ELQ is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow on "General Hospital." The company named for Edward Lawrence Quartermaine has been the prize that everyone has had their eye on for several decades. John Ingle, the man who portrayed the family patriarch and company namesake, passed away in 2012. Even so, his offspring continued to fight tooth and nail to keep the family business up and running and in the family. Last week, Edward's daughter Tracy left town, and there is now a new lord of the manor.
Ned Ashton's Port Charles dealings
Wally Kurth took over the role of Ned Ashton in 1991.
When General Hospital dropped him to recurring status, he began his role as Justin Kiriakis on "Days of our Lives." At times, Kurth was on both shows simultaneously. Ned's grandfather, Edward, was constantly trying to force his hand, and make Ned work for him at ELQ. There has been much manipulation and backstabbing within the Quartermaine family. At the end of the day, they are fiercely loyal to each other, and will do whatever it takes to survive.
Last Wednesday and Thursday, Ned explained his decision to go by his given name of Edward Lawrence, and also legally change his suname from Ashton to Quartermaine. He is ready, willing and able, to step up to the plate and take the reigns of the family mansion.
For now, Michael, Ned's cousin, is at the helm of ELQ, but all of that is subject to change because the Q's are always trying to one-up each other, and prove who is more worthy to take the helm.
The future of the Quartermaine family
Kurth was recently bumped to recurring status on "Days of our Lives." With the exit of his television mother, it's possible "GH" may make him a contract player.
The character of Ned can be sweet and charming, but also as ruthless as any Quartermaine can be. Watching Ned evolve as the heir apparent will certainly make things in Port Charles more interesting.
Teaming him with Michael against the foes who would attempt to steal ELQ would have an element of Quartermaine days gone by. Longtime viewers remember the days of Alan and Monica and all their drama.
It would be a boon for older fans to see that "General Hospital" can still have the fighting Qs.
Ned has a daughter, Brooklyn, but neither Michael nor his brother Dillon have children. The only member of the family who has produced the third generation is Jason Morgan. He has a son, Jake, with Elizabeth Weber, and a son Danny, and daughter Lila with wife Sam. Jason, however, walked away from his family after a head injury from an accident.
He even took the name Morgan, which was the maiden name of his grandmother, Lila. It seems unlikely that he would suddenly return to the fold and demand his rightful place in the family. So it looks like for now, Edward Ned Ashton Lawrence Quartermaine will be in charge. Tracy's exit is Ned's gain.
