Table of contents for January 27, 2020 in ABC Soaps In Depth

The In Depth Story: From the beginning, Peter has been an incredibly complicated character. Not surprisingly, he’s also elicited a wide array of reactions from viewers. Some believe he can change, especially with the help of the women in his life. Others think he should be dumped by Maxie and arrested by Anna! (To read more on just how divisive the character is, turn to the Love It/Hate It section, page 42!) “Peter has done ugly things in the name of protecting his beautiful life.” Equally torn when it comes to Peter is Anna, who may or may not turn out to be his mother. Although she spent several months trying to figure out whether she or twin sister Alex actually gave birth to Faison’s son, that search didn’t prove…

Robin’s Portrayer Is Flying High As A Director STATUS There’s a very good reason why it’s been over a year since GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Robin has paid a visit to Port Charles, and it has very little to do with the character’s career as a doctor, and more to do with the actress’ new direction. The In Depth Story: Although Kimberly McCullough is a beloved and much-missed member of the GH family, she’s been focusing on her directing career ever since leaving the soap as a fulltime cast member back in 2011. Up next for her is the Wednesday, January 22, installment of the Fox series ALMOST FAMILY (airing at 9 p.m. EST), which had her working with one of her own longtime fans, Victoria Cartagena, who plays Latinx lesbian lawyer…

Think you’ve seen it all? Think again, because according to GENERAL HOSPITAL co-headwriter Chris Van Etten, “Port Charles is going to be tested by a threat that it hasn’t faced in a long time. Laura has to step into a leadership role to navigate the city out of it!” With that tidbit, we’re off and running as the scribe and his co-headwriter, Dan O’Connor, offer this exclusive preview into what’s ahead for all your favorites! A New Challenge For Franco & Elizabeth! While 2019 was decidedly rough on Franco and his beloved wife, the new year has gotten off to a pretty fantastic start. After all, they’re at least together! But can they remain on stable ground? “Franco and Liz begin 2020 rebuilding their romance, which is very well-founded,” says…

Pins And Needles ▪ GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Kin Shriner (Scott) is finally recovered from the surgery he had on his foot last June. “I’m zipping all over the mall,” reports the actor, whose knee scooter was written into the show while he was on the mend. “That scooter was almost going in the pool when I got a call from Laura Wright (Carly) — because she needed it” when she broke her foot in September. Thankfully, Shriner’s foot is now fine. “The pains, those are gone,” he shares. “They say it takes about six months before you forget about it.” The actor reveals that the procedure went so well, even his surgeon was thrilled. “Every time he takes an X-ray, he then likes to take a selfie with my foot, because…

If King could wave a magic wand, she would make sure that her alter ego spent more time with Traci so that she, in turn, could spend more time with Beth Maitland. “Anytime I get to be in Abbott scenes where I’m at the Abbott family house and she’s there, I just love it!” declares the ingenue. “She’s not only a great actress, she is genuinely good people, too! She loves to run lines ahead of time because she is so professional. There are times we’ll be running lines, and then we get off-topic and start talking about our lives! But she is just so sweet. I adore her!”…

If you only remember Chris McKenna as ONE LIFE TO LIVE’s baby-faced Joey, then brace yourself: His role in Passionflix’s The Will might prove shocking! Based on the steamy romance novel by Kristen Ashley, the movie (which premieres just in time for Valentine’s Day) is about what happens when an elderly woman passes away and “bequeaths” granddaughter Josie to McKenna’s Jake, a retired boxer she doesn’t even know! “He owns a strip club and boxing gym,” McKenna shares. “He’s a local celebrity but also famous for his womanizing, so Josie doesn’t trust him.” Getting Ripped To prepare for the role, which required him to be in the ring, McKenna put in the work. “We had some great advisers on set at [former professional boxer] Jim McNally’s gym,” he says. “He…

No, this isn’t a picture from WAGON TRAIN! In 1988, ONE LIFE TO LIVE’s Clint Buchanan (the late Clint Ritchie) was recovering from a gunshot wound to the head when he found himself transported back in time by 100 years. In the past, it was up to Viki (Erika Slezak) to keep him from tying the knot with her ancestor, Ginny Fletcher. More than 30 years ago, it appeared that Steve Burton was already gearing up to play GENERAL HOSPITAL’s buff biker, Jason Morgan. The then-up-and-comer—starring at the time on OUT OF THIS WORLD with Burt Reynolds as an extraterrestrial — threw a stone-cold gaze at an event promoting the Teen Stars And Their Dream Machines Calendar. In ’88, GH’s Sonny Corinthos wasn’t yet even a dimpled gleam in a…

FYI The Doctor’s Wife: “I’ve been with him for 39 years,” Evans says of her husband, plastic surgeon Michael Schwartz. Full House: The actress’ second and third grand-kids are due by March. Hammer Time: Crafty Evans has been doing some home renovation. Suddenly Silence: “I took a pause [from writing for plankblog.com],” the DAYS star says. “When I feel like I have more to say, I’ll come back.” Fans struggled to accept the pairing of DAYS OF OUR LIVES’ Kayla with anyone other than Steven “Patch” Johnson, but her portrayer, Mary Beth Evans, happily gave the story twist a fair shot. Why? Because it meant another opportunity to work opposite Wally Kurth (Justin). The duo had been paired on GENERAL HOSPITAL when she’d played grifter Katherine Bell, who blackmailed his…

Q: Which of your co-stars has the most phenomenal Instagram posts? Ashton Arbab (Dev, GH) “Oh, Eden McCoy (Josslyn). She probably takes most of my photos and tells me what to post and what to caption them. She actually takes film photos on a disposable camera and gets them developed. She has vintage everything, and it just looks so nice on her feed. I really look up to her.” Kin Shriner (Scott, GH) “Maurice Benard (Sonny) keeps it pretty lively. He has some pretty funny ones. He incorporates his goats and his animals. Maurice has an incredible sense of humor. Even when it’s serious, there’s a lightness to him that makes it okay. He’s not beating you over the head with anything.” Annika Noelle (Hope, B&B) “I have to say…

THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL Thomas began to grow suspicious when he walked in on Steffy and Zoe talking. After fielding threats from Thomas, Liam felt spurred on to propose to Hope, attaching one major, Thomas-related stipulation to the offer. Thomas and Douglas arrived just as Liam was popping the question, and the designer became outraged when he learned of his rival’s parameters. Hope begged Liam not to attach such a severe condition to their prospect of a future together, as Liam begged her to realize that Thomas was still as obsessed as ever. Liam went to Steffy’s and spelled out all the painful details of his proposal, but she pushed back, saying she wasn’t interested in hearing about how much he loved Hope. After eavesdropping on a conversation between…

ARTIST APPRECIATION! GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Sydney Mikayla (Trina) sings the praises of a certain co-star. SPIRIT-ED! Carolyn Henessy (GH’s Diane) tells all about her line of spiritual oils. SURF’S UP! GH’s Ingo Rademacher (Jax) reveals why life was such a beach for him last summer. Don’t Miss The Next Issue Of ABC SOAPS IN DEPTH On Sale… January 27 February 10 February 24 March 9 March 23 April 6 April 20 May 4 May 18 June 1 June 15 June 29 July 13 July 27…

The In Depth Story: When Dev landed in Port Charles last summer after escaping from Turkey, Sonny claimed that he was family and had Brick create faux paperwork for “Devin Corbin.” Despite that whopper of a lie, the teen may still be eligible for legal immigration status if caught… while Sonny could end up in the clink! “He could definitely be subject to criminal prosecution for fraud and things of that nature for creating and helping Dev obtain false documents,” attorney Mary Armistead warns. But of course, that’s only if the paper trail leads to Sonny! And considering the Teflon don’s past and Brick’s connections, that seems unlikely. As for Josslyn, Trina and Cameron — who were clued in to the truth and kept Dev’s secret — the teens would…

GH Sonny’s Right On The Edge! Truth be told, Jason is probably not the most trusting person on the planet. He’s the kind of guy who is always watching out for those around him, ready to deal with any trouble that might come their way. But what’s got him feeling suspicious on Monday, January 13? Meanwhile, Sonny decides he wants to take a road trip on Wednesday, January 15. (Anybody else want to bet it’s not to visit the local farmer’s market or take in the sights of a nearby town?) Gladys proves to be solidly in Sonny’s corner on Thursday, January 16. So what’s making him so nervous on Friday, January 17? GH Tracy Plays The Blame Game! The Quartermaines may like to bicker with one another, but…

Clyde gets it into his head that breaking out of prison is a good idea. Can he convince Ben to go along on Monday, Januar y 13? Abigail is surprised to find Kristen hanging out with someone unexpected on Tuesday, January 14. Gina and Stefano decide they should work together in order to achieve their goals on Wednesday, January 15. John is convinced to leave town on Thursday, January 16. And on Friday, Januar y 17, Xander asks Ciara what she plans to do with his secret!…

1 The visit. We loved Tracy’s return almost as much as she hated the mansion’s new décor! 2 Ava’s auction. From the guests exchanging heated barbs to the portrait going up in flames, it was a blast. 3 The comeback. “I’m not a generation,” snapped Trina when Curtis tried to lump her in with her cell-phone-obsessed peers. “I’m me.” 4 Lucy’s assessment. She dubbed Michael a “baby-faced shark” after he helped Sasha negotiate her Deception deal. 5 Violet’s demand. “She needs to come home now!” the tot insisted of mom Hayden… and we had to agree! … And 1 Thing We Could Do Without… The blind spot. How in the world did Willow not recognize Nelle?…

GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Sonny Corinthos may have a heart of gold, but he’s still a don with a business to run and a family to protect. Here’s a look at just a few of the crimes that Port Charles’ most beloved “coffee importer” has committed. 1 Before we met Sonny, he’d called the hit that ended the life of Dante Falconeri’s mentor, Lt. Poletti — a crime which would years later lead the mobster to shoot his own son! 2 When Joe Scully showed up to cause trouble in Port Charles, Sonny took out his own mentor in order to save Mike Corbin, the father who’d abandoned him. 3 Sonny wanted romantic rival Jagger Cates taken out for giving him a beating but decided to call off the hit when he realized he…

FYI Birthday: December 24. Hometown: Boston, MA. Mmm, Mmm Good: Noelle’s go-to comfort food is “tomato soup and grilled cheese, because it’s easy to make and feels like home,” she says. “I also love mac and cheese and matzo-ball soup!” Traffic Jams: “The only thing that de-stresses me in L.A. traffic is ‘yacht rock,’” the actress says of her preference for easy-listening standards. “I used to listen to classical music, but then ‘Flight Of The Bumblebee’ would come on, and that is not very conducive to peaceful driving! The past year was an exciting one for THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL’s Annika Noelle, but it was also an emotionally taxing one. Hope’s travails pushed her portrayer to new acting levels, but it wasn’t always easy for her to shake off…

THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS’ co-executive producer/headwriter, Josh Griffith, gives us the lowdown on the shake-ups that are about to rock Genoa City to its core! Playing With Fire As Billy continues to struggle with his inner demons, his growing friendship with Amanda may threaten his home life with Victoria. “Billy and Amanda will find themselves in a dangerous situation that will lead them to question the true nature of their relationship,” warns Griffith. Nikki’s Got A Secret! Newman patriarch Victor “will begin the new year preparing to celebrate a huge milestone for [his] legacy.” But he isn’t the only one who will be busy. “Nikki will embark on a secret project that will surprise her family!” And now that Nick and Chelsea have split, “Adam has made his feelings…

There are tense times around the corner for your Salem favorites! Determined to split up John and Marlena, Stefano and Gina hatch a new plot to do exactly that! Meanwhile, Rafe turns to Shawn for help in figuring out why Hope has been acting so strangely. • When Will pushes for a divorce, Sonny moves on with hunky manny Evan! • Chad and Abigail start asking questions about Stefano. • Eric and Sarah get more bad news about their daughter.…

A grief-stricken Hope confides in her mother about what she witnessed between Steffy and Liam on Monday, January 13. While getting real about their encounter, Steffy attempts to explain to Liam that her brother pulled a few strings to get his way. Seeing Sally’s designs on Tuesday, January 14, Ridge and Steffy start to panic, and the designer worries she’ll be fired! Quinn eaves-drops on a private conversation between Eric and Brooke on Wednesday, January 15. Angered by what she hears, Quinn tells Shauna that Brooke is out to destroy them on Thursday, January 16. And on Friday, January 17, Brooke warns Eric to rein in his wife!…

By getting herself stabbed, GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Nelle won herself a ticket out of Pentonville. And, to put it mildly, Chloe Lanier made the most of her character’s opportunity to mess with all those who crossed her path! A “Cut” Above Finding herself cuffed to a bed at GH, Nelle acted like a total brat — especially after Jordan announced that she was headed back to prison. Having believed she’d bled her way to freedom, the inmate didn’t hide her exasperation, allowing her portrayer to play the inmate’s sense of entitlement to the hilt. With her self-serving lawyer, Nelle’s eye rolls and bored cracks were just one side of an entertaining tennis match. The tough-talker kept her on her toes, which kept us chuckling. And while Nelle didn’t handle herself well…

FYI Birthday: October 20. Common Ground: The actress didn’t realize it, but her fiancé actually grew up in the same town as she did — Simi Valley. Higher Education: King continues to take college courses on-line as she works toward getting a degree in film and media. “I’d like to be a producer and write shows,” she shares. “It would be a lot of fun doing things like that!” Heavy Lifting: When it comes to fitness, the beauty prefers lifting weights. “I try to do cardio, but I find it boring unless I’m watching FRIENDS. I usually go to the gym and lift weights, pretending to be stronger than I am!” THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS’ Hunter King (Summer) has been walking on Cloud 9 since she and her beau,…

Scientists have proven that the vibrations from a cat’s purr have positive healing effects on the human body, aiding in everything from blood pressure to bone strength. Noelle doesn’t doubt that her own cat, Henry (aka Burrito Man), is always just what the doctor ordered. There have been occasions when the actress has been particularly upset or physically hurting when Henry has rested on her chest for hours to make sure she’s okay. “It’s like he just knows,” she marvels. “I totally believe in the concept of therapy animals, so I love to take that moment to just cuddle with Henry whenever I can.”…

David Fumero has been featured in the pages of Soaps In Depth many times over the years, dating back to when he first landed the role of Cristian on ONE LIFE TO LIVE. And often, the actor was photographed by Jim Warren. In order to keep that tradition alive, the two recently met for a special Studio In Depth session. Enjoy!…