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Maurice Benard and Steve Burton are this issue's standout performers
In the aftermath of the death of Sam's baby, GH's Sonny and Jason tried to hold it together, as if determined to prove to those looking on that the were not mere mortals. Nevertheless, exhaustion crept across their faces. The pain seeped through their eyes, through their voices, while they remained steadfast. Emmy winners Maurice Benard and Steve Burton played every heart-wrenching scene with muscle, further substantiating their titles as daytime television superstars.
A Death Brings Them Closer
From the moment Sonny learned that Kristina was his daughter, the audience could see his silent rage building. For every ounce of ruthless businessman Sonny is, he's 10 times that as a caring father. He found himself in an impossible situation - risk the life of one of his children to save the other. It's as if we could see the wheels turning in Benard's head as he struggled with Sonny's psychological tug-of-war. His inner dialogue, in a weird way, could be heard loud and clear.
Then tragedy struck - Sam's baby was stillborn. Jason and Sonny had each been father to the unborn child in their own minds. Suddenly, they were both trapped in their own devastating reality. Jason held the lifeless child, then emerged red-eyed from behind the hospital curtain. Sonny tried to rush into the room, yelling, "I want to see my daughter!" But he was stopped. Powerless, he collapsed in tears in his best friend's Jason's arms.
The Pain Surfaces
The death of Sam's baby only strengthened Sonny's resolve to have a relationship with Kristina. He'd speak with her gently and flash his winning smile. But the minute Ric stepped within arms's length, Sonny's fury came out. Benard's ability to turn on a dime and portray conflicting emotions is mind-blowing.
Meanwhile, Jason sat vigil at an unconscious Sam's bedside, hoping to talk her out of death. He had avoided his feelings, but that was no longer possible. Jason was still strong, still relatively silent, but something changed. He looked helpless. Aching. Burton's eyes said it all.
There's nothing like watching two people connect. Jason and Sonny's bond has been unbreakable. But real brotherhood is shown in times of emotional need. Benard and Burton lock into their characters and don't let go. They've played Jason and Sonny's strengths and weaknesses with such intensity that it's all but impossible not to stare at the screen when they're on. They've given humanity to a mobster and his enforcer - ironic, but oh so true.
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