General Hospital
by Damon Romine

There's a reason that this show took home Daytime Emmys as Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Writing Team this year: Simply, it's the best. With its multigenerational storytelling, there's a little something for everyone--including the animals. What GH does best is tell emotional stories that can tug at your heart or let it soar. Over the past few months, we've seen Lucky go from being a boy to being a young man who is struggling to keep his parents together. Jason and Keesha have launched a tender romance, but a dark family cloud hangs over them. Lucy continues to delight as she tries to maintain a business and a personal relationship. Bobbie and Tony have painted a realistic picture of a marriage in midlife crisis. And Robin and Stone brought the spectre of AIDS into our living rooms.

The African-American Ward family has become so integrated into the fabric of Port Charles that I can't imagine the show without them. (This should be a lesson to other soaps on how to seamlessly blend in minorities.) The Mafia and underworld storyline is an arc that I can do without. While B.J. and Page's deaths will have longlasting reverberations, the trips back and forth to Puerto Rico and constant threats against Sonny and Luke seem hollow by comparison. The show is called General Hospital, and hospital stories are the ones it does best. The annual Nurses' Ball has become an anticipated treat, showcasing the talents of the cast, while providing much-needed AIDS awareness.

Preview

With Miguel, Ned and Mary Mae as regularly-featured singers on the show, music has become an integral part of the storytelling. That may all be changing, says a show spokesperson. In coming weeks, we will see a heated confrontation between Ned and Sonny that will put the future of L&B Records in jeopardy. Meanwhile, Justus and A.J. haven't exactly seen eye-to-eye on many issues, but Katherine's plan to undo the Charles Street Foundation will shake these two into action. Madame Maia's influence on Lucy's life will threaten her relationship with Kevin. Tom will insinuate himself further into Simone's life, infuriating Justus. Robin and Stone have been coping well with his AIDS diagnosis, but when his condition worsens, watch for her cool exterior to crumble.

Predictions

We've seen Brenda become completely insecure in her relationship with Sonny, and I can see that pushing him right into Lily's arms. Brenda will retaliate with Miguel, and somewhere along the line, an unplanned pregnancy will completely complicate this foursome. Tony has not been able to communicate with Bobbie, but he has been sharing his feelings with Felicia and Laura. It seems only natural that he would turn to his oldest friends during this time, and his feelings for his former sister-in-law Felicia will only deepen. Meanwhile, a separated Laura will find herself growing closer to Mac, setting up a dynamic triangle between some of the show's most under-used characters. You won't be able to take the business out of Ned, and Lois will grow disenchanted with Eddie Maine. Unknown familial ties will reveal themselves, forcing Jason and Keesha apart--and A.J. will be ready and waiting to pick up the pieces of Keesha's broken heart.