General Hospital Commentary: Back in the New York Groove

Maxie returned home and her heart led her to Spinelli. Was it the right choice, and did it give Nathan and Lulu the green light to date? Willow paid a price for accepting Sidwell’s help, but how long can she keep up the charade? Let’s discuss that and more in an all-new General Hospital commentary for the week ending February 27, 2026.

Dear readers, isn’t it wonderful to see Kirsten Storms back on General Hospital again? Having Maxie back in Port Charles, deep in the New York groove, makes my heart happy. 

Torn between two loves

Kirsten has been through so much recently with her health and seeing her onscreen, beautiful and smiling, knowing the challenges she has faced is nothing less than miraculous.

When Maxie’s eyes opened, we all waited with bated breath to see how she would resolve the love triangle she had thrust upon her. Her presumed dead husband Nathan was suddenly alive, with no explanation, and her faithful partner Spinelli with his adoring eyes was sitting by her bedside fearing the worst.

I Choose You

We anticipated a passionate reunion with Maxie and Nathan, but instead, she chose Spinelli. And the reasons she gave him, that beautiful speech about the ordinary things Spinelli has done to make a life for her and her kids melted my heart. 

Did you see the movie, Eternity? Oh, it’s so beautiful. It’s funny, it has a lot of laughs, but it will break your heart, too. The concept is a woman dies and gets to heaven and has to choose whether to spend eternity with her first husband, a man she married young who died tragically in the war, or her second husband, the one she had been married to for decades, raised a family with and built a life. The internal battle between young passion, the “What ifs” she had lived with, juxtaposed against a life of memories built with her second husband.

That is the exact choice Maxie faced. “Do I go back to a man I loved briefly and passionately, or stay with the man who has loved me for nearly 20 years?” And she chose Spinelli.

Two Good Men

Some fans are applauding that outcome; some are letdown because they wanted her to go back to Nathan. 

My problem is that I couldn’t choose. Both Nathan and Spinelli are good men. There is no villain. There was no bad choice here. Both men love her. Both men would be good to her and her kids. But I’m happy she chose Spinelli and it filled my heart. He was so sure she was going to cast him aside and you saw his lungs fill back up with air as she listed the reasons she chose him. What I want next is an actual wedding. I want those two to make it official.

Real or Imposter?

But Nathan? We are still left with all of our burning questions about him. We thought Maxie would be able to tell immediately if he wasn’t Nathan, but she hasn’t said a word to make us think she is suspicious. 

When Nathan snapped at Liesl today, I got an “Uh oh” vibe, because I can’t recall ever seeing old Nathan snap at anyone before! But I have seen Peter August and Stavros Cassadine snap at people, both who have been mentioned as possible imposters beneath Nathan’s face. Sure, they are supposed to be dead, but really, what does that mean in daytime, especially on General Hospital?

As for me, my best bet is that he is Nathan, but perhaps someone has him under some sort of mind control like Drew, Dante, Anna, Lucky and several others have in the past.

Mutter Dearest

Liesl is not one to let things go, so I am a little worried for Lulu and what Liesl may do to get her out of the way. If Lulu and/or Spinelli come up missing, we will know Liesl is the culprit.

But the mystery of Nathan and where he has been remains unsolved. I think Lulu will be the one to uncover the truth. She will put her investigative journalist on and start digging around. Where do you think Nathan was for seven years? I would love your input, and I’ll feature the best theories in my next column!

When Lulu and Nathan tell Maxie they want to date, will she suddenly be jealous and decide she wants Nathan after all? I hope not.

Sparks at General Hospital

In the past, I would have said Dante might be jealous, too, but he has his sparkling eyes set on Liz as of this week. Since Sam died, Dante has not been interested in love, but his grief has subsided enough to notice Liz, and that makes me happy. Liz has been in quite a dry spell, too, and it would be comforting to see two decent people end up together in Port Charles.

I know many people have been rooting for Liz and Jason to reunite, but after all the years of the audience begging for more “Liason” and the powers that be ignoring it, I can’t get invested in that daydream. Also, there is Ric, and after Ric and Liz had such a promising Valentine’s Day date, I thought we might be heading in that direction, but then the wind shifted within the week to Dante and Liz.

Why?

While Jason is Away, Will Britt Play?

Well, I presume with Steve Burton’s somewhat abrupt departure from General Hospital, the writers had to rewrite and shift things around to make room for his 3-month break. Maybe they are freeing up Ric for Britt? Who else will be able to help Sonny and Britt with their Sidwell problem? (We should make Sidwell’s name a drinking game.)

Return of the Dark Prince

In truth, I would love to see Britt reunite with Nikolas Cassadine if he ever gets out of prison. He must be in a cell with Blackie Parish who was sentenced to two years in prison and never heard from again.

But think about it; Nikolas and Britt were in love once, and they both loved Spencer whole-heartedly. If Nikolas got out of prison and Britt said, “I’m so sorry about Spencer.” It could open a door. They have both done terrible things, illegal things, unthinkable things, so perhaps they could offer each other grace.

A Reset for Jason?

I have no idea if it’s true, but I heard that Steve Burton wasn’t thrilled with his current storyline, and this break he is taking to be with his amazing new wife (follow her on social media, she’s delightful) will also allow the writers to write a new story for Steve to jump into when he gets back in June. Will it be a Bobby Ewing moment and we find this entire storyline with Jason and Britt was a dream? Who knows. I’ll just be glad when he’s back.

But Jason’s absence leaves Britt hanging. It leaves Sonny hanging, too. The two of them joked on Maurice Benard’s State of Mind that maybe Sonny and Britt would be paired. I can’t imagine that. Haha. Jason’s absence means that Carly will only have Valentin for support in her quest to extricate Joss from the WSB, and frankly I am not mad about that. I am loving those two together.

Britt and Lucas Team Up

Britt begged Lucas not to trust Marco, but Lucas didn’t listen and he asked Marco to help him steal a dose of Britt’s medicine. So, while Britt did have access to a box full of her meds and many vials, she never thought to test the medication on her own before Jason suggested it? That seems like the first thing she would have done when she escaped. 

Also, we don’t know what the final project is she is working on will do. Say what you will about the cheesiness of soaps in the 80’s, at least we knew that Luke was fighting to keep Mikkos Cassadine from freezing the entire world. We have no idea what Sidwell and Cullum want to do with Britt’s experiments.

Romance is in the Air

There will never be another Luke and Laura, but I see adventure in Carly and Valentin. I don’t think I ever considered what a fun pairing Valentin and Carly would be! Laura Wright and James Patrick Stuart have oodles of chemistry. Every scene with the two of them has me hungry for more. Maybe they will be the dynamic duo that saves Port Charles from ruin this time — if they ever get Valentin out of the attic.

Many viewers are diehard Anna/Valentin fans. But the reality is that Finola Hughes is no longer on contract with General Hospital. She has been moved to recurring status, by her own request. According to articles I have read, to work on some other personal projects.

So, we don’t know when or how often we will be seeing Anna. She might be in that French hospital for months. In the meantime, I am happy to watch Carly and Valentin play together. It’s riveting. The day they finally kiss, I’m going pop some Champagne and toast them.

Congresswoman Cutthroat

Valentin’s former ally Nina has been outed by Charlotte, and I pity Nina once Valentin is free and he goes after Nina for using his “petite” as bait to save Willow. I hope when Willow falls that her mother falls with her.

Oops I mean Congresswoman Willow. Not to sound cynical, but the chaos we find our current government in at present makes me think that perhaps Sidwell has appointed all the congresspeople of both parties to do nothing but his bidding because they don’t seem to get anything done that benefits the public.

General Hospital’s newest secret alliance

The revelation this week that Sidwell is the one who provided the paralytic drugs to Willow that she uses to keep Drew in a locked-in state was shocking! But maybe I should have seen it coming. Sidwell wanted Drew out of the way because Drew wasn’t cooperating, and Sidwell used Willow to accomplish his goals. 

Willow says she has her own goals in Congress and is determined not to let any men manipulate her. Her bold declaration aside, I think we all know that Sidwell’s goons, even Pascal, could take Wispy Willow down with one arm. Willow feels invincible because she got away with Drew’s shooting and also with drugging him. But her run of luck won’t last forever. I am living for the day she is busted.

Will Alexis save the day?

Poor Alexis was so excited to have a chance to do some good for the people of Port Charles. That’s actually a great story arc for her character.  I hope she outs Willow as an attempted murderer and eventually gets the seat. It honestly bugs me that Kai, Trina, Alexis and Alexis’ assistant Suzanne (the charming Jen Ray) haven’t leaked to the press that they know Willow is the shooter. Certainly, they won’t let Michael go down for it!

Chasing down the truth

Chase, of course is 100% certain that Michael is the shooter and that Michael framed Willow. It’s driving me mad. I have heard rumors that Josh Swickard is leaving General Hospital. If it’s true, I’m sad that Chase is going to go out as a gullible dumb ass instead of a hero. I know it’s awful to say, but when Michael punched Chase in his stupid face this week, I was yelling Huzzah!

Chase is so certain that Michael is guilty that he is willing to risk his career and his marriage to prove it. However, he’s been completely wrong. Michael did nothing. Chase was bamboozled. I feel bad for Brook Lynn because I don’t think they are ever going to adopt a baby together or start a family. Brook Lynn has grown so much as a character. She has become so loyal and wonderful to her friends. I feel bad that the man she thought was her soulmate is so wrapped up in stupid evil Willow that BLQ is going to lose him.

Blind to the truth

The worst part is that Chase is supposed to be such a great cop, but he has missed the signs. Almost immediately after Willow is acquitted of attempted murder and goes home with Drew, Drew nearly dies again! Isn’t that supremely suspicious?

Anna has been kidnapped, Dante is preoccupied trying to learn to be the new Police Commissioner, Nathan claims to be “rusty” and has forgotten basic police procedures, and Chase is blinded by Willow. There are so many crimes going on all over Port Charles. But not a single cop around to catch any of the criminals. Too bad they chased Taggert off. And think about this: none of the crimes right now are being committed by Sonny and Jason! They are model citizens right now!

I understand Chase has been smitten by Willow for eons, but she cheated on him and left him for Michael. How can he still be so blind to her manipulations and lies? Nina’s offspring came by it honestly though. Nina was crazy and both of her daughters are crazy. It’s a family tradition. (Cue Hank Williams Jr.)

Romancing the enemy

Sonny has had a romantic dry spell since he and Nina broke up. It seemed like maybe there would be something with Natalia, but that never transpired. Finally, Sonny put his lips on a new woman — Justine — and she kissed him back. Then she slapped him. 

I like Justine. Of all of the law enforcement women Sonny has corrupted over the years, she might be my favorite. She’s not hiding her identity. She’s not willing to take Sonny down at any cost. She is principled, fair and honest. She and Sonny both know that getting involved is ill-advised, but they can’t seem to go for long without running into one another accidentally or on purpose. Their relationship is doomed unless Sonny is ready to retire, which Maurice Benard hints about on his State of Mind broadcast regularly.

Sonny’s golden years on General Hospital 

It’s clear Maurice loves State of Mind as much as (or more) than his work in Daytime. He seems to be balancing the timing of when he can make a leap. I hope it’s not too soon though, because having to watch General Hospital without Luke, Sonny and Robert is too much for me to contemplate. I need a lovable scoundrel to root for.

Forgiveness and second chances

I am rooting for Ric. The scene this week — when Ric told Alexis that he doesn’t want to die and have no one, except Molly, care was so poignant and beautiful. Rick Hearst’s return was such a welcome one for me, and I love the direction that his character is going in. I love that he has matured even if it took being tied up in Alexis’ basement to get him there.

A plea for peace

Isaiah went to visit Trina and gave her a reality check about punishing her mother with the silent treatment. Trina went to General Hospital and made up with her mom, and they are back to being best buds. That turnaround seemed a little fast to me, but I am glad Isaiah was the catalyst. Why? Because if his character is going to become a major player in Port Charles, he needs to have scenes with more people than just Portia. Right now, 90% of the people in Port Charles don’t know he exists. He has to be woven into the fabric of the community, or we are never going to care about him or who he is dating.

Vaughn who?

Like Joss. Joss was dating Vaughn and he vanished and I haven’t heard a single person in any of my social media feeds saying, “We miss Vaughn!” But I hear daily, “We miss Sam!” “We miss Nikolas!” “We miss Spencer” There are characters that fans clamor for and are deeply invested in, and others who vanish without a trace or a care, like say Blaze. Which reminds me how mad I am that Sidwell and Marco blame Sonny for Natalia’s death and Sonny did nothing to her. Ugh.

Emma returns home

But a couple I really care about is Emma and Gio and I am happy they are back in each other’s arms. I love that she walked in just as he was making plans to head to the West Coast to see her. Those two crazy kids have mad chemistry, and I can’t get enough of them.

What will happen tomorrow dear readers?

Will Michael get the jab in the neck from Willow before his summer vacation to Hawaii? Will Nina attend all of Willow’s interviews and be Shari Lewis to Willow’s Lamb Chop?  

Is Sidwell going to put Maxie into another coma before she barely gets unpacked because she wants him out of Deception? Will Nathan say, “Not it!” to Lulu’s query about which one of them has to tell Maxie that they are dating?

Will Alexis’ side eye every time Willow’s name is mentioned clue Laura into the fact that something is amiss? Are any more of Drew’s enemies going to visit his bedside to taunt him?

Will Gio and Emma like Fizz so much that they forget to go visit Outback at the stables? Will Laura decide she’d rather go to jail for murder than have more meetings with slimy Ezra Boil? Is Ace going to be 11 by the time Kevin brings him home?

Will Molly’s cowboy romance be a real book that we can buy like Lucy’s Guide to Port Charles?

Will all of the characters rumored to be on the move really leave General Hospital? What would Port Charles look like without Joss, Chase, Anna, Jason, Sidwell, Pascal, Cullum, and Jack Brennan?

Will someone get pushed off the Wyndemere parapets before this is all concluded? Will Lucy be in teeny weeny trouble with Maxie for handing Sidwell so much control of Deception?

Is Michael going to find another reason to pummel Chase next week?

Only tomorrow knows dear readers and I will tune in tomorrow as long as there are tomorrows.

Before you check out

Don’t miss Dan Kroll’s latest Beyond The Gates commentary, Cast the First Stone.

tamilu