It was thrilling to see the “General Hospital” spoilers that Rebecca Budig landed a four year contract at GH. We all loved the brief time we had with mischievous Hayden Barnes (Rebecca Budig) before Nikolas Cassadine (Tyler Christopher) had a bullet put in her brain. This is doubly galvanizing because it’s the first actor deal made under the tenure of new co-head writers Jean Passanante and Shelly Altman.
The stuff we’re seeing on screen now is still leftover Ron Carlivati junk that’s playing out, so we’ve yet to see the work of the new leading lady writers. But with this long-term deal for Budig, the new writers have made it clear they’re headed in a new direction. Hayden is feisty, fun and not afraid to get her hands dirty. Plus as someone all-new to Port Charles, she’s unencumbered by attachments and family history so they can do anything with her they want to. Here are some ideas below:
Romance – Sure Hayden already had a taste of Prince Nikolas, but since he had her shot, that had to put a damper on her affections for him, plus she was just into him for the hot sex and his castle. Who else in town could catch her eye? And who’s available and age appropriate? Here’s an interesting thought. What about her fake hubby Jake Doe (Billy Miller)?
Jake is about to find out he’s Jason Morgan and have a major blow up and break up with Liz Webber (Rebecca Herbst). And Sam Morgan (Kelly Monaco) is rumored to be getting engaged to Patrick Drake (Jason Thompson) plus Jake does not remember her. Jake/Jason may step away from both of his former loves and he could be ripe for the picking. Wouldn’t Jake and Hayden be hot together? Plus it would be so ironic!
Career – So far, the only skills we’ve seen Hayden excel at are getting sexy with Nikolas, scheming and lying. That makes her perfect to go to work as a muckraking journalist for Julian Jerome’s (William deVry) Port Charles daily rag. Or if she stays on good terms with Nikolas, he could put her to work at ELQ. How about tending bar at the Haunted Star so she can make mischief on the high seas?
I wouldn’t mind her working the lunch counter at Kelly’s since Shawn Butler (Sean Blakemore) is gone and someone needs to make the egg salad sandwiches. I’m rooting for a line of work that has her right in the middle of all the action annoying everyone – a reporter working for Julian would be perfect. She could show up at the PCPD, the MetroCourt, ELQ – she could be all over Port Charles being nosy…
What’s Next?
For now, we can assume that Hayden is lying her butt off about that selective amnesia. Nikolas invited her to move back in at Wyndemere under the pretense they’re on and off again boyfriend/girlfriend. Nik wants to give her the benefit of the doubt while keeping her under his thumb – that way he can always shove her off a parapet if he needs to. But Hayden knows what’s going on.
Before she checks out of the hospital, she’s going to do some meddling. Hayden will give Patrick Drake (Jason Thompson) some info that will have him possibly popping the question to Sam. And Hayden will also drop a truth bomb on Jake that Liz has known who he is since the Nurse’s Ball that will have him regretting popping the question. Hayden will stir the pot then head to the castle with Nik. Nice!
Stay tuned to CDL for more “General Hospital” spoilers, gossip and more!
FameFlynet: Rebecca Budig
