General Hospital may have had the best soap funeral ever, Nathan West gets hero send off in heartbreaking epsiode

Nathan West was laid to rest on Friday in a moving tribute that left GH fans a mess.

Well, it happened. Det. Nathan West is really gone. His funeral on Friday has been one of the most talked about episodes leaving General Hospital viewers forever singing praises for such a moving tribute to a fallen police officer. It was real, it was extremely sad, it touched your soul, and it was probably the best soap funeral ever, as far as funerals go anyway. The best part is that we all got to witness our favorite daytime actors and actresses shine.

Two surprises: Georgie and an open casket

Did anyone suspect that Lindze Letherman would reappear as Georgie to comfort her sister Maxie? It makes sense as the now departed Georgie is always there when Maxie needs her the most. General Hospital sure kept her top secret. It was wonderful to see her again. However, it is always sad to know that she is no longer on the show.

It may have been even more of a surprise when the casket was shown with actor Ryan Paevey lying there in it. You certainly don’t see that much at all on a soap, let alone any TV funeral. It certainly made it even more heartbreaking watching Nathan’s loved ones go up to kiss him and to say their last goodbyes.

A true police officer’s funeral

Nathan West was loved by all. He was a devoted husband, a daddy-to-be, a brother, a son, a best friend, and a good cop. He was given the traditional police officer’s funeral. From the End of Watch call to Dante reciting the poem, The Final Inspection, it was about as close to a police officer’s funeral as one can get. With as much flak as the PCPD gets for being called ‘bumbling cops,’ it was really nice that General Hospital gave this much respect for not just Nathan West, but for police officers everywhere.

No words needed

There were a few unspoken moments where no words were needed during Nathan’s funeral. Take for instance Franco and Nina as he and Elizabeth walked up to Nina and Valentin. There were no hugs or words spoken because they weren’t needed at all. Franco and Nina used to be a couple and they understand each other. Nathan’s sister is taking his death hard, but the comfort from her ex with just one look was just perfect.

There was also the moment between Franco and Liesl. He came up to give her a hug to let her know she has someone around for support. Even Liz gave Liesl a look of support for the woman who has given her grief over the years. Then there was the quiet interaction with Liesl and Anna. No words, just a silent touch and nod of comfort.

Okay so there was one unspoken moment on Friday’s General Hospital that really does need words. When Peter August, aka Henrik, walked up to Valentin and Nina to offer his condolences, there was that look between the two men. What is up with that? Valentin was smiling…or was that smirking?

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Speaking of Peter

Wes Ramsey is a General Hospital newcomer portraying Peter August who is really Faison’s other son, and Nathan’s brother, Henrik. You can see the conflict he is going through as he watches from a distance the pain that Nathan’s loved ones are experiencing. He never had that kind of love in his life, as far as anyone knows, and he looks a bit confused by it all. He just found out that he had a brother and now Nathan is gone.

Is this guy really as evil as he first appeared to be? He was lurking when Maxie was saying goodbye to Nathan at the cemetery. Does he have plans or is he just being concerned? General Hospital spoilers have hinted that he and Lulu Falconeri will be getting closer in the near future. It seems to be headed that way already, especially if Dante ends up blaming her for the death of his BFF.

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Kudos to the GH cast

This episode couldn’t have been any better. The writing was on point, but it really couldn’t have been pulled off as well as it was if it weren’t for the brilliant performances. We saw the incredible Kirsten Storms portray Maxie as a pregnant grieving widow who just lost the love of her life and is now forced to face reality without him.

We also witnessed the excellent Michelle Stafford as Nina who was trying to hold it together. She got up there and tearfully told a story about her little brother and the coins in his pocket, then proceeded to stuff a few coins in Nathan’s pocket. Dante, played by the wonderful Dominic Zaprogna, did his duty as a police officer at the funeral of his partner and BFF, but he was silently broken up. More unspoken moments as you could see it on his face.

Kathleen Gati as Liesl Obrect had few words, but you could feel her grief. As Nathan’s mother, she has lost what she considers the good part of her life. Kudos to the actress for bringing a different side of her character.

Maxie watched Nathan walk hand-in-hand with Georgie to the afterlife. She will continue to grieve, but she will also be aiming her wrath at her BFF Lulu on Monday. She blames Lulu for setting things in motion that ultimately got her husband killed.

Viewers have done nothing but sing praises since Friday’s episode, as well they should. It was impressive to say the least. This is exactly why I have stuck with General Hospital for 35 years, and will continue to enjoy every single moment this soap brings me in the future.

What was your most memorable moment of Nathan West’s funeral? Feel free to share your thoughts!