A: A bit of both. From Wikipedia (a useful resource for understanding the myriad of soap opera plotlines and back stories): "James Franco originated the character in November 2009, after seeking out a soap opera role. He continued to portray the character in intermittent guest stints through January 2012. The character of Franco is a multimedia artist and serial killer who becomes fixated on Jason Morgan (Steve Burton), a known hit man. Franco terrorizes Jason, along with his friends and family. Jason supposedly kills Franco in January 2012, after Franco allegedly rapes Jason's wife Sam (Kelly Monaco). The character is mentioned often after his alleged death, and for a time it was believed that he was Jason's twin brother. In May 2013, Roger Howarth assumed the role when the character is revealed to be alive. Franco's return brought about the revelation that his biological parents are Scott Baldwin (Kin Shriner) and Heather Webber (Robin Mattson)."

James Franco's casting and acting performance on the show were met with mixed reviews.

"Franco (the character) is an artist who works with death," James Franco told TV Guide Magazine in an interview in 2010. "He works in a lot of different ways. He does graffiti, performances, photographs. He creates installations based on murder scenes featuring murders he possibly was involved with. He's interested in pushing the boundaries of art — both aesthetically and ethically — and he will go way too far."

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, the show's executive producer Jill Farren Phelps said, "He's an unusual character and he has an unusual goal."

Franco went from bad guy to sort of good guy when it was explained that a brain tumor had turned him into a homicidal maniac. I hate when that happens.

Now Franco is a romantic hero portrayed by Roger Howarth (Franco departed the show in 2012). Franco and Nina (another whack job) are in love. Franco is being held responsible for Silas' murder. Of course, he is innocent. It turns out chivalry is not dead. What greater gesture than going to jail for the woman you love? It's almost equal to Prince Edward abdicating the throne to be with Wallis Simpson.

New writers are headed to "General Hospital." No word on what they will do with Franco.

To find out more about Lynda Hirsch and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com.