A Ray Of Hope Amidst Sadness On General Hospital

Credit: ABC

With the news of General Hospital vet Kimberly McCullough departing the legendary soap in February still causing many fans sadness, there is some happiness to cling to. It has been confirmed that both Finola Hughes and Tristan Rogers who played Kim's parents on GH will be returning to usher in their TV daughter's exit story.

We are ALL saddened to hear that Kimberly has decided to leave GH, but the thought of seeing her share the screen with Finola and Tristan once last time is sure to put a smile on EVERY GH Fan's face. It looks like Frank Valentini and Ron Carlivati are working hard to return the GH canvas to a more recognizable form. Congrats to Hughes and Rogers on their return!!!

GH News: Comings and Goings!!!

Just a day after ABC/Disney announced the firing of embattled General Hospital executive producer Jill Farren Phelps, news that ABC Daytime president Brian Frons would be gone after his contract expired in January 2012 hit the web. The two ousters were met with a resounding cheer from ABC soap fans who blame Brian Frons for the "death of ABC soaps". Long-time GH fans were thrilled to hear of Phelps' firing. Former One Life to Live executive producer Frank Valentini will be replacing Phelps and OLTL head writer Ron Carlivati will replace GH head writer Garin Wolf. Wolf will remain with the show for the foreseeable future.

credit: columbian.com

In other news, fan favorites Kimberly McCullough, who portrays Robin Scorpio Drake, and Jonathan Jackson, who plays Lucky Spencer, announced their departure from the soap they both joined as children. Jackson filmed his last scene as Lucky on November 17th and his last air date was Friday, December 16th. McCullough, who became a soap legend when she was given the monumental task of playing an HIV+ teen, will remain with the show through February. It appears that Frank Valentini and Ron Carlivati wish to have both Jackson and McCullough remain with the show. Time will tell if they can be persuaded to do so. Fans of the two legacy characters were saddened to hear of the decision by both actors to leave the show, but considering the environment they worked in during 2011, their wish to leave is not completely without merit. Let us all hope the new regime can infuse life into GH and bring back these core characters with the respect they deserve.