Nathan’s Funeral: What Was Right? What Was Wrong on General Hospital?

Maxie, Nina and a plethora of other Port Charles citizens said goodbye to Nathan in a heartbreaking tribute on General Hospital.

The special episode included a surprise appearance, solid traditions, and plenty of real raw emotions. Here are my takes on the highs and lows of Nathan’s (Ryan Paevey) funeral.

What Was Right?
Bringing back Lindze Letherman as Georgie’s spirit provided a special touch. Maxie’s (Kirsten Storms) little sister helped her find the strength to get through the day and reminded her that Nathan would always be with her through their child.

Having Georgie and Nathan walk off together into the heavenly fog at the gravesite, as Maxie watched, was an absolutely perfect end scene.

The traditional policeman’s send-off was exquisite — from Jordan (Vinessa Antoine) adding Nathan’s plaque to the wall of fallen officers at the station to Dante (Dominic Zamprogna), Valerie, and other cops attending Nathan’s service in full dress blues.

The the three-volley gunshot salute at the gravesite followed by a bagpipes rendition of Amazing Grace gave us chills

Nina (Michelle Stafford) and Liesl’s (Kathleen Gatti) heartbreak was beautifully depicted. While Liesl was quiet and stoic, Nina wore her heart on her sleeve, recounting the little brother, who always had loose change rattling around in his pocket.

Watching her place a few coins in her brother’s uniform pocket while he laid in his coffin was gut-wrenching.

What Was Wrong?
Frisco couldn’t make it to his daughter’s husband’s funeral. What a surprise — not! The guy officially wins the deadbeat dad of a lifetime award for his latest act of negligence and disrespect. Of course, Maxie understood his absence. It’s the only behavior she’s ever known from the man who missed her entire childhood.

While Storms’ performance was raw, honest and bona fide Emmy-worthy, one thing bugged me. Did anyone else notice that despite Maxie’s immense grief, she was still able to apply false eyelashes for the funeral? Really?

It would have been so much more effective and less distracting, if the character had gone with a no-fuss natural look the day she was saying goodbye to her soulmate. Nina, on the other hand, wore minimal makeup and her hair in a bun, too distraught to worry about how she looked while burying her brother.

General Hospital (GH) airs weekdays on ABC. Check your local listings for air times.