General Hospital: Five ways Port Charles doesn’t need Jason (and 5 ways it can’t survive without him)

General Hospital
General Hospital's Jason Morgan I Image: ABC

Jason Morgan is the ultimate savior for many characters on General Hospital. A vital part of the soap’s storyline since 1981, the iconic character is most notably portrayed by Steve Burton, who stepped into the role in 1991. As Sonny’s henchman and connected to the Quartermaine family, Burton’s Jason has cycled in and out of Port Charles for years. Recently, Burton announced another short break from the soap, leaving fans grappling.

As his recent arc on General Hospital showed, Jason saved Britt from The Five Poppies Resort, buried Dalton’s body to save Mayor Laura’s situation, informed Carly about Brennan employing Josslyn, and even had Britt reach out to him with intel on Cullum. With Anna asking him to save the town from Faison, he is a one-stop protector from all danger.


General Hospital: 5 reasons Port Charles can survive Jason’s absence

1) Sonny is self-sufficient in his affairs

Sonny and Jason in a scene from General Hospital I Image: ABC
Sonny and Jason in a scene from General Hospital I Image: ABC

While Sonny depends on and trusts his right-hand man, Jason, he has been operating in Port Charles for years. Albeit the Sonny-Jason bond goes back decades and the mob boss turns to his henchman for all messy jobs, he can afford to give Jason a few months’ break. Sonny knows his business and can manage his affairs himself. Moreover, Sonny can seek help from his other trusted allies.

Some of his allies during Jason’s absence can be Brick and Spinelli for tech support, Alexis and Diane for legal support, and Carly for advice on matters related to their children. Also, he recently made up with his half-brother, Ric Lansing. While he has his son, Dante Falconeri, on his side, his love-hate relationship with DA Turner will likely keep the latter in Sonny’s orbit.


2) The focus is on multiple plot twists in the storyline

General Hospital's plot currently focuses on Willow's evil turn I Image: ABC
General Hospital's plot currently focuses on Willow's evil turn I Image: ABC

As General Hospital fans are aware, the current storyline is focusing on various things other than the mob clash. While one part of the storyline is revolving around new romances, another side is diving into relationship turmoil. The show is pursuing a Danny-Charlotte romance, the Molly-Cody pair and a possible Nathan-Lulu pairing.

On the other side, Willow has emerged as a villain who hurt Drew and is framing Michael for the crime. This plot twist will have the storyline occupied for the time being. Meanwhile, Maxie is out of her coma and must navigate her relationship with Spinelli versus Nathan. These arcs will not need Jason’s presence in town.


3) Return of significant characters adding to other heroes in town

Nathan and Valentin are back in General Hospital's storyline I Image: ABC
Nathan and Valentin are back in General Hospital's storyline I Image: ABC

Recently, General Hospital viewers witnessed the return of some characters to the soap. In a surprising twist, Nathan returned alive after seven years of presumed death, with no memory of the lost years. At the same time, Valentin escaped prison to arrive in town to collaborate with Carly. As the duo plans to bring down Brennan, Valentin is likely to get embroiled in the Sidwell-Sonny clash.

The arrival of these characters is likely to take the focus away from Jason’s absence when he leaves town. Moreover, there are numerous other heroes in town to play center stage in many arcs, such as Dante, Cody, Michael, Chase, Spinelli, and more. As such, the town may not miss Jason much.


4) The plot of the looming mob war is building up

General Hospital's Sidwell is posing a danger for Sonny I Image: ABC
General Hospital's Sidwell is posing a danger for Sonny I Image: ABC

As fans already know, Sidwell’s arrival in Port Charles is challenging Sonny’s power in town. Sidwell has already waged war on the benevolent mob boss by blackmailing him and Laura to acquire Sonny’s piers. Jason informed Sonny about Sidwell and Cullum’s WSB funding of Faison’s last project using Britt.

While Jason is slated to leave town, Sonny may not need him in the mob clash right now, as the mob boss is busy formulating his countermove to Sidwell’s attack. Currently, the mob scenario is building, with many characters playing different roles. For now, the plot is far from hardcore action, which doesn’t need Jason’s presence.


5) New set of teenagers are stepping into the storyline

Jason counsels Danny in a scene from General Hospital I Image: ABC
Jason counsels Danny in a scene from General Hospital I Image: ABC

General Hospital is moving forward, and the show's children are growing up. As such, they will likely be in the spotlight. Jason’s son, Danny, is a teenager, paving his own path by romancing Charlotte and taking actions to aid her cause. He has a "brother," Rocco, to stand beside him, while the two have a big support from Gio.

Meanwhile, Josslyn is a WSB agent and is looking out for Emma’s cause. With the youngsters growing up and adding action and drama to the soap’s plot, Port Charles may be ready to disregard Jason’s absence.


5 reasons why General Hospital cannot do without Jason

1) Jason is Sonny and Carly’s go-to protector

General Hospital's circle of trust, Sonny, Carly and Jason I Image: ABC
General Hospital's circle of trust, Sonny, Carly and Jason I Image: ABC

As mentioned before, Jason has been the quintessential savior for years. As General Hospital fans have seen, Jason has been the safety net for Carly, Sonny, and Britt. Carly Spencer believes that, whatever the situation, Jason always arrives to save her. They have been friends for a long time, and Jason was the person who informed Carly about Josslyn's WSB role and warned her against trusting Brennan.

At the same time, Sonny entrusts the most problematic tasks to Jason. As his right-hand man and a friend, Sonny believes in Jason's goodwill and acute strategic planning. Jason has had his back in the past, and Sonny may continue to need the henchman for the same. Sonny, Jason, and Carly are often referred to as "the threesome" on the show.


2) Jason operates outside the legal system

General Hospital's Jason brings justice free of legal bindings I Image: ABC
General Hospital's Jason brings justice free of legal bindings I Image: ABC

As Sonny’s right-hand man, Jason holds no obligation to play by the rules. However, the henchman with the golden heart delivers justice wherever and whenever he sees fit. Despite having to collaborate with the FBI for a brief time, Jason is not comfortable associating with organizations like the PCPD, WSB, or the FBI.

Being outside the formal system allows Jason to operate as a vigilante. As such, when smart criminals function within their legal rights, it is Jason who can take them out or bring them to justice. Some past examples include Lorenzo Alcazar, Ian Devlin, and Johnny Zacchara.


3) Defender of family, friends and children

General Hospital's Jason cares for the Quartermaine and the Corinthos families I Image: ABC
General Hospital's Jason cares for the Quartermaine and the Corinthos families I Image: ABC

Although nicknamed “Stone Cold”, Jason has a soft spot for the children and his friends. Whether it is Michael, Kristina, Donna, and Rocco, or Jake and Danny, Jason will always protect them. This extends to other children as well. As such, Drew’s daughter, Scout, loves him; Josslyn shares intel with him; and Michael entrusted him with getting Amelia during the 2025 Nurses Ball.

Jason’s defender quality also encompasses his friends. From Carly and Elizabeth to Maxie and Lulu, Jason ensures everyone’s safety. Moreover, his biological connection to the Quartermaine family makes him feel responsible for their well-being. Additionally, he bridges the differences between the snobbish Quartermaine family and the mobster Corinthos family.


4) He is the ultimate mess-cleaner in convoluted situation

General Hospital's Anna requested Jason to look into the Faison mess I Image: ABC
General Hospital's Anna requested Jason to look into the Faison mess I Image: ABC

Besides being the protector and right-hand man, he is often the person who clears up a mess. He is also the ultimate action hero on General Hospital. A recent example is Dalton’s murder. While Laura called Sonny in anxiety, the latter asked Jason to clean up the mess as he took the mayor home. Dalton’s body was never found again.

Jason is the person to turn to when nothing is known about the circumstances. Whether it is The Five Poppies or Anna’s delirious claims about Faison, everyone expects Jason to find a solution and settle the matter. With Anna's spiralling, the approaching mob clash and involvement of the youngsters, many situations are likely to crop up needing Jason’s help.


5) Interruption in the romance with Britt

General Hospital's Britt is in love with Jason I Image: ABC
General Hospital's Britt is in love with Jason I Image: ABC

Recently, Jason saved the presumed-dead Britt and brought her back to Port Charles. After he saved her from a drowning accident, she confided all intel regarding her survival, connection with the project, and Sidwell’s involvement. In return, Jason promised to have her back and protect her, leading to their mutual trust and romance.

If he leaves town, protecting Britt from her dangerous associates will be a tough task. With Jason slated to be away from town in the upcoming story arc, General Hospital fans are worried about his growing romance with Britt. Since Jason promised to protect her and they have started getting closer, their love will likely be put on the back burner if Jason leaves.


While Steve Burton's Jason is expected to leave town to look into Anna’s claims and seek a solution, how long the investigation will take remains to be seen. Meanwhile, Port Charles will likely miss the support from their ideal protector.

Catch all-new episodes of General Hospital weekdays on ABC and Hulu.

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Edited by Bryce Cameron