Rick Hearst Reveals Why Ric Got Trapped In The Panic Room On General Hospital

General Hospital dusted off the panic room, and Ric Lansing woke up in it. He is not happy. Honestly, given his history, a lot of fans are saying he had it coming. Here is how he ended up chained to a cot in Alexis Davis's basement and why the three women keeping him there think this is the only play.

How Ric got snatched

Ric moved a big chunk of money into a bond account as part of a revenge scheme aimed at Kristina. Instead of getting payback, he got a rude awakening in Alexis's basement panic room, begging to be let out. He swears he will not press charges against Ava and Kristina if they let him go. They are not buying it.

The plan (in plain English)

• Ric shifted a large sum into a bond that matures in 30 days - this was meant to hurt Kristina.
• Alexis and Ava made a deal: keep Ric hidden until the bond matures so they can access the money without him interfering.
• Once the cash hits, Alexis will return it to the Cassadine trust to put that fire out.
• In return, Ava will hand over the evidence Alexis needs to protect Kristina - specifically the security footage and Ric's damaged car.
• Ric promises not to press charges against Ava and Kristina, but they are not risking it. The 30-day lockup stands.
• Ric is convinced Ava will kill him once she has the money. Ava says that is not the plan - they intend to set him free after the payout.

Inside the panic room

Kristina eventually helps Ric piece together how he landed there. He tries screaming for help anyway. Alexis shuts that down fast, reminding him no one can hear him in the basement and slipping the gag back on. Dark? Yes. Effective? Also yes.

Hearst on what everyone actually wants

Speaking to Soap Opera Digest, Rick Hearst broke down the motives behind this mess. It is the rare soap twist that is equal parts petty, practical, and parental.

"It was really not all about the money for Ric - it was really about the revenge and the payback on Kristina. But Ava doesn't care about that. It was really all about the money for her from the get-go. For Alexis, it was about protecting her daughter."

So: Ric wanted vengeance, Ava wants the payout, and Alexis is laser-focused on keeping Kristina out of prison. It is a very GH triangle of motives - and if you are wondering whether this is going to backfire on someone, the clock is literally ticking for 30 days.