A Critic’s Review of The Bold and the Beautiful: Repeat & Consequences

 

When it comes to The Bold and the Beautiful, every fan has their own opinion – and Soap Hub is no different. For five days, we sat and watched the good, the bad, and everything in between, and now we offer you a handy review, and a cheeky critique, of B&B’s week that was.

The Bold and the Beautiful: A Critic’s Week In Review

As thrilled as I am to see Tanner Novlan back on my screen as Dr. John “Finn” Finnegan, all I could think when watching the scenes in which he was revealed to be alive, though not very well, and in the care of a mother who perhaps loves him just a wee bit too much was, I liked this storyline better when it was Stephanie Forrester (Susan Flannery) spiriting a supposedly dead Felicia Forrester away and pumping her cancer-riddled body full of chemotherapy drugs.

When The Bold and the Beautiful finds something they like, they will use it again…and probably again…and probably one more time.

With all that said, I now have to ask, what next? Also, in a related query, how crazy are they going to make Li Finnegan (Naomi Matsuda) on a scale from say Deveney Dixon (Judith Borne) to Sheila Carter (Kimberlin Brown)?

If they push her into full-blown psychopath territory – think targeting Liam Spencer (Scott Clifton) or even Steffy Forrester Finnegan (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) – is that how they (attempt to) redeem Sheila? Like, she just rides to the rescue, then produces Finn to his loved ones and proves she isn’t so bad after all?

Further B&B Musings

* Annnnnnnd Thomas Forrester (Matthew Atkinson) gets away Scot-free yet again. This is why Ridge Forrester (Thorsten Kaye) and Taylor Hayes (Krista Allen) are constantly wondering why their son is such a troubled soul. Perhaps if he was made to face the consequences of his actions, even once in his life, things would turn around for the better.

* Bill Spencer (Don Diamont) is fun. Why can’t we have more Bill?

* Paris Buckingham (Diamond White) most definitely spoke for The Bold and the Beautiful audience at large when she wondered aloud to Grace Buckingham (Cassandra Creech), “Do you ever stop?”

And speaking of Grace, where is that struggle that she’s talking about? Paris is working her dream job and she’s determined not to tie herself to a man that she doesn’t have any romantic interest in. How is any of that a negative in Grace’s book?

* Word/Phrase That I’m Tired Of Hearing: Pickleball. In just a few weeks, it’s become the new, “Why did I drink that night?”

A Critic’s Review of General Hospital: Shock, Awe, And Machinations

 

When it comes to General Hospital, every fan has their own opinion – and Soap Hub is no different. For five days, we sat and watched the good, the bad, and everything in between, and now we offer you a handy review, and a cheeky critique, of the GH week that was.

General Hospital: A Critic’s Week In Review

Markdown this day, because I’m going to say something nice about General Hospital’s head writers Chris and Dan/ Dan and Chris – I’m thoroughly impressed that they actually “went there” and had Scott Baldwin (Kin Shriner) point out the hypocrisy that reigns supreme when it comes to who the Corinthos do and do not hold to a high moral standard, and their propensity to keep children from their biological parents.

What didn’t impress me was some of the more…let’s call them questionable choices made during the petition hearing.

Firstly, if the point is to paint Nina Reeves (Cynthia Watros) as some sort of sociopathic, uncaring, selfish monster, why would Diane Miller (Carolyn Hennesy) bring up the fact that Nina was a victim of her own mercenary mother’s machinations, and why would she berate Nina for truly believing that had she been given the opportunity to parent Nelle Benson, then Nelle would have turned out a decent human being?

Not for nothing, but if I was the judge hearing Nina’s story for the first time, I might be inclined to be sympathetic. It’s not as though Nina asked to be drugged into a coma and have her baby (or babies, as is now the case) stolen from her.

And with the foreknowledge that Nina’s past misdeeds are going to be dredged up, why did Scott not have, say, Ava Jerome Cassadine (Maura West) on hand to explain that, despite, or perhaps because of everything they’d been through – Avery’s birth most certainly included – she and Nina are now good buddies? Surely that would have given Nina a leg up.

Oh, and speaking of dredging up history, I gasped when General Hospital’s Thursday installment ended with Scott asking Michael Corinthos (Chad Duell) about Claudia Zacchara.

I was also left wondering how this would possibly help Nina’s case. After all, Michael only killed Claudia in defense of his mother and newborn sister. But then it all came flooding back to me. Michael wasn’t too bothered by what he did – a fact that he testified to – he was quite happy letting Sonny take the wrap for him, and he failed to actually serve out the time he was sentenced to. It is kind of hard to feel sorry for a man who’s never had to take any real responsibility for his own actions.

Further General Hospital Musings

* Another week, another five days of no concrete answers where Marshall (Robert Gossett) and that go nowhere storyline is concerned.

* I get that Willow Tait (Katelyn MacMullen) has never been General Hospital’s brightest character, but does she really, REALLY believe that Harmony (Inga Cadranel) murdered two people and planned to do away with two more to hush up someone willingly handing her a baby?

* Nail + Head: Harrison Chase (Josh Swickard) got it in one when he deduced that Brook Lynn Quartermaine (Amanda Setton) was using her war with Linc (Dan Buran) as a distraction from mourning the loss of Bailey Louise.

* Now that she’s had the son, it appears that she’s going to try for the father. Is this Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn) or Reva Shayne 2.0?

* Where do Michael and Drew Cain (Cameron Mathison) get off telling Ned Quartermaine (Wally Kurth) he can’t run a merged ELQ/Aurora because he doesn’t have any media experience. What experience do/did they have?

A Critic’s Review of The Young and the Restless: Irony & Classic Soap

 

When it comes to Young and the Restless, every fan has their own opinion – and Soap Hub is no different. For five days, we sat and watched the good, the bad, and everything in between, and now we offer you a handy review, and a cheeky critique, of Y&R’s week that was.

The Young and the Restless: A Critic’s Week In Review

In spite of my general dislike of soap characters – be they male or female – lowering themselves to childish name-calling and/or debasing themselves by resorting to fisticuffs, I have to admit that I did derive some pleasure, perverse though it may be, from watching The Young and the Restless’ Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott) and Diane Jenkins (Susan Walters) engage in their scratchy little set-to.

I know this makes me a big ole hypocrite, and my only (feeble) excuse is that it took me right back to the days when the two were tearing up Gina’s Place or sliding across the floor at Jabot. It truly felt like old home week; like classic Y&R.

If only one of the women had hissed, “Denial ain’t just a river in Egypt.”

Further Y&R Musings

* Given that Billy Abbott’s (Jason Thompson) podcast is being recorded with a voice disguiser and that he’s using a alter ego – The Grinning Soul – how is that Chance Chancellor (Conner Floyd) knew to thank Billy for his latest episode? Is it that I’ve been wrong all this time and Chance is actually a super sleuth, that Billy has two podcasts – one of which he records using his own name and unaltered pipes – or that The Young and the Restless writers don’t care enough about this storyline to keep the facts straight?

* Irony? What Irony? Kyle Abbott (Michael Mealor) may bristle at the likes of Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford) warning him to steer clear of Diane, as he feels that he should decide whether he wants his bad mommy in his life, and yet he’s pulling a similar trick with Harrison (Kellen Enriquez) and Ashland (Robert Newman).

* Kudos to actress Tracey Bregman who brought the fire when her Lauren Fenmore toasted Ashland’s *ahem* behind for daring to threaten her man!

* Please wake me when Adam Newman (Mark Grossman) and Sally Spectra (Courtney Hope) get somewhere with their plan to Parent Trap – couple trap? – Victoria Newman (Amelia Heinle) and Ashland.

* You know, Imani Benedict (Leigh-Ann Rose) may be on to something with her opinion that the friction between Devon Hamilton (Bryton James) and Nate Hastings (Sean Dominic) has everything to do with the former still being sore at the latter for the number he – and Elena Dawson (Brytni Sarpy) – pulled on him.

A Critic’s Review of Days of our Lives: Good Soap, Bad Soap, All In One

 

When it comes to Days of our Lives, every fan has their own opinion – and Soap Hub is no different. For five days we sat and watched the good, the bad, and everything in between, and now we offer you a handy review, and a cheeky critique, of the Days of our Lives week that was.

Days of our Lives: A Critic’s Week In Review

Imagine sitting someone who has never seen a soap opera before down and having them watch Thursday’s Days of our Lives episode – an episode in which Xander Cook (Paul Telfer) and Chanel Dupree DiMera (Raven Bowens) bemoaned the fact that he’d been dumped by a woman wearing a mask that made her look like his fiancée whom that bad woman had shipped off to a desert island and that she’d been dumped by a set of twins (one male and one female) after they’d been possessed by the devil.

Do you think that you’d convert a novice into a fan with that? I certainly don’t think so. It’s story points like those that give serials a bad name.

Luckily, that very same show included far more relatable scenes like Nicole Walker (Arianne Zucker) and Rafe Hernandez (Galen Gering) plucking up the courage to tell Nicole’s precocious daughter that they were engaged, only to have their thunder stolen when Holly Jonas (Elin Alexander) blithely explained she’d already clocked mommy’s shiny new ring.

And then there was the subplot concerning Paulina Price (Jackée Harry) and her determination to take the fall for an arguable justified homicide committed by the daughter she’d given away in the hopes that she’d have a better life.

Now that’s some good, soapy drama, and but a taste of what of Days of our Lives can do when they aren’t resorting to flights of fancy or outright supernatural horror.

Let’s have more of that. And more of that delicious Gabi/Jake/Ava/Li quadrangle. Personally, I could take or leave the farce that is Belle/Shawn/Jan/EJ, but that’s probably because I can’t stand how dense they’re writing the character of Shawn Brady (Brandon Beemer – obviously Ciara Brady Weston (Victoria Konefal) got all of Bo and Hope’s smarts – and how loose they’re making Belle Black Brady (Martha Madison). I’d really hoped the years had matured that one, but it seems I was wrong. Apparently once a cheater, always a cheater.

Further DAYS Musings

* Someone FINALLY Said It:

Jake: I’m just as much a DiMera as [EJ and Chad]. Neither of you were raised in the family.

The Young and the Restless’ Tracey Bregman Celebrates Her Birthday

 

After all the heartache and broken dreams and failed marriages, The Young and the Restless’ Lauren Fenmore Baldwin has learned you should never pass up an opportunity for happiness. And her portrayer, Tracey Bregman, has a very special milestone to celebrate.

Happy Birthday, Tracey Bregman

That’s because she was born on May 29, 1963, in Munich, West Germany, which means that this talented performer is turning 59 years old today! Bregman’s first major work as an actress was her two-year stint at Days of our Lives where she played Donna Temple Craig – Marlena Evans’s troubled stepdaughter.

Subsequent credits include the slasher film Happy Birthday to Me and The Concrete Jungle. In 1983, she joined the cast of the CBS daytime drama The Young and the Restless.

She remained at that show until 1995, the year that she, and the character of Lauren, were moved over to the sister series The Bold and the Beautiful. Four years later, she left that show.

However, she returned to YR on a permanent basis in 2001. For her work on the venerable soap, Bregman has received five Daytime Emmy Award nominations and she won the 1985 statuette in the category of Outstanding Ingenue in a Drama.

Her other acting credits include guest appearances in episodes of The Love Boat, Fame, The Fall Guy, The Family Tree, Gavilan, and Spyder Games, as well as roles in made-for-TV movies like Sex & Mrs. X and Low Lifes. She also starred in The Funny Farm and Misogynist – two feature films.

Outside of her acting, Bregman is known for her yoga-inspired clothing line, her own jewelry line, and her work on behalf of various charities.

We would like to wish Tracey Bregman a very happy birthday.

Soap Hub Performer Of The Week For DAYS: Elin Alexander

 

DAYS has made quite the find with mini actress Elin Alexander, who can more than hold her own with her fellow (grown) thespians. In fact, she’s got the ability to steal the whole darn show – and that’s a talent certainly worthy of Soap Hub’s Performer of the Week award.

Elin Alexander – Performer of the Week

You gotta love a young’un who knows their own mind. Holly Jonas was well aware of the fact that she earned herself a sweet treat, and she meant to get exactly what was due her…and that which was due was a slice of strawberry pie.

But since mama Nicole (Arianne Zucker) seemed in need of a reminder, Holly helped her out. First and foremost, what she wanted was indeed a, “summer pie.” It’s May after all. Furthermore, “I got all A’s except for one B. You promised I could have anything that I wanted.” And to prove that her character meant business, Alexander started the top of the explanation with hands planted firmly on her hips before folding them authoritatively across her little chest. Your move Nicole!

The humorous standoff was halted by the sudden appearance of Holly’s former step-pops, Eric Brady (Greg Vaughan). Holly sure was glad to see him, if Alexander’s enthusiastic greeting was anything to go by.

“Who’s this little girl,” Eric stone-facedly kidded, but Alexander pulled a face wrecked with such concern that she might have been forgotten that he had to make clear he was just being a big ole goofball.

With that out of the way, Holly wondered aloud if Eric was going to, “get back together with Mommy?” As delivered by Alexander, it wasn’t an accusatory question, just an earnest one.

And the answer, little one, was no. Eric’s a excommunicated priest once again and Mommy is with Rafe Hernandez (Galen Gering). Speaking of Rafe, would Holly like to join him in scrounging for that strawberry pie? Sure she would. But first, another question. Is she being led away so that Eric and Mommy can talk? And she’s not asking in an attempt to be oh so precious. The way Alexander phrased it, it’s just Holly wanting to make sure she read the social cue properly. She did.

If only all soap opera children could be as wise – and non-grating – as Elin Alexander’s Holly.

Soap Hub Performer of the Week for GH: Carolyn Hennesy

 

The Johnny Depp and Amber Heard drama wasn’t the only trial going on last week. Over at General Hospital, a child visitation case was in full force and attorney Diane Miller, played by Carolyn Hennesy, was steering the ship. For her portrayal of a savvy attorney, Soap Hub bestows Performer of the Week for GH honors on Hennesy, who plays Diane.

Carolyn Hennesy – Performer of the Week

Diane (Carolyn Hennesy) was representing Michael Corinthos (Chad Duell) and Willow Tait (Katelyn MacMullen), parents of little Wiley (Viron Weaver), to keep Wiley’s biological grandmother Nina Reeves (Cynthia Watros) from being allowed to legally visit the little boy.

Diane faced off against opposing counsel Scotty Baldwin (Kin Shriner) all week. Both lawyers were evenly armed with gobs of GH storyline history to use against the involved parties and each attorney didn’t hesitate to make mincemeat out of the other side. We expected Diane, an excellent attorney, to expertly grill Nina on the stand, pointing out her foibles and past crimes hoping the court would rule in Michael’s favor. (She did.)

However, it was when Diane was forced to cross-examine her employer and friend Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard), who unexpectedly testified on Nina’s behalf where Hennesy truly shined. “Don’t worry, I’ll handle this,” Carolyn Hennesy’s Diane confidently told Carly Corinthos (Laura Wright) and Michael before questioning Sonny. Diane put aside her loyalty to Sonny to try and achieve what was right for her client. That wasn’t an easy goal to achieve.

Clearly, Diane is more than an attorney to the Corinthos clan — she’s a valued friend and trusted ally. As GH viewers know, Hennesy always brings panache and style to Diane. She trades quips with and barbs with Shriner’s Scotty with great ease. However, Hennesy never makes viewers forget that, above all else, Diane is a sharp, smart, and skilled attorney. She managed to devalue Sonny taking the blame for not returning to his wife (he knew he had one as he wore a wedding ring) by pointing out that there was no way for Sonny to know that he had children or grandchildren. Diane threw Nina under the bus by pointing out that she did know — and said nothing.

After Sonny told the court that he and Nina have gotten past her decision to remain quiet about his identity, Diane emotionally but also expertly asked Sonny if he ever asked himself if his family had gotten past it? Knowing that her point was made no matter how Sonny responded, Diane skipped getting an answer from him, and then, she moved in for the kill — bringing up the fact that Nina kidnapped Sonny’s daughter Avery after drugging her mother Ava (Maura West).

Diane stayed in attack mode by pointing out that Sonny had had a traumatic head injury and perhaps that was influencing his judgment about Nina? Time will tell if Nina gets to legally see Wiley but we definitely know one thing — Carolyn Hennesy is guilty of turning in dynamite performances!

Honorable mention: Maurice Benard’s testimony during the custody hearing was powerful and nuanced. He kept calling Michael’s attorney “Diane,” a reminder that the two have known each other a long time and it was rare for them to be on the opposite sides of an issue. We’re not really sure how Nina’s presence in Wiley’s world will be harmful given that nearly everyone in the boy’s life has committed a multitude of sins and crimes. But the hearing has all been worth it. Not only were we treated to Carolyn Hennesy at her finest, but we also finally heard Sonny admit that there was someone else who kept the mobster from his family — and that person was Sonny himself!

Soap Hub Performer of the Week for Y&R: Allison Lanier

 

The Young and the Restless viewers know that Summer Newman Abbott’s name will do whatever it takes to get what she wants and protect what’s hers. For her performance, Soap Hub Performer of the Week honors for Y&R is presented to Summer’s portrayer, Allison Lanier.

Allison Lanier — Y&R Performer of the Week

It’s not easy to take over the role of a character after another actor has had it for many years. However, Allison Lanier walked into Genoa City as Summer, and she hit the ground running.

This week, Summer featured heavily in the storylines, and Lanier’s take on the daughter of Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford) and Nick Newman (Joshua Morrow) gave viewers a somewhat more mature version of her. We loved watching the actress showcase how much Summer enjoyed being a stepmother to little Harrison Locke (Kellen Enriquez).

Plus, we appreciated seeing how Lanier handled Summer’s reaction to Kyle Abbott’s (Michael Mealor) suddenly alive mother, Diane Jenkins (Susan Walters). She hit just the right note between being suspicious of Diane and also allowing her husband to make up his own mind. We appreciated her strong support of Kyle.

Summer and Phyllis also had a good reunion. We loved how Lanier’s take on the relationship had her listening to Phyllis’s concerns, but also using her own judgment to make decisions. She also did an excellent job of pointing out where Phyllis might be fooling herself when it came to her motives about Diane.

Many moments this week represented growth for Summer, and we love that Allison Lanier put them front and center. The actress had huge shoes to fill, and she did a wonderful job.

Soap Hub Performer of the Week for B&B: Naomi Matsuda

 

Li Finnegan, played by Daytime Emmy nominee Naomi Matsuda, has display reservoirs of great strength on The Bold and the Beautiful since her beloved son Dr. John ‘Finn’ Finnegan was shot to death by his bio mom Sheila Carter. For her portrayal of a loving mother, Soap Hub bestows Performer of the Week honors for B&B on Matsuda.

Naomi Matsuda – Performer of the Week

While Li was incredulous to learn that Sheila Carter (Kimberlin Brown) shot Finn and Steffy Forrester Finnegan (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood), viewers were even more flabbergasted to discover that Finn (Tanner Novlan) isn’t dead after all!

“I can’t imagine a life without my son,” Li told Steffy and Taylor (Krista Allen) before the big reveal. “I’ll do anything to have him back.” Taylor and Steffy were a bit put off by Li’s abrupt departure from Steffy’s home. Sure, she’s grieving but something else seemed to be at play. Next, we learned in a highly dramatically scored scene that Li is keeping Finn, who’s very much alive but in a coma, safe and alive from everyone.

We’ve seen powerful matriarchs and maternal figures on B&B make dramatic gestures over the years. But Li keeping Finn being alive a secret is one for the books! “I couldn’t give up on you, not my son. My only child,” Li emotionally told her comatose boy. “The medical team all but gave up on you. But as a doctor and as your mother…I knew you still had life inside you. You just need time. Time to heal. My sweet boy. So here you are. Nobody knows your alive. Soon, you will regain consciousness. You’ll be able to live your life again.”

If Li was going to tell Steffy that Finn is really alive, we’ll never know. Upon her next visit to Steffy’s house, she spied through a window her daughter-in-law embracing Liam Spencer (Scott Clifton), her ex-husband. If looks could kill, Steffy might be the one off to that great soap in the sky!

If you thought the late Stephanie Forrester’s (Susan Flannery) interest in her son Ridge’s (Thorsten Kaye) love life was a bit much, this is arguably even more bizarre. We’re not sure why Li is keeping Finn being alive a secret but we are fully aware that Li will do anything to save her child’s life. “My son’s still with me,” Li tells Steffy. Naomi Matsuda delivers these lines perfectly on two levels — one to her grieving daughter-in-law, who interprets this to mean Li will always keep Finn close to her heart; the other is Matsuda’s Li reminding viewers at home that Finn’s actually alive.

The revelation that Finn is still among the living and that Li is lying about it has instantly turned B&B’s most heartbreaking tale into its most intriguing storyline. Naomi Matsuda has been tasked with pulling off a huge component of this story and is brilliant as Li continues to sit on the mother of all secrets!

Will Your Favorite Soaps Air This Memorial Day — Find Out Now

 

You wait for what seems like forever to have a day off from work and watch your favorite soap as they air live…but will they even be on? Memorial Day this year falls on Monday, May 30, and Soap Hub knows that it can be very frustrating to sit down to watch some daytime drama and then see…tennis.

Soaps Memorial Day Schedule

Here’s a handy guide to finding out if your soap opera will be airing in its usual slot, airing a repeat, airing later in the day, or possibly not airing at all.

Days of our Lives
Not only is Days of our Lives pre-empted on Memorial Day due to coverage of the French Open, but the show will also not air for the same reason on Thursday, June 2, and Friday, June 3.

Unfortunately, Chabby, Xarah, CIN, and the rest of your Salem favorites will have their lives put on hold for a couple of days, but you can bet that the show’s writers planned for it, so hopefully there will be some pretty exciting cliffhangers to look out for!

The Young and the Restless
Not only will The Young and the Restless be airing in its regular slot, but you will also get a brand-new episode as Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) recruits a new ally in his plot against Ashland Locke (Robert Newman), Sharon Rosales (Sharon Case) stands her ground, while Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford) and Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman) strategize to keep Summer Newman Abbott (Allison Lanier) and Kyle Abbott (Michael Mealor) in town.

General Hospital
As General Hospital is apt to do on such days, it will air — but not an original episode. Rather than digging deep into the vault as most fans would prefer, the show is airing the Tuesday, October 26, 2021 episode that showed Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) and Carly Corinthos (Laura Wright) concerned about Michael Corinthos (Chad Duell), while Willow Tait (Katelyn MacMullen) vents to Sasha Gilmore (Sofia Mattsson), Brook Lynn Quartermaine (Amanda Setton) confronts Gladys Corbin (Bonnie Burroughs), Spencer Cassadine (Nicholas Alexander Chavez) ponders his prospects with Esme Prince (Avery Kristen Pohl) and Ned Quartermaine (Wally Kurth) turns to Austin Gatlin-Holt (Roger Howarth) for advice.

The Bold and the Beautiful
Just like its sister show, The Bold and the Beautiful will air a brand-new episode in its regular timeslot. Carter Walton (Lawrence Saint-Victor) worries to Quinn Fuller Forrester (Rena Sofer) that Paris Buckingham (Diamond White) may interfere in her marriage to Eric Forrester (John McCook). Ridge Forrester (Thorsten Kaye) and Thomas Forrester (Matthew Atkinson) comfort an emotional Steffy Forrester Finnegan (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) over her lost future with Finn Finn (Tanner Novlan).

No matter which of the soaps is your favorite or if you watch them all — you can relax in knowing that on Tuesday, May 31, everything will return to regular programming.

Y&R Star Kate Linder Explains Special Meaning Behind The Name Esther

 

Kate Linder recently celebrated 40 years of portraying Esther Valentine on The Young and the Restless. During a Soap Hub fireside chat, she explained the special significance of her character’s first name.

Kate Linder Gives Soap Fans Insight Into Esther’s Name

The actress sat down with soap fans on May 19, 2022, giving some special insight into her time on the CBS daytime drama. Soap Hub’s own Michael Maloney hosted the evening. At one point, he asked Linder about the origin of Esther’s name because the first scripts simply said ‘maid’ on them.

“Jeanne [Cooper, Katherine Chancellor] and I, we’d always run our scenes together, and we’d work on them. One day when we went to tape, she started calling me Esther,” explained Linder. “Fortunately I responded and didn’t go ‘who is she talking about?'”

However, the name had an even deeper meaning for Kate Linder, and Cooper didn’t even realize it at the time when she started using it as the name of Katherine’s maid. “What she didn’t know, and what a lot of people don’t know, is that Esther was my grandmother’s name. So that was really, really fortuitous when you think about it.”

Ultimately, Cooper continued calling her Esther, and she even brought other members of the scene into it. Ultimately, the writers started picking up on it. As for how Linder felt when she first saw her character’s name noted on the script instead of the more generic ‘maid?’ “I was just blown away. I was so excited,” she revealed.

Ultimately, Y&R held a national contest to choose Esther’s last name. Among the three names were Valentine and Diamond. Ultimately, Valentine won, which was just as special considering her real-life wedding was on February 14. The rest, as they say, is soap opera history.

A Days of our Lives Photo Tribute to Abe Carver’s Love Stories

 

Abe Carver is a Days of our Lives fan favorite player. Is there a better dad? A better Mayor? A better man? You’d be hard-pressed to try to fill his shoes! Today, we take a walk down Memory Lane at his greatest moments and most beautiful love stories.

A Days of our Lives Tribute

Abe’s (James Reynolds) sweet disposition and tough-as-nails follow-the-law life have kept him at the top of his game. He’s romanced the best of them. From his epic romance with Lexie Carver (Renee Jones) to his short but sweet time with Tamara Price (Marilyn McCoo), he knows how to wine and dine the ladies.

We’ve watched Abe’s love stories change his life in ways he did not expect. The birth of his son, the arrival of the woman they both thought was his daughter, the heartbreaking loss of Lexie, near-death experiences, and playing hero more times than we can count. Who wouldn’t fall for him?

Nowadays, Abe is following his heart and giving in to his desire for Paulina Price (Jackée Harry). Their connection was almost cut short after she revealed the truth about Lani Price Grant (Sal Stowers) and her dangerous ex coming to town, but their love is reigniting once again. Will she become the next Mrs. Carver? We can’t wait to find out!

 

General Hospital Comings and Goings: ‘Brando’ Recast, ‘Chet’ Out

 

Who’s coming and who’s going from General Hospital (GH)? Are any of your favorite performers from yesteryear returning to the daytime drama, this week, or in the not-too-far-off future?

General Hospital C&G News

Have any new actors or actresses been cast on the show in contract, recurring, or day player roles? Are any well-remembered or beloved stars from other soaps, past or present, about to join the General Hospital fold in surprise new parts? Here’s the latest casting news from the ABC soap.

The week of May 30, 2022

A new actor will soon be debuting as Brando Corbin. Johnny Wactor is being temporarily replaced due to scheduling unavailability. Stepping into the role will be actor Brad Schmidt. Schmidt’s credits include Yellowstone and The Chosen. He also previously appeared on Guiding Light (as Todd) and As the World Turns (as Anthony) in 2002

Chris Van Etten has exited the soap as Chet Driscoll. As per Soap Opera Digest, the character’s story was cut short, because the actor and his family moved out of California. Van Etten made his debut in the role back in 2017.

The Bold and the Beautiful Comings and Goings: Model & Mom Reappear

 

Who’s coming and who’s going from The Bold and the Beautiful (BB)? Are any of your favorite performers from yesteryear returning to the daytime drama, this week, or in the near future?

The Bold and the Beautiful C&G News

Have any new actors or actresses been cast on the show in contract, recurring, or day player roles? Are any well-remembered or beloved stars from other soaps, past or present, about to join The Bold and the Beautiful fold in surprise new parts? Here’s the latest casting news from the CBS soap.

The week of May 30, 2022

Naomi Matsuda is back as Dr. Li Finnegan on Monday, May 30, Tuesday, May 31, and Wednesday, June 1. The character is secretly caring for her comatose son Dr. John “Finn” Finnegan (portrayed by Tanner Novlan), who it turns out isn’t really dead.

The Price Is Right model Alexis Gaube makes another appearance as Petra. Look for the Forrester model to resurface on Wednesday, June 1.

The Young and the Restless Comings and Goings: Newbie Makes Exit

 

Who’s coming and who’s going from The Young and the Restless (YR)? Are any of your favorite performers from yesteryear returning to the daytime drama, this week, or in the near future?

The Young and the Restless C&G News

Have any new actors or actresses been cast on the show in contract, recurring, or day player roles? Are any well-remembered or beloved stars from other soaps, past or present, about to join The Young and the Restless fold in surprise new parts? Here’s the latest casting news from the CBS soap.

The week of May 30, 2022

King of Queens and Friends alum Sam McMurray’s short stint as Dwight is over and done. The character, who connected with Kate Linder’s Esther Valentine, debuted in mid-May.

Days of our Lives Comings and Goings: Alison Sweeney Returns as Sami

 

Who’s coming and who’s going from Days of our Lives (DOOL)? Are any of your favorite performers from yesteryear returning to the daytime drama, this week, or in the not too far off future?

Days of our Lives C&G News

Have any new actors or actresses been cast on the show in contract, recurring, or day player roles? Are any well-remembered stars from other soaps, past or present, about to join the Days of our Lives fold in surprising new parts? Here’s the latest casting news from the NBC soap.

The week of May 30, 2022

Alison Sweeney is returning to the soap for another run as Sami Brady DiMera. Look for her character to arrive in town this summer and be involved in a story arc with Bryan Dattilo (Lucas), Dan Feuerriegel (EJ), Martha Madison (Belle), and others. Sweeney last aired in 2021, when Sami moved back to Italy with Lucas.

Days of our Lives And Soap Veteran Emily O’Brien Celebrates Her Birthday

 

Some fans know Emily O’Brien from her time as Jana on The Young and the Restless and even more now know her as Gwen on Days of our Lives, whose selfish schemes have finally caught up with her. However, the actress has every reason to feel festive.

Happy Birthday, Emily O’Brien

That’s because she was born on May 28, 1985, in Bedfordshire, England, which means that this talented performer is turning 37 years old today! O’Brien and her family emigrated to the U.S. in 1994 and settled in Carlsbad, California. While attending Carlsbad High School, O’Brien appeared in many of the theater program’s offerings.

She attended MiraCosta College, where she graduated with a theater degree, as well as London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Between 2003 and 2006, O’Brien appeared in three short films (Champagne Society, Coma, and New Glasses) and three features (Rock & Roll Eulogy, South of Hell, and Séance).

In 2006, she also had a small cameo in an episode of the ABC sitcom What About Brian? One year later, she joined the cast of the CBS daytime drama The Young and the Restless.

Her work as Jana Hawkes Fisher – which she played until May 6, 2011 – earned O’Brien three Daytime Emmy Award nominations.

The star has also been a much-in-demand voiceover artist since 2013. Final Fantasy XIV, League of Legends, Batman: The Enemy Within, and Guardians of the Galaxy are among the many video games that she has worked on. She has also lent her voice to characters in animated programs like Constantine: City of Demons.

Her other acting credits include episodes of Rock in a Hard Place and One Day at a Time, the made-for-television movie Beautifully Flawed, and a number of films, including the supernatural chiller Pernicious, the dystopian thriller The Bad Batch, and Get Married or Die, a dark comedy.

O’Brien is also a professional singer and she currently serves as the national narrator for eBay and PayPal campaigns. She made her Days of our Lives debut as Gwen on June 5, 2020. Soap Hub would like to wish Emily O’Brien a very happy birthday!

Why Doesn’t General Hospital Know What To Do With Drew?

 

When General Hospital decided to bring in All My Children veteran Cameron Mathison to play a recast Drew Cain in 2021, it was met with much fanfare and the audience couldn’t wait to see what would happen to the character after he finally escaped from a hellish prison that Peter August kept him in for two years.

General Hospital’s New Drew Had Potential

For months, fans endured Mathison with a bushy beard that practically covered his face as Drew tried to find his way out of Peter’s prison cell and back to Port Charles. When he finally got there, he shaved and Mathison demonstrated he had chemistry with actors across the Port Charles canvas. From Kelly Monaco’s Sam McCall to Rebecca Herbst’s Elizabeth Webber, Drew could have been paired with any number of women, but instead, he ended up being paired with Carly Corinthos (Laura Wright).

Yes, Drew became the new Jason Morgan, Drew’s twin and a character Drew thought he was from 2015 to 2017. Granted, when Mathison was hired, GH might not have known Jason would have to be killed when Steve Burton refused to comply with Disney/ABC’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate, so he wasn’t meant to be a replacement Jason for Carly. However, that’s what he’s been turned into.

Why Is Drew So Happy?

Yes, Mathison has an infectious smile, but there is no reason for Drew to be written so happy and optimistic almost all of the time. He was kept a prisoner for years, away from his daughter and the rest of his family. He should be raging and more interested in seeking revenge on Peter’s accomplice, Victor Cassadine than he is in ELQ. In fact, Drew rarely showed an interest in the family company before he became Peter’s prisoner so it makes little sense that this former Navy SEAL and hitman would now think he has more media and business experience than Ned Quartermaine.

Very little about Drew makes sense these days and it’s as if the General Hospital writers inserted a generic character who could work in any story rather than using Mathison’s talents to show a man who wants the life that was stolen from him back.

Soap Hub Weekly News Wrap: Resurrection, Birth, And Magic

 

The dish on The Bold and the Beautiful’s Finn surprise… a Days of our Lives actress celebrates a milestone… Emmy details and interviews… and more. Here’s everything you missed in the daytime world — with links — in the Soap Hub soap opera news wrap.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Finn-Tastic Surprise

In the biggest soap shocker of the year – The Bold and the Beautiful’s Finn is alive! Actor Tanner Novlan discussed the stunning twist on The Talk and shared some interesting insight on all of it.

Baby News
Meanwhile, Novlan’s leading lady, Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy) shared some news of her own. The actress just gave birth to her third son.

Missing Scene
A scene between Brooke, Ridge, and Taylor discussing Sheila never made it on the air on B&B. But you can watch it now via this link at Soap Hub weekly news.

Days of our Lives: Mary Beth’s Milestone

Mary Beth Evans debuted as Days of our Lives’ Kayla Brady 36 years ago. Check out what Stephen Nichols (Steve) and Judi Evans (Bonnie, ex-Adrienne) did to commemorate the special occasion.

General Hospital: Must-See Chat

GH’s Maurice Benard (Sonny) had a pint-sized guest on his YouTube video podcast, State of Mind: co-star Jophielle Love, who plays Violet. It turns out their chat was pure magic.

Feeling the Love
Fans offered an outpour of love to General Hospital’s Kelly Monaco (Sam), who’s had a rough few weeks off-screen. The actress took to social media to thank them and express how much it’s meant to her according to Soap Hub weekly news.

From Scare to Smile
GH’s Lisa LoCicero (Olivia) recently underwent a major scare involving her daughter, Verity. However, the 7-year-old said something that made her mother smile proudly.

The Young and the Restless: News on Nick

Y&R’s Joshua Morrow (Nick) isn’t on social media, so his co-star, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis) Stafford, released some big news on his behalf. Find out what it is here.

Co-Star Congratulations
Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea) congratulated former Y&R co-star Justin Hartley (ex-Adam) for an “incredible [This Is Us]” run. And she shared a cute photo of the two of them together with Soap Hub weekly news.

Reaching Out
Although Greg Rikaart (Kevin, Y&R; Leo, DAYS) didn’t know daytime vet Marnie Schulenburg, who recently died from a rare form of breast cancer, he felt compelled to help the family she left behind. Check out what Rikaart did.

A Major Moment
Y&R’s Sasha Calle (ex-Lola), who went on to become Supergirl, recently experienced a happy full-circle moment. She shared the news with fans on Instagram.

In Other Soap Hub Weekly News: Emmy Talk… And Details

The Daytime Emmys are set to air Friday, June 24 at 9 p.m on CBS. However, some key categories are being given out a week earlier, and Soap Hub weekly news has all the details.

The Young and the Restless’ Mishael Morgan (Amanda) and Alyvia Alyn Lind (ex-Faith) sat down with Soap Hub to discuss their Emmy nominations. Check out what they had to say.

Talking Wellness
Daytime alum Mariann Aalda, remembered as Didi Bannister on Edge of Night and Lena Hart on Sunset Beach, won’t let age define her. Here’s her take on fitness and wellness.

Sad Farewells
Actor Ray Liotta passed away at the age of 67. Take a look back at the film and former soap star’s past, including his run on Another World as Joey Perrini.

The soap world lost another beloved star: Lee Lawson, who portrayed Bea Reardon on Guiding Light. Her former co-stars Ellen Dolan (Maureen) and Michael O’Leary (Rick) shared some lovely words about the actress reports Soap Hub weekly news.

Is Phyllis Headed Toward A Young and the Restless Breakdown?

 

Phyllis Summers has been acting even more unhinged than usual on The Young and the Restless lately. We started suspecting something was wrong when she completely flew off the handle at her adult daughter opting to live her own life, sobbing that no mother had ever been forced to endure such torture.

Young and the Restless: Poor Phyllis

But she really went bug-eyed and arm-flailing when Diane Jenkins (Susan Walters), the mother of her son in law, Kyle Abbott (Michael Mealor), returned from the dead – a pretty common occurrence in Genoa City – and Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman), whom Phyllis enjoyed keeping on a tight leash, actually was forced to converse with a woman who wasn’t one of his sisters. Phyllis (Michelle Stafford) is not acting rationally. Is she headed for a breakdown?

Build Up To Boom

Phyllis has never been mentally stable. She tried to kill multiple people. And, you know, that’s never really been addressed. The woman has been crying out for psychiatric help since Day One, and maybe it’s all finally coming to a head.

Maybe a breakdown would be the best thing to happen to Phyllis. She could finally deal with an obvious lifetime of issues – look at the wonders of therapy did Chelsea Lawson (Melissa Claire Egan)!

Young and the Restless: Actions Have Consequences

Of course, a stint in the looney-bin, beneficial as it might ultimately prove for Phyllis, will mean separation from Jack – and so soon after Phyllis decided he’d be allowed to have sex with her again!

We know Jack has been lonely for months now, but he’s always had Ole Red to hang out with. With Phyllis gone, Jack might turn to another scheming redhead from his past. How funny would it be if Phyllis going off her rocker over Diane is what finally cleared the way for her rival to go after Jack – and actually catch him!

The Bold and the Beautiful Recaps: Spying, Lying & Shocking Revelations

 

The Bold and the Beautiful recaps for May 23 – May 27, 2022, prove that the rumors of John “Finn” Finnegan’s death were completely exaggerated.

The Bold and the Beautiful Recaps: Monday, May 23

Taylor Hayes (Krista Allen) invites Li Finnegan (Naomi Matsuda) to the cliff house; she and Steffy Forrester Finnegan (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) gently explain that it was Sheila Carter (Kimberlin Brown) who shot and killed Finn (Tanner Novlan).

Hope Logan Spencer (Annika Noelle) relays Sheila’s machinations to an aghast Bill Spencer (Don Diamont). He bolsters Hope when she expresses unease over Liam Spencer (Scott Clifton) offering Steffy his shoulder to cry on.

When Steffy broaches planning a memorial service for Finn, a squirrelly Li beats a hasty retreat. Later, she is seen tending to a comatose Finn!

Bold and Beautiful Recaps: Tuesday, May 24

Taylor and Ridge Forrester (Thorsten Kaye) discuss Thomas Forrester’s (Matthew Atkinson) inaction in light of discovering that Sheila sabotaged Brooke Logan Forrester’s (Katherine Kelly Lang) sobriety; they agree to keep the revelation to themselves and deal with it internally.

Deputy Chief Bradley Baker (Dan Martin) delivers Finn’s personal effects to Steffy. She breaks down while pouring over them… Li recalls how Finn was rushed to the hospital where she was toiling and how his doctors gave up hoping he’d emerge from his unconscious state. She resolves to nurse her son back to health.

B&B Recaps: Wednesday, May 25

B&B was preempted for a CBS Special Newsbreak.

The Bold and Beautiful Recaps: Thursday, May 26

Brooke expresses her misgivings over Liam spending so much time alone with Steffy to an unbothered Hope; Brooke warns that Taylor and Steffy are opportunistic… Steffy begs for another face-to-face with Li, but her efforts to plan a memorial for Finn and her plea to be allowed to see “his” ashes are rebuffed. Alone with Finn, Li fumes at having spied Liam and Steffy embracing.

B&B Recaps: Friday, May 27

Grace Buckingham (Cassandra Creech) isn’t best pleased to catch Paris Buckingham (Diamond White) daydreaming about Carter Walton (Lawrence Saint-Victor)… Brooke visits Eric Forrester (John McCook) in the hopes that she can convince him to play intermediary between her and Ridge. Taylor arrives and blasts her rival; Brooke makes her intentions plain – she’s getting her husband back!

Zende Forrester Dominguez (Delon de Metz) corners Carter and informs him that he’ll be taking the high road in response to Carter and Paris’s involvement. Carter tells Zende that he won’t be seeing Paris anymore but swears it’s not because he’s seeing another woman… Paris interrupts a private convo between Carter and Quinn Fuller Forrester (Rena Sofer) and delights in needling the pair.

The Young and the Restless Recaps: Plotting, Apologies, And Threats Aplenty

 

The Young and the Restless recaps for May 23 – May 27, 2022, feature threats aplenty, a second chance offered, and so much more.

The Young and the Restless Recaps: Monday, May 23

Though none too pleased to run into Diane Jenkins (Susan Walters) while he, Summer Newman Abbott (Allison Lanier), and Harrison (Kellen Enriquez) were out and about in Chancellor Park, Kyle Abbott (Michael Mealor) nonetheless made introductions between Diane and Harrison. Later, Summer made clear to Kyle her intention to back him in whatever decision he makes in regard to his mother.

Michael Baldwin (Christian Le Blanc) and Lauren Fenmore Baldwin (Tracey Bregman) put Ashland Locke (Robert Newman) on blast; he beats a hasty retreat… Ashland and Diane made each other’s acquaintance.

Esther Valentine (Kate Linder) met with her dating app match. Chloe Mitchell Fisher’s (Elizabeth Hendrickson) hovering nearly spoiled the date… Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) balked at Michael’s plan to tie Ashland up with legal proceedings and instead insisted they use Harrison, Ashland’s Achilles heel.

Young and Restless Recaps: Tuesday, May 24

Adam Newman (Mark Grossman) and Sally Spectra (Courtney Hope) set about putting their plan to reunite Ashland and Victoria Newman (Amelia Heinle) – and hopefully undercut Victor’s confidence in Victoria – in motion. The pair’s first order of business – engineer a crisis that will turn Victor’s head.

Nicholas Newman (Joshua Morrow) and Noah Newman (Rory Gibson) worked overtime to keep a smile on Sharon Rosales’s (Sharon Case) face. Nick promised to be a rock for Sharon in the lonely months ahead… Billy Abbott (Jason Thompson) continued to feel like an odd man out in the lead up to the official debut of Chancellor/Winters. He commits these feelings to his podcast.

Nate Hastings (Sean Dominic) is on hand to quell Imani Benedict (Leigh-Ann Rose) and Amanda Sinclair’s (Mishael Morgan) fears about their mother’s health. Elena Dawson (Brytni Sarpy) bristles at the sight of Nate comforting Imani. Elena joins Imani and Amanda and is pushed by the former into recalling her affair with Nate while involved with Devon Hamilton (Bryton James).

Y&R Recaps: Wednesday, May 25

Traci Abbott (Beth Maitland) offered a defensive Diane some wise counsel… Off a contentious confab with Ashland, Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott) stalked into Crimson Lights and caught sight of Diane. The women exchanged snarky barbs and slaps. Victoria rode to her mother’s rescue and registered her shock over Diane’s presence.

Ashland rebuffed Ashland’s attempt to apologize… Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford) and Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman) confessed their renewed involvement with one another to Summer and Kyle respectively. Both Summer and Kyle wondered if the hookup had anything to do with Diane’s return.

The Young and the Restless Recaps: Thursday, May 26

Much to Phyllis’s chagrin, Kyle puts paid to Diane’s plan to return to Los Angeles. Furthermore, he insists on putting his mother up at the Athletic Club… Lily Winters (Christel Khalil)) registers her disappointment that Billy would rather grouse to his captive audience than confide in her.

Chance Chancellor (Conner Floyd) is put out by Abby Carlton Newman Abbott Chancellor (Melissa Ordway) and Devon’s bond. He, Abby, and Dominic spend some quality time together, but it’s clear that Chance is still struggling with the fact that he’s not the babe’s biological father.

Y&R Recaps: Friday, May 27

Summer calls Phyllis’s motives into question. Despite the offense, Phyllis is heartened to hear that Summer and Kyle will be staying in Genoa City… Jack is dubious over Kyle’s suggestion that Jabot purchase Marchetti… A manic Chelsea Lawson (Melissa Claire Egan) gives Adam and Chloe pause… Jack warns Kyle to be wary of Diane whom he doesn’t believe has reformed.

Days of our Lives Recaps: Corporate Games, Cat-Fighting, And Longing

 

The Days of our Lives recaps for May 23 – May 27, 2022, feature romantic interludes, requited but denied love, baby mama drama, a so much more.

Days of our Lives Recaps: Monday, May 23

Kristen DiMera’s (Stacy Haiduk) vote puts paid to EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerrigel) and Chad DiMera’s (Billy Flynn) efforts to oust Gabi Hernandez DiMera (Camila Banus) as CEO of DiMera Enterprises. Later, Kristen gauges Jake DiMera’s (Brandon Barash) interest in teaming up with her to take the top spot for themselves.

Chanel Dupree DiMera (Raven Bowens) balks at Johnny DiMera’s (Carson Boatman) suggestion that they remarry, but she is interested in seeing whether their romance can be salvaged… Tripp Johnson (Lucas Adams) makes it clear to Allie Horton (Lindsay Arnold) that he’s not interested in getting back together with her; not when she’s unsure whether she wants him or Chanel.

Belle Black Brady (Martha Madison) sees red when Jan Spears (Heather Lindell) works overtime to push her buttons… Gabi and Li Shin (Remington Hoffman) head out for a night on the town.

DAYS Recaps: Tuesday, May 24

Leo Stark (Greg Rikaart) and Nancy Wesley (Patrika Darbo) exchange pointed barbs. He dewigs her… A grief-stricken Sarah Horton (Linsey Godfrey) refuses Xander Cook’s (Paul Telfer) pleas for a face-to-face… Sonny Kiriakis (Zach Tinker) consumed spiked cookies baked by Leo.

Clyde Weston (James Read) is put out that Ben Weston (Robert Scott Wilson) and Ciara Brady Weston (Victoria Konefal) named their baby after Bo (Peter Reckell), but he nonetheless reiterates his plan to be the model grandpa.

EJ confided in Belle about the role Clyde played in his long-ago shooting, and of Clyde’s continued involvement with the criminal class… Rafe Hernandez (Galen Gering) presents Nicole Walker (Arianne Zucker) with a replacement Duke and an engagement ring!

DOOL Recaps: Wednesday, May 25

Gabi and Shin take their celebration back to the latter’s hotel room. They make love; opposite this, Jake and Ava do the same… Nicole happily accepted Rafe’s proposal… Eric (Greg Vaughan) receives a phone call alerting him to the fact that he’s been defrocked. The news nearly causes him to fall off the wagon, but he rallies.

Days of our Lives Recaps: Thursday, May 26

Eli Grant (Lamon Archey) works overtime to convince Abe Carver (James Reynolds) that he’s misremembering what transpired inside Paulina Price’s (Jackée Harry) apartment… Lani Grant (Sal Stowers) is haunted by her conscience.

Justin Kiriakis (Wally Kurth) tells Paulina that he doesn’t believe her story. Abe pours out his heart to Paulina… Eric encourages Sarah to forgive Xander… Nicole fills Eric in on her engagement; he tells her that he’s sticking around for the foreseeable future.

DOOL Recaps: Friday, May 27

Jake and Gabi fantasize about waking up to one another; they are disappointed upon coming around to Ava and Li respectively. Li tells Gabi that he wants to stay in Salem and see if their romance has legs… Sonny begins to piece together the events of the evening previous. Will Horton (Chandler Massey) greets him with the latest edition of The Invader. The top story – Leo and Sonny’s late-night romp!

EJ offers to carve out space at the DiMera manse for Belle and her home office. Belle is chagrined to find Jan and Shawn embracing. Words are exchanged and a physical altercation nearly breaks out between Shawn and EJ.

General Hospital Recaps: Sleuthing, Flirting, And Courtroom Drama

 

The General Hospital recaps for May 23 – May 27, 2022, feature a contentious courtroom free for all, several families in crisis, a marriage on the rocks, and much more.

General Hospital Recaps: Monday, May 23

Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) admitted to Dante Falconeri (Dominic Zamprogna) that he’s offered to act as a character witness for Nina Reeves (Cynthia Watros) in her visitation suit. Dante’s attempts to dissuade Sonny were all for naught… Carly Corinthos (Laura Wright) received a notification that the results from the DNA test she ordered were in.

TJ Ashford (Tajh Bellow) shows Curtis Ashford (Donnell Turner) the bottle of pills he found amongst Marshall’s (Robert Gossett) belongings – they’re anti-psychotics. Curtis takes to his father’s side and begs him to come round; Marshall does exactly that… Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst) determines that she’s a threat to her loved ones and must extricate herself from their lives.

Drew Cain (Cameron Mathison) and Ned Quartermaine (Wally Kurth) remain at odds over the impending ELQ/Aurora Media merger and the job that Ned is expected to subsequently land… Brook Lynn Quartermaine (Amanda Setton) bemoans her inability to regain the rights to the songs she wrote under Linc’s (Dan Buran) auspice. She recruits Harrison Chase (Josh Swickard) for a special mission.

GH Recaps: Tuesday, May 24

Despite objections from Hamilton Finn (Michael Easton) and Cameron Webber (William Lipton), Elizabeth resolves to check herself into Shadybrook… Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn) and Gregory Chase (Gregory Harrison) spar over the direction she’s taken The Invader. Violet Finn (Jophielle Love), ever the diplomat, shames the two into calling a truce. Sparks between Alexis and Gregory are evident.

Chase categorically refused to involve himself in one of Brook Lynn’s schemes. Instead, he encouraged her to merely continue penning lyrics… Nina’s petition is put to the court. Nina is the first to take the stand; she’s followed by Sonny… Curtis made clear his intention to make things right with Marshall. Curtis and TJ deduce that Stella Henry (Vernee Watson) knew about Marshall’s struggle with mental illness.

General Hospital Recaps: Wednesday, May 25

General Hospital was preempted for an ABC Special Newsbreak

GH Recaps: Thursday, May 26

Sonny admits during questioning that he’d abandoned his quest to learn about his past long before Nina arrived in Nixon Falls. Furthermore, he believes that she should have a right to see Wiley. Diane Miller (Carolyn Hennesy) forces Sonny to recall the circumstances surrounding Avery’s birth. Scott Baldwin (Kin Shriner) calls Michael Corinthos (Chad Duell) to testify and questions him about Claudia Zacchara.

Amy Driscoll (Risa Dorken) snags Chet Driscoll (Chris Van Etten) an interview for his dream job. She’s delighted to hear that her brother aced the interview and plans to take the job but put out to hear how disappointed he’ll be to say goodbye to Terry Randolph (Cassandra James).

Esme Prince (Avery Kristen Pohl) is chagrined to learn that she and Spencer Cassadine (Nicholas Alexander Chavez) must leave Wyndemere in order for Spencer to receive the $10,000 a week allowance on offer from Ava Jerome Cassadine (Maura West). She tattles to Nikolas Cassadine (Marcus Coloma). Nikolas sets off to find his wife, who’s making merry with Victor Cassadine (Charles Shaughnessy).

General Hospital Recaps: Friday, May 27

Scott forces Michael to relive his murder of Claudia and rightfully pointed out the Corinthos family’s propensity for keeping children from their biological parents. With testimony concluded, the judge sets off to deliberate. Carly catches sight of Sonny comforting Nina and silently seethes.

Nikolas and Ava spar over her interference. She points out Nikolas’s failure to put her or their marriage first. Nikolas stalks back to the castle; Esme senses an opportunity for seduction… Spencer bristled at seeing Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali) with Officer Rory Cabrera (Michael Blake Kruse) enjoying each other’s company.