Editing Luke and Laura (section)

===Later years===
Monty, who left the series in 1986, returned in 1991 with the hope she would again raise the ratings of the show. She brought Geary back to ''General Hospital'' that same year as Luke's [[look-alike]] cousin, [[Bill Eckert]]. The actor had refused to return to the show as Luke without Laura.<ref name="The Encyclopedia of Daytime Television"/> The unpopularity of the Bill Eckert character led to ABC's firing Monty, killing off Bill, and bringing Luke and Laura back, played by Geary and Francis.<ref name="The Encyclopedia of Daytime Television"/><ref name="People Magazine 1993"/><ref name="TV Guide October 16, 1993">{{cite magazine| first=Michael | last=Logan|title=Return Engagement |magazine=[[TV Guide]] |date=October 16, 1993}}</ref> Upon their return, the actors took more control of the writing for their characters. Geary, along with a writer friend, Irene Suver, developed the story for Luke and Laura's return.<ref name="TV Guide October 16, 1993"/> Geary's contract allowed him to rewrite his dialogue at his discretion.<ref name="Soap Opera Magazine October 28, 1997">{{cite news|title=Star Power |publisher=Soap Opera Magazine |date=October 28, 1997}}</ref> Francis and Geary were also known for fighting over story direction with executive producer Wendy Riche and the show's writers. The departure of head writer [[Richard Culliton]] days after a tense meeting with Geary caused rumors to circulate that the actor threatened to quit if Culliton were not fired. "The meeting did not go well, but I made no ultimatums and there was certainly no violence," Geary said. "I really don't know if I had anything to do with his departure, but I wouldn't shed any tears if I did."<ref name="TV Guide May 17, 1997">{{cite magazine| first=Michael | last=Logan|title=In Praise of a Classic Couple |magazine=[[TV Guide]] |date=May 17, 1997}}</ref> Francis supported Geary in what they considered to be standing up for the "integrity" of their characters and protecting the "Spencer franchise."<ref name="TV Guide May 17, 1997"/><ref name="TV Guide Francis and Geary Interview">{{cite magazine| first=Michael | last=Logan|title=Tony Geary and Genie Francis Interview |magazine=[[TV Guide]] |date=May 17, 1997}}</ref> "Sometimes people think we're difficult because of that, but we're only difficult because we want to live up to the high standards we've set," Francis said. "I actually like it when Tony gets out of line... He can go to horrid places I can't."<ref name="TV Guide May 17, 1997"/>