Table of contents for September 9, 2019 in ABC Soaps In Depth

We might think of Jason as having the answer to a lot of things, but on Tuesday, August 27, he finds himself having to plead ignorance. That same day, Scotty is worried about his memory-addled son, and Elizabeth finds herself being blown off! (For more on Elizabeth and Franco’s situation, turn to the Cover Story, page 24!) On Wednesday, August 28, Jason has to have a difficult conversation with a loved one. And on Friday, August 30, Sam gets together with Kristina. What hot topic might the sisters have to discuss?…

They say one should be wary of things that seem too good to be true. If that’s the case, GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Carly and Sonny should definitely be on guard, because it seems as if everything’s coming up roses. Which can only mean there’s trouble ahead! The Best Of Times Despite the fact that their unborn child will face huge challenges from the get-go, Sonny and Carly are as prepared as they can be for what’s to come. In fact, as if to say to the universe that they will face life as a united front, they plan to renew their vows. But if there’s one thing fans know, it’s that life in Port Charles is unpredictable… which is exactly how it should be, according to Carly’s portrayer, Laura Wright. “If…

In the past, the beauty of Sam and Jason’s relationship was that you never knew who was going to save whom. In fact, it was only after she dove to his rescue that they finally reunited. Since then, however, the balance seems to have shifted. Sam’s twice taken the initiative with a plan… only to need Jason to swoop in and save her. As she struggled to survive in that freezer, we questioned why the scribes seemed to have stripped Sam of both her killer instincts… and those of the motherly variety. When she still believed Drew to be Jason, Sam hung up her leather jacket and took a desk job because she was determined to give her children a safer life. While we absolutely adore Sam the heroine,…

… or did you just want to give GH’s T.J. the biggest hug for the career push he gave Molly? In an age where student loans are a hot topic, he told the published author he’s building his life with to embrace her passion for writing instead of blindly chasing a lucrative career by going to law school, as expected. It was a sweet message… and one that will hopefully bring this couple back into the thick of things. We’ve missed them! Plus, with the Cassadine heiress now investigating her family, it’s anybody’s guess what she might uncover. Fingers crossed Molly’s Invader internship leads her to some answers about Alexis’ mysterious watch. And who knows? It could even tie her into this dangerous business involving Cassandra!…

When Sharon Case first beguiled THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS’ fans as the whole-some Sharon Collins in 1994, women across the country were wearing baby-doll dresses or oversized clothing, swooning over Cindy Crawford and Richard Gere’s fairy-tale romance and sighing as they thumbed through the pages of The Bridges Of Madison County. “It’s really hard to believe how much time has passed,” says the blonde stunner, who will officially celebrate her silver anniversary on the sudser next month. “I had hoped that the character of Sharon would stick around, but you never know what to expect out of life! Especially at that age, you don’t know what you’re doing or where things will be heading. Having hindsight on your life is always amazing. I cannot believe everything has gone so…

You know that old college pal that you haven’t seen for years, but when you do, it’s like no time has passed at all? For GH’s Jacklyn Zeman (Bobbie), that’s what former TV hubby Brad Maule (ex-Tony) is like. Reunited for a special gathering of some of the soap’s most devoted fans, the duo still finished each other’s sentences, enjoyed fond memories of shared scenes and set-side tomfoolery, and laughed… a lot! But it was the confession of the GH alum who now works as a professor that made everyone say, “Awww.” When he first joined the cast, he admitted, “I was so intimidated by her. She was the most beautiful girl I’d ever seen.”…

Prairie Vibes Sarah Michelle Gellar (Kendall, ALL MY CHILDREN) rocks this ruffly, high-neck style by pairing it with denim for a laid-back look. Street Style Both of these outfits prove that GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Ashton Arbab (Dev) has a closet that’s cooler than most! Tie One On! We like big bows and we cannot lie! So do these current and former beauties from ABC Daytime!…

MUTTER TIME! GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Kathleen Gati takes a deep dive into Obrecht’s mind. MO, MO, MO! Yep, we’ve got mo’ coverage of the GH Fan Club Weekend, including all the dish from the event thrown by the legendary Maurice Benard (Sonny). POP MUSING! Ingo Rademacher (Jax) sings the praises of his on-screen daughter, Eden McCoy (Josslyn). Don’t Miss The Next Issue ABC SOAPS IN DEPTH Of On Sale… September 9 September 23 October 7 October 21 November 4 November 18 December 2 December 16 December 30 January 13 January 27 February 10 February 24 March 9…

From the moment GH’s Michael and Sasha first hooked up, fans worried about the young woman’s future. After all, it’s safe to say that Michael’s girlfriends tend to meet untimely ends. Some viewers are still bitter about the 2011 demise of Abby, who perished following a crane incident. Years later, his attempt to find happiness with Sabrina ultimately resulted in her being offed by a serial killer! And although his latest love, Nelle, didn’t die, it’s safe to say that her actions killed any chance they had at happiness! With Sasha, however, it seemed that the two biggest obstacles might be her reluctance to commit to a serious relationship and the Nina-is-my-mom lie she was telling him and everyone else in town. “Sasha had a natural reluctance to moving forward…

The In Depth Story: Previously on the OWN drama, Calvin and Nova ended their long-secret affair after the white cop’s acquaintance spit on the black community activist when they finally took their relationship public. Now, Calvin and Nova have decided to give their relationship a second chance — but it won’t be easy. Vaughan — currently DAYS OF OUR LIVES’ Eric and once GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Lucky — previews that in the Wednesday, August 28, episode, the couple will try to “discover and explore a place that’s emotionally and physically healthy.” A lot has changed in the two seasons that the lovers spent apart. Most recently, Nova’s written a soul-baring book in which she’s described him as the love of her life. “Knowing that what she said was meant for him…

Chase winds up having to interrupt a family get-together on Monday, August 26. When someone is in need of a helping hand on Wednesday, August 28, Dustin happens to be available! (Anyone else sort of suspect Lulu is the person to whom he offers assistance?) Valentin has a lot of money, and he’s willing to throw it at Curtis in exchange for his help with a private matter on Thursday, August 29. That same day, Jax manages to make a graceful exit. And on Friday, August 30, Kim spends a little time in Oscar’s Meadow. But what is it that draws her to the very special space?…

1 Alexis’ reaction. “How many times can one person get dumped by her therapist?” she asked after both Neil and Kevin did exactly that! 2 The advice. “If you could take all that hate you’re feeling right now and focus on doing the right thing,” Drew told Cameron, “you’ll get things done.” 3 Helena’s return. We’ll take her any way we can get her, including in flashback form! 4 The reminder. Having Robert call Peter Henrik at every turn makes sure the audience remembers Maxie’s beau wasn’t always the guy he’s become. 5 The Nikolas mentions. Dare we hope that he might soon rise from the dead… again? … And 1 Thing We Could Do Without… Mike’s wedding. What kind of facility allowed a married patient to “wed” another patient… in the lobby, no less?…

We’ve long believed that at the heart of every story on a soap-opera canvas should be a couple. Maybe they’re falling in love, maybe they’re falling out of it… or perhaps they’re somewhere in the middle. Right now, GH is absolutely nailing it. The scribes have done a fantastic job of creating new couples like Willow and Chase, and Michael and Sasha. We’ve been allowed to fall for them as they fell for each other. Which means that now, as each pairing is tested by the slings and arrows of cruel fate, we’re invested in them and, by extension, their stories. Too often, soaps tell us that people are in love rather than show us. But with these pairings, we’ve been there every step of the way…

General Hospital In Depth asked… Would you like to see Nikolas return from the dead? Reader Reaction: 96% DEFINITELY! 4% NO THANKS We can’t say we’re at all surprised about this outcome. Take note, GH, the fans want Nikolas back in Port Charles, where he belongs! This issue’s question… Who would you rather see Finn with: Hayden or Anna? TOP 5 GH COUPLES 1 Liz & Franco Baldwin 2 Laura & Kevin Collins 3 Maxie Jones & Peter August 4 Carly & Sonny Corinthos 5 Sam McCall & Jason Morgan TOP 5 ACTORS (as voted by Soaps In Depth readers) 1 Last Issue: 1 Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH) 2 Last Issue: 3 Roger Howarth (Franco, GH) 3 Last Issue: 2 Jon Lindstrom (Kevin/Ryan, GH) 4 Last Issue: 5 William deVry…

After Dante’s divorce papers left Lulu day-drinking, she learned her husband’s deprogramming had been put on hold… indefinitely! Fighting to maintain her composure, the determined mom told Robert she’d get through this — and thanks to Willow, she finally seemed to find the strength to do just that. At first, it was Chase’s girlfriend who got an earful when she made an offhand comment about the downside of dating a cop. A blustering Lulu described Dante’s heroic drive as“a weird mixture of bravery and righteousness and sheer male stupidity” and warned that“every damn time” men like that leave, you fear they won’t come back. But when Willow asked if Lulu regretted marrying Dante, she confessed that she’d do it all over again. Her frustration dissipating, she even waxed romantic about…

Lang’s ability to cry on cue is the stuff of legend on the B&B set, and having watched co-star Annika Noelle (Hope) get put through the weepy wringer this year with her story, the actress has a special appreciation for what that requires. “I am so impressed,” says Lang. “She really proved herself in those scenes when she was giving birth, and the aftermath has just been… oh my gosh, it’s a whole other level!” Lang says her affection for Noelle is genuine, both on screen and off, and she’s thrilled to see her talent shine through. “She’s just blowing it out of the park,” says the actress. “To be able to work with her is so much fun.”…

Following the memory transfer, Franco woke up believing himself Drew and, naturally, the truth sounded insane to him. Franco couldn’t believe he wasn’t Drew or that seven years had passed, and seemed startled to hear he was in Port Charles. Though Elizabeth believed she’d get her husband back, this new hybrid — whom we’ll call Frew — definitely wasn’t on board. While Curtis searched for Andre in hopes the doc could save Franco, Hayden moved in with her sister. KIM’S TORN With Julian and Kim preparing to skip town, Ava was crushed, and Olivia considered buying Charlie’s. But psychic Chelsea didn’t think Julian would actually go anywhere. Kim, meanwhile, went to give her notice at GH and ran into Frew… who kissed her! After pushing him away, Kim was floored…

The In Depth Story: Kristen had only just succeeded in getting back in Brady’s arms — albeit as “Nicole” — when her true identity was revealed at John and Marlena’s anniversary party. Now, she’s got some serious explaining to do! We suspect Brady won’t react very well upon learning that he was the impetus for Kristen’s nefarious plot. And as talk turns to where the real Nicole is located, you can bet there will be a contentious conversation between Kristen and Eric! Meanwhile, Kristen’s husband, Tony, will have to reveal to true love Anna the awful truth about what he did to save DiMera Enterprises. Following his arrest, Anna suggests a clever way to negotiate for his freedom… but it means throwing Gabi and Stefan under the bus! By week’s…

As a hospitalized Sasha continues to fight for her life, Finn is stunned by what the latest series of test results reveal on Monday, August 26. At the same time, the ailing young woman’s supposed mom, Nina, receives an unexpected text. Sasha’s beau, Michael, and his dad, Sonny, find themselves having to race to the Port Charles Police Department on Wednesday, August 28. But why have they been summoned? (For more on everything unfolding around Sonny, turn to the Cover Story, page 26!) Police commissioner Jordan is on the receiving end of a surprise on Thursday, August 29. And everyone in town should probably be concerned when Shiloh makes some rather cryptic remarks on Friday, August 30! Dates are subject to change.…

Turns out, things can get complicated when you’re walking around with another man’s thoughts, memories and emotions in your head! This week, the fact that GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Franco believes himself to be Drew puts several relationships — including his and Elizabeth’s marriage — in jeopardy! Can Anyone Help? Both Elizabeth and Frew — aka the version of Franco who believes himself to be Drew — are surrounded by people offering help. As Hayden gives Elizabeth a shoulder to cry on, Kevin suggests that a few sessions on his couch might prove useful to Frew. After all, Kevin was able to help Franco deal with some pretty deep, dark stuff. Surprisingly, Frew also finds an ally in Ava, who admits to being jealous of the fact that he’s basically been given…

Who knew that after literally years of talk about that dang flashdrive, GENERAL HOSPITAL would turn a nutty sci-fi story about memory mapping into must-see TV? We always assumed Drew’s memories would come into play sooner or later… but who could have guessed they’d end up in Franco? Or that he would sacrifice himself to save stepson Cameron? Onetime psycho killer Franco faced his childhood trauma, found his place in Port Charles and finally proved himself to be a hero to (most of) those who still doubted him by allowing himself to be turned into another person! Game over for Franco — and game on for Frew, as we’ve dubbed the Franco/Drew hybrid! Beyond what this means for the character (and portrayer Roger Howarth!), the scribes have completely shaken up…

Watching Obrecht and Brad try to forge a truce, it was hard not to notice how differently these two schemers approach their villainy. While Obrecht often takes delicious delight in hatching evil plans, Brad’s machinations tend to be more a means to an end. And while he hasn’t let his guilty conscience stop him, the baby swap has turned him into an anxiety-ridden basket case! He’s also shown a remarkable ability to paint himself as a victim. That said, he had no trouble spewing dark threats as he went toe to toe with Obrecht — who had us chuckling even as she tried coming to terms with her confounding first experience with guilt. YOU WIN SOME… Sasha was treated to a sexy Corinthos island vacation… YOU LOSE SOME… … complete with…

Q. I’m really confused. When was GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Valentin with Alex? I thought it was Anna. Eileen Cragman via E-mail A: Sounds like you may have missed the big reveal! The events happened long before Valentin, Anna or Alex was ever on the canvas, and, to be fair, Valentin thought it was Anna, too. When he first came to Port Charles, he was holding a huge grudge against Anna and nursing a broken heart. See, Valentin believed that during their WSB training, Anna had stolen secrets from him by playing on his affections and seducing him. When they reconnected as adults, she refused to acknowledge her duplicity, which only fueled his resentment. He was so angry, Anna wondered if she’d blocked it all out — because the worst thing she recalled…

ACROSS 1. This is Maxie’s actual first name.3. Dante used this alias when he first came to town.6. 1-Down used to be this kind of artist.7. Scott once held this title. (abbr.)8. A prominent Port Charles Mob family10. Dr. Steven ______ Webber13. Along with 15-Across, this WSB agent has a twin sister.14. What Dante calls Olivia15. First name of13-Across16. Carly’s girl18. Alexis ______20. Maya Ward’s half-sister21. She had Faison’s son. (last name)24. He’s currently the head of the WSB.25. Jerry ______ DOWN 1. Sam ______2. Finn’s brother’s first name3. She’s besties with 18-Across.4. 1-Down once pretended to be a ______ tutor.5. Last name of 2-Down8. The Davis girls are members of this family.9. He is Maxie’s first baby daddy.11. ______ Jerome12. Dante’s partner, before McBain14. This doctor messed with Jason…

Melissa Archer thinks of ONE LIFE TO LIVE’s Natalie Buchanan as having been “broken” but nevertheless “fierce, resilient and passionate.” Had Mitch Laurence known that about her, the charismatic former cult leader might have thought twice about making her his victim. In The Beginning “Natalie basically agreed to marry Mitch when she thought he was someone else,” the actress says. But “she started to realize that there was something wrong with him… especially after he tied her to the bed when she was trying to leave him!” While Archer enjoyed the opportunity to play the terror of scenes like that, she also recalls that her character wasn’t playing it smart. “Natalie was still Natalie,” she says with a laugh, “and she was still going to run her mouth sometimes when…

The five-day GENERAL HOSPITAL Fan Club Weekend started with the Thursday-night Kick Off, an event unlike any other. There was no Q&A, there were no games scheduled, there was no talent list… In fact, it was anyone’s guess which actor would come through the door next, which only added to the excitement. The packed ballroom bristled with energy as fans cheered arrivals and lined up for selfies and autographs, but at this chill event, there was no rush or panic. There was plenty of time to dish all things Port Charles and also find out how life has been going for everyone in the real world. With so many GHFCW regulars coming back time and again, this was everyone’s first chance to catch up with the stars — and each…

When OWN’s GREENLEAF returns on Tuesday, September 2, the unthinkable has happened: Grace is the only Greenleaf still leading Calvary’s congregation as it transitions to Harmony & Hope Ministries. Her portrayer, Merle Dandridge, says that as the family faces the loss of their dream, they will also be “forced to deal with many of the personal issues they had just brushed over.” Forbidden Fruit In the season ahead, Grace’s loved ones are all back under the same roof and eager to continue answering their callings — if she can get them rehired! But first they’ll have to grapple with Harmony & Hope honcho Bob Whitmore, whom Dandridge says is “a formidable nemesis and dangerous in every way.” Much like the serpent in the garden of Eden, “He comes with such…