christine (Lauralee Bell) and Paul (Doug Davidson) prepare for parenthood. The episode originally aired June 21, 1999.

On Friday, May 15, Lily (Christel Khalil) gives Hilary (Mishael Morgan) a rude awakening; Sharon (Case) struggles with Mariah’s (Camryn Grimes) presence in Genoa City; and Nikki (Thomas Scott) and Paul (Davidson) are reminded of their past with Ian Ward (Ray Wise). The episode originally aired May 22, 2014.

What to watch for on B&B:

On Monday, May 11, in the magical setting of Villa d’Este on Lake Como, Eric (original cast member John McCook) and Stephanie (Susan Flannery) worry that the delayed Forrester Spring Collection may be their last, and Brooke (original cast member Katherine Kelly Lang) attempts to calm a distraught Ridge (then played by Ronn Moss). Also, Sally (Darlene Conley) and Lauren (Tracey Bregman) cause a scene in order to crash the runway show, hoping to witness the demise of their rivals. The episode originally aired Oct. 29, 1997.

On Tuesday, May 12, as Aspen Fashion Week gets underway, Hope (then played by Kim Matula) says goodbye to Liam (Scott Clifton) as paparazzi swarm her with questions and call her a fraud. Unaware that his father’s plan to attack Hope is in progress, Liam and Steffy (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) talk about the memories they shared together in the beautiful mountainside town. The episode originally aired April 27, 2012.

Then on Wednesday, May 13, as Quinn (Rena Sofer) attempts to take the lead in final preparations for her fashion show, not everyone at Forrester Creations is on board. Wyatt (Darin Brooks) and Ivy (Ashleigh Brewer) encourage Quinn to move forward with her original plan for the show-stopper in spite of ruffling the feathers of Eric’s (original cast member John McCook) family. When Katie (Heather Tom) pays another visit to Eric’s home to thank him for his favor, he invites her to stay and watch the fashion show with him. As a sign of protest against Quinn, Ridge (Thorsten Kaye) decides to sabotage her presentation. The episode originally aired Nov. 11, 2016.

On Thursday, May 14, before walking down the aisle to become Mrs. Liam Spencer, Steffy (Wood) participates in a Forrester Creations photo shoot with her cousin Ivy (Brewer) in front of Australia’s magnificent Sydney Opera House. In spite of how difficult it will be to see Brooke (original cast member Katherine Kelly Lang) with Ridge (Kaye) at the ceremony, Bill (Don Diamont) assists his son Liam (Clifton) with some last-minute wedding preparations. The episode originally aired March 21, 2017.

Rounding out the week on Friday, May 15, stolen designs are in play as the Spectra fashion show is about to begin. Sally (Courtney Hope) feels pangs of guilt for betraying both Coco (Courtney Grosbeck) and Thomas (Pierson Fodé), while CJ (Mick Cain) arrives and reminds Sally about their deal regarding the sale of the building – if the show doesn’t go well, he will be forced to sell. Bill (Diamont) is less than pleased with the idea when Wyatt (Brooks) plays devil’s advocate, stating that the Spectra show could be a success. The episode originally aired April 14, 2017.

So, what do you think about these upcoming video vault episodes from Y&R and B&B airing during the production shutdown of both shows due to COVID-19? Comment below