GH Spoilers: Finola Hughes Talks About Anna’s Perfect Storm

General Hospital spoilers and updates reveal Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) had to arrest her ex-lover, Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart), who was taken to a high-security prison in Switzerland.

“I think Anna anticipated that this day would arrive,” reflects Finola Hughes in an interview with Soap Opera Digest discussing the storyline, the potential for unresolved romance between Anna and Valentin, and other topics.

Finola Tells What It Was Like For Anna To Slap Cuffs On Valentin

Soap Opera Digest: How do you view Anna’s decision to handcuff Valentin? Finola Hughes: Just before it happened, I thought Anna might want to arrest him now to prevent any further trouble.

On the other hand, if she let this chance slip by, her integrity would be completely compromised—not just in her own eyes, but also to others.

She has a lot of people relying on her to follow through-this was a critical moment where she had to take action. I also sensed that Anna might have been worried he could escalate the situation even more.

He’s Safer In Steinmauer?

Digest: She’s considering, “He’s more secure in Steinmauer.” Hughes: True, in a sense-at least I have an idea of where he is, however, people escape from this high-security prison quite frequently. I can only think of it as being akin to being held at The Hague, where release seems impossible; yet, it turns out, some manage to escape! Digest: Anna and Valentin ended their relationship last year, and soon after, he vanished. It seemed like numerous events suddenly disrupted their bond-how do you think Anna has dealt with it so far?

The Breakup Happened Abruptly

Hughes: It happened quite suddenly, and I believe it would have been enjoyable to have more scenes building up to it. I’m definitely in favor of more scenes featuring James Patrick Stuart as Valentin! I think Anna has been reflecting on this for some time.

Ever since she assisted Valentin and Charlotte Cassadine (Scarlett Fernandez) in their escape, she has likely been regretting that choice. It has put her in a difficult position with Jason Morgan (Steve Burton), who is aware of the situation.

Robert Definitely Would Have Disagreed

Robert Scorpio (Tristan Rogers) would never want to find out that she let Valentin go, even if she justified it by saying it was to reunite him with his daughter.

Additionally, it was quite challenging for her to talk to the mayor, Laura Collins (Genie Francis), about assisting her granddaughter’s escape, especially now that she was missing. When Lulu Spencer (Alexa Havins) eventually woke up from her coma, there will be someone else she feels indebted to.

Unfortunately, this was Anna’s way of trying to fix her mistakes. I can’t see any other outcome than her needing to fulfill her promise and bring the girl back.

Valentin’s Alive, So He Could Return

Although Valentin is incarcerated, he is still alive, leaving the possibility of his comeback. Do you think there’s unresolved romantic tension between these two?

Hughes: Absolutely. I believe this is one of those connections where you find yourself drawn to someone you shouldn’t be involved with, yet you keep returning to them.

He definitely fits that description—one of those charming bad boys that you can’t resist. I question whether he is helpful to Jack Brennan (Chris L. McKenna), despite their somewhat confrontational dynamic.

Brennan And Valentin Have Been Useful To Each Other In The Past

In the past, they have been beneficial to one another, and I can’t help but wonder if Brennan might see value in him moving forward.

This could be a potential reason for Valentin’s return, as he may want to resolve some lingering issues with Brennan, which could inadvertently involve Anna as well.

There has always been a palpable romantic tension between them that never seems to fade, even after all these years. It’s been decades!

They clearly had feelings for each other back in the day, and those feelings eventually blossomed, so I’m not convinced that their story is completely finished.

Valentin’s Goodbye To Charlotte

Digest: What were Anna’s feelings during Valentin’s final moments as he bid farewell to Charlotte-was it painful for her?

Hughes: Watching him say goodbye to Charlotte was tough for Anna since she can’t really visit him at Steinmauer-she could, but I wouldn’t recommend taking a teenager there!

I don’t think Anna believed this was the end, she wanted to show him that he had her support, that things were working out, but he took it too far.

Whether it was greed or just the thrill of being able to manipulate others, he went too far and overplayed his hand.

This frustrated Anna because if he had just been satisfied with how things were, they could have had it all; but he wasn’t.

The Great Tragedy Of Valentin

James pointed out that the real tragedy of Valentin is his desire for a meaningful romantic relationship, but his dysfunction leads him to repeat old habits.

Hughes added that considering his father, Victor Cassadine (Charles Shaughnessy) , and his background as a Cassadine, Valentin attempted to join the WSB but ultimately fell back into his old ways with Pikeman.

His intelligence makes him believe he can engage in risky activities without consequences, which reflects his approach to relationships as well. In contrast, Anna seems to form stable connections without the complications of attachment issues.

James is correct that Valentin struggles to change, and Anna’s remark, “You had me. You did have me,” captures this well.

What Does Finola Have To Say To Sad ‘Vanna’ Fans?

Digest: Earlier this week, I mentioned to James that many “Vanna” fans are feeling disappointed; a lot of viewers believed this couple had the potential for a lasting relationship.

Hughes: I’m not sure why they decided to end it so soon; it seemed like it could have been a successful pairing. Some characters stay in relationships for a long time on soap operas, while others are quickly separated-I really don’t know.

It might take a while for Anna to find someone who meets all her needs; additionally, working with James is always a breeze for me.

He’s a fantastic scene partner—well-prepared, full of ideas, thoughtful, emotional, and often surprising ; he brings a unique perspective, making him a joy to collaborate with!

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