General Hospital Spoilers: Case Study — Has Ric Really Turned Over a New Leaf?

General Hospital spoilers claim Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst) is determined to prove that he’s not the same guy he used to be.

You know, the one who dosed his ex-wife Elizabeth Baldwin (Rebecca Herbst) on birth control, and the one who held his then-sister-in-law Carly Spencer (Laura Wright). Ric has left a long track record of damage and destruction in his wake.

His history is decorated with criminal behavior and numerous ethics violations that would have ensured he never practiced law again in any normal court of law.

But the rules of Port Charles have aided and abetted this guy in skating by over the years. Now, he’s bent on getting everyone around him to accept that he has turned over a new leaf. Has he really, though?

A Foundation Built on Lies

Ric’s recently reinvigorated interest in dating Elizabeth has left her with many questions. Ironically, Elizabeth didn’t hesitate for very long to accept the flowers or the offer for yet another date with her ex.

But that doesn’t mean she’s anywhere near as invested as he is. At the same time, we might want to question whether Ric can really see this going anywhere with Elizabeth too.

He might like the idea of being the man he knows she deserves, but pulling off that act is a feat for a guy like him.

For starters, the last few months of his life have been riddled with lies, and he would never be able to come clear about his time in Alexis Davis’ (Nancy Lee Grahn) basement — nor how he ended up there — without risking losing Elizabeth all over again.

GH Spoilers Tease It’s a Family Affair

Elizabeth isn’t the only person Ric is hoping will take him at his new face value. He seems to be intent on forging a real relationship with his brother, Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard). They’ve gotten off to a rather good start, though some fans feel that the brotherhood has felt a bit forced.

For instance, Sonny immediately hired Ric to represent Michael Corinthos (Rory Gibson) in his custody battle. More recently, he’s been doing the same regarding the case the PCPD was trying to build against Michael regarding Drew Cain (Cameron Mathison) being shot.

Is Ric truly interested in being brothers, or is he getting as close as possible to his brother to prepare to take him down once and for all? If you ask me, Sonny gave his trust away way too fast — just like Elizabeth.

Look Out Ahead!

Ric has also been rather determined to make one person in particular see another side to him. That would be Elizabeth.

Ever since he came back to town, he has casually — and sometimes more intensely — pursued her. His hope that she’ll see the good in him and give him another chance is endearing.

The Head Nurse’s forgiving nature makes her the best person for the job of falling for Ric’s antics.

She might give things another go with him, but if she starts to sense that he was lying about his digital detox and trip to do ayahuasca, all bets are off.

Moreover, it appears she’s going to have a much better — and more honest — option on the table soon with Dante Falconeri (Dominic Zamprogna).

I suspect that when Ric finds out he’s competing with his nephew, we just might test that theory that he really has changed. Stay tuned for more GH news and spoilers just ahead to see how this plays out.