Here’s the loaded question of the week: What’s bringing up GH’s ratings?

I know, I know, this could get ugly.

Why you may ask?

‘One Life to Live’ fans believe they’re bringing up the ratings.

‘General Hospital’ fans believe OLTL actors are taking over the show and GH vets are bringing up the ratings.

And fans of both? They’re just relieved that they still have one soap to watch.

The big GH news this week was that ratings jumped 53,000 viewers over the week of April 30 to May 4. Ratings are also up 29,000 viewers from last year. GH is no longer the lowest rated soap. That honor goes to ‘Days of Our Lives.’

So, let’s look at it objectively, point by point. What things could be driving the ratings gain?

1. The paternity of Sam’s kid was revealed – and it was Franco. Fans can debate back and forth whether or not Heather changed the paternity test or not. I don’t care. That’s not the issue. What is the issue is that Jason reacted badly and the Morgan’s marriage continues to crumble. She’s been pushed in more and more scenes with Michael Easton’s John McBain and this could be responsible for a portion of the ratings jump. Easton and Kelly Monaco were infinitely popular on ‘Port Charles’ before it was cancelled and fans are reacting favorably to their pairing.

2. The dancer scandal was “solved.” Sure, the big showdown didn’t happen until a week later, but viewers were finally clued in that Ronnie wasn’t just a dirty cop trying to frame Sonny. He was also a woman beating freak who took Lulu. If I’m being honest, though, I don’t think this had a lot to do with the ratings increase. As much as I love Lulu and Dante, no one really cared about the stripper story.

3. Kate went bonkers. This happens every week now so it really wasn’t a big surprise – or a big draw. Sure, the big sex scene with Kate and Johnny was finally upon us – but I don’t really know anyone that was clamoring for it. Kate’s DID story is actually dividing fans – not uniting them – so I don’t see that being a big reason for an increase.

4. Todd and Tea were getting ready to hit town. Sure, it was the week before, but fans might not have realized that. They might have been catching up on storylines so they wouldn’t be lost when Starr was reunited with her father and Tea and Todd came face-to-face on the screen. I think this was probably part of it – but it couldn’t possibly be all of it. I will be curious to see this week’s ratings, though. If there is a significant jump, fans can’t deny the appeal of having at least a few OLTL actors on the canvas – especially Roger Howarth.

5. Kristina Wagner returned as Felicia. Felicia was a very popular character at one time. The hatchet jobs the writers have done on her over the last five years is horrible. Felicia’s return – so far – has been anticlimactic. She’s really only been in a handful of scenes. I think a curiosity factor on what Wagner looks like could have accounted for some of the jump.

6. The writing is bringing in new fans. No one can argue that the writing isn’t better now than it was under Garin Wolfe. Sure, we’re stuck with this awful DID storyline that is eating up a lot of screen time, but the rest of the soap has definitely improved. For it to be the writing, though, GH not only has to hold on to the gains but build on them.

7. Steve got arrested for murdering a patient off-screen. I’m just joking. I just wanted to see if anyone was paying attention. I know no one cares about this.

The important things to look at over the next couple of weeks are how Howarth’s return to the fold permanently affects the ratings and can GH continue growing – and not fall backwards.

If the ratings continue to climb, GH fans have to admit that OLTL fans are helping the soap.

On the flip side, OLTL fans need to stop goading GH fans and clamoring for useless characters like Natalie, Dani and Jack to join the soap. We have enough OLTL actors right now. I will admit that Todd and McBain fit into Port Charles seamlessly. Wedging more OLTL characters in, though, is not a good idea at this time.

Finally, we also found out Jason Cook has been let go from GH. He says this works out for him because he had other projects in the works. Matt never really caught on with fans, so I’m not surprised to see him go.

However, with his departure, I can’t imagine them repairing Maxie and Spinelli. It failed the first time, it would be worse this time. I would not be surprised if they send Maxie off canvas with Felicia, though. I have no knowledge of this happening mind you – it’s just a feeling.

If that happens, and they bring on another OLTL actor or actress, GH fans are going to revolt. And they’re going to have a right to.

So far, the influx of OLTL actors hasn’t displaced anyone. If they start firing GH actors to make room for OLTL actors? Honey, look out below.

What do you think? What’s responsible for the GH ratings revolution?