Bring Him Back Alive: The Case for Nick Stabile

When Nick Stabile took over the role of Nikolas on General Hospital last June, we and the GH writers believed it was just a temporary recast and Tyler Christopher would return to the role eventually.

The Return of NAVA
When Nikolas went out the window and was presumed dead for the second time in two months, we weren’t surprised and figured it was nothing more than a setup for the original actor’s comeback.

Now that we know Christopher and GH couldn’t come to a contract agreement, our minds go straight to Nick Stabile. He did an excellent job as a pinch hitter and was the actor who established the chemistry between Nik and Ava, known to many fans as NAVA. Yes, Christopher still played Nik during their chance meeting on the plane, but Stabile was the Cassadine prince during their European adventure.

As it stands now, Ava (Maura West) is once again waffling around Port Charles causing chaos without a love interest, and Nikolas seemed like a man who could tame her. (Not that The Dark Prince is a pillar of virtue.)

A Necessary Character
Nikolas is a pivotal GH character and, as the de facto head of the Cassadine family, he’s a necessary part of the canvas. Christopher has already been replaced once before by a number of actors during his time away from the show, with Colton Scott playing Nikolas for four years (from 199-2003). Yes, Christopher was the original Nikolas and seems synonymous with the role, but it’s clear he’s replaceable.

Why not replace him with someone fresh in fans’ minds? Stabile proved he could step into a front burner storyline and shine at the last minute. With Nikolas only presume dead, bringing him back with the last actor to play him seems the only logical choice.