There is little doubt that Coby Ryan McLaughlin has created one of the most deliciously smarmy characters to hit General Hospital in ages, but the character of Shiloh continues to baffle us as to how he gets away with having anyone listen to him, never mind follow him.
That’s because what he says can be so offensive sometimes — and yet no character ever calls him on it. Take his interaction with Kim (Tamara Braun), who had just lost her only child, on the Thursday, May 9th episode.
Shiloh told this woman who was deeply mourning her son’s loss, that while he didn’t know her spiritual beliefs, he urged her to think of Oscar’s passing “As a return home. He’s not lost or gone, he’s just transitioning to a different plane of existence.”
Kim looked as offended as we felt she should be — but she simply told him she didn’t come for spiritual guidance but to talk about her son. The was certainly more civil than we wanted or expected her to be.
What he said was quite presumptuous, especially since he truly doesn’t know her at all. Then he wanted to know if Drew sent her anything that could incriminate him, though he was extremely cagey and couldn’t just ask him outright. But it was inappropriate!
Let’s not forget when he visited Drew to give him a copy of Oscar’s Dawn of Day book, highlights and all. Really, Shank?
Of course, he pretty much outdid himself on that score on yesterday’s episode during his talk with Sam (Kelly Monaco). Our mouths were hanging open over two things that happened — the first was when Sam turned down his offer to restart her Trust initiation because she suddenly remembered she had children and wanted to see them.
The second was when supposedly all-about-the-children Shiloh admonished Sam for wanting to do that, accusing her of not having her priorities straight. Say what?! In a rare moment of her actually HAVING her priorities straight, he actually said that out loud?! And Sam didn’t call him on it?!
What kind of backward universe is the cult operating in? Sam actually entertaining that sentiment without blasting him for it, never mind turning around and asking him to be her date at the Nurses Ball — was bizarre. (Sure, Sam, it’s all an act. Sure it is. That’s why you now have to be rescued from Dawn of Day.)
While McLaughlin is fun to watch, we wish that his character was written in a way that made you believe he could charm the skin off a snake with his words — and not just because of the actor’s charisma.
General Hospital (GH) airs weekdays on ABC. Check your local listings for airtimes.
Video Credit: General Hospital
Video Credit: General Hospital
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