The summer months are always a time of anticipation for fans of General Hospital, and this year is no exception. With a host of returning characters and new storylines, the show promises to deliver a scorching summer of drama. Here's a closer look at some of the key moments and characters that will shape the upcoming episodes.
Jason's Return
One of the most highly anticipated returns is that of Jason Morgan, played by Steve Burton. After being whisked away by the WSB in March, Jason is back, but he's not the same man he was before. His imprisonment has left an indelible mark on his outlook and intentions, and his decision to return will have far-reaching implications for those around him, including Danny, Britt, the Quartermaines, Anna, and especially Sonny.
Anna's Return
Anna Devane, played by Finola Hughes, is also back, and she has crucial information about Cassius Faison, also known as Nathan West. However, her return to Port Charles is not without its challenges, as she struggles to get her message out while institutionalized in France. The long-term effects of her imprisonment and gaslighting at Cullum's hands will be revealed, and any happy reunions with friends and family will be tinged with the influence of an unreliable source. Anna's return promises to bring echoes of her earliest incarnation, as she returns to Port Charles with deadly intentions.
Carly and Valentin
Carly Spencer, played by Laura Wright, is determined to save Josslyn from Cullum and the WSB. She wagers Valentin's freedom in an effort to save Port Charles, and her actions will have significant consequences. The question remains: will the WSB's leader, the mysterious Z, come to Valentin's rescue, or will his sacrifice be in vain? Carly's determination to get revenge on Brennan for luring Josslyn into the WSB adds another layer of complexity to the storyline.
Sonny
Sonny Corinthos, played by Maurice Benard, finds himself in a final battle with Sidwell, with several lives on the line, including Turner's. Sonny's displeasure with Carly's relationship with Valentin leads him to seek Brick's aid in ending it early. Additionally, Sonny is faced with new responsibilities, which puts him in Tracy's crosshairs. The power shift in Port Charles presents an opportunity for Sonny to reassert his position, but it also means he needs Jason and Ric to get along.
Laura
Laura, played by Genie Francis, takes on the challenge of getting Port Charles back on track in the wake of Sidwell's comeuppance. This may involve sandbagging Ezra and raising eyebrows with a surprising nomination to GH's board. At home, Laura must navigate the difficult relationships between Charlotte and Rocco. When Valentin seeks her help in smoothing things over with Lulu, Laura's own life becomes more complicated, as she may need a respite with Kevin and Ace. However, her trip to visit them in Ireland could bring trouble for her marriage and even bigger trouble for Port Charles.
Cassius
Cassius, also known as Nathan West, played by Ryan Paevey, risks a clean getaway to say goodbye. As his life as Nathan comes crashing down, we'll learn whether his masquerade has changed him for the better. However, his legacy will ultimately be determined by the choice of someone he leaves behind.
Britt
Britt, played by Kelly Thiebaud, faces significant legal and personal fallout from her partnership with Cullum and Cassius. Obrecht holds her accountable for her choices and the secrets she's kept. A huge revelation gives Britt a new lease on life, but the kind of life that remains ahead of her is uncertain. Few are happy to see Britt back in Port Charles, including Carly. However, she may find friends in Isaiah and a frenemy in Lucas, and a helping hand from Joe. But for every potential bright spot, there's a real pitfall, and Britt's journey back to Port Charles is filled with challenges and unexpected twists.
Willow and Drew
Willow, played by Katelyn MacMullen, grows desperate as time and supplies of the paralytic run short. Nina and Brennan work together to track down evidence to keep Drew, played by Cameron Mathison, at bay should he escape his locked-in state. Willow must answer for her connections to Sidwell, and Drew makes a significant splash. Brennan contacts Nina with news about a breakthrough, but it may be too late. Willow's good wood floors are ruined, adding another layer of complexity to the storyline.
Brennan and Nina
Brennan, played by Chris McKenna, and Nina, played by Cynthia Watros, get closer as Nina intercedes on his behalf. Brennan means to repay Nina by equipping her and Willow with the means to permanently disarm Drew. However, Brennan gets what he needs from a surprising source, but he pays dearly for it. Nina, pushed too far, pushes back.
Michael and Jacinda
Jacinda, played by Paige Herschell, sees her feelings for Michael, played by Rory Gibson, grow, but so does her impatience over Willow's place in his life. Michael, meanwhile, is content to play the long game. As 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, played by Tanisha Harper, earns Sidwell's enmity with her contribution to his downfall. Curtis's 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 going into labor. Isaiah's patience is tested ahead of Curtis's criminal trial. The two men put aside their tension temporarily for the sake of family, and Stella welcomes Marshall home.
Trina and Kai
Trina, played by Tabyana Ali, faces a new arrival, just the first test of her commitment to keep her parents at arm's length. Kai, played by Jens Austin Astrup, proves a capable cheerleader when Trina and Gio present their music before a group of influential record executives. However, 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 finds herself at the center of someone's attention, but it's not a good thing. Kai is unnerved to discover that Drew is regaining his mobility, and they 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, played by Eden McCoy, 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, played by Nathan Dean, has Ava's, played by 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. On the other hand, the summer softball league offers Dante a chance to let loose and strengthen his connection to Elizabeth, which deeply unsettles Ric. Elizabeth's curiosity about Brennan's ailment puts pressure on Nina and Willow. At GH, Liz uses her credibility and position to push through a change in leadership, enjoying a rare opportunity to turn the tables on Britt.
Brook Lynn and Chase
Brook Lynn's attempt to direct suspicion on Willow does not go as planned. Brook Lynn and Chase 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 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 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 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, and fireworks ensue when Danny and Charlotte seek to scuttle Cullum's plans. Danny has an unhappy reunion with Rocco, and 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.
Emma and Gio
Emma 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, and she finally sets aside a long-lasting pretense with Willow.
Molly and Cody
Cody 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, 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.
In conclusion, the summer months promise to be a time of intense drama and emotional turmoil for the residents of Port Charles. With a host of returning characters and new storylines, the show is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next twist or turn in the lives of their favorite characters.
