Table of contents for December 19, 2016 in ABC Soaps In Depth

Genie Francis: “I Hope” They Bring Nikolas Back! With Valentin stirring things up on GENERAL HOSPITAL as the rightful Cassadine heir, Genie Francis (Laura) realizes the timing may not be right for Nikolas to show up alive… but she’d sure like for it to happen one day! The In Depth Story: It’s been months since Nikolas was shot and presumably killed, but GH fans refuse to believe the prince is really gone — and Francis is right there along with them! “One of the things I hope for the most is that [the show will] do something to bring back Nikolas,” she tells Soaps In Depth. “I don’t know if that’s going to happen… but I sure would like to see it happen. It’s heartbreaking that he’s gone. I don’t…

The battle over Christian continues this week, as Nick refuses to give up on Monday, December 5. That same day, it seems as if Devon might be getting a bit fed up with Hilary’s antics! On Tuesday, December 6, Travis goes too far, while Dylan and Sharon hear the sound of opportunity knocking on their door! Traci has the best of intentions on Wednesday, December 7, but we all know where the road paved with those leads! Jack is still out to make Billy pay on Thursday, December 8. And on Friday, December 9, Hilary hopes to get her way by turning on the charm.…

“A baby isn’t all I want for Christmas,” Lulu scoffed. “I also want baby clothes, a baby buggy, baby diapers. Oh, and… um… world peace. Yeah, that, too.” This week, GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Lulu begins to suspect something that smar t viewers have been asking themselves for a while now: Could Charlotte actually be Rocco’s sister? Read on for details on the shocking story that winds up involving several people you might not suspect… .including Santa Claus! Lulu Gets A Shock! If we were to take a peek at Lulu’s wish list, we suspect it would read, “All I want for Christmas is another baby.” So it is somewhat appropriate that it is Santa — who happens to be visiting with children at the hospital — who sets Rocco’s mom down…

Julian was set free thanks to a legal technicality…which is exactly how Valentin’s crimes were excused soon after! Nikolas returned from the fake dead only to be killed for real… which is exactly what happened to Carlos, too! Less than a year after Alexis’ house was blown up, Elizabeth had to relocate when her home suffered the same fate!…

The winner of the competition for most transient character goes to none other than Detective Hope Brady. It’s a darn good thing that she wears that same leather jacket all the time because there wasn’t often much opportunity to pack. In the past year, Hope’s spent time escaping to the Horton cabin (where she indulged in imaginary conversations with her past husbands), couch surfing at Jennifer’s after a fire in her own living room, recovering in the hospital after getting caught in an explosion with Rafe, and even contemplating her navel (er, future) at the cop shop while awaiting trial. About the only place she didn’t check in was Doug and Julie’s B&B because staying with your folks makes sense when you’re desperate, but it rarely works out for long.…

Bill’s “Rumpus” Room: We’re pretty sure having a secret sex lair at the office must violate some sort of OSHA regulations! Ivy’s AWOL Accent: The Aussie tried sounding more American, but it sounded like desperation to us! The Baby Mill: Rick and Maya asking Nicole to have a second kid for them six months after she delivered the first? Yeah, we’re pretty sure that’s what gall looks like!…

FYIFYIFYI Social Status: In spite of the occasional mean tweets, Lanier says, “I enjoy talking to GH fans. They’re so passionate!” Mama Says: Since her mother is “head over heels for Curtis,” the soap star says she’d “love to work with Donnell Turner.” Childhood Dreams: “I have no idea how I even knew what an actor was, but I said I wanted to be one when I was 3,” shares Lanier. Fab Five: Living with her boyfriend and four other guys “is interesting,” laughs the ingenue. fans may be fuming over Nelle’s latest move on GENERAL HOSPITAL — drugging Sonny and sliding into his bed was a doozy! — but por trayer Chloe Lanier is thrilled that Carly’s “helpful” assistant is finally coming out of the shadows. Not only does…

Wild Ones Ask GENERAL HOSPITAL’S Emme Rylan (Lulu) about her family’s Great Wolf Lodge Poconos adventure, and she’ll tell you that sons Jackson, 7, and Levi, 5, “were in heaven” at the indoor water park resort… and they weren’t the only ones! The actress and fi-ancé Don Money had a blast, too! “Don and I were going down the water slides like we were kids — like it was this fullon contact sport,” she laughs. “We went with my childhood best friend, Hannah, who has two little girls the same age as my boys, so we had the most fun!” While Great Wolf Lodge is known for its epic slides, it was another aspect of the resort that proved truly captivating. “You get a magic wand, and the entire hotel…

We’re not sure it’s possible to ever really know THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL’s mysterious Quinn Fuller Forrester. (Nor are we sure we would want to know a person like her in real life!) Still, we’ve made an effort to catalog what we do know about the daring, sometimes dangerous jewelry designer in this handy-dandy alphabetical guide! A Asthma: Chronic affliction Quinn purportedly suffers from, which we discovered when she went “hiking” with Liam. B Bridge: Structure that Quinn pushed Ivy off in Paris to ensure that Wyatt would end up with Hope. C Coach: Section of the plane Quinn was forced to endure en route to surprising Eric in Monaco. D Deacon: Frenemy and former spouse who continues to turn up in Quinn’s life like a bad penny. E…

Eddie Alderson, who spent many of his childhood years playing ONE LIFE TO LIVE’s Matthew, has been diagnosed with lymphoma. “While this journey will not be easy,” the optimistic actor revealed on social media, “I know that together with all of my family and friends, we will beat this! Just a bump in the road on this crazy ride we call life! I will keep all of you updated as we go along.” According to a follow-up by his older sister, Kristen Alderson (Starr; ex-Kiki, GH), doctors determined that the 22-year-old had “very treatable” Hodgkins lymphoma, and he began chemotherapy a few days before Thanksgiving. Our best wishes to Alderson for a full recovery.…

Erika Girardi — who stars alongside Y&R’s Eileen Davidson (Ashley) on Bravo’s soapy reality series, THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF BEVERLY HILLS — will zip through Genoa City on Thursday, December 15. The cameo will allow the singer/dancer to flex her acting muscle as businesswoman Farrah Dubose, who will cross paths with Davidson’s alter ego. Meanwhile, the new season of RHOBH kicks off this week, on Tuesday, December 6, at 9 p.m. EST.…

Open Up, Julian! It’s The Cops! As Julian makes Alexis a shocking offer on Monday, December 5, Jason and Curtis compare notes — and come to a startling realization on Tuesday, December 6! How will the info that Jordan shares with Curtis on Wednesday, December 7, impact what he’s already figured out? That same day, Jason and Sam have an OB appointment to find out the gender of their baby! Will the Morgans be seeing pink or blue? And does the baby have anything to do with the secret Sam is keeping from Maxie on Wednesday, December 14? As it turns out, Maxie isn’t the only person in town suspicious of someone’s behavior that day, because Ava makes it clear that she doesn’t trust Alexis’ motives at all! And when…

Ciara gets a big surprise when she shows up for her on-line date on Monday, December 5. (Having been on a few of those ourselves, we’re hoping it’s a surprise of the good, not bad, variety!) Andre tries getting Gabi to see things his way on Tuesday, December 6, while Jade spends that day making herself at home at Kayla’s! After making a confession to Nancy on Wednesday, December 7, Philip winds up in big trouble on Thursday, December 8! And on Friday, December 9, Gabi is there when Chad needs her the most!…

Missing Persons Report We get that soaps can’t necessarily always bring back characters no longer on the canvas when it would make sense for them to do so. But the absences at the funeral of GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Morgan were downright baffling. Why was Lucas not there to support sister Carly? And what was up with Nathan and Maxie? We were told that they couldn’t attend the funeral because they were babysitting Charlotte… and yet Griffin, one of the tot’s other faux fathers, was at the funeral with Anna! Worse, we later found out that Nathan and Maxie had dropped Charlotte off with Nina so that they could take care of some wedding-related things. This is Lulu’s best friend and Dante’s partner on the force we’re talking about here! That said,…

Mistaken Identity: Morgan saw Kiki and Dillon making love… or so he thought. Turned out, he’d just seen the shadows of a reconciled Olivia and Ned having sex in the boathouse! Better Late Than Never: We’re not sure who was more shocked — us or Sam — when Franco apologized for having made her life a living hell! Talkin’ Trash: When someone plucked the pills Ava had ditched out of the trash, we assumed it was schemer-come-lately Nelle, not veteran vixen Lucy!…

When Mal Young replaced Jill Farren Phelps as Y&R’s executive producer, it wasn’t long before fans began noticing a slew of changes. The British import encouraged his directors to think outside the box, expanded the world of Genoa City with new sets and many more exterior shots, and gave the show a more modern vibe without sacrificing the storytelling techniques which have helped keep the sudser perched atop the ratings heap for decades!…

Births Matthew Ashford (ex-Jack, DAYS) and girlfriend Lana Buss; daughter Willa (December 1, 2015) Adrienne Frantz (ex-Amber, B&B) and husband Scott Bailey (Sandy, GUIDING LIGHT); daughter Amélie (December 1, 2015) Ashley Cafagna (ex-Kimberly, B&B) and husband Anthony Tesoro; son Anthony John III (December 24, 2015) Jessica Collins (ex-Avery, Y&R) and husband Michael Cooney; daughter Jemma Kate (January 23) Jacob Young (Rick, B&B) and wife Christen; daughter Grace (March 20) James Van Der Beek (ex-Stephen, AS THE WORLD TURNS) and wife Kimberly; daughter Emilia (March 23) David Fumero (Christian, OLTL) and wife Melissa Fumero (Adriana, OLTL); son Enzo (March 24) Agnes Bruckner (ex-Bridget, B&B) and boyfriend Alefaio Brewer; son Sebastian (March 30) Sean Ringgold (Shaun, OLTL) and girlfriend Nicole Johnson; daughter Skylar (April 1) Melissa Ordway (Abby, Y&R) and husband Justin…

Fans of Kate Mansi were stunned when the actress didn’t garner an Emmy nod for her emotional performances in 2015 during the story about Ben trying to kill Abigail and stealing her baby. Instead of giving up, she dug in even deeper to play Abby’s descent into madness following her wedding to Chad. When she wasn’t talking to herself, JJ’s big sis was admonishing visions of Ben to disappear, wringing her hands, and alternating manically between glee, panic and out-right fear. And just when we thought she might truly lose her mind, she had the wits to seduce Ben, tie him up and light a match. It was a moment we won’t soon forget… even if Emmy voters never got to reward the actress for her incendiary performance!…

While other soaps continued trying to fake viewers out by recreating the great outdoors with interior sets, B&B went outside so often and so casually that we sort of stopped thinking of it as a big deal. And yet, whether the show took us to Liam’s backyard, Steffy and Wyatt’s beachfront wedding or the Spencer Summit in Monaco, the world occupied by the characters felt familiar to us because it actually looked like our world… complete with natural sunlight and hair-blowing breezes!…

Now that she’s on GH, Lanier certainly enjoys the regular paycheck — and not having to clock in as a waitress anymore! But the best part of her soap job has actually been the daily grind itself. “It’s taught me so much,” she says. “I can now memorize a scene in five minutes. I can basically look at the page and know it! That gives me time to break down the scenes, do all of my homework and research, and then I can have fun, let it go and play.” That’s important for an actress used to the slower pace of primetime dramas like KINGDOM and ARMY WIVES. “In daytime, you have to be on your game the moment you step onto set,” Lan ier explains. “You get…

Q: Which of your costars could best ll you in on the latest world events? Carolyn Hennesy (Diane, GH) “I would have to say Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis). She could fill me in. We do not necessarily see eye-to-eye on everything, but she is one smart dame.” Chad Duell (Michael, GH) “I’m a good one to go to myself, because I’ve been involved and researching a lot, lately. [The recent] election activated me. It was very interesting, very entertaining… and also kind of scary.” Karla Mosley (Maya, B&B) “I’d say Scott Clifton (Liam) and Thorsten Kaye (Ridge). They’re both smart guys and have a lot of knowledge about what’s going on.” Bryton James (Devon, Y&R) “Daniel Goddard (Cane). He’s smart!” Melissa Ordway (Abby, Y&R) “Eric Braeden (Victor). Every time we…

After quitting Newman, Travis tried to charm Jill into giving him a job. Hilary secretly taped Nikki as she blasted Sharon. Later, Nikki raised Victor’s ire by urging compassion toward Dylan. She even pushed Sharon to leave Dylan so her son could continue to be part of Christian’s life! Neil persuaded Jack to return to the foundation to help someone in dire straits. Jack told Phyllis to let go of the past. Cane kept quiet about his pain as he worked, but Billy warned Lily that if he wasn’t careful, the Aussie would suffer a setback. When someone crosses a line, will they go past the point of no return?…

Black Magic Voters agreed that THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS’ Elizabeth Hendrickson (Chloe; Maggie, ALL MY CHILDREN) looked most chic in the black slacks and a sexy matching top. What Were They Thinking? Without a belt or some statement jewelry to break up this monochromatic look, Florencia Lozano (Téa, ONE LIFE TO LIVE) resembles a cat burglar, and the glimpse of . shnet stockings at her hemline is a “no” in our book! Sneaker Sensation! Trainers, gym shoes, tennies … whatever you call them, these comfy kicks are a cool look for casual styles and, when done right, on the red carpet, too!…

The In Depth Story: A cause of death was not disclosed for Labine, who was also once the headwriter at ONE LIFE TO LIVE, GUIDING LIGHT and 1970s soaps WHERE THE HEART IS and LOVE OF LIFE. A year after LOL ended in 1973, ABC asked Labine and writing partner Paul Avila Mayer to crea t e a s o a p similar to GH. They tapped i n t o t h e wealth of drama that would undoubtedly surround a large Irish family, set them up as the owners of the pub located across the street from a hospital, and RH was born. Under Labine, the writing team would win six Emmys and the soap itself, two for Outstanding Drama. “She was a gracious woman who had an…

Realizing his divorce from Steffy is almost official, Wyatt resolves on Monday, December 5, to win her back! On Tuesday, December 6, he gets a pep talk from his mother to that effect as she encourages him to keep his eyes on the prize. Ridge gets rocked to the core on Wednesday, December 7, when Eric delivers some shattering news about Forrester Creations. On Thursday, December 8, Quinn kicks Rick out of the Forrester mansion when his quarrel with Eric gets out of hand. Liam confronts Quinn on Friday, December 9, to let her know that he isn’t buying her “changed woman” act!…

WIN IT! Soaps In Depth has 10 Blu-ray™ prize packs of favorite holiday ­ lms — Elf, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, The Polar Express and A Christmas Story — to give away to lucky readers! Own them all on Blu-ray™, DVD or Digital HD now. Elf This hilarious Christmas ­ lm tells the tale of a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts on Christmas Eve and is transported back to the North Pole and raised as an elf. Years later, Buddy learns he is not really an elf and goes on a journey to New York City to ­ nd his true identity. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation This holiday season, Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) vows his clan will enjoy “the most fun-­ lled family Christmas…

It’s often said the only thing harder than acting is reacting. Well, GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Chad Duell upped the ante in the wake of Morgan’s death by not only acting and reacting beautifully, but also pulling back on Michael’s reactions before they could hit the surface. As a result, he earned himself this week’s Gold Star. Taking Care Of Carly When Michael strolled into Carly’s with Nelle, his energy seemed surprisingly light. He even smiled about the funeral flowers. Left alone with his mom, however, he let out a deep sigh and checked in on her — they’d survived another hurdle, but the marathon still wasn’t over. Ever the caretaker, he never stopped scanning her, as if trying to read where she was and what she needed from him — especially…

While we’re still not entirely convinced that Helena’s really, most sincerely dead, her will certainly proved that gone is not the same thing as forgotten. After all, the document and her various gifts kept her not-so-loved ones hopping for months! We suspect the mad matriarch took a turn or two in her grave when Laura’s search for answers led her into a new romance with Kevin. But Helena definitely got her money’s worth out of that “empty” envelope she l e f t L u l u , which led to more embryo t a l k t h a n you’ll hear at an OB-GYN’s office! In the end, Helena’s games genera t ed mo r e angst than actual storyline, as evidenced by the painti n g wh…

Adam: Knowing that portrayer Justin Hartley was leaving, we assumed the hunk would end up spending a few years in the prison to which he had been sentenced. But we were completely blindsided when he instead died as the result of affery explosion! Sage: The beauty had about two seconds to celebrate the fact that her son, Christian, was actually alive before she was killed in a tragic car accident! Lucinda: Like Neil, we barely knew his mom. But that didn’t make it any less poignant when they reconciled shortly before she passed away. Dr. Anderson: We weep not for the evil doc but for Patty, who will likely wind up stuck in that rubber room for killing her! Emily, help!…

 Deacon: He thought he had a good thing with Quinn, but she found something better with first Liam and later Eric! Katie: Since losing hubby Bill to her sister, Katie’s been single and ready to mingle… but so far, her dance card has remained empty! Donna: It’s gotta hurt that for ages now, deskmate and sometimes rival Pam has had a better love life than this buxom blonde! R.J.: If this guy has any chance of catching up with his partnerswapping folks, he’d best hope that the local teen scene expands to include at least a few people other than himself!…

Feeling The Friz I love Elizabeth and Franco together. The way they fell in love, the slow build, the chemistry — everything about them is amazing! Many people hate Liz and Franco, but I personally think they are one of the best couples in daytime history. Friz Forever! Alexandra Martinez via Soaps In Depth Facebook page Where’s The Fun? I’ve been a fan of GENERAL HOSPITAL and ABC soaps since 1970. I under stand you have to change with the times, but it seems there’s always tragedy on GH now. There is no more laughter. It’s all tears and heartbreak. I’d like to see couples sharing life, love and facing day-to-day problems with their children and grandchildren, just like the good old days! Emily Heath Piatkowski via Soaps In…

FYIFYIFYI His Last Trip Home: “I went river rafting on Yellowstone River,” Kurth reveals. Remember When? In 1992, Kurth sang on THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW. Help His Cause: The Kurth & Taylor Foundation funds occupational therapy programs for kids with autism. See www.facebook.com/wally.k.page for information. Shake Their Hands: Meet Kurth and leading lady Judi Evans (Adrienne) on Saturday, January 7, at The Westin LAX Hotel. Tickets are available at www.hollywoodshow.com. DAYS OF OUR LIVES’ Justin and Adrienne go back a long way — nearly 30 years! That’s why he couldn’t help but make a last-ditch effort to keep his three-time bride from marrying Lucas recently. “She was taking a really permanent step that would leave no chance of reconciliation,” Wally Kurth points out to Soaps In Depth. “In his mind,…

The Forresters celebrated Thanksgiving. Bill was sure that he and Brooke would elope, but Ridge had other ideas. When Brooke let Ridge know she was choosing Bill, he reminded her of the future she could have with him! Nicole turned down Zende’s second marriage proposal, so Sasha offered herself as an alternative. Quinn and Eric encouraged Wyatt not to give up on Steffy. Eric was reluctant to return to work, and Wyatt wondered how that might benefit his own status at Forrester. Liam and Steffy’s attempt at a romantic evening was interrupted by an unwelcome visitor seeking comfort. When business matters come between family members, will everyone be forced to pick sides?…

Victor and Maggie worried about Brady after Theresa left, while Marlena tried to get through to him. Rafe asked Steve to help with Hope’s predicament. Eduardo and Kate spent Thanksgiving together. Gabi shared a close moment with Chad, then spent a romantic night with JJ. Jennifer tried convincing Abigail to let Chad know she’s alive. Adrienne finally decided between Lucas and Justin, only to be rushed to the hospital! Can a loved one convince Abigail that it is time for her to emerge from the shadows?…