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Welcome to J.Eneral Hospital

Here's where I'll be pic-posting & dishing about my favorite soap opera, ABC's "General Hospital." 
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Lunch in Port Charles 11.25.13-12.27.13

12/29/2013

3 Comments

 
PictureJason Thompson as Dr. Patrick Drake
Thoughts & observations of Port Charles happenings.

Robin, Patrick & Sabrina
December 1-6 had a lot of “first time in a long time” moments. For the first time in a long time, I was glued to my screen for an entire week of “General Hospital” as Robin (Kimberly McCullough) finally reunited with her husband and daughter, Luke Spencer and Jerry Jax (Anthony Geary, Sebastian Roche) had a face-off (with Bobbie in the middle) that ended in falling over the Metro Court roof and Anna and Robert (Finola Hughes, Tristan Rogers) brought Robin’s prime captor to a dark fate of justice (loved all the action!). Starting with Robin’s return (long story short, she was held captive to brew a cure for an ill villain and her family thought she was dead for 2 years), the second “first time in a long time” was that a drawn out episode was (so) worth the wait. On 12/2, we watched in agony for the whole hour, as Robin stood outside of the chapel doors and quietly gazed at Patrick (Jason Thompson) going on with his wedding vows to Sabrina (Teresa Castillo). Just before they were pronounced husband and wife, Robin’s daughter, Emma, saw her and said “Mommy??” The little bundle of cuteness ran down the aisle into her mother’s arms (in slow motion of course; it was a nice GH history nod to Anna reuniting with a young Robin years ago) and Patrick looked on frozen in shock. Sabrina, although happy for Patrick and Emma, was devastated and collapsed into Felix’s arms on 12/3, assuming that Patrick would leave her; especially after the passionate kiss he and Robin shared. Robin literally had to remind Patrick that he was in the middle of getting married. When she mentioned it, he had this “What? Getting married? Oh, yeah…” look on his face. Very little was wrong with how these episodes were written and it gave these fabulous actors an opportunity to earn some Emmy nods (Jason Thompson rocked that ish like no other!). Every minute was so emotional; I was on the floor and couldn’t take any more! I was elated to see the writers come up with a happy medium (it was past a happy medium; it was gloriously joyful) to Robin’s reunion that didn’t A) drag the storyline past the ceremony, B) involve a cliché` wedding interruption, C) have Patrick coming off like a butthole and D) involve unnatural reactions from the characters (except for the very unusual calmness the wedding guests had to a beloved “dead” woman appearing and the lack of consoling offered to an audibly sobbing Sabrina).

My heart still broke for Sabrina (as anticipated) and I loved the tender, relatable friendship scenes between her and Felix (Marc Samuel). Felix said everything I could imagine my friends saying in that kind of situation. I particularly liked “You’re allowed to hurt. This isn’t fair, you can say it: This. Isn’t. Fair.” There were so many lines that made me feel worse for Sabrina than I already did; the most rending one was “After everything we had to overcome to get here, Patrick still isn’t mine and he never will be!” Patrick eventually spoke to both Robin and Sabrina privately and told them he needed time to think about what and how he was going to do things; obviously he couldn’t be with both of them. I about died of laughter when, despite not making a decision, Patrick expected Robin to come home with him and Robin flatly told him no. I don’t blame her a bit for saying that! Dr. Drizzy also got a snapback from Sabrina when he tried to have his cake and eat it too, which I have to say, I like this sudden feisty and assertive side of Sabrina (a side that also came out in a woman-to-woman talk with Robin, which I’ll get to). It’s understandable that Patrick wouldn’t make a choice instantaneously, but to try to have 1 woman come home with you and convince the other there’s still a chance is just wrong.

On 12/19, Patrick showed up at Sabrina’s apartment after having a conversation with Sam about how he already knew what to do, he just had to do it (I like the friendship the writers have built between them, by the way). It appeared he had chosen Sabrina (effective holiday cliffhanger), but he was there to inform her that he was going to be with Robin (it was sad, but yay Scrubs!). Just when we thought the worst was over, Sabrina abruptly got nauseated on 12/27 and thinks she may be pregnant (Patrick just asked Robin if she wanted to have another child too). It wouldn’t be a soap opera if Scrubs (AKA Patrick and Robin) didn’t encounter immediate drama, but a romantic tug-of-war with Sabrina is not the way to go for a couple of reasons: A) if the writers wanted us to believe that Patrick’s heart is close to split even between Sabrina and Robin, they should’ve laid the ground work much earlier. Out of nowhere, Patrick repeatedly said “things weren’t the same” in regard to Robin and that he couldn’t just start where he left off with her, but up to the minute of his attempted marriage to Sabrina, he was looking for Robin and hoping she was still alive. He only removed his old wedding bands, ripped up plane tickets for a trip never taken and proposed to Sabrina after pressure and boasting from her rivaling ex, Carlos (Jeffery Vincent Parise), and disappointed glances from the young nurse. Robin practically had to make Patrick go to Sabrina to talk when the wedding crashed and burned. B) We didn’t wait all this time for Robin’s arrival for her to not be with Patrick and C) this isn’t a real love triangle. The best triangles are those in which both pairings are viable, unique, significant, have history and create fierce debate among viewers.

PictureSabrina & Patrick almost said "I do" (ABC)
The audience has always known that Robin was alive, so no one ever took stock into Sabrina because we knew “Patrina” was temporary. To change this and tilt the overwhelming preference for Scrubs over Patrina, the writers wrote Robin out of character (I hate it when they do that!). On 12/9, Robin went to Sabrina and asked her “to help get her husband back,” reiterated the obvious that she’s alive and Patrick and Emma are her family and insisted Sabrina “let Patrick go” to make it “easy for him” and end his indecision. It was rude, heartless, insensitive, assuming and since when does Robin Scorpio ask or beg for a man!? This script trick worked; suddenly #TeamSabrina Twitter tags and negative comments about Robin were popping up. Sabrina obliged Robin until Felix talked her out of it, arguing “Don’t let Robin bully you,” which is exactly what she was doing. FeistyBrina told Robin it was Patrick’s choice and neither one of them should meddle (that should’ve been Robin’s attitude in the first place).

Although #TeamSabrina has grown a little, the majority still favor Scrubs. Robin and Sabrina are both really likable and 1 is a veteran character, so it’s really no contest. Making a love triangle out of these 3 would be strenuous and contrived, and no fan wants to see any of them turned into something they’re not (like Robin on 12/9) to make fetch happen. I hope Sabrina isn’t actually pregnant. If she is, she could miscarry and maybe Sabrilos or Carbrina (Carlos and Sabrina) can finally grow legs. Afterall, that’s what he was brought on for (I really love his character; he has nerve, he’s funny and sexy). Before I get off this trio, other lines I thought were great from the non-wedding were Lucy’s ironic “this is the best possible news ever” to Robin being alive with distraught Sabrina staring and Sabrina’s “I’m standing here in my wedding dress while my almost-husband is reuniting with his not-dead wife.” Also, the role of Emma should never be recast. We need to see Brooklyn-Rae Silzer grow up on this show, just like her TV mom. She’s a fantastic little actress. The Roxie (Robin and Maxie) reunion? How great was that?! Robin caught Maxie just before she attempted suicide and had to slap Maxie (Kirsten Storms) to convince her she wasn’t a ghost (Maxie had been visited previously by her deceased sister, Georgie). My water works would’ve gone on longer if they let Maxie’s astonishment linger for a few though; they cut from Maxie hugging Robin to the cousins comfortably talking about the past 2 years.

Julian & Sonny, TJ & Sean
Mob shoot-out! After Sonny (Maurice Bernard) kidnapped Carlos to rile Julian, Julian and Morgan (William DeVry, Bryan Craig) went to retrieve him and it resulted in warehouse gun-slinging. TJ (Tequan Richmond) thought he was keeping his guardian, new hit-man Sean (Sean Blakemore), safe and guiltless by cutting Carlos loose, but got himself in the crossfire. I enjoyed the tension of Morgan and Sonny being gun-to-gun and the fallout from Morgan accidentally shooting Max (Derk Chetwood)- Sonny is currently in jail taking the rap and Dante (Dominic Zampronga) knows the truth. Morgan and Ava are bonding even more through the strain. It’s exciting and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next. It was also great to see Morgan finally have a cousin scene with Molly (Haley Pullos).

I’m a little late in realizing and commenting on this, but did the “I’m Julian Jerome” art gallery reveal fall flat or is it just me? I anxiously waited for that and when it finally came…it wasn’t very rousing. People who shouldn’t be involved in a mob confrontation (Sonny let Alexis, Sam, Silas and Michael stay in the room) were written there to add explosiveness (Julian was discovered to be Sam’s father at the same time) and the scene still barely sizzled. Julian’s supposed to be a big bad mafia wolf, but he acted like a cowardly wimp. Sonny did all this talk, but never even punched Julian. Mob enforcers Sean and Carlos acted like they were going to kill (or at least shoot) each other and I was on the edge of my seat, but nothing happened. Carlos actually let Sonny and Sean turn their backs and walk away! That was the perfect time to pop someone! Sonny and Julian are massive threats to one another, but there were no bullets! That whole segment should’ve been high in anxiety, action and emotion, especially between Sonny and Sam (Kelly Monaco). Sam needed Julian to live just in case her infant son in cancer-remission, Danny, needs more marrow and she just found out that this man (Julian) is her father. Sonny had his own life and that of his family’s to worry about. Where was the drama?! It was further annoying that Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) acted like a horny, airheaded, easy-to-seduce schoolgirl with Julian afterward, even though she was allegedly offended by him using Danny as a bargaining chip for his life. I hate how they have Alexis like that with men. It’s so childish. I’m here for a Julexis pairing, though. If they get together, Sean better call Alexis out on her hypocrisy.

PictureBradford Anderson as Damian Spinelli
Other Notes

Sam & Silas
While I’m on Sam and Julian, the writers keep giving Sam these nonsense, contradictory lines where she expresses being uncomfortable with Julian being in organized crime. What the heck? Sam has been waist-deep in the mob since 2004. Her child’s father was a hit-man for crying out loud. I hope they don’t plan on changing Sam’s thirst for danger and kick-butt ability to soften her up for Silas (Michael Easton). As for Silas, it seems the secret past Ava’s been hinting he has is starting to come to light. I’m ready for Sam’s corner of the show to get interesting again, so I’m down for this. I hope it’s juicy.

Duke & Anna, Jerry & Luke
I’m geeked- the writers are getting ready to spice things up with Anna and Duke. Trying to eliminate their biggest enemies, both of them have taken the law into their own hands and are lying to each other about it. Anna and Robert presumably killed Faison instead having him arrested, and Duke broke his promise to stay away from the Port Charles underworld and is working with Sonny to take out Julian. Julian is only going to get more difficult to conquer as he now has the diabolical, nearly immortal Jerry Jax (he survived falling off the Metro Court roof!) in his pocket. Luke’s tumble with him was hilarious; he magically caught the side of the building (as only a Spencer would) and Carly facetiously said to a mortified Bobbie (Jackie Zeman) “No he’s not [dead], Mom. Whether it’s a good thing, I don’t know.” Luke sniped “Don’t get cute, Caroline!” I adore their sarcastic love/hate relationship.

Franco, Heather, Carly, Sam, Kiki & Michael
What a loaded headline, huh? Robin-Land was a blissful vacation from Franco, Kiki & Michael (Kristen Alderson, Chad Duell). I almost forgot they existed until they reappeared around week 2 of December. Trying to protect Carly (Laura Wright), Franco (Roger Howarth) stabbed his mother, Heather (Robin Mattson), in the gut. Funnily, he thanked the heavens for the grave meant for Carlos (Sonny was going to kill him) because it gave him a quick place to bury her body. The 12/10 episode finished with Heather’s hand pushing through the dirt “Carrie” style. I’m glad Franco’s dark side may be resurfacing. I never agreed with the writers cleaning him up and I don’t think anyone’s interested in a redemption story for a villain as loathsome as he. That’s like trying to sell Faison becoming a saint. Also, it will give Howarth something meatier to work with; he’s a terrific actor.

I couldn’t wait for Sam and Michael to find out that Carly was dating Franco, because I expected their reactions to be filled with hurt, shock, concern and anger. Sam got the news on 12/10 and was pretty serene. Yes, serene. She brought up great points, like how Franco affected her, Jason and Sonny (she left out Michael; she should’ve really driven that home), but it was done in this befuddling composed way. I was disappointed. The better half of the scene was when Carly got territorial about her adoptive brother, Lucas, who I hope we see soon. To see Sam so eager, contemplative and curious about the family she’s never known (Lucas is her biological half-brother via Julian) got an “AWW!” from me.

Nikolas & Britt
So, I love Nikolas and Britt together. However, their relationship went from nicely stirring to fast-forward. I like to see chemistry and passion develop to where I’m just itching to see the couple’s every milestone and “ship” as they say. Nowadays on GH, the sign of a couple becoming exclusive or official is them having sex, which occurs in a blink of the couple becoming interested in each other. There’s no such thing as proper dating or build up anymore. I sneezed and “Brik” was having sex and formally moving in together. Things are going to hit the fan soon though when Nikolas (Tyler Christopher) finds out Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) stole his sister Lulu’s (Emme Rylan) embryos and implanted herself with them (which is finally coming to a head). Sidebar: I enjoy every time Liz (Rebecca Herbst) shows how jealous and protective she is about Britt. I also love her hair short and curly.

AJ’s Trial
I was really annoyed with how a murder trial that should’ve been pivotal was put on the back-burner for weeks, only to have a wam-bam-thank you-ma’am unfolding with no impactful scenes. I sneezed again and AJ (Sean Kanan) was found not guilty of murdering Connie and Sonny failed to react. Granted, he was busy with Julian, but geez, it was almost like it didn’t happen. Sonny almost killed himself after Connie died. Last we saw of AJ, the guilt was eating him up and he took a drink. With any luck, this will get markedly get better, principally since Ava (Maura West) is really the one who killed Connie.

Spinelli & Maxie
What happened? Last I heard, Bradford Anderson’s (who portrays Spinelli) contract was dropped to recurring (reportedly on his terms) and now the word is that he’s totally gone. If true, I’m really sad about this. I loved the energy his character brought to the show and I hope to see him return soon. There were touching final scenes on 12/16, complete with a “Spixie” montage. Storms’ final scene before beginning her maternity leave (she’s having a girl with ex-Johnny, Brandon Barash) aired 12/27. Maxie has to be rejoined with her child some time, so maybe that will be when we see Spinelli again. He moved to Oregon with Ellie (Emily Wilson), who got a new job offer. Ellie’s exit is the perfect example of why a character shouldn’t be so enmeshed in a romance—you don’t have a storyline if your respective love interest isn’t on the show.

Best of luck to Bradford and can’t wait to see Kirsten’s daughter! I hope everyone’s Christmas was grand; mine was-I got a buckload of Beyonce` crack! Happy New Year! I’m off to eat delicious left-overs! 

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3 Comments
lovesam1122
12/30/2013 06:57:49 am

There is a lot to chew on in your article. Actually the only thing I enjoyed about the wedding was when Emma run down the aisle. I only tuned in to see what part Silas/Sam had in it. I enjoyed Robin/Sam getting to have a conversation and that was a nice surprise. I could never fell anything for Sabrina because the character grates on my last nerve. I frankly am sick of seeing her all the time.
I loved the art gallery scenes and the reveal was the best part of those scenes. Franco being Heather/Scott's son to me was a total waste of airtime. I really wish they have given RH a new identity at this time, that is what I was hoping Heather would reveal, but no we have to stick with Franco.
I wasn't into the rescue part of Robin, I was so glad when that was over with and am now enjoying her/Patrick getting to know each other all over again.
I am looking forward to Sam/Silas' story and hope the writers don't disappoint. They build things up so much and then we get such a flat result so much of the time on all stories.
I still enjoy the show even though I complain. LOL!

Reply
Daphne
1/9/2014 08:42:34 am

Agree with almost everything, J. I can't stand Sabrina and the writers acting like she has some great decades long love affair with Patrick is laughable. #TeamScrubs rather than #TeamSabrina I hate how they are writing Robin to prop her IMO.

And Silas and Sam. Don't get me started. What a horrid, forced pairing.

Reply
pace88
1/9/2014 09:23:49 am

"I hope they don’t plan on changing Sam’s thirst for danger and kick-butt ability to soften her up for Silas"
I feel like they already are changing Sam as a character. RC is just picking and choosing what fits into the siam pair. And then you have people bashing her for it, according to their viewpoints. case and point when she frown upon the mob a group of people were praising her maturity and growth while another were calling her a hypocrite when she frown upon adultery is the same case.

Carly, Sam, Michael and Patrick(w/Sabrina) are all being writing in some way or form OOC. IMO.

Reply



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