It’s the end of the year, which means it’s time for Liz Masters and Tamilu to team up and share their picks for the best and the worst of 2025. This week is all about the good things in Port Charles in Part 1 of this special edition General Hospital commentary for the week ending December 26, 2025.
What a difference a year makes! This time last year, Tamilu and I were settling down in our new home here on Dan J Kroll’s site after leaving a place we had loved and called home for over two decades. We remain eternally grateful to Dan for giving us this platform where we are able to continue to write weekly and share our thoughts about our beloved General Hospital with all of our wonderful readers. Tamilu and I love you. We truly do.
In 2024 big things happened in Port Charles. The prodigal son, Jason Morgan was revealed to be alive and under the thumb of Special Agent, Jagger Cates. We had also learned that Valentin and Jack Brennan had been secretly in cahoots and running Pikeman, an illegal arms dealing organization that seemed intent on taking Sonny down. They failed.
These were some of our top picks for the best of 2024. This year, things look a little different. For starters, we have a new face for Michael Corinthos. And what a fine face it is.
Let’s kick things off there.
Introducing Rory Gibson as Michael Corinthos
Liz Masters
General Hospital has a long and illustrious reputation for brilliant casting moves. The casting department is especially skilled at finding just the right actor to portray the children of our little drama kings and queens. Love Josslyn or hate her, but there’s no arguing that Eden McCoy’s Josslyn Jacks is a mini-Carly. They even look a bit alike. There are times, even I forget that Eden and Laura Wright aren’t actually mother and daughter. Hudsen West (Jake Webber), Asher Antonyzyn (Danny Morgan), and Finn Carr (Rocco Falconeri) are just a few more examples of perfect casting.
The role of Michael Corinthos
I will admit, I was nervous when Chad Duell decided parted ways with General Hospital. Michael Corinthos is an important character on the canvas, and not someone who could stay away long. I was right. A few months after Michael was shipped off to Germany for cutting edge burn treatment, he returned just as the Nurses Ball was winding down. It was hands down my favorite scene of the year. Watching Michael stride in, Willow and Drew’s mouths agape, as Wiley ran into his father’s outstretched arms was everything. Such a delicious soapy moment, especially when Michael turned around and marched out with his son. In those few short minutes, Rory won me completely over.
In the months since Rory has taken over the role of Michael Corinthos, I’ve seen a different side of Michael. The man he’s become. He’s intense and quiet. Michael…smolders. He oozes sex appeal, and he’s proving to be quite the chess player. So far, Michael has managed to stay one step ahead of Drew. But it’s more than that.
This new Michael is measured, and kind. He shows so much compassion to his loved ones, even when they aren’t as loyal to him as he is to them. On top of all of that, he’s a great dad. There’s no denying that Michael is the whole package. Just ask Jacinda Bracken (Paige Herschell) who is quickly falling under his spell.
Tamilu
I am old enough to be Rory’s mommy, but he makes me weak in the knees. I cannot resist SMOLDER. Rory has a strong on-screen presence, and he sizzles in scenes with everyone. I believe Willow and Michael will eventually reunite, but I predict that the path between where we are now and where we will be eventually is going to be sizzling.
As to Jacinda, is it possible that she will grow on Nina and that Nina will keep her on long after Michael’s deal is over? I think it’s possible. It would be rather wonderful if Nina decided to take Jacinda under her wing and mentor her and apologize for exploiting her to frame Drew. I’d love to see that sort of character growth from Nina.
We are family
Liz Masters
Something happened recently that I am really digging. Ric extended an olive branch to Sonny and hell promptly froze over because Sonny took it. This is the storyline I didn’t know I needed. Yes, please make peace boys. Set an example for Dante. Dante has been horrible to sweet Gio, who has been unfairly vilified.
Gio is a lovely addition to General Hospital and both the Corinthos and Quartermaine families. I love that Rocco and Danny have taken Gio into their brotherly fold and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the three of them. One of the few nice romances right now is the one between Gio Palmieri (Giovanni Mazza) and Emma Drake (Braedyn Bruner), so I’m really hoping the writers keep building on that and give them something lasting.
Tamilu
When Giovanni Mazza first started the show, I thought he was stunt casting just to play the violin, but boy was I wrong. Gio Palmieri has become a beloved member of the Quartermaine family, and his scenes with the supremely perfect Jane Elliot have been among my favorite this year.
Also, just in general, the upcoming generation of young adults and kids on General Hospital are spectacular. the new Emma, and the recast Charlotte (Bluesy Burke), along with Danny, Rocco, Scout (Cosette Abinante), Donna (Scarlett Spears), Wiley (Viron Weaver), and Avery :(Ava and Grace Scarola) are all delightful additions to our show. I can hardly wait until Ace (Karis and Kieran Barry) and Amelia (Sequoia and Serenity Mork Macko) start talking!
Like Liz, I love Ric and Sonny reuniting. It’s long overdue. The two of them could have a wonderful bromance if the writers decide to let us have nice things. The trick will be to convince Jason that Ric has changed because I think Jason always hated Ric just a bit more than Sonny did!
One Faison, two Faison…three Faison?
Liz Masters
This one is a mixed bag for me. I loved Ryan Paevey’s first run as Detective Nathan West, hero and husband to Maxie Jones (Kirsten Storms). I’m also enjoying seeing Nathan actually do what few cops on soaps do — investigate and solve crimes. But all is not sunshine and roses here. We don’t know where Nathan has been for seven years or what he’s been up to. A DNA test seemed to confirm that he is Nathan, but Nathan turned up around the time that his presumed-dead sister Britt Westbourne returned. Oh, and there’s a cold fusion project with their father’s name on it. If that doesn’t bode trouble, right before Nathan was found, Maxie was poisoned with something that put her in a coma. There are too many red flags to count.
Please don’t go
I want Nathan to stick around — and I want Maxie to wake up. I love Spinelli, but I love Nathan a little bit more. This would be such a good juicy storyline to explore in 2026. That is, if Nathan is really Nathan and not his evil brother Peter August. It’s not random that two of Faison’s children resurfaced. If two of them are alive, then it’s not a stretch for a cockroach like Peter to be lurking in the wings ready to rain on my little Nathan parade. I fully expect a big twist to unfold in the coming weeks because General Hospital has Anna captive in the catacombs and Valentin hiding out in Carly’s attic. That can’t possibly last long, especially Valentin and Carly’s situation.
Who is Sidwell’s secret partner? I suspect that it’s Peter August, but I can’t entirely rule out a back-from-the-dead Cassadine like Victor. I don’t think it’s Faison because there is no way he would have kept away from Anna for this long.
This is one storyline that I’m eager to watch unfold in 2026. I can’t deny that the build-up has been perfectly executed.
Tamilu
I am also enthralled by the return of the Faison family, but when Anna got the P.K. Sinclair book taped to the tray Pascal brought her, I dared to believe Anders Hove might make an appearance. I will 100% suspend my disbelief about whose brain is in the jar that we assumed was Faison’s.
This morning Kirsten Storms updated on her IG and hinted that we might see her back in Port Charles soon which Is a Christmas gift to her fans for sure. Things are not certain yet, but she sounded hopeful which makes me hopeful. I am anxiously awaiting Maxie’s reunion with her beloved Nathan even though I know Spinelli will be crushed.
There’s an old song that says, “Are you going back to the one that loves you or are you coming back to the one you love?” I think it could fit as Maxie’s theme song. She has two amazing men who adore her, but which one does she adore more? I just saw a film called Eternity where a woman dies and has to choose whom to spend eternity with – her current husband or an old love who died young in the war. Any choice she made would crush someone. I cried and cried. I expect to cry when Maxie comes back, too.
Like Liz, I need this Nathan to actually be Nathan and not some Peter in a mask thing.
A coven witches
Liz Masters
I’m resigned to the fact that Kristina will never face repercussions for her crimes — at least not in a court of law. I have loathed this version of Kristina ever since the role was recast with Kate Mansi. I understand the decision to recast, but I don’t understand why the writers took Kristina in a completely different direction. Worse, they’ve dragged several characters down right along with Kristina, especially Alexis. Alexis just got back her law license back, but she didn’t hesitate to risk it all in order to protect Kristina from criminal prosecution after Kristina tried to kill Ava.
However, when Ava, Alexis, and Kristina teamed up to hold Ric captive and right some of their wrongs — minus Ava’s cut of Ace’s money — I found myself disliking Kristina a little less. What they did was wrong, but their little coven was wildly entertaining. Also, it’s hard not to see what Ric went through as a tiny taste of karma for holding Carly captive in a panic room.
Tamilu
Ric has let bygones be bygones, but I predict that one of these days Cody is going to need money and will go to Ava, Alexis, or Alexis to blackmail them to keep their secret. Eventually this will blow up on them. I think these three ladies are going to be bound by this kidnapping a lot longer than they think. Or, because it’s General Hospital, the whole storyline might just get dropped never to be mentioned again like Jagger’s murder. Hard to say.
A few nice things
Liz Masters
One of my favorite episodes was the one leading up to Drew’s shooting. I love a good mystery, and that episode was masterfully written. If only Drew had died…
I’m so grateful that we got one final scene with Robert Scorpio before Tristan Rogers passed away. I love the idea of Robert spending time with his long-lost daughter and granddaughter.
I wasn’t a fan of Ronnie Bard until the end, but I loved seeing Erika Slezak grace our television screens. The storyline wasn’t great, but I hope that there is a return visit in the works. Erika and Jane Elliot were outstanding in their scenes together and such a joy to watch.
We have romances. Real romances! Cody and Molly let their guards down and kissed. Passionately. And they both liked it. I did too. As I said earlier, I also love what’s happening between Gio and Emma, and I’ve always loved the chemistry between Valentin and Anna. Now, that Valentin is in town and mixed up in the same plot that currently has Anna imprisoned, it’s only a matter of time before they team up to take Jack and Sidwell down. I can’t wait.
Britt needs to tell Mutter the truth. If anyone can suss out who Sidwell’s mysterious partner is, it’s Liesl Obrecht. Kathleen Gati needs to check in to General Hospital. STAT.
Tamilu
Outback the Beagle. She’s perfect and I wish she lived at my house.
Genie Francis’s powerful and mesmerizing scenes when she finds Dalton’s body in her trunk. Not like we needed the reminder, but it gave us another chance to see her shine and to witness the absolute powerhouse of an actress she is!
Brad coming home stylishly dressed, but flat broke, and he and Britt dining and dashing and making a date to mock the Oscars!
Sonny and Laura getting a real and fully fleshed out storyline together. It seems to have legs. I can’t wait to see what Maurice and Genie bring us next!
Ned’s heart attack being the catalyst of peace for Gio and BLQ.
Praise for the actors
Every single scene with Jane Elliot was a delight. Plus, we got the added bonus of letting her play with our beloved Erika Slezak as Ronnie Bard this year.
Alexa Havins as Lulu and embodying the Spencer spirit of tenacity and strength through a plethora of trials. Also, Lulu and Nathan’s shared experience of waking up in a life they don’t recognize. Alexa has brought such heart and passion to Lulu. She cares so deeply about so much and she’s fully committed to her kids and the people she loves. Like Rory Gibson, she was a perfect recast.
Britt’s return is a joy, but the pacing is killing me. I love Kelly Thiebaud and I’m so happy to have her back in Port Charles, but the writers need to pick up the pace a bit both in unraveling what the cold fusion project is about and in her relationship with Jason.
Van Hansis portal of Lucas and his whirlwind romance with Marco. Sadly, we know he is in for a heartbreak, but for now, he’s happy.
The return of Dr. Obrecht, but I need her and Britt to make up by the end of the year. I need more Liesl! Kathleen Gati is a gem. I love the way she interacts with fans on social media and it’s clear she genuinely loves us as much as we love her.
A special thank you
Lastly, the absolute resilience of the General Hospital cast who have endured so many real-life losses of close friends and colleagues but continue to pour themselves into their work and give us a beautiful escape into Port Charles every weekday. There is not a single dud in the bunch. We are so lucky to be fans of this wonderful show.
Also, Dan, Liz and I are so thankful for those of you who followed us from our previous site and found us here. We are so appreciative that you love soaps, and that you love us! We wish you the happiest of holidays.
Before You Check Out
Be sure to see what Dan J Kroll has to say about all the great things on Beyond The Gates in his The Best of Beyond the Gates 2025 column.
And don’t forget to come back here next week for our naughty list “honoring” the Worst of General Hospital 2025.
Happy viewing,
Liz Masters and Tamilu
🎄🎼🎵🎶🎁 Feliź Navidad 2025 Y’All 🎁🎼🎵🎶🎶🎄
Liz and Tamilu, I have to admit that I agree 100% with everything here.
Couldn’t have said it better myself!!
Shockingly, I have Nothing to add.
Enjoy your Holiday, Ladies!!
Thank you so much!! Happy Holidays to you too!
Liz, I agree that the new Michael is awesome in pretty much every way. However, I think that chad duell’s version of Michael was measured and kind as well.
Don’t get me wrong, I loved Chad’s version of Michael, but Rory brought a maturity to the role that I think Chad’s lacked. Maybe it’s because we saw Chad pretty much grow up as Michael. I’m not sure, but this version of Michael is my favorite.
Are you saying that you think that Chad’s version was immature or just not as mature as Rory’s version?
Well, Michael cetainly isn’t that little red headed kid any more! Talk about a transformation!
Tamilu, I hope you’re wrong about Michael and Willow reuniting and Nina and Jucinda becoming friends. Nina and Willow are awful and Michael and Jucinda both deserve much better.
I don’t see Michael and Willow reuniting. It would be extremely hard to take Willow seriously if she ever claimed to love Michael again. I think the real question with Willow is whether or not she is redeemable. Or are they just going to take her as far as they can on the crazy train?
I don’t know that I see Jacinda as anything more than a temporary bedwarmer though. So maybe it’s the lack of an apparent partner for Michael that makes Tamilu think he’ll find his way back to Willow. I think the show eventually needs to come up with a new pairing or get back to the Sasha thing. Even if there’s no romantic potential between Michael and Sasha, they really do need to resolve that issue. There’s a kind of sense to Sasha spending time with her father when we know that time is going to be limited. But taking Sasha off the canvas after giving her a family and a child with the most connected of characters was the headscratcher of the year–still not sure if that was the show’s decision or the actress’s. It’s really not fair to separate Michael from his daughter for this long.
I definitely agree with all of the best items listed here. Happy holidays to Liz, Family and Dan! 🎄Thanks for giving us this platform to read and comment on our favourite soaps 😊
Happy Holidays to you too!!
I know that I am in the minority but I don’t see any couple on this show worth rooting for and that includes Gio/Emma and Cody/Molly. I get when romance is lacking even mediocre looks great. If the show wants to showcase these couples, then please give them interesting storylines right now every thing feels lackluster because cute and adorable isn’t where it’s at.
Great column – we may agree to disagree on little things in Port Charles, but our thoughts are in sync the majority of the time. And you articulate those thoughts so beautifully!
The gift that keeps on giving is Rory Gibson as nu Michael. It’s his eyes – the amount of non verbal acting from this gentleman is off the charts and why I watch. That, and he looks like he could be Alan Q’s grandson from the casting department. No diss on CD and ALL his contributions with his intrepretation of MIchael – that was then and this in now.
When you wrote – a coven of witches, I think MacBeth (the Scottish play…) and that trio was a hoot althought it really was not….within the realm of believeability. Krissy has been redeemed in some weird way that I have not figured out from watching. Alexis continues to blunder her way through the legal world, and the hope is in Molly – Kristen Vaganos is a breath of fresh air!
Happy Holidays!!
On two occasions now, Britt has made it clear that she did not fake her own death. Someone else basically did and kidnapped her. I wish they would elaborate on that.
I can’t see Sidwell working for Peter. It would have to be someone with serious gravitas.
Pascal doesn’t seem to approve of Lucas and Marco. He has this very sinister look whenever he sees them.
I also hope Nathan IS really Nathan. Not just for Maxie, Obrecht and Nina, but for JAMES. He’s not YET as close to Nathan as he is to Spinelli and Cody. But eventually he WILL grow to love his dad as much if not more than Spinelli and Cody. I don’t want to see that little boy hurt by having his father ripped away from him because it turns out he’s really Peter August or some other villain. We’ve seen TOO many children in upsetting situations this year. From Wiley overhearing Drew say his dad didn’t want him or Amelia anymore to Scout not being allowed to see her grandmother, aunts, and brother, it’s just too much.
I agree with this. I also wouldn’t break up the Spinelli-Maxie relationship because of the three children involved. With the time Nathan is spending with Lulu lately, he may be otherwise engaged when Maxie wakes up anyway. Which would leave Dante the odd man out. He’s been such a pill lately, I don’t think that would bother me.
I agree that Michael recast was the high point of the year on GH. This isn’t entirely surprising since I believe GH still has the casting director who brought in the likes of Steve Burton, Vanessa Marcil and Tyler Christopher. Casting the younger actors on the show has also been stellar in recent years. Which is one of the reasons I wish they’d hurry up and recast Spencer. I mean, I loved Nicholas Chavez as much as the next person, but unless they’re in negotiations for him to come back, it’s time to move on. And I have confidence they can find a young man up to the challenge.
But the success of the Michael recast is not only about finding the ideal actor. I think there are a lot of lessons in the casting successes and failures of recent years in that it’s often not about the actor or actress. The show also has to know what to do with them. I think everyone was ready for a Michael recast because watching Drew and Willow raising his kids together while Michael was in a burn clinic was so repugnant. Then Michael returned with a clear purpose and the writing retained the best parts of his character. Contrast that with Drew who the show didn’t quite know what to do with until they settled on villain a couple years in. But that type of character has a shelf life, plus he’s totally different that the character Billy Miller created.
You can expand this to a lot of the other casting decisions. Once the reason for Gio being on the show came into to focus, the actor was able to shine. Same for new Emma who had a reason for taking up time as soon she returned. Ronnie’s tenure on the show was exactly as long as it needed to be. As opposed to Natalia. GH seemingly wanted to extend that character’s role beyond what should have been a short stint, maybe because they had an established soap opera actress. Didn’t work at all. Jonathan Jackson returned to the show in another example of GH seemingly bringing in a big name without a planned storyline worthy of him. So there were wishy washy attempts at filling up his time until the actor, I don’t know, got bored or whatever and left again. Ironically, Lucky is now doing the thing some of us wanted to see him do the most. Parenting his son, and he’s doing it off camera (?!?!? does Aiden live with Lucky now?).
I could go on because there are more examples. I hope there’s a learning curve in all of this for the people in charge of the show. Especially with regards to the recent returns, Britt and Nathan. The show should only bring on a character if they have a clear storyline in mind for them. If it’s a returning character, keep him/her true to what that character was before. Simple, right?