Well, at least for now, that’s a wrap for Jacinda Bracken in Port Charles. Paige Herschell has officially exited “General Hospital” following a dramatic turn in Jacinda’s storyline that ultimately ended her relationship with Michael Corinthos and sent her packing. However, judging by the fan reaction, plenty of viewers weren’t ready to say goodbye. In fact, some think “GH” may have gotten rid of the wrong woman entirely. Read on to see what “General Hospital” fans had to say about Herschell’s departure.
Jacinda Bracken Leaves Port Charles After an Emotional Goodbye
SOAP OPERA DIGEST confirmed that Herschell had officially exited “General Hospital,” with her departure described as a “storyline-dictated” decision.
As “GH” fans recently watched, Jacinda made the decision to drug Willow Cain after Michael’s ex-wife issued a restraining order requiring Jacinda to stay away from Wiley and Amelia.
While dropping something off for her boss and Willow’s mother, Nina Reeves, Jacinda slipped something into Willow’s iced coffee. Jacinda believed Willow would be alone for the remainder of the night, but Wiley and Amelia unexpectedly ended up in their mother’s care.
That led to two potentially disastrous situations. Wiley nearly drank his mother’s drugged coffee, while an impaired Willow later considered driving the children to the arcade.
Luckily, neither incident ended in disaster. Jacinda confessed what she had done to Michael, who immediately rushed over to make sure his children were safe.
However, Jacinda’s confession ultimately spelled the end of her time in Port Charles.
Jacinda had previously been involved in drugging Willow’s husband, Drew Cain, and Michael suspected it wouldn’t take long for Willow to put two and two together and realize Jacinda was responsible for her latest ordeal as well. Michael didn’t want Jacinda’s actions to jeopardize his ability to see Wiley and Amelia, leading him to tell Jacinda it would be best for her to leave town.
The couple subsequently shared a tearful and emotional goodbye before going their separate ways.
‘General Hospital’ Fans Think the Show Made a Big Mistake
“GH” stars Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson later shared the casting news on their Stone Cold and the Jackal social media pages, writing, “COMINGS & GOINGS: That’s A Wrap On Jacinda, Actress Paige Herschell Officially Exits GH.”
Naturally, fans had a lot to say, and judging by the response to Herschell’s exit, plenty of viewers weren’t ready to say goodbye to Jacinda.
“Sad to see her go. She was great with Michael and his kids,” one fan commented.
Others were particularly disappointed to see Jacinda’s relationship with Michael come to an end.
“I really liked Jacinda and Michael and hate to see their relationship end!” one viewer wrote, adding that the pair’s final goodbye was “really emotional and very well-acted.”
Another fan similarly praised Herschell’s performance during her final scenes, writing, “Love Jacinda. Bring her back. She’s a great actress. Very real. Her goodbye with Michael so well acted.”
For some viewers, the problem went beyond losing Jacinda as a potential love interest for Michael.
“GH messed up again!” one soap fan declared, arguing that Jacinda had great chemistry with Michael as well as several other characters on the canvas.
Another viewer agreed that Jacinda still had plenty of potential, writing, “Such a shame. Jacinda was an intriguing character and Paige Herschell was a great actress.”
The decision even had some fans questioning the direction of the soap as a whole.
“What’s going on over at GH? Who’s making these decisions?” one viewer asked, admitting they were considering taking a break from watching until things improved.
Another frustrated fan compared the recent changes to “playing musical chairs at GH” and questioned whether budget concerns could be behind some of the show’s casting decisions. The viewer also criticized what they saw as “a lot of bad decisions and a lot of bad writing.”
“This is getting ridiculous. Why are they letting talented people leave?” another fan asked.
However, several viewers had a particularly strong opinion about Jacinda’s exit because of another woman currently in Michael’s orbit: Serena Baldwin.
One fan called Jacinda’s departure a storyline “flop,” arguing that viewers liked the character and would rather say goodbye to Serena.
Another agreed that they wanted Michael and Jacinda to remain together, writing that they would “be happy to say goodbye to Serena.”
One viewer made their feelings especially clear, declaring, “MOST OF US DO NOT WANT MICHAEL WITH SERENA. Stop it!!”
Fans Already Want Paige Herschell on Another Soap
If Herschell’s time in Port Charles really is over, some fans are already hoping another daytime drama will take notice.
“Hopefully another show picks her up,” one viewer wrote, adding that Herschell “would be a great addition to any show!”
Another daytime fan already had a specific soap and character in mind.
“Someone mentioned her as the Summer Newman replacement on Y&R, and I wouldn’t be mad about that,” the viewer commented.
Whether Herschell eventually returns to Port Charles as Jacinda or finds a new home elsewhere in daytime remains to be seen. However, judging by the reaction to her “General Hospital” exit, the actress certainly left an impression during her time on the soap.
For plenty of viewers, Jacinda’s story with Michael was only beginning to get interesting, making her sudden departure particularly disappointing. And if “GH” is preparing to move Michael in a new romantic direction, fans are already making it clear that not everyone is ready to forget about Jacinda.
