during jackson's first stint as lucky, the character's relationship with elizabeth webber (herbst) was called a supercouple, compared to lucky's parents luke and laura. the characters first became popular during the storyline of elizabeth's rape in 1998, a storyline that received critical acclaim. viewers wrote to the series praising the story and how it helped rape victims to heal. the storyline won "general hospital" a shine award (sexual health in entertainment) in 1998. fans also responded to jackson's performance; robyn flans of "soap opera magazine" stated in 1998: "jonathan's sensitive portrayal of a young man experiencing the awakening of his own male stirrings while horrified by this hideous act of violence has been magnificent, and you have an amazing character – one that jackson manipulates to perfection." lucky and elizabeth's romantic relationship took place gradually as result of the rape, and viewers liked the slow pacing that made the relationship honest and innocent, something unique among soap opera couples at the time. each character dealing with personal issues, the couple's first kiss happened months into the relationship, and was anticipated and celebrated by fans. the series used the popular teen characters as an opportunity to reach young viewers with a social message through lucky and elizabeth's decision to abstain from sex. executive producer at the time wendy riche explained her desire to show the decisions and pressures teenagers face, stating to "soap opera weekly": "we have the opportunity with these beloved characters who have struggled together and who have loved together and who are exploring sexuality together to reach an audience that doesn't really want to be preached to, but wants to feel it." herbst and jackson's popularity continued after jackson's april 1999 departure; that july they were voted number one actor, actress and couple by fans of "soaps in depth".