Performer Of The Week For GH: Kathleen Gati

At General Hospital, there’s no such thing as too much Kathleen Gati. From the moment she appeared on the scene at GH, originally meant to be a short-term role – she’s managed to make us fall in love with the terse, and sometimes murder-minded Fräulein Obrecht. But special kudos, in the form of Soap Hub’s Performer of the Week Award, are due to the actress in light of her spectacular work during the Finn/August wedding that wasn’t.

Performer Of The Week: Kathleen Gati

Truth be told, if Liesl had had her way, she wouldn’t even have had to darken the Metro Court ballroom and interrupt the double ceremony. She’d tried earlier in the day to convince Maxie (Kirsten Storms) of Peter’s (Wes Ramsey) villainy, but her former daughter-in-law just wouldn’t listen to reason. Not even the invocation of Nathan’s memory could sway Maxie.

So, with no other option available to her, Liesl stormed the hotel and voiced her stringent objection to the nuptials. After clearing up some lingering confusion, including why she was no longer in Steinmauer, and why she had chosen that particular moment to make her presence known – “They are literally at the alter, or…podium. In five minutes it will be too late.” – Liesl got down to business.

And that business consisted of her outing Peter’s true maternity. Liesl thought, hoped, even prayed, that would be enough to convince Maxie to turn her back on her betrothed. But Maxie was still willing to remain by Peter’s side.

At this point, no one would have blamed Liesl had she blown her top and given Maxie hell – after all, it’s difficult to deal with a loved one who is being so deliberately obtuse. But Gati didn’t allow Liesl to lose control. Heck, she didn’t even display a single hint of exasperation at Maxie’s continued slights.

Instead, the actress continued to portray Liesl as a steely-eyed protectress, doggedly determined to save a member of her family – even if they themselves refuse salvation.

She readied herself to unleash her secret weapon, whom you may remember as Dante “I Must Complete The Mission” Falconeri (Dominic Zamprogna), but luckily she was spared the action by Valentin who stepped forward and listed Peter’s laundry list of crimes.

After the maelstrom that followed, Liesl and Valentin jointly cheered the notion that Maxie could extricate herself from Peter’s hold – and we the fans cheered Miss Gati and her continued on-screen excellence. General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC. Check your local listing for air times.