When I woke up this morning I did not believe that I would want to read anything about "General Hospital," but thanks to Awl pal Willa Paskin I have seen the error of my ways. She calls the program, on which actor James Franco is shortly to make a baffling guest appearance, "the most morally confused, violent show on television." And, yes, that includes "Two and a Half Men."
I nominate James Franco's stint on GH to be the next TV series to be reviewed on the Awl.
When I was in high school, I used to record Passions on video tape and followed it with my sister for a few years (until they replaced the actor for Chad … or was it the second Ethan that did us in? Or when Timmy died IRL? Or maybe we just went to college?).
Anyway, what is said about the moral confusion is correct, and interesting if you have the time. Or are bedridden?
I, the bored drunk, wikied Passions to see how push came to shove, in the end, and learned about the Year of Rapes among other insanities.
Definitely the Death of Timmy.
Speaking of recording soaps….one summer when I was in college my friends and I would record Days of Our Lives and then spend Friday night watching a whole week's worth of episode and playing a drinking game. Any time there was an inner monologue – drink! Any time Austin talked about wishing he could be with Carrie – drink! Any time Marlena had an inner monologue about the letter she sent to John and wondering whether he had read it yet – drink! Needless to say, Saturday mornings were always a bit rough.
GH is consistently the best show on television. Maurice Benard's portrayal of Sonny Corinthos makes James Gandolfini's Tony Soprano look like the Road Runner in comparison.
If you're not being ironic, I may have to hit you.
One Life To Live, people! Watch One Life To Live!
Things took an unfortunate turn in my life when Luke learned that Laura wore hair extensions.
Late response, but General Hospital is like an afgan your grandmother made years ago. It has been around the house forever and is good to have when you are home sick able to do nothing but watch tv.