Watching the ABC daytime lineup lately has been a little déjà vu for this old time soap viewer. Perhaps “copying” is too strong a term. Maybe “homage” would be a better word or, perhaps, “sticky fingers.” On the other hand, the stories in question here are different from either classic soap opera tropes (boy/girl-meets-hates-falls-in-love-with-girl/boy stuff) or classic soap cliches (supervillain-returns-from-the-dead-with-an-evil-twin shenanigans) because of their very specificity.

All three of the ABC’s daytime dramas currently are airing stories or arcs that have been a little too close to the mark of several cancelled Proctor & Gamble shows, begging the question “Does Brian Frons really admire those old, now defunct serials as much as he loves pilfering CBS soap stars?” Let us count the ways: READ MORE

What are your First Impressions of Vanessa Marcil Giovinazzo's Return to General Hospital as Brenda?

Check out these spoiler clips, featuring supermodel Brenda Barrett's (Vanessa Marcil Giovinazzo) premiere scenes back on General Hospital. Apparently, despite the success she's found over the past seven years and being in a relationship with a red-hot movie star, our Ms. Barrett still isn't quite happy! I guess once you go Sonny (Maurice Benard) you can't go back ! Check out the teasers from We Love Soaps TV after the jump: READ MORE

In the new issue of People, on newstands now, General Hospital's Vanessa Marcil Giovinazzo dishes about returning to her alma mater after a seven-year hiatus.

What would you like to see happen to Brenda this time around?

As long as it doesn't involve me in a bikini or lingerie or making out with someone I have never met before, I am in.

Marcil Giovinazzo also discusses how she juggles motherhood and acting.

How do you balance being an actress and a mom to son Kassius, 8?

At his school, everyone thinks I have it together. At home, when it comes to my stuff, I am always a mess! I can't find my shoes.

For anyone who's been under a rock, Marcil Giovinazzo's first airdate back in Port Charles is this Wednesday, Aug. 11.

Photo courtesy of The Bannen Way

Oceans apart, day after day and I slowly go insane... "Right Here Waiting" by Richard Marx.

Over the years we've poked fun at our pals at ABC Soaps In Depth for all their Brenda Barrett covers, but in this week's issue, it ain't smoke and mirrors— Vanessa Marcil Giovinazzo truly IS back and she's got Maurice Benard (Sonny) on the cover with her!

That sound you hear is BrenSon fans racing to their nearest Wal-Mart, Krogers or Piggly Wiggly (Are they still in business back home?) to buy a copy of this red-hot issue of the zine, but before y'all get out the door, check out the teaser blurb below! READ MORE

The publicity tour continues for General Hospital's Vanessa Marcil Giovinazzo. The actress will kick it on the couch with the ladies of The View, Thursday. Check your local listing.

Photo by PR Photos.

General Hospital has released the extended "Brenda is Back" promo, featuring Jax, "the fiancé that broke her heart" (Ingo Rademacher), Jason, "the husband she never loved" (Steve Burton), and Sonny "the man she could never resist" (Maurice Benard). But what's her secret? Either way, I'm pretty sure that Brenda (Vanessa Marcil Giovanazzo) is going to burn all of our television screens up. Watch after the jump. READ MORE

Adrienne Barbeau spills the tea to TV Guide's Michael Logan on what goes down on General Hospital to make Brenda Barrett (Vanessa Marcil Giovinazzo) reutrn to Port Charles.

TV Guide Magazine: Tell us about Suzanne. What brings her and Brenda Barrett to Port Charles?
Barbeau: She's a journalist who has seen so much tragedy in the world where children are concerned and she establishes an organization, the Alliance to Save Exploited Children, that concentrates on the victims of sex trafficking. Brenda becomes the spokesperson who's out there bringing attention to the cause and bringing in corporate endowments. One day in Rome she is attacked while appearing at a press conference. We don't know who did it but her life is clearly in jeopardy and it's pretty much up to Suzanne to take care of Brenda and make sure it doesn't happen again. Suzanne is going to hire a bodyguard who may be someone from Brenda's life back in Port Charles.

READ MORE

Quick! Get Jamey a paper bag to keep him from hyperventilating! ABC has released a new "Guess Who's Back?” promo that should have General Hospital sitting up in interest. In case you missed it, Vanessa Marcil returns as Brenda Barrett on August 11. Watch the promo after the jump!

READ MORE