In Love And War
ABC Soaps In Depth
August 1, 2006
Sonny fights for his sanity and the woman he loves… but which one?
After months of spiraling downward, GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Sonny finally begins to get his life back on track this week. But the cure for what ails him could leave Emily with a broken heart… and land Carly back in his arms again.
IS SONNY CHANGING?
The week begins with a meeting between Jason and Sonny, who seem finally to be making progress in restoring their friendship to its former glory. When the topic of therapy is broached, Jason admits he can understand his pal’s reluctance to let someone go poking around in his head. In turn, Sonny opens up and talks of his fear that his time on Lainey’s couch might leave him a changed man… one that Emily no longer wants.
Later, Carly and Sonny have a chat – which quickly devolves into an argument – about their relationship. As Laura Wright (Carly) explains, her alter ego wants the best for Sonny… but can’t help having reservations. “It’s like, ‘I want you to get help, but then you won’t need me.’ He’s going to be a different person to a certain extent.”
And when Carly talks to Sonny’s current love, she urges Emily to stand by his side and offer not only her support but love. Why? Because a part of Carly realizes that Emily might well be the only thing preventing her from reuniting with her ex-husband! “He’s the only person who is more self destructive than she is,” says Wright. “They’re both set to destroy each other right now, so it’s a really bad combination!”
UNHAPPILY EVER AFTER?
But Emily realizes that “cure” Sonny may not necessarily want her by his side. “It’s heartbreaking for her to think that out of therapy he might realize that she’s not the woman he’s supposed to be with,” says Natalia Livingston (Emily) of her characters fears.
Sonny offers her assurances, but as portrayer Maurice Benard says, “Of course, Emily has got to start feeling some doubts now.”
Having Carly around all the time isn’t helping matters, either. “Emily is suspicious of everything Carly does,” admits Livingston. “She knows that Carly loves Sonny.”
Which explains why Carly spends so much time trying to prove that Ric has been manipulating his brother. But Emily tries getting her rival to back off of her investigation. “Just let it go,” Livingston says in character. “Let’s keep Sonny focused. Let’s not get him involved in all this other stuff!”
But this being Port Charles, all that other stuff can’t help intruding. As Carly discovers proof that Ric is up to no good, Lainey presses Sonny to talk about his feelings for his ex.
THE TRUTH HURTS!
New diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Sonny is told by Lainey that unless he stays on his meds for the rest of his life, another breakdown is not only possible, but unavoidable. Returning home, the stress immediately piles on when Jason presents him with evidence of Ric’s involvement in his breakdown. Nothing Ric says can prevent Sonny from severing their tie and warning that this time, it’s for good.
Later the newly medicated mobster admits to Emily his fear that the pills might change him… and their relationship. “She doesn’t deserve this maniac,” says Benard with a laugh. “He doesn’t feel worthy to be loved.”
But she swears that if his feelings toward her ever do change, she’ll end things immediately. “She has to be prepared to walk away without a fight,” says Em’s portrayer. “That’s part of the deal.”
SONNY CRACKS!
When Emily’s actions push Sonny over the edge, it is Carly, of all people, who must break up the resulting fight. And as Emily worries that Jason was right all along, Carly is by Sonny’s side during a painful and emotional breakdown. Are the volatile pair heading toward a reunion? “He really wants Carly in his life,” admits Benard. “He’ll step out of the way if she’s got Jax or whoever. But he wants that closeness again. Carly is kind of his soul mate.”
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