Table of contents for September 23, 2019 in ABC Soaps In Depth

SUMMER’S END ABC Daytime alumni turned up the heat at the 2019 Summer Television Critics Association Press Tour BIRTHDAY BASH Brittany Underwood (Langston, OLTL) invited some of her closest friends out for a celebration at her favorite hangout, The Village…

1 Diane’s cure. Asked whether she was hydrating, the lawyer said yes… and then took a big sip of her wine! 2 The advice. “There is no shortcut to respect,” Jason told Dev. 3 The lockdown pals. We didn’t know if we wanted Shiloh and Nelle to kill or kiss one another! 4 The smooth move. Finn not only did an eat-and-run at the Metro Court, he left Robert literally holding the bill! 5 Avery’s question. When Carly said, “I, Caroline, take you, Michael…” the confused tot asked, “Who are those people?” … And 1 Thing We Could Do Without… The call. Sitting at Charlie’s very public bar, Hayden took a phone call from her secret daughter during which she loudly called herself Mommy.…

We absolutely love GH’s corporate intramural softball league… and not just because everybody looks great in the uniforms and we want the full set of trading cards. The real beauty of the seasonal competition between staffers from the likes of Corinthos Coffee, ELQ and Aurora Media is the laid-back camaraderie created between locals — some of whom we rarely if ever see cross paths. As loved ones cheered from the stands, budding couples flirted, and competitors talked some good-natured trash, it helped create a real sense of community while also feeling downright normal, especially when played against some of the show’s more over-the-top plots!…

General Hospital In Depth asked… Will Lucas and Brad’s marriage survive the big baby secret? Reader Reaction: 94% NO WAY! 6% TOTALLY! We guess the clock is ticking on Brad’s marriage, because once the truth is out, our fans don’t think he has a prayer of Lucas forgiving him! This issue’s question… Do you think Peter’s role in Drew’s kidnapping will cost him Maxie? TOP 5 GH COUPLES 1 Elizabeth & 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: 2 Roger Howarth (Franco, GH) 3 Last Issue: 3 Jon Lindstrom (Kevin, GH) 4…

Hot Topic: The “New” Franco OUR TAKE We won’t try to convince viewers that GENERAL HOSPITAL’s sci-fi memory implant storyline isn’t completely bonkers. Not long ago, we’d have paid good money to never have to hear another mention of that memory-carrying flashdrive. Yet ever since Shiloh snatched Cameron, we’ve been all in — because the insanity has been rooted in real, soul-crushing emotions. As Port Charles locals tried to swallow the science that has Franco believing himself to be Drew, the painful, confusing ramifications of this stepfather’s sacrifice have rippled into just about everyone’s lives. At the heart of it all, Navy Officer Rip Van Winkle doesn’t want to be anyone but Drew. So while Cam grapples with his guilt, Elizabeth is left to fight for yet another man,…

This November, fans will be able to see Egan in the Hallmark movie Holiday For Heroes. “There are people in the military who can’t make it home for the holidays, which is so devastating, and my character begins writing letters with a man,” played by BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER alum Marc Blucas, she shares. “It’s a beautiful story with a beautiful message. I’m so excited for everybody to see it.” Egan not only enjoyed the story but the work experience. “We shot for three weeks in Connecticut,” she shares. “Marc and I got along great. We still text each other weekly. It was long days and cold weather, but I loved it!”…

Both GH and ONE LIFE TO LIVE fans turned out for Michael Easton and Roger Howarth’s annual GHFCW night of fun — which means questions at both their big event and their more intimate, private late-night gathering were as likely to be about Llanview’s McBain and Todd as Port Charles’ Finn and Franco. In addition to dishing their characters, raving about their co-stars and trying to keep spoilers from getting out, the guys opened up about their careers and welcomed a very special guest — Rebecca Budig (Hayden), who did her own little Q&A in spite of feeling under the weather. Not only was a blast had by all, but Easton and Howarth’s events raised funds for Children’s Hospital, the American Cancer Society and the GoFundMe created in honor of…

GH’s Cameron and Josslyn are two of a kind. They come from high-drama, high-profile families, and while they’ve lived pretty privileged lives, they’ve also seen more than their share of trauma. It’s an intriguing balance, and it’s also why Cam so quickly took to Joss’ suggestion they not go back to school this year. Good thing Trina was in the house to talk some sense into them! Without missing a beat, Trina rolled her eyes at the pretty blonds and called them out for acting like underage divas. Now, we’re not suggesting it’s easy to lose your first love or have your family splashed all over the news. But as Carly was telling Jax across town, that doesn’t mean that the kids get to give up on life. Carly wanted…

… or has Stephanie Carlisle Lancaster, the wildly over-the-top AMBITIONS vixen played by Robin Givens, become one of the most fun characters on television? We’ll admit, it took us a while to “get” her. But Givens delivers every line — be it a threat or a seduction — with a breathless intensity and lack of subtlety not seen since Joan Collins turned DYNASTY’s Alexis into a household name. There’s no man she won’t come on to, no woman she won’t backstab and no level to which she won’t sink… and we wouldn’t have it any other way!…

Raised in an orphanage for 15 years before being reunited with her mother, Chloe struggled at school with being bullied for being different. “I think some of my favorite moments were the Ghoul Girl years, when Chloe was the underdog before really figuring out who she was and what she wanted in this world,” Bjorlin reflects. “I got really comfortable in that physicality and wearing the baggy, black clothing.” However, it was when Philip took her to the Last Blast Dance on a bet that the ugly duckling turned into a beautiful swan. Behind the scenes, Bjorlin recalls the change as being awkward. “For me to have to go to wardrobe and put on a tight, sparkly, red dress was crazy. I was so self-conscious! And putting on makeup? It…

THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL Brooke pushed Thomas off a cliff because she thought he was trying to harm Hope, but Ridge believed she’d done it out of spite. When Thomas came to in the hospital, Det. Sanchez questioned him about the accident. Flo angered Ridge by implying that Thomas killed Emma. Concerned about Brooke, Bill put Thomas on notice, then later got into a heated argument with Ridge about his son’s irrational behavior. After Sanchez interrogated Thomas about Emma’s death, Ridge demanded that his son come clean about what had happened. Bill helped Brooke collect hard evidence against her stepson. Liam and Hope rekindled their passion, and Sally and Wyatt shared a tender kiss. Sneak Preview When a couple has a massive blowout, will their marriage survive the fallout?…

The In Depth Story: Nicole’s reunion with true love Eric goes south as he catches her up on recent events in his life. How could he have moved on with Sarah so darn quickly? While Nicole grapples with that revelation, Sarah will have some big news of her own to cope with: She’s pregnant! Meanwhile, needing someone to blame for the chaos that’s happened in both her life and that of her daughter, Holly, Nicole makes a beeline for Kristen! The confrontation between the women is one not to be missed! In the aftermath, look for Kristen’s former love, John, to share his strong thoughts about her nefarious plot. Is he the one person who can actually get through to her? That’s what Brady’s dad is hoping when he leaves…

Sonny is a man with a plan on Monday, September 9, and that plan involves him striking a bargain. Jason will have a little bit of an update to offer on Tuesday, September 10. As Julian tries to figure out what’s next for him, Ava is more than happy to share her thoughts on the subject on Thursday, September 12. (For more on Julian’s situation, turn to News, page 2.) But maybe Julian is waiting for someone other than his sister to chime in. Is that why he reaches out to ex-wife Alexis on Friday, September 13?…

To say that GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Jax and Sonny aren’t one another’s biggest fans would be an understatement along the lines of “Crime occasionally occurs in Port Charles.” But the two alpha males have been on their best behavior since the Aussie’s most recent return to town, if only for the sake of a grieving Josslyn. Now, however, it’s beginning to look as if their truce could soon be called off… and ironically, it might be because of the young woman both of them have been so worried about! Formidable Foes In the past, the rivals have proven over and over again that opposites attract… the same type of woman! For despite the fact that Jax is usually thought of as a white knight, while Sonny is more of a dark…

GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Olivia has settled beautifully into life as a Quartermaine. But has the Bensonhurst babe lost some of her edge in the process? Portrayer Lisa LoCicero weighs in. “It would be natural for a character to assimilate on some level… but I do miss that ‘I will kill you, lady’ [side of Olivia] a little bit,” chuckles the actress. “It would be fun for her to go back to her roots and be less in the pearls, high heels and dress of the mayor’s wife. I’d like to see her more like she used to be —in jeans and a tank top with a ponytail, telling everyone to get lost or she’ll beat them up!” And not for nothing, but while Olivia’s finally found her other half in Ned,…

When GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Hayden returned, we were thrilled. The troublemaker had everything you could want in a soap character, including family ties and a big ol’ secret. And yet, the first few weeks of her stint felt weirdly flat. Maybe it was because there was almost no mention of the baby we all wanted an update on, or the fact that — despite showing up at Elizabeth’s wedding party — the sisters didn’t have much interaction. Happily, that has since changed. Hayden is living (and bonding) with her sibling, being drawn back into Finn’s orbit even while missing their off-screen daughter, and playing detective with Jax. At last, Rebecca Budig is getting some fantastic material, and we’re getting from Hayden’s return what we’d been hoping for all along!…

We’re sort of surprised at just how willing Julian has been to give up his life in Port Charles in order to move to New York City with Kim. He’s worked darned hard to re-establish himself, whether with his formerly-estranged family or as a legit businessman. And while we’ve very much enjoyed his relationship with Kim, we’re not sure it’s ever felt like the kind of love one would give up everything for! • It’s been an interesting reversal of fortune to have Franco’s version of Drew hating on Jason, who has long despised old-school Franco. The story also found Sam’s better half reflecting on what makes a person, using his own transformation from preppie Jason Quartermaine to hit man Jason Morgan as a point of reference. YOU WIN SOME……

Q. If GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Jason is a felon, how does he have a license to carry a gun? Jeremey Broadman Salem, MA A. The short answer is that although Jason has committed many crimes as Sonny’s enforcer, he’s not a felon! He has indeed done time as one… but the conviction didn’t hold up. Back in 2010, Sonny’s enforcer struck a deal with federal prosecutor Claire Walsh. He’d plead guilty to a number of crimes as long as he was sent to Pentonville to protect Michael, who had been imprisoned for killing Claudia. But when Michael was released, and Franco started stirring up trouble all over town, Claire decided that she needed help to capture the then-psycho. So naturally, she had Jason released. And, thanks to a loophole in his…

While holding court with his fans, GH’s Maurice Benard (Sonny) covered everything from the career-changing advice Kin Shriner (Scott) and Anthony Geary (ex-Luke) gave him back when he was a Port Charles newcomer to his faux rivalry with Bradford Anderson (Spinelli). Benard even serenaded the crowd with the I LOVE LUCY theme song and shared stories about life outside of the soap. But as the mental-health advocate reflected on his career, he wasn’t afraid to get serious as well. In addition to sharing a bit about his own struggles with bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety, he invited Réal Andrews (ex-Taggert) to discuss his own recent diagnosis. While we can’t deny there were some tears shed, everyone left feeling inspired!…

After watching GH’s Kim spiral out of control in the wake of son Oscar’s tragic death, fans were really happy to see her portrayer, Tamara Braun, smile. And the reason for that grin had to be extra gratifying. The actress genuinely enjoys her fans and appreciates the opportunity to connect with them. So she was as eager to ask them questions at her Italian repast as they were to ask her questions! She was also able to shed some light on Kim’s recent behavior, especially toward Drew. “Grief does make you do some terrible, horrible things,” she said, “if it’s not cared for.” What was the consensus about what was playing out for the heroine on screen? Kim could really use some support! By the end of the evening, it…

WILD THINGS Richards plays a vengeful high schooler alongside Neve Campbell in this erotic thriller. STARSHIP TROOPERS In this sci-fi satire, Richards’ alter ego is a space pilot who helps eradicate a swarm of hostile extraterrestrial insects. THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH As Bond girl (and nuclear physicist) Christmas Jones, Richards gave 007 (then Pierce Brosnan) a run for his money! DROP-DEAD GORGEOUS In this mockumentary, Richards is a Midwestern beauty queen with a very pushy mama (played by Kirstie Alley). LOVE ACTUALLY Richards plays one of the American babes who seduces girl-crazy nerd Colin in this British romcom. SCARY MOVIE 3 Richards meets a gruesome end in the hilarious horror-movie spoof, which stars her ex-hubby, Charlie Sheen.…

Q: What book do you most often recommend to others to read? Vernee Watson (Stella, GH) “The Bible. We need it more now than ever, because it grounds us and it gives us the truth.” Camila Banus (Gabi, DAYS) “I recommend The Alchemist [by Paulo Coelho]. I think it’s a book for many different ages. A lot of people can understand the simplicity, the morals and the teachings that are involved in this beautiful book.” Jennifer Gareis (Donna, B&B) “How To Talk So Kids Will Listen [& Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish]. It’s a way of disciplining and learning how to understand kids emotionally before talking to them, instead of just reacting.” Jacklyn Zeman (Bobbie, GH) “Sacred Contracts: Awakening Your Divine Potential by Caroline…

We wanted to fall for CBS’ summer series, LOVE ISLAND, but found ourselves breaking up with the reality show fairly early in its run. It was hard to commit, given that the contestants chosen were… let’s be kind and say they weren’t great conversationalists. Although the show has already been renewed for next summer, we’d have preferred CBS give us five nights a week of a limited-run telenovela than this mind-numbing reality show. • As big fans of THE GREAT BRITISH BAKING SHOW, we’re thrilled that Netflix is now offering another season. We’re also glad that, unlike in the past, the streaming service is only releasing one episode per week, if only because that’s the only way to prevent us from binging like the gluttons we are when it comes…

What has Monica swinging by the Intensive Care Unit on Monday, September 9? And what has Elizabeth feeling a bit desperate that same day? Try as she might, Kim simply can’t help herself on Tuesday, September 10. You won’t want to miss what happens when Elizabeth and Sam cross paths with one another on Wednesday, September 11. Sonny searches for — and manages to locate — Dev on Thursday, September 12. And might things move to another level when Lulu and Dustin spend time together on Friday, September 13?…

Newly back from the dead, Vivian makes a startling confession to Stefan on Monday, September 9. Gabi wants to call the police on the lady Lazarus on Tuesday, September 10. Viv offers Sarah some unsolicited advice on Wednesday, September 11. Eric — unaware that Sarah’s pregnant — breaks off their relationship on Thursday, September 12. And on Friday, September 13, Vivian decides that it’s time to finish off Kate once and for all!…

Sometimes, a kiss is just a kiss. But the passionate pucker that GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Franco and Kim recently shared is proving to be far more than a simple buss. Will Elizabeth continue to stand by her man — despite the fact he no longer sees himself as her man — or hand him over to Kim? Heard It Through The Grapevine Yet again, poor Cameron is at the center of a Franco-related storm when he has to tell Elizabeth that he saw her husband kissing Kim. Of course, Liz knows that it isn’t really her Franco pursuing Kim but rather the guy he’s become thanks to Drew’s memories. That does not, however, make the news any easier to hear. Nonetheless, Liz remains determined not to let the situation get the…

If you’re confused about how that money wound up in the back of Oscar’s car, which he then willed to Cameron, you’re not alone. It didn’t help that after having been told for a year or more that Drew’s memories were completely gone, he made a few cryptic references to the fact that they maybe weren’t quite as gone as we’d been informed (repeatedly) before stepping onto an elevator, never to be seen again. On the one hand, sci-fi plots allow you to basically make up the rules as you go along, given that they’re created from whole cloth. But it does the audience no favors if along the way, you start changing even the vaguely-established rules you yourself established. We get that this was likely done to give fans…

… or did you find yourself marveling over how the roles have reversed for GH’s Peter and Maxie? While the widow had been the drama queen in her last relationship (and most of the ones before that!), she seemed to be channeling Nathan’s patient, earnestness when she told Peter she has faith in the man he has worked hard to become. Of course, this was said even as he was keeping a very big, very bad secret from Maxie, who in the past was guilty of that exact same thing on numerous occasions!…

Whenever GH co-stars and real-life buddies Steve Burton (Jason) and Bradford Anderson (Spinelli) hit the stage together, it’s anything goes. So guests at their joint event weren’t just treated to a little fun, they were treated to the very best of good times. Over the course of the meet-and-greet, there were songs, raps, skits, a reading of mean tweets and more laughs than could be counted. But the highlight had to be when the actors tried on different roles for size. While Anderson impersonated Burton’s potrayal of Jason, Burton took a shot at playing Maurice Benard’s Sonny. It was so hilarious, we wouldn’t be surprised if some fans left with their funny bones in casts!…

There was a lot more than eggs being dished out at the breakfast event hosted by GH’s Ryan Carnes (Lucas) and Parry Shen (Brad). Fans found out which of them has a secret hobby, which of them just shot a music video and what they really think about spending so much time working with tiny tots!…

Trouble In PARADISE We’re torn when it comes to BACHELOR IN PARADISE’s Demi. We appreciate that the show has finally included a bisexual contestant, and want to encourage the producers to continue in that direction when it comes to inclusive casting. At the same time, we’re not sure Demi was the person with whom to do this. If she were a straight man or woman who came on the show while openly admitting they had a relationship back home, they’d be considered a villain. Instead, Demi came to Mexico, developed a relationship with Derek… and then, upon deciding her heart really did lie with girlfriend Kristian, was allowed to bring her lady love to paradise! Had Demi met a like-minded woman in paradise and begun a relationship with both her…

Carly and Sonny renewed their vows among family… only to have Chase show up with questions about that ware-house foreman who’d tried to frame Dev for stealing. With Barry now missing, Dev covered a little too hard by gushing about the man. Later, Mike almost blew things when he called Cousin Gladys to town, but she played her part as Dev’s supposed grandmother. Unfortunately, it was Josslyn who slipped up, raising Jax’s suspicions about Dev. KIM’S ALL OVER THE PLACE Thrown by the Franco/Drew situation, Kim proposed to Julian, but he insisted this wasn’t the right time or reason to wed. Then she ran into Frew (aka Franco with Drew’s memories), who kissed her and suggested they run off together! Kim returned the kiss, but left without answering. Having seen…

Blush-Worthy! Rebecca Gayheart (Hannah, LOVING) looks sun-kissed and radiant in this pale pink strapless gown, which is more subdued (and arguably more stunning) than the colorful frock on the left. Overall Approval Tamara Braun (Kim, GENERAL HOSPITAL) proves a concept we once thought unthinkable: overalls can be incredibly chic! Cold Shoulders Summer may be over now, but that doesn’t mean you need to pack away sexy, shoulder-exposing outfits like these!…