Table of contents for May 6, 2019 in ABC Soaps In Depth

GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Josslyn is fully committed to Oscar, but her lifelong bestie, Cameron, holds a place in her heart as well. At the end of their faux romance last year, she even figured out that his affection was real… and that maybe hers was, too! “The love is there. It’s obvious that Josslyn has feelings for Cameron,” portrayer Eden McCoy suggests. “She doesn’t even really know it, but she’s kind of realized it, and now it’s the worst timing in the world. Because it’s a soap opera, she has a dying boyfriend who she’s also in love with. Of course, you’re going to place your dying boyfriend as your priority.” That’s why Cameron has remained in the friend zone — right along with Spencer. The boys in town sure seem…

On paper, the idea of combining a memorial of sorts for GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Gail and the show’s 56th anniversary sounded like a pretty solid plan. And there was much about the special episode to love, including the return of Denise Alexander’s Lesley and her history-laden bickering with Leslie Charleson’s Monica. And what longtime fan didn’t swoon when Scott told first love Laura that she’d just smiled “like you did when you were 17.” But we were baffled by the decision to explain that Gail’s scavenger hunt had been delayed in order to correspond with the hospital’s 56th anniversary when it’s been pretty well-established that the titular facility has been around far longer than that. Odder still, the episode-ending flashbacks included no clips of Gail or much-loved original hospital staffers like…

Certain people always seem to make the audience happy, and one of them is Epiphany. Whenever the tough-talking, advice-dispensing, big-hearted nurse puts in an appearance, our Twitter feed (@soapsindepthabc) lights up. Whether she’s offering Finn and Anna romantic advice, sharing a tender moment with fellow staffer Elizabeth or calling Carly a coward — and getting away with it! — fans love Nurse Johnson and portrayer Sonya Eddy. Which has us thinking that it’s about time she got a story. Perhaps Epiphany and Milo should consider taking things to the next level? YOU WIN SOME… GH’s Maxie and Peter got closer while investigating Sasha… YOU LOSE SOME… … but they kept putting off their first date!…

General Hospital In Depth asked… Do you think Laura and Kevin can reconnect after Ryan’s spree? Reader Reaction: 88% EVENTUALLY 12% NEVER! The readers’ faith in Laura and Kevin hasn’t wavered! Times may be tough, but how could these two not make it? This issue’s question… Will Lucas and Brad’s marriage survive when the truth comes out? TOP 5 GH COUPLES 1 Laura Spencer & Kevin Collins 2 Elizabeth & Franco Baldwin 3 Alexis Davis & Julian Jerome 4 Carly & Sonny Corinthos 5 Maxie Jones & Peter August 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, GH) 3 Last Issue: 3 Roger Howarth (Franco, GH) 4 Last Issue: 4 William deVry (Julian,…

Hot Topic: Can Chase Keep Willow Safe From Evil Shiloh? OUR TAKE With so many talented players on canvas, we’re big proponents of seeing GENERAL HOSPITAL invest in the characters we already love before bringing new ones to the fore. But sometimes, new blood pays off —as has been the case with Chase and Willow. We adored the PCPD’s newest detective from the moment he arrived and, once he crossed with the grade school teacher, we couldn’t deny how adorable they were together. Here were two young, attractive, nice people who were slowly falling for each other. How could we not love them? By the time their lives were complicated by the reveal that Shiloh fathered her baby — which, by the way, she wrongly believes to be Wiley —…

What did you buy with your first GENERAL HOSPITAL paycheck? I took my mom on a great little shopping spree and to a nice dinner. What’s your favorite television show? THE OFFICE. I would always watch it on Netflix. The characters really make me laugh. What’s your favorite: pie, cake or ice cream? Ice cream, because it goes well with pie and goes with cake! I love ice cream — cookies and cream or just plain vanilla. What is your favorite sport? Soccer, but I’m not very good at it. I was in Sweden when they were in the World Cup. It was so exciting! Everyone stopped what they were doing and watched. Who makes you laugh? My family knows me so well, they know exactly how to make me…

With all the teen heartbreak, twinning and cult drama going on in Port Charles, there was something to be said for the quiet Ashford family pow-wow at Charlie’s Pub. There was nothing explosive about Curtis, Jordan and Stella’s talk about co-pays and insurance matters… but it was certainly important and relatable! On the heels of meeting with a distraught Lulu, Jordan actually tried to sneak out of the dinner. But when the commish offered a lame excuse about giving her husband and his auntie some alone time, Stella wasn’t buying it — and Curtis was less than thrilled himself! “I’ll try not to feel insulted,” he deadpanned, but of course, he understood Jordan well enough to know this wasn’t about him. And when she confessed she had to get back…

Kristina’s Kidnapped! With Kristina’s initiation scheduled, Michael learned from Willow that having sex with Shiloh was the final piece of the ceremony. A concerned Sonny turned to cult deprogrammer Neil for help. Though he’d failed with his last patient, Neil agreed to perform exit therapy on Kristina. After she was drugged for the ceremony, Jason walked into Dawn Of Day and whisked her away! Needless to say, Krissy was not thrilled by her family’s actions. WILLOW CONFESSES! At Shiloh’s request, Brad claimed there were no drugs found in Kristina’s cup… so Jason had it retested. Willow told Michael the truth about having given up Shiloh’s baby and agreed to talk to Kristina… without telling Chase. After learning Kristina had handed over a secret of some sort, Sonny feared it was…

MAY SWEEPS PREVIEW! Find out what’s coming down the pike — or the dock, as the case may be — for GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Sam, Jason and all your Port Charles favorites! LUKE WHO IT IS! Daytime legend Anthony Geary fills us in on his new life in Amsterdam. INSTANT REPLAY! Lexi Ainsworth flashes back to some of the wilder times in Kristina’s life. Don’t Miss The Next Issue Of ABC SOAPS IN DEPTH On Sale… May 6 May 20 June 3 June 17 July 1 July 15 July 29 August 12 August 26 September 9 September 23 October 7 October 21 November 4…

The In Depth Story: Sometimes all it takes is a little high-stakes danger to put a situation in perspective. In Ben and Ciara’s case, they’ll have the Mexican drug cartel to thank for finally moving their relationship to the next level. Unaware this week that Ben has teamed up with her mom to stage a rescue effort, a kidnapped Ciara will attempt to extricate herself! But will Ben get there first and be able to play hero both to the woman he loves and the one who’s long stood between them? Later, the couple’s plans for a night alone finally get back on track — and there will be more than just dinner on the menu! This “cinfully” sensuous duo will be so grateful to be safe, alive and together…

Ava’s had a rough go of it lately, and it doesn’t seem as if this is going to be her week to score a win, either. We say that because on Monday, April 22, the vengeance-seeking mama finds out that she has failed yet again. Mac may generally be a mild-mannered kinda guy, but he definitely loses his temper on Wednesday, April 24. What in the world could push everybody’s favorite barkeep over the edge? Lulu has a surprise for Peter on Thursday, April 25. And on Friday, April 26, Margaux — who usually tries to get bad guys to come clean — decides that it’s her turn to offer up a confession! Dates are subject to change.…

For a while now, Gabi has been intent on seducing Stefan as part of her revenge plan. And it looks like she might succeed when on Monday, April 22, the two of them take things to the next level! Regret might be setting in on Tuesday, April 23, however, as Stefan realizes that he has to keep one of the women in his life in the dark about the other! Chloe starts putting the pieces together on Wednesday, April 24. Yet the beauty nonetheless goes on her first date with Stefan on Thursday, April 25!…

The stakes are higher than ever this week as GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Sam puts herself on the line in order to protect the people she loves from Shiloh. Can she get the goods on the cult leader… or will he turn the tables and turn the hunter into his prey? What Does Shiloh Know? Although Kristina has been rescued from the group — thanks to Jason removing her from the Dawn Of Day house right under Shiloh’s nose — that doesn’t mean the danger is over. In fact, things are likely to only become more intense in the weeks to come. “Shiloh is a sociopath,” says Katelyn MacMullen, who plays Willow, the cult leader’s baby-mama and former follower. One of the big, lingering questions is exactly what damaging information Kristina turned…

Even as the people of Port Charles were trying to determine whether Ryan was actually dead or alive, we came to the rather stunning conclusion that either way, the guy had scored a major victory. How so? Weeks after his demise — real or imagined — his name was still on everyone’s lips. What more could a narcissist want? Plus, no longer were his crimes being attributed to a random serial killer or a copycat. At last, he was getting full credit! And perhaps best of all, twin brother Kevin — who’d kept him locked up — was being treated like a criminal and ostracized by some of his closest friends. Whether watching from the shadows or observing these events from the depths of hell, we’re 100 percent sure that…

FYI Twitter Handle: @kinshriner. Rain Date: No matter the weather, Shriner says, “I still ride my Vespa.” Flashback: Shriner calls leaving GH for ANOTHER WORLD spin-off TEXAS a “foolish mistake.” Close Call: If you tell Shriner your grandmother’s a fan, “I’ll say, ‘Put her on the phone and let me talk to her!’” he promises. In honor of GENERAL HOSPITAL’s recent 56th anniversary, a host of Port Charles’ legacy players came together for Gail’s scavenger hunt — and Kin Shriner (Scotty) had a blast! “It was nice to see Denise Alexander (Lesley) and work with Leslie Charleson (Monica), Genie Francis (Laura), Lynn Herring (Lucy) and Jackie Zeman (Bobbie),” raves the actor. “We’ve all been here for over 40 years, so we have history. When we’re in a scene, I look…

Fans who love the relationship between Kyle and Mariah can thank Y&R’s writers and producers for taking note of Mealor’s real-life relationship with Camryn Grimes. “We have thrown quips and remarks back and forth since the moment we met,” he shares. “She’s adorable and has the best sense of humor! I love that they’ve taken our real relationship and put it on screen. It’s great. I love her, and I like that the audience seems to love it!”…

Carly Schroeder had been just 6 years old and living in Indiana when Kin Shriner (Scotty, GENERAL HOSPITAL) handpicked her to play his and Lucy’s daughter, Serena, on the spin-off PORT CHARLES in 1997. Over the course of the next seven years, she acknowledges, “I grew up being told what to do, being taught what it means to be a professional and how to interact with people.” The support that she got on that set not only led her to a successful acting career, including last year’s Ouija House and Deadly Shores, but it also led her to have the courage to make a big decision: She’s joined the Army! Family Tradition With a criminal-justice degree in her pocket, and having spent the last year training with Army Special Forces…

Though she’s frequently cast as the “sexy blonde,” Bowden enjoys dabbling in different types of roles. She was cast as the “mean girlfriend” in last year’s indie film, Fishbowl California, for example, but in the Lifetime movie Monolith, Bowden plays a desperate mother stranded in the desert trying to free her young son from their impenetrable, futuristic SUV. “That was an intense film to shoot,” she recalls, “I’ve had mothers tell me, ‘It’s too much! I can’t watch it!’ But I’m really proud of it.” (Check out both films on Amazon Prime.)…

CBS’ THE RED LINE explores the fallout of the shooting of Harrison Brennan, a black doctor who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. As showrunners Caitlin Parrish and Erica Weiss explain, it’s a whole lot more than anyone would’ve imagined! “We wanted to have a show that would be culturally and socially relevant while also being at its core a family drama,” Weiss says of the four-week series that debuts with back-to-back episodes on Sunday, April 28. “Thematically, we were interested in [exploring], ‘How do people move towards light when they’ve gone through something cataclysmic?’” A Family Destroyed Left behind is the victim’s family: his husband, high school teacher Daniel Calder (ER’s Noah Wylie), and their adopted daughter, Jira, who live on Chicago’s…

On Friday, May 3, ONE LIFE TO LIVE’s Erika Slezak (Viki) returns to television for just the second time since the beloved soap went off the air with a guest spot on BLUE BLOODS. The daytime icon will play Donna, a neighbor of Henry’s, who meets him when her granddaughter steals a package off of the retired police commissioner’s doorstep. “It gave me the awesome opportunity to work with the great Len Cariou,” Slezak tells Soaps In Depth. “We shot on location at a lovely private home in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, which is actually kitty-corner to the house that is used as the Reagans’ home.” The experience, says the actress, was “wonderful. The entire crew, the director, John Behring, and the writer, Daniel Truly, could not have been more delightful…

Chase is definitely closing in on something on Monday, April 22. And seeing as he’s a detective, that’s probably a good thing, what with it being his job and all! Jason and Sonny find time to debate what their next move should be on Tuesday, April 23, while Sam spends that day having her progress interrupted. Cameron is on the receiving end of a tongue-lashing from Josslyn on Wednesday, April 24. Carly has a lot on her mind these days, between her own pregnancy and Josslyn’s dying beau, so Sonny does his best to distract his wife on Thursday, April 25. But something pushes all his buttons and leaves the dimpled don alarmed on Friday, April 26!…

GUYS NIGHT OUT GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Donnell Turner (Curtis), Josh Swickard (Chase) and William deVry (Julian) brought the men of Port Charles out for some fun MIXING IT UP More than a few familiar faces turned out for the Eighth Annual LANY Entertainment Mixer…

1 The birds and bees. Franco talking to Cameron about sex was awkward and sweet at the same time. 2 The gal pals. When a distraught Lulu threw herself into Maxie’s arms? That’s what BFFs look like! 3 The wink. Margaux — ALL MY CHILDREN’s former Maggie, Elizabeth Hendrickson — said she was a Pine Valley kinda gal. 4 The dodging. As the Nurses Ball inches closer, people are already trying to avoid being wrangled into performing by Lucy! 5 Gail’s toast. “There are amazing times to come,” her letter read. “Cherish them, just as I cherished all of you.” … And 1 Thing We Could Do Without… Single Scotty. How is Kin Shriner’s charming, irascible alter ego not involved with at least two local ladies?…

For the longest time, we really didn’t care much about the Dawn Of Day plot. Yes, it involved Kristina and Sam, characters we love, but we just didn’t see Shiloh as much of a threat. Jason and Sam talked about him being a bad guy, and the occasional music cue would indicate they were right, but that was about it. The past few weeks, however, as Dawn Of Day has begun to more closely resemble NXIVM in a ripped-from-the-headlines sort of way, found us downright fascinated. We’d love to see the pace picked up a bit (there are a lot of conversations about the cult but little forward momentum), but overall, we’re intrigued to see where this is all going!…

“I’ve been struggling with mental illness for over 30 years, and I understand how difficult and unbearable this illness can be. “Fortunately, I’ve always been one to seek help, stay on my medication, and I’ve always had a family that truly loves me and supported me no matter what. “I’ve seen way too much heartache in the last 30 years. We have to understand this is not just the ‘Oh, he’s just going through something’ or ‘Oh, he’s just a little crazy right now’ illness. This is the ‘Oh, he or she is not with us anymore’ disease. “I don’t know how to fix it. I wish I did. All I know is we all have to keep our eyes, ears and our hearts open to the signs.” —Maurice Benard…

Q. I was out of the country last summer and I’m still playing catchup. How exactly did GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Brad end up with Michael and Nelle’s baby? Veronica CaplerRichmond, VA A. First, lucky you! Second, it was pretty much entirely Nelle’s doing. After Chase and Michael tricked the schemer into confessing her sins on tape, she made a run for it… only to go into labor on the side of the road and have her baby. Meanwhile, with Lucas stuck in surgery, Brad was thrilled to finally bring home their adopted son, Wiley. But then the newborn died in his crib! In a panic, Brad was rushing the baby to the hospital when he crossed paths with Nelle. Realizing she would soon be behind bars — and unwilling to let…

Looking back on her PC experience, Schroeder remains grateful to the cast, who she says “didn’t allow me to realize that I was working. They made it like play!” Additionally, Schroeder recalls, “They were very supportive and made me feel part of a team, which is something that I love beyond all reason… It’s one of the reasons why I’m joining the military.” Amongst those Schroeder credits as mentors are her TV parents, Shriner and Lynn Herring, who’ve continued their runs as Scotty and Lucy on GH. “Ever since Carly was a kid, she was very adventurous — she really took to sports and stuff,” offers Shriner, who took her family on scuba-diving trips. “Hollywood is a town where actors spend so much time hanging around waiting for calls, waiting…

ALL ACCESS • ALL ACCESS…

Oscar-Winning Style A stunning Oscar win merits an equally stunning gown, and Jaime Ray Newman (ex-Kristina, GENERAL HOSPITAL) accomplished just that in this voluminous black dress! Baby Blues There’s more than one way to put a casual spin on a suit coat, as Ryan Carnes (Lucas, GH) stylishly proves!…