We’re used to seeing Ava Jerome, played by Maura West, take no prisoners as she goes about her daily life on General Hospital. She’s been showing increased vulnerability in her current storyline, making the work done by West even more compelling — and deserving of Soap Hub Performer of the Week for GH honors.
Maura West – Performer of the Week
Ava wasn’t thrilled that a new nanny was being forced upon her but she attempted to make the best of it when Betty Rutherford (Ella Lentini) showed up to interview for a job she pretty much already had. At first, Ava marveled at Betty’s audacity and then, fear quickly washed over Ava as Betty hinted harm could easily come to her mother, Delia (Ilene Kristen).
Ava was sorely tempted to push Betty off the parapet and seemed poised to do just that until Betty stopped her with ‘That’s close enough’ and again threatened Delia. West had a frustrated Ava let loose with a primal scream that went out into the night. It’s rare to see Ava quite so frustrated.
Next, Ava demanded that Betty leave her mother out of this or else she wouldn’t play ball. In turn, Betty slapped Ava reminding her who was in charge. (Gentle suggestion to Ella Lentini: put that slap scene on your acting reel! It’s rare for any character to smack Ava and live to talk about it!) Betty exited after a brief meeting with Sonny. Before Ava could decide whether or not she was going to lie to Avery’s dad, he asked her what the hell was going on.
Sonny told he could tell Ava she was scared, adding it takes a lot to scare Ava. He demanded to know why he didn’t know about Ava’s dilemma before now. The coffee importer demanded Ava share with him what Mason (Nathanyael Grey) has over her. She confessed that Mason knows she killed Nikolas (ironically, Nik is actually alive)!
Ava and Sonny (Maurice Benard) have a very unique relationship and both West and Benard play the intricacies of it with great care and skill. They tell things to each other that they probably wouldn’t share with anyone else in their lives. Certainly, they’re on the same page regarding the safety and welfare of their daughter, Avery (Ava and Grace Scarola). West had Ava emotionally relive her final moments with Nikolas, recounting how the horror she felt after he threatened to take Avery away from her and how she disposed of Nik’s “body.” Sonny didn’t pass judgment. He just wanted to know from Avery’s mom what was going on!
Ava’s been harboring the secret of Nikolas’s “death” for months. The more she confided in Sonny the more animated she became, relieved to have the burden off her chest. One of the most delicious bits of character West brings to Ava is her sense of self-preservation. Ava knows it may not always sound so great when she puts herself first but that doesn’t stop her from looking out for No. 1. “I don’t want anything to happen to my mother but I don’t want to go to prison, you know?,” Ava told Sonny, reminding him that Mason has Nik’s body.
Sonny assured Ava that she had nothing to worry about with a tone in his voice that might make many feel uncomfortable but West had Ava respond with a knowing and appreciative smile. She’s confident Sonny can take care of things and she feels it’s perfectly fine if he does whatever it takes! Brava to Maura West for delivering another tour de force!
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