Every time General Hospital (GH) fans turned around, they were learning something new about Franco (Roger Howarth).
First, it was that the brain tumor made him do it… all his evil deeds, that is. (Although, contrary to what viewers saw with their own eyes, we also learned that Franco didn’t set Michael up to be raped in prison, and he didn’t rape Sam; he just made her think he did. So much better.)
Then it was that Franco grew up with Drew (Billy Miller) as his adoptive brother – until little Franco pushed little Drew down the stairs, prompting Mama Betsy to send Drew away.
Franco worried he might be a violent person who shouldn’t be allowed near children, namely Elizabeth’s (Rebecca Herbst) son, Jake (and his two invisible brothers).
But, fear not! Franco is actually the hero in this story!
Turns out that Betsy’s then boyfriend, Jim Harvey (Greg Evigan) was molesting little Franco, so the budding saint pushed Drew in order to save him from Jim.
You got that? You buy that? Here’s what over 8,000 die-hard viewers had to say:
Classic Soap
For 59% of the fans, learning more about Franco’s past was a great way to once again prove that he’s not the bad guy other people think he is. The story was interesting and kept you on the edge of your seats. Plus, it made Franco look good. That’s always a favorite with some.
Nowhere Man
Well, that came out of nowhere, 40% of you sniffed distastefully. There was no build up or hint of this past history. One day Franco had no inkling of what he’d done, the next, Harvey was there and – eureka! – a breakthrough.
The rushed nature of the story made it hard to swallow, and even harder to follow. Plus, you’ll never forgive Franco for his past, no matter what.
General Hospital (GH) airs weekdays on ABC. Check your local listings for airtimes.
Video Credit: FrancoGH
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