Soap Hub Performer of the Week for GH: Kelly Thiebaud

Calling Britt the “Britch” seemed fitting on General Hospital as the dark-haired, statuesque beauty had a habit of going after what she wanted, not really caring about other people’s feelings. However, viewers learned that beneath that tough exterior is a woman who — like everyone else — just wants to be loved. Sadly, Britt got her heart crushed by Jason last week. For her performance was a woman devastated that her budding romance was cut short, Soap Hub bestows Performer of the Week honors for General Hospital upon Kelly Thiebaud.

Kelly Thiebaud — Performer of the Week

Britt hasn’t opened up herself to be with someone who truly cared about her in a long time. When she and Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) encountered each other a while back, she said to him that he probably wouldn’t like her — just like everybody else. Savvy soap viewers saw a budding romance developing as soon as Jason said he makes up his own mind in life.

While on the run after Jason was shot, he and Britt went from patient and doctor to lovers. Jason supported Britt as she got the devastating news about her having the genetic marker for Huntington’s disease. “Stone Cold” Jason was the rock that Britt needed. She only grew more fond of Jason after he stood by her. She had every reason to see that their relationship would continue.

Alas, Jason’s commitment to the mob is going to further entwine him with Carly Corinthos (Laura Wright), something Britt didn’t know as she quickly cleaned up her messy room in anticipation of a romantic evening with the chiseled anti-hero. Britt preparing for the special night with Jason showed how endearing and vulnerable she can be.

However, Britt could tell pretty quickly after Jason arrived at her place that something was amiss. “Don’t make me stand here and dread it, just spit it out,” Britt said, trying not to believe that her world was going to change so much — again. When Jason told her that he and Carly were getting married, she said, “I would think that you’re joking but you don’t do that.” Jason’s face confirmed Britt’s realization that he wasn’t kidding.

“I heard you, Jason. You and Carly are getting married,” Britt said, with Kelly Thiebaud showing her tears welling up in her eyes. “Now, get the hell out of my room.” While Jason said it was the best thing for him and Carly to tie the knot, he left out that this was primarily being done for business purposes. It was truly devastating to Britt, who’s been through so much, to lose the man who helped her realize that there was still a great deal to look forward to in life. Jason offered to still be there for Britt, but she wasn’t interested.

Kelly Thiebaud truly earned genuine sympathy from the audience for her character as Britt tearfully told Jason that she wasn’t “going to stand in line and wait for a few minutes of your time like some charity case because you happened to be with me when I found out I was dying.”

Thiebaud was compelling in these heart-breaking scenes. A lesser actress might have resorted to full-blown histrionics or held back the tears entirely, but instead, the actress walked that perfect line of showing vulnerability and pain while at the same time finding the strength to tell Jason to get lost. Kudos to GH for bringing Thiebaud back to the show and giving her this great meaty material to play.

The GH writers had Britt do next what anyone in her position would do — talk it out with her best friend. She went to Pentonville for a visit with Brad Cooper (Parry Shen). Britt filled Brad in on her and Jason’s whirlwind adventure that culminated in them sleeping together. Brad was able to make Britt laugh and also give her solace as she relayed to him that Jason broke her heart.

Britt put herself down for falling for Jason, prompting Brad to tell her to not talk about his “best friend” that way. When Britt said she wasn’t feeling well, Brad informed her she wasn’t sick — she’s just heartbroken. Indeed. In the process of telling Britt’s story, Kelly Thiebaud broke the hearts of many viewers.

Fortunately, we have the feeling this most recent chapter in Britt and Jason’s story isn’t the final one. General Hospital (GH) airs weekdays on ABC. Check your local listings for airtimes. For more about what’s coming up in Port Charles, check out all the latest that’s been posted on GH spoilers.