General Hospital is to be commended for remembering the late Luke Spencer, played by Anthony Geary, on the anniversary of his character’s birth. While his relationship with Tracy and Sonny were highlighted in the show, it was a bit glaring that Laura, Luke’s ex-wife, wasn’t a part of the episode that honored the legendary character.
It Started Out in Port Charles Town
Tracy was, of course, Luke’s most recent romantic relationship. He and the Quartermaine heiress shared a complicated dynamic but there was no denying that couple had their moments. When Tracy left Port Charles years ago, she reunited with Luke in Amsterdam.
The Luke birthday episode began with an already caffeine-deprived Tracy being in a bad mood. But it wasn’t only having one cup of coffee and being nipped by Hades the horse that put her in an irritable state. Tracy was thinking of the late Luke on his birthday. She opened up her heart as to what Luke brought to her life and how it’s been a struggle to continue on without him. The Daytime Emmy-winning Elliot once again showed viewers why she is a respected actress and fan favorite.
Fortunately, Tracy’s son, Ned (Wally Kurth), was there to provide a comforting ear to his mother. He knew it was Luke’s birthday as did Monica (Leslie Charleson), Olivia (Lisa LoCicero), and Lois (Rena Sofer) — as it was noted in their respective calendars.
Tracy smiled and said that Luke always had a soft spot for Monica — and most women. While that may be true, he had an even bigger place in his heart for Laura. The duo’s relationship played no small role in propelling the ABC soap opera into a pop culture phenomenon. The two were featured on mainstream magazine covers People and Newsweek. So where was Laura in this episode? Was she thinking of Luke? If his birthday wasn’t on her calendar, it was certainly on her mind — possibly, her heart.
In the winter of 2023, Francis spoke out on the controversial relationship Luke and Laura shared in which his rape of her had been pushed to the background. The couple’s “love on the run” romance became the focal point of the show.
Luke and Laura shared two children — Lucky (the returning Jonthan Jackson) and the still comatose Lulu (last played by Emme Rylan). The couple realized years ago that their life together was over, but they did remain friends on some level. Luke shared not a final scene with Laura when he left for Amsterdam however, he left her a letter. The contents of that note have never been revealed.
Francis, however, speculated on what the letter may have said at a GH Creation fan event a little over five years ago. Luke’s birthday would have been a perfect opportunity for the show to have Laura opening that note and her reading it.
The good news is that the GH writers still have that chance. If Laura doesn’t read the letter, perhaps one of her children will? GH paid a beautiful tribute to Luke Spencer with the characters of Tracy and Sonny (Maurice Benard). In the future, the show may have other Port Charles citizens — including Laura — do the same.
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