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General Hospital is finally back on track after a few months of rebuilding. The continuing drama is a tough beast to tame, especially with the numerous variables that can appear as a roadblock at any given time. In this special General Hospital summer evaluation, we take a look at what did – and didn’t work over the summer in Port Charles.
The build to the 50th anniversary began sometime last August. Though it wasn’t a complete picture, elements began to fall into place, with new pieces plugged in where they were needed. There was a plan in place leading to an explosive climax during the celebration of GH‘s 50th anniversary.
For the most part, that did happen. Blasts from the past returned in major, supporting, and guest starring capacities that showed GH is at its best when telling multi-generational stories grounded in heart, romance and action, sprinkled with the occasional dose of camp. It’s those kind of stories – built around a strong core of longtime characters, fan favorites and new faces – that build momentum.
It’s not a stretch to say that post-Nurses’ Ball, GH hit a bit of a rough patch. It was expected. Characters, whose returns were meant to be short-term, departed; there was that rather awful cross-promotion with The Chew (none of it GH‘s fault, mind you); and the controversial re-introduction of Michael Easton, Roger Howarth and Kristen Alderson as brand new characters.
Now that summer has (almost) officially ended and fall is upon us, TVSource Magazine’s staff has taken a look back at the past few months of GH to create this evaluation of what worked for us, what didn’t work for us and what still needs improvement as we head into the months leading up to sweeps in November.
Take a look at our choices and reasoning for our General Hospital summer evaluation, then hit the comments and share your thoughts on the show’s performance and what you’d like to see next.
Quick Navigation
- The Hits – Part One and Part Two
- The Misses
- What Needed Improvement
I have to disagree with the casting of Emme Rylan as “Lulu”. As disappointed as I was with Julie Berman leaving, my hope was that that a recast Lulu would be *that good* to make me forget about Julie’s amazing run as Lulu. Not only in the chemistry with Dom Zamprogna, a leading man. But more importantly as Lulu playing against daytime royalty as Tony Geary, Jane Elliott, Genie Francis (recently) also to include more recent players as Kirsten Storms and Bradford Anderson. Sadly, many of Julie’s former co-stars such as Steve Burton, Jonathan Jackson, Nathan Parsons, Brandon Barash have left for other comparison. ER continues to come across overwhelmed. I also disagree w/ the storyline of “amnesia’ to bring her on and see it nothing more as a cop-out for a supposed veteran to take on such a role. Frankly I would have more respect if she was literally thrown into the role- similar to Jen Lilley’s portrayal of Maxie. One needs to play the role rather than “re-define” a role, which was ER’s goal to begin with. Her words, not mine. Also Mark Teschner was not involved in the casting process. As ER did not audition for this role, but was literally phoned in by FV. Because of supposed Soap experience and a following.
I agree with most of the article except the teen scene didn’t like that at all loving Ava surprisingly Franco and Carly is growing on me Roger and Laura just have that awesome chemistry the writers really need to take their time with this story
This post echos my sentiments exactly.
And if I hear or see anymore of Canco, I’m going to scream. They’re disgusting and no self respecting woman would dare even think to date the man who got her kid raped. On paper, in person, on TV, gag.
And I like Roger, but I swear it’s the obnoxious and ongoing praise he receives for this ludicrous acting and storyline that makes me closer and closer to turning in my fan card.
Excellent Summary … you hit my joys and concerns with the show very well! Loving the addition of the Jeromes and awaiting their battle with Sonny & Company. Also looking forward to Robin’s return and all the story it will bring with the super villains. I’m glad they have toned down Franco and giving people more time to adjust. Giving Franco back his Art is great, Roger & Laura work so well together, it’s always a joy and I love the progression of Franco/Carly story. Time to give Kiki a rest. Would love to see Michael work on clearing AJ from murder charges. The baby stories have been too much, but have enjoyed moments. Can’t wait for Maxi to claim her baby with Spinelli. Will we ever get Ava’s secret why she kept Kiki’s paternity a secret? Biggest problem is such a large cast and so many stories – this rotation is killing the momentum as you pointed out.
The show had definitely hit a lull after the nurses ball but it has come back with a vengeance. I absolutly love Franco and Carly. I was worried in the beginning that we wouldn’t see the connection e did with Todd, but this pairing has the potential to be better, deeper and more complex. I also like Silas and Sam. I don’t care for Michael and Kiki but I see many people that do so that is fine. Morgan is phenomenal and the other stories are dynamic and keeping my attention. Loving GH these days.
Who evaluated this? RC? FV? No real GH fan would have come up with some of these conclusions.
For us, the show is tanking swiftly. The newbies are up front, vets passed over, and the pairings are horrendous. Maybe not the potential of Alexis & Julian. But Sam& Silas? Carly and Franco/Todd?
No way, not ever! Smoldering chemistry?? In what universe? Characters are OOC, and not the least of them is Patrick, and Sam, and Carly,Michael, Spinelli……….list too long. Fans are NOT happy, and
those watching now are themselves newbies. It’s OLTL version #2, and to put it simply, it stinks.