We're Starting to Swing to the Port-Side, I Think

 

Since beginning my blog nearly three and a half years ago, I have gotten into the habit of taking notes while watching General Hospital so as not to forget anything I may want to comment on later {call me a nerd if you must, I won't deny it}.  

 

Historically, I have found myself most frequently recording idiotic dialogue, gratuitous violence, or the latest destructive choice Carly has made, in an effort to complain about it accurately and in excruciating detail and possibly with illustrative emoticons at some future date. 

 

During the darkest of the Guza-days of course, my notes often consisted solely of WTF?s and STFU Carlys with the occasional die, Michael, die thrown in for good measure.  Every so often there was a shirtless Johnny!!! notation, with the too-infrequent Dominic Zamprogna is dreamy doodled in the margin with happy faces, but those were far too rare.

 

It's hardly been a brave new world since Garin Wolf took over - - I still find myself jotting down things like Jackal P.I. ugh!!! and really, Carly and Sonny argue again? not to mention more Jason melodrama :roll my eyes:.  However, when I compare my notes from the past six weeks, with those of the past three years, I find one real, substantial and positive difference - - I can no longer limit myself to half a page per day of notes.  The character integration across the canvas has truly grown by leaps and bounds since Garin Wolf took over, and that takes up a lot more space in my notebook. 

 

It used to be that watching the two-minute opening sequence of the show would predict which four plots would be shown for the entire hour-long episode.  Under Guza, I could safely allow two or three lines for each subplot and be done with it - - 1.) JaSam, 2.) Carly, 3.) Sonny and 4.) one minor D-storyline.  Now, we've got background characters like Dr. Matt Hunter popping up everywhere - - at the hospital discussing medicine, on the docks saving Lucky, at Liz's house providing a friendly shoulder to lean on (chemistry test anyone?), publishing papers on cancer research - - it is totally awesome.

 

Johnny is secretly following Anthony around the docks, bumping into Olivia (who had just bumped into Lulu, who goes on to interact with Spinelli and Kate), talking to Molly at the hospital, and then being threatened by Sonny, all in the span of one episode. 

 

Maybe Wolf's pacing is a tad on the speedy side, but I'm thrilled to see so many previously underused faces on my screen.

 

I'm enjoying Bruce Weitz as a sinister and murderous Anthony this time around, and he seems to have his hand in quite a few cookie jars without being overdone this time around (IMHO). 

 

I'm loving the chance to see Edward and Tracy back in action, even though it appears their story will be mob-related. 

 

I thought Skye's brief return was enjoyable and I would be open to a romance with either Johnny or Ethan for her if she returns again, Robin Christopher just oozes sexual chemistry. 

 

I'm liking the presence of Robin, Patrick, Matt and Steve interacting with practically the entire cast as character after character signs up for brain surgery and cycles through the hospital. 

 

It was great to see Monica and Alan together again albeit briefly, maybe there's a way to swing another reunion down the line? 

 

It's no easy task to change the direction of The Titanic mid-voyage, it takes time.  For now, I'm willing to be patient.

 

 

Comments

[A. Heilbrunn]

Just when Garin gets it right. GH will be cancelled.

[Gina]

GH has gotten significantly better under Garin. A lot more interaction and definitely not the same characters day after day. Only wish he would bring back a few GH favorites, i.e. Ingo, Tyler, maybe a guest appearance by Jackie Zeman. Loved having Skye back even if it was for just a brief time. Also loved seeing Stuart Damon. Would love a Cassadine storyline with Tyler and Constance. Would love a Quartermaine storyline. But all in all the show is getting better. And I think A. Heilbrunn is right, Garin will get it right and ABC with cancel GH

[Sandy]

I love Anthony, and Skye brings a touch of class to GH, polar opposite of Carly.

[saw]

Skye is the polar opposite of Carly and that would have made AN AWESOME LOVE TRIANGLE with Jax in the middle. What a missed opportunity.