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FROM
SOAP OPERA WEEKLY - DECEMBER 6, 2005
applause applause
Nancy
Lee Grahn
Outstanding performer for the week of Nov. 7 Nancy Lee Grahn spiked life-and-death drama with wry humor when General Hospital's Alexis was trapped with her estranged husband and his ex-mistress while going into labor. Grahn can jump from one emotion to another in a scene and make it all coalesce: protective, scared, angry, loving, exasperated. As Alexis' labor pains escalated, Grahn looked at her belly and patted it gently, cooing, "I want you to be born, darling, but I don't want it to happen here." Her voice was filled with the tenderness of a gentle and loving mother. But she did not stay that way for long. When Ric offered his support, Alexis asked if he had an epidural handy — "I'm not joking," she hissed — as Grahn grabbed co-star Rick Hearst by the head to drive home her point. Alexis tried to regain her composure but when Emily announced that a C-section might be the only way to save the child, panic swept over Grahn's face. Her body got jittery. Then, on a dime, she abruptly raised her head high and adopted a determined look. "Forget about me," she insisted. "Save the baby." While Robin prepped for the Alexis and Ric clung to each other. Anticipating the worst, Alexis asked Ric to take care of her children. Gazing into her husband's eyes, Alexis' face made it clear that all was forgiven between them. The dramatic moment was capped by Grahn picking up Alexis' "anesthetic" — a bottle of vodka — cocking her head, cracking "Bottoms up!" and chugging. Awaking to see her baby girl in Rte's arms, Alexis barely spoke a word. Grahn's mouth hung open in awe and her eyes filled with tears. Then, she reached out to stroke her little one. Alexis and Ric agreed to call their daughter Molly, since she had proved "unsinkable." Grahn plays Alexis as a woman who expects the worst, but despite herself, hopes for the best. Her witty, wistful performances leave us rooting for the hard-luck heroine to come out a winner. — JDL
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