Soap Hub Performer of the Week for GH: Maura West

 

Does mere mortal Esme Prince really know what she’s doing crossing goddess Ava Jerome Cassadine on General Hospital? Given recent performances by Maura West, who plays Ava, we think not. Soap Hub is bestowing Performer of the Week for GH honors upon West for her portrayal of the protectively fierce and always fabulous Ava!

Maura West – Performer of the Week

Ava has done horrible things that are unforgivable (RIP, Connie Falconeri!) However, Maura West knows how to humanize her art gallery owner’s alter-ego in numerous ways. Chief among them is her fondness for Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali), currently facing charges for recording and distributing a sex video featuring her pals Cameron Webber (William Lipton) and Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy). The district attorney’s office isn’t convinced of Trina’s innocence — but, fortunately for her, Ava is.

Tragically, Ava was on the outs with her daughter Kiki Jerome (Hayley Erin) when she was murdered by Ryan Chamberlin (Jon Lindstrom). Ava has viewed being a surrogate mom/supportive ear to Trina as a way to make up for that. Maura West brings softness to Ava as she slips into her role as Trina’s friend. Trina confided in Ava that she’s about to be expelled from Port Charles University over the sex tape. Ava encouraged Trina, telling her that PCU decision-makers will soon come to realize that Trina is as terrific as her friends and family know her to be. Ava knows she can’t make things right with Kiki, but she can move forward and help Trina.

Next, Ava snarked at Spencer Cassadine (Nicholas Alexander Chavez), asking her stepson why he can’t leave Trina in peace. But she saved her full wrath for someone who truly deserves it — Esme Prince (Avery Kristen Pohl). Returning to Wyndemere, Ava came upon Esme playing damsel-in-distress to Nikolas Cassadine (Marcus Coloma), interrupting the young villainess with a “Well, well, well…” Doesn’t Maura West give great act breaks! We couldn’t wait for the next scene to commence!

Ava shared with Esme the news that Mayor Laura Webber Collins (Genie Francis) has said that it’s safe for Esme to go about her way in Port Charles (without, presumably, fear of being kidnapped by Sonny Corinthos, played by Maurice Benard, again). Then, Esme lamented in that sad/pouty voice, which may work really with men, she had nowhere welcoming to go. But her trick didn’t work with Ava.

“Oh, no. Oh, poor Esme,” Ava said in a monotone voice, letting the words speak to how she felt. “Truly. If only you hadn’t left a swath of destruction and broken lives in your wake.”

Nikolas made an effort to defend Esme. That effort was in vain. “Perhaps you’re right, darling,” Ava offered. “Perhaps, it would help Esme to know that Spencer Cassadine just failed at his latest attempt to convince Portia Robinson [Brooke Kerr] that he’s not the worst thing to ever happen to her daughter.”

Many soap opera antagonists play their cards close to their vests. However, Ava’s not afraid to let Esme know that she has her number. That should put Esme more on guard but it hasn’t — at least not yet. Esme erred by bringing up Sonny having primary custody of little Avery and the death of poor dead Kiki, hoping, we can only guess, to gain some sense of power over their mother. This prompted Ava to literally get in Esme’s face.

“This is your one and only warning,” Ava threatened Esme. “You keep my daughters’ names out of your mouth or I will make you sorry you ever drew breath.” Esme had the good sense to exit at this point but Nikolas still defended her, claiming he was trying to do what was best for everyone. “You’re not married to all of us, Nikolas. You’re married to me,” Ava stoically noted, adding cryptically, “At least for the moment.”

Realizing she’s not swaying her husband, Ava strategically bolted back to Kelly’s to enlist Spencer’s help. She tempted him by offering to open up the purse strings to his trust fund — all he has to do is get Esme out of Wyndemere. Maura West continues to play Ava as a strong, resourceful woman, who will do whatever it takes to protect her loved ones. She makes us almost feel sorry for Esme. Almost.