General Hospital Watching General Hospital

[Emelee]

so it's not a Jake recast. Too bad, because he's needed.

Is he, though? I don't miss Liz's kids. Likely because she's such a supporting character these days.
Jason isn't exactly good father material to Danny. And since Jake's mom is alive, Jake most certainly doesn't need Jason.

Maybe if GH will focus on a summer story involving most teens (Danny, Charlotte, Rocco, Scout, Jake...).

However, I think GH should focus more on the 20-something group with Joss, Trina, Gio, Emma & Kai. Joss could certainly use something new to do.

 

[Daniel Avery]

I keep reading that Frank Valentini wants to beef up the WSB-related stories to supplant the "Sonny's Mob Friends" stories. He's obviously trying to move Sonny into a less prominent role. They claim that Jason will return and join the WSB somehow, allowing him to continue his AARP Action Hero role on the show without having to be Sonny's lapdog. It's said that this was the plotline offered to Steve Burton to lure him back but the show changed it at the last minute; maybe they're offering it to him now because he threatened to make his "vacation" permanent.

I had earlier assumed that once her time in the WSB was over that Josslyn would become a PCPD officer, but now I think they plan to keep her in the WSB. They're positioning Jack Brennan to be Nina's new love interest, and they're probably moving heaven and Earth behind the scenes to get James Patrick Stuart (Valentin) to stick around for a full-blown Val/Carly/Anna story. If she resumes her job as Police Commissioner, Dante will have more time to spend with Liz.

 

[Emelee]

Valentin is off to see "Z", the actual head of WSB. First we were told Jack was secretly the head of WSB. Cullum is the head of "the European division", and came to Port Charles because part of Faison's project happened in Europe.

So is "Z" new to the position since Jack can't work now, or is there a "super-head" of the WSB? A boss over all bosses?

I am thinking one of the new cast members is this "Z". Not Scout of course. But Serena, Tristan or Hudson. Of those, the name Serena sounds most like a Z.

 

[Emelee]

With several new actors coming, and Jason and Anna returning, GH must be getting rid of some characters. Who?

Kristina is already gone. And it seems like Sidwell and Cullum can't possibly survive much longer. If Sidwell goes, I am 100% sure that Turner goes too. I also have a feeling that Cassius is on his way out. However, I think GH will keep him alive if they want him to return one day.

Ezra, will he be needed? And what about Brennan if a new boss of WSB is introduced?

My bet:
GH will kill off Cullum, Sidwell, Turner and Ezra. Cassius will leave town. Brennan feels 50/50.

 

[Daniel Avery]

Kate Mansi was almost certainly an expensive actress to have on payroll, so I think her departure would more than pay for three newbies. I'm 99% sure Andrew Hawkes (Cullum) will be gone within two or three weeks, though Carlo Rota (Jens) might get that "recurring villain" treatment where he gets written out but keeps being brought back every time they need to stir up trouble. As I said earlier I would be okay if they used the cold-fusion device to wipe Wyndemere and Spoon Island off the map in an epic explosion, and having Sidwell "presumed dead" in such a big boom would be a means of having him come back when they want. I don't think they have much use for Daniel Cosgrove's Ezra once Sidwell is gone, but he was always used sparingly because the actor lives outside of California. I'd also not be surprised if Nazneen Contractor (Justine) left, likely if they appointed someone else to be the permanent District Attorney and Justine quit in a huff; I'm also noticing the show is featuring Jacinda (Paige Herschell) a lot less than they used to. so maybe they're planning her exit.

We also need to address two/three key characters who ought to be waiting in the wings also. Without Sidwell as a threat, it would be logical for Kevin and Ace to return from Ireland to reunite with Laura. Similarly, Sidwell wanted to isolate Laura so he made sure Martin was offered a job in Reno. So in theory those three characters would be primed for a return. I'd love for them to recast Kevin with a strong, veteran soap actor who could match Genie's energy, but that would be expensive.

 

[Monzo]

I’ve noticed that a lot of fans aren't happy with Kristina's (unrealistic) career path, but I actually find it kind of funny because her character would fit perfectly into Grey's Anatomy; maybe the writers saw it the same way and chose this exit for that reason. Kristina has exactly the kind of wokeness required for Grey's Anatomy. Imagine how impressed the core characters would be if they found out Kristina had been a surrogate for her sister and that the baby died in an accident—plus having a mobster father who might one day need treatment at Grey Sloan. Kristina is totally Grey's Anatomy material.

What surprises me is that Ethan can simply claim to be Phoebe's father for the closed adoption and that's that. Wouldn't there have to be a DNA test?

In a thread here about "actors who deserve a better career", I came across an old post of mine; Chris McKenna was among the many actors I listed back then. I was actually surprised myself, remembering how I really liked him for a while and hoped he’d get more opportunities, though I’m not a huge fan of his version of Brennan. His acting impressed me when he found out about Carly's affair, but in the long run, I could do without Brennan if they needed to cut costs.

As for potential budget cuts: Jordan could disappear for treatment and never return. Jacinda could vanish, too. I’d find it more interesting if her relationship with Michael developed the way everyone expects, since Michael feels so different from his old self anyway. Where is Carly in his life, actually? Tracy has more of a presence than his own mother; that makes no sense. I wouldn't need to see much more of Lucas, but I think that, as the last queer character on the show, he has a bright future ahead of him.

Somehow, I’m already over Carly and Valentin as a couple. The journey to get there was nice, but I don't really need anything more from it. I’d love to see Jax’s reaction when he finds out Josselyn is a WSB agent, but that probably won't happen unless a Jax recast is in the works.

 

[Emelee]

I'm sure Martin will return at some point. Michael E Knight has been on extended breaks from GH before.

I am curious to see if Scott will return when Serena is in town. But also how Serena and Lucy will relate to each other.

Right now, I think Sidwell will die. I would not mind if Turner shows up during a Sonny/Sidwell showdown and ends up taking a bullet meant for Sonny and is able to shoot Sidwell in return. Have Sidwell and Turner lying dead together, having killed each other. I could imagine that being fun for the actors to play, considering they're married.

I don't want anything to happen to Wyndemere. It's such a classic set. But who do I want living there? Valentin maybe. Or even a WSB boss.

 

[Daniel Avery]

What surprises me is that Ethan can simply claim to be Phoebe's father for the closed adoption and that's that. Wouldn't there have to be a DNA test?

You may have seen that scene with Ethan getting blood drawn by Liz at the hospital. That was likely for a DNA test. Since we saw him steal something from the PCPD evidence room earlier, we're being led to believe that he stole a sample of Delilah's blood to do a switch. They'd do the test to determine if the blood was from the child's parent, not necessarily the male parent. Farfetched, but hey....they have to give lip service to realism once in a while.

I agree that Carly and Valentin are likely not going to be long-term. It was enjoyable while it lasted though.

 

[Emelee]

Things are blowing up now! Love that Sidwell is holding Turner hostage. I might just get them dying together which I wanted.

Cassius seems to survive and escape. But will he really leave his mom and Joss behind after he said he wouldn't? I think he may turn around and head to Wyndemere one last time.

Ethan and Ava are cute. Will things heat up when they are locked in together and her tending to his... butt?

Now I can definitely see Nina and Brennan getting together. She saved his life. That sure can get things going.

Lucas, meet Joe. Your next love.

If Valentin realizes that Anna is it for him, and Brennan is the enemy after luring Joss into the WSB, and Turner likely leaving.... Dare I hope for Carly & Sonny????

 

[Daniel Avery]

Ethan and Ava are cute. Will things heat up when they are locked in together and her tending to his... butt?

Daytime Confidential had a wonderful headline in its recap:
"Ethan's Ass Gets Capped on General Hospital"

 

[Daniel Avery]

During one of the most action-packed weeks of episodes in a while, they still managed to bring jokes.

Ava [to Justine]: "After he tried to kill my nephew? I would not spit on that man if he was on fire."
[Sidwell enters] "Oh, I'm so sorry you feel that way. I most certainly would like to spit on you."

 

[Emelee]

Casting news:

Vaughn is not staying. It was just a short visit. The actor has moved to Vermont.

No exit news regarding Sidwell, so he is staying longer.

Cullum and Cassius are out. Their last episodes have aired. From SOD:
"This was the role I came back to play,” Ryan Paevey told Soap Opera Digest in April 2026 when his character’s true identity was revealed. “Cassius is basically Nathan turned on his heels. He has to be similar enough to Nathan that it’s feasible, that it’s believable that people were fooled. He looks like Nathan, he kind of sounds like Nathan — the camouflage is viable, so to speak. I mean, we are twins. But there are some differences.”
Frank Valentini says that the door for Ryan/Cassius to return one day is always opened.

Steve Burton (Jason) is back on screen as of next week.

 

[Emelee]

Oh goodie, Valentin wants to buy Wyndemere. And have Charlotte there with him. That means the teens can have drama there as well as anyone confronting Valentin.

Britt is extra fun right now. Finding out that she screwed up her life because of a huge manipulating lie and then having no job, no home, no money, no food, no shower. This could be such a cleansing turning point for her.

Same with Jason. Now that he's promised Danny to only prioritize him, will he leave Sonny behind?

Speaking of Sonny. Will his mobster business take a backseat now? If Jason is out... And also considering how he both let Sidwell live AND secured a seat on the hospital board. Almost making peace with Tracy in the process. Is Sonny also turning a new leaf?

Curious to see if the writers are heading for Dante/Liz or Dante/Lulu. Must be one or the other, right?

I really can't wait for Curtis and Jordan to find out they were wrong about Isaiah. Wipe their condesending smug looks off their faces. Realize Curtis ruined Isaiah's hand for nothing.

Jack and Nina are growing on me daily.

I wonder what Anna is going to do next, considering she's obviously not okay. What is "her" plan?

 

[Daniel Avery]

I wonder what Anna is going to do next, considering she's obviously not okay. What is "her" plan?

I keep wondering who Peter is talking about when he says Anna's going to "get her revenge". Revenge on who, exactly? Sidwell's in jail, Cullum's dead and they think Cassius is dead, too. I guess they will come up with someone.

Britt is extra fun right now

I hate her whining about having no job/money. Nina's sitting right there with giant sacks of money she can't spend fast enough and would love to share it. Speaking of which...

Jack and Nina are growing on me daily.

Yeah, I'm not fond of this idea that she has to date all of Carly's leftovers, but at least they can have some fun sitting around talking about what a bitch she is. I hope he stays in this current incarnation and does not revert to the more evil early version who might steal her fortune or something like that.

 

[Emelee]

I keep wondering who Peter is talking about when he says Anna's going to "get her revenge". Revenge on who, exactly? Sidwell's in jail, Cullum's dead and they think Cassius is dead, too. I guess they will come up with someone.

I am thinking that she is brainwashed and in a more robotic state where Cullum etc have ordered her to get "revenge" on someone the real Anna loves. Like Valentin.

 

[Daniel Avery]

I have not seen Friday's episode yet, so I might be making a "prediction" everyone already knows. But here goes:

I think Vaughn returned to PC to steal Jack's black box, and those were his gloved hands we saw taking it. It was really random for him just to show up a few days and not have anything interesting to do (onscreen anyway). He worked in Jack's office briefly so he would know of the box's existence.

So glad Portia finally had her baby, considering she's been pregnant for eleven months.

 

[Monzo]

I have not seen Friday's episode yet, so I might be making a "prediction" everyone already knows.

I know the feeling. I’m always lagging behind with GH (I’ve only just watched the episode from July 7th); that’s because—unlike with the other US soaps—I try to follow GH closely instead of just having it on in the background, so to say.

Now that Ryan Paevey is gone, I have to ask: Was it worth it? No one (among the fans) seemed particularly sad that Nathan is actually dead and Cassius is just the (evil) twin, but I thought it was a shame. I had hoped Nathan had been brainwashed, but I still would have accepted the whole sketchy backstory surrounding the twins' birth if Cassius had stayed on permanently—but as it stands, it feels like too much effort went into it for too little payoff. Looking back, it seems like the writers didn't even know where Cassius' path would lead. Were we supposed to root for Maxie and fakeNathan as a couple? For Lulu and Cassius? Or for Cassius and Josselyn? On one hand, I’d like it if Cassius came back someday; on the other, I just want to forget him quickly.

So, it turns out Britt never actually had Huntington's disease. Looking back, you have to say that psychosomatic factors played a major role for her—or else the explanation we’re getting now is just lame. Kelly Thiebaud seems to have realized by now that a steady job is a good thing, and you might think she’s fully committed to GH—but we’ll see; with her, you never know.

Since I’m behind on GH, I do wonder if Jax will continue to go unmentioned. Josselyn told her mother that everyone knows now—everyone except Jax? It’s truly amazing how they can leave Josselyn’s father out of the entire plot. I’m curious to see what happens with Josselyn now. Will her next missions take place off-screen? Didn't Eden McCoy scale back her workload at some point to focus on college? Yet, for months now, she’s been front and center.

I really wish Sidwell had shot Justine, because she kind of drags Sonny down. His love life has become so boring. Sometimes I wonder who's talking now, Sonny or Mike?

So Cullum is dead, and Z has stepped in. I have to say: there is a world of difference between the two—in terms of acting ability. It’s a good thing Z only appeared briefly.

 

[Daniel Avery]

Now that Ryan Paevey is gone, I have to ask: Was it worth it?

A lot of backstage factors led to his time on the show becoming a bit nonsensical and lacking the sort of cohesion that Frank V promised to Paevey when he agreed to return. His was supposed to be a six-month return, a short-term gig that RP agreed to more for the money than any great dream of returning to soaps. As soon as he was brought back, both Kirsten Storms and Finola Hughes took a powder, so to speak; just as they managed to write around those departures, Steve Burton also left them mid-story. RP signed a short-term contract extension at some point, which gave them some breathing room but was likely not something he wanted to do. I hope they offered him lots and lots of money to do them this favor. Anyway, when KS's return didn't work out they pivoted Cassius away from Lulu almost immediately, which sent the message (to me at least) that they'd planned a triangle between those three that had to be scuttled. The revelation of his true identity would have been an excuse to repair Maxie and Lulu's friendship. All the stuff with Joss, Cullum and Sidwell was likely stretched out a bit. The actor who played Cullum stated on social media that Rocco was supposed to have killed Cullum on the docks so they were apparently doing all sorts of rewrites for the story as it unfolded. If I had to guess, all the quasi-romantic/captive stuff with Josslyn was also "new material" dropped in to help stretch things out, with someone on the writing team having decided they didn't want Cassius to be a full-tilt villain in the vein of Peter August (or Ross Cullum) but to allow him to leave the show as an anti-hero who had some redeemable features. Whether that was a favor to the actor (for helping them when they needed him to stick around longer) or just fan service to those who found/find the actor appealing [raises hand], we might never know. They certainly left the door open for a return later on.

 

[Emelee]

Now that Valentin and Carly have the black box, will they be able to open it? If Carly only knew it contains the missing evidence against Willow! She'd move heaven and earth to get it opened.

Jack for sure won't help Carly if he and Nina kissing leads to something more. Then he'll be more team Nina & Willow.

Curious to find out who Phoebe's real father is. Ethan went to good lengths to trick Ava and Alexis that he is the father because the truth is dangerous to the little girl.

Drew is finally defrosting! I have missed his horrible self.