Soap Hub Performer of the Week for General Hospital: Chad Duell

General Hospital’s Michael was left to fend for himself when former stepdad Jax revealed he was aware that “Millow” was back on. Sure, Michael gave Jax what he wanted — Nina can see grandson Wiley — but Michael let Jax know in no uncertain terms what he thought of the Australian mogul and his negotiation tactics. For his standup performance, Soap Hub bestows Performer of the Week honors for General Hospital on Michael’s portrayer, Chad Duell.

Chad Duell — Performer of the Week

Jax (Ingo Rademacher, equally solid in these exchanges with Duell, we must add) reminded GH viewers how he’s been able to build such a business empire. He’s both subtle and ruthless when it comes to getting what he wants. It became clear to Michael, once Jax revealed he knew about him and Willow (Katelynn MacMullen), what he would have to do to ensure his silence.

Duell played the natural incredulity a young man would feel knowing that his former stepfather, someone Michael regarded as family, would intentionally harm Willow’s ex, Chase (Josh Swickard), who is fighting for his life in a hospital bed. Jax never put it in specific words, but Michael knew he was going to have to acquiesce once Jax said now would be a great time to continue their talk about Nina (Cynthia Watros) visiting Wiley (Erik and Theo Olson).

Rather than seek out his mom Carly (Laura Wright) or someone else who might be able to deal with Jax, Michael grabbed the bull by the horns and handled the matter himself as best he could. Michael knew he could somewhat control Nina’s interactions with Wiley but that Chase could suffer irreparable harm if he were to learn that Willow had moved on to another man.

Michael and Jax closed the deal — visitation for silence — rather quickly. Michael hopped on the phone to give Nina the good news but by no means did he let Jax off the hook. The Aussie was content to go home and have a good night’s sleep thinking that everyone was getting what they wanted out the deal, but Michael didn’t see it quite that way.

“Don’t patronize me,” Michael snapped at Jax after he tried to smooth things over with him once Jax got the sweeter end of the deal. Jax was happy that Nina was going to get to see Wiley but he couldn’t lie to himself that everything was okay with Michael because it was certainly most not.

“Nina has a choice because you took mine away from me,” Michael said shortly before shutting his door in Jax’s face. While Jax — and an unknowing Nina — have won this time, Jax would be foolish to think that Michael won’t forget this manipulation.

Michael has certainly learned a lesson that he can take back to the ELQ boardroom the next time he has to make a business deal and we look forward to seeing Chad Duell continue to portray Michael’s evolution! General Hospital (GH) airs weekdays on ABC. Check your local listings for airtimes.