Cover Story

Fly Away Home

By Tom Stacy

GH's Robin Returns, But What Does That Mean For Jason And Sam?

It's news that many GH viewers have been waiting to hear for years: Fan Fave Kimberly McCullough, who joined the show in 1985 at age 7 and literally grew up before the audience's eyes, comes home to Port Charles on October 12.

"We've wanted to bring Kimberly back for a long time," reveals Head Writer Robert Guza, Jr.  "And her scheduled finally allowed it to be possible."  While the scribe is mum on the exact length of her stay, he will say, "Kimberly is not going anywhere.  This is no short-term gig.  She's back on the show for a good, long while."

Doing what, exactly?  "We came up with a very interesting story which will involve a career for Robin," Guza continues.  "There is a situation currently on air on the show that is going to lead to the direct reason why Robin returns, and needless to say, it will have an impact and repercussions on Sam and Jason.  Let's just say Sam is going to need Robin, and even though she needs Robin, she's got to wonder about the advisability of putting one of the loves of Jason's life back in his orbit."

"This is huge!"  notes Sam's portrayer, Kelly Monaco.  "At the moment, Jason has amnesia, so I'm sure this is going to shake things up tons.  But that's the fun of soaps.  We'll all be on the roller coaster together and see what unfolds."

Jason's change of life not only leaves him vulnerable, but could be dangerous for those around him, as well.  "We particularly love, in the roll out of all of this, that it gives us a chance to really examine what makes Jason who he is," notes Guza.  "What makes somebody turn into a character like Jason was?  What happens when a hit man renounces violence?  What happens to the people in his life? His family?  His loved ones who count on him to protect them?  And he's suddenly saying, 'I don't want to kill people.  It's not right.  I'm not going to kill in cold blood.  I won't.'"

But, warns Guza, just because Jason has seemingly renounced his life of violence, doesn't necessarily mean there's a reunion with Robin in the making.  "The fact is, Robin's going to come back in a crisis and for a crisis," teases the scribe.  "And you must remember, Robin is the one who blew the secret that AJ was Michael's father,  and that caused a major rift with many of the people she loved, primarily Jason and Sonny.  When Jason and Robin connected at Lila's memorial [last year], they skirted the business between them, so don't think that's over and make the assumption that Jason is going to go flying back into Robin's arms because, in fact, he and Sam have become a very tight couple.  They're deeply in love."

Can that love survive?  Many fans are asking that question, concerned that Robin's return signals the departure of Monaco from GH.  Not so, say both the exec and the actress.  "This is not going ot be a way to cover because Kelly's going off to do whatever she's going to do," assures Guza.  "That is not the case.  She's around for the long term and we have major story plans for Jason and Sam."

Monaco echoes the sentiment, adding that Sam may fear Robin's return, but she's thrilled to be working with McCullough.  "When I first heard about it, I thought it was fantastic," Monaco enthuses.  "The more, the merrier.  She's a fantastic actress.  She has an amazing history here and if we can bring some of that back, where there's longevity in a story and a character, I think it's wonderful."

And Robin's return may not be the only one we'll see in coming months.  When asked if Robin's estranged parents, Anna and Robert, could show up, Guza smiles and teases, "We're very big on family on GENERAL HOSPITAL."

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Article contains an old picture of Kimberly with Steve Burton as Jason, with the caption: "State of the Union: Robin's HIV status will be addressed.  "Robin is in excellent shape for all intents and purposes," states [Bob] Guza.  "But she still is HIV-positive and we're going to do that justice."

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Looking Back:

Here's all you need to know to get caught up on Jason and Robin's romance.

1995: Robin contracted HIV from first love Stone, who later died of AIDS; Jason lost his virginity to girlfriend Keesha.

1996: Jason suffered brain damage after a drunk-driving accident with AJ behind the wheel.  When he regained consciousness, Jason turned his back on the Quartermaines, joined Sonny's mob and fell for Robin.

1997: Unable to accept Jason's mob lifestyle, Robin moved to Paris to study at the Sorbonne.

1998: Robin returned and moved in with Jason.  After Carly left town, the pair raised Michael together.  Determined to make the most of their second chance, Jason quit the mob.

1999: The reconciliation was short-lived.  Jason rejoined Sonny's gang, but before she went back to Paris, Robin admitted to AJ that he, not Jason, was Michael's biological dad.

2000: Robin came home to attend the Nurses' Ball.

2004: Robin visited again to pay her respects at Lila's memorial service, where she and Jason shared a warm moment.

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