Port Charles has seen its fair share of unexpected romances, but the connection between Ava Jerome (Maura West)
and Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst) might just be one of the most intriguing yet.
As two characters with a history of scheming, manipulation, and moral ambiguity, their chemistry is undeniable.
But what exactly draws them together? Hearst recently spoke with Soap Opera Digest about the unique dynamic between the two, shedding light on why their relationship works.
A Shared History of Struggles and Survival
Both Ava and Ric have carved out their own paths in Port Charles, often on the wrong side of the law.
Ava, a former mob queen, has long been entangled in dangerous situations, while Ric—a cunning attorney—has built a career on bending the rules to suit his needs.
Despite their individual journeys, Hearst pointed out that their lives have followed eerily similar trajectories.
“These two characters have lived independent, yet very similar, existences in Port Charles,” he explained. “And this is them coming together at a time where he has nobody but his daughter [Molly, played by Kristen Vaganos]—and that, from day to day, becomes a tenuous situation for him.”
Ric’s relationships with the women in his life have also been strained. His history with Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst) is complicated, and his dynamic with Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn) is often volatile. At this point in his life, Ric isn’t necessarily looking for love—but with Ava, he’s found someone who understands him on a deeper level.
A Relationship Without Pretense
One of the key elements that make Ava and Ric’s connection so compelling is their honesty with one another. There’s no need for them to put on a facade or pretend to be something they’re not.
“It’s a mutual kind of understanding of who they are. There’s no pretense between the two of them,” Hearst explained.
Unlike many soap opera couples who start off with secrets or ulterior motives, Ava and Ric seem to accept each other exactly as they are. They don’t feel the need to impress or change for one another, which makes their bond feel more authentic.
Strange Bedfellows, Yet Perfect Counterparts
While Ava and Ric may not have been an obvious romantic pairing at first, their similarities make them a surprisingly good match. Hearst described their connection as one where they act as each other’s conscience—not in a moralizing way, but in a way that allows them to challenge one another.
“They’re not trying to be anyone they aren’t, and in each other’s orbit, it almost serves them to be each other’s conscience at the same time,” he said. “Not that one says, ‘That’s not the right thing to do,’ but it’s really about, ‘I see where you’re going with this and it’s probably not going to get you the outcome that you want.’”
This push-pull dynamic adds a layer of complexity to their relationship. While they may both have a history of making questionable decisions, they recognize each other’s motivations and can offer insight into where their choices might lead.
Moral Ambiguity as a Turn-On
For Ric and Ava, moral ambiguity isn’t a red flag—it’s part of the attraction. Unlike more traditional soap opera romances where one partner tries to “save” the other, these two thrive in the gray areas of life.
“I think that they definitely understand each other’s moral ambiguity, and it is very much a turn-on,” Hearst noted.
Ric, in particular, isn’t interested in changing who he is at this stage in his life. He isn’t trying to impress Ava by pretending to be someone he’s not. Instead, he’s embracing his true self, and Ava finds that honesty refreshing.
“When you meet somebody new, often you try to be the best person you can be,” Hearst explained. “Ric is like, ‘No, this is me. I’m too old to turn around and go the other direction and change. You get what you get.’”
What’s Next for Ava and Ric?
While it’s still early days for Ava and Ric’s relationship, their chemistry and shared history make them an exciting couple to watch. Whether they end up as a long-term power duo or a fiery but short-lived affair, their connection is sure to keep General Hospital fans entertained.
With both characters having made their fair share of enemies, their romance is bound to stir up drama in Port Charles. But for now, Ava and Ric are embracing their connection—flaws and all. Whether they find lasting love or become each other’s downfall remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain: they understand each other in a way few others can.
For fans of General Hospital, Ava and Ric’s relationship is proof that sometimes, the most unexpected pairings can be the most compelling.
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