Table of contents for August 26, 2019 in ABC Soaps In Depth

Laura offers someone reassurance on Monday, August 12. (And honestly, if you were fretting about something, wouldn’t Laura’s be exactly the comforting presence you’d want?) When she makes a phone call on Tuesday, August 13, might she be using her authority as mayor to help solve someone’s problem? It seems as if Maxie and Peter could use a little comforting, because something leaves them shaken on Thursday, August 15. When Finn asks Hayden to get together with him on Friday, August 16, will she agree to see him… and if so, what might she reveal? And what does it mean when that same day allows Willow to see an entirely new side of Chase?…

John and Marlena each plan a surprise for the other on Monday, August 12! Hope turns to John for help in solving a very big mystery on Tuesday, August 13, while Eve turns to Justin for legal support in her battle against Jack on Wednesday, August 14. Marlena has an unexpected reunion on Thursday, August 15, and Xander spends that day sitting in the hot seat. By Friday, August 16, the pressure apparently gets to Xander, who makes a deal with John and Hope!…

There are times when a person is forced to change due to circumstances beyond their control. Such is the case for GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Lulu as this week, she begins to wrap her head around the concept of life without Dante. Is she really ready to put their love in the past? And what will that mean for her future? Is Lulu Out Of Control? Ever since receiving the divorce papers, Lulu has been acting out and behaving in ways that might be seen as self-destructive. Then again, it’s worth noting that she is the daughter of Lucas Lorenzo Spencer, which means that day-drinking and lashing out at some of those who are closest to her might simply be her father’s genes making their presence known! Moving On! Shuffling off her…

We were saddened to hear that Billy Miller had left GH, but we can’t say we were really surprised. The writing has been on the wall for months… or perhaps we should say the lack of writing has been on the page? We’ll never understand why the show failed to play the Jason/Sam/Drew triangle when Steve Burton returned. What more natural story to play than one in which a woman is torn between two men who represent different stages of her life? The show gave a cursory nod to Sam’s dilemma, managing to both drag out her situation for a year and yet make it abundantly clear that Jason would be her final choice. But Drew was a character with infinite possibilities, none of which were ever truly explored. As…

…or did GH’s Valentin/Nina/Jax/Hayden situation get confusing to the point of being distracting for a while there? There was so much double-and triple-crossing that viewers had no idea what Jax was after, let alone how Hayden fit into things. Frankly, we were more interested in the questions surrounding Hayden and Finn’s baby, which was barely even a topic of discussion. That said, we very much liked all the talk about Nikolas, if only because we’ve been hoping for Laura’s son to return ever since Valentin blew him away!…

Hot Topic: It’s About Time These Vets Got Some Lovin’! OUR TAKE Ask any soap fan, and they will say that you can never, ever go wrong by playing longtime vets. So of course, we were thrilled when GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Scott began circling former paramour/partner-in-crime Bobbie. In fact, we were happier about it than she was, thanks largely to his rather bumbling attempt at… do we even dare call his bumbled proposal a courtship? That said, we are on the record as having long hoped for a Scott/Ava pairing, which puts us in a rather difficult position. Or at least it did, until we realized that what we really want is a Bobbie/Scott/Ava triangle! Imagine if Bobbie decided to break out some of her old tricks (of the non-prostitution variety,…

In the Tuesday, August 13, episode of OWN’s AMBITIONS, the Lancasters are gathering for a special anniversary at Thelma’s Place. However, as creator/executive producer Jamey Giddens explains, the champagne won’t be the only thing popping! Rondell, who runs the family diner, has extra reason to celebrate: Not only has she found romance with city councilman Kent Hamilton, but she’s also got enough signatures to prevent the property from being taken by eminent domain. But as Giddens explains, when those John Hancocks “suddenly get invalidated, she’s basically ready to give up.” Stephanie Crosses The Line! Surprisingly, it’s vixen Stephanie — who represents developer Greg Peters —who comes up with a surprising solution. But what’s in it for her? “Stephanie knows that Greg’s ruthless organized-crime family isn’t playing around,” Giddens suggests. “So…

Haley and JJ don’t just share a love of helping people in medical need, they also both enjoy a good tune. So, too, do their portrayers, Megia and Moss. “He’s working on some music right now, so we’ll listen to his songs,” Megia confides of the guitar player. “I love his style and his voice, and I think he’s absolutely talented as a musician and an actor… We’re even talking about hitting the [recording] studio together and doing a collaboration.” Recently, Haley and JJ joined their voices, lending a tune to the show. If Megia has her way, they’ll get to do more of that, just as Olivia Rose Keegan’s Claire did in the past. “I would definitely love to actually see Haley sing more,” Megia offers. “And I’d love…

The In Depth Story: As the week begins, Anna will come face to face with her ex-husband, Tony… and it won’t exactly be a happy reunion! The former Mrs. DiMera is ticked off that he married Nicole, so Anna will have a few choice words for her not-so-dead-after-all ex! Speaking of Nicole, Chloe calls in a favor and asks Marlena to have a session with the blonde. When Krikole loses her temper during the meeting, will the shrink get any indication that her patient is actually Kristen — you know, the woman who just last year tried to kill her — in disguise? As it turns out, it may actually be Ben and Ciara who inch closer to uncovering the truth about Kristen: As the young lovers team up to…

FAN FUN Buckle up for the third annual GENERAL HOSPITAL Convention YEARS AND YEARS ABC Daytime stars past and present visited Marco Island for the milestone 20th Annual Southwest Florida Soapfest Charity Weekend…

1 Game day. We never could resist a man in uniform! 2 That title. What we wouldn’t do to read Crimson’s “Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Ava.” 3 Stella’s truth. Pulled pork should be its own major food group! 4 Drunk Lulu. “I’m Lesley Lu Spencer,” she slurred. “Do you know what I am? I am remarkable!” 5 Drew’s wise words. “Don’t rob yourself of joy because you worry about things you can’t see coming.” … And 1 Thing We Could Do Without… Shiloh’s visit. We find it hard to believe he was on Harmony’s list of approved guests at Pentonville!…

It’s sort of amazing that people in Port Charles ever manage to keep their secrets under wraps. For one thing, they discuss them endlessly — and usually in very public places like the Metro Court restaurant or at the hospital’s hub. This is especially unnerving, given that often, the people they’re talking about are a few feet away! Plus, the secret keepers never try and use codes when discussing what they’re desperately keeping under wraps. For example, Valentin will hiss to Sasha, “No one can ever know that you’re not actually Nina’s daughter” instead of, for example, “We need to keep a lid on that piece of information.” Sure, it’s because soaps have to make sure newer viewers know what’s going on. But when it hap-pens every day, sometimes several…

General Hospital In Depth asked… Should Lulu move on from Dante or stand by her (absent) man? Reader Reaction: 69% MOVE ON! 31% WAIT! Readers called this one, with the majority saying it was time for Lulu to focus on the future rather than dwell on her past with Dante! This issue’s question… Will Lucas and Brad’s marriage survive the big baby secret? TOP 5 GH COUPLES 1 Laura & Kevin Collins 2 Elizabeth & Franco Baldwin 3 Maxie Jones & Peter August 4 Carly & Sonny Corinthos 5 Anna Devane & Hamilton Finn TOP 5 ACTORS (as voted by Soaps In Depth readers) 1 Last Issue: 1 Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH) 2 Last Issue: 2 Jon Lindstrom (Kevin/Ryan, GH) 3 Last Issue: 3 Roger Howarth (Franco, GH) 4 Last…

For years, fans have been debating whether Adam is a nice but misunderstood guy or someone who could give the devil a run for his money in the evil department! “Well, I think he’s a lot like Victor!” smiles Grossman. “There are moments when Adam is nice and vulnerable and compassionate, but then he can also be really ruthless and deceptive. But it’s a lot like real life, because I don’t think everybody is all good or all bad. However, he does have some tendencies that are questionable!” The hunk recognizes that however he’s portraying Adam in the moment might change in the future, given the fluidity of soaps. And he’s all right with that! “I think it’s fun, because you never know where it’s going to go. In a…

What’s Lurking In Drew’s Memories? Shiloh flashed back to events which had taken place many years ago involving himself, Drew and a man named Tex. Thanks to Oscar, Drew received his Navy medals in the mail… and Kim realized someone else had been there the fateful day he’d rescued Shiloh. After feeling out Shiloh and learning he’d also saved the mysterious Tex, Drew returned to his office — which Curtis and Jason had just found burglarized. Someone had taken the flashdrive holding Drew’s memories! With Tex confirmed dead, Drew learned that days before he’d been kidnapped for the original memory transplant, he’d made an appointment with NCIS. He couldn’t help but wonder what he might have been prepared to tell them about Shiloh. SHILOH GETS DESPERATE! Whatever Drew used to…

Simple & Sleek Of these ankle-length cocktail dresses worn by GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Lindsey Morgan (ex-Kristina), the “no frills” strapless number proved the clear favorite among voters! Cool Vs. Quirky Though the hoodie-and-bow-tie combo feels like something his alter ego would wear, you thought that Bradford Anderson (Spinelli, GH) looked a lot hipper in the leather jacket and newsboy cap. Feminine Suits These current and former ladies of ABC Daytime take charge of the red carpet in pantsuits that are every bit as pretty as they are power statements.…

GH co-headwriter Shelly Altman has stepped away from the writers table. According to TVInsider.com, she has decided to retire and her last day was August 2. Breakdown writer Dan O’Connor, who has been part of the GH team since 2011, will join Chris Van Etten as the soap’s new co-headwriter. In a statement given to the site, executive producer Frank Valentini shared, “Shelly, thank you for years of complex, emotional, intriguing story that ranged from suspense to heartbreak to laugh-out-loud funny and everything in between. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.”…

STATUS Finola Hughes was sighted at the GH studio recently, which means that Anna’s portrayer could already be back from her annual summer vacation. You’ll recall that the character left Port Charles at the end of May to get answers about whether she was really Peter’s mother and ended up having to hunt down sister Alex, who’d escaped from a WSB prison. Though onscreen fiancé Michael Easton (Finn) is eager to play opposite Hughes again, he understands why she’d want a holiday. “If you work with me for any period of time, you need some time away,” he cracked at the GHFCW. “She’s been treated for PTSD this entire time, and I think she’s ready to come back and give it another try. “Don’t tell her I said that, though,”…

Sometimes, life in Port Charles can catch people off guard. What starts out as a normal day — at least by this town’s standards — can suddenly go off the rails. On Monday, August 12, Kevin finds time to speak to Alexis about Neil. Meanwhile, her daughter, Sam, gets to chillax with Jason and enjoy a little downtime at home. But that same day finds Elizabeth telling Franco everything she knows. And just like that, on Thursday, August 15, Elizabeth is dealing with a stunning bit of information, and so is Drew! Given how connected all these lives are, by fate and blood, it seems likely that whatever this shocking info is, it’ll wind up impacting Sam and Jason, too! What calamity is about to befall the locals now?…

We all know Victor is powerful, but is he capable of keeping Adam in line? He certainly gives it a go on Monday, August 12! As Chelsea gets a bit of unexpected news on Tuesday, August 13, Victoria stands up for her brother. When Abby needs someone to confide in on Wednesday, August 14, Ashley is there for her. Summer figures out exactly what Kyle’s been hiding on Thursday, August 15. And at last, Kyle and Lola’s wedding begins on Friday, August 16!…

There’s a long-held belief that a happily-married soap couple is a boring soap couple. With that in mind, we have some great news for fans of GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Elizabeth and Franco: They definitely won’t be boring in the weeks ahead! Their Happiness Was Hard-Earned! From the beginning, this pair has had it rough. After all, most of the people in Elizabeth’s life were convinced that the last person she should get involved with was Franco. And leading the “Never Franco” brigade was Jason, who just happens to be the father of one of the three boys whose lives would be impacted by the budding romance. Over time, however, Franco and Liz managed to drown out the naysayers, finding themselves falling deeply in love. And gradually, her sons have come to…

When GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Bobbie first rolled into Port Charles, it didn’t take long for her to set her sights on Scotty. And after 40 years of machinations, false starts and periods of togetherness, he recently botched his surprise proposal… but still managed to land a date with the woman who he said fit him like an old shoe! Could these star-crossed exes finally make it work? “There were times they’ve been more than friends or Bobbie thought they could be more… but every time they’ve tried, it’s blown up in her face,” says portrayer Jacklyn Zeman. In fact, as recently as last year, Scotty offended Bobbie with his enthusiastic reaction to Ava’s Nurses Ball performance. “He was the first one out of his seat applauding Ava,” portrayer Kin Shriner recalls…

Maurice Benard has amused GENERAL HOSPITAL fans to no end by sharing his real-life father’s abject disapproval of Carly’s relationship with Jason. While Papa Benard doesn’t trust the unique friendship Sonny’s wife has with their mutual bestie, we often find ourselves downright jealous of what Carly and Jason have! Talk about BFFs. These two would do — and have done! — absolutely anything for one another. Yes, they share a sexual history, but that was so long ago and they’ve come so far that we don’t really see them going down that road again. In fact, we think Benard’s dad should be more worried about Jax, who poses a far bigger threat to Sonny’s marriage than Jason currently does!…

Soap fans know that when summer rolls around, the shows tend to trot out the kids in an effort to attract the eyeballs of teens who are home from school. Heck, a lot of soap fans have been known to dread the annual youth-quake. Thankfully, GH didn’t have to introduce a bunch of newbies this year, because they already had several characters on the canvas we’d grown attached to. In fact, we kind of get why the show killed Oscar, given that his passing opened the door for Cameron and Dev to compete for Josslyn’s heart. What really works is that Josslyn isn’t ready to move on, and neither of the boys is openly vying for her… and yet, that’s what’s happening. It might be the subtlest triangle in memory!…

Q. Why was GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Drew livid when he first saw Hayden? I didn’t even realize they’d met! Erica Clapham-Leevia E-mail A. Oh, they definitely met! In fact, for a while, they lived together! You see, back when Drew had amnesia and was living as Jake, he and Elizabeth began falling for one another. Then, out of the blue, Hayden showed up, claiming to be Jake’s wife! This didn’t trigger any memories in the guy… because it was all a lie! It turned out that Hayden had been hired by Ric, who was hoping to reunite with Liz. As part of the scheme, Ric even arranged for fake wedding pictures to be created which he hoped would help sell the story. For a while, Jake bought what Hayden was selling.…

This winter, THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL’s Darin Brooks (Wyatt) suspected that something was a little bit different about his missus, Kelly Kruger (ex-Eva). “Her hormones were raging in January/February, right before we found out,” he recalls. “We got into a little argument about nothing. I was eating French fries at the time, and she threw them at my face.” Laughing at her reaction, Brooks had a passing thought in that moment. “I said, ‘I’ve never seen you act this way. I think you’re pregnant!’” Kruger dismissed his theory, but the next night, she had her heart set on a smorgasbord of foods that Brooks had never known her to eat. “I was like, ‘Really? You’ve never liked this stuff. I think you’re pregnant, babe!’” Timing Is Everything Sure enough,…

When Ava barged into the Crimson offices, interrupting Nina and Valentin’s lovefest, we knew this would be a popcorn-worthy show-down long in the making. “This is your idea of journalism?” barked Ava, brandishing a copy of the magazine whose cover she graced. Needless to say, the article’s subject was not a happy camper. “How dare you!” Ava snapped, seemingly more upset about how the story tarnished Kiki’s reputation than her own. Valentin’s attempt to defend Nina’s story by pointing out that it didn’t mention Ava’s involvement with Nikolas when he was faking his own death backfired spectacularly. “Are we really going to talk about Nikolas?” Ava responded. “Also known as the man I watched you murder?” Once Valentin had left the office, Nina managed to turn the situation around by…

MUST-SEA TV STAR! GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Jacklyn Zeman (Bobbie) reveals why she’s such a fan of cruising. FUN CALLING! Go behind the scenes at the GH Fan Club Weekend with Donnell Turner (Curtis) and more of your favorites. OH MY BOSCH! Jon Lindstrom (Kevin/Ryan) tells all about his meeting with the author of Echo Park. Don’t Miss The Next Issue Of ABC SOAPS IN DEPTH On Sale… August 26 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…