Volume I, Issue vi

February 1999

From the Editor by Amy McWilliams

Welcome to the February issue of the General Hospital Review!

In this issue, we have several familiar features as well as a new column. First, Joan Roseman gives us the first entry in her "And Another Thing..." series by sharing her opinion on Carly. Arda Clark follows with her second book review, and Judy Ellison contributes the fifth episode in her "What's Cookin' on the Backburner" series, a fictional look at the underused and, perhaps, underappreciated characters on the GH canvas. Teresa Leslie returns with her Small Stuff column, discussing the use of photographs in the homes of various Port Charles residents for characterization and atmosphere. We also are very pleased to bring you the first appearance from T 'n' T, who write on the history and character of Kevin Collins. Finally, I add my own entry in the "How We Watch" series and review recent episodes of GH and PC.

I feel I should say a word about scheduling for those who read us each month. As you may realize, the GHR now comes out between the 20th and 25th of each month, rather than its original date between the 15th and 20th. That will continue. As we've found our rhythm in the first 6 months of this publication (we can't believe this is our sixth issue!), we've realized that the later date comes more naturally because of our schedules. We thank you for your patience in waiting for the new issue to come out; we're glad you continue to be excited to see what we come up with.

There will be a chance in these Spring issues, however, that we'll push towards the end of that range, though I hope no issue will come out later than the 25th of the month. I'm currently studying for my preliminary exams and writing the proposal for my dissertation, and my spare time is steadily shrinking. We will put out an issue each month, but my reviews of current issues may lose some ground as I cover fewer weeks than usual. Gradually, though, I will catch up, and again I thank you for your patience.

You may also notice that we've had a few photographs last issue and this, after a long photographic drought. Though I'm still leery about copyright issues and disk space, I enjoy adding photos when I have time to find the ones I want, so you'll see a few cropping up in this issue and in the future.

That said, we all have many ideas for the near future and are working to bring you other voices, including guest columnists as well as, hopefully, other exclusive interviews. Cross your fingers with us, and enjoy the issue!

GH and PC in Review by Amy McWilliams

This review covers three weeks on GH--from December 28th through January 15th--and the months of December and January on PC.

As always, thanks go to Allyn Wilkinson for her GH Transcripts Page. I depend on her as well as the daily updates from the official ABC website and r.a.t.s.a. Thanks also to everybody on the GH side of the Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.tv.soaps.abc for their discussion of the show, and to the other editors, whose discussion always informs my own opinions.

How We Watch: What Space/Time Continnum, Mulder? by Amy McWilliams

"How We Watch" is a column dedicated to sharing the stories of our soap viewing. In this entry, I tell the tale of how I got stuck on GH and how I abandon all sense of chronological order as I continue to catch up on my history.

Featured Web Page: General Hospital Online

Each month the General Hospital Review features one of the outstanding GH or PC web pages on the net. We alternate between general sites dedicated to the entire show and smaller, more focused sites--usually character-centered pages.

The page we're featuring this month was recommended to us, but it was already in line to receive our recognition. General Hospital Online is a good general page with original and exclusive material, lots of information and opportunity for interaction with other fans, and a great entry page. The layout uses frames and is graphics heavy, but I think you'll find it's worth the wait.

If you'd like to nominate a page (even your page) for recognition here, send us the recommendation at the feedback form.

In addition, Arda Clark features my own page, The Anthony Geary Webpage, in her book review and wanted me to mention it here. The page contains information on Geary's work on GH as well the rest of his career, including interviews and articles, pictures, and more. I'm currently working on a major update, which means fixing a problem with the layout and adding lots of new material, including many things from the early '80s. It's slow going, for the reasons I give above, but take a look every few weeks to see what I've added.

"And Another Thing..." by Joan Roseman

In the first installment of her new column, Joan Roseman gives us her take on Carly's current scheme. To say more would be to give away another thing....

Books in Review by Arda Clark

In her second review, Arda Clark evaluates an early '80s biography of Anthony Geary. The book is hard to find, but I've scanned in Arda's favorite picture and mine from a copy I have on loan.

What's Cookin' on the Backburner: Episode 5 by Judy Ellison

Judy Ellison's concoction is a fictional look at the characters who are, shall we say, not so busy right now. In the wake of the explosion at the Backburner, the domestic staff of various Port Charles residences hold one of their meetings. Tune in to see if Fang, Wolf, or Honey steal a scone; listen carefully and you might hear Reginald say, "Will somebody please pass the Chex Mix?" Or not.

Small Things: Photographs and Memories by Teresa Leslie

Teresa Leslie's column focuses on the small, seemingly insignificant things on GH. When noticed and considered, however, these little details illuminate many things about the characters and plots. Teresa considers the photographs in various scenes in this column, showing how they illuminate character and situation.

A Study in Character: In Defense of Kevin by T 'n' T

We're thrilled to include in this issue the first appearance by T 'n' T. In a guest appearance in our column "A Study in Character," they summarize Kevin's history, offering a running assessment of his character over the years. They then draw on the past to explain his responses to his recent breakup with Lucy, as well as his current relationship with Eve.

We thank them very much for allowing us to reprint this piece, which first appeared on the Internet posted to ratsa, AOL, and Port Charles Online.

Readers' Poll

More of Carly and Sonny, Stefan and Laura; the return of Anna and Robert; good stories for Ned and Felicia. These are the things readers ask for in their responses to our current poll. Read their comments, then tell us your answer to our question: "If you could see one thing happen on GH or PC in 1999, what would it be?"

No answer is too out of this world, and we look forward to hearing all of your responses. You can send them to us with the feedback form. Include your name, and remember to double-check your email address in case we need to get back to you.

Feedback

• Comments?
• Suggestions?
• Questions?
• Complaints?
• Recommendations for featured web sites?
• Topics you'd like to read about?
• Letters to the Editor?
• Poll Responses?

Fill out the feedback form.