Credit: ABC screenshot

It was all about Jason, and also Dante, this week on General Hospital, and what a week it was! It was the first full week of the new writers’ material, and it was a breath of fresh air. Every episode was fantastic, and even some of the less important stories like Marshall and his diagnosis, and Nina and the silly gossip columnist, were tolerable. Plus we got a break from the surrogacy story, as well as Finn and Liz. It felt like an entirely different soap and I’m excited to finally get some answers about Jason, and see where the new writers take the other stories.

He’s Back in Black

The show wasted no time on Monday revealing Jason was on the roof of the warehouse with an associate, who was the one aiming at Sonny. It was also pretty evident he bumped the guy so he missed his shot, so obviously he doesn’t want Sonny dead. Given he then tried to help Dante after the guy shot him, it was clear he hadn’t been brainwashed. Still, the question remains, where has he been and what is going on? Unfortunately, we didn’t get answers this week, but General Hospital spoilers indicate we will next week!

John “Not Jagger” Cates and Sonny’s argument over Karen and Stone was amazingly well acted. I was not watching back then, so it was a welcomed recap from the characters themselves. It seemed though as they had two different recollections of what Sonny did and why he did it…

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The look on Ava and Spinelli’s faces when they saw Jason, and later Maxie’s reaction to the image of him, were all priceless. Ava telling Sonny, “Somethings you have to see for yourself,” instead of telling him about Jason was fantastic, but still, Sonny refused to believe Jason was after him. The dynamic between Sonny and Ava in these scenes was electric, and though I’ve repeatedly said in these columns I would rather they not cross the romantic line, even I was leaning into the screen when it seemed they were about to kiss on Thursday.

Their connection continued into Friday’s episode with them only hugging, but looking deeply into each other’s eyes. Then Olivia walked in with news on Dante, ruining the moment. As Nina later begged Ava to help her save her marriage to Sonny, Ava agreed but couldn’t help but think about the moment she shared with her friend’s husband earlier. I would also hate to see Nina and Ava’s friendship end over Sonny, but this is a classic juicy triangle in the making.

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Given Sonny has Dante and now Jason to worry about, I guess he didn’t feel like dealing with the fact that Joss brought Dex back to Port Charles. Plus they did help save Dante, so Sonny owes Dex. Now though, Dex is telling Michael it’s best he leave again. Sit your butt down boy, we know you aren’t going anywhere. I can’t wait to see Dex and Jason come face to face.

It was no real shock that Jason, who had been shot, went to Carly of all people for help. Still, the reunion played out fantastically, with Jason waiting for Carly to come home, and making himself known by calling out to her from her dark living room. Unfortunately, she didn’t have much time to process Jason’s return between having to bandage his wound, and Anna and John coming to search her house for him. It’s going to be a long weekend, but that was an amazing cliffhanger!

Dante Pulls Through

Dante getting shot right after he saw Jason on the pier had me scream out an expletive! That was a major unexpected twist. The scenes with Sam, Olivia and the others at the hospital waiting on news on Dante were also amazing. I can’t stop saying how amazing this entire week has been frankly.

Dante’s shooting finally gave us Rocco’s return, just as I was wondering where the kid was last week. They prominently featured both Rocco and Danny, both dealing with not just Dante’s shooting who is also a father figure to Danny now, but Danny’s missing Jason. The scenes with Carly and Laura talking to the boys about what they were feeling were well done. Then there was poor Drew who was just… there… and not really doing anything. Next week it looks like Jake gets busted for having Danny’s vape on him. With Jason back, it would be nice to have more scenes with the younger crowd.

Love On the Rocks

Maxie calling Cody and Sasha out for meddling in her love life, and telling them to start taking their own advice and focus on themselves, was a fun scene and great advice. And while everyone grieves on their own time scale, this whole bit with Cody constantly saying, “I just like spending time with you, and if this happens it happens,” is getting old. At the end of the day, this is a soap opera, and the audience is here for romance, fun and adventure. Hopefully, the fact that they both admitted they enjoy spending time together and Sasha saying they don’t have to come up with a reason to do so, means their storyline will get a little push.

Maxie ending up getting arrested with Spinelli by John was fun, but silly, as there was no reason for him to arrest Maxie as Spinelli was clearly the one he was after. I laughed at Maxie telling him she has no idea how these computer things work. Her trying to use her stepdad Mac as leverage with John was funny too. I’ve never been a big Spinelli fan, but even I liked when he told Maxie that he couldn’t let the mother of his child and the woman he love go to jail, even for Jason.

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Deception Drama and BLQ

Tracy and Brook Lynn’s newfound friendly relationship continues to be entertaining and a treat to watch. Tracy admitting she liked working with Brook Lynn, which is why she wants her to stay at Deception, was one of those rare instances of Tracy putting her feelings out there. I was surprised that Brook Lynn confessed her scheme to Tracy, but even more shocked that Tracy agreed to give the company to Maxie if Brook Lynn decided after giving working there a try it wasn’t for her. Gregory really has changed Tracy. Brook Lynn advising Tracy to put everything out there with Gregory was also a good scene. Let’s make Gregory and Tracy happen new writers!

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Crazy Heather Webber

I’ve long been on the fence as to whether Cyrus’ holy redemption was a ruse or not. This week for the first time I felt as if he is being sincere not only about being a changed man but about wanting a relationship with Laura and her family. His being there to support her when Ace got sick, and her comments about how he can actually be nice when he wants to, all felt real. Again, this new writing team and direction is knocking it out of the park, and it’s only their first week!

I was thrilled to see crazy Heather Webber back, and her escaping to taunt Cyrus with a bone saw was hilarious! I really thought she was going to run with Ace, and it looked like that was her plan, she just wanted to take out Cyrus before she left. Laura coming to Cyrus’ rescue and knocking Heather over the head was another fun scene between the siblings, and Heather gasping for air and collapsing was a surprise. I am looking forward to finding out what’s going on with her, as it didn’t look like she was faking it to stay out of Pentonville.