General Hospital Summer Preview: Jason Returns, Secrets Explode and New Romances Ignite (Exclusive)
General Hospital is gearing up for a summer of scorching drama— and Soap Opera Digest has the exclusive preview from Head Writers Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten. From the returns of Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) and Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) to “Nathan West” being exposed as Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey), Carly Spencer (Laura Wright) taking on the mysterious Z, and Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) heading into a final battle, the GH writers tease new romances, major twists, shocking revelations and high-stakes drama across Port Charles.
Jason’s Return
Steve Burton will be back as Jason starting with GH’s landmark 16,000th episode on July 13. The character was whisked away by the WSB back in March after Jason took the fall for shooting Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) to protect Rocco (Finn Carr). Korte and Van Etten tease that “Jason returns from abroad a changed man. His imprisonment has had a profound effect on his outlook, and how he intends to conduct the rest of his life. His decision will have big implications for Danny [Asher Antonyzyn], Britt [Kelly Thiebaud], the Quartermaines, Anna, and especially Sonny.”
Anna’s Return
“Anna has the goods on Cassius but struggles to get the word out while institutionalized in France. We’ll begin to see the long-term effects of her imprisonment and gaslighting at Cullum’s hands. Any happy reunions with friends and family are colored by counsel from a less-than-reliable source. We’ll see echoes of Anna’s earliest incarnation as she returns to Port Charles with deadly intentions.”
Carly and Valentin
“Valentin wagers his freedom in an effort to save Port Charles from Cullum and Sidwell [Carlo Rota]. Will the WSB’s leader – the mysterious Z – ride to the rescue? Or is his sacrifice in vain? Carly takes it upon herself to save Josslyn [Eden McCoy] not only from Cullum, but from the WSB itself – which means going head-to-head with the formidable Z. Carly means to get revenge on Brennan [Chris McKenna] for luring Josslyn into the WSB. Any future with Valentin is at the mercy of the WSB… as well as the multitude of people back in Port Charles who can’t stand Valentin… and one who can – Anna Devane.”
Sonny
“Sonny and Sidwell enter a final battle with several lives on the line, Turner’s [Nazneen Contractor] included. Sonny is displeased by Carly’s relationship with Valentin and seeks Brick’s aid in bringing it to an early end. Sonny finds himself in Tracy’s [Jane Elliot] crosshairs when he is asked to take on new responsibilities. A power shift in Port Charles means Sonny has an opportunity to reassert his position; but it also means he needs Jason and Ric [Rick Hearst] to get along.”
Laura
“Laura [Genie Francis] tries to get Port Charles back on track in the wake of Sidwell’s comeuppance — among other things, this may mean sandbagging Ezra [Daniel Cosgrove] and raising eyebrows with a surprising nomination to G.H.’s board. She’ll also have her work cut out for her at home as she helps manage Charlotte [Bluesy Burke] and Rocco’s difficult relationships with their parents. Laura exacts a price when Valentin seeks her help smoothing things over with Lulu [Alexa Havins]. Laura could use a respite with Kevin [Jon Lindstrom] and Ace, but her trip to visit them in Ireland may yield trouble for her marriage — and bigger trouble for Port Charles.”
Cassius
“Cassius risks a clean getaway to say goodbye. Cassius’s life as Nathan comes crashing down, and we’ll learn whether his masquerade has changed him for the better. But in the end, his legacy will not be determined so much by his own decisions but by the choice of someone he leaves behind. ”
Britt
“Britt faces big legal and personal fallout from her partnership with Cullum and Cassius. Obrecht [Kathleen Gati] holds Britt accountable for her choices, and the secrets she’s kept. A huge revelation gives Britt a new lease on life – but what kind of life remains ahead of her? Few are happy to see Britt back in Port Charles – Carly among them. However, she may find a friend in Isaiah, a frenemy in Lucas, and a handout from Joe [Jonathan Bennett]. But for every potential bright spot there’s a real pitfall. She gets off on the wrong foot with Tristan [newcomer Dean Geyer], faces hard tests at G.H., and harder questions from Anna. It’s when Britt finds a new low that she receives a kind look from a lost love. ”
Willow and Drew
“Willow [Katelyn MacMullen] grows desperate as time – and supplies of the paralytic – run short. Nina [Cynthia Watros] and Brennan work together to track down evidence to keep Drew [Cameron Mathison] at bay, should he escape his locked-in state. Willow must answer for her connections to Sidwell. Drew makes a big splash. Brennan contacts Nina with news about a breakthrough – but is it too late? Willow’s good wood floors are ruined. ”
Brennan and Nina
“Brennan and Nina get closer when she intercedes on his behalf, and she takes it upon herself to keep him out of harm’s way. Brennan means to repay Nina by equipping her and Willow with the means to permanently disarm Drew. Brennan gets what he needs from a surprising source – but he pays dearly for it. Pushed too far, Nina pushes too far.”
Michael and Jacinda
“As Jacinda’s [Paige Herschell] feelings for Michael [Rory Gibson] grow, so does her impatience over Willow’s place in his life. Michael still means to bring her down but is content to play the long game. Jacinda may take matters into her own hands. Michael seizes an opportunity in the wake of a corporate shakeup.”
Jordan, Curtis, Portia and Isaiah
“Jordan [Tanisha Harper] earns Sidwell’s enmity with her contribution to his downfall. Curtis’s [Donnell Turner] defense is undermined by the cracks in Brook Lynn’s marriage. Isaiah [] enlists legal representation to sue Curtis in civil court over his debilitating injury. An emotional cross precipitates Portia [Brook Kerr] going into labor. Isaiah’s patience is tested ahead of Curtis’s criminal trial. Will Curtis accept a plea deal that requires a short stint in Pentonville, or fight it out in court – where a guilty verdict would guarantee a much longer prison sentence? The two men put aside their tension – temporarily – for the sake of family. Stella [Vernee Watson] welcomes Marshall [Robert Gossett] home. ”
Trina and Kai
“A new arrival is just the first test of Trina’s [Tabyana Ali] commitment to keep her parents at arm’s length. Kai [Jens Austin Astrup] proves a capable cheerleader when Trina and Gio present their music before a group of influential record executives. Kai’s former teammate Quinn reappears in his life, aiming to make amends – but Kai insists that a renewed friendship is predicated on Quinn making amends with Trina, too. Trina is at the center of someone’s attention, but that isn’t a good thing. Kai is unnerved to discover that Drew is regaining his mobility. Kai and Trina draw the wrong conclusion when they learn of a harrowing incident involving Drew. ”
Josslyn
“Port Charles reaches a crisis point as Cullum attempts to leave Spoon Island with the results of Obrecht and Britt’s handiwork. A timely arrival affords Josslyn one last chance to stop Cullum, resulting in a bloody battle on Spoon Island. Josslyn’s heroics bring her to the attention of Z, and when it’s all over, she’ll hold several fates in her hands and face reckonings across Port Charles. Going forward, Josslyn must contend with Carly’s opposition, and commit to a lie that will have consequences for years to come.”
Ethan and Ava
“Ethan [Nathan Dean] has Ava’s [Maura West] six in more ways than one when she finds herself a target. In a vulnerable moment, he makes a startling confession that will reverberate for months to come. A face from his past interrupts a budding romance and sends him on the run. Ava saves Ethan’s ass and carefully tests the veracity of his confession. Sidwell’s ruin opens up new possibilities for Ava, but old antagonisms remain firmly present. Clashes with Sonny lead Ava to strike a fateful alliance that will have repercussions for a long time to come.”
Lulu, Dante, Elizabeth and Ric
“Lulu is in for a series of shocks, first when she learns that Valentin has been hiding out in Port Charles for months (with help from Charlotte and Carly), and second when news hits that Cassius assumed Nathan’s identity. Dante offers Lulu difficult advice when her relationship with Charlotte deteriorates. Anna’s return from France may mean Dante can shed the stress of being police commissioner – but his relief may be short lived when evidence relating to a high-profile crime goes missing.”
Opposite this, “The summer softball league offers Dante a chance to let loose, as well as a setting to strengthen his growing connection to Elizabeth… a connection that deeply unsettles Ric, whose romantic efforts keep getting interrupted. Elizabeth’s curiosity about Brennan’s ailment puts pressure on Nina and Willow. At G.H., Liz uses her credibility and position to push through a change in leadership. Liz enjoys a rare opportunity to turn the tables on Britt.”
Brook Lynn and Chase
“Brook Lynn’s [Amanda Setton] attempt to direct suspicion on Willow does not go as planned. Brook Lynn and Chase [Josh Swickard] face a major test as she must own up to her actions. Chase draws a boundary with Willow. Brook Lynn enjoys positive developments with Gio [Giovanni Mazza] but faces conflict at Deception when the company takes on a new shareholder. A shakeup at the PCPD affords Chase an opportunity to regain his good name. Dante [Dominic Zamprogna] and Chase start work on repairing their friendship, though looming storms at the Quartermaine house may threaten any progress they make.”
Tracy
“Tracy and Lucy [Lynn Herring] do battle when control of Deception is suddenly up for grabs. Tracy’s aptitude as Quartermaine matriarch is put to the test by shifting fortunes at work and at home. ”
Danny, Charlotte, Rocco and Scout
“Rocco is furious with his parents over their betrayal. Fireworks ensue when Danny and Charlotte seek to scuttle Cullum’s plans. Danny has an unhappy reunion with Rocco. When Rocco refuses to break his word, Danny retaliates by naming names. The conflict between the erstwhile brothers further strains Rocco’s relationship with Charlotte. Charlotte’s got more problems with Lulu, causing her to seek new living arrangements. Jason’s return prompts Danny to try to take the high road with Drew. Anna’s return to Port Charles means Rocco isn’t yet out of the woods for shooting Cullum, but he has help from Dante, Laura, Sonny – and Brennan. Jason encourages Rocco to put Cullum’s shooting behind him. Left out in the cold by Danny and Charlotte, Rocco finds a friend in Scout [Kayden Brenna Tokarski].”
Emma and Gio
“Emma [Braedyn Bruner] and Gio’s romance is thriving as they pave the way for Anna’s homecoming. Emma challenges Josslyn when she finds out her sometime adversary is a WSB agent. Gio tries to mend fences with Rocco. Gio is surprised when the showcase with Trina results in an opportunity to develop a music career of his own. The good news brings him closer to Brook Lynn, but their bond may not yet be strong enough to weather another lie. Gio saves a life – but there are those in Port Charles who dearly wish he hadn’t.”
Alexis
“A reversal for Drew means big trouble for Alexis [Nancy Lee Grahn], and she finally sets aside a long-lasting pretense with Willow.”
Molly and Cody
“Cody [Josh Kelly] makes a difficult decision when facing down a fugitive, and later volunteers to take on an emotional, thankless job that may cost him one of the most fulfilling relationships he’s ever had. For Molly [Kristen Vaganos], one professional opportunity may cost her another. Molly is there for Cody in a time of need, and together they take a big step.”
Lucas
“Lucas assists Joe as he seeks answers, and then must deliver life-changing news to Britt. Lucas faces an uncertain future in the wake of Sidwell’s defeat and finds solace in his relationships with Ava and Elizabeth. There’s tension with Josslyn, friction with Britt, and competition from Joe.”
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