GENERAL HOSPITAL

The Estranged Bedfellows: Luke and Laura Spencer
Oh, Happy Days: Despite having a relationship born of Luke's rape of Laura, the Spencers became an amazingly happy couple. Their spectacular 1981 wedding was just the beginning of an adventure-filled romance that's spanned the decades. From bringing down mobsters to raising their two children, Lucky and Lesley Lu, Luke and Laura have always been a formidable team.
Breaking Up Was Hard To Do--Or Was It?: Trouble has been brewing since 1996, when Laura's "forgotten" son, Nikolas, and his "Uncle" Stefan Cassadine came back into Laura's life. The most serious chinks have emerged more recently. Lucky learned about Laura's rape, forcing the Spencers to revisit this dark chapter in their history. As if that weren't enough, Luke realized that Laura once had a secret romance with his sworn enemy, Stefan, which produced Nikolas. Driven apart by secrets (oh, and did we mention that Luke nearly killed Katherine?), and Stefan's campaign to win back true love Laura, the Spencers remain apart.
(Re-)united Way: In addition to having two children together, Luke and Laura are the soap supercouple, and that history cannot be forsaken. Let the past be the guide and give Luke and Laura a juicy adventure to go off on in which one of them is put in near-fatal peril (and we're not talkin' wolf traps here). Maybe a little scare will be just what they need to realize that one can't live without the other.
Chance of a Reunion: Judging from the current state of the Spencer union, we'd have to say 3 to 1--for now. Somewhere along the line, we know these two will find a way to make their marriage work.

Caption: The odds are against Luke (Anthony Geary and Laura (Genie Francis)--for now, that is.

January 12, 1999 - Soap Opera Weekly, "The List"

1. A WALKING 'WISH I'D SAID THAT' We can hardly keep up with GH's Luke (right), what with the countless zingers he utters every episode.

January 26, 1999 - Soap Opera Digest

General HospitalThe Ill-Fated Protagonist: Luke Spencer
When: 1982
What Went Down: When Laura disappeared, her husband, Luke, knew that mystery man David Grey had a hand in it. Turns out, David was plotting to steal priceless objets d'art from the kingdom of Malkuth, which were to be exhibited in the Port Charles museum. He was also hypnotizing Laura Templeton (a Laura Spencer-look-alike) to help carry out his plan. Luke pursued him relentlessly and discovered that not only did David belong to an ancient cult that was plotting to steal the Malkuth crown jewels, he was also working to bring down the kingdom. This could only be accomplished by possessing the entire Malkuth treasure, including a sword and helmet. Luke got ahold of the sword and wound up battling David, who crashed through a window and fell to his death.
Why We Hated It: This convoluted sword play was pointless and ridiculous from beginning to end. Rather than addressing Genie Francis's (Laura) temporary departure in a manner in keeping with the grand adventures that Luke and Laura enjoyed, GH offered up a far-fetched mystery with no punch. Anthony Geary (Luke), so compelling just months earlier, was left alone to slog through this embarrassing yawn, er, yarn.
The Fallout: So weak was this story that it barely impacted the characters who were involved. Only when Laura later returned was the Spencer supercouple redeemed. Oddly enough, the Sword of Malkuth mystery wound up having nothing to do with her disappearance, which had occurred at the hands of the Cassadine clan. What a waste.
Rating: [graphic of four bombs]

Caption: Luke (Anthony Geary) got stuck with a stinker when it came to the Sword of Malkuth mystery.

February 2, 1999 - Soap Opera Digest, "Absolutely Fe-bulous"

GENERAL HOSPITAL:
Luke Gets Revenge

Sturm und Drang has been the overwhelming theme for the troubled triangle of Luke, Laura and Stefan. But this week, things take a decidedly comical turn--if you're Luke Spencer.

"Luke has been in Switzerland getting into the money that Stefan had Jerry embezzle for Nikolas," Head Writer Robert Guza, Jr. explains. But what he does is divert the money himself." That's where the fun begins. "Luke starts giving it away to charities," chuckles the scribe. "He gives it to like, the Poor Sisters of Whatever...hookers. He also gives it to a society that's against trapping animals because Luke was caught in that wolf trap in the cabin with Lucky. It's hilarious." Not to Stefan. "All these people start showing up, thanking Stefan for his generosity," laughs Guza. "Of course, he later figures out that Luke was the one who did this."

Considering the fact that Stefan is the one Laura is snuggling up to these days, Count Vlad may have the last laugh once Luke returns to P.C. "Luke comes back to town because of Ruby's death," notes Guza. "He and Laura have a series of final, harrowing scenes in which their estrangement is complete...for now, at least." As the month wears on, look for Laura to share more than her secrets with Stefan. "Meanwhile, Luke says, 'I'm out of this Cassadine-vengeance business.'" previews Guza. "'I've got other fish to fry.' We will be seeing a whole other thread to Luke Spencer."

February 9, 1999 - Soap Opera Digest, "Classic Lines"

(Luke surprises Bobbie at home.)
Bobbie: "I don't know whether to give you a left hook or a hug."

(Bobbie tells Luke that she and Lucas are going away for a few days.)
Bobbie: "Jerry's invited us to the Caribbean."
Luke: "Jerry? Isn't that like going to the beach and taking your own shark?"

GH's Luke (Anthony Geary, c.) came home when he heard some sad news from sister Bobbie (Jacklyn Zeman). Also pictured: Jonathan Jackson as Lucky

February 16, 1999 - Soap Opera Digest, "Love is in the Air: Soaps' Most Romantic Moments"

The Year: 1980
The Love-Struck Duo: Luke Spencer and Laura Baldwin
The Seductive Setting: Wyndham's department store--after closing time.
Passion Play: On the run from Frank Smith's mob, Luke and Laura took shelter in the empty store before hightailing it out of town. Determined to make the most of their evening together, the lovebirds donned formal wear--Luke in tails, Laura in a flowing gown--and shared a champagne-and-candlelight dinner for two. Afterward, they danced up and down the aisles to the tune "Fascination," reveling in their secret rendezvous. The evening did not end in lovemaking, however, since Laura was still wed to Scotty. Instead, the couple fell asleep in each other's arms, enjoying what would be their last peaceful night's rest for a while.
Out of Character Or Par For The Course? Although the relationship was born of a violent act--Luke raped Laura one year earlier--the duo overcame this (or so they thought, see Update) and fell deeply in love. Their romance was filled with adventure and passion, so this early incident was very much in keeping with the theme that would characterize their relationship for years to come.
Update: After marrying in 1981, Luke and Laura shared a happy marriage (interrupted only by several years when each thought the other was dead) that produced two beautiful children. Alas, in 1998, the couple came to a crossroads when son Lucky learned the ugly truth about the rape. This caused Luke and Laura to address what had occurred so long ago. Instead of providing closure and bringing them closer, they continue to grow apart while Laura is drawn to Stefan, father of her first son, Nikolas.

Caption: An empty department store was the setting for a romantic rendezvous between Luke (Anthony Geary and Laura (Genie Francis).

February 16, 1999 - Soap Opera Weekly

WILL ALEXIS GET CAUGHT IN HER OWN WEB ON GH?

BEING INVOLVED WITH THE LIKES OF LUKE, STEFAN, the Jacks brothers and Sonny, all at the same time, could get someone into trouble. This week on General Hospital Alexis has to do a pretty tricky balancing act.

Initially she and Luke are in the early stages of planning to bring down Stefan. Now that she knows Nikolas isn't the rightful heir, Alexis wants to get her share of the Cassadine fortune; Luke simply wants revenge against his sworn enemy, who--adding insult to injury--recently has renewed a close relationship with Laura.

Alexis isn't entirely sure she wants to team up with Luke again, however, since he hoodwinked her when they plotted to kill Helena. And while she does have Luke to thank for telling her the truth about Nikolas' paternity, thereby alerting her to her inheritance, he left town without a word to her, immediately after dropping the bombshell. So Alexis is a little reluctant to trust him totally.

Jax seems like a better partner to help Alexis get what she wants. When Luke sees them spending a lot of time together, he realizes that Alexis has dumped him, which sets the stage for a power struggle. It isn't surprising, then, that when Jax tries to bribe Luke for information about the Cassadines, he gets nowhere.

Luke discusses the situation with Sonny, who is only too happy to be included in anything that will bring down Jax. They zero in on Jerry as the means to their end. Meanwhile, Sonny also zeroes in on Alexis. He tricks her into coming down to the police station, where Dara is questioning him about Jason's disappearance. Because she and Dara have a history of antagonism, Alexis finds herself getting more involved in the situation than she intends to. Ultimately, she winds up defending Sonny, who then convinces her to also represent Jason. This could backfire, which is exactly what Sonny wants, I because Jax doesn't like the idea that Alexis is helping Sonny and Jason.

At week's end, Alexis makes Stefan an unexpected offer. Although it doesn't come with a hidden agenda, Stefan turns her down.

Caption: Alexis has to balance the interests of Stefan as well as Sonny and Luke (above), plus keep her own interests alive as a Cassadine heir.

February 16, 1999 - Soap Opera Weekly, "Winners & Losers"

[Winner] GH's Anthony Geary. Love that beard!

February 23, 1999 - Soap Opera Digest, "Classic Lines"

(Luke happens upon Katherine and Helena on the docks.)
Luke (dryly): "I've walked into my favorite horror movie: The Undead Meets Back From The Dead. Bummer...no popcorn."

February 23, 1999 - Soap Opera Digest, "Roundup" Q What actor or actress on another soap would you want to work with? Christie Clark (Carrie, DAYS) "Tony Geary's [Luke, GH] really good. I like to watch his work; he's really physical. He's just professional and really knows his dialogue. And I like Jensen Buchanan's [Vicky, AW] work, too. A lot."

March 2, 1999 - Soap Opera Update - "Inside Story"

Luke and Laura's GH wedding is one by which all others are compared. And it still hasn't been topped!

March 9, 1999 - Soap Opera Digest, "Super Stupor: What Ever Happened to Soap Supercouples?"

Excerpt: Arguably the best-known supercouple is GENERAL HOSPITAL's Luke and Laura. In fact, in a recent issue of Entertainment Weekly, a critic panned two TV-movie characters for their lack of chemistry by saying: "As a couple, they're certainly no Luke and Laura." (Ironically, Luke and Laura's survival as a couple has never looked dicier than at this very moment.)

March 9, 1999 - Soap Opera Weekly, "Hit or Miss"

Hit... Family loss and love on GH
by Kathryn Walsh

NORMA CONNOLLY' S DEATH WILL LEAVE A TEAR IN THE CANVAS OF GH that will be impossible to mend. Ruby was as much a Port Charles institution as Kelly's. On-screen, no one will feel her loss more than her niece and nephew, Bobbie and Luke. And no one knows this more than their children. The way the show used Ruby's death as a means of strengthening the bond between Bobbie and Carly and reconciling Luke and Lucky was masterful.

The episode began with Luke and Bobbie packing up Ruby's things, remembering their aunt and discussing the future of Kelly's. Meanwhile, Lucky was downstairs telling Liz he was going too ask his dad to join him for a cup of coffee because he knew Luke was hurting. Lucky came upstairs and offered his dad this olive branch, and Luke grabbed it. Lucky realized that he had been angry for long enough. He saw how quickly someone can be taken away, and decided to make peace with his dad and start anew. The scene of them having coffee and mending fences was delightful, and such a breath of fresh air, as they resumed their jovial banter.

Simultaneously, Bobbie was upstairs feeling lonely, so she reached out to her daughter. Carly did the unthinkable (for her): She acted unselfishly by dropping her plans to flee town, and ran to her mother's side. These scenes were also a treat. Bobbie and Carly had their usual mixed signals, with Carly taking everything her mother said as an attack, but Bobbie broke through by telling Carly how alike they are, and shared with her daughter some of the stunts she had pulled in her youth.

Although their weren't as many Ruby flashbacks as I would have liked during the memorial, hearing Bobbie's old stories was almost as good. And seeing these touching familial scenes more than made up for it.

Caption: Luke and Lucky's relationship has begun to heal.

March 16, 1999 - Soap Opera Digest, "Thumbs Up! and Down!"

GENERAL HOSPITAL
Like Father, Like Son

It's not yet Father's Day in Port Charles, but the bonding going on between two of the town's leading men and their sons is worth celebrating right now. After a long estrangement, Luke and Lucky are bridging the gap that developed last year when Lucky learned that Luke raped his mom. The relationship emerging from the ruins is both restorative and realistic. Their crisp dialogue allows for true connections and an honest exchange of viewpoints. For instance, Luke can't understand why Lucky wants to be close to his half brother, Nikolas, the person who spilled the beans about the rape. Nikolas's truth-telling was where "this whole thing started," Luke noted. "Was it?" Lucky retorted. Before, Lucky idolized his dad; now, they're creating a different, mature relationship that makes sense in light of what has occurred. It's not forgive and forget--it's moving forward....

While GH excels at portraying knockdown-dragout family feuds (paging the Quartermaine clan), the quietly moving scenes between the Spencer and Cassadine father/son duos have us just as riveted to the screen

Caption: GH's Luke {Anthony Geary, l.) and Lucky (Jonathan Jackson) are working their way back to each other. Also pictured: Rebecca Herbst as Elizabeth.

March 16, 1999 - Soap Opera Digest, "You Heard It Here"

"True fans are interested in the actor and in what else you have to say."
--Anthony Geary
(Luke, GH), 12/20/83

March 16, 1999 - Soap Opera Weekly, "Wish I'd Said That"

GENERAL HOSPITAL
Luke to Stefan, gloating over the donations he made in Stefan's name, with Stefan's money: Junior's a fine boy (referring to Nikolas). What a tragedy you weren't able to name him after you. Oh, well. Never mind. You can't begin to imagine the wonderful things that are going to bear your name now. Orphanages. Hospices. Soup kitchens. Homes for wayward women. Homes for homeless vets. Homes for senior citizens. Homes for people with homes who don't live there anymore. Wards for crack babies. Wards for crackpots. I even tried to open a fund for pathetic Greeks who think they're Russian aristocracy, but apparently there aren't enough of you to fill a nuthouse. But don't worry. There's gonna be a lot of real estate with your name on it--about $200 million worth. So don't worry about Junior--there's always the college work-fund things. Would it kill the kid to get a job?

March 23, 1999 - Soap Opera Weekly, "Critical Condition"

This excerpt is from Marlena De Lacroix's column on the Soap Opera Awards (which were broadcast on February 26, 1999).

"He didn't thank Genie!" screamed 12 voices in unison when Anthony Geary finished his acceptance speech for Outstanding Lead Actor. He had thanked many GH cast mates and backstagers. But he did leave out his longtime, legendary co-star, Miss Francis, adding some fuel to tabloid reports that the co-stars are feuding. Quelle juicy, juicy daytime drama--at night.

Many fans were shocked when GH's Anthony Geary failed to thank his co-star on the Soap Opera Awards.

March 30, 1999 - Soap Opera Digest, "Late-Breaking News"

Excerpt from a piece on the possibility of Jackson's departure from the show:

Jackson shares that Anthony Geary (Luke) doesn't want to work with a recast, which Jackson finds flattering. "It was very nice of him. He actually said, 'If he's going to leave, kill [Lucky]."

Jackson admits that the death of Lucky might be the lesser of two evils. "Tony said he wouldn't want to play [the death]," says Jackson, "but he'd rather do that than recast the role."

March 30, 1999 - Soap Opera Digest, "Late-Breaking News"

AND THE EMMY NOMINEES ARE...

YOUNG AND RESTLESS, leading the pack with 12 acting nods. Surprises included newcomer SUNSET BEACH nabbing three nominations, while ANOTHER WORLD and PORT CHARLES were shut out of the acting categories.

LEAD ACTRESS: Susan Lucci (Erica, AMC); Elizabeth Hubbard (ex-Lucinda, ATWT); Kim Zimmer (Reva, GL); Jeanne Cooper (Katherine, Y&R); Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki, Y&R)

LEAD ACTOR: David Canary (Adam/Stuart, AMC); Anthony Geary (Luke, GH); Robert S. Woods (Bo, OLTL); Eric Braeden (Victor, Y&R); Peter Bergman (Jack, Y&R)

SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Jennifer Bassey (Marian, AMC); Kelly Ripa (Hayley, AMC); Beth Ehlers (Harley, GL); Kathleen Noone (Bette, BEACH); Sharon Case (Sharon, Y&R)

SUPPORTING ACTOR: Michael E. Knight (Tad, AMC); Stuart Damon (Alan, GH); Jerry ver Dorn (Ross, GL); Kristoff St. John (Neil, Y&R); Christian J. LeBlanc (Michael, Y&R)

YOUNGER ACTRESS: Sarah Brown (Carly, GH); Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth, GH); Sherri Saum (Vanessa; BEACH); Ashley Jones (Megan, Y&R); Camryn Grimes (Cassie, Y&R); Heather Tom (Victoria, Y&R)

YOUNGER ACTOR: Jacob Young (Rick, B&B); Jensen Ackles (Eric, DAYS); Jonathan Jackson (Lucky, GH); Jason George (Michael, BEACH); Bryant Jones (Nate, Y&R); Joshua Morrow (Nicholas, Y&R)

DRAMA SERIES: AMC, DAYS, GH and Y&R....

The 26th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards air on May 21 on CBS.

March 30, 1999 - Soap Opera Digest, "Classic Lines"

(Alexis tells Luke about her past with the Cassadines. She says she was treated like a servant.)
"Bummer--and did they make you clean out the chimney?"

April 6, 1999 - Soap Opera Weekly, "Wish I'd Said That"

GENERAL HOSPITAL
Laura to Luke: I heard myself tell her (Amy) that you had let me. I can't get used to those words coming out of my mouth. Saying those words makes them feel very real.
Luke: Saying them to Amy will make them real all over town.

Luke to Lucky: How was your Valentine's Day? Mine was a stale box of chocolates.

April 13, 1999 - Soap Opera Digest, "Late-Breaking News"

THE END FOR GH'S LUKE AND LAURA?

How far will GENERAL HOSPITAL go in breaking up supercouple Luke and Laura? "The dynamic we're playing now is the idea of two people who should be together, and we root for them to be together, but they just can't be," responds Head Writer Robert Guza, Jr. "You could say that all of [their troubles] reinforce how super a couple they are that they could withstand so much before they cracked."

But how wide that crack will become has yet to be determined. In the coming weeks, several events will further impact the relationship. "We'll see whether the incidents bring them together or drive them further apart," teases the scribe.

No matter what happens, Guza hopes the audience will remain compelled. "However much people mourn the relationship of Luke and Laura, I hope they believe the steps along the way," he notes. "And I hope they'll continue rooting for them to get back, as I certainly do. I was the most distraught of all--and I was the architect of the break!"

Regardless of his own personal feelings, Guza recognizes that this breakup is providing powerful material for his star players. "The obstacles are not going to go away," he hints. "If anything, they're going to deepen"....

April 13, 1999 - Soap Opera Digest, "Readers' Choice: Your Favorite Romantic Soap Moments"

Readers' Choice: Brenda and Jax go to the theatre in 1998....
Editor's Choice: Luke and Laura go on the lam and waltz in Wyndham's in 1980.

April 13, 1999 - Soap Opera Digest, "Classic Lines"

(Helena tells Luke that Alexis summoned her to the hospital.)
Helena: "Your little friend left me the rudest message commanding me to meet her here."
Luke (feigning surprise): "My little friend? Natasha?"
Helena: "You have other friends?"
Luke (wryly): "Not livving..."

(Later, Helena wonders why Alexis tore up a donation check to GH in front of Stefan and Nikolas.)
Helena: "What does your little partner hope to accomplish with this little spectacle?"
Luke: "I don't know, but hold on to your pointed hat, because here comes the best part."

April 27, 1999 - Soap Opera Digest, "Late-Breaking News"

Excerpt from a story on Jonathan Jackson's decision to leave the show:

What will he miss most? "I'll miss the people," shares Jackson, "the friends I've made--Tony [Geary, Luke] and Genie [Francis, Laura] especially. They're like my parents in this section of my life as an actor. I'll obviously miss acting with them, but also just being part of a creative process with people who you really enjoy being around."

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