GH in Review: September, Part 1
by Arda Darakjian Clark

I had ended my review of August episodes with the episode of August 28. This review covers the episodes of August 29 through September 10, and September 17 and 18. (General Hospital was pre-empted September 11 through September 14 due to coverage of the terrorist attacks. The episode of September 17 was the episode that would have aired on September 11.)

This review covers two days in Port Charles. Although I despise the current practice of using multiple episodes to portray one day in Port Charles, I have adopted the same organizational principle in my reviews. Part of my purpose is to convey the ridiculousness of jamming numerous events into one day for no apparent reason. Consider, for example, the improbability that Stavros could, in the same day, pose as a confessor in church, plot Stefan's murder with Helena, kill Chloe at Wyndemere and still find time to break into Laura's office twice!

I found many faults with General Hospital in my review of August. I won't repeat my litany of complaints here. I do want to note, however, that while I continue to be unhappy with many aspects of the show, I have noted some improvement beginning with the episode of September 18. That episode contained several tender scenes between Alan and Monica, Ned and Lila, Lila and Edward, Alexis and Kristina and Stefan, and Carly and Michael. After weeks of suspense, mayhem, murder, and plain weirdness, those quiet, tender scenes were pleasant and welcome. Unfortunately, I don't know who wrote the script for that day, since the final credits were pre-empted by a news update on the terrorist attacks.

Day 1: August 29, 2001- September 6, 2001 (Seven episodes)

Sonny Wants a Divorce

Sonny stops by Alexis's penthouse and tells her he wants to file for divorce. Alexis is troubled by his request and reminds Sonny that she had gone to a lot of trouble to make sure he and Carly were married (to keep Carly from testifying against Sonny). Alexis adds that she knows Sonny loves Carly, but Sonny tells her that the marriage is over since Carly betrayed his trust. Alexis wants to know why he is in such a rush to get divorced and wonders if Angel is part of the reason. Sonny insists that he and Angel are just friends. Alexis agrees to draw up the divorce papers, despite her reservations.

Carly's New Digs

Mike visits Carly in her hotel room and finds Carly her packing. Mike is concerned that Carly might be leaving town, but Carly explains that she is moving into a new home. She tells Mike that she is determined to not let Angel come between her and Sonny. Mike tells her to not look back and stay away from Angel. Mike takes Carly to her new house (the set previously used as Audrey Hardy's house). Mike tells Carly that when Sonny was a little boy, they would go for drives in nice neighborhoods and Sonny would pick out the houses he wanted to live in--houses very similar to Carly's new house. Carly says she can't imagine Sonny with his little-boy dreams, and Mike says the reality of Sonny's life makes it impossible for him to dream. Carly counters that Sonny dreams of having a family and that she will show him that his dream is right there, intact.

Michael Returns to Port Charles

Carly is overjoyed when Michael returns home with Leticia. Michael calls Sonny and asks to see him. Sonny comes to visit and warmly greets Michael. Sonny teaches Michael how to ride his new bike. As Michael practices pedaling, Sonny accuses Carly of using Michael to get Sonny to come over. Carly protests, saying she didn't even know that Michael had called him. Michael proves he knows Sonny's number and can dial it all by himself. Michael gives Sonny and Carly a seashell as a gift and tells them they must share it. Sonny and Carly explain to Michael that Sonny won't be living with them but that Sonny will always love him and will see him often. Carly is touched by Sonny's determination to not let Michael down. She tells Sonny that she is sure he will realize soon that they can be a family again. Carly is crushed when Sonny tells her that he has filed for divorce. She promises to fight back.

Carly Snoops; Sonny and Angel Flirt

Carly goes to Angel's cabin and finding no one home, lets herself in. She goes through the house, calling Angel's name. She rummages through Angel's wardrobe making fun of Angel's all-white clothes. She finds a roll of film and pockets it. She puts on one of Angel's white robes and begins dancing through the house.

Meanwhile, Sonny runs into Angel drinking at the bar at the No-Name restaurant. Angel has her hair up and looks radiant. She and Sonny flirt. Sonny asks why Angel wears white all the time, and she tells him that after her husband's death she didn't feel like wearing colors and didn't want to wear black. Sonny offers to take Angel home and she accepts.

Carly hides when she hears Sonny and Angel outside the cabin. Angel can tell that someone has been there and she and Sonny look for the intruder. Angel realizes that the intruder is Carly and asks Sonny to stay for a glass of wine. Sonny declines and leaves after Angel assures him she will be fine. Once Sonny leaves, Angel calls out to Carly and demands that she come out of hiding. Carly, unfazed, comes out and warns Angel to stay away from her husband. Angel reminds her that breaking in and entering is a crime, and throws Carly out. Carly leaves, happy with having annoyed Angel and with the realization that Sonny had not mentioned to Angel his having filed for divorce.

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